On the Edge of Destiny (Book 3) (A Vampire SEAL Novel) (16 page)

“A test, Dad.” I took hold of her delicate hand and closed my eyes.

“What is she doing?” Diane tried to jerk her hand away.

I clamped down harder on her cold, sweaty palm and concentrated. The voices and sounds around me disappeared as I entered her world. She was frightened, angry, and hungry. A warm jolt slid through me into her. She twitched. Her heart rate sped up.

Her thoughts started flowing.
She’s crazy. I didn’t try to kill them. These people are crazy. Mr. Jackson was right.
I hate my mother, sometimes.

My eyes flew open. “Why are you working for Mr. Jackson?” I released her hand.

Dad and Webb both swore.

“You can read minds like your father.” Mr. Rose seemed horrified.

“I can now.” I might’ve imagined it with Ben and Matthew.

“So Mr. Jackson hired you to do what, exactly?” Webb’s voice held steady.

My throat grew scratchy from Diane’s sweet strawberry scent, so I returned to my seat next to Webb.

Diane looked to Mr. Rose for help.

“Unless you want Steven or Jo to resume reading your mind, I suggest you explain,” Mr. Rose warned her.

“Mr. Jackson,” she said, “is worried about his son. He hired me to investigate Steven Mason. He explained to me how Sam Mason went missing from school grounds, then the military came in and removed Sam’s sister, Jo. He didn’t see the twins after that, and about the same time, Ben became angry, lost. Then one day he went missing. He’d said he showed up here to see if you would help.” She glanced at Dad. “A few days later, he gets a call from you, telling him Ben was here in the medical facility. He suspects the change in his son has something to do with the Mason family. Those are his words. He’s tried to go to the authorities, but he feels someone high on the government chain keeps sweeping his concerns under the rug.” She wound her fingers together.

I couldn’t argue with her, and neither could Dad or Webb.

“At first I declined,” she continued. “I knew how difficult it would be for me to work with the government. But then I had the incident in Gary’s office, and something clicked. I started to believe Mr. Jackson had a viable concern. So I took the case. I’d followed Gary the day he came here to pick up Darcy. When I did, I spotted the limo leaving. On a whim, I tailed you.” She glanced at Webb. “I didn’t cut the brakes on the car. I swear I didn’t. You can read my mind if you have to.”

“Her thoughts didn’t show she did, Dad.”

Diane’s shoulders slumped, and Mr. Rose let out a small breath of air.

“What have you reported to Mr. Jackson?” Webb asked.

“Minimal. I wasn’t certain of anything even after I followed you to Maine. Sure, I had my suspicions. But even I wasn’t comfortable sharing them with Mr. Jackson. He wouldn’t believe me. So I told him you had a house in Maine and everything seemed normal.”

“And when did you speak with him?” Dad asked.

She had spoken to someone when she was at the diner, after she’d dropped us off.

“When I dropped both of you at the diner. Why?”

“And you were alone the whole time?” Dad ran his questioning as if he were the lawyer in the room.

“Oh, I see. You think Mr. Jackson had time to drive up during the day. Do you really believe he is capable of killing?” Her voice hitched.

“Anything is possible,” Webb said.

She nodded her agreement.

“Webb, please escort Mr. Rose and Ms. Wallace off base.” Dad went over to his desk.

“I thought we were going to discuss Jo’s hearing?” Mr. Rose pushed to his feet.

“Not today.” Anger still hung in Dad’s voice.

“Then I would like to see my daughter, at least.”

“You can call her later.”

“Steven, please.” Mr. Rose collected his briefcase.

Dad’s head shot up as he slammed a hand down on his desk. Diane flinched. I almost crawled up on Webb’s lap.

“I suggest you follow my orders, Mr. Rose! My patience has run thin with you. I specifically told you to come here alone, but you insisted on bringing a colleague, one who could help the case. I don’t see how she can. You weren’t even up front with her true identity. You lied to me. How am I supposed to trust you to defend my daughter? I need time to mull this over.”

“You can’t keep my daughter from me.” The human seemed to have grown some
chutzpah
.

I considered applauding Mr. Rose for his fatherly concerns then threw out the idea. Dad would only send his rage my way.

“If you would like to take Darcy, I can’t stop you. I’ll call down and have her things brought to the lobby.” Dad lifted the receiver.

“Wait.” Mr. Rose grabbed the back of his own head. “We’ll leave. I’ll call Darcy tonight.”

Dad lowered the phone.

Diane, Mr. Rose, and Webb left quietly. Dad stayed silent.

I couldn’t have imagined that Mr. Jackson would’ve been the one who severed the brakes. I refused to believe he would do such a thing. He might’ve been angry at how his efforts seem to fall on deaf ears, but killing someone wasn’t in his nature. I was sure of it.

Chapter 15

T
hat night after we’d met with Mr. Rose, I jolted awake and ran from my bedroom, out of the apartment, and into the balmy summer night toward the base gate. My sweat-soaked tank top clung to me as my bare feet slapped against the rough pavement. I brushed my hair from my forehead as I jogged until I found the dirt road into the woods. I wasn’t sure I could find the cinderblock building that Webb called home, but I had to. I had to find him. I had to stop him from going on his mission.

Tears poured out as I continued to run. Stick, rocks, and other sharp natural debris poked my feet. The moon lit the ground every time I cleared a cluster of trees. My breathing was heavy as I stopped at the end of the dirt road, searching for the small safe house. I wrapped my hand around the ruby on my necklace as though it were a crystal ball. I hadn’t taken the gem off since Dad had given it to me the night of the fundraiser.

Leaves kicked up at the slight wind, the chafing sound soothing to my ears. A porcupine scurried around a tree.

A fishy scent lingered. The bay wasn’t far—which meant I had miscalculated. I didn’t think the safe houses were close to the water. Not sure, I backtracked anyway, walking this time. Off to my right, a light shone. I picked up my pace, skirting brush and thicket. I blew out a breath when I saw Stan’s truck. Webb still hadn’t returned the vehicle to his friend.

I used the railing to pull myself up, hopping onto the porch. A familiar female voice spoke in a soft tone. Was that Nicki, inside Webb’s house? What was she doing here in the middle of the night?

My muscles vibrated, or maybe it was the porch. The light above flickered violently. The alarm on the truck shrieked. I balled my fists and pressed my lips together as I held back a scream. The greater my rage, the more my powers intensified.

My heart slammed against my ribs, the sound hollow in my ears. The voices in my head warned me to keep it together. I let out a strangled laugh.

As I wrestled with my yin and yang, the door opened. Webb stood in the doorway with low-slung jeans and no shirt. My gaze swept over him, and I was certain my heart would’ve fluttered endlessly at how handsome he was if it weren’t for Nicki standing behind him. I desperately tried to hold back the tears filling my eyes. I thought he didn’t want anything to do with her?

“What’s wrong, Jo? Did something happen?” Webb asked as if I shouldn’t be surprised Nicki was in his house.

I hesitated before I turned and bolted off the porch. If I stayed I’d unleash my powers causing someone to get hurt, and I didn’t want Webb injured. I’d almost taken the life out of him once. So I ran, tears streaming down my face. How could he? He hated her. Why? Why was she even here? He said she wasn’t allowed on base. Tears continued to pour from my eyes, sticking to my sweaty face. I ran faster, deeper into the night, seeking a way out. I leapt over a stump and dodged a trap before dropping to my knees, hiccupping.

I knew in my heart he loved me and that nothing was going on between him and Nicki. Or did I? Doubt wiggled its way into my brain. Regardless, it hurt to see her in his house, close to him.

“Jo?” Webb shouted. “Jo? I’ll find you. You can’t evade me.” His voice scraped every nerve ending, even though I loved the huskiness and silkiness of his tone.

And while I wanted him to catch me, wrap his strong arms around me, I didn’t want him to see me a blubbering mess.

I planted my hands into the wet earth and propelled myself forward like a sprinter at the snap of the gun. I had no idea where I was going.

“You can’t run forever,” he said, his voice drawing closer.

Water lapped the shore as I cleared the trees and stepped onto the beach.
Great.
Now where? The base stood far off to the north, the lights twinkling. To the south, more trees. I had two choices. Either run for the base or swim to the other side of Mt. Hope Bay. If I darted for home, I wouldn’t get in unless I scaled the barbwire fence. Maybe electrocution would pale in comparison to the way my heart hurt at the moment. Or maybe the sensation would kick my heart back into gear. I shook off the thought.

Crossing Mt. Hope Bay was definitely not going to happen. I didn’t know how to swim.

“Hesitating and thinking about your options will get you killed,” Webb said, standing feet away, looking like an Adonis beneath the moonlight.

I wanted to run away and run to him at the same time.

“It’s not what you think, angel.” He inched closer, his tone licking my senses.

I dug my feet in the cool sand and shuffled backward. “Why was she in your house?” I checked behind me to make sure of where I was going. I stopped before I stepped on a rock. In fact, there were a few rocks sticking out of the sand.

“What were you doing out this time of night?” His gaze slid over me like butter, his lids dropping to half-mast.

I wrapped my arms over my chest. I was only wearing a pair of boxer shorts and a tank top, and the top stuck to me. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Why do you run every time, angel?” He now stood a foot away from me.

So, I won’t kill anyone. Oh, and my feelings are hurt.

I glanced around again, hoping I could find a way past him.

“You’re not going anywhere until we talk.”

I darted for the tree line. I didn’t want to talk until my heart stopped hurting.

The vampire was quick on his feet. His arms encircled me, pulling my face into his bare chest. I inhaled his delicious scent, a mixture of sweat and soap.

“Let me go.” I kicked and wiggled to no avail. “Webb, I’ll hurt you.” My words were muffled as the fight in me slowly died.

He grinned against my ear. “You couldn’t possibly.”

“I can’t breathe.” I thought about licking his chest.
Shut up
, I screamed in my head.
You’re supposed to be mad at him, not wanting to make out.

His arms loosened a little. “Why were you walking around in the middle of the night?”

“You’re going to die.” The words fell from my mouth, cold and hard.

His heart rate increased. “What are you talking about?”

My palms stuck to his heated chest as I eased back a fraction. “You can’t go on the mission. You just can’t. Please don’t go. Please. Promise me you won’t.”

“Whoa! Slow down.” His hands flattened on my cheeks.

Tears surfaced again as I thought about my dream with the old man and all the coffins again. This time, I’d seen who rested in it. A salty tear found its way into my mouth, and Webb mopped the rest with his thumbs.

“Tell me slowly why you think I’m going to die.” A loose hair fell out of the leather strap he had holding his ponytail in place.

I recounted my dream, play by play, word for word, coffin after coffin, sharing with him how I’d seen him dead, lying in the coffin, and what Dad had told me about dreams.

When I finished, I shivered, and I could’ve sworn he did, too.

“I don’t discount what your Dad told you. I don’t take your abilities lightly, either, but we’ve never proven our dreams were a window into our future or anyone’s future.”

“Then what about Abbey? She has visions.” No one was certain if the little girl could see into the future.

“Jo, I can’t live my life based on a dream or a vision. This mission is important, and I have to go. If we’re successful, then Abbey might see her dad.”

“You know where he is?” Excitement stirred to life, then I quickly squashed it. “Quade…” I sucked in air. I wasn’t supposed to talk about it.

“I promise I’ll be back in one piece.”

“And walk into Nicki’s arms when you do,” I chided. I probably shouldn’t have said that. I was being a brat. But my feelings were hurt.

He growled and let go of me. “Nicki got past the guards tonight. She showed up at my house. I called to have someone remove her from the property. When I opened the door, I was expecting to see a sentinel. Not you, shaking the house on its edges.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, then I turned and walked down to the shore. Why couldn’t I get mad without all the drama of vampire powers? Why couldn’t I be human again? I dipped my toes in the surf. A cloud blocked out the bright moon for a split second as the fluffy clouds skated by.

“I need you,” he whispered as his hands came around to settle on my stomach. “I need your trust as much as I need your love.”

“Why did you lie to me? When I asked you if you saw Kate at the training facility, you said no?” I needed his trust just as much as he needed mine.

He sighed in my ear. “I know I shouldn’t have lied to you. I knew Sam would tell you. But I didn’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry.” He kissed my ear. “It won’t happen again.”

I leaned back against him. The trust between us was important, but his life was in danger. “You can’t go.”

“Let’s talk about this after we’ve had some sleep.”

Sleep would be impossible now.

The next few days passed by in a blur. I couldn’t sleep. If I did, it wasn’t restful. One thousand four hundred and forty minutes per day, my nerves ramped up and down like a sine curve. One minute, I briefly forgot about my dream and Webb, and then the next, I couldn’t shake the image of how peaceful Webb looked in the coffin. He wore a white button-down shirt, open at the collar, with red spots dotting the area over his heart. At the waist of his black slacks, his left hand rested over the right, and a small smile painted his features.

I had no idea what the old man was trying to tell me. Then again, in my last dream, I hadn’t given him a chance to speak. Somehow I forced myself to wake up.

“Pumpkin, are you with us?” Dad asked.

“Huh?” I lifted my head.

I’d been sitting with Dad and Mr. Rose as they discussed the specifics of my case. Yes, they had worked out their issues. Mr. Rose didn’t bring Ms. Wallace with him, and she wouldn’t be in the courtroom during my hearing, either. Dad didn’t like the woman, and he made that clear to Mr. Rose before they began deliberating about my life.

“Jo, you need to be alert for this,” Mr. Rose said.

“Why did you think Ms. Wallace could help my case?” If he’d told us why, I hadn’t heard it.

“Diane Wallace is a great investigator. She can get information out of anyone. So, I had her look into Grayson Manor and also St. Anne’s Academy. Blake Turner was admitted to your vampire hospital then accepted into the school too easily. The process involves an extreme amount of paperwork, and my gut told me something was amiss. Not to mention, Blake wasn’t a natural-born vampire, and you have to be in order to have access to any vampire facility. If I can show the Council of Eternal Affairs he didn’t carry the proper DNA and find out who within the vampire government helped him, I can then prove he shouldn’t have been in that school in the first place.”

“How does all this support my innocence?” I picked at a nail.

“Let’s get something straight, Jo.” Mr. Rose scratched his head. “Regardless of who Blake was or how he was changed into a vampire, you still played a role in his death. The Council in your world, similar to the human world, does not take that lightly.”

“But I was defending myself.”

“That may be. Remember, even in self-defense, there are laws,” Mr. Rose said.

I raised my eyebrows at Dad. “What is he saying?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll do everything to prove Blake was set up to kill you.” Dad leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his desk.

“There’s a ‘but’ coming. Isn’t there?” I gave up picking at my nails and instead began tapping my foot on the floor.

“You weren’t supposed to use your powers on school property.” Dad scrubbed a hand over his jaw.

“What? They never told us that.” My voice squeaked.

“Regardless, Jo. Someone died. So the school has to involve the Council,” Mr. Rose supplied.

“Does that mean I go to jail even though I was defending myself?” I tensed. I remembered when Sam spent a couple of nights in jail for getting into fights at school. One of the boys he fought—his dad had pressed charges. Anyway, Sam had told me how creepy and lonely his experience had been.

“Again, don’t jump to conclusions,” Dad said softly.

The gentleness of his tone didn’t help calm my nerves.

“Why don’t you tell me what happened?” The attorney clicked his pen, ready to write.

I looked to Dad. I didn’t want to go through the specifics of that day.

Dad nodded. “He needs to know, pumpkin.”

I let out a breath. “I’d gone to the ladies’ room to freshen up between classes.” I paused, thinking back for a second. “Just before I walked out, my uncle Patrick’s daughter, Jewel, walked in.” I didn’t know we were related at the time. Not that it would have made any difference. The human was trying to kill me. “She threatened me with a dagger. Then Blake Turner barged in, bloody and ready for a fight. A second later my friend Zea came in. Jewel held a dagger to her throat while Blake and I fought. At some point I looked over to check on Zea, and she had her fangs in Jewel. Then Blake and I continued to fight. Before I knew what was happening, Jewel drove the dagger into my leg. Zea was gone, and both Jewel and Blake fell to the floor.” My stomach churned as I recounted the event.