Fearless

by Nicole Coverdale

  Her throat clenched.

  “How are you here?” she whispered. “How did you get here? How did you get away from Abel? From the organization? How?

  Elena pulled herself to her feet, and she launched herself forward, pulling her sister into a tight embrace. “Oh my God, Tori!” she cried, not wanting to let go of her sister. “I am so glad you’re here! I thought I would never see you again. But wait—“

  “I broke out of the trance.” Tori whispered, staring up at her older sister. “I broke out just like you.”

  Elena blinked. “You broke free? But how?”

  “You.” Tori whispered. “It was you, Elena. It’s always been you. You’ve always been there for us no matter what. You’ve always tried to protect us. And there I was. Standing there in the middle of the facility, hitting a punching bag. We were training for something. Something big was about to happen, when I suddenly thought of you. I just suddenly had this thought that you should be here. That you should be here helping us. I was wondering where you were, and suddenly everything just faded away. All the years came back to me. The years of training. The missions. And I remember you telling us that Father was a traitor. And I remember you fighting all of us to get out of the organization.” Tori shook her head. “I should have listened to you, Elena. I’m so sorry you had to do this all on your own.”

  “Tori, it’s not your fault.” Elena whispered, grasping her sister’s hand. “You listen to me, none of this is your fault! None of it! We didn’t choose this, father did! He forced us to become killers. He forced us to take people’s lives. He forced us to turn on one another, and for that I will never, ever forgive him. He took away our family!” Elena stopped, bowing her head.

  “Elena?”

  “Shh…” she raised a hand, staring at the floor.

  And she lifted her head.

  “Wait a moment.” She whispered. “Wait just one minute. You said that you broke out of it when you thought of me?”

  Tori nodded.

  “And I broke out of it when I saw that family.”

  Tori frowned. “So?”

  “So?” Elena laughed. “Tori, don’t you get it? The trigger is love!” Elena grabbed her sister’s hand, pumping their fists in the air. “There must be something about our heart rate, when it spikes, we see things more clearly and we’re able to break free of the drug.” She laughed again. “It’s funny. Abel always tried so hard to tell us that there was no such thing as love. That human emotion is a weakness. But in the end, it’s the thing that’s going to bring us all back together!” She raised a hand, smacking herself over the head. “God, I feel so mentally challenged right now! Why didn’t I think of this before?”

  “Elena—“

  “We can get everyone out of there.” Elena whispered. “We can break our sisters out.” She stopped. “Except for Carmella.” A lump formed in her throat.

  “She’s dead.” Tori whispered.

  Elena nodded. “I killed her.”

  “No. Not you, you. Just assassin you.” Tori told her, squeezing her hand.

  “I’m not so sure it makes a difference anymore.”

  “It does, Elena. It does.”

  Elena swallowed. Staring at her sister. “We have to get them out of there, Tori.” She whispered. “We have to them out before it’s too late. We’ve got to burn that place to the ground. We have to do it soon. We have to do it now!”

  “What!” Tori’s grip tightened around Elena’s hand. “Elena, are crazy! You can’t take down the organization. They’ll kill you. He’ll kill you! Especially if you’re going to do it alone.”

  “I’m not alone. I’ve got Kieran, and Luis.”

  “Who’s Kieran?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you!” Elena turned and raced down the stairs, pulling Torianna with her. Racing across the dining room, and stopping next to the couch just as Luis finished stitching Kieran up. “This is Kieran.”

  “What happened to him?”

  “We got ambushed by the organization.” Elena whispered. “They found us. Or at least she found us.”

  “She?”

  “Diana. Mom’s twin sister. You might be too young to remember, but growing up mom had a twin. A darker twin who was the complete opposite of her. When I first saw her, I wanted so badly to believe that it was mom. That she was really alive. But it didn’t take me long to remember Mom’s kind eyes. Eyes that hadn’t had a darkness to them, like Diana’s did. I tried to get back. I tried to warn Kieran. But it was too late.” Elena bowed her head. “I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to him, Tori. He’s saved me so many times.” She whispered. “So many times.”

  “You care about him, don’t you?”

  Elena nodded. “Yes. I do. I really do.”

  Tori stared at her.

  “You know this is dangerous, right? Caring for someone? If Abel ever found out—“

  “I’d kill him before he’d ever harm a hair on Kieran.” Elena interrupted. “And he would do the same for me. We’ve been through too much.”

  “And Luis?”

  “Let’s just say, Luis would never let anything happen to Kieran. They’re like brothers.” Elena smiled. Then she stopped, “Tori, do you still have your tracker inside of you?”

  Tori froze. Lifting a hand to the back of her neck. “Yes.”

  “We have to get it out right away, Tori! Or they’ll find us, and we’ll all be dead.”

  “I already thought you were dead once.” Tori whispered. “Abel told me you were dead.”

  “And then Tori told me you were dead.” Luis interrupted, rising to his feet. Walking across the room to the sink and washing his hands.

  Elena raised her head. Staring at him. “How is he?”

  “He’ll be fine. He should be waking up soon.”

  “Thank God.” Elena blew out a breath.

  “And now, onto our next patient.” Luis pointed to Tori. “Let’s get that tracker out of you. Because I for one do not feel like dying today.”

  “Me neither!” Elena cried.

  Tori stared at them, then finally she nodded. “Let’s do this.” she whispered, turning to look at Elena. “Then we’ll make them pay, right?”

  “Of course.” Elena whispered.

  She turned and walked across the room. Taking a seat at the table and staring out across the room at Kieran laying on the couch. Breathing evenly. At Tori, as she lay on the loveseat, and Luis taking extra care taking the tracker out of her neck. Closing her eyes, and knowing, that she could never allow her sister could go back to that place.

  She couldn’t allow Kieran to get hurt again.

  She would not put Luis in harm’s way.

  This was her fight. And her fight only.

  And she was only going to be able to do it one way.

  Her way.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  “Elena?”

  She bowed her head, wrapping her arms around herself. Watching as the rain poured down over the trees just outside the window.

  “What is it about the rain that I like so much?” she asked, not turning from the window, hearing the door behind her creep open. The sound of footsteps sounding behind her. She reached a hand out, opening the window, letting the smell of the rain fill her senses.

  “It’s the smell.” Kieran whispered as he walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “The smell of the rain. The sound of it falling down on the earth. It’s almost magical.”

  “Kieran.” Elena sighed, as his lips brushed the back of her neck, and she turned around in his arms. Lifting a hand to his cheek. “You’re okay.”

  “I’m okay.” He whispered, smiling down at her. “And I have you to thank for it. You got me here just in time.”

  “I thought I was going to lose you.”

  “Are you kidding? How could I die knowing I was going to leave someone like you behind?” Kieran brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

  “Do you remember everything that happened?”
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  “A little.” Kieran chuckled. “It’s kind of fuzzy. I mean, I remember your Aunt. I remember getting shot. I remember us going through the tunnels. I remember my house getting blown up. I remember telling you how to drive. But after that, it’s just blank. The next thing I remember is waking up and being all stitched up.” He laughed, pointing to his side. “I’m good as new.”

  Elena laughed. Chuckling a little. And suddenly thankful for the darkness that surrounded her. A wave of relief washing through her. He didn’t remember the proposal. Thank goodness! She thought to herself. She was so not ready to have that conversation. They’d just met, for crying out loud, there’s no way he could have fallen in love with her yet, could he?

  “My sister’s here.” She finally whispered.

  “I heard. Luis was downstairs when I woke up. I swear, that man never sleeps.” He shook his head. “He was down there, monkeying with that tracker he pulled out of Torianna. Wanting to know how the thing works. The man just doesn’t know when to quit.”

  “He still has it? I thought he would have destroyed it by now.”

  “I think he’s about to.”

  “I still can’t believe she’s here.” Elena whispered, a tear streaking down her cheek. “I never thought I’d see her again, Kieran. I never thought I’d see any of them ever again. She broke out of the trance. She broke out, just like me.”

  “She’s strong, just like you are, Elena.” Kieran whispered, resting his head on top of hers. “You’re all strong, and you’ll see your sisters again. I know you will.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Elena whispered. “How can you be so positive after everything that’s happened? After everything we’ve been through? Your home is gone, Kieran, and it’s all because of me.”

  “It’s just a home, Elena. It can be replaced. We can’t.” he reached down, linking his fingers with his. “I’m just thankful nothing happened to you. I don’t ever want anything to happen to you, Elena. You’re important to me. More important than anyone has ever been to me. The last thing I want to do is lose you. Especially when I’ve only just found you.”

  “Kieran—“

  “Shh.” He placed a finger on her lips. Staring down at her, before ducking his head and pressing his lips to hers.

  Elena groaned, her hands running up his back. Clenching in his shirt. The scent of him completely overwhelming her. His mouth hot on hers. The feel of his tongue grazing her lips.

  “Kieran.” She whispered, pulling away from him. “We shouldn’t be doing this! You’re still recovering.”

  “Believe me. I’m just fine.” Kieran whispered, before kissing her again. His lips lowering, pressing against her chin. Against her neck. And his hands spread across her waist, lightly stroking the little bit of skin that peeked out from underneath the t-shirt she wore.

  His hand rose up.

  Elena groaned.

  The t-shirt rose up, and she felt his hand graze along her ribcage, and cup one of her breasts.

  “Kieran!” she gasped.

  “What?” he whispered against her ear, his breath coming out hot and heavy.

  “I don’t want to go too fast.” She whispered. “I’ve never—“

  Kieran stopped. “You’ve never been with a guy?”

  “No.” Elena whispered. “I’ve never even been kissed before I met you. And I’ve never done…” Her voice trailed off. “Does that make me pathetic?”

  Kieran laughed. “Not at all. Come here.” He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her towards the bed. “In fact, I think it’s sweet.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I get to feel special. I get to be your first.” He whispered, stopping her just in front of the bed. “And we have all night, Elena. All night. And if you want me to stop, just tell me.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “I’d do anything for you.” Kieran whispered, dropping to his knees, slowly lifted the shirt and kissing her on the belly button. His lips rising up, grazing along her rib cage. Just underneath her breasts.

  Elena gasped. Her hands reached up, gripping his shoulders.

  And a moment later she felt his mouth on her nipple, sucking.

  “Kieran!” she gasped. Feeling a hot sensation coming over her.

  “You’re beautiful.” He whispered, as he pulled the t-shirt over her head. “So beautiful.” He whispered, as his fingers slid down her underwear. His hand spreading across the most sensitive part of her body. “And I want to show you just how beautiful you really are.” He whispered, as his finger started to stroke her.

  Elena gasped.

  She felt her body suddenly explode with heat.

  “Kieran!” she cried. “Oh!”

  “We have all night.” He whispered, grasping her by the hips, and lifting her up on the bed. “All night.” He whispered as he lay next to her, and began exploring her body. Determined to show her how much he cared about her, and just how important she was to him.

  The woman was amazing.

  Kieran lay in the bed next to her, watching her as she slept. Her breath coming out even, and a smile spread across his face.

  He was starting to really care about her.

  He was starting to fall in love with her.

  And that, was one of the most dangerous things he had ever admitted to himself in his life.

  All his life, he had always been alone.

  When his father had abandoned him, giving him away without a single thought.

  When he’d been in the organization taking lives.

  When he’d gotten out of the organization.

  The only person he had dared trust was Luis.

  But he’d known Luis for years.

  He had just met Elena. And somehow. Someway she had crawled into his heart, and had made a home for herself there.

  And it scared him more than any bullet tearing through his body ever could.

  He reached a hand out, lightly stroking her cheek.

  “I love you.” He whispered, as he crawled out from the bed next to her. Pulling his clothes on, from where they lay in a heap on the floor. Stopping in the doorway to stare at her one last time. “I love you, Elena, and I hope you understand why I have to do this. I have to end this once and for all.”

  He slowly closed the door, walked down the stairs, stopping for a moment next to Luis. Staring at his friend, as he lay at the kitchen table fast asleep. A lump forming in his throat.

  His friend would never forgive him for what he was about to do.

  But in time he would understand.

  They all would understand.

  He picked the keys up from where they were laying on the table. And after one last look, walked out into the night.

  He was going to be a hero.

  He was going to save the people he loved.

  And if he died in the process, he was okay with that.

  He had to be.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “I love you.”

  The words rung in her ears.

  Elena groaned, slowly opening her eyes. Lifting a hand and touching the spot next to her.

  It was empty.

  She froze. Jerking her head up. Sitting up in the bed quickly.

  “Kieran?” she whispered. Blinking into the darkness of the room.

  Silence descended around her.

  Oh God.

  Panic rose up inside of her.

  She felt a chill roll through her. Dread filling her.

  Oh God. Oh God. Where is he? She thought to herself. Wrapping her arms around herself. Remembering last night. Remembering the way he’d kissed her. Remembering the way he’d touched her. Remembering the way he’d made love to her. It had been the most amazing thing she had ever experienced in her life.

  And now. He was gone.

  Where was he?

  Her fingers brushed against the empty side of the bed.

  And her hand hit something underneath the pillow.

  Elena,

  Please don’t be ma
d. I hate the way I left, and trust me, I would never have left if I had another choice, but I don’t. They’re out there, Elena. They’re out there, and they will stop at nothing to kill you and I can’t let that happen. I know you don’t understand. I know that you are desperate to get revenge on your father. To take down the organization. To get revenge on all of them for what they have done to you. I can’t blame you for it, but I also can’t let you go down that road. Revenge is a dangerous road to go on. It can take control over you in an instant, and once you go down that road you will never be the same person you once were. I can’t lose you, Elena, and the only way I feel I can keep you safe is to take the fight to him. To end this once and for all. I know this sounds crazy. That I’m being stupid. Irrational, but I did the one thing I thought I would never do. I fell in love with you, Elena. Even though we’ve only known each other for a few days I feel like I’ve known you forever and I would die trying to protect you because I now know what it feels like to have someone in your life who is more important than anything else in the world. I love you, with all my heart, Elena. And if you don’t see me again, know that we will be reunited one day in the future. Just remember what I said. Don’t live your life in fear. I love you.

  Kieran

  She lowered the note.

  A sob rose up in her throat.

  Tears rolled down her face.

  “No!”

  The scream ripped from her throat.

  She jumped out of the bed. Shoving away the sheets that wrapped around her legs. Stumbling towards the dresser.

  Tears clouded her vision, as she pulled on her clothes.

  And she turned, racing out of the room, the sound of the door slamming shut sounding behind her.

  “Luis!” She jumped down the last couple of steps.

  “What!” Luis jerked his head up from where he was sleeping at the table. “What? What is it?”

  “It’s Kieran!” Elena screamed, holding the note up in her hand. “He’s gone”