Collateral Damage (bxb)

23. Answers

A.N. This chapter begins from the perspective of Ian.

Arguably, it was more stressful going to see my parents than confronting a bunch of holders. I haven't seen them in a few years if I don't count the few phone calls I had over the holidays. Jack never did want to hassle with driving over to Haddon.

I took a deep breath and looked at Wolf who sat in the partly melted fake leather seat with his singed tank top. I think Aidan hasn't noticed how stressed Wolf was to see Angel. The aura around him still flickers with fear and anxiety, but it was hard not to feel distracted by it that seemed brighter than his flames during the meeting.

Aidan hasn't said a thing since we left, but he decided to break the silence, "So, how did you manage to convince Angel?" His question was pointed and precise.

Wolf chirped in, "Yeah. That bitch is as stubborn as they come." His words were loud and rang true.

Angel's conviction was strong yet there was a dark thread of doubt. Her sister must be so precious to her that she'll do anything and that is what I exploited. It felt like I almost pulled at the tiny thread of doubt in her conviction to dispense justice. It was strange but nothing I haven't done before.

I answer, "I don't know. I just knew she wanted her sister back and I said what she wanted to hear."

Aidan let out a sigh, so I readied myself to answer any further questions, but he didn't ask a question. "Holder powers come from many different places. Wolf uses anger and hate, Kitty meditates, Angel used to be an artist but now creates her constructs through visualization..." He trailed off noticing that he might not have needed to give that much information.

Wolf huffed and snorted. "I am NOT a ball of anger." His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. Yeah... definitely.

"And your powers?" I asked, expectantly looking back at him.

His smile faded and he looked outside at the suburban dream. "I... I don't think you'll understand." He was reluctant, but I kept looking at him and expecting an answer. His eyes met mine and he smiled. "It's weird, okay?"

"Okay? But why tell me this?" I asked, not knowing what to make of this revelation of how holders work.

Wolf snapped, "You might have used your ability on Angel." Direct and blunt as always. My eyes grew wide with surprise.

"You must be joking. I don't... I can't!" There is no way. I have never been able to do anything more than just see things.

"Wolf, bit more tact," Aidan patted his shoulder, "Ian, there is a reason why mentals like you are considered more dangerous than anyone or anything else."

"But why?" I asked, still confused.

"You are nearly undetectable and might have a powerful ability that is subtle but grows in strength when unlocked or used properly." Aidan shifted in his seat and leaned in. "Look at Wolf. When I met him, he could barely light a candle at will. The same can apply to you. That is why the SBC wants to lock you up or even kill you."

I laughed. "So they think I will mind-control the president or something." I kept on laughing but Aidan and Wolf stayed silent. Their expressions are serious and grim. "You are serious..."

"I would be caught before even getting close, Aidan could get close enough but he would be seen. But a mental could just walk up and do their thing." Wolf's words came with a calm and serious demeanor.

They were telling the truth... I could not have done that, could I? "Why would I do that? How could I?"

Aidan sighed. "It is just a theory we have."