The Forbidden Trilogy

by Kimberly Kinrade

  When he'd first told Sam he didn't want his powers back, he didn't know what that would feel like for him, long-term. He only knew he wanted Ana to have everything he could give, and he didn't want to take any chances in taking them away. Now he realized that the empty feeling he'd had without them hadn't been because of his powers at all, but because he wasn't dipping into the right source for his strength. With Lucy's help, he found that there were many kinds of strength, and he could now feel the energy of everything around him running through him when he focused.

  A knock at the door interrupted him, but he'd settled enough for now. He rose. "Come in."

  Father Patrick entered. "How are you, Son? I just wanted to see if you needed anything."

  Drake hugged the old priest. "Thank you. I'm okay, I think. Is she still here? Does she still want to marry me?"

  Father Patrick chuckled. "Of course, she does. You will make a beautiful family together. I'm very proud of you, Drake. So very proud."

  The large window behind him opened and a draft blew in, along with Beleth.

  Drake froze, ready to take the offensive if needed.

  Father Patrick put a hand on him. "It's all right, boy. He means us no harm."

  Beleth nodded to the priest and stepped forward. "I knew your mother. When she had you, I thought you were the most precious thing in the world. I begged her to keep you, but she decided, for your protection, to give you away and tell no one."

  In that moment, everything clicked for Drake. "You're my father?"

  He nodded. "Yes. I just recently found out. I'm so sorry you had the life you did, but I'm happy to know that you had people who loved you, and who looked after you."

  Drake didn't know what to think or feel. "Why are you here?"

  "I've done many things I regret, but now I have the chance to make them right." He walked toward Drake. "I have a gift for you, if you'll accept it."

  Drake hesitated, but Father Patrick winked and nudged him forward.

  "I accept."

  "Then kneel," said Beleth.

  Seriously? Drake would have felt sillier, if the moment hadn't felt so solemn. He knelt.

  "Drake, son of Beleth, you have a history and lineage you cannot imagine. Someday you will know the truth of your past, but for now I give you a small gift that is rightfully yours as my heir." He touched Drake on the head, then pulled off a ring from his finger and handed it to him. "Take this, son, as a piece of your history."

  The gold ring shone with intricate winged patterns on the sides and a striking blood stone in the center. He slipped it on the ring finger of his right hand, saving his left for his wedding ring.

  When Drake stood, his mind buzzed with new sensations, almost like thoughts, or like the presence he felt when he could control minds, but he realized they weren't thoughts, they were emotions. Father Patrick emanated calm, peace and joy. Beleth felt guilt and relief, pride and love.

  Then a vision overtook him, and he saw Ana crawling from her crib and falling on her arm, breaking it. His eyes flew open and landed on Ana's crib.

  She still slept.

  He didn't know what to make of these new gifts. They weren't powers that could help him much, like his old ones, but he realized that if he could sense emotions, he could help a lot of other people.

  He held his hand out to Beleth. "Thank you."

  "You're welcome." Beleth turned to Father Patrick. "You're on the right path, priest. Don't let them stop you. Something big is coming and the world will need what you know and see."

  He turned back to Drake, who had no idea what he meant. "I must leave now, but I'll be watching."

  "Wait. I want to ask you things—"

  "Later. Right now, you have a wedding to get to." Beleth flew out the window, and Ana cried.

  Drake turned and ran to her, catching her just as she was about to fall out of her crib, and onto her arm.

  Chapter 135 - Sam

  The scent of roses filled the air, and white lights twinkled by the hundreds in the trees around them. White rose petals created an aisle between two rows of chairs.

  I waited at the back, fidgeting with my long white dress. Lucy and Robyn walked ahead, stepping in time to the music, looking beautiful in blue satin. Lucy carried Ana and Robyn carried her own bulging belly full of baby. My hands shook so bad I looked like I was trying to strangle my bouquet, but Drake stood at the end of my walk, waiting for me, so I took the first step, willing myself not to fall on my face in high heels.

  Luke and Bernard had both offered to walk me down the aisle, but it felt right to go alone. No one had to give me away. I was my own person now, and I gave myself freely to Drake.

  Father Patrick smiled kindly as I approached, and Drake and I held hands. We stood under the weeping willow tree Lucy had planted with Mr. K's seed. It had grown faster than nature allowed, and held an energy that reminded me of my mentor. I missed him so much, but this tree—his tree—helped ease that pain.

  "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony...."

  The words blurred in my head. All I could see were Drake's eyes. All I could feel were his hands, and all I could think about was our family, how we were finally together forever.

  We slipped rings on each other's fingers and then kissed each other into wedded bliss. The tree around us swayed without any wind to carry its branches, and yet they flowed around us, creating a halo effect.

  Our friends all cheered as we marched down the aisle, hand in hand, married. The party moved to an open area where we had food and drinks under tents, and I tossed the bouquet. I expected Lucy to catch it, the way she and Hunter kept eyeing each other, but Mary actually grabbed it from the air, to my utter shock. On this day, of all days, I had no animosity for her. She'd paid her dues, and we all deserved a second chance.

  Luke got up on the makeshift stage and cleared his throat. "We have a first dance for the newlyweds. If you please."

  I smiled as Drake held out his hand and ushered me to the dance floor. I smiled even bigger when I heard the song: Amazed by Lonestar.

  Drake held me in his arms. We locked eyes. As the music started, I sang the first few lines. "Every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me...."

  "You have a beautiful voice."

  "Thank you."

  "I think I'm going to like being married to you, Mrs. Davis."

  "I think I'm going to like it too, Mr. Davis."

  He dipped me and I laughed.

  After a few more dances, I needed to find a place to stow the evil high heels from hell. I sat at a table and slipped them off just as Brad arrived clutching his briefcase.

  "I'm so sorry to do this on your wedding, but I just got the paperwork in for the property in Hawaii, if you could just sign real fast?"

  I took his pen and scribbled my name. Sam Davis. I knew it was trendy for women to keep their own name, but Smith was a made-up name, not mine. Davis at least had a history.

  Brad closed the folder. "Thanks, Sam, this is going to be so great for all the kids."

  The one good thing to come from being related to Steele: he had millions from his Rent-A-Kid operation, and Hunter had convinced IPI to release all of it to me as his only living heir. I was so rich I'd never have to worry about money again, and neither would any of these kids.

  Robyn walked up holding her belly. "Sam, Ana's awake and needs changing. I can do it, but if you'd rather I didn't, after everything, then...."

  I sighed. Robyn had walked on egg shells since Steele died. All of our missing memories had returned, and Robyn realized she had been the one to kidnap Ana and deliver her to Steele. She, of course, was not to blame, but she still worried every time she got near Ana. All I could do was reassure her it wasn't her fault. If I had any inclination to judge her for what had happened, I just thought about the horrible things I'd said and done, and knew that neither of us had any choice.

  "I would really appreciate it if you could care for her, Robyn. Hon
estly."

  She smiled and fluttered away to change my daughter.

  Bernard walked up and hugged me. "Congratulations, Sam. You look beautiful."

  "Thank you."

  Drake came back and handed me some juice.

  Bernard sat next to me. "I wanted to talk to you about school."

  "You know I missed my interview. I mean, I obviously don't need financial help, but I missed my chance to be accepted into the art program." Money or no money, I still wanted desperately to study art, but I'd have to wait another year.

  "I made a call. They can squeeze you in next week."

  "Thank you, so much." Tears sprang to my eyes. "But there's just no way I can complete a portfolio by then."

  "Well, a few of your friends have a surprise for you."

  Dozens of my classmates lined up, and the first one to approach was Curtis, the kid who'd beat up Greg. "Sam, I know I'm an ass, but a long time ago, you drew this portrait for me and... well, here you go."

  He handed me a painting I'd done of a tree in the fall, because he'd remarked that he loved the colors. His thoughts also surprised me as I looked from him to Greg. They'd made up, and he'd come out of the closet, with Greg's and Gary's help.

  I looked at the painting, tears in my eyes. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."

  One by one, every portrait I'd ever painted for my friends was returned to me with a short story of how I'd touched their lives. By the end, I was silently blessing whoever had invented waterproof mascara.

  Even Tommy walked up, a small stack of papers in hand, with Serena beside him. The kids we'd rescued had gone home, if they had homes. Those who didn't now lived here. Tommy handed me the papers. "You made these for me when we first met. I hope they help you go to school, though I don't know why you want to go to more school when you don't have to. Adults are weird."

  I looked at the papers and laughed even as tears streamed down my face. Every crazy make-believe animal he'd asked me to create for him and draw would now be a part of my permanent portfolio.

  I hugged him so hard he squealed. "Sam, can't breathe."

  I released him. "Sorry. This is just so amazing, Tommy. Thank you." I held his hand in one hand and reached for Serena's hand. "I love you both so much. I'm sorry you've had to go through such hard times, but know that you have a family here with us."

  Serena's cat Angel ran by in a streak, chasing a barking Eddie, who had a piece of watermelon dangling from his mouth. Our resident dog and cat had a love/hate relationship with each other. Eddie loved Angel, and she hated him, at least on the surface. When she thought no one was looking, she'd snuggle up to him and sleep. The two were favorites among the children and adults alike.

  Greg walked up to the stage and asked for everyone's attention. "Sam, without you and your bravery, we'd still be locked up in our lives, oblivious to what we were about to endure. You're the bravest person we've ever met, and you deserve to live your dreams. We will all be here for you to help with Ana, and anything else you need, so you can go to school and become a famous artist."

  The entire school cheered as I sobbed tears of joy. Drake's arms wrapped around me and I beamed at my friends, so happy to finally have a real home and a real family.

  Chapter 136 - Lucy

  Bodies pressed together, swaying on the dance floor, as the four friends watched. Hunter and Mary approached Luke, Lucy, Sam and Drake. Lucy's heart fluttered when he smiled at her.

  He held up five envelopes made of thick parchment, and handed one to each of them.

  Lucy looked at hers. "What's this?"

  He smiled. "Open it."

  On the inside was a single sheet of paper with her name and the words, "You've been selected," with the IPI logo embossed on the back. She looked up. "Really?"

  He nodded. "IPI wants you all to join us in Washington, D.C. You'd attend college at the IPI Academy and be full agents with pay, benefits and a free education."

  Lucy looked at Luke and they shared a twin moment. Sam and Drake handed the envelopes back.

  Sam smiled. "Thank you, Hunter, we're honored, but our place is here with our baby and this school. We're retired."

  Hunter didn't look surprised. "I figured, but we wanted you to know it's an open invitation, if you ever change your mind."

  Mary clutched her envelope. "Well, I'm in. I need a change of pace, a fresh start."

  Lucy paused. She hated leaving Sam and Drake and Ana, but she knew where she belonged, and she knew Luke agreed. "We're in."

  Hunter beamed and twirled her around, then kissed her on the lips.

  She laughed and pulled away. "Just don't get too cocky, mister. I'm not accepting to be with you. I'm accepting because I'm a damn good agent and you need me."

  "I'm not going to argue with a woman who can save the world and still look this good when it's done."

  He held her close to him, their bodies pressed together and fitting so perfectly. This was their second dance together, and now they had real music, but nothing would ever compare to their first night, their first date.

  Her life fell into place, and everything finally felt like it would work out for the best. Sam and Drake looked deliriously happy dancing together, but Luke looked bored, sitting alone. Lucy was about to pull away from Hunter to dance with her twin for a song, when he got up and walked to Mary, who also sat alone, and ushered her to the dance floor. Wow. The one guy she couldn't seduce had asked her to dance. Lucy smiled at that despite her not-so-loving feelings toward Mary.

  Even Adam looked happy, swaying to the music. He'd been staying at the mansion, enjoying the quiet life. The world may have known about paranormals, but they weren't quite ready for Adam living amongst them yet. The other Grunts had stayed at the compound and taken it over, content to live their lives in peace.

  After a few more dances, lemon-filled cake and food, the limo pulled up for Sam and Drake. Everyone threw rice at them and cheered. Darren used his powers to make the rice hover and dance in the air. He'd handled Sam's wedding well, all things considered, though Lucy hoped he'd find someone who would love him as much as he'd loved Sam.

  The evening settled on them quietly, and Hunter pulled her away from the crowds. "Walk with me?"

  "I'd love to."

  Arm in arm they strolled down a trail, as the sun set over them, drenching them in the hues of another day ending, leaving them with the promise of a new day yet to come.

  Chapter 137 - Sam

  One more stroke of red and—done! My cramped fingers reluctantly released the paintbrush as I admired my husband on the most beautiful beach in Hawaii. The painting wasn't the masterpiece I'd lost in the fire, but maybe it was better. It had a certain kind of beauty that had been lacking in my old work, a stillness that I hoped to bring to people when they looked at this new work.

  Drake walked over and wrapped his arms around me. "It's amazing." He kissed my cheek. "You're amazing."

  I turned my body into him. Our new summer home was still being built, so we had chosen to stay in a private beach house for our honeymoon. Already I loved married life, and my husband, though I missed Ana, who had stayed with Robyn and the gang in Washington.

  Robyn had cried when I asked her to be the primary care person, showing her that I did, in fact, trust her.

  We had plans, wonderful plans—art school in Washington; summers in Hawaii, with Drake teaching the kids to surf; a life of following our dreams and doing what we loved.

  Drake nuzzled my neck. "You're happy. I love feeling you so happy."

  His new powers were still untapped, unexplored, and it was a lot for him to take in, but I was so proud of how well he'd adapted. "I love you, my husband."

  "I love you, my wife."

  He lifted me up and I squealed as he carried me into our bedroom and dropped me onto the bed.

  "Now, what were our plans today?"

  I pulled him closer to me and covered his mouth with mine, as I showed him exactly what our plans were for the day, and for the r
est of our lives.

  ---THE END---

  Discussion Guide

  FORBIDDEN MIND

  1. Forbidden Mind begins with Sam completing a painting for an art contest. All of her hopes and dreams depend on her getting into a great art school, but her plans change when she finds out that the people who run her school have been lying to her. Could you relate to Sam's plight as she fought to discover the truth of her life? Have you ever felt like the life you'd been living was a lie? Did you handle it differently then Sam?

  2. Rent-A-Kid uses teens to make a lot of money as paranormal spies. This is a form of human trafficking, though they seem to live a nice life until they turn eighteen. How do you feel about humans used and sold like tools? Can you think of other ways our society does this to people everyday?

  3. Sam and her friends never had cause to question their lives before Sam's art studio was burned down and she met Drake. Do you think you would have questioned more had you been raised in the same world as them? What areas of your own life do you take for granted just because that's what you're used to?

  4. How do you think growing up without any parents or family structure has affected the Rent-A-Kids? Do you think they would be scarred by this lack, or is this made up for by the fact that they had teachers and each other?

  5. On Sam's assignment to spy on Mr. Beaumont, she breaks a few Rent-A-Kid rules. First, she threatened a client. Then she reported Mr. Beaumont to the authorities rather than just leaving the information with her client. Finally, she gave Tommy a picture of them together and took a camera that didn't belong to her. How do you feel about her actions in this section? Do you think she acted with moral authority or that she was wrong for what she did?