by Sara Mack
I frown and shake my head. His eyes immediately shoot daggers at Dane who stands opposite us with Garrett. “We had a deal,” he snaps.
“What deal?” I ask.
“That he wouldn’t try anything unless you remembered us.”
“It was an experiment.” Dane rounds the car. “I asked if she would be open to the idea and she agreed.”
James gives me a puzzled look. “Why would you kiss someone you barely know?”
“It seemed logical.” I shrug. “I want my memory back. I’m willing to try anything.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Anything?”
“Well, not anything,” I concede. “Kissing Dane just made sense.”
His forehead pinches. “How does that make sense?”
“Because she’s done it before,” Dane defends me and stops to stand beside us. “I thought it might release something.”
“Well, she’s kissed me too,” James says sarcastically. “Should we try that next?”
Dane’s eyes flash then narrow.
Is this seriously happening? These two are acting like babies. “I have an idea,” I say as I step between them. “I should kiss Garrett.”
That shuts them up. All three of them regard me with shocked expressions, especially Garrett, as I walk toward him. “I’ve been told we were close,” I say. I wink at him to let him know I’m not serious then whisper, “Play along.”
He smiles. “Oh no. I’m not getting in the middle of this. We were close but only in a friendly way.” He places his hands on my shoulders and says, “Give them a break, okay?” He turns me around to face James and Dane. “And give her a break too, would you? We just got back.”
“Speaking of,” I step away from him, “where’s LB?”
“In the car.” He gestures to the opposite end of the parking lot. “We literally pulled in seconds after you.”
Dang. If I had let Samantha flirt a little longer we could have foregone all this. Thinking of her reminds me of our conversation, and I change the subject. “Someone is looking for you,” I tell Garrett over my shoulder as I head to my car.
He follows me. “Who?”
“Samantha. She wants to ask you out.”
He looks confused. “What happened to Todd?”
“Apparently she got smart or he got smart, one of the two. They broke up.”
As we pass James and Dane he asks, “You remember them?”
“She does,” Dane pipes up. “She also remembers that her eyes aren’t blue and her chest is fake.”
I shoot him an annoyed look.
“It’s true.” He shrugs.
“So, you remember small details,” Garrett observes, intrigued.
“I told you. I remember everything but you guys.”
We reach my car and I pause, looking over my white Grand Am. I’ve had this car since I graduated high school. I remember everything about her: the summer I got her, how much she cost, how my dad haggled with the guy we bought her from. She’s the first car I’ve ever owned.
“Is something wrong?” Garrett asks. “I promised I would take good care of your things.”
“No, I was just thinking. I have a lot of memories wrapped around this car.” I open the door and find LB’s carrier on the floor in the back seat. “LB? Are you in there?”
I hear a quiet mew and my face breaks into a grin. I’m really excited to have her back; I can’t wait to snuggle her. I lift the carrier and shut the door to see that James has joined Garrett at the trunk to unload. I notice James with a bag of LB’s things, and I reach to grab it. “I can take that.”
“I’ve got it,” he says and places it in the empty litter box along with a few other cat items. He reaches for a small duffle bag and swings it over his shoulder, then picks up LB’s stuff. “Let’s go,” he says and starts to make his way toward the building.
I match his step, and we pass Dane as we walk to the front door. He’s leaning against his car with his arms crossed, observing us. Is this how things are going to be? Dane watching James, James watching Dane. Both of them watching me. It makes me uncomfortable. I’m not used to being under constant scrutiny.
We round the corner and make it to the door. I set LB down as I fish for my keys.
“I’m sorry.”
I pause and look at James. “For what?”
“For making you anxious.”
I blink. How does he know I’m anxious? “It’s all right,” I put him off and open the door. “There’s just a lot to take in right now.”
He follows me inside, and we enter my apartment where I immediately drop my backpack and crouch down to open LB’s carrier. She springs from the cage and takes off only to stop mid-stride. She looks around, appearing to notice she’s back home.
“Hey, Booger,” I say in a baby voice and she turns to sprint back to me. She rubs her head against my knee and purrs loudly as I scratch behind her ears. “I’ve missed you,” I tell her and pick her up, holding her on her back like an infant. I rub her belly and she purrs louder.
I stand and notice James smiling at us. “She’s happy,” he says and reaches out to pet her too.
I find myself studying him as he scratches LB. I think back to what little Dane told me about us. We dated since we were seventeen. He died and came back. We never officially called it quits. Suddenly, I’m overwhelmed by the significance of him being here. By all accounts he shouldn’t be and for more reasons than one.
He catches me staring. “What?”
“It’s going to take us a while to catch up, isn’t it?”
He gives me a tiny smile. “Yeah.”
“How long do you think?”
He shrugs. “I couldn’t say. Days? Weeks?”
“Months?” I offer.
“Maybe so.” He pulls his hand away from LB and studies my eyes. “Would that be a bad thing?”
To my surprise my heart picks up under his stare. “No.”
His face relaxes and his fingers move and twist into a piece of my ponytail that sits on my shoulder. “You don’t know how bad I want to kiss you right now,” he says quietly. “It’s all I’ve thought about since we left the island.”
Wow. How do I respond to that?
LB squirms and rights herself, jumping from my arms and breaking our tense moment. I step away from James and he releases my hair. I scramble to find something else to discuss. “Do you still plan on living with Garrett?” I ask.
“He does,” Garrett says, surprising me from the doorway. “But, I might have to kick him out if he doesn’t carry his weight.”
James shoots him a look. “What’s the problem?”
“Come help me carry the rest of this stuff.”
James sighs and heads out the door. Garrett looks at me before closing it. “I hope you don’t have any plans. After we’re settled we all need to talk.”
About an hour later my phone chimes. Welcome back! Check your email.
I read the cryptic text from Matt as Dane lounges on my couch flipping channels. He hasn’t said much since our neighbor’s arrival, and I can tell he’s trying to relax, but failing miserably. I feel bad for him and want to make it better. Why does his being upset bother me? He’s practically a stranger.
Yet you kissed him.
My conscience appears and my ears turn red. What was I thinking? I replay our kiss and my rebellious side thumps my conscience on the head. It was a good idea, dummy. I bite my lip as I study Dane, recalling his mouth on mine. How I can make that happen again?
“Who’s on the phone?”
Dane’s question breaks my train of thought. “Um, Matt,” I say quickly as I redirect my attention and open my email. “He sent me a message.”
His note is the first in my inbox.
Em –
Glad to hear you’re back! Attached are the forms required for the internship you asked about. My dad signed off on everything. I would have sent them sooner, but I didn’t know when you would be back in the States. I hope you’re still think
ing about working for us. I don’t make a great receptionist and Sheila is about to explode! Let me know your decision when you get a chance.
We’ll have to get together soon!
Matt
My memory reels back to my last day at Western. I recall the overwhelming need to move back home, but don’t remember what set it off. I re-live the conversation with my advisor, Mrs. Andrews. I remember talking to Matt about interning at his dad’s veterinary clinic in lieu of classes; I remember falling asleep content with my plans for the future. Then I remember waking up with my world turned upside down.
I read over Matt’s email again and a calm feeling settles over me. I still like this idea a lot. Moving back home sounds amazing.
I hear a knock on the door then see it crack open. “Are you busy?” It’s Garrett.
Dane sighs and turns off of the television. “Do we have a choice?”
Garrett and James enter my apartment, and I push Matt’s message to the side for now. I readjust myself in the living room chair as Garrett takes a seat opposite Dane. James chooses to stand, leaning against the wall. It’s times like this that I really need a dining table.
“Do you want to sit?” I ask James and start to unfold my legs.
He shakes his head. “Standing doesn’t bother me.” He gives me a small smile. “I’m still getting used to being human.”
Oh. Right.
“Now that things have calmed down, we need to have a serious discussion,” Garrett says.
Dane frowns. “About what?”
“For one, the likelihood of Kellan’s return. He’s not going to easily forgive what happened.”
Dane scowls as I recall who Kellan is. He’s the one who nearly killed me, but somehow took my memories instead.
Garrett takes a heavy breath. “Obviously we’ve lost all ties to the Intermediate. We have no idea what’s taking place. We can only assume Kellan returned with Lucas after he blasted Emma, given that humanity isn’t in chaos. Kellan needs Lucas to maintain order; two of the four Allegiant are dead. He’s probably forcing Lucas to carry on as usual and biding his time until he can devise his revenge.”
“We haven’t heard from Thomas or Meg or any of the others,” James says. “It’s probable that they’re still captive.”
Who are Meg and Thomas again?
“If only I could get a hold of Jack,” Garrett mutters. “It would really help.”
“Jack is?” I ask.
“My brother,” Garrett answers. “My twin.”
Yes. I’d forgotten.
Dane leans forward. “So you’re worried about Kellan coming back? I understand he’s pissed that your friends killed his buddies, but shouldn’t he take it out on them?”
“I’m afraid he will, but he still has a score to settle with me,” Garrett says. “He didn’t get to exact his punishment and now that you and Emma are involved…we’re all at risk.”
James turns to Dane. “You know Kellan was gunning for you.”
Dane sighs. “Yes, you’ve made that clear.”
“Why?” I ask. “What did Dane do that was so wrong?”
Garrett eyes the bracelet on my wrist. “He placed that on you.”
“So?”
Garrett shares a knowing look with James that raises my suspicions. “That’s another thing we need to talk about,” he says. “Do you remember me telling you about Madeline and Ash? The people that showed up to help us?”
I nod.
“James and I stopped to speak with them briefly before coming here. We asked if they could help us understand what happened, why the bracelet protected you in some ways, but not in others. They told us it was because you are Lost.”
My face pinches. “I’m what?”
James moves closer. “All humans are supposed to have a Guardian. I was yours.”
“Yes, you told me.”
“When The Allegiant restored my humanity, my duty vanished. You no longer have a Guardian.” He pauses and eyes Garrett. “Emma,” he says seriously, “there’s no one in the Intermediate to assign you. You are unprotected. You’re what we call Lost.”
I give him a wary look. “And that’s a bad thing?”
“For an ordinary human it’s a very bad thing,” Garrett says. “But you’re better off. Until we know how much protection the bracelet offers you, one of us will need to be near you at all times.”
I hesitate trying to process the information. “So, you’re saying I need a babysitter.”
Garrett shifts his weight to the edge of his seat. “It’ll be more like having a bodyguard. We’ll need to know your schedule, where you plan to be, and with who.”
This is really awkward and my expression twists. Will I ever have privacy? “I do have some common sense; you can’t spend all your time hovering over me.”
Garrett agrees. “You’re right. We’ll need to take shifts and the more help we have the better. That’s why we –” He pauses. “I mean that’s why I would like Dane to help as well.” He turns to look at him. “Will you consider it?”
Dane doesn’t even think twice. “I’m in.”
What? These three can’t just integrate themselves into my life! “Hold on a minute,” I protest. “You can’t monitor my every move!”
James tries to reassure me. “It won’t be that weird. Garrett and I will be right next door.”
Matt’s email flashes through my mind and I snort. “Not for long. I’m moving after the semester ends.”
James face falls. “Where? Why?”
My eyes dart to Garrett and Dane and they are equally surprised. “I got permission to take an internship during the winter semester. I’ll be working for Matt’s dad and living with my parents.”
I can’t help but notice the smile Dane tries to hide. Clearly he’s pleased, but why?
James moves to crouch in front of me. “Emma, I can’t follow you there. Your hometown is mine too; I can’t be seen by people who knew me. You have to stay here.”
Ah. That’s why.
“I’m sorry, but this is my life,” I say adamantly. “My decision. I’m moving.”
James opens his mouth to dispute me, but Garrett interrupts. “It’s okay,” he says and directs his attention to James. “We can make this work; we can move. Lucas gave me money, and I believe he gave Emma some too.”
I have money?
“That’s if you’re willing to share,” Garrett quickly amends and gives me an apologetic smile. “We can live outside of town and James can escort you when it’s safe for him to do so.”
I narrow my eyes. Damn! I need some time to myself!
“Actually, this might work better,” Garrett muses and turns to Dane. “You have to return home eventually. It will be more convenient with Emma closer to you.”
I tap my fingers impatiently against my knee. They’re all so great at planning my life. “How long is this going to last? You can’t possibly take me everywhere. What if I need to go to the gynecologist?”
All three of them blanch and I smirk. “See?”
I can visualize the wheels turning in Garrett’s head. “We’ll have to take each situation as it comes and stay behind the scenes if necessary,” he says and looks to James and Dane. “The main point is that we are near Emma should she need us.”
They all nod and I curse under my breath. Am I even here? Does my opinion matter? I get it; I’m at risk without a Guardian and Kellan seeks to hurt me. But wait…why is he mad at me again? So Dane put a bracelet on my wrist and I’m somewhat protected. Big deal.
“Can someone explain why Kellan hates me?” I ask. “Because I don’t get it.”
Garrett and James exchange another knowing glance. I’m starting to hate those.
“Madeleine and Ash will be here in a few days to explain,” Garrett says. “My knowledge of The Larvatus is limited. I’d rather you hear it from them.”
“The who?”
“The Larvatus. Translated it means Charmed.”
“Madeline and Ash ar
e charmed?”
“Yes,” Garrett says. He pauses and looks at his hands then back at me. “And from what little I understand, now you may be charmed too.”
Chapter 4
There was too much testosterone in my apartment, so I kicked them out.
All of them.
After I locked the door, I threw myself on the bed and put my head under the pillow to block out what Garrett said. “From what little I understand, you may be charmed, too.” Just what is that supposed to mean?! I don’t want to be anything, but me!
Emma Lynn.
Twenty-two year old daughter of Dale and Marlene.
Sister of Mike. Best friend to Matt and Shel. Mother of LB.
Soon to be college grad.
It’s getting hard to breathe with my nose flattened against the mattress, so I roll over and toss the pillow aside. Garrett said Madeline and Ash would arrive in a few days to explain. Thoughts of their visit send sarcastic thoughts searing through my mind. I sure hope they show up on Saturday – that would be perfect! That’s when my mother is supposed to be here. I can imagine our conversation:
Hey Mom! Great to see you!
Who are these strange people?
I have no idea, but apparently I’m one of them.
How did that happen?
I was in the Caribbean instead of Ireland like you thought. I saved Dane’s life by jumping in front of a powerful Guardian’s death beam.
What were you and Dane doing in the Caribbean?
Sleeping together. Aren’t you proud?
I close my eyes, inhale deeply, and then exhale slowly. There’s nothing I can do about any of this, and I’m starting to feel helpless. I open my eyes and lift my wrist to stare at the bracelet I wear. The thin leather band is knotted and it holds a shiny silver amulet in the center. I bring it closer to my face to scrutinize the charm and realize that it is forged to look like a tree with leafy branches and exposed roots. Intertwined against the trunk, I find the shape of a crescent moon on one side and a blazing sun on the other. It really is a beautiful piece. I concentrate on it, tilting it back and forth, so it catches the light. Suddenly, a rainbow of color shimmers across the metal and disappears. I blink rapidly. Did I just see that? I try to do it again but nothing happens. My mind must be playing tricks on me due to the dull ache that still resides in my temples. I lower my arm to the bed and sigh.
