Page 81 of Haunted Hearts

Seriously? I look at Alok, who seems bored as he sips his glass of whiskey.

“What he is trying to say is that I’m a better fit to go up against him, but I won’t.”

“What the fuck do you mean you won’t?” I snap back, grabbing the whiskey out of Alok’s hand and drinking it. He leans over the counter smiling, pushing his blue hair over his shoulder. Seeming pleased that he got a reaction from me.

“Your puny little brain has no concept of what you’re asking from me.”

“Then enlighten me.” My voice lowers.

“The council is older than your whole species, human. Direct descendants of Solan, and the closest a celestial can get to a titan’s power. Going up against them would mean death.”

“You sound afraid,” I say, testing him.

He laughs, pouring another glass. “One day you might have the displeasure of learning your place, and when that day comes, you will understand.”

“I did learn my place, many times. Even when I knew it was wrong, I was complacent for too long. I don’t care how powerful they are, or what they can do. In my eyes, they are no different than the poisonous fucks we’re about to end.”

“I like your spunk, kid, but I’m not starting a war.”

“Tsk. Then why the fuck did you agree to come? What use are you if you’re not willing to put it all on the line, huh?” Jack asks, venom in his voice.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t help,” Alok says casually. “Best we can do is exactly what Kai suggested. A distraction.”

“What do you suggest?” My voice is calm.

Alok looks at Kai and smiles. “You leave that up to me.”

Great. Ambiguity, love it.

“That’s not exactly a comfort,” Jack says, frustration in his voice.

“Oh, I’m sorry, princess. But this is beyond you. Let the big boys handle the serious business.”

“Fuck you, you blue Popsicle–looking motherfucker!” As Jack lunges, I spin and grip his shoulder, holding him back.

“We’ll stick to our mission. We don’t have time for this,” I say in his ear.

“Yeah, down, boy. Listen to your handler,” Alok says, swirling the golden liquid in his glass.

“Stop being a pest,” Kai says to Alok in a low voice before looking at me. “If Gregor comes, we’ll distract him however we can.”

“And if you can’t? Calli could die!” Jack snaps accusingly.

Kai continues to look at me; his eyes have a painful knowing in them.

I close my eyes and nod my head. Confirming to him that I understand.

“Everyone get ready to move out.”

“What the fuck, Cade? You’re just going to accept that half-assed bullshit?”

“Jack.” I meet his eyes. “Just get ready.”

“You’re going to end up getting killed.” He shakes his head.

I know.

I make my way back into the garage, running plays in my mind of how this can go. I will just have to trust that this gamble works, but saving Calli, ending the Covenant, and avoiding Gregor feels like a tall order. Despite my calm demeanor, my nerves are frayed. The thoughts of what could be happening to Calli causes a rage to build from the memory of what they did to me.