Broken Knights (Gifted Academy #4) - Michelle Hercules Page 0,10
safe at Gifted Academy. They never were, much less now that Daisy’s identity as the Unmaker is unveiled. I’m taking them to a secret location,” Xavier replies.
“That’s absurd.” Principal Fallon scoffs. “We can’t let the Neo Gods force us into hiding. I discussed this topic on the way here with the boys and Daisy. We all agreed that the best we can do now is act like nothing is amiss.”
“No. We didn’t all agree.” Rufio takes a step forward. “I think Daisy and Rosie should go with Mr. X.”
“What about Toby?” Rosie asks, clutching her boyfriend’s arm tight.
“I’ll be okay, sweetheart.” He smiles at her.
“I’m all for keeping the girls safe,” Phoenix pipes up.
“This wasn’t what we agreed on, Xavier,” Principal Fallon grits out. “I need access to Daisy at all times. We’re at war!”
“Sorry, Jodie. That’s out of the question. Daisy will be there to assist the Knights when it’s needed, but she won’t be at your beck and call.”
“Do I have a say on the matter, or are you going to make all the decisions for me?” I butt in, sick and tired of everyone discussing me like I’m a prop, an object.
“Of course you have a say, darling,” Xavier replies in a much softer tone.
I glance at Rosie, so small and frightened. And then I seek Phoenix’s, Bryce’s, and, last but not least, Rufio’s gazes. This doesn’t feel like I’m making a decision about my safety. It feels like they’re making me choose between my family and the men I love.
“This place you’re taking us, is there room for the guys too?”
Xavier’s eyes reveal surprise before he’s back into business mode, cold and calculating. “Yes. They can come too.”
“No! I won’t allow it. Bryce and Rufio are coming with me,” Principal Fallon snaps, displaying a loss of control for the first time ever.
“Mother, you can’t force us to do anything,” Bryce replies calmly. “But I’ll return to Gifted Academy with you.”
My heart sinks. I can’t believe Bryce is choosing to go back with his mother. He looks at me, an apology filling his eyes. Then he moves on to glance at Rufio. “You should go with Mr. X, brother. It’s not safe for you at school anymore.”
When I thought Bryce couldn’t hurt me anymore with his words, he sucker punches me in the stomach. And worse, I have to take in the pain without making a peep. First of all, he’s not doing it on purpose, and second, he’s right about Rufio. Powerless, he’ll be easy prey to the other kids. I’m sure he made quite a few enemies while he was at the top of the food chain. I can’t believe his mother isn’t even considering that. She’s a hateful bitch.
My decision is clear.
“I’m not returning to Gifted Academy. And I want Rufio, Toby, Phoenix, and Morpheus to come with us.”
Phoenix walks over and casually throws his arm around my shoulder. “Babe, I’ll go wherever you go. I never liked school anyway.”
At once, my powers flare up, and I begin to pull his powers into me. Damn it! I can’t keep letting this foreign magic run amok. I step away from his embrace before it’s too late.
“You’re coming with us, right, Toby?” Rosie looks up, eyes full of hope.
He tenses on the spot, and his face twists into a guilty expression. “Eh, as much as I would like to come, I have to return to school. The upcoming war hasn’t distracted me from my goal. I want to become a doctor, and for that, I need a proper education.”
“At least someone is thinking,” Principal Fallon mutters, much more composed now.
Rosie’s crestfallen expression makes my heart ache for her. But she recovers quickly and puts on a brave face. “I understand, Toby.”
I glance at Rufio, hoping to catch his eyes again. I’m upset that Bryce feels the need to return to Gifted Academy, but he can take care of himself. If Rufio doesn’t come with me, I’m going to spend my living hours consumed with worry that something terrible will happen to him. I don’t trust his mother one bit.
“Rufio, are you coming with me or not?” Principal Fallon asks.
He raises his chin, staring defiantly at her. “Not.”
Her eyes seem to sparkle with rage, but the moment passes, and then she just stares at him with dispassionate boredom. “Very well. I guess it’s only Bryce and me, then.” She whirls around and heads for her car that’s parked in the hangar.