Chapter Seven
Hex
"We took down Erebus Industries, but it appears some of their research survived. Nefarious has been trying to hunt down whoever is using it for some time now."
"But we burned it down. There were no survivors. All the research and samples they'd been collecting were destroyed."
"You should know better than to trust a corrupt institution like that kept everything secure.
They'd probably been infiltrated by a double-agent on the staff siphoning off data and resources to sell to the highest bidder.
Who knows where the information got to before we destroyed the research facility. "
I scrub a hand down my face, trying to keep the memories of my torture from haunting me, then look at the cork again.
"Whoever is using the research now has been creating all kinds of things like this serum.
There's an underground market for it – humans that find out about the paranormal.
Some of them want to control it. Some of them fancy themselves Hunters, even though they have no clue what Hunters actually do.
The stories I could tell you." I shudder, thinking of the innocent lives lost and the unfortunate souls who have been trapped in their beast forms to be house pets or experimented on.
Not to mention how many people have been harmed by the misuse of witch blood, like mine.
"They're going by Enigma now. We're uncertain whether that refers to a singular person, or an entire organization. It could be either."
Mason says nothing, but I can feel his anger.
He thought this chapter of our lives was closed.
And I never bothered to update him on it.
I didn't want him to think I was trying to pressure him into spending more time with me or manipulating him into upholding our mate bond.
Besides, he walked away. It was no longer his business.
Finally, the lid on his control blows. "You mean to tell me, all this time, you've been in danger of them discovering you and dragging you back to be slowly bled to death!"
Mason's eyes have the glow about them that says his wolf is peeking out.
I thought he was mad because I didn't tell him they were still out there, but what he's actually angry about is that I put myself in danger.
For a few moments, it feels good to know he's finally feeling our bond, which makes him a tad possessive, but then my own anger hits.
"Don't yell at me. You're the one who walked away," I say, standing so he's not towering over me.
"You left me!" I shove Mason in the chest, but it barely budges him.
"You don't get to be mad about me being in danger.
You abandoned me, and my Nefarious brothers picked up the pieces.
They did what you wouldn't. They kept me safe.
" I close my mouth before anymore of the hurt can come out.
I don't want to completely lose control and say something I can't take back.
Besides, us arguing isn't going to find Kory.
He's more important than my hurt feelings.
"I have to go," Mason says.
And there goes the last bit of control I was clinging to.
"Of course you do. Leaving is what you're good at."
Mason looks into my eyes for a few more seconds, then turns and walks out the door.