Page 98 of The Immortal’s Mark

“What is the plan for today?” I ask him, eager for information I missed last night.

“The witches have gone on a scouting excursion,” he replies. “They should be back shortly.”

“What are they scouting for?”

“Any trace of Adir,” he says. “We are scheduled to search this area for no more than three days if we find no lead.”

Three days?

“Shouldn’t we move faster than that?” I ask. “A lot can happen in three days.”

Like Adir moving Bella somewhere further away.

“Our search party casts a wide net thanks to our contact’s information. Do not worry. We will cover a lot of ground in three days.”

“And what will we do while they search?”

“You will train.”

I frown. “But I want⁠—”

“You are of no use to the task force until you can master your power.” His steady blue eyes hold mine. “You will focus on training. When you’re ready, you will be brought into the task force’s missions.”

The desire to argue is strong.

But Alex is right.

My ability to see into the past or future is useless until I can control it. And until I’m not rendered unconscious for days afterward.

“Fine.” I cross my arms. “But I still want to know what you guys are doing.”

“That depends.” Alex strides to the fridge.

“On what?”

He retrieves another silver thermos, and my stomach rolls as he takes a sip.

“On if the information is safe for you to know.”

I scowl. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I’ll tell you later.” He looks at Paige. Then he turns to his second in command. “A word, Gregory?”

Gregory dips his head and follows Alex out, but not before giving me a quick, reassuring glance.

They leave the kitchen.

The moment they are out of sight, Paige’s shoulders relax.

“Ugh, I don’t know how you do it,” she says.

“Do what?”

“Act normal around them.” She shudders, then takes a sip of her coffee. “Vampires are so…unsettling. Gregory is well-known for his ruthless nature.”

I rear back. “Gregory? Ruthless?”

She nods. “And King Alexander is a vicious ruler.”