by Belle Malory
Voices came from inside. Kennedy tried to rub the icy glaze from the window, but it wasn’t coming off. She tried to move it with her mind, but ice was harder to move than water. Ugh. Where was Colton when you needed him?
After a few minutes of intense focus, she managed to clear enough of the ice to sneak a peek into the house. The window was high up, so she stood on top of her suitcase to see better, and…holy bejeezus. Dominika was literally right there next to the window. Thank God she had her back turned for the moment.
Kennedy lowered her head beneath the windowsill, listening to bits of the conversation coming from inside.
“You need to let this go, Nika. Your parents would not want this for you. They would want you to live your life, to be happy and free of your pain.”
“Auntie, I love you, but don’t tell me what they would want!”
Long moments passed before Nika spoke again, this time so quietly Kennedy strained to hear her.
“Their screams fill my dreams at night. I hear my sisters crying while watching our brothers die. I hear my mother struggling wildly to get to her children before they shut her up too…I see pieces of it from under the bed. I can see out into the living room, and do you know what I see? I see my father’s eyes go blank as he falls to the floor, blood streaming across his forehead.
“So, no, Auntie. I don’t think they want me to move on. They want to be avenged. I will give them their justice, because it’s no less than they deserve…and because I can’t stand to hear them in my dreams anymore. I need peace. They need peace. The day that Maxwell Ryder finally burns for their murders is the day their screams will stop haunting me.”
Kennedy sniffled, feeling her own heart break a little. So Maxwell Ryder had been the reason Nika disappeared in the St. Petersburg alley. That’s why she was here, to get revenge. She didn’t blame her for wanting it. If it were her, if she’d had to watch that happen to Ashley…or Reagan and Linc…
She wiped a tear from her eye, swallowing. She couldn’t even begin to imagine that kind of pain.
It had been silent for a while now. Kennedy kicked some snow off her boots, debating what to do. She supposed she could pretend her lead had been a bust. The idea of someone putting an end to Nika’s plans seemed so wrong. If Maxwell Ryder was behind those murders, then he deserved whatever was coming to him. No one, herself included, should get in the way.
Kennedy gasped as her whole body slammed against the wall of the house.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Nika shouted.
Kennedy tried to catch her breath, wondering what just happened. Nika was there, standing in front of her, wearing a murderous expression. “I’m here alone. I-I swear.”
She slowly slid down the wall, her eyes widening when she saw that nothing but wind had been holding her up. Good God, she hadn’t realized how powerful Nika had become. This girl was going to kill her if she didn’t start explaining.
“I came to help. I researched your family, and when I thought you might be here, I came.”
“Help with what?”
“To get your revenge on Maxwell Ryder.”
Another burst of wind lifted her up. She winced, grasping at the wall behind her. “How do you know about that?” Nika shouted, moving closer. She hovered beneath Kennedy, choking her with the force of the wind. “Tell me I didn’t make a mistake when I put air back into your miserable lungs, number twelve!”
Holy mother of God, someone needed to make sure she never eavesdropped ever again. Clearly it wasn’t her forte.
“Put the girl down, Nika.”
Distracted, Nika’s hold on the wind broke, sending Kennedy tumbling to the snow.
“Oof,” she moaned, feeling all those achy spots from her fight with Phoenix begin to throb again. She could’ve been a little gentler about it. Sheesh.
Lying there in the snow, she inhaled as she looked up at the starry night sky, wondering why on Earth she was chosen to be a keeper. “This is so not cut out for me,” she breathed.
Nika argued with her aunt on the porch until the woman who must have been Eva leaned over Kennedy’s spot on the ground. “You all right, little girl?”
“I don’t know. She may have paralyzed me with that stunt.”
“Oh what garbage,” Nika said from the porch. “Brush it off. You’re fine.”
Eva grabbed hold of her arm, lifting her from the ground. “Heavens, you’re soaked. You’ll need to come in and dry off.”
“Auntie, don’t you dare bring that girl inside. Send her packing straight back to Olympus where she came from.”
Kennedy fisted her hands. It was hard to believe only moments ago she was in tears on Nika’s behalf. Now she felt like slugging her. “I’m not going back there,” she said, hoping she sounded like she couldn’t be bullied. “I came here to help you, dammit, and you’re going to let me.”
Nika rolled her eyes. “Look, I don’t know how you found out about Ryder, but I don’t need your help. You’re wasting your time.”
Kennedy crossed the space to the porch. “I’ll admit I overheard you talking about Ryder just now, but he’s been on my radar lately anyway, seeing as how his name keeps popping up. I’ve done my research. He the billionaire of a huge tech company—practically untouchable. So let’s face it, Nika. Bringing him down won’t be easy. You need someone’s help. Mine’s as good as anybody’s.”
Nika crossed her arms over her chest.
Hope sparked inside Kennedy. Those few seconds of silence meant she was at least considering her offer.
“No one back on Olympus knows this address,” she assured her, knowing that it was the only thing that would make a difference. “They sent me to bring you back, but I swear if you let me stay, I won’t do that.”
“Why?” Distrust laced Nika’s tone.
Kennedy shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Well, to be honest, I really do want to help you. Aside from that, I need a break from Olympus.”
“What do you need a break for?”
“I just do, okay?”
Eva wrapped her arms around her chest, and said, “For crying out loud, Nika, it’s freezing out here. Let the girl come inside.”
Nika stared hard at her aunt, then again at Kennedy. “Listen, Twelve, I swear to God if you bring DOE officials here, you’re dead. Do you understand me?”
Kennedy nodded.
Nika opened the door. “Did you bring any extra clothes?”
She found her suitcase where she left it by the window. “Yes,” she said, picking it up and feeling extremely embarrassed from being caught so obviously peeping inside their house.
“Come in then. The fire is going. Go warm up.”
Kennedy stepped inside, thankful she was getting a chance. She peeled off her wet jacket and gloves, and Eva placed them on the hook by the door. “I’m Eva Duchovny, Nika’s aunt,” she said. “Though I suspect you already know that.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Eva. I’m Kennedy Mitchell.”
“Ah, and here I thought your name was Twelve.” Eva smiled warmly. She was short, probably a foot shorter than Nika, with soft hazel eyes and black hair. She took Kennedy’s hand into one of her wrinkled ones, patting it. “My Nika must like you. I’m glad she has a friend here with her.”
“Really? If that’s the case, someone needs to tell her how friendship works.”
Eva chuckled, the sound rich and musical. “She takes a while to warm up to.”
An understatement if there ever was one.
“You must be hungry,” Eva said. “Dinner just got finished. It’s homemade beef stew. Would you like a bowl?”
Kennedy felt her stomach growl at the mention of food. She hadn’t eaten all day, too worried about getting here without being followed. “Yes, that’s so nice of you,” she said, smiling.
“Good, good. Go warm up while I make the table.”
She pointed to the fireplace on the far side of the room. Inside was cozy but small. The main floor of the h
ouse was all one big room. The kitchen, living room, and dining room were spread out across the space.
“Did you need any help?” Kennedy asked.
“No, I’m about finished. You just relax. You’re our guest.”
“She’s not a guest, Auntie,” Nika said while stoking the fire. “Guests are typically invited.”
Kennedy stepped around Nika, lowering herself onto the hearth. She scooted close to the burning flames, holding out her chilled hands. Man, that felt good. Growing up in Amelia Island must’ve thinned out her blood. She didn’t like the snow.
As much as she wished it didn’t, the fire reminded her of Phoenix. As soon as she was warm enough, she turned away from it and looked at her brace.
There was a message from Lexie waiting for her that she’d ignored in the cab. Now that she had a chance, Kennedy inhaled a deep breath, then texted Lexie back.
Lexie: Nix flipped out when he found out u left. Heard shouts come from Mason’s office.
Me: What did he say?
The brace Phoenix bought her processed communications rapidly, even those coming from Olympus. Lexie wrote back right away.
Lexie: He wanted 2 know where u went. Was mad when Mason told him u wanted 2 keep ur meeting w Nika private.
Me: Oh…wow
What was she supposed to do with that? She expected him to be annoyed, but not enough to yell at Mason for letting her go.
Lexie: Btw he’s not going 2 Mexico. Mason put me in charge. We leave 2morro.
Me: What! Why?
Lexie: Nix wants 2 find u. He’s worried about ur safety or some nonsense. Good luck avoiding him. He’s determined 2 hunt u down.
Kennedy’s heart slammed beneath her chest. She looked over at Nika helping her aunt set the table, oblivious to the panic attack Kennedy was having. Oh God. If Phoenix trailed her here, Nika would never trust her.
Lexie: Btw did u find Nika?
Me: Yep
Lexie: How is she?
Me: Doesn’t want me here. Tried 2 kill me once. Keeps glaring at me…
Lexie: So then she’s fine
Me: Lol I guess. There’s some stuff I want to help her with. Tell Mason I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Lexie: Ok B safe
Me: u 2. Good luck in Mexico
Lexie: thanks
The beef stew was delicious. For the first time since she’d arrived in this country, Kennedy felt warm all over. She even took off her scarf and sweater.
“So Kennedy, what element do you control?”
Kennedy gulped her bite of stew, not used to being asked that question by a civilian. Now that she thought about it, Eva had watched Nika bend the air to her will outside without so much as flinching. At the time, she’d been too concerned with trying to stay alive to notice that Eva knew all about her niece’s ability. This must have been something she’d known for a while now. She glanced at Nika, wondering what to say.
“I don’t hide it from her,” she said in way of an explanation. “Tell her whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Kennedy stirred her stew, lowering her eyes. “Um, it’s water.”
Was this okay? No one had told her what to do in this situation. It wasn’t like she could deny it after Eva had seen proof with her own eyes. On the other hand, Mason would flip a switch if he found she was openly talking about keeper abilities.
“How interesting.” Eva studied her. “What can you do with it? Nika explained that some of you can change the elements while some of you can move it.”
Kennedy drew a stream of water out of Eva’s drinking glass, spinning it into little spirals. Small amounts like that were becoming second nature, while larger quantities took more effort.
“Amazing,” Eva breathed, entranced.
The water slowly streamed back into her glass.
“Thanks. We’re uh, not supposed to talk about it outside of training.”
“Oh I can imagine DOE would want to keep this under wraps. Don’t worry. I would never say anything.”
It seemed like Eva was used to keeping that particular secret. Nika must have figured out what she could do as a little girl. No wonder she was so powerful.
“So how is your new life?” Eva asked. “Do you like keeping the world safe?”
When reporters asked that question, Kennedy won them over with blaring confidence and pride. But with Nika’s aunt, she decided to be honest. “I’m still adjusting. And I’m trying the best I can.”
“You’re humble,” Eva said. “That’s a nice trait in a person.”
Kennedy smiled, wishing she could accept her flattery for what it was, but knew it was unfounded. “It’s not about humility, trust me. My skills are mediocre at best.”
“She’s doing just fine,” Nika told her aunt. “She pushes herself harder than everyone.”
Kennedy glanced up, surprised by the praise. “Only because I’m so far behind.” She fidgeted with her napkin, twisting it in her lap. It was the truth. The rest of the keepers were warriors. Compared to them, her feet were barely wet.
“Well, I think it’s admirable,” Eva insisted. “There may come a day when you girls are needed.”
Little did Eva know, that day was fast approaching. Nika shot her a knowing look. Although she’d told her aunt a lot, apparently she hadn’t told her about the Sae-yers. Guess that subject was off limits.
Headlights appeared through the front window. Kennedy’s entire body went tense.
“Did someone follow you?” Nika asked, parting the curtains.
She never suspected someone was following her. She took precautions to make sure it didn’t happen, even went so far as to take two separate cabs. Oh man. This couldn’t be good. Mason wouldn’t have sent someone, would he?
The only other very real possibility was that Phoenix had found her. He was smart enough to follow her tracks, and if he was determined enough…
“Great,” Dominika muttered. “It’s Oz.”
Kennedy let out a sigh of relief. Or was that regret? She crossed her arms, wondering why in the world she would feel this way. This was a good thing.
Not a DOE agent. Not Phoenix. It was Oz.
Whoever that was.
Nika ran to the door, throwing it open. “I don’t know how you found me, but get right back into your car and go home.” With that said, she slammed the door closed.
Nika sunk back into her chair just as Eva headed to the door. When she saw what her aunt was doing, she said, “Auntie, don’t you dare open—”
“Ozzie!” Eva cooed. “It’s so good to see you. Look at you. All grown up and sophisticated.”
“It’s good to see you too, Eva.”
Kennedy arched a brow at Nika. “Who is that?”
“The son of the devil,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Son of the devil…do you mean that’s Maxwell Ryder’s son?”
Nika nodded. “We were friends growing up. Best friends.” She stared into her stew, biting her bottom lip. Odd. Nika never looked uncomfortable. Most times she was either angry or closed off, but not like this. Who was this guy?
After Eva finished hugging him, Oz stepped into the room. Kennedy felt her eyes widen. He was young, probably around Nika’s age since they’d grown up best friends, and he was wearing an expensive suit. He was also gorgeous. Kennedy wasn’t sure how she expected Ryder’s son to look, but this wasn’t it.
His eyes touched on her for a second before finding Nika. Then his whole face relaxed, and he drank her up with his gaze.
Kennedy pressed her lips together, knowing awkward tension when she saw it. What was going on here? And why did Eva just let Maxwell Ryder’s son into the house with open arms? Literally. She’d even called the man Ozzie, like his presence was accompanied by sunshine and warm little fuzzies.
Oz settled into an empty chair at the table. “I knew I’d find you with Eva.”
Nika didn’t respond to him. She took a bite of her stew, looking the other way.
“Are you hu
ngry, Oz?” Eva asked. “We have some stew left over.”
“No, thanks,” he replied, smiling. It was a nice smile. Not the smile one expected from the son of a killer.
“Well, I’ll leave you kids alone,” Eva said, then looked at Kennedy. “Nika will show you where the guest bedroom is when you’re finished. The sheets are clean and the mattress is soft.”
“Thank you.”
Eva headed up the staircase. “You’re very welcome. Goodnight.”
As soon as her aunt was gone, Nika crooked her head at Oz. “What do you want?”
“To finish the conversation we started.”
“What would be the point of that?”
Oz’s eyes flicked to Kennedy again. “Maybe we should wait until you don’t have company.”
“Don’t hold back on her account.” Nika’s mouth curved into a sly smile. “This one intends to help me put your father’s head on a platter.”
Awesome. He knew about their plans to murder his father. Should she introduce herself now or later?
“Wait. Holy shit, I recognize her. Is she the twelfth?”
Nika nodded. “She’s also my new best friend, in case you were wondering.”
Oz scowled at that. Apparently the idea of someone taking his place didn’t sit well with him.
Um. Okay. This might be a good time to leave. “I think I’ll go somewhere while the two of you—”
“Sit down.”
“But—”
“Sit. Down.” Nika glared at her, daring her to move. “You said you wanted to help. Be helpful.”
Kennedy lowered back into her chair. She wasn’t sure why Nika wanted her here listening to this, and God knows she didn’t want to be here listening to this. It had to be the most uncomfortable conversation she’d ever been apart of. But she stayed anyway. Because Nika told her to. And truthfully, she was a little afraid of that girl.
“Please feel free to continue, Oz. Unless you’d rather leave?”
He switched to Russian, but Nika cut him off. “It’s rude to speak another language in front of our guest.”
Oh so she was Nika’s best friend and a guest now. A few minutes ago, she hadn’t been invited and was almost kicked off the property. My, how things had changed in such a short time.