Page 42 of Beta Hybrid

Andrea seems to be leading us to the heart of the tree house. It feels silly to think one of the most powerful beings on earth lives in a tree house, but I definitely approve. This place is not only a part of nature, but it’s awesome.

It’s not enough to take the edge off my anger, though, and all the other emotions setting my blood boiling.

‘To us, it’s home.’

I don’t miss the word. Us. I glance over at Cai, brow raised, and he returns the look.

‘How did Aldrich reach out to me in a dream?’ I ask.

Andrea pauses and turns. ‘How do you think?’

‘I don’t know,’ I snap. I’m not in the mood for games. ‘That’s why I asked.’

‘I guided him to you. Through our bond.’

‘We have no bond.’ My voice is cold as ice. ‘You are a stranger to me.’

‘Our blood, then.’ She turns back, clearly unoffended. ‘I said you would come.’

‘Did you now?’ I drawl. ‘So, what does he want?’

‘That is for him to discuss.’

‘You’re really shit at answering questions.’ My anger is getting the better of me.

Cai muffles a laugh.

Andrea turns, her lips pursed slightly in disapproval, but she says nothing. A minute later, we arrive at a massive wooden cabin set in the middle of the triplet trees. She knocks softly on the door and enters as it opens.

‘Aldrich, this is my daughter, Zenna, and her mate. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.’

‘You didn’t bother asking,’ I tell her.

Aldrich, the Fae Father, sits on the ground, with only a pillow between himself and the wood. His hair is pure white, though his face is nearly unlined, making his age hard to determine. He wears a loose white shirt and grey pants.

To my surprise, he chuckles. ‘She has spark.’

‘I’m Mordecai.’ He has the grace to slightly incline his head. ‘Nice to meet you, uh, Origin.’

Aldrich gestures to the low-set table. ‘You too, Mordecai. Zenna. Please, take a seat. Andrea, if you would join us. I think you should be here for this.’ His voice is deep and rumbling, but pleasant.

Cai and I sit opposite him and my mother on low, comfortable cushions.

‘I kind of expected to see you on a throne or something.’ I remember Drusilla’s chair in the Tomb. The way she liked to play mind games and keep me in the dark.

Aldrich’s lips curve, his eyes lighting with amusement. ‘Is that so? I prefer to be close to nature.’ He rumbles a laugh, gesturing to the tree house. ‘If you cannot tell.’

‘Why did you call to me?’ I ask. I should be kinder, I know. More polite, but I’ve had enough. ‘And why is my mother here?’

Andrea levels a glare at me. ‘Don’t ask questions—’

The Origin waves her down. ‘It’s alright. It’s only natural she wants to know.’

‘Of course I’m going to ask questions.’ It takes all my self-control not to call my own mother an idiot. ‘Did you expect me to remain silent?’

‘No. You are naturally curious,’ Aldrich answers smoothly. ‘You have wanted answers about your parents all your life.’ His tone is soft, oddly sweet-sounding, though the low bass of his voice rumbles in his chest.

Cai tilts his head. ‘Is it true, then?’ He looks from my mother to Aldrich and back.

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