Kierra's Thread (Argadian Heart Trilogy Book 2)

by Adrianna Dane

  “He was right. You shouldn’t have come when you did. You could have been damaged.”

  “Can you walk, Bakari?” Devon wanted to know.

  Jarek looked over at him. “One way or the other. I’ve had enough of a revisit to this dwelling of Haydon.”

  Devon nodded. “Our friend here, Skorda, will get us out of here. Won’t you, Skorda? You see, he likes life and we’ve come to an agreement on a few things, haven’t we?”

  Skorda nodded but wouldn’t look at any of them. He fidgeted and swallowed nervously. Who would have thought that Tribunal Leader Odon would breed such a coward? She guessed it served him right.

  “This lab needs to be destroyed. Corbin, do you have the explosives? Let’s get them set and get out of here.” He turned back to Skorda. “Now tell me about this drug and the program you used on Jarek.”

  Skorda licked his lips. “Wh-what do you want to know?”

  “Don’t be stupid, you white-bellied slitherer. I want to make sure everything is destroyed. Are there any other copies of the program? What about the drug?”

  “It was still in the experimental stages. It was contained here in the lab until my father was satisfied with its effect. This was supposed to be the final test.” His glance flickered over to Jarek and then away quickly.

  “All right. Get those charges set and let’s get out of here. Skorda, you get to come with us.” Devon lifted him roughly from the chair.

  “What do you mean?” he screeched. “I’ve done what you asked.”

  “We’re not out of here yet. You’re going to make sure we all get out of here safely. Let’s go.”

  Corbin and Torak strode back into the room a short time later. “All set,” Corbin said as he tossed the empty backpack onto the desk after pulling free the detonator. “Once we’re outside the gates, I’ll press the little red button. This place will go up like a skyfire in midsummer.”

  “Bakari, you going to make it?”

  Jarek rose to his feet, weaved a bit, but managed to remain standing. Kierra moved next to him and put an arm around his waist to lend support. Torak went to his other side.

  Kierra looked at Devon. “He’ll make it. Lead the way.”

  Devon pushed Skorda ahead of him toward the tubulator. “You first, Skorda. Watch what you say and how you say it and you’ll get out of here with your skin intact. Just remember—we die, you die first.”

  Devon pushed the button and the door slid open. He shoved Skorda inside. Torak and Kierra moved slowly, assisting Jarek. Eluria and Corbin followed behind.

  “Beam us up, Eluria.” Kierra saw Eluria roll her eyes at Devon’s comment and she smiled.

  “He’ll never change.”

  Eluria punched the button. “He’s so addicted to those old Earth shows. I sometimes don’t know how he stands himself.”

  The door slid closed and they waited impatiently for it to arrive at the top level.

  Time was short and Kierra now wondered how much of Jarek’s memories were recovered. He’d said sanctuary was gone forever. If it truly was, she would create a new one for them. She knew he’d created sanctuary from the memories of his beloved Serdion. It was his only retreat from the reality of Odon.

  She’d never been to Serdion when it had been a thriving planet. She would find a way to give him back what he’d lost one way or the other.

  And then she also realized something else. Devon and Eluria had both touched her. That had been something she’d been unable to tolerate in the years since escaping from the compound. It had only been recently Jarek was able to touch her without the veil of pain consuming her. She hadn’t tried with anyone else.

  But today there’d been not even a twinge. Had all that rage and anger she’d bottled inside been released when she’d finally confronted Odon? She didn’t know and there was no time to examine the feelings now. Once they were away and safe again, then she would have time to understand what had happened.

  For right now she was just grateful Jarek was safe. And Odon was dead.

  CHAPTER NINE

  As luck would have it, when they exited the building housing the laboratory, two Enforcers pulled up in a hovercade.

  “Cause any problems, Skorda, and you’ll be joining your father,” Devon warned. “Keep it simple, but get us the use of that hovercade—now.” He gave him a little push forward, and turned back to the others. “Wait here, until I signal.”

  Eluria looked about to protest, but then seemed to think better of it and closed her mouth.

  Kierra couldn’t hear the exchange between Skorda and the guards, but saw them vacate the hovercade and race toward the building. Devon turned and motioned to Eluria and the others.

  Devon pushed Skorda into the back seat and motion for Corbin and Torak to flank him on either side. Kierra helped Jarek in next to Torak and then crushed in front next to Eluria. Once they were all settled, Devon started the vehicle and turned toward the gate.

  “What did you tell them?” Eluria wanted to know.

  “That there’s been an accident in the lab and my father needed help. The shape Jarek’s in helped to convince them.”

  “How did you explain us?”

  “Skorda told them I was sent to assist with Odon’s secret project and you were part of the new team provided to assess its value to the Tribunal.”

  Eluria craned her neck. “Skorda, I’m proud of you. That was some pretty slick thinking.”

  Kierra turned around to look at Skorda. Cowardly slitherer—and thank Symion for it. If his life weren’t his first priority, he’d have been dead back in the lab and of no use in helping them escape from the compound, nor in helping Jarek recover some of his memories.

  Skorda grimaced when they hit a bump and grabbed for the back of the front seat. “What are you going to do with me? I’ve done what you asked, now let me go.”

  “We’ll negotiate that later,” Devon said as they passed the gate. “Corbin, now would be a good time to detonate those charges.”

  Corbin pulled out the small black box. “Ready for some fireworks? Cause it’s going to be real pretty.” He pressed the little red button.

  Devon didn’t stop the vehicle, but looked in the mirror. Everyone else turned around to watch. They felt the ground rumble beneath them, and Devon swerved the vehicle, then regained control.

  The roar was followed by bursts of light cascading in the sky above the compound. Even the walls of the compound crumbled to dust.

  “How much explosive did you bring in that little bag?” Devon asked.

  Corbin chuckled. “Enough to make an impression. Wouldn’t want anyone to forget we were here. Isn’t it beautiful?”

  “Well, Skorda, guess you better come with us. Looks like home isn’t what it used to be.”

  “That isn’t what we agreed!”

  “I don’t recall any particular agreement other than that you’d get to live. I’m thinking the rebellion could use whatever information you might have, especially regarding this new little technique your father came up with.”

  “I won’t help the rebellion.”

  “Would you rather be dead then?”

  Only silence met Devon’s question. Answer enough.

  “Yes, well I thought so. You may even come to see our side of things. You never can tell.”

  There was no more conversation until they came to a screeching halt next to a grouping of trees some distance from the site of the compound.

  “Everybody out.” Devon stepped out of the vehicle, pulled out the transmitter, and the ship wavered, then appeared. “Let’s get out of here before whoever is left tries to come after us.”

  “They will come,” Skorda said. “The ships aren’t housed within the compound. They’re kept in a bunker several kilometers away, just in case something like this should happen.”

  “Well, then, let’s move. We don’t have time to waste.”

  Once they were inside and prepared for take-off, Kierra turned to look at Jarek. “Are you all right?�
��

  He nodded. “I am now. There’s no need to worry.”

  “I almost lost you, I can’t help but worry.”

  His gaze slid over her and it was like a shutter came down. “You shouldn’t have come here, Kierra. Look at you. What you were forced to relive.”

  “You can’t mean that. How could I not come? Would you have stayed behind?”

  “That’s not the point. You’re only just recovering. How many years has it taken?”

  “Stop Jarek. Not another word. You’ve been through a lot. You did what you had to do—well, so did I. Did you ever think that maybe I had to do this to recover completely? That I needed to face it in order to overcome it? Maybe I’ve allowed you to protect me too much.”

  He sighed, leaned back, and closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, Kierra. I shouldn’t be yelling at you.”

  “As soon as we get back, Dr. Xander can take a look at you. It will be all right.”

  He didn’t open his eyes. “There are things that couldn’t be reversed.”

  She heard the tiredness in his voice. They needed to get back, and he needed time to rest.

  He opened his eyes and looked at her. “Don’t try to thoughtwalk to me. Promise me.”

  “Why? I want to be there for you. You’ve always been there for me, you would refuse me this?”

  He nodded. “For now. Yes. I told you, there are things that couldn’t be reversed. I need time to assess the amount of damage.”

  “Can’t I help you?”

  “Not with this. Give me time.”

  She was hurt that Jarek didn’t think she was capable of helping him. But as with most males, she knew she needed to give him room. So instead, she reached out to touch his hand.

  He looked at her, first in concern, then in surprise. He didn’t move to take her hand, but she felt a tremor pass through him. She threaded her fingers with his. It felt so good to touch him, and not a twinge of pain passed through her.

  “All that pain and rage was locked inside me with no way to release it. Today it was purged.”

  The ship swerved suddenly. “Hold tight everyone,” Devon said as he punched in coordinates. “We’ve got a tail. I’m going to try some fancy piloting.”

  “Can we outmaneuver them?” Eluria asked.

  “I told you they’d come after us,” Skorda whined.

  “Sit tight, Skorda, you haven’t lost skin yet.”

  “They’ve got a bigger ship, but we’ve got better maneuverability.”

  “What about cloaking?” Eluria asked.

  “Power’s low, I don’t want to take a chance right now. As I said, we’re faster and smaller. There’s an asteroid cluster ahead. We might be able to use that to shield us. Once we’re closer to Ednos, I’ll engage cloaking.”

  Jarek’s fingers tightened on Kierra’s. The ship shuddered as an energy burst from the other ship skimmed them.

  “That was a close one,” Devon said as he veered the ship. “Haydon, there’s another ship coming up. What the—”

  “What is it, Devon?” Eluria asked as she rose from her seat to hurry over to read the controls on the console. “It’s not a Tribunal ship. It looks like…the Raven.”

  Kierra’s heart seemed to shudder to a stop. “Do you think it’s—”

  “I don’t know. We haven’t heard anything of him for quite some time.”

  “We’re being hailed,” Devon said.

  “Hail Freelion ship. Who commands?” the voice inquired.

  Eluria looked at Devon and nodded. “It sounds like Alekos.”

  Devon turned back to the console. “Captain Devon Andromeda here. Who hails and who do I have to thank?”

  There was a chuckle of laughter. “So the stories I heard were true. The vaunted Elite Enforcer himself has turned rebel.”

  Eluria made a face and leaned forward. “Alekos come back with us.”

  “Ah, Eluria Zydon. I’d know that voice anywhere. Beautiful and deadly still I would imagine.”

  “Tafai to your brother as well, whelp. Come home. Kierra is here.”

  “Congratulations are in order then. It’s about time.”

  Eluria turned back toward Kierra. “Come talk with him. Maybe we can convince him to return with us.”

  Kierra rose and went to the console. “Alekos? It’s Kierra.”

  “Sweet Kierra. What are you doing so far from home? You sound—different.”

  “Alekos, come home. Please. We need you with us. I am better. Come home so we can share our adventures. Odon is dead, as are my ghosts.”

  “I’m happy for you, Kierra. I can’t go back to Ednos. I’m far past that point. Devon—take care of our family. I’m glad you’re all safe. I’ll watch your back until you reach safety.”

  “Alekos come back with us. We’ve been separated too long,” Devon urged.

  “Can’t do it brother. Maybe once the Tribunal is defeated. In the meantime, live long and be victorious, brother.”

  Devon chuckled. “You mangled that one, little brother.”

  “Just checking to see if you remembered. Guess that memory is in good working order. Over and out.”

  “Alekos— Haydon, he’s stubborn.”

  Eluria smiled. “Reminds me of someone else I know. At least we know he’s alive.”

  “Do you think he’ll ever come home?” Kierra asked.

  “One day, I hope so,” Devon answered. “Let’s get back to Ednos. Odon is gone, but the rest of the Tribunal still needs to be dealt with.”

  “Like my father.”

  Kierra reached out and placed a comforting hand on Eluria’s shoulder as Devon reached for her hand.

  “Hopefully, it won’t mean his death,” Devon tried to reassure her.

  “He would not hesitate to take mine,” she responded sadly.

  Kierra stepped away to return to her seat and give Devon and Eluria time alone. Her gaze met Jarek’s green intent stare and she felt warmth flood through her. She wanted what Devon and Eluria had found. And now she had a chance to have it.

  With purpose she knelt before Jarek, took his hands, and held them to her face. “I won’t let you do what I did, Jarek. I won’t let you hide from me.”

  “I don’t plan to do that. I just need time.”

  “Is it the reversal you fear, or is it because I have now seen what you’ve kept hidden from me? What are you really worried about?”

  His hands against her face were warm and strong. She turned her head and kissed the palm of one hand, and heard his sharp intake of breath. She wasn’t sure she could give him the time he seemed to need.

  It was as though her body had been in deep hibernation and the tingling awareness she now felt seemed to burn through her. She’d waited years to feel this way and didn’t want to wait any longer to seal with him. Her body was alive, primed, and ready for consummation.

  Unfortunately, it was now Jarek who needed time. He’d been so patient with her all these years. She guessed it was her turn.

  “I never wanted you to know about that time. What he demanded and what I gave. I was afraid it would change what you felt for me. I never wanted you to feel you owed me anything. I didn’t want you to know about what happened.”

  “How could you think what I felt for you is a debt? I may not have known all the locked rooms in your mind, but I knew the essence of who you are. Nothing could change how I feel about you. Whatever secrets you have, you have been by my side, inside my mind. I love you. You have stood between me and the darkness for so long. Let me help you now.”

  He groaned and gently pushed her from him. “Soon, Kierra.. It feels I have lost something of myself. Let me find out how much first. It’s one thing to not be able to control what is done to the physical, but I always had control of my inner being. This time it wasn’t just my body, he raped my mind—took away that last vestige of control. He planned to do it in such a way that I wouldn’t remember who I was. I would have been a thing he created in every sense.”

  When he leaned ba
ck in his chair, Kierra’s heart cried out at the defeat she saw.

  “To lose that kind of control and have no power to stop it—I can’t begin to express what that feels like.” He glanced at Skorda. “One of the things I’m determined is that the process he developed never finds a home with the Tribunal or anyone else. Whatever it takes.”

  “What are you trying to say, Jarek? I sense something you aren’t telling me. Something about you—about us.”

  It wasn’t that he only physically pulled away, but she felt a tightening of the thread that bound them. As though mentally he was trying to pull away from her as far as he could. And that frightened her more than anything.

  Kierra would try to be patient, but if he didn’t come to her, she would go to him. She was afraid of what he might do in the meantime and she meant to have a word with Devon to be watchful.

  “I’ll give you the time you ask for. But don’t take too long. I’ve wasted enough of our time together.”

  She rose and walked back to her seat. A leaden weight sat in the pit of Kierra’s stomach. She could only hope he didn’t become desperate enough to try to cut the thread that bound them. That she could not allow.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Eluria, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to reach him.”

  Kierra’s concern for Jarek had increased since returning to Ednos. Four weeks had passed and he continued to distance himself farther and farther away from her—not only physically, but mentally as well.

  She’d tried on several occasions to reach him through the thread, but it was like a set of steel doors had been set in place, barring her entry.

  Eluria was the only one Kierra felt comfortable to talk with. She’d come to her out of desperation.

  Kierra accepted the cup Eluria handed her. The aroma was soothing, a warm honeyberry blend of tea.

  “He’s been through a lot.” Eluria took a sip from her own cup. “You remember what it was like when we first brought you here.”

  Kierra nodded. “Though it wasn’t until recently I figured out why I couldn’t be touched or touch anyone. I kept that part of myself locked away even from me.”