I pull back from him far enough to still feel his labored breath on my lips.
“Jes. I…”
The heat of his whisper on my lips sends me over the edge. I crush my mouth against his eagerly. This is all the permission he needs to cup my face with both of his hands, pursuing me feverishly with his tongue. As soon as our tongues meet, he groans and deepens the kiss even more.
My hands move up his broad chest to his neck, raking through his thick, dark hair. I pull him into me, never wanting to let him go.
Xander pulls back breathlessly. Looking into his eyes, I feel his racing heart under my palm, his heartbeat matching mine. I know he wants more. I can’t deny that I want more, too.
Xander runs his thumb along my swollen lips, and then he leans his forehead against mine, closing his eyes.
After a deep sigh, Xander looks up at me and says, “You need to rest, Jes.” He gently pulls me to my feet, walking me back to the bed. After I lie down, he covers me with the heavy comforter. He walks back to the lone chair in the corner, sits, and wraps himself up in the blanket I gave him.
We don’t speak the rest of the night. The only communication is our taking turns to watch each other while the other rests. So much has already been said without a single word spoken. More words are not necessary.
As I lie there, blocking my thoughts, I wonder how Xander could possibly connect with me and save my life if we aren’t in fact linked.
Is it possible for Nate and Xander to both be linked to me?
Chapter 18
Xander
I lean back in the deep chair, trying to get comfortable. Who the hell am I kidding? This chair is not going to get any more comfortable, but I’m not about to leave Jesca after Sam’s attack in her sleep.
I lean my head on my fist and study the rise and fall of the comforter covering her. She’s still awake. We are both too wired to sleep, but at least, she’s resting.
I still can’t believe what I walked in on.
* * *
I heard her yell, and then I heard a loud thump. Without a doubt, I knew she was in danger, so I bolted from my bed, heading straight into her room.
Jesca was dangling above the ground, engulfed in a dark, smoky form that had no face or features. Her eyes were closed, and she looked so pale. Her heart—I could hear how faint it was and how slow it was beating.
The thought of her dying drove me to snatch her away from what I now realize was Sam. As soon as I grabbed hold of her, I knelt on the floor and pulled her into my arms. The dark form dissipated into thin air.
I shook Jesca, but she was limp like a rag doll. I held her to my chest and imagined trading my life for hers. I would do that for her.
Then, I felt the strangest thing. The only thing I can think of to describe it is to compare it to the electric charge of the atmosphere just moments before lightning strikes. I felt energy boiling inside of me, and the only thing on my mind was giving that energy to her so that she could live.
I whispered, “Come back to me, Jesca. Don’t leave me.” When her lips brushed against my throat and I felt her breathe deeply, I shivered. The first thought that came to my mind was that I would never let her go for as long as I lived.
I didn’t tell any of them how I was able to save her because just the simple act of saving her made Nate angry as hell. He resented that I was the one. I didn’t want to add insult to injury. I knew that Jes and Nate were partners because of the link they shared, and after seeing Nate’s reaction, I think something happened between them before they came here to get me.
* * *
I can’t blame him for loving her. I’ve fallen in love with her as well. I would never in a million years have shared my thoughts with another living soul, but with Jesca, I want to share everything I have ever felt about my life, my family, and her. I want her to know all of me, so she can then decide if I am worthy enough for her love.
And tonight, God, she’s told me that I am worthy enough and that she feels the same.
I close my eyes, lean my head back on the chair, and run my fingers over my lips, remembering the kiss we shared.
Chapter 19
Jesca
As soon as dawn breaks through the frosted window, I roll over to look at Xander. His eyes are closed. He looks so peaceful. His dark brown hair has fallen across his forehead. I can see some of the features that he shares with Nate—the dark eyelashes and the olive-toned skin.
Xander’s jaw tenses as he stirs a little. I think he fell asleep. I’m glad because he needs all the rest he can get. He has no idea what training with Ezra will be like today. He only has a couple of days of heavy training before we head to New York.
Whatever stirred him has passed. He is breathing deeply and definitely sleeping. His lips are parted slightly. Instantly, my lips tingle, and my stomach tightens from the kiss we shared last night. Who am I kidding? That was not just a kiss.
Xander closes his mouth, and his eyes flutter open, looking right at me. I feel like I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Quick, say something Jes!
I whisper, “Good morning.”
Xander blinks a few more times. “Morning.” He unwraps the blanket from his body and stands. His white henley shirt and jeans are rumpled from sitting in the chair all night. He stretches his arms over his head. The henley hugs his broad chest in all the right places.
He starts folding his blanket and places it in the trunk by the window. I watch him as he looks out the window, the clouded sky reflecting in his steel blue–green eyes. I lie back down slowly, curling onto my side, and stare at him, amazed at everything about him.
He doesn’t look at me when he speaks. “I did the same thing last night.”
I scrunch my forehead, wondering what he’s talking about.
He looks at me. “I could watch you for hours, Jesca. Everything about you amazes me.”
Xander looks back out the window, putting his hands in his pockets. In this moment, there is no uncomfortable silence. It is a simple, peaceful, comforting, and passionate connection between him and me, and it thrives in the silence.
Once again, the question surfaces in my mind. Could we share a link?
Being in Xander’s arms last night, connecting with him telepathically, and kissing him, felt so different from the connection that I have with Nate. The emotions I shared with Xander last night were intense. I have never experienced that before. My mind starts reeling with all of the possibilities.
I pull the comforter tightly to me. “We better get moving. You go ahead and take a shower first.”
Xander turns to me now and walks to the bed. He places his hands on mine, where I’m gripping the comforter. His touch brings back the sensations I felt last night. Sensing it, Xander smiles, releasing my hand slowly.
I watch him as he walks to the door, gently closing it behind him. When I hear the shower running, I scoot off the bed and take the comforter with me, wrapping myself up like a mummy. I need to talk to Ezra about what happened last night and what it could mean for Xander, Nate, and me.
* * *
I find Ezra on the front porch of the cabin, sitting in a rocking chair with a cup of coffee in his hands. He acknowledges me, and then he takes a sip of coffee.
The air is frigid, and the sun is trying to break through the overcast sky. I pull the blanket tightly around me while I step out onto the porch.
I lean against the post in front of Ezra. “I need to talk with you, Ezra.”
He stops rocking, a concerned look appearing on his face. “What happened?”
The way he states the question makes him sound like an overly concerned father.
I quickly reply to relieve his concern, “Xander and I talked last night. He told me some things that make me wonder if we could be linked. Is that possible? Can I be linked to more than one person?”
Ezra runs a hand along the back of his neck. “What did he say that makes you think that it’s a possibility?”
It only
takes me a couple of minutes to recount what Xander told me about bringing me out of the dream when I was near death last night.
Ezra taps his fingers on his lips nervously. His lack of an immediate response has me on edge.
I ask, “Well? What do you think?”
Ezra gets up and comes to stand next to me near the railing of the porch. “I’m not sure. You, Nate, and Xander are only the second round of guardians to receive the reconfigured Copula. Nate and Xander’s abilities are so similar that it could be possible for both of them to be linked to you.”
Ezra looks down, and then he glances back up at me. “Xander has feelings for you, so it could be that he channeled his energy through you to help bring you back. It might not be a link at all.”
“Yes, but what about when he heard me while he was sleeping? It sounds a lot like what Nate experiences while I’m dreaming.”
Ezra gazes out over the landscape. “Yes, it does.” Looking back at me now, he says, “Let me watch him interact with you and Nate over the next couple of days. I don’t want to make any assumptions without seeing for myself.”
I hear footsteps, and the front door opens.
Xander steps out onto the porch, nods at Ezra, and then glances at me. “Shower is all yours, Jes.”
“Thanks,” I say as I walk past him.
Ezra calls to me, “We’ll start in about twenty minutes.”
I turn briefly and nod to Ezra before shutting the door behind me. Then, I head up the stairs to take a shower.
Chapter 20
Jesca
After showering, I throw on a long-sleeve shirt, an old pair of sweatpants, and tennis shoes. I’m sure Ezra is going to work Nate and me just as much as Xander, so he can prepare us for the coming events in our near future.
I braid my hair as I head down the stairs. I walk over to the window to see if Ezra and Xander are still talking. Ezra is explaining something, and Xander is listening intently.
The clanking of pots and pans draws my attention. When I walk into the kitchen, I see Nate with a towel thrown over his shoulder and a spatula in hand.
His voice is soft when he says, “Morning, Jes.”
I move toward the kitchen bar, smiling softly. “Morning, Nate.”
I see all the food he’s prepared—eggs, toast, buttermilk biscuits, country-style gravy, and bacon.
Glancing up to him, I sarcastically say, “Wow, you’re hungry this morning.”
His snickers a little and begins to scoop out the eggs onto a plate. He looks up at me. “It’s a peace offering.”
“A peace offering? For what?”
Nate adds two biscuits along with gravy to the plate. “I shouldn’t have left angry last night. I was frustrated with the situation.”
I reassure him. “Nate, there’s nothing to apologize for. If you were in my position and I was in yours, I would have felt the same way.”
Nate gazes at me, and then he picks up three slices of bacon for the plate. “So, you know what I’m wondering then?”
Nate pours a cup of coffee while his eyes keep darting to me, checking to see if I’m wondering the same thing as him.
He says, “I’m wondering how Xander was able to connect with you and save you last night when I couldn’t.”
I hesitate answering right away, but then I nod, letting him know that I’m thinking about the same thing.
Nate carries the plate and the coffee mug around the island, setting it in front of me. He walks back around and fixes his own plate.
I know he feels terrible that he was unable to save me. “Nate, you were taken off-guard, just like I was. Ezra said that we would work on getting you mobile in my dreams today. I experienced the same thing when I started gaining the ability to astral project within lucid dreams. I know that you will be able to do this, Nate.”
He’s making his plate, not acknowledging my commentary. I reach for his hand to get his full attention. It works, and he looks up at me.
“I believe in you, Nate.”
Nate moves his hand over mine and squeezes it. Energy passes between us, making me want to hold onto him forever. I breathe deeply and slowly pull my hand away, remembering our talk about controlling our physical contact. The moment our hands no longer touch, I feel a brief ache within me to pull his hand back to mine. I look down at my hand and then up into Nate’s eyes. His lips part briefly as if he wants to tell me something, but then they close.
I hear the door open, and Xander and Ezra walk in.
Nate looks at them briefly and then back at me, smiling. “Eat up. Your food is getting cold.”
Xander walks into the kitchen and picks up a plate. “Jes, did you make all of this?”
I correct him. “No, actually, Nate did.”
Nate sits down next to me with his plate in hand. Trying to lighten his mood and clear the air, I elbow him to get his attention. When he looks at me, I smile and say, “Thank you for making all of this. These are definitely my favorites.”
Nate smiles back at me. “I know.” Then, he digs in to the food on his plate.
Xander looks at Nate, and with his voice full of sincerity, he says, “Thanks, man.”
Nate looks up from his plate, still chewing his food. He holds Xander’s gaze until he swallows his last bite, and then he clears his throat and responds with equal sincerity, “You’re welcome.”
Xander sits on the other side of me.
Ezra comes to stand in front of all three of us. He eyes the food, breaks off a piece of bacon, and pops it into his mouth. “Hmm.”
He grabs a napkin and a handful of bacon. Then, he heads out of the kitchen, humming to himself. We watch him as he crosses the living room and opens the basement door.
He stops humming and turns to face us. “Don’t just sit there. Bring your plates. We have a lot to do in the short amount of time we have. It’s going to be a long, long day, wee ones.”
On that note, Ezra winks at us and disappears down the stairs, humming loudly.
I roll my eyes at his remark. “I think the Ezra Kahn from the facility has just entered the building.”
Xander looks from me to Nate with a perplexed look on his face. “What does that mean?”
I look at Xander coyly. “You’ll see.”
Nate snorts. “Yeah, you’ll see the wrath of Kahn.”
Chapter 21
Sam
Tokyo, Japan
I pull my black Porsche 911 Turbo S through the garage door of a dark, vacant warehouse. It’s tucked away discreetly among other run-down warehouses.
My eyes move above the top corner of the garage roller bay door. I focus on a lens and camera. I pull my hand off of the steering wheel and wave. The garage door rises immediately. A soft amber glow crawls from the opening onto the dark, wet concrete outside of the building. I pull in and notice Corinna Cain’s metallic-red 2011 Lotus Elise.
The warehouse is a building with stacks upon stacks of large cardboard boxes. It’s the perfect cover for Sondians that need to remain hidden.
I walk into an office beyond the parked cars. An older man is sitting at the desk with two younger men flanking him on either side. All three men nod at me.
Hiro and his two sons, Katsuro and Koji, are the Sondian guardians that run the warehouse operation during the day. Importing and exporting cars is the cover business to keep the common public satisfied while the company’s inner workings remain private.
At night, Hiro, Katsuro, and Koji run the infamous club, Womb, which is the perfect breeding ground for new Sondians, especially the type that Michael Sanderson has been pushing for. He said that all new Sondians need to be people of influence—politicians, diplomats, and ambassadors.
Sanderson is smart and always thinking ahead. There needs to be as many Sondians in governing positions as soon as possible before the intersection, considering mundane human civilians create chaos among the masses. The Dobrians already have many guardians in high governing positions globally, so we’re playing a bit of cat
ch up, if you ask me.
Hiro, Katsuro, and Koji are the only remaining Sondian guardians from the cell that survived the Dobrian attack three months ago.
The explosion took the lives of both Sondian and Dobrian units, but they escaped before it occurred. For the public’s sake, it was very easy to blame the explosion of their old warehouse on the earthquake that rocked Kyoto. The wormhole that the Sondians opened had been open for hours before the Dobrians shut it permanently. That was what caused the quake.
Hiro pushes a button under his desk. There’s an audible click, coming from the run-down rickety refrigerator in the room. I walk over to the refrigerator, and the unit swings away from the wall, revealing a metal door.
I open the door to a set of stairs in a dark passage. The only light is the floor lighting lining both sides of the small stairway that descends deeper into this converted multi-level basement.
I nod to all three men, and the door and unit slowly fall back into place behind me. I turn to head deeper into the basement and stop when I hear the thumping of music. It sounds like it’s coming from the lower-level basement.
I snicker to myself, thinking about the fiery redhead that is probably playing it, and then I descend the stairs. At the bottom of the stairwell, I open another door, revealing the apartment. It encompasses all of the luxuries that I have been accustomed to—lush leather furnishings, a mixture of slate and wood flooring, and modern eccentric accessories throughout.
I head to the kitchen and open the glass double doors of the refrigerator. I pull out a bottle of water, open it, and take a sip.
The loud music suddenly stops, causing my heart to jump a little because I sense that she knows I’m here. I close the refrigerator door slowly, keeping my hand on the handle. I set the water down on the counter, fold my arms over my chest, and listen closely. I hear a door open and shut softly. My eyes quickly scan the open living area, darting methodically to try and catch her.
Surfacing the Rim (Piercing The Fold) Page 13