Page 78 of Cultivating Caden
Chapter 20
“What do you mean,you’re going after the family of some demon?” Caden’s lip curled. “And how the hell are there demons anyway?”
Ten held up a hand. “Demons are a classification of creatures who exist on a different plane. Their world and ours intersect in locations, called nexuses, which allows beings on either side to cross over, if they have the ability. Before the rise of Christianity, a demon was seen as sort of a spirit guide or protector. Due to their appearances, however, many demons were reviled by Christians and thought unholy. This led to humans trying to exterminate the otherworldly creatures, which didn’t go well for either side. War broke out, but neither humans or demons could gain a foothold.”
Ten picked up his bottle and took a long draw of root beer. His gaze darted between Quade and Caden.
“Over time, the demons, decimated by conflict, came through the portal less and less. The only ones who did make the trip were the strongest of those who saw people as a food source, and earth was their hunting ground.”
“That’s disgusting.”
Shrugging, Ten picked up a piece of pizza. “Circle of life. Humans like to think they’re the dominant species, but they’re not. Sometimes those who thought they were the hunters end up being the prey. Think of it likePredator, only instead of hunting for sport, they hunt for food.”
“Sorry, but Ten’s right. The world is harsh. In most cases, groups like ours protect the people from knowing what’s really out there. But sometimes we can’t, and you’ll hear about a natural disaster. In those instances, if you look deep enough, you’ll see it’s more or less a cover-up. The human government fears widespread panic if word of what’sreallyout there becomes public knowledge.”
Tossing his pizza onto the plate, Caden sat back. “So you’re telling me that politicians decide what we should know?”
“Mm-hmm.” Quade stuffed the rest of his slice into his mouth. “They always have. People don’t need to know, and they can go ahead and live their lives blissfully ignorant of the threats that exist.”
“Sounds all kinds of wrong to me. Lying to the people you’re supposed to be serving?”
“Are you gonna eat that, Dad?” Ten asked, pointing to the last piece of pizza.
“Why? You wanna fight me for it?” Quade chuckled. “Go ahead and take it. You need some meat on your bones.”
Ten grabbed the slice and started nibbling on the edges. He stopped, put it back on the plate, then turned to Caden. “What do you think would happen if the government offered irrefutable proof of aliens, demihumans, or creatures from other dimensions? It would cause chaos all across the world. Religions would rise and fall, some people would take up arms, others would be thrilled at the prospect of meeting new life forms. And many others would simply do their best to ignore it and go on with their lives. Now, what happens when someone starts a rumor that they eat people? There are just some things humans aren’t ready to know.”
“It still doesn’t seem right.” Caden wasn’t certain why he was being so stubborn. He knew people had issues with him being gay, but how much worse would it be for people like the ones who lived in Sanctuary? Coming out as gay—tough. Coming out as otherworldly? Yeah, that would suck.
“So what’s going to happen to your friend?”
Ten sighed. “He’s still in the infirmary. The doctors took samples of his blood and venom, but they want to keep him close by in case something goes wrong.” He turned pleading eyes on Caden. “He’s not a bad guy, Poppa. He only did this to save his people.”
“Which I’m going to do.”
Ten turned, his eyes full of hope. “Dad?”
“What? I’ve been saying I’m going. Aren’t you listening?”
“I am, but… I wasn’t sure you were serious.”
Quade sighed. “Look, I’m not sure I trust him, but I do believe in you. If you say he’s in trouble, then we have to help him, right?”
“Yes. He’s important to the future.”
“Oh?”
Ten fidgeted, not meeting Quade’s gaze. “Can you trust me on this?”
“Of course. Now we just have to figure out how to get there. Plane-hopping isn’t easy, and I’m pretty sure you can’t open a portal.”
Ten’s cheeks flushed, and he looked away. “No, but A’kosh can. His people can cross dimensions just like we walk into another room. And he’s willing to help you.”
“And you know this how?”
Ten’s cheeks reddened. “I’m in his mind. We’ve been talking.”
“Ten….”
