by Trisha Wolfe
Tossing my towel across the bed, I headed to my drawer. I threw on a pair of leather breeches and a black peasant top. Then I quickly pulled a brush through my hair and tied it back away from my face. I pushed my communicator into my back pocket and hurried out of the room. The halls were eerily quiet. It was the first time I’d been at the Academy on a weekend. Either the silence was bothering me or I was paranoid after the night I’d had. It felt as if someone was watching me around every corner.
I rapped on the door to Mathematics just in case my math teacher, Ms. Harvey, was there for whatever reason. The door opened, and I met Reese’s fire red eyes. He ushered me inside the room, and I glanced around. We were alone. So far, no ambush.
Walking toward the far corner of the room, I moved slowly. Then I turned, and pressing my backside against a desk, I placed my palms on top of it, holding myself up. I felt I needed the extra support.
Reese eyed me, moving closer. “What the hell was that last night?” He laced his arms over his chest once he was a few feet away from me.
I shook my head. “Oh, no no no. I get to ask the first question.”
“Fine.” He ground his jaw.
“What was that getup?” I raised my eyebrows. “You didn’t think to tell me you were in the Narcolym Guard before?”
Reese’s eyes flashed. “I was just recently recruited.” He took a step closer. “Now tell me what all that was last night. What were you doing on the Council’s airship?”
“No. I’m not done yet. Why would they ask you to join and guard their ship right after a crazy announcement like that? Wouldn’t they want more experienced guards?” I watched his eyes, waiting to see them fade or deepen. Trying to gauge his emotions.
“I guess they liked my skills in our training course.” His eyes held their fevered glow. “It was my first night on watch. Lucky thing, too. Those guards were ready to sound the alarm.” He shook his head. “I somehow convinced them you’d just broken in, that I’d seen you, and we’d chased you off before anything was stolen.” He took another step closer to me. “Now, what did you take?”
I hung my head. “Nothing.”
“Bullshit, Dez!” He threw his hand in the air. “I risked a lot last night allowing you and Jace to escape. They’re still searching for you, by the way. So don’t think you’re off. But I want whatever it is you stole.”
I honestly didn’t think the scroll mattered. It had nothing to do with the Shythe or Narco plans, and besides, it wasn’t as if we had actually stolen anything. We’d put the scroll back.
“Nothing,” I said. “We didn’t steal anything. I’m sure once the Council goes through their inventory, they’ll discover nothing’s missing.” I leaned on my hands, trying to support my shaky legs.
Reese breathed out heavily. “They’ve already gone through everything. Nothing was found missing.”
“Well, there you go.”
His lips curled into a knowing smile. “I know you better than that. They may believe nothing was taken, but I have other theories.” He took one final step, bringing himself face-to-face with me. “And I know Jace was probably pretty damn upset about that announcement yesterday. When I saw you guys on the ship, I thought someone was planting a bomb.”
I tried not to move—not to reach out to him. He was so close. My brain couldn’t function. I smelled fire, leaves, and a hint of cologne—his scent—and I trembled, wanting to touch him.
Jerking my head back, I gathered my thoughts and met his gaze. “And what about that?”
“What?” He squinted.
“We both know the Councils have the result from uniting the races.” I studied his features. “I think you know more than you’ve told me. I think you know exactly what the Narcos are up to.”
His face fell. “Dez, I know about as much as you. Nothing.”
“I don’t believe you. Why are they doing this?” I pleaded with my eyes. “Tell me the truth! What are the Councils up to?”
Reese clasped my face, his hands hot against my skin. His eyes bored into mine. “I. Don’t. Know.” His eyes traced my face, taking me in. My breath caught as they settled on my mouth.
His hands heated and, before I could question his response, he pressed his lips to mine, hard. His kiss was demanding and hungry. I released a small moan and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Reese pulled back. “I can’t take it anymore.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I tried so hard to stay angry with you.”
I ran my hands through his hair. “Reese,” I pleaded his name. “I’m sorry. I never meant to kiss—”
“I know.” He looked into my eyes, and a small smile crooked his lips. “I’m an idiot.” He huffed. “A hothead.”
“Yes, you are.”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple worked. “But last night”—he gripped my arms—“you scared the shit out of me, Dez.” His eyes searched mine. “I thought…When I saw you go over the side of the ship, I thought you were gone for a moment.”
We clung to each other like something was trying to wrench us apart. I couldn’t get close enough to him. Reese kissed my neck, running his hands along my body. He gripped at my clothes, inching his hands down my thighs, and lifted me into his arms. I locked my legs around him as he seated me on the desk. His lips met mine again, and he lowered me onto my back.
I was lost in the moment. I never wanted to stop kissing him. This was what had been missing. My heart swelled as Reese embraced me. His lips roamed over mine, along my jaw, over my chest. I closed my eyes, reveling in the feel of his body pressed against mine. Then his body tensed. He slowly eased himself off me and away from the desk. I flinched as the classroom door slammed.
I shot up, pressing my hand over my mouth.
“I was looking for my math text,” Jace said. “Looks like I found something much more interesting.”
Chapter Twenty
“JACE—” I CLAMPED MY MOUTH SHUT. The room spun, and I couldn’t find any words as my heart hammered in my ears. I’d forgotten about the trace function on our communicators. I pinched my eyes closed, cursing myself for being so stupid.
Reese held onto my hand and remained silent. His eyes flicked over Jace. I hoped he could hold that stoic demeanor until we were out of the room.
Jace’s expression was pained. His eyebrows knitted together as his eyes studied me. “Please tell me this isn’t what it looks like.” He shook his head. “Please tell me he attacked you—that he…” He gritted his teeth. “Tell me anything, Dez! I’ll tear his eyes out if he hurt you!”
“I’d never hurt her,” Reese spoke up.
“Shut the fuck up, Narco!” Jace took a step forward, then back. He pressed his hands over his face. Finally, he looked at me again. “When I couldn’t find you, I thought something happened to you.” He glared at me. “So, is this the project you’ve been working on?”
I could barely think over the thumping in my chest. I wanted to rewind time. I wanted to say the perfect thing to make this all go away. But my mind blanked. “No, Jace, it’s not.” I took in a deep breath. “But…I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” He turned, paced, and then shot around toward me. “Sorry? What is this?”
Reese threaded his fingers through mine. “We’re together.” He glanced over to me, gauging my reaction. I nodded once, speechless, so he continued. “I care about Dez. And she cares about me. We’re together. That’s all I can tell you. Sorry, but that’s just the way it is.”
Jace’s eyebrows furrowed. “You’ve been seeing a Narco behind my back?”
I shook my head, stammering out, “No…I wasn’t. I mean—” I looked to the ground, trying to gather my thoughts. “Jace, I was with Reese before you kissed me that night. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
“So you led me on?” His voice was hurt. My chest burned. “You honestly let me think you cared about me. But you were with a Narco?”
“I do care about you.” But my words were too late.
Jace’s hands pulsed with power, glowing blue. A spark of Charge leaped from his palms and crackled into a blazing stream, reaching toward the floor.
“What did you do to her?” Jace asked Reese, taking a step forward. “There’s no way she’d ever be with you. You had to do something to her.” Charge sparked around his feet, marring the ground where he walked.
Reese shoved me behind him. “Jace, don’t do this here. We can handle this, but outside the Academy…if that’s what you want.”
Jace ran at Reese with his hands turned out—wrists up—a blue stream of Charge shooting from his palms. Reese knocked me out of the way to the floor and met Jace head-on in a clash of blue and red—Flame and Charge. Jace threw punches, striking Reese in his stomach. Reese took the blows, delivering hits in return.
They were going at it full force. No training exercises. No pretending to use powers. I heard the grunts and clash of power; they were hurting each other. Because of me. I had to do something.
I tried to find a way into the fray, but their power was too fast. Think, Dez.
Reese crossed his arms over his face, blocking an attack from Jace. He wrapped his arms around the countered blow, getting shocked in return. Jace raised his hand, ready to land another shock, but Reese pressed his palm to Jace’s chest, burning him. I panicked.
Before I could stop myself, I began to shift, my power growing. I trembled as my body rapidly transformed. My Kythan instincts were taking over. I stretched out my arms, and a burst of white light enveloped my hands—my arms. It was more powerful than the first time I’d shifted. A white, nearly translucent, casing cocooned me. I screamed, and the shell expanded in a flash—muting all sound for a split second as the power rocketed out.
Jace and Reese flew against the wall. They fell to the floor as the blast faded, sound returning to my ears in a low hum.
Reese stared at me, awe in his eyes. This was the first time he’d seen me shift. But Jace’s face was torn—his eyes wide and fearful. I clasped my hands together, outing my white power.
“What the hell?” Jace said, barely audible.
Reese jumped to his feet, forgetting the battle. “That was amazing.” He cupped my face. “What was that?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know.” I smiled up at him. “But I didn’t lose control. I was able to stop it—to shut it down.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my crystal. “I made this. It helps rein in my power.” My momentary excitement faded as I saw Jace climbing to his feet.
“Jace,” I said. “I can explain.”
“You better. Because right now, I’m trying really hard not to lose my shit.” He backed away—a step away from me.
I glanced at Reese. He nodded his approval.
I took in a deep breath and looked into Jace’s eyes. “I’m half Narco, Jace. My father was Narcolym.” I moved toward him, but he took another backward step, farther away from me. “I’m sorry I could never tell you or the others, but…my mom. She was scared. I was scared. And what I am, it’s something that has to be kept secret. Others would hurt me if they knew I existed.” I stopped and pressed my lips together. I wasn’t sure he was listening to me.
Jace’s expression hardened into a mix of fear and disgust. “You’re half Narco?” He spat the word as if it tasted bad in his mouth.
“Yes.” I nodded. “I’m sorry. But yes, Jace. I am.”
Reese stood beside me. “And I’m half Shythe.” He stretched out his hand. A current of Charge flickered across his palm. “But, no one knows. And no one can.” I heard the threat in Reese’s voice.
Jace stared at Reese as he doused his Charge, and then he turned his glare on me. “How could you not tell me this, Dez? I trusted you. I love—” He clamped his mouth and eyes shut at the same time. Then he looked at me again, pain swirling inside the blue light of his irises. “I don’t know what you are, but you’re not Shythe. Just…” He hung his head before looking straight into my eyes. “I want nothing to do with you.” He turned and marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
My legs gave as I fell to the floor. The rejection I’d feared from him my whole life had finally happened. His words stung worse than if I’d been stabbed with my own Charge Dagger. I’d rather have been stabbed.
Reese knelt beside me. “Dez, he’s in shock.” He picked me up and carried me over to a desk. “He’ll calm down. I just hope he doesn’t say anything to anyone in the meantime.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Jace is loyal. Despite his hatred for me now, he’s always loyal. He won’t tell anyone.” A hot tear slid down my cheek. It hurt to breathe.
Jace wouldn’t betray me. Not like I’d betrayed him. But he’d never look at me the same again. Ever. I’d hurt him in so many ways. I’d deceived him—with Reese, behind his back. And I’d lied to him all these years about who I really was. The latter probably hurt him more. No. I’d equally crushed him when he saw me kissing another guy. I buried my face in my hands. I’d just lost my best friend forever.
Reese brought me to his unit against my pleading and fear we’d get caught. However, I didn’t want to go back to mine. I couldn’t face Lana without her knowing something major had happened. She’d know the moment she saw my face, and I didn’t know what to tell her. Reese assured me his roommate was gone for the weekend and the faculty wouldn’t find out. I didn’t have the strength to argue.
Lana had sent me a data message, wondering where I’d disappeared to. She obviously hadn’t talked to Jace yet or she’d be freaking out about our breakup. I was sure Jace would tell her that much. Her message was too calm. I sent her one back, telling her I’d gone to visit my mom. I’d have to invent an explanation for why Jace and I’d broken up, eventually. But I couldn’t think about that now. Truthfully, I was tired of all the lies and secrets.
I lay down on Reese’s bed, and he covered me with a blanket. “Just relax,” he said. “Don’t try and figure everything out right now.”
My eyes stung as I pressed the heel of my hands against them. “I could’ve handled that better somehow.” Tucking my hand under his pillow, I glanced up at him. “There are so many problems now. Not just with Jace, but the Councils, too. I feel like things are completely falling apart.”
Reese sat down on the edge of his bed and stroked my hair. “It seems worse right now because you’re upset. We’ll figure it out, but not now.” He raised his eyebrows. “Okay?”
I nodded into his pillow. “So we’re good? I mean, you and me…together?” My face prickled with heat. I wanted things to be right between us.
“Yeah.” Reese lay down beside me and stared into my eyes. “I’m sorry. But when I saw Jace kiss you”—his eyes flashed—“I went a little berserk. Not to mention when you kissed him the other night.” He huffed out a long breath. “I’ve been raised differently than you. It’s not an excuse, but it does make it harder.” He pressed his lips together. “I figured out I was being an ass, though.”
“You do realize I only did that because I had to stop Jace from starting a fight in front of everyone. I was angry you wouldn’t talk to me, and he thought you’d done something to me.” I lowered my eyes from his. “But I’m such a jerk for what I did to the both of you. I deserve whatever Jace says to me or calls me.”
Reese tilted my face up. “No, you don’t. Things are complicated.” He brushed my hair from my eyes. “I just couldn’t handle it. I knew how much closer you were with Jace, and I wasn’t going to go through the long process of losing you to him.”
“You kind of forced that to happen, you know.” I ran my finger along his forehead, feathering his dark hair away from his eyes. “I want to be with you.”
Reese’s lips tugged into a smile, and he pressed them to my forehead. “I know that now.” He sighed. “But I have a lot of competition with Jace.” I squinted, but he continued. “You didn’t want to hurt him, Dez, and you didn’t want to hurt me. One thing Jace and I have in common…we’re definitely both hotheads. At
least when it comes to you.”
I smiled. Then the day came rushing back to me. “But what are we going to do? I mean, the Councils are definitely up to something. That’s why we snuck onto the airship last night. We were trying to find out what.”
“Well, you won’t find anything on the airship. They’re way too cautious for that.” He paused a beat. “But, there’s some good news about all this at least.”
“What?”
He smiled. “We don’t have to hide our relationship anymore. If nothing else, we’re doing the right thing according to them.” Reese traced his thumb over my lower lip. “That’s at least one thing solved.”
“True. But I think most Kythan will still have a huge problem with it. Although, now that Jace knows, there’s no reason to keep it a secret.” It killed me knowing I had to explain this to Lana. How was I going to tell her I’d rejected her brother for a Narco? After what we went through breaking into the Council’s airship, and after she revealed her feelings for Devon…it was like a whole new betrayal.
No. There was one way. I could tell her the truth about me and Reese—who we were. Reese’s comment reminded me about my thoughts of telling them the day before. It was at least time to tell Lana. She’d still feel hurt for her brother, but then she’d maybe understand how I could be with Reese over Jace.
Reese’s comment also reminded me about the Shythe girl. “So, Shythe tutoring?” I asked, studying his face. Part of me wanted my suspicions validated, though I probably didn’t deserve as much.
He raised an eyebrow. “I see you met Shawna.” He grunted. “She hates me. Though, I helped that along pretty good. I wanted it to seem like I knew nothing about the Shythe race.” He smiled. “Extra precautions.”
“Yeah. I suspected that the whole time.” I buried my face under his blanket, hiding my shame.
Reese pulled the cover down. “Do you really trust Jace not to expose us?”
“Yes.” I bit down on my lip. “He’s hurt and angry, but he’s still Jace. I trust him.”