Page 42 of Jacob Michaels is Trouble

“Dude.” Jason was shaking his head violently. “Just stop. I’ve already told you enough, okay? Put your fucking hand down and let’s talk like normal people—without fangs, claws, or fire.”

“I’m beyond being civil, Jason.” I inched closer as menacingly as possible. “You’re going to tell me what the fuck you are talking about—what you actually mean, and not some half-truth bullshit—or I’m going to burn this whole fucking house down. And you’ll be the kindling.”

“Fuck.” Jason hissed to himself, aware that his choices were severely limited.

He realized he had to decide if he wanted to tell me what he knew and risk putting himself in danger…or not tell me and certainly get barbecued alive.

“Fine!” He growled back at me. “Put your hand down.”

“After you tell me, asshole.”

“Lucas made you more powerful.” Jason spat, firelight dancing in his eyes, I was so close. “He gave you something to fight for. To live for. He. Got. In. The. Way.”

“Whose way?” I demanded.

“Who do you think?” Jason shouted back.

“Him.”

Jason gave a single sharp nod.

“He wasn’t concerned about Lucas’ powers? How Lucas just knew things? Why he’s immune to werewolf bites?” I asked. “Do you think maybe that’s why he was so damn fixated on Lucas?”

Jason stared at me for a moment, the anger and fear melting from his face, leaving him bewildered by me. After a few breathless moments, a grin slowly started to form on Jason’s face.

“You really are a clueless son of a bitch, aren’t you?” Jason snorted sharply. “I always thought you were pretty fucking dumb, but—wow.”

“I’m still holding fire, fuckface.”

“He doesn’t care about Lucas’ powers. Or mine. Or anyone else’s.” Jason was on the verge of laughing. “There’s nothing for him to be curious about, you idiot.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, pushing the fire closer to Jason.

He didn’t even react.

“He’s the reason we have our powers, you fucking nitwit.” Jason chuckled. “He’s the reason this whole fucking town is the way it is. Why everything is upside down. I mean…God, you’re simple. I know it’s hard to believe that werewolves and witches and magic are all not real. But you know that they are. Didn’t you ever wonder why there are so many in the little fucking town of Point Worth, Rob? Did that ever cross your mind?”

“I’ve been kinda busy not having my memories for a decade.” I snapped.

“What?” Jason frowned.

“So,” I realized I had said too much, “that’s where this comes from?”

Indicating the fire in my hand, Jason’s eyes were drawn to it. He grinned so widely that his teeth reflected the flame, painting them in reds and yellows.

“No, you dipshit.” He turned his eyes back to mine. “You’re the one person in this town whose powers have nothing to do with him. That’s why he wants Lucas out of the way. To make it easier to get to you when the time comes. When your time comes. Your power is not his. And it makes you so…enticing.”

Jason sniffed the air as his eyes closed slowly, his tongue darting out to lick his lips.

I swallowed hard.

“What?”

“You’re only here for one reason, Rob.” Jason was shaking his head as he smiled, his eyes opening once more. “Your parents had no clue when they came here what drew them here…but…you’re going to release him. Finally. You’re going to open up the ground, and it’s going to swallow this whole fucking town, and out of that, he’ll be born again. When you sent him away, you just helped him out. He’s growing stronger by the day, man. And when he finally comes…it’s going to leave this place in ruins. You’ve seen it. I know you have. Because I’ve seen it, too.”

“You look happy about that.” It was the only thing I could think of to say.

“Happy?” Jason snarled suddenly. “Of course I’m happy!”