Chapter 60 - Back Problems

Javid.

I scowled, disliking David's bad-ittitude. "Sure, we're on our way. What's the big hurry?"

David's teeth ground together as he struggled to maintain his composure. "The hurry, man, is that we've got a scheme to execute. One we all gave the nod to. Or did that slip your mind while you were busy locking lips with Violet?"

In the corner of my eyes, I noticed Violet's face turn scarlet, and she promptly averted her gaze to the floor, steering clear of everyone's eyes. A wave of defensiveness toward her surged within me, and I had to fight the impulse to position myself in front of her, to protect her from my sibling's insensitive remarks and the uncomfortable situation.

"Ease up, David," I cautioned, inching closer to him. "We were simply..."

"I'm well aware of what you were doing," he cut in, his gaze blazing with reproach and letdown. "And now's not the moment for it."

I shot a fierce look at my brother, my jaw tightening as I attempted to control my anger. "Mind your words. You're pushing your luck here. I understand we've got a mission to complete, but that doesn't give you the right to behave like a complete jerk. Violet doesn't deserve to be called out like that, so why don't you just take a step back and cool off, okay? What we were up to is none of your damn concern anyway, so keep your ass out of it."

David snorted mockingly, his eyes flashing with disdain. "Oh, pardon me. Did I spoil the atmosphere? My mistake, I didn't realize you two required some private time. Perhaps I should've just allowed you to get frisky while the rest of us handle all the grunt work, right?"

I could feel my blood boiling, the urge to lay into him growing stronger by the second. But before I could say anything I might regret later, Violet's gentle touch on my arm stopped me in my tracks, calming the storm inside of me.

"David," she murmured, her voice soft and steady, cutting through the tension like a knife. "We apologize. We got a little... carried away. But we're good to go now. Let's just focus on what we have to do next, okay?"

David looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded curtly. "Fine. Let's go."

He turned on his heel and stalked off, not waiting for us to follow. I glanced at Violet, raising an eyebrow.

"You okay?" I asked quietly.

Her breath hitched and her hand trembled pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. David had clearly shaken her and for the first time I wanted to punch my twin in his look-a-like face. "I'm fine. Let's just... let's just go."

I took her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Halfway to the car, Sam stepped in front of us.

He glanced quickly at Violet then met my eyes. "Javid, can I talk to you for a second?" he asked.

I looked at Violet, who shrugged. "I'll wait be in the car."

I followed Sam a few steps away from the group.

"What's up?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I just wanted to say... be careful with Violet."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... I think you might be getting in over your head."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the prophecy, Javid. You and David are supposed to kill each other, right?"

I laughed humorlessly. "That's just a bunch of nonsense."

"Is it?" he asked. "What if it's true?"

I looked into his eyes. He was a lanky guy, hardly any muscle, but at that moment he looked like he could almost take me.

Almost.

Where had his nervous stutter gone? Seemed he was only affected when Violet was around.

"I don't know," I said honestly. "But I'm not going to let some prophecy dictate my life."

He nodded slowly. "I understand. But just be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promised.

We walked back to the group and started making our way to the covenstead. As we walked, I retraced Sam's words. The prophecy. It was something I'd been trying to ignore, but it was hard to do with people constantly bringing it up.

I glanced at Violet, who was sitting in the back, looking out the window while an angry-looking David did the same.

***

David.

Dude, so there we were, huddled under the bleachers at midnight. My bro Javid, my… our girl Violet, Jasmine, Fergus and Kiki attached at the hip, Mimi, and Sam. All of us, ready to rock and roll.

"Alright, fam," I said, "We gotta be smart about this. Stick together, watch each other's backs."

Fergus nodded. "David's right. We can't let them catch us off guard."

"But what if they're powerful? Like 5th circle or something." Kiki asked, holding onto Fergus like he was saving her from drowning.

"Don't you worry babe, any old witch bothers you, they will have me ripping out their throat."

"Oh, Fergie…" Kiki sighed into his thick neck.

Oh, brother! Those two needed to get a room already.

Violet stepped forward. "David, are you sure about this plan?"

I looked into her eyes, my own softening when I saw the worry that rested in them. "Yeah, I'm sure. Trust me, Vi. I've got your back."

"Hope you have everyone's." Jasmine muttered, her voice laced with doubt and a hint of accusation.

I turned to face her directly, my jaw clenching tight as I met her gaze. A spark of anger flared in my chest at her words. "We're all in this together, Jazz. Every single one of us. No one's getting left behind, no matter what happens. I'll make damn sure of that."

Fergus cleared his throat. "So, what's the first move, boss?"

"We scope out the covenstead, see what we're dealing with. Then we make our move."

Sam fidgeted with his hands. "And what if something goes wrong?"

"We improvise," Javid said, giving me a nod. "We've got each other's backs, no matter what."

I clapped my hands together. "Alright, let's do this. Remember, stay low, stay quiet, and stay together. We got this, fam."