Fusion by Imogen Rose

knew that would be your reaction. So, let’s just leave it at paranormal groups for now.”
    Olivia started to protest, but she was laughing so hard at the thought of pronged creatures sitting around a table making policy decisions that she couldn’t get a word out.
    “Do you want me to go on?” Rupert asked.
    She nodded, trying to stifle her giggles.
    “The councils maintain global peace among the paranormals. Our well-structured order, this well-controlled peace, is in danger from a group of subversive paranormals threatening to replace key councils and take control of not just the paranormal, but possibly also the human, population. For example, you know the recent killings in London… that was the responsibility of this subversive group. They are creating havoc and terror.”
    “Gosh, yes! Those were awful. Is Potomal the force behind the subversive group?”
    Rupert shook his head. “No, but he is part of it. How involved he is, I don’t know yet.”
    “Do you know who is responsible?”
    “We know who the key players are.”
    “Well, tell me.”
    “Ollie, you’re just going to laugh again, but here goes. All evidence points to the demon King of London’s daughter, Katarina.”
    Olivia shook with laughter. She wasn’t sure whether it was mirth, nervous terror at the possibility that her husband had lost his mind, or the possibility that she was actually living in an HBO show.
    “Ollie, don’t even try to absorb this right now. You wanted to know, so I tried to explain, but even as the words left my mouth, I could see how ridiculous it all sounded to you. Let’s go back to the others. I have assignments to hand out before I head back.”
    She stood up, grabbed his outstretched hand, and walked back to the family room. All eyes were on them, glowing with anticipation.
    Trina leaned into Olivia and brought her lips to her ear. “Did he tell you fairy tales about vampires and witches?” She cackled as Rupert shot her a look. She rolled her eyes at him.
    Ignoring Trina, Rupert turned to the group. “I am going to ask you to watch my family while I am gone. Bruno, please stay on here until I get back. Morgana, thanks for keeping an eye on Ella while I was sorting things out. Alexa can take over now. Harry is going back to college for now, so I have arranged cover for him there. David, as always, I appreciate you looking after Arizona.” Rupert smiled kindly at David.
    Olivia noticed David’s lack of eye contact. That was very unlike him. He was usually so forthcoming, happy, and warm. She glanced up at Rupe and saw that he’d noticed that something was up as well.
    “David?” Rupert said. “Are you okay? You seem a million miles away.”
    David finally looked up and met Rupert’s gaze. He shifted in his chair. He finally threw a beseeching look at his mother.
    “Inez, what’s going on?” Rupert demanded, his patience clearly tested.
    “David has asked to be relieved from his Wanderer duties.” Her voice shook.
    Several gasps were heard around the room, and everyone glared at David in shock and confusion.
    Constance was on her feet. “Your Highness, I am so sorry. I would have dealt with this before your arrival had I known.” She shot Inez a harsh glance. “I am shocked, having had no inkling that David was in any way considering leaving us. David, what are you thinking?”
    David looked at the floor ahead of him, clearly dismayed and unable to speak.
    Constance was unyielding. “David, look at me,” she demanded.
    David jerked and brought his face up. All color had drained from his skin, and his pallor made Olivia worry that he might pass out. She wanted to tell Constance to go a bit easy on him, but from the leader’s expression, it was clear that this was her domain and no one dared interrupt or interfere. As if to confirm this, Rupert squeezed down on her hand, pulling her half a step closer to him.
    Constance’s face had softened a bit, but she still stood firm with both hands on