Reading Online Novel

Red Moon Secrets(44)


"Alyssa?" Drackus says just as my ear hits the phone.
"Hey.  Is everything okay?" I ask, wincing when I think of why he's probably calling.
"Everything is fine with us.  How are you?"
Let's see—I hit my ex with a shot of power strong enough to knock him out, exposed my magic to humans, revealed silver-eyed proof I'm the creature-demon they all fear, and then I went so far as to turn into a night stalker and drink my boyfriend's blood.  None of which I can remember.  Yeah, Dad, I'm peachy.
"I'm fine," I mumble, settling for the dishonest but easy answer.
He sighs out heavily, as if that's the first time he's exhaled in ten years.  "Good.  I'm calling to tell you that your mother and I are going to Scotland.  We've got a lead on some of the people who took her.  We need to learn about the imposter.  More importantly, we need to learn about everyone we're up against.  This is a well-thought-out plan being run by someone who has spent years orchestrating such an elaborate feat.  We'll have to dig deep to find answers."
"Will the light and dark not flip out when they find out you've left your home?"
He laughs, sounding condescending with each new chuckle.  "Dear girl, I've left this home more times than I can count.  I have plenty of ways to keep my affairs discreet and quiet.  Besides, I have friends in very high places.  I'm more worried about you.  We want you to join us."
I look to see Kane is staring at me intensely, waiting on my response.  I have a feeling he'll go if I go.  I'd want him to as well.  It's too risky with me being this… thing.  I won't put my parents in jeopardy.  I can't believe I'm thinking of Drackus as a father right now.  We still have fences to mend, but I don't want to see him dead.
"I'm staying," I mutter vaguely, not wanting to add my own issues to their already full plate of drama.
Kane walks over to me and pulls me closer just before Gage materializes in the room.  Mom gets on the phone with me, and Kane withdraws so he and Gage can discuss cage making, proving the dark user was listening in to find out if I swayed my night stalker.
Mom tells me she loves me and to call her if I need her—at least twenty times—and I hang up before turning to face the boys.  "They're going to miss Thad's memorial.  They need to leave now.  They're worried their informant will be spooked if they wait too long," I say softly, my emotions choking up my voice just barely.
I'm sure I'll bawl later, but right now, I have to keep it together so everyone doesn't lose focus on Thad's day by paying me attention that I don't want or deserve.
"We'll start working on the cage," Deke says, looking to me.  "Sierra and Amy will have to know why you're being caged up.  They'll ask questions."
My lips tighten into a thin line.  I hate the smug smirk that will be on Amy's face when she learns about who or what I am.
"I need coffee before discussing cages, Amy, and another red moon.  This is ridiculous.  How many more are going to be here this cycle?"
Gage frowns, probably wishing he could wrap me up in his arms.  "I don't know.  Maybe...ten?"
My mouth falls open.  "What? Why?"
"We don't know what's going on," Kane says.  "I didn't think there would be more than five, but it's obvious this is a rough cycle.  That's why I don't want to put you in a cage.  There're just too many."
He comes to brush his lips against mine, holding me to him as he does his best to free my mind from its burden.
"This atmosphere is draining," Dice gripes as he comes in, swatting as if he's trying to keep the air away from him.  "You guys have to quit being so fucking miserable.  It's stealing all my energy.  It took all my extra to heal last night."
No one even acknowledges the unhelpful incubus.  I still don't even know why he needed to heal.  Something tells me I was involved, which is a little scary.
He curses when no one gives a damn about his needs, and he returns to his room, leaving us alone with our solemn silence and coffee.  Then, suddenly, an old Spice Girls song my mother used to love starts playing—loudly.
Dice leaps back in, singing with the lyrics, while wearing his leather pants and no shirt.  He points to Kane and runs his hand over Gage's chest.
"Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want.  So, tell me what you want, what you really, really want.  I want a—"
"Dice!" we all scold in unison, gripping our ears to offer them reprieve from the obnoxious music.
He scowls at us when his attempt to lighten the mood fails, and he storms out, forcing all of us to stifle a grin.