by L. S. O'Dea
“Well, not exactly,” said Mom.
“Yeah, right,” said Kim. “Actually, don’t tell him what happened tell him what didn’t happen.”
“Gaar said I should leave him alone unless I’m sure I want to...take him as my mate.”
“What does Gaar know?” Kim rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t understand anything about relationships between a man and woman.”
Kim had a point. Until recently, Gaar’s only relationship had been with Mirra.
“Trust me,” said Kim. “Tell Hugh.”
“Even if I don’t know if I love him?”
“Yes. He needs to know. You can figure the rest out later.” Kim studied her a moment. “Do you still have feelings for my brother? Not Hugh, but Jethro.”
“What do you mean by that?” Mom grabbed Kim’s arm.
“Hugh’s my half-brother. I’ll explain later.” Kim faced Trinity. “So, do you have feelings for Jethro?”
“He was going to use me to capture Gaar, Mirra and Hugh. There is nothing left between us.” Nothing but hatred. She didn’t add that last part because no matter what, Kim loved her brother.
“Then talk to Hugh.” Kim refilled their glasses again.
“What if he doesn’t forgive me?” She took another sip of her drink. This stuff wasn’t too bad.
“There is nothing for him to forgive.” Mom grabbed her by her shoulders. “You did what you had to. If he doesn’t understand that then he isn’t good enough for you.”
Her stomach knotted and she looked away from her mother’s eyes. “But I enjoyed it.”
“Oh, honey.” Mom pulled her into a hug, spilling all her whiskey. “That’s okay. Good really.”
“But...”
Mom leaned back, forcing Trinity to meet her gaze. “Did you decide to be with Jethro because you wanted him or because you wanted your and Travis’ freedom?”
“To escape.” That was the truth.
“Then the rest doesn’t matter,” said Mom. “It’s a physical reaction. A normal, healthy, physical reaction.”
“But don’t tell Hugh you enjoyed it.” Kim finished her drink.
Mom shook her head. “No, definitely not.”
CHAPTER 42: HUGH
HUGH WAS BEAT—physically as well as mentally. The trip had been hard, but not talking to Trinity had been harder. He wanted to forgive her. Actually, there was nothing to forgive. She’d done what she’d had to do to live. He understood that, but it ate at him. She should’ve never been in that situation. If she’d listened to him, she wouldn’t have been. His rage warred with his guilt and his heartache. She’d been with Jethro. The boy she’d loved for years.
He sat on the cot in the cave that Tim had sent him to—his new home. It was cold and barren, just like him. This would’ve been perfect when he’d first escaped prison but he wanted more than revenge now. He wanted a life—a life with the woman he loved but she didn’t love him.
He stood and grabbed his backpack, digging through it for the book Verly had given him. He could sit around feeling sorry for himself later. He’d have years to do that—years of living without her. He dropped the book on the makeshift table—a piece of wood held up by two stones. He moved another rock over by it and sat, paging through the book. He grabbed a notebook from his backpack and began trying to decipher the map.
Hours later he stretched. He wasn’t getting anywhere. He went outside, it was almost dark. Laughter was coming from Tim and Millie’s cave—feminine laughter. His mood got lower. He was glad she had friends and family, but he had no one.
“I figured you’d be asleep.” Jackson stepped from the shadows.
“Shit.” He jumped. “Stop sneaking up on me.”
“I didn’t sneak.”
That didn’t make it better. “Did you send word to the others that Trinity has been found?”
“Yeah. I sent out a team of Avions. I told everyone to come here.” Jackson pointed across camp. “Curtis’ team arrived a few hours ago. The others should trickle in over the next few days.”
“Sue and Reese?” He wanted to see his Guards but he wasn’t looking forward to the lecture Sue would give him about ignoring Trinity.
“They should be here soon. Sue led a team deep into the mountains but Perchies—”
“Who?”
“Another of Birdie’s relatives.”
“Are all Avions related to Birdie?”
“It seems that way, doesn’t it.” Jackson laughed. “Anyway, Perchies reported that she found Sue and her team. They’re on their way to camp now.”
Tim left his cave and headed over to them.
“Afraid to stay in there?” teased Jackson.
“With three drunken females whose main topic is males? Absolutely. I wouldn’t have gone in there at all except Arthur fell asleep.”
“At least this time, I’m not in trouble.” Jackson looked at Hugh.
“What? I didn’t do anything.” He was the injured party here.
“Exactly. You haven’t spoken to Trinity in days,” said Tim. “Why is that? Is there something going on between the two of you? Millie’s been saying there is but I keep telling her you’re my friend, brother in a way, and you’d never...never do anything to my daughter.”
“There’s nothing between Trinity and me.” Not anymore.
Jackson rolled his eyes.
“Then why aren’t you talking to her?” asked Tim. “None of this was her fault. I’m going to kill that boy the next—”
“None of this was her fault?” This was why she didn’t listen. Her father spoiled her. “She disobeyed a direct order. She snuck away...again.”
“Yeah, but that’s her.” Tim grinned. “She has spunk.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He headed back to his cave. He’d rather get a headache staring at the maps than listen to any more of this crap. It wasn’t all Trinity’s fault but some of it was.
“Where’re you going?” Jackson trailed after him.
“To my place.” He glanced over his shoulder, dreading his next words. “Come on. I need to show you something. You might be able to help me decipher it.”
“What is it?” Tim’s eyes brightened as he followed.
He went into his cave and showed them the book. “The Forest Witch gave this to me. She said there are secret places all over the forest and many lead into the city, like the tunnel in the building by the Midtown Shelter”
“And the one that goes from the Lake of Sins to the Remore house,” said Jackson.
“Right. I forgot about that one.” He made a note on his paper.
“I think this is the Lake of Sins Garage.” Tim pointed to a spot on the map.
“Why do you think that?” He leaned over the table studying the book. “The building on the map isn’t anywhere near the size of the garage.”
“That’s because this book is old. You see the river marked here?” Tim’s claw skimmed across the map.
“There’s no river near the Lake of Sins Garage.”
“There was. It was diverted years ago.” Tim glanced around. “Where are your maps of the city and surrounding areas?”
“At the other camp.” He dropped onto the rock.
“No, they aren’t,” said Jackson. “I sent all the maps and plans back here when Trinity disappeared.” He headed for the cave entrance. “Since none of us would be waging war, I figured this location was safer. I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later Jackson returned with the papers.
“Spread them out on the table,” said Tim.
“No, the floor. There’s not enough room on the table.” He tossed Tim the book. “Tear out the pages while we arrange the maps on the floor.”
“I hate destroying books.” Tim stared at the book as if afraid to damage it.
“You can tape it together later. We need to put the pages over the areas of the map where we believe they belong.” He glanced at the other two, hope flickering to life once more. “If the tunnels exist we can
use them to attack. We need to go on the offensive before the Council releases the weapons.”
CHAPTER 43: TRINITY
THE NEXT MORNING Trinity’s head was pounding and her mouth was dry. She wanted water but the thought of putting anything in her stomach made her roll over and groan.
“Drink this.” Mom nudged her shoulder a little roughly and put a glass on the floor next to her pile of blankets. “Remind me to thank Kim. I hope she’s feeling as bad as we are.”
She’d stayed with her parents last night. She picked up the cup and sniffed it. “It smells horrible.”
“It’ll make you feel better.” Mom dropped onto her bed, covering her eyes with her arm.
“Did you drink it?” she asked. Mom didn’t seem to be feeling well and there was a green tint to her skin.
“Yes, and I’ll feel better soon. It isn’t magic you know. It takes time.”
She sniffed it again. “I don’t think I can. I’ll throw up.”
“Do whatever you want, but just stop talking.”
Mom knew about herbs and potions. She couldn’t feel much worse. She held her nose and gulped down the brew. She dropped the cup and rolled over, grasping her stomach and trying not to vomit. She’d never drink anything but water again.
Dad strolled into the cave. “I see my girls are still paying the price for last night.”
“Go away, you’re not amusing” mumbled Mom.
“Okay, but I wanted to tell you that we’re preparing to leave.”
Mom moved her arm from her eyes. “Where are you going this time?”
“To free the captives and end the war.” Dad’s tone was light but his face was strained. “Hugh thinks he’s figured out a way to seize the city, hopefully without too much fighting. We’re going to check it out.”
“How?” She sat up, the pounding in her head making her sway.
“Something about underground tunnels.”
“I’m coming with you.” She stood, placing her hand against the cool stone wall for balance.
He winced. “I don’t—”
“Tim.” Mom’s voice held a warning.
“Talk to Hugh.” Dad frowned.
“Fine. I will.” She stormed past her father. Males were so difficult. She didn’t want to talk to Hugh, not right now, maybe never, but she wasn’t staying behind. She made her way to Hugh’s cave. It was one of the crevices on the outskirts of camp. His place wasn’t homey like her parents, having only a cot and a table made from a hunk of wood propped on two stones, but it was bright. Sunlight snuck inside from a hole up above. He had his back to her and was bent over the table, looking at some papers. She cleared her throat.
He turned and his eyes hardened before he blinked and put on his placid, I-don’t-care mask. “Can I help you?”
She wanted to slap him. She hated this polite façade that he wrapped around himself like armor. “Dad said you were leaving.”
“We are.”
“I’m coming...I want to go with you.”
“No.” He turned around, dismissing her.
She counted to ten. “I can help. You need me.”
“I don’t need you.”
It was like a knife to her chest. He hadn’t meant on the trip. “Fine.” She’d find Gaar and Mirra and they’d follow. There was no way she was letting anything happen to her father or him.
He turned around. “Is there something else?”
She didn’t move. She’d never realized that anything could hurt this badly. She took a deep breath. He was only going to get angrier with her when she followed him, so she might as well get this done. “Kim said I should talk to you.”
“Kim’s wrong.”
It was better to blurt it out. It didn’t hurt less but it was over sooner. “Jethro and I didn’t mate.”
“That’s not what I heard.” He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. “I know you did what you had to do. I understand that. I respect that you saved yourself and Travis.” He began to pace. “I just can’t get past it. Do you understand?” His eyes were hurt and confused.
Her heart twisted. She’d caused this. She had to make it better. “I’m not lying. I mean, I was...naked...” She clamped her mouth shut. That wasn’t going to help.
“I don’t need to hear this. I don’t want to hear this.”
“I drugged him before we could...you know.” She looked down at her feet. “I swear we didn’t.” She glanced up at him.
He was leaning against the table breathing hard. “What do you want me to do with this information? How do you want me to respond?”
“I don’t know.” She blinked, trying to stop the tears. “Kim said you’d want to know and that I should tell you.”
“Kim was wrong,” he repeated.
“Oh. Okay.” She turned and calmly left, but as soon as she was out of sight, she raced to the forest. She needed to get away from him—his coldness and his hurt. She stopped and faced the camp. She wanted to run away, leave this all behind her but she couldn’t, not now. She was going with them whether Hugh wanted her to or not. She wouldn’t hide from this fight. She’d find Travis. He’d tell her what she needed to know.
Travis was by his tent, hanging his clean clothes out to dry.
She walked over to him. “When is everyone leaving?”
Travis hung his last shirt and turned toward her. “Still not talking to Hugh, huh?”
“I tried.”
Some of her hurt must have shown on her face because Travis said something under his breath and gave her a quick hug. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning, but you didn’t hear it from me.”
“Thank you.” She kissed his cheek.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Trinity.” He said as he walked over to a frowning Mirabelle.
“I never do,” she mumbled. They all thought she was a reckless fool except when they needed her help.
She headed to the river. She had time for a quick bath before packing. There were others around the water, washing clothes and dishes. She found a semi-secluded spot and waded into the river. She dipped under. The water was cool and refreshing. That along with her mother’s concoction helped to wipe the alcohol from her system. She walked back to the shore and sat, staring out over the water. Hugh said he understood but it was clear he wasn’t going to forgive her and he shouldn’t. She’d betrayed him. She stretched out on the grass in a patch of sunlight, closing her eyes. He may hate her, but she was going to make sure nothing happened to him. It was hard enough not talking to him every day, but she refused to think about a world in which he no longer existed. At least if he lived, there was a chance he might, one day, forgive her.
“There you are,” said Hugh.
She opened her eyes and sat up. She must’ve fallen asleep. The sun was on its way down, it had to be early afternoon.
“I want you to stay with Gaar and Mirra.”
“Thank you.” She smiled up at him. He was agreeing to let her go with them.
“Don’t thank me. You were going to do whatever you wanted anyway. This way, at least the others can stay focused on their duties. It might be the difference between life and death for them.”
Her smiled died as he headed back toward camp. He stopped a few feet away, but didn’t turn around.
“Promise to tell me the truth?” His voice was a whisper, as if the words slipped out without thought.
“I promise.” Her heart started racing. He was talking to her. It was a start. Although, it might also be the end, depending on what he asked, because, no matter what, she wouldn’t lie to him.
“You didn’t...”
She shook her head and then mentally slapped herself. He wasn’t looking at her. “No. Never. Not with anyone.”
Some of the tension left his back. “It wouldn’t matter if you already had...I mean...before we...you know, but I thought we had...an understanding.”
“I know.” She’d never meant to hurt him.
“Did he force you?”
&nb
sp; She hesitated.
He began to pace, still refusing to look at her. “I mean, I know you did what you did so you could escape but did you want to do any of it or was it all...Shit. I don’t know what I’m saying. Don’t answer that.” He stopped, staring at his feet. “Thank you for telling me what actually happened. You didn’t have to. You don’t owe me anything.” He walked back to camp.
She stared after him. What in the name of Araldo did he mean by that?
CHAPTER 44: HUGH
HUGH HAD SPENT the last few days setting up a smaller camp with lots and lots of little tents and the evenings pouring over the map with Tim, Jackson, Bo and other members of the AC. They had most of it figured out, or at least he hoped they did, but there were still some sections that were more guess than knowledge. Gaar had been a big help, of course. Although the Handler had used the map he’d earned by working for the Almightys as kindling a long time ago, Gaar still used the tunnels and secret islands. Plus, he’d been around a long time and could tell them what the forest used to look like before the city had encroached.
His eyes drifted over the camp, his people. They were only a few hours away from most of the junction points to the tunnels. He’d sent one group on ahead to set up another camp closer to another section of the tunnels. Then he’d sent scouts to see if the tunnels were still accessible, unmanned and there was a way out. Now, he waited and honestly he was glad for the break. He stepped away from his tent, his eyes searching for Trinity. She was finishing dinner—alone again. Ever since she’d come back from the Forest Witch’s she kept to herself in a self-imposed isolation. It was like she was punishing herself and it had to stop. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but it still burned a hole in his gut. He’d say his heart but she’d torn that out when she’d chosen Jethro.
He walked over to her. She glanced up, her gorgeous eyes widening in surprise.
He fought back a curse. He hadn’t spent much time with her lately but he hadn’t ignored her either. They’d even had dinner together once. Sure her dad and Jackson had been there too, but he hadn’t completely avoided her like he’d wanted to. She continued to stare up at him, waiting for him to speak.