Exposing ELE (ELE Series #3) by Courtney Nuckels, Rebecca Gober Page A

as a weapon.
    “Are you okay, Willow?” Tony asks me.
    I shake my head to clear it and look back at Tony. “Yeah... I mean, yes. I think so.” I pride myself on the fact that I didn't bust out and yell, “No, you're turning into a Reaper,” like I wanted to.
    He stands up and puts the book away, then comes and sits next to me on the couch. “You just seem a little lost in thought.” He pulls part of the blanket over his legs too. “You know, it's alright for you to admit that you aren't okay. You've been through so much in the past few days, what with losing your mom and then killing Dr. Hastings. That's a whole heck of a lot to sift through.”
    I grunt nervously. “Well then, I guess I should be real and admit that I'm all screwed up inside.” My fake smile drops. “You're right, I'm not okay, but I'm working on finding a way to cope. I have to get through this and I'm very thankful to have you here with me right now.” I run my hand through my hair.
    “I know you’ll be able to find a way to cope, Willow. You are stronger than you know. I remember when I lost my parents. At first, I was so mad at them for turning into Reapers and trying to turn me into one too. I hated them. I hated them because of their actions; your mom was forced to kill them. I was pretty screwed up inside back then too. Day by day though, things started easing up. I felt a little more like myself as time passed. Things will never be the same, but at least I know that I survived it. I know you will survive this just fine and come out even stronger because of it.” Tony pulls me towards him on the couch and places his arm around me.
    I rest my head on his shoulder and sigh. “I hope so. It's interesting the turmoil going on inside me. Part of my brain wants to close my eyes and pretend like nothing ever happened. Another part of me wants to break down and cry forever or to get angry at the world and take my pain out on everything in my path. Yet, I find myself in a strange limbo between all of these emotions. I find myself wanting to just move on. I don't want to sit and comprehend everything that has happened. I don't want to miss my mom or feel guilty for taking a life, even though he would have taken yours if I hadn't shot him. I just want to be. Because if I can just find a way to just be, I can get through this...” I let out a loud breath. “Wow, none of that just made sense. I should just shut up.”
    Tony squeezes me gently. “No, actually it makes a lot of sense.” We sit in silence for a few minutes. It's not awkward. Instead, it's kind of peaceful. Tony asks a few minutes later, “Do you want to go back to the safe house?”
    I sit up and look at him. “Is it okay if we stay here a little while longer? I think I just need some time away from everyone's attention. I don't think I could take it having my friends hover over me asking if I'm okay all of the time. You know?”
    Tony laughs softly. “Kind of like how I asked you if you are okay just now?”
    I give him a half grin. “No, that's not what I mean.”
    Tony smiles back. “Yeah, I guess I'm the exception.”
    “Yes, you are the exception.” I nod my head.
    He gives me a smoldering look that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. “You know I’d do anything for you, right?” Tony asks me.
    I give him a small, but meaningful, smile. “I know you would. You’ve always been there when I needed you. But I do have to warn you. Now that you’ve said it out loud I may have to cash in on it sometime.”
    He gives me a light laugh. “If you say so,” he says playfully.
    “So,” I say changing the subject. “If we are going to stick around here for a little while longer, I guess I ought to give you the grand tour.” He stands up and holds his hand out for me.
    “Why, I'd be honored.” I accept his hand and he pulls me up from the couch. The blanket falls to the ground. I pick it up and place it back on the sofa. That's when I see some dried blood on my inner