Page 12 of Beasts

The revelation that Seth, the psychic, had vouched for me is unexpected. “What did he tell you?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

Nolan looks at me with a seriousness that belies his usual calm demeanor. “That we can trust you with our lives,” he states. The weight of his words is not lost on me. “But he also mentioned that we need to work hard for you to trust us, due to something in your past.” I feel a knot form in my stomach. What exactly does Seth know about me?

I try to mask my discomfort. “Keep being curious,” I mutter, more to myself than to them. Some of the guys chuckle, but my mind is already racing ahead. “What was the incident?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The room’s atmosphere shifts palpably. Nolan exchanges a glance with the triplets, who then quietly exit the room with Hugh, leaving me alone with Nolan.

“Before I explain, you need to understand that it was an accident, and we’re still working through it,” Nolan begins cautiously.

“So, it wasn’t long ago?” I probe.

“No, just a few months back. Mr. Pierce allowed those of us who are of age to attend a nearby frat party.”

I nod, bracing myself for what’s coming. “Let me guess, it turned bad?”

Nolan’s expression darkens. “It did. You need to understand, we are demons. Our nature is... complicated.”

“I got a pretty vivid idea from Oliver,” I admit, recalling his chilling words.

Nolan continues, “At the party, well, demons and alcohol, it’s not a good mix. Valentine had been dating a girl for a few months, which was surprising to us all. He’s usually not one for long-term relationships.”

I urge him to go on, despite the growing sense of unease. “What happened?”

“Valentine lost control that night. Usually, he’s quite good at managing his incubus nature. The worst we’ve seen was a girl who fell into a deep sleep during an exam. But that night, it was different. He... he drained her.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. A sense of dread fills the room, heavy and suffocating. Nolan’s eyes are filled with regret, his voice heavy with unspoken sorrow.

The weight of Nolan’s words hangs heavily in the air. “Valentine lost control that night,” he admits somberly. “It’s surprising because he’s usually so good at managing his incubus abilities. There was this one time, a different girl ended up in a deep sleep during an exam because of him. But that night at the party, it was different.”

My initial reaction is a bit dismissive. “I mean, that doesn’t sound so bad.”

Nolan clarifies, his voice laden with regret. “Not the same girl he was dating. This was someone else. He didn’t have as much control as usual, and the girl... she got hurt.” He pauses, checking to ensure the door is still closed, his demeanor growing more serious.

The unspoken gravity of his words prompts me to ask, “How hurt?”

Nolan’s expression darkens. “She didn’t make it.”

I struggle to process this information. “So, Valentine accidentally killed someone?” The thought is chilling, and I can’t help but feel a mixture of fear and sympathy for Valentine.

Nolan nods solemnly. “He had no intention of hurting her. Sometimes, we don’t have control over our actions.”

I lean back, trying to comprehend the reality that Valentine, just a few doors down, is capable of such an act. “The same way you don’t always have control?” I ask cautiously.

“Exactly. On a full moon, I’m a danger to everyone around me,” he says bluntly, then quickly adds, seeing my reaction, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. We’re doing everything we can to ensure your safety, but if you ever see us acting strangely, it’s better to keep your distance.”

I nod, absorbing his warning. “How will I be able to tell? You’re all different.”

“Well, for starters, don’t get in the pool with Kane,” he advises.

I’m surprised. “There’s a pool?”

“In the backyard. It’s been covered since autumn, but Kane still uses it. And be cautious in the bathroom too, especially if taking a bath. Lock the door. One of the triplets drowned because Kane held him underwater.”

My jaw drops at the revelation. “They have multiple lives?”

“Yes, the triplets do. But it doesn’t make it any less dangerous or traumatic. Each life is as valuable as the last.” Nolan’s explanation about the cat shifters adds another layer of complexity to this already bewildering situation. “Cat shifters genuinely have nine lives. Niles has all his, Richard has seven left, and Hendrik has four or five. It’s hard to keep track, they’re always getting into some sort of trouble.”

I nod, trying to wrap my head around the concept. The idea of the triplets surviving potentially fatal events is both fascinating and terrifying. I wonder about the limits of their abilities but decide that now might not be the best time to delve into such macabre details.

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