by Sara Mack
He did?
“Yes,” she answers silently. “Very much so.”
“What was she given exactly?” Dane presses.
Why is he so annoyed? I shoot him a look. “I’m worried” comes across loud and clear.
“Those Gifted inherit all of our traits save a few,” Ash says and turns to me. “You know about the strength, heightened senses, and ability to read minds. Which, by the way, you’ve mastered quite quickly.” He looks impressed. “What you don’t know is the enchantment over you and within the bracelet allows you to travel to the Intermediate and elsewhere if Mad and I accompany you. Also, you’re able to kill Allegiant – with training, of course.”
Okay. That both frightens and excites me. “What can’t I do?”
“You cannot perform what you called reiki and you can’t manifest independently. You cannot create Larvatus or gift your abilities to anyone else.”
I’m kind of glad I can’t gift anything. Who wants that responsibility?
“Let me make sure I’ve got this,” I say. “Besides the strength and the senses, I can travel to the Intermediate as long as I’m accompanied by you. I can kill Allegiant and I can read minds. All because of this?” I raise my wrist.
Madeline nods. “And because of the enchantment my mother bestowed upon you. Before she died she held your hand and said something, correct?”
“Respira,” Dane says from across the room. “She said respira.”
I’m glad he remembers because that memory is sure blocked.
Madeline smiles, wistful. “Of course. Respira means ‘breathe again’. Her intent was to pull you to the life of the Charmed and protect you should you need it. The blast from Kellan killed you, but respira saved you from a full death.”
I blink at her. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?”
“When you were hit by Kellan you died.” She rubs my hand. “The enchantment brought you back.”
Um, what?
“Think of it like this,” Ash tries to explain. “Say you jump off a cliff without a bungee cord. You’re certain to die, right? An enchantment is like an invisible rope that pulls you back before you hit the ground. It pulled you to life and to The Larvatus.”
I’m stunned. “I thought the bracelet was what protected me from Kellan.”
“It did to a degree. The bracelet is charged with protective qualities, but nothing that equals an enchantment. In order to Gift you, Claire had to bestow both because you’re human.”
Madeline looks at Dane. “It’s a good thing you put the bracelet on her when you did. She became one of us at that moment.”
“No wonder Kellan is angry with you,” James says to Dane. “You helped create another Larvatus.”
The look on Dane’s face registers the shock that I feel inside. I died? Dane helped create me? Shit just got real.
“Speaking of the amulet,” Madeline continues, “it’s a conduit. Because you’re Gifted your abilities flow through it. If you take the bracelet off everything leaves with it. Does that make sense?”
I nod slowly. “Your amulet doesn’t do the same?”
She shakes her head and releases my hand. She removes her bracelet and nothing happens. She slides it back on. “Our abilities are inherent in us because we were created, not Gifted. We wear these for added protection and to identify ourselves to others.”
“That must be why it hurt so much to remove it,” I say. “But why is it blocking my Guardian memories? Do you know?”
Madeline looks at Ash. “That is something new to us. When you mentioned it before we were confused.”
“Maybe the gifting didn’t fully take,” I say. “Maybe my dying screwed it up. I mean everything seems to work accept that and reading James.”
Ash frowns. “I noticed that, too.”
“You noticed I can’t hear James?”
“No,” he says. “I can’t hear him either.”
James looks confused. “Does that mean something?”
Ash eyes Jack. “How many Allegiant do you know exist?”
“Three. Kellan and Lucas and the one Lucas was forced to create.”
“I assume that’s you?” Ash asks James.
He looks baffled. “No. I’m human.”
Ash holds his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “How was your humanity returned?”
“By The Allegiant. Right before you arrived on the island.”
“Let me guess.” Ash takes a step forward. “They stood side by side, each one touching the other?”
James starts to look worried. “Yes, but Lucas was immobile on the ground.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Ash says. “You need at least two Allegiant to create another. Any more is just for show.”
“But I’m human,” James protests.
“So are they – when they want to be. Have you tried to be anything else?”
“No.”
“When’s the last time you ate?”
“Yesterday.”
“Are you hungry now?”
James shakes his head.
“What about sleep? Do you sleep?”
“Barely.”
Ash turns to me. “The only minds we can’t hear are Allegiant.” He looks around the room. “I believe our enemy numbers four.”
“That’s insane!” James steps toward Ash. “I’m no one’s enemy. If I’m Allegiant why wouldn’t I know it?”
“Because you were never enlightened to that fact. You want to be human therefore you remain in a human state.”
James looks at Ash in disbelief. “That can’t be possible!”
Ash sets his feet and crosses his arms. “Try to manifest.”
“I can’t.”
“Try,” Ash nearly growls.
James huffs. He clenches his hands into fists at his sides and closes his eyes.
And disappears.
Chapter 11
James is Allegiant.
I didn’t see that coming.
A barrage of questions followed his reappearance. James, Jack, Madeline, and Ash converged on one another, speculating and tossing around insinuations. They interrogated each other in a tense way that was exhausting to watch. After some time Dane slipped from the room and moments later I managed to do the same. I found him leaning against the kitchen counter drinking a beer. Without a word he held the bottle out to me, and I gladly took it. He retrieved another from Garrett’s refrigerator and we stood side by side nursing our drinks in silence. I didn’t bother to read his thoughts. There was nothing to say that wasn’t blatantly clear. How much more twisted can things get?
That was a week ago. Looking back, I think it was my last relaxed moment. Immediately, Madeline and Ash took up residence in my apartment and wanted to start training me to fight right away. I had to explain that I had classes and finals to conquer, as well as a move back home to prepare for. At first they couldn’t understand how such mundane tasks could trump learning to battle the supernatural, but we eventually set a schedule, albeit one that is killing me.
After classes and studying, we spend at least four hours a night at the rec center. I have to admit by the time we get there I’m itching to work my muscles. After a long day of sitting I’m giddy at the thought of punching something or flipping someone. Ash holds nothing back when it comes to challenging me. At the end of each session Madeline insists we meditate to calm my energy for the next day. This is what’s wearing me out. It’s like a rollercoaster. The mornings start out simple and slow like the beginning of the ride. As the day progresses my energy climbs as if I’m going up a big hill. The workouts are the thrill of going over the top, and the meditation is the slow coast to the end of the track. Working my mind and body relentlessly like this exhausts me. I’ve been sleeping like a baby.
Needless to say, I don’t have much time for anything else, my neighbors included. Not that I’m their activities coordinator, but I feel bad not spending any time with them. I don’t feel as guilty about James because, while I’m in class, Madeli
ne and Ash work with him to discover his Allegiant side. Yes, this goes against everything they believe in, but they understand James is on our team. He never intended to become an Allegiant, nor does he feel the way Kellan does. In a way he was betrayed too, and we all know how The Larvatus feel about that. James was turned and no one bothered to let him know. Way to make friends guys.
Dane is another story. He has nothing to do with his time. Sure, he replaced the drywall I ruined in Garrett’s apartment and he has one more coat of paint to go. But that’s all he’s done. Watch paint dry. He does accompany me to the gym each night so we can run the track together as a warm up; he used to run cross country in high school. He leaves immediately afterward though, so Madeline and Ash can take over. It doesn’t give us much time to visit, and he has to be lonely with Garrett gone and James busy. I’ve been tempted to read his thoughts to find out if he resents his time here, but I stop myself each time we’re together. I mean, who wants someone in their head? I surely don’t. I also don’t want to abuse my newfound privilege.
Tonight, as we head to the rec center, I try to think of how to tell him to go home early without making it seem like I’m pushing him away. I only have four days left at Western before I move, so that’s four days he could have of normalcy.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks.
I give him a tiny smile. “You.”
He smirks. “Why?”
I stop walking and look at him. “I feel bad. You have to be so bored.”
He shrugs and then takes my hands, winding is fingers through mine and holding them up. “Not right now. This is the highlight of my day.”
I sigh. “You need to get out of here. Take Teagan up on her offer and get back to work.”
He looks at our hands. “I know.”
Wait. “You know?”
He gives me a lopsided smile. “What do you think I’ve been doing all week?”
I stare at him confused.
“I’ve had some time to think about what you said.”
My eyes get big. “You’re going to help her?”
He tightens his fingers around mine and pulls me closer. “Yeah, but with conditions. I start back on Monday.”
“That’s great!”
He looks doubtful. “Pre-charmed Emma wouldn’t think so.”
“Well, post-charmed Emma does. Why didn’t you tell me?”
He hesitates. “I didn’t want it to bother you.”
I press his hands against his chest. “I meant what I said before. It doesn’t bother me. It’s actually a huge relief.”
His expression falls, and I search his face. “What’s wrong?”
One side of his mouth twitches. “You can’t tell?”
“I’m not reading your thoughts.”
“How come?”
“Because it’s not fair. I do it on a need to know basis.”
He smiles. “Is that a rule you learned in Jedi training?”
“No, it’s my own rule.” I squeeze his fingers. “So spill. What’s the matter?”
He sighs. “I kinda wish it did bother you.”
Okay, I’m confused. “You just said you didn’t want it to bother me. Which is it?”
“It’s just…I know you’re overloaded right now, and I really don’t want it to worry you. But on the other hand, a little jealousy would be nice.”
I give him a wry smile. “You need an ego boost?”
“Wouldn’t you?”
I blink at him.
“Never mind.” He takes a step back.
“No, tell me.” I hold on to his hands.
He groans. “Can you read my mind? It’d be easier.”
I tilt my head. “Please tell me.”
He takes a heavy breath. “It’s hard not to feel insecure. You have these amazing abilities and so does James. It’s only going to bring you two closer and I’m…I’m just me. I’ll never be anything else.”
The possibility of Dane feeling inadequate has never crossed my mind. I hate that he feels that way and concern clouds my features. I take a step closer as he continues.
“It would be nice if you were jealous of Teagan because it would mean you have feelings for me, that they’re growing.” He looks at our hands again. “I know it sounds messed up.”
“It doesn’t.” What can I say to put his mind at ease? I do care about him, but are my feelings growing? Unfortunately, they haven’t had a chance. The two of us have barely spent any time together.
“Listen,” I say and his hazel eyes meet mine. “First of all, I would never put the words Dane and insecure in the same sentence. You’re far from it.”
He gives me a stale look.
“Second, so what you don’t have crazy weird abilities. James and I are freaks! Have you considered that I need you to be normal? For my own sanity?”
He cocks an eyebrow. “The yin to your yang so to speak?”
“Maybe so.” I smile then pause, thinking of how to word this. “I have feelings for you; honestly, I do. But, you’re right. They haven’t grown and that’s not your fault or mine. We just haven’t had any time to get to know each other like we once did.”
He looks down.
“Here’s what I propose.” I step back. “The semester ends in two days; we’ll be home in four. I’ll have all kinds of time between training and interning at the clinic. You sir,” I poke him in the chest, “are going to have to take me out on some real dates.”
He gives me a sly glance. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
“I want you to,” I say emphatically.
He smiles and drops one of my hands. He raises the other to his lips, plants a quick kiss on the back, and pulls me in the direction of the rec center.
“Do you feel better now?” I ask as we walk.
He nods.
“Good. I don’t like it when you’re unhappy. Your face is too pretty to be sad.”
He abruptly stops and I end up yanking his arm. “What?”
“You’re killing me Grace.”
“Grace?” My forehead pinches.
“It’s my nickname for you,” he says and resumes walking. “You had a rather ungraceful fall at Matt’s last Fourth of July.”
I remember. “I fell in the flowerbed.”
He gives me a dazed look. “How…?”
“It was one of the memories that came back when you…you know…” My ears feel hot. We haven’t discussed the whole bracelet-getting-caught-in-my-shirt thing.
He tries not to grin by biting his lip.
“Stop,” I tell him. “I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”
“What’s there to be embarrassed about?” he asks. “I’m glad it happened. I’d like it to happen again.”
My heart flips. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t replayed that night a million times. “You mean my screaming and crying into your shoulder wasn’t a turn off?” Please. He should be heading for the hills.
He shakes his head. “Ah, no.”
Regardless, safe and slow is probably our best course of action. “Even so, we should set some dating ground rules. Like leaving any and all clothing on.”
“Awww.” He frowns. “You’re no fun.”
I laugh and look up to see we’ve arrived at our destination. I reach out to open the door. “Ready to get your butt kicked?”
“As always. You think you could take it easy on me for once? Allow me a few shreds of manly dignity on the track?”
I scoff. “Not in this lifetime.” We walk through the door and I dig through my bag for my student ID. “And don’t worry. You’re always manly.” Yeah, I’ve noticed. He’s the whole package. Only a blind woman could miss his tousled hair, toned body, and smoldering eyes.
I sign the two of us in then turn to see if he’s following me to the locker rooms. He’s wearing that all-knowing smirk of his.
“What now?” I ask, exasperated.
He steps to my side. “You just told me I’m pretty and manly in a matter of minutes.”
/>
“And?”
He winks. “I’m glad you think so.”
After our warm up, Dane delivers me to a room the gym typically uses for classes like yoga and Pilates. Madeline and Ash are already there and, to my surprise, so is James. I take in Dane’s grumpy expression. “Really?” I ask.
He looks startled. “I thought you said you weren’t reading minds.”
“I don’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”
He shakes his head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I carefully punch him in the arm. “Same time, same place.”
He gives me half a smile and walks away.
Entering the room, I drop my bag on the floor and greet my trainers. “Hey guys.”
Madeline turns and greets me with a warm smile. “Ready for something new?”
“No meditation?” I half-heartedly joke as I walk toward her. I know it’s supposed to calm me, but it feels like I’m coming down off a sugar high.
“No. Ash thinks you and James are ready to practice with one another.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Cool.
“Jack will be back tonight,” Ash says. “We have no idea when the ideal time will be to advance. We need to get in as much training as possible.”
He’s right. We have a schedule established with Jack, so we know when to expect him with information from his covert ops. So far Kellan has only forced Lucas to create one other Allegiant, but he’s been selectively choosing Guardians and bringing them in on what’s going on. Our guess is that they will soon be Allegiant too, and Kellan will make his move.
James smiles and taunts me at the same time. “You ready for a little action?”
He’s digging this training just as much as I am. I smirk and take a defensive stance. “Bring it.”
“Hold on.” Ash steps between us. “While your fighting styles are similar there is one important difference.”
I stand up straight to listen.
“Physically you’re closely matched. But watch this.” He gestures toward James.
