The Beast Within (The Elite Series) - By Jonathan Yanez Page 0,51

that was bound to lead to more questions, he ushered these thoughts out of his mind, took off his jacket, loosened his tie, and threw himself into one of his favorite pastimes—eating.

The feast provided for them was amazing. It was like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners rolled into one. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes; vegetables, salads, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce were all present and accounted for. The conversation soon turned back to the trial and speculations on what would happen next.

“The Council has to rule in favor of accepting Connor as a Judge, Morrigan. He plays too much of a role in everything that happened to deny it,” Laren optimistically pointed out.

“I certainly hope so. The fact that Connor was able to kill an Elite and handicap another certainly works in our favor. I can’t remember the last time a human was able to do that.”

“I agree,” Lu chimed in. “I think they’ll consider Connor’s claim as a Judge. And convicting Faust and Randolph should be easy, especially with the other half-blood’s statement.”

“The other half-blood?” Connor’s face dawned with recognition. “Katie! Katie’s here?”

“After her run-in with Faust, Katie was turned. The Council couldn’t allow her to simply go on her way, and instead opted to bring her here for the trial, anticipating she would have vital information,” Morrigan said.

“Well, then how come she wasn’t at the trial today? Why didn’t you call on her testimony?”

“I will, if it’s necessary. What’s more important is that the Council sees you for who you really are.”

Connor ignored the last part. “Is she okay? Can I see her? Where is she?”

“She’s fine, Connor. Katie is here in the castle. You are not permitted to see her yet.”

Connor bit his tongue. He wanted to say more even though he knew it would be pointless. He also stole a glance at Laren, who was toying with her peas aimlessly. He wondered if his concern for Katie bothered her.

The rest of the meal went well. At least it did for Connor. There were no more epic revelations of his past or amazing disclosures about his future. After everyone ate as much as they could, Connor wanted to know more about the perks of being an Elite.

“I don’t feel very different. I mean, I feel great, just not superhuman great. Is that normal?”

Lu laughed. “Yeah, it’s not like you’re going to start flying around like Superman. You’re still the same person. You just have an—an overdrive mode now.”

“What Lu is trying to say,” Laren cut in, “is that you have to tap into that inner drive that’s there for you now.”

“How do I do that?”

“By concentrating,” Morrigan explained. “Like anything else, it’s a muscle that has to be exercised. Here.” She grabbed the ham bone from Lu’s mouth, wiped it on her napkin and handed it to Connor. “Break it.”

“Hey, I wasn’t done with that,” Lu replied, wide eyed and still hungry.

Connor took the bone from Morrigan. It was a foot long and an inch thick. He felt pretty confident about his odds. Grabbing it at both ends, he was stopped in his tracks.

“Break it with one hand, Connor.”

“One hand? You want me to crush it?”

“You can do it. You just have to concentrate,” Laren encouraged him.

“That’s impossible.”

Without a word, Lu grabbed a sterling silver dinner knife handle in his left palm and squeezed. His hand shook ever so slightly under the pressure. He furrowed his brow in concentration. At first it looked as though nothing was happening, but then he released his grip and handed the knife over. Connor was amazed to see indentions where Lu’s hand had held the knife. Four grooves marked the place where Lu’s fingers warped the silver.

Connor, shaking his head, readjusted his grip. This time he grabbed the bone around the middle with his right hand. He zoned in on his target and concentrated as hard as he could. Tightening his grip, he released every ounce of strength he had. He could feel his face turn red, and his arm and hand began to shake under the pressure.

“I can’t. It’s too strong.”

Before anyone could offer advice there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Morrigan invited.

In strode one of the FBI-looking guards. He explained flatly, “The Council is requesting Mr. Moore’s presence.”

“Very well, we’ll be right there.”

“Only Mr. Moore is required.”

Connor stood up from the table and gave his companions a reassuring nod. “I’m sure I’ll be back soon.”

“Be confident and honest, Connor,” Laren warned him. “That’s the only way any of