“Heaven help us!” Sadie said between giggles.
The banter continued for at least another hour, Vicken showing no sign that he was in a hurry to leave. Jaden grabbed another cup of coffee from the pot someone had brought to the room. He had just decided that Vicken planned to delay his departure when Vicken checked his watch and rose from his chair.
“Much as I hate to go, duty calls. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer.” Vicken planted a kiss on top of Kayla’s head. “Get your rest.” He glanced at his wife. “Sadie, a word?”
Sadie cupped Kayla’s cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Jaden watched Kayla as her parents left. They had barely stepped from the room when she said, “Okay, what’s up?”
Jaden choked on the sip of coffee he’d just taken. He used it to gain a little time to think. So much for Sadie knowing how to handle Kayla. Did Kayla figure out something was going on from her parents’ behavior or mine?
Kayla crossed her arms. “Don’t even think of lying. I know you’re all hiding something.”
Grabbing at straws, Jaden said, “It’s Tarise.”
The mention of Tarise had Kayla frowning. “What about her?”
Think, Jaden, think! He had given himself a little more time, but it wasn’t enough. “She might know about the changes happening to the animals.”
Kayla stared. “What changes?”
Jaden suppressed his guilt about Kayla not noticing that he hadn’t said this was where her dad was going. But he had told the truth about Tarise—she might know what was going on. “Mutations.”
Jaden settled into telling her about what had been happening in the world around them. The changes to the animals. The CDC’s fear that it might affect humans despite the lack of visible evidence. The continuing EMP attacks. Their effect on the power grid. How people were getting angry enough to take action. The army rising in response.
Her silence as he spoke told him how shocked she was by how much had changed. When Jaden finished, she took his hand in her own. “I understand now why you didn’t add this to what you told me yesterday. It would’ve been too much.”
That she had admitted as much was scary. But her face wasn’t as pale and drawn as yesterday. “It seems the rest you had last night was what you needed. Perhaps you need a little more?”
Indignation flashed in her eyes. “Why? Is there something else?”
A dangerous question. But one he was prepared for this time. “No, I’ve told you all that’s been happening.” And not what’s happening right now, not where your dad is or what he’s doing, Jaden thought, disgusted with himself. “Now that you know, it’s time we worked on a plan. I just wasn’t sure if you needed more rest before we started.”
Kayla’s gaze was incredulous. “Are you kidding?”
Raising his hands, Jaden said, “No need for condemnation. I don’t know where you’re at. I only wanted to give you the chance.”
Kayla’s gaze softened. “And I love you for that. That you care about those around you. But now’s not the time for us to be sitting around. Time’s running out. We have to act.”
Jaden heard nothing past the first sentence. She loves me?
Kayla raised her eyebrows. “What? You’re just staring at me.”
“You love me?”
Kayla opened her mouth like she would say something but closed it again. Not what she had expected him to say. Jaden could almost see her mentally running over her words. Then she smiled her most glorious smile yet.
“Yes, you idiot. If you haven’t figured that out by now, you’re not as smart as I thought you were.” She grimaced. “Of all the ways I could’ve said that, I’m sorry it just came out as part of the conversation.” She eyed him nervously. “Say something, would you?”
Jaden inched closer, taking her face in his hands. “I don’t care how you said it, just that you did. And I know it’s clichéd for me to say it right back, but it’s true. I love you, Kayla Melmique. I think from the first moment I saw you on that arrowball court. Not that I grasped it until we were at my gran’s. But this thing between us—it’s always been there. More than attraction, more than admiration. An understanding, the knowledge that you’re the other half of me.”
Kayla’s smile was soft, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Jameson, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—you know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”
Jaden leaned in then and kissed her. Her mouth was soft against his, her slight groan music to his ears. He hadn’t been alone in his need. Jaden’s hands slid from her face and over her shoulders as he pressed her closer. He needed her body against his. Needed to feel her close to him.
Jaden’s eyes closed as he tasted her mouth, inhaled her intoxicating scent, ran his hands over her strong back. For a moment, he lost himself in the wonder of her. That she was back with him again. He deepened the kiss, her passion rising to meet his.
When he drew back, his breathing was uneven. Kayla’s face was flushed, her eyes sparkling. “You’ve never looked more beautiful to me than you are now.”
Kayla took a moment to steady her own breathing. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Jaden chuckled, feeling lighter inside than he had in weeks. “You know, you’re just what I needed to get my feet under me again.”
There must’ve been something in his voice because Kayla took his hand and gazed into his eyes. Making sure he maintained eye contact, she spoke slowly and clearly, meaning for her words to reach him. “It’s not your fault.”
Jaden almost broke. How does she always know? Fighting the desperation that had plagued him since the battle, he said, “I miss her.”
Kayla leaned into him then, wrapping her arms around him. She tucked her head under his chin, snuggling in so she was as close to him as she could get. “I miss her too.”
Silent tears rolled down Jaden’s face. He would’ve said more, but his throat was thick with grief. Kayla didn’t need to hear the words. She knew, as she always seemed to. She squeezed him against her, tightening their circle.
“You need to grieve. Let it out. There’s no shame in mourning the loss of someone you cared for.”
As Jaden allowed his grief to spill over, he could feel Kayla shuddering against him, giving in to her own sorrow. They stayed like that for a long time. Just holding one another, comforting each other, allowing themselves time to come to terms with their situation, the silence between them a salve to their battered souls.
When Kayla eased back, studying his face to gauge where he was at, Jaden said, “Thank you. I needed that.”
“I did too.”
Her unspoken words called to him. “Yes, there will be more time to reflect and celebrate who Bree was. This isn’t the end. But now we need to make sure her sacrifice wasn’t in vain. We have to finish this thing.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Kayla watched Jaden compose himself. She could almost see him compartmentalizing the grief, putting it in a box he wouldn’t open again until he had the luxury of giving Bree the time and attention she deserved. When his intense blue gaze settled on her again, he was focused.
“Ready to hear what we think we know about where we’re supposed to go?”
Kayla giggled. “That was a mouthful! But yes, thought you’d never spill.”
His half-smile showed he hadn’t entirely put his grief behind him. “Tarise said the place we’re looking for is Terratalunga.”
“The volcanoes?”
“Yes. Another part of the reason it may be true is because the third map seems to confirm this.”
Kayla punched his arm. His wince told her it had hurt as much as she’d meant it to. “You found the third map and didn’t think to tell me?”
Jaden rubbed his arm. “Why do you think I waited?”
Figuring it out took a split second. “Oh. Because I would’ve insisted we leave right away.”
“Yes, and you weren’t in a state to be leaving your bed just then.”
&nbs
p; Kayla squared her shoulders. “And you think I’m well enough now for us to pursue this?”
“I’ll defer to Atu’s judgement.”
“Did I hear my name?” Atu ambled into the room, followed by Iri.
“Seriously, you’ve got to stop appearing out of nowhere every time someone mentions your name,” Kayla laughed.
Atu’s face brightened. “You’re sounding chipper.”
“I feel great. Yes, I admit all of you were right. I needed to catch up on my sleep. Even though I feel like a slacker leaving you three to figure things out on your own.”
Atu glanced at Jaden. “You told her?”
“I was beginning to.”
“Well, before we get Kayla all excited about getting out of bed, let’s see how she’s doing. Can you lie down for me, please?”
Kayla flopped onto her back. Atu lifted his hand and floated it along the length of her body. When he closed his eyes, Kayla guessed he was making sure nothing lurked which might escape him if he wasn’t totally focused. A moment later, his eyes popped open, and he grinned, giving Kayla a measure of relief.
“I’m good to go, aren’t I?”
“Almost,” Atu pronounced.
Kayla scowled. “What do you mean ‘almost?’ I feel fine!”
“I mean you need at least one more night of sleep, preferably two.”
Snorting, Kayla said, “I suppose I can live with that.” Then her eyes brightened, and she rubbed her hands together. “Tell me about the third map. What is it this time? How did you find it?”
“Actually, we’ve had it all the time,” Jaden replied.
“We have?”
“Yes, it’s the book Awena gave us.”
“Does the map have something to do with those weird curves and lines etched into the leather?”
“That was the start,” Jaden said. “But why don’t we show you?”
He was already moving towards the door. “Where are you going?”
“To get the book,” Jaden tossed over his shoulder as he disappeared.
“He’s a new man now that you’re back with us.” Iri curled up at the bottom of Kayla’s bed.
If the extent of Kayla’s longing for Jaden while they’d been apart was any clue, she didn’t want to dwell on how much he’d missed her—or the pain it caused them both. “Was he an ogre while I was gone?”
Iri smiled. “No, actually, it seems working on managing that temper of his while you were gone kept him somewhat stable.”
Kayla chuckled. “Let’s hope it lasts. How have you two been?”
Atu perched next to Kayla, and the three of them chatted about nothing of consequence in the short time it took Jaden to retrieve the book. When he rushed back into the room, a grin plastered on his face, Kayla couldn’t stop her own smile. His happiness was her happiness.
Jaden didn’t wait until he reached Kayla before he started explaining. “Atu was the one who thought it could be the book, and Iri was the one who figured out how we got it to reveal its secrets.” He beamed. “How’s that for teamwork?”
Jaden reached the bed, and Atu scooted down so Jaden could be right next to Kayla. “Watch this. It’s incredible!”
Jaden closed his eyes as his fingers began playing over the inside of the back cover, in the area along the spine. Kayla squeaked as the back cover separated from the book. Jaden peeled it back, revealing a shining, silvery substance.
“What is it? Can I touch it?” Not waiting for an answer, Kayla reached for the captivating element. When her finger dipped in, the silver parted like mercury. Intrigued, Kayla repeated the motion with the same result. Abruptly, she pulled her finger away. “It’s not mercury, is it?”
“You think I’d let you touch something poisonous?” Jaden asked, his face sour.
Kayla grabbed his hand and kissed it, amused when a smile graced his face. “Never. But if it isn’t mercury, what is it?”
“No clue.” Excitement colored Jaden’s voice again as he added, “But watch what it does!”
What she saw was about as unbelievable as many things they’d already experienced on this quest. When Jaden finished playing his fingers over the silvery pool, a miniature volcano spat tiny specks of lava from its cute spout. Kayla whistled. “Wow!”
“Right?”
Jaden bounced off the bed, unable to contain his excitement. “This is the reason Tarise could be telling the truth. She doesn’t know about the book or that it gave us this diorama.”
Kayla’s mouth turned down. “Just because she mentioned Terratalunga doesn’t mean it’s the right volcano.”
“Yes, yes, I agree. But there must be a way to figure that out.” Jaden looked at Kayla. “Right?”
He had something in mind. But her brain was still processing all the other stuff he’d dumped on her in the last few days. Kayla sighed. “I enjoy these guessing games of ours, but I’m too tired to think right now. Why don’t you just tell me?” Jaden’s face clouded and Kayla wished she had just guessed.
Atu glanced at Iri, seated opposite him at the foot of the bed, before scooting up right next to Kayla. “How tired are you?”
Feeling trapped because Iri would know if she was lying, Kayla attempted a reassuring smile. “Tired, but not as wiped out as yesterday.” As Atu studied her, his eyes intense and somewhat unfocused, Kayla squirmed. “Ziggety! Stop staring at me like that!”
“Sorry.” Atu’s eyes snapped back into focus. “I stand by what I said earlier. You need more rest.”
Kayla flipped a hand in the air. “I already agreed. But I’m not sleeping again until Jaden answers my question. And maybe not even right after that! I only just woke up. You can’t expect me to fall asleep again so soon?” Kayla knew she was whining, and when Atu said nothing, only gave her that knowing stare, she huffed. “Fine. But Jaden gets to finish that last thought first.” When Jaden didn’t answer but looked to Atu first, Kayla’s irritation rose. “Really?”
Jaden didn’t cave. Only after Atu nodded approval did Jaden say, “We’ve always been able to find the answer ourselves. It’s something Atu and Iri have both pointed out a few times. First, we get the map. Then the book gives us the destination.”
Kayla snapped her fingers. “But this time, the map and the book are the same. You’re thinking there’s something else in the book we’ve overlooked?”
Jaden smiled. “Not so tired after all.”
Kayla rolled her eyes. “Tell that to the dictator on the bed.”
Atu laughed. “You’re welcome.”
“For what? Insisting I sleep?”
“Because you’ll thank me once we set out on our journey again and you can deal.”
“Yes, Doctor. I suppose I will.” Kayla angled a glance at Iri. “Really? No support from you? And here I thought us girls had to stand together.”
Iri laughed. “Oh, I don’t get in his way. And we all want the same thing. For you to be at your best again.”
Kayla’s eyes filled with tears. Her voice was gruff when she said, “Come here. I want a hug.”
Iri blinked as though she wasn’t sure she’d heard right. Then her face flushed with pleasure, and she came around the bed, knocking Atu off his perch. “My turn.”
Tired though she might have been, Kayla didn’t miss the way Iri knocked him off the bed. She dragged Iri into a hug. Holding her tight, Kayla whispered, “What’s up with you and Atu?”
Iri stiffened. “What do you mean?”
Kayla pulled back and almost laughed when she saw how guilty Iri looked and how red her face was. But she resisted the laughter and the questions. Tugging Iri close again, she spoke so only Iri could hear. “You’ll have to catch me up on things—later, when we can have some girl time.”
When Kayla released her, Iri’s expression was bemused. Iri nodded acceptance but said nothing and wouldn’t look Kayla in the eye. Kayla grinned. Things really had been happening in the time she’d been away. That reminded her. Kayla lifted the sheets and shook them out.
> “What are you looking for?” Iri asked, hopping off the bed.
“Awena’s book. I thought Jaden left it here.”
Jaden surprised her, flattening the sheets as he took Iri’s place on the bed. His leg touched hers. Kayla identified with his need to be close. She took his hand, giving them an additional point of contact. Jaden smiled at her then, and all her thoughts went out the window.
Atu cleared his throat. “Shall we leave?”
She and Jaden weren’t alone. Sighing, Kayla dragged her eyes from Jaden’s. “No, we just needed a moment.” Her brain fumbled for what she’d been thinking before Jaden sat down.
“Here.” Jaden smiled, reached for the bedside table, and retrieved Awena’s book.
“Oh, that’s where it was. Thanks.”
Iri frowned. “What are we doing?”
“Finding something in the book that might provide the volcano’s name,” Kayla muttered, already focused on the pages in front of her.
Sounding unsure, Iri asked, “Didn’t we already do that?”
Kayla’s head snapped up. “You went through the book for more splotches?”
Iri nodded. “We even used the ultramagnifier.”
Kayla slumped back against the pillows. She glared at Jaden. “You didn’t think to mention that earlier?”
Jaden shrugged. “No harm in fresh eyes looking, is there?”
Groaning, Kayla lifted a hand and flopped it over her eyes. “Ugh, I’m so tired of this. Why didn’t Zareh just put things in plain sight?” She moved her hand and found concern swimming in Jaden’s depthless blue eyes.
He lifted a strand of hair that had fallen across her face and moved it aside. “I think it’s time you had a nap.” Kayla opened her mouth, but he cut off her objection. “You got the answer you wanted. Now,” he stood and took the book from her, placing it on the bedside table, “it’s time to do your part.”
Kayla wanted to grumble. But the urge to wipe that worry from his face was greater. And now that she was considering sleep, she was suddenly exhausted beyond words. Nodding her consent, she slipped down under the covers. This bed is so comfortable. Not like that gurney they had me sleeping on before. Jaden’s hands brushed the thoughts away as he tucked her in. Hmm, yummy! He smells wonderful. Spicy and clean. I’m . . .
Destiny Series Boxed Set Page 106
