A Beautiful and Deadly Secret by Karen Kincy

Author:Karen Kincy [Kincy, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Indigo Dragon Press

Chapter 23

“Gwen!” Birds whirr into the air, startled by the shout. “Gwen! Where are you?”

Zack comes crashing through the grass and stumbles to a halt, breathing hard.

Ben glances at him, then zips his bag and stands up. “Zack.”

“What happened?”

Ben pauses. “I found her like this. She—”

“Oh my God.” Zack falls to his knees beside me. “Are you okay?”

A tear slides down my nose. I want to tell him what happened, to warn him, but I still can’t move. My pooka side also remains paralyzed.

“Zack.” Ben touches his brother’s shoulder. “Zachary. I know this girl hurt you.”

“We need to get help,” Zack says. “We…” He glances up at Ben. “What did you say?”

Ben nudges me with his boot. “Gwen is Other.”

“I know.” Zack frowns. “I told you.”

I blink, more tears leaking from my eyes.

Ben crouches beside his brother and slides his arm around Zack’s shoulders. “Remember what happened to Justin. This is no different.”

“The vampire? But Gwen isn’t one of them—”

“They’re all the same.” Ben looks down at me, his face etched with pity. “Think of all the suffering caused by these unholy creatures.”

Zack stares at him as if seeing him for the first time. “What the hell do you mean?”

“Think carefully, Zachary. What I’ve been doing is God’s work.”

“What you’ve—oh God, no. You’ve been killing them, haven’t you? Innocent people?”

“Innocent?” Ben has a mad-dog glint in his eyes. “They’re as innocent as thieves, whores, and murderers. But still, we must be merciful.”

My heart beats harder, spreading warmth through my veins. I wiggle my fingers and toes.

“Murderers…” Zack’s lips move soundlessly. “You’re a murderer.” He flings his brother’s arm off his shoulders.

“Zack. Listen to me. I know this must come as a shock to you—”

“Are you one of them? A White Knight?”

“No. There are no true White Knights anymore.” Ben sighs. “Some, however, still pass on their wisdom. When I went to school up north, I found one of these teachers. He taught me many things, and he can teach you, too.”

I fidget on the ground, testing my muscles, stirring my pooka side. It’s slow, sluggish, more distant than ever. Come on. Wake up.

Zack gapes at his brother. “I don’t believe you. You’re insane.”

Ben flinches as if his words are a splash of boiling water. “Please try to understand.”

“Okay.” Zack exhales, his face ashy. “I don’t understand why you’re killing Others.”

“Their bodies are corrupt, their souls caged inside. And it’s my duty to set them free.” Ben’s voice quivers with pride. “Justin understands. After his encounter with the vampire bitch, he was glad to help me with my work.”

“No.” Zack’s mouth is a grim line. “You can’t do this, Benjamin.”

Ben glances heavenward. “Someone has to.”

How fast can I shapeshift? Am I strong enough? I moan softly.

“Gwen,” Zack says, his voice tight, “hold on. I’m going to get you out of here. It’s over.”

Ben looks truly pained. “You would betray your own brother?”

“You’re not my brother. He would never do this.”

“Zachary.” Ben tries to touch his arm.

“Get away from me!”

“Fine,” Ben says, in an icy smooth tone.

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