Breaking Free

by Alicia McCalla

  Her hunter abilities were ramped up. It was like she could feel the location of anyone she imagined. But her mind was fixated on Brandon. She had no conflict about it. She wanted him. She needed him.

  She needed to find him and she did. Her mind tunnel focused. Before she knew it, her team was assembled and they were out the door.

  “Miss Stillwell, we’re approaching the location of the target.” The CAGE officer snapped her back to reality.

  “The Patterson girl is inside, but not alone.” The second officer confirmed over the radio.

  Heather allowed the anger to boil. Saskia’s warm touch soothed her anger and calmed her instantly. Heather shrugged it away.

  “Don’t do that!” Heather whined. Why the hell is she touching me anyway? She felt her eyes change to red.

  She whipped out her cell phone. Time to check her theory. Would Brandon respond? Over the next 20 minutes, she texted him twice. He didn’t answer.

  Heather screamed, “What is he doing in that dirty motel, anyway?”

  Saskia moved closer to her so that they were close, but not touching. Her voice was smooth … sultry but calming. “Do you really care?”

  Heather checked her phone again. Still no answer. Heather’s mind tanked. She grabbed her head—now in complete sensory overload. She was raw with the need to be near Brandon. She had to have him. She jumped up and smashed her cell phone against the console, and then she whipped around to face Saskia.

  “Of course, I care!” Saskia shrunk back, but Heather didn’t care. No one was going to keep her away from Brandon! She wanted to rip the tramp’s face off!

  “I’m pissed!” Heather let her anger out in full force—she felt like an addict. She wanted Brandon bad. She wanted to touch him … to have him … to love him. Heather’s body shook. She slumped down in the chair.

  “I’ve got to have him!” She yelled and sobbed.

  Saskia pushed Heather’s hair while lightly caressing her face. She breathed deeply, the sensation threatening to calm her. A part of her loved it, when Saskia touched her. Her body reacted in a way that felt different but right.

  Heather focused again. “I’ve learned a few things about men. Sas.”

  “Is that right?” Saskia said with dry humor.

  But Heather didn’t feel offended. “I’ve learned that men respond to being manipulated. They like a woman to control every move. They like to be under the woman’s scrutiny. It makes them feel good. It makes them feel loved. It makes them feel secure.”

  The more she talked about Brandon, the more she felt her tension ease. “In fact,” she went on, “Brandon will marry me because I won’t give up on him. He knows that I love him. One day, I’ll find peace in his arms because I didn’t give up on our love.”

  “So you’re saying that men like to be stalked?” Saskia sounded thoughtful but serious.

  Heather felt the confusion take over again. Her friend’s question hit something hard. She pounded her head with her fist. Her hands shook and she broke out in a sweat.

  “Don’t you understand? I love him!” Heather slumped back down into the seat. Saskia moved behind her as she rubbed her back and neck. Heather felt her cares melt away. The young woman’s touch melted her defenses.

  Heather closed her eyes as Saskia’s voice whispered into her ear, “I wish someone would love me like that. I wish someone would stalk me and never let me go.”

  She wanted to fall into Saskia’s voice. Her body perked up … she felt something tugging inside low. Maybe she should find a room so Saskia could give her a short massage. The radio cracked in the background.

  Heather’s abilities perked up. What the hell? What am I thinking?

  “Miss Stillwell. We have confirmed the location of the targets. The subjects appear to be kissing.” The CAGE officer’s voice crackled off.

  Heather felt the meltdown happening. She leapt from her chair and pushed Saskia back. “Get your hands off me!”

  The murderous rampage took her over as she bolted towards the door. “I did everything he asked me to do! I was perfect! I made myself perfect! Why does he choose her over me? How can I get rid of this tramp?”

  Everything inside her went eerily, stark-raving focused. Her tracking abilities heightened. She channeled on XJ, picked up a stun gun and kicked the back of the van open. That slut was going down today!

  Someone shot her from behind. She felt the dart pierce her neck. Her knees crumbled to the pavement. Someone caught her head. The last words she heard were, “our mission is to watch, not engage the target.”

  “Douche Bags.” Heather murmured. She’d been drugged.

  The last thing she remembered was Saskia’s fear filled face.

  “I’ll be okay, Sas, the tranquilizer will only last a few minutes and I can get back to him….” Her response sounded slurred even to her.

  Saskia’s eyes rounded wide and she looked sad. “That’s what I’m worried about, love.”

  Heather’s body went rigid and then numb. They couldn’t keep her from her Brandon for long.

  Chapter 26

  “I just want people to understand that my Mom is innocent. I want to use everything that I can to save her from Zone 6. I’m not a leader, I’m just a kid on a mission to save her mom.”

  —XJ Patterson, Interview #1 on Revolutionary TV

  XJ couldn’t believe how well the interview went with Brandon. He asked smart questions. Hopefully, she’d gain a following and people would help or rally towards her cause. Mostly, though, she hoped that her mother would be freed.

  She’d been thinking a lot about her mom. She really missed her. And she couldn’t let these setbacks stop her. She was determined to save Dorothy.

  Brandon looked hot. His Mustang was cool. XJ felt special riding with him. She wanted to tell him everything, but she held back, because she still wasn’t sure if she could trust him with all her secrets. He seemed to be honest. Would he still choose Heather over her?

  She couldn’t be sure.

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. Being with him felt so right.

  Her voice squeaked. “Thanks for a great interview. I appreciate it.”

  Brandon’s smile warmed her. “No problem. I just want you to know that I’m here for you—if you need me.”

  He pulled the car into her driveway. She relaxed in the seat. It was good to be home. Brandon got out and opened the door for her.

  God, I’m crushing hard! XJ thought, as she got out and stood next to the car. With Brandon standing so close to her, it was hard for her to think. She’d convinced him to bring her home and here they were in front of her house.

  The sun was dropping and it cooled the heat of the Georgia day, while a relaxed breeze brushed the two of them. It felt like a heavy embrace was inevitable. XJ’s butt rested on the passenger door of his Mustang, as she looked up into Brandon’s blue eyes.

  She would never tell him that his presence sent hot messages up and down her back side.

  “Why should I leave you here alone, again?” He sounded worried about her.

  XJ was breathless, but she played it off. I want him in a way that I’ve never thought about with another guy. Outloud she said, “I’ve been through so much. I just need to process all of this alone for a while.”

  Another light breeze blew and she could smell cologne mixed with his masculine scent. She felt anxiousness shift low between her legs. Brandon moved closer to her and began to touch her face. She closed her eyes and a warm sensation shot through her.

  XJ wanted nothing more than to rest inside his comfort, but she had to get things under control. There was too much work to do. She pushed his hand away. She could tell that it irritated him.

  “Fine.” He said. “But, I’m coming in to check things out. And I’m coming back first thing in the morning.”

  OMG, I don’t want him coming into the house! That was the last thing she wanted.

  If he came inside, she wouldn’t want him to leave. One thing could lead to
another … with her granddad watching.

  She pushed him back with both hands, a little harder than she intended. “No! I don’t want YOU checking things out! I can take care of myself.”

  She’d almost escaped, but it seemed like he was prepared for her shove. He pulled her more into his arms. Instantly, XJ melted between him and his Mustang. She looked up into his eyes, smelled his maleness, the warmth of his embrace, and the low anxiousness spread up her body.

  She wanted nothing more than to claim his lips for her own.

  “Brandon, let me go.” It was a small whispered plea. “I—I just need to clear my head. I promise I’ll….”

  XJ was losing it. She didn’t want to be like her mother. It was the boyfriends that ruined her parent’s marriage. She wanted to be stronger—to be able to work with a guy without adding romance. Dororthy’s romances had screwed up her life, and filled XJ’s with a ton of revolutionary “uncles” over the years.

  She shifted her arms, and the ring her mother gave her brushed against Brandon’s pants leg. It was so much so fast. Emotions overwhelmed her and the tears started. She buried her face in Brandon’s chest and sobbed.

  “It’s okay.” His voice quietly soothed her. “I don’t want to leave you like this.” Tender kisses touched her forehead.

  Between the sobs and her intense feelings for Brandon, XJ felt swept away. How was she going to do all of this? Could she save her mother? Could she reunite her family without sleeping with him?

  His kisses moved towards her hands, as he caressed the rest of her. She moved her hands away from her face. The tightness and his sweet closeness sent her body into overdrive and her mouth found his.

  XJ felt his Mustang at her back as she lifted her arms and opened her body to his full weight. Her mouth watered and the sensation of the kiss sent wild messages through her mind. She’d lost control and fell deep into Brandon’s kiss.

  The worst part was she didn’t want to stop.

  Chapter 27

  “GEPs must help each other. It’s a necessity, but not a law.”

  —Dorothy Kates-Patterson

  “Trouble for GEPs comes from saying ‘yes’ too soon and ‘no’ not soon enough.”

  —Xavier Patterson

  Brandon had never felt this way about a girl. XJ brought out feelings he didn’t realize he had. He wanted to protect her … care for her … and love her all at the same time. He deepened his kiss. Even though he could tell she was inexperienced, he wanted her all the more.

  She’s the one. I can feel it.

  The kiss made his manhood rise. He wanted to put her back into his car and take her somewhere nice for her first time. She smelled so good … he loved running his fingers through her braided hair. She tasted like dark chocolate. His leg buzzed.

  What was that? Some sort of insect? The phone buzzed again. XJ broke off the kiss. “Um, your phone’s ringing.” She looked like she’d snapped back to the coldness.

  WTF! He didn’t care about the phone. He reached for XJ, but she pulled away. The moment was ruined.

  He cleared his throat and stepped back. He pulled out his phone. Heather’s calling again.

  “Hello?” His voice croaked.

  “Well, you finally answered your phone! Remember our deal. I’ll haul your little jungle bunny back here with quickness, if you don’t give me what I want…,” Heather said, her voice ice cold.

  He mouthed to XJ, I need to take this, as he walked around to the other side of the car.

  Brandon watched her move towards the house. He didn’t want her to walk away. He didn’t want her to be out of his sight.

  “I’m sorta busy now,” he said; talking low so XJ couldn’t hear.

  “I guess you’re sexing XJ!” Heather shot back.

  “What? She’s not that kinda girl.” Brandon said, allowing the anger to flow.

  “Oh, and I am? You didn’t have any problem doing me!” He could hear the venom in her voice.

  He sucked in his breath.”Is there a point to this conversation?”

  “You made me a promise and I expect you to keep it!” she snapped. “Meet me at the Tuxedo Shop at Discovery Hills Mall in 20 minutes, so they can get your measurements. I want you to look good on my arm.” She hung up.

  “Crap!” he whispered. He shoved his phone into his pocket and raked his hands through his hair. He wanted to stay with XJ, but he’d made the deal.

  If I don’t cooperate with this crazy girl, I don’t know what she might do.

  He trotted up to her door and knocked. The door opened and he walked into the living room. The house was dark and silent.

  “XJ?” He yelled.

  “Back here! I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Brandon sat down on the sofa. This place was a wreck. He should hire someone to come over and help her get things set back up. He had more than enough money to cover it.

  “Do you need me to help you with anything?” He yelled again.

  “No, I’m fine.” Her voice sounded closer. “I just needed to take a few minutes alone.”

  She walked back into the room and Brandon stood. “Look, something’s come up. I don’t want to leave, but I have to. Will you be okay?” He moved towards her to pull her into his arms.

  XJ put her hand up to block him. “No, I mean, yes. I’ll be fine. This….” She motioned her finger between the two of them. “Has got to stop.”

  “I understand.” He said. His body disagreed. “It feels complicated.” He wanted to kiss this all away.

  “If we’re going to work together, we have to keep cool heads.” She sounded rehearsed.

  His phone buzzed again. He glanced at the text message from Heather. It read: WTF? Where R U?

  “Looks like you really need to go.” XJ looked concerned. “I’ll be fine. My mother has plenty of rations, hiding places, and tactical plans to keep me comfortable. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Are you sure? Let me bring you something tonight. Food?”

  She ushered him towards the door and his phone buzzed again. “I’ll be fine. See you in the morning.”

  And just like that he was down the porch, into his Mustang and on the way to see Heather when all he really wanted was to comfort XJ.

  Chapter 28

  “Sometimes we forget what’s most important to us.”

  —Heather Stillwell

  Heather felt numb and shaky as she waited for Brandon at the Tuxedo shop. She bit down on her lip. The tranquilizer’s residual effects irritated her, but she kept moving. Most Zone 6 detainees never noticed the effects, because they were tortured with stronger versions that knocked them out.

  I should scratch those pricks’ eyeballs out! How dare they treat me like a detainee! I’m gonna find a way to make them pay.

  Her phone sung. Was it Brandon? “This is Heather,” she answered. “Only the most beautiful girl in the world.” Her hands trembled uncontrollably. “Oh, mother….” What does she want?

  Brandon was all she wanted. All she needed. An image floated across her mind. It seemed harmless, but it continued to grow. Heather scratched her head.

  Something was distracting her. Was it someone’s lips? They felt soft….

  “You there?” Her mother sounded distant. “I heard you had a bit of a struggle while on mission.”

  Heather’s throat felt swollen and dry. She needed water. Water! She mouthed and snapped her fingers at the Tuxedo salesman.

  “Yes, I did.” Heather laid on her sweet, princess charm between gulping water. “I was so afraid and now I’m sick.”

  The fakeness came naturally. Her hands trembled more, as the sweat poured down her spine but that’s not what was bothering her. More images assaulted her now. She held her head back and tried to cool off her brain. It worked, a little.

  “I want those men gassed!” She whined with passion, but her words sounded unstable.

  “Oh, that sounds awful.” Her mother sounded like she was talking to a two year old. Heather sensed somewh
ere inside that she hated her mother. But she squashed those feelings.

  “We must do something. I don’t want to tarnish their splendid records. Anyone who works for me must be stellar….” Nadia went on, “But a good torture session will be okay. I’ll put them in the gas chamber with something non-lethal but sickening.” Her mother sounded like she just needed a reason to torture somebody. Heather’s situation was an excuse.

  Heather didn’t care, but it was hard to focus on the conversation. Inside her brain, there was so much interference and images of soft caresses, lips. A warm headache began to spread across her frontal lobe.

  “Will you give them a mask?” Heather tried to sound interested, as she rested her head on the big chair. “They don’t deserve one.”

  “I must show mercy. I’ll make them take it off after ten minutes.” Nadia sounded pleased with herself. “All in the name of training and punishment. I love it!”

  Heather’s mind crackled like a thunderstorm. The headache spread from her frontal lobe to her entire head. She tried to control it, but her stomach lurched and the images kept attacking her.

  “Thank you, mother. You’re the best.” Heather couldn’t stop the hate that came as soon as the words left her mouth.

  “You’re my only daughter. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Her mother rattled on, but Heather didn’t hear. Her brain flip-flopped as the images rushed past her like a freight train. She dropped the water bottle, and smashed the palm of her hand on her forehead to stop the pain.

  “Heather, you there?”

  Is she still talking? Heather sensed rage over something but couldn’t remember what it was.

  Just then, her Brandon walked into the store. Heather’s abilities flared. She could sense that her eyes turned red. The hunter took control.

  “Heather, you there?” Her mother’s fake concern sickened her. Heather had to get rid of the old….

  “Yes. I’m sorry, something’s come up.” Heather’s singular purpose came into view. Brandon was all she needed.

  “I just wanted to remind you, dear, to stay on mission. I need your help on this, okay?”