Shepherd sighed, not ready to have this conversation with someone he barely knew. But he had no choice. It was only a matter of time before Switch found out, and besides, what kind of teacher would he be if he didn’t know the most important fact about his pupil? “Hunter’s a crossbreed.”
Switch’s dark eyebrows popped up. “Which Breeds?”
“Relic and Sensor.”
Switch tipped his head to the side as if unsurprised. “I’ve heard of that happening. Not very common, but it’s a shame about them losing their gifts.”
Shepherd took a few steps forward. “Yeah, but there’s something you need to know. He’s got both gifts, and that’s not something we’re advertising.”
“Are you shittin’ me?Both?”
“Make sure he wears his Sensor gloves, and don’t take him out of the mansion while we’re away. The courtyard is fine, but no public places. I still have to train him, but he knows not to touch things with his bare hands. There won’t be much for him to pick up on since most of us will be gone, but I want him to get used to wearing them.”
Switch dipped his chin. “Just so you know, I respect parental guidelines. You’re his old man, so whatever you say goes. All I need to know are the boundaries.”
“Leave bath time to Kira. If he has to use the bathroom, he knows he can use mine.”
Switch glanced down at Shepherd’s gun holster. “You got any weapons in your room?”
“I locked them up. He knows not to mess with those things, but I installed a lock on the armoire just the same.”
“Got it. Anything else?”
“Lock all the doors and windows at night. He used to wander, but since I gave him this room, he only wanders to my room if he gets scared. But I won’t be here.”
“How about I take one of the rooms in the hall for now? If this trial period works out, I’ll move to a different spot when you come back. I don’t want to confuse him. Just so you know, I understand how important boundaries are. I’ll be his teacher and his watchdog, but you’re the alpha and omega in his life. I’ll make sure to reinforce that.”
Shepherd nodded, surprised by Switch’s candor. “I appreciate that.”
“No worries.”
“And one more thing—don’t stare at his scar.”
“Why the fuck would I?”
“Because people are assholes and do it anyway. He doesn’t talk, and I’m not pushing it. He’s been through a lot.”
“Understood. Who puts him to bed at night?”
“Me.”
Switch drummed his fingers on the dresser. “He needs a substitute. Kids cling to rituals, but I can’t be the stand-in. If he wakes up in the night, I can walk him back in here and read him a story. But tucking him in is a dad thing to do, and I don’t want him forming that kind of bond with me.”
After a second, Shepherd decided Switch was right. “Kira used to do it before. She doesn’t speak English, but she’ll understand if you lead her in here with him.”
“What language does she speak?”
“Some archaic shit that nobody knows but Viktor.”
Switch nodded, his eyes darting over to the bed. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
Shepherd turned and smiled at Hunter, who was sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Hey there, little man. I got something to tell you.” He sat down on the bed as the door closed behind him. “I’m going away for a little while.”
When he touched Hunter’s hand, he felt excitement, and it confused him.
Hunter jumped out of bed and scampered to the dresser where he kept his clothes.
“No, little man. You have to stay here.”
