Going Down in Flames (Entangled Teen)

by Chris Cannon

  Sweat ran down her back. Her heart rate increased. This was hard, damn it. Maybe she’d stop and let the medic finish up. She pulled back on her Quintessence, and the tar like substance wrapped around her, gagging her.

  Okay, quitting wasn’t an option. She took a steadying breath and imagined her life force as a blowtorch. Using a slow and steady flame, she burned the poison away. There was so much of it. How was Jaxon still alive? Her legs shook until she couldn’t kneel next to him anymore. Giving in to her fatigue, she tumbled to the ground beside him.

  There was still more to do. With every blast of Quintessence, she felt lighter, like she was floating. She couldn’t have moved her hand from his forehead now if she wanted to. Her life force was tangled with his. What happens if he dies? No time to think about that.

  Draw a breath in and burn the poison. Draw a breath in and burn the poison. Draw a breath in and…she had nothing left. Laughter sounded from far away. She was going to die and be locked inside of Jaxon for eternity. The universe had an ironic sense of humor.

  “Bryn?” Medic Williams voice sounded far away. “Bryn, don’t let go.” A cool hand touched her forehead, and warmth flowed into her body. “Hold on to him, and I’ll hold on to you.”

  Quintessence flowed into her body like a warm wave, reviving her, rebuilding her strength. “Can you hear me, Bryn?”

  It was like waking up from a nap. “I can hear you.”

  “Good. We’re going to finish this together. You’re almost finished. Ready?”

  “Ready.” Tapping into the new flow of Quintessence, she focused on burning the last of the poison. Four more blasts, and the stench was gone.

  “That’s it. You’re done.” Medic Williams pulled Bryn’s hand away from Jaxon but continued to channel Quintessence until Bryn could sit up on her own. She was beginning to feel more like herself when Jaxon’s eyes fluttered open.

  “Mother?” He whipped around.

  “She’s fine,” Medic Williams said. “Just rest.”

  “Alec?” he asked.

  Bryn pointed to the battle raging in the sky. “He’s up there.”

  Jaxon growled and tried to stand.

  “Stop.” Bryn grabbed his arm. “Your dad, Zavien, and Merrick are up there.”

  “I should be up there, too.” He shook off her arm and pushed to his knees. Jaw clenched, he stood, swaying on his feet.

  “Sit,” Medic Williams ordered.

  Frost shot from Jaxon’s nostrils, but he lowered himself to the ground.

  Together, Bryn and Jaxon watched the battle.

  Jagged bolts of lightning arced through the night sky. The Blue dragons flew in and out, assisting Zavien by distracting Alec and blasting him from behind.

  Alec’s desperation made him a formidable fighter. For every two hits Zavien scored, he took one. The copper scent of blood filled the air.

  “Why won’t he stop?” Bryn asked.

  “He’s dead either way.” Jaxon spoke with cold certainty.

  Ferrin and Merrick blasted Alec from both sides. Wings iced over, he roared in rage. Zavien delivered one last blast of lighting, and Alec’s body hit the ground with a sickening thump.

  Zavien lost altitude. His left wing flapped at an awkward angle. He landed hard on the ground a few feet in front of her.

  “Zavien?”

  He shifted, made eye contact with her, and gave her the crooked grin she loved. Then his eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed onto the ground.

  “No.” She crawled to him and cradled his head in her lap. He had to be okay.

  Medic Williams was by his side in a flash. “I’ve got him, Bryn. He’ll be all right.”

  Where did Medic Williams get the strength to keep healing people? Bryn held her breath as Medic Williams channeled Quintessence into Zavien. When his eyes fluttered open, Bryn smiled down at him. “You scared the hell out of me. Don’t do that again.”

  “Payback for the dragonbane,” he muttered.

  Ferrin dropped from the sky, shifting before his talons touched the ground. Landing at his son’s side, he pulled Jaxon into an embrace. The raw emotion on Ferrin’s face convinced Bryn he had heart after all.

  Lillith lay off to the side, forgotten. Luckily, the woman’s eyes were closed. Wait a minute. Why were her eyes closed? “Lillith?”

  Ferrin released his son and touched his wife’s arm. “Why isn’t she awake?”

  The blond woman’s eyes fluttered open. “Jaxon?”

  “He’s fine,” Ferrin assured her. “Medic Williams saved you both.”

  “Wrong,” Medic Williams said. “Bryn saved them. She pulled them from the building. She purged the poison from your son’s body. You owe her a debt of gratitude.”

  Ferrin gave a stiff nod.

  “Thank you both,” Jaxon said in a solemn voice.

  Her grandfather approached and held his hand out to Bryn. Zavien sat up, and she allowed her grandfather to pull her to her feet.

  “Well done. I’m proud to call you my granddaughter.”

  Pride and a warm sense of peace filled Bryn. “Thank you.”

  Her grandfather frowned at Zavien. “Young man, what are you doing on my estate?”

  And now she wanted to kick her grandfather in the shins.

  “When Bryn didn’t return to school like she was supposed to, I came to check on her. If I’d known what Alec planned, I would’ve stopped him.”

  Her grandfather’s eyes narrowed. “I thought you were on the same side.”

  “You know those petitions you keep receiving? Those are from me. Alec went too far.”

  “I’m taking Zavien inside.” Medic Williams gave her grandfather a significant look. “Any objections?”

  “Of course not. He’ll be my guest. Take him to my wing.”

  Bryn moved to go with Zavien.

  “Stay here,” her grandfather said. “You can visit your friend after he’s treated.”

  She thought about arguing, but Zavien reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Come find me later.”

  “Okay.” Sometimes, doing the right thing sucked.

  Merrick approached. “Did Alec say why he did this?”

  “He claimed the Directorate, and Ferrin in particular, stole his life. He wanted to punish Ferrin and end the Sinclair line.” She took a step toward where Ferrin sat. “What did you do to him?”

  Ferrin’s lips set in a tight line. He didn’t answer.

  “Father?” Jaxon prompted.

  “Sometimes the Directorate has to make unpopular decisions for the welfare of all.” His voice held no hint of apology.

  There was the man she knew and loathed. “What gives you the right to decide someone’s life?”

  Ferrin stood and spoke through clenched teeth. “You know nothing of what we do. There is a delicate balance that must be maintained.”

  Fire crawled up the back of her throat, but she pushed it down. “According to your delicate balance, I shouldn’t exist. But I was the one who figured out the bomb was also meant for Jaxon. I faced that lunatic and rescued your family. If it wasn’t for me, your wife and son would be nothing more than charred remains in an abandoned bedroom.”

  Every vein on Ferrin’s neck bulged. “If it wasn’t for you, my wife and son never would’ve been in danger in the first place. This is your fault. Your very existence is a blight on our kind.”

  Hate. Pure, undiluted hate fueled the fire roaring inside her. She hated Ferrin and the Directorate and this whole damn dragon life. It would feel so good to blast the arrogant son of a… Oh why not? She sucked in a breath and shot a sixteen-inch fireball to the left of Ferrin’s head.

  Eyes bulging, he dodged right and hit the ground.

  “How dare you.” Frost shot from Ferrin’s mouth as he spoke.

  “Calm down. She obviously aimed to the side.” Merrick sidled over and placed his hand on Bryn’s arm. “At times, we’ve all wanted to kill Ferrin. He has limited social skills. Keep in mind he owes you for his son’
s and wife’s lives. One day, you can collect on that debt. Until then, let’s go inside. You can change into pajamas. I’ll bring you large amounts of food. When Zavien is ready for visitors, Medic Williams will come and find you.”

  “But it’s all so wrong.” She pointed at Ferrin. “If he’s in charge, we’re all doomed.”

  “Bryn, you forget…he does not rule alone,” her grandfather said. “Which reminds me, Ferrin. I’ve decided my granddaughter will marry.”

  “Impossible.” Ferrin looked at Bryn like she was a slug. “Even if I could convince the Directorate to rule in her favor, who would have her?”

  “I have complete faith in your ability to blackmail and scheme your way to the necessary number of votes. Check the lineage and figure out whom she’s compatible with. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Ferrin didn’t appear affected by her grandfather’s bravado. “If all you want is offspring, Merrick can give her a child.”

  “Hey,” Bryn yelled. “No one is giving me anything. I’m not some brood mare on a farm. If you’d end this arranged marriage crap, I’ll do fine on my own.” It was probably best not to mention Zavien.

  “That will never happen,” Ferrin said. “Arranged marriages help maintain societal standards.”

  “Arranged marriages produce affairs. How does that maintain societal standards?”

  Her grandfather cleared his throat and shot her a look. “Bryn, go inside. Eat. We’ll discuss this later.”

  Spouting every cuss word she knew, Bryn stomped toward the house. Merrick trailed behind her, laughing when she came up with an inventive phrase.

  When they reached her room, Merrick pointed toward the room they’d eaten in earlier. “I’ll have food across the hall when you’re ready.”

  There was only one thing on her mind. “I want Zavien.”

  “You’ll see him as soon as he’s recovered. In the meantime, you need to eat.”

  Hunger competed with anger as her dominant feeling. If she could kill Ferrin and get away with it, she would. Maybe getting away with it wasn’t important. Knowing he was wiped off the face of the earth would give her a happy, warm feeling for the rest of her incarcerated life.

  Since, at the moment, she had no master plan to rid the world of Ferrin, she showered, dressed in black pajamas, and stalked across the hall.

  Merrick waited for her, drinking a cup of coffee. Platters of hamburgers, French fries, and pizza covered the table.

  If he weren’t married, she’d kiss him out of gratitude. Instead, she picked up a hamburger and took a bite. It had sour pickles and the right amount of ketchup. Heaven.

  Her grandmother arrived when she was on her third burger.

  Before the woman could complain, Bryn drew a line in the sand. “I’m staying in my pajamas until someone provides me with a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and tennis shoes.”

  “Let me make a call.” Her grandmother left the room.

  At least she could have her way in some things.

  Lillith and Jaxon came in while Bryn was eating a second slice of pizza. Jaxon wore black pants and a white shirt. His mother wore navy-striped pajamas.

  “You didn’t want to join our slumber party?” Bryn asked him.

  “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but your brand of insanity rubs off. In the sixteen years I’ve been alive, I’ve never seen my mother in her pajamas. It’s disturbing, and it’s your fault.”

  Lillith gave a conspiratorial grin. “I’m attempting to work some of the Westgate out of him.”

  “I’m sure Rhianna will appreciate your efforts.”

  “Actually, I had another idea. The Directorate will have to check your lineage, but if Ferrin and your mother were a good match, then you and Jaxon might be a good match, too.”

  Jaxon coughed and choked on his pizza.

  Bryn spewed soda across the table.

  Her grandfather spoke from the doorway. “What an interesting idea.”

  Jaxon recovered first. “No. That won’t work. Rhianna and I have discussed our future. It would be rude to change plans now.”

  “Jaxon should stay with Rhianna. I’m involved with someone else. You should let him out of his arrangement instead.”

  “That’s a much better idea.” Jaxon nodded emphatically.

  Her grandfather’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you involved with, young lady?”

  Crap. He’d find out eventually. Better if he heard from her. She took a deep breath and forged ahead. “I’m dating Zavien.”

  “You are not mating with that spiky-haired malcontent,” her grandfather roared.

  Not the reaction she’d hoped for.

  “You should remember the spiky-haired malcontent helped save several lives tonight.” Merrick was the voice of reason. “Besides, the Directorate will check into Bryn’s lineage anyway and figure out the best option.”

  “No one would have to check my lineage if you’d let me date who I want,” Bryn said. “Think of all the work that would save.”

  “Forget it,” Jaxon said. “You’re stuck like the rest of us.”

  “Jaxon, be nice,” his mother said. “I raised you to be a gentleman.”

  “That obviously didn’t take,” Bryn muttered.

  “Bryn, be polite or I’ll insist you change into proper clothing.” Her grandfather sat next to her and selected a hamburger.

  Her grandmother returned with a shopping bag. “What did I miss?”

  Lillith grasped the woman’s hand. “I think Bryn and Jaxon should marry.”

  A scheming smile lit the older woman’s face. “What a wonderful idea. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

  Bryn moaned and put her head in her hands. This could not be happening. She wanted Zavien. Jaxon may not be evil, but he was an obnoxious, overindulged brat. Ferrin as a father-in-law was unthinkable. He’d probably poison her at Thanksgiving dinner.

  Her grandmother sat next to Lillith. The two women put their heads together and whispered.

  “Stop that,” Bryn blurted out. Everyone stared. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. Let’s forget about the whole marriage thing. I’ll become a medic. I don’t need an arranged marriage.”

  “This isn’t all about you,” her grandfather informed her in a superior tone.

  She clenched her fists and considered throwing a tantrum.

  Of course this was all about her.

  Except…it wasn’t.

  If she could maintain a civil relationship with her grandparents, then maybe her mom could reunite with them. She might have some support while she was at school. Her grandparents weren’t the warmest individuals, but they were the only extended family she had.

  She’d never agree to an arranged marriage, but maybe she wouldn’t have to. It was possible the Directorate wouldn’t be able to find a match. More than likely, anyone she was paired with would raise hell and insist on another choice.

  Imminent rejection made her feel better.

  In an effort to make amends, she pointed at the bag by her grandmother’s chair. “Is that for me?”

  “Yes. I had some clothes flown in,” her grandmother said.

  “Thank you. I’ll go change.” She winked at Lillith. “Sorry to leave you on your own.”

  Lillith grinned like a kid at Christmas. “I can’t wait to see Ferrin’s reaction.”

  She loved seeing Jaxon’s mother enjoying herself. The fact that it was at Ferrin’s expense made it all the sweeter.

  Bryn took the bag to the bathroom and tried on the clothes. Her grandmother must have no idea what she’d ordered. The jeans barely came to her hipbones, and they were so tight they appeared painted on. The hot pink shirt clung to her chest and ended above her navel.

  What store did these clothes come from, Strippers R Us? No way could she wear these in public.

  Sticking her head out the door, she said, “I’m sorry. The clothes are too tight.”

  “If you didn’t eat so much,” Jaxon said, “that might not be a problem.”r />
  Stepping from behind the door, she said, “I’m not fat. I prefer not to look like someone who should be dancing around a pole.”

  Jaxon stared, openmouthed, which gave her a great deal of satisfaction.

  Her grandmother blushed. “I must have ordered from the wrong store. Why don’t you change back into your pajamas?”

  Bryn emerged from the bathroom, clad in her comfy PJs, to find Ferrin seated at the table, questioning his wife.

  “Are you ill?”

  Lillith shook her head. “I’m fine.”

  He waved his hand toward her pajamas. “Explain your attire.”

  A slow grin spread across Lillith’s face. “I don’t believe I will. Since our hosts don’t object, it isn’t an issue.”

  Ferrin blinked.

  Jaxon looked dumbstruck.

  Bryn resisted the urge to clap.

  Ferrin shook his head with disgust and then noticed Bryn. “I’m sure this is your fault.”

  She smirked but didn’t comment. Reclaiming her seat, she waited to see what would happen next.

  Her grandmother spoke to Ferrin. “Lillith had an interesting idea. She thinks the Directorate should check Jaxon and Bryn’s lineage to see if they’re a match.”

  Ferrin jumped to his feet. “Over my dead body.”

  The situation might have an upside after all.

  Merrick cleared his throat. “You might want to consider how powerful your grandchildren would be.”

  “Whose side are you on?” Bryn asked.

  He raised his eyebrows. “You’d rather Ferrin continue to be rude?”

  “Yes. If it keeps me from marrying Jaxon, he can be as rude as he wants.”

  Ferrin looked at her like she had two heads. “You don’t want to marry my son?”

  “Hell. No.”

  He resumed his seat. “That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say.”

  “Thank you.” She yawned. “May I be excused? I’m exhausted.”

  Her grandfather nodded.

  Bryn made a hasty retreat. She’d stop in her room and then search for Zavien. She didn’t have to look far. Zavien stood in the doorway of her bathroom. She ran to him. Bright pink lines decorated his bare chest. “Are you all right?”

  Instead of answering, he pressed his lips against hers, circled his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. The heat of his skin seeped through her pajama top. Bryn slid her hands up his chest to rest at the base of his neck.