Immortals of Indriell- The Collection

by Melissa A. Craven

  A responsibility I would be delighted to share with you.

  I don’t think so. She couldn’t stand the thought of disciplining her friends.

  Neither can I. He stormed out of the room.

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  THIRTY-NINE

  Aidan took the stage to kick off the Springtime Ball with his signature version of Vivaldi’s Spring—much to the delight of the crowd. Later, Allie cheered for his rock rendition of Bach’s Chaconne. He played throughout the evening, most often choosing her favorite songs. But every time he left the stage and returned to Kayla’s side, it felt like a rejection.

  You can’t have it both ways, Lex.

  How do you do that? Sometimes he could see into her deepest thoughts no matter how hard she blocked him.

  You wear your feelings on your face. It’s not mind reading.

  Aidan, I just—

  I know. It’s okay.

  Save me at least one dance?

  Of course, I was merely attempting to give you and Vince some space tonight.

  ~~~

  Halfway through the evening, Headmistress Miller took the stage to announce the Springtime King and Queen. Allie and Vince watched with their friends as the hopeful girls crowded the stage, waiting with bated breath for the announcement.

  “I so don’t get this ritual.” Allie wrinkled her nose in disgust.

  “It’ll be you up there,” Vince said.

  “Watch your mouth!”

  “Well I voted for you. And by the way, I’m digging this backless thing,” he murmured appreciatively. Chloe outdid herself with Allie’s dress. Her skirt was a flouncy, ball gown in a tattered silvery gray fabric, and her top was a simple backless halter. She was tempted to wear flip-flops, but Sasha threatened to chop her feet off if she didn’t wear at least three inches.

  He’s got a point, you look hot. And I kinda voted for you too.

  I’m throwing punches if I hear my name!

  To no one’s surprise, Aidan was crowned King. He took the stage with his typical cool arrogance, but she knew he loathed the attention.

  “Our Springtime Queen is—Alexis Carmichael!” Mrs. Miller announced to the cheering crowd.

  “No!” Allie cried. Vince pushed her toward the stage with a quick kiss to her forehead and a grin that said he knew she was pissed.

  Prom Queen?

  Get your butt up here, Red. I’m not doing this alone.

  Allie slowly shuffled up to the stage; her face flushed with embarrassment she hoped would come off as excitement.

  I’m such a freaking cliché! She winced when Mrs. Miller placed the crown on her head and someone shoved a bouquet of red roses into her arms.

  Be nice.

  At least you were prepared for this!

  Lex, you’re popular, nice and hot. How is this a shock?

  Oh … shut up.

  They’re just responding to our power. We’re intimidating but somehow still fascinating. I think they see us as the unattainable; something they know they’ll never be.

  Allie just wanted to disappear. She and Aidan led a slow dance under a single spotlight, their cheap tinsel crowns glittering in the light.

  You do realize this means even our peers think we should be together? He smirked down at her.

  You’re already on my list, buddy.

  I seem to stay there, babe. Relax, in a hundred years, we’ll still be young and beautiful and they’ll all be dead, so none of this high school crap even matters. His eyes danced with amusement.

  Dead? She looked around the banquet hall at all their friends. That’s so sad. Her eyes filled with tears.

  Sorry, bad joke. I forgot about your mortal brain. Let’s make the most of this, shall we? He gave a curt nod to the DJ and the music changed.

  Aidan whirled her around the dance floor to the sweet melody with a lyric that spoke of his concern about her dreams. He chose the perfect slow song, and it was comforting, hearing his gentle reminder that they really were just dreams.

  ~~~

  “Where’s your crown, Short Stuff?” Vince asked as they strolled through the gardens just beyond the ballroom. The city lights twinkled all around them, but the street noise was distant beyond the walled garden.

  “Stuffed in a planter back there with my shoes.” She gestured over her shoulder. “I’m just glad I had the foresight to bring flats.”

  “The look on your face was priceless,” he said as they took a seat on a bench. “I know you’re about ten minutes away from stuffing that fancy dress in a planter. Let’s get out of here soon? I’ll even spring for cheeseburgers and shakes.”

  “Cheers to that! I love you,” she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “Love you, too.”

  “I owe Aidan one more dance, then let’s go find this girl some jeans.”

  “And I promised Kayla a dance.”

  “I’ll be in soon.” I’m just going to rest my feet for a minute.”

  Sorry about that. Ever since the Naomi incident, she felt guilty whenever she and Vince had an intimate moment.

  Hey, you love him. It’s kinda hard to deny it since I have a half-crush on him myself, thanks to our shared brain.

  Sorry, she laughed as she headed back inside. She halted at the door when she noticed a strange, but familiar, flickering. Quinn and Sasha were locked in a shocking embrace; so distracted they didn’t even notice her. He was using his gift to hide them, but Allie could easily see through his cloak.

  I’m so stupid! She stepped back, not wanting to disturb them. In all the months of their close friendship, she never once suspected there was anything between them.

  Am I so self-absorbed I didn’t even notice? She ducked into the alley and headed around the building to the front entrance.

  They’ve been head over heels since they were kids, but they don’t make the best couple.

  They obviously love each other; why resist it?

  Is that supposed to be a serious question, Alexis Ann? Can we not talk about my sister’s love life? I, like all of her brothers, prefer to pretend she doesn’t have one.

  Sorry.

  Lex, where are you?

  “I knew I’d catch you on your own eventually,” a woman’s voice rang out from the shadows.

  Allie knew she was in trouble. She didn’t recognize the woman as Coalition by her appearance—she just knew it.

  Aidan! Get the others and get out of here!

  We’re not leaving you!

  There was something vaguely familiar about the tattooed woman. She was beautiful, despite her piercings, smoky eyes, and evil sneer. Dressed all in black, she would have blended with the night if it were not for her white blond hair, braided tightly to reveal her shaved head beneath.

  It can’t be! But she was the girl with Vince at the beach party so many months ago. She wasn’t alone, either. A man had followed as Allie wandered down the alley so lost in thought with Aidan she hadn’t even noticed.

  Don’t let them near you! He rushed from the dance floor, snarling at Graham to stay inside with Chloe while he searched for Quinn and Sasha.

  In the gardens, Allie said absently, staring at the man with a strange circular weapon at the ready.

  Distract them, and so help me, you better fight back! He reacted as if he were her commanding officer, which she supposed he was. Quinn’s coming around from the front. Sasha and I are behind you. Be careful!

  “Jon, is it her?” the woman asked.

  “I can’t be sure, Ella, but this one’s definitely not on record. Livia will be pleased even if this isn’t the girl.”

  “We’ll gather the others, too, just in case. Get her collared. How many total?”

  “The three girls for sure, but maybe as many as six. I couldn’t get a clear read on the boys.” Jon flicked the magnetic collar open and took another step closer.

  Do not let them get that thing near you, Allie!

  She felt something primal rise up within her and knew sh
e would not hesitate.

  That’s my girl! You’ve got this!

  Aidan, what are they talking about? What girl?

  No idea.

  “Don’t come any closer!” Allie snarled, stopping the man in his tracks.

  “Jon! I’ve never seen you waiver like that! What’s wrong with you?” Ella rolled her eyes.

  “This one’s different. She’s strong.” He took another wary step.

  Allie watched as Jon fought the instincts that told him to keep his distance. He knew what she was and it left him more cautious than most.

  “Stop!” Allie’s command rang out loud and clear. Her tone brokered no argument, but the sound of gunshots distracted everyone.

  “Idiots!” Ella hissed.

  Aidan!

  We’re fine. There’re two more back here, but we’ll handle it. Focus on what’s in front of you. That’s a seasoned agent, and he’s confused by your power. Use it to your advantage! He slammed a solid block against her, stronger than ever before.

  She had no time to think about his predicament as Jon took advantage of her hesitation to move in closer.

  With nearly perfect reflexes, she grabbed his arm and twisted violently, his bones snapping like twigs beneath her grip. He shrieked when she forced him to his knees, pinning his shattered arm behind him until he dropped the collar.

  Allie breathed a sigh of relief when Quinn moved silently to her side, cloaked in his gift.

  “Jon!” Ella shouted. Allie turned to face her, confident Quinn had her back.

  She removed her Boleadora bracelet. Sliding the bead into place, she released the coil and twirled the chain, like Gregg taught her.

  “Watch out, Allie!” Quinn called softly.

  She glanced back to see Jon reaching for his gun. Quinn’s powerful kick sent it clattering across the pavement, seemingly of its own accord.

  “What the hell?” Ella gaped at Quinn’s sudden appearance. Allie aimed and released her weapon, feeling a surge of elation when the chain tightened around the girl’s arm. The tiny blades engaged, injecting the potent tranquilizer that dropped her like a dead weight.

  “Nice!” Quinn praised. “Your aim sucks. How’d you manage that?”

  “Progress under pressure, I suppose.” She shrugged. They turned together to face Jon before he could recover.

  “Sit!” Quinn barked, and he slumped back to the ground instantly. Allie stared at her friend in awe. She and Aidan got so much credit for their strength; she often forgot how talented their friends were.

  Aidan, Where are you?

  I’m dealing with a situation back here. The other two are tailing Sasha. She’s leading them back around to you guys and I’ll come from this side. If we can box them into the alley, we can take them. Are you okay? He let his mental block slip for a brief moment, but it was long enough. He was covered in blood, stooped over a prone body. Don’t look, Allie! He slammed the block back into place, but she saw the victim’s face, it was Vince, and he was dying.

  “AIDAN! NO!” She stumbled to her knees, beating against the barrier he’d erected to protect her. “Aidan, please!” she sobbed.

  “Allie! What’s wrong?” Quinn shouted. She looked up just in time to see Jon strike him with the butt of his knife. Quinn went down hard, and an instant later the collar snapped around his throat.

  “NO!”

  Tires screeched to a halt behind her. Someone hit her hard, knocking the breath from her lungs. The sound of metal against metal filled her ears as something cold and heavy settled around her throat. A wave of lethargy hit her like a tidal wave and she stumbled awkwardly to the ground.

  ALLIE! Aidan’s voice was distant and tinny. It was like a punch in the gut when their precious connection faded into oblivion.

  AIDAN! She recoiled at the empty echo in her mind. He was gone. The fire in her core was gone and she couldn’t touch her power.

  “Lane, get Ella in the van! Now!” Jon ordered. He dragged Quinn, hefting him over his shoulders. “Jake, get the girl.”

  Within seconds, they peeled away. Allie sat in horrified silence, utterly stunned by how easily they were taken.

  God, Aidan! Please don’t let him die!

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  FORTY

  “These guys aren’t typical Coalition,” Quinn muttered for her ears alone. “Something’s way off.” They drove slowly through the Warehouse District along the river, just blocks from the banquet hall at Playhouse Square.

  The van rolled to a stop at an old hat factory with boarded up windows and graffiti covered walls. It was set apart from the refurbished warehouses that served as bars and trendy restaurants at street level, and luxury apartments above; like this one last building was skipped in the revitalization of the district. Jake and Lane shoved them into the deserted parking lot beneath the Shoreway Bridge.

  Allie knew from her lessons with Daniel that this was not how they normally operated. It was customary for the Coalition to stay constantly on the move until they had you safely behind the walls their prisons.

  “We’ve only gone a few blocks,” she whispered.

  “I have a bad feeling about these guys,” Quinn said.

  “Jake! Lane! Get them inside and don’t let them get too comfortable in those collars.” Jon sneered. “Keep them on edge, this one especially.” He pushed Quinn into a dark room.

  Allie found herself sprawled on the floor beside him, her ball gown tangled around her legs. She hastily covered her sai, grateful that Gregg insisted she arm herself for the evening, and for Imogen’s concealment gift. She couldn’t use them now—she was too weak. She would wait for the perfect moment, and hope it was enough.

  Allie wasn’t at all prepared for what came next when Lane’s foot slammed into her face.

  “Aw, the little princess is surprised!” he cackled. The blow shattered her jaw and blood filled her mouth. He kicked her stomach with his steel-toed boots, snapping her ribs. Allie curled into a ball to protect herself, but she refused to cry

  “Don’t worry, doll, your kind heals unnaturally fast, but with that collar I promise it’ll be nice and slow.” He grinned suggestively as he pulled her up by the hair. “But we can’t be too careful. It’s best to keep you weak and injured.”

  “Don’t touch her!” Quinn snarled, but Jake slammed a baseball bat into his back and proceeded to beat him for sport.

  “I’ll go a little easier on you, princess.” Lane dragged her across the room. Allie choked as he backhanded her. Rage boiled inside her, and she spit in his face. She couldn’t stop him, but she wasn’t about to lie down and take a beating.

  He moved to strike again, but she reacted on impulse, catching his arm in mid-air, but her strength just wasn’t there, and it only angered him. She paid for it with a fist to her mangled jaw. Before she collapsed in defeat, she managed to land a kick squarely in his crotch.

  “You’ll pay for that, too.” He advanced on her. Her body buckled under the force of his powerful fists. He finally dragged her back to her feet, pinning her arms behind her. She was horrified when the delicate silk of her halter ripped and fell to her waist, baring her to his leering gaze.

  “Well, those don’t belong on a sixteen-year-old.” He grinned lecherously. “You’re older, aren’t you, doll? What are you? Four, five hundred years old?”

  Allie trembled in fear as he held her trapped against his chest. “I’ll kill you for this,” she said coldly.

  “Come on, doll-face. We’re just getting started.” His hands inched slowly upward. She trembled in fear of what this man might do to her.

  Quinn shot across the room in outrage, knocking her to the floor. She clutched at her dress, ashamed of the angry sobs she couldn’t control.

  “Don’t you dare touch her!” It took everything Quinn had, but he got his hands around Lane’s throat. Just when he was about to snap his neck, Jake’s bloodied bat crashed into Quinn’s skull with a sickening crunch. He fell in a heap without a sound. Allie sc
rambled to his side, wiping the blood from his face. She watched helplessly as he gasped for breath.

  “That’s enough fun for now.” Ella stumbled into the room. She was barely alert, obviously still fighting the effects of the tranquilizer. “Lock them in the cellar.”

  Allie struggled as Lane pulled her from Quinn’s side, locking her arms securely behind her back. She stiffened in defiance when Jon laughed at her predicament.

  “How’s that arm?” She glared fiercely, holding her head high. He cradled his crushed arm in a makeshift sling. Somehow it made her feel better that she’d put up a good fight. That wouldn’t heal easily.

  “Fine, sweetheart, how’s that face?”

  “This little scratch? You know, you should try fighting your own battles sometime, sweetheart.” Her bravado was totally false, but she refused to let him see she was scared out of her mind.

  “Ahh, but my feisty little darling, you have the unfair advantage.”

  “Tell your brainless goons to back off and I’d say we’re a pretty even match with your fancy little collar.”

  “Enough! Jon. Cellar. Now!” Ella snapped.

  The last of Allie’s resolve crumbled when she saw the shallow dirt hole no more than four feet wide and maybe a foot deep. Probably a secret storage space used to hide contraband goods at some distant point in the past, but it was an all too familiar sight. She’d spent a great deal of time staring at that “cellar” in her nightmares.

  With a kick, Lane sent her flying headfirst into their prison. Jake dumped Quinn beside her. She choked on her screams when the half rotted door closed. They were plunged into darkness and her nightmare was alive.

  “No! Please!” she shrieked, clutching the cold damp earth beneath her. She beat her fists on the door. “Please don’t!” Her heart hammered in her chest as she raked her nails across the splintered wood until her fingers were bloody nubs. She could hear muffled voices above, but couldn’t make out what they were saying over her sobs.

  “Allie.” Quinn finally roused. “Stop.” He reached to still her hands. “Don’t think about the tight space, just take long deep breaths and close your eyes.”