The Rising dr-3

by Kelley Armstrong

  I stood there, outside the door where he couldn’t see me, and I tried to look at him. I could see him just fine, but I didn’t mean that. I meant look at him. As a guy. As soon as I tried, though, it was like my brain threw up a barrier. Off-limits. Taboo. I wasn’t supposed to look at him that way, because he was Serena’s and even now, a year after her death, I’d kept thinking that, kept feeling that. It had made things easier. Do not look at him like that, because if you do, you’ll have to face things you’re not ready to face, things you’ve been feeling since he really was Serena’s.

  I’ve said that I let Serena win that game two years ago because I didn’t feel that way about Daniel. That wasn’t true. I let her win because I’d been starting to feel that way about Daniel, starting to watch him in the boxing ring, watch him stripping off his shirt and pants to swim with us, and I’d been feeling things I wasn’t ready to feel. It was all too confusing. And embarrassing. So I let Serena win, and then he was hers and I would never look at my best friend’s guy that way, so the problem was solved. Except it wasn’t. Not really. I just took what I was feeling and relabeled it as simple friendship. A really close friendship that no one was allowed to interfere with, not even a guy I genuinely liked.

  So where did that leave me? The same place I was two years ago. Confused. Because now there was Rafe and he wasn’t just a substitute or a distraction.

  Daniel noticed me then, and when he did, he broke into a grin. I froze there a second, before he called, “You coming in?” and I did. I went in and told him about the deal I’d brokered with the Cabals.

  When I finished, he caught my hand and pulled me closer. “You okay?”

  “I’m not the one who got shot.”

  “Yes, but I think you might have had the harder ordeal. I know that wasn’t easy and I wish I could have been there, but obviously I didn’t need to be. You did great. Better than great.” He pulled me into a hug. “You did perfect.”

  “This looks familiar,” I said as I looked around the helicopter, seated behind the pilot, Daniel beside me.

  “Except this time, I’m not unconscious on the floor,” Rafe said from my other side.

  “Just keep your seat belt on,” Daniel said. “Until this bullet wound heals, I’m in no shape to hang outside helicopter doors.”

  “How many times are you planning to mention that bullet wound?” Corey called from the seat behind us.

  “Um, I think this is the first time I brought it up.”

  “Well, stop.” He shook his head. “Big damn hero.” He looked around. “Does anyone else think that putting us on a helicopter really doesn’t send the right message of peace?”

  “Which is why they said we could wait for the private jet to come back from Vancouver.”

  It was true—they’d fully understood that we might not want to climb into a helicopter after that fateful flight from Salmon Creek. But everyone was tired of waiting. So we’d agreed to the helicopters—two of them.

  We tried to stay calm during the flight, but everyone was anxious. Excited and not sure we dared to be excited. The flight landed on schedule, at the airport they’d promised. Then we had to go through Customs.

  “Canada?” Ash said. “You didn’t say it was in Canada.”

  “I said Ontario.”

  “I thought you meant Ontario, California.”

  “Seriously?” Tori said, rolling her eyes. “A helicopter to California? You may be hot, but your sister clearly inherited all the brains in the family.”

  “Did she call me hot?” Ash whispered to me, looking more annoyed than he ever did when someone called him a jerk.

  “She hasn’t been on a date in six months,” Derek rumbled behind us. “No offense, but as long as you aren’t related to her, you’re fair game. Hell, even—”

  Tori spun on him. “I didn’t know.”

  “Um, wait a sec,” Corey said. “So Ash is hot and I’m seriously cute? Is there a difference?”

  “Yes,” Hayley said, and propelled him through the line.

  FORTY-EIGHT

  THE VANS TOOK US deep into the wilderness outside of Algonquin Park. As I stared out at the forest I started to relax and started to think maybe, just maybe, this would all be okay.

  We’d been getting updates through Sean on the fallout from everything. Dr. Inglis was in Cabal custody. Annie was still being treated, but they were bringing her out to join us tomorrow. Nicole was also undergoing treatment, but we had been assured that no matter how much progress she made, she’d never rejoin our group. As for my own regression issues, Antone said we could look at those right away.

  Before Annie arrived with Kenjii, there were others coming. Very important others. Our families.

  When I’d won this concession from the Cabals, there had been strings attached. Our parents could never know that the people who’d arranged this happy reunion were actually the ones responsible for the separation. There was no way to explain that, especially to my parents, still reeling at the news that not only did supernaturals exist, but their daughter was one of them.

  Which parents had always known their kids were part of an experiment? The Morrises and the Tillsons. That’s why the Tillsons got custody of Sam—the St. Clouds had asked them to take her in with the false story that she was their niece. Chief Carling hadn’t known; her husband was the one who’d agreed to take part in the experiment and moved them to Salmon Creek. She had, however, known that supernaturals exist—her family were sileni, like her husband’s. So she’d understood that the St. Clouds were a Cabal, but had been told they were developing medicine for supernaturals, which explained all the secrecy. Daniel’s father had found out when his wife left.

  Now all the parents knew about Project Phoenix and their children’s role in it. Those who hadn’t known were furious, of course. But that anger was mitigated by the lie that the Cabals had “found” their children and returned them. The fire, they said, had been set by a rival group, who’d stolen us and faked the crash, complete with DNA. But the Nasts figured it out, tracked them down, and rescued us. So they were the heroes in this story and now, to make up for everything we’d been through, they were going to give us a new town and everything we needed to be happy, healthy teen supernaturals. Did it make sense? I don’t know. I think our parents were just too happy right now to question it.

  Was I happy with a version of reality where the Cabals were the good guys? Of course not. Would I always be able to keep the truth from my parents? Probably not. But as much as the lies hurt, I knew this was best, for now.

  The van continued through the forest. We went from a two-lane highway to a narrow paved road to a dirt lane to something that was little more than tracks heading into the brush. Then, without warning, it opened up into what looked like an overgrown parking lot. A half dozen trucks and vans were already there. Cleaning and repair crews, Sean said. Making the place ready for our arrival. “The place” seemed to be a two-story wood building, but when we got out, Sean led us around it and we found ourselves at the edge of a lake circled by wooden cabins.

  Everyone spread out, walking to the lake or perching on the picnic tables.

  “For now, you’ll live in the cabins,” Sean explained. “We’ll get them cleaned up, of course, but we’ll have construction crews here tomorrow. They’ll tear down some cabins and begin building houses. Ontario winters aren’t as kind as British Columbia’s, but we’re hoping to get the homes done before Christmas.”

  While the Cabals envisioned a new Salmon Creek here, they were starting with just us. If other kids came into their powers, they’d be moved here, and the necessary facilities—shops, clinic, school—would grow.

  “Was it a camp?” Daniel asked.

  Sean nodded. “A naturist camp.”

  “Maya will feel right at home,” Corey said from his spot on a wooden lawn chair.

  Daniel sputtered a laugh and Sean tried to hide his.

  “Naturist, not naturalist,” I said. “It means nudist.”
>
  Corey leaped up and spun. “You mean old, naked butts sat on these chairs?”

  “It’s been a few years,” Sean said. “There’s not nearly as much call for those camps these days, which is why we got this one at a reasonable price. The naturists liked privacy, so it’s not easy to get here, as you saw.”

  So the Nasts bought it. Just like that. I remembered Dr. Inglis saying they’d already been planning a new Salmon Creek, which was probably this place, but still I was stunned by how fast they’d moved. We agree to their terms, and less than a day later we’re seeing the genesis of our new town.

  “What do you think?” Rafe asked as I wandered toward the woods. “It’s not quite like your forest, but see those trees? Deciduous. You know what that means.”

  I grinned over at him. “Easier climbing. Custom-made for big cats.”

  He returned my grin and when I looked into his eyes, my heart fluttered. I cared about him. I really did. I’d forgiven him for telling me about Daniel. He’d been under a lot of stress and I’d been too quick to blame him. To judge him. It was a lesson I was learning, but change came slowly.

  When I looked at him, grinning at me, amber eyes dancing, my own stress evaporated for a moment and I wanted to grab his hand and run into the woods. And kiss him. Yes, I wanted to kiss him. Whatever I’d felt before, I still felt. And yet . . .

  I didn’t look over at Daniel, standing by the water’s edge. I wouldn’t do that to Rafe. But I was still thinking about him. Still confused.

  Rafe leaned in and whispered “It’s okay,” and I was transported back to that horrible moment when he’d fallen from the helicopter, those same words the last ones he said to me. It’s okay. The same tone. The same wistful look. I wanted to throw my arms around his neck. Instead I stood there, feeling a tear creep down my cheek.

  “None of that today,” he said, reaching out to wipe it away. “Today we rest. Put everything else aside and rest.”

  He took my hand and tugged me toward the forest. I ran with him. We’d only gone a few steps when tires crunched on the parking lot gravel and I stopped. Rafe leaned in again and whispered, “I think you’ll want to go see who that is.”

  I did throw my arms around his neck then. I hugged him and gave him a quick kiss, then I raced off toward the parking lot. Corey was running, too. And Hayley. Sam kept her pace to a walk, but only because she was still limping. Only Daniel hung back. When I stopped, he looked over and mouthed, “Go on.”

  We ran to the lot. There was one van there, half hidden behind trees. The doors were all closed, the windows dark. A face pressed against the glass. It was Corey’s brother, Travis. As Corey raced forward, Travis threw open the door and practically fell out, his mother catching him, making sure he had his balance, then running with him to Corey.

  The Morrises piled out next—Mr. and Mrs. Morris and fifteen-year-old Brooke. They ran to meet Hayley. When Mrs. Tillson came out, she stood there a moment, peering toward the building. Sam was beside me, hidden by the trees. She took a tentative step forward. Mrs. Tillson saw her. Her hands flew to her mouth and she staggered forward as Sam broke into a hobbling jog.

  I stayed where I was. I could see the dim shadows of my parents behind the van’s tinted glass, as if they were looking for me, unwilling to come out until they were sure. I wanted to race to them like the others had, but I couldn’t. I’d waited so long and I’d hurt so much and this was so public—too public. I wanted it to be us. Just us.

  I turned and found Daniel there.

  “Your dad . . .” I said.

  “He’s not coming. Sean just told me. They couldn’t get a message through to warn me sooner. So . . .” Daniel shrugged. “He decided not to come.”

  “Oh.”

  I looked up and felt my heart breaking for him. If Mr. Bianchi was around, I’d have wanted to strangle him. Except, I guess, if he was here, I wouldn’t have needed to. We’d heard he might not come. That he’d asked whether he had to. They hadn’t meant for us to overhear that, but we had. I wished Daniel hadn’t. I’d give anything to have spared him that. Just like I’d give anything to spare him this, standing here, watching the other parents and knowing his wasn’t coming. Had decided not to come. Had abandoned him.

  “I am so sorry,” I said, throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him.

  “Don’t be,” he murmured. Then he tugged me back and held me in front of him, gaze meeting mine. “I mean it, Maya. Don’t be. I know I shouldn’t say this, but I was hoping that’s what he’d decide. As much as I want to go back to what we had, I don’t want to go back to that. My brothers will find out soon. They’ll come, at least for a visit.”

  I nodded. “I just . . .”

  “I know.” A quick hug. “Now go on. This is what you’ve been waiting for.”

  FORTY-NINE

  I CREPT AROUND THE parking lot, moving through the trees. I saw my parents get out of the van. They hovered there, holding hands, looking around tentatively, as if they almost didn’t dare admit they were expecting to see me. I snuck around the van, ran, and launched myself at my dad’s back, nearly toppling him over. Then, still on his back, arms around his neck, I grinned at Mom.

  “Hello,” I said.

  She stared up at me, her eyes filling with tears, her arms going out. I jumped down and into them and hugged her as hard as I could, Dad hugging me from behind, the three of us together again. What I wanted. The thing I’d fought for the hardest in those negotiations. Give me back my family. And I’d won. Whatever else happened, I had this, so I’d won.

  We walked around the van to talk privately for a while. It wasn’t really much of a talk. More like long periods of silent hugging and crying, interspersed with rapid-fire questions.

  When we finished hugging and crying our hearts out, I dried my eyes and said, “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” And I took them to Ash.

  The next step for settling in was figuring out who’d live where. Obviously I’d stay with my parents, Corey with his mom, Hayley with her family. But what about the rest? The teens were given options pending any changes when the houses were complete. There were some obvious choices and some surprises.

  Annie and Rafe were getting their own cabin. Sam decided to stay with Mrs. Tillson, even if she now knew she wasn’t really her aunt. Tori opted out of staying with Kit, Simon, and Derek and instead wanted to stick with Lauren and Chloe. Both my parents and Chief Carling were quick to offer Daniel a new home. He considered, then took me aside and said, “I’m going with Corey. I think that’s best.”

  “Okay,” I said, heart hammering. “Is something wrong? You’ve stayed with us plenty of times and you know my parents would love to have you. I would, too.”

  “Would you really? Me there, day in, day out? It sounds cool, but . . .” He met my gaze. “I want to be your friend, Maya. Not your brother.” His eyes bore into mine, as if searching for something. “Is that what you want? A brother?”

  “No.” The answer came automatically. I didn’t want that. Had never thought of him like that. He was right, in ways he didn’t even know—if I was still working through what I felt for him, living together wouldn’t be the right move.

  “I already have a brother,” I said, managing a smile. “And he’s quite enough to deal with.”

  Speaking of Ash, that was the next matter of discussion. Antone was staying on-site as our Cabal liaison and he wanted Ash to come live with him. My parents knew who Antone really was, and I’m not sure how they felt about that. Mom said it would be good to have my biological father in my life, but I still think they would have been happier if that meant “visiting every other weekend,” not “living a few doors down.” Moreno was staying, too—as head of a new security detail. Yes, Chief Carling was no longer enough for us. While she’d be involved, we were now getting full-time guards, though the Cabal promised they were there for our protection, not prison guards. We’d see about that.

  As for Ash, though, Antone wasn’t his only opti
on. My parents had also offered. I don’t think Antone was pleased about that. But Ash was their daughter’s brother and they’d be thrilled to have him if that was what he wanted.

  Again, I got pulled away for a side discussion.

  “What do you want me to do?” Ash asked when we were out of earshot.

  “Dumb question,” I said. “You’re my brother. I want you to be with me.”

  That seemed to catch him off guard and he scowled, as if I was mocking him.

  “What?” I said. “Yes, you’re a pain in the ass, but they tell me that’s what to expect from a brother.” I touched his arm lightly. “Seriously. I know Calvin really wants you and I feel bad for him, losing us, but if you’re asking my honest opinion, I’m going to be selfish and say stay with us.”

  “You think they mean it? Your parents? Or are they just being nice?”

  “Oh, they’re never nice. You’ll figure that out if you come live with us.” I paused, sobering as I let him think it over. “You can always change your mind if it doesn’t work out. Calvin would be happy to take you at any point.”

  He met my gaze. “You can change your mind, too. None of that polite Canadian crap. If it doesn’t work, say so. I’ll respect you more for that than if you grit your teeth and put up with me.”

  “Understood. So you’ll stay with us?”

  He nodded. I reached over and hugged him, whether he wanted it or not.

  By evening I was feeling a little overwhelmed, and told my parents I was taking a walk. I hadn’t gone very far before I heard footsteps behind me and caught a familiar scent. I turned, smiling, to see Rafe.