Atlas (Apocalyptic Cries Book 1)

by Adalie Jordin

  Cade’s fingers slow as he gently brings me down from the peak, brushing his thumb softly over my throbbing mound. The touch almost sets me off again, but he shushes me, swallowing my strangled protests with his lips wrapped around mine.

  When he finally pulls his fingers free of my clenching body, he grins. “I’m just getting started, beautiful.”

  ◆◆◆

  Sweaty and panting, Cade drops to the pallet beside me, careful - always so careful - not to jostle me in the process. He’s completely spent, and I’m not in much better shape — my body aching and sore in all the best ways, thank goodness. My heart is racing a million miles a minute, trying to free-fall back down from the heights it’s just been to.

  Leaning up on an elbow, Cade uses a gentle finger to turn my head his way and our gazes lock. It’s like staring into an endless abyss that houses all the answers of the universe…. I could study him forever and not even breach the surface of all that’s hidden there.

  Breaking the moment, he dots sweet kisses in a trail down my face. First my forehead, then a soft peck to each eyelid, moving down to my cheeks and finally, my lips.

  The kiss is an ending note to the mind-bending experience we’ve just shared. I couldn’t have dreamt of my first time being any more… Well, just anything more.

  In the few times I’d allowed my mind to venture into sex-land with crushes, I’d imagined it from the cynical standpoint of a woman who’d been told, repeatedly, that her first time was just ‘something to get past’ and wouldn’t ‘be anything special’.

  Cade proved the naysayers dead fucking wrong.

  He was perfect. Reverent, tender and so attuned to my wants and needs it was like he could read my mind. He made my body soar, and my heart cry out with the first strands of a connection I’d never built before with another human being.

  Shifting onto my side so we lay facing each other, I stifle a wince as a bite of pain travels through my lady bits.

  Cade notices. Of course Cade notices. “Are you okay? Did I push you too far for your first time?” He sounds vulnerable, genuinely worried he could have fucked this up. He couldn’t be further away from the truth, but his concern is endearing, and it only serves to enhance the growing feelings cascading through me.

  Love…. I allow myself to revel in the emotion as it brightens and takes over my heart. What was once an ember is now a roaring flame.

  I won’t be the first to say it - I’m a chickenshit like that - but I hope he can read it in my eyes.

  “I’m perfect, Cade.” I don’t think I’d ever used that word so much in my life. “You were perfect.” I’m starting to annoy myself.

  Get a grip, Saedie! You’re twenty, not sixteen.

  “But you’re sore.” It comes out chagrined.

  Ummm… hell yes, I’m sore! Massive man equals massive…. Well, you get the picture.

  I don’t lie to him, but I don’t admit how fully he wrecked me either. I’ll probably be walking funny for a few days.

  Gods, I hope no one notices.

  It’s a gut-wrenching thought, and I instantly feel bad for having it, but Luca’s face pops up, searing through my brain. I wonder what he will think when he finds out Cade and I slept together.

  No. That isn’t fair — I won’t allow thoughts of another man to tarnish this experience. I’m with Cade. I’ve made my choice… End of.

  It’s funny how you can’t lie to yourself.

  CHAPTER 20

  It takes two days of anxious waiting - jumping at every little thing - for Luca to show up at my doorstep, looking haggard and not at all like his usual self. Dark circles appear permanently embedded under his cerulean eyes, and he’s sporting a major five o’clock shadow. The latter is sexy as hell, and that thought alone has me pissed off before he even makes it through the door.

  “We took bets on when you’d come.” I tell him, joking and yet kind of not. “Cade won.”

  Whether he hears my commentary and is choosing to ignore it, or is off in the vastness of his own mind, I’m not sure, but Luca doesn’t respond. Instead, he saunters across the room and plants himself in the very center of the theatre-like seating.

  He glances about, like he’s searching for someone, and I can only assume that person is Cade. He’ll have no luck — Cade’s off trying to send a coded message through to the outside world, in the hopes of reaching the other members of his task force.

  “Cade’s not here,” I say, repeating the thought aloud.

  “I can see that.” His tone is gruff, akin to someone’s voice if they haven’t used it in a while.

  What’s he been doing?

  Deciding to be the bigger person, since his oh-so eloquent speech is freaking muse-worthy, I sit backwards in a seat one row ahead of him and stare him down.

  “I kept waiting for Nyler to come storming through the door with his lackeys to scoop me up for his ‘list’.” I confess, trying to break the ice.

  A brief flicker of surprise passes through him, but is quickly gone into the blankness he’s exuding. “I hacked the file and removed your name,” Luca admits. “It’s not a fix-all, but it should hold them off for a while….” His words trail away, gaze dropping to his feet. “Why were you there, Saedie? Why risk getting caught by that bastard?”

  And there it is. His accent breaks through loud and clear with his questions, allowing me to see just how frazzled he truly is.

  Ever honest, I don’t cherry-pick my words. “Because I was curious,” I admit. “But also because I’ve suspected Nyler of wrongdoings for quite some time, and I needed proof. Now I have it — but all I want to do is get those people out.”

  He jolts upright, alarmed by my admission. “You can’t do that! You can’t go back, Saedie! Once was enough of a gamble.” He’s spitting the words at me in his rush to get them out, “Twice would be a fucking shit-show! Suicide even.”

  “That’s why you’re going to help me.”

  All the fight goes out of him like a deflating balloon. I swear his emotions are on such a roller coaster today that it’s giving me whiplash trying to keep up.

  “I can’t.”

  “You don’t want to,” I accuse.

  “No, Saedie. I don’t, but that’s not what I mean.”

  “Then what are you trying to say, Luca, because I’m trying to figure you out right now and it seems impossible.”

  Slamming a fist into the armrest beside him, he surges forward, getting right up in my face. The quick movement startles me, but I don’t allow myself to back down. He looks like he’s about to say something, his eyes flicking down to my lips as my tongue darts out to wet them, but then he growls, low and deep, before abruptly standing up and striding across the room.

  My heart is racing from being so close to him, at the rush of his wanton stare on my mouth, and I feel like a bitch at the way my body is reacting.

  Why must I be this way?

  I’ve already chosen Cade.

  So why am I sitting here, panting from a single heated glance sent my way by Luca? Fucking hussy.

  Luca speaks, his words coming out hushed, “I can’t help you break them out, because I can’t be complicit in you risking your life in a fight you should never have been a part of.”

  His words have me reeling, but I can’t allow myself to travel down that path.

  “I’m asking you to help me so I’m less likely to die!” I shout. “Why can’t you see that?”

  I need him to understand. He’s our way in — our best option if we don’t want to end up in cages, forced to become experiments in Nyler’s sick game.

  “Because I love you!” He bellows right back at me, chest heaving in exertion at having the words out there, in the open space between us.

  His revelation stuns me into silence, and I can feel my jaw making a damn good impression of a trap door springing open.

  “Luca….”

  “No. Just — don’t say anything.” He interrupts. It’s almost a blessing, because I wasn’t sure w
hat to say to his massive confession anyway. “I know you’re with him.” The words are snide - angry. “And I didn’t come here to shout at you about how I feel.”

  “Then please, Luca, tell me why you did because I’m at a total loss at this point.”

  I can tell he’s frustrated, though whether it’s at himself or the situation, I don’t know. Probably both. But I have to give him credit… He brushes his words of love to the side and gets down to it — finally.

  “I’m here to talk you out of whatever cockamamie mission you and Calder have schemed up.” He’s pacing now, as he speaks, and I watch his every move. “I came by, the night you broke into the lab, but….” But he’d probably been able to hear mine and Cade’s lovemaking through the door.

  Damn. Why do I feel guilty for that?

  “Anyway, I’ve been at my apartment, packing. Biding my time. I still think we can leave, if you’re willing. I’ve almost got it figured out.”

  That’s where Luca and I differ. He’s thinking about saving himself, while I’m only thinking of others. I hate that I’m able to witness that flaw in him — it taints my view of the person I believed him to be. Or I guess, wanted him to be.

  “So, what. You, me and Cade break out of The Compound and go live out in the ruins of the city? One big, happy trio, scrounging and scrapping for every ounce of food and peace we can find?” I scoff at him without really meaning to. “I don’t want that, Luca. I’ve been there. I’ve lived that life already, and I’m not looking to go back to it.”

  “You’d rather stay here and die?” He pleads desperately. “Because that is what’s in store for you if you don’t run, Saedie. Robert wants you in that lab, and he’s not going to forget about it just because I wiped your name from a few lists on an old computer.

  “There’s something in your blood that makes you immune, gods dammit! And he wants to study you like a fucking science project. Tear into your veins and find out what makes you different than every other Pure out there. Bloody hell, you’re the only one who should really have that title anyway — Pure.”

  I absorb his every word, trying to make sense of them as he tosses them across the room, not daring to come close to me again. My thoughts snag on the term ‘immune’ and hold onto it, waiting for the end of his tirade to speak.

  “What do you mean I’m ‘immune’? Immune to what exactly?”

  “Immune to Outbreak Dead Rain,” He whisper-shouts, choosing now to modulate his volume, like the thought has only just occurred to him that someone might overhear.

  “What. Does. That. Mean. Luca?” My question is biting, irritation smashing through all the social filters I’ve built up in the years of being Prudence Walton’s daughter. “What are you trying to say? I’m the ‘only true Pure’…. What the fuck does that mean?!” I repeat for what already feels like the twentieth time.

  “It means Robert believes you can’t get sick. That if you’re exposed to ODR, you’ll simply remain the same. Or maybe even evolve into something more advanced.” Abject horror trickles through me at the thought and I can feel my eyes rounding out in fearful understanding. “He’s going to bloody dissect you and see if he can prove his theory right. Use you to build his improved hybrid race of humans.”

  I’m not sure what’s up from down as I sit there, trying to digest the ramifications of what Luca’s saying. If I’m immune, does that mean Jeremy is too — and The Incubator? What about Ainsley? Could we be the key to keeping others from living in fear of ODR for the rest of their lives? If that’s the case, should I let Nyler experiment on me? If it could save humanity?

  I can’t formulate any kind of logical response to what he’s just said. I simply don’t have the capacity for thought right now.

  “I know it’s a lot to take in,” he says, calmer now, cajoling even. “But do you understand why you need to leave now? If Robert gets his hands on you, it won’t be like with the others. Yes, they’re tortured, and I despise that I’ve sat by and let it happen; but you’ll be flayed alive, Saedie.”

  ◆◆◆

  Hours later, I’m still reeling from Luca’s words. After his final outburst, things had gotten quiet, and eventually he’d left with the promise to come back in the next day or two for my decision. Said he had a few things to get in order to be able to leave in the near future anyway. It was awkward, to say the least.

  I’m expecting Cade to come looking for me soon, since I failed to show up for our training today. After our break in of Atlas’s lab, he’d insisted I continue to train with him — hone my skills. I know it’s because he can see the fight ahead, just like me.

  I wish Luca could. That he was on board with what we have to do.

  I can’t just leave the people Nyler has stolen from their lives down there, rotting in a man-made hell.

  Needing a way to field my emotions, and not up for leaving my room, I sit down to make a list of all the things we know so far about Atlas, and apparently… me.

  Nyler leads Atlas, though he’s only one snake in the hydra-like network. He calls the shots, but Dr. Price - aka Asshole - does the dirty work. Luca seems to be a caretaker of some kind, overseeing the welfare of the prisoners and Zerks. I want to hate him for being involved, but I understand his motivations…. At least he makes sure the Subjects don’t starve to death.

  Although the way the Zerks quieted upon his arrival at the lab was weird, to say the least. And that reminds me — they didn’t get all freaked out and loud, violently banging around and such, when Cade and I first walked in either. Yes, they’d gotten excited so to speak, but they hadn’t gone berserk. Why was that?

  If I turn myself over to Nyler, and he gets what he needs from me, will it spell hope for the rest of the residents here at The Compound, or seal their fate?

  I honestly don’t believe Nyler has the capability of being altruistic, after seeing the atrocities he’s committed, and hearing about others. If I saunter into his lab with a ‘here I am’ attitude and allow him to study my DNA, I’m positive he’ll simply use it to perfect his serum for an advanced human race, rather than to vaccinate, or possibly cure, those already affected by ODR.

  So, no. I won’t turn myself in. Not for real anyway.

  A plan starts to lay itself out before me, and I can only hope it will work.

  I need Cade.

  In more ways than one.

  A hysterical chuckle escapes me. Thoughts are not able to be controlled, but I sure do get a kick out of mine sometimes. Or want to kick them, rather.

  Wishing, not for the first time or even the fiftieth, that cell phones still worked, I wait around for the better part of the day for Cade to knock on my door.

  The first thing he ask as he comes in the room is, “What’s wrong?”

  “You mean besides the fact that the organization running this place we call a ‘safe haven’ is stealing people from their beds…. Torturing, then murdering them?” I reply sarcastically.

  He takes a minute to study me, his intent attention making my heartbeat thump erratically in my chest.

  “Yes, Saedie. Besides that.” He sighs as he lowers himself to the floor, leaning against the wall in my pillow corner. “You’re as open as a well-read book. What’s happened between the last time we spoke, and right this moment?”

  Dropping the cynical act, I tell him the truth. “Luca came by. Says he tried to the night we broke in as well, but…”

  Realization dawns, “Ah, I see. Okay.” Clearing his throat, he shifts around, clearly uncomfortable. “It upsets you that he knows we’re together?” He asks softly, a hint of sadness filtering into his words.

  “No!” I’m quick to say, “Not at all, Cade.” Going over to his side, I sit down on my knees, with one of them bushing softly against his thigh. “Look at me please?” I wait until he meets my gaze before offering him a genuine smile. “Nothing, and I mean nothing, about what you and I did is something I want hidden. Hell - I’ll shout it from the top of the observation roof if that would make you happ
y.” I confess, embarrassment rolling through me at the emphatic passion in my statement, but I own it.

  Cade seems relieved, letting out a breath as he places one meaty hand on my leg, rubbing his thumb back and forth. “I believe you. No need to draw attention to us when that’s exactly what we should be avoiding.” He jests, lightening the mood.

  And I’m about to bring it right back down. “Luca filled me in as to why Nyler is looking to add me to his subject pool…” I start, hesitating over my words. I’m not sure how to address what Luca told me with Cade without causing him to freak out. If he would.

  I’ve actually never seen Cade’s composure break, now that I think about it.

  Hmmm.

  “And…” He prompts, when I don’t immediately continue.

  “He claims I’m immune to ODR. That if I were to come in contact with a Zerk’s blood, or bite - or even the rains - I’d walk away scot-free.”

  Silence reigns heavy, and I can see in the way his expression shuts down that Cade is as stunned by the revelation as I was. Am. Fuck.

  “How would they….”

  “Know? I asked him the same thing.” Disgust rolls through me as I tell Cade how the initial screenings we’re forced to undergo before entering The Compound have an underlying purpose — to allow Nyler access to our DNA for study. “When he got to mine, Nyler must have seen something that varied from everyone else - made him look deeper - because he found an anomaly that he believes will keep me from getting sick.”

  “What about your family? Are they all the same?”

  “I don’t know,” I admit. “I didn’t have the chance to ask. Things got… Tense.”

  Cade’s protective instincts take over. “Why? How? Did he hurt you?” He demands, sweeping his gaze over my body as if looking for signs I’ve been injured.