Page 61 of Brambles and Bellflowers
Our marks were unmistakable signs of power and protection. No one with knowledge of our society could miss theirsignificance. The fact that Richards and his people had seen Bianca’s mark meant they’d deliberately targeted her, knowing exactly who she was.
11
Julian POV
I watchedBianca’s sleeping form through the open tent flap. My hands were shaking with the need to go to her, especially after her earlier distress, but Damen had demanded that we remain behind to talk.
This was a report that couldn’t be missed.
“She showed me the scar,” Damen said quietly. The firelight cast shadows across his face as he described what she’d revealed—the subtle details about her captivity, along with the ‘treatment’ she received.
The Richards operation was more sophisticated than we’d initially believed.
Rage surged through me. She’d received medical punishment for non-compliance. My fingers itched with the need to destroy, to make them suffer as she had.
“That explains her avoidance of hospitals,” Titus growled. The dragon’s form flickered in the darkness, his control slipping. “Even before being involuntarily committed.”
“There’s more.” Damen’s voice hardened. “A trafficking ring this close to our territory had to have supernatural protection. No normal operation would risk taking someone with our mark. They know she’s Mu.”
The implications hit me like a physical blow.
“Someone in a position of authority had to have helped them,” I said, touching my head.
My mind cataloged suspects—who had the influence, the medical connections, and the ability to protect a trafficking operation from scrutiny? The list was longer than I liked.
“We need to let the Officers know,” Titus said. “Half of them are already involved. Now we need everyone, including the Paragons.”
“You know what that means,” Damen frowned. “Pearson and Mai will be told,” he said as he looked between us.
“And Jameson,” Titus scowled in return. “And yes, I know what it means. I can deal with my father. The rest of the Paragon Er Bashous need to be brought in—how long do you think Declan and Jonathon will keep this from their quintet anyway?”
A coldness seemed to settle over the air.
To alert the Proxy Er Bashous meant that Mai would return. She’d left me alone so I could finish school, and I’d hoped never to see the she-devil’s face again. Nothing was worse than her quiet lurking through the night, attacking when you least expected it. She was probably the only person in the world that gave me chills. But, for Bianca’s sake…
“Let’s see what Gregory thinks,” I replied, looking back to the fire. “HeisBianca’s magical guardian.”
“Jameson is going to be pissed,” Titus replied.
“Whatever,” Damen replied. “I’m the Xing, not him. He has to listen to me.”
Well, we all knew that was a lie. The Paragons were the embodiment of our ultimate forms as we grew into our roles andonly after we finished our training could we beat them. As of this moment, Jameson could easily kick Damen’s ass—the same way Mai could murder me without breaking a sweat.
“Regardless,” Damen continued, shoulders slumping. “I agree with Julian. We ask Gregory first. If he thinks we need them, we’ll do it.”
Bianca POV
I rubbed my fists over my face, trying to block out the intrusive sunlight shining through the orange nylon, and when I opened my eyes, I saw Titus.
“Sorry,” he said. He was sitting cross-legged on the floor of the tent near my head. “But we’ll need to get moving soon if you want to find Miles today.” He leaned forward and brushed my hair behind my ear. “It’s already late.”
“What time is it?” I asked.
“It’s eight in the morning,” Titus said. “We let you sleep in.”
“Eight is not sleeping in,” I muttered, pulling the blanket over my face. “Let me have ten more minutes.”
Titus tugged the blanket away from my face. “I brought food.”
