His head inches back a notch. “Dare you insinuate that the Sectors have anything to do with the state of the world?”
“Only one Sector has anything to do with this, and that’s you.”
His eyes widen a notch, and the flames reflect in each one.
“Your mother was very much taken, Skyla. I do not lust after those who have their sights pinned elsewhere.”
Tears come unexpectedly, and I quickly blink them away.
“So my father—her relationship with him, was that revenge? A rebound? Something perfunctory? A means to an end? A means tome?”
Marshall offers a sorrowful smile. “My love, these are conversations to have with the one who bore you.”
“And I’m sure she will bore me. The thought of listening to anything that remotely has to do with a love affair she had with that idiot Fem makes my skin crawl.”
Marshall takes a slow breath as if he was deciding what to do with me.
“And do you think your own daughter will ask you the same question one day?”
My mouth falls open. “If we weren’t in a room full of people, I might have slapped you.” I’m only half-teasing.
“And yet a part of you wonders the same thing.”
I glance out the window at the raging storm now battering the world around us.
“I guess you’re right.” I sigh. “But know that what Gage and I had will never be compared to what my mother and that monster had. Nobody is lording eternal separation from Demetri as far as my mother is concerned. He will rule the lowlands.”
“He wants full access to the supreme being in question.”
“He won’t get it. I’m determined to make him pay for what he’s done to me.” And then, as if I’ve just swallowed the bitterest pill of all, I realize something. “She has me doing her bidding. Her dirty work.” A dull laugh lives and dies in my chest. “I’m guessing she likes to keep her hands clean.”
Marshall gives a slow nod. “She must in order to retain her seat.”
I take in a quick breath. “Marshall, are you saying that my mother would risk losing her standing as the queen of destinies if she sought revenge herself?”
“Revenge is a harsh word. The Nephilim needed a purpose, and she gave it to them.”
“And she gave me one, too. Take down that bastard of an ex—her ex.” A thought occurs to me. “You don’t think my mother somehow manipulatedDemetriinto luring his dark angelic companions into committing some serious coital debauchery with the daughters of men, do you? Like, as a means to land us here—at this point in time where we obliterate Demetri’s ego and dash his dreams of world and heavenly domination?” I close my eyes and moan. “Don’t answer that. I have a feeling I hit the celestial nail on the head.”
“You got one part wrong.” His left cheek rises up the side. “There is no we, there is only you. You alone are capable of obliterating his ego and dashing his dark dreams.”
“Well then, I’m sure as hell glad to be me. It is an honor to destroy the destroyer.” Another dull laugh bucks through me. “And I’m sure my mother knew I would see the light eventually. What she didn’t bank on was the fact I’d love his son so damned much.” A groan comes from me. “Oh hell, that’s exactly what she was banking on. Demetri thought I was a means to an end, but my mother bested him again, didn’t she?” A heavy sigh falls from me. “Don’t answer that.”
I have a feeling she’ll use my boys for good, Sage for good, and any scrap of Gage and me for good, too. But the biggest thorn in Demetri’s side will be seeing how much love Gage and I will still have for one another after all is said and done. My mother’s likeness and the fruit of his loins getting along, sharing our affection so freely. It will kill him on some level because he wants that, too—with her.
Marshall leans in. “I see you. I understand you.” He touches his forehead to mine a moment. “Don’t get so bogged down on the details. I’d hate for you to miss any part of the big picture.” He nods to the television before offering me a knowing wink.
My eyes linger over his a moment before I drift that way to see a reporter standing in front of a familiar brown boxy building.
“New developments with the vaccine released just yesterday from Althorpe Corporation.” A female reporter clings to her tan overcoat as the wind picks up. She’s standing in front of the brick building with the Althorpe name emblazoned across the front. I recognize it as their headquarters in downtown Seattle. “A shocking twist that no one saw coming. As a part of the rollout, Althorpe is requiring all who wish to receive the vaccine for the Kingdom Virus to undergo DNA testing that could expose the aliens among us—a simple swabbing is all it takes. This testing is now undergoing strict analysis for not only results of the virus, but to winnow out those who may be foreign among us. Although tests have been conducted now for many months concerning the Stranger DNA, this new test is said to hold far more accurate results and it will be mandatory. It’s of the popular opinion that rogue mysterious strangers that have been plaguing our planet are to blame for the Kingdom Virus to begin with.”
“Oh my God.” I stagger forward. “Ellis, turn it up.” The room falls silent as he does just that.
The woman in the tan coat squints at the camera. “Yesterday, on its first day the vaccine was made available to the public, yielded a woman who tested positive—not for the Kingdom Virus but with the Stranger DNA. It’s said the woman was detained and will be further tested to rule out any false positives. Authorities are urging people to come in and receive the serum for the Kingdom Virus. Those who are documented to have received the vaccine will have a fingerprint validation that will be available through a government databank. All public facilities will require a fingerprint or an iris scan in order for patrons to have access. Restaurants, banks, airlines, grocery stores, and even gyms are chiming in that they will restrict access to those who have received the vaccine. If you have not received the vaccine and therefore have not been retested for the Stranger DNA, then you will be denied access to these establishments. And as you can see, with essential businesses on that list, it will make life very difficult if not impossible for those refusing to take the test. Here’s security footage of the vaccine distribution facility right here in Seattle where a young woman was taken to an unknown location for further testing. Let this serve as a harbinger to anyone thinking twice about receiving the vaccine.”
A dismal gray day appears on the screen. The medical building is shown from a distance, and stepping out of the building are two men in navy jackets, the feds, and ensconced between them is a girl with crimson hair, shoulder-length, unruly curls, and instantly I know her.
“Oh my God.” I step forward and hold my hand out as if I could touch her.
