Read Duality: Vol 2, Euphoria (A New Adult Paranormal Romance) for Free Online Page B

tried to straighten my clothes, feeling embarrassed about meeting her parents looking like I did.  Her mom and dad were both wearing bermuda cargo shorts and short-sleeved button-down shirts that looked like they’d been triple starched.  The creases down their sleeves were sharp and went from elbow to shoulder in a perfect line.
    Mr. Butts walked up to me first.  He was sporting a military-style haircut, very short, and he had dark brown hair.  His mustache was short and lined up with the corners of his lips.  Not one hair of it was out of place.  Lean muscles flexed in his arm as he reached out for a handshake.  “Nice to meet you, son.  I assume you’re Malcolm.”
    I shook his hand, trying to be firm enough about it to avoid getting my knuckles crushed.  His hand made me think of a steel trap, impossible to escape until he was ready to let me go.  “Nice to meet you, sir.  Malcolm McNamara.”
    “Which makes you Rae,” he said, letting me go and reaching over to my side.  Rae was there and she took his hand.  Her tiny hand was like a small child’s compared to his.
    “Nice to meet you,” she said.  “Thank you for letting us stay here.  We … didn’t know what else to do.”
    “It was our pleasure,” said Mrs. Butts, stepping over to join her husband.  I couldn’t tell how long her hair was because it was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her neck, slicked back and shiny.  I could see that Jasmine took after her mom.  The lady was short, muscled if her legs and forearms were any indicator, and no nonsense.  She nodded once at me and smiled at Rae.  “I’m glad you were able to make it here before anyone intercepted you.  Sounds like it got a little scary there.”
    For some reason, just having Jasmine’s parents there made me feel tons better.  Even if I had to walk away from all this and find my way out West, things were going to be okay.  These people were experienced military vets.  I knew instantly I could trust them.  Maybe they’d have some ideas for me about how I could manage my getaway.
    “Yes.  You could say scary.  Or terrifying.”  Rae sounded very nervous.  “Have you heard from my parents?”
    “As a matter of fact, yes,” said Mrs. Butts.  “They paid us a visit at seven this morning.  We sent them on their way, but if you prefer we can get them back here.”
    “What time is it now?” asked Rae.  She was close to tears, I could tell.  I took a small step closer to her.
    “Oh-eight-hundred,” said Mr. Butts.  “Come on upstairs and we’ll discuss this over pancakes and bacon.”
    Jasmine smiled.  “My dad makes the best pancakes in the entire country.”
    “Sweet,” said Kootch, striding over to the stairs.  He took them up two at a time.  “Bring on the carbs, baby.  I’m starving.”
    “I thought you overdosed on Ding Dongs,” said Jasmine, following him up.
    “Hair of the dog, Butts.  Haven’t you learned anything hanging out with me?”
    “I don’t hang out with you, Kootch.  That only happens in your dreams.”  Their voices faded out and disappeared as they left the panic room for the living spaces above.
    “Before we go up, I’d just like to get one thing straight,” said Mr. Butts.  His voice and expression were stern.  It made me stand up straighter without even thinking consciously about it.
    “Okay,” said Rae.
    I nodded.
    “Whatever is going on here … it’s serious.  Don’t kid yourselves into thinking otherwise.”
    Mrs. Butts put her hand on his upper arm.  “Babe, you’re scaring them.”
    He didn’t break his gaze away from us.  “Good.  Let them be scared.  It’ll keep them alive.”
    “Alive?” squeaked Rae.
    I reached out and pulled her to me, my arm around her shoulders.  Mrs. Butts saw it and nodded very slightly, like she was proud of me or something.  My face went red over it.  Parents acting proud of me never ever happened.
    “Make no mistake …” He pointed his finger