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"It's... well, it's my father's power. Do I really need to say more than that? Just as the use of it gets him high, drunk, and leaves him completely encompassed by the seduction of its force, the same happens to me. It's not something that can or should be used if there are options. My mother's power is from the earth, which is why I can only assume my blood was swallowed up. That's actually new to me. The earth was trying to keep me safe. As for the rest... well, I don't trust you that much."
I don't trust anyone to tell them how strong I really am... how damn crazy I can get. The dark would look light if I ever lost control. I dread being immortal. My power will grow stronger, even stronger than Drackus's power, and who knows what a peril I might become.
"Fair enough," he murmurs while sitting down on the edge of the bed to join me. "For the record, red suits you. I prefer the blond, but you can pull off the extreme change."
I laugh a little as I stare at the ends of my hair bearing the foreign color.
"So, you never speak to Drackus? Care if I ask why?" he asks, seeming hesitant in his approach to the touchy subject.
So, so, so many reasons come to mind, but I only share a tidbit about my estranged father.
"You've heard the stories. Though I know my father would be here if I ever needed him, it wouldn't be because he loves me. Drackus thrives on chaos and power. He'd love nothing more than if I called him and asked him for help just so he'd have an excuse to show the world and me how powerful he really is. To be honest, I'm considering asking for his help. Mom's been missing for far too long."
He shifts uneasily. Most people don't say my father's name above a whisper. I suppose I use it a little too casually.
"I think you should give us a little more time. If Drackus comes out of his-"
"I know. The light and dark would unite to fight against him, and it would be war all over again. My father has just as many friends as he does enemies, so when I say it would be a war, I mean that very literally. I'm just reaching the point of desperation."
Before I realize I'm doing it, the tears are flowing down my face. Gage pulls me into his arms, and I shiver against the unexpected contact.
He's been rude, obnoxious, aggravating, and recently flirty, but this is the first time he's ever been... sweet? Considerate maybe?
Oddly enough, his embrace is comforting, but it only makes me ready to get back to Kane. Those are the arms I want to be in right now.
"We'll find her. I'll keep calling all my contacts and we'll find her."
I pull back to see the truth in his eyes, and I tilt my head.
"Why do you care so much? I thought you were only here to clear all accusations of it being your people."
His lips tighten as he looks away.
"That's how it started, but then you kind of grew on me." His words make me bite back a grin, but his lips etch up slightly upon seeing my reaction. "I know. Crazy how things work out. Besides, you need my help, and I happen
to enjoy helping people out. Who knows, maybe once you're immortal, the two of us can even try to be friends."
I lean forward, my eyes teasing him lightly. "Even if I'm light and you're dark?"
His eyes flash a devious glow before he murmurs, "They're just definitions of power, nothing else. If lovers can be on opposing sides, so can friends."
I just laugh at that while shaking my head.
"I'll be glad when my face and hair get back to normal," I say in an effort to shift the topic.
I'm ready to get back to Kane - more than ready. I'm also a little curious about where he went and what he was doing.
"Your face has been back to normal for a while now. That's why I said you could pull off red. It wouldn't be you pulling off red if you were still wearing another face."
Reflexively, my hands pop up to feel the familiar skin pulled in all the right places. I glance to the mirror on the wall to see how very bizarre it seems for me to be wearing this brazen color.
"I'm definitely not rocking red. Thanks for the lie though."
He laughs lightly, and then he plops down on the bed to rest his hands behind his head. With him lying that way, it makes me feel uncomfortable to be sitting here. This is too intimate a setting for us, but before I can disengage, he draws my attention to him.
"That'll still leave a mark. The meds just stop the bleeding and kill the worst of the venom. It'll close the wound, but I'm afraid it'll still scar. Sorry."
His eyes hold mounds of guilt to prove the authenticity of his apology. I pat his leg, and then I start to stand.
