Page 95 of The Cute Psycho

"Last but not least, we have a very popular request. We've had multiple people inquire about this, so it's only fair to start the bidding at five million," Mauro speaks into the microphone, and the crowd is getting rowdy, some people saying it's too much for the start, while others are simply curious as to what type of merchandise could possibly be that expensive.

"A rare mutation in the amygdala that results in an unusual form of autism. Most prevalent in twins, you can already guess how hard it is to find this in the wild," Mauro jokes, and I feel Vlad tense next to me.

"But don't you worry. We've secured a pair of twins with these exact specifications. The first one we've found in the last five years," he says and people gasp, "yes gentlemen, it's that rare, and the reason we're starting at five million."

Mauro continues his speech, introducing the five-year-old twins, a brother and sister. They are steered toward the stage, their little faces scrunched up in confusion as they take in the crowd staring at them.

Angelic blond curls, both children look so innocent dressed all in white. They are holding hands as they take the stage, the girl getting shy and trying to hide behind her brother.

"Sweet Jesus and Mother of God," I hear Vlad mumble, for the first time using a religious appellation.

I turn to him to find him staring in awe at the twins, his eyes wide, his mouth agape.

"Vlad?" I call out his name, my hand reaching for his. "What's wrong?" I ask, seeing him so shaken.

"It can't be." He frowns, his brows pinched together as he tilts his head to the side, his eyes rapidly moving around and assessing his surroundings.

"What is it?" I repeat my question, but it's like he's not hearing me. His focus is solely on the stage and on the children trying to escape public scrutiny.

It's almost an eternity later that he finally replies.

"That mutation," he starts, his gaze shrewd, his features sharp. "That's what I have. What my sister and I had."

"Your twin sister?" He nods, releasing my hand and stepping forward in the crowd.

The bidding is already starting, and contrary to the initial disgruntled sounds, people seem quite enthusiastic to bid an entire fortune on the twins.

But why?

"Why?" I catch up with him, grabbing his hand and making him face me. "Why is this mutation so important?"

"Twenty million," someone calls out, and I gasp at the amount.

"Why?" Vlad chuckles, but his face isnotsmiling. "I have the samequestion. Why would someone pay so much for twins with a random mutation?"

"It doesn't seem random," I remark, since people wouldn't be so keen on acquiring the twins if it was just a fluke. "Does it give you superpowers, or what?" I crack a joke, but I realize my timing is off.

Vlad isnotin a jovial mood. And as he follows the bidding closely, he seems to become more tense, his muscles twitching, his fists furling and unfurling.

"Thirty," Mauro calls out. "Thirty once... thirty twice... Sold to number sixteen! Congratulations!" Mauro announces the winner, and I follow Vlad's gaze to a scrawny man lowering the paddle with number sixteen.

"Stay with her," he commands Seth, before he dashes to the crowd, quickly out of sight.

"What..." I whisper, my feet moving of their own accord as I try to follow, but Seth catches my arm, holding me back.

One look at him and he shakes his head, motioning me to stay put.

"For God's sake," I mutter under my breath, annoyed. Even so, I can't help but worry about Vlad. What does he think he's doing? Especially when he's very close to snapping. He's just recovered from a close call and now he's diving headfirst into another.

What if he snaps?

Lord, I don't want to imagine the carnage. And with this many people around, I don't want to think what might happen to Vlad if anyone tried to stop him.

Please come back... Don't do anything stupid.

I can only hope he's going to think this through. Whatever that mutation means and the fact that Vlad has it too must have triggered something in him.

I'm restless as I wait, my arms wrapped around my midriff as I scan the crowd for him. Finally, only when I see him head toward us can I sigh in relief.

---