Will stabbed a vegetable off his plate, refusing to look at her. “I figured we’d want leave town as soon as this thing is over tonight.”
Her stomach clenched. This was real. This was really happening. The fork in her hand shook. Get it together, Emma, she told herself. You can’t afford to lose it now. “I have to go to the bathroom.” She walked across the room, Will watching her with worried eyes. She hated that the most. That he worried so much yet there was nothing he could do.
She shut the door and sat on the side of the tub, twisting her fingers in her lap. If only she was stronger. If she’d tried harder. Or if she’d trusted Will sooner. Or admitted she loved him before it was too late. Would any of those things have made a difference? Did it really matter now? All she had was this moment. She needed to make the best of it.
Will knocked at the door. “Emma? Are you okay?”
She needed to be strong for him. And for Jake. If she fell to pieces, it would be harder for the both of them. This was the next to last gift she could give them.
She opened the door and gave Will a tight smile. “I’m fine. I just needed a moment.”
His hand rested on her arm, his eyes full of concern. “It’s time. Are you ready?”
Ready to face her certain death? She needed the old Emma for this. The part of her that was hard and bitter. “Let’s go kick some ass.”
Will brought their bags to the car, and they drove in silence to the park. He pulled out his cell phone but hung up without talking to anyone. She knew who he was calling and knew it was a wasted call. They were really on their own.
Will grabbed her hand, and she almost pulled away. Feeling close to Will weakened her. She lost the bitterness she needed to be strong. But she had a choice. Choose Will or choose the animosity that had drenched most of her life. Then she remembered her words to Aiden. “If given the choice, I’ll always choose Will.” If she ever needed to choose him, it was now.
Will parked in a lot filled with cars. “There are too many people here. They’re going to get killed tonight.” They got out of the car. Will reached into the bag in the backseat and grabbed his gun, checking the clip before handing it to her. “When all else fails, shoot them in the head.”
“Good advice. Right up there with wearing clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.” She stuffed the gun in the back of her jeans. “So what’s our plan? Tell me what to do.”
He looked up at her with raised eyebrows.
“Why do you look so surprised? You’re the expert on this. I told you back in Oregon that I trusted you to come with the plan.”
“Not knowing all of the rules puts us at a huge disadvantage.” His mouth pursed. “Two people have to be eliminated before this thing even begins, if the final battle really consists of four.” He started toward the fountain and Emma fell into step beside him. “The easy choice of who to eliminate would be Raphael. I suspect he’s the weakest.”
“No, I’m the weakest. I’m going to be the first target.”
“Not necessarily. I don’t think we should focus on taking out the weakest. We should take out the strongest, so we have a better chance in the final four.”
She tilted her head. “You think we should take out Marcus and Aiden.”
“If we can, yes.”
She walked in silence, processing his information.
“It will work if we use the element of surprise. They won’t be prepared.”
“I don’t…” She took a deep breath. “So this is going to be one big free-for-all?”
“Yeah, I suspect so.”
“Do we stand in a field? Are we around the fountain?”
“I have no idea. I wish I did. We could strategize better. I know for a fact that Marcus is thinking with a military mind. He’s got a plan, even if I’m not privy to it. I think he’s going to think like I am—eliminate the harder competition first. That means Aiden.” He paused. “And Jake.”
She sucked in a breath. Eliminating the competition—that’s what this was about. Killing people. She needed to keep her head and think objectively. A difficult task when discussing the possible annihilation of your own son. She nodded. “Okay, so we know who Marcus will go after. What about Aiden and Raphael?”
“Aiden will go after me. And I suspect Marcus. As for Raphael’s plan? Who knows if he’s thinking logically.”
“If it’s revenge, he’ll go after you and me. If it’s logic, Marcus and Aiden.”
“Agreed. But then there are other variables to consider. What about Jake? He might be forced to attack us.”
Emma’s heart seized. She hadn’t considered that. “No. Jake would never hurt us.”
Will nodded. “Marcus thinks killing you will give me your power. He might do it right away if he thinks it will be to my advantage.”
“Will.” Her tongue dried out and tripped on his name. She swallowed. “And if the three of us make it to the final four? Then what?”
He stopped and pulled her to his chest, and looked into her eyes. “I told you I’d defend you to the death and I meant it, Emma. Once I know you and Jake are safe and it’s just the three of us, one of you has to kill me.”
“You know I can’t, even if I wanted to. That means Jake will have to do it.”
“We might be able to…hurt one another in the final battle.”
“No, no, no! I’ll never agree to that!” She tried to pull out of his grasp but he held tight.
He brushed the hair off her cheek. “Emma, don’t you see? It’s been my fate since the beginning. I’m The Chosen One, the one destined to protect you. Mark or no mark, Emma, the job is burned into my soul.”
Should she tell him Marcus’s theory about the prophecy? Or that she suspected he was right? “But I’m the weakest one. I’m the one of the three of us who deserves to die.”
“None of us deserve to die.”
Anger burned in her chest. “I’ve done terrible things since this all began. I’ve become more and more like them.”
He smiled but his eyes were sad. “Emma, I’ve done far worse things than you have these last few weeks. I’d confess them to you now to ease your guilt, but I can’t bear the thought of you looking at me in horror before I die.” He kissed her long and slow. “The mark is gone, but my need to protect you is stronger than it ever was. It’s now branded in love. I don’t deserve the love I’ve found in you, but I’ve accepted it, thanking God for giving it to me.”
“There is no God.”
“I hope more than anything that you’re wrong and he’ll show us some mercy tonight.”
Tears fell down her cheeks. “Will, I can’t let you do this. Please.”
“This is the penance for what I’ve done, Emma, don’t you see? Giving my life for you and Jake is my redemption.”
He wanted to die for her and Jake. How could she accept this? “You’ve planned this all along! You planned to die!” She tried to pull away again, but he refused to let her go.
“No, Emma. I hoped we all could figure out a way to make it through, but yes, this was my backup plan.”
“I can’t let you do this, Will. No!”
He held onto her arms, his fingers pinching deep. “Do you think I would willingly agree to let you die? We both know Jake isn’t an option.”
Her fight left her and she sagged against his chest. “So it’s you or me.”
“Yes. I think it’s always been you or me. Aiden and Marcus planned it this way.”
“What are we going to do? I won’t agree, and neither will you.”
“For once, just once, please just accept my decision.”
She shook her head against his chest. “How do you expect me to live with myself if I let you die? How will I look myself in the mirror?”
He leaned her head back and looked into her eyes. “You’ll do it because Jake needs you, we both know that. You know that. He needs you more than he needs me.”
“But you can protect him.”
“Emma.” His voice floated on
the night air. “After tonight, Jake won’t need protection.”
The pain in her heart screamed for release, but she would not allow herself to break into sobs. She lifted her chin, glaring at him. She was the one who was supposed to die. “I refuse to discuss this.”
“Burying your head in the sand won’t change things. Don’t hide from this.”
“What do you expect me to do, Will? Do you expect me to just say ‘Okay, Will. No problem. I’ll kill you.’ Are you insane?”
“You don’t have to say any of that. You only have to say one word. Just say okay.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. You can’t ask me that.”
He kissed her again, his love seeping through their connection. Just say it, Princess.
Her heart was breaking, and she couldn’t afford to be broken right now. Could she kill him, even if she promised?
Emma, please.
She loved him with every part of her, and she’d give him anything he wanted. Even this.
Okay. What had she done?
“Thank you.” He kissed her again. “Now let’s go.”
She took small consolation that she wouldn’t have to kill him, certain she’d be killed first.
She wasn’t sure which one to hope for.
***
Aiden’s car drove next to a big body of water.
“Is that the ocean?” Jake asked. After seeing Mommy visit an ocean in a vision years ago, he’d always wanted to see it.
Aiden stared out the window, and looked startled by Jake’s question. “What? No. That’s Lake Michigan.”
That was the most he’d heard Aiden say since yesterday. He’d been distracted and looked worried after he’d found out Raphael was dead.
Aiden rubbed his chin. “Did you see Will after he killed Raphael? Did he emit a glow or look different afterward?”
“No.”
“Well, what did he look like?”
Jake looked at him, wide-eyed and amazed. Aiden was afraid. “I didn’t see him. After Will shot us, Raphael made the building fall down.
“Why didn’t Raphael heal himself? Was he hurt that badly?”
Aiden had already asked this yesterday. And today. “He had holes all over his chest. There was lots of blood.”
Shaking his head, Aiden turned back to the window. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Jake didn’t answer. Part of him was surprised Aiden didn’t suspect him, but then again, why would he? Jake hadn’t fought back to save Antonia. Aiden probably thought Jake was too scared to kill Raphael.
The shadow figure told Jake that he could kill Aiden tonight at the battle. He’d spent all afternoon daydreaming about what he was going to do. He decided Aiden had to die the way Antonia did. Burning and screaming.
Aiden sat up and cleared his throat as though he’d just woken up after accidently falling asleep. “We need to talk about what’s going to happen tonight.”
I know what’s going to happen. You’re going to die.
Aiden’s eyes flickered as though he read Jake’s thoughts, but was unsure.
Jake tried to keep from smiling. He’d only partially hidden that thought.
“Marcus and Will are going to try to do away with you right away. They might not wait until the battle begins, so be prepared.”
The shadow figure had told him that he had to kill the person who killed Alex. Jake was prepared. “Won’t they try to kill you?”
“They can try.” Aiden flashed a grin but it looked fake. “Since Alex and Raphael are gone, the final four determination is easy. You and your mother against Will and Marcus.”
“And what about you?”
He smiled again, but it looked uneasy. “I watch.”
“But the shadows in my dream said everyone had to fight.”
Aiden’s eyes widened and he didn’t hide his fear. “What dream?”
“The dream in the desert. With the circles.”
Aiden’s hand shook as he rubbed his chin. “Dreams are meaningless.”
“It said only two can live. Only two.”
Aiden shook his head and forced a smile. “Nonsense. Besides, it doesn’t matter. We’ll kill Marcus. And it will still be us in the final four. Trust me.”
Jake didn’t trust Aiden, but he was sure of one thing.
Aiden would be dead before it was over.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Marcus was waiting by the south end of the fountain when Will and Emma walked up. Will’s muscles tensed into knots, and he made her walk behind him. He was thankful that she didn’t argue. He’d considered leaving her by the nearby trees for more cover, but Aiden and Raphael were nowhere to be seen. Will didn’t want to leave her unprotected, so he’d keep her with him.
He could feel her anxiety peak, then she shut their connection down.
Don’t do that, Emma. You have to let me in.
Her anxiety returned but in a lesser degree.
Will’s pulse sped up at the sight of Marcus, who leaned against the railing, watching them approach.
“Will. Emma. You made it.” His arms were crossed and he tilted his head, trying to get a better glimpse of Emma.
“Where’s Aiden?”
Marcus smirked. “With any luck at all he got held up in traffic and will miss the big show. Then we’ll just have to figure out which two of us are the winners.”
Marcus had already chosen his final two, and Will didn’t agree.
Will shifted his feet, assuming a casual stance as he surveyed the area. It was almost ten o’clock, but there were still too many damn people here. “So how does this work?”
“I have no idea.”
“You’re the one who said opting out wasn’t an option. How did you know if you don’t know how this works?”
“The end had to come for Aiden’s game. Once I joined in this version, all of us became involved.”
Will glanced around. “Even though Aiden made the rules?”
“Aiden has deluded himself. It’s out of his control now.”
“Whose control is it in?”
“There are forces larger than all of us, Will. Laws of nature.”
“You mean like laws of physics?”
“Yes. But Aiden has decreed something unnatural. There are meant to be four elements. He’s announced that only two will remain.”
“How can there only be two elements?”
“That’s just it. There must be four. It’s unnatural to have otherwise. The world will be thrown into chaos at the unbalance. Have you noticed the unusual amount of earthquakes today?”
“No, I’ve been a bit preoccupied to watch the news.”
“It makes me think that Raphael is dead.”
Will’s eyes widened. “What? How?”
“When I attacked him yesterday, I might have killed him.”
“Did you gain his power?”
“No.”
Will snorted. “Well. There goes your theory.”
Marcus watched Emma, a slow smile forming on his lips.
Rage exploded in Will’s head. “I’m warning you now, Marcus. If you kill her, I will kill you even if you and I are the last two survivors. Then there will only be one element and the world will be fucked.”
“Will…”
A voice called behind them. “No killing each other yet.”
Emma gasped.
Aiden approached with Jake by his side, sauntering toward them as if he were out for a stroll. He stopped about twenty feet away and gave Jake a slight push. “Go ahead. Go tell your mother hello.”
Jake bolted toward her and Emma fell to her knees, opening her arms to him.
“Jake.” Her words were muffled as she buried her face into his hair and held him tight.
“Mommy!” He sobbed into her shoulder.
Will surveyed the area. “Where’s Raphael?”
Aiden shifted his weight, as though he were annoyed. “Raphael is no longer with us, which I’m sure you’re quite aware of, Will.”
&
nbsp; “What the hell are you talking about?”
With a smirk, Aiden studied Emma and Jake’s reunion. “Don’t play innocent with me. Jake told me that you’re the one who killed him.”
Will glanced down at Jake, confused. “What are you—”
Marcus pushed away from the railing. “What’s wrong, Aiden? Lose your lackey?”
“What about Alex?” Aiden asked, his voice hard. “Did you kill Alex too, Will?”
“Yes.” Marcus took another step forward. “He killed them both.”
Marcus’s lie took Will by surprise. He must want Aiden to think Will had killed both of them so he’d think Will was stronger. His plan worked. Aiden looked frightened now.
Aiden shifted his focus from Will, apparently taking a different tack. “Get a good look at your son, Emmanuella. Get a good look at what you gave up. What you’re forfeiting by choosing Will.”
Jake broke away from his mother’s embrace and glared at Will.
Emma grabbed Jake’s arms. “It’s not true, Jake. I didn’t give you up. I’m not choosing Will over you. Aiden stole you from me and forced this whole thing on us.”
Jake wore a pout. “You joined with him. Now I can’t talk to you in my head anymore.”
“I didn’t know that would happen when I joined with Will. I swear.”
“You picked Will.”
“No, Jake. I picked you both.”
“Enough nonsense,” Aiden called, but he still remained a good distance away. That fact made Will nervous.
“Emma,” Will said in a low voice.
She looked up at him with worried eyes.
His gaze shifted to Aiden and she stood, taking Jake’s hand in hers. Will reached for her and she moved toward him, Jake in tow.
“It’s time to begin,” Aiden said.
Will pushed Emma and Jake behind him. Marcus said there was no opting out, but he didn’t trust the man. “Now that we have Jake, I think we’ll be going.” Will backed up, Emma following his lead.
Aiden laughed. “That won’t work.” He closed his eyes and raised his hands. A glow surrounded him.
A bright light blazed the sky, and spread out and then down around the fountain and surrounding gardens.
Redemption (The Chosen #4) Page 30
