Page 109 of Trapped Truth

Axel glowers at him. “A fucking cobra. What do you think it is?”

“Looks a lot like a sandwich to me.”

“Figured you may be hungry too. Eat up.”

“You’re feeding me now?”

“Don’t make me regret it, asshole. Eat.”

Seeing the deadly Hunter himself appear uncertain causes inappropriate laughter to bubble up. I’ve watched this man snap necks with a pinkie finger. But it’s a simple sandwich from his estranged brother that gives him pause.

“It isn’t poisoned,” I snicker.

“Sure about that?”

“If I had made it, maybe it would be.”

“Hah. I appreciate the honesty, 768.”

“Still not her name,” Axel growls at him. “How many times do I need to tell you to eat?”

“Alright, fine.” Gunnar grimaces but accepts the plate. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Watching them exchange pleasantries is too weird for me. I tap out to hover near where Blaine is trying to wear out the carpet, pondering how to wrestle him down for a few hours rest. He’s far too wound up to sleep without being knocked out.

“What do you need?” I linger near him, fighting the urge to wring my hands.

“My father’s location and a nuclear arsenal.”

“Blaine, it’s almost midnight. We’re exhausted. What is it going to take for you to rest?”

“Go sleep, Ember.”

“Not without you.”

His temple throbs, the vein engorged. “I can’t until we receive word from the hospital. People I care about were pulled from that fire, clinging to life.”

“Yeah, I get it.”

“I need to know if they’re going to make it.”

“But running yourself ragged isn’t going to help them.” I blow out an exasperated breath. “We all need to be rested and prepared to plan our next move.”

“What next move?” He tosses his hands up. “That monster has taken everything from me!”

When I attempt to approach him, Blaine retreats several steps, a shaking hand outstretched in objection. I try not to let the flash of hurt show on my face.

“What do you need?” I force myself to repeat the question calmly.

“I want to smash something.”

“If you’d just calm down and come to bed⁠—”

“If I stop now, she’ll haunt me forever.” Heartbroken onyxes flash over me, begging for understanding. “Raye was my friend, and now she’s dead. I couldn’t keep her safe.”

“This is your father’s doing. He’s the responsible one.”