The Lariat (Finding Justus Series) by Ashley Dotson Page B

breeze, the sensations, the smells, and finally Ben’s accident, which was no accident at all. Cyrus stood, watching my eyes like he was watching a movie screen, his own face revealing a myriad of emotions that ended in only what I could describe as controlled rage.
    In the short time I had known him, I understood Cyrus was always in control.
    “I need you to leave,” I whispered. “I need to figure out how I am going to deal with Bennet.”
    “You tried healing the wound? How well did it work?”
    “Not very. The wounds are still open and I think she’s getting sick.”
    “You’re right. She will if she isn’t already. It’s been two days since this incident?”
    “Yes.”
    “Are you really that stupid as to let a human go into a building like that? To ignore your instincts? You felt it. You felt him and still you stayed.” He shook his head, when really he looked like he wanted to shake me, “You may be the Beacon, but you lack basic understanding of the worlds we traverse. You are undisciplined and sloppy. You have let your emotions and own selfishness cloud your judgment.”
    “You know, I think it’s time you left.”
    “Not likely,” He dropped his keys and phone on the kitchen bar and began to roll up his sleeves. When he noticed me looking at his scar he stopped.
    “I need to see your roommate right now.” He walked down the short hallway to her door. Without knocking, again, he walked through.
    Thank God she has clothes on! I tried my best to propel my thoughts as loud as I could.
    “Ben,” I whispered. She barely had the energy to sit up. I was surprised how weak she had become. I brought her coffee only a few hours before, and she could barely hold the cup. Now she couldn’t hold even her head up
    “Sorry to just…” I tried to continue.
    “Bennet, I’m Dr. Williams. Your roommate told me that you’ve fallen ill after being exposed to some possible hazardous materials.”
    “Maybe. I haven’t been able to think very clearly lately. I fainted the other day while I was taking some pictures.” She glanced at me and left out the part about being at the Montrose . “Why are you here again?”
    “He’s a doctor,” I said. I wasn’t lying, too much anyway, “I called him to come make a house call since you haven’t been feeling well.”
    “Do doctors still do that?” Ben slurred.
    “This one does.” I answered her.
    “It’s actually my back that hurts the most. Layla said I scratched it when I passed out, but I don’t remember.”
    “Do you mind rolling over for me so I can take a look?” Cyrus asked.
    Ben said nothing just attempted to roll over so the doctor could examine her injury. Cyrus visibly drew back and then raked me with a scornful look.
    “How could you let this go on so long?” he asked aloud, but the question was directed at me.
    “Am I okay?” Ben asked sleepily.
    Cyrus laid both hands on her shoulders and in his soothing baritone voice said, “I need you to try and sleep right now.”
    He was doing it- his angelic power of suggestion- whatever angels can do to get humans to do their bidding. Most angels were empaths. As a Vulgar, Cyrus’ angelic blood allowed that power to pass to him.
    I wasn’t an empath even though I had angel blood. I’m sure it had something to do with my daemon.
    Ben smiled serenely. Cyrus was almost purring, emitting a low soothing frequency that made me even want to curl up in his lap like a kitten and let him stroke me all over.
    Not the time!
    “I am not gifted with the powers of healing. That is reserved for only the Virtuous- and apparently the Beacon.”
    Sobering quickly, I admitted, “I already tried once.”
    “Try again. I had to be healed twice before it would work and we were both angels. She is human, so it will be more difficult. If you don’t she will die for sure.”
    I quickly put my hands on her back and closed my eyes. I was sitting on the bed beside Ben and Cyrus made no move to leave. I felt awkward as