Jonah's Salvation [The Order of the Mist 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Abbie Carlisle

  The guard had been cruel to them, too. Many days she’d watched them being dragged from their cells to be taken to another location and had screamed in fury until her throat burned to let them go. Tears had fallen onto her cheeks but they’d never discussed what had happened to them when they’d returned. They’d both agreed it was better that she didn’t know. Emilia knew they wanted to protect her and she’d cherished their kindness.

  They had been her lifeline and over the years she’d cared for them deeply. If she ever escaped, she would find them and free them. She owed them that much for keeping her alive. She looked up at Harvey with contempt in her eyes.

  “I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I chose Alana over you?” Harvey’s tone was arrogant and his voice made Emilia cringe with every word.

  Emilia ignored him. She would never reveal her thoughts or feelings to him. He would use them to make her suffer and she would never put Tarrant or Gideon in further danger by revealing to Harvey that she cared for them. There was nothing Harvey could say to her that would change how she felt about him and she didn’t really give a shit about his reasons for anything.

  “I know that you’re dangerous when you and Alana are together. I went to your parent’s house and spoke to them. I convinced them I was there to help find you and they were more than willing to talk to me. They never realized who I was or that I had you under my control, but I did manage to find out some very interesting details about you both. You in particular. I was told you had a special ability that meant I couldn’t allow you to be around my League. Alana doesn’t possess your powers. She has a kinder heart.” Harvey smiled as Emilia raised her head. The shock on her face was satisfying.

  Emilia stared at him. He had spoken to their parents! Had he hurt them or, worse still, killed them? Her hatred for him intensified. She tried desperately to disguise any concern on her face. He would love to see that. She knew he wanted to cause a reaction and she’d be damned if she would ever allow that. No matter how distressed she felt at the thought of her parents suffering at Harvey’s hand, she would keep her feelings buried inside.

  “You are a fool if you believe your own words. Being that naive will cost you your life and I cannot wait for that day. It will be a pleasure to watch you fall at our feet.” The corners of Emilia’s lips curved slowly as she watched for Harvey’s reaction.

  “Do you honestly think that Alana has been with you here because she cares for you? I know she would despise you as much as I do.” It was her turn to taunt him. His arrogance annoyed the hell out of her. The sweet taste of payback was fun. The man was a delusional idiot if he honestly believed that Alana did not possess the power that she did. It may be the mirror image of her own, but it was still just as deadly.

  Harvey felt his control evaporate. He lunged forward and grabbed Emilia by her arms, dragging her to her feet. She was light in his hands and her bones felt hard through her sweater. He pulled her close to his face and he stared at her opaque skin. Her breath fanned at his face and he could see the hard line of her lips as he snarled at her. Those fierce eyes of hers showed no flicker of fear as he gripped her arms harder.

  “You know nothing of Alana’s feelings for me! She has been here with me all this time and has often left the Headquarters. She has always returned. You think she has tried to find you. She has not! That I can assure you!” Anger pulsed through his muscles. Emilia’s words had caused him to lose control and he didn’t care if he was hurting her. He missed Alana desperately. Emilia was a pawn in his plan and her life was only to serve his purpose as far as he was concerned.

  Harvey released Emilia and she slumped back to the floor.

  She watched him walk to the door, open it, and storm out of the room. The loud bang as the door smashed closed against the frame vibrated through her ears. The male was a complete moron and she’d hit a nerve. Alana hated him as much as she did. Her smile spread wider across her face.

  She knew he needed her alive. She hoped in her heart that Alana had broken free of her own personal prison. The surroundings might be a little more comforting than what she’d had to endure, but the prison had still been the same. At least if one of them was free, then they could go for help. She just wasn’t sure who would come and help her.

  Harvey stormed out into the corridor and down toward the stairs. He’d let Emilia’s words affect him, which had surprised him. He’d given her the satisfaction of seeing his pain. When it came to Alana, his emotions were always confusing. He’d had to do what was necessary to keep her with him, even though it had hurt her and in the beginning it was easy.

  When he’d learned of their existence, he was enthralled with the idea of possessing such uniqueness. Knowing that they were dangerous meant it was just a case of keeping them apart. Over time though, he’d started to see Alana in a different light. He’d spent hours watching her walk around the grounds. Her hair was long and luscious and the gentle curve of her body had started to create emotions inside his heart. He’d not wanted to start caring for her, but he’d had no control. Her deep seductive eyes had turned him on and his desire for her had roller-coasted out of control.

  Alana would not have escaped though if his guards had not been so incompetent. He’d bred them to give the League more power and defend the Headquarters, and it still enraged him that The Order had found out about Alana and taken her. Harvey’s mind whirled with questions. How had they found her?

  Alana had been working in the office and had gone out for the evening. When she’d returned, she’d refused to tell him where she’d been. The next morning The Order had broken in and taken her. Had she gone willingly, or had The Order taken her by force? The lack of forthcoming answers annoyed him.

  Realization hit him, halting him in his stride. James! Harvey stood frozen as his mind began to pieces the puzzle together. The only person from The Order who knew anyone inside the Headquarters was James. He was now with The Order and was the only one who would have been able to contact Alana without suspicion. But why Alana? Did she even know James?

  If The Order knew about Alana being kept against her will, and that he’d kept Emilia locked away to keep Alana with him, then they would definitely come to rescue Emilia. A satisfied smile crossed his face. He’d always assumed he would have to go out and hunt them down, but this was perfect. They would come here and he’d be able to destroy them one by one. Especially now that he had his League of Mist guards that were powerful. All he had to do now was make sure Emilia was secure just long enough to get Alana back where he wanted her.

  Harvey descended the stairs and headed to the security room. They would come in numbers and he needed to be ready. He had to ensure that the outside perimeter was secure and ensure that his guards knew that Alana was not to be harmed. Kill the males of The Order, by all means, but return the female to him. Once he had her back in his Headquarters, he would ensure that she would never be able to leave. This time, he would make sure his guards didn’t fuck up.

  Chapter 19

  The first SUV belonging to The Order arrived outside the Headquarters as darkness descended. The streetlamps gave just enough light, shining soft cream embers on the road, to allow Lucian to pull up next to the security fence at the back of the Headquarters. He’d turned off his headlights, so as not to draw attention to his arrival and stared at the tall, shadowed building. The main security entrance that led to an elaborate fountain lay at the front, but to the rear, only maintained lawns sat with the odd oak tree scattered at different intervals.

  Turning off the engine, Lucian waited with Jenson, Tobias, and James for the second vehicle to arrive. They’d left Genesis shortly after the mating of Jonah and Alana, and Lucian had been elated that his brother had found true happiness. Jonah had always been solely dedicated to the protection of The Order and while he knew he would continue to protect them, he would now have the love from his female to enjoy. No one deserved that more than Jonah and he envied his friend. Jonah had suffered greatly through
his life but now he had a future full of hope.

  Lucian had watched Jonah lead Alana to the second vehicle before they had driven through the security gates at Genesis. It had still been cold but he could feel the temperature of the air rise as they’d headed into town. Spring was on its way and Lucian couldn’t wait until it was warm enough for the males to train outdoors instead of in the gym. The cold never bothered Lucian and he’d spent hours running the perimeter of Genesis. The faster he ran, the stronger he felt, and running in the summer sun always made him feel energized.

  Jonah had been less than enthusiastic about Alana joining them. He had flatly refused in the beginning but Alana had convinced him somehow that she needed to be there. Lucian wasn’t quite sure what had transposed between them but if he was in Jonah’s position, he wasn’t sure that he would have been able to compromise. It must have been something pretty amazing to get Jonah to back down. The male was a control freak and the security of The Order was always forefront in all decisions that Jonah made.

  Lucian turned and stared at James. “Can you tell how many guards are securing the perimeter?”

  James stared at the Headquarters. From the rear he could see shadows flickering across the grass areas but could only see the guards that secured the corners on right hand side of the building. Light shone from the windows and he could see two guards standing rigid on the balcony on the first floor.

  “I can sense six guards plus the two that are guarding that balcony. There are guards patrolling each corner of the building, plus two by the front entrance. We can assume that is where Emilia is being held.” James pointed to the first floor where they could see two dark shadows, stark against the light from inside the room behind them.

  “Can you sense where Harvey is?” Tobias sat in the back surveying the fence. He noticed the gate which he was sure was the entrance that Alana had spoken about.

  “Harvey is inside. He’s on the lower floor, as I can’t sense any other Mist on the other floors except the two guards and another Mist inside the room. Whoever is in there does not have much energy for me to lock onto. It must be Emilia. She is weak.” James felt saddened at the thought of Alana’s sister suffering. When he’d met Alana, he’d liked her kindness and her spirit. Her sister didn’t feel the same way. It was as if she was distant and withdrawn.

  “How long before Luca arrives?” Jenson wanted to get inside. He felt edgy, which so was unlike him. It unnerved him.

  James turned and looked at Jenson. It was confusing, but he could sense the unease of his brother. “You okay?”

  “Yep, just want to get in there and get Emilia out.” Something was pulsing at his heart. He could feel his skin prickly against his black sweater and the heat in the vehicle was insane. Even though the others seemed quite comfortable, Jenson found his muscles tensing.

  Luca arrived and pulled up behind The Order’s SUV. He turned off his engine and tried hard not to look in the rear view mirror. Jonah had sat in the back with his arm around Alana all the way and Luca had heard them talking quietly as they’d made their way through the chilly night onto the highway. He’d not wanted to disturb them and had turned on the radio, humming to the tune as they traveled.

  Luca noticed that the roads surrounding the Headquarters were quiet and the only people that had ventured out were at least heading in the opposite direction. It would be best if no one was around. Five males dressed in black pants and black sweaters, carrying weapons would draw attention. If they were to rescue Emilia safely, they would need to get in and out quickly without any attention from humans.

  Jonah stared into Alana’s deep brown eyes. Her worried gaze hadn’t relented the whole way to the Headquarters. Jonah knew she was terrified. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his tight hold and take her fear away. He cherished her and her happiness was all that mattered. That was why they were there now. She needed her sister back in her life and he would do anything and everything to ensure his mate had what she needed.

  She would be close and he’d promised her she could come but he still didn’t like the idea of her anywhere near Harvey. His trust in Luca was unquestionable but there was always the risk to her safety.

  “I need to speak to Lucian and James. I won’t be long. We’ll go inside, get Emilia and I’ll return to you quickly. You must stay inside the SUV with Luca.” He leaned forward and placed his lips on hers. The love he felt for her flowed between them. Her taste seduced him as he inhaled her beautiful scent. As he pulled away, he smiled.

  Alana nodded, unable to speak. Her breathing had elevated to almost a pant and her chest expanded rapidly as her body heated with fear. She clasped her hands together so Jonah couldn’t see her shaking. She felt sick at the thought of Jonah going inside. If anything happened to him, she would die along with him. She tried hard to push the thought to the back of her mind. Alana watched as Jonah climbed from the SUV and turned.

  “Make sure she doesn’t move. Lock the doors and don’t open them for anyone. Keep her safe, Luca.” The demand in his tone left Luca with no confusion at his distress at leaving her.

  “As if she were my own, Jonah,” Luca promised.

  Luca understood the gravity of his task. Securing the safety of the first Lord’s mate was not something he could fail at. Jonah would never forgive him. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her. He nodded as Jonah closed the door and walked toward the SUV parked in front of him. Luca turned to see tears fall onto Alana’s cheeks.

  “He’ll be fine. He’s the strongest of us all. I would definitely not want to be on the wrong side of him. He’s a badass!”

  Alana sat in the back of the SUV and watched as Jonah and the other males of The Order headed toward the small gate at the back of the security fence. Sitting there, she felt powerless. It was an all-too-familiar feeling. For years, she’d felt helpless to find her sister. She’d wanted to help The Order, but Jonah had been adamant about her not going inside. But did that mean there wasn’t something else she could do to help them? She’d helped them upload the program and while she’d gotten hurt, she had secured that they could access the camera system. Maybe if she could get through to Emilia, she could work out a way to help her get out onto the balcony so The Order could rescue her without going inside the building. She knew it was a long shot though.

  She’d not told Jonah or the other members of The Order about their ability to speak to each other using their minds. It had been such a long time and they’d only ever done it when they’d been young. She wasn’t even sure if they would still be able to communicate, but it was worth a try. She needed to do something.

  Alana glanced at Luca and then back at Jonah and the other males of The Order. They had scaled the fence by the gate and were making their way stealthily across the lawn. It was an incredible sight to see Lucian move at his intense speed as he reached the cover of an oak tree. Jonah’s immense shadow followed as Tobias headed across the lawn toward the left side of the building.

  It wouldn’t be long before Jonah and The Order would be by the back door and then inside. Once they were in there, Alana wouldn’t be able to see where they were. She’d agreed to stay in the car but it was becoming harder to just sit there and do nothing. Now was as good a time as any to try and attempt to speak to Emilia.

  Alana closed her eyes and concentrated her mind. It was more a case of thinking what she wanted to say and hoped that Emilia’s mind was open to hearing her.

  “Emilia, can you hear me?” Alana thought through her mind.

  Silence surrounded her. All she could hear was the soft sound of Luca breathing.

  “Emilia, please! If you can hear me, just let me know somehow.” Alana waited, hoping to hear the faintest of sound.

  “Alana, is that you?”

  Alana’s heart jolted at the sound of her sister’s voice. She’d not heard her sweet voice in so long and it brought tears to her eyes. The last time she’d spoken to her had been when they’d met up before Harvey had take
n her and she missed her, desperately.

  “Emilia, it’s Alana. I know you’re at the Headquarters and I’ve come to get you out. There are males here with me and they’re making their way in. Please don’t be afraid of them and don’t let on to any guards there that you can hear me.”

  “I’m in a room with a red-colored carpet. No one is in the room with me, but there are two guards outside on the balcony. How are the males getting in?”

  Alana smiled. She was in her old room and that meant that they could get her out and across the lawn quickly. At least they’d not secured her in the security room. The guards by the front entrance would have caused their escape to become more difficult.

  “I know which room you’re in. I’ll let the males know. Don’t move and remain quiet. They should be with you in a few minutes.”

  Alana knew that she had to somehow get the information to Jenson that Emilia was in her room. She’d shown them on the map where it was which would help Jonah and The Order to get to her quickly.

  “Jenson, if you can hear me, Emilia is in the room that I was held in. It’s on the first floor down the left corridor.” Alana knew that Jenson couldn’t speak to her but hoped that he could at least read her mind.

  As Alana opened her eyes, she saw Luca staring at her. Her cheeks blushed as she gazed at the frown on his face.

  “What’s going on?” Luca had seen the expression on her face and knew she was hiding something from him.

  “I just spoke to Emilia. We can communicate with our thoughts. It’s a twin thing. I wasn’t sure if we would be able to anymore.” The fact that they’d been kept apart for so long and hadn’t spoken to each other with their minds since they were children made Alana think that maybe they’d lost the ability. She wasn’t really sure why she’d not mentioned it to The Order sooner, but with all that had happened since she’d received that call from James a few days ago, it hadn’t been in the forefront of her thoughts.