22

Don't be alarmed.

Henley

One night, three weeks later, Mr. Thorne calls Parker and me into his office to chat.

Even though Blaze is gone, I still spend most nights in the Thorne home—mostly just when my dad is working. My dad doesn't seem to mind, if anything he is happy about the fact that I'm safe. I know he's always hated leaving me on my own.

Parker swings our linked hands between us as we head down the hallway.

Carson screams as he dunks under our linked hands, running in the opposite direction. A moment later, Lucy and Dylan come running down the hallway after him. I jump out of their way just in time.

Parker rolls his eyes. "Sorry about them."

Parker's house is… chaotic. His siblings are always running about and playing, but I wouldn't want it any other way. It's always bustling and noisy. But, even with the noise, I enjoy the quiet. It's so peaceful here, even if Parker doesn't think so.

I wonder what our own home will be like when we get older. How many children will Parker and I have?

I push the thought away as we reach Mr. Throne's office. Parker knocks on the door.

The door opens instantly and Mr. Thorne waves us inside. When we walk into the office, I freeze when I see somebody else occupying the space. I instantly drop into a curtsy.

"King Basilicus, I didn't know you were coming," I say, as I finish curtsying to him.

"Have a seat," he instructs.

Parker and I both do as he says, taking the two free spots next to him. Parker's dad walks around the desk, taking his usual seat.

"Is something wrong?" Parker looks between his dad and the dragon king.

Mr. Thorne rubs his hands over his face and sighs heavily. "I'm afraid I don't have good news."

"Don't scare the children," King Basilicus says, then turns to look at me. "Do not be alarmed, but the supernatural community has found out about you."

I blink, not sure how I'm supposed to react. "Um… I didn't realize my existence was a secret."

Parker is tense beside me like he's afraid. I glance at him, but he's looking between King Basilicus and his father.

King Basilicus shifts in his seat. "You are a supposedly dead supernatural. You shouldn't exist, but you do. To the world, you are a rarity—a rarity that many would love to get their hands on. You're incredibly powerful. And the ones who don't want to get their hands on you for your power would like to kill you for the very same reason. You, Henley Stone, are strong."

I lean back in my chair. "Okay. So what do we do?"

"We will protect you, of course," Parker says sharply. "I will be at your side all the time and when I can't be, you will have guards. I will make sure that you are protected at all times."

King Basilicus waves a hand. "There is no need for all of that. Henley will be plenty safe with her current level of protection. And, as the king of the dragons, I am prepared to offer an alliance. With my support, supernaturals will be more cautious. Nobody is going to take your mate away from you, Alpha Parker, I assure you."

Parker's shoulders relax slightly.

"Thank you." I nod at the dragon king. "But I still don't get why anybody would want me. I barely even have control of my powers. I can't go out around humans without passing out—it's why Mr. Thorne agreed to homeschool the pack."

"You will get control of your powers. Very shortly, I believe." King Basilicus glances at Mr. Thorne.

"You will," Mr. Thorne agrees. "Because I have been contacted by another phoenix. And he has agreed to help you learn how to control your powers."

My jaw drops open. "What?"

"He'll be here in a few weeks."

Another phoenix is alive? And they're coming here?

"Dad, are you sure that's a good idea?" Parker leans forward. "What if he's demented, like Blaze?"

Mr. Thorne shakes his head. "He's not. This other phoenix claims he knows Henley. He knew her parents and he has a vested interest in protecting her."

"How can you believe him?" Parker asks.

Mr. Throne grins. "Because he's Henley's uncle."

The end.

The story will continue in Burnout, book 3.