Page 26 of Severed By Magic

His right brow lifted. “Yeah?”

“This might be obvious to you, but I don’t think all hybrids are created equal.”

“Meaning?”

“I’ve only been able to compare the four of us, but I’ve noticed a few things that one of us can do that the others can’t. Like Saige doesn’t have shifter senses.”

“Kaden mentioned that.”

“I noticed it a few weeks ago. Kaden and Sai react to things at the same time, but she never did. She can’t scent or hear things like them.”

He nodded. “So you think my vampire abilities are different from yours?”

“Yeah, I mean, you’re faster than you should be––”

“But not as fast as you,” he finished. “That’s interesting. I thought most characteristics would develop in time, but it makes sense that, as hybrids, we don’t have the same amount of each species in us. Also, we might not have all their abilities.”

“Which is good that you and Saige are both publicly witches. That’s your stronger side.”

“Our dominant side. What an interesting theory.”

He looked out the window, and I could practically see the wheels turning in his head.

“I bet you wish you could run off to the library right now.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You have no idea.”

“I’m sure they have one here.”

His expression darkened. “It’s not geared toward research. I already asked.”

Of course he did. But maybe it was a good thing he didn’t have anywhere to run. That had been a major issue before. His absence hurt Saige and our entire bond. We needed him present, especially now.

“I just feel so useless.” His words were so quiet, I barely heard.

“What do you mean?”

He looked up, startled, like he didn’t know he’d spoken aloud.

“Nothing.”

“Come on. I thought we were past this. You know you can talk to me.”

He rubbed his jaw. “I know I went overboard before, but it was the only way I knew how to help. I’m not the strong one. Or the protector. Or her confidant. You guys make up for the things I lack, and I tried to do the same by being the one who was always prepared. I wanted to have a plan, a backup, and a backup for that. I wanted to have the answers for her. Now, what’s my role? What good am I to her or any of you?”

Niall had never been so open, and I couldn’t mess this up. This could be my one chance to prove I took him seriously. If I failed, he might never open up again.

“That’s heavy, man.”

He met my eyes and smirked. “Yeah, I know.”

“I don’t see you that way. I don’t think any of us do, especially Saige.”

He didn’t argue like I was expecting, so I continued.

“I don’t think any one of us is the strong one. We all have our strengths, physically and intellectually. We’re all her protectors. We all love her and want her, and each other, to be safe. You have spells for everything. I’m pretty sure you could do more than the rest of us in an attack.”

He shook his head, but I wasn’t going to let him keep thinking like that.

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