Page 18 of Laid Bare

“Miss Matthews, you should go change and show them why you need to be protected.”

Fucking hell. Again?!

A hiss comes from my right, my vampire already knowing exactly what he’s implying. But before Axel can retort, I hold my hand up, hoping he understands that I want to handle this part myself. Especially after he himself pulled this same bullshit on my first day at the academy.

“Of course, Councilman,” I snark. “Let me hop right to that, because gods forbid, if I don’t, you might just go back to Dirk about how uncooperative I’m being.”

His sharp intake of breath is music to my ears, but I don’t let him say anything in return. I spin on my heel, stomping into my bedroom, relishing in the sound of my door slamming echoing around the room.

I grumble under my breath, but do as I’m told, changing my joggers for a pair of workout shorts that act like a second skin and switching Luka’s comfortable hoodie for a cropped tank top. The new outfit leaves most of my runes on display, exactly like the asshole wanted. Some may be hidden, but I’m sure my babysitters will know what I am the second they lay eyes on my bare flesh.

Blowing out a breath, I steel my spine and open my door, wanting to get the embarrassing part of this over with. It’s never easy to put myself on display like this. I don’t know why but it was easier wearing practically nothing while Thaddeus was documenting my runes than it is now for these guys to know what my heritage is.

Words would work just as well, right?

Harsh whispering cuts off the moment the door opens, and heat crawls up my cheeks as six pairs of eyes swing in my direction. Various expressions greet me, but it’s the shock and awe on Bane’s and Zane’s faces that make me nervous. Though it’s better than disgust and hatred any day.

It’s a given that I’m an anomaly. An unknown in a world that has killed my kind. I know this. And now, they know it too. But if I were a betting person, I’d put all my money on them rethinking this job now that they know exactly what they’re supposed to protect.

“How?” Bane mutters when I rejoin the group. Not once has he removed his gaze from me, like there’s this undeniable pull that refuses to let him look elsewhere.

But damn. That’s a stupid ass question.

“Well,” I snicker, planting my hands on my hips. “When two curiomancers love each other…” I trail off, raising a brow.

A full-blown grin and a hearty, throaty laugh instantly replaces the once-stoic demon, transforming him into someone entirely different. The boisterous sound wraps around me like a warm hug, and I decide right here and now that I’ll make him laugh whenever possible. Just so I can feel this again.

“You know that’s not what I meant, smartass,” he chuckles, shaking his head. “But it definitely explains the secrecy and the request for protection. How much do you know about the curiomancer genocide?”

I flinch, staggering back in an attempt to escape the harsh reality of that word. Genocide. That’s exactly what it was, and I don’t know why I didn’t realize it sooner.

Horror etches across Bane’s strong features, his hands reaching out like he can steady me, but a cool hand on my hot skin spins me around and pulls me into his embrace, murmuring sweet words of reassurance. Axel clutches me tenderly, just like he did the first day in his office when I learned about the rarity of my existence.

“Bailey.” Zane’s gravelly voice overrides Axel’s soft whispers. “We’re sorry for the harsh truth of the matter. It’s just…” he trails off, his silence heavy in the room.

“The truth,” I choke out, disentangling myself from my vampire’s arms. I don’t go far; I just turn around and lean back against Axel’s chest. “It’s the reality of my ancestors. It’s the reality of what’s wrong in this world.” I shake my head, not bothering to elaborate further.

But I know I’m one hundred percent right. It’s so damn wrong that a council deemed it okay to wipe out an entire race without resolute facts. Without irrefutable proof. Supernaturals are murdered every single day, so why such harsh punishment for us when they don’t do shit to the others.

I just… don’t get it.

But I will.

Even if it kills me, I’ll set shit straight and show this world that we’re not what to fear. The council is. Because those bastards—my eyes find Jasper’s—are far from innocent themselves.

Excusing myself, I make my way back to my room and grab Luka’s hoodie, throwing it on over the cropped tank but not bothering to put my joggers back on. Half-cozy as I like to call it. After all, legs are like assholes. Everyone’s got them. So, there’s no reason to cover them up. Boobs on the other hand? Yeah, being the only chick in the room puts me on display, like I’m one of those freaks in the circus sideshows.

The guys are noticeably civil as I rejoin them in the living room, talking amongst themselves about who the hell knows what. If I’m honest with myself though, I’m so over this little pow wow we have going on. They haven’t even been here an hour, and I’m already stressed the fuck out.

Instead of plopping my butt on the couch, I head toward the kitchen and throw over my shoulder, “Would anyone like some coffee? Water?”

Luckily, no one tries to stop me, but I don’t miss the little curl of Thaddeus’ lips at the mention of coffee.

The men call out what they want, but the only words that really stick in my brain are Zane’s.

“I’ll help.”

Well, okay then. Guess it’s me and the big guy making coffee.

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