The worst that could happen was that Jack wasn’t careful enough with the tubes and attached them wrong, so once the mechanism started, Jaiden and I wouldn’t awaken, or if he didn’t ensure they weren’t visible in any way. The mechanism would also create a tiny hole in the floorboards through which Jaiden and I could fly out, because removing the floorboards first and then coming out would give Phil plenty of time to escape or prepare.
Hopefully, all the wooden boards in the floor would block Phil’s senses, and he wouldn’t notice two bodies in the ground or be able to brush against our minds. The floorboard that Jack was supposed to place right above our heads was enhanced with element blockers and special materials, just in case. Our elements would be curled up inside of us, so there was no way Phil should be able to sense them.
Unable to fight the sedative coursing through my veins any longer, I let my eyes close.
***
A wave of energy burst through me, and my eyes flew open. Everything was dark around me, except for one tiny dot of light coming from above. The warehouse. We were in the warehouse, and if I was awake, that meant Phil was here. Closing my fingers around the knife, I immediately let my element consume me, and I whooshed through the small opening.
When I emerged, Phil was bent over the box and trying to open it. Another shimmering cloud popped out behind Phil’s back, and I turned myself visible just at the moment when Phil turned around with a gasp. My knife caught him in the shoulder, while Jaiden’s pierced his back. Phil stumbled forward, his eyes wide, and before he could do anything, I let my fire envelop my hand and punched Phil with it in the face.
He flew backward, and a cry tore out of his throat as Jaiden’s knife probably embedded itself deeper into his back. A blast of air surged toward me, but it was weak, and I managed to dodge it. While the blood pooled on the floor, Phil tried to scramble up. Jaiden’s shimmering thread rushed toward Phil’s head, but it bounced off.
“You can’t... beat me,” Phil whispered, and his whole body started to shimmer, the knives caked in blood falling to the floor. I immediately used my air to pick them up, and twisted them toward the shimmering, slashing with them. Another cry rang out, and I knew Phil hadn’t been successful at parting his air to avoid the stab of one of the knives.
“It’s over,” I said, as Jaiden captured the still shimmering Phil into a net of his air. One of the knives rattled on the ground, and before I could catch it with my air, it rose up and lurched straight toward me, nicking my thigh. Jaiden’s forehead was covered in sweat as he struggled to keep the net over Phil, who was still trying to free himself.
Ignoring the sting on my skin, I readied myself for another attack and held up an air shield in front of me. If Jaiden’s air faltered, I’d be able to catch Phil. Finally, Phil became corporeal again, and he was clutching a bloody hand to his chest.
“You monsters!” he shouted. “You don’t deserve the abilities you have!” With a cry of rage, Phil’s blast of air broke through Jaiden’s shield, sending him flying to the floor, but I immediately wrapped my air tightly around Phil’s throat. He choked and wheezed, trying to hit me with another air attack, but Jaiden deflected it before it could reach me.
I inched forward, putting all of my energy into my element. Phil’s face was starting to turn blue, and I could see Jaiden’s air wrapping around Phil’s chest and squeezing hard, careful enough not to disturb my air. Phil’s head slumped down onto his chest, and the sound of bones cracking made me call my element back. Jaiden pulled his air too, and we just stood there, watching Phil’s unmoving body. A choked sob rocked my whole body, and I turned around as Jaiden bent down to check for Phil’s pulse.
“He’s gone,” Jaiden said, and I took a deep breath. We’d done it. We’d finally bested Phil.
“Hey,” Jaiden said, pulling me into his arms. “It’s over.”
“Yeah.” I fought back tears, but one managed to slide down my cheek.
“I’ll call Lily,” he said as I pulled away from him. “You should call your mom and let her know you’re fine.”
“Yeah.” I patted my pocket for my phone, and when I pulled it out, my fingers were shaking as I tried to dial the number. Jaiden’s warm hand closed over mine, and I looked up at him.
“Maybe we should step outside,” he said quietly, and I nodded, letting him take me into the fresh night air. Phil’s men were nowhere in sight, and maybe they hadn’t even come with him.
“Do you think Lily will be mad at us for lying to her?” I asked.
“She doesn’t have a reason to, because our plan worked.” The corners of Jaiden’s lips quirked up. “But she’ll probably be a bit peeved that she wasn’t in on our plan.”
“A bit... suuuure.” I fought the urge to smile. “Okay, I’m going to call my mom now. You contact Lily.”
As I brought the phone to my ear, the tension seeped out of my shoulders. Phil would never cause harm again, and I really hoped that we wouldn’t be facing any more super powerful threats ever again.
Chapter 26
“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Lily said, and brought a glass of champagne to her lips, taking a big gulp. After Lily’s team took care of everything related to Phil, everyone had wanted to celebrate, so we had gathered in one of the town’s best restaurants.
“And I can’t believe you didn’t trust us!” Kenna huffed. “I don’t really like you much most of the time, but we’re friends, aren’t we?”
“We couldn’t tell you because the plan wouldn’t have worked then.” Jaiden smirked. “Sorry.”
“Yeah, you look really sorry.” Noah shook his head in disapproval, and Jaiden shrugged.
“It doesn’t matter,” Marissa said, raising her glass. “Everyone’s safe and we can go home.”
“True.” Sam clinked his glass against hers. “And we’re all alive and well.”
Lily’s phone vibrated on the table and she immediately picked it up, frowning.
“Is it someone from the government again?” Nick asked as he grabbed a slice of cheese from one of the plates in the middle of the table. “Do we have to explain yet again that Phil was the bad guy and that we’re the good guys?”
Once I’d had the chance to heal the minds of people who’d been under Phil’s control and worked for him, they were finally able to back up our claims about him. Unfortunately, some people’s brain signals were fried, and there was no cure for that... yet. When the local cops finally investigated all the crime scenes they’d been mind-controlled to protect and cover up, they’d found Phil’s prints and some DNA. The water was now finally clean from Phil’s element and totally safe for drinking.
“No, but it’s about Phil.” Lily raised her head, her face grave. “We got back the autopsy and all the test results, and... He was a regular elemental with a pure element, but his body was full of radiation and it’s not even clear how he survived all that. The investigators were able to find the place where he lived and they figured out he used to work in a power plant that was dealing with some illegal materials, and one day, an accident happened, and Phil was the only who didn’t escape in time. His element was irradiated and mutated. No one could find him for days and they thought he was dead, so they stopped looking. But luckily, the radiation can’t spread onto anyone else through his element. I guess that’s why his abilities were so strong, and maybe he couldn’t even control them completely.”
“Whoa,” Nick said. “Did the radiation affect his mind too? Are there any more people who were affected by that?”
“I don’t know, but I hope there aren’t more.” Lily put her phone down. “The investigators seem to think that he wasn’t himself after the accident, and when he heard what Sophia was doing, he got it into his head that he has to find the serum at all costs.”
“That’s sad,” Marissa said. “Did they tell you what materials were used at that power plant? If someone hears about it and uses that to enhance their element...?”
“Oh great. Another ho
rror story.” Nick crossed his arms. “I’m so done with this.” He grabbed his glass and gulped down his drink.
“No, the investigators don’t know exactly what caused the accident. Maybe a mix of forbidden materials, but there wasn’t a list anywhere since those in charge knew it was illegal, and they were testing a lot of different materials thinking it was safe to do so,” Lily said.
“It’s a good thing they don’t know, then,” Noah said.
“We’ll increase control at our power plants,” Lily said. “That should prevent another disaster like this one.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Nick poured himself another glass of champagne, and Kenna narrowed her eyes at him, which only made him grin at her. “What? We got an excuse to drink. Why not? After everything we’ve seen, we deserve it.”
Kenna rolled her eyes, and I turned to Jaiden, covering his hand with mine. His lips spread into a smile.
“So when are we going home?” Noah asked.
“Tomorrow,” Lily said, her lips twisting into a grimace.
“What? You don’t want to leave?” Noah’s eyebrow shot up.
“No, it’s not that. I just remembered all the reports I’ll have to write and all the negotiating I’ll have to do once I get back.” She leaned her elbows on the table and sighed. “I can’t believe Jack Maiers will get to walk free.” Her gaze immediately flitted to Jaiden. “Sorry, but your father just...”
“It’s okay,” Jaiden said.
“Wait, how is that even possible?” Marissa gaped at Lily. “He kidnapped, tortured, and killed people. He shouldn’t be out there!”
“No, he shouldn’t, but... without him Moira and Jaiden wouldn’t have successfully completed their plan and taken Phil down. His serums gave them both energy to do it and ensure they could pull off their little stunt with Phil. I don’t know anyone who could put someone under and then bring them back, full strength and all, in a matter of seconds,” Lily said. “And his freedom is very, very conditional. He’ll be supervised at all times, and if he even gets a speeding ticket, our deal is off and he’s going to prison. Of course, he’ll be working on a special serum that can increase energy so we can turn small amounts we take into big ones that could keep cities and towns all over the world alive. It should work for both water and electricity. So far, he seems to be the only one who can do it.”
“I’d never ever guess Jaiden’s father would be the one willing to save the world,” Noah said, his eyes widening. “I’m not sure he’ll be able to do everything legally. I mean, what if he slips up?”
“Then he’ll be creating the serum in prison.” Lily’s lips turned into a smile.
Noah shrugged. “Huh, that’s not a bad idea. Why didn’t you just do that?”
“He’s more inspired when he’s not locked up. Or at least that’s what he claims.” Lily shook her head. “Don’t worry. He won’t hurt anyone ever again.”
“Good,” Noah said.
***
“Hey, where are you going?” Noah asked, stopping in the middle of the street. “The airport is that way.”
A smile tugged on my lips, and Jaiden wrapped his arms around me from behind, leaning his chin on my shoulder.
“We don’t need the airport. You do,” Jaiden said.
Noah’s lips parted, a frown creasing his brow. “Are you telling me that you can fly all the way across the ocean or do you like it here so much that you’re staying?”
“What do you think?” I winked at him.
“You’re staying,” he said in surprise, and I nodded. “Like, for a vacation, or what?”
“Yeah, we need a really nice, long break,” I said. “And I’m sure you’ll take care of tainteds in our city just fine.”
Noah pressed his lips into a tight line, but then a smile broke out on his face. “Oh, I’m going to call you as soon as something happens.”
“You can try,” Jaiden said. Noah dropped his duffel bag to the ground and sprinted toward us, throwing himself into my arms as Jaiden stepped back.
“I’m going to miss you,” he said, letting go of me.
“What’s going on?” Marissa asked as she, Ashley, Sam, Kenna, and Nick came from around the corner, carrying their bags.
“Not much. These idiots forgot to tell us that they’re staying here,” Noah said as he and Jaiden patted each other on their backs.
“What?” Nick’s head jerked back. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I think we deserve a vacation, and I’ve always wanted to see more of the world, so... this is the chance.”
“Okay then. Enjoy your vacation.” Nick came forward and pulled me into a hug, and the others followed.
“Just call us. And don’t forget to take photos and videos. I want to see everything you see,” Marissa said.
“You should come with us.”
“Maybe some other time.” She grinned, but then her face went serious and she pointed a finger at me. “Send photos. I mean it.”
“How long are you planning to stay?” Ashley asked.
“I don’t know. A month or two.” I shrugged. “Or until another disaster strikes.”
“Shh!” Nick made a move as if he were going to put his hand over my mouth. “Don’t speak of such things. We’re totally fine with how things are. You can stay as long as you want.”
A laugh escaped my throat. “Sure, but you should really go now or you’re going to miss your flight.”
“Yeah, shit.” Nick glanced at his watch. “But if the plane tries to leave without us, we can totally stop it with our elements, right?”
Kenna lightly smacked him on the back of the head. “Do you want to see the prison here? Because I sure don’t.”
“Ouch.” Nick grimaced. “Fine. We’ll turn into air and sneak into the plane then.”
“Just go!” I waved at them, a wide smile spreading across my lips. They all waved back, grabbed their bags, and headed toward the airport, glancing over their shoulders and smiling at us.
“What are we going to do now?” Jaiden asked when our friends were out of sight.
“Have fun.”
“Fun?” His eyebrows shot up. “Do we even know what that is anymore?”
“I guess we’ll figure it out.”
***
“But why?” That was the first question my mom asked after she found out that Jaiden and I hadn’t left with the others and that we wouldn’t be coming with her and my dad either. Her face was slightly pale, her lips parted.
“Mom, it’ll be fine. I’ve always wanted to travel the world, and after everything that’s happened, I’m really not up for another mission or dealing with anything related to tainteds or elementals of any kind.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” she asked. “What if another one of those dangerous elementals pops up, and you’re here and something happens...?”
“Mom!” I took her hands into mine, meeting her panicked blue eyes. “I know that you want to protect me and all, but I’ll be fine and I’ll call you every day. I promise. And if something happens, I’ll come right away.”
“Oh, honey.” She squeezed my hands. “I’ll miss you so much.”
“I think I know what you’re doing,” my dad said, a big grin on his face. “Noah will take complete control over the organization that you funded and you’re going to enjoy yourself while he works his ass off. Smart plan.” He ruffled my hair, and I grimaced, backing away.
“That’s so not true,” I said. “Well, maybe.”
“At least you’ll get to spend a bit of your inheritance on yourself too,” he said. “I approve. And if Lily or anyone else tries to drag you back home, you can just turn into another person and no one will be able to find you.”
My mom shot him a glare, but her lips were quirking up. “Why don’t you suggest that she robs a bank while you’re at it?”
“Oh, that’s not a bad idea either.” My dad laughed. “Imagine all the possibilities she has with those abilities.”
�
�Where’s Jaiden?” my mom asked.
“He’s talking to his father. Speaking of Jack, are you sure you’ll be okay working with him on his serum? I mean, you don’t have to be around him. You can help him from another lab and talk through video chat or something.” I tilted my head.
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Oh, it doesn’t matter. He’s no more annoying than some of the scientists I’ve worked with, and I really hope we can turn his idea into reality.”
“Me too.” It would be nice not to have to worry about our world’s declining resources. “So, are you ready to go?”
My mom looked around the room and tapped two big bags. “Yeah. I think everything’s here.”
“Great. I’m going to check if Jaiden’s father is ready too so we can get you to the airport.” I strolled to the door, cracked it open, and peered into the hallway. Jack and Jaiden were standing at the end of the hallway, so I stepped outside and quietly closed the door behind me.
Jack’s hand was resting on Jaiden’s shoulder. There was a small smile on Jaiden’s face, and he was looking at his feet as if he was embarrassed about something. Jack gently patted him on the cheek, and when Jaiden raised his head and looked at me, I waved at him. He nodded at his father, and started toward me.
“What was that all about?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I don’t know. Are we sure Phil didn’t manage to see my father and mind-control him? He said he was proud of me and that he really approves of me being with you... He said you were good for me, and he hopes we enjoy our vacation.”
“What?” I glanced down the hallway at Jack, who inclined his head. “Does he still have that blocker because I’d really love to check if his mind is untouched?” A smile quirked my lips.
“Yeah, he does. Believe me, I actually checked.”
“We should’ve sent him after Phil. Maybe his blocker would’ve been effective.”
“Yeah, I doubt it. Phil was too strong for any blocker. And my father can’t be trusted anyway.”
“True, especially now that it seems as if he were possessed by an alien or something.” My smile faded. “Shit! Looks like we’ll have to go back to work. No vacation for us. Now we’ll have to face a whole army of super powerful aliens who’ll try to turn people into decent human beings. Oh wait... that’s a good thing. Abort mission. We’re going on vacation after all.”
Resilient (Tainted Elements, #6) Page 15