She’d expected it would go this way. She hadn’t really thought he would concede. Aidan would have to get them there some other way.
“Keep me updated—and thank you, Allie. She would be proud.”
“Just don’t die, Gregg. I can’t bear the thought. I love you both so much—”
“Aye. And we love you too, sweetheart. I’ll not let anything happen to you.”
“I’m not worried about me, Gregg. Just … please be safe.”
~~~
“Relax Allie. This won’t work if you are too keyed up to focus,” Ming Lao said softly.
“This is a waste of time.”
“No one expects perfection, sweetheart. You need to relax and take a minute to breathe and focus. We all trust you to do your best. Drink this tea. It will help.” Ming was trying to help her relax to see if she could sleep again. Allie lay on the sofa in the dim light of Ming’s office. If she could dream again, it could give them more of an advantage than they already had, but Allie was so restless, she doubted she would be able to sleep until this was over.
Allie’s hand brushed Ming’s and she stilled at the contact as hundreds of horrifying images flashed through her mind.
“No.” Her hands trembled as she took the cup from Ming.
“Careful, this tea is very powerful.” She took the cup and set it aside.
Allie’s tears ran silently down her cheeks. She was lost in her visions, not heeding Ming’s words.
“What have you seen?”
“I don’t understand.” Allie shook her head in confusion. Her eyes glazed as she sought her teacher’s hand. She couldn’t tell her. It would be too cruel. Something terrible would happen to Ming and Jin. Something that would change their lives forever, but she didn’t understand what she’d seen. It would happen no matter what they did now. As the hours ticked down, the future began to solidify. But if they could survive, they could recover from anything.
“It’s nothing.” She gave Ming's hand a squeeze and reached for her tea.
“If you’ve seen something regarding our fate … know that we have lived a long and full life. We do not fear death. My biggest fear is for my child. If something should happen to Jin and I, be there for Chloe? She loves you so much. She looks up to you like a sister.”
“Just be careful, Ming.” Allie didn’t know what they faced. Whatever it was, it was an abomination and Chloe had to be there to help them. If she wasn’t … her parents wouldn’t make it.
“Lie back and breathe, Allie. Clear all thought from your mind.”
She was right; Allie needed to relax and then gather her thoughts. She needed to go through everything she’d seen in her dreams these last weeks. She would study every detail. Only then could she carve out the path that would lead to the least amount of loss.
~~~
CHAPTER
TWENTY-EIGHT
We need to talk, privately, Allie said. She was supposed to be resting since it was the middle of the night and nothing could be done yet. But it was impossible and a total waste of time. Liam had been watching her every move and he was driving her nuts, fussing over her like a mama hen. He finally left her alone so she could rest, but Allie needed a moment with Aidan to figure out a plan. She had an idea, but it was crazy and she wasn’t sure he trusted her quite that much.
Meet me in my office.
She could feel his anxiety through their connection and it killed her. She would do anything in her power to keep them all safe. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes and ignoring her instincts, and Quinn’s warning that they all needed to be there, would be the biggest mistake she could possibly make right now. Aidan and the others had to be there. She didn’t have the time or patience to convince Gregg, but she knew Aidan would trust her and this was a conversation that needed to take place in person.
“Have you lost your damn mind?” Aidan stood waiting at the doorway of his office when she approached.
“Just hear me out.” She closed the door behind her. Apparently, Aidan had picked up on what she was considering.
“I’m listening, but I’m going to say no.” He folded his arms across his chest, giving her that arrogant stubborn look he’d mastered so well.
“I need you to get yourself and the others to the orchard near Imogen and Lucien’s house by sunset tomorrow.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. Even though Dad will literally lock me in the crypt until I’m eighty if we show up.”
“You have to be there, Aidan. All of you.”
“Chloe too? She’s so young, Lex—”
“If she isn’t there, her parents will die tomorrow.”
Aidan paled. “We’ll be there, I’ll make sure of it. I just have to figure out how to give the babysitters the slip. And then get us all there in time. And your idea sucks.” He pointed at her and paced across the room in frustration.
“I know, but just trust me, Aidan. You need to get there within the next twenty-four hours, and walking out the front door isn’t an option. I know you don’t like it, but we have to call Vince,” Allie said.
“And you know we don’t have time for arguing.”
“I wouldn’t even mention it if I wasn’t one thousand percent sure it’s safe. If you can get out of here, Vince will help you guys get to a car.”
“Like hell he will.”
“Trust me. We can rely on him for this. He won’t ask questions. All I have to do is call him and tell him where to meet you.”
“What if that’s in the middle of the lake and we all come popping up through the ice? You think he’ll overlook that?”
“Yes. He will not question it.”
“You realize you’re telling me he knows more than he should.”
“I never told him anything.” Allie took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
“Lex, I don’t trust that guy—”
“Then trust me.” She grabbed his hands. “Trust in my gift. I know he will not betray us. And we don’t have time for this, Aidan, so how are you going to get out of here?” His grandparents, Nadira and Sayid were staying behind to keep an eye on the kids, so they would have to find a way to leave without their knowledge.
“The only way out that my grandparents probably won’t think about is through the yard. Seamas and Fitzie will be guarding the main hall so they won’t notice we’re gone till it’s too late. There’s a tunnel that leads to the water and we can swim out that way, but it’s going to be cold as a—”
“Can you warm the water as you go?”
“I can do something, but I don’t want to zap all my energy before we get there.”
“No. Definitely don’t do that,” Allie said. “Take care of yourself, Aidan. This is not the games and it’s not Amrita. This is real.”
“Just have Vince pick us up three miles northeast of the island late tomorrow morning. And tell him he’s to ask no questions and he’s to leave the second we get to the mainland.”
“I’ll handle that. You just get yourselves there and be safe.”
“I don’t like this, Allie. Are you sure we can trust him?”
“I know we can. Now go keep Liam off my tail long enough to make this call and then I need to go home at some point to gear up. I want my mother’s sai with me tonight.”
“I’ll go with you whenever you’re ready.”
Allie watched as he slipped out of the office. She knew he hated this idea.
She blocked him as she scrolled through her phone book.
Vince answered on the third ring.
“Allie? What’s up?” He sounded groggy.
“Sorry, I just realized it’s the middle of the night.”
“You sound worried. What’s wrong?”
“You don’t want to know the details, but I have an enormous favor.”
“You know you can count on me not to ask questions. What do you need?”
“I need you to get to the island and steal Aidan’s boat.”
“I could
do that. I have no problem screwing with him, but this sounds serious. Is it dangerous?”
“Not this part. I just need you to meet Aidan and the others about three miles northeast of the island in the morning. Pick them up and get them to the mainland where they can get a car. Aidan will give you directions. As soon as you drop them off, leave. Immediately.”
“Does this have anything to do with some people I know?”
“Yes and no. Let’s just say they’re the super-sized version of the ones you know, and they are playing a much harder game.”
“Shit, Allie, those Soma people are dangerous.”
“You know about Soma?”
“I know they’re batshit crazy. Text me the coordinates and the time and I’ll be there.”
“Will do.”
“Be careful, Allie. I don’t like this, but I’m not asking questions. I do not want to know what you guys have gotten yourselves into, but I’ve got your back whenever you need me.”
“Thank you, Vin. I knew I could count on you.”
Allie turned around and ran right into a hard chest.
“He’s Coalition?” Aidan hissed.
“How did you—”
“You blocked me, but did you forget my ears still work?”
“Ahh, crap.”
“Answer me, Alexis Ann.”
“No. He’s not Coalition.”
“Allie—”
“We don’t have time for this. I need you to trust me.” She thumped his chest to get through to him. “This is our best option of getting you there. I promise he will not ask any questions or make any trouble.”
“I don’t like this.”
“You think I do? I don’t want to put him in danger again.”
“Allie?” Liam stomped into the office. “You’re supposed to be resting.”
“Sorry, I was just … uh … saying goodbye.”
“Come on, we are leaving in a few hours and it would help if you can manage some sleep first.”
“I’ll … see you soon.” Allie stepped away, but Aidan pulled her back. Hard. He held her tight against his chest, but his lips barely brushed hers. “Be safe,” he murmured in her ear before letting her go. I’ll meet you in the tunnels whenever you can slip away. We’ll go get your stuff and check on your parents. I asked Dad to put a few guards near your house for the next day or two.
Thank you for thinking of them, Aidan. He knew she would worry about their safety through all of this.
“Enough of that. Come on, little one, you’ve said your goodbyes.”
~~~
CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
Finally, Aidan said when Allie stepped into the tunnel leading to her house.
Liam’s in full-blown big brother mode. She shrugged. It’s kind of nice, but annoying at the same time. I had to convince him no one was going to attack me in the middle of the night in the tunnels.
Allie ran swiftly beside Aidan. The closer they came to her house, the more she worried about the safety of her parents. What if something happened to them in the middle of all of this?
They’ll be fine, Lex. Dad wouldn’t leave them unprotected.
I know, I’ll just feel better seeing it for myself.
They took the side entrance to her tower bedroom and slipped into the house quietly, trying not to wake her parents.
“Let’s get your things, babe.” Aidan grabbed her hand and led her upstairs to her room.
“I need my sai and my weapons belt.” She headed to her closet to gather her weapons from their hiding place.
“Where’s your gear?” Aidan asked.
“In the bathroom at the back of the linen closet.”
She heard him rumbling around for her black armored fatigues. She hadn’t worn them since the games last year. Hope they still fit. She fumbled through her closet for her bladed quarterstaff and the jewelry box containing her growing collection of concealed weapons. Her hands shook as she lifted the coiled bracelet—a whip in disguise. She hadn’t worn it since the night of the ball.
“Got everything?” he asked.
“Almost.” Allie lifted Kassandre’s necklace over her head, feeling her mother’s protection wrap around her like a comforting blanket. Just knowing it was there gave her strength.
Allie laid her things on the bed, taking stock of what she might need over the next twenty-four hours. She chewed her thumbnail, racking her brain for anything she might be missing.
“Relax, Lex,” Aidan said as he stepped behind her, his breath stirring her hair.
“I don’t think I can. Not till this is over and everyone is safe.”
His hand slipped around hers, turning her to face him. His arms snaked around her waist as he pressed his forehead against hers. “Promise me you’ll be careful, Alexis Ann. Don’t you go trying anything heroic that will jeopardize yourself. No one expects you to fix this all on your own.”
“I know. But I have to try, Aidan. I can’t let our—your family die.”
“They are just as much your family as mine and they all love you.… I love you. I love you for doing everything in your power to protect them.” His breath was warm on her face and her heart thumped in her chest. She knew he could feel everything she felt in that moment, both through his gift and their connection.
“Aidan … I—”
“You don’t have to say it. I know you aren’t ready. Your fear of us is your fatal flaw.” His arrogant smirk chased her nerves away.
“Well … maybe I’m not so scared anymore.” She gazed up at him. She was so tired of resisting him when that was the last thing she wanted. With everything they faced, she could feel her walls crumbling and she just wanted to be near him. To feel his arms around her.
His irritable growl rumbled in his chest. “You have the worst timing ever.” He crushed her against him.
“I can take it back.” She pressed her face into the warmth of his sweater.
“Don’t you dare.” He laughed, holding her tighter.
“Take care of yourself, Aidan. I, I don’t want this to change you—to change us,” she whispered. The visions flashed through her mind so quickly she struggled to keep up with the important details. She saw so much looming before them, beyond the immediate threat––the one the thing she feared the most. If she failed him when he needed her, he might never forgive her. But if she saved him, he would never look at her the same again. It was a no-win situation.
“What have you seen? What do I need to know, Allie?” He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. “You're blocking me again.”
“Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself and don’t worry so much about me. I’ll be with you, Darius, and Liam. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll never be able to stop worrying about you, but I’ll stay focused on what’s in front of me. And right now that’s you.” He leaned down and kissed her. His lips were soft and gentle––the kiss a promise of something more if she was ready, but it was over before she could really enjoy it.
She trembled, the moment completely overwhelming her.
“What do you need, Lex?” He frowned down at her. “I’m here, baby. What can I do?”
“Aidan, I’m so tired of being angry and scared all the time,” she whispered. “I’ve been in such a rage for months—I’m sick of it. I want to feel something good. I need to forget. For a little while.” She reached up to cup his face, her thumb scraping over the hint of stubble along his jaw. She was done resisting the pull of Aidan.
“Alexis Ann, you’re killing me,” he whispered as he held her close and brought his lips down to hers. They tumbled to the bed, scattering her battle gear as Allie moved to peel his shirt up over his head.
They’d slept together so many nights that feeling his bare skin against hers wasn’t a foreign sensation anymore, but she’d missed it. Missed him.
“Allie, what is this?” Aidan leaned back, taking a slow deep breath. “If you want me to make you forget for a while, I can do that. If you want me to
make you feel good, I’m dying to do that, baby.” He kissed her throat, taking another deep breath, inhaling the scent of her hair. “But I do not want to risk our friendship on an impulsive decision. You know how much I love you. You have my heart.” He pressed her palm over his bare chest. “I want us … more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I’m in this, Allie. But I don’t ever want your regret.” He was asking her if she was all in, and this time she was ready.
She could feel the rhythmic thudding of his heart, beating as fast as hers. She slid her palm down his chest to his waist, taking a moment to really think about what was happening between them. She'd fought for so long, resisting him since the day she first met him. Her fear seemed like such a trivial thing now. She wasn’t sure she could articulate in words what she was feeling. Allie opened her mind to Aidan’s and let her thoughts speak for her.
No matter what happens between us, we will always be more than just friends. We will always be equals. It would break my heart to lose you, but you’re part of me now. The best part of me. No matter where life takes us, we will always have that. “I love you, Aidan.” She reached up to stroke his face, hovering over hers. “That is the only thing I’m certain of now. But you knew that long before I did.” She pulled him closer, wrapping her arms around him.
I love you, Allie. Nothing will ever change that. But are you absolutely sure about this?
I have no doubts about us, Aidan. Don’t overthink it. Just kiss me, now—please? Allie let go of all thought about the coming struggle. In this moment, only she and Aidan mattered. She gasped as he broke away from her, lifting her shirt over her head. He stroked the curve of her hips as she arched back to unclasp her bra. His hands, rough and calloused from years of training, trailed along her sides, making her shiver in anticipation.
He’d seen her naked before. It was kind of difficult to hide from their shared thoughts. They’d gotten over their shyness a long time ago, and he’d always been a gentleman about it. But now his eyes raked over her as he worked her jeans down over her hips.
I’ve been dying to see all of this. He traced the vines of her tattoo with his lips, his hands wandering over the curves of her body.
Emerge: The Judgment: (Book 2) Page 22
