by Ryals, R. K.
I turn to look at her.
"I don't really know how to use my power," I say quietly.
Maria raises her brows.
"I can tell that, Demonio. Very easy to tell. Tell me, have you ever met your father?"
I shake my head.
"No, he's dead."
Maria's eyes widen.
"Is he? Oh . . ."
I look at her, my heart beating wildly.
"Why do you ask?"
Maria grins.
"I think, My Dear, that you have come to the right place."
And with that, she leaves me. Ace comes up beside me, bumping my hand with his head, and I pet him gently. His leathery skin is rough but soothing. The manor's white stone is like a beacon, and I can only hope Maria is right. I have come to the right place.
Chapter 37
Conor
Alessandro's office is small, hidden behind a staircase inside the manor. There's a small scarred desk, a filing cabinet, and two small wooden chairs. It isn't a cushy office mainly because Alessandro isn't a cushy man. There's a thermostat on the wall behind the desk, and my eyes land on it as Alessandro paces the room. It's a small thermostat, and it seems unusual.
"How do you feel about being a part of the S.O.S?" Alessandro asks suddenly, and I turn to him.
"My choices are kind of limited at the moment," I answer.
Alessandro's eyes meet mine.
"How many of them did you kill?" he asks softly, and I know he sees the turmoil in my gaze. I flinch.
"I'm not sure," I answer honestly.
Alessandro nods.
"I have news about your friend, Dayton," Alessandro says, and I freeze.
"Is she okay?" I ask.
Alessandro's smile is reassuring.
"She is fine. I'm still not sure how I feel about Marcas, but he seems to be protecting her. I have been contacted by an Angel who has been working with the S.O.S. We are rendezvousing with them in a few days."
My heart is suddenly beating way too fast.
"I'm coming with you," I say loudly.
Alessandro waves a hand.
"I figured you'd say as much. Monroe has volunteered to go as well."
Monroe and Dayton have been my best friends since we were in preschool. I owe them anything I can do to help.
"When?" I ask.
Alessandro's eyes meet mine.
"We leave in three days,"
I nod.
"And the hybrids?"
"They will be safe until we return. I'd like to put you in charge of helping with their training if you are interested."
I don't hesitate.
"I'm interested."
"Good," Alessandro says. "Why don't you rest? You've done well, Conor."
I walk to the door quickly, my heart sinking. Not everyone would agree with Alessandro. I could have done better.
"And Conor?" Alessandro calls out.
I turn just outside the door. My eyes meet his.
"I don't know what's going on between you and the hybrid, Emma, but be careful. She has a big future ahead, and she's special. I . . . I don't want her hurt."
The older man looks away, and I lean against the door.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" I ask.
Alessandro looks up, his face serious.
"She's my daughter."
It isn't what I expected, and I find myself staring, my eyes wide.
"Your daughter?" I choke out.
Alessandro stands, moving toward me slowly. He stops a few inches away, his eyes trained on mine.
"Yes. She's my daughter, and this journey you've been on, the decisions you've had to make . . . this is just the beginning.
And with that, he closes the door in my face.
This is just the beginning.
About the Author
R. K. Ryals is a scatterbrained mother of three whose passion is reading whatever she can get her hands on. She makes her home in Mississippi with her husband, three daughters, a Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, and a coffeepot she couldn't live without. Visit her at http://rkryals.blogspot.com
Other works available:
Redemption: The Redemption Series Book One
Ransom: The Redemption Series Book Two
Coming Soon:
Retribution: The Redemption Series Book Three
Book Two in the Acropolis Series (Currently Untitled)