Page 69 of Forgotten Monsters
The chaos of the attack somewhat subsided, but seeing Daniel organize his troops and tend to the wounded like he’s fucking Mother Theresa sets me on edge. I thoroughly avoid the corner where Melanie and Trent stand and cross the room to speak with my father.
Before I escort Barron and Mallory outside, I need to make sure of something.
“Hey, are you okay, Peanut?”
“You have to tell Jules about Mallory.” I squeeze his lower arm to punctuate my statement, letting him know that I mean it.
Wrinkles appear at the corner of Dad’s eyes. “How did you know?”
“I know you.”
He scratches his neck, eyes cast down. “I’m not proud of it, but if I’d tried to do more for Mallory, Jules would have been in grave danger.”
“I understand, and she will too. Tell her.”
I thought I was like Piper, but I’m actually more like him. Ambitious, but to a point. Willing to sacrifice innocents if needed, but ready to die to protect my family. I just need to not let narcissistic assholes into said family.
“I will. Not here, but as soon as we’re alone. I promise.”
Revelations about Mallory’s true identity should come from him, not me. I can’t believe my little sister, the one who would always shriek during horror movies, has claimed the Aegis, the most powerful relic on Earth.
“We need to come up with a plausible lie as to how she managed to cure Elsa Demers and Flynn. No one should know she has the Aegis,” I say.
If that new power of hers can be stolen, I’m sure many supernaturals would kill for such a treasure.
Mother lurks closer, her eyes red and her perfect nails in shambles.
“Robert…I think your daughter lied about Theo’s chances. I demand a second opinion.”
A big frown twists my face. “Mom. Stop.”
Is she serious? No one else could provide asecond opinion,and even if they could, what good would it do?
Dad pinches the bridge of his nose. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Piper. You and Allie will provide the Magisterium with all the details surrounding Elsbeth Eillis’ murder. Tell them Darkwood came up with the plan and enlisted Osbourne to carry out the deed. It’ll be easy to prove his part in it, but if we’re not careful, Osbourne will weasel his way out of charges because of his subordinate relationship with the ex-President. With your testimony, and Allie’s, we can nail him.”
Mom grows a shade whiter. “I won’t—”
“Without the amulet Darkwood stole to protect you…” Dad trails off softly, almost regretfully. “You must think long and hard about how you want the world—and your only child—to remember you.”
“Robert…”
“I’m sorry Piper. I truly am. You also have to decide who should be the one to put Darkwood out of his misery.” Dad squeezes my hand before walking away.
Tears sting my eyes, but I won’t let them fall. Mom is condemned without the amulet, and that partsucks.
“We should consult with my lawyer—”
“It’s over, Mom.”
She convinced me we could conquer the world together, but she sold her soul to Darkwood and mine along with it.
I head over to Barron. The duo helped Lydia build a new perimeter after the initial attack, and Mal is still chatting with the redhead.
The Scot’s dimmed his shadowy aura. His hands are tucked deep in his pockets, his shoulders hunched like he wants to downplay his height and avoid attention. If it wasn’t for the chaos of the last few hours, I don’t think he would have shown his face here.
“You got your revenge, Little Storm,” he murmurs.
“Did I?”
