by C. M. Owens
“Fuck,” he moans into my mouth, and he drops me from his grip to walk away.
I scramble to scoop up my dignity and what fragments of pride I can find, and I lean back against the wall he had me pushed against.
“What’s going on, Hale? What made you stop wanting me all of the sudden?” I ask in a near whisper, my tears just barely hiding behind my jaded tone.
His eyes look streaked with pain, and he rushes me again to force his passion into my mouth. His hands tangle in my hair, and then they trail down to grip my ass.
“I can’t do this.” He grips his head while starting toward me and stopping again. “Fuck,” he yells as he moves away finally, and then he slams his fist into the wall in front of him before storming off down the hall.
The crumbling remnants of the hole punched still ache from his burst of unexplainable anger, and Clay walks out bemused as he stares at it.
“What the hell happened?”
“Hale happened,” I retort, and then I motion for the young ones to follow me.
“I need to get someone to take a look at this to ensure there is no structural damage. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Clay exasperates.
“Yeah,” I huff.
They follow me in silence to the elevator, and it carries us back up to Hale’s floor, which is apparently where I’ll be staying. I follow the numbers, and I get sick when I see I’m directly beside his room.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding.
“What’s wrong?” Grayson asks when he notices my wide, tortured eyes.
“Nothing. Are you two hungry?” I mumble.
“Starving. My dad gave me his card. Can we go to the cafeteria?” she asks so sweetly.
“Yeah. Let’s go,” I grumble, and Grayson whispers to me.
“Can we have a minute alone. We haven’t yet, and we’d like to talk about ourselves for a second without everyone else talking about us,” he gripes.
“Of course. Just don’t stray too far, and call me if you have any problems.”
“Thanks,” Angelica giggles, and Grayson takes her hand in his.
Hale isn’t stirring next door, so I can only assume he didn’t return back to his home after his stupefying violent outburst. I wish I knew what was going on with him, and why he’s icing me out again.
I take a minute to realize the room is only a damn two bedroom.
Great. Just my fucking luck.
Angelica is the first hybrid I’ve ever known to hold onto her virginity for so long, and I certainly can’t ask her to sleep with Grayson. I’m sure as hell not sleeping with him or her. I suppose the couch is my only option.
I walk into the kitchen, and I’m happy to see Wendy has left me a bottle of whiskey with a bow and a card welcoming me back. I pick up my phone to see I have a text telling me to call a number, and that’s exactly what I do.
“Hey babe. How was your trip?” Brazen asks as he answers on the other side of the mystery number I’ve dialed, and guilt consumes me even though it shouldn’t.
“I really wish I had stayed in Hershian and made Clay come there.”
“That bad?” he sighs.
“It’s just fucked up. How’s your detail? Tell me about it,” I murmur softly.
“It’s very boring. I’m here listening to a bunch of arguing about a land dispute. I’m actually staying at Berimond.”
“The hybrid and full blood marketing district? That’s just an hour away from here.”
“Yeah. I was supposed to go to Whipstyle - don’t get any kinky ideas - but they had me swap at the last minute. I could have driven you to Seminole if I had known.”
I laugh a little at his little joke. He’s so much sweeter than Hale right now. Why can’t I just go back to him and tell Hale to fuck off forever?
“The drive was fine, it’s everything else that sucks. I didn’t know Hale was the advocate for the hybrids now. He’s wanting them to stay here, and I’m having to fight to get my way.”
And I’m having to fight just to stay vertical.
“Sorry. I just assumed you had heard. Who did you vote for?” he asks curiously.
“I didn’t vote. It was the day I had a ridiculous amount of interrogations lined up. I’m starting to regret that shit,” I grumble.
“You should have campaigned for it. You would have made a hell of an advocate,” he says so softly, and the endearment is incredibly sweet.
Be with Brazen.
“I didn’t want to run into him any more than I had to. If I was advocate, I’d run into him all the time.”
Now I’ll have to anyhow.
“Well you know where I am now. Berimond only has one hotel. I have to cut my phone off due to tracing purposes. I just wanted to talk to you before I did,” he murmurs softly. “I’ll call you when I leave though if that’s okay.”
“I’ll answer if you call,” I almost giggle out.
He laughs a little at my intentionally noncommittal response.
“Take care, babe,” he coos, and the line is dead suddenly.
I frown lightly, and I consider going to sleep in Berimond right now. I’d at least have a bed there. There’s no question about how Brazen feels about me, and Hale’s hot and cold bursts are just fucking with my head. He’s never acted like this to this extreme.
Pounding footsteps barreling down the hall jar me out of my lost thoughts. Distant yelling becomes a distinct disagreement as the door to Hale‘s apartment opens and slams. I realize it’s Hale and Clay, and I rush to the bedroom to listen in on the whispered argument.
“How the fuck am I supposed to do that with her here? It’s not like I planned on her finding a fucking level seven hybrid all of the sudden. Why didn’t she call you? I could have left until this was over. It’d be a little obvious now,” Hale gripes.
That’s why I didn’t call, asshole. Though I do regret that decision thanks to you and your fucking craziness.
“She didn’t call me because she obviously didn’t want you skipping out. Why did you kiss her if you’re not going to be with her? Either you tell her what the fuck is going on, or you leave her alone completely. You swore if I kept my mouth shut she wouldn’t get hurt more than just you leaving her.”
“You know I can’t fucking tell her without breaking her. She’ll be devastated, and who knows what will happen. There won’t be enough olophine to hold her back,” Hale blares, and I stumble backwards as his words travel through the walls with such an awakening force.
What the fuck can be this bad?
“Just tell her. I’m sick of this shit. She’s going to end up with Brazen if you don’t, and he’s going to tell her everything if he finds out. She’ll be done with you forever if he tells her before you do.”
Fucking shit!
“Brazen wouldn’t tell her because he wouldn’t want her destroyed. He’s not going to fucking find out either because I’m not going to let anyone know outside of the few who do. This is personal to me, and I think I’ve earned this much,” Hale growls.
“So has she. She deserves to know what took you away, and you should tell her yourself before she goes crazy trying to find out. I’ve never seen the two of you fight like that. You’ve always solved things quickly or not at all. We can’t risk fighting in front of the full bloods or the humans. It makes us look like we’re lesser than them, and it could end up in someone else being commander. Do you want to answer to a full blood?”
“No,” Hale sighs out. “Never again. I want Araya to be-”
“Commander Banner,” Wendy interrupts while knocking on his door.
Damn it. You want me to be what?
“Come in,” he snaps.
“Sorry, Sir. I brought the food you ordered. Would you like for me to take something to Ms. Crush?”
“No. I got her something already.”
“Really? You ordered her food?” Clay exasperates.
“She has to eat, and I doubt she gives a damn about going below to shop or buy. I got the kids something too. I’ll
just drop it off and go, I swear. I need to talk to her about something anyways unrelated to us.”
“Such as?”
“Something you don’t want to know the truth about,” Hale whispers to escape Wendy’s present ears.
“Ah. Yes. Definitely don’t want to know.”
Grayson. He knows he’s a runaway.
“Where’s Ms. Crush staying?” Hale asks curiously.
“Next door, Sir. She requested a three bedroom, but there was only a two bedroom available.”
Balls. Busted.
“Fuck,” Hale gripes.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” she murmurs in embarrassment. “I really tried to find one.”
“It’s not that, Wendy. By chance, is the room next door padded?”
“No… Sir… Should it be?”
I run to the bathroom, and flip on the shower to act as though that’s where I’ve been this whole time. I quickly jump in, and then I drench my hair as thoroughly as I can. I flip off the water, and wrap a towel around me. I don’t hear Clay, Hale, or Wendy anymore, and I sigh out in relief when they possibly heard the shower through the walls.
When I escape the bathroom, Hale is comfortably laid back the couch. I squeal in surprise considering I somehow never heard him come in, and he seems to sigh out in relief when he feels as though he has avoided my eavesdropping ears.
Wrong, Hale Banner. So wrong.
“How long have you been back?” he pries.
I cling to my towel as my wet hair drips in small streams down my chest, and I fight my smile when I see his eyes lingering in all the wrong places.
“Not long. The kids went to the cafeteria, and I decided to take a long, hot shower. What the hell are you doing breaking in?” I ask with irritation lacing my tone, and I see him take a deep breath while visibly relaxing - fully convinced I’ve not heard a thing.
“I came to bring you something to eat. I need to talk to you about Grayson. I won’t reveal anything you say to Clay, but is he the reason Heddlebrook burned to the ground?”
I step into the living area while clutching my towel tighter.
“He is, but they beat the hell out of him. You know what I did to Cheyenne. It doesn’t mean he’s dangerous, it just means he’s scared,” I murmur softly.
“Cheyenne was a hell hole full of filth. Heddlebrook had some good people who died. No full bloods were left standing, and not all of them were anti-hybrid.”
“Did you live there?”
“No, but-”
“Then you don’t know. He suffered. That’s all I need to know. His savage did it, not him. You know as well as I do what happens when we reach that point. He needs my help, and I’m going to take care of him and Angelica. You know I’m the best person to help him through this.”
“I know you are, but-”
“But nothing. I need to get dressed. Thanks for the food,” I murmur softly, and I walk over to open the door in an effort to usher him out.
He slowly stands, and his tie dangles in the sexiest way imaginable as he walks toward me. His eyes stare into mine, and suddenly his lips are folded over mine. My towel slides, and my hands grip the back of his neck as he pushes against me. His scorching hands sizzle against my rising tempered body, and I jump up to wrap my legs around him.
His hands grip my ass and my hair as he pulls me closer. His belt digs into me, and I start using my gift to unravel it very carefully so as not to spook my hybrid.
What am I doing?
Suddenly I hear Grayson in the hallway, his breaths ragged, trembling, and all around terrified as he screams for me.
“Araya, I need you!”
“Fuck,” Hale growls, and he rips free from me while coughing out his frustrations.
I grab my robe from the couch, and then I wrap up before running out to check on the commotion. I gasp when I see Angelica sprawled out in his arms, and I dash to his side.
“She was eating, and then she-”
“Her change has started. She’s fine,” I murmur with a sigh of relief after I lift her lids to see her eyes and their dark, almost black appearance.
“Already?” he gushes. “Is this my fault?”
“Not at all. It’s good you’re here for her. It’ll take her a couple of days to wake up, and then we’ll have to see what her gift is. I’ll be the one to provoke her, and I’ll use you to do it.”
“What if it provokes me? I could hurt you,” he murmurs with concern while walking into our apartment.
“You won’t hurt me. I promise. Right now, we just need to make sure she gets plenty of rest. It’ll take a few months for her to reach her full potential just like you still haven’t done. Your hearing is sad right now, but you’ll be stronger in every way soon enough. She will be too.”
“I don’t remember blacking out like that,” he murmurs in despair while kissing her forehead, and he finally lays her in the bed.
“It’s different for everyone. I blacked out just like her. It just depends on the person. I’ll sleep in here with her,” I say reassuringly.
“No. I’ll stay. I don’t want to leave her, and I doubt I’ll sleep anyways.”
“You have to sleep. Your weapons tests, strength test, and so many other tests start tomorrow. You’ll need to be on your game to be rated for the United. Believe me, you don’t want to be on guard detail. Your gift won’t matter if you can’t do anything else. Please tell me you can shoot and fight.”
“I can,” he murmurs softly while staring down at his sleeping beauty.
“I need to call Nicholas and tell him his daughter has started her change. He may want to come down here. Will that be okay?” I murmur while turning to face the distressed face of Hale.
“Of course,” he mutters. “I’ll make sure to have him a room ready. I’ll send Wendy to bring you anything you might need. Can I get you anything before I go?”
“No. I’m fine,” I huff.
I don’t want him to leave, and I feel so stupid. His hand is close to mine, and I take it while leaning against the wall.
“Thanks for the food,” I mumble, and he smiles before withdrawing from the contact.
“No problem,” he rigidly responds before dashing out.
I lean against the door, and then I walk over to inspect the sad boy and sleeping girl. I hear Hale’s door shut, and I sigh as his footsteps walk over to be close to the wall of my new bedroom.
“Please tell me she and I won’t end up like the two of you,” Grayson grumbles while kissing the top of her head.
“Don’t lie to her, and you won’t. As long as you want her, she’ll always want you,” I murmur softly, and I know Hale is listening.
“Do you still love him?” he asks, and I can feel Hale holding his breath.
“I’ll always love him,” I whisper, but I know he can still hear me.
His footsteps start walking away from the wall, and I smile lightly at Grayson before walking over to turn off the light.
“Go to sleep. She needs you to be at your best so the two of you can be in the same stature. It’ll take you forever to climb up the ladder if you fail your tests. She’s good. I’ve heard her father’s boasting, so do your best.”
“How can I focus with her like this?” he gripes.
“You just do it. I promise it’ll be okay, and the two of you will have hundreds and hundreds of years together before aging out. We still have to blood test to find out what hybrid you are.”
“What if she’s a short span hybrid?” he asks worriedly.
“I doubt it. Her father is a strong full blood. There are very few short span hybrids these days.”
“What if I’m a short span?” he whimpers. “I just found her. What if I have less than two hundred years with her?”
“The blood tests come first thing in the morning. We’ll find out then, and I want you to focus on nothing else but your physical tests between now and then. Sleep. She’s just resting.”
“What span are you?” he asks curiously.
/> “Apparently a very long span,” I grouse.
“You don’t know?”
“I never wanted to hear my results, and Cheyenne - my old home - blew the fuck up along with all the information in it.”
“Was anyone hurt?” he gushes.
“Not the hybrids,” I mumble, and he knows what that means.
“What did they do to you?” he whispers, and I hear Hale’s footsteps pacing lightly.
He’s worried I’m going to go savage, and then he’s worried he’ll have to be with me. Fuck that.
“Nothing I care to share.”
“What happened five years ago?” he bluntly asks.
“What? Where did you hear about that?” I gasp.
“I overheard Commander Jude speaking to your ex… captain.”
Hale’s footsteps halt, and I know he’s terrified about what all Grayson has heard now.
“Your hearing is already getting better I see,” I murmur, and then I sigh, “It was a fucked up few months of tracking down bizarre leads to an underground legion of freaks. There were full bloods attacking at random, and I thought they were building an army of infected. As it turns out, they were playing scientist. They had hybrids, humans, and full bloods hidden underground for experiments and later… dissection. It was the most horrific scenes I’ve ever seen.
“We busted up three of their underground facilities, but on the fourth one, they had set a trap. I played right into their hand, and Hale almost died because of my willingness to prove how clever I was. I had been the one cracking their codes and finding their places. They had four grenades set up, and I didn’t have my invincibility up. I caught the brunt of the impact, and the ones who had sit in waiting for me to arrive carried me out. They left the rest of our crew to be slaughtered.
“Clay and Hale were late to enter, and Hale nearly died when he ran through the hailstorm of bullets raining down behind the men carrying me. I was too weak to use any of my gifts due to the blood I lost. The last thing I saw before I blacked out was Hale going phase three savage.”
“Shit,” he gasps. “What did they do to you?”
“They did experiments. They punched holes in my body with metal rods used for conducting electricity, and then they healed me with blood they forced down my mouth. They would shoot energy through me until they forced my body to convulse.”
