Gifted Connections: Book 2 by SM Olivier (2)

“You girls are bitches,” Jemmy said almost conversationally.  Then she leaned over Gavin’s other side and smiled at me.  “Tamara is intimidated by most pretty girls and her new friend is just as bad.  Why is she here again?” Jemmy pointed at Bridgette as she looked at Jax.

Jax looked slightly uncomfortable.  He always hated confrontation and was a peace maker through and through.  “Tamara likes her and wants Bridgette to feel welcome.  She’s new here.”

“Jemmy,” Will said sternly, although there was laughter and pride gleaming in his eyes.  “Language please.”  He looked over Bridgette.  “So, Collin and you both attended Pine Grove High School, but you didn’t?” he inquired, looking at me.

Bridgette’s eyes widened slightly as if she realized her faux paus and I realized in that moment she was also working with Collin and Zach.  My stomach turned as I contemplated what she had to do with all of this.  I’m sure she was babysitting the guys.  Just like Collin was babysitting me, but what was she capable of doing?

His eyebrows knitted, clearly piecing it all together, just as he was opening his mouth, I looked over at him.  “Please drop it.  Please for your, and everyone’s, safety,” I tried to compel my thoughts into his head.

His head snapped over at me, and he looked back at Bridgette.  I’m pretty sure I saw an imperceptible nod, before he took another bite of his chicken.  “I look at files all day.  It gets hard keeping track at times.” Will smiled. 

His phone began to ring, and he smiled apologetically at us before he stood up.  “I apologize for the interruption, but I must take this.” He stood up and I noticed he turned and looked at me with a puzzled expression, before he headed into his den.

“Awkward,” Tamara giggled in the silence of the room when he left.

Drake gave her a slightly annoyed look before he turned to look at Jax.  “How many people are we planning for tomorrow night?  Do you want to do some sub trays, pizza and wings maybe?”

I sat there slightly stunned.  In the past, I was able to make people do what I asked them to do, but I never tried to talk to them before.  I mean, Jaxson and I had a connection since I was ten.  We had been able to carry conversations when I was scared or angry, but I had never tried to talk to anyone else or project my voice in my head.

I felt both giddy and shocked that my gift seemed to be back.  Was it because Collin was too far away from me?  I decided to continue testing my theory out.

“Gavin,” I called silently.

His head snapped over at me and his jaw dropped.

“Don’t talk.  You can hear me?”

He looked around the table.  Then he looked down at his food and nodded his head.

“We need to leave.  Now,” I insisted.

He nodded once more and then wiped his mouth with his napkin.  “That was a delicious meal once again.  Thank you, Drake.  I think it’s time for me to head home, though,” he said before standing up and walking towards the kitchen.

“I thought you had a lesson with Remy tonight,” Jemmy said. She looked disappointed that he was leaving suddenly.

I would have giggled if the situation was slightly different.  Jemmy grew easily bored with guys, and she never clung to or demanded their attention.  The fact that she was trying to convince Gavin to stay showed me a lot.

He looked like he wanted to reach out and touch her, but then he looked around guiltily before he withdrew it.  “I’m sorry,” he said softly.  “I forgot I told my mom I was going to pick up some cat litter for her on the way home.”

Even to my ears, the excuse sounded lame. 

“Blake, would you like a ride home?” he asked suddenly.

I looked up at him and smiled.  “Sure, thanks.  Thank you for the meal, Drake.  You’re an amazing cook.”

“I can take her home,” Noah stood up quickly.

I laid a hand on his arm.  “It’s okay. Thanks, though.” I tried to sound reassuring.

I knew he wanted more answers, and he was hoping to get them from me tonight, but I had to talk to Gavin in private.

We said our good byes, and I ran upstairs to grab my bag.  I hadn’t realized that Noah had followed me up the stairs.

“Why are you running off?  I don’t think you should go home to Collin.  It doesn’t feel right.” Noah was staring down at his feet as he put his hands in his pocket.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly.  “I need to go.” At his crestfallen look, I quickly added.  “I should be able to tell you everything…soon, ok?”

He grudgingly nodded.  “Call me if you need me,” he insisted.

I smiled and reached up to give him a passionate kiss.  “I will.  Thank you.”

He smiled and pulled me in for one more kiss and I found myself reluctant to leave.

On the way out the door, I looked at Gavin.  “I’m sorry if I ruined your night. If you want, you can stay here,” I said, feeling guilty suddenly.

He shrugged, but gave me a reassuring smile.  “It’s fine.  I’m here for you.  Besides, if you’re right, I have a long time to make it up to Jemmy.”

“Have you gotten her phone number yet?” I asked, hoping to assuage my guilt.

I could see the look of hesitance enter his eyes.  “What happens if she’s just flirting and she’s not that in to me?” he rubbed the back of his neck.

“I’m sure she is, trust me,” I insisted.

“Oh, I am,” Jemmy said saucily from the doorway.

I never saw Gavin so red with embarrassment.

“Good then, it’s settled. Gavin, call Jemmy’s number so she has it.” I smiled widely.

Jemmy rattled off her number, then smiled like the cat that ate the canary.  “I’ll be expecting a text from you,” she stated. 

“Uh, okay, I will,” Gavin said, still flustered. 

“Bye,” Jemmy blew him a kiss, and I laughed as I pulled Gavin out into the mudroom.

As I opened the garage door, I smacked into a wall.  Not a literal wall, but it might as well have been.  I tripped over my own feet and landed hard on my rear.  I looked up at Remington, aka Remy, slightly stunned.

He was the tallest of the guys at well over 6’3 and built like a mountain, but he was light on his feet, thus the reason why he had been my running partner.  A longing to feel his hands through my hair left me momentarily breathless.  A pang of sadness filled me.  I wanted him, wanted them all back in my life.

“Are you okay?” his voice was filled with concern, and I realized he must have repeated himself.

I attempted to smile and stood up, brushing my butt of imaginary dirt, because I knew Sue, the housekeeper, was thorough in her job.  “Fine,” I finally murmured.  “Just suffering from a bruised ego at my clumsiness.”

Gavin couldn’t stifle his laughter.  He was aware of how nimble and sure footed I was. 

Remy’s eyebrow knitted at Gavin.  “She fell pretty hard,” he gently scolded him.

Gavin wiped a nervous hand across his mouth.  “Yeah, you’re right, sorry, Blake.”

“You’re fine.  I’m fine,” I reassured them both.

“Running out, Kincaid?” Remy asked with a raised brow.  I noticed that he was addressing Gavin, but his eyes never left me.  I would say he was assessing me for damage, but his blue/ grey eyes looked like they were dissecting me.  He was the most inscrutable one out of my guys, so it was hard to determine what he was thinking or gauge a reaction from him.

Gavin looked sheepish.  “Yeah, sorry, man.  I’m going to run Blake home and then pick up some cat food for my mom.”

“Litter,” I reminded him quietly.

“Oh yeah, litter,” he said quickly.

Remy looked at him skeptically. 

“Sorry,” Gavin said before grabbing my arm and hurrying out the door.  When we were far enough away, he looked over at me.  “What happened earlier, you’re—"

I hastily held a hand up to his mouth and pointed to my bag, miming a phone.

His eyes widened in understanding as he mouthed, ‘Sorry.”

I threw my bag, with my phone in it, in the bed of his truck as he started it up.

“Have fun listening to that conversation,” I giggled as I jumped in the truck. 

One of my favorite country songs by Lady Antebellum came on and I cranked it up.  My eyes widened as Gavin joined me in the chorus.  He had a phenomenal voice.  Who would have thought it?  I let him take the next verse, smiling and holding up my thumbs.  I joined in on the chorus once more, harmonizing with his rich baritone.

I smiled over at him.  “That was amazing.  Who knew you were hiding that voice?”

He was blushing once more.  “Thanks, I kind of do all my singing in the shower.  My mom says she loves to hear me sing, but she’s my mom, so she kind of has to say that.”

“No, she’s absolutely right.  We need to find some open mic nights.  I kind of miss the rush of the stage and having everyone screaming my name,” I winked at him, being cocky.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” he chuckled.

I smiled at him with a knowing smile.  “I have it on good authority that Jemmy’s into men that play music.”

“Really?” he asked excitedly and then gave me a mock glare.  “I’m not that easily suckered.  I don’t think,” he chuckled.  “Wanna tell me why you’re all bright-like now?  But it’s the coolest aura I’ve ever seen.  It’s rainbow like.”

“Is it?” I asked skeptically.  “Stop!” I screamed excitedly once the implications sank in.

Gavin stomped on the brake and I was thrown forward.  I winced as I felt the seat belt dig into my chest sharply despite the fact that he had thrown out a forearm to catch me. 

“I have to show you.  Somewhere private, though.”  I said sheepishly, gingerly rubbing the spot that hurt the most.  I sighed knowing it was another beating my body had taken that day.  My bottom, arms, and chest would be an interesting sight tomorrow.

His head whipped over at me, perturbed.  “Holy crap, don’t scare me like that again.  I thought I was going to hit something.” Then he frowned in concern when he noticed my pain.  “Are you okay?”

Instantly I pushed my pain away.  I had plenty of time to deal with it…later.  “I haven’t shown you or told you everything.  I need to show you before Collin blocks me again.”  I was bouncing up and down with excitement.

He pulled over into an old access road. “You’re not afraid Collin’s going to notice this stop?”

I shrugged.  “He shouldn’t have bruised me.  I’m going to throw that in his face for a while.” I smiled and winked at him.

He frowned.  “I really wish you wouldn’t go back,” he said quietly, then he looked out the window as he put the truck in park.  “I’ve seen too many battered women and children come into our shelter, some never come back at all and I’m left wondering if they’re still alive.  I know some of them aren’t.”

“I’m sorry, Gavin,” I said as I imagined warm, comforting feelings and pushed them towards him.  “I know it must be hard on you, but I have to do this.  If I were to come out and tell the guys now, and they believe me, I’m still left with wondering who’s after us and how many of them there are.  They’ve gone to great lengths to separate us, and I don’t think they’ll stop.”

He looked at me in confusion.  “I’m still afraid for you, but I feel this warmth suddenly, this reassurance.”

I smiled at him, even though the situation was grave.  “Jace is an empath.”

He nodded, still confused.  “I know that.”

“When I made one of my connections, not Jace, I somehow attained that gift too,” I smiled.

His jaw dropped.  “You’re effin with me,” he denied vehemently.

I giggled as I produced a small flame in one hand, put a force field around the whole vehicle, and projected a vision of Jemmy waving at us from the front of the truck, “Believe me now?” I asked him from my head. 

“No wonder, they’re afraid of you guys,” he breathed out in awe.

I dropped all my gifts at once, suddenly feeling exhausted.  It had been too long since I used my gifts, let alone all of them at once, and it drained me quickly.  “Every time I made a connection I also picked up a new gift.  Unlike you, I kept the gifts.  The first gift I got was the empath, which is Jace’s gift, then I obtained the ability to create fire, Troy’s gift, then there was the force field from Drake, followed by the gift of illusion, Jaxson’s gift.  I just wish I knew if I attained a new gift tonight, but I have no energy to try to see if I have super human strength, Remy’s gift, or the gift of healing,” I said wearily as I slumped on the center console of his truck.

“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

I nodded.  “Yes, I haven’t used my gifts in a while,” I explained to him. 

He patted me in understanding.  “I’m always tired and hungry after a practice sesh,” he said sympathetically.  “And…” he ducked his head.  “Never mind,” he said hurriedly.  “Wait!” he exclaimed suddenly.  “I thought you only got another gift when you made an oh…oh,” his eyes bugged out and he looked out the window.

I couldn’t help but giggle.  He was a twenty-year-old man, after all!  “You have an increase in your libido?  You feel increasingly froggy?” I began to tease him.  “You have an itch, you can’t scratch?  You’re hot to trot?  You’re feeling randy?” I teased him mercilessly, laughing.  It was dark in the car, but I was sure he must be red by now.  “My itch got scratched tonight,” I said tongue in cheek.  “Although, it wasn’t itching at first.  It kind of just happened.  No. No.  I’m lying.  I was out to seduce him.”

He looked at me with a mixture of shock and embarrassment. 

“What?” I continued. “You heard the judge, and my precog sister told me the same thing.  I need to make these connections.” As he continued looking at me I shouted, “Will you stop looking at me like that? You’re acting like a virgin!” I covered my mouth at his look of embarrassment.  “Oh my gosh you are!”

“Not all of us are so… sexual,” he grumbled a bit acerbically.

I knew I had pushed him, and it wasn’t nice, teasing him, especially something that could be as sensitive as his manhood.  I may have emasculated him, but I was stung by his comment, and I bit back without thinking.  When I was tired, I was cranky.  When I was cranky, I tended to speak without thinking.  “I haven’t always been this…sexual.  When I was twelve, Heidi’s boyfriend molested me.  He touched me where no little girl should be touched by a grown man.  When I was thirteen I was forced to fondle a man and make sure he got his pleasure, but not before he made sure to slice me under my breast, where I still carry the scars.  It’s amazing I can even be intimate with a man, let alone six.  Although in my defense.  I’ve only technically had sex with two of them.” I was angry as I got out of the truck and slammed the door.

I started walking towards the road, angry, hurt, and filled with self-loathing.  I knew I was being irrational and overly sensitive, but I seemed powerless to stop it.  I longed for my old life back, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid of the danger I was in.

“Blake!” Gavin ran up to me, grabbing my shoulders gently.  “I’m so sorry.  I had no right implying anything.  I was just… embarrassed.  I am a virgin,” he muttered quietly.

I looked at him, my chest heaving with emotions before I drew him into a hug.  “I’m sorry too.  I overreacted, and I shouldn’t have teased you!  You’re one of my best friends, and I’m so glad you’re in this with me.”

 

We decided to ride around for a little while, so we could continue our conversation.  Gavin decided to ride around the campus, before we finally stopped near the coffee shop.  Gavin ran inside to get us some coffees, while I tried to wake up.

“How often is Bridgette around when you are practicing?” I asked Gavin when he came back.  “Is she gifted?”

I had this uneasy feeling within me that wouldn’t go away.

Gavin looked uncomfortable for a moment.  “She and Tamara are always around.” Then he closed his eyes and cursed softly.  “And I’m pretty sure they snuck downstairs the other day when Jax and I were practicing, and she’s pretty strongly gifted.”

I groaned.  “Crap, crap, crap,” I muttered.  “I don’t think it’s safe for you to go home or be by yourself anymore.  Now that she has an idea what you can do, you’re bound to be on her hit list as well.  I just hope she thinks you can cast illusions like Jax.  We need to find out what she can do.”

“Where can I go?” He seemed to understand the seriousness of the situation.  “The next time I see her I will find out a way to touch her somehow.”

“I’m not sure you should be around her at all.  She’s bound to be in the beginner’s class for ‘performance arts.’  If only,” I snapped my fingers.  “Rachel.  She’s in that class.  We need to find Rachel!”

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

I was beyond ready for bed when I got back to the apartment.  I let myself in the apartment quietly because I didn’t want to have to have any discussions with Collin.  I was too tired to act, and I knew my emotions were still too high to deal with him right now.  It wasn’t even eight o’clock yet, so I knew he wouldn’t be sleeping.

I was on my way to my room when I tripped over an article of clothing.  I picked it up, confused.  Collin couldn’t cook but he was a neat freak.  He never left anything laying around.  It took me a moment to realize it was bra I held in my hand. 

I couldn’t believe Rose was still here, because I had no doubt whose bra I held. Just as I was about to let them know I arrived, for my own entertainment, I heard a distinctive vibration coming from the kitchen.  I saw the screen from Collin’s cell phone light up in the darkened kitchen.

I ran over to the island as I rummaged for my sunglass case that held my new sunglasses I used for running.  If Collin had ever looked through my stuff, which I knew he did, he would see the glasses I purposely asked him to get.  Little did he know, I had a miniature device that would enable me to listen to his conversations, track him, and read his text messages.  We had removed the lining in the case and slid the device behind it.  It would probably be the last place he would think to look.

I knew I had little time to waste, so I slipped his case off and pressed the device into his cover.  It was so hi tech, and I was thankful that Gavin’s dad owned a computer software company that dealt with spyware.  It was fate that he was brought into my life not once, but twice.

Collin’s phone lit up once more, and I saw the message as it flashed on the screen.  My hands were shaking with nerves.

Hey idiot, I hope you’re not screwing this up like normal.  I’m handling mine and you only have to handle 1!!! She left here almost an hour ago, and we’ve had no status update.  The name that flashed up was Bridgette.  I rolled my eyes—he could have at least changed her contact info; it wasn’t like Bridgette was a common name.

Slightly panicked he might check on my tracker and realize my GPS showed up at the apartment complex a little while ago, I decided to head out once more and go down to the miniature gym located in the building.  It had some free weights which Collin tried to talk me into using all the time so I was under his control more.  I was tired, but the adrenaline was coursing through me, and I needed to make this look somewhat believable.

I took the steps down to the basement level, planning to change as I went.  No one used the stairs accept for me.  The elevator was way too convenient.  I cringed as I slid back into my slightly damp shorts and tank top, still sweaty from my run earlier.  By the time I got to the bottom of the steps, I just had to slip on my sneakers.

I stuck my duffel bag next to the door and pulled out my phone, thankful that the gym was empty as I turned on my music, blaring it.  As I walked to the leg press machine, I remembered the iPod Drake bought me, since I used his all the time.  He also got me a gift card to download the music.  I felt somewhat guilty when everyone splurged on me before. I had no guilt regarding Collin’s money.

I was constantly downloading music and anything else I had a whim for.  I knew he had deep pockets, I just wished I could put a deeper dent in them.

I had been working out for at least a half an hour by the time Collin came running into the gym, wild eyed.

“Hey,” he said trying to look casual.

I didn’t have to act too much right now.  I had every reason to act peeved right now.  He had man-handled me, after all.

“Hey,” I replied to him waspishly.

“How long you been down here?” he asked as he sat down on the bench by the inner and outer thigh machine I was working on.  I could see paranoia and suspicion lurking in his eyes.

I shrugged sullenly.  “I don’t know 30, 40, 50 minutes.”

“Did you come upstairs at all?” he probed.

I made a face at him.  “No, why?”

He had the audacity to look shamefaced as he looked down at his feet.  “Look, Blake, I’m really sorry for the way I behaved earlier.  I know it was reprehensible.  That’s why I’m surprised you even came back here and so early.”

I sighed and stood up.  “I wouldn’t have, if I had someplace to go,” I was letting him believe his control of me was working.  “I was abused for the last seven years, I promised myself I would never be in that situation again, but here I am.  Whether you meant to or not,” I pointed to the marks on my arms that he had left.  “The only reason I came back early was because…hey wait,” I looked at him with feigned innocence.  “Did you know Bridgette is here?”

It was believable, even to my own ears.

His look of astonishment…not so much.  “As in Bridgette Mason?”

“Yes,” I rolled my eyes.  “I thought I was done with her pettiness.  I couldn’t even sit through dinner without her ugliness.” I faked a shudder.  “When did you stop talking to her?  I know you guys were on again-off again for a long time.”

He laughed nervously.  “The moment I came to college here I cut all ties to home, well, except for my parents.”

I nodded and walked over to my bag by the door, turning off my music.  “Well I’m going to hop in the shower and go to bed.”

“Do you want to watch a movie, maybe pop some popcorn?” he sounded pleased with himself.

I didn’t bother turning around as I rolled my eyes, but said sweetly.  “No thanks.  After doing cardio, strength training, and the rest of my emotional day, I’m exhausted.”

“Well, I really am sorry.” And for a moment there I could almost believe he meant it.

As I walked up the stairs, I prayed that Gavin and I could get enough evidence to fry them all soon, so I could finally go home, my real home.

 

Even though I went to bed before ten last night, I hit my snooze button numerous times.  I woke up feeling under the weather.  I didn’t normally get sick, so I immediately knew the signs when I was.  My head was pounding, my body was aching, and I pretty sure I was running a fever.  I didn’t even make an effort at all today in my appearance.  My limbs felt heavy as I slid on a pair of black yoga pants and a white Knightstown College sweatshirt.  I skipped putting on my makeup.  Then I pulled my hair up into a messy bun and went out to the kitchen.

“Hey,” Collin said with a wide smile, but then it faltered.  “Are you okay?”

I shook my head.  “I think I might be coming down with something.  Do we have any orange juice left?”

He grabbed me a glass immediately and poured me some juice.  “You need to slow down, babe.  You work out every day.  You push yourself relentlessly with school work.  Now you want to squeeze in a music program.  Do you really think that’s a good idea?”

I shrugged. I wasn’t in the mood to fight today.  “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Collin scoffed.

I sighed and clutched my head.  “Please, Collin, I’m not in the mood.  Can this wait?  Do we have any Tylenol?”

He gave me a couple of Tylenols and we left the apartment. If I didn’t have two exams today I would have stayed home.  I was nearly caught up in my English Literature class, so I didn’t want to fall further behind. 

When we got to school, I let Collin give me a perfunctory kiss as he told me he hoped I would feel better. 

 

“Whoa, Blake,” Gavin did a double take as I took a seat next to him.  “You don’t look so hot.”

“Gee thanks,” I halfheartedly stuck my tongue out him.  “You really know how to make a girl feel beautiful.  I think I’m coming down with something.”

“Speaking of beautiful girls,” Gavin squirmed in his seat.  “How do you feel about getting a cup of coffee after class? Or I can run you home?”

I knew that was code words for he wanted to talk in private.

“I might take you up on that ride after our next class.  I need to finish these two exams and maybe I can catch up at the apartment,” I said as I laid my head on the desk, angling myself so I could still see the front of the class.

I loved this professor. She was no nonsense, and she always handed out our exams right away.  She also dismissed us the moment we turned them in.  She posted all the notes and some important reminders at the beginning of the week, so everything else was on us.

This book wasn’t one I was familiar with, but when I had the time, I didn’t mind curling up with an enjoyable book.  Not that this book was good; in fact, I found it quiet boring, but I was always great at retaining stuff just enough to test on it.  

We were given the whole class period to complete the test.  I took 30 minutes.  The professor smiled at me when I turned it in.  She liked me, and I liked her.  She wasn’t one of those teachers that wanted us to give our theories based on her personal bias.  She liked having a lively debate on our interpretations of the novels we read. 

I smiled back and headed out into the hallway.  I knew Gavin wasn’t going to be too far behind.  He was bright, and I was going to be amused to see how he and Jemmy meshed after the ‘honeymoon’ phase was over. 

I curled up in one of the leather armchairs located in the lobby, and shot him a text using Collin’s phone, so it didn’t look suspect.

Blake: Hey. Out in the lobby waiting for that coffee.

I then pulled out my other phone and noticed I had missed a text from Noah. 

Noah: Good morning, beautiful.  Why can’t I get you out of my head?  Last night I had a dream we were sitting in a hot tub and you were wearing this hot red and white bikini ;)

I gulped.  I wanted to tell him it hadn’t been a dream.  It was a memory.  Instead I wrote back. 

Blake: Good morning, handsome. :-D A dip in a hot tub sounds amazing right about now.  I feel like crap.  Think I’m coming down with something.

He texted back immediately.

Noah: I’m sorry, you don’t feel good :( Too bad Drake’s in classes all day.  He makes a chicken noodle soup that’s amazing and cures all maladies.

Blake: Says the healer  :-P

Noah: Hey, hey, hey no fair.  You know I would take away any pain you had if I could. 

Blake: Sooo sweet :)

And I meant it.  I knew our relationship was stronger than it had ever been.

Noah: Well, getting the stink eye from the proff. TTYL :-*

Blake: Okay :)

I smiled down at my phone as I put it back in my bag.

“Well that’s a happy smile,” Gavin said, startling me as he walked up.

“Noah,” I mouthed silently. Out loud I said, “Just felt really confident about that test.”

He nodded with his own goofy grin before a frown settled on his face.  “Let’s go get that coffee.”

“Sounds good,” I nodded, wondering what he had to tell me.

I took Collin’s phone and purposely stuffed it in the cushions of the seat I had been sitting in.  The seats were barely used and were more for decorative purposes.  If someone found it, so be it.  Right now I couldn’t care less.

I followed Gavin out of the building.

“Ugh, I don’t do sick, well,” I moaned with self-pity.

He gave me a sympathetic look.  “I’m sorry.  I don’t either.  Maybe you can skip the coffee and get some orange juice instead.”

I shook my head.  I hadn’t had any caffeine this morning yet and whether it was just mental, I know I needed one.  “Nah.  I’ll double fist it, if I have too!”

He chuckled but then frowned.  “Well, I was talking to Jemmy all night long, and this morning she asked me how I got her number. She didn’t remember any of our conversation last night, but it was in her phone.”

I frowned.  “That’s really weird.  Was she…drinking?”

He shook his head.  “No, and I texted Remy this morning to apologize for last night again, and he said he had forgotten all about it, but we saw him before we left.”

Chills ran down my spine.  “Let’s go,” I said.

“Where?” he asked mystified.

“Let’s go to the high school.  You’re going to the office and asking for Rachel.” I explained as I headed towards the parking lot.

“How?  They’re not going to just let me see her.” He hedged nervously.

“They are, if you’re William Bell,” I said slyly.

“I can’t cast illusions without Jax,” he sighed.

“Yeah, but you can cast illusions when you imitate my gift.” I stated.  “I feel like crap, so I can’t go in there, but you can.”

He paused and looked at me.  I knew he was using his gift.  “It’s not gone.  He’s not blocking you anymore,” he said excitedly.

“I know!” I exclaimed.  “I think when I made my connection last night, it made me stronger.  He’s not strong enough to handle me anymore.”  I paused for a second, excitement building.

“Let’s do this,” he said more enthusiastically.  I knew his budding relationship with Jemmy was a motivating factor to getting this done sooner than later. 

He started his truck and made his way over to the high school.  He didn’t have the pass necessary to park there, but we didn’t care.  We were on a mission.

 

It wasn’t long before I saw Will, Gavin, and Rachel making their way over to the truck.  It was slightly unnerving to see them at first.  I missed Rachel, and seeing the illusion of Gavin next to Will was pure craziness.

I could see the confusion on Rachel’s face as she slid into the back seat.  I turned and looked at her as the illusion was dropped.  Anger and panic replaced confusion as Gavin employed the child locks, preventing Rachel from leaving. 

“Who the hell are you, and why have you locked me in here?” she seethed as she vainly attempted to leave the truck.

Gavin looked uncomfortable with the whole ordeal, and I looked at her beseechingly.  “Hey, Rachel. We’ve met before.  I’m Blake and this is Gavin.  I’m sorry we had to do this, this way, but I need a favor from you, Rachel, and I know you’re a naturally distrustful person.”

Her eyes narrowed at me as she spoke between clenched teeth.  “And that’s a lie and a truth.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.  “She’s a human lie detector,” I explained to Gavin.  I sighed.  “Okay, my birth name given to me is Amanda, but I haven’t gone by that name since I was like, five.”

She looked at me with the same distrust, but I also saw the surprise in her eyes.  “How do you know that?  Who sent you?”

I sighed again.  “What I’m about to tell you is a little hard to swallow, but we were once best friends.  Jemmy Bell, you, and I used to hang out with each other all the time.”

She interrupted me with a snort.  “Not likely.  Jemmy Bell is one of Knightstown royalty and I can’t imagine ever hanging out with that pampered princess.”

I grimaced.  Rachel was a scholarship teen, and she had become somewhat bitter when she had lost her brothers in a house explosion after her father had disappeared.  Honestly, I didn’t blame her bitterness.  Knightstown wasn’t a place I would have thought I would have ever felt comfortable had I not come here with the Bells initially. From an outsider looking in, most of these kids acted privileged and had no clue how the real world worked.  They never had to worry about whether they were going to eat that day or endure being mocked for the clothing they wore.  They drove their expensive cars and were constantly tethered to their newest and greatest technology.  Posting their every moment on social media, constantly searching for their next ‘like’ to validate their existence.

“If you focus, you’ll know I’m not lying.  We used to be good friends, best friends even, the three of us.  Someone decided to mess with me and my connections and turned back time,” I explained adamantly.

She snorted, crossing her arms across her breast.  “Another pampered princess.  Thinking the entire world revolves around her.” She patted Gavin condescendingly.  “Hey buddy, you should get your girlfriend checked out.” She whistled and did the universal sign of crazy with her pointer finger circling her temple.

It was my turn to snort.  “You assume I’m a pampered princess and I wasn’t, well not originally,” I cleared my throat.  “You had a loving father and three doting older brothers.  You lived in suburbia in a middle-class family.  You never lived in a trailer park with a cracked-out stepmom that hated you and abused you, along with her boyfriends,” I hissed at her.  At her look of shock, I continued, regretting my outburst.  “I know you miss your family,” I said more gently.  “I know you would trade this in for them, any day, just to have them back.  I know your favorite color is black. I know you were saved from death when you snuck out to meet your boyfriend.  I know Remington Murphy was the one to find you, and you’re harboring a little crush on him.  I know you hate bacon,” I jokingly snorted.  “Which I believe is still highly un-American, bordering on communistic.” Gavin stifled a laugh as Rachel continued to stare out the window.  She was so stubborn!  “Your favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.  You love storms, and if it’s nice enough, you open the windows in the room to hear the thunder.”

“So, you’re a stalker.” I could see her inner struggle.  I knew she knew all my words were true.  “What do you want from me?” she snapped at me.

“I need your help,” I stated simply.  “Bridgette Mason just transferred to this school and should be in your Performance Arts class.  I was wondering if you knew her gift.”

Something deep inside of me already knew, ever since Gavin informed me that Jemmy and Remy had no recollections of the night before.  But my mind was in denial mode.  I didn’t want to believe the evil girl that had tormented me for years could possibly be my sister.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10

 

“She’s not,” Rachel stated.

I felt like all hope was lost, and I sunk into my seat with defeat.  My body was struggling.  I was hot, then cold, and my bones ached to the core.

“But she is in some of my classes.” Rachel said reluctantly.  “Why do you want my help?  What do I get out of it?”

“Your life,” I blurted.  “You get your life back.  We get our life back.  We were happy.  Every weekend we went home to the Bell estates and we had fun, we were loved.  We could eat all day, play music, swim, and we laughed…a lot.  I know you hate it here.  I know you go back to your room every night with no cell phone and dream of going back to your old life.  I need—we need—information on Bridgette.  I think she’s a major player in this game that stuck us here.”

I saw a glimmer of longing in her.  “I was friends with the Bells?” she asked hesitantly.  “What kind of info do you need?”

I nodded emphatically.  “We were all a family.  A dysfunctional family, but it worked for us.  I need to know what her gift is, although I already have a feeling.” I grimaced at Gavin.  “I hope I’m wrong, though.”

Gavin looked at me, puzzled.  I looked at him and then Rachel.  “It was once believed in gifted families that they could only produce two off-spring, max” I explained even though I knew Rachel already knew this.  “However, in families like Rachel’s and…mine, our parents were able to produce more than two.” Rachel softly gasped and I continued.  “My mother has produced five of us…that I know of.”

It was time for Gavin to gasp, “That could explain why my parents wanted more children but couldn’t.” He had a shocked expression on his face before his eyebrows furrowed.  “But my parents aren’t gifted,” he insisted.

“Okay, so apparently there are many low-level gifted, one’s and two’s, that never even suspected they were gifted.  It could be that they run a little faster than a normal person, or they have the ability to remember details, like someone having an eidetic memory.  Nothing remarkable.  They’ve done some research, but nothing has been positively proven.  It’s a possibility both of your parents were just carriers of the gifted gene.  Who knows, maybe your great-great somebody or other was gifted.  Some gifts can be hidden,” I explained with a shrug.

Gavin looked at me in wonder and fascination.   Sometimes I forgot he was new to all this. 

“Anyhow,” I continued, “Will heard that I may have a sister out there that is capable of messing with people’s memories.  I have a dreadful feeling that Bridgette Mason is my half-sister and she’s been messing with the memories of the Bells.”

We all jumped as a hard knock came on our window.  We all turned shocked eyes as we saw William Bell and a security guard standing poised outside of my window.

I feigned a smile as I looked at him and rolled down my window.  “Mr. Bell, so nice to see you again,” I said brightly.

He gave me an exasperated sigh.  “I see you haven’t changed much, Blake, or should I call you Amanda?”

 

We were all being led back into the high school, but I stopped short as I heard the bell ring for the next class.

“Mr. Bell,” I said insistently.  “I know you have questions, and I have answers, but can I suggest that we do this elsewhere?” I looked over at the security guard that was still trailing us. 

I never met the security guard and I didn’t know if he could be trusted with our secrets.  Plus, I didn’t like the idea of Bridgette seeing us.  I was supposed to be in class, and I didn’t want her to suspect that I was reaching out to Rachel.  I already felt like I had to protect Gavin.  I didn’t want to add one more.

He gave me a long-suffering sigh.  “Ms. Thomas, I don’t think you are in any position to tell me what I should do.  You were caught just weeks ago trespassing, and now you two,” he looked slightly disappointed at Gavin, “…have taken another student from her class.  While one of you were impersonating me.”  He looked at us suspiciously.  First at Rachel, then Gavin, then me.  “Is Jaxson in on this.  Is he around?” He gave a pointed looked around before narrowing his eyes on Gavin.  “Did you imitate him?”

I knew he wasn’t in the mood to hear any excuses.  I focused hard, which was difficult since I was sick, and my body was failing me.  I had used what little energy I had helping Gavin with his illusions.  “Please,” I pleaded silently.  “I know you suspect nefarious individuals working for you.  Your suspicions are correct, and I don’t want anyone especially, Bridgette Mason, Zach Young, Tamara Young, and Collin Scott seeing us together.  Not like this.”

His eyes widened, and I realized that he had heard me.  I sagged in relief, before I felt myself falling into the darkness, my body finally giving out on me.  I had ignored it for too long. 

I suffered from debilitating nightmares some nights.  Especially in times of high stress.  My life was filled with stress lately.  I couldn’t remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep.  In the past, Jaxson had always been there for me.  He had always known when they came, because our mental connection had been strong.  Since I woke up in the ‘past,’ the connection had been severed and that only added additional stress to my life.

My nightmares were generally the same.  I had been abused, and when I was awake I was capable at handling the demons that wanted to suck the joy from my life.  At night, I was unable to stop them from coming when they wanted to intrude into my dreams.  They were the soul sucking kind that wouldn’t just release me immediately.  They infiltrated my brain to the point I would be frozen for moments, unable to move, forced to feel and see the horror repeat in my life.  Oftentimes I would wake with a scream and tears on my face.

Today was no different.  I woke with a scream and was momentarily still locked in my nightmare.  I still saw the hands that pinned me down and as I fought to push them away; I realized my mistake, too late, as I watched the blood gush out of my hand to soak into the white sheets beneath me.

I looked up in shock as Will and Gavin came running into the room.  I blinked in confusion as I realized my surroundings.  I was in a stark white room, in a hospital bed.  The ‘hands’ I thought had been pinning me down was, in fact, a needle and its tubing from an IV drip.  I blinked again as I looked up at the machine it was attached to.  I could see the sun out of the single window in the room.  I struggled to sit up.

“What’s wrong?” Gavin asked in concern as he rushed to my side.  He tried to staunch the bleeding on my hand, as he gently pushed me back down in the bed.  He reached over, and I could hear the whirl of the bed as the bed mechanism adjusted to a sitting position. 

Will turned immediately when he saw the mess I had made of my hand, and I could hear him calling to someone in the distance.

I blushed and ducked my head.  “Just a nightmare,” I mumbled, embarrassed.

“Hey, honey,” a distinct voice sounded in my head.  “Where have you been?”

I stiffened for a moment before a small smile curved my lips.  “Right here, I’ve been right here.” I answered back.

It took me a moment to realize that I had also spoken the words aloud.

Gavin looked at me in confusion. “Um yeah,” Gavin cleared his throat his eyebrows furrowed.  “We brought you to the campus hospital.” Gavin pushed my hair off my face.  “You gave us a scare.  You were running over a 104 temp.  They,” he cleared his throat clearly struggling for his next words.  “say you only weigh 93 pounds, you were severely dehydrated, and they think you may have an eating disorder.”

I barked out a laugh in surprise, but then I frowned as I looked down at myself.  I couldn’t believe I was under 100 pounds.  I knew I had lost a lot of my appetite and I had been pushing myself physically.  I ran every day and lifted three times a week.  I knew my pants had become loose on me and my shirts weren’t as form fitting.  I shifted so that my sheet was covering my lower half and I could lift my gown.  I looked down at my now prominent ribs and concaved stomach.

I grimaced.  “I eat, I just work out…a lot,” I looked up at him, hoping he believed me.

“I know that,” he quickly reassured me.  “I see you eat, just sparingly and you run like three miles a day.”

“Five,” I muttered in embarrassment.  “I guess I may have been over-doing it.  What’s wrong with me, other than being underweight and having a fever?” I reached up with one of my hands to touch my warm skin.  It was still warm, just not burning as it had been.

“You might have caught a virus, and in your weakened state, your body was unable to fight it,” Will said brusquely as he re-entered the room.

I blushed once more as I realized Noah was steps behind him and I still had my stomach and ribs on display.

I quickly pushed my hospital gown back down.  “I don’t have an eating disorder,” I quickly blurted out.  “I may have been going overboard with my work outs lately, but I eat.  I’m comfortable in my skin.”

Noah came to my side, although I noticed he seemed slightly aloof.  He picked up my hand, and I tried to grab his attention to no avail.  I looked up in confusion, only to see Stacey leaning in the doorway, her eyes narrowed on me. 

“Why were you screaming?” Will asked as he looked at Noah, then Stacey, then me.  It was clear his eyes were assessing.

I looked over at Gavin and he shook his head.  I knew he was trying to tell me he hadn’t told him anything yet.

I smiled up at him in relief as I felt the warmth in my hand.  I could feel the pain recede in my hand—the wound had closed itself.  “I have, nightmares,” I explained quietly.

“How often?” Will asked immediately.

I could see Stacey’s avid interest as she leaned into the room.  Her eyes watchful and calculating.

“Not very,” I said off handedly as I looked over at Noah once more.

Our eyes met, and I saw the concern in his eyes.  I sighed as I leaned back.  He wasn’t trying to push me away.  He was keeping me at arm’s length due to Stacey’s presence.  I could only assume he didn’t want her to realize that he had already moved on.

“Is she okay to talk, now?” Will asked Noah with determination.

He looked between his adopted father and me, his brows knit.  “She really needs her rest, but it’s entirely up to her,” he said hesitantly.

“The mental health therapist is on her way in,” Stacey said almost smugly.  At my confused look, she gave me an exasperated look.  “Anytime we feel a patient is a danger to themselves, we are required to call the proper authorities.  You suffer from an eating disorder; your scream was loud enough to hear down at the nurse’s station, and it’s clear from the scarring on your body that you may have had a cutting issue at one time.”

I looked over at Gavin in shock.

“She had to change you when you were admitted,” he explained quietly.

I stiffened and looked over at Will.  “I’m ready to talk, can you kindly send the therapist away?”

I shuddered at the memories I had of the therapist I was forced to see when I was institutionalized at 10 years-old.  I was caught talking to Jaxson after my father died and they tried to diagnose me with a split personality disorder believed to be triggered by the death of my father.

“With your history of mental disorders, I strongly suggest they talk to her,” Stacey said coldly as she crossed her arms across her chest and haughtily turned to Will.  “I did a search on our databases and found out Blake Thomas was admitted to a hospital over seven years ago and diagnosed with possibly having schizophrenia.” her red-haired pony tail nearly smacked her in the face as she turned to look at me.  “Does Collin even know that you’re psycho?”

“My father had just died,” I sat up in anger, ignoring the shooting pain in my limbs and body.  “My stepmother hated me and thought if she told the hospital she saw me talking to nobody, they would put me away, while she continued to collect the money from my father’s trust.” I lied with an ease—that surprised even me.  “Have you ever given your dolls voices?  Did you have them talk to one another?  Did you give them different voices?”

“Stacey,” Noah snapped, his jaw clenching in anger.  “She is a patient and she is recovering.”

Will stood up and brushed a hand over his pristine suit.  “I’m going to call the therapist right now.” He stopped by Stacey and gave her a pointed look.  “In the future I would appreciate it if you go through the proper procedures.  You only volunteer your hours here until you graduate, and we offer you a position.  Was a supervisor notified of your decision to call for the therapist?”

She gave him a sheepish expression and turned looked down shaking her head.  “No. I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

Will left the room and headed down the hallway.

 

I could see Stacey was just as shocked at my revelations and embarrassed by her actions until she turned her gaze on Noah.  “Where were you last night, while she was upstairs in your room taking a shower?” she asked coldly.

I could see the war behind his eyes, before he clenched his jaw.  “I don’t see how that is any of your business.  We broke up.  I felt we were mature enough to continue as friends since we will continue seeing each other in passing.”

“Just as I thought,” Stacey said bitingly as tears shimmered in her eyes.  She let out a cold laugh.  “Tamara and Bridgette said you disappeared for quite some time and both of you came down with wet hair.  How convenient for you to be defending her, when you screwed the slut.  She’s the reason you broke up with me!”

“Stacey!” he snapped with a deadly quietness.  “I will not discuss this with you.  It is highly unprofessional of you to even attack a patient verbally or discuss a relationship that is over.  You’re spying on me, and I thought you were better than that.”

It was Stacey’s turn to open and close her mouth before she turned on her heel and stormed out, but not before I saw her remove a cell phone from her scrubs. 

Noah looked over at me. I felt both embarrassed at the unexpected turn of events and warmth because it was clear he wasn’t straddling the fence any longer.

 

When Will returned, he had kicked Noah out of the room and had taken a seat beside my bed.  He had tried to kick Gavin out as well, but I had told him I wasn’t talking without Gavin by my side.  I knew some of my story would be hard to believe and he was my witness.

“Were you institutionalized at ten years old for playing make believe?” Will asked me bluntly.

I knew I couldn’t lie to him now.  I wanted to lay all my cards out on the table.  “No,” I looked over at Gavin, wishing I had told him this before.  He knew about my connection with Jaxson, but I never told him I was institutionalized because of it.  “I was put into the looney bin when my stepmom and my dad’s boss found me…talking to another gifted individual after the funeral.”

Will’s eyes furrowed in scrutiny.  “Another gifted you say?”

“One of the guys I’m connected with,” I informed him bluntly.  “It was the first time he came to me, and at the time, I didn’t know how to communicate with him without words.

His eyebrows rose once more.  “You know who you are connected to, and you knew that at ten?”

I couldn’t suppress my giggle.  “I didn’t know then, but I know now.”

“Collin?” William enquired.  I shook my head, no, and he continued.  “You know, when you were younger, we suspected you were capable of compelling people, but it seems you have learned to expand your gift.  You have more than one connected?” He asked as he looked over enquiringly at Gavin.

Gavin gave a quick to shake his head.

  I think Will expected me to be shocked, but I was incapable of even feigning it.  I was tired, and I knew I was prepared to let him know it all.  “Collin isn’t one of them.  Gavin isn’t one of them, either.  I have six of them.”

It was Wills turn to snort at me in disbelief.  I opened my eyes wide.  I had never heard him snort.  “That’s highly unlikely.  Is that something your…dad had you believe?”

He was starting to irritate me.  I knew what I was saying sounded unbelievable, but I had no reason to lie.  “Nope, my uncle never knew of my connections.”

He barely suppressed an eye roll.  “Where are these other connections of yours?”

I sighed, tired of playing this game.  “I’m not sure.  I imagine Jaxson is preparing for his championship game.  Drake most likely is finishing dinner.  Jace was on an assignment,” I scrunched my nose up.  “Well, he was the last time I had to live through this day.  Troy should be on his way home to watch his younger brother play his last game in high school, and win, by the way.  Noah was just here, so…,” I couldn’t help the sadness from coloring my words.  I shook them off.  “And Remy is probably wrapping things up for the day at We 7 so he can attend the game as well.”

Will gasped.  His face turn red.  “Do you think this is a joke?  You know I had a check done on you as well and I see that you have been an excellent student and seemed to be rather well adjusted, but I’m not amused by your latest antics.  Trespassing in the music hall.  Stealing a student from her class.  What game are you playing?  Has Horatio sunk his claws into you?”

Gavin looked like an avenging body guard as he stood from his chair on the opposite side of me.  “Show him Blake.  Show him your mark.”

I sighed as I leaned forward and revealed the ηon the back of my neck, under my hairline. 

Will nearly fell out of his chair as he turned a disconcerting shade of white. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

Collin chose to come rushing through the doors at that time.

“Blake, babe,” he looked anxiously at Will and I, but his eyes narrowed at the sight of Gavin, who was still holding my hand in reassurance.  It was a purely platonic touch between friends.  Our fingers weren’t intertwined. 

“What’s going on?” he bit out, although I could still see the panic lingering in his gaze.  “I couldn’t find you anywhere today and you weren’t answering your phone.” He placed my phone in my lap.  “Someone found this and turned it in to lost and found.  I’m glad they didn’t try to pawn it.”

Likely story.  I tried to give him a smile.  “It seems like you were correct.  I’ve been pushing myself too hard lately and when I caught a bug, it kind of wiped me out.”

“She had a temp of over 104 degrees and she was dehydrated,” Will informed him as he casually sat back down.

Collin leaned over my side, effectively disconnecting Gavin’s touch.  “And your…friend was there for you,” Collin said bitingly, although his touch was gentle as he pushed my hair from my face.

I gave him a painstaking sigh.  “He’s just my friend.  I’m really tired of explaining myself.”

“I did what any guy would do for a friend—I made sure she obtained the proper treatment.” Gavin stood from his chair, bristling.  “You knew she was sick this morning.  Why would you allow her to go to school in her condition?”

Collin snorted, “You know her well enough by now.  She’s a touch stubborn.”

Gavin opened his mouth to speak once more, but Will was quick to intercede.  “Boys, I think Blake’s had enough excitement for one day.  I think it’s time we left so she can get more rest.  If her temperature stays down, she can be released tomorrow morning.”  He stood up and walked to the door, holding it open.

“But I just got here, can’t I spend a few moments with her, by myself?” Collin looked over at Gavin pointedly.  “I was worried sick for my girlfriend all day.”

Will looked torn for a moment.  “If it’s alright with Blake, but only for a few moments.”

I nodded reluctantly.  “That’s fine.  I’m really tired and I would love to go back to sleep.”

“I’ll get you some food,” Gavin said as he went to follow Will out the door.  “You need to eat,” he said firmly when I was about to protest. 

I knew I had to eat, but food sounded so unappetizing now and I really did want to fall asleep once more. 

My heart was racing as the door closed and Collin turned to me.  Gone was the worried boyfriend.  His eyes transformed into one of anger.

“Do you know what I went through today?  I went to all your classes and you only showed up to the first one.  I went back home, and you were nowhere to be found.  I called you constantly, only to find you didn’t even have the courtesy to keep your phone on you.  I didn’t even find out you were here until Stacey informed me.” He was pacing back and forth.  “This crap needs to stop.  You need to start taking our relationship more seriously.”

I could only gape at him.  Talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  “You do realize I’m sick right?” I rolled my eyes at him.  “You act like I intentionally got sick so that I could enjoy a stay in the hospital.”

His eyes narrowed even further.  “Well, technically, it is your fault for not taking care of yourself.”

I snorted, tired of this conversation and exhausted from everything.  I rolled over and pulled the white sheets around my shoulders.  “Maybe it’s time we call it quits then since I’m such a burden to you.”

He was quickly by my side once more.  “Blake, babe, I’m sorry.  Don’t say that.  I was just worried sick.  How about I pick you up from here tomorrow morning, pick up some movies on the way?  We can relax on the sofa all day long, just you and me.”

I yawned and closed my eyes.  Debating whether I should just follow through with my threats.  We did have the hi-tech gear installed on his phone.  I technically no longer needed to subject myself to his company.  Gavin had the capability of viewing all his activity from his lap top at this point and time.  “Give me tonight,” I said wearily.  “I think it’s important for me to think about.”

He sighed and ran his hand over my head.  I had to will myself not to flinch.  I no longer liked all his casual touches.  After connecting with Noah last night, it only increased my desire to be with my connections.

 

I had reached my limit of sleep by the time midnight rolled around.  I woke up feeling weak, but a lot better.  My skin felt clammy, and I longed for a shower.  I knew I needed a shower and looked around my room, spotting my duffel bag.  I went to get up, only to realize I couldn’t use bathroom with my hand still attached to the iv machine.  I pushed my button for the nurse and waited patiently.

After waiting for over 10 minutes, I took matters into my own hands.  I disconnected my tubes, wincing at the slight twinge of pain.  I then walked gingerly across the room.  When the room spun, I realized I was starving and looked over to table near my bedside.  I noticed a large sub wrapped in white deli paper and knew immediately what it was.  I sat back down and tore open the paper with gusto.

Gavin and I had a mutual liking of the little sub shop on campus, and I craved the fresh turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a weekly basis—if not daily.  I normally ordered a small, but I had a large one in front of me, and I was going to try my hardest to eat it all.  There was also a bag of jalapeno kettle chips next to a bottle of Dr. Pepper.  I opened both after shoving 5 bites of my sub in my mouth.  I knew I looked ravenous, bordering on homeless, but I didn’t care.  I was hungry!

I tried in vain to eat the whole sub, but I still had a half left when I finally threw in the towel.  I burped when the carbonation of the pop hit me, and I giggled at myself.  I would be appalled at my behavior and appearance if others were around. 

Finally, I decided to get up and attempt to take a shower.  I wasn’t dizzy any longer, and my stomach wasn’t gnawing on itself, but I felt extremely frail.  I turned on the water and waited for it to warm up while I took in the inventory of the bathroom.  I realized my bladder was going to burst, so I quickly sat down and sighed.  I noticed the tiny white, thin towels folded neatly on the back of the toilet and a small pouch of tiny shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap, along with a cheap tooth brush and a small tube of tooth paste.  I wasn’t complaining.  It was something.  It wasn’t what I had grown accustomed to lately, but it was still a heck of a lot better than when I lived with my stepmom.  I let out a sound of relief when I noticed clean gowns on the back of the door. 

I hoped whoever brought me my duffel bag packed a clean pair of underwear in there.

I leaned against the handicap bar in the shower as I let the water run over me.  I used the entire bottle of the shampoo and conditioner on my raven curly locks due to its length and thickness.  I knew my hair wouldn’t feel soft, but at least it would be clean.  I washed my body and didn’t linger too much longer.  I wasn’t tired, but I knew I should lay back down.

As I was running a wide tooth comb through my hair, I contemplated downloading a movie or two on my iPhone.  All thoughts of a movie were forgotten when I heard a commotion and a child’s cry out in the hallway.  I stumbled to the door and gasped at the sight in front of me.  Three pre-teens and a screaming boy with unkempt hair was being led by a group of Knights.

The Knights were a group of men and women, mostly men, who were one of the teams that actively worked for William Bell.  The Knights’ primary mission was to recover any gifted individuals that may be in danger.  They were usually children.  The Knights were generally on the front lines, so to speak.  Their jobs were the most dangerous in the organization due to the situations they had to extract individuals out of.  Will had informed me they hadn’t been dispatched as frequently as they had recently.  With Horatio ramping up his ‘hunts,’ Will’s mission had become to thwart him whenever possible.

“Noooooo!  I want my mommy!” the youngest was screaming.  His long dirty-blond hair was flying all over his face.

The woman who was trying to carry him winced in pain as he threw skinny sharp elbows, fist, and feet at her.  I could tell she meant well, but the boy was clearly frightened and proved it seconds later.

Sharp metallic objects began to rush to the group of pre-teens and Knights.  I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was going to end badly.

“He’s a freaking nutcase,” a girl around the age of twelve stated cryptically before she morphed into cat.  “I told you guys to watch him.” 

I had to prevent myself from gaping at her.  That was a first for me.  I hadn’t personally met anyone with that gift yet.

I heard a grunt from the nearest Knight as a scalpel imbedded itself in his forearm despite his best efforts to conjure wind and fling the objects away.

I focused all my weakened energy on the young boy.  “Stop!” I compelled him, silently.  “Relax!  They aren’t here to hurt you.”

His wild pale blue eyes found mine and I let my barriers down.  Feeling his fear, his pain, his loneliness, the physical hunger.  I winced as I felt all his emotions, and I knew it probably wasn’t one of my smartest ideas as I advanced down the hallway.

“Stop!” I heard one of the Knights yell at me. 

I held my hand up, “No you stop,” I commanded him silently.  When I saw the other’s advance towards me, I commanded them to stand down as well. 

“Give him to me, please,” I requested to the female.  She looked barely older than me and scared out of her mind.  It wasn’t necessary for me to compel her.  She was already scared out of her wits.

She didn’t hesitate to hand him over.  I immediately took his small frame into my arms.  Feeling his little body wracked with tremors.

“Hey buddy,” I said soothingly.  “My name is Blake,” I explained to him as I slowly lowered myself onto the floor with him.  “I know you’re scared,” I said softly.  “I’m going to take the fear away, okay?”

He scrubbed a dirty arm across his dirt streaked face, smearing more snot across it.  He was probably once a very handsome boy, but it was hard to tell with his dirty, lanky hair hanging around his face.  He smelled of feet and urine, so he was clearly in need of a shower and food.

He nodded reluctantly.  “My friend has a sister name Blake,” he said quietly.  “I told her Blake’s a boy name!” he scoffed as only eight or nine-year-old boys can do.

I giggled.  “That’s what my sister told me all the time too!  What’s your name?”  I gently grasped his hands.  “I’m going to take your fear away so these nice people can help you.  They don’t want to hurt you,” I said softly as I pushed feelings of warmth towards him, wincing as I felt his pain and fear.

“Chip and I want my mommy,” he said softly as he laid his head on my shoulder.

“What the hell is going on?” I heard a great booming voice enter the hall.  I stiffened only slightly before I recognized the voice.

Chip stiffened in my arms as his eyes widened looking behind me.  I could feel his anxiety rise once more.  “You let my friend go!” he screeched, and I saw the metal objects begin to vibrate around us once more.

I heard cat girl curse and declare ‘not again,’ as she morphed once more.  I would have laughed if the situation wasn’t so dire.  I didn’t have time to think as I saw the metal objects rise ready to strike.  I lifted my hands and created a field around us. The metal objects harmlessly clattered to the ground.

“Chip,” I implored him.  “You’re safe,” I insisted to him as I turned and met Troy’s shocked eyes.

I don’t know who was more shocked, me or him.  Him because he narrowly escaped being impaled, or me because hanging limply in his arms was my little sister, Ella.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12

 

“We were incapable of moving,” the tallest and biggest Knight member exclaimed.

“She calmed him down,” one of the pre-teens exclaimed.

“She created a force field too,” said the woman I had taken Chip from and who was shooting distrustful looks my way as she backed away from us.

To my right, five leery Knights and three frightened teens.  To my left, my limp sister and one of my connections.

“What’s wrong with her?” I could feel my limbs shaking as I stood from my weakened state.  Being sick and then using my gifts probably wasn’t one of my best ideas.

To his credit Troy showed no fear, just interest.

Things got a little more interesting as Will, Jemmy, and Gavin came walking around the corner.  Will looked like he had just been dragged from bed, but Jemmy and Gavin still had swimming clothes on. 

Gavin was dressed in swim trunks and a sweatshirt.  Jemmy was dressed in sweat pants and a hastily buttoned up linen top, her bikini top clearly showing.

 

I had forgotten about the big game today and the party afterwards.

Gavin rushed forward and grabbed Chip from me as he put his arms around my shoulders in concern.  “What are you doing?” he asked anxiously.  “You should be in bed.”

“What’s going on?!” I exclaimed.  “That’s my sister!”

“Bronson, take the team,” Will said brusquely.  “Go ahead and take the kids to recovery.”

No one made a move towards Chip, and I was thankful for that.  I didn’t think the little guy would go willingly.

“Troy, in here,” Will said opening a door to my left.  “All of you,” he said more gently as we all followed him into the room.

When we got into the room, I noticed that there were four separate hospital beds and a much larger ensuite bathroom to the right.

“What’s wrong with my sister?” I asked urgently once more.

“Dehydration, exhaustion, malnutrition,” Troy said with a small frown of worry.

“Fix her!” I exclaimed feeling close to panic.

Will placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.  “I know this sounds callous, Blake, but you need to relax.  You’re scaring him,” he nodded towards Chip.  “And she’ll recover.  We’ll have her feeling better in no time.”

“Her mommy sold her,” Chip said forlornly as I stumbled to the bed, more exhausted then I realized.  He struggled against Gavin’s hold and scrambled onto the bed and into my arms.  “She said you would come back for her.  She missed you.” He absently traced his hands against my arms.  “We didn’t eat much.  That man and woman from the apartment put us in dog boxes while they went to work.  If they remembered, they gave us water and bread before they left us.  I shared my bread with her, but she wouldn’t eat it.  David tried to break us out.  They got him.  He didn’t come back.”

“How long were you there?” I tried to sound encouraging, but inside I wanted to scream. 

He thought for a moment.  “They took me from my mommy 56 days ago.  Ella came on day 32.  My mommy loves me.  She didn’t sell me.  I want my mommy,” he began to sob once more, and the metal objects began to levitate.

“It’s okay,” I said soothingly as I rubbed his back.  “It’ll be okay.  We’ll find your mommy,” I said as I pushed calm thoughts to his troubled soul.

Noah and another healer came rushing into the room.  I hadn’t realized Gavin and Jemmy had left the room until that moment.  I saw the wonderment and surprise in Will and Troy’s eyes as they stepped back to let Noah and the healer set to work on Ella.

I wanted to rush to her and cradle her in my arms, but I knew it wouldn’t help her.  She needed them more than she needed me.  Troy had gently laid her on the bed beside me and stepped back as well.

I sat there feeling helpless and useless as I saw them hook her up to a heart rate monitor and an IV bag.  I felt nauseous and felt tears running down my face as they stuck a feeding tube down her throat.

The room was eerily quiet as Noah and the other healer did their jobs.  The female healer peeled the disgusting clothing off Ella, down to her underwear.  I felt somewhat mollified at her gentle care of my sister.  I could see the pain and disgust in her eyes.  The pain of a seeing a child suffering to this degree, and disgust at the person that could inflict this kind of damage to a child.

Noah quietly placed his handhis on Ella and began healing any of her visible wounds.  I had to bite my lip from crying out when I noticed the scars she hadn’t had on her before.  I tasted the metallic taste of my blood on my tongue, but I didn’t care.

Gavin and Jemmy came back into the room carrying two trays of hospital food.  I saw bananas, oatmeal, cereal, rice, carrot sticks, and other like items.

Chip went to eagerly reach for the food as Gavin gently pushed it back.  “How about a shower first kiddo,” he suggested gently.

Chip bristled at him.  “I’m hungry,” he said mutinously.

I gently ruffled his hair, not caring I was probably dirty now too.  “Go on, Chip,” I told him gently.  Thankful I didn’t have to use my gift once more.  I was exhausted.  “You don’t want to get sick.  The sooner you shower, the sooner you can eat.”

He sighed but got up to follow Gavin into the bathroom.

“You should eat, too,” Gavin said firmly as he looked at me.

I shook my head and wiped my tears away.  “I’m good.  I just ate that sandwich you left me a little while ago.”

“All of it?” he lifted an eyebrow at me as if he already knew my answer.

It was my turn to sigh.  “I’ll eat when my new friend comes back,” I conceded.

Chip turned and flashed me a smile.  Even below all that dirt he was a handsome little boy when he smiled.

 

“I set up my phone to receive any messages Collin was receiving,” Gavin explained quietly.  “There was a real cryptic message he received tonight, and I had to tell someone,” he said, slightly apologetic.  “I was already at the Bell’s house and I knew I had to tell him.”

I nodded.  “I understand.”

Ella was stable for now.  She was sleeping peacefully in a bed beside me.  Chip was squeaky clean and was full after eating half a bowl of oatmeal and a banana.  The other healer had hooked him up to a fluid bag before helping him settle down in the bed on the other side of me.  I didn’t want to leave the room just yet, and everyone knew that. 

Noah had left to give care to the other recovered children.  That left Gavin, Jemmy, Will, and Troy.

“He saved those kids’ lives,” Jemmy said adoringly as she grasped Gavin’s hands and smiled up at him.  “They were going to be moved down south, and who knows where, next.”

Gavin blushed, which almost made me giggle.  I was longing to fall asleep once more, but I knew this conversation was important.

“It seems like we have a mutual friend,” Will said finally.  He had been quiet for most of the night.  “Judge Myers.”

I nodded and pulled my blankets up further, cautiously looking over at Troy.  I didn’t know how much he knew at this point.  “Before all this happened,” I explained.  “You made me remember his number, so I could find him, ask him for his help.”

At Troy’s confused expression, I knew he didn’t have a clue about our earlier conversations.

“Someone’s been messing with our lives.  Someone turned back time and made you guys forget about me,” I yawned, continuing to fight sleep.

At Jemmy and Troy’s gasp, I knew they found my story to be farfetched.

“Why would I give you his number?” Will didn’t seem terribly shocked, and I had a feeling he couldn’t deny the facts much longer.

“Ella,” I continued to explain.  “My sister—or as you know her, my cousin—had a premonition that we would be here.  Before this all happened, you became my temporary guardian.  My sister was going to be under my guardianship once I turned eighteen.”

Will nodded.  “Tonight, my team saw you create a force field as well as show signs of using the empath gift.  Is this true?”

I sat up startled, adrenaline coursing through me.  I slapped my forehead.  “I wasn’t thinking.” I looked warily over at Troy.  “You warned me before about using my additional gifts in front of others.  You didn’t want anyone else to know what I was capable of.  You felt like this would put us in danger.  You were right to suspect that there were people here in Horatio’s back pocket.  I know Zach Young is, and Collin Scott.”

“But Collin’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?” Jemmy asked in confusion.  “None of this makes sense.  Are you saying you use to live with us?  Pops hasn’t brought anyone into the house since my brother and I came years ago.  Why would people be after you?  After us?”

I sighed.  “I did live with you guys.  I know this is hard to believe, but it’s true.  Collin’s not really my boyfriend.  I knew things were off when I woke up a few weeks ago.  I hadn’t seen Collin since high school, accept for,” I paused and gasped.  “Tonight!  At Jax’s party.  I caught Rose and Collin hooking up in the pool house.”

Troy let out a skeptical laugh.  “Rose and Drake are the strongest couple I know.  They’ve been together forever.  When we left earlier they were in the hot tub, with each other.”

I shook my head.  “It’s all a ruse.  At least, on her part.  She loves him, but not enough to stop her side gig with Collin.  Ask Remy,” I gave him a dead pan expression.  “A few months ago, she tried to proposition him,” I bit my lip, trying to find the right words, to continue.   Do I tell them about the possible pregnancy now, or do I bide my time?  This was a lot to drop on them all at once.  

Troy and Jemmy both reacted in shock.  “This is crazy,” Troy stood up and left the room pulling out his cell phone as he went.

“It’s true,” Gavin said stoically.  “I saw Rose and Collin sneaking off before and though I’ve never caught them in the act, there’s definitely something going on.”

“I already had my team’s memories swiped,” Will said quietly, finally.  “And I’m erasing the cameras that are in the hall.  “I think it’s best if your sister and you come back to my house until we figure all of this out.”

Jemmy still seemed stunned and confused as she looked at all three of us. 

I shook my head.  “I don’t think that’s a clever idea.  Not yet.  I would appreciate it if you take Ella.  She loves you,” I stated, looking at Will.  “You taught her how to play chess and she beat you every time.  But I can’t leave Collin yet.  I still need to find out how Bridgette’s involved, although I think I already have a feeling.”

“Bridgette’s a bitch,” Jemmy muttered as Gavin stood up.

Will shot her a look of warning, but he didn’t bother correcting her.  

“Blake, you need to go home with them, when you can.  I don’t trust Collin, and who knows what that snake’s capable of.  You still have the bruises he gave you yesterday,” he said insistently.

I grimaced as I pushed my gown further on my arms.  “I have to,” I appealed to him.  We just started tracking his phone.  I can’t just leave suddenly and move in with the Bells.  They’ll suspect that we’re on to them, and we don’t have enough yet.  I know it’s more than just the three of them right now.”  

“This is insanity, Blake.  You aren’t even an adult yet, you can’t single handedly take this group down,” he paced angrily.

“I agree,” Will said uncomfortably.

“I’m gifted,” I said with a finality.  “I’m stronger than Zach and Collin.  If at any time I feel threatened, I’ll leave.”

Jemmy snorted, but not unkindly.  “Sweetie.  They are two of the most powerful men we know.  There’s no way your gift is that strong…yet.”

I sighed and used the last of my strength I had to stand up.  Earlier when I felt my gifts swirling within in, I think I had a clue what my new gift was.  Without blinking an eye, I compelled her to recite the alphabet backward as I lifted the chair with one hand, produced a fireball in the other, had Gavin laughing uproariously, created an illusion of a juggling monkey, and created a forcefield.

I’m pretty sure I heard Will curse for the first time ever as I passed out.  In my weakened state, I had used too much energy in one day.

 

I woke up back in the room I was originally in and started to panic, but then I saw that Troy was camped out on the chair beside my chair.  He was sprawled forward in the chair, with his head on my bed.

Before I found out about my connections, he had been my ideal “type.” I always had an attraction to tall, dark, and handsome.  Troy checked all those boxes and then some.  With his Italian heritage, he had dark hair, and honey brown eyes.  His long sooty eyelashes and tan made many a girl envious.  He kept physically fit with the combination of his martial arts and weight lifting.  His hair was kept like most military men—short on the sides.  I had never seen it long; he was a stickler for clean cut appearances.

He ran a successful security firm, and I think that’s what kept me from forming my connection with him sooner.  We hadn’t gotten to spend too much time together.  However, in all fairness, I had been upset at him for a few weeks since he had called Jace into one of his security details.  Which wouldn’t have been too big of an issue if Jace’s ex-girlfriend hadn’t been there.  I knew they had been friends, I was okay with that.  I wasn’t okay with the fact that the tabloids had blown their relationship out of proportion and I had let my insecurities get the better of me. 

The guys were all attractive, and I knew I was cute, maybe even pretty, but I still struggled with the fact that I was supposed to capture their attention.  In the beginning, I had thought I would be fine with the guys carrying on relationships with others, but the more I got to know them, the more I wanted them all to myself.  I was selfish. 

I reached out and ran my fingers through his hair, unable to resist any longer.  He groaned deep in his throat before finally stirring.

He blinked up at me.  His gaze puzzled and scrutinizing.  He finally sat up and stretched.  The bottom of his shirt rose up, and I could see the little trail of hair that started at the bottom of his belly button.  He told me once he kept his ‘happy trail’ but shaved his chest and pubic area, daily.  He even went as far as to keep his armpits, legs, and arms groomed.  He wasn’t too crazy about inheriting the ‘hairy’ side of his heritage.  I found it highly attractive. 

He cleared his throat as he leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, then steepled his fingers together so they rested on his sensual lips.  “A couple of nights ago, I felt my tattoo burn and felt this overwhelming urge to call Noah.  Noah seemed really…evasive when I finally talked to him.  Which is truly out of character for him.  That very night, I had a dream of taking a girl on this romantic horse carriage ride in Central Park.” I looked at him expectantly, not knowing how to proceed.  “I don’t do romance,” at my raised speculative eyebrows, he laughed.  “Don’t get me wrong.  I do my share of wining, dining, and hooking up, but I don’t do romance.  I’m very upfront with any girl.  They know the rules.  They know I’m unavailable.”

I nodded, waiting for him to continue.  I had a feeling I knew where this was going.  “Why did I dream about you?” he asked, as if he already knew the answer.  “Last night, I saw you protectively holding Chip, even though he was bent on destruction, and in that moment, I knew it wasn’t a dream at all.”

“It wasn’t,” I said quietly.  I looked down at my hands, trying to figure out the best way to continue this conversation.  I didn’t want to lie to him, but I wasn’t sure if he was ready for the truth.  The guys had taken it in stride the last time.  I had struggled with it.  Things had changed. Would they still take it so well?

I had a feeling Troy would and could handle it, but I was unable to let him know as Collin came into the room.  A cup of coffee in his hand, flowers, and balloons.  He stopped short as he saw Troy, his smile dying on his face.

“Ricci, what are you doing here?” he was frantically eyeing us.  He looked panicked, but I wanted to reassure him. 

After knowing my sister was clinging to life, it made me even more determined to blow his little operation up.  I just needed to find out how much he truly knew. 

“His team found my sister last night,” I finally said.

His eyebrows knitted.  “Which one?” He must have realized his mistake, because he laughed uneasily.  “I mean…Emma?” He turned to Troy. “Is that why you left the party early?” He was such a jerk; I know I had told him her name was Ella.

My eyes narrowed on him. I wanted to make sure he dug his grave deeper.  “You went to a party last night?  Which one?”

Collin looked like he was inwardly cursing at himself.  “Look, babe, I’m sorry.  I know you were laying here sick and all, but I was so worried about you, and I needed to get my mind off things, so I went to Jaxson’s celebration party.  That was a great game, wasn’t it man?” His smile didn’t even reach his eyes.

Troy stood, and he looked at us contemplatively.  “I wasn’t aware you were dating anyone.”

Collin had the audacity to blush.  “Yeah well, it’s new and we’re still getting to know each other again.”

“So, there’s nothing going on with you and Rose?” Troy asked, although I could see he already knew the answer.

Collin’s eyes widened in surprise, before he stammered.  “No, man, she’s still dating Drake, isn’t she?  Besides,” he looked over at me.  “With a girl like her living with me, why would I want anyone else? Anyway, I just talked to the nurse.  She said you’re free to go home.  Do you want to go home, grab a movie, and recuperate on the couch together all day?”

I resisted the urge to snort as Noah came walking into the room.  He stopped short when he saw Collin in there.  “Hey man,” he said coolly as he exchanged a look with Troy.  I knew they were secretly communicating with each other.

“Was he hooking up with Rose last night?” I projected my thoughts to Troy.

Troy didn’t even react in surprise as he looked over at me and barely nodded.

“Did Remy confirm that she hit on him?” I asked.

Again, he nodded.

I sighed in satisfaction and sadness.  I was glad that I was proven right, but sad Drake may have to have his heart broken once more.

I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard Collin saying, “Great, so get dressed, babe, and we can go home.”

I was brought out of my thoughts as I looked over at Noah.  “How’s Ella doing?” I asked, making sure to emphasize her name.  Then I looked over at Collin to see what his reaction would be to my following words.  “Did you know they found my sister and a few other children locked up in dog kennels?  They were severely dehydrated and malnourished.  One of the children said if they were lucky, their caretakers remembered to give them some bread and water once a day.”

Collin flushed white.  From his expression I knew he wasn’t faking it.  I knew then he had no clue that these children were being taken or bought and forced to live in horrible conditions before being moved to Horatio’s facility.  Horatio was building his own ‘army,’ but why were they treated so horribly before they were transported to goodness knows where?  What was the purpose of it all?  “What-” he stammered.  “You’re joking, right?”

I stood up on weak legs.  I had this gut feeling that I would no longer have to spy on Collin.  I think with the right push, he might be able to be won over to our side.  I was beginning to suspect that Horatio had various levels of minions working for him.  I had a feeling people like Collin and Mr. Young was willing to work for him, for whatever reason, and they truly didn’t know how Horatio fully operated.  I had seen it in Mr. Young’s eyes, and I was seeing it now in Collin’s.

Troy was quick to grab one of my arms.

“Do you think this is a good idea?” Noah murmured quietly.

I nodded.  “He needs to know.”

I walked over to the door.  “I think there’s something you need to see.”  I looked at Collin.  I was going to lay all my cards out on the table and hope I was right.

We walked over to the room next door, where my sister still laid unresponsive on the bed, but Chip was sitting up playing with a hand-held video game while cartoons played from the TV on the wall.  He looked up with a smile as he held up the video game for us to see.  “Look, Noah!” he said excitedly.  “I beat four levels already.” 

I looked over at Noah and saw a blush on his cheeks, and I had a feeling he had purchased the video game system for Chip to get his mind off his ordeal. 

I smiled at him. 

“Good job, buddy!” Noah said with genuine excitement.

I walked over and pushed the curtain open where my sister was. 

“We removed her feeding tube this morning, but still have fluids going to her through the IV,” Noah said.  “She’s still unresponsive, though.”

“What happened?” Collin gulped, his eyes round with horror.

“We had to rescue a group of children from a couple that was holding them for Horatio,” Troy explained solemnly. 

“When I last saw her, she was happy and healthy,” I tried to compose myself, so I wouldn’t cry.  I pulled the sheets out from under her chin and revealed the scars covering her arms.  “She wasn’t battered and broken either,” I whispered.  I felt like yelling at Collin and telling him it was his fault and everyone else that had a hand in all of this.

“Ella and I didn’t listen,” Chip said with sadness as he hung his head.  “We wanted to go home to our mother and sister.  She hated the dog cage.  The wires made her uncomfortable.  She couldn’t sleep.  She was hungry.  They moved us all in other cages when I tried to get us free.  My cage was made of plastic, I can’t move plastic.”

“He can manipulate metal,” Troy quietly explained.

“How do you know Horatio is behind this all?” Collin asked with disbelief.  “Doesn’t he just want a world where the gifted can be free?  Where we didn’t have to live in hiding anymore?”

“That’s his ultimate goal, in a way,” Will said quietly from the doorway.  “But first he needs likeminded people to help him eradicate or convert the ungifted.  He ran out of people willing to work for him.  After I worked with him, I realized our goals were different.  I want a world where we can peacefully co-exist, and he wants power.” I was shocked to see Will wasn’t alone.  Remy, Jace, Drake, Jaxson, Gavin, Jemmy, and Rachel were with him.  “Adults are harder to convince, but if you had young impressionable minds like, say, children, they can be trained to hate.  Trained to want to follow whoever rescued them.”

 

“That doesn’t make sense!” Collin insisted.  “How can he abuse children and then expect them to willingly work for him?”

“When they are taken from their parents, or bought from their parents,” Will patiently explained.  “They are given to nefarious individuals.  Eventually they are moved to another facility, where they are ‘rescued.’  They are fed, clothed, and given pretty much anything they want.  They are groomed to the point that they are willing to do pretty much anything for Horatio.  After all, he rescued them.”

Collin paled and stumbled to find a seat.  I suspected that he had seen some of these children.  “How-” his voice broke.  “How do you know all this?  How do I know that this isn’t all lies?”

“They aren’t,” Rachel finally spoke up.  “My father could not be bought.  Horatio tried to convince my Dad and brothers to work for him on several occasions, and when we wouldn’t, he blew up my house.”

Collin rubbed his eyes wearily and then looked up at Will.  “You know, don’t you?” The unspoken question was clear.  He wanted to know if Will knew that he was working for Horatio.

Will nodded.

Collin looked over at me, I could see he felt ashamed.  “After I injured myself...I couldn’t play football anymore.  I had a taste of that rich life.  I loved that life.  Horatio found out I could block people.  Make people unable to use their gifts.  Occasionally, I would be asked to go sit outside of a house and use my gift.  Then I would get a phone call and be told to leave.  I was never told why or whose powers I was suppressing.  I never saw what happened after I blocked powers.  I just received a nice transaction in my bank account.  I didn’t think anything of it.  When they asked me to block you, Blake, I thought it was an easy gig.  I had a crush on you in high school.  I had always been curious to know what it would have been like to be with you.  You were different when I saw you again.  You were more confident, more carefree, more beautiful than I remembered, and you had a voice of an angel.”

I looked down at my hands.  “Did they tell you why they wanted you to use your gift against me?”

Collin nodded.  “Your dad felt it was right if you took your rightful place by his side.  If you fell in love with me, and I introduced him to you, then you could see that his idea of us being free to be who we are, without fear, was a better concept than hiding.  We have a large community here, but we are still forced into hiding.”

I stared at him in stunned silence.  “My father?” I asked quietly with dread.

He nodded.  “Yeah, Horatio. At least, that’s who he says he is.”

It was my turn to stumble. I was glad Troy was nearby to catch me before I fell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 13

 

I was walking on auto pilot as we went to a private lounge room.  I was shocked into near paralysis.  I sat down in an oversized armchair and folded my legs to my chest and hugged my knees.  Everyone took a seat on the other pieces of furniture or on the floor, facing each other.

“Is he my father?” I asked Will.  Somehow, I knew he would know.

He nodded.  “Considering recent events, Judge Myers has decided to get involved in your case.  He has been helping me try to figure out your story.  He had met your mother through the court system.  He had met your uncle through the court system.  Since he has met you, he feels more compelled to get to know you.

“When Horatio, Greg, and I were young and dumb, we decided to mess with genetics, in a way.  We wanted to reinvent the wheel.  We wanted to find out why some gifted were sterile or restricted to producing only one or two children. We couldn’t understand how two gifted people were producing non-gifted children.

  “My goal, when we got together, was to fix our current problem.  Horatio’s focus was to create children with stronger gift levels.

“Judge Myers found out Horatio was finding homeless gifted people on the streets and paying them to carry his children. He didn’t care if they were minors or unable to make a decision like that.  Fifty women were inseminated with his children over a 5-year period.  They would get paid at the time of the insemination.  Then they were paid when the woman went to one of his medical facilities and confirmed pregnancy. After that, they would move into another one of his facilities and receive all of their medical care. When the child was born, he would pay them to sign all their rights away to him.

“In the event that he had a child, he had a lawyer who helped couples who were desperate for a child.  He would have his child adopted by another family.  These families were so desperate for a child, they would sign any type of adoption.  With their adoptions, the biological parents—in this case Horatio—could come back into the child’s life and have contact with the child at any time.

“Somehow, and I don’t know how, he was capable of having 10 children.  Some of those children were tested through the institute.  He continued running the institute after I left. 

“After you were taken, Blake, my boys weren’t the same. I knew, because of my actions, I was driving my own sons away from me. They were all that I had left.  I had to leave him.  Especially after Greg was murdered.

“I think Greg, our best friend, was suspicious of Horacio’s activities.  Before Greg died, I think he tried to warn me.  I’m not certain.

“Your sister, Ashlynn, went through the institute, years after I left.  I had heard rumors about her abilities, but I didn’t know she was his.  She was the only child of his to show signs of a gift.  She was 13 at the time.  While she lived with her foster parents, she was supposed to find other gifted people.  She was supposed to help him bring the gifted over to his side.

“He didn’t know of your existence.  He hadn’t realized that your mother had gone through his office, twice, for a payout.  She had used two different aliases.  I think when she went in the second time, she was desperate for the money like she had been the first time, but we believe somewhere along the line, she decided to keep you.  She never went back in to confirm her pregnancy. 

“She had you. On her own.  One of the nurses found some discrepancies with her paperwork and called the police. Your mother had a police record.  She called your uncle to get you, but he didn’t get the message in time.  She was taken away, and you were put into the foster care system.

“Your uncle fought for five years to get you.  The courts were leery about placing a young girl with a young, single male.  

“In your foster home, you started exhibiting signs of a gift.  Your foster parents were freaked out.  They started taking you to different medical facilities.  Someone who was independently working for Horatio, let him know about you.  He was able to convince your foster parents to allow him to continue your testing at the institute.

“The institute was created to protect the gifted, to test the gifted, to make the gifted stronger.  I didn’t realize it was also a cover for Horatio to bring in his children.  To test his children.  He had no clue you were his child when you were in the institute.

“Your uncle finally got the opportunity to get closer to you.  He was tired of waiting.  He knew you didn’t ‘exist’ anymore.  Horatio had started the process of making sure Amanda Lynn Cornwall never existed, just in case your foster parents wanted to get you.  He didn’t know about your uncle’s persistence.

“Your uncle got a job working for us.  He waited for the perfect time to take you, and he did.  He went into hiding.  He changed your name.  He had hidden you so well, that Horatio couldn’t find you.  Whenever he got close, your uncle was able to use his gift and hide you once more.

“He was able to finally find your uncle, but he never found you.  He killed your uncle out of anger.  Your uncle wouldn’t let him know where you were.  He wanted you because of your gift, not because of who you are. 

“Recently, he was able to get a DNA sample from you and found out you were his daughter.  He went delving into his old files.  He found out you carried the same DNA as Ashlynn.  It shed new light on his experiments.  He must have seen the picture attached to his files.  You look like your mother.

“I believe that you and your sister are strong, not because of your father, but because of your mother.  Your mother, Rachel’s father, and maybe some other people we are not aware of yet, may be the answer to our sterility issues.  They may be the answer to producing higher level gifted children.

“Now it’s a matter of finding and securing your other sibling before he harms and uses them and then find out how he found out about them.”

We all looked over expectantly at Collin.  He looked even more disturbed by the recent revelations.  “I don’t know. I’m not that far up on his food chain.  I never gave him any DNA samples of Blake, and I wasn’t even aware of her other siblings, blood siblings,” he clarified.  “Other than…”

“Ashlynn, or should I call her Bridgette?” I stated quietly, seeing varying degrees of surprise.  “He must have been made aware of my gift through Tom. Maybe he started connecting the dots.  My gift is rare.  He could have had Tom use anything of mine for a DNA sample.”

“Bridgette’s a memory eraser,” Collin explained to the guys.  It seemed it surprised everyone save Gavin, Rachel, and Will.  “Her job was, is to make sure you never remembered Blake.  So, in the off chance you met her, she can make you forget.  Horatio knew that one or two of you had to be her connected, but he thought he would try to cover all his bases.  He knew he could never win Blake over if she had an emotional connection to anyone.”

“She was my student for the last couple of years,” Jace finally spoke up.  “I still remember her.” His eyebrows knitted. “One day she was in my class, and the next she wasn’t.  Just like Bridgette.”

“What is there to remember?” Drake asked quietly.  Looking at his eyes, I think he already knew the answer.  Noah knew about my scars without me telling him about them, again.  Troy had a dream about something we had done together.  I could only guess that maybe Drake had remembered something too.

“Therein lies the problem with mind erasers,” Will said quietly.  “Our minds are so vast, that in theory, it should have been an easy job.  They never considered that an emotional bond could defeat a mental one.”

“Do you know who turned back time?” I asked Collin.  Everything within me wanted to still be mad at him, but a part of me could see that money could talk.  People could be bought.

He shook his head.  “I don’t know.  All I know was I was woken up at two or 3 o’clock in the morning the night you arrived.  One man brought you in, and a couple others put your clothing and stuff away in my spare room.  I was given a letter and briefly told my assignment.  I read it and knew what my next job was.  I was told I would have help.  All I know is Mr. Young was my point of contact to talk to. Horatio and Bridgette were tasked to take care of them,” he nodded his head towards the guys.

“Time out,” Jaxson stood up mystified.  “Are you trying to tell me we went to the institute together, and then someone turned back time and made us forget about Blake?  That all of us knew her and were made to forget?  For what purpose?”

“You know why” I communicated with him silently.

“It is you!” he rounded on me, his eyes large.  His mouth never opened.  “Where have you been?!”

“I had a block on me” I gently reminded him.

I was so busy communicating with Jaxson, I hadn’t noticed that Collin was watching me.  “It’s Jaxson and Noah, isn’t it?  They’re your connections?” he asked quietly.

“Doesn’t Noah and Jaxson have girlfriends, though?” Rachel asked perplexed.

“I did,” Noah said quickly, running a hand through his auburn curls.  “I didn’t think it was fair to have a girlfriend when I started to develop feelings for another girl.  I actually broke it off with her a week or so ago.”  He looked over at me.  “Truth be told, I had been separating myself from her for some time now, and I haven’t been…physical with her for weeks.”

I met his eyes, mine widening.  I was reminded of Ella’s premonition, and realized not all of them were true.  Noah had left Stacey.  Jaxson and Tamara hadn’t ganged up against me, because I never attended school with them.  That only left one premonition I still wondered about…

“Then who is she connected with?” Rachel asked bluntly.  “Inquiring minds want to know.”

“How can we know if he can be trusted?” Jemmy said as she pointed at Collin.

“We don’t,” Remy stated.  “For all we know, he’s spilling the beans because he wants to save his own hide.  He already admitted that he’s easily bought.”

Collin stood up agitated.  “After seeing those kids in there, there’s no way I can ever work for him again.  I never knew he would stoop so low for his cause,” he said with an impassioned plea.

“And that’s the truth,” Rachel said quietly.

 

My head was spinning as Will took Collin, Gavin, Jemmy, and Rachel out of the room.  He had asked them to leave so they could continue to talk to Collin, to figure out where we were going from here.  Decisions had to be made if we continued to trust Collin or if we just transferred him to a facility up into the mountains where we took all our ‘dangerously’ gifted individuals.  Will also believed Collin had more information that could be useful to us, even if Collin didn’t think he did.

I had a feeling that Will had left us alone in here, so we could finally reconnect.

“You’re our connected,” Troy immediately stated the moment he felt it was safe to talk.

I nodded, suddenly very self-conscious in my hospital gown.  I ran a nervous hand through my hair and noticed it was wilder than normal.  I suspected I was also pale because I had been ill the day before, and any traces of makeup was long gone. This wasn’t how I thought I would look after we were reunited by our forced separation.

“Running up the mountain to my spot,” Remy said after several moments of tense silence.

“Memory,” I responded, knowing what he was asking.

“The carriage ride through central park,” Troy spoke.

“Memory,” I answered.

“Late night conversations, chasing away your demons.” Jaxson knitted his eyebrows.

“Memory,” I retorted. 

“Singing on a stage with Ben, Rick, Taylor, and Mike.” Noah ran another hand through his hair as he leaned his head back on the wall he had been sitting up against.

I felt a smile curve my lips at the memory of singing, being in a band.  I had been so uncertain whether that was a path I had wanted to take.  I had thought I had been forced along for the ride.  But I missed it.  I knew now that I wanted to stay on the ride to the very end.  “Memory,” I stated finally.

“Studying on the couch listening to my iPod, before we went into the kitchen to cook together,” Drake looked almost pained as he said it.  My heart felt heavy for him.  For us.

“Almost every day,” I responded.

“An audition video on the piano,” Jace finally said after a few moments of silence.

“Memory,” I nodded.

“Why was it so easy for them to separate us?  Why weren’t we able to stop them, if we knew it was coming?” Jaxson stood up and started to pace.

“Not all our connections were made,” I felt tears welling in my eyes.  “You guys were being patient with me, but it had been a huge adjustment for me.  We all led busy lives.”

“It didn’t help that I was fighting it myself,” Noah braced his elbows on his knees as he put his face in his hands.  His voice was muffled as he continued, “I never thought I was good enough for her.  How can I compete with you guys?  I was a child with no flaws and my own parents didn’t want me.  Now I am a man with many. How was my connected supposed to want me?  How can I expect someone who was supposed to finally mean something to me, want me if my own parents didn’t want me?  Helping children in third-world countries was more important than being with their own child.  They were so determined to leave me, they died because of it.”

My heart dropped suddenly as everything clicked into place.  His inability to commit to anyone before.  His constant need for attention from women to bolster his self-esteem.  The reason he had kept Stacey around before, while pushing me away.  His spiral out of control because of his own insecurities. 

I left my chair and quickly crossed the room.  I pushed his legs down onto the floor, so I could straddle his legs and pull his hands away from his face.  As tears coursed down my face, I was determined that he meet my eyes.  I cupped his face in my hands, seeing the hurt he was so adept at hiding.  “There was never a competition with any of you.  I came to you guys broken.  I carried scars too deep to see.  Don’t you understand? When the glass was shattered and the pieces were put back together again, no pieces were the same—but all the pieces needed to be put together again if we were to be made whole.”

He nodded as understanding filled his eyes. He grabbed my hands and pulled me close as he embraced me.  I leaned my head against his chest as he laid his head on top of mine.  His warm hands ran up and down my spine.

The guys were silent for a while before Jace cleared his throat.  I looked up in surprise when I noticed all the guys had moved in closer.  Remy and Troy had taken seats on either side of Noah, their shoulders touching his.  Jace and Jaxson were sitting by our knees, and Drake was at Noah’s feet.

“So, what should we do now?  Do we take you home?  Make these connections?  Figure out where your brothers are?” Jaxson chewed on his bottom lip.

“I’m the only one left to make the connection,” Troy stated as if he wasn’t completely positive.

“How much do you all remember?” I asked wearily as I laid my head back down on Noah’s chest.

“Bits and pieces,” Remy grunted.  “Ever since you made your connection with Noah.”

I looked at the other guys and they nodded; their memories probably started returning at that time as well. 

I looked over at Troy.  “Our connection is the last,” I confirmed.

“I’m calling Leo,” Troy finally stood up and brushed his pants off.  “I remember working hard to chase my own demons away, but now whatever it was doesn’t seem that important anymore.  I’m going to take a leave of absence until I figure this all out.”

I tried to stifle my gasp as I sat up.  I looked up at him.  Understanding dawning.  “Your foster brother?” I silently communicated with him.  “What happened to him?”  

His eyes widened for a moment.  He cleared his throat.  “Blake,” he said hesitantly.  “Will you like to follow me to your room?  I think Gavin said Jemmy brought you some clothes you can change into.”

I nodded, knowing he would like to speak to me in private.  He still wasn’t ready to share his secret with the guys.  He didn’t want to know that his foster brother had been grooming him to molest him.  “I’ll be right back,” I murmured as I let Troy help me up.

He waited until we got to my room, before he turned to me. “So, I told you.” It was more of a statement than a question.

I nodded as I bit my lip.  “You let me know he had molested another little boy.  You blamed yourself after you found out other boys had been placed in their care after you.  You were afraid that only the last boy had been brave enough to come forward, and if you had spoken up earlier, maybe they all could have been saved from him.”

A large smile spread across his face. “My team had been investigating him.  None of the other boys had been there long enough for him to attempt his grooming process. The last boy had come forward with a lap top that was filled with enough evidence to put him away for a while.  He never got the chance to touch him. What did you do?”  He pulled me in tight, squeezing me so hard I was afraid I might pass out.  Not really, but it was tight.

“Judge Myers,” I smiled in relief.  “I remembered, and I had a feeling he knew the whole situation.  Especially since he did your adoption. With his gift. He would have known the truth, so I asked him to look into it for me.”

The look he gave me made me feel like I had hung the moon singlehandedly. 

“Hey,” Remy came barreling into the room.  “They found Alex, and they want to extract him now.”

 

Even though no one wanted me to go, I was going. Especially after I found out they were traveling out of state to get Alex. Gavin hadn’t seen Alex in a while, which was the norm at the shelter.  Once Judge Myers got involved, he was able to search more thoroughly.  It had been confirmed that Alex’s father had died while drinking and driving, crashing his car into a median.  The authorities were never made aware of a son, so they never thought to even look for him.

Judge Myers had circulated the picture of Alex to all his contacts.  He got a lead on Alex’s whereabouts, and now we were heading to Delaware. We were going to land on an airstrip that shared a runway with a Guard Base.  We were hoping the element of surprise would be on our side. 

Generally, when the Knights were dispatched, certain protocols were set in place.  Will had people that were set up at headquarters to provide us with assistance if needed.  This mission was too sensitive to trust just anyone.  He didn’t want any information to fall into the wrong hands.  His plan was to secure Alex and then deploy another team for any clean up. 

The private jet was taking Will, Remy, Jace, Troy, Noah, Drake, Jaxson, Jemmy, Rachel, Gavin, Collin, and I to Delaware.  I don’t know if most of the guys were more displeased that I was coming along, or that Collin was as well.  They didn’t want Collin to go, for obvious trust reasons, and they didn’t feel I was physically ready to go.  We were flying in blind.  We didn’t know how many people were keeping Alex.  We didn’t know their abilities, or if they had any.

The only reason I won the argument to go was because I informed them I was able to communicate with Alex in the future/past.  We were hoping he had obtained his gift at this point, and I was able to communicate with him.  They finally relented to allow me to go if I promised not to get physically involved.

It was the first time I was able to suit up like a Knight, and it felt kind of exhilarating.  The black and silver suits were form fitting and made of a fire-retardant material.  The chest had a Kevlar-like material built into it. It didn’t hurt that I had seen the look of appreciation in a lot of the guys’ eyes.

I had only got to accompany them on one other mission in the past; the same mission I found Alex the first time. 

Drake seemed slightly withdrawn as he sat in the back, talking on the phone.  Jaxson was beside him playing on his own phone. Will had slipped in the sleeping quarters in the back, occupied on his phone.  Collin, Rachel, Gavin, and Jemmy had found seats in the recliners up front.  I was sitting on the couch located in the middle of the jet with Noah and Troy, while Jace and Remy had taken seats across from us.

I was feeling slightly awkward. In the past, we had clicked quickly, but this time around they almost seemed hesitant with me, like they were unsure how to proceed. I had no clue either.  Everything seemed more natural the first time around.

“So, you have a brother Micah out there as well. How do we find him?” Troy asked.

I shrugged. “The last time we found him, Alex helped us. Micah was in Baltimore.  Horatio’s already a step ahead of us. He may already have him in custody.”

Remy’s eyebrows knitted. “We’ll find him,” he said gruffly.

Noah shifted on the couch and pulled me close to his side.  I sighed and leaned my head into him. 

Jaxson seemed agitated as he came back with Will. “I tried to tell Tamara we needed to talk, but I’ve been unable to reach her,” he said as he took a seat next to Jace and Remy.

Will sighed as he rubbed his eyes. “They’re gone.  I sent a team to apprehend Bridgette, Zach and his connections to question them further, but they’re nowhere to be found.”

“Did Collin warn them?” I exclaimed.

Will shook his head. “We took his phone. He has no way of contacting them, and we’ve been with him the whole time.  Plus, with the help of Rachel, we know Collin is regretting his actions.  He never knew how Horatio operated.”

“So, someone else tipped him off,” Jace said grimly.

“What do we do now?” I asked.

Will took a seat on the arm of the couch across from us. “I think for now, we focus on your connections.  Troy and Jace, I would like it if you stayed home for a while.  Remy, I don’t want you travelling to your restaurants out of state, not unless you all go.”

Troy nodded.  “I already have Leo as my point man.  I’m going to do what I can, when I can, at home.”

“I’ve already submitted a leave of absence at school,” Jace said.  “Maybe it’s time I came home as well and take a position at the Academy.”

Will nodded in agreement.  “You know we can always find you a position somewhere.  The elementary school’s music program is a bit rudimentary, we can focus on that.”

“Does that mean I’m coming…home?” I asked hesitantly.  “What are our plans with Collin?”

Will looked at us in contemplation.  “We have some decisions to make.  I’m not sure he’ll be safe on his own.  I was thinking about handpicking a security detail to accompany you to your classes.  Including Collin, Noah, and Drake.”  When Noah went to protest, Will held up his hand.  “Just until your connection is complete.”

“So, what are you waiting for?” Jemmy looked at us.  I hadn’t noticed that everyone had gathered around us.

I blushed and ducked my head.  “It’s not that easy.” I turned and grabbed Troy’s hand.  “There was definitely something there before, but…”

“We need to get to know each other again,” Troy stated as he squeezed my hand.

“Is security going to be with me at my apartment?” Collin looked worried.

“I was thinking,” Will looked at all of us.  “Maybe you can temporarily move in with us…”

Some of the guys reluctantly nodded, and although I was still angry at him for having a hand in screwing up our lives, in a way I should be thanking him and Horatio.  Troy was a happier man knowing no one had to suffer at the hands of his foster brother.  Time had been changed, and that had given me the opportunity to enlist Judge Myer’s help.  Plus, the relationship I had with Noah was stronger now.  We got to know each other on a deeper level. His insecurities with sharing me hadn’t had time to imbed itself in his psyche.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 14

 

The drive to Lewes, Delaware was about an hour south from the airport.  As we pulled up into the quant beach town, I could understand why they had chosen this location.  It was quiet.  The tourist season was over.  There would be very little people, if any, in the cottages.  The closer we got, the more anxious I became.

We finally pulled up in front of the cottage down the street in our black Tahoes. Will turned in the front seat and looked at me.  “Can you try to communicate with Alex?  See what we’re up against?”

“I can try,” I nodded.  Noah squeezed my hand reassuringly.  Troy and Remy exited the vehicle with me, and we made our way closer to the house.

“Alex,” I called out to my brother mentally.  I waited a few minutes before calling out to him again.  “Alex, can you hear me?”  A few more moments passed, and I was starting to get discouraged. 

“Blake?” a small voice asked hesitantly.

I grinned, close to tears at the relief I felt.  “Yes!  Do you remember me?”

“Yeah,” he said in such an exasperated tone, I almost giggled.  “I fell asleep with Ella on the couch watching a movie and I woke up at my dad’s.  I thought you guys didn’t want me anymore,” he sounded sad. 

“No, buddy, I-” I quickly reassured him, before he interrupted me. 

“I know that now,” he piped up.  “Are you here to get me?” he asked hopefully.  “I have been trying to reach you, but you haven’t been answering me. I stopped trying to reach you.  I thought maybe they got you, too.”

“I couldn’t, I’m sorry,” I explained to him.  “I had a block on me and now I have my gifts back.  Are you alone?  Is there anyone with you?”

“There are three of us,” he explained.  “And three guards left.  They say they want to move me tonight.  Horatio wants to meet me.”

“Well we’re here now.  What can those three people do?”  I asked.

“Ready?” he asked, and without waiting for my consent, I was sucked inside of his head.  I was able to see that Alex was sitting on the couch with two other young teens.  They were all sitting on the couch bound, watching some Disney Channel show.

Two men were sitting at a table playing poker, smoking.  The ashtray beside them filled with cigarette butts.

“The fat guy keeps pushing me to find out my gift,” Alex explained.  “He keeps trying to make me tell him the truth, but he’s not strong enough,” Alex scoffed.  “He knows I’ve been lying to him.  The bald guy is like Ella, but he only see’s minutes into—" He stopped as the bald guy suddenly stood up, his chair clattering to the floor.

“They’re here!” he exclaimed, nervously looking around.  Both men withdrew guns from the holsters at their hips.

“Let’s go,” said another man who came into the room. He picked up the two teens like they weighed nothing.

“Blake!” Alex called out in panic as the fat guy picked him up. 

I pulled myself away from him and looked over at Troy and Remy.  “They know we’re here.” 

I started to run towards the house as the guys yelled my name. Remy caught up to me and hurled himself through the front door before I could warn him about the guns.  I barely had time to set the forcefield around him to deflect the bullets. Troy came into the house. The man not holding Alex engulphed into flames.  His terrified screams of pain pierced through the air.  The guy who held Alex started to make a run for it, while the other man quickly dropped the teens and pushed him out of the way.  I could see the fear in his eyes, and I knew he didn’t think the teens were worth the risk of his life.

“Stop,” I compelled the man who held Alex.  “Gently put him down,” I insisted.

He put him down, as Jace, Jaxson, Noah, and Drake came running into the house.  Alex quickly got up and launched his little body into my arms.

“Blake!” he cried in relief as he squeezed me.  “I was waiting for you!” 

“You promised to not get involved,” Noah gently admonished me.

“Did anyone get the other guy?” I asked, ignoring him.  I felt somewhat comforted that Alex looked fed and clean.

“Pops, Gavin, and Collin are taking care of him,” Drake explained to me.  It was the first time he had talked to me since the hospital. 

I turned back to the fat man, who was bawling.  “I didn’t know!  I didn’t know!”

“Shut up,” I hissed.  “Where are the restraints?” I asked the guys.

Jaxson pulled some out of his pocket as he knelt next to the guy. He restrained the guy as Jace placed a comforting hand on the two young teens.  I could see their fear abate as he placed his hands on them.

“We’re the good guys,” he explained to them.  “Will you go with us, so we can help you get back to your parents?”

“I don’t have any parents,” the beautiful black girl of about 11 or 12 stated.  “They took me from my granny, and she hasn’t been right in the head for a while.  She keeps calling me Tanya.  Tanya was my mom. I’m Jasmine.”

“No worries,” Jace stated.  “We have a wonderful place we can show you, and if you like it there, you can stay.”

Jasmine slowly nodded.  “I don’t think Granny’s gonna miss me, and I don’t want to go with CPS.”

“I don’t want to go home,” the other young teen stated.  “Mom and Dad are afraid of me,” he looked down at his feet.  “Whenever I draw something, it happens in their dreams.” He looked at us levelly.  “I don’t draw pleasant things.”

He was a teen a little on the thicker side, with peculiar features.  His eyes, though, were stunning, and carried a haunted look.  He was far too young to be carrying the weight he was carrying in them. 

“It’s okay,” Jace stated.  “We can try to help you both with your gifts.”

“It’s not a gift,” the boy scoffed.  “More like a curse.”

“You won’t feel that way for long,” Jaxson said confidently as he pulled the fat man up on his feet with the help of Remy.

“Let’s go,” Jemmy stated as she came into the house.  “The swipe teams on their way.”

“Are we going to get Micah?” Alex asked expectantly.

 

Since Baltimore wasn’t too far away from our location, we decided to head there by vehicle.  Collin was using his blocking gifts on the prisoners we got, so he was accompanying Will back to Knightstown.  Jemmy and Gavin were taking the two teens back with them.  Will asked Rachel to return with them, so she can help interrogate the prisoners.  That left me and the guys heading to Baltimore with Alex.

“He’s really tired,” Alex said with concern next to me.  “He’s been running for weeks.  He thinks they have a tracker with them, because every time he thinks he lost them, they find him again.”

“Can you tell him we’re on the way, and let him know when we get there, we’ll ask him to meet us somewhere?” I asked, barely stifling a yawn.

I hadn’t used my gifts for long, but I was still exhausted.  My body was still recovering and wasn’t too pleased I hadn’t eaten yet. 

“You need to eat,” Jaxson stated beside me. I looked at him with wide eyes, and he gave me a crooked smile.  “I can hear your stomach.”

“We have no time,” I stated resolutely.

“We can stop at the McDonalds up here, next to the Bay Bridge,” Remy said from the front seat.

“Can I get a Happy Meal!?” Alex asked excitedly.

Jace chuckled.  “Yes, we can get you a Happy Meal.”

Soon we were going through the drive thru, and I ordered a Big Mac meal, large.  I couldn’t finish my meal; I was so tired that I ended up passing out on Jaxson’s shoulder.

 

I woke up when we got to the outskirts of Baltimore.  I could tell Alex was slightly nervous as he bounced up and down in his seat.

“He’s not alone,” he said worry lacing his words.  “They finally found him.”

“Where is he?” Remy asked urgently.

“He’s says he’s at the Aquarium,” he stated after a few moments.  “There’s a lot of families there today and he’s been trying to blend in.”

“Tell him we’re almost there,” I bit my lip in consternation as I squeezed Alex’s hand.

As we pulled up into the parking lot, Remy turned to Alex.  “Can you tell him, we’re here?  Can he meet us out—"

He stopped in midsentence as a tall gangly teen with red curly hair and green eyes popped into the back seat.  “Go!” he shouted as we saw five men running out of a side door of the aquarium.

The Tahoe started to shake as the tires lifted off the ground.

I felt a sudden pressure in my head, and I heard the guys yell out in pain.  “They have an empath out there,” Jace said through clenched teeth.

“And a telekinetic,” Remy hissed as he tried to force his door open.

I acted on pure instinct as the pressure continued to build in my head.  I unbuckled my seat belt and fell to my knees on the ground. 

The Tahoe came crashing down and I bit my tongue and hit my head against the door.  I yelled out in pain as I tasted the sharp metallic taste of blood in my mouth.  I felt the Tahoe begin to rise once more and I took the opportunity to push open the door.  I stumbled out of the SUV and fell to the asphalt, scraping my hands on the pavement. 

“Blake!” I heard Noah call out my name in panic. 

I could feel the iciness engulf me as the empath tried to push feelings of despair and loss onto me.  I almost gave in to the feelings, but I felt Jace’s warmth begin to envelope me, battling the other empath.

I watched as a man advanced towards us, hail-like objects flying from his hands.  They were pelted into the vehicle.  The sound of glass shattering filled my ears.

Troy jumped out of the vehicle beside me and carefully took aim against the hail, melting it before it could make impact.  Drake jumped out next, creating a force field around us, kneeling beside me as he tried to get me up.  Remy was running at full speed as he tackled a man trying to pull our vehicle into the cyclone.  He flew a good 20 feet before his head connected hard with the asphalt.   

“We can’t fight them off for long,” Noah bit out as he shielded Alex with his body.  “They’re strong.  Horatio sent his best.”

“They really want us,” Alex cried out.  “They’re not nice.  They do mean things,” he was crying.

I watched as Micah showed up behind the telekinetic man and swung a tire iron at his head.  The man crumbled to the ground.  Micah showed up behind another man who seemed to flash with speed before my eyes.  I knew I had to snap out of it.  I had to help get us out of here.

I focused all my energy into feeling all their gifts and commanded them to stop.  The guys on the other side paused in mid motion.  “Leave,” I commanded them.  “You never saw us.  You don’t know why you came here,” I added.

We all sighed with relief as they began to move away.  Micah had knocked the one guy out cold, so he had to be dragged away, along with the guy Remy had hit.

The guys came walking back, and Remy cursed as he looked at the Tahoe. The front tires were now laying at a weird angel.  “The front axel’s shot.”

“Let’s go,” Jaxson muttered.  “We drew a crowd.”

“I’m calling the swipe team,” Jace stated as he pulled out his cell phone.

Noah hopped out of the truck and took Alex’s hand.  “Where are we going?”

Jaxson was busy casting illusions of a movie set.  Everyone that had saw what just happened would think they were watching a movie being made.  It was a bit disconcerting to see me kneeling where I had been kneeling moments before.  He cast the illusion like we were still standing there.  By the time the bystanders realized it was an illusion, we would be long gone. 

“We need to erase any camera footage,” Drake said with worry.  “We haven’t been out in open like this before.  Not to this degree.”

Micah disappeared in front of me and reappeared moments later.  “Done,” he said with a satisfied smile.

“That’s a pretty neat trick,” Jaxson said with a smile.

“Oh yeah,” Micah smiled with a cocky grin.  “Watch this,” he said as he grabbed my hand.

My first experience with teleporting was highly alarming.

 

It wasn’t long before we were on another private jet heading back home.  It was a long day of using my powers, and I was hungry, tired, and straining worse than I ever had.  I longed for a sexual release but didn’t know how to approach any of the guys with my needs.  It was getting dark out and Noah was busy entertaining Alex; my heart warmed at how good he was with him.  Jace was busy tapping away on his lap top.  Drake was having a quiet, but intense conversation on the phone.  Jaxson, Micah, and Remy were passed out in their recliners.

Micah was beyond exhausted from running so long.  This was the first time he was safe in weeks.

I knew Troy was sitting up in the cock pit with the pilot.  I was too wired to sleep, no matter how tired I was, and I decided to make my way up to the cock pit.  I was thinking I would be able to talk to him, get to know him again.  After all, we needed to make this connection. 

I lightly tapped on the door and was told to come in.  I walked in and took a seat behind the pilot.  “I couldn’t sleep,” I said quietly.

Troy looked at me with assessing eyes.   “I know how you feel,” he said quietly.  “Hey Joe, want to stretch your legs a bit, get some coffee, something to eat, see how Kendra’s doing” he said to the pilot.

Kendra was the flight attendant that had given us refreshments and snacks, but it hadn’t been enough to fill me.

Joe gave him a grateful smile, “Yeah?”  I could tell he must have a thing for the pretty flight attendant and was eager to spend some time with her. 

“Yeah,” Troy nodded.  “This thing practically flies itself, and I’m sure Blake would like to sit co-pilot for a little bit.”

Joe didn’t need a second invitation, he was out the door quickly.

I nodded with a smile.  “That would be cool.  You once flew me on the helicopter, this will be another unique experience.”

Troy’s eyes clouded for a moment before he nodded.  “I remember that,” he said slowly.

I slid into the seat next to him.  He looked at me and smiled.  He reached out to grab my hand.  In my heightened state I didn’t realize I had brought my sexual tension out in my touch or that I was pushing my emotions to him.

“Blake,” he hissed, his voice heavy with desire.

“Sorry,” I blushed, taking my hand away and staring at my hands.  “I forgot how…the strain felt.  I didn’t mean to push my…desire onto you.”

“There’s nothing to be ashamed about,” Troy said hoarsely.  “Why do you think I came up here?  I didn’t trust myself to be near you.  I want you.  Now.”

“Really?” I asked tentatively.  I felt my desire rise more.  I always thought I was an asexual being, until I met my guys.  Reticence warred with the desire within.  Part of me felt like I needed to take the time to get to know Troy again.  The other part of me wanted to rip off his clothes and see what it would be like to be with him. 

He turned and messed with some buttons on the dashboard of the plane.  He stood up and I could see the hunger in his eyes mirroring my own.  He pulled me out of my seat and lifted me up.  Almost stumbling in his haste to taste my lips.

I eagerly opened my mouth to him, sucking on his tongue as he moaned deep in his throat.  His hands cradled the back of my head, allowing him deeper access.  Kissing him had always been erotic.  In the past, that’s all we did, and for the life of me, I don’t know why we never did anything more.

I felt his hands on my zipper, located on the back of my suit.  He raised his eyebrows in question.  I knew he wanted my permission.  I eagerly nodded.   I heard his breath leave his lungs like he had been holding it.

He looked down at me, making me squirm uncomfortably.  A man like him was experienced.  He had admitted as much.  I was still new to all this.  I wanted to snatch my suit back up, feeling horribly self-conscious.

“So beautiful,” his voice was barely a whisper.  

He went back to kissing me passionately.  I could feel his hands exploring my back, pushing the material off my arms and around my waist.  His warm hands explored my body from the waist up, his hands finally finding my breast.  He lifted the weight of them into his palms and rubbed my nipples with his thumbs, through my bra.

I whimpered as I felt the warmth spread in my stomach and down to my core.  I was highly aroused by his knowing touch. 

“You have too many clothes on,” I muttered in frustration as I went to dig my nails into his back.  Rubbing my body against him, wanting… Needing to get closer to him. 

He stepped back, keeping our lips connected, his breathing ragged as he released the zips on his suit, revealing his beautiful olive complexion.  His pectoral muscles jumped under my touch, he hissed as I ran my hands down his six-pack abs.  I couldn’t help myself as I took the material in my hands, pushing it down as I got down on my knees, following it as the material bunched down at his feet.

I pulled his boxer briefs down, releasing his hard member.  I couldn’t resist wanting to taste him.  To know what his male essence would taste like.  I wrapped my lips around him and heard him hiss out my name as I licked and sucked on him.  He tasted good.  I wanted more.

“Blake,” he groaned.  “I want to feel all of you, I want all of you.” 

He pulled me up and sat down on the chair.  “Ride me, please,” he breathed.

I didn’t need to be told twice as I slid my body down onto his hard member.  It was my turn to moan as I felt him fill me.

“Ahh,” he groaned.  “You feel better than I imagined.”

Part of me wanted to enjoy this moment, but the other part of me wanted to see how fast we could find our release.  He was impatient.  He grabbed my hips and started to work me up and down.  I thrust my hips forward matching my movements with his.  He leaned forward to push my bra up, taking my nipple into his mouth to suck on it greedily as he drove up into me. 

It didn’t take long for me to feel the pressure building up within.  I could feel the tenseness in his shoulders as I clutched onto him.

“Come for me,” he muttered as he nipped my shoulder.  It brought both pleasure and pain, and I was helpless to disobey him as I felt myself falling apart.  I closed my eyes, stifling my scream into his chest.  I felt his legs stiffen beneath me and heard his guttural groan as he followed me.   The stars were bright behind my closed eyelids. 

I felt the energy coarse through me and saw a flash of light, behind my eyelids as I tried to catch my breath.  I didn’t know what caused the flash of light because the darkness wanted to engulf me once more.

 

I came to in utter chaos.  I could see I was hastily dressed once more and being carried out to the back of the jet.  I could see Troy in the co-pilot’s seat of the plane as Joe frantically messed with his controls.

“Where did this storm come from,” he said in bewilderment.  “We were supposed to have clear skies tonight.”

Troy turned and looked at me with a crooked, satisfied grin, before turning back around.  Another flash of lightening lit up the cabin.

I looked up at Remy.  “We all felt that one,” he explained softly.  “It was stronger than I ever felt it.  It’s like when you found your release, we did too.”

My eyes widened, and I could feel a blush coming to my cheeks.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered in my ear.  “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  It was hot, although I have to admit, I’m kind of jealous.” He nipped my earlobe.  “Wish we could have made lightening,” he chuckled softly.

I buried my burning cheeks into his chest.  Not knowing what to say. 

“Everyone needs to buckle up.” Kendra looked a little frazzled as we came back.

I could see everyone was now wide awake and staring out the windows as another lightning bolt lit up the cabin.   Kendra hurried to her seat before the turbulence outside shook the plane. 

“What’s happening?” Micah asked worriedly as he wiped a hand across his face.  I could see he was still tired.  He still had bags under his eyes.

“Blake made her last connection,” Alex said calmly from his seat.

If we were on the ground I would have gladly dug a hole and climbed into it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 15

 

It was dark by the time we returned home.  I almost sighed in contentment as I saw all the lights on outside as we pulled up the long driveway.  It looked like all the lights were on downstairs as well.  I was famished and hoped they had some food waiting for us.  I knew Jace had kept constant contact with them, so they were expecting us.

I was beyond excited to be back home.  Finally.  As we all came in I could smell the aromas of food and my mouth watered.  I took off my boots and neatly stacked them into one of the cubbies located in the mudroom. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see Sue was in the kitchen.  She never stayed this late.  She was busy cooking at the stove, and she gave us a large warm smile.

“I cook now,” she said in her broken English. 

“Japchae,” Jemmy cried excitedly as she rounded the corner, hand in hand with Gavin.

Gavin looked relaxed and happy, and I felt my heart warm for him. 

“Sounds like you had an eventful day,” Gavin said as he gave me a quick hug.

I laughed and blushed.  If he only knew.  “You could say that.”

“The unexpected lightning storm was quite eventful too,” Jaxson teased me with a wink.

“I didn’t see any lightning on the radar,” Will said as he rounded the corner, with a petite blond safely ensconced in his arms.

I cried out as the little blond ball of energy launched herself out of Will’s arms.  “Blake!” she cried in excitement.

I fell to the ground on my knees, my tears running down my cheeks unheeded.  “Ella,” I cried pulling her close to me.  “I’m so sorry.  I’m so sorry I left you.”

“You didn’t,” she said resolutely.  Wise beyond her years.  “I know they took you away.  I knew you’d find me.  Did you know he’s here?” she said scrunching up her nose in distaste.

I knew she was talking about Collin.

I stared at her in shock.  How had Alex, Ella, Micah, and I retained our memories in the time leap, but no one else had?  I longed to ask Will, but with Sue around, I knew it would have to wait.  

I laughed shakily.  “Has he been nice?”

She rolled her eyes.  “He bought me a new Wii U and video games.  A lot of them.  I told him money can’t buy forgiveness.”

“I’m sure he’s sorry.  He didn’t know,” I said softly.  Not completely convinced myself.

Ella looked behind me, her eyes lighting on Alex.  “Alex!  I missed you!”

Alex blushed, but rushed to meet Ella as she hugged him.  “I missed you too,” he mumbled, slightly embarrassed.

 I could see that I wasn’t the only one smiling and crying at their little reunion.  Rachel had come into the room followed by Chip and Collin.  She was freely crying.  Along with Jemmy.

“Want to go play my Wii U with me and Chip?” Ella asked excitedly.   “Collin bought extra remotes.”

“Yeah,” Alex cried in excitement. 

“Just until dinner is done,” Will gently informed them.  They all squealed with excitement as they left the room. 

“How’s she doing?” I asked Will.

He smiled, but I could see a deeper emotion behind his eyes.  “She’s still fragile physically, but her will is strong.  She’ll recover.”

“And Chip?” I asked.

He looked down for a moment.  “The little guy will be staying with us for a while.  We’re unable to locate his mother at this time, and there was no way we could leave him at the hospital in his…condition.”

I nodded, understanding the unspoken meeting.  When the gifted received their gifts, they could be volatile at times.  They were already emotional, confused, scared.  Adding the disappearance of his mother and losing his only friend would have sent Chip over the edge.

“Would you like to see your room and take a shower before we eat?  You have about 20 minutes or so till we eat,” Will said, looking over at Micah.

I blushed. I had been totally self-absorbed.  “Sorry, Micah.  Let me introduce you.  This is Will.  He…adopted Ella, the little blond, and I, well before,” I explained.  “Ella is my sister, technically our cousin,” I said quietly. But she doesn’t know.”  Then I pointed at everyone else.  “That’s Sue, a family…friend, then there’s Gavin and Jemmy, Rachel and Collin.”

Micah was slightly self-conscious as he shook their hands.  He was awkward in his movements as only 13-year-old boy could be.  It didn’t help that he was nearly 6 feet and looked like he hadn’t eaten a decent meal in ages. 

I found out that he had lived on the streets for years.  He never knew our mother, and his father had left him with a girlfriend when he was 7 years old.  When his father didn’t return, she kicked Micah out.  He was street smart and had a rudimentary education. He met several homeless people on the streets, and quite a few of them took care of him. He made his way into many of their hearts, especially the veterans.

Some of those veterans came home from overseas and didn’t know how to ‘life’ anymore.  They suffered from PTSD, got hooked on the sleep aids and pain killers.  They lost their lives, they lost their families.  Some of them ended up on the streets.  But some of them instinctively had that protective gene in them.  These were the ones who had cared for him. 

It wasn’t until he knew he was being chased did he leave his little group and had to find other places to sleep.  He had to find other soup kitchens to hit up.

“We have some clothes for you,” Jemmy said brightly as he came to give her a handshake.  She swatted it away, to draw him into a hug.  Not caring that he was dirty and smelled.  “I can show you your room.  You’re right across the hall from Blake and Ella.”

His face almost matched his bright red hair as she stepped away from him.  I knew he couldn’t be accustomed to affection.  “Yes, please,” he mumbled.

Jemmy left the room, pulling Micah behind her. We all laughed at the panicked expression on his face.

“Come on and sit down in the dining room,” Will urged.  “Tell me more about this lightning storm.”

“Oh, we hit lightning,” Jaxson snickered.

“Jaxson,” Troy said with warning in his voice. 

Will looked at us in contemplation but shrugged.

“Has anyone located Mr. Young and his family?” Noah asked with concern as we sat down.

“No,” Collin answered.  “He won’t answer my calls either.”

“Do you think someone saw you with all of us and tipped him off?” Jaxson asked as he traced the wood grains in the table top.

He hadn’t said much today about his girlfriend, and I wasn’t sure if he missed her or not.  The last time, he needed a little time to wrap his head around ‘us’ before he had finally broken up with her.  He had always told me his relationship with her had been one of convenience and not love.  Drake on the other hand…

I looked over at him and noticed he still seemed withdrawn into himself.

Collin shrugged.  “Bridgette’s gone too.  No one has seen them since late last night.”

“Not since the party,” Jaxson added.

“So, we all need to be aware of our surroundings until we find out if Horatio has anything else planned,” Will stated.  “Rachel and I have been interviewing a lot of the people on our teams today, and I am happy to say that we had very few traitors in our ranks.  I also handpicked the ones I want to be with Jaxson, Jemmy, Rachel, Noah, Drake, Collin, and Blake.”  He suddenly frowned.  “I hadn’t realized how lackadaisical we had gotten.  A lot of our teams have gotten lazy.  I’m surprised they have been so successful on their missions.  Remy and Troy, I would like it if you started a training program.  I would like you to improve the program we have in place and implement it.”

I didn’t bother asking if a team was necessary for us.  I had made my last connection.  I was torn between admitting it and letting it go.  It was embarrassing enough that my intimate life was out in the open.  With six connections, I would be in constant speculation.  Why add more to it?  So, I didn’t inform Will on the change of events. 

“Everyone has to go through it too,” Jemmy grumbled looking at us pointedly, as she came into the room and mutinously sat in her chair.

We all started laughing, except for Gavin, but I could tell it took everything in him, not too.

“Pops wants us to start on Monday,” Jemmy groaned.  “Before school,” she wailed in self-pity.

Remy and Troy laughed even harder.  “We can have a game plan completed by tomorrow night,” Troy reassured Will.

“I think we should start with a run on Monday morning, maybe four miles.” Remy gave Jemmy a wicked smile as he rubbed his chin.

“Nooo!” Jemmy howled.

 

It almost felt like old times as we all sat down for our late dinner.  Collin even seemed to be adjusting well to our new situation, and I was pleased to find out he had run to the apartment and got all our belongings, so my clothing would be waiting for me, after my shower.  Jemmy had already informed me that she was borrowing one of my jackets.

I didn’t mind; it reminded me of the old days when she would raid my closet or allowed me to wear her clothes.  She was determined that we would be going shopping tomorrow.  Rachel, Ella, Chip, Alex, and Micah needed a more complete wardrobe.

Micah was shoveling food in his mouth and didn’t seem to care that he might have to go shopping with us tomorrow.  He didn’t realize how Jemmy was.  I’m sure he would grow to hate it by the end of the day.  It was rare for any 13-year-old boy to enjoy shopping.

“I’m taking Micah,” Jaxson stated resolutely.  “She will make it a lot longer than it has to be,” he explained to Micah.

Micah nodded.  “This is good.  What is it?” he asked as he pointed to the plate of noodle and meat stir fry in front of him.

“It’s japchae,” Drake finally spoke.  “It’s a Korean dish, typically made with glass noodles, thin strips of beef, and vegetables.  Sue likes to put spinach, carrots, garlic, and onions in hers.”

He was in his element when he talked about food.  I really wished I knew how to talk to him.  We never had any issues talking in the past, or should I say, the future.

“Mmm, its good,” he said around another mouth full of food.

“Do I have to go?” Chip piped up.  “My mommy has lots of clothes for me at home.”

Noah looked at him with sympathy.  “I’m sure she does, buddy, but until we find her, you need new clothes.”

Chip made a face, “But I already got new underwear, jeans, and shirts.”

“You’re going with the boys,” Ella said bossily.  “You too,” she pointed at Alex.  “I’m going with the girls.”

Some of us laughed at her bossiness.

“Okay,” Chip mumbled unhappily.

“Okay,” Alex said agreeably.

“I guess that means I’ll go with you, too,” Jace said with a smile in his voice as he looked over at Jaxson.

“I’m coming,” Noah volunteered.

“Can we play more video games?” Ella asked as she pushed her plate away.

Will looked down at his watch and over at me.  I nodded.  “It is a Saturday night, you can stay up a little later.” he smiled indulgently.

“Yay!” Chip, Alex, and Ella stood up with excitement, getting ready to run out of the room.

“Hold it,” I yelled after them and they froze in their tracks.  “Sit down and ask to be excused.  Then take your plates into the kitchen and put them in the sink.”

They reluctantly all sat back down, asked to be excused, and then took their plates into the sink, before running back into the living room.

 

After dinner, everyone took their showers and got dressed into more comfortable clothing.  Even though we were tired we all decided to meet back into the kitchen, where Drake volunteered to make some cupcakes for the kids, although we weren’t telling them yet.

Will asked if he could invite Steven, Beth, Cora Karn, and their daughter Nadia over.  They were another connection trio.  Steven was their nucleus.  Beth and Cora, his wives.  They were members of the board, and Will felt he could trust them in our secret.  He was hoping if they got involved they could help us figure out how to proceed from here, plus they had the right to know when changes were being made to the whole Knights division. 

I looked longingly at my bed as I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and one of my tank tops with the built-in bra—there was no way I was putting another bra on.  I towel-dried my hair, getting as much moisture as I could out of it before adding some product into it.  I figured I had dawdled long enough and left the comforts of my room. 

I thought about my room as I made my way down to the kitchen.  It was going to take some time before I could make it feel like my own again.  I had added so many personal touches before, and I was determined to restore it to its former glory.

I saw Nadia had already made herself comfortable with the other kids, and I had a feeling it wouldn’t take long for her to reestablish her friendship with Ella.  I was the last one to enter the kitchen, and I noticed the large chef’s kitchen seemed fuller than I had ever seen it.  Everyone had found seats around the island and pulled some chairs into the room from the dining room.

Drake was busy scooping out the batter into the cupcake papers, and I grabbed another scoop from the drawers and started helping him fill the muffin tins.  We worked effortlessly together, and it only made me feel more at home.  I just wished we were able to talk.  Talking with Drake had always been easy.  Since arriving…again, he seemed to want to keep me at a distance.

Tonight, he was whipping up a chocolate cupcake with Reeses peanut butter cup filling and a peanut butter frosting.

Will was handing out coffee cups, and Jace started handing down the coffee pot with cream and sugar, for those who took it that way.

Will cleared his throat.  “I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to come over here tonight,” he addressed Steven, Cora, and Beth.

“Does it have anything to do with Zach skipping town?” Beth said shrewdly.  She was the most outspoken in their relationship.

“It’s a part of it,” Will nodded.  “We have recently found out he was in bed with Horatio.”

No one seemed surprised by it, and Steve said as much.  “It doesn’t surprise me too much.  He always pushed us to be more out in the open by our gifts, so it was a matter of time, but why now?” he looked over at me perceptively. 

“What I’m about to tell you is a bit…hard to believe,” Will preempted.  “Do you remember the institute we were involved in, years ago?”

“She’s Amanda!” Beth gasped as she pointed at me. 

I nodded as I placed the cupcakes in the oven.  “I was.  I go by Blake now.”

“When did you find her?” Beth asked as she stood up from her stool.  She came around the counter.  “You don’t remember me, do you?  I was young when I started working for the institute,” she stated.  “It was me who took care of you.  It used to make me cry seeing what they did to you.  Maybe that’s why I never wanted children.”  She looked over at her pair.

Even though she had carried Nadia, it was Cora who ‘mothered’ Nadia more.  She only had Nadia because Cora was unable to, and Steven and Cora had wanted a child desperately.

I looked at her and had a flash back of sitting on a stool in a stark white room, in my stark white uniform, as she ran a brush through my hair.  I had a flash back of her reminding me to brush my teeth.  She used to sneak cookies and treats to me because we had been on a strict diet.

I smiled tremulously.  “I do,” I said quietly.  “You used to bring me Oreo cookies.”

She nodded and smiled.

“Jace actually found her the first time, and the second time, Noah found her,” Will said quietly.  At their confused glances, he elaborated.  “Horatio has a time changer working for him.  You know how interested he was in Blake when we had her, but since then his…obsession has grown, especially since he found out that she is his daughter.  He wanted her to be on his side, and I think he’ll go to any lengths to get to her now.  Especially if he knows how very unique she is.”

“Those are some…unbelievable accusations.  Do you have proof?”  Cora looked shocked.

“I was working for him,” Collin spoke up quietly.  “I was working with Bridgette Mason, his other daughter, and Mr. Young.”

The connected trio exchanged looks.  “How is she unique?” Steven asked as he continued to look at me with his piercing dark eyes.  He was as dark in coloring as his connections were light.

“She’s connected to my sons,” Will finally said.

They looked at Jace and Jaxson.

“All of them,” Will added.

Cora laughed uncomfortably.  “You’re kidding right…?”

I could see the shock in Collins gaze as I turned around and showed them my mark on back of my neck below my hairline.  Each one of the guys stood up and showed them our identicalηmarks.

“I always knew she was special,” Beth said after moments of stunned silence.

 

We gave the cupcakes to the children, made some more coffee, and took our own cupcakes into the den so that we could get more comfortable in our discussions. 

I told Micah he could join the younger children in the living room to watch a movie.  I could tell he was tired and wanted to join them.  He had been robbed of a childhood, and I could see the longing in his gaze as we passed them.  He eagerly accepted my offer, and the younger children welcomed him with open arms.

I settled the children in with blankets and drinks before joining the group once more.  The moment I walked into the room, Remy pulled me into his lap and I went willingly.  I had my cupcake in one hand and my coffee in the other as he began running his hands through my hair.  I had to stifle my moan of pleasure.  I had missed feeling his large hands through my hair, his fingers magically massaging my scalp and back of my neck.

“Something’s been bugging me about this whole situation,” I stated, silencing all the side conversations.  “When time went back, our memories of the future should have been erased, in theory.  However, I was able to remember from the moment I woke up at Collin’s.”  We had already filled in Steven, Cora, and Beth of the other details of my ‘abduction.’  “Ella, Alex, and Micah had their memories intact as well.  They remembered everything.”

Steven rubbed his chin with his hand.  “We haven’t known of a time changer for over a century.  Maybe the connections you made with some of the guys were enough to protect you from the time shift.”

Cora shook her head.  “That wouldn’t explain the children.  Maybe it’s something in their blood.”

“They already disapproved another one of our beliefs that a gifted person was restricted to the number of children they could bare,” Beth added.

“Rachel’s father was able to father more than two children,” Collin added.  “Her memories were taken as well.”

We all sat in silence mulling over their words.

“Can I draw all of your blood?  Maybe it’s time we started doing our research again,” Cora said hesitantly.  She looked over at Beth and Steven.  “With Nadia in school all day now, there’s not much for me to do anymore.  I wouldn’t mind getting back into the lab.”

Will looked concerned as he ran a hair through his perfect salt and pepper hair.  I rarely saw him disheveled.  “I think it would be a great start, but I’m afraid of the doors that may open, or the possibility of our…experiments falling into the wrong hands.”

“You’re afraid to become the man you use to be,” Rachel said astutely.

Will gave her a fond but exasperated look.  “It’s been some time since I kept company with a lie detector.”

“Or a seeker of truth,” Rachel teased.   

Will turned and looked at me.  “I’m leaving the decision in Blake and Rachel’s hands.  Those two boys and that little girl is her blood, Blake’s family.  Rachel is a minor, yes, but mature enough to make those decisions on her own.”

“I want to do it,” Rachel stated immediately.   “There has to be a reason my family was murdered.  Someone knows something.  If Horatio has been conducting his own research for years, he’s already ahead of us.  We have the cards.  We should stack our own deck.”

I looked at all the guys.  “It’s not up to me anymore,” I stated quietly.  “Any decision I make effects my connections as well.  It’s something we should decide together.”

“I say yes,” Noah stated immediately.

Drake, Jaxson, and Troy nodded their assent.

“Is it just one vial of blood you will need?” Remy asked hesitantly.  “I don’t want them to become human pin cushions.”

“I think the children should be able to make a decision as well,” Jace added.  “They’re young, but they are wise beyond their years.  They’ve been through a lot.”

“Then we will ask them tomorrow and give you a decision by Monday,” I stated.

“Perfect.” Cora nodded in understanding.  “That will give me time to get back into the lab and make sure I have everything I need.  Can I bring other people onto my project?”

“They will have to be people we trust,” Will assented.  “However, I only want you drawing their blood, and I don’t want any of their names on the labels.  We can assign them numbers, letters, anything but their names.”

“It’s too bad we don’t know what he’s been working on.” Beth frowned as she took a sip of her coffee.

I don’t think too many people caught the look that passed between Steven and Will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 16

 

I woke up early despite getting to bed so late.  I felt somewhat anxious.  The kids would have to be approached today about getting their blood drawn.  They were also meeting the team that would be assigned to them.  A special allowance was being made to allow them to come home every night.  Their team would take them to school, stay with them during the school day, and then return them to us every night.  Will was spending most of the day finding a tutor for Micah, so he could hopefully be ready to start real school by next fall.

I laid there for a while before I finally gave up any hopes of returning to sleep.  I got up and put on some running gear.  I was exiting my room and heading down the stairs when I ran into Collin. 

“Hey,” he said as he awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other, grasping the back of his neck.  “Can we talk?”

I scrutinized him for a moment, before I nodded.  “I was going to go for a run, but I wanted to grab a banana.”

“Umm, how are you feeling?” he hedged.

“Can you just cut to the chase?  What did you want to talk to me about?” I asked as I opened a banana and poured myself a glass of orange juice.

“I just wanted to tell you how very sorry I am that I was involved in separating you from your connections.  After being here for less than 24 hours and the acceptance I’m receiving, and despite the circumstances I came here in, I could understand why you chose Will’s side,” he said.

I started to make coffee, knowing some of the others would be up soon.  “I wasn’t picking a side,” I told him tartly.  “Even if I hadn’t met Will first, I would have known Horatio wasn’t a man I would ever want to work with.”

He sighed.  “I guess I was blinded by the money, I chose to turn a blind eye.  I’m sorry, and I wish there was a way I could prove it to you.”

“Will isn’t paying you, so what’s your motivating factor now?” I said bluntly.

“I need to right my wrongs,” he said decisively.  “I know it’s… too late for some of the situations I had a hand in, but if Will would allow me, I want to help in whatever way possible.”

“How can we trust you?” I asked him, even though I felt the sincerity in his words.

“I want to earn that trust,” Collin said passionately.  “I know I don’t deserve it.  I don’t deserve any of this, but I want to try.”

I scrutinized him for a moment, then shrugged.  “It’s not just me you will have to win over.  You hurt a lot of us with this deception, not to mention what you’ve been doing behind Drake’s back,” I said quietly.

Collins eyes grew wide, before he looked down at his feet.  “We were at a party together one day, and we both got toasted.  She came on to me, upset that Drake was talking about his connection again.” When I went to speak he held up his hand.  “I’m not excusing our behavior.  It wasn’t right.  I should have told her if she wanted to continue to be with me, she needed to break up with him.  I haven’t talked to her since all of this went down, but I know I need to call it quits.”

“You need to tell him,” Remy said resolutely as he came around the corner dressed in a pair of running shorts (despite the chilly weather outside) and a hooded sweatshirt.

“Did you?” Collin didn’t look like he was being confrontational, but he was calling Remy out.

Remy scrutinized him.  “We tell him today,” he stated resolutely.

Collin looked down at his feet but nodded.  “Yeah, okay.” 

“She’s pregnant,” I pushed my thoughts onto Remy.   “At least that’s what Ella told me once.”

His eyes widened for a moment as he turned to me.  “Going for a run?  Want to join me?”

I nodded, “That sounds great.”

We left the house, and I fell into step with him.  “Whose baby is it?” he asked as we got away from the house.

“Collin’s,” I stated.  “At least that’s what Ella told me.  Although, not all her predictions came true.”

He grunted.  “Don’t they have those fetal DNA test?  If she says she is, we can tell Drake we think she should get one taken.”

I sighed.  “He might.  I don’t know if the results would matter all that much.  He has barely talked to me since I returned.  I’m not sure if he’ll stop loving her.  This time.”

“He will,” Remy said with conviction.  “Maybe not right away, but you are our connected.  He won’t be able to deny it for long, especially now all the connections have been made.”

“Does it feel…different?” I asked mystified.

He nodded.  “I can definitely feel it now, and I’m sure all the other guys do too.  I almost feel…invincible.”

 

When we got back, most of the house was up.  Jaxson, Noah, Rachel, and Jemmy were known to sleep in on the weekends.  The children were already up watching cartoons.  Micah was in the middle of the ‘puppy’ pile up, and I knew he was happy to have found his family.

Drake was setting out the ingredients for breakfast, and I jumped in to help him, although I was in desperate need of a shower.  “I think I need to go grocery shopping today,” he smiled wryly as he opened the refrigerator.

“Well, we kind of doubled in size,” I giggled.  “Sorry about that.”

He looked at me with an inscrutable look.  “There’s nothing that you need to be sorry about.  I’m sorry if I’ve seemed…distant.  I knew you would come one day.  I had hoped, but now that reality is here, I’m trying to adjust.”

“Because of Rose,” I stated.

He nodded. 

I didn’t know what to say, so I just continued to fry up the sausage and bacon while Drake began making eggs.  He had already asked the children how they like their eggs, so he was beginning with theirs.

I was dishing out the bacon and sausage on the plate when a cool voice said from the doorway.  “Well this looks cozy.”

I stiffened knowing that voice immediately.  I turned and saw Rose leaning in the doorway to the garage.  She was wearing one of her skin tight miniscule outfits.  If she was pregnant I couldn’t imagine she was that far along, or maybe she just had good genes.  I couldn’t see any signs of a baby bump.

I stiffened when I looked down at her hands.  A gift bag was clutched in her hands.  I eyed it, thinking it look suspiciously like one of those gift bags you gave an expectant mother at a baby shower.  A sick feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. 

Drake had a look of panic and guilt on his face as he turned around.  “Hey,” Drake hedged.  “What are you doing here?”

She glared at me.  “The question should be, what is she doing here, and why are you making breakfast together?”

Drake sighed.  “I think we need to talk.”

“I’ll finish here,” I informed him as I took over making the eggs. 

I knew how everyone else took their eggs, so it wouldn’t take me long to make them.  Drake gave me a grateful smile before he motioned for Rose to follow him.

It wasn’t long before I heard yelling from the other room.  I dished out plates for the kids.   I didn’t want them to hear anything that may be coming from the den.

“Time to eat,” I gently bade them.

They didn’t hesitate as they quickly got up and took their seats at the bar.  From Alex’s haunted look, I could tell he was no stranger to yelling and it still made him uncomfortable.  I turned off the stove, thinking the other eggs could wait to be cooked.  I went back out into the living room.  The staircase leading down into the living room and hallway to the den was now lined up with the inhabitants of the house.  Remy, Troy, Collin, and Jace came up from the basement where they had been working on a new training program.

“What’s going on?” Jace asked.

“Rose and Drake are…talking,” I informed them.

Collin immediately looked uncomfortable and pale.

“Can she be any quieter?  It’s too early for this,” Jemmy grumbled as Gavin wrapped his arms around her waist.

“It’s 8 o’clock,” I gently teased her.

“That’s early,” Jaxson grumbled as he stretched and yawn.  I swear the boy hated shirts.  His flannel pajama bottoms were riding low on his hips and his muscles rippled as he stretched.  My mouth watered as I looked at him.

He stopped yawning and looked at me with a wink.  I blushed, wondering how he knew I was lusting after him.

Jace slid up behind me and put his arms around my waist.  “Since you made your last connection, your barriers have been down more often.  We can feel your…arousal,” he gently growled.

I gulped.  “Can I…fix that?”

He chuckled huskily.  “I’ll help you work on it.  There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” he squeezed my shoulder.  “Imagine a young teenage empath boy going through puberty.”

I turned and looked at him, my eyes wide.  I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped my lips.  I could only imagine him at 13, 14, 15 years old, having a crush or admiring a girl and projecting his feelings with his gift.  That had to be embarrassing a time or two. 

“Exactly,” he said with self-deprecating humor.

“Remember when he had that crush on Liz Rollins?” Troy started chuckling as he looked at Remy. 

Remy shoulders shook with repressed laughter.  “His thoughts definitely weren’t PG where she was concerned.”