The Anomaly Trilogy Boxed Set

by Hackett, Anna

  Then he saw a flash of movement deeper in the trees. Cate. His heart gave a solid thump. She was alive. He watched a man drag her away, toward the medical center.

  More shots ripped through the trees. It sent everyone to the ground.

  Gage rolled. Saw more of Leven’s men coming at them.

  No. Gage slammed a fist into the dirt.

  “Go.”

  He looked up. Cal kneeled beside him, his face hard. He clapped a hand on Gage’s shoulder and helped him up.

  “Go find her. We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

  Gage nodded. Then he ran.

  The medical center came out of the trees. Sunlight glinted off the windows.

  It was quicker to go through and out the other side. He hit the doors at a run, slamming through them.

  “You must be Dr. Walker.”

  The cultured voice made Gage skid to a halt. Something wild and hot punched through his veins. He couldn’t see anything in the dim lab, temporarily blinded by stepping from sunlight into shadow.

  Then his eyes adjusted. A tall man in crisp navy cargo trousers and shirt stood across the room. He had a clean-cut face better suited to a boardroom. Cate was on her knees in front of him and he held a gun to her head.

  God damn it. Gage swallowed. Her head was down, but the curve of cheek he could see was bruised. Her hands were bound—palms together. He wanted to sprint forward, rip the ropes off her. Instead, he clenched his hands. “You must be Leven.”

  The man inclined his head. He looked to be in his early forties, a slight sprinkle of gray at his temples. He didn’t look like a madman. The bastard looked like he should be orchestrating a merger—not building an army of destruction. Gage’s gaze strayed to Cate. She was slumped forward, her shoulders sagging under a heavy weight.

  This man would pay.

  “What gives you the right to use people like a commodity?” Gage spat.

  Leven gave the smallest hint of a smile but his eyes darkened. “Everybody uses people. Why, pretty little Cate here’s been using you to get better. Building her self-eesteem off of the fact you enjoy fucking her.” Those dark eyes were soulless.

  It wasn’t true. Gage willed Cate to look up, but her gaze stayed on the floor.

  “And you’ve been using her too. As a substitute for your dead brother.”

  Leven’s words speared into Gage making his lungs freeze. Now Cate looked up, her eyes swimming with confusion.

  Leven wasn’t finished. “You couldn’t help him, so you’re assuaging your guilt by ‘fixing’ her.” Leven ran the gun along her jaw. When she fliched, he smiled. “You can’t fix her. She was born to be a killer.”

  “It’s not true.” Gage’s hands curled into fists. “None of it is true.”

  Now Leven stared straight at Gage. “Everyone uses you, so you strike first, Dr. Walker, otherwise you’ll become the victim. You’ll be weak.”

  Gage’s chest was so tight he could barely breathe. “You were a victim once. Weak. Is that why he punished you?”

  Leven ran a slow hand over Cate’s hair, but his jaw tightened to granite. “Don’t try to analyze me, Doctor. I’m here for one thing…which you can give me.”

  “I don’t have anything for you.”

  The crime boss arched a brow. He pressed the gun hard against Cate’s temple until she whimpered, her gaze falling to the floor. “Then I don’t need you…and I don’t need her.”

  Gage’s heart drummed a racing beat. “You won’t kill her.” Please, God please, don’t let him kill her.

  “Okay, maybe not. But I can cause her pain. Starting by forcing her to kill you.”

  Now Cate’s head snapped up. Her face was white, her eyes wide. She stared at Gage. Pleading.

  He released a breath and imagined planting a fist in Leven’s face. “What do you want?”

  “I want you to extract her memories. And I believe you know which particular memory I’m after.”

  “I don’t have a method to access genetic memory. With time, research, experiments—”

  “You don’t want to displease me, Dr. Walker.” Leven’s gun didn’t move but the menace in the room increased. “I don’t like the word no.”

  Gage was excruciatingly aware that Leven would pull that trigger and not feel anything about taking a life. “I can’t give you something I don’t have.”

  “You’ve heard of Dr. Komolov and his method of Rapid Cortical Cooling?”

  Dread curdled Gage’s gut. Komolov had consulted for the Anomaly Program. “Yes—”

  “He worked for me…until recently. Then he told me no.”

  There was a sticky silence that lodged in Gage’s throat. He saw Cate biting her lip.

  “He was very close to perfecting RCC. He told me you were the only one he knew who could make it work.”

  “No.” Gage shook his head.

  “Gage, please,” Cate said.

  “No.” He looked at her. “RCC involves inserting a cold probe directly into the brain. It kills the memory holder. I won’t do it.” He squared his shoulders and met Leven’s hard stare.

  Leven raised his gun and fired.

  Driving pain sent Gage to the floor. Cate’s screams echoed in his ears.

  ***

  Cate stared in horror at the blood covering Gage’s shorts. Leven had shot him in the thigh.

  Everything inside her felt paralyzed. She couldn’t think. Fear for Gage, fear of the man looming over—and of herself—stole her breath, her will, her very soul.

  But as she watched Gage calmly apply pressure to his wound, something in her steadied. When he looked her way, reassurance in his brown gaze, she managed to draw air into her lungs.

  Then Leven grabbed the back of her collar and dragged her forward. Her knees scraped along the tile floor. He dumped her in front of Gage.

  A quick twist of Leven’s wrist and her hands her were free. This time he pressed the gun to Gage’s side.

  “Put your hands on his chest. Take too long and I’ll shoot him in the gut and leave him to bleed. A horrible way to die, I’m told.”

  She shook her head. She wouldn’t risk putting her hands on Gage. Already her emotions were in upheaval and she was afraid, so afraid, that nasty part of her would rise up, unable to resist the urge to steal a soul.

  Leven’s black gaze never wavered. But it was Gage’s voice that captured her attention.

  “Do it, Cate. Touch me.”

  There was that patience and calm that had won her over. He reached out and grabbed her hand. She tried to pull back but he yanked her forward and forced both her hands to the warm flesh at the neck of his shirt.

  No dark desire rose up. No urge to kill. She stared hard into Gage’s brown eyes and all she felt was love.

  Oh God. Her eyes widened. Maybe she wasn’t all the way in love with him yet, but she was falling and falling hard.

  She had no desire to hurt him. She was in control of the monster inside.

  His heart thudded strongly under her palm. She curled her fingers into his skin and watched warmth move through his eyes.

  She wanted a forever with this man. She wanted to make love with him, watch him adjust those sexy glasses on his nose, see him laugh.

  But that life would always be in jeopardy unless she fought for herself. Unless she embraced what was inside her and somehow made peace with it.

  Leaning in closer to Gage, she pulled in a deep breath. It was a risk. She was risking her chance at a real life. But Gage was worth it, all the anomalies on the island were worth it.

  Quickly as she could, she reached back and snapped a hand around Gabriel Leven’s ankle.

  Leven tried to kick at her, but Gage surged upward and knocked the man to the ground.

  “Get back,” she warned.

  Gage wavered for a second but complied. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

  “I know.” In her heart, she knew he’d always be there. Then she looked back at the man who’d had her tortured and forced her
to kill. Her grip on his ankle tightened. “I take no pleasure in this.”

  She started to steal his soul.

  For the first time, it didn’t feel good. It just was.

  He struggled. “No.”

  “It’s fitting, I think.” Gage crouched nearby, steady support. “You should experience the pain you caused others.”

  As Cate tugged at the flash of light inside him, she found it felt dull and gray. Like all the souls of people who’d treated others badly.

  Leven’s eyes widened and he went still. His face turned deathly pale. “No. No. I…please stop.”

  She blinked. She’d never expected to hear Leven beg. Usually her victims started screaming now, but Leven seemed frozen.

  “Oh, God.” Leven stared upward, seeing something they couldn’t. “I turned into him. I turned into him.”

  The ragged whisper was filled with pain. Leven’s eyes filled with tears. Cate felt her strength waver but she glanced at the blood trickling down Gage’s leg and firmed her grip.

  “I wanted to be strong. I didn’t want to hurt ever again.” Leven’s gaze moved around the room wildly. Locked with Cate’s. “I never set out to hurt other people…I just wanted to be strong. I couldn’t save her. I was weak and I couldn’t save her.” A sob broke lose from his chest. A tear dripped down his cheek.

  For a second, Cate saw a little boy reflected in his face, felt a flash of brightness in his soul. The innocent boy Leven had once been, twisted and molded by a monster.

  When his back arched and he groaned, Cate was shocked to feel sympathy. She tried to hold onto her hatred, her pain. So much death because of this man. He’d made his choices, he’d known what he was doing.

  But he’d been a victim once. Someone who’d been hurt and watched his mother die to protect him.

  “I can’t do it.” Cate released him and scuttled backward. “I can’t kill him.”

  Gage pulled her into his arms and she turned into him. “It’s okay.”

  “I wanted to kill him, but I can’t.” Her hands clutched at Gage’s shirt. “I was so afraid he’d kill you.”

  Gage pushed her face into his chest, his lips pressed to her hair. “Jesus, not half as terrified I was when he had a gun to your head.” Gage looked over her shoulder. “I don’t think he’ll hurt anyone again.”

  She looked up and saw Leven curled into a ball, rocking back and forth. His face was blank, his eyes—once such dark pits—were now blank. Like there was nothing there.

  “I think you’ve removed most of his soul, but left enough to leave him alive.”

  She’d left small parts before, but usually the person still died. Maybe there was some line and she hadn’t crossed it. “What does that mean for him?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Leven?” she said.

  He didn’t look over. When she called out again, he glanced up, blinking.

  “Do you know who you are?” she asked.

  A frown creased his head. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, he can still talk,” Gage said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “Gage!” Cal’s voice boomed through the lab. “Where the hell are you?”

  “In here,” Gage called out.

  Cal stepped inside, took in the situation with one swift glance and cursed. He shouted orders and people flowed in behind him. Two men secured Leven.

  “He’s…I took most of his soul,” Cate said.

  Cal scrutinized the man. “Lock him up. We’ll deal with him later. Someone get Ellie, Gage needs medical attention.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Pool of blood says otherwise.”

  Cate sucked in a breath and turned onto her knees. Blood stained his shorts and was pooling on the ground. “Gage!” She pressed her hands over his.

  “I’ll be fine.” He caressed her cheek. “I promise.”

  “You’ve always kept your promises.” She pressed her lips to his. “I’ve never met a man like you.”

  “And you’re the first woman who’s tied me in knots and made me fall head over heels for her.”

  Her heart stopped. “Really?”

  He gripped her hand, both their hands covered in his blood. “I know you want to go back to Melbourne and your old life—”

  “Gage—”

  “Let me finish. If that’s what you want, I’ll support you.” A shadow crossed his eyes and she knew he was thinking of his brother. “I’ve never thought as you as a stand in for Theo. At first, I saw him in you but…the truth is you’re stronger than he was. I failed him but he also failed himself by giving up.”

  “Oh, Gage.”

  “If going back makes you happy, then that’s what I want for you. But if you want to stay here—” his voice caught “—if you’ll stay with me, I promise I’ll do everything I can every day to show you what you mean to me. I’ll make you fall crazy in love with a work-absorbed scientist.”

  She touched her forehead to his, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I already am.”

  He was so still. “Does that mean you’ll stay?”

  “Yes.”

  A grin crossed his face. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  His grin widened. “Hey, Cal. I got a girl of my own.”

  Cal snorted. “I’d say she’s got you since I reckon you’ve got about three minutes before you pass out from blood loss.”

  The delighted smile on Gage’s face made Cate smile herself. Only a few days ago, she’d wondered if she’d ever smile again. Ever truly feel like her life was worth living.

  Gage kissed her. A deep kiss that made her wish they were back in his cottage and in his big, untidy bed.

  “This is lovely, you two, but I need to stop Gage’s bleeding.”

  Ellie’s voice broke them apart. Cate moved back, giving Ellie room to do her work. Gage held out his hand and Cate clasped it tightly.

  “Cate—” Gage continued, oblivious to Ellie’s medical treatment “—I think you somehow stole my soul, because it’s all yours, along with my heart if you want it.”

  “I’ll take them both, Dr. Walker.”

  She knew her ability would always be a battle to control. But with Gage by her side, she knew she had a damn good chance at the life she wanted.

  Not her old life. But a new one filled with potential, a sexy scientist and lots of love.

  Epilogue

  John plunged his hands into the dark, fertile soil. He patted around the small strawberry plant then sat back, satisfied. He loved tending the gardens at Haven. There was something rewarding about watching a seedling grow under his care. Creating life, encouraging it.

  Childish squeals carried on the lazy tropical breeze. He glanced past the fence to the open-air classroom on the other side. School was out for the day. He saw Cate Walker urging the young anomalies out of the classroom.

  His stomach felt tight. As it always did when he saw her. He didn’t remember much of his life before Haven, but he’d been told he’d forced Cate to do horrible things. Sometimes he’d wake at night, sweating, heart racing, terrible images seared into his brain. Not all of it made sense, but he knew he’d hurt far more people than just Haven’s teacher.

  Cate was in an earnest discussion with a boy on the cusp of his teenage years. A backpack was slung over one of his thin shoulders.

  “We’ll have another private session tomorrow, Finn. You’re doing so well with your new ability,” Cate said.

  Finn flashed a wide grin and hitched his bag higher. “Thanks, Mrs. W. You’re the best.” He headed out to follow his friends.

  Cate noticed John and froze for a second before she slowly relaxed. A guarded smile crossed her lips. She lifted a hand and raised her voice. “Hi, John.”

  “Hi.” He lifted a hand in return.

  Cate’s gaze drifted past him and a wide smile bloomed on her face, her eyes shimmering.

  John turned his head and saw Dr. Walker skirting the fenced gardens and heading toward the school with
his long, lanky stride.

  As Gage grabbed his wife and dragged her in for a quick kiss, John ducked his head. But he watched the way they held each other. With such joy, such love. Somehow John knew he’d never known anything like this before.

  “I overtook some visitors headed up to see you,” Gage said.

  Cate brushed at her shoulder-length hair. “Really?”

  Just then feminine voices reached them.

  “Bay, you should sit down. Rest.” Mara Ross’s voice.

  “I don’t want to rest,” Bay Archer snapped. “I’m pregnant, not suffering from some rare disease. I’m capable of walking.”

  John watched the tall redhead hovering over Bay as they walked slowly toward the classroom. He heard Cate stifle a laugh behind her hand.

  Mara sniffed. “Well, you look like you swallowed a basketball and it’s ready to pop.”

  When Bay rounded on her friend, Cate stepped forward. “You’re glowing, Bay. You look beautiful, not tired at all.”

  John had no experience with pregnant women, but he thought the basketball comment was accurate.

  The time thief tucked her honey-colored hair back behind her ear. “Thanks.” Then she scrunched her nose. “But I do feel like I swallowed a basketball.” Her gaze alighted on John. A shadow flickered in her eyes before she hid it. “How are you, John?”

  “Fine. Thank you.” He shuffled backward. Another person he’d hurt.

  Mara Ross watched him through narrowed green eyes but she gave him a nod. He returned it cautiously.

  Cate scooped up her bag and slipped it over her head. “What brings you ladies up here?”

  “Barbeque tonight. Mine and Cal’s place,” Mara said.

  Cate worked to keep her face neutral. “Ah, that sounds great.” She shot Gage a wide-eyed look.

  Mara held up a hand. A teardrop emerald ring glinted in the sunlight. John knew it wasn’t a wedding ring—he’d heard Callahan and Mara say they didn’t need a piece of paper from governments neither of them trusted. The mind raider had also give Callahan a solid titanium band that he always wore. Mara joked it was to warn women to stay away from her man.