Redemption (Night Marchers #2) Written by: Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels

by Nuckels, Courtney

  I blush and say, "Well then why are you looking at Tristan's Jeep like it's going to bite you?"

  "I don't think it's a snake, I was just doing the math. There are four seats and five of us." Kai replies.

  I look at the cramped space of Tristan's Jeep. Our bags are packed and placed in the small area behind the backseat. I wonder when Tristan took the time to grab our things.

  I look back at Kai and say, "Well, I can always sit on your lap." I smile up at him.

  "Not unless you want to get in a wreck when I have to hurl right in the middle of driving." Tristan says.

  I look at him annoyed. On one hand I know I hurt him and I know he's only coping with it the best way he can. On the other hand, he's really starting to piss me off with his snide comments and gagging noises. "Fine, I will sit on Kaylee's lap." I say to Tristan.

  He smiles big and says, "Oh yeah."

  "Whatever!" Kaylee decides to chide in and smacks Tristan on the back of the head lightly. Kaylee and I laugh as Tristan rubs his head pretending like it hurt more than it did.

  "I will sit in the back with the girls." Noa interjects while giving a sideways glance in Kaylee's direction. I can tell that Noa's already smitten.

  "Sounds good." Kaylee says in her best southern drawl. Then she walks towards the Jeep shaking her hips just enough that I can tell she must be a little taken with Noa as well. I laugh to myself as we all pile in. Thankfully Tristan has the top off so the open air makes us feel a little less claustrophobic.

  Tristan glares at Kai as he moves to sit in the front. I'm sure that if Tristan had the doors on his Jeep he would have slammed his door loudly to emphasize his unhappiness with this seating arrangement.

  Kai doesn't look too comfortable being in the front either. He just sits back and stares out the passenger side window. Thankfully both of them keep their comments to themselves.

  Once I take my seat on Kaylee's lap and we work the seatbelt across the two of us, Tristan takes off. I forgot how bumpy his Jeep can be when he's driving off road. I hold onto the roll bars to steady myself as we drive over the rough terrain. I know that the trip could be a lot less bumpy if Tristan drove slower, but he seems like he's trying to get this ride over with as quickly as possible.

  "Kai!" I yell as Tristan takes a turn way too fast and Kai nearly falls out of the passenger side. Tristan slams on the brakes, which sends Kai jutting forward. Luckily he has quick reflexes and throws his hands out on the dashboard to steady himself before his head has a chance to slam into the windshield.

  "Dude, what the freak? Haven't you heard of a seat belt? Seriously, you aren't freaking invincible. Buckle up!" Tristan scolds Kai.

  Kai just breaks out laughing and I join in as well. Everyone else looks at us like we are sharing in some stupid inside joke. I doubt now is the time to blurt out that Kai is invincible. "Sorry, it was just funny. I mean, he almost fell right out." I say before I realize how it sounded.

  On that note Tristan smirks as well saying, "Yeah, it did look pretty freaking funny. I'm sure if we had a video of him grappling onto the roll bars like a monkey during that turn, it would totally go viral." His mood seems to lighten a little bit. I realize that it's because to Tristan my comment sounded like I wasn't all out worried about Kai. I'm not going to correct him though. I've hurt him enough and if this makes him feel better, so be it. I can tell from the look on Kai's face that he didn't take any offense, which makes me love him all that much more.

  Kai buckles up and Tristan takes off again. We remain silent the whole way to the airport.

  Tristan pulls up to the departures terminal and parks in the no parking area. Kai and Noa stay in the car to make sure it doesn't get towed while Tristan and I escort Kaylee inside. We luck out big time when one of the airline representatives says that there is a standby ticket available for a flight back to Dallas that's leaving in an hour. We purchase the ticket and Tristan says his goodbyes to Kaylee. He gives her a hug and then stands to the side giving me a moment alone with my BFI.

  "Kaylee..." Tears spring to my eyes and my throat closes up with emotion. I don't want her to go home.

  "Don't worry, I will be back before you know it. If I can save up enough I will be back here in Kauai with you within a year." She gives me a weak smile.

  "I will be saving too. I owe you big time. I love you lady!" I say giving Kaylee a big hug.

  "You know it sista!" She says jokingly. "I've got to run if I'm going to make it on time. I’ll call you when I land." She grabs her bag from the ground and says, "I’ll talk to you soon!"

  "Okay." It's all I can say. I watch as tears fill Kaylee's eyes and like the strong woman that she is, she turns from me raises her shoulders and walks towards security.

  I watch her the whole time until she gets through security. She waves to me as she turns down the terminal towards her gate.

  I feel like a piece of me just left and in a way it has. I wipe away the tears that I just realized were falling down my cheeks. When I get back to Tristan he gives me a big hug and says, "It will all be okay."

  I know I shouldn't take anymore from Tristan than I already have, but I take his comfort at this time and I hope that he's right.

  We walk side by side towards the Jeep. A feeling of peace passes over me. Something tells me that he is right. It will all be okay. It's not going to be easy telling the truth to my dad or trying to find a way to create a friendship with Tristan or being away from Kaylee again. No, this will be one heck of a bumpy road that I'm going down. But, it will all be okay.

  Epilogue

  “Dad, slow down!” I scream at him with nervous anxiety rising in my chest. My father is once again driving my convertible like a bat out of hell. I'm going to have to think twice next time I hand him the keys.

  "If you didn't take so long to get all beautified I wouldn't have to! Do you want to make it on time or not?" My dad chides back.

  I smile at him and reply, "Well you know I can't really answer that since I have no idea where we’re going!" My dad made me get in the car this morning and said he had a surprise for me.

  It's nice to be on speaking terms again with my dad. He was none too happy when I brought Kai home over a month ago and I explained all that had happened which included the part about deceiving my dad and Kaylee's mom.

  Thankfully Kai was there to help me explain the craziness that has been our lives for the past few weeks. The paranormal investigator part of my dad was über intrigued by the whole situation including the Night Marchers and the Menehune's. (We conveniently left out the whole chiefs bones and possible immortality part. No need to give my dad a heart attack.) The parental part of my dad on the other hand was mortified and infuriated that I, his only daughter, was put in the line of danger. Not to mention the fact that my best friend and I, plane hopped from Texas to Hawaii without his knowledge. When all was said and done though, my dad let me off pretty lightly by only grounding me until I graduated, which was yesterday.

  I look to the backseat to see Kai sitting there smiling back at me. My heart hasn't yet gotten used to being near him so often. I still get all of those wonderful butterfly feelings fluttering about when I see him. I hope it never goes away.

  Kai and my dad have really hit it off since the first day they met. He even allowed Kai to hang out with me at the house while I was grounded. (Under his supervision of course.) At first I was mortified when my dad grilled Kai for hours with questions about the Night Marchers. Kai assured me though that it didn't bother him. My dad was just amazed that a supernatural group like the Night Marchers could actually take a living human being and enslave them or force them to join their ranks. He's been researching other possible spirit wanderers throughout the world. My heart saddens when I think about his purpose for doing this. I'm sure he's hoping that maybe, just maybe, my mom may have been taken by a group similar to the Night Marchers. It's such a far, I mean really far off idea. I don't say anything to my dad though since I can see that there is a small bit of ho
pe inside him. He hasn't had a lead or a hope of finding out what happened to my mom in a very long time. I could never squelch that for him. The Kealoha's offered to financially back all of his future research and documentaries, which only encourages him more.

  If anyone knows what it's like for a loved one to go missing without a trace, it's the Kealoha's. No words can describe the over abundance of joy that they had upon being reunited with Noa, their lost son.

  My dad slams on the brakes jerking me from my thoughts. "Here!" He says loudly.

  Ah, the airport. I have many mixed feelings about this place and not many of them are good. I look at my dad anxiously.

  "Don't worry, I'm not shipping you off again." He laughs. "Your graduation surprise is here though."

  Still a little nervous, I hop out of the car. Kai holds my hand and as we walk to the automatic doors. I feel relieved to see the arrivals sign posted boldly above it. I look back at my dad who has a beaming smile pasted on his face. He's proud of whatever surprise he planned.

  I barely have time to walk through the doorway when my name is shrieked out from across the room. My heart leaps with excitement as I start running and screaming, "Kaylee!!!"

  We meet halfway and collide into a huge bear hug. "Emma!" She yells excitedly in my ear. "I know it's only been a month but I've missed you sooo much!"

  "I know me too!" I say, unwilling to let go of her. We jump up and down giddily.

  "Well, that's why she's staying permanently." My dad who must have approached without either of us noticing chides in proudly.

  I look up at my dad and then to Kaylee who must have been in on this whole thing. "What do you mean? You haven't even graduated! "

  Kaylee winks at me and gives me a sly grin. "You aren't the only one who can get their degree in no time with online home schooling. I booked it like nobodies business and finished up yesterday too!"

  "What? You home schooled? Why?"

  "Emma, we always said we would graduate together. I couldn't let you go and do that alone could I?" She smiles big. "Your dad just kept me updated on your progress. Man seriously, I had to pull some all-nighters to catch up with you lady!"

  "I can't believe you've been able to keep this a secret the whole time," I say while giving Kaylee and my dad both the stink eye. I don't hold it long before I start cracking up. They both join in. I can't help but feel so encouraged and honored that Kaylee would give up walking across the stage to graduate at the same time as me. I have no idea how I landed such an amazing friend. A thought pops into my head. "By the way, how on earth did you save enough money to move here in only a month?"

  "The Kealoha's chipped in." My dad interjects for Kaylee. "They said it's the least they could do for one of the girls who helped save her son."

  I look to Kaylee and give her a knowing smirk then drawl, "Mmhm... I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that said son has a huge thing for said girl." Both Kaylee and I break out into a giggling fit.

  Kai and my dad grab her numerous checked bags, eight in all and head outside. Thankfully the Kealoha's driver came in time to help shuttle the excessive luggage to our house. There's no way it would have been able to fit into my small convertible.

  My dad ends up riding back with the driver so it's just Kaylee, Kai and I for the trip back home. I let Kai take the wheel. He only recently got his license but he's already a better driver than I am, plus he knows this island like the back of his hand. He is one of their longest living human residents after all!

  With him driving it leaves Kaylee and me distraction free to talk and catch up. She delves right in telling me about staying up all night texting and Skyping with Noa nearly every day. She laughs about how she is falling for a guy that she's never even kissed.

  "So, what's your plans for the summer Kaylee?" Kai chirps up from the front seat.

  Kaylee happily starts diving in with a list of all of the things she wants to do this summer. I can tell she did her research by Googling all of this Island's hot spots. She shares the only two things that are on her 'avoid at all costs' list: camping and running into Night Marchers. I second her on both!

  I let Kaylee and Kai talk for a little bit as my mind wanders off staring at the gorgeous scenery that is Kauai. I am so happy that Kaylee has found someone that she really cares for. I hope Tristan is able to find the same too. He had to return to training a week ago, (since he hadn't completed his last round.) My heart sinks a little when I remember the trip I took with him to the airport. He asked me to drive him, even though his mother offered to do it. He wanted to talk to me, he said. When we got to the airport we had over two hours to spare so we sat in the car for a while talking. His aquamarine eyes had a bit of a sad hue to them that day. It was like he knew that we were done for, at least in a relationship way.

  "You know Emma, I kept hoping that maybe one day you would just wake up and change your mind. You know, like you would just look at me and exclaim that you love me and only me." He said.

  My heart plummeted. I hate making Tristan hurt. "I'm sorry Tristan."

  "Don't be sorry Emma. I didn't ask you to drive me so I could make you feel guilty. I just want to be honest with you. While I feel this way about you, I want you to know that I see how happy Kai is making you. It is enough for me to really know that you are taken care of. I will always be here for you." He says sincerely while brushing my hair behind my ear.

  I close my eyes grateful for his touch, that contact which tells me that not all is lost in our relationship. "I know Tristan. I will always be here for you too. I want the best for you, I love you, you know that right?"

  He smiles and lets out a weak laugh. "Yeah, I know. Not in the way that I love you, but I will settle for your love as a friend. That alone will get me through my darkest days."

  I smile sadly and hug him tight. I hate him leaving broken hearted but time might be exactly what he needs to mend his heart. We get out and I walk him to the departures gate. I stand with him until he has to get into line at security.

  He brushes a light kiss on my lips and I blush at the gesture. He really needs to get used to kissing me on the cheek soon, I'm sure Kai won't put up with the lip kissing forever. Upon seeing my blush he pulls me into a tight hug and whispers in my ear, "Keep me in mind though, if you ever get lonely...you know."

  I pull away and laugh at his comment only to see him standing there seriously. "You are crazy." It's my best way to try to brush it off. "You stay safe." I say.

  "Yeah!" He laughs. "I would say the same for you but we both know you will be just fine. Bulletproof, that's what you are." He hugs me again and then disappears amongst the other travelers herding through the security line.

  I'm brought back from my flashback when I hear Kai and Kaylee laughing hysterically. I guess one of them said something funny. I think back to Tristan's last words and in a way I'm grateful that I told him about my rapid healing before he left. I hate having to keep secrets from him.

  I look over at Kai who is smiling unabashedly, his grey speckled eyes sparkling with the reflections of the sun. He and I share that bond now, the rapid healing and the possible immortality, which I don't know too much about. I haven't taken the liberty of trying to test that out yet and I don't plan to. We have done tests though on our healing abilities. We've even timed it and found that when cut, Kai heals faster than I do by several minutes. We don't know what that means but we have several of the Menehune's researching it as we speak. What Kai and I still don't know is how such a small amount of that berry caused the similar outcome in me as the whole one did with Kai. I mean, I didn't even eat it; the berry was only mixed in with some tea. Kai told me though that he doesn't regret having given it to me. He said that without it, I surely would have died. I couldn't have made it to safety with the loss of blood and severe wounds. While we don't know much about this gift that was somehow past on by this 'Mana,' we do know one thing: we have to protect this secret. If that berry or the chief's Mana, were to fall into the wrong hands, ho
rrible things could happen. I could only imagine the war that would commence if the world knew that there was something out there that could allow you to live forever or even extend your lifespan by a considerable amount. No! We can't let anyone else know about this. We've already taken too much of a risk by telling Kaylee and Tristan. Not that they would tell anyone, but even knowing of such a secret could be dangerous in and of itself. Luckily nobody, including myself, knows the whereabouts of where the chief's bones are hidden, other than Kai. And Kai will do anything to protect their location, as I will do anything to help him with his mission.

  "Are you okay?" Kai asks looking at me through his peripheral vision.

  I think about it for a moment and look around at my loved ones sitting in this car. "Yes, definitely." I say happily. This is one crazy world and my life is a roller coaster that has no hope of ever resembling "normalness" again. I'm fine with that though; normal is the new boring after all!

  I have no idea what the future has in store for us but right now everyone is safe and healthy and happy. That is all that matters.

  Pau

  Finished for now...

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  Acknowledgements

  We would like to take this opportunity to thank God first and foremost for your son and all of your many blessings. A special thank you to our husbands and children for their patience through all of our countless Skype dates and midnight writing rendezvous that kept us apart many a nights. A rock star thank you to all the different book blogs and book review sites that took the time out of their day to share our book and their opinions with the world. A shout out to our wonderful, supportive fans on Facebook for giving us insight when we felt blind and for their encouragement to keep on writing. An extra big Texas sized hug to Google for being a wealth of information and always there when we needed you. We heart you all!