Jonah's Salvation [The Order of the Mist 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Abbie Carlisle

  “I thought I would give it a go and see if she could hear me. I told her that The Order was coming to get her and she told me what room she was in. I thought out the details in my head, hoping that Jenson would be able to hear them and know where she was.”

  Luca smiled. “That’s pretty cool!”

  Alana smiled. At least he didn’t think she was a complete idiot. Being a twin meant they’d always known what the other one was thinking or feeling. Often they had been able to understand each other without a single word being spoken out loud or in their heads. It was a unique gift that others sometimes didn’t really understand. Alana was glad that Luca had thought it was cool.

  “Is Emilia okay?” Luca hated the idea of a female in distress.

  “I think so. She sounded okay and her thoughts were clear, so she’s not in any direct danger. I told her to hang on and The Order would be there soon.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure Jenson heard you. He can hear practically anything. Sometimes it a bit annoying, but he can’t really help it. It’s his power and even if he tries to stay out of your head, the thoughts of others just pop in there. He’s never judgmental, though. I respect his ability to know when to speak up and when to shut up.”

  Alana remembered when she’d sat on the couch after being hurt. Luca had healed her and she’d been eternally grateful to him. Jenson had come into the room and read everything that she’d thought. He’d then spoken up and told her that she needed to tell Jonah about Emilia. She’d been angry at first, but now knew that because of him, she’d been able to confide in Jonah and tell him about her sister. Jonah’s compassion had been undeniable and she loved him for it.

  Alana turned to stare out of the window again. Time seemed to virtually stand still as she watched the branches blow wildly in the breeze that had built. Her heart pulsed rapidly as her fear for her mate’s life intensified in her heart. Luca had said Jonah was strong, but Alana knew the power that Harvey possessed. His guards would be no match for The Order but she knew Harvey could kill them all if they weren’t careful.

  She wished now that she’d not agreed to Jonah’s terms to stay in the car. If she was in there with him, she wouldn’t be feeling the torment of her mate in danger. She knew it would have been a lost cause to try and convince Jonah to let her go with them though. Yes, Jonah was strong and it wasn’t just his physical ability. His will was strong, too, and while she admired him for it, it meant she’d been stuck outside, waiting. Patience had never been her strong point but she’d learned over the years that wanting something was entirely different than actually getting it.

  Chapter 20

  Jonah lifted his hand to his earpiece that connected him to Carrick back at Genesis. They needed to access the feed to the camera system before attempting to go through the gate at the rear of the premises. He’d seen the pulsing red lights of the cameras as he’d searched the fence, sparking memories of the ones that had been in the cells the day he’d escaped. The lights indicated the system was active and if they went in before cutting the feed, they’d end up being surrounded by guards. Not that he was averse to kicking their asses for what they’d done to Alana, but he had promised her he would return safely.

  “Carrick, cut the feed.” Jonah kept his voice just above a whisper.

  “I’ve accessed and scrambled the signal. They won’t be able to see the outside areas and I’m keeping a watch on the inside. No movement in your direction.”

  Jonah nodded to the other males before climbing up and over the gate. The other males of The Order followed until they all crouched, watching for any movement of approaching guards.

  Jonah made his way across the lawn and dipped into the shadow at the rear of the building. He pressed his back against the hard, cold brickwork and signaled to Tobias to make his way to the left-hand side. Lucian had already reached the building and was standing a few feet to his left. Staring around, he saw Jenson and James run swiftly across toward him. The door to the back of the Headquarters was just a little further to his right and he signaled to Lucian to cover his back. Even though the floodlights shone brightly against the upper part of the building, the lower part remained in blackness.

  As Jonah crouched, Jenson came up behind him and placed his hand on Jonah’s shoulder. Jonah jumped at the sensation. He was feeling edgy enough having his mate not one hundred yards from where he stood and didn’t appreciate Jenson startling him.

  “Alana spoke to Emilia. She’s in the room to the left of the staircase,” Jenson whispered.

  Jonah’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did she speak to her?”

  “They can communicate with their thoughts. I heard them. Alana said to go to the second floor and go to the room she showed us on the map.”

  Jonah nodded. At least they now knew where to look. He felt proud. His mate was clever and knew if she just thought out the details she’d found, that Jenson would hear her. It would help them greatly now that they knew where to look.

  Jonah made his way along the wall. The stones that surrounded the base of the Headquarters crunched under his boots, but not loud enough to draw attention. Lucian and Jenson followed as they approached the solid metal door, staring down either side of the building.

  “James, can you tell where the guards are?” Jonah needed to know if any guards were lying in wait behind the door.

  “The two guards that normally patrol the rear of the building have walked to the front and there are no guards close inside. I think we will be okay to enter here.”

  Jonah pulled at the handle but it was locked. He hadn’t expected it to be open and stared further in front of him. Tobias was standing with his back to the Headquarters a little further up. The black outline of his weapon reflected a shimmer against the floodlight that shone upward. As Tobias peered toward them, Jonah signaled for him to come to the door.

  “We need you to open the lock,” Jonah instructed Tobias.

  Tobias lifted his hand until it rested just over the lock, but not quite touching. He slowly moved his hand to the left and Jonah heard the metal mechanism clink as the lock released. Jonah nodded before Tobias turned and walked back to the far end of the building. Pulling on the handle, Jonah opened the door slowly and peered inside.

  Shards of light lit the small corridor that stood in front of him. Plain painted walls traveled the long length and the floor reflected Jonah’s shadow as he stepped through the door. Lucian followed with James and Jenson close behind. Blackness encased them as Jenson closed the door behind them.

  “Is it just me, or is this a little too easy?” Lucian didn’t believe in the simple life. This was Harvey’s residence and he knew it was secured well. How had they gotten in so easily?

  Jonah had to agree. He’d expected every entrance to be fully guarded and was surprised that the rear of the building had been so exposed. He lifted his hand to his ear and pressed the small button of the earpiece.

  “Carrick, can you see where the guards are?”

  Carrick’s voice echoed in his ear. “There are four guards patrolling the front entrance and two protecting the entrance hall. Harvey is in the control room with two more guards. Other than that, there’s nothing on the screens.”

  “Keep us updated if any of them move in our direction.”

  “Will do.”

  Jonah signaled for the males to follow as he crept forward slowly. He kept his side against the wall as he stared intently at the shadowed distance in front of him. He could feel his pulse quicken as the muffled sounds became louder.

  A staircase sat to Jonah’s right. He reached into the holder that lay over his black sweater. Pulling out his gun, he pointed it toward the staircase. Staring around the corner, he surveyed the wooden stairwell that curved upward toward the first floor. He turned and nodded to the males. Moving quietly, he climbed each step, staring ahead. Jonah could see the first floor corridor. It was painted in a pale cream color and the wooden skirting sat dark against the lightness of the walls. Pictures hung
from the center of the walls and two large oak doors sat on either side against the opposite wall. The lights above were shaded and gave a gentle glow rather than a bright beam. Jonah was grateful for their dimness. It would help them if the guards did approach. Not by much though. He knew the Mist guard’s senses would be as sharp as The Order’s.

  Jonah signaled for them to turn left as they reached the top. He still felt uneasy at the progress they’d made without being spotted by the guards. Something didn’t feel right.

  James approached Jonah and tapped him on the shoulder. He signaled to him that he was going to head upstairs to Harvey’s office. Jonah nodded as Lucian and Jenson stood close in behind him.

  “Jenson. Can you hear the female?” Jonah wanted to make sure they got the right room. They only had once chance to get her out and he couldn’t risk making noise and alerting Harvey of their presence. He hoped Harvey would be so engrossed in trying to find out what had happened to their network that he would be too distracted to notice they were there. As plans went, it wasn’t the greatest, but he had to ensure the female’s safety. He was doing this for the one he loved and if anything happened to Emilia, his mate would be devastated. He wasn’t going to risk never returning to her. They would find another time and place to deal with Harvey.

  * * * *

  Harvey sat in the security room, transfixed on the various monitors in front of him. He watched as The Order approached the outer fencing. He’d seen them arrive, his highly sophisticated security network picking up their SUVs as they’d pulled up. Several large, well-built males had exited, but Harvey had not seen Alana with them.

  One of the males had remained in the vehicle that had arrived second but it was difficult to see into the blacked out rear windows of the vehicle. Harvey wondered if Alana was inside. It wouldn’t surprise him if The Order had kept her held safely somewhere else. They were here to rescue Emilia, so that had to mean that she had told them about her past. Harvey’s anger boiled deep in his soul. The Order had taken Alana and his need for revenge had become his greatest desire.

  As Harvey continued to watch the males closely, the screen flickered before going blank.

  “What the fuck! Get it back online. I want to see where they are.” Harvey slammed his fist onto the desk.

  The guard, only known as number five, tapped furiously into the keyboard that lay on the desk in front of him.

  “It’s not responding. We’ve lost communication to the camera feeds that cover the outside of the building.”

  Harvey seethed as his knuckles strained in his fists. He stared at the monitors that showed the front entrance. He knew The Order would not attempt to gain entry by walking in through the front door. They had been at the rear of the building. Harvey assumed they would enter though the back door. Had they found a way to access the security system?

  “Do you want us to go and get them?” Five asked.

  “No. Let them think they are succeeding in gaining entry. I want them all inside before any of you attempt to approach them. I want them to think they’ve not been noticed. The female is not with them. If you approach them too soon, they will flee and that will fuck up my plans for them.”

  “But what if they reach the female upstairs? What if they can get her out?” Five seemed perplexed at Harvey’s instruction to allow them into the building.

  Harvey stared at the number Five. He’d considered that conclusion himself, but knew with The Order inside and Emilia in his possession, Alana would have no other choice than to return to him.

  “Let’s just say we have more bait with which to get my property back.” A smug smile spread across Harvey’s face.

  Five nodded as he returned his glare back to the screens. He knew it best not to question his superior further. He’d seen and heard the retribution he’d inflicted on number Three when they’d let his female escape. He didn’t want to be on the receiving end of Harvey’s vicious temper.

  Harvey watched as he recognized the males making their way up the stairs. He’d seen most of them at the cabin, but not all of them were there. It appeared that the King had not joined them in their attempt to rescue Alana’s sister, and Harvey felt a pang of disappointment at not having a chance to capture him. He instantly recognized James’s vibrant auburn hair, though. The male had indeed continued to work with The Order and it still bugged him as to the reason why.

  As Harvey continued to watch the monitors, he knew they were closing in on Alana’s room. The camera view swiveled down the second floor corridor and he saw James head further down the hall. He must be heading to another part of the building. Harvey turned and watched another one of the monitors. Where was Alana? Seeing them only served to remind him of the feeling of loss he felt inside. It had only been a few days but he’d missed her, more than he’d imagined. Where was she? Frustration ate at him. He’d been sure she would come. He was not going to give up until she was secured back in her room and if it took killing every one of The Order and Emilia to get her there, he had no qualms about getting blood on his hands.

  He watched as they approached the door that had been Alana’s room. The Order had known exactly where Emilia was. They hadn’t gone through the front entrance and had gone straight for the rear door. Had James known about the rear corridor and staircase? James had never really been anywhere except to his office as far as he knew, but he couldn’t be sure that it wasn’t James who had given The Order the knowledge to get in so easily. As he stared at their movements, adrenaline soared through his veins. He was just in the mood for some payback. They’d taken what belonged to him and the fact that The Order had walked straight into his trap gave him the buzz he’d not felt since the cabin. Blood would be spilled and he’d have some revenge for the failure he’d felt at not securing the King. He’d give them just a few minutes more before sending his guards to take them.

  Chapter 21

  Jonah turned and stared up and down the corridor. James had confirmed the female was in the room before he’d headed upstairs to Harvey’s office. He intended to find the list that had the names of several females that Harvey intended to take. Jasmine’s name had been at the top and Jonah understood their need to find it. The Order needed to know who they were and find them before Harvey did.

  There was still no sign of any guards but the sound of their voices carried through the air. Glancing at Jenson and Lucian, Jonah turned and gripped the handle of the door. He’d instructed Tobias to stay outside in case any guards approached so he would now have to force the door open himself.

  Leaning against the solid door, Jonah used his strength to push hard against the firm surface before he heard a sharp crack as the lock gave way. He slid the door open and stared into the dimly lit room. It had a large bed and a wicker chair that sat in front of a pretty, feminine dresser. The color of the carpet was a soft red and he knew he had the right room. He could see a small figure of a female huddled in the corner. Jonah stared at her in shock.

  She was strikingly similar to his mate. Her long dark hair hung spread over her hunched shoulders and her painfully pale skin made her look more ethereal than real. The sharp cut of her cheekbones told Jonah that she was thin, desperately underfed, and probably weak. Sadness filled his heart. If Alana had been treated the way her sister had, his heart would have shattered. He approached her cautiously, bending down slowly as he reached the far end of the room. Turning his head round, he looked over at Jenson. He could see the compassion in the male’s eyes.

  “She’s not afraid. Alana told her we were coming,” Jenson whispered.

  Jenson stared at Emilia. She was beautiful. Even though she was a mere shadow of her sister, her eyes had the same melting dark glow. He could hear the relieved thoughts going through her head. At least her spirit hadn’t been broken.

  “Emilia, my name is Jonah, and Alana has sent me in to get you out. The guards will be here shortly. Can you walk or do you need one of us to carry you?” Jonah kept his voice low, aware of the two guards that stoo
d just the other side of the window. He wasn’t too sure if Emilia was strong enough to carry her own weight. She looked so fragile. He had seen her being brought into the Headquarters and she had seemed to fight against the guards. He’d been impressed with her resilience.

  “I’m okay. Alana told me you were coming. Who are you?” Emilia stared into Jonah’s vibrant auburn eyes. The sharp, strong features of his face were striking and his blond hair hung loosely on his shoulders. She wasn’t afraid of them. She’d seen and dealt with much worse in the cells.

  “We are The Order of the Mist. We will tell you all about who we are later, but for now, it’s imperative we get you out of here as quickly as possible.” Jonah held out his hand to help the female stand.

  Emilia took Jonah’s hand and felt the heat of his skin. His strength flowed through his arms and Emilia felt herself lift easily until she stood. Her legs felt weak as she wobbled slightly and felt Jonah’s arm support her around her waist. Small spots appeared in her vision but she put it down to the fact that she hadn’t eaten anything for days. The last thing she needed was to pass out.

  Jenson growled, making Emilia turn her head and stare at him.

  Jenson felt unease as Jonah lifted and supported her. His heart felt strange and he wanted Jonah to release her. It was stupid. What was going on with his emotions? Could it be that she was suffering? It wasn’t the first time he’d seen a female in distress, so what was his problem? He stepped forward toward them and faced Jonah.

  “Give her to me, Jonah. You go out and lead the way back. We’ll follow behind.”

  Jonah stared at Jenson, frowning. He’d heard the male growl and wondered what was behind the show of distress. They’d talk about it later. Now wasn’t the time to go into a long discussion about his brother’s emotional state of mind. Jonah could hear the guards’ voices growing louder and knew it would be only a matter of seconds before they would be trapped inside the room. Not a good place to be if they were to fight their way out. Lucian was holding the door secure but he didn’t like the odds being cornered. He handed Emilia to Jenson, who lifted her off her feet.