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Honestly, I was just trying to follow what he was saying and not utter profanities. That was about all I had the energy for as the other Hunter went on.

“The school’s been made fully aware.” His giddy delight was palpable in his expression. “Oh, and the look on the principal’s face was priceless. I’m genuinely sad you missed it. Rose had to talk the red-faced old man down. Like he has a leg to stand on. He sexually harasses female teachers and students alike at that place.”

He wasn’t wrong. The principal was about as skeevy perv as it got, and a few made complaints over the years that somehow disappeared with little to no investigation.

“The official papers were put into effect last night.”

Rubbing circles into my temple, I stared at the nonchalant man in front of me. “And you two never thought I might want to know something this important sooner? And what the hell do you mean she was called away on a mission? She’s fucking retired!”

“Not anymore.” His eyes danced across my face. “It’s why she wanted you to have a partner. It’s why I came when I did and why we can’t stay. It was Rose’s request you get to finish out high school. I only agreed as long as you’re still safe. But something big is in the works, and the Organization has called every able-bodied Hunter out of retirement.”

I quieted, not liking his severe tone.

“There are things at play that go beyond what the Organization has done in the past. Some of these issues stem directly from what their intentions are for the future, and it’s probably made you a target. You’re the first perfect mutation of a supernatural creature’s blood with another blood. You don’t know how big that is—to a lot of people. To a lot of sinister types who’d do whatever it took to get their hands on you.”

My throat burned. “I...I need to go say goodbye.”

“She’s gone. She left this morning.” Phillip reached for the glove department and retrieved an envelope from it. “But she left this for you.” Quietly, Phillip captured my hand and forced the letter into it. “Rose thought it’d be easier this way.”

Grams knew I’d try to talk her out of it.

Heart hammering, I clasped the letter to my chest and looked out the window. “So that explains why you have a guest room and rudely bought clothes for me.”

And didn’t seem the least bit worried Grams would be weirded out by me staying the night.

“I never wanted to keep it from you, but Rose made me swear not to tell you.”

That sounded like her.

“She knew I’d argue with her about putting herself in danger at this age. She doesn’t like it when I remind her she’s not twenty anymore.”

Phillip’s laughter agitated my already heavy stomach. “I can see that being a problem for her. The two of you are cut from the same cloth, and she has a real soft spot for you. I know because I was warned of castration if I ever hurt or failed to protect you.”

Despite the world coming down around me, I giggled. “Yeah, that sounds like her.”

Phillip shuddered before taking strong hold of the steering wheel. “And she’d make good on it, too. Rose always gets her man. I quite like my body parts where they are right now.”

My eyes hurt—a sure sign I might cry—but his comment caught me by surprise, and I bent over laughing. “I don’t doubt that at all. She’s ruthless. I love her so much.”

“If my balls weren’t on the line, I’d agree,” Phillip clapped back with a smirk as I tried to regain control of myself. Then his expression darkened. “If I had it my way, we would’ve left with her. I don’t like how open to attack we are in this city. But taking down a nest of Shadow Goblins is a great way to test the strength of your abilities, and it’ll give you invaluable experience. So, we’ll stay until it’s taken care of.”

Phillip’s stare was directed ahead, but his shoulders and jaw were tense, and it drove the reality home.

This was my life now. This danger and struggle to stay a step ahead because whoever was after me was likely to catch up were my life now. It was all my burden to carry.

I never thought I’d miss being some lame teenage vampire hunter, but I did. It was simpler when I only had vampires to worry about. Now the unknown would come knocking on my door, and it was overwhelming to think about.

I glanced at Phillip as he took a path out to the main roadway. His light eyes beamed, catching nothing but glimmering rays of sunlight.

This dude had spent his lifetime watching over his shoulder. He’d spent all that time alone and practically a slave to his fate. He didn’t have someone like him to guide him through what it meant to be a brand-new mutation, and my chest constricted painfully when I realized I’d been nothing but an asshole to him.

“Hey Phil,” I started, suddenly nervous, “Thanks.”

His eyes jerked over to me, clearly perplexed. “For telling you Rose left?”

“No,” I said, having a lot of trouble keeping my voice at normal level and my cheeks from giving away my embarrassment. “I think I’ve been a little rude to you since this all started.” I licked my lips, an anxious coil in my belly. “You didn’t have to come out here and help, but you did. I guess I just realized you’ve done a lot for me and I haven’t been very nice to you.”

The other Hunter’s lips tilted impishly. “Don’t worry. I prefer you sassy.”