Page 50 of Voyage of Fury and Fate

“We can’t just take off and hope that we’ll find her,” Topher interrupts.

“She’s going to New Orleans,” Amelia answers.

“What makes you think that?” Micah and Luna ask in unison.

“Because it’s New Orleans. Where else could an insane vampire raise a horde of immortal children without being noticed?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Anywhere else?” Topher looks tired as he wipes his face. “Why is it always my town?”

“We leave tonight. Thorne is bound to be exhausted. We need to head her off.” I move to the stairwell, ready to pack our small bags.

“I can have the plane ready in an hour.” Ameliaturns to our hosting lycanthrope. “Can you take us to the airport?”

“Of course,” Fynn answers. “I wish I could join you, but my duties are here right now.”

“Can I come with you?” Alex’s soft voice asks from the middle of the living area. I turn, seeing large tears forming in his eyes.

“Alex, there’s no way I would leave you here. Why don’t you change into the clothes Topher brought and then come help me pack?” I smile, hoping to offer him reassurance. He nods, grabbing the plastic bag from the table.

“What if he…?” Luna’s eyes open wide, asking the question she doesn’t want to finish.

“He won’t. I’ll watch him.” I look each of the team in the eyes. “I’ll take responsibility for him.”

“Elsie, he’s a loaded stick of dynamite,” Micah says. “We don’t know when he’ll…”

“When he’ll do what?” Alex asks, standing in front of us, wearing his new clothes. His eyes have lost their color, turning into the familiar blackness that his monster form takes.

“Sorry, little man. I’ve seen what you can do.” Micah shifts from foot to foot.

Alex stalks toward the lycanthrope. “I did what I had to do. I’m sure you’ve done the same.” He moves closer to Micah, the top of Alex’s head barely reaching his stomach. “My sisters are my priority. If you won’t help me, I’ll go after them alone.” His teeth escape hismouth, and he hisses. “I will not attack any of you unless given no other choice.” He looks around the room. “I know what I’m capable of.”

“Alex,” I call. He ignores my words. “Alexander?” He slowly turns his head toward me. “We all know what you’re capable of. No one is going to hurt you, and we’re not letting you go after them alone.”

His teeth disappear, and his eyes regain their blue hue. “Thank you,” he whispers. He moves to my side, lacing his fingers through mine. “Hurry, Elsie.” This child is terrifying.

With his words, the team starts moving quickly, gathering up every belonging and evidence of our tenancy. Ten minutes later, we’re all standing at the door, ready for whatever lies ahead.

“I’m ready to see Edon,” Amelia whispers to Topher once we’re piled inside the SUV.

“Who’s Edon?” Alex asks from my side.

“Our son,” Amelia answers.

“Hybrids can have children?” Alex’s words aren’t a question.

She laughs. “I was just as surprised as you are, kid.”

“That’s amazing,” he whispers.

“I know,” Amelia answers.

Thirty minutes later, we board the jet bound for New Orleans. “This is the first time I’ve been on a plane,” Alex says, rubbing his hands across the leather. “Are they all this pretty?”

Micah laughs deeply. “No. Most smell like a mixture of vomit and feet. This one belongs to Amelia.”

Alex turns to the hybrid once more. “You’re interesting.”

She laughs. “You have no idea.”

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