Emerge: The Awakening

by Melissa A. Craven

  “A man like that could prove to be too dangerous.” Alrick shook his head.

  “You could break him, darling,” Emma said. Her determination sparkled in her cold diamond eyes. “Look at him, he’s practically there already.”

  “Fine, we’ll take him with us, but if he is more trouble than he’s worth, I’ll send him to the Margrave. They’ll certainly find use for him.”

  The vicious smile that spread across her face left Allie’s hair standing on end. The darkness that soon followed felt like ice in her veins.

  “So, that has been your game all along?” Greyson asked, slipping through the darkness to Emma’s side. It was days later and Commander Alrick lay sleeping in a drunken stupor.

  “Leave me.” She watched over Daniel, completely mesmerized by the sight of him. His exhaustion was evident as he continued to sleep, unaware that she was risking their lives to save him.

  “You certainly have a pair of ironclad ones.”

  “This is none of your concern!”

  “He’s your man? You risked everything—married that drunken fool? Sacrificed hundreds of others, all to find him?”

  “Yes!” She turned to face him. “And you will not stop me now! Not when I am this close.”

  “Of course not.” His tone softened. “Take him and run, Lovely. While you can.”

  “Come with us?” She visibly relaxed. “You’ve been such a comfort all these years. I know I’ve treated you terribly, but it was all part of the deception.”

  “I always knew you had a soft spot for me.” His smile was breathtaking. “But I cannot leave. I’ll never risk my Isabeau. Alrick and I have a deal; I serve him until he’s too old to continue and he releases my wife. I’ll earn our freedom.”

  “Do you trust him to keep his word?”

  “No, but it is all the hope I have. Now get your man and get out of here.”

  “Alrick will know you helped me.”

  “Hit me on the back of the head and take my sword. I’ll claim you knocked me out cold and left me to rot. He’ll believe it. I think he’s always been terrified of you anyway. I know I have,” he said dryly. “Now go, before I change my mind!”

  “You’re a good man, Greyson.” Emma struck him hard with the butt of her dagger.

  Allie watched from a distance as she woke Daniel. She helped him to his feet, insisting she would explain later. She managed to get him in the saddle, but he was too weak to ride on his own. She climbed up behind him and they left with only the clothes on their backs. Her years of searching were finally at an end, but Allie wondered how long it took her to recover from the awful things she’d done to save him.

  Allie’s cheeks were wet a moment later when she woke in the office. She felt queasy.

  “I’m sorry if I’ve shocked you,” Emma whispered. “I am not that woman any longer. Daniel claims I have always been a good woman who was willing to get her hands dirty when it counted. As long as I live, I will never deserve that man.”

  “I’m not going to lie, you were a scary woman, but thank you for not sugar coating it.”

  “More than anything, I showed you the worst of myself to teach you how dangerous the enemy can be. That was over three hundred years ago. Think of what they have managed to accomplish in all that time? In the years I was with Alrick, I witnessed the evolution of the Coalition from a group of murderous zealots into the most dangerous organization this world has ever known. And I helped, although I swear I didn’t realize it at the time. You must fear and respect them, Allie. Never underestimate them. They can ruin your life in a matter of moments. Always be wary of the enemy, but never of me, sweetheart. Daniel changed me for the better.”

  “Not quite the soccer mom I thought you were.” Allie managed an uncertain smile.

  “I am trusting you with my secret. My youngest children still believe I rescued their father in some romanticized version of the tale. I will tell them the truth in time. I’m just not ready yet.”

  “You did what you had to do. I can respect that, and so will your sons. But your secret’s safe with me.”

  “Go on, get to that football game and have some fun for a change.”

  “Thanks, Emma!” Allie threw her arms around her startled mentor before she darted out of the office.

  <><><>

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-THREE

  “Come on in, Allie!” Vince called from the kitchen.

  “Smells incredible. How can I help?” Her stomach rumbled angrily.

  Crap! I should have eaten dinner before dinner!

  “Er…sit there and don’t touch anything?”

  “Will do.” She hopped onto the counter. “I see my disastrous reputation in Culinary Arts class speaks for itself.”

  “I hear it’s epic,” he said, pausing long enough for a kiss.

  After dinner—and her monumental effort not to stuff her face—they settled on the couch to watch a movie. She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling almost normal for the first time in weeks.

  “When will your dad be home?”

  “Few days.” He grinned. “We have the house to ourselves for as long we like.” He pulled her close, and they tumbled back onto the sofa. His kiss was slow and deliberate. Allie’s heart pounded in her chest and she luxuriated in the gentle caress of his hands as they moved slowly over her rear.

  She did her fair share of exploring his body, carefully removing his shirt to run her palms along the rigid muscles of his chest. She could barely draw a breath when he unbuttoned her shirt, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze.

  “I’m a lucky guy.” He kissed her throat, trailing kisses down to the soft swell of her breast, his hands inching up from her hips. She shivered when his lips moved to claim hers, and his hard body pressed against her softer one. He continued to torment her with his teasing tongue and wandering hands. Her fingers tangled in his hair as she drew a shaky breath. She felt faint from the power stirring in her chest.

  Could I hurt him?

  “I’m sorry, Allie.” He pulled away.

  “Y-you don’t have to stop,” she murmured, feeling embarrassed as he helped her back into her shirt.

  “Yeah, I do.” He brushed the loose curls from her face. “What’s wrong? You think I’m not trying to convince myself to get you out of that ridiculously sexy bra before you change your mind?” he smiled. “I want you to be sure I’m the one you want. I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to rush you into sex just because I can’t keep my hands off you.”

  “What makes you think I’m not ready?”

  “I’m the first guy you’ve been serious about and I love that you’re having just as much trouble keeping your hands off me, but we’ve only been dating a few weeks. I like where this is going and I don’t want to screw it up. It’s different with you…so uncomplicated.”

  “And drama-free.” She smiled. “You have no idea how much I’ve needed that lately.” She nuzzled up against him.

  “Allie?” he groaned. “I’m trying not to be a total douche-bag here, but you pressed up against me isn’t helping. I’m gonna need a minute. How about dessert?” He stood to put some distance between them.

  “You never have to ask that question.” Her laughter caught in her throat when she realized it was getting late. “Vin, what time is it?”

  “Shit! I forgot about the stupid boat, it’s way past midnight! Carson’s going to shoot me, isn’t he?”

  “It’s alright. I’ll just go call Sasha, but I still want that dessert.” She slipped out onto the patio to make the call.

  “Hey, you home yet?” Sasha answered on the first ring.

  “No! I missed the friggin boat! My parents are going kill me!”

  “Well, you could just swim. We’ve all done it, but you’d probably freak out and get lost—”

  “Sasha, be serious!”

  “Calm down. Text Lily and tell her you’re spending the night with me again and I’ll come get you. She’ll buy it this time, but you c
an’t do this again.”

  “I know! I’m sorry!”

  Allie relaxed after she texted her mom, who never questioned her activities much these days. They had some sort of unspoken agreement that she could do whatever she needed, but it made her sad. The distance between them was growing by the day. She just didn’t have much time for her family anymore.

  “Everything okay?” Vince asked when she joined him in the kitchen. He was drizzling caramel sauce over one very large piece of cake.

  Allie’s stomach grumbled at the sight and she vowed to eat before their next date.

  “Crisis averted. Sasha’s coming to get me. That piece is mine, right?”

  “Allie! Share!” he growled when she tried to steal it from him.

  “I’ll let you have a bite.” She giggled as he picked her up and set her on the counter. She forgot all about the cake and greeted his kiss eagerly. Allie ran her hands up his bare chest as he trailed soft kisses along her shoulder.

  “Vin?” she moaned. “You should probably think about stopping that…or maybe not.”

  “I have quite the goodnight kiss planned for you, Allie.” He gathered her in his arms and took her back to the couch. He captured her mouth in a slow, possessive kiss that made her dizzy, his hands wandering again.

  “When will I get to see you like this again?” she asked. Life was so busy for both of them, nights like this were far too rare.

  Vince laced his fingers with hers and pulled her close, burying his nose in her hair. “Football season will be over soon and I’ll have more time—not much, since baseball starts in the spring. But I will definitely make more of an effort because this was perfect.”

  “Your dad go out of town often?”

  “Yes, actually. Let’s just not forget about the ferryboat next time?”

  They were interrupted by the ringing doorbell and he reluctantly released her.

  Allie felt a tremor of rage when she sensed Aidan’s arrival.

  “Guess who?” Vince drawled irritably.

  She met Aidan’s menacing glare and their eyes flashed at each other in the darkness.

  “Should have seen that coming!” she snapped.

  “Relax, Lex. I was already here. Just get in the car, it’s late.” He ignored Vince who stood by coolly, shirtless with tousled hair and his jeans riding low on his hips.

  Allie reached for Vince, reluctant to end such an amazing night this way.

  “Don’t be sad, we’ll do this again soon.” He brushed her lips with a kiss. She ran her hands up his chest and his arms snaked around her in a gesture of complete confidence and familiarity. She knew she was twisting the thorn in Aidan’s side, but she didn’t care.

  “Night, Vin, call me in the morning?” She hugged him tightly.

  “Of course.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

  “Later, Vin,” Aidan mocked. He moved to drape his arm around her as they walked to the car, but she sidestepped and almost managed to slap him. He caught her hand with an angry glare.

  “Dude, don’t give her a hard time,” Vince called. “It’s my fault we lost track of time. Text me when you get home, Allie.” There was more than just a hint of warning in his voice.

  “I can’t believe you just did that!” Allie hissed as she slipped into the front seat.

  “Relax, Lex—”

  “No! How dare you crash my date, you overbearing ass!”

  “You needed a ride! I was on a date with Kayla, but now I’m here, giving you a ride, simple as that. You’re the one flipping out.”

  “Wait, you’re dating Kayla?” she grinned. “Cheers to that!”

  “Well, she actually likes me.”

  He was so good at playing it cool, but she knew he was upset. He was gripping the steering wheel so hard she thought he might break it. She felt bad for him and angry with him all at once. When he pulled into the garage at the marina, she reached out and gently pried his hands loose.

  “I know you were just worried about me, but Immortal, strong and powerful, or not, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  “Yeah, I can see just how well you’ve managed to protect yourself tonight,” he growled. “You missed a few buttons.”

  “Aidan, you’re my best friend and I love you, but I’m with Vince. You have to accept that.”

  He gripped the wheel tightly again. “I won’t lose our friendship over that tool. Date your mortal!” He got out and slammed the car door. “If living in complete denial makes you happy, go for it!”

  Neither of them spoke as they boarded the boat kept docked here for just this purpose. He started the engine and eased out onto the water.

  “Will we be okay?” She was afraid she might have to choose between the two most important people in her life.

  “We’re fine, Lex.” He forced a smile.

  “Look on the bright side. When we get home I’m going to murder your sister for calling you.”

  <><><>

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-FOUR

  “How are you enjoying your training so far?” Daniel asked, absently pouring a river of cream into his coffee.

  “Oh, I don’t know if enjoy is the right word,” Allie snorted.

  For the past several weeks, she and Daniel spent their early Saturday sessions at his house.

  “It’s nice out. Let’s sit on the patio, the heat lamps will keep us warm.” He rambled on about how the lake reminded him of the ocean, but Allie was more interested in looking at him. The Greek god, Adonis, came to mind every time she saw him and she had to remind herself he was not even remotely close to her age. The strands of silvery gray in his dark hair were out of place against his otherwise youthful appearance. His eyes were brilliant Amethyst, threaded with copper that glinted in the light. He seemed a strong, virile man, but something about Daniel always struck her as sickly. Like his time in prison still affected him.

  “I know you never planned to spend your weekends chatting with an old man, but I promise our time together will prove valuable.”

  “I know, I guess I’m still struggling to understand why training has to be so intense. Especially Saturdays. From sunup to sundown seems a bit excessive when you factor in the rest of the week. I know it’s important—” she held up her hand before he could launch into another explanation of how she could lose control if she didn’t train hard enough. “I just like to complain about it.”

  “At least you’re honest.” He chuckled. “I know it’s a difficult sacrifice, but trust me, the alternative is not worth it. Unfortunately, I suck at showing my memories so I won’t bore you with the details of my short story. But I do have some words of wisdom, if you’re up for it.”

  “Sure, as long as there’s more coffee.” She grinned.

  “That I can promise.” He reached to refill her cup.

  “I always knew what I was, but I was a very lonely child, raised among mortals. I grew up on my mortal father’s ships as my Immortal mother taught me in secret. But to me, the threat of the Coalition seemed like the stuff of fairytales. I had a difficult time understanding the world to which I belonged, but was not a part of.”

  “I can certainly relate to that,” Allie sighed as she sipped her coffee.

  “It won’t always be that way.”

  They were all so certain she would acclimate in time, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to forget who she was.

  “When I was still very young, I witnessed my father’s execution at the hands of pirates. Not long after, I ran away, eager to sail off into the unknown for an adventure. The Age of Exploration was burgeoning, and for most of the next century, I put my life and my training on hold to be part of something greater than myself. Wonderful discoveries were made during the years I explored the seas, I even made some of my own.” He beamed proudly. “I discovered the Portuguese Azores Islands just a few years before I was taken.”

  “The point, Allie, is during my years of rebellion, I all but ignored my training. I felt it was something I coul
d afford to put on hold for a time when it would be more convenient. I trained only enough to maintain control of my power, and I’ve paid the price for my arrogance a thousand times over. I’m sure you’ve noticed the feeble quality about me, and the fact that our sessions usually consist of studying books with very little physical activity.”

  It was true; their sessions were almost always academic in nature with an occasional strength-training workout in the gym. Sometimes she got the impression that the workouts were just as much for his benefit as hers.

  “I sense something, but you’re so strong and athletic, it’s confusing.” She frowned, feeling a twinge of embarrassment for him.

  “I can teach you a great deal, but I’m afraid I am the weakest of your teachers. Some would still consider me very powerful because my gifts are rare and extremely difficult to control, but I tire very easily. I am over six hundred years old, but I still train as hard as my teenaged sons. For half my life, I was cut off from my power. I still suffer the effects of long-term magnetic exposure from my time in prison. But, had I trained diligently as a young man, I might never have lost those years. My strength will never be what it should have been. The best lesson I will ever teach you is to respect your training. It will rarely be fun, I wish I could tell you otherwise, but it is the most important thing you will ever do for yourself.”

  “Whenever you are feeling the daunting pressure of your demanding schedule and you find yourself wishing for the life you once knew, look to me as an example of what you do not want to be.”

  “You’re still a formidable guy.” She smiled.

  “Perhaps, but I will never reach my true potential. And with that, I’m done preaching for the day. It’s time we get some actual work done.”

  “What’s on the agenda?”

  “A crash course in Immortal political science.”

  “I keep hearing references to the ‘Senate,’ but I don’t really know what that means.”

  “We have very strict laws and seats of authority that function a lot like the Roman senate. Emma and I are Lieutenant Governor, providing legal counsel to Naeemah and Gregg in their role as Governor of the Great Lakes region.”