Broken Knights (Gifted Academy #4) - Michelle Hercules Page 0,92

to hear another word about that nonsense. And don’t go spreading rumors either. We’re in the middle of war. There’s no time for ridiculous gossip.”

“It’s not gossip if it’s true. Besides, I think romance is exactly what we need in times of war.”

“Yeah, I know you do. I hope you’re being careful.” Xavier throws Daisy a meaningful glance.

She seems to sink against the leather seat, becoming smaller. “Of course we are. Jeez.”

“And I trust I don’t even need to have this conversation with you, Toby,” Xavier continues.

“What? Oh my God, Mr. X. You don’t have to worry about Rosie and me.”

I smirk, taking great pleasure in watching the guy squirm in his seat. I bet his face is in flames right now.

“How much longer until we get to the secret location?” Daisy asks, ripping my amusement to shreds.

Delta killed her parents on the orders of my father. Now she has to face the motherfucker, probably get into his head. I wish I could do that for her, take away the burden. But all I can do is stand by her side and be anything she needs me to be.

“Another ten minutes.”

“What did they say when you talked to them?” she asks in a small voice.

“They tried everything, but they couldn’t break him.”

Her powers flare up suddenly, violent and angry. “But I can, and I will.”

36

Rufio

This might be a different location, but the vibe is the same as the other secret hideout. Another cabin in the woods, far away from civilization. The building is not large by any means. Maybe there are two bedrooms max. If they’re using torture—which I’m sure they must—Delta’s screams could be heard from outside. Not that there’s anyone around to hear it.

“This is it?” I ask.

“That’s the address.” Xavier turns off the engine but keeps the headlights on.

No sooner does he reply than an agent exits through the front door. He lifts his arm to shield his eyes from the glare, preventing us from seeing his face. When he stops next to the driver window, I find he’s not one of the agents who came to Poppy’s Joint.

“Xavier, we’ve been waiting for you,” he says in a thick French accent.

“Who are you?”

“Marlon Boucher. Gunther sent for me.” He peers inside the car, immediately taking note of Daisy. “I see you’ve brought the Unmaker. Good, good.” He switches his attention to the back seat. “But who is the Norm?”

“The name is Rufio Kent,” I grit out.

Marlon’s eyebrows arch. “You’re Jonathan Kent’s son. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Terrible thing he did to you.”

The man steps back to allow Xavier to open the door. But Toby, Daisy, and I don’t get out immediately. I turn to Toby. “What do you think? Can we trust that guy?”

“I don’t know. His mind is completely blocked off from me. It’s like he has a shield. I can’t even get a read on his true disposition.”

“Fucking fantastic,” I mutter.

“Are you armed?” Daisy asks me.

I pat my jacket pocket. “You bet. Don’t worry, babe. I’ll keep my eyes trained on him.”

Toby reaches for the door handle. “We’d better get going before he suspects we’re talking about him.”

The air is much cooler in the forest. I’d close off my jacket, but I want easy access to the lightning dagger in the inside pocket. I have another blade attached to an ankle holster, flying stars in my side pockets, and I also grabbed a few small rough-cut lightning-glass stones.

Once out of the car, I step close to Daisy, and together we follow Marlon, Xavier, and Toby into the cabin. Nothing inside screams that this place is a holding facility. It’s a cozy little cabin with rustic furniture, a small kitchen, and a narrow corridor that leads to the bedrooms.

Another agent comes from that direction, and this one I recognize. He came to collect Delta from the diner.

“Castro, have you made any progress?” Xavier asks the man.

“No. The block inside his mind sends him into shock every time we get close to getting information. Not even Marlon was able to breach it.”

“Why are you singling him out?” I ask.

“Because breaking through people’s minds is my specialty.” He smiles in a cocky way.

“Clearly you’re not very good,” I retort.

The man narrows his eyes but then shakes his head, laughing as if I’m not worth a reply. Asshole.

“I can breach Delta’s block,” Daisy says.

“Are you going to unmake him?” Marlon quirks an eyebrow.

Lifting her chin, she says, “Yes.”

There’s no hesitation on her part. She’s putting on a tough