Chimera Awakened

Chapter Twelve

"Ev, Lina said you'd..." Broderick trailed off when he saw us.

I could only imagine what he was thinking. Food, a fire, me sitting across from a man. I stood up slowly and opened my mouth to say something but Broderick spoke first.

"It seems I'm interrupting."

Hale stood then and walked to Broderick. "It's not what you're thinking," he insisted, palms out.

"How would you know what I'm thinking?" Broderick asked, so calmly a shiver ran down my spine.

"Let's see." Hale paused and tilted his head as if listening to something. "No, we haven't slept together, and don't plan to either. She's not my type." He smiled genially and continued, "You could take me to the cells and slice out one fingernail at a time but, once you hear the whole story, I don't think you will."

"Enough," Broderick said, still terrifyingly calm. "What's going on?"

"Broderick," I stepped forward and took a deep breath, "this is Hale Caiman."

Broderick's eyes turned glacial before fury marked his features.

"Just listen to me first," I said quickly. "He's not what we think he is."

"He didn't frame you for treason?" He demanded.

"Well, yes, but he's here to help."

"Help with what?"

"I know I'm the Chimera," I blurted and his eyes widened. "I know everything and he's going to teach me how to use my gifts."

Broderick took a steadying breath before speaking, still calm. "Evelyn, can I speak with you alone for a moment?" His eyes never left mine.

I nodded and he grabbed my hand and led me down the hall. We entered a room that looked like a small library. It was the size of my bedroom and books lined three walls. A fire was roaring in the stone fireplace where two leather chairs sat before it with a large fur rug between them.

"Why is he helping you?" he asked.

I explained it all to him. How Hale talked with my mother, the dream telling me to trust the thought listener, the falling out with General Malachi, everything.

"What exactly happened with the General?" he asked, now shifting from anger to contemplative.

"He didn't say, but I think it has something to do with the man he once loved," I answered.

Broderick's lips pursed in thought and I knew Hale's earlier comment about me not being his type flashed through his mind.

He heaved a sigh and said very quietly, "If you trust him then that's enough for me."

"Good." I lifted my chin before saying, "And don't think you're off the hook about not telling me what I am."

His face flushed at that and his brows lowered.
"I did what I thought was best," he said. "You can be pissed at me, you can hate me, but I did it to keep you safe and I'd do it again."

"I know," I said quietly and he flinched. Actually flinched.

The reaction made me laugh and I saw the corners of his lips twitch as he fought amusement.

"I was furious with you," I admitted. "But, I know you were only doing what you thought was right."

His confused, disbelieving face made me smile and I reached to touch his arm.

"No more secrets," I said and he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"No more secrets," he agreed and I could feel the tension melt away from him.