Derek's eyes glow, flames in the dark. I remember that shadow creature and my heart races. Aiden's on his feet now, but he's staring too. Intently. Willing me to have the right answer.
I want to. I want to give the right answer to make all of this go away.
As if the thought triggered something, suddenly my throat opens, my lips move of their own accord and, as my eyes widen and my mind screams NO! my tongue makes words that I try desperately to stop. "Mmmy sisssster."
I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to take it back. But it's too late.
Derek chuckles and leans forward to whisper in my ear. "And what does your sister want most in the world?" he asks like a creepy uncle.
As if he is some devil puppet master, again my throat moves, my mouth makes the word that bring tears of frustration and self-loathing, and every molecule within me pulls away even as my lips speak. "Chasssse Anderssss."
Aiden flinches.
