Exaltation (Insight #11)(21)
“And if I did?”
Rydell nodded to Dagen. He pulled out a file from his backpack.
“Then you will have a list of the known adversaries of the Dominarum coven. Surely someone on that list can lead you to documentation you’re seeking.”
He glanced at the thin folder. “Doesn’t look like a long list.”
“Well it’s not. Jamison BellaRose has class. I dare say the people on this list would agree with me. There was reason behind every infraction—at this time no one seems to be engaging in further malice.”
The list was short for more than the bleak excuse Rydell gave Berries. For one Rydell didn’t like the f*cker. He didn’t want him to hurt anyone that wasn’t a threat. The Helco faction killed swiftly and only when it was called for. This ass, he was satanic. Rydell was sure of it.
Secondly, there was something about the name of the coven, the name Jamison that jarred Rydell’s long memory. He couldn’t place it, how he knew of them, why he felt an odd mix of emotions when Dagen showed him the file. That bothered him, but not enough to figure out why. The only way for Rydell to understand his dormant memories was to ask Revelin, and he wasn’t going there, ever.
“I must not be on that list,” Berries spouted back. The only reason he agreed to teach at this school, do as he was told, was because he was promised that Rydell and Dagen would give him what he needed to take Jamison down. He knew of a top-secret lab that would drool at the mouth for a chance to ‘study’ the longevity of Jamison’s life—and they were willing to pay a fortune. Duncan only needed tangible proof he was more than ordinary.
At first the deal just sounded like a way for Dagen and Rydell to feed off the man. He would surely feel exaltation when he had his revenge. Rydell changed his mind though. He wasn’t going to let Berries have any of the revenge he wanted. He was going to use him then give him a reason to fear f*cking with the unknown.
Dagen didn’t argue with Rydell on that point. Berries was a twisted man who was far too brilliant for his own good.
“No, you’re not,” Rydell said, raising his brow. “You think he would claim you as a foe? I doubt he knew who you were before today, and if he did you’re as troublesome as a fly on the wall.”
“Someone on that list will give me proof he’s immortal?”
Not a chance in all the hells. “That’s at their discretion. I would advise that you merely ask research questions at first.”
“You do realize that if I succeed in this not only will he be detained for observation and studied, but so will your little girlfriend.”
“I’m single. Too many fish in the sea,” Rydell said with a lazy wink.
Berries let loose a snide smile. “Well then, I’m sure you’ll not be disappointed to hear that daddy dearest ensured that some boy be put in this class side by side with Raven.”
Rydell had heard about a male guardian who was in the mix around Raven but he wasn’t bothered by it. Benjamin was able to get past him, which meant surely Rydell could as well.
Rydell glanced at Dagen and tried not to grin. He was toying with one of the cameras Berries had set up in his classroom.
Berries rushed across the room to turn the light from green to red. Obviously Dagen had figured out how to turn it on, and Berries didn’t want this conversation recorded.
“Did you get all of her classes fixed?” Rydell asked.
Berries motioned for the folder, Rydell nodded to tell Dagen to hand it to him.
Berries thought he was going to be cute and not answer Rydell so Rydell sent a half hearted thought in his direction and the folder started to burn. Berries dropped it and started to stamp out the flame. “Yes! Yes!”
“All right then.”
Berries recovered his file from the floor. “As soon as I figure out this clan I’m coming after your kind—whatever you are—next.”
Rydell stood from his seat and gave him a boyish grin. Berries held his ground as he slowly walked toward him.
There was no doubt Berries saw Rydell as some kid who just had a quirk with his mind power, nothing worth really worrying about. Hell he probably thought he could dabble in BellaRose’s book of shadows and put Rydell in his place by saying a few well-chosen words. He was a fool.
When Rydell reached him he glared down at Berries. “Ah, now Mr. Berries, you can’t go from witches to what I am.” Rydell leaned in a little closer. “Witches are nice. Fear karma. Adore balance. Will bring no harm. Ever. My kind? We’re not.” Rydell leaned in a little closer. “You reek of fear right now. Not my cup of tea. I prefer exaltation so you might want to keep your f*cking mouth shut and start thinking of the next time I will hand you something that will bring that emotion forward.”
Rydell stepped away from him right as the classroom door opened and students flooded in.
“We’ll be heading out, now. C-ya Monday.”
Chapter Seven
Jamison wasn’t exactly sure how to start this conversation with Raven. Therefore, the first few minutes of their drive was nice and quiet.
His daughter was a free spirit, never liked the weight of the world to rest too heavily on her shoulders. She loved to laugh, dance, and live in the moment. Pure bliss is what she was.
Right now in the passenger seat she was moving her hands to a beat that wasn’t playing in the car. Surely going through the steps of the dance she was to perform tonight in her head.