I don’t know Alexander or Gael well enough to host a human in their presence.
“See you later, sis.” Alexander smiles.
I smile back.
As I leave, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have gotten not one but two brothers. Will I feel the same way about fathers soon?
Chapter 38
Cillian
It’s been almost an hour since the blast, but it’s still echoing against my eardrums. Just like the sight of Electra’s body soaring through the air.
The awareness of her immortality did nothing to lengthen my breathing or ease the tightness in my chest as I watched the scene unfold from a vacant office in the brick teardown next door.
She’d just lain there—without moving—for so long that my pulse had flatlined. I began to question our knowledge of the Atlanteans. What if they weren’t all immortal? What if some of themcouldbe killed despite their runes? What if Electra was among thosesome?
When blood gushed from her brow, and none of her people came to help her up, I’d almost blown my cover. But then she’d blinked those striking eyes of hers.
She’d blinked them at me.
I’d lunged backward, working on evening my breaths. If she saw me, it was game over.
I’d forced myself to back the fuck away and get into my car. It was torture driving back to the gym, my mind consumed by the red flash of the explosive and the shrill ring of splintering glass.
I damn Lucinda and Freddie for rigging the place. Damn Lara for showing up—again.
I no longer have any doubt that Trenton’s new girl is trying to sabotage me, because that’s three times she’s shown up without her balaclava.
A violent pulse blares in my temples. Even though I strive to keep contact to a minimum, I open up a chat and pound out a message.
ME:What the fuck was that?
MESSIAH:Funny. I should be asking you the same thing. You brought an Atlantean to a sacred Hunter drop point. It’s almost like you don’t care about destroying them and their mine. It’s almost like you’d prefer to destroy us.
I don’t bother trying to make a case about my loyalty. In truth, I’m only loyal to Quinn. The others could all rot in hell for all I care.
ME:Lara keeps showing up, bare-fucking-faced. Why?
MESSIAH:That naughty girl.
ME:Is she trying to ruin my cover?
MESSIAH:She’s a wild card, that one.
ME:Is she trying to ruin my fucking cover?
MESSIAH:Now, why would she do that?
I don’t know whether to believe him, but I doubt I’ll get a straight answer.
ME:Keep her on a tighter leash.
MESSIAH:I always do. When we’re naked.
MESSIAH:Same leash I used on Quinn. Maybe you should buy one and try it out on Electra? Women love domineering men.
Disgust curdles my insides. “Fuck you,” I breathe out but don’t type it. I refuse to indulge Trenton and his passion for getting under people’s skin.
