Chapter 79

“Tell me where you want me.”

“Opposite me, please. We need to maintain an equilibrium throughout the ritual, or we’ll lose control.”

Sitting on the other side of the circle was the last place Jesse wanted to be. It put John out of his range; he wasn’t sure how he’d be able to push John through the rift from there. But that was a problem he’d deal with when the time came. He couldn’t stop before they’d even started.

John glanced at Gideon as Jesse knelt down. “You don’t have to watch, you know. We could always use a cup of tea when we’re done here.”

Gideon scowled. That response was real. “Then you should’ve thought of that before now. Stop fucking around, John.”

With a dramatic sigh, John rested his hands on his knees. “Promise you can hold your tongue, and we can proceed.”

“Do I have to cross my heart, too? It doesn’t beat, remember. That probably wouldn’t count.” He rolled his eyes when Jesse shot a stern glance in his direction. “Fine. I’m shutting up.”