Red Moon Secrets (Deadly Beauties 3)

"Kane, I'm only asking nicely once more," Gage growls through what I assume is gritted teeth, not sounding as though he's asking nicely at all.

"You're welcome to try something. I'm faster than you realize, and I can pull you out of a vaporized state before you can attempt to zap her out. As a matter of fact, I can remind you just how strong I am."

"Try it. I wasn't prepared for you last time. I am now," Gage seethes.

Realizing I can't continue hiding, considering they're on the verge of throwing fists around—or magic—I finally open the door. Zee tilts his head curiously and Deke joins him in bemusement.

"It's blond again?"

Gage doesn't even acknowledge the question as he vaporizes past Kane and wraps me up in his arms. Kane's jaw clenches audibly, and I cringe against the contact.

"I've been worried to damn death, Alyssa. Your dad called and asked me if I was with you. I let him know you were here the second someone answered a fucking phone," he says, ending on an irritable note as his eyes fall back on my fuming night stalker.

"Gage, I'm fine. Just go. I still don't want to see you," I grumble while pushing him away.

Kane relaxes a little, though his hands are still fisted at his sides. I know he's only holding back because of me.

"Alyssa, I know it's scary, but it's only half of the prophecy," Gage murmurs while stroking my cheek with his thumb. "Don't freak out and run back to him simply because you're scared."

Kane's whole demeanor changes as pain sweeps his eyes. Gage is doing his best to be vague and misleading.

"That's not why I'm here, and I'm not fully convinced that prophecy is about me. I don't care what any of you say."

Deke starts fanning himself beside Kane as sweat forms on his brow. Zee seems to be burning up, too, along with Kane and Gage. I'm not hot.

"Is Dice with you?" Zee grumbles, wiping away some of the sweat.

"He's in the car," Gage says dismissively, never breaking eye contact with me.

"I'm going to go tell him to put his power away. I know he loves a good conflict between old lovers, but this shit is ridiculous," Zee continues, walking toward the door.

"We're not old lovers," Gage corrects. "Alyssa just won't accept the truth."

"Alyssa, what's he talking about?" Kane finally asks with pained eyes, unable to bite back his questions anymore.

I sigh, stepping away from Gage and walking over to Kane. "Gage, you can go. I need to talk to Kane."

The dark user holds his ground, not ready to be dismissed.

"Your dad wants you to come home. The Were council is still undecided on whether or not they're buying the imposter spirit story. They want to have a meeting, and Drackus wants it to be done at his house. He's telling them it's because you don't wish to involve the light."

"I think I should be there if that's the case. This involves me as well," Kane interjects, not meeting my eyes.

Gage shifts, his jaw now making crunching noises. "We'll handle this. Drackus will just intimidate the shit out of them, and I'll do the same. You might not know too much about me, but they do. They'll back down."

"I said I'm going," Kane asserts, taking a step toward Gage.

I quickly step in between them, and I place a hand on both of their chests to push them apart. They relent, and allow their immortal bodies to shift back.

"Gage, just go. Tell Drackus I'll be there. I need to talk to Kane, and if he still wants to come after I tell him about all this shit, then he can come."

Gage cracks his neck to the side, and then he vanishes

from sight. Kane walks over to drop in a chair, massaging his temples with his fingers. Deke quickly makes an exit when he sees the seriousness going on, and he disappears into the open doorway to the soundproof room below.

When he shuts the secret door behind him, it's quiet in here for the first time all night.

"Care to explain?" Kane asks while leaning back in the chair, keeping his voice low.