“Circumstances being that one of those enemy creatures was here?”
“Yes.” After a pause, Jaden ventured, “You believe us then?”
“Dude, I know you, and despite that wild imagination of yours, even you couldn’t come up with a story like that. Besides, you said both your folks and Kayla’s have heard this story and that they’ve even seen the…gliders?”
Markov said the word tentatively, as if tasting the sound of it on his tongue. Jaden couldn’t blame him. He had just spent most of the afternoon blowing Markov’s mind with a tale so farfetched Jaden would’ve thought it a fairy tale himself if he didn’t have the artifacts to prove it. “They have. And if our gliders return any time soon, I’ll let you wear the relic stone so you can see them for yourself.”
“Tell me why it is again that no one else can see these gliders and Gaptors?” Markov asked for the third time that afternoon.
Catching Jaden’s exasperated expression, Atu fielded the question. “We don’t know. As we said before, it’s one of those things we can’t explain. Although they were visible to everyone a very long time ago, that’s no longer the case.”
“And your family is descended from those who could see the Gaptors when they first came to our world?” Markov gave a hollow laugh. “I can’t believe I just said that! Our world.”
Jaden grinned. “Feeling like your world is falling apart?” That netted a smile from Markov, strained as it was. “Don’t stress, dude. It takes a while to sink in.”
“Tell me about it.”
Jaden watched Markov, debating whether he had done the right thing. But it would’ve come to this eventually. Markov wouldn’t have stopped until he had answers. Jaden had bypassed the circuitous path of Markov’s investigation, guaranteeing the rest of their close-knit group stayed free of this mess. For now, anyway. Besides, Jaden was tired of lying. If people were stubborn enough to press him for answers, he was going to reply, whether they liked it or not.
Abruptly, Markov stood. “I need some exercise. Some time to think this through.”
“Of course. Do you want to play a few more rounds?”
“Thanks, but I need a heap more cardio than that!”
Jaden chuckled. Markov would run the compound ragged working through this info dump. He and Atu followed Markov upstairs to where Markov’s ‘pod floated on one of the pads.
“Jaden.” Markov gave him one of their complicated handshakes. Atu got the more traditional handshake. “Get Jaden to teach you the right way to greet us. Seems you’re one of the crew now. Only right you should know.”
Atu’s wide smile broadcast his pleasure. “I will.”
“See that you do. I’m glad Jaden’s at least got you and Kayla watching his back.”
Atu shrugged. “It’s what we do. If we’ve learned nothing else, it’s clear we need each other. We succeed together or not at all.”
“On that delightfully sobering thought, I’ll take my leave.” Grimacing as he slipped into his ‘pod, he revved the engines and sped away.
“Think he’ll be okay?” Atu asked.
“Markov’s resilient,” Jaden observed. “It may take some time, but I know we’ll be able to count on him once he’s come to terms with the whole thing.”
“Good to know. Now, about that handshake?”
“Yeah, let’s go inside and grab a snack. Then I’ll teach you.”
“A snack? Isn’t it almost dinner time?”
“Isn’t it always time for food?”
Atu sniggered. About to head back inside, they stopped when they heard a familiar rustling. Turning, they found Han and Aren balancing on the rooftop.
“Back so soon?” Jaden teased.
“Taz wanted us to give you a message,” Han responded.
“Of course she did. What does her highness want now?”
The odd expression that flitted across Han’s face piqued Jaden’s interest. Had Jaden offended his glider? No, that wasn’t it. Before he could work it out, Han spoke. “She said to tell you that you had your day with your friends as requested. Training resumes tomorrow. And it will continue until we know what the next step is.”
Jaden groaned. He knew what that meant. Hours and hours of routines. No food. And lots of exercise. Not that he didn’t like exercise. It was just that Taz could . . . take things too far.
“The downtime had to end eventually,” Atu sighed.
“She could’ve given us another week,” Jaden grumbled.
“Not with what happened today,” Han pointed out. “Do you know how unusual it is for a lone Gaptor to attack?”
“You know for sure that that’s what it was doing—or intending to do?” Jaden asked.
Han huffed as he rustled his wings. “What else does a Gaptor do?”
“What else indeed.” Jaden drew in a resigned breath. “I’m sorry if I offended you. I’m just disappointed that our vacation is over, but Taz is right. We do need to get back to things. The sooner we get on with it, the sooner it’ll all be over.”
Han’s shoulders relaxed. “I’m glad you understand. We’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, he and Aren departed.
Jaden glanced at Atu. He was staring after Aren, a distant look in his eyes. “What’s up?”
Atu faced him. “I hope we find my parents on this next leg of the journey.”
Instantly, Jaden felt awful. Their time off had to have been difficult for Atu, forced to bide his time. “I’m sorry. We should’ve started back sooner.”
“No,” Atu said, shaking his head. “I needed the rest. After my parents disappeared, I just kept going and didn’t stop. I didn’t realize how desperately I needed the downtime.”
Jaden considered Atu’s words. “Yes, I suppose just like it was time to rest earlier, now it’s time to pick up the reins again. Don’t tell Taz I agreed with her, though.” Jaden was gratified when a smile tugged at Atu’s lips. “Shall we get that snack now?” Atu’s smile morphed into a chuckle.
Jaden laughed too as they headed down to the kitchen. A flutter of excitement rippled through him. Kayla was coming for dinner, and he couldn’t wait. It seemed an eternity since he’d seen her, but it had only been yesterday. Yes, getting back to training would be good. He could see Kayla all day, every day. It would be preferable if this was possible without the associated risks, but he supposed that was too much to ask. Yes, what I said earlier. The sooner we get back to things, the sooner this will end.
The afternoon dragged. Even his mother’s scrumptious cookies didn’t distract him. Jaden taught Atu the intricacies of the group’s handshakes. Then they drifted back to the basement for another game, more as a means of passing time than anything else. Now they had decided to get back to their mission, they were both itching to leave. But where are we going? They had all agreed not to open the cube with the map until they were ready to get back on task. Well, we’ll find out soon.
An hour before the Melmiques arrived, Atu and Jaden quit their game so they could shower and help his mother with dinner. They were putting the finishing touches on the meal when Jaden heard the pads elevating. He dropped what he was doing and bounded up to the rooftop, bursting through the door just in time to see Kayla stepping down from their ‘pod. Rushing toward her, he swept her up in a fierce hug.
“Well, hello to you too,” Kayla said, giggling.
Leaning in close so only she could hear, Jaden said, “If we were alone, I’d do more than hug you.”
This only made Kayla laugh more as she extricated herself from his arms. Jaden was still smiling as he greeted her parents and helped them with the dishes they were unloading. Their arms full, Jaden and Kayla dashed ahead into the kitchen while her parents followed at a more sedate pace. After setting their burdens on the countertop, it was the parents’ turn to hug one another, their greetings almost as exuberant as that of the teens.
Kayla skipped over to Atu and hugged him. As he returned the hug, Atu grinned at the proprietary look in Jaden’s eyes. “Easy, bro, I’m
just saying hello.”
Jaden grimaced. “I know that.” He didn’t add that he’d prefer it if he could have Kayla all to himself.
Kayla turned her head and gave him one of her glorious smiles, as if she knew what he was thinking. Then, returning her attention to Atu, she said, “How are you holding up?”
Jaden shook his head. How could she remember to ask the important questions? He was glad she did though. At least one of them had a heart.
“Better now that I know we’ll be getting back to things,” Atu answered.
All sound died. The teens’ eyes shot to the adults, who were staring at them, the same emotion painted on each of their faces. Dread.
Jaden crossed to his mother and pulled her into his arms. “It’ll be okay.” He could feel her trembling under him. When she smiled, it didn’t reach her eyes.
“I know. You have each other—and your gliders,” Clara tried to convince herself.
Over his mother’s shoulder, Jaden saw Kayla move to her own mother, now in her father’s embrace. Rubbing her mother’s back, Kayla said, “We’ll be alright.”
Sadie gave Kayla a tremulous smile. “Yes, I’m sure you will be.”
From what Kayla had told him, Mrs. Melmique’s optimism was quite the sacrifice. Typically, she would question any assertion made without supporting evidence. According to Kayla, that was what made her such a great lawyer.
Jaden’s gaze swiveled to Atu. He stood alone, watching them. He must have been wishing he could have his own parents here right now. Taking a page from Kayla’s book, Jaden stretched out a hand and squeezed Atu’s shoulder, pleased when Atu dredged up a smile.
The movement had Clara turning her head. Giving Jaden a tight squeeze to end the hug, she crossed to Atu and pulled him close. Jaden grinned when he saw Atu relax in her arms. Yes, that’s what he needs. Some love too.
When Atu drew back, his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you,” Atu murmured.
“Any time,” Clara whispered, giving his hand a squeeze before facing the others. “Who’s up for some food?”
That broke the tension. The teens picked up the hors d'oeuvres and wandered onto the deck, where they spread themselves on lounge chairs next to the moms. The dads made themselves at home next to the barbecue, grilling the meat. Conversation was a little stilted at first, all of them studiously avoiding the subject uppermost on their minds. But by the time the meat was ready, they were conversing freely.
Jaden tucked in. Glancing up, he saw Atu grinning. “What?”
“Didn’t you eat an hour ago?”
“Look who’s talking.” Jaden gestured at Atu’s plate, which was nearly as full as his own.
Kayla rolled her eyes. “Yes, we all know you boys love your food.”
That produced smiles from all the adults.
A question occurred to Clara. “What do you do for food while you’re…traveling?”
Motion ceased. Jaden glared at his mother. Why had she brought up the mission again?
Clara sent him a withering look. “Not talking about it isn’t going to make it go away.”
“Your mother’s right,” Ty commented, leaning back in his chair. “It would give us some peace to know.” He looked inquiringly at Sadie and Vicken, who nodded agreement.
“Yes,” Vicken said, “it would be reassuring to know you have a plan when you’re on your travels.”
Jaden stared at his plate. He couldn’t tell them they never had a plan, that things just happened. That would totally freak them out.
As usual, Kayla came up with the ready answer, brilliant in its evasiveness. “We typically take food with us. But if we run out, we can catch, prepare, and cook our own food, thanks to Atu’s training. He’s quite the accomplished hunter.”
Diverted by this unexpected turn in the conversation, the parents bombarded Atu with questions. Jaden smirked when Atu shot Kayla a subtle, accusing glance. Despite this, he deftly moved the conversation toward hunting. The parents were fascinated by the snippets he supplied, from the various ways one could set snares to which snare or trap worked best for which animal. By the time Atu reached the plants that could be used for seasoning, the adults were well and truly engaged in what he had to say.
Jaden observed Atu leading the parents away from that dangerous question, the one they really didn’t want an answer to. Which made him wonder—what was their plan?
His gazed flicked toward Kayla, and he found her studying him. He smiled, and when she smiled back, he forgot the question. Her smile was incredible and lit her whole face. It truly was like the sunrise.
“Jaden?”
Yanked back to reality, he realized his mother had asked a question. “Sorry, I missed that. Can you repeat the question?”
Clara giggled.
Oh no, Jaden groaned inwardly. He could see it on her face. She was going to tease him about being too preoccupied with Kayla to be paying attention to anything else. Please, don’t! he mentally pleaded. His mother’s coy smile told him she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Clara repeated her question. “I asked if you had had enough food?”
Jaden released the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. His mother’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Yes, thanks, Mom.”
Clara laughed, understanding that his thanks were meant in more ways than one. “Then could I ask you kids to clear the table and fetch the dessert and some plates? Oh, and will you put the kettle on for some tea too?”
Jaden smiled. “Sure, no problem.”
Chapter Three
As soon as they reached the kitchen, Kayla whispered, “That was close.”
Jaden dumped his pile of plates on the counter. “Yeah, but thanks to your quick thinking, we didn’t have to admit to not having a plan.”
“Time to make one then?” Kayla asked.
“Yes, it’s beyond time. Shall we find out where we’re going?”
“Absolutely!”
“Agreed!” Atu exclaimed simultaneously. “Where’s the map?”
“In my room,” Jaden replied. “But let’s wait until after dessert before we open it.”
Kayla quirked her eyebrows at him, and he subtly gestured outside. Following his signal, she noticed the adults looking back toward the three of them in the kitchen. Their parents were sitting on the very edges of their seats. “That isn’t a good sign.”
“No, it’s not,” Atu murmured. “They look like they’re about to jump up and come and carry us off.”
“Preferably somewhere where they can keep us safe and away from all of this,” Jaden added.
“But they can’t. Much as they want to, there’s nothing they can do to help. What a terrible predicament for a parent,” Kayla sympathized.
Jaden scrubbed a hand over his face. Then he sighed. “Let’s put on our happy faces, then, and at least try and make the evening fun and memorable for them.”
Kayla nodded agreement, as did Atu. Collecting the dessert, plates, and spoons, the trio headed back outside.
For Kayla, every step happened in slow motion. It took an eternity to reach the parents. But it was just as well. She needed the time to adjust her thinking. When her last step placed her next to the table, Kayla had found the right balance. “You’re all looking way too serious. I think it’s time for some entertainment. Jaden, why don’t we teach them one of Ruby’s games?”
Jaden smiled. “I’ll get the cards.”
Kayla studied the parents as Jaden disappeared inside the house. For a moment, she didn’t think the heavy atmosphere that blanketed them was going to lift. Then Sadie took the plates and handed them to Clara, who divvied up the dessert. The normalcy of the tasks eased the transition, and by the time Jaden returned, their strained expressions had relaxed somewhat. Their anxiety dissipated a little further as Jaden and Kayla explained the rules while they ate their dessert and completely vanished when they all threw themselves into the game. Things became rowdy as play progressed. Only when Sadie yawned loudly did
anyone think to check the time.
“Good gracious!” Clara exclaimed. “It’s almost midnight.”
“You’re joking,” Vicken blurted, checking his own PAL. “No, you’re not! Sadie, we need to get going. I have an early morning meeting.”
Sadie smiled as she shrugged her agreement. “Clara, thank you. It’s been a lovely evening. Would you like any help clearing things before we leave?”
Kayla flicked a glance at Jaden and saw the same panic on his face. They couldn’t be going. Not yet. She hadn’t had enough time with Jaden. And they hadn’t opened the cube yet. They needed to know where they were headed. “Mom, Dad, why don’t you go on home and send the ‘pod back for me? I’ll help the Jamesons clear up.”
Her father sent her a grateful smile, and her mother nodded vaguely.
“Yes, dear, that’s a good idea,” her mother murmured.
She must be really tired. It was the only time her mother ever called her “dear.” Worried, she steered her parents towards the stairs leading up to the landing site.
“Wait, I need to get my dishes,” Sadie protested half-heartedly.
“I’ll bring them,” Kayla said. “You need to get home so you can sleep.”
Her mother’s wan smile highlighted the fatigue lining her face. Kayla couldn’t fathom why she was so tired. She hadn’t had any contracts recently that required her to leave home. Or any pressing deadlines. Was her mother was lying awake at night worrying about her? About what Kayla had to do? Deciding she needed to talk to her dad, Kayla herded her parents to where their ‘pod waited. Satisfied when they hugged her goodbye without further delay, Kayla watched as they boarded and departed. When she turned to go back downstairs, Kayla found Jaden waiting for her at the entrance to the house.
“Are you okay?” Jaden asked.
“No, not really,” Kayla admitted. “I think my mom’s not sleeping because she’s so worried about us. That’s disturbing considering she’s only just recovered from that nasty virus she had. I don’t want her getting sick again.”
Jaden crossed to her with a few quick strides, and his arms encircled her. Kayla burrowed into his shoulder, feeling Jaden’s warmth through his shirt, inhaling the scent that was uniquely his. She was so thankful he was here. What would she do without him? His comfort was a balm. It gave her the strength she needed. She drew back a little and studied his handsome face. Those amazing blue eyes blazed with concern.
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