Emerge: The Awakening (26 page)

“For the ball?” She rolled her eyes.

“Aye, for the ball! You’re venturing out into the real world without us!”

“What did you have in mind?” she sighed patiently.

“I thought you might like to have a set of sai.” He had that mad, “I-love-shiny-weapons” glint in his eye.

“They don’t really match the dress.” 

“I made you a concealable set.” 

“Of course you did.” He showed her the slim miniature sai, sheathed in a soft pale leather belt that would blend with her gown.

“Strap the belt to your left thigh—and I trust you will not be letting Vince or my son near them?”

“Gregg!”

“I’m old, Red, but I’m not dead.” He chuckled. “Should you need them, grasp the hilts and as they’re unsheathed, the blades will lengthen. Imogen added her special brand of concealment. No mortal will see them until it’s too late.”

“Awesome!” She admired the slim, elegant weapons.

“I’m slowly winning you over to my side.” He dismissed her with a wink.

She rushed off for her next session, but as she reached for the door to Emma’s office, she felt an oppressive weight constrict her chest and was suddenly gripped in the horror of her nightmare.

Breathe, Lex.

Daytime now? How is this still haunting me?
She closed her eyes only to see the confines of the caves.

It was a traumatic experience. If I’d known, I’d never have made you go.
She could feel the immense amount of guilt he still carried for that.

Hey, none of that,
she said.
I didn’t know I would react like that either.

I feel so helpless every night, listening to your silent screams.

Not last night. I slept like a baby, thanks to you. I just need to deal with my fear.

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“We’re going to be late!” Chloe bristled.

“She’s hurt!” Sasha rushed over to a row of benches along the city square. They’d just left the mall at Terminal Tower and were running late for their appointments at the salon in Tremont. Sasha crouched beside the dove struggling with a broken wing.

“We don’t have time for this! It’s just a bird,” Chloe said.

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew how she felt,” she said in an injured tone, reaching for the bird with a practiced hand.

“I won’t hurt you. But you know that don’t you, girl? Aw, she’s just a baby!”

“Sasha, not here! We can’t draw attention to ourselves and you out here talking to a bird isn’t exactly staying incognito!” Allie hissed.

“You cannot heal that bird, Sasha!” Chloe cried.

“No one’s going to know what I’m doing, and it’s not like anyone can hear us. I’m not leaving her like this. She trusts me, and I won’t betray that trust.” Sasha stroked the broken wing. “It’s okay, girl, it’ll be all better soon.”

Lex, stop her! What is she thinking!

She’s not listening to me.

Use your authority!

What?

You are immeasurably more powerful than our friends. They will obey you!

I’m not ordering anyone around!

She ignored Aidan, watching in awe of Sasha’s power as the broken wing flexed and mended. Allie just wasn’t so sure her claim that no one would understand what she was doing was all that accurate.

“You should see your faces.” Sasha giggled.

Chloe managed a tight smile and shrugged her shoulders.

She can be so reckless.

Don’t worry; when I get my hands on her, she’s dead!

<><><>

“What the hell was that, Sasha?” Aidan advanced on his sister the moment they arrived at Kayla’s house to change for the Springtime Ball. Dressed in his tuxedo, he was formidable with unbridled anger flickering in his eyes. 

“What was what?” She took a fearful step back.

“You know what I mean.”

“You told him?” Sasha rounded on Allie.

“She didn’t have to.”

“You guys have a stronger bond than you let on, don’t you?”

“You know better than that! Why would you be so irresponsible? I should send you home and let Dad deal with you!”

“Please, the ball!” she cried. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

Allie couldn’t believe her eyes. Aidan was disciplining his older sister as if he were one of her teachers.

You really are in charge when the adults aren’t around?

A responsibility I would be delighted to share with you. 

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

Neither can I.
He stormed out of the room.

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CHAPTER

THIRTY-NINE

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

You can’t have it both ways, Lex.

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

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

Aidan, I just—

I know. It’s okay. 

Save me at least one dance? 

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

<><><>

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

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

“It’ll be you up there,” Vince said.

“Watch your mouth!”

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

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

I’m throwing punches if I hear my name!

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

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

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

Prom Queen?

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

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

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

Be nice.

At least you were prepared for this!

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

Oh…shut up.

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

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

You do realize this means even our peers think we should be together?
he smirked.

You’re already on my list, buddy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Love you, too.”

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

“I promised Kayla a dance, too.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They obviously love each other; why resist it?

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

Sorry.
She giggled. 

Lex, where are you?

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

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

Aidan! Get the others and get out of here!  

We’re not leaving you!

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

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

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

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

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

“Jon, is it her?” the woman asked.

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

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

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

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

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

That’s my girl! You’ve got this!

Aidan, what are they talking about? What girl?

No idea.

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

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

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

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

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

“Idiots!” Ella hissed.

Aidan!

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Watch out, Allie!” Quinn called softly.

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

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

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

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

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

Aidan, Where are you?

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

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

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

“NO!”

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

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

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

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

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

God, Aidan…please don’t let him die!

<><><>