Gypsy Truths (All The Pretty Monsters #6)- Kristy Cunning Page 0,205

constant protection. You’re more honest with men, who don’t see you as a protector, because you expect men to protect themselves. It’s a mental thing with you. Since I have a penis, I get to know the real you quicker than someone with a vagina, in other words.”

I…wish I hadn’t asked.

A small smile curves my lips when I stare down at my wrist, remembering how this ghost showed up while I was being buried in silver.

My smile fades when I realize how very close to endless misery that truly was.

Idun came up with a plan. It was actually a beautifully crafted plan. Spread fear and pandemonium across the monster world via technology, after already setting up the game that would fuck with our heads, and then encase us in Van Helsing silver until we submit.

It was elaborate, well thought-out, and would have likely been perfectly executed, because she was even stronger than before.

Except…Violet had already started taking steps to prepare against Idun, before she even knew of Idun’s existence.

“You lay traps and lie in wait, because no one knows you. You hide in plain sight, and relish that power. Why make yourself known to all the alphas instead of keeping your secret?” I ask the ‘ghost.’

He shrugs. “Because it was too much fun to help myself,” he replies, grinning broadly.

It’s going to take a moment to get used to speaking to an actual monster.

“Does Violet know everything we’re saying right now?” I ask, wondering how exactly this all works.

“Not unless I hit her with a suppressed memory of this conversation. I have no intentions of such. As you’re aware, she’s otherwise engaged.”

“So you are truly capable of independent conversation and thought,” I state, rather than ask, as I lean up, studying him.

“I’m capable of anything she’s capable of. Actually, I’m more capable, because I work on a deeper level than she does. I see the real spirits she can’t, and I feed on the emotions of others, blocking both the sight and her empathy. But even though I’m better, she’s still stronger. I’m content to not be killed by you so easily, and Violet’s the first host I’ve had to love me, so I’m no threat. For now.”

A dark grin tugs at his lips.

It feels like definitive proof that Hyde has independent thought processes. This monster is clearly not a sole reflection of Violet’s inner thoughts.

“I really don’t trust you,” I inform the apparition.

Hyde’s grin stays intact, as though that’s pleasing to hear.

“Do you trust the vampire when his eyes turn red?”

I hesitate to answer. “On some level. Arion’s got control over his monster for the most part.”

“Do you trust the wolf on a full moon?” Hyde continues.

Now I see where this is going.

Leaning back, I narrow my eyes at the ghost, who hasn’t moved from the corner.

Even though I don’t answer, he continues anyway.

“Do you trust the Morpheous when his eyes go white?” he carries on, only causing my eyes to narrow.

“Do you trust any of the alphas at all outside your own little circle?” he adds when I maintain my silence.

He grins and lazily shrugs one shoulder.

“It’s a paranoid world full of trust issues. Are you really going to hold that against Violet?” he muses.

“It wouldn’t matter if I did. Violet’s already claimed me,” I state, not revealing anything to the monster before I have a private conversation with the woman.

Fuck, this is going to take a lot of adjustment.

“So you’re punishing her for such a thing, though you claimed you wanted to marry her,” he says, confusing me. “I’m not sure what the issue is. And that’s secretly what Violet is wondering as well.”

My brow furrows, and I lean forward.

“What’re you talking about? I’m not punishing her.”

His grin spreads across his face, and suddenly he morphs into Anna, who is in the baby-doll dress with the pigtails again. She struts toward me, and hops up on the desk, landing atop it without sinking.

My eyebrow lifts, and I study her with far more interest, now that I realize this is Violet’s favorite of the bunch.

Violet’s head really is a scary place, I’ve decided. It’s certainly one thing I’ll never doubt again.

It says more about her than I’ve realized all this time, now that I know the truth about her ghostly entourage that’s assembled with an intriguing variety of personalities.

“Van Helsing, do you mean to tell me you don’t know what’s going on right now?” Anna asks, as though she’s excited by the prospect of me answering yes.

“I have