Page 66 of Slayer Mom
She patted my head, like the werewolf guy had done. “You are only human. You didn’t ask for the burden of propping up our world’s greatest protector against the worst things, but here you are. Hopefully, you find the strength to do what must be done.”
I jerked my head away. “Don’t pet me. I’m an exterminator, not a mascot, even if I am only human. And that means that I decide what it is that I need to do, not you, not the Grand Master, and not the Zombie Queen.”
“You are so sensitive.”
“Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I am, because I still hurt from that needle you shoved into me. What is it supposed to do, anyway? What was in that?”
“Anti-zombie serum.”
“What is it made out of? Did you shoot me up with somebody’s blood?”
“I am not the Grand Master’s chemist.”
I crossed my arms and gave her a look. “Which wasn’t a no. Whatever. Where am I supposed to be for this battle?”
“You will join the Grand Master and the princes in the stands.”
“You do realize how ridiculous it is to have a war in a baseball stadium, don’t you?”
“I only know that it is what the Grand Master has decreed, and therefore must be for the best.”
Sure it was. I followed Brika down halls and up stairs until I came out in a large area without anyone besides Hazen and the boys. Wat sat a few seats away from Hazen and Lock, scowling at the world around him.
I walked over on the aisle above them, then climbed over the row, clanking in my fancy armor, soI could sit next to Wat. “Hey. Are you okay? Are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to.”
“Who else will make sure you don’t accidentally get turned during the fighting?” He glared at Lock.
“While I appreciate the thought, I trust that Hazen won’t turn me unless I ask him to.”
“What about Lock? He could turn you. He’s been subtly asking people how to do it.” He shot another glare at his brother.
“Wat, would you tone down the angst for just a second? I realize that you’re almost thirteen, and a vampire, but maybe you could go buy some black lipstick instead of having to emote negativity all the time.”
He gave me a flat look, like the last time I’d suggested that he dye his hair. “Seriously, mom. People who wear black lipstick and go goth are trying to be cool vampire types. I am a real vampire, but I want to be a jock. It sucks.”
I took his hand and squeezed it. I probably shouldn’t touch him because nutmeg, but he was already a vampire. “I’m sorry. What don’t you like about it? Maybe there’s some way to make it better for you. Hazen’s been around since Genghis Khan, so I’m sure he can help you adjust.”
“Who told you that?” Hazen asked without taking his eyes off the field. He was wearing sunglasses and a large hat, but you could still see his gorgeous lips and cheekbones and chin.
“None of your business. Nice hat, though. Well?” I asked, turning back to Wat.
“School is so hard. They’re either pushing me to be more of a vampire, or pushing me to hold it all in. There’s no just being anymore. Either you’re like Lock, all locked up, or you’re like one of those feral vamps who someone has to track down and kill. It’s not all bad. Larian taught me this.” He opened hishand and a ball of fire bloomed in his fingers before he closed his hand and it disappeared.
“Wow. Did you just grow fire?”
“Sure. Dad can do that too, manipulate all the elements, but so far, I’ve just got fire. I’ve always liked fire.”
“He can manipulate all the elements?” I shot a look at Hazen, in that hat. It was like a cowboy hat, only a fedora cap. “Where did you get that hat?” I asked.
“None of your business. I like your hair, though.”
I almost stuck my tongue out at him, but I somehow held back. Mostly because my kids were watching us. “Anyway,” I said, turning back to Wat. “What do you have to hold in?”
“The craving for blood, mostly, but it’s not as bad for me as for Lock. That’s probably because dad had been slipping blood into my soda for a few weeks before I turned. Lock was a surprise.”
“Wait, you gave him soda?” I asked, turning on Hazen, more shocked by that than the elemental fire bit.
His lips turned up at the corners. He had such a temptingly gorgeous mouth. “Don’t worry. It was mostly blood.”
