Page 35 of To Hell and Back
“Don’t worry, mate. I will see to it.”
He had a feeling Christos was either a god or was related to one. That would explain why he was monitoring his offspring. Killian knew better than anyone that the gods could be fickle, cruel creatures. Some used their powers to do good and help people, while others used their magic for personal gain and to harm people. Those individuals didn’t deserve the magic they had been gifted. Whoever this Christos was, he certainly belonged in the latter category.
Killian would find him and make him pay for what he’d done. However, this situation might be a whole lot more complicated than it seemed, so he would have to do some digging first.
Considering the specific abilities Mason had displayed, Killian wouldn’t be surprised if he discovered he had some sort of connection to Zeus. Once known as the God of the Sky and Emperor of the Gods in the Celestial Realm, Zeus had hurt a lot of people and fathered countless bastards before someone had finally killed him. Killian wasn’t sure who had done that particular honor, but it had been well deserved.
“Hold up a second. Zeus is real?”Seneca asked, her surprise clear in her voice.
“Yes, and he was really an unlikable prick.”
She snorted out a delicate laugh.“So, the myths about him are true. Do you really think Mason is related to Zeus?”
“Perhaps. It would explain why Christos was monitoring him. He might be seeking someone with a specific ability.”
There had to be a reason Christos had specifically chosen Daphne, and her reaction to Killian’s magical probe told him there was probably more to her past than even she was aware of. Sometimes magical abilities skipped a generation, and if Mason turned out to be some sort of hybrid god, that would make him even more dangerous.
Delving into their lineages wouldn’t be easy since most of the gods were secretive fucks who liked their privacy. Fortunately, they would have time to search for answers since it would take a while to train Mason properly. Learning how to use new god powers was tricky, especially without a powerful anchor like a mate or blood relative. They would have to make sure that Mason was prepared before they released him back into the general public.
For now, at least they had stopped him from wiping out the town.
“Your son is a danger to anyone who is around him right now,” Killian said bluntly. “Until he learns how to control his magic, he cannot be around people.”
“I can move them into The Manor,” Arson offered.
Killian shook his head. “And if he accidentally destroys The Manor and everyone in it? Would you be able to contain his magic if he loses control again? It would be best if he stays with us for now.”
Daphne started to speak but shut her mouth when Arson held up a hand. “He’s right. He is a dark god. One of the last remaining ancient reapers,” he told her. “Your son will be safer with him. Besides, he is the only one who can train Mason.”
“I still think you should consider staying at The Manor,” Seneca told Daphne. “If this Christos guy comes looking for you or your son, the people at The Manor can protect you. Arson can also arrange for you to come visit Mason if you need to.”
Arson nodded. “That’s a good idea. Pack your things, Daphne. You are moving to The Manor.”
“I can’t ask you to—”
“Not asking. I’m also telling you this is what we should do. Your house is basically destroyed anyway. This really would be best for you and for Mason.”
She hesitated briefly, then nodded. Then, she shot Killian a serious look. “Can you really protect my son if Christos comes looking for him?”
Killian would have been insulted if he didn’t understand she was terrified of losing her son. “I look forward to him trying.”
“What he means is, yes, we will protect your son,” Seneca clarified. “And I can promise you that it won’t end well for Christos if he does coming looking for Mason.”
Satisfied with that, Daphne whispered a heartfelt, “Thank you.”
Killian turned toward Dario and Anika.“Take the boy back to the villa and get him set up in the containment room. We’ll be back once we settle things here.”
Less than a heartbeat later, the three of them disappeared.
Daphne let out a small cry of alarm, then she collected herself and sighed. “I’m going to go pack some of my things.”
“I’ll wait for you and take you back to The Manor since your car is toast.”
“Damn,” she said on a sigh. “I don’t think insurance covers this kind of damage.”
That made him chuckle. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll get it replaced for you.”
Once she disappeared into the house, Arson turned toward them, and his eyes widened. “Oh, wow. That was quick. Your eyes are glowing.”
