by Sara Mack
We’ll have to get together soon!
Matt
My memory reels back to my last day at Western. I recall the overwhelming need to move back home, but don’t remember what set it off. I re-live the conversation with my advisor, Mrs. Andrews. I remember talking to Matt about interning at his dad’s veterinary clinic in lieu of classes; I remember falling asleep content with my plans for the future. And then I remember waking up with my world turned upside down.
I read over Matt’s email again and a calm feeling settles over me. I still like this idea a lot. Moving back home sounds amazing.
I hear a knock on the door then see it crack open. “Are you busy?” It’s Garrett.
Dane sighs and turns off of the television. “Do we have a choice?”
Garrett and James enter my apartment, and I push Matt’s message to the side for now. I readjust myself in the living room chair as Garrett takes a seat opposite Dane. James chooses to stand, leaning against the wall. It’s times like this that I really need a dining table.
“Do you want to sit?” I ask James and start to unfold my legs.
He shakes his head. “Standing doesn’t bother me.” He gives me a small smile. “I’m still getting used to being human.”
Oh. Right.
“Now that things have calmed down, we need to have a serious discussion,” Garrett says.
Dane frowns. “About what?”
“For one, the likelihood of Kellan’s return. He’s not going to easily forgive what happened.”
Dane scowls as I recall who Kellan is. He’s the one who nearly killed me, but somehow took my memories instead.
Garrett takes a heavy breath. “Obviously, we’ve lost all ties to the Intermediate. We have no idea what’s taking place. We can only assume Kellan returned with Lucas after he blasted Emma given that humanity isn’t in chaos. Kellan needs Lucas to maintain order; two of the four Allegiant are dead. He’s probably forcing Lucas to carry on as usual and biding his time until he can devise his revenge.”
“We haven’t heard from Thomas or Meg or any of the others either,” James says. “It’s probable that they’re still captive.”
Who are Meg and Thomas again?
“If only I could get a hold of Jack,” Garrett mutters. “It would really help.”
“Jack is?” I ask.
“My brother,” Garrett answers. “My twin.”
Yes. I’d forgotten.
Dane leans forward. “So you’re worried about Kellan coming back? I understand he’s pissed that your friends killed his buddies, but shouldn’t he take it out on them?”
“I’m afraid he will, but he still has a score to settle with me,” Garrett says. “He didn’t get to exact his punishment and now that you and Emma are involved…we’re all at risk.”
James turns to Dane. “You know Kellan was gunning for you.”
Dane sighs. “Yes, you’ve made that clear.”
“Why?” I ask. “What did Dane do that was so wrong?”
Garrett nods toward the bracelet on my wrist. “He placed that on you.”
“So?”
Garrett shares a knowing look with James that raises my suspicions. “That’s another thing we need to talk about,” he says. “Do you remember me telling you about Madeline and Ash? The people that showed up to help us?”
I nod.
“James and I stopped to speak with them briefly before coming here. We asked if they could help us understand what happened, why the bracelet protected you in some ways but not in others. They told us it was because you are Lost.”
My face pinches. “I’m what?”
James moves closer. “All humans are supposed to have a Guardian. I was yours.”
“Yes, you told me.”
“When The Allegiant restored my humanity my duty vanished. You no longer have a Guardian.” He pauses and eyes Garrett. “Emma,” he says seriously, “there’s no one in the Intermediate to assign you. You are unprotected. You’re what we call Lost.”
I give him a wary look. “And that’s a bad thing?”
“For an ordinary human it’s a very bad thing,” Garrett says. “But you’re better off. Until we know how much protection the bracelet offers you, one of us will need to be near you at all times.”
I hesitate trying to process the information. “So, you’re saying I need a babysitter.”
Garrett shifts his weight to the edge of his seat. “It’ll be more like having a bodyguard. We’ll need to know your schedule, where you plan to be, and with who.”
This is really awkward and my expression twists. Will I ever have privacy? “I do have some common sense; you can’t spend all your time hovering over me.”
Garrett nods. “You’re right. We’ll need to take shifts and the more help we have the better. That’s why we –” He pauses. “I mean that’s why I would like Dane to help as well.” He turns to look at him. “Will you consider it?”
Dane doesn’t even think twice. “I’m in.”
What? These three can’t just integrate themselves into my life! “Hold on a minute,” I protest. “You can’t monitor my every move!”
James tries to reassure me. “It won’t be that weird. Garrett and I will be right next door.”
Matt’s email flashes through my mind and I snort. “Not for long. I’m moving after the semester ends.”
James face falls. “Where? Why?”
My eyes dart to Garrett and Dane and they are equally surprised. “I got permission to take an internship during the winter semester. I’ll be working for Matt’s dad and living with my parents.”
I can’t help but notice the smile Dane tries to hide. Clearly he’s pleased, but why?
James moves to crouch in front of me. “Emma, I can’t follow you there. Your hometown is mine too; I can’t be seen by people who knew me. You have to stay here.”
Ah. That’s why.
“I’m sorry, but this is my life,” I say adamantly. “My decision. I’m moving.”
James opens his mouth to dispute me, but Garrett interrupts. “It’s okay,” he says and directs his attention to James. “We can make this work; we can move. Lucas gave me money, and I believe he gave Emma some too.”
I have money?
“That’s if you’re willing to share,” Garrett quickly amends and gives me an apologetic smile. “We can live outside of town and James can escort you when it’s safe for him to do so.”
I narrow my eyes. Damn it! I need some time to myself!
“Actually, this might work better,” Garrett muses and turns to Dane. “You have to return home eventually. It will be more convenient with Emma closer to you.”
I tap my fingers impatiently against my knee. They’re all so great at planning my life. “How long is this going to last? You can’t possibly take me everywhere. What if I need to go to the gynecologist?”
All three of them blanch and I smirk. “See?”
I can visualize the wheels turning in Garrett’s head. “We’ll have to take each situation as it comes and stay behind the scenes if necessary.” He looks to James and Dane. “The main point is that we are near Emma should she need us.”
They all nod and I roll my eyes. Am I even here? Does my opinion matter? I get it; I’m at risk without a Guardian and Kellan seeks to hurt me. But wait…why is he mad at me again? So Dane put a bracelet on my wrist and I’m somewhat protected. Big deal.
“Can someone explain why Kellan hates me?” I ask. “Because I don’t get it.”
Garrett and James exchange another knowing glance. I’m starting to hate those.
“Madeleine and Ash will be here in a few days to explain,” Garrett says. “My knowledge of the Larvatus is limited. I’d rather you hear it from them.”
“The who?”
“The Larvatus. Translated it means Charmed.”
“Madeline and Ash are charmed?”
“Yes,” Garrett says. He pauses and looks at his hands then back at me. “And from what little I understan
d, now you may be Charmed, too.”