Vanquished

by Andy Lewter

  Athena was peeved for some reason, but I chose to ignore her. “You ready?” I asked as I breezed by her. “Been waiting on you all day.”

  She scoffed. “You’re a piece of work, you know that?” she huffed from behind me.

  I smiled wide and shook my head as we stepped into the elevator. “You still haven’t told me what got you all worked up yesterday.”

  “I think you’ll figure that out on your own,” she said as she slammed the main floor button with her fist.

  “Oh? And when will that happen?”

  A dark smirk raised her cheeks, and her eyes turned dangerous. “I don’t think it’ll be long now.”

  I furrowed my brows and was about to protest, but the door unexpectedly opened. The invigorating scent of warm musk assaulted my senses, and I quickly forgot what I was about to say. Nicholas stepped into the elevator and stood next to me, avoiding eye contact. Ray bustled in behind him before the door closed.

  The intoxicating pull from our connection hummed through my senses, but I surprisingly was able to resist the temptation.

  Mind over matter, importance over pleasure. Resisting him was as easy as before. Pulling in deep breaths to focus, a small grin spread across my lips as I internally celebrated my victory. I still have control of my senses. I can choose when he affects me.

  “’Sup, Abby?” Ray asked as he peeked over at me from behind Nicholas. He frowned when I didn’t reply.

  When the elevator door opened, we made our way down the hallway and waited in the sitting room. I popped my knuckles as my mind shifted to the task ahead. Tara, Hailey, and Bridger padded into the room a moment later. Their eyes were blank, and I sensed profound worry from them.

  I glanced at them warmly. “You guys got this. No need to worry.”

  Hailey shook her head. “There’s a reason the rest of us stayed behind when y’all went to New York.” Bridger shoved her, indicating she shut her trap. “What? I think they should know,” she argued, raising her palms up. He sighed and turned away in defeat.

  Hailey met my gaze once more. “We never seriously trained until now. Excluding Tara, all of us were afraid of battle. I mean, we play war all the time. Testing each other’s gifts to the max. Even with Silas and Brooks, they did what they could as humans, too. But it’s different when we’re not goofing around. It’s more dire and meticulous…” She glanced between her siblings. “One of us might not come home.”

  I nodded knowingly. “And you are brave to volunteer yourselves for this mission. I understand what you’re risking by coming, and I can’t express enough what your devotion means to us. Thank you,” I said sincerely, my eyes focusing on each of them. “I gathered you’ve never met your uncle. Do you know what he looks like?”

  Bridger raised his chin. “Mom’s showed us a few pictures.”

  Just then, Edmund entered the room carrying a small black case. As I sat down in a chair, I nodded toward it. Athena, Ray, and Nicholas lingered in the hallway watching.

  “We can’t have a repeat of Sandra’s experience,” he said as he popped open the case. A package of thin, clear-looking pills were placed in a slot next to a silver handle. “So we’re putting trackers in each one of you. That way we know your location… and if your heart is still beating.” After pulling on a pair of rubber gloves with a snap, he plucked out a glass pill and dropped it in a vile of clear fluid. Popping the vile into the silver handle and unwrapping a sanitized, oversized syringe, he twisted and popped the contraption in place. “Who’s first?”

  “Where are you chipping us?” Athena asked nervously.

  “Scared?” I asked, snickering.

  She folded her arms. “Needles aren’t in my job requirements. I’ve checked. Twice.”

  “But your safety is,” Edmund said, pulling a chair in front of him. “The top of your shoulder blade will do. Somewhere least likely to be hit by blunt force.”

  Athena released a dramatic exhale. “Fine. Shoot me up, doc.” With clenched fists, she made her way across the room and plopped in the chair.

  Edmund pulled her shirt down her back slightly. “Alright — here I go.” He pushed the syringe into her skin and pulled the trigger that released the chip.

  Athena’s complexion paled, and she winced dramatically away from him. “Holy mother of Zeus!” she shrieked. “Are ya done, or do you want a kidney, too?”

  Bridger laughed at her a little too hard from the sidelines. Athena scowled at him. “Something funny, Buster?”

  Edmund was finished and had already pulled away from her, readying the next chip. “You’ll live, Athena. Now make room for the next person.”

  She jumped up and rubbed her shoulder pathetically as Nicholas stepped forward. I was aware of his every movement as his arm grazed my elbow while he breezed past me. An electric current sailed right to my toes. I rubbed my elbow as he took a seat.

  He straightened his back, and his eyes fixed on me. I willed myself to not be influenced by him and held my gaze confidently with his. His exquisite features remained blank as Edmund pulled the back of his shirt down and inserted the chip without warning. Nicholas didn’t even blink, his intense eyes never leaving mine.

  “Get a room,” Athena muttered beside me. Confused, I glanced at her, but she’d turned away from me. Nicholas was nowhere to be found when I turned back around.

  “Abby?” Edmund motioned for me to sit.

  Sighing, I made my way across the room and sat down. “Ready?” he asked. Nodding, a sharp pinch followed by a deep, fiery burn invaded my back. I glanced at Athena as I kept my composure in hopes it would aggravate her. I flashed her a haughty smirk when I sensed it had.

  “We can monitor you through an app on our phones and computers,” Edmund said as I stood from my chair.

  I waved Ray over with a smile. “Your turn.” I ran my fingers through my hair and glanced at Edmund. “Where’s Olivia?”

  “In the kitchen with Damian,” he answered.

  Turning my attention in their direction, I padded down the hallway and turned into the kitchen. Damian and Olivia sat huddled together at a table, focused on Damian’s laptop. Moui and Navi sat at another table talking amongst themselves.

  “Can you see us on that tracking app?” I asked as I sauntered up behind Damian.

  “Yup. My own personal stalking app. I’m thrilled,” he said with heavy sarcasm.

  I eyed Olivia next to me, who was worked up from nervousness. “You guys coming? Better go get chipped.”

  “Nah. There’ll be enough of you parading around out there. We’ll just keep watch from here,” Damian replied, slouching in his seat.

  “That’s… contradictory. Liv has been training hard for this. Why aren’t you coming?” Something was off.

  She peered up at me with bright blue eyes and a small grin. “I don’t feel like I’m ready yet. I’ll just have Moui rough me up while you’re gone. It should be a fast trip anyways, right?”

  “You never know,” I said softly, my eyes bouncing between them. “I guess this is goodbye for now.” I leaned over and squeezed Olivia in a tight hug. “Don’t do anything stupid. Like falling down in the earth’s butt crack.” She chuckled, and I released our embrace.

  I turned toward Damian and abruptly slapped him on the back. “Watch after her with your life,” I threatened through my teeth.

  “Calm down, dragon lady! Sheesh,” Damian snapped, groaning in pain. “She won’t leave my sight. Promise.” Nodding, I smiled at them one last time before turning around.

  As I walked across the kitchen, I stopped next to Moui. Keeping my eyes set dead ahead, I was unsure if I wanted to know the answer I sought. Pursing my lips, I asked anyways. “Is this a successful mission?”

  “Have you not received answers yourself?” Moui asked in surprise.

  I met her gaze. “You mean through my premonition gift?” She raised her brows in response. “Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it.”

  Her eyes crinkled as she smiled up at me. “Silly gi
rl.” She giggled to herself. Navi watched me with knowing eyes.

  I nodded at them and continued across the room. Athena was brooding in the entryway of the kitchen waiting for me. “You’ve been particularly angry these past few days,” I said with a smirk as I approached her. “Ready for me to soothe your soul with my words of knowledge?”

  A look of horror flushed her face. “I think I just threw up a little. Don’t talk like that again. Ever.”

  “Well then. Ready to nab an enemy?” I asked as we headed down the hallway.

  “Now you’re talking.” I could have sworn I heard a sigh of relief.

  8

  “B, status?” Athena transmitted over the walkie-talkie to Bridger. We were split up to have eyes at every angle. I bounced my leg nervously next to Tara in the back seat of an expensive sedan. Nicholas parked the car at a curb and watched Athena as we waited for feedback.

  “Just parked at a market on the corner. About to go on foot,” Bridger replied through the static.

  “We’re blind. Facing the ocean. We’ll wait on your ‘go’ before moving on foot with GG,” Athena replied.

  “Ten-four,” Bridger replied.

  I furrowed my brows. “GG?”

  Athena turned around with a taunting smirk. “Golden Girl.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I wonder where you heard that line from.”

  Nicholas glanced at me in the rearview mirror and flashed a devilish grin. Hating the way his rugged looks unnerved me, I pulled out my phone and located everyone on the tracker app. Our perimeter encircled the block, and everyone was in place.

  “Where is Cade now?” I texted Damian.

  The silence hung heavily before my phone buzzed with his reply. “At the Bistro to the west of you.”

  “Alert me if he moves,” I texted him back.

  “He’s close,” I announced, glancing at Tara. “See any Valens?”

  She narrowed her eyes in focus and skimmed out the windows. “None.”

  “No one can see anything from this angle,” Athena barked, raising the walkie-talkie to her mouth. “B, status?”

  “GG for the go,” Bridger transmitted.

  Sighing hard, I pushed my door open and basked as the fragrant sea breeze tenderly rustled my hair. Athena was in front of me in a flash, holding up the overly large sunglasses I wore in Salvus. “These again?” I shook my head as I grabbed the frames and slid them on.

  “You know it.” She turned away and ran her fingers through her golden locks, analyzing our surroundings. “I don’t know how anyone can breathe in these things.” She tugged and adjusted the bulletproof vest she wore under her clothing.

  “Better we be safe than end up in a hospital like Miles. Or worse.” I placed my hands on my hips and felt my heart flutter in rapid beats as Nicholas stepped close behind me. Shaking my head, I pushed the distracted feeling away and homed in my abilities to focus.

  Sweeping my gaze over the horizon, I started down the sidewalk at a steady pace to blend in with the humans who buzzed about their normal day. “Remember, Cade bears the gift of knowing intentions. The moment he lays eyes on us he will know what we are up to. I expect a violent retaliation, so keep your head in the game.”

  “B, status,” Athena transmitted.

  “Ready for go,” Bridger replied.

  “E, stand by,” Athena directed over the walk-talkie to Edmund. Athena glanced around her perimeter once more before placing the walkie-talkie back up to her mouth. “H, you’re up.”

  Hailey shook her hands and rolled her neck as she stepped onto the grassy area between the sidewalk and street. Resting her chin against her chest, she pressed her palms onto the concrete sidewalk. Bridger had his arms folded behind her as he analyzed their surroundings.

  Slowly, a lingering mist rose from her hands and crept like a snake down the sidewalk. The longer she held her hands on the concrete, the faster the mist spread. It wasn’t long before the mist met us and hissed beneath our feet. A solid sheet of slippery ice spread rapidly across the sidewalk and onto the grassy median. Just as the public began their surprised murmuring, I signaled for Bridger to make his move.

  Squeezing his fists, he cast his calculating eyes along the parked vehicles on the road. Raising his hands and clenching his jaw in concentration, a small sedan parked ahead of him groaned as the weight gradually lifted from the wheels.

  Picking up our pace, we treaded forward despite the ice beneath our feet. The public’s voices were picking up in confusion as we approached the café. Suddenly, Athena held her arm out in front of me, signaling we stop.

  I suspected she had caught sight of Kayla by the deliberating look across her face, but when my eyes followed her gaze, I felt my lips part as they landed on the sight before me.

  At a small table in the furthest corner sat Cade with his recognizable salt and pepper hair. He was faced away from us, which surprised me because I’d assume someone of his rank would feel the need to constantly analyze his surroundings. But the person speaking with him twisted my stomach into endless knots. All I knew was this meeting was either really good or really bad.

  “Someone please tell me they’re video recording this,” I whispered with wide eyes.

  “On it,” Tara replied behind me, pulling her phone out.

  Just then, Cade stood from his seat. I didn’t know if I should go swooping in or stay there doe-eyed, but the moment I saw the two men shake hands with a smile raising each of their cheeks, I knew this was much worse than we feared. Much, much worse.

  I plucked the walkie-talkie from Athena’s pocket and pulled it to my mouth. “E, you’re up,” I ordered Edmund and his crew. Eyes set dead ahead, I handed it back to Athena.

  Everything started to piece together now. All the accusations. The threats. Every eye from the United States government turned on me instead of the evident threat — Kayla. It was because of the mole that had successfully infiltrated the humans, and I was looking right at his despicable face. After all, he is the one who signaled the fire to kill me.

  Without thinking, I stormed forward. I could hear Athena protesting at my side, but nothing was stopping me. I was zeroed in on Thomas Bryant from the Department Of Defense, and I was taking him down once and for all.

  “Pardon the interruption,” I announced upon my approach. A sly grin crossed my lips as I met Thomas’ deceptive eyes. “You have something we need.”

  A diabolical smile crinkled his eyes as they bored into mine. “Oh, your vile gifts don’t work on me, sweetheart. New York was the last straw.” His expression turned severe and enmity pierced through his cold, hard eyes.

  I scanned his body language. The moment his forefinger twitched by his waist toward his gun, I lunged.

  Athena abruptly pulled Cade into a chokehold, and Nicholas followed my lead toward Bryant. I rammed my shoulder into his left ribcage, and Nicholas disarmed him of the handgun on his right hip then slid it across the floor. I pressed my forearm against his throat and slammed him against the wall, crumpling his pressed suit in a fist with my free hand.

  “How long have you been working for Kayla?” I seethed, my face mere inches from his infuriating smirk.

  An eerie laugh glided past his lips. “A child. That’s all you are.”

  Shoving my arm hard into his throat, my lips pressed into a straight line and my voice turned grave. “Answer the question.”

  Cade struggled against Athena’s hold and then fell limp like a toddler throwing a fit. Athena dropped him on the ground and hovered above him, ready to pounce on him. Holding his hands up toward her, he said, “My gift is telling me they’ve come to eradicate me. They seek answers. Possibly Lady Ludovic’s motives?” He quirked a brow at Athena and waved his raised hands to show he wasn’t going to fight. “Please, Miss Grant. This suit is worth more than your life. If you and your clan requests my presence, asking should have been your first option.”

  Shaking my head, my mind shifted to Miles and his gift to detect Cade’s deceits. Which br
ought my attention back to Bryant. “You never answered my question.” I pressed my arm deeper into his throat and pulled back just enough for him to speak.

  “My conversion date is not the correct question you should be asking, you pathetic politician. What a disgrace it is… having your people look up to a school-girl for their destined fate.”

  I narrowed my eyes as his words sunk in. Deep down, I knew he was right. I’m just a boring girl craving an average life. I’d still be living in my mediocre home with my ordinary car if I wasn’t forced to move. I’m dull.

  Yet he didn’t know about the fire burning deep within my soul. Daily, my blood ran hot in my veins as I thought of ways to set mankind on the correct path. I’d do whatever it took without hesitation, even if that meant sacrificing my own life.

  No, he didn’t know me.

  Just then, Edmund, Bridger, and Ray came barreling through the door, their eyes skimming through the rattled crowd before landing on us.

  I turned my cheek to catch sight of them, but Bryant took advantage of my distraction. Twisting my left arm to my back, he whipped me around and grabbed a fork that rested on the table next to us. Pressing it firmly to my jugular, he squeezed my arm painfully hard and stepped toward the exit with me in front of him. “One sly move and this poser doesn’t breathe again!”

  Nicholas clenched his jaw and squeezed his fists. His chin lowered to his chest and his features turned murderous. “Unhand her, or so help me,” he grumbled so lowly it was nearly inaudible.

  Bryant jerked me to face Nicholas; my back remained firmly against his torso. “Ah, the Ludovic kid. Mommy says you’re a bad boy with daddy problems,” he mocked in a childish tone. Then his demeanor shifted to one of cutting authority. “You hurt me, you hurt her. Don’t be a fool.” Pressing the fork even deeper into my throat, I tried to keep from wincing as I felt a warm stream of blood trickle down to the collar of my shirt.

  Nicholas snapped his head to the side, and I could tell by his lethal expression that he was calculating the best defensive strategy. Opening his fists, he curled his fingers upward, and lightning started flashing through the windows like a strobe light.