“You need to get back there and see what you see. Don’t let anyone suspect you’re anything more than a clueless kid out for a good time. Watch, and then tell his parents. He doesn’t have much time left.”
“Why are you helping him?”
“Because I’m not an asshole. And he’s a friend.” Jim turned to walk away. “Oh, and he’s going to need all of you to be there when it happens.”
“What?”
“I have no idea. It’s just a feeling I get every now and then.” He shrugged. “That feeling and the scent of apples. It’s driving me crazy.”
Before Allie could respond, Jim had slipped into the crowd and disappeared.
Did you hear that? Allie asked.
“Every word,” Aidan said and she turned to find him right behind her. Don’t tell Sasha. She’ll lose it.
What should we do?
I don’t know yet. You think we can trust him?
Yes. My judgy gift likes him.
That’s good enough for me. Go find the others and stick together. I’ll grab Naomi and Erin and we’ll make our way around to the VIP section and meet you there.
Allie nodded and left to find Sasha and Darius.
“What do you make of the brand?” Allie asked as they filled their glasses at the champagne fountain.
“I’ve seen that mark,” Sasha said.
“Me too.” Allie gave her a wary look, wondering what her friend knew about the symbol.
“I’ve seen it before. Just like that guy. A brand.”
“Where did you see it, Sash?” Darius asked.
“While I was working for the Senate this summer.”
It was the first time she’d ever mentioned her brief job with the Senate.
“Do you know what it means?”
“No, but if we can figure that out, it might explain a lot,” she murmured, her thoughts a million miles away. “I’m going to go put some feelers out. See if anyone else has that mark.” Sasha left to wander through the crowd.
“You think we could talk our way back there?” Allie nodded toward the lounge.
“Maybe, but it looks like you’re up next.”
Allie glanced down at her shoulder to see a glowing handprint signaling it was her turn to fight. Nerves threatened to overwhelm her. Allie really didn’t like anything that put her at the center of attention. All those years alone had left her feeling self-conscious in an unfamiliar crowd, but when she saw her opponent step forward, her nerves vanished.
Naomi.
Oh shit. Aidan groaned. This is going to be bad. Please don’t kill her.
Of course not, babe. I’ll hand her back in one piece.
“This ought to be interesting,” Naomi said as she took her place in the ring.
“Entertaining for sure,” Darius added.
“Bring it,” Allie said.
“Don’t you worry, little one. I’ll bring it.”
I don’t think I can watch this. Aidan tried looking away, but he couldn’t seem to manage it. There is no good outcome here.
It’ll be fine. We’re a good match and it’s better like this than in the classroom when she’s being an overbearing witch.
You know, you two might be friends if you’d stop with all the bitter jealousy.
I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Not as long as she’s trying to worm her way into my brother’s life when she’s clearly still sleeping with you.
We broke up—
Not now. I’m a little busy.
“All right girls, I sense a good catfight brewing,” Bob said as he went over the rules with them again. “Let’s see a good show, ladies.”
At the sound of the bell, Allie reached for her sai blades. She wouldn’t actually hurt Naomi, but she wasn’t about to take a beating either.
Naomi fought with a pair of long serrated blades. They reminded Allie of Aidan’s weapon of choice and she was confident stepping up to this challenge. She’d faced Aidan’s blades often enough in training. She knew how to win this fight. This would be the only one she’d win, though. She didn’t need everyone here to see what she could do. Especially those watching and placing bets.
Allie and Naomi circled each other, but Naomi was the first to strike. Allie never fought on the offensive. She’d always fought defensively, except when sparring with Aidan. But tonight that was going change. With her left blade tucked against her forearm, she took Naomi’s first blow with the blunt end. Before Naomi could strike again, Allie sent a zap of her solar energy into her weapon and gave her a nice little shock to keep her on her toes.
“That was childish,” Naomi said in her most patronizing tone.
“What can I say, I am a child. But at least I own it.” She circled her opponent.
Naomi was relentless, but Allie refused to give her an opening.
Some might think the animosity between the girls was about Aidan or Darius … or Liam … and to some extent, Allie had to admit that was part of it. But for her it wasn’t completely about jealousy over Naomi’s obvious connection with Aidan or her past relationship with Darius or her current relationship with Liam. It was about the way she made her way through the McBrien boys according to whatever whim struck her. One moment she seemed to have her sights set on Aidan and the next she was playing house with Liam and his daughter or flirting with Scott or Darius. Deep down, Allie knew that hurt Aidan more than he would ever admit and that was the real source of the friction between the girls.
Aidan had enough heartache in his life without Naomi stirring up more. If she truly wanted to be with him, Allie wouldn’t stand in the way of their happiness, but to watch her toy with him, that she would not tolerate.
But isn’t that what you’re doing to him, Allie? she asked herself. A huge part of her wanted to just be with him and damn the consequences. But her same old fears kept her from letting that happen. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—risk losing him. But when she wavered, when her resolve slipped, she knew she was no better than Naomi.
Could you please keep your mind on the fight? I can’t handle much more of this, Lex.
What? Ew. Aidan, really?
I’m sorry, it’s hot, so make it stop, please?
You can’t be serious? You’re actually enjoying this?
Immensely, but my brain is going to explode. You know how I feel about you. And I do have a soft spot for Naomi, but I’m not in love with her and she knows it. I’m a big boy and I can see the difference between the way she feels about me and the way you feel about me. It’s not even close. I know you’re just afraid of losing me. But Naomi’s always wanted to be part of the McBrien family and one day she might settle on one of us, but she isn’t malicious about it. She doesn’t mean to hurt anyone. Now please finish kicking her ass so I can breathe again.
I’m working on it. Allie advanced on Naomi. Tucking her right blade in her belt, she rushed forward, gripping Naomi’s left arm to force her to drop her weapon.
In one quick motion, Naomi caught her with an elbow strike to her face and Allie went down, her blade clattering across the dirt floor.
Naomi reeled back, and the victorious sneer on her face was too much for Allie. She grasped the blue pendant around her neck, unsheathing the hidden dagger. She thrust her weapon up, just as she stood, catching Naomi’s lead strike.
Allie took advantage of her opponent’s shock, grabbing her remaining sai blade tucked in her belt. She managed to disarm Naomi of her left blade, leaving her with just one weapon. Allie retreated, only to come at her again with a running leap. She landed a flying knee strike to Naomi’s chin, taking her down long enough to relieve her other weapon, bringing an end to the fight.
“Looks like the little princess is our winner!” Bob announced, raising Allie’s arm up in triumph.
Allie took a step toward Naomi, offering her a hand up, but Naomi refused.
Hey, I tried.
Give her a break. She’s not used to losing.
Allie watched as Naomi went to Aidan’s side.
“Is my face broken?” Allie turned to Darius.
“No, killer, just a black eye and a fat lip. But you’ve got a few nasty cuts. Come here, I’ll play healer.” He checked her injuries, using butterfly bandages to stop the bleeding long enough for them to begin healing on their own.
“Allie, you broke a few fingers.” Darius taped three fingers of her right hand together to stabilize them while they healed. They would be fine in a day or two.
“Is that why it feels like an iron-hot poker is ripping through my arm?”
“That’d be it.”
“Great.”
I’ll fix it later
No, we shouldn't risk it.
Well, as soon as we leave here, I'll take care of it.
Thanks, Aidan.
I know your emotions are all caught up in some kind of twisted jealousy and need to protect me, but it would be really nice if you two could get along.
I’ll try to be nicer.
I guess that’s something.
~~~
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
Allie and Darius wandered through the crowd, making a good show of watching the fights and socializing with the other young Immortals. Some congratulated her on her win, but most kept their distance, speaking only to Darius. It was a disturbing reminder of Allie’s life before she came to Kelleys Island, back when she didn’t know it was her power that made everyone uneasy around her.
“We need to get back there, Dare,” Allie whispered. “I can see it, you know. When my gift is telling me something’s important, everything goes all green in my peripheral vision, forcing me to pay attention. It’d be nice if it would just light up like a Saint Patrick’s Day parade with arrows pointing to the important clue. But I’m pretty sure that VIP room is where we need to be.”
“I see a way we can talk our way in.”
“How?” Allie followed his gaze to a sketchy-looking Immortal standing guard at the entrance to the VIP section.
“That guy works for Mom.”
“For real?” Allie couldn’t imagine Naeemah working with such a thuggish-looking dude. He was grungy with short dreads and a scraggly beard.
“Believe it or not, she has spies all over the world.”
“Will he let us in?”
“Let’s go see. But once we’re back there, you stick to me like glue. Do not let go of my hand, you got it?”
“I'm the honey on your biscuit. Let’s go.”
They walked casually, hand in hand, up to the lounge room, guarded by the scary-looking bouncer.
“Oh, no. What are you doing here?” The bouncer’s eyes widened at the sight of Darius.
“Same as you, but it seems like I might have more range. Seeing as how I fit the Amrita profile better.”
“She will murder me. Or worse … make me murder myself.”
“She won’t ever know. Let us back there and we’ll just hang out.”
“Make it quick.” The big guy stepped aside and let them pass. “If anyone asks, you got in on the other side. If she asks, I never saw you.”
“Will do.”
Allie and Darius skirted the edge of the room set up like a swanky, high-end club with gray leather sofas and white lacquer chairs scattered about. The loud music faded and a low murmur of voices hummed as everyone focused on the fights. Some were placing bets. Everyone was drinking and not paying them any attention.
“I don’t know about you, killer, but my Spidey sense is in overdrive right now. All kinds of crime happening here—or thinking about happening.”
“I’m definitely getting some sinister vibes. Not the nicest people here,” Allie agreed.
“Let’s just act like we belong. Watch the fights and see what we see.”
“Look who’s up.” Allie nodded to the arena where Aidan faced a much larger opponent. Aidan was tall and muscular, but next to this guy, he just looked lanky.
Good luck.
Where are you?
VIP room with Dare.
What? Allie! I told you to wait for me!
We had an opportunity and took it. Don’t worry about us. Just concentrate on that big wall of a guy in front of you. We’ll be fine.
Allie looked around the room at everyone placing bets—some in Aidan’s favor due to the strength of his power, and some in the other guy’s favor due to his size.
“Do we know who the small one’s parents are?” asked a woman sitting nearby in a leather armchair. She sipped a cocktail and discussed the fighters like she was trying to pick the best horse to bet on. Preferably the one with the right pedigree.
“That is exactly the kind of thing that’s guaranteed not to be discussed here,” Darius murmured.
“We aren’t certain on that one yet.” The Amrita executive spoke in a low voice. He was dressed in a sleek black bespoke suit and held an iPad in his lap as he took his client’s bet. He divulged precious information to his client about the fighters who were told they would be protected from this very thing.
“We’ve not encountered him before. He is young, and clearly powerful, but we will collect what information we can for next time. The other young man is the better bet. He is Jeremy Lang, the eldest natural-born son of Richard and Amelia Lang, the first lieutenant governor of the southeastern region. He attends Ohio University where he is a pre-med student. A good choice for this match. His strengths lie in his swordsmanship and brawn. He is powerful, although not particularly gifted.”
“Five thousand on the brawny one, then.” The woman looked bored and not at all concerned that she was doing anything illegal.
“Not cool.” Darius looked pale in the dim light of the bar. “So much for complete anonymity.” He stepped up behind Allie as they leaned against the railing, his arms on either side of her so they could talk quietly and not look suspicious. They were just a couple getting close as far as anyone could see.
“What, you think they’re using Amrita to gather information on people?” Allie asked.
“Let’s not have that conversation here. Let’s just watch.”
Aidan was making a good show of struggling against his opponent, but Allie knew how much he was holding back.
“He’s powerful enough to kick that kid’s ass. Why isn’t he even trying?” The complaints came from more than one person who’d bet on Aidan.
Give them a little something for their money. A little fire maybe?
I’m trying not to call attention to myself.
It’s having the opposite effect.
Let’s try a little flashy, then, but pull me back if I get in the zone, okay?
I’m here. I’ll call you back. Allie watched as Aidan circled the ring with his opponent. His weapons flashed in the torchlight and she knew what would come next.
The crowd roared their approval when it looked as if the fight would end with Aidan’s defeat. But just as their swords clashed and Aidan barely managed to avoid losing his head, fire rained down from every torch circling the arena.
Aidan, that’s mean! Allie laughed as she watched a stream of fire chase Jeremy Lang around the ring like some kind of fire-breathing dragon, hot on his tail. The crowd laughed and applauded the show of power, but Jeremy was furious and came after Aidan with renewed vigor.
She could see it in his eyes, even from here. As Aidan retaliated, his movements grew more fluid and graceful and he began to take the upper hand.
Aidan, snap out of it. But she didn’t get a response. He was battling Jeremy like an Immortal five times his age and he was showing way too much to far too many prying eyes.
Come on, Aidan. You can control this!
“What is he doing?” Darius said. “Is he trying to win this?”
Aidan? Remember that night in Agra? I was so mortified the next day but you were such a gentleman about it. I’ve never been so wasted in my life. I told you I didn’t remember anything … but I lied. I remembered everything. I—
You stinking little liar! Aidan gasped. You know how bad I
felt about that!
Allie breathed a sigh of relief, happy her confession had brought him out of the zone. And you warned me about how intoxicating that would be, right? Mr. Liar-liar-pants-on-fire.
I guess we’re even. Glad you remember it. That was one of the top most frustrating nights of my life.
Agreed.
Thanks for pulling me back, Lex. You think I can officially lose this thing now?
Allie watched the spectators. Some were cheering him on and others were booing his sudden advantage.
Go for it. Yay losing!
You are such a dork.
Thank you.
“I don’t know what you two just did, but I’m glad no one is watching you right now,” Darius mumbled.
With a loud groan from the crowd, the bell rang and Jeremy was proclaimed the winner.
“Wait! No! He should have won!”
“You bet on the wrong horse, mate.”
“One more fight and I’ll pay what I owe.” Allie heard the desperate voice behind her. She and Darius drew back into the shadows, pretending to have their own quiet conversation.
“That was your last chance. You either settle for cash now, or we take the payment the hard way.”
“Uh-oh,” Darius whispered. His eyes lit with the golden light of his power and she knew he was seeing something with his gift.
“What’s happening?”
“The Immortal equivalent of busting some kneecaps.”
“What do you mean?” Allie turned to see two men escorting a third from the bar. They ducked through a curtain and Allie got a glimpse of another room, her vision tainted with green. Without thinking she ducked through the curtain to follow.
“Allie, no!” Darius tried to pull her back. Before anyone could see them, they hid behind a large crate of champagne bottles. The corner was curtained off like a makeshift stockroom behind the bar, but they had a good vantage point from their hiding place. The room beyond the storage area was huge, with dozens of important-looking people milling about. They were in the lobby entrance to the subway. The Amrita staff was busy setting up for the party that would happen there later.
Immortals of Indriell- The Collection Page 70