Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 105144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
“Why in the world would I tell hunters who have never liked me, I might add, to try and start a bloodbath at an event I was at?” My eyes widen as I stare at her. “That makes no sense.”
“Exactly, it makes no sense,” she insists.
“Whatever those hunters were up to is between them,” I say. “It was a dumb idea because, no matter what, people would have figured out they weren’t vampires.”
“Unless the purpose was just to get the bad press,” Leo says, thinking aloud. “One vampire attacking a human at an event that’s supposed to promote how well humans and vamps can coexist kinda proves that we can’t coexist.”
“We shouldn’t have to,” Larissa spits. “They’re monsters.”
“Look,” Antonio says, using his oldest-brother voice. “Arguing over what should and shouldn’t be acceptable in the world isn’t going to get us anywhere. Those hunters will answer to the Order for doing something stupid. The issue here is making sure Wren is okay and trying to figure something out.”
“I could run away,” I say, making a big effort not to mess with the GPS tracking bracelet I’m wearing so my siblings don’t notice. “I could use magic to get out of the house. But then what?” The words tumble out of my mouth. “The Order will be pissed, and I can’t imagine Xavier will just let it go. Where would I go? The Order has hunters everywhere.”
Silence falls over us and Antonio just shakes his head. “I-I don’t know, Wren. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him. “It will be okay.”
“Your workout clothes cost more than all three of our outfits combined,” Larissa presses. “I think you’re fine.”
“Yeah, I’m married to a vampire millionaire. Or maybe even a billionaire. I don’t know.”
“Do you get half if you file for divorce?” Leo tries to joke and I half-smile. Suddenly, I get hit with emotion. I love my brothers and Gia so much. And I even care about Larissa, as much of a bitch as she can be.
The Order didn’t make an arrangement for the Russos to give up the witch they’ve been running experiments on. They deviated from the plan, and violating anything the Order says has consequences. It always does. It’s only a matter of time before this catches up to them.
“I should go,” I say. “Before anyone notices us talking.”
“We’re heading out on a job soon,” Antonio tells me. “Keep in touch any way you can.”
“I’m glad this worked.”
“Me, too.” Antonio’s hand lands on my shoulder. “Be careful, Wren.”
“Hey, can I ask you something?” I rush out before everyone takes off.
“Sure.”
“You were like, what, five, when your parents brought me home?”
“Yeah,” he replies. “Why?”
“You don’t remember anything…weird, do you? Like there was no chance they knew I’d have powers?”
He shrugs. “I can’t recall anyone saying anything. You were a baby and until you, we thought witches had to pledge to Satan or something.”
I just nod, as another revelation hits me: the Order is one hundred percent aware that witches are born with their powers. They know we’re not evil people who sold our souls. Because if that were the case, they wouldn’t have taken a baby.
No…they took me as a baby so they could raise me exactly how they wanted.
“And it was a shock to everyone when it was revealed I had powers?”
“Yeah,” he goes on. “But Mom was happy. She was proud.” He smiles. “What’s this all about?”
I shake my head. “Just thinking about the past, I guess, with everything that’s going on.”
“Makes sense.”
We give each other hugs goodbye and Larissa and Leo cross the street first. Antonio goes a few feet and then stops and hurries back.
“I shouldn’t share this, because it’s classified and I wasn’t even supposed to know,” he begins.
“Now you have to tell me.”
“I overheard Mom and Dad talking to some of the higher-ups about the drug problem here in Charlotte.”
“Oh, yeah. I remember seeing something about fentanyl on the rise. I’m not going to do drugs, if you’re worried.”
“Hah. No. It’s just that there’s a new supplier and they’re bringing in twice as much and it’s some strong shit. People are dropping dead.”
I look at him, still not sure how any of this is relevant.
“There’s also been a weird increase of deaths among the homeless, but not all drug-related.” He takes a breath and looks across the street at the twins, who are waiting for him to come over. “The cops are worried about a new drug war starting.”
“Oh,” I repeat. “I’m sorry, I’m not following. It’s sad, but what are we supposed to do about it?”
“Just be careful. These new suppliers…rumor on the streets is that they’re vampires.”
CHAPTER 22
“How was your run?” Mabel asks when I get back into the house. She’s in the kitchen, holding a wine glass full of blood as she stares at the curtained window. Unlike the windows in the parlor, this one is just dark, the glass blacked out by the metal blinds. There are LED lights built in around it, offering a little light.