Sacrifice

by Denise Grover Swank

  If it was Aiden, she’d never be ready. No matter how she tried to prepare herself for an encounter with him.

  She’d spent twenty minutes on the computer. Another forty minutes until noon. What would Will do? Swallowing the rising terror that accompanied thoughts of him, she forced herself to think rationally. Will would probably scope out the exterior of the building. Look for escape routes. That sounded like as good an idea as any.

  Walking around the city block, she noted the location of the public and emergency exits, taking note of the restaurant on the northern end. The car was parked in a lot three blocks to the south. If Will was hurt, that might be too far away. She closed her eyes and focused on what needed to be done.

  She was ten minutes early, but why not take the offensive and march in like she owned the place? With any luck at all, when she was done, she would.

  Entering through the revolving glass door, the conditioned air caught her breath as it cooled the sweat on her skin after walking around in the New Mexico heat. The lobby was decorated like a five-star hotel, with marble floors and columns, and a central atrium that rose through the center of the building.

  Emma lifted her chin and strode to the front desk as she hitched the backpack strap higher on her shoulder, leaving her sunglasses perched on her nose. She placed a hand on the counter, fully aware that she looked out of place in her rumpled, slept-in skirt and T-shirt, and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. “I need to speak to Pedro.”

  If the man behind the counter was surprised by her request, he hid it well. He took a plastic room key out of a drawer, slid it into an envelope, and handed it to her. He stared at her with a vacant expression. “Room 2123.”

  She paused, trying to determine if he was naturally undemonstrative or if he was under someone’s control. She suspected the former.

  The elevator was empty and it climbed to the twenty-first floor without stopping. The doors slid open to a hushed hallway with no one in sight. She pulled the handgun out of the front pocket of her backpack and slid back the rack. Her power might be stronger but was still an unknown variable. As she found with Raphael, if she was too scared it might not work. But bullets knew no fear.

  Gun raised, she stepped out of the elevator, edging her way down the hall and stopping at the side of 2123, the last door on the right. Taking a deep breath, she ordered her racing heart to slow down. She needed to be calm and in control. Hyperventilating wouldn’t help.

  After another lungful of air, she hid the gun behind her back, knocked on the door, and waited.

  When the door swung open, she wasn’t prepared for the face that greeted her.

  “Mommy.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Emma fell to her knees, sure she’d lost all touch with reality. “Jake?”

  He threw his arms around her neck and buried his face in her hair.

  How could he be here? The realization that he couldn’t be in a luxury hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico on his own sunk in. Especially when the last time she’d seen him was two weeks ago in Montana.

  She stood and grabbed his hand in hers as she swiveled her head, looking for his captors. “Jake, we have to go.”

  He locked his knees, remaining in place. “No, Mommy. I can’t leave and we don’t have much time.” He tugged her hand, pulling her inside the room and shutting the door.

  They entered the living room of a suite and Jake pulled her to two chairs by the windows overlooking the city. He pushed her down gently and stood in front of her, pressing her cheeks between his palms. The corners of his mouth turned up into a sad smile. “It’s you.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.” She pulled him tight against her body, hoping to soak in his presence. “I’ve missed you so much.”

  “You didn’t talk to me,” he murmured into her hair.

  Squeezing him tight, she choked on the lump in her throat. “I tried, baby. I tried to talk to you. You couldn’t hear me, but I was there, dying inside because I couldn’t help you.”

  He buried his face deeper into her shoulder.

  If Jake was here, there was only one way for him to be in a hotel in Albuquerque. “Where’s Aiden?” she finally squeezed out once her breath recovered. Aiden had to be lurking somewhere and she had to get Jake out before he showed up.

  Terror filled his eyes before he masked it. “He has business he has to do.”

  “Does he know I’m here?”

  “Yes. He sent for you.”

  “Do you know where Will is?”

  His eyes widened and he shook his head. “No.”

  Her heart leapt into her throat. “Do you know where Will is?”

  Confusion crossed over his eyes. “No.”

  “Jake. Someone took Will. Are you sure you don’t know where he is? You haven’t seen a vision?”

  Tears filled his eyes. “No.”

  She swallowed her rising panic. Maybe Jake didn’t know, but Aiden did. “Someone took him.” She grabbed his shoulders. “You have to help me, Jake. I have to find him.”

  He shook his head and looked away. “You don’t need him anymore.”

  “Jake, this is Will we’re talking about. Not some random stranger.” She let go of him. “Do you know anything about where he is?”

  His chin trembled. “I don’t know.”

  Her head dropped, tears burning her eyes. “I have to find him. I have to save him.”

  He turned back to her, his eyes wide. “No, you have to save yourself.”

  Her head jerked up. “Who told you that?” But she knew. Aiden. “What did he say, Jake? What did Aiden tell you?”

  Squaring his shoulders, resolve filled his eyes. “Will is holding you back. Aiden took away Will’s memory for a reason, Mommy. You’re done with Will.”

  Panic flooded her head. With Aiden’s attitude, Will might already be dead. “No, I’m not. That’s for me to decide. I need to know that Will is okay.”

  Hurt filled Jake’s eyes. “Why are you picking him over me?”

  “I’m not! Why are you saying that?”

  He remained silent.

  “Why can’t I have you both?”

  “Because Aiden says you can’t.” His voice broke.

  A band of fear constricted her chest. “What will Aiden do if I don’t leave Will?” She stood, walking to the windows and looking over downtown.

  Jake moved beside her, placing his hand in hers. “Mommy, Will was supposed to help you gain your powers. He was temporary.”

  Emma spun to face him. “That’s not what you told him when you burned that mark on his arm. You told him that the two of you would be enemies.”

  His mouth puckered before he whispered, “That’s why you have to leave him behind. Otherwise, we will be enemies. I’ve seen it in my head. Who do you think will win, Mommy? Me or him? Who do you want to win?”

  She staggered backward, dropping his hand. “No.”

  “Mommy.” He pulled her back to the chair and pushed her down. “You can’t fight Aiden.” He sucked in a breath. “Please, Mommy. I need you to do this.”

  “What is Aiden going to do to Will?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She leaned back in the chair, gathering her thoughts. Why was Aiden insisting that she get rid of Will? He was the one coming up with new ideas and pushing her harder. She wouldn’t be half this far without him.

  Jake watched her with an intense gaze.

  Her eyes widened as she sucked in a breath. Jake could read her mind.

  His face became blurry through her tears. “Jake, please. Listen to me.” She took his hand and held it to her chest. “Come with me. I’m stronger now and I can protect you from Aiden. I can teach you how to hide from him.”

  His face sagged with disappointment. “He said you wouldn’t listen. He said that you would pick Will.”

  “No, Jake. I’m not picking him over you. Please. Listen to me.”

  Tears filled his eyes.

  She pulled him into a hug, crushi
ng him to her chest and breathing in the soft soap smell of his hair. “Has Aiden been nice to you? Are you safe?”

  “Yes,” he said, his voice muffled.

  She pulled him onto her lap, turning him sideways. “Do you miss me? Do you think of me?”

  “Yes.” His voice broke.

  “I miss you so much.” Her chest heaved as she struggled to maintain control. “I don’t want any of this mess. I never asked for it. I just want you.”

  “And Will.”

  She closed her eyes. There was no winning this. “You picked Will for me. You. I can’t just stop loving him. Just like I can’t stop loving you. I love you both. Why is that not okay? I want you both to be safe.”

  Jake pulled back and looked into her eyes, his cheeks wet with tears. “No one will be safe until this is over.”

  She ran her hand over his cheek, smoothing back his hair as she looked deep into his eyes. “Jake, do you know anything about Will? Please, I’m begging you.”

  His gaze dropped. “I don’t know. I’m only supposed to tell you to leave Will.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “What else does Aiden say?”

  “He says that I’m special,” he whispered, looking down.

  She stroked his head. “Yes, you’re very special. We’ve known that for ages. Which is why I had to protect you.”

  “Aiden says he can protect me from everyone and everything. Better than you ever could.” His voice quivered.

  His words pierced her heart. Yet she couldn’t deny they were likely true. “I’m his daughter, Jake. Why didn’t he protect me from all the bad things in my life? Think about you and me. I did everything I possibly could to keep you safe and I didn’t even have powers. He could have saved us both. Why didn’t he?”

  Jake’s shoulders shook with sobs. “He said you wouldn’t listen. Mommy, please listen.”

  Her voice softened as her arms tightened around him. “Jake, I’m going to fix this. I’m going to get you out of this.” She set him off her lap and stood, grabbing his hand. “Come on. We’re leaving.”

  Jake pulled against her, frantic. “No! Mommy, please!”

  A voice drifted from behind her. “Hello, Emmanuella.”

  Her back tensed and Jake stilled, his eyes wide in terror. Emma turned around, pushing Jake behind her. “Aiden.”

  He laughed and walked through a door from an adjoining room. “Going somewhere?”

  She lifted her chin. “Yes. I came to get my son and leave.”

  “I was under the impression you were here for something else.”

  Her breath caught. “Where’s Will?”

  He scowled, shaking his head. “I give you your son. He’s cowering behind you, yet you still choose that man.”

  “Give me my son? You took my son, you arrogant asshole.”

  “Emma, such language in front of Jake. Really.” His gaze landed on Jake’s face. “Jake, why don’t you run into the other room so your mother and I can have a chat.”

  Jake hesitated, clutching Emma’s leg.

  “No.” Emma’s anger grew, filling the room with a golden glow.

  Her father sat in a chair and crossed his legs, his face expressionless. “Do you really want to do this, Emmanuella? I think we both know who will win. But if you have any doubt, ask your son.” Aiden leaned forward with a tight smile. “Jake, tell your mother who will win this confrontation.”

  “You,” Jake whispered.

  Aiden reclined in his chair. “Now there’s a smart boy. Tell your mother goodbye and run along.”

  Jake took a step away from Emma and she grabbed his arm, panic clawing in her head. “No.”

  With tear-filled eyes, Jake tried to pull loose from her grip. “I can’t go with you, Mommy.”

  She fell to her knees, breaking into sobs as she pulled him into her arms. “I can’t leave you here. I can’t let you go.”

  “You have to.” His arms tightened around her neck. “I love you, Mommy.”

  “I love you too.” How could she let this monster take her son? Did she really have a choice?

  “Mommy, listen,” Jake whispered. “You have to listen to Aiden. He does terrible things to people. Please, Mommy. I don’t want him to hurt you.”

  “Antonia,” Aiden called out. “I think Jake needs some assistance going to the other room.”

  A young woman walked up behind Jake and bowed her head with apologetic eyes. “I’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

  Emma clung to Jake tighter. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  He leaned back and cradled her face in his hands. “It’s okay, Mommy.” He kissed her on the cheek and took Antonia’s hand.

  Covering her mouth with a shaky hand, Emma watched him leave the room. She couldn’t let Aiden get away with this.

  “You should listen to your son,” Aiden said in a bored tone. “I will stop any attempt you make to kill me.”

  She rose to her feet, glaring at the demon in front of her.

  Aiden chuckled. “You always had a fire in you. I saw it when you were just a little girl and stood up to your mother.”

  “You saw me?”

  He shrugged. “I had to keep tabs on you.”

  “And you left me with her?”

  He leaned forward. “She made you strong, Emmanuella. She made you the fighter you are today. That didn’t happen by accident. You should thank me.”

  Her jaw dropped. He was actually serious.

  “You need every ounce of strength to win this. Even though you didn’t realize it, you’ve been preparing since the day you were conceived.” He tilted his head. “Emma, sit. I insist.” He waved his hand to the chair next to him.

  Resisting the urge to run after Jake, she sat across from him.

  “You were part of my master plan. I knew I could only hold on for another generation, two at the maximum. The power I acquired from Alex and Raphael had begun to run out. If I continued on like I had, I’d soon be no stronger than those two fools. So I chose to put my remaining excess energy into you.”

  Cold dread washed through her. “You knew Alex would rape me when you sent him to me.”

  His face was devoid of emotion. “I needed Jake.”

  This couldn’t be true.

  “I told him that you were possibly the queen from the prophecy. But I sent him on several excursions for possible candidates. I may have suggested that there was only one way to know for sure. Most were quite willing.”

  Had Alex raped other women thinking that they were her? She was going to be sick.

  “You’re telling me you don’t want Jake? You’d rather it never happened and that he’d never been born?”

  Her mouth gaped. “Don’t you twist this into something it’s not, you sick bastard. You practically told the man to rape me.”

  He shrugged. “The circumstances of Jake’s conception are most regrettable and could have been handled much more civilly.”

  “Much more civilly?”

  “Emma, it took care of two things at once. Jake was conceived and Alex proved once and for all that he’s a bumbling idiot not worthy of getting his power back. Besides, it worked in your favor too. You got Jake and it made you stronger than ever.”

  Oh, God. This went deeper than that. “And the Bad Men? The Cavallo? You sent them too?”

  The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

  “Do you realize what it did to that little boy? Those men haunted his dreams.”

  “I did it for you both. Every time they came it made you stronger, ready to fight.”

  Fight. Icy fear washed through her veins. “What happens to Jake? Please, please tell me that he’s not part of this.”

  He lifted an eyebrow with a smile.

  “He’s only five years old!”

  “And stronger than the two imbeciles who’ve tried to win your predecessor’s favor for centuries.”

  She leaned back in the chair, trying to take in the information. “So it’s you and Jake then. You two are the w
inners?”

  “No,” he scoffed. “Four shall fight, two shall remain. It was Raphael’s stupid pronouncement, but it fits with my plan. You and Jake can fight Raphael and Alex. The two of you remain.”

  “Wait.” She cocked her head. “I thought it was Raphael, Alex, you, and me.”

  “I never said who would fight. Only that four would fight and of those four, only two would remain. The contestant slots are still open.”

  “What about you?”

  “I watch. I don’t fight. There are no rules against that.”

  The air stuck in her throat. They were doomed.

  “You have until the very first round to lock in who participates.” Aiden winked. “I always think it’s fun to keep them guessing. You all have a little over four weeks to fret.”

  Four weeks. How could she be ready in four weeks?

  “So now you see why I need you to focus more on your preparation and less on your love life. That was the whole purpose of wiping Will’s memory. That he would disappear. I was sure that Warren and his little playgroup would kill him and I wouldn’t have to do it. You would have held that over my head for eternity. How is it that he still chooses to be with you?”

  “I don’t know.” She bit her lip and looked out the window, struggling to hold back her tears. It was hopeless. “So if my training is so important to you, why not take me with you and Jake?”

  “And if I took you with us, what incentive would you have? You would already have your son. Would you have willingly agreed to fight?”

  No, she would have taken Jake and left.

  He waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and put a stop to this nonsense.”

  “Where’s Will? Is he alive?”

  “Yes, for now. But it’s up to you for how long.”

  She saw no way to stop any of this madness. How could she save Will and Jake from this madman? She couldn’t even save herself. “So now what?”

  He smiled, his eyes glittering. “I knew if I presented this the right way, you’d see it my way.”

  “Oh, yeah. Score one for Aiden and his persuasion. What do you want me to do?”