One of the ways I had convinced him that his magick wasn't something to be scared of was a game I made up using dice. I could almost picture it; his childish, gap-toothed grin as he watched me shake the dice in my hand and then toss them. At the last minute, before they hit the floor, they stopped falling. With the dice still spinning, their black dots flashing, I'd say, “Okay Everett, what numbers am I thinking of?”
He'd call out the numbers, and more than half the time, I let them fall to the numbers he'd chosen. “You were right!” I'd say, clapping and laughing. Eventually I taught him to do my little trick with the dice and he'd ask me what numbers he was thinking of. Of course, he didn't let me win the way I did. He'd even tell me in his earnest little voice that I needed to practice, making me bite my lip to keep from laughing.
Now, in the hallway of Claire's house, I snatched the dice from Everett's hand and went back into the room, sitting on the floor. He shut the door and then joined me, and I shook the dice and threw them. When they paused, spinning, I said, “Call them, Everett.”
“Six and three,” he said. I looked at him and smiled, unable to help myself. The dice fell to the numbers he'd called.
“You were right,” I said, bringing a chuckle from his lips. When I started to pick up the dice again, his hand stopped mine.
“You know, I always knew you were a liar,” he said with a smirk. I let my jaw drop.
“You did not!” I said, laughing.
“Maybe not at first, but I figured it out pretty quickly,” he replied. “You only did it to keep me happy.” His smile faded slowly and I could tell that he was remembering those days as well. “Kids should have happiness, Livvy. Even kids who are poor or sick or whatever...they should have some kind of happiness to hold on to.”
Everett drew his brows together over his eyes, which darkened slightly, like a storm moving into a blue sky. “I didn't. I don't think I ever knew what it was to be happy until Ivanna brought me to Eagleton and I had you.” He dropped his gaze to the dice, still on the floor, and added, “I just...I thought you should know that.”
“Don't,” I said, shaking my head. “Don't do that, Everett. Everything is going to be fine. We're all going to be fine.” I moved closer and threw my arms around his neck.
“I know,” I heard him whisper, as his arms encircled me. I held on to him for a few heartbeats, this boy who was so loyal and so quiet, this boy that I loved far greater than I loved my own life. Then I remembered the guards and how I'd been able to let Jackson heal me. An idea snaked into my mind, and I immediately let my senses stretch out. I could hear Everett's heart beating quickly, probably as thoughts of the upcoming fight filled his mind. I could smell the subtle scent of soap clinging to his skin. I could hear the shifting throughout the house as my family moved about.
For a few moments, nothing was any different than any other time I let my senses stretch out. Then, I felt it. I felt Everett. The essence that was him, anyway. Instead of the golden, warm light that I'd felt with Jackson, I felt something that I can only describe as a breeze...or a whisper. It filled my mind, bringing with it thoughts of the forest back in Eagleton, lush and green. The wide open sky. The rush and joy of a close race around a clearing in the forest.
“I love you, Livvy,” Everett said. I hadn't been prepared for him to speak, and it was as if his voice invaded my mind as well, blocking out the sensations I'd been experiencing. I pulled back and smiled at him, letting my senses return to normal.
“I love you too, Everett,” I said.
He jumped slightly as if he'd been startled. His brow furrowed and I felt his body go tense. “You heard me,” he said. I looked at him oddly for a moment and then realized what had happened. Everett hadn't spoken out loud. He'd been using his power to...send me good thoughts? Why hadn't he just said it out loud?
I frowned. “Why did you do that?” I asked.
He gave me the strangest look, as if he thought I was going to be angry. “I...I don't know,” he answered.
I couldn't believe it! Jackson being able to heal me hadn't been a fluke. I really could drop these 'guards' or whatever they were, and experience the magick of others. I laughed out loud and said, “Do it again!” I grabbed his hand and opened myself up again, stretching the senses back out and listening. Everett's mouth turned up into a smile, and he shrugged as if to say, “okay.”
I waited a few moments, letting myself experience Everett's essence or signature, or whatever it was called, and then I heard him again.
You love him, don't you, Olivia? Jackson.
The smile on my face faded as I gazed into Everett's face. I started to move, to say something, and that's when I experienced how truly awe-inspiring Everett's talent was. I was unable to move, to speak, to even think, really. There were no more sensations inside of my head, no thoughts other than his face looking into mine and his voice speaking. I could hear the individual threads that wound together to create that voice, high and low, soft and rough. In some part of my subconscious mind, I realized just how effective his power could be. It rendered the victim completely useless, unable to do much more than listen.
I can see it in the way you look at him. If I'm being fair, I can see it in the way he looks at you, as well.
There was a pause as I attempted again to move, to shake off what he was saying; what he thought he was seeing when I looked at Jackson. Like I'd told Jackson himself, I barely knew him. Still, I was paralyzed.
Be careful, Olivia. I just...I think you should be careful.
Then, the feeling of being bound was gone, and my senses were returned to normal. Even then, I found myself quite unable to move. I wanted to say something to Everett. To tell him he'd been wrong, that I didn't love Jackson, and that I was doing everything I could think of to be careful. I hadn't been prepared for the way his talent would work on me. The words that Everett had put into my mind were words he wouldn't be afraid of saying out loud to me. The words hadn't shaken me. It was the feelings that had come with the words; a deep regret, a hint of panic, a warning.
So we sat, looking at each other, the dice still on the floor between us, until the door of the bedroom opened. Charlotte chuckled, looking down at us.
“It's been a long time since I've seen you two doing that,” she said, a sentimental look clouding her eyes. Then she took a deep breath. “It's nearly time, Olivia.”
I nodded, the strange and eerie feeling Everett had given me dissipating. It was replaced by something more urgent, something real, something of my own. I glanced at the clock on the bedroom wall and steeled myself. It was time for me to go and meet the hunters.
Chapter 18
I glanced back and forth between Everett and Charlotte. “I'll be down in just a minute,” I said. When they left me alone, I closed my eyes tightly and took several deep breaths. You can do this. Now is not the time to feel fear. I gave up a silent prayer to the Goddess for strength, and then I walked slowly down the stairs. As I turned into the hall that led to the kitchen, Jackson stepped out of another doorway and put his arm out, hand against the wall, blocking my path.
“I don't want you to do this,” he said in a low voice. He was standing so close to me that I had to look up to see his face. “I know you get a thrill from dangerous things, but this isn't like The Drop or my four-wheeler. This is real.”
“I know how real this is,” I said, keeping my voice low as well. “You have to trust that I can handle this, Jackson. You have to believe in me.”
“I'm trying, but every part of me wants to hold you down or lock you in a closet to keep you safe,” he said.
“I'm a lot stronger than I look,” I said, raising an eyebrow.
Anger flashed in Jackson's eyes and I took a good look at his face, trying to burn it into my memory. The angular jaw line, the curly sideburns, the warmth of his eyes...Goddess, his eyes. He leaned down and put his mouth right next to my ear, causing a flash of heat to run through that side of my body.
“You have forty minu
tes from the time you leave here,” he whispered. “If you're not back by then, I'm coming after you.” His mouth lingered there, causing a variety of feelings to shiver through me, and then he dropped his arm, no longer blocking my way. He placed the keys to his jeep in my hand, and then he turned away from me. I swallowed hard, and then made my way to the kitchen.
“Olivia,” Perry said. “Everything is set up in the back, where Jackson will be waiting for you.” The others were in the kitchen, but no one was sitting. Charlotte was wringing her hands and Ivanna had her arm around Sylvia. I looked into my little sister's eyes. She and I were the only ones who knew that we didn't already have the Venator beat. I could see the secret in her face and I gave her a small smile. Perry continued.
“With any luck, the Venator will be following you the way we've planned. You'll lead them into the backyard. When you get here, call for Jackson as if you're trying to get help. This will hopefully keep them together, and following you. Get to him as fast as you can.” I nodded, listening closely to the information and trying to store it away so I could use it later.
“Jackson,” Perry said, looking behind me, where he'd shuffled in and was standing at the doorway. “You know your part of the plan. When Olivia reaches you, it's important that you both try to stay where you're supposed to be. That's the only place where we can keep you safe. As soon as the Venator are close enough, I'll turn up the heat. Olivia will be able to feel it just before the fire reaches you. She'll warn you, and you'll have to act fast.” I glanced behind me at Jackson, who nodded, even though he still looked angry.
“You won't be able to see us, but we'll be close by and we'll have our eyes on you,” Ivanna said in a reassuring way. I nodded again, waiting to see if anyone else spoke.
There was a moment where everyone was completely silent, and I looked around at the people in the kitchen; at my people.
“Livvy,” Everett said, drawing my eyes to him. He looked down at his shoes and then back up at me. “Come back.”
I smiled at him and turned to go before anyone else tried to say goodbye to me. As I walked past Jackson, he caught my hand and said, “Forty minutes.” Nodding, I continued, putting one step in front of the other with a conscious effort that would keep me from running back toward Jackson and the rest of my family.
The rain had passed, I noticed with sadness, leaving small puddles and flowing water here and there. It was about six in the evening, and the night was already threatening to take over. I made my legs keep moving until I was beside Jackson's jeep. Getting in, I sat for a moment, allowing myself to pull up the image of his face. Then, I drove down the tree-shaded streets until I was in town, my heart beating faster and faster the closer I got to my destination.
When I pulled into the parking lot at Stallott's, I could see that there weren't many cars. The place wouldn't be too crowded tonight, which was good. I glanced at my cell phone, seeing that it had taken just under ten minutes to get here. Tucking the phone back in the pocket of the jeans I was wearing - also stolen from Sylvia - I got out and walked toward the door.
Disguise, disguise, disguise...Before I'd reached the door of Stallott's, I'd painted a huge grin on my face and was swaying my hips in a carefree, flirtatious way. Without hesitation, I opened the door and sauntered in, casting a quick glance about. Paula was tending bar and Renee was on the floor with Erika and Jenny, waiting tables. This was most likely Bob's solution to having lost a waitress and a singer. Jenny spotted me first, and rushed over so fast I thought she might trip and fall.
“Where in the hell have you been?” She asked. “I've been worried sick about you. I tried calling your phone. I figured you and Jackson eloped or something.”
I smiled at her, giving her a quick hug. “I'll explain everything soon, I swear. Right now, I can't. I'm here for a reason.”
“Well it better be a good fucking explanation,” she said, and then smiled and winked at me. “Call me later. I mean it.” Then she rushed off to take the empty tray in her hands to the bar. Erika gave me a sweet smile and a wave, not being bold enough to ask me outright the way Jenny had been. I glanced at Bob's office door and hoped he stayed in there. There was a guy at one of the booths giving me a flirty smile, and I remembered that I was supposed to have a disguise. I was supposed to look like I was here having fun. I walked over to him and raised an eyebrow.
“Is this seat taken?” I asked, hoping my smile was coy enough. He had dark hair that was too neat and dull brown eyes, but I guessed that to most people, he looked nice enough.
“Only if you're sitting there, Beautiful,” he replied. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I gave him a good look up and down and grinned at him. Some newer, bumping music was playing and I guessed someone had at least figured out how to turn Jackson's machines on. With a glance at the stage, I felt my chest tighten.
“How about you and I have a dance?” I asked, trying to inconspicuously check out the other customers.
“I have to warn you,” he answered, “I like to dance close.”
“The closer the better,” I said, and hooked a finger in his collar, pulling him out toward the small, polished wood square in front of the stage. I sent up a silent thank you that Sylvia and I had often turned her stereo up to near-insane levels and danced for hours, using it as an excuse to skip a day of normal exercise. While I was certainly aware of the fact that people were watching me move my hips and sway my body, I felt pretty confident that I didn't look entirely stupid doing it.
The guy kept a dumb grin on his face the whole time we were dancing, but I was preoccupied. I spotted them sitting at a booth in the corner; two men dressed in black who were watching me harder than any of the other customers. I gave no indication that I'd seen them, though, and made myself keep dancing until the song was over. I was about to walk away, but then I looked at the guy one more time. Without warning, I stood on tippy-toe to kiss him directly on the mouth.
His lips were warm and...well, they were lips. There was nothing special, no tingling, no spark. I pulled away from him and smiled. “Thanks for the dance.”
As I walked toward the bar, Jenny gave me a look, and I thought her eyes might pop right out of her head. I just grinned at her and sat on a stool. Paula turned to me with a smirk.
“Wow. Jackson dropped you faster than I thought,” she said, gesturing toward the man I'd been dancing with. “You should have tried the ice.”
“No,” I said, waving her off like I was distracted. “Jackson's waiting on me at home.” I slapped a five dollar bill on the bar and said, “I'll take a shot of whiskey. Actually, make that two.” I gave her the sweetest grin I could manage and she shot me a look of pure hatred before turning to pour the whiskey. She plopped the shot glasses down on the bar so hard that half the liquid should have splashed out, but it stayed put.
“So, Olivia, I was really hoping I could see those scars today,” she said, a devious light entering her eyes. “I've never seen a freak up close.”
I picked up the first shot of whiskey and put it to my lips, tossing it back and enjoying the warmth that slid down my throat. Then I looked into her mean, nasty face, feeling that familiar tug within me. “Paula, have you ever had someone love you so much that he would risk his entire life and everything he had just to be with you for one more day?” I grinned and watched her own syrupy-sweet smile fade. “Of course you haven't. I have. It's fantastic.”
I watched her face transform as the anger filled her. She wasn't nearly as pretty as I had originally imagined. I took the other shot, set the glass down on the bar, winked at Paula, and stood. I walked out of the bar, enjoying the only moment of my gloating revenge that I would get…it lasted about five steps and then my mind was on my new task.
When I had almost reached the car, I heard the door of Stallott’s open again. The music momentarily got louder and then faded again as the door closed. I did not look back. I got into the car and glanced at my phone. I had been in the bar only ten minutes. The last thin
g I wanted was for Jackson to get heroic and come looking for me. I had the men right where I wanted them. As I started the car, I saw one of them talking on a cell phone. They were heading toward a silver SUV parked around the side of the building. I counted to ten, and slowly pulled out of the bar’s parking lot.
I was sure they had seen the car, and as I pulled out onto the highway, I saw the glint of the SUV pulling out of the parking lot as well. I only hoped the SUV contained the rest of the men who were after Jackson. I drove as if I didn’t know someone was behind me. All I had to do was continue driving and we might actually be able to pull this off. I had to get all of them to the house. My heart pounded furiously inside my chest.
I willed our plan to work. It absolutely had to. We didn’t have another chance. It suddenly came to me; the finality of it.
This was it. There was no turning back now, no time for hesitation. There was no time to kiss Jackson on the lips again before…I banished the thought from my head and tried to focus. We were just a few minutes from the turnoff to Claire’s driveway when I noticed another vehicle behind the silver SUV; identical to it. The rest of them. It had to be. I glanced down at my phone. It had been about thirty-three minutes. It was going to be all right. We were going to make it. I was convincing myself, giving myself a pep talk, when I heard a shot ring out. The jeep lurched to the left and I fought to keep it under control.
My mind raced, trying to connect the noise with the swerve of the jeep. The flop-flopping of a flat tire told me instantly. They were shooting at me! This was an unexpected turn of events. I could almost feel the blood draining from my face as I tried to convince myself they wouldn't shoot me until I led them to Jackson. A few more shots rang out and the jeep lurched again. They'd gotten the other tire. So far the gun's purpose was to render my vehicle useless. Well, it was working.
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