1
KLAUS
Istared straight ahead, annoyed that I was even standing in this fucking meeting. I didn’t trust this little fucking shithead any further than I could throw him, but Matteo was big on family and seemed to have a fuck ton of trust or dumb luck with this little asshole. And I trusted Teo. I’d follow him straight into hell, and we’d raise it together.
Sylar’s blue eyes snapped to me. “Klaus.”
I stared back at him without saying a word. Matteo shifted in his seat at his desk, and Alessio cleared his throat, his subtle way of telling me to relax.
I didn’t want to relax, not like this. I wanted a stiff drink and maybe a damn nap. Maybe that would help me relax.
“You doubt me,” Sylar continued, frowning, his head cocked to the left.
I said nothing, opting to stare straight ahead and will the time to tick by faster.
“Matteo, may I?” Sylar looked from me to Matteo, who inclined his head without a word.
Great. Life lessons from a nutcase.
“She loved you like one loves a thorn,” Sylar murmured, his icy blue eyes locked on me.
I ground my teeth at his words and continued to stare at the door, willing it to open and lead this fuck out. I didn’t like it when people wanted to talk about my dead wife.
“But even thorns have uses,” Sylar continued. “And you fulfilled yours. Two sons. You pushed them away to make it hurt less. You… love them, but hate yourself.”
My pulse thundered in my ears at his words, but still I remained unflinching outwardly. That was my thing. Never show emotion. Emotion fucked you.
As was evident as this little pissant spouted off with the shit in his head.
Fucking Frank.
If he’d have kept his dick in his pants twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have to be dealing with this right now.
“You see, Klaus, we’re all part of one big puzzle. Even your jagged edges are needed. Am I right?” Sylar cocked his head to the left at me again.
I said nothing, pretending he didn’t exist.
He chuckled softly. “You’re a tough cookie, aren’t you?”
Alessio shifted, his dark eyes glancing to me. I could feel the muscle in my jaw flex. Alessio and Matteo knew me better than anyone else in this world. They knew when my moods were shifting. Once that happened, my violence tended to pour out.
“Let me say it clearly. You are lost, but you’ll find yourself soon. When that time comes, I’d say it’s well into the afternoon. I suggest a muffin for you to savor. A simple blueberry in flavor. On Monroe Street, a diner called Merv’s. You should stop there and perhaps check out… all the curves.” He paused. “I do recommend the blueberry. They’re amazing. So is she.” He winked at me before turning back to Matteo, who cast me a quick, concerning look.
I ignored that too.
This guy and his nursery rhymes.
To be fair, I’d seen them all come true. I prided myself on being a logical man, but Sylar was truly… something. I had no explanation for him. He was magical, I suppose, and magic didn’t need a reason, simply a belief.
And he’d said something similar to me before at the palace, which again, I’d ignored, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly intrigued.
And Matteo believed in him.
I had no idea why I’d stop at a diner named Merv’s. I’d never even heard of the place, and I’d been all over this damn city. It didn’t matter. I didn’t have any intention of going into a diner in the city center. I was picky about where I dined. I had to be. Didn’t want to die from poisoning.
“Matteo. The girl,” Sylar continued, focusing back on Teo. “Yes. Those thoughts. Yes.”
Matteo stiffened, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Are you certain?”
