Vanquished

by Andy Lewter

  Her lips parted, and she fidgeted with her fingers. “He seems happy.”

  “I am, too. I can finally think clearly. And rationally! That’s important for a person.” I nodded.

  Her careful eyes met mine. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re good together.” Her statement was genuine and heartfelt.

  I grinned warmly, then pinched my lips to the side. “I’ve been an idiot, haven’t I?”

  She chuckled and flashed me a mocking smile. I sensed trust from her, and I smiled as I gathered I’d broken through her depressed state. “Dude, since the moment I met you!” She tossed her golden curls over her shoulder. “There may be some redemption in your future. But I’m still unsure.”

  I placed a soft hand on her shoulder and leaned close. “He will always be your best friend, okay? You’re too important to him. I won’t allow myself to get in the way of that.”

  A crooked smile turned up her lips. “Thanks.” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she read into my expression — her features hardening. “So, Nicholas. Did he hurt you?”

  “He fried my clothes, but I’m physically okay. I have to warn ya though, I’m gonna hurt him when I see him again. Like a lot.”

  “Get in line. I heard it’s a long one, too.” She jumped up in a snap, surely to shake off the heavy conversation. “You comin’?”

  “We leave in an hour. You done with your eggs? I mean, I can bring them…”

  “Woman, step away from that inedible foil bag!”

  I dropped my hands and threw my head back with laughter.

  Cold raindrops pattered around us as we stood on a runway at a small airport. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come?” Edmund asked.

  “Honestly? I’m more concerned with your safety on the island than I am with ours in D.C.” I glanced at Tara, Athena, and Miles with a knowing, corner grin. “Separate, we may be misfits. Together? We’re unstoppable.” Tara’s chest puffed out, and I bit back a chuckle.

  Edmund glanced around and stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Lady Everett… Abby… we will be too far away to assist if you need help. I do not think separating is wise.”

  “You can’t leave the rest of our group unassisted. They need a leader to stay behind. Hailey and Bridger’s gifts will be useful if you need them. They create a fantastic duo.”

  He sighed deep, shaking his head disapprovingly. “If that’s what you wish.”

  I wiped the raindrops off my forearms and nodded. “We’ll be in touch. Keep that tracker app open.”

  Dara swooped in and squeezed me into a warm embrace. “Take care of yourself out there. I’m so proud of you.” Pulling back, she met my eyes with a motherly smile. I wondered if she was trying to make up for my mom’s absence.

  Her features dropped as she turned to Miles. “Please, bring everyone back safely — including yourself,” she said with a shake in her voice. Her lip trembled as she wrapped him into a tight, unbreakable hug.

  “I will, Mom. I love you,” he hugged her back, resting his cheek on the top of her hair.

  Suddenly, thick snowflakes danced around us, and an icy chill rushed through my hair like Jack Frost’s fingertips. My heart accelerated, and adrenaline spiked from fear.

  Scoping our surroundings, I grasped Miles’ forearm and pulled him against me, searching for Nicholas. I was stunned I couldn’t feel him close. Maybe he figured out how to mask himself… maybe he came back to finish what he started…

  I was met with the sweet, innocent grin from Hailey. “What? I’m ready to go.”

  The winds changed, and the snow Hailey created buckled upward into a narrow tunnel. As the snowflakes descended, they slid down what looked like an invisible tent and missed us completely.

  Hailey snapped her attention to Bridger and glared. “I don’t want snow in my hair,” he stated in a bored tone, dusting the flakes out of his hair and off his shoulders.

  Releasing my firm hold on Miles, I smiled wide and met Edmund’s glance. “They’re amazing, aren’t they?” Miles wrapped me in a warm embrace and kissed my temple with a deep chuckle. Beaming, I peered up at him and felt a delighted thrill of happiness pulse through me like a drum. This was where I was meant to be – in my best friend’s arms.

  Edmund raised his brows and pulled in a deep sigh. “Alright, I guess we’re going.” His brown eyes set intently on Miles. “Be safe.”

  “Not if I have anything to do with it,” Athena chimed, slinging her backpack over her shoulder and jogging up the stairwell to our jet.

  I met the nervous stares of Bridger, Hailey, Brooks, and Silas. “One step closer to getting your dad back. We need you now more than ever.” I flashed a quick smile and grasped Miles’ hand.

  Glancing into the green pools of my best friend, I pulled his hand and guided our way to our blind mission.

  “So when was it for you? That defining moment you realized you loved me?” I whispered while my cheek rested against Miles’ chest. Drowsiness was taking over and everyone else was fast asleep on the jet.

  “You’re asking when I fell in love with you? Hmm,” he groaned teasingly, readjusting his position in his seat. He pulled me closer and traced his fingers down my forearm. “I think I always have. Even as a kid, I chased you around.”

  I laughed quietly and toyed with the hem of his sleeve. “I remember… but that’s puppy love. I’m talking about the real kind. The kind where no one else matters more, will be more — and they’ll complete you in a way every person longs for. Where you’ll experience amazing and terrible things simultaneously, but always together. Always a companion. A helpmeet. Your other half. Your future. And that same person pushes you to be better daily, guiding your path in the better direction. There’s someone for everyone… finding them is the hardest part.”

  Miles sat up. “Abigail Everett, when did you get so poetic?”

  “Was I? I didn’t realize…”

  “It was when you were taken from your home,” he said in a rush. He brushed his thumb down my cheek and curled it under my chin, tilting it up till I met his intense eyes. “Anger built inside me more than I could comprehend. I was scared, and it was going to be me who got you back. That moment I saw you… never mind the fact you rammed a stiletto heel into my arm.” He shook his head at the thought, an attractive grin curling his lips.

  He held my eyes for a long moment, then his features fell and his emerald greens shifted into an expression of longing. “Abby, it was then I was lost to you forever.”

  A warm wave of emotion rushed through me, and my heart swelled so full I thought it would burst at the seams. Instinctively, I leaned closer, my eyes falling on his pillowy lips.

  “I have to ask you something,” he said in a low, curious tone. “I know the connection you and Nicholas share. It’s consuming — I see the struggle in you both. How could you choose me with all those deep-rooted feelings attached to him?”

  I pulled back with slumped shoulders, my eyes focusing out the dark window in thought. “It’s all physical with him. The attraction — we were drawn to each other immediately. He didn’t even know I was an Everett until my mom said my full name. Nothing with him ever makes sense. Our morals, our vision for the future — we never see eye-to-eye.

  “It’s just that… feeling. That all-consuming, near addicting feeling we get when we’re close to one another. I mean, I see nothing but bickering and angry nights in our future. We’d constantly be trying to prove who’s right and wrong, just like we do now. Even on the good nights, that connection would consume us so entirely that we couldn’t see… or I’m afraid care… about the world around us. We’d be closed off in a blind wall of conceit.” I paused and collected my thoughts before carrying on.

  “I’m not sure why this has happened — why we can sense each other so strongly, even from a far distance. But what I do know? A person should never choose someone solely on a physical attraction. Especially when morals don’t align.”

  Pulling in a calming breath, I turned my attenti
on to him. “With you? I’ve never had to question your loyalty. You know me. Even the ugly, unattractive parts of me. You still love me anyways. You and I? We’re always on the same page.” I tilted my head to the side and winked. “Somewhat, anyways.” I grabbed his shirt and squeezed it in a fist, pulling him alarmingly close to my face. “With you, I see a future. A happy future. You’re who’s best for me, Miles. You always have been.”

  Miles’ slack features remained unfazed at my closeness. “And that feeling? What’s going to happen when you use your senses? Or when you’re close to him? It wasn’t that long ago you couldn’t tap into your gifts because of him. Your distraction.”

  I smirked. “Supremacy is my friend. I can choose what affects me. Mind powers don’t faze me. Those feelings I get from that man who electrocuted me ‘cause he didn’t get his way? I can choose to ignore it – and I do, babe, I have for a long time.”

  Miles exhaled. Then, like a starving man with his first meal, his lips captured mine in a fury I'd never known. His hands speared through my hair. Our bodies were so close I didn't know where I stopped and he began. He froze just long enough to see the look on my face, no doubt one of echoing hunger.

  Then his lips were on mine again, his tongue pushing through my lips. My modesty threatened to buckle as a low moan escaped my mouth. Climbing onto his lap, I raked my fingers through his hair and kissed his temple, his chin, his neck. My breathing turned heavy and ragged — I felt wild and in control at the same time. My body ached for more, but instead I pulled back and met his sultry eyes while licking my lips. “I love you.”

  With a deep gulp, his eyes peered into my vulnerable soul. “You have my heart, Abigail Everett. Take care of it.” His fingers fisted in my thick hair and tugged my head back, exposing my throat. His hot breath teased my skin, and then I felt the slightest pressure from his mouth against my neck. Planting a trail of delicate kisses down to my collarbone, he hovered there and nipped it playfully. Kissing away the pain, his tongue tasting me, devouring me, pulling feelings from my soul I’d never knew existed. Not from anyone, not even Nicholas.

  “Before we get too carried away, I want you to know…” he stated in a shaky tone, biting his swollen lip with an inviting grin as he lifted his chin to meet my eyes. “Sex with me comes with a contract.”

  Confused, I pushed my brows together and felt my cheeks flush. “What?”

  “You see…” he whispered, his breath rushing over my face in a silky caress. “You must be contracted… as my bride.” His green, lively eyes met mine. He grasped my hips and slowly moved my body next to him on the seat. “Which is why I will remain patient, my love.”

  I quirked a brow. “Well then.” I paused as a gradual smile spread across my lips. “I guess that leaves me no choice but to wait for an offered contract.” Looking into the playful eyes that held my future, I felt our unified feelings of bliss, friendship, and love.

  With a wide smile, I pressed my lips against his once more. Sweet and silent promises were made with every kiss, every caress, and it was sometime later in the evening we fell into a deep sleep in the safe embrace of each other’s arms.

  20

  “We’re sure this is the place?” Tara asked uneasily, rolling her wrists.

  Athena checked her phone. “This is the place.” She turned to me, her eyes lit with curiosity. “Gotta plan?”

  I scanned the tall building we stood in front of, trying to peer into the tinted windows. “Kinda.”

  Miles shook his head in disapproval next to me, and Athena laughed excitedly. “Rock’n Roll, baby. We’ve come to town!” Athena shouted as she bounced from foot to foot.

  “Shh.” Miles nudged her.

  “So… what are we doing?” Tara asked.

  Glancing at Tara, I hooked my arm with hers and smirked. “First, we’re going to talk with them. The next part depends on their cooperation.” Athena curled her arm and closed her eyes with glee, silently mouthing yes.

  Sighing hard, I stepped forward. “Alright, here we go.”

  Cautiously crossing the threshold of the building, a haunted prickly feeling overcame me. Bad things happen here… The animosity hung so heavily I felt it build a thick layer on my tongue.

  A well-manicured receptionist with wide eyes ended her conversation on the phone. I sensed her terror and could hear her heart rate spike. Flashing an attractive fake smile, she raised her chin and asked, “Can I help you?”

  Athena stepped forward and pointed a threatening finger. “Cut the garb, sweetheart. You know why we’re here.”

  The receptionist paled and swallowed hard. “Of course, Athena. Someone will be with you shortly.”

  Jacob Sweeny, the C.I.A. agent I met before moving to Alaska, burst through the door wearing a severe glower. Several agents flanked him and joined us in the waiting room. “Well, is it the culprit of this bloody mess herself? What is the purpose of this unannounced visit? To turn your heathen self in, I hope? Anything else I’m afraid is… unwise on your behalf.” He crossed his arms.

  “Turn myself in?” I laughed. “No. But I did want to chat. And when we’re done, we’re leaving with my sister and Damian without any trouble.”

  Sweeny frowned incredulously. “Take her to five. The others can go below,” he ordered. The agents aggressively grabbed hold of Miles, Tara, and Athena. But the agents’ hold on them looked as if a child were pushing them around.

  “Abbs,” Miles warned.

  Athena refused to be detained and turned difficult.

  “Guys — it’s fine. See you soon,” I said with confidence. Smiling at Sweeny, I offered my wrists to an agent next to me.

  “I do hope you aren’t mocking me, Miss Everett,” Sweeny snapped.

  “No, sir. I’m sure you’d like to cuff me, you know, safety precautions?”

  His lip curled with disgust. “Scan her then cuff her.”

  An agent waved a metal detector wand over my body and confiscated my phone from my front pocket. Then he roughly pulled my hands behind my back, securing my wrists too tightly in handcuffs.

  I went willingly as they guided me to an elevator and noted every doorway we passed required the swipe of a card. As soon as we got to the fifth floor, we continued to the end of a hallway where they opened a dead-bolted door and forcefully shoved me in. Inside was a hard, metal chair and a tiny desk.

  When I reached the center of the room, I turned toward the entrance. “Can I be cuffed in the front instead? So I can sit?” With a cold glare, one of the agents stepped forward and grabbed the door handle and slammed it shut. The loud thunk of the deadbolt sounded a second later.

  “Okay…” I managed to hook my ankle around the leg of the chair and flip it around. Plopping into the seat backwards, I sighed and pushed my senses to the hallway.

  I sensed three in the hallway, all of them feeling confusion and excitement. Biting my bottom lip, I settled in and waited for what was coming. My shoulders were beginning to get stiff by the time the door finally opened.

  “Miss Everett!” a familiar voice boomed throughout the room. None other than the D.O.D, Thomas Bryant, appeared in the doorway. I felt my cheeks flush red with animosity just from the sight of him. Luckily, Sweeny and a couple agents followed him in. “So you’ve decided to turn yourself in,” he noted with faux humor in his tone.

  My pulse thrummed hotly in my veins. “No. But I would like a word with Mr. Sweeny.”

  “Ah, c’mon. What you have to say to him, you can tell me!” Bryant jeered with a crooked grin that made my skin crawl.

  I huffed and faced Sweeny, whose face was bitter and impatient. “Really, can I just speak with you?” His features remained unmoving, completely unswayed by my plea.

  I sighed hard and gathered my thoughts for a moment. “We need your help. The Valens that follow my ancestors’ legacy are dwindling by the day — a legacy that keeps mankind equal in superiority. My leadership role is a pledge that one life never contains more worth than the other. Human, Valens, t
he beasts in the field — every life is precious and deserves to be protected by the laws of the land.

  “Kayla Ludovic is vile, manipulative, and she’s winning. Her vision, her twisted and demented goal, is to overthrow mankind and live in a world run solely by Valens.

  “Never have I once ordered a single Valens to attack a human. The only family members I have left are humans! My own mother has fallen victim to Kayla’s mind tricks. She can get in your mind, know all your secrets, and bend your genius however she pleases. She can manipulate every sense you possess and torture you with the most inhumane, unthinkable methods. And you can bet it’s only a matter of time before she gathers more bodies, making anyone and everyone susceptible to her will. Each precious moment that passes is her gain. We cannot continue this rivaled dissension between each other. We need to unite our soldiers and attain control of the real threat here. And that’s Kayla Ludovic.”

  Bryant started slow clapping. “Did you practice that one in the mirror? Quite impressive.” He folded his arms and a deep frown crinkled his forehead.

  Pulling in a sharp breath, I focused on Sweeny’s cold eyes. “We’re headed to Salvus Island immediately after we leave here. We will need your aid.”

  Bryant shoved the tiny desk across the room and peered into my eyes with a menacing glare. “You’re not going anywhere,” he threatened through his teeth.

  I clenched my jaw, balling my fists to refrain from reacting. “Permission to be uncuffed.”

  “HA! This one’s got humor,” Bryant chided, standing up and folding his arms. “Shall we put her in the cell downstairs?”

  My nose flared as I tried to keep my cool. I set my eyes on Sweeny’s once again. “My phone. You confiscated my phone. There’s something on there I’d like you to see.”

  After taking a moment to deliberate, Sweeny nodded. An agent exited the room, surely to collect my phone, and another was behind me unlocking the cuffs. Waiting in silence, I rubbed the feeling back into my wrists.