Jasmine (Teumessian Trilogy Book 3)

by Ana Elise Meyer

  Rose walked over and sat down on the bench next to Jasmine. “Sit on the ground. I will braid it for you.”

  Jasmine smiled at Rose's kindness. “Thank you.” Jasmine climbed off the bench and sat on the ground in front of Rose. Rose parted her long blonde hair and started making two separate braids. She was silent as she worked.

  “I'm not a monster,” Jasmine suddenly said.

  “What? Nobody said you were. Why would you say something like that?” Rose was taken back by Jasmine's bold statement.

  “I saw the way you looked at me. I saw the way everyone looked at me at Ming's.”

  “I knew what you were doing. You were doing what the girls would respond to at the time. They needed to trust us and accept help and keeping things the way they know them was the only way. I saw that. It broke my heart that you had to do that. The pain was evident in your eyes,” Rose softly replied.

  Jasmine sat in silence as Rose continued with the braids, eventually looping them together to form a beautiful braided bun.

  Once she was done, Rose tapped Jasmine on the shoulder. Jasmine turned to look at her. “You are no monster, and I am proud to fight alongside you.”

  Jasmine stood up and gave Rose a hug. “Thank you for believing in me.”

  “Don't mention it, and if you ever need that beautiful hair braided, let me know. I am jealous of it,” Rose said with a smile.

  Jasmine smiled back, sitting down on the bench.

  “I hate to spoil the fun, but I need to sleep. I am not much of a morning person and two a.m. will come too fast,” Rose said, getting up. “Are you headed to bed? I think I saw Greg go into his tent. Are you joining him?” Rose teased.

  “No, I think I am going to stay up a bit longer.” Jasmine blushed a bit.

  Rose laughed a little as she walked away. She hoped she had brightened Jasmine's day a bit, but her own worries about the coming day were clouding her thoughts as she climbed into her tent.

  James, on the other hand, was nowhere near the tents. He was looking for Marie. She had barely talked to him, since the incident at Ming's mansion. James found her alone on a hill, overlooking the encampment.

  “Are you hiding from me?” he asked, walking towards her.

  “Just watching the sunset. It is beautiful.”

  James looked out at the setting sun then back to Marie. “Yes, it is.”

  “The sun will set then rise again everyday. You can count on it, unlike so many other things.” James sat down next to Marie and listened. “Nothing is predictable, and many things you cannot change. The universe will decide so much for you. You have to take hold of anything you can.”

  “What do you have control over?” James inquired.

  “Nothing. My life was dictated since I was a baby, and so was yours. After this, you will finally have a choice, and I know you will make the right one. Finn and Robby raised you right,” Marie said with a smile.

  “I know you say that all the time, but I could have stayed with you. We could have been a family,” James delicately replied.

  “No, that is your family.” Marie pointed to the tents of the team members. James didn't look convinced. “One day, you will figure it out.” Marie replied, reaching out and stroking James' hair. “Come here.” Marie reached out her arms for James, so she could hold him. He moved closer and rested his head on her shoulder. The sky was growing darker before them, and the stars began to shine in the sky. Marie gazed at them shining so bright she didn't even notice James had fallen asleep. In the darkness, Marie saw a figure approaching them. It was Jasmine.

  “I couldn't find you in the tents, so I thought I would check up here,” Jasmine said lightly as she noticed James was asleep.

  Marie removed her right arm and reached out for Jasmine to join them. “Join us,” Marie whispered. Jasmine, with a smile, sat on Marie's other side and curled up in her arm, her head on Marie's other shoulder. No words were exchanged; no words were necessary. She had her two babies in her arms. Jasmine drifted to sleep, but Marie stayed awake, just holding her children and staring at the stars. As sleep finally started to overcome her, she kissed them both on the head. “Goodnight, I love you both,” Marie whispered as she fell asleep.

  Chapter

  35

  One a.m. came quicker than any of them could predict. Sarah was the first awake. As she stepped out of her tent, she noticed the lights were on in Franklin's tent. She smiled a little. He must be up to see us off, she thought to herself. Sarah walked over and pulled back the tent flap. Sarah stepped in as Franklin turned around. As he did, Sarah noticed he was packing a bag and readying a parachute.

  “I thought you were up to see us off, but you don't need all that to say goodbye,” Sarah inquired, staring at Franklin.

  “It's because I'm not seeing you off. I am going with you,” Franklin replied, turning back to his bag.

  “No, I will not allow that,” Sarah protested.

  “Sarah, how long have we worked together?”

  “Four years and I would like for it to be more than four. This is a dangerous mission. You are not going.”

  Franklin turned and walked over to Sarah. “You have trusted me for four years; trust me now. I know what I doing, and I'm going. This is my fight.”

  Sarah could see Franklin's determination. “I don't want you hurt,” Sarah said, staring back. “I'm not leaving your side.”

  Franklin smiled. “I look forward to your protection,” he said with a bow.

  Sarah smiled back. “Well, I need to get my things ready. I will see you at the plane.” Sarah blushed a bit as she turned and left the tent. Franklin couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He had a crush on her for years. Franklin got everything together and slung his bag and parachute over his shoulder and stepped out of his tent.

  As he glanced around, he saw the members of Marie's team moving around, getting together, but no sign of Marie. Franklin walked over to Warren's tent and stepped in. “Have you seen Marie?” he asked as Warren was lacing up his boots.

  “No, I haven't, but I'm sure she is around here somewhere,” Warren replied, standing up.

  Franklin looked concerned.

  “Relax, she didn't abandon us. This has been her goal since she figured it out. She wouldn't miss this for anything,” Warren added, walking past Franklin with a light pat on Franklin's back.

  Franklin watched Warren leave the tent and paused for a moment then followed him out. He was starting to feel apprehensive of this plan.

  Once out, he still didn't see Marie anywhere. He stopped Ping as he was walking by. “Have you seen Marie?”

  “Nope, and James and Jasmine are not around either,” Ping said, calmly walking away.

  Franklin felt his confidence dropping even more and was losing his patience. “Has anyone seen Marie, James, or Jasmine?” he yelled.

  “Would you relax? We are right here,” Marie snapped, walking down the hill with James and Jasmine in tow.

  Marie walked straight to Franklin, grabbed him by the arm, and whispered in his ear, “I know you’re nervous, but you need to get it in check, or you will make them nervous. You need to help them feel confident, so get it together.” Marie released her grip and gave Franklin a shove. Marie went directly to her tent, leaving James and Jasmine to go to theirs to get their things together.

  Once everyone was ready, they all gathered on the airfield, waiting for Marie, as she wasn't with them. Glancing around, James finally caught sight of her walking towards them in her jumpsuit, ready to go.

  As she stepped up to the group, Warren addressed the group. “Everyone on board. We have two teams. Commander Clayton and General Darnley will head up the twenty-man incursion team. Gregory will be leading our CIA team to set the charges. And what are you planning on doing?” Warren asked, looking to Marie.

  “Handling my business. Sergei is mine. You handle the rest,” Marie replied, walking towards the plane, with the rest of the team following her.

  “I'm surprised you're
even bothering with the parachute,” Franklin said aloud to himself, hoping nobody else heard, but Sarah did.

  “Why wouldn't she need one?” she inquired, turning to him.

  Franklin stood nervously, not wanting to answer. “Bloody hell! That's her?” Sarah exclaimed, trying to keep her voice down. “I heard rumors about her, but I didn't think she existed. Is she going to share her DNA for testing?” Sarah asked eagerly.

  “She doesn't share anything,” Franklin replied flatly, walking towards the plane. Sarah followed.

  Chapter

  36

  The ride on the plane was silent; only the sound of the plane's engine could be heard. No one spoke. That is, until the plane was approaching the drop site.

  Marie took lead. “Once you hit the ground, make sure you don't lock your legs. We don't need any broken legs. Gather your parachute and take cover in the trees. We will rendezvous once everyone is on the ground. Understood?”

  “Yes Ma’am,” Lt. Davis shouted over the group.

  The back door began to open, revealing the night sky before them. The crisp breeze flowed through the plane, and Marie readied to take the jump. “Follow me,” she ordered, charging out of the plane. Everyone followed, one after one, taking the leap out of the plane. It was their first jump for many of them, so the thrill and rush of adrenaline was almost too much to keep them silent. James wanted to yell out in enjoyment as he tumbled through the sky. A great sense of freedom came over him as the cold wind hit his face. He saw Marie ahead of him, pulling her chute. He knew he would have to pull his soon. As he readied, Jasmine came into view. She looked more serious, as though this was not the first time she had to do this. James' watch dinged, and he pulled his chute. Everyone around him was doing the same. Touching the ground, he saw that Marie was already moving towards the woods for cover. James and everyone did the same, picking up their parachutes and following her. Once under the cover of the trees, James noticed Marie was removing her flight suit, so he began to do the same. Looking up from pulling down his flight suit, he was shocked, along with everyone else, to see what Marie had on under her flight suit. A bright red leather sleeveless top, laced up the front with black cord, and bright red leather pants. Her red boots went up almost to her knees. Her traditional back harness, with its slots for her knives, was strapped to her back; no gun was on her body.

  “What are you wearing?” Sarah questioned accusingly.

  “I figured, in the sea of black clothing, I should bring a little color to things,” Marie quipped, putting her ear communicator in and touching it. “Com check, does everyone hear me?” Marie asked, waiting for everyone to respond, but they were all still staring at her. “Com check,” Marie repeated, annoyed.

  “Yes, they work,” Jasmine replied, touching hers as she approached the group.

  “Good then, let's move.” Marie charged up the hill with everyone quickly filing behind. As she reached the top of the hill, she could see Sergei's palace ahead of her down the hill.

  The sun was coming up, allowing a sun soaked look at the magnificent palace before her. Ray was able to reach her, first, standing at her side, pulling out his binoculars and surveying the gate. “Six guards stationed at the gate. Two on the ground and four on top of the wall.” By this time, everyone else had caught up, and Sarah was standing next to Ray.

  “I need you to take them out. I forgot my gun,” Marie said with a wink to Ray.

  “With pleasure,” Ray replied, setting down his sniper bag and assembling his gun. Lt. Davis saw this and did the same.

  Marie turned to the rest of the group. “Once they are down, we hit the wall.

  “No,” Dovia said, looking through her binoculars. “Security cameras on the walls. We will be spotted, and our presence will be alerted to the guards inside. We have to take out the cameras.”

  James smiled, pulling out his bow. “I think I have a plan for that,” he said, pulling out a purple arrow. “We fry them.”

  “I'm in,” Rose added, pulling her bow as well. Marcus followed their lead, pulling his.

  “Can you make the shot?” Warren asked.

  “I don't plan to miss,” James said, confidently placing an arrow in his bow. Rose and Marcus did the same, all lining up their shots. Lt. Davis and Ray were ready as well. Dovia lay down and started setting up her laptop.

  “On my mark, three, two, one, fire,” Marie ordered.

  All let loose. The three arrows flew with perfection, each striking a camera, causing a slight electrical spark from each as they fried out. Ray had not lost his touch as he was able to drop three of the guards, while Lt. Davis dropped two.

  “Dovia, remember what I told you,” Marie ordered.

  “Yes ma’am,” Dovia replied, clicking on her laptop.

  “Let's go,” Marie ordered, charging down the hill.

  As James and the others followed, James saw the gate was sill secured. He reached back and pulled a yellow arrow and fired at the gate. The explosion didn't slow Marie as she approached the wall to take cover from the debris from the gate being ripped apart from the explosion. Everyone else filed in along the wall, as well, as guards began pouring out of the mansion, firing automatic weapons at the opening.

  “We need cover,” Ray yelled across the opening to Marie.

  James took the initiative again, peering around and firing another explosive arrow. The explosion knocked several guards back as Ray and Sarah were able to lead the soldiers in, guns blazing.

  Marie pulled Greg to her. “You take them in last; let them create a path.

  Greg nodded.

  Marie charged in, avoiding the bullets and tackling and slicing the throat of the guard near the doorway. Marie kicked in the door, with Ray hot behind her. Ray saw the door was open and signaled for his teams to move through the gate opening. Jasmine was right behind him as he rushed in, firing his gun, taking down a guard coming from their left.

  “Everybody in,” he yelled, rushing his team through the door.

  Once inside, they were confronted with a gunfight going on between the guards and the soldiers. They dove for any cover they could find. Marie was in the middle of it. She had been hit. Blood soaked her left arm, but the wound was nowhere to be seen.

  “Up top,” Greg yelled to his team as more guards came rushing down the grand staircase. The team turned and with guns drawn, took out the guards with ease. The bodies fell down the stairs and soaked the velvet carpet with blood.

  “If we are going to get through this, we need to distract them,” Ray called over the intercom.

  “My turn,” Rose said with a smile, taking out an arrow and aiming at the extravagant diamond chandelier. She released the arrow, striking the chandelier at its connection, shaking the room and causing it to detach and fall from the ceiling.

  Marie had to dive to avoid it as it came crashing down, crushing the guard she was fighting. “Go,” Greg ordered as the team split up to go to their wings of the palace. Jasmine led Greg as they followed the corridor to their right; they had the far right wing. James, Rose, and Mitchel headed left.

  Marie had to shake her head to recover from the falling diamonds striking her in the head. It was Warren who helped her up. “You ok?” he asked, firing his gun at an incoming guard.

  “I got this.” Marie looked around for James and Jasmine.

  “They are on their way to set the charges,” Warren replied, taking cover from more incoming gun fire.

  Marie looked at the battle in the grand foyer and considered what to do to help.

  “I'll cover you. Go!” Warren ordered.

  Marie nodded as she charged towards the right corridor, grabbing and flipping a guard, finishing him with a gash to the chest.

  Jasmine and Greg had made good time down the hallways, until they were confronted by a set of five guards at the entrance to Sergei's office. “We have to get past them to get to our spot,” Greg said, taking cover, with Jasmine by his side.

  Jasmine was firing back at the guards a
nd trying to formulate a plan to get past them as Marie came charging down the hallway, throwing one of her knives and hitting one of the guards in the neck.

  As Marie ran by, she yelled, “I have this; get going.” Marie avoided the bullets as she sliced into another guard, distracting them as Greg and Jasmine were able rush past the fight.

  As they reached the spot where the hallway split into two, Jasmine heard a familiar voice. “It's her,” she said, pulling her sword and charging down the hallway.

  “Wrong way,” Greg called, but Jasmine wasn't listening. It was Ming, and she was hers. Jasmine rushed down the hallway and easily disarmed and knocked out the two girls standing guard over Ming's room. Jasmine ran through the doorway to Ming, packing her bags. She was going to flee. “I don't think so,” Jasmine smirked, readying her sword.

  As she did, Greg approached from behind, his gun drawn. Ming was reaching for her sword lying on her bed. “Don't even think about it,” Greg ordered, his gun pointed at Ming.

  “No, let her. I think it should be a fair fight,” Jasmine replied.

  “No, we take her in.”

  “No, I take her down,” Jasmine snapped, swirling her sword.

  Ming pulled her sword and Jasmine attacked. The swords clashed as they spun around the room. Ming got the upper hand and knocked Jasmine back. Jasmine threw her sword at Ming, but it missed, piercing the full length mirror on the wall.

  “You missed. I guess you aren't as good as I thought you were,” Ming taunted.

  Jasmine reach along her waist and pulled the two knives Marie had given her. “No, I just wanted a new weapon.” Jasmine twirled them in her hands.

  “Just like your mommy,” Ming teased.

  “She's better than you,” Jasmine barked, charging at Ming.

  Greg was watching, but not interfering. His gun was ready if it looked like Ming had the upper hand, but he knew this was a fight Jasmine wanted. As Ming's sword swung, Jasmine's knives blocked. Jasmine was able to knock the sword back, and with a slash to Ming's right arm, the sword was knocked from her hands. Jasmine landed a kick to Ming's cheek, knocking her to the wall. Jasmine readied her knives as she approached the wounded Ming. “Go ahead and kill me. It's what I trained you to do.”