The Venator (The Mindbender)

John Slater is top of his class at The Academy, but that's not the only thing that sets him apart from the rest of the cadets. He's an anomaly; something not quite human. He may not know exactly what he is, but he's sure of what he wants.

Getting out on the field solidifies in his mind; he's doing what he was always meant to do. But when he meets the intriguing Claudia Belle after he's sent to Milton High to track down Project X and the Source, his priorities shift and he's ready to demolish the pedestal he's built his life upon. The only thing that matters is her safety and this mysterious connection between them.

Claudia is like nothing he's ever encountered. Like him, she doesn't quite fit into a box. They feed off each other's strengths, but everything is conspiring against them. John's guardian, Joseph, is doing everything in his power to keep the duo at arm's length. The real danger, however, lies in the darkness that wants to consume Claudia.

Can John uncover the truth of their connection? Will he be able to discover what's motivating Project X, or will he die trying?