Rogue - Curse of the Hybrids Book 1

Chapters 21-25

Chapter 21

Brayton

"Mom, it's hamburger night, why would you get a salad?"

"Because I like salads."

"You do not."

Brayton had felt sorry for the students he'd seen in the cafeteria with parents in tow, but oddly, he didn't mind that his mom was visiting. He held up two fingers to the guy at the grill and a minute later, two burgers slid over the counter.

"You're eating two of those things?" his mom mock scolded.

"No. One is for you."

His mom gave him that look, the one that said he'd amused her and she was proud of him at the same time. It made him feel good.

His mom stood by his side and scanned the rambunctious cafeteria while he paid for their meals. He figured she'd complain about how wild everyone was acting - it was really bad because it was a Friday - but she just gave a little sigh and said, "This reminds me of when I went to college. So much fun. I don't want to go back to those days, but I do miss them sometimes."

He nudged her with his elbow. "Come on, Mom. We can sit at my favorite table."

His pack had claimed the southeast section of the wolves' side of the cafeteria. Every wolf from the Mooney pack and a few from others called out a greeting as they walked through the tables. His mom had to be the most popular Luna out of all the packs.

The table he and his friends usually sat at was a bit beat-up, but it was in the perfect location. He had a view of the entire cafeteria. His mom waited for him to choose a seat, then set her tray beside his. Cici, Rhys, and Malcolm dropped into the other seats. His Mom didn't. She was busy scanning the room.

"Mom, what are you looking for?"

"Where's Honey? Oh, there she is. I'll be right back."

"Mom..." He started to try and stop her but realized (a) she wouldn't listen to him and (b) she would eventually find out about Honey and the witches anyway. It was inevitable.

Far across the room, Honey smiled up at his mom and cheerfully introduced her friends. His mom did a good job pretending to be pleased to meet them. Other than a little frown right after she turned away, there was no sign she was upset as she made her way back across the cafeteria. He knew better though.

His mom slid into the seat next to him and calmly started stabbing her salad. Calm anger was the dangerous kind.

"What did the doctor say," Brayton asked in a low voice, trying to get her mind on something else. Also, he was curious.

Mom sighed. "Honey is telepathically impaired."

"Can it be fixed?"

She shook her head.

"Impaired?" Cici asked. "What does that mean?"

"It means she can neither send nor receive anything telepathically. Her brain doesn't respond to it at all."

"Wow," Cici said, "How did she take it?"

"Very well, actually. I was more upset than she was. I don't think she realizes what she's missing." She looked at Brayton expectantly. "I'm surprised you didn't notice something was wrong the first time you went on a pack run."

He avoided her eyes by focusing on his burger. "It was her first run with us, so I wasn't expecting her to be perfect."

"What happened?" Mom asked. Darn it. Good thing his mouth was full.