A Clash with Cash #2
So, again, Phillip hadn’t told me everything.
Again, I was left in the dark. Again, some stranger told me what Phillip failed to divulge—no, what Phillip decided not to tell me.
It was the sting of betrayal that stole my voice.
It was knowing that after all these weeks together, Phillip still kept the most important things from me.
The Organization was genetically replicating and cross-mixing more than just vampires and humans. They were toying with more than just one type of blood. They were playing God. What was this, Frankenstein’s monster?
Shit on a stick, I’m really starting to miss my ignorant vampire hunter days.
“So why kill my parents?” I hissed, failing to keep the emotion from my voice. “What did they do to deserve to die?” I asked louder, hands fisted.
Cassius shrugged. “They knew too much. Their death warrants were signed the minute they discovered that experimental facility after questioning your birth. Any longer, I’m confident they would’ve figured out it all linked back to the Organization.
So, they got wiped out before they were a problem. That’s my guess, anyway.”
My birth?
Seeing how distraught I was, Phillip whacked the Dark Fae across the top of his head and removed the binding around Cassius’s arms. He aimed a crossbow at the magic-user and came over to my side, but Cassius only rubbed his arms and stayed where he was.
It was obvious the Fae was scared of what Phillip could do to him, and he wouldn’t bother to escape at this point.
“You okay?” my partner asked of me.
I swallowed, not even sure how to answer. “I don’t know what you expect me to say. I’m so mad at you right now.”
Phillip jerked his eyes over to me, audibly sighed, then stared at our captive. “There’s a lot I haven’t told you. For good reason. I know you hate me right now, but I didn’t say anything because you’ve had enough to worry about.”
“Sounds like a cop-out to me,” I grumbled, but his words calmed some of the rage. “I wished you’d stop treating me like a kid.”
Phillip’s smirk gave him away before he uttered a damn word. “Thought I made it clear I didn’t see you as a kid before we got here.”
“Shut up, you gross old man,” I retorted, blushing an embarrassing cherry-red.
Don’t you dare think about it, V. Don’t you dare.
Cassius watched the exchange, visibly perplexed.
“You guys have issues,” he remarked, earning himself a glare from both of us.
“Look,” Cassius started slowly, “you gave me a place to hide after shit went pear-shaped, Phil, so I owe this to you.” The Dark Fae stood up and took a few steps towards us.
Phillip put his arm out in front of me, a small device already in his hand ready to go off if the Dark Fae attacked. “What the fuck are you doing, Cash?”
“She’s not like you, Phil. You had good reason to think she was, but she’s more than all of you other Hunters combined. She’s so much more.”
The sensation of magic intensified, putting my partner on guard.
Cassius’s glowing purple eyes were tinted with gold and blue.
Like melted metal, they swirled as the Dark Fae regarded me with an inquisitive stare.
His golden skin sparkled in the room light when he shifted, obviously trying to figure something out.
A blue symbol appeared on the Fae’s hand before disappearing.
“I can sense the vampire blood and human blood in perfect union, but that’s not all.
I sense far more inside waiting to be awoken. ”
Confused, I stood behind Phillip’s arm. “What do you mean?”
“You want to know why you’re being targeted? I’ll show you.” Cassius let his eyes slide down my body. “Activating your magic won’t be simple, but it can be done.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Phillip growled as the light-haired Dark Fae cradled his chin thoughtfully. “What do you mean her magic?”
“You’ve been lied to, Phillip. Same as the rest. Probably told she was the same as you, a perfect genetic mutation. But her blood goes beyond genetic mutation. It’s tough to explain, but she’s the first of her kind.” Cassius took another step, purple glow mimicking his shape.
Phillip clicked his tongue and lifted his weapon. “Back the fuck off, Cash.”
Cassius sighed and swept back his shiny hair, then put his hands in the air in surrender. “I’m not going to do anything to her. I wouldn’t be able to. This girl has vampire, human, and Fae blood.”
“Say what now?” I demanded.
The pupils of the Dark Fae’s eyes were slits, resembling cat eyes, and it took me a second to adjust. “You’re a hybrid of three, sweets.
Of course, your magic can’t be unlocked without a talented Fae.
Much like your vampire blood couldn’t be unlocked without another vampire with similar genes.
But lucky for you, I just happen to be strong enough.
” Cassius regarded Phillip with a brow. “For a price.”
Phillip’s jaw strained. “Saw that one coming.”
“Activating her magic will make her more of a target, but one that even the Organization will fear,” Cassius went on, despite my world once again imploding. “And it won’t take long at all. Unfortunately, we’re already drawing too much attention as it is. I’ll need to leave soon.”
“What do you want?” Phillip asked, tone clipped.
Cassius clasped his jaw with a small smile. “Oh, not much. Just a vial of her blood.”
Phillip growled, startling me enough to snap out of whatever funk I’d been put into.
“Not a fucking chance,” I hissed.
“Then guess you’ll have to find another Fae capable of unlocking your power. One you can trust not to give away your secrets. You know I can’t show my face to anyone of true value. I’m your best option.”