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“Brayden’s going to stay with us for a few days.”
“Fran, are you sure this is a good idea?” Amelia whispers.
“No, but they’re not going to let him go willingly.”
Brayden steps between his parents and the team of paranormal creatures. “Why am I in danger?”
“You have a gift, Brayden. A gift that someone wants very badly. Alex has a gift, too,” Fran continues.
“What gift?”
“You heard Thorne speak in his mind yesterday, and you have the ability to raise and lower shields,” I answer honestly, trying not to waste any time.
“What does that mean?”
“It means you’re special, and if your ability is enhanced by becoming one of us, there is no limit to your ability.”
“You people are insane,” Michael continues. “You can’t take our son.”
Brayden turns toward his parents. “No, Dad. They’re right.”
“What?” he continues. “You can’t be serious.”
“You know I’ve always been weird. These people are telling the truth. I can sense it.”
“Brayden, you’re eight years old. You don’t have the mental fortitude to make a decision like this. We…Iwon’t allow it,” Michael continues.
“Then you have one option.” Brayden stands straighter as he speaks. “You can come with me and let these people protect me, or you can go home and let these people protect me. Either way, I’m staying with them until the danger has passed.”
“Like hell you are. You’re coming—” Michael starts.
I move in front of him, interrupting his words, while Fran does the same to June. “Michael, we are not going to hurt your son.”
“You are not going to hurt my son,” he repeats.
“He’s already been discovered by the woman who took Alex, and there is no doubt that she will come after Brayden, too.”
Michael repeats my words, his pupils dilated, while Fran convinces June. When we’re finished, they resemble zombies, waiting for their next meal.
“What did you do to them?” Brayden asks.
“It’s called compulsion,” I answer truthfully. “We’re simply…”
“Making them think something different,” he answers.
“Yes.”
Brayden looks back at his parents. “I can do that, too.” Fran and I share a look.
“We need to get you somewhere safe,” Micah says as he and Luna move to our sides.
Brayden turns toward his parents. “Mom, Dad. We’re going with them now.” Michael and June nod likegood little zombies and begin following our scantily dressed crowd out of the zoo.
“Alex?”I call through our connection, praying he’ll respond. I’m met with silence on the other end. My mind reels over who the woman who smells like sulfur is. Anger fills me at the thought of Patrice or this woman hurting the boy I’ve grown to love.
Ten minutes later, Topher pulls our mode of transportation to a stop in front of a typical French Quarter home. Decorative metal fencing lines the perfectly manicured yard. Topher pushes a button, forcing the fence open and revealing an oversized garage.
“Your family can stay here until the threat is over,” Amelia says, climbing out of the SUV.
