Memphis scrunched his face as a laugh burst from him in a strangled, choking sound. Emory swatted his arm, annoyed and Memphis waggled his eyebrows, trying to ease the tension.
Grabbing her hand, he enticingly whispered, “Above anything else, your concentration will be your best friend. Dive into that well of power and allow your ability to take hold.”
Sighing, Emory rolled her shoulders, and escaping his hold, she started to walk away.
Memphis said to her back, “Let’s go again.”
Tiredness clung to her, but Emory prepared herself. Tremors shook through her legs, as Memphis paced the other side of the room, agitated. Narrowing her eyes, anger licked at her heart. How dare Memphis alter her mind against her will.
Six years of lies, of seeing Memphis as her guardian. Her protector.
Exhaling, bitterness filled Emory’s mouth, and she allowed herself to fill up with the frustration about the lies, deceit, death, and how her world had been torn apart by all of this. Memphis stilled, arching a pale eyebrow at her. Her pulse thundered when Memphis closed the space between them, fists flying.
She had never been coordinated, but fueled by adrenaline, she tried.
Her forearm blocked his hit, her flesh bruising from the impact. Her feet scuffled back, and using her core, she threw two uppercuts that Memphis easily avoided. Breathing hard, she sprinted, her arms grabbing him around his waist as they crashed into the bookcase. Her right hand grabbed his wrist, and Emory felt her ability crash into him. Memphis’s face darkened, and in a flash, he slammed his elbow into her nose. Dots flooded into her vision; blood gushed down her face. Fire ran up the bridge of her nose, the pain so potent she squeezed her eyes shut, falling back.
Memphis was suddenly on her, pinning her wrists above her head. Reacting, she slammed her knee into his groin, hissing through the pain as she rolled. Memphis, for the moment, was preoccupied, trying to recover, and Emory reached for his ankle. Blood spattered down the front of her shirt, soaking it through as her ability crashed into Memphis Carter.
There was no room for guilt, for second guesses. Her anger took over every crevice of her mind, and she channeled it toward Memphis. She felt the shift as his ability started draining out of him and into her, but she pushed the fact aside, focusing on debilitating him, emptying him of his strength.
“Enough, Em! Enough!”
A swift kick to her gut left her dry heaving, as Memphis shakily stood, panting.
There was a strained silence before Memphis asked, “What was that about?” He stared at her like he was seeing her clearly for the first time.
Pinching her nose, Emory replied, ”I think you broke my nose.”
“Pain is part of growth.”
Shaking her head, Emory stood, narrowing her eyes at the rebel leader. “Always remember, I’m not someone you can trick and push around without there being consequences.”
With that, she left, slamming the door behind her. Shaking she went to find Bryd, hoping the younger girl could point her in the direction of a healer. Limping down the hallway, her thoughts darkened.
If she could control what she was and master it, she could face Adair alone. It was time she fought her own battles.
***
That night brought on a thick blanket of dreams, capturing her in the memories.
Emory ran down the hallway, screeching as Memphis and Brokk tailed her. She could have doubled over from laughing so hard, but she pushed faster, her black hair loosening behind her. They turned the corner, and she almost slammed straight into her father, his arms folded across his wide chest, his kind eyes shining down at her. The boys almost ran into her back from stopping so fast, and they instantly dipped their heads in respect. Her jaw ached from trying to compose herself.
Her father’s mouth started moving, but it was as if the memory had been tampered with, and Emory’s surroundings started to blend together.
She caught movement behind her father, a tall commanding looking man, and she focused on Adair when he came into view. He couldn’t have been older than twelve, his willowy stance and long limbs looking awkward as he walked toward her. His dark hair and dark eyes reflected no kindness, only a bitter resentment.
“What are they doing with you?”
They meaning Brokk and Memphis. Emory bristled. “What are you doing? They’re my friends, Adair. They don’t need further explanation than that.”
He sneered. “Two orphaned mutts that shouldn’t even be allowed here, and you have them on a leash. Put it together, Em, and you wonder why people don’t take you seriously. You are a princess, not a commoner. Start acting like it.”
His words stung, and the memory swirled and twisted, dissipating to darkness.
And she was alone.
***
The rest of the afternoon passed with an excitement that was never seen before. Emory had found Bryd who pointed her in the direction of the rebels’ healer, Delane. His ability had healed most of her wounds from her training session so, now, just deep bruising remained.
News of the dance had spread like wildfire, and she leaned against the wall in the hallway, clutching the one possession from Earth she had on her when Brokk and Memphis had come. Her iPod.
Emory looked at the groups of people bustling around, carrying fabrics, tables and chairs, talking excitedly. Gripping the iPod in her palm, she just needed to find a way to create speakers. The dance was scheduled for tonight, and it was the last piece to get everything ready.
“This was a great thing you did, Emory. Your parents would have been proud,” Memphis said, his stark blond hair tied back elegantly, his midnight blue loose shirt and freshly pressed black pants defining his edges.
“Thanks,” she said curtly.
“Look, Emory, about this morning...”
Cutting him off, Emory met his gaze, “Look, let’s forget about this morning for the time being and concentrate on what’s at hand.”
Sighing, he rubbed his neck. “Okay.”
“Also, have you seen Brokk? I need to talk to him.”
Memphis shook his head. “I haven’t seen him since Nyx left, a week ago.”
Dread pooled in her stomach. “That doesn’t worry you?”
“It isn’t the first time this has happened, and I can guarantee you it won’t be the last. Both Brokk and Nyx can safely handle themselves. Our plan moves forward to confront Adair tomorrow—with or without them.”
Heat crept up her cheeks, and she swallowed back her concerns. Nodding toward him as graciously as she could manage, she asked, “Memphis, before tonight, though, is there any way you can get this to work?”
The iPod gleamed in the palm of her hand, her tiny headphones wrapped around its silver body. Memphis picked it up curiously.
“I need it to project throughout the entire room,” Emory said.
“How does it work?
Showing him how to turn it on, they scrolled through her music, ranging from Fleetwood Mac to classical. Awe flooded his face as she chose a song, and the music played between them from the tiny speakers built into it. Stopping it, Emory raised her eyebrow in question.
“Leave it to me.” Memphis nodded, taking her iPod, and disappeared down the flooding hallways.
***
It was just before dusk, and Emory stared at herself in the broken mirror. Earlier, Bryd had dropped off something for her to wear to the dance, apologizing since it was all she had other than her training gear. Bryd had wanted her to have it and then explained that she had made something else for herself. The black sheer overlay fabric clutched her curves, the dress ending just below her knees. The cool air made her skin prickle against the backless scoop. It was stunning. It had belonged to Bryd’s mom before the dabarnes had destroyed their town. It was a work of art, how the fabric caught the light, shimmering and dancing.
Her hair was twisted into a low bun, and she slipped on comfortable black flats (again thanks to Bryd). Taking one last look, she turned to leave the bunker -
she was ready for this.
Suddenly, the piercing alarm sounded in the hallway, and she heard footsteps thudding, running past her door. Poking her head out to see people running down the hallways in a blur, she saw a familiar face and shouted, “Jaxson!”
He turned around shouted back at her. “It’s Nyx! She’s back!”
Just Nyx?
Sprinting down the hall next to him, they stopped at the entrance. Memphis was already there. Nyx locked eyes with her, dirt and blood smudged on her cheeks, arms, and neck—where a gemmed silver crescent moon amulet sat. Her shirt was torn; her chest heaving like she just ran for miles.
“Where’s Brokk?” The question burst through her lips, and Nyx furrowed her brows.
“He’s not here? I haven’t seen him since I left. I went for a perimeter check to clear my head that night and ran into Adair’s scouts a lot closer to home than I would have liked. They captured me. It’s lucky I made it back here. I didn’t go down without a fight.” She smirked. “They weren’t so lucky.”
Memphis exhaled and closed his eyes, bringing her into his chest for a hug.
Emory’s heart gave a painful clench. “Did Brokk say anything to you before he left, Memphis? Was he upset?” Emory looked to Memphis and waited for him to answer. There was a hollowness to his eyes Emory had never seen before.
His lie was thick and heavy. “No, he was fine.”
Nyx swayed a little, and Memphis brought his attention back to her, his arms supporting her lower back.
Nyx took in their clothing and asked, icily, “Am I interrupting something?”
He whispered softly in her ear then asked Jaxson to help her to the infirmary to see Delane. He complied without question, and Emory had heard enough. It didn’t make sense, didn’t seem like Brokk. Not that she had allowed herself the chance yet to get to know him well.
The pit in her stomach grew; something didn’t add up about this situation. She noticed Memphis out the corner of her eye, silently walking beside her. Reaching the elevator door, she jabbed the button.
The elevator plummeted, as they rushed downward, the free-falling sensation making her heart feel like it was in her throat.
The doors opened, and Emory stepped into the dining hall, speechless. The lanterns were set low, softly bathing the room in a dim glow. The tables and benches had been cleared, and soft roped banners wrapped the walls. Black Dawn Rebellion greeted them quietly, dressed as formal as they could, looking to her.
She might be an heir built on lies, but she was the rightful queen, nonetheless. Emory didn’t hesitate. Without a backward glance, she walked to the middle of the room and spun around, coming face-to-face with Memphis, his eyes locking with hers in a fiery gaze. She held out her hand to his and nodded to her waist. His other hand wrapped too close, too low around her hip.
Breath hitching in her throat, she felt her body start to the music that erupted around them, leading Memphis into her well-learned steps. Her body was humming from how his hands felt on her skin. Her ability and thoughts rushed through her like fire, wanting to devour more. His thoughtful eyes held hers. She felt her heart drumming fiercely against her chest, and in that moment, no one else existed in the room. It was her and Memphis.
An echo of happiness crossed his face as he whispered, “Did I mention you look beautiful tonight?”
Her heart lurched, as she tried to steady her thoughts against his honey tone. Avoiding his statement, she went for a safer route. “How did you get the music playing?”
The familiar soft serenades swam around her, and Memphis simply said, “Look in my right ear.”
She realized one of the earbuds was in his ear. Her shock was evident as she murmured, “It’s you?”
“It’s a new trick I learned for tonight. Being a telekinetic, usually I communicate to an individual. This was the next level.”
Smiling, awe blossomed within her at their world. The first song ended with a round of applause, and in a second, a faster upbeat song replaced it seamlessly. Arching her body to spin away from Memphis, she was brought back—hand to chest, eye to eye. Their feet moved without thought, and her blood pounded throughout her veins. She grasped at something to say, anything.
Mouth running dry, she tried not to get lost in him once again. A guy had never had this effect on her before, and she felt electrified on this high. Between her anger at Memphis and the intoxication of the music, she didn’t want it to stop. So, she didn’t think about the consequences and, her body betraying her, gravitated even closer to Memphis, their hands still clasped.
Warmth spread through her core as Emory’s senses were overwhelmed. He even smelled enticing. He dipped his mouth to the side of her ear, his breath tickling her skin. He swallowed nervously and rested his forehead against hers, stopping.
That’s when a sharp poke stung her back, and she practically jumped out of her skin.
“Can I cut in?”
Emory spun around to take in Nyx, purple hair curled seductively and falling loosely around her. She still wore the same clothes she had arrived in. Nyx’s hand shook as she held it out toward Memphis, assessing his clouded expression.
Emory took tentative steps back and then turned as Nyx stepped into Memphis’s embrace. The image of them burned in her mind, as her anxiety clawed through her. Taking a shaky breath, Emory tried not to think about how close she had been to kissing Memphis.
Weaving through the throng of swaying bodies, the music swelled and crashed in her mind. Making it to the edge of the dining hall, she promised herself she wouldn’t stare. But naturally, she couldn’t help herself. She spotted the duo, Nyx dipping dramatically, their bodies creating their own dance. They were lithe and beautiful. Even from here, she could sense the tension.
Sighing, she swept the room with her eyes, seeing Jaxson and Wyatt bobbing in an awkward dance in front of her, and she couldn’t help but smile. Both burly men caught her gaze, and Wyatt made a vulgar gesture at her. Chuckling, she moved on, the messaged received. The ambiance of the room soaked into her, as she tried to still her beating heart, her mind trailed to Brokk. Where was he? Was he okay?
Bitter tears pricked the corners of her eyes as the tiniest of wobbles trembled on her lips.
No. You can get through this.
She had to.
Aimlessly, she wandered, gulping deep breaths and searching for Bryd. She wanted to talk to the younger girl, finding comfort in their friendship. She circled the hall twice, not spotting her electric blue hair. Maybe she had stepped out for a minute.
The music changed to a song filled with beautiful harmonious violins, and Emory stopped to listen to the serenade. It was heartbreakingly expressive, the notes climbing and falling in a whirlwind. There was no greater comfort to her than music. Feeling better, she turned around and stopped immediately.
Memphis stood there, hands in his pockets, his hair tousled. He looked even more handsome than at the beginning of the night, which is exactly why she straightened and crossed her arms defensively in front of her.
“Emory.” His voice was soft and unsure as he stepped closer.
Jutting her chin out and in a voice like ice said, “Yes? What do you want, Memphis?”
His crooked lips lit up his face as he reached out. “You, Em. I want you.”
A deep flush heated her cheeks, and her anger led her tongue. “No, you don’t, Memphis. Do you even realize that you are playing with people’s emotions? Just leave me alone.”
Trying to turn away, he clasped her hand. “You’re telling me that I was the only one who felt what we had out there? Emory, Nyx and I are done. I loved her once, and she is one of my best friends. But...” He stepped closer, and she was frozen.
“There wasn’t a day that passed that I didn’t regret sending you away, making you forget. It was wrong of me to manipulate you like I did, wrong of me to not let go of you. But ever since I first met you, I was in love with you, and there was a time where you felt the same. We were worlds away for ye
ars, but the heart doesn’t forget even if our mind does.”
He was so, so close to her. She looked up to meet his gaze, her body trembling. Butterflies soared in her stomach. She should walk away and leave him with his silver tongue.
“You can just forget about Nyx just like that?”
He shook his head. “We have been over for a long time, and she knows you have always had my heart. Always.”
Throwing away her judgements, her worries, she caved into the recklessness of the moment. His gaze roamed her face, searching her for a response.
Wickedly smirking, she dragged him on the dance floor, and they were swept away by the music. She shouldn’t feel like this, but her heart was ignited. Every nerve in her body was on fire as he brought his hand underneath her chin, tipping her face gently toward his. Her eyes fluttered to a close, her breath ragged, their bodies creating their own tempo as they spun and spun.
His lips were warm and welcoming, her blood singing with pleasure. The world stopped when she pressed her body into his. She didn’t care if they had stopped dancing. She didn’t care who saw. It could have been a second, but it felt like an eternity as he gently pulled away, a low chuckle rumbling through his chest.
Her cheeks were on fire. The next song started playing a fast-upbeat tune. He didn’t hesitate, and spun her around the room, gentle but powerful. Blurs of people surrounded them, laughing, dancing, the lights low and energy exploding through the room.
Pulling her in closer, he whispered, “You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that.” He grinned as she flushed an even deeper crimson.
Leaning in, wrapping her arms around his neck, his breath hot against her face, she could feel the magnitude of their energy as their lips met once again. Memphis let go of her hands to cup her face gently.
The music swallowed them whole, as they discovered their own powerful language. Selfishness ran away with how good his lips felt, and for tonight, she allowed herself to enjoy every kiss, every caress that he had to offer. Hours passed, and they danced for every second of it, laughing, talking. Wishing for more.
Sweat dripped down her neck, and she said, “I need a break, one second.”
Heir of Lies (Black Dawn Series Book 1) Page 36
