The Ending Series: The Complete Series

by Lindsey Fairleigh

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he said guiltily.

  I instantly knew what he was talking about, and in my intoxication, his sincere apology was all I needed to forgive him.

  He pulled away so he could see my face. “I would’ve wanted to know too. I didn’t think about it like that. I know you would’ve told me, and I should’ve done the same for you.”

  I nodded, trying not to get emotional in my drunken haze. “It’s okay,” I slurred, repositioning myself in the comfort of his arms.

  After a couple more songs played, I decided it was best to extricate myself from Harper’s hold—before I got too comfortable and passed out standing up. Opening my eyes, I saw Jake watching me. I smiled shyly at him before turning my head to face the opposite way.

  I was glad no one else in our group could feel people’s emotions and see their memories like I could. I couldn’t imagine someone glimpsing into the unruly depths of my consciousness.

  After giving Harper a peck on the cheek, I took a step back. The world spun a little as I turned and walked down the porch steps. The music was giving me a headache, and the serenity of the lake seemed like the perfect solution.

  “Where are you going?” Harper called.

  “Just taking a breather!” I yelled back as I wandered down the path and disappeared into the trees.

  46

  ZOE

  Dizzily, I trudged to the lake. The crickets were silent as I walked, only resuming their chirping song when I settled myself on the end of the dock. I pulled my legs up against my chest and looked out at the ripples in the water, wondering what lived beneath the lake’s surface. If Dani were here, she’d be daring me to jump into the frigid water. Not a chance, I thought drunkenly.

  I was glad I’d lasted long enough to see the sunset—burnt orange and pink filled the sky as the sun sank behind the hills, its rays casting a glowing haze over the forest. It was strange to think that the same sun had shone in the skies over Fort Knox. So much had happened at the base, it seemed like a lifetime had been folded into mere weeks.

  A gust of wind shook me from thoughts of darker times, and I hugged my legs closer. I was in no state of mind to go back to the others, so I rested my head on my knees and closed my eyes, hoping the forest would stop spinning around me.

  Unfortunately, my solitude was disrupted by the sound of two-by-fours creaking under slow, heavy footsteps.

  “You doing okay?” Jake’s voice rumbled.

  My eyes flew open, but I didn’t move. “Fine. Just thought I’d get some air,” I said, hoping the extent of my drunkenness wasn’t completely obvious.

  “Are you sure you’re fine? I watched you wobble out here.”

  I looked back at Jake, who’d stopped a few steps behind me, and gave him an evil stare before refocusing on the gently rippling surface of the water. I reminded myself not to be distracted by his alluring ruggedness; I was still hurt he’d withheld such alarming information from me.

  It was silent for a moment before he spoke. “So you heard.”

  “Yeah,” I said. “You should’ve told me.” Although I didn’t want to have such an important conversation in my jumbled state, I was curious about the truth.

  Jake took a step closer and crouched down beside me. “Do you think that would’ve made a difference?”

  “Um…yeah!” I blurted. “I can look for trouble better if I know it’s coming. How does no one see that?” I leaned back, uncoiling from my warm ball of body heat.

  Jake remained silent for a moment, then sullenly said, “I didn’t know if it was true. I thought it was…crazy…until I actually saw you. Then…” He stalled. “I still couldn’t really believe it. I didn’t want to tell you beforehand because you’d worry all the time, and I was still trying to figure out what I should do when…”

  His ambivalence toward me from the moment we met—the first time he saved my life—suddenly made sense. “That’s why you stayed after you killed Jones and Taylor?” I asked, looking over at him curiously. I was secretly surprised I’d connected the dots after so many drinks. “You told me you were leaving, but you stayed.”

  There was something thoughtful about his demeanor as he stood and looked out at the lake. Is he searching for the answers he thinks I want to hear?

  “Just be honest with me,” I pleaded softly.

  “I didn’t know what the hell to do,” he said roughly. I could feel his uncertainty and frustration. “I didn’t know how you’d die or how I’d cause it. I thought the whole thing was ridiculous. But if there was any truth to it, I didn’t know whether I should stay…or just leave.” He looked down at me attentively. The light reflecting off the water’s surface brightened his usually shadowed features. “Then you said you were going to Colorado on your own, and I knew that was a bad idea. I told Sanchez everything. I hoped she could change your mind, but she didn’t know what to do either.”

  I still didn’t understand. “What do you mean you’d ‘cause’ my death? Who told you that, anyway?”

  Shoving his hands into his coat pockets, Jake looked back out at the water. “‘She’ll die because of you’,” he said forcefully. “‘The woman with the long black hair and teal eyes…you’ll save her, but she’ll die because of you.’ That was the last thing my sister said before she died.”

  Hearing his words, I felt sick to my stomach. I closed my eyes, trying to forget the feeling of impending death—both during Taylor’s attack and during the poisoning.

  Sitting up, I sighed heavily and massaged my temples. “I still can’t believe I didn’t see any of this.”

  “I told you you’re not very good at reading people.” He looked down at me, smiling playfully.

  I was surprised by his attempt at humor, and I couldn’t help but grin. “So, do you always joke at my expense or am I just lucky to be around when you’re in such a good mood?”

  “You’re just lucky, I guess.” His sexy smile made my insides flutter.

  “Your sister was like Harper,” I said, abruptly changing the subject. In my intoxicated stupor, it had taken me a moment to process Jake’s earlier words.

  He nodded. “I didn’t know what was wrong with Becca then, but they said they’d seen cases like hers and could help us.” I knew he meant the military people I’d been introduced to through his memories. “She must’ve seen what they were gonna do to her.”

  I became lost in thought, wondering what future horrors Becca had viewed that would make killing herself seem like the best option.

  Jake’s eyes turned imploring. “I’m not going to let you go there alone. I know we aren’t sure the same people are involved with the Colony, but why take the chance? Think of what they might do to you if they find out about your Ability.”

  Instantly, I was furious. He had no right to tell me what to do. “You’re not gonna let me? I’m going…and I’m going alone. Nothing’s changed,” I told him, but the moment I said the words, I knew they weren’t true, and Jake’s expression confirmed it.

  “Right.” He shook his head and stalked passed me, back toward the shore.

  I struggled to stand. “Just because you saved my life doesn’t mean you get to tell me what to do!” I called after him, surprised by the desperation in my voice. The sound of Jake’s footsteps on the dock reinforced the distance growing between us—our relationship seemed to be unraveling before it even started.

  “Fine,” he said, and my heart seemed to constrict at the coldness of that single word.

  Shit. My head was a jumbled mess of wishes, desires, and frustrations…and drunkenness. Stumbling after him, I yelled, “What exactly do you want from me, Jake? You want honesty? You want me to tell you that I want you? That I need you? Well it’s true, and it drives me insane.” My breathing was ragged.

  “You want me to go back to pushing you away? Done,” he said flatly and continued walking.

  “Really? Just like that? You act like it would be so easy—”

  He stopped and turned, glaring
at me like I’d slapped him in the face. “It won’t be easy,” he said heatedly. “But you’re either so busy worrying that nothing will work out, or too scared that it will, that you’re not even willing to try. If not having me in your life is easier for you, then fine.” He started to walk away again.

  I knew he was right, but I didn’t like him calling me out so easily. I ran after him, but after only a few steps, my feet were moving faster than I could manage and I tripped. Instinctively, I thrust out my hands to break my fall as my knees hit the dock. “Shit,” I hissed as the rough boards scraped my palms.

  Even in my drunkenness, embarrassment burned inside me. I sat back on my heels and stared down at my stinging palms, wishing everything with Jake had been easier from the beginning. Instead, since we’d met, we’d been pushing each other away—because of prophecies, stubbornness, and fear.

  “Zoe.” I hadn’t realized Jake had stopped walking away until I heard the boards creak under his feet again. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice a mixture of anger and concern.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” I said pathetically, refusing to look up him. “Just leave me here…maybe the animals’ll drag me away.”

  He laughed despite his anger. “That’s not overly dramatic or anything.” Crouching down in front of me, he gripped my arms. “I’ll help you up.”

  “Let me, please. I’d at least like to keep some of my dignity intact.”

  Jake let go and took a step back, letting me rise on my own.

  Straightening, I looked into his eyes. They radiated an urgency I’d never seen in them before. I tilted my head, trying to decipher the meaning behind his intense expression, and began to feel extremely self-conscious.

  “Please don’t look at me like that,” I pleaded quietly. I balled my hands into fists at my sides but couldn’t stop them from trembling. Yearning and despondency floated in the air between us, and I was unable to distinguish his emotions from my own. Mentally exhausted, I closed my eyes and sighed.

  “Nothing’s changed, huh?” Jake’s tone willed me to think about everything that had transpired between us during the past few weeks. When I opened my eyes he reached for my hands and examined the minute scrapes on my palms. The heat of his touch swept through me, banishing rational thought.

  “For whatever reason, I know you don’t want to let me in…or maybe you just don’t know how.” He released my hands as he spoke, and I reluctantly let them fall to my sides. “I can’t read your mind, and I don’t understand you half the time…but I know what I want.” His voice sounded calm—confident—but I could feel both fear and hope welling within him.

  Jake’s vulnerability jump-started something inside me.

  He moved closer, and his jaw clenched. “What are you afraid of?” I could feel his growing impatience.

  “Jake, I—”

  Swiftly, one of his hands grasped the back of my neck, tangling in my loose hair, and his lips pressed against mine, fierce and hot. Surprised, I stumbled back, but Jake slipped his arm around my waist, holding me against him. His kiss was greedy, and I drank in his desire. His overwhelming need awakened such an intense thirst in me that I couldn’t get enough of him.

  I clutched handfuls of his jacket to steady myself as he backed me up against the nearest piling. Frenzied, he began to explore my body—his mouth savoring the sensitive skin on my neck and under my jaw, while his hands drifted down my back and lower. A pleasurable ache throbbed between my thighs as he nudged his leg between mine.

  My hands ventured up his broad chest, over his shoulders, and combed through his short hair. I crushed his lips harder against mine. As we kissed, lustful images from his mind began to invade mine.

  Us, panting in unison. My nails digging into his bare back. His teeth grazing my collarbone, and both of us crying out in pleasure.

  A deep groan vibrated in his chest as the images flashed through his mind. I wanted—no, needed—him more than I’d ever needed anyone before. Impulsively, I reached for his belt, fumbling with his buckle.

  Jake froze.

  Our lips lingered together for a moment, and as he pulled away, I whimpered in protest. I could still feel our combined desire humming through my body, willing me to kiss him again.

  Confused, I looked up at him. “Why are we stopping?” I asked through swollen lips. He took a step back, and my heart seemed to stop completely. “Um, excuse me. Where are you going?”

  Jake shook his head, taking another step backward as he tried to control his breathing. “You’re drunk.”

  I scoffed. “I’m not that drunk. Besides, most guys would…” I stopped talking as his eyes flared with warning—Jake wasn’t most guys.

  Running his hand over his hair, he reeled in the excitement rolling through him. “I’d like you to remember this tomorrow,” he said, sexual frustration apparent in his tone.

  Although I felt slighted by his comment, I let it go. There was no way I could ever forget a moment like that, no matter how many drinks I’d consumed. Knowing what it felt like to have his body pressed against mine made me crave more. I needed to be closer to him, in any way possible.

  “I came out here to bring you into the house,” he said with an amused smile. He walked over to the edge of the dock and sat down.

  “I’m glad you came out here,” I said, plopping down beside him.

  He glanced at me and lifted his arm, allowing me to nestle against him. I was surprised by how easy it was to be affectionate with him. He was right, a lot had changed.

  My fingers explored the waistband of his pants as my mind drifted to heady thoughts of kisses and nakedness and… “What’s this?” I asked, feeling something hard and leather strapped to his belt. “Your knife,” I answered for him. Momentarily distracted, I unclipped it from his belt.

  Jake watched me as I examined it.

  “It’s really cool. I like the wood handle.” I held it up in the moonlight. “It looks old. Where’d you get it?”

  Jake stared at it for a moment. “Someone gave it to me when I was a kid.” I saw an image of an older man, a grandfather perhaps, flash in his mind. I could tell the knife meant a lot to Jake.

  “I like it.” I flipped open the blade and turned it over on my palm, thinking about how useful a knife would’ve been during the past few weeks. “I should get one.” It was compact enough to store in my pocket, but the blade was menacing and sharp. “It could really do some damage,” I said, slicing it through the air.

  “Not a bad idea,” Jake said, reclaiming the knife and putting it away. “But maybe you should wait to practice your slasher moves until you can at least walk without falling.” He glanced over at me with a rueful grin.

  “You’re hilarious,” I deadpanned and once again rested my head on his shoulder.

  “You ready for bed?” he asked. As he spoke, I could feel his stubble brushing my forehead.

  I giggled. “Is that an offer?”

  “You’re feisty when you’re drunk,” he mused.

  I shrugged and snuggled closer against him. “Yeah well, you bring out the best in me, what can I say?”

  He chuckled. “So, shall we do this the easy way…or the hard way?”

  “Do what?” My breath caught as I considered the possibilities.

  “I’m taking you inside.”

  “Excuse me?” I pulled away and locked eyes with him. “What if I’m not ready to go in?” I asked, pretending to be offended.

  Jake shook his head. “Fine, have it your way.” Before I knew what was happening, his arm wrapped around my waist, and he tossed me over his shoulder.

  “Jake, put me down!” I ordered. “I can walk just fine!”

  “Yeah, and you’ve got the scrapes to prove it.”

  “Is that why you’re out here—to make fun of me?”

  He said nothing and continued up the tree-lined path toward the house.

  I began flailing. “Put me down, Jake. This is ridiculous!” My stomach churned. “Ugh…I think I’m gonna be sick.”


  “You better not be,” Jake said.

  I wiggled and cussed as he held the backs of my legs down with his right hand.

  I continued to struggle against him. “Jake, seriously, put me down. I don’t want to puke on you.”

  “Then don’t. Stop being so squirrelly.” His voice was full of amusement.

  Jake carried me through the French doors, into the kitchen, and passed by the living room toward the stairs—everyone else was in the living room, listening to music and chatting.

  Amidst my wiggling, Sarah skipped toward us, laughing. “Oh wow, this is priceless,” she said.

  “Oh shut up,” I snapped.

  “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Sarah said, shaking her head and waving.

  “I’m not going to bed! He’s being absurd.” I smacked Jake’s butt. “Put me down!” I demanded.

  “Say goodnight, Zoe,” he ordered.

  “This is pointless, I’m just coming back down here,” I claimed, but he ignored me. Jake lugged me through the foyer and up the stairs in silence. “I’m serious, Jake!”

  “Okay,” he said placatingly, both of us knowing I definitely wouldn’t be coming back down.

  My stomach started churning again. “Oh God…you better hurry.” Opening my bedroom door, he took me into the bathroom and set me down on the tile floor. I braced myself against the counter, wishing my head would stop spinning.

  “You okay?”

  I glared at him in the darkness. “Dandy. Thanks.”

  The rest of the night passed by in a blur. All I remembered was crawling into bed—Jake’s fully clothed body curled up beside me.

  ~~~~~

  The next morning, I woke to the slamming of the front door and frantically looked around the room. My palms were sore and rough from falling on the dock, snagging on the comforter wrapped around me. As I stretched in bed, my knees felt achy, and I figured giant bruises colored them.