The statement burns into my soul. Everything in me screams to go to him and tell him none of it is true, but it is.
“I want to keep you safe. Please, don’t be angry.”
“Angry?” he yells. “Oh, I’m angry. I have no idea what I ever saw in you. Everything out of your mouth is a lie!”
Hot tears sting at my eyes, but I refuse to let them out in front of all these people. Instead, I turn away and push past the stocky kid blocking my escape. For a split second, I twist back, just in time to see Peter lunge toward James, grip him around the waist, and rocket into the sky, rattling the vessel under my feet.
“Well, that must be a new record,” Cyrus huffs. “Didn’t take Pan long, did it?” He then points at me. “What are we going to do with this one now?”
Chapter 10
Peter
James’s fingers dig harder into my ribcage the higher we go. He looks like he might throw up, but we just need to go a bit higher. The air rushing my face feels so good. It’s been weeks since I’ve been able to touch the sky.
The largest of the three peaks comes into view. Narrow fingertips with jagged edges and sparse shrubbery, the peaks fight to reach from the rising sea. I hover for a moment and float to the side until my favorite spot reveals itself.
“Pan.” James is frantic now. “Let’s work this out.”
“Relax, man, I won't drop you.”
The draw from the peak’s gravity connects with me, inching me closer to an alcove near the top. We draw in too fast. I gradually release from Earth’s pull to ease my landing until gravity’s effect consumes my body. A foot or so before I set my boots down, I release James. He tumbles back and clutches a rock handhold, steadying himself. With his other hand, he grabs a root that dangles from the highest point of the small, carved opening.
He stretches his neck out over the edge, then glares back at me. “Get me down from here!”
“Not until we have a heart to heart. To hash our problems out.”
I sit on the edge of the opening, feet dangling. He remains firm against the rock backing.
“I have nothing to say to you or to her,” he says, trying to adjust to solid ground again. “You’re backstabbers.”
“Give her a break. She saved your life when your vessel was sinking.”
“She was the one who sank the damn boat.”
“Eh, point taken.” I shrug. “Still… she saved me, too. She’s a good person.”
James slides down the rough surface and sits, his back glued to the wall.
“She was a good person… then she nearly killed my father. Then she turns into a vigilante terrorist sinking ships while on a witch hunt. How is that a good person?”
“Don’t give me that crap.” I spin to him. “You know why she does what she does. Your mommy’s a monster.”
He huffs. “She’s not my mother. I know what she is, what she did to you and Arya. I also know what Arya did to my dad the day you guys escaped.”
I float from my sitting position and pivot midair to study him. His eyes narrow, unsure of what I’m going to do next.
“I gave her that stun weapon. She had no idea what she was doing. She was just a kid, one that loved you, for some reason. She had to choose between saving her sisters or letting them get experimented on until they became pawns. I’m sure she tried to get you to leave with her. You’re the one that turned your back on her.”
“My father—”
“Your father is brainwashed. You chose him and Nerissa over Arya.”
James goes quiet. He stares at his feet, the anger in his eyes replaced by sadness.
“Fine,” he says at length. “You’re right. I chose my Dad over Arya. I was scared. Not of him, though, but of what Nerissa would do to him. Scared I would lose him forever. I was the only one keeping him grounded, keeping him, well … good.”
Commander Thacher has been quite ruthless of late. He’s not the fair man I remember him to be. Nerissa’s changed him. Living with that witch is bound to mess with one’s mind. She probably experimented on him while he sleeps.
“Well, looks as if it didn’t matter after all, did it? He’s becoming more like her every day.”
James picks up a pebble beside him and throws it over the edge. “I haven’t seen him in weeks. She keeps me out at sea most of the time. I transfer civilians to and from the Syndicate’s settlements and camps. I'm assigned to a ferry, for crying out loud. I think she wants me to get killed by Arya and her sisters. Get me out of the way.”
“Then what are you fighting us for?”
“If I defect, I’ll never see him again. I wasn’t ready for that.”
“Does that mean you’re ready now?”
“I don’t know,” he hedges. “Maybe.”
Now we’re getting somewhere. I didn’t think this would work. I thought I might have to dangle him by his feet and let the blood rush to his brain for an hour. Arya would be pissed, but something needed to change. I’m glad it went this way instead—I think.
I float closer. “Where were you transporting me to last night?”
He goes quiet, avoiding my gaze.
“Well?” I ask, raising my voice.
“We weren’t transporting you anywhere,” he says. “Nerissa was done with you. Done with you not cooperating. She ordered me to float you. She wanted it to happen far from any of your supporters in the area. She wanted you to go away quietly.”
I rise above him, rage filling my veins. “You were planning to float me?”
“Hold on, hold on. I wouldn't really do it. I couldn’t do that to Arya. Heck, I couldn’t even do that to you. We weren’t close, but we grew up together. That’s not who I am.”
“So, what then? Who was going to take care of the problem? Some minion?”
James breaks my stare and looks away, silent.
Disconnecting from all of gravity’s grip, I soar up as fast as I can. So fast that the Sanctuary becomes a small point against the backdrop of the vast sea. When I come to a stop, the faint pull of Earth tethers me just at the edge of what my body’s altered cells can connect to.
I should kill him. I don’t care if he changed his mind. He took me out to sea. If Arya hadn’t attacked, he might’ve gone through with it. Desperation forces people to do stupid things, but dumping me out at sea?
The lack of oxygen quickens my breathing. White puffs trail behind me, the frigid air at this altitude is testing my enhanced tolerance to temperature changes.
I have to remain level-headed for Arya. She needs him. We need him if we’re planning to make changes. Once this is over, it will be a different story.
The full force of gravity yanks me. Several intentional flips and turns take my thoughts off what I have to do next. It’s time to team up. Time to bring down Nerissa.
I come to a full, abrupt halt not far from the alcove. James stares at me, breathing deeply, eyes wide. Because I can, I give him just a second too long to think the worst before I float to the ledge and walk directly up to him.
“I’ll forgive you if you do what’s right here.”
“I’m in,” he says quietly. “But we have to find my father. I want him safe.”
“But don’t be surprised if Daddy’s not so willing to abandon Nerissa.”
“I understand, but that’s my call. Can we go now?”
I wrap my arms around him then step backward. My smile stretches into a wide grin as I lean back and free fall off the edge. He screams in a pitch surprising for a man of his size. We pause just feet from the Tiger Lily’s deck, and I let out an amused laugh as he rips from my hold, lips pursed, and brow tightened. He’d love to punch me.
“What?” I tease. “It was faster that way.”
Arya rushes from the far end of the vessel, stopping ahead of James. She seems worried. I can see she wanted to hug him. Instead, she punches me in the shoulder.
“Ouch.” I flinch. “You got some pop for a little thing.”
She swings toward James. “Are you
alright? Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” he says.
She rounds back on me, barking out, “What were you thinking? You can’t do that! You’re such a jerk.”
“The adults needed to have a talk,” I tell her. “Everything’s good now. He’s on board.”
She squints at me and turns back to James. Resting a hand on his chest, she looks up into his eyes. “Is this true? You’re with us?”
He nods. “I’ve been blind too long. It’s time for Nerissa to be stopped.”
Mateo stomps over to me, his expression filled with venom. “I knew I couldn’t trust you.”
Arya stops him just short of making the mistake of getting in my face. “It’s OK. James is going to help us.”
The kid’s getting practice at stepping in the middle of Mateo and me. Lucky for him.
“What do you mean?” Mateo diverts his attention to James. “What happened up there?”
“Can we please go inside away from cliffs for a bit?” James asks, squinting up at the peak. “I need to sit, if you don’t mind.”
Arya grabs his arm and pulls him toward the entrance of the captain’s quarters.
“Cyrus, come,” Mateo commands, trailing after them. “Arya and I need to have a chat with James in my quarters. Stand watch, please.”
I salute Mateo as they walk off. He doesn’t see the jibe. Oh well.
I’m about to zip off into the air again when Wendi seizes my wrist, pleading me with her eyes to stay put. This is overdue. Better get this over with now.
“Oh, hey, Wendi.” The words come out casual, but nervousness churns in my stomach.
She avoids my stare. “Hey, Peter. So, you sticking around?”
Flying would be so much easier right now, but she deserves more.
“Not sure. I just want to take care of Nerissa before I think of more.”
“Can we talk for a sec?” she murmurs.
“Yeah.” I search around to find a private spot free from curious Lost Boys. Leading her over to the port side of the vessel to some empty metal storage barrels, she sits, and I sit next to her. Without hesitation, she slides her hip over to press against mine.
Wendi and I left things in a weird place. We were real close before I met Lily. Wendi thought we were serious. Sure, I cared for her, but she was hoping for more than I could give. I had the entire Neverland settlement to look after. I didn’t have time for that.
Well, not until I met Lily. That’s when life changed.
“Was I anything except a fling to you?” she asks bluntly
“Wendi…” I swallow my pride. “I care for you a lot, but you were always a Lost Boy first. Someone I tried to look out for.”
She narrows her eyes, brows pinching.
“I didn’t mean to lead you on,” I whisper.
She scowls and folds her arms over her chest. “Not quite a Lost Boy: not quite a girlfriend,”
“You’re the Lost Girl. You’re special, but for the sake of the crew, I needed to focus.”
She gazes out on the sea. “Lily was just a bit more special.”
“I’m sorry. I never intended to fall in love with her. We were just meant to be together. I can’t explain it.”
Wendi shifts her body from mine, breaking the touch of our hips. “Doesn’t make it right.”
“I’m truly sorry how it all happened.”
“Not sorry that it did, though,” she huffs.
I’m about to take her hand when Cyrus shouts from across the deck. “Man, Peter, moving immediately back in?” He struts over, a scowl overtaking his face. Wendi jumps to her feet, facing him.
“Keep out of this Cyrus,” I insist, locking eyes with him. “It’s not the time.”
“Then let me get out my calendar.” He stops a few feet from me, squaring his shoulders. “Why don’t you leave our crew alone? Wendi’s moved on. We all have.”
“This is not your business,” Wendi tells him.
He whips his attention her way. “Sure looks like it’s my business.”
“Quit pretending we’re a couple!” Wendi yells. “That’s never happening.”
Behind us, a crowd of curious Lost Boys starts to gather. Someone lets out a whoop. A flood of embarrassment replaces Cyrus’s tough-guy façade.
“Shut up, Wendi,” he spits out. “Why don’t you go clean the deck?”
Her eyes grow wide and her nostrils flare as she reaches back and snatches the small blade from her side. Knife extended, she lunges for him. I leap up and place an arm over her chest, blocking her from doing something she’ll regret.
“Wendi, he’s not worth it,” I insist. “I should’ve kicked him out eons ago.”
Cyrus steps within inches of me. “Not your call anymore, is it, traitor?”
I sigh, shaking my head. Arya won't like what I’m about to do.
Chapter 11
Arya
I grab James to hold him upright and lead him through the door. “Throw your arm over my shoulder,” I say once we’re out of sight.
Wordlessly, he obeys. His color seems off, and I brace for what might happen next. Living on the ocean makes most people immune to motion sickness, but what Peter did was extreme for even an ironclad stomach.
I push up, using all my strength to support his weight, but James is considerably bigger than I am. Most people are. His firm arm gives me something to hold as I keep him upright.
I let out a series of sonar clicks in the hall to ensure the space is empty before we go in. The layout of the ship immediately comes back to my brain. The crew's still outside, oohing and ahhing over Peter. I’m sure his ego’s already grown to twice its original size.
Mateo and Cyrus trail behind us, and if I’m not wrong, I just heard him say he wants to talk to James and me. I stop and crane my neck around to them, asking, “Can we have a few minutes of privacy?”
“Really?” Mateo scoffs. “Fine, but I’ll be back.” He turns back to Cyrus and motions him outside.
“Oh, and can we use your quarters again?” I ask.
An incredulous look washes over Mateo’s face and he executes an exaggerated bow. “Be my guest.” He then spins on his heel and walks out the door.
With a bit of a struggle, James and I make it into the room. Mateo doesn’t want us in here without him, but right now I don’t care. It’s the only place where we can have some privacy. In Mateo’s quarters, I help James to a seat. He gingerly lowers himself and leans back while pinching the bridge of his nose.
Out the window, Wendi saunters over to Peter. I chuckle to myself, remembering how she flicked out the knife to cut James’s restraints. If Peter deserves a scolding, she’ll be the one to give it to him.
“Thanks,” James whispers, pulling me from the activity outside.
I grab the last empty glass from the metal cabinet and fill it with clear, purified water, handing it to James. “You should sip—”
He snatches it and downs the contents in one gulp.
“If you’re not careful, that’s going to all come back up.” In case of the worst, I take a step back.
James wipes his mouth with his sleeve. “No, I’m OK now. I was really thirsty.”
I study James’s face. His coloring has returned to normal, and those ocean blue eyes I love so much have regained a trace of sparkle. I want to trust him, but Peter put him in a life-or-death situation, and I’m hyperaware that people will say anything to save themselves from certain death. James could be no different.
I lean my hip against the table and cross my arms. Let’s maintain some distance between us for now.
“So, what happened up there? Why the change of heart?”
James flicks a look at me. “Pan reminded me of your intentions.”
“Which are?”
He rolls the glass around in his hand before he leans forward to set it gently on the table to my side. “To help people in need.”
I drop my arms from my chest and graze my fingers over the edge of the table. My breath qui
ckens with the idea that James may see me again. Not as a person who wants to hurt him. Not as a killer. Really see me.
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“I know,” he sighs. “Even back when we were kids, I noticed how even though you were the youngest, you cared for and protected the Sisters. Pan, too. Don’t think I wasn’t aware that it was you stealing the guard’s cookies to give to him.”
James’s mention of the cookies overwhelms me with one of the few positive memories of growing up with Peter in Nerissa’s lab. Even though he never admitted it, he enjoyed my gifts.
James continues. “It’s always been like you could somehow see into people’s souls … good or bad.”
I shake my head. “I used to think that until Peter left me that night. I didn’t read him quite right. He left us all behind.”
James looks away. “We all made mistakes that night.”
“We did. I did.” I slide into the seat next to James. “I know that now. I’m so sorry for what I did to you and your Father.” Without thinking, I touch his bicep. A burst of electricity resonates through me. “Please don’t let one night of mistakes destroy what we had. Despite the risk, I’m willing to offer Peter a chance. Trust me, too.”
James glances at me, eyes full of sadness. “I was so angry. It felt as if I opened up to you and you used it for your own gain. After you were gone, I replayed the whole night in my head a thousand times, and to make matters worse, Nerissa blamed me that Dad could have been killed. Then when you started the attacks with the Sisters, it made everything even worse. People gossiped about it. There were constant jibes at the part I played in your escape and how you used the gifts she gave you against her.”
“Gifts?” I pull down my collar to expose my gills. “These are a curse. I never asked for them. They were forced on me. It’s an ability that was always about Nerissa’s selfish gain.”
James nods. “I know, but when lies are all you hear, it’s difficult to work out the truth. Nerissa would remind me of how much better equipped you were to handle our new world and that you should be grateful for of it. In the back of my mind, I knew the kind of person you were. I simply became blind to it. Nerissa believes her actions are warranted. That they will benefit humanity.”
NeverSea: Echoes of the Lost (Book One) Page 7