by Andy Lewter
“What is all this yelling about?” My mother roared, storming into the kitchen and glancing around.
Pointing in my direction, Cade’s wide eyes remained locked on me. “This child is deceitful! You cannot trust him, Mrs. Ludovic!”
With heels clacking in threatening cracks across the kitchen tiles, Kayla grabbed Cade’s mug and heaved it at the wall. A loud crash bounced down the hallway as fragments of the mug shattered across the cold floor, and dark streams of coffee pooled on the ground. “He is sanctified, you idiot!” she spat. “Do you think a fool is running this house? Do you honestly think I’d allow him here if I suspected treason?”
Cade paled with fear, his lips contorting to form words that wouldn’t come. “I… I… My apologies, Mrs. Ludovic.”
Raising her hand so fast it was a blur, she backhanded Cade across the cheek. The brunt force from her trauma made his chair sail across the floor. “Get outta my sight! I don’t want to see your pathetic face again,” she seethed through her firmly set teeth.
Avoiding eye contact, Cade stood and smoothed out his stained shirt then silently exited the kitchen rubbing his swollen cheek.
Sighing and turning to face me, her severe features softened. “Come, Nicky. I want to show you something.”
I kept my features slack to hide how rattled this situation had made me.
Weaving around the hallways in silence, I followed her down the stairwell and into the muggy training room. I pushed out a heavy sigh as I thrust up my guard so the residual emotions didn’t send me to a trashcan to retch.
She led me to the same door where Adele’s parents were yesterday. Peering through the two-way mirror, I watched as they both talked with one another while engaged at a computer screen.
“Why are we here?” I asked, watching them.
Kayla twisted the handle and opened the door, pointedly ignoring my question. “How are things progressing? Is the temperature okay?” she asked the couple in a chipper tone.
“It’s fine,” Ron grumbled, clearly irritated from being pulled from his concentration.
“He concentrates best in sultry conditions,” Kayla noted out loud, peering down at him like a prize. “He says he can see the electromagnetic waves more clearly when there’s heat. We were using the location in Oregon before we were ambushed, thanks to your girlfriend,” she huffed. “He seems to be doing well enough here,” she said, patting his back.
I wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead. “No kidding,” I mumbled.
“Who is that?” Adele’s mother snapped, stepping protectively in front of her husband.
Kayla flashed a faux smile. “This is my son, Nicholas. He is our future.”
Her statement rings a bell… I just can’t put my finger on it.
“Nice to meet you, Nicholas. I’m Lindsey. This man that’s working so hard over here, this is Ron.” She waved toward him with a gentle, adoring grin. I could see the resemblance between Adele and her mother. Her fierce expression, her ice-blue eyes. I wondered about the woman behind the mask, who she was underneath.
I nodded politely. “What are you working on?”
Lindsey furrowed her brows, glancing uneasily at Kayla. “He doesn’t know?”
Kayla turned her attention to me with excitement dancing in her eyes. “These Elite Valens are the answer, Nicky. Their gifts enable us to produce a mass coalition, reaching out to every soul at once.”
I frowned. “All at once? How?”
“Satellites. We’re locating each satellite in the atmosphere. He’ll send out a mass message, overriding their information and manipulating it into his own.”
I raked my hair, trying to imagine this ability. “That’s… intense.”
“That isn’t even the best part.” She stepped closer, a wicked grin curling her lips.
“Ron will manipulate all the electronic devices in the world through the messages he overrides in the satellites. If I’m in his mind while he does this, I can be the one who sends the message. The entire world will be at my mercy as I enter every mind known to man – a mass message delivered unanimously. I can be the driver of Ron’s beautiful mind, Nicholas. I just need his gift to deliver for me.” She paused, her eyes drifting to a place far away. “I will disable every single mind, Nicholas. Every mind that doesn’t follow me will be terminated.”
I had slipped away from the training floor and was digging in the kitchen. Why isn’t there any food? Gentle footsteps sounded, but I was too aggravated to care who it was. After slamming the last cabinet with unnecessary force, I turned around and leaned against the counter, trying to remember the local restaurants nearby for take-out.
“Want me to make you something to eat?” A soft voice asked from the table. My eyes narrowed when I realized the offer came from the mouth of Abby’s mother. She was dressed in pressed slacks and a blazer. Her hair was combed to the side and deep bruises hung below her eyes. She looked nothing like she had when I last saw her in Washington.
I frowned deeply at her, losing my appetite. “No.”
Storming down the hallway and into my room, I started digging around my desk, looking for something.
“What was that favor you wanted?” Adele asked from the corner of my room, making herself at home on my sofa.
I nearly jumped out of my skin. “Sheesh! One sec. I have to do something first.”
The winds howled and screamed against the house as I picked up a pen and paper. I wished I didn’t have to. “Remember that condition I promised you in exchange for a favor?” I asked, smoothing out the blank sheet of paper in front of me.
Adele sat up and narrowed her eyes. “Yeah?”
My mind spun darkly as I thought of the words I needed to write. Rain hit the ground in a thick sheet, and I squeezed my eyes shut to calm my slipping resolve. Tapping the pen between my eyes, I cleared my throat before speaking. “I rescind my promise to take you away with me. But, I will ask one more from you.”
25
Abby
* * *
“They know you’ve arrived,” Moui stated, stirring her tea while sitting calmly in a white-whickered rocking chair.
“I didn’t think it would take long,” Miles stated, watching the waves crash against the white-sand beach through the window.
A handful of us were stationed at Head Valens Sonia’s beach house for the moment. Moui said it would be best to split up for the time being, so we decided to keep Miles, Athena, and Edmund in our small group. Damian, Olivia, and Dara, along with Brittney and her kids were stationed across the island with Head Valens Dave and Ken.
Leaving Washington, D.C. had a few kinks upon departure but was easy to manage for the most part. Especially since Sweeny’s focus shifted to the mole they had trusted as a partner.
I left with the impression we remained enemies. According to them, the idea of uniting as allies was impossible because of our differences in character. I had a feeling it wasn’t the end, too. They’ll come for me again.
Three loud raps at the door sent my adrenaline in a frenzy. We had just arrived on the island within the hour; surely no one knew our location yet. Moui scurried to the door and peeked out, then grabbed hold of the visitor by the shirt and yanked him in.
With phone in hand and the tracker app open, Ray appeared out of breath with sweat-drenched clothes. “Nick has lost it.”
“Did you run here?” Athena asked, her eyes analyzing him from head to foot.
Ray huffed from exertion and clasped his hands above his head. “I ran all the way. I left Nick’s house yesterday and laid low until you showed up — I knew it wouldn’t be long before you did.” Pulling in another breath, he wiped his forehead with his shirt and turned toward me with anguished eyes. “I think… I think he’s switched sides. I think he’s helping them now.”
“Did anyone follow you?” Athena all but screamed, glancing frantically out the windows. “Seeing a regular idiot running down the street is suspicious enough. Everyone knows you’re associated with the Ludovics!”<
br />
Ray narrowed his eyes at her. “I’m alone. No one followed me. This place has more to worry about than a lone doof like me running around.”
“Do you know what’s going to happen?” I asked him. I could sense how fragile he was. His body coursed with betrayal and hurt with each beat of his heart.
His blue eyes met mine and his features softened. “I don’t. But I know it’s huge, and Nick’s working his way in to be involved with it.”
“What makes you think he’s switched sides?” Miles asked with a deep-set frown.
Ray faced him, pursing his lips angrily. “He told me he supported his mother’s training tactics so long as they benefit their side. Their side, as in his mother’s side. Then he asked if I would remain loyal to him.”
“Evil one,” Athena fumed, clenching her fists and setting her jaw. “I knew I should have punched his lights out when I had the chance.”
I chuckled, biting my lip. “You were the one trying to convince me to choose him.”
Athena snapped her attention to me and narrowed her eyes. “Or maybe I’ll just punch you!”
Moui held her hand up to quiet our banter. “Kayla is the key to stopping this war. If you don’t stop her…” She shook her head, looking gravely at the floor. “Not one of us has a promised future.”
“Can you see what she has planned?” Edmund asked, watching her with earnestness.
Moui shook her head. “All I see is death.”
“How soon?” I asked, a wave of panic hitting me like a truck.
I couldn’t sense an ounce of fear from her, and her placid eyes met mine with tranquil assurance. “It all starts tomorrow evening.”
“Well,” Athena said with a sigh. “It was nice knowing all of you.”
“Athena!” Miles snapped disapprovingly.
Athena jumped to her feet with a rage-induced fire in her eyes. “We all know Abby wings everything. We go on her adventures and see what happens. Not that I’m opposed to surprises — you haven’t heard me complain about it once! But this final strategy, this last desperate move to terminate the virus that has plagued thousands of lives, has got to be executed with precise efficiency. We cannot afford to move forward with this as chance.
“Which is why we all know Abby is created to do this job herself. The rest of us are limited and on constant guard from opposing Valens gifts. We can make it possible for her to reach Kayla, but it will be up to Abby to finish the job.” Athena sighed and lowered her voice. “Even with a successful mission we should expect some losses. Which sucks ‘cause I kinda like you all.”
“She’s right…” I agreed. “This could be the last time we’re together.” I focused my attention out the window, my mind swimming with ideas. “And we need to create a distraction. At the very least, a safe passage for me to get to her.”
Miles started to say something then snapped his mouth shut.
“We could rile the town up — let them know we’re here,” Tara chimed in. “Keep their eyes on us so Abby can get close.”
“She should have someone with her at least,” Miles justified. “She shouldn’t have to do this all by herself.”
“Yes, she does,” Athena stated firmly. “No one’s gifts faze the woman, and her defense game is as good as it’s going to get.”
“Physical impalement is always a concern,” Miles said as his calm demeanor slipped. I knew he was referring to the bullet that nearly killed us both.
“So get the girl some armor!” Athena argued, matching his tone.
Miles lowered his gaze, his expression turning fierce. “You cannot think leaving her without aid is beneficial.”
Athena folded her arms, her stubbornness unceasing. “I think we’ll be in her way in the end, yes.”
Miles shook his head. “I’m not letting her go by herself. I can’t risk it.”
Flashing a sarcastic smirk, Athena nodded her head toward him. “You can’t risk it for her safety? Or for your peace of mind?”
“Both,” he snapped without hesitance.
I cleared my throat. “I think Ray should be with me,” I interrupted. Their arguing silenced, and their aggravated gazes focused on me. “He knows his way around. Nobody will question his motives because he’s Nicholas’ friend. Plus, he’s a healer.”
Athena nodded in approval. “She has a point.”
Miles raked his hair with frustration, then sighed in defeat. “Abbs.” My name rolled off his lips like silk. “Please, I can’t lose you again.”
That statement tugged at the strings around my heart. My mind drifted to the sight of Miles underneath the mounds of tangled tubes that restored and sustained his mortal life. Had he been with me before Bryant signaled the shot, maybe we’d never have endured the pain we both suffered.
A slow smile formed on my lips as I watched his worried expression deepen from my delayed answer. “What makes you think you won’t be with me?”
A relieved breath rushed past his lips. I turned my attention to every face in the room. “We need to contact the rest of our group. Tomorrow is the day. We all must be ready.”
26
The next day, Sonia walked through the door with a large box in hand. Plopping it on the ground, she waved us over and popped open a box knife.
“Uniforms,” she announced flatly, gliding the knife along the box crease. Pulling out the first piece, I noted the same red theme we used the last time we coordinated for battle.
Red and black colors were woven into a pattern on the long-sleeved top. The bottoms were solid black. The fabric was airy and stretchy — I wondered how it would safeguard us from the elements we’d be up against.
“Lightweight and durable, these uniforms can withstand temperatures from negative twenty up to four-hundred-fifty degrees Fahrenheit,” Sonia explained. “They don’t do much help for impalement, which is why…” She trailed off, digging to the bottom of the box. “We want you all to wear this.” She pulled out a pile of breastplates and set them on the floor in a stack.
“I think this one’s yours,” Athena said in hushed tones, passing me a top that had a different pattern than the rest. The red cut into a deep V, and the sleeves were adorned with black plates around the shoulders. A bold E in the center of a crest rested at the very top.
It was the clothing of a warrior.
“I had this made especially for you,” Edmund said, stepping up to me with a placid expression. A small smile creased his laugh lines. “I think your family would be honored to be represented during your efforts to fight for their legacy.”
I sighed and pulled him into a tight hug. Releasing my hold and stepping back, he thoughtfully squeezed my shoulder before turning away.
“You ready?” Miles asked from behind me, tracing a gentle line down my spine. A tidal wave of goosebumps flourished on my skin in a rush — my heart thudded wildly in my chest and sent me into a passionate frenzy of need.
Turning around, I clutched his shirt in my fists and captured his delicious lips, pushing him gently to a wall away from prying eyes. Moaning deeply, my eyes closed and I envisioned our bodies tangled together in his sheets, and his sultry skin melting against my supple frame. A deep urgency I’d never experienced unveiled within me, and I knew I could never want anyone more than him. Never will I have enough.
Reveling in the taste of his lips once more, I sighed and pulled away, gazing into his smoldering, emerald pools. “I love you. I’m ready now.”
A dashing grin flashed across his handsome features as he brushed his lush lips against my forehead. “My Abby.”
A loud crash nearby pulled us from our intimate reverie. Miles’ narrowed eyes matched my expression before we rushed to the window to see what was going on.
“Aye, get ready! They’re getting ready!” Moui warned from the kitchen.
“Better suit up!” Athena announced with excitement ringing in her voice. A small grin turned up her lips as she popped her knuckles, peering at the newfound battlefield outside.
Clutching my clothing in hand, I held Miles’ nervous gaze as I turned to change in the back room. Ready or not…
Miles hung up the phone with Dave and nodded, indicating that the other group was in pursuit. Stepping outside one by one, we gauged our surroundings.
There was an eerie calm in the winds, and the sky was an odd burnt mustard color. I wondered if Nicholas was behind the presentation.
“Ready, set?” Athena asked, eyeballing Miles and me and bouncing from foot to foot.
“Are you ready, Ray?” I asked, watching his uneasy expression.
He put on a fake smile. “Not really.”
I nodded knowingly and squeezed his shoulder for comfort. “Do we all have the watches?” I asked, glancing around at everyone.
Each person held up their wrist, showing they had it on. Dave had the idea to have the tracking app readily available on a watch during battle, which is much more convenient than lugging around a loose phone.
“Alright,” I said with a shake in my voice as mixed emotions came over me. I gave Edmund, Moui, and Tara quick hugs goodbye, trying not to let my anxieties show.
I turned toward Athena but she snapped her hands up, warding me off. “No! I don’t do goodbyes.”
I glanced at Miles, and he shrugged. “She’s right, she doesn’t.”
“Goodbyes are bad. And I don’t need that juju in my life.” She nodded, folding her arms and glancing away like a snoot.
Shaking my head, I wrapped my arms around her rigid frame and squeezed. “I want you to know I cherish your friendship,” I said so low no one could hear.
When I pulled away, her placid lavender eyes met mine. “Ditto, hog tier.”
Glancing at everyone, I pulled in a quick sigh. I wished I could send my sister off with a hug, too. “Alright, let’s start this.”
Tara, Edmund, Moui, and Athena took off in a brisk jog down the street, while Ray, Miles, and I headed for the forest behind the house.
“My guess is Kayla will be in the training room on the floor beneath her house,” Ray said as we jogged through the dense, tropical forest. “If I’m wrong, I’m sure she’ll make an appearance. She doesn’t do many things quietly,” he noted with a smirk.