Elysian by Addison Moore Read Free Book Online Page B

streams from me. Chloe and Gage will never happen, not in any universe, in any carnation. She’s a daydream believer all right, the worst kind because she’s not afraid to slit our throats to prove it.
    “Sounds like the war did nothing to shake her delusions,” I say.
    Giselle sits up indignant by what her brother just revealed. “Did you remind her she tried to kill you? That she did kill Logan? That girl is a beast. She belongs in a cage. Do her parents know the vile creature they’re raising?” Just seeing Giselle riled up is a treat. She’s actually brought more life to Emerson Kragger’s body than it had when Emerson herself was occupying its feminine frame. 
    “The Bishop’s are clueless.” Logan sighs before reverting his attention back to Gage. “What else did she do?”
    I wouldn’t put it past Chloe to try and get down and dirty with Gage while he was convalescing from the injury she inflicted. She’s stupid and twisted that way.
    “She crawled right up in bed with me until I gave her a good shove. I believe her parting words were, ‘you’ll pay for never loving me.’”
    “Sounds like a country song.” I shrug. The truth is I don’t give a rat’s ass who does and doesn’t love Chloe Bishop. “Senior year starts tomorrow.” I give a gentle squeeze to his ribcage. “We only have one more year of tolerating her, and then we’re free.” I don’t believe it for a minute, but I like the pretense.
    Gage shoots a look to his parents that could melt ice.
    “Skyla?” Emma clears her throat. “I believe I owe you a severe apology.”
    Logan clued me in on the drama that went on. Gage pulls me in, filled with remorse.
    “No, it’s OK.” I shake my head. “It was a horrible thing that happened, and, ultimately, it was because of me.”
    “Not, so.” Barron dips his chin. “Skyla, we were under a great deal of stress.”
    “Just cut to the chase.” Gage rasps it out a little louder than necessary.
    Barron glares over at his only son a moment before recomposing himself and acquiescing with nod. “So sorry, Skyla. You’re every bit a member of this family. Forgive our behavior. It was without excuse.”
    “And on that note”—Giselle stretches her arms to the ceiling as if to distract us from the topic at hand—“school starts tomorrow. It’s my first day.” She bites down on a smile.
    Considering she was killed at three, it’s her first day of school ever . I hope she’s got enough of Emerson’s brain left intact to get her through junior year.
    “We need to shop.” Emma jumps to her feet and ushers Giselle out of the room in a flurry.
    “Excuse me”—Barron rises—“I’ve a mountain of work waiting for me at the morgue. Congratulations on attaining your goals in the faction war.” He tips his head. “I hope the outcome is in your favor.” He leaves the room, quiet as a whisper.
    I look to Logan and Gage seated by my side, and a shroud of guilt looks as if it’s coating them from the inside. The Olivers are most certainly keeping secrets from me. Gage knows something. Logan has been acting strange since we’ve returned to Paragon. I’m pretty sure neither one of them is about to pony up with the vital information I’m looking for.
    “I need to run up and take a shower.” Gage smolders into me like he’s just sent an invitation to join him. “Come to my room.” He ticks his head toward the stairs and pulls me up to my feet.
    Logan cuts us a sharp look as we stride past him.
    A month ago Logan wouldn’t have blinked if this scenario played out, but the rules have changed, hell the entire game has changed. We’re onto the championships, and it’s time to put an end to all this madness.
    I wish it were over.
    I don’t like this one bit.
     
    ***
     
    Gage’s bedroom is clean and neat, immaculate to the point of military precision, and a part of me wonders if Emma’s a bigger part of this equation than I give her credit for.
    Gage showers while I lie over