Page 143 of The Immortal’s Mark

Blood pounds in my ears. “Leave my dad out of this.”

Adir pivots, eyes bright. “Imagine my surprise when I dropped in on John Abernathy in Rome and recognized him.”

My eyes narrow.

What?

“You recognized him?” Bella speaks, a flicker of shock breaking through her careful tone.

“I did,” he answers, but his stare never leaves mine. “And I was astonished. How could I have not realized what you are?”

The words hang between us.

I don’t walk where he is trying to lead.

“Realized what?” Bella asks, glancing between us. “What are you talking about, Adir?”

“You do not know?” he asks with exaggerated surprise. “Do not worry. I didn’t either. Not until I saw it with my own two eyes.”

His smile widens. “Now, I cannot believe I did not see it sooner.”

My stomach churns.

“Know what?” Bella presses.

“That our dear Darcie is not only a descendant of Charmian…but also of Eros.”

“B-but that is impossible,” Bella sputters. “It cannot be.”

I flick a quick glance to Bella, confused by her reaction, then back to Adir.

“But it is,” he says smoothly, savoring the words. “Darcie is the descendant of two Immortal bloodlines. It is rather extraordinary.”

“I don’t see why it matters.” I keep my voice steady, forcing myself to act unaffected despite the fact that this crazed Immortal just admitted he’s been near my dad.

“It matters because you shouldn’t exist,” Adir replies, and the certainty in his tone makes my skin prickle. “Never before have two Immortal bloodlines mixed. You are an anomaly.”

His eyes gleam. “An extraordinary anomaly.”

That…that doesn’t make sense.

My mother told me about Dad’s bloodline like it wasn’t a big deal. It didn’t seem rare or special.

So why is Adir looking at me like he’s just won the war?

I clear my throat. “Regardless of whatever you think, I’m not going to help you. You’re wasting your time.”

“Tsk-tsk.” He wags his finger. “Is that any way to talk to someone who has the power to cause you pain? To harm your friends?” He tilts his head slightly. “Or even your father?”

My heart slams in my chest.

“Where is my dad?” The question comes out as a terrified whisper.

“In Rome.” He smirks. “For now.”

Oh my god.

Turns burn my eyes as the threat registers. “Please…don’t hurt him.”