Chapter 165: Chapter 165
Kane POV
We are all cramped into two trucks and are driving to our new hiding place. I look into the rearview mirror, ensuring that Gabriela, Mason, and Axel are still behind us with the twins.
“What’s up with Mason?” Braden asks from the passenger seat. “The dude seems jittery.”
“He’s always been strange,” I smirk, concentrating on the road. “He has more mood swings than a rollercoaster.”
“Hey, play nice,” Elara says, playfully slapping my arm from the back seat. “In his defence. I did beg him to get help and then insisted that we must leave immediately without giving him all the details.”
“Why are you covering for him?” I frown.
“Because he’s trying,” she replies, but I detect a hint of hesitation. “We grew up with siblings. He had to fight for himself since birth. This can’t be easy for him.”
“I don’t think that’s it,” Braden adds. “There’s a wild look in his eyes that I don’t like.”
“Do you know him well enough to say such a thing?” I ask.
“Mason, no,” Braden replies. “But I have seen wolves turn crazy, and it starts with a look in their eyes.”
“Turn crazy?” I frown, suddenly concerned. “We don’t have mental illness in our family that I know of.”
“You sure?” Braden raises his eyebrows. “I mean ... Orion.”
“He wasn’t crazy,” I say, clearing my throat. “He only lost his mind a little bit.”
“Same thing,” Braden shrugs.
I have no response and remain quiet. Let us say, for argument’s sake, Braden is right. Does that mean Axel and I are at risk of going crazy? And what about Stella?
“Stop worrying,” Braden says as if he can read my mind. “You and Axel are safe, I can tell.”
“Are you a doctor now?” I snap.
“No,” he chuckles. “But I’ve been around long enough and have seen enough to know things.”
“And Stella?” I cannot stop myself from asking.
“Her hybrid blood will kill the crazy,” he says nonchalantly, and for a moment, I feel like slapping him.
“Seriously, Kane,” he continues. “You have nothing to worry about. I’ve been keeping an eye on your family for years now. You and Axel take after your mother, and I was serious about the hybrid blood. Let me show you.”
“Elara,” he says, turning around to look at her. “When was the last time you were sick?”
“Uhm, I don’t know,” she frowns. “In fact, I don’t recall ever being sick. Not even as a kid.”
“See?” Braden says, turning back to me. “Hybrids are superior. That’s the entire reason why the Council wants them. They want their strength and healthy blood.”
Elara POV
Braden’s words have stunned me to silence. It never occurred to me that I had never been sick. And as wonderful as it is, I can feel Kane’s tension, and I wish I could do or say something to make him feel better.
Orion was his father, and it does not matter what he has done. And it must be horrible to carry that cross.
“Over here,” Braden points to the left, and I stretch my neck to see better.
“Oh, dear goddess, my mother’s going to hate it,” Kane mutters, and I stifle a giggle. He is right, Gabriela will hate it.
The building is old and built with stone. The windows are few and barred, and green moss is growing up the walls. It does not look like anyone has lived there in centuries, and I can only hope there is running water because electricity is clearly out of question.
“It looks worse than it is,” Braden says. “And it’s clean inside, promise. Plus, three bedrooms. So, it’s an upgrade from my cottage.”
“How do you know about this place?” Kane asks curiously.
“An acquaintance,” he replies. “Vampires have been hiding here for years, but after Malachi broke the treaty, they went further North.”
“How can this place be safe if they moved?” I ask, confused.
“They left as a precaution,” Braden explains. “No wolf has set foot here in years. You’re safe, I promise.”
“Can’t we ask Rhiannon for a protective barrier?” Kane asks. “Just in case.”
“I tried calling her,” Braden replies. “But she’s not answering her phone.”
Kane parks the truck, followed by Axel, and we all get out.
“Braden, what hell hole is this?” Gabriela asks, pulling her nose up in disapproval.
“A safe one,” he shouts over his shoulder, walking towards the building. I pick up Stella and follow him inside.
I gasp in surprise once we are inside and look around in awe. The place is absolutely adorable with a fireplace and heavy wooden furniture. I enter the first bedroom and am delighted to see a king-size bed and another fireplace.
“Thank you, Braden,” I turn to look at him. “This place is beautiful.”
“Yes,” Gabriela adds reluctantly. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“Please don’t burn this one down,” he looks at me pleadingly.
“We won’t,” I laugh,
“Okay,” Braden smiles. “Call me if you need me.”
“You can’t go,” I say hastily. “We need your help.”
“I’m not cooking for you,” he replies adamantly.
“Not that,” I laugh. “We must break out, Mindy and her mates.”
“You what?” Mason growls, and I turn to him. I look into his eyes, which are shimmering gold, and Braden’s words flash through my mind. “That’s a suicide mission. Are you insane?”
“It’s not suicidal, Mason,” Braden says. “For wolves, maybe, but not for a hybrid and a vampire.”
“And Rhiannon’s help,” I add. “I’ll get in there the same way I did with the facility.”
“Rhiannon?” Mason asks, and I frown when he turns pale. “After your lecture about making deals with a witch, you want to turn to her. Nice.”
“It can’t hurt to ask,” I shrug. “Besides, I’m not dealing with her behind everyone’s backs.”
“Do what you want,” Mason huffs, storming out. “It’s not like my vote counts anyway.”
“That’s one angry man,” Braden mutters as the door slams shut behind Mason.
“With issues,” Axel mutters.
“I’ll talk with him,” I sigh, handing Stella to Kane and following Mason.
If Braden’s suspicions are true, we must keep a close eye on him.
