“You’re lying. My dad never would’ve done something like that.”

“You have no idea. Did you know your great-grandmother was gifted? No. I see that you didn’t. She was a healer and not afraid to use it. Your father did a lot of research on gifts. He learned that the trait is typically passed down, and those newer generations sometimes are even strongerlook at me when I talk to you!” He pressed into the gash until I did as he ordered.

I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood.

His grip relaxed. “He knew there was a good chance that his children would be gifted. I think he hoped it would be you. Yes, he was in contact with us long before Olivia came along, but as you grew older and showed no gift, he needed another kid. He didn’t understand that he just needed to wait a little longer on you.”

My heart was breaking, even though my mind rebelled against what he said. And then it happened. I felt a subtle brush behind my eyelids. Nothing like Theo’s barbaric mind-reading skills, which made me want to vomit. I thought I imagined it, but the presence remained, lingering on the fringe of my consciousness.

Parker?

I couldn’t be sure, but I freaking hoped so. I started mentally saying Mr. Theo’s name, and that I was in some kind of basement. Hoping and praying that Parkernot Mr. Theowas tinkering inside my head… and that I wasn’t losing my mind.

“I don’t know what he planned to do with your mother. Maybe she was in on it. But did you know what he wanted done to you?” He turned my face so I had to look at him. “He wanted someone with my… gifts to handle the transaction. Your father was supposed to hand over Olivia for quite a bit of money. He wanted me to make you believe Olivia had died.”

“No, no, no.” I twisted away from him, tears of anger and fear rolled down my face, mixing with blood. This couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t be.

“Yes. I came to handle the transaction, but your father had a change of heart. He didn’t want to give her up, and I don’t think he planned on your mom putting up such a fight over it. Either way, it didn’t matter in the end.”

I stilled. “The accident… it was you.”

“The accident was just an accident.”

“No. It wasn’t. Cromwell“