Vaulcron (Enigma Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

snatched it up and noticed Jackson’s name on the caller ID.
    “Will you excuse me?” Mallory muttered, getting to her feet. “I need to take this call.”
    Vaulcron sent her a small smile. “Of course.”
    Mallory rushed off to the kitchen and pressed the green button on her cell. “Hi, Jackson. What’s up?”
    “I’m about to start editing the interview clip. Did you happen to get the location of their home?”
    Mallory’s stomach clenched. If she aired the location of Aukrabah, she would be considered a hero to the world, a legend to her peers. But Vaulcron and his people would never be able to return to their home. “I did, but I’ve changed my mind. I’m not adding it into the clip.”
    “Have you lost your mind?” Jackson breathed. “That bit of information has the power to take you to the top. You have to disclose it.”
    “I don’t have to do anything, Jackson. We’ll run the clip without it. It’s still an incredible piece. Besides, the public has a right to know where the virus originated from, not where the Bracadytes reside.”
    A loud sigh came through the phone. “What is wrong with you, Mal? You’re letting that freak of nature affect your judgment.”
    “Careful, Jackson,” Mallory seethed. “You forget yourself. I make the decisions here. Not you. And I’m running the piece without Aukrabah’s location. End of story. Got it?”
    There was a long pause. “Whatever you say, boss. It’s your career.”
    “Exactly. I’d appreciate you not bringing it up again. Drop the final copy by tomorrow for my approval.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Jackson bit out before ending the call.
    Mallory lowered her cell and set it on the kitchen table, her stomach in knots over the decision she’d just made.
    She glanced toward the living room where the Bracadyte prince sat watching a movie on her couch. She didn’t owe him anything, and yet everything inside her screamed to protect him.
    “I’ve gone soft,” she mumbled to herself, striding back to her previous position on the couch.
    Vaulcron’s brows lifted. “Are you speaking to me?”
    Mallory shook her head. “To myself, actually. It used to annoy the hell out of my father.”
    When Vaulcron continued to stare at her with a puzzled look on his face, Mallory changed the subject. “Are you enjoying the movie?”
    “Very much so. I do not understand the readiness of humans to accept the concept of a man breathing underwater, yet are unwilling to tolerate the reality of it.”
    “Because that is fantasy.” She pointed toward the television. “And you are a reality. People are quick to fear what they don’t understand, Vaulcron. They become prejudiced, biased idiots when faced with someone different than them. It is the same with color.”
    “Humans are afraid of colors?”
    Mallory smiled. For one so intelligent, his naiveté was endearing.
    She held her arm close to his. “Do you see the difference in our color?”
    Vaulcron nodded. “I am more pale than you.”
    “Yes,” Mallory agreed. “There are several different races of people on this planet. Some are darker than others. Some have slanted eyes and speak a different language, while others are fair skinned and wear socks with their sandals.”
    Vaulcron’s eyes widened. “You are jesting with me.”
    “I wish I were. It’s an unfortunate truth in our society. Racism and bigotry are alive and well.”
    She laid her hand over his. “My point is this: as long as you have fangs and barbs, people are going to look at you differently. Like with Amy… She is mocked and avoided at all costs. It’s hard for her to make friends because no one wants the responsibility of a blind girl. In their eyes, she’s too much work.”
    “I am sorry for your sister,” Vaulcron whispered. A Bracadyte would never shirk their responsibility to take care of one of their own.”
    “You are very fortunate then. My people could actually learn from yours.”
    Vaulcron turned his hand over until her