Page 57

“I see you, kid. But don’t forget to use protection. You are too young to be a father and a mate.”

Torak’s face reddens, and he runs a hand down the back of his neck. “It isn’t like that. She’s just…” the dreamy look on his face tells me everything I need to know. The kids’ nose is wide open.

I chuckle. “Okay. I get it. Even so, keep it in mind. No sex without protection.”

“I know. Mom and uncle Chayton have preached that to me since I was fifteen.”

Torak was a great kid. He’d stepped up and been the man around the house for his mother since he was a young boy. I had all the faith that he would make some she-wolf a happy mate.

“Alright, but no more skipping training. You need to be there. You have the potential to be an amazing scout.”

That wasn’t a lie. The kid is a natural fighter. He had the gift like I did.

“And now we have the oldest vamp helping with training. She’s actually—"

“What?” Torak’s and my head swing to the door to find Phaedra there.

“Mom, what are you doing there? What did you hear?”

Phaedra frowns. “Enough to know my son will not be at any training knowing those leeches will be there.”

Holding up a hand, I say. “Phaedra, relax. It isn’t an issue.”

“Don’t tell me to relax,” she snarls, stepping down from the porch. “Those creatures are not to be trusted.”

“They aren’t that bad. You just have to give them a chance.”

Phaedra backhands Torak. “Don’t you dare speak to me about giving them a chance. Those monsters killed your father.” She turns to me, her eyes blazing. “I can expect this foolishness from Chayton. He’s married to our Luna. But you, of all people.”

“I’m trying to keep the peace.”

She shakes her head, her top lip rolling back to showcase her teeth. “Peace? How would Ana feel about you keeping the peace with those leeches?”

Her words cut me deeper than any injury I’ve ever experienced.

“My sweet, Zo,”the voice from my past calls out to me. I shut my eyes to fight off the ache.

“As long as those bloodsuckers are at training, my son won’t be there. Come on, Torak.”

Phaedra storms inside her home. Torak follows behind her. I stand out in front of their yard, trying to chase away the ghost of my past.

I take the long way back to where my cabin is. Stepping up on the freshly painted front porch, I tap my knuckles across the wood door. Rustling inside lets me know someone is coming to the door.

The barrier opens, and the youngest vampire is standing before me.

“Hi, Enzo,” she sings my name. When did she start calling me by my name?

“How would Ana feel about you keeping the peace with those leeches?”Phaedra’s words repeat back in my head. I’ve allowed these bloodsuckers to think we were friends. They’ve manipulated me in thinking I could be peaceful with them.

“Don’t call me that,” I snarl.

The youngest vampire’s smile falls from her face.

“Marley, come away from the door.”

Like a magic trick, the oldest appears behind her sister. Marley steps back, allowing her sister to stand in between us. She eyes me closely as if she’s reading me. She nods, the neutral look slipping back on her face.

“So, I’m back to being the enemy?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest. It’s as if she picked up on my change before I said anything.