operation. You killed the ones who did, but I was the buyer. I wanted the paranormals who are currently against the wall. I wanted them on my side. Working for me. Helping me rid the world of shifters.”
“Your mission hasn’t changed, even though you’re the only one still standing from the coalition?”
“No, why would it? Just because the two who were running it are gone doesn’t mean my goal is different.”
Screw it. Since we’re sharing, I may as well ask the question that’s been bothering me since Caiden disappeared at fifteen. “And the ones who took you after Mom and Dad were killed?”
Caiden’s eyes shift to mine. The same color as my own. He looks so much like me it hurts to watch him, but then I remember he’s holding my mate. One wrong move on Whit’s part and Caiden could sever his head. I’m not blind to the strength my brother has. Yes, Whit would fight with his magic but there’s no guarantee he’ll come out unscathed.
Caiden cocks his head. “You haven’t put the pieces together yet? Shame. I thought you were smarter. The ones who killed our parents were Andre and Sadie. Once Mom and Dad were gone, Sadie took me into her arms and soothed me. She became someone important to me. They both did. And now they’re gone.”
“How could you go with them after they killed Mom and Dad?”
“They explained to me how weak shifters are and how the world will be better once they’re gone. They offered me a better life. One of opulence and understanding.”
“They brainwashed you, Caiden!” I shout. “How can you not see that?”
“How can you not see how useless shifters are? They do nothing for the world we live in. And you… I don’t want to kill you any longer. Soon, you’ll be immortal. Once you mate with your fae male here, you’ll be far superior.”
16
Whitlock
I thought I’d seen it all when I watched my mom spiral into what I could only call insanity. She wasn’t the female who raised me. Depression took ahold of her. It changed her into someone I didn’t recognize. The female I loved would have never tried to kill others and she wouldn’t have taken her life. But I guess losing one’s mate throws everything out of control. I hope I never find out.
Caiden stands behind me, spewing words I can’t even begin to wrap my head around. I can’t see him. Just Camden where he stands in front of me. I wish I could go to him. Comfort him. But I heard his thoughts and he has a point. If I move wrong, Caiden could kill me, and I’ll be damned if I leave this earth without finding out what it’s like to be loved by Cam.
On the other hand, I don’t want Cam in the line of fire. I’d rather have Caiden’s attention on me. Let him hurt me instead of Cam. I can heal instantly from most injuries. Cam would have to shift.
It’s shocking to hear that Andre—Seth’s brother—and his mate were the ones to kill Cam’s parents. I’m surprised we didn’t know before. Though unless Andre or his mate confessed, I’m not sure how we would have. I don’t think Eloise or Seth read that in the their minds. Seth was very hurt, from what I heard, and Eloise had her focus on her mate and killing those who hurt him.
“Caiden,” Aries says, drawing his attention to him. The alpha is covered in dirt, no doubt in pain from being hit like he was. He hasn’t shifted yet to heal. “What do you hope to achieve by holding Whit? You’re outnumbered. Whit is fae. He could easily harm you.”
“He could, but he isn’t going to. I’m his mate’s brother and what hurts his mate, hurts him. And while my brother will put his mate above me, he won’t strike out against me.”
“Think again,” Cam growls. His eyes blaze emerald.
“That’s no way to sway me to let go of your mate,” Caiden states. “You know I hate shifters. But, Aries, you do have a point. I am outnumbered, so I’ll be going. Those behind you get to return to their families. Don’t think this is over, though. There are plenty more out there willing to find and sell me paranormals to do my bidding.”
“Against their will,” Cam says. “How did you become this? I remember how loving you used to be.”
“Used to, brother. I’m no longer the teenager you last saw. I’m someone