Page 32 of Gray

“Don’t misunderstand me,” Alastair said. “Yes, you’re here because Phoenix has set his eyes on you, something that wouldn’t have happened if not for your involvement with us. But my reasons go beyond that. You’re a warrior, are you not?”

“A Marine,” Mason said, then squared his jaw. “Well, a former one. I’d say the whole ‘once a Marine, always a Marine’ bullshit, but I don’t deserve to be called that anymore.”

My heart ached at his sad tone. Why did he feel like he didn’t deserve it? Did it have anything to do with the reason he became a hunter? I pressed my lips together to keep from asking. Now wasn’t the time.

“Regardless, you have combat training.” Alastair tilted his head, pale eyes pinned on the human. “You could be useful to us. Phoenix asked you to join him, and I’m asking the same of you now.”

“Those are my choices?” Mason asked. “Work for demons or work for you? What if I chose neither? I’d rather go back to my life.”

“To fight monsters, yes? To protect humanity?” Alastair walked behind his desk and braced his hands on top of it, leaning forward. “And what do you think we’re doing? The same as you, only our fight is bigger. If we fail, the entire world will go up in flames.”

“What are you doing, Alastair?”Galen asked, his question reaching me and Bellamy too. When we used telepathy, we could project our voice into one mind or open up the shared link between our minds and speak to everyone.“How much can one human help? We don’t need him.”

“Stop letting your anger blind you, and think clearly for a minute, Wrath,”Alastair responded.“Mason is a hunter. How many more humans are part of the hunter network? Hundreds? More than that?”

“I get it,”Bellamy said.“You want them as allies.”

Alastair nodded.“They’re already out there hunting monsters. Why not join their numbers with ours? More boots on the ground will benefit us by being able to reach more towns, cities, and anywhere Asa sends his monsters.”

“Why did everyone stop talking?” Mason asked.

“Oh. Right.” I grinned. “You can’t hear us when we’re speaking through our minds. No wonder you look so confused.”

My words didn’t ease him though. It put him more on edge. “What were you saying? And why say it in secret? If it’s about me, I want to know.”

“Very well.” Alastair rested his hip against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms. “I believe you and your hunters would be a beneficial addition to our army. We both want the same thing—to stop these attacks, to keep the world safe. Joining forces makes sense.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then you’re a damn fool.” Irritation seeped into Alastair’s voice. “My brothers and I have sacrificed so much for humanity. The least you could do is help save your own damn world. I’ll give you time to think it over. All of you are excused.”

“That’s our sign to get out,” I told Mason as I stood up and grabbed the blanket he’d thrown off. I wasn’t necessarily cold. I just liked being wrapped in something. Made me feel safe.

“Watch yourself, hunter,” Galen growled before shoving past Mason and leaving the room.

Mason stared after him, a tic working in his jaw.

“Don’t mind him.” I waved my hand around. “He’s like that with everyone. Come on.”

When I left Alastair’s study, Mason walked close behind me. The back of my neck prickled, and my blood heated. I was hyperaware of him.

“I take it I’m staying here for the night?”

“Yep.” I turned to him in the hallway, tipping my head up to meet his gaze. “And don’t think about sneaking off. ’Cause we have super hearing.”

Mason’s gaze softened. “Somehow, that doesn’t sound nearly as threatening as it should when coming from you.”

“Hey, I can be threatening. When I wanna be.”

“Mhm. Says the boy who turned his waffle into a smiley face and who has a cartoon sloth as his phone wallpaper.”

“How do you know that about my phone? Stalker.”

Mason didn’t smile—but he almost did. It was obvious in the twitching of his lips and the crinkles at the edges of his eyes. “I saw it when you passed out on me at the café and I had to call Galen to come get you.”

“Makes sense. You’re excused this one time, then.” I turned back around, heading for the kitchen. “Raiden’s cooking. Smells so yummy. I wasn’t hungry earlier, but I think I could eat now. You remember Raiden, right?”

“Of course he remembers me,” Raiden said as we entered the kitchen. “I’m unforgettable. Now sit your asses down so I can feed ya.”