Chapter 178

Innocent launches into a spiritual sermon I’m sure he’s given many times over the years. He doesn’t stutter or take a pause, just keeps droning on about God and Satan or something. I barely pay attention to him, preferring to roll the fabric of the heavy nightdress around my index finger while I try to figure out how much of my magic I can use, and if the knick in the collar is enough to allow me a proper connection with Kane. “Miss Jones,” the Pope asks. “Are you hearing a word I’m saying?”

“Huh? What?” I look up, genuinely confused.

“How much did you give her?” Innocent asks Lester.

“Everyone reacts differently, your excellency. She should be able to answer questions.”

The Pope sighs and runs long fingers through his hair. “This child of yours…is he special in any way?”

My stomach clenches painfully and my legs go numb with fear. As soon as they know he’s The Ultima, they’ll kill him. “He’s a baby.”

“Yes, but werewolf mothers can usually sense if their child has any special abi