Juliet and The Hunter (Hiatus)

Chapter Fifteen

Jim had to give her credit, making sense of everything so quickly, but that didn't change the fact that for him, her revelation was a real pain in the ass. Not-Enrique was in so much trouble, and if he wasn't in baby form, he would throttle him.

He slowly looks up to meet her questioning gaze, flushing with guilt; after all of his strife, he's still the cause of her pain. "I wish you didn't find out like this -- I was going to let you get used to everything first. But your brother -- the real Enrique was taken."

"What do you mean 'taken'?" Her worried tone is yet to leave her fragile voice.

He's at a loss. What would hurt her more, the harsh truth, or more lies? "It's complicated, but there are some really bad trolls out there, who want to assist in the return of the worst troll, Bular's father -- Gunmar the Black--"

"What does this have to do with my brother?" She demands, he's stalling and she's beyond frustrated.

He sticks to the facts, unwisely trying to leave emotion out of it. "They formed a league, with a common goal: to destroy Trollmarket. Some of their agents live amongst the humans--"

"Why do you do that?" She interrupts.

Glad for the opportunity to buy himself some time and decide the best way of breaking it to her, he asks, "Do what?"

"Distance yourself from us? You're human too," she expands, with a hint of sadness.

"It makes things easier," is all he can offer.

She doesn't miss the pain that flashes in his eyes, but has no idea how to react.

He presses on; neither subject seems appealing, but to this one at least, he has an answer. "That's why they took him. To make more Changelings. The Janus Order switches children with infant trolls, but for the spell to take effect, the familiars stay behind. . . in the Dark Lands. Don't freak out! I know that sounds bad, but trust me, he's safe. Familiars have to be," he knows his word is of little worth to her, but he hopes that she understands. "Not-Enrique defected. . . I've had him watching over you since I left. You have no idea how dangerous this has been for him." Although he was still livid with Not-Enrique, he deserves praise for his heroism these past two years, risking his life for Claire's safety.

"How do we get him back? What if they decide to do something horrible to him because you left and now they have no need for you?" She points an accusational finger at the baby.

Claire may be powerful, but there's no way he's ever letting her anywhere near the Dark Lands. "We don't do anything."

"But you must have a plan! You weren't going to just leave him there. . . were you?" She asks in disbelief.

She doesn't understand. Venturing into the Dark Lands could jeopardise everyone's safety. Knowing that there are innocents that he can't save keeps him up at night, but he can't take the risk. When he can't seem to find the words to express himself, her face falls.

She feels sick to her stomach. "I can't look at you. . . Go. Just Go!"

He has no defence, so he leaves, without another word.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed that chapter and if you did, don't be a silent reader! Thanks to my beta midnightpansy!

Click here to follow me: koalala11