Unveilded by the Depths

Withdrawals

Sebastian

I leave my princess to her compelled nap and head down to deal with these dogs. Sometimes I wonder how they have managed to survive with their possessive and archaic attitudes. I go to Dillon's office where he is sulking. "Listen, pup, we need to talk."

"Where's Nix?"

"Taking a nap." I could explain we needed to talk without her, so I helped her fall asleep even though she hadn't been the slightest bit sleepy. But I still didn't completely trust these wolves' motivations.

He crosses his arms. "So, talk."

"No, with the big bosses."

He sighs and nods. His eyes glaze over while he links his father and Nix's. "Why?"

"I need to explain a few things she doesn't know, and I'd rather her not have to know."

His eyebrow arches in surprise. "You have secrets?"

"I have amazing depth," I tell him with a smirk.

"You should, you're like a thousand years old."

"Ah, pup, that just gives me the wisdom of age but the looks of youth." I want to rip his spleen out through his nostril, but instead I smile with feline attitude. "Don't push me, puppy. I have lived with her since she was born. I know all her secrets, her dreams, her desires. I could take her away from you in a trice and you'd never find us, but I am trying to be fair. Do me the curtesy of returning it. And, for the record, I'm three hundred and thirty seven and I'm only on life number one of nine. You only get one."

I stop talking until we are all in the office. I make sure to collect Jefferson as well.

"Ok, Sebastian," Leo says. "Talk."

"To begin with," I say, watching them. "Becca wanted Nix's siren voice. She has no interest in shape changing. She wants to control the supernatural realm."

"How is she a siren?" Leo asks. "She said she's a sprite. Even that I don't understand."

"She is a sprite," I say.

"Wait, why did you say wanted not wants?" Brandon demands.

"Because Nixie is more than a sprite. Becca wanted a siren. She manipulated her unborn child to make a siren and refused to believe her spell didn't work."

"How did it even happen?" Leo demands. "It is not possible for a wolf and a witch to have a siren or a sprite, even with magic."

Jefferson coughs. "Becca used my blood."

"What?" Brandon chokes out. "But the witch said she wanted Nix's shape changing abilities."

I look at Leo then zero in on Dillon and demand, "What witch?"

Dillon quickly explains Cara's arrival and pronouncement about Nix's shape-shifting powers. I shake my head. "Becca aspires far above herself. Shape changing doesn't give her the power she needs for it. Mind control does."

"How do you know this?"

"I was imprisoned by her for the last two decades. I've seen and heard it all."

"Why would she allow you to hear it?" Leo questions.

"Because she never believed for a single moment, I'd ever escape her. And I wouldn't have without Nix. Besides, I didn't even need to be in the same room to listen to her plans. That ramshackle dwelling was far from soundproof." I raise my eyebrow and stare Leo down. "Cats hear much better than you wolves."