She glanced between his guilty face to the stone cold looks of disgust from the men—their magnetic weapons trained on her.
Coalition.
“Greyson, what have you done?” Anger, panic and heartbreak swelled in her chest as the gravity of his betrayal hit her.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aidan
Milan, Italy, June
“You sure about this, man?” Samantha asked. “My tatts are permanent.” She eyed Aidan’s existing tattoos his cousin Erin had given him.
Aidan nodded. “Completely sure.” He’d thought long and hard about these tattoos. They were reminders of the people he loved. Reminders he desperately needed.
“Your cousin can really remove these and make changes?” She ran her hands over the tattoos covering Aidan’s biceps, studying Erin’s intricate work. “Wonder what I could do with a partner like that?” she murmured.
“You guys would make a great team; you’re both crazy talented. She can even make her tattoos visible to mortals or leave them only for Immortal eyes.”
“I would kill for that,” Sam said. “But really, Aidan? You don’t want anything fancier than this?” She eyed the rough sketches Aidan had made. “I could work up some designs for you based on these drawings.”
“Nope, nothing fussy for these. It’s more about what they represent than how they look.”
“You’re sure?”
“How many times you going to ask me?” He grinned.
“All right, lay back on the table and we’ll get started with the Sanskrit forms, and we’ll move on to the Egyptian stuff later, but like it or not, I’m making the Eyes of Ra fancy.” Sam leaned forward, sketching the letters on his chest, right over his heart.
“All right, you ready for this?” she asked, her needle humming at the ready.
“Don’t you need ink?” Aidan asked. “Your inkwell is empty.”
“Nope.” Samantha gave him a satisfied smirk. “I just need the needle and a little Sam mojo and we’re good to go.” She leaned over Aidan’s bare chest. “What does the Sanskrit mean?”
“Love, friendship, loyalty and compassion.”
“She’ll love it.” Sam smiled.
“Not too cheesy I hope?” He’d searched for just the right way to represent Naomi in his ink. The fact that Sam’s tattoos were permanent added something more to the gesture.
“Totally cheesy, but I’m so jealous. I’m not sure it would even occur to Ben to do something like this for me. But you guys are a little move lovey dovey than we are.”
“We are not lovey dovey,” Aidan insisted. He loved Naomi and he craved her presence, but he wasn’t in love with her.
“Yeah, you are. It’s adorable.”
“I have a girlfriend.”
“Sure you do, bro. But you also have a Naomi.”
“And for the foreseeable future, we are separated from my girlfriend.” Aidan sighed. He hated calling Allie his girlfriend when she was so much more than that. Even after all this time apart, she was his whole world. “I guess we’ll figure out the messy stuff some day.”
Aidan flinched at the first touch of Sam’s needle to his skin, not from pain, but from surprise. A trickle of her power flowed into his skin. He watched, fascinated as a thin ribbon of light poured from the tip of her needle.
“That’s so freaking cool.” He stared in the mirror positioned above him so he could watch.
Sam was fast and finished the Sanskrit tatts quickly, moving on to the Eyes of Ra representing Aidan’s mother and her Egyptian heritage. Sam spent a lot more time on those, not letting Aidan watch in the mirror. When she finally let him look, her work took his breath away. She’d placed the Eyes of Ra beneath his collarbones. The one above his heart seemed to leap off his chest with an array of sunbeams behind it with two birds flying together toward the sun. The other eye was identical, but instead of a sun behind it, she’d drawn a moon.
“It’s perfect. More perfect than you could even realize.” Sam didn’t know Allie drew her strength from the sun the way Naomi drew hers from the moon. With all four elements, this one tattoo represented the most important women in Aidan’s life. “What made you include the birds?” It was a small but subtle representation of Sasha.
“I went with my instinct there,” Sam said. “Sometimes my gift reveals the tattoo to me as I work.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Okay, so what are these?” Sam returned to Aidan’s sketches. “Cuneiform?”
“Yes.” He turned on his side to go over the sketches with her one more time. “The first ones are Cuneiform symbols for sun. And these other three mean strength, love and divine light.
“These tree symbols are terrible. Can I jazz them up a little bit?”
“As long as they match the Cuneiform style of the others, do what you want, but I want those and that last one over my heart.”
“What’s it mean?”
“The trees are the symbol for orchard and the last one means brave hero.”
“The one that looks like a bunch of squiggles?”
“Yes.”
“These are for your girlfriend? You sure you want this to be permanent?”
“Positive.” Aidan lay back on the table. He needed these reminders more than all the others.
“Okay, but I have another one I’m going to add because my gift tells me you need it.”
“Go for it.” Aidan relaxed as she set back to work, moving quickly through the simple forms.
“Whoa, whatcha doing there, Sam?” Aidan glanced down at his chest. “That hurts.”
“Suck it up you big baby, I’m almost done.”
“I don’t think I requested a nipple tattoo. Ouch, that’s sensitive skin there.”
“Would you sit still? I’m almost done. This is my contribution to your chest of reminders.”
“What is it?” Aidan craned his neck trying to see what she was drawing. “If you mark me with something ridiculous, I will kill you.”
“Oh relax. It looks cool.” She sat back and handed him a mirror.
“Hey, that’s kind of sexy.” Aidan admired the unexpected ring around his nipple. “What’s it mean?”
“It’s an Egyptian Shen. It means eternity.”
“Fitting.”
“It’s a reminder to you from me. No matter what you’re facing right now, it’s only temporary. You have an eternity to look forward to with your girl.”
“How’d you know?” Aidan’s shoulders slumped. He didn’t want anyone to know Allie was his Complement, not that Sam even knew her name. It was just safer for everyone involved if no one knew.
“The red tatts.” She tapped his chest where Allie’s symbols still shimmered with Sam’s power. Unlike the other tattoos that were all black, Allie’s were intensely red, like blood. “To everyone else, it’s just ink, but my gift knows when a tattoo is connected to something as powerful as a Complement bond,” she said in a hushed whisper. “And don’t worry, your secret will never pass these lips. I wouldn’t even tell Bennett.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Aidan stood to put his shirt back on.
“Hey, guys.” Bennett shoved through the door to the suite he shared with Sam. “They’re calling us in.” He darted into his bedroom for a clean shirt. “Hurry up Samantha, this doesn’t look good.”
“At this hour? It’s after midnight.” Sam scooted her chair back and secured her needle and supplies. “I want to touch those up later. Keep them clean and dry.” She gestured at Aidan’s chest before she twisted her glossy black hair up into a high ponytail and followed Bennett from their quarters, Aidan right behind them.
“What’s going on?” Aidan asked as he spotted Naomi down the hall.
“Surprise visit.” Her eyes widened. “The Chief Justice are here for an inspection, so I’m guessing they’ve had that report from Rowan by now.”
“And they’ve brought that guest we’ve been expecting,” Pilar added in hushed tones. “You two need to lie low and not call
attention to yourselves. It’s what they’d expect, so if we’re going with Aidan’s crazy plan, we need to sell it. Tonight.”
“I’m ready.” Aidan took a deep breath. This was what he wanted, but now that it was here, he wished time would stop long enough for him to get his head on straight.
“You sure about this?” Naomi asked.
“No, but we’re about to find out if this is going to work.” Aidan and Naomi continued following the crowd down the long corridors to the library where Cleo and Genevieve waited with the Chief Justice and their distinguished guest.
Marcus Servius was an unremarkable, average looking man. He was so boring and beige, Aidan’s eyes wanted to slip right past him.
Just as they had the first time the Chief Justice visited, the Syntrophos of the Milan Initiative were trotted out for inspection. But this time their owner was present and he looked delighted.
“Eight pairs?” He beamed a fatherly smile at them. “All under the age of thirty, you said?”
“Cleo and Genevieve are much older, but the remaining seven pairs are quite young, but powerful,” Sarah Madison spoke like a proud momma.
Cleo and Genevieve stood just behind the Chief Justice, clearly uncomfortable at being lumped in with the other Syntrophos.
“Judging the reports you’ve sent, their collective abilities are just astounding,” Marcus said, walking among them like a rich and powerful man at a slave market. “These will do well. Very well, indeed.”
“You are pleased, sir?” Sarah couldn’t contain her relieved smile.
“You’ve outdone yourselves, Sarah. Charles.” He gave an absent nod in Charles’s direction.
“May I ask, sir,” Cleo said, stepping forward, “what are your plans for these children?”
“No, you may not.” Marcus ignored her. “For now all you need to know is what you’ve been tasked with. Get them ready to take over Soma.”
It didn’t make any sense. Aidan knew for a fact this man owned Soma, had built it from the ground up with Livia. But what was his end game? It couldn’t just be about giving the Chief Justice a coup to get them reelected. That had to be the motivation he gave to Charles and Sarah but a man like Marcus would have something much bigger in mind.
“Would you like a demonstration, sir?” Cleo asked. “The children would be happy to show you their unique skills.”
“Another time.” Marcus dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “Ah, here he is. The man of the hour.” Marcus came to a stop in front of Aidan, studying him from head to toe. “I’ve heard much about you, young man.” He held his hand out and Aidan made a show of shaking his hand with an eagerness he didn’t feel.
“An honor to meet you, sir.” Aidan returned to his stance, hands behind his back like he’d been taught. This was it. The moment he’d been working toward for months. Marcus was Aidan’s means to an end. He would convince the evil son of a bitch that he was the child of prophecy and his new best friend. “May I have a private word with you before you leave, sir?” Aidan asked.
Marcus raised his eyes in surprise. “Getting down to brass tacks already?” He gave a friendly chuckle. “Not yet, son. Let’s meet your Syntrophos first, shall we?”
Aidan nodded. “Of course. This is Naomi.” Aidan lifted a hand to his right where Naomi stood ramrod straight, appearing as fierce as he’d ever seen her.
“Lovely.” Marcus strolled around her. “And what do you do, my dear?”
“I am an illusionist, sir,” Naomi said with a respectful nod. The ambience of the room immediately changed from one charged with tension to one filled with the cheery warmth of the crackling fire and the scent of hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies. Everyone collectively exhaled in relief.
“Quite the talent, young lady,” Marcus said, patting her shoulder in appreciation. “There is something to be said for experiencing such a gift first hand rather than reading about it in a report.” His chuckle made him sound like a kind old grandfather, but Aidan would never be fooled by Marcus’s witty charm and casual banter.
“Thank you sir.” Naomi took a step back to join the others. She still wasn’t sure about this, but she’d reluctantly agreed to kiss some ass to help Aidan sell this ruse.
“A fine partnership. Nearly equals, some might say.” His gaze drifted around the room, as if to say they were all Aidan’s equals like the prophecy claimed. “Tell me, Aidan, why haven’t you taken the field commander’s position offered to you?” Marcus asked.
“I prefer to be one of the team, sir. Any leadership role I take on happens naturally through their loyalty to me. I don’t need a title to show my superiority.” Aidan nearly choked on that last part. But he needed Marcus to think him arrogant and power hungry—a kindred spirit. The other Syntrophos held their reactions in check, but Aidan knew they didn’t like what they were hearing. Naomi would explain his actions later and he hoped they would understand in time.
“Leave us,” Marcus called to the room. “The other Syntrophos may retire. Aidan and I will have a private word here, and we will send for you when we are ready.” He turned to Cleo and Genevieve. “Ladies, Chief Justice, you’re dismissed.”
“I believe we should be present for this interview, sir,” Sarah said, her tone respectful but her eyes betrayed her outrage at his blatant dismissal.
“Leave us.” Marcus said again, this time his tone held a hint of his power and authority over her.
“Very well.” Sarah tilted her head back and marched out of the room with whatever was left of her dignity.
“I’ll see you at home soon,” Aidan said, as Naomi gave him a worried look.
“Be careful,” she murmured, closing the library door behind her and the others.
“Aidan McBrien.” Marcus sized him up again. “Tell me, what makes you think you’re the child of prophecy?” Marcus took a seat in the leather armchair in front of the fireplace, gesturing for Aidan to take the chair opposite him.
“What makes you think I’m not?” Aidan said with an arrogant smirk. He sat with his ankle propped against his knee in a casual manner. Aidan’s gift told him Marcus was excited to meet him. The man’s heart rate was through the roof, though he played it as casual as Aidan. “My father suspected it when he adopted me. As I grew up, the strength of my power increased with every passing year. I am likely the most powerful Immortal of my generation. The fact that I have a Syntrophos kind of sealed the deal for me. Watching so many other Syntrophos pairing up around me also fits with the prophecy. My healing gift is mentioned as well. If it’s not me, then I’d like to meet the guy who fits the description better. And let’s be frank, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t believe it too.”
“What of your lineage?” Marcus sat across from Aidan, seemingly at ease, though Aidan’s gift told him he was anything but. “Can you prove you are the second child of the seventh daughter of your line?”
“No, but who could possibly prove that these days? I was adopted when I was a baby, but that doesn’t mean my lineage is weak.”
“You seem to think you know me, young Aidan. Just exactly who do you think I am?”
“I have no idea, really, but I recognize power when I see it. Cleo and Genevieve are the babysitters. Sarah and Charles Madison may be the Chief Justice but I knew they were not driving this bus. So, I’ve been waiting patiently for the true benefactor behind the Milan Initiative to show up, and here you are.” Aidan shifted in his seat, letting his hands fall on the armrests as Marcus continued to size him up.
“And what did you wish to speak to me about?” Marcus finally asked.
“Get. Me. Out of here,” Aidan said, giving his words a sense of urgency.
“You expect me to send you home? Come now, Aidan, you’re not that stupid.”
“I don’t want to go home, but this place is for children. You’re wasting my time and my talents here in this boarding school.”
“And what do you suggest I do with you?”
“Take me with you. Train me to lead
this army against Soma. I already have their loyalty and they respect my Syntrophos just as much. Let her train here as my field commander and give me the training someone of my stature deserves. You’re an ancient and your power is unlike anything I’ve ever sensed.” That wasn’t exactly true. He’d met Allie’s grandparents before he left for school and they were scary powerful, but the man sitting before him now was off the charts. Marcus was the great Lord Teigan, a relic of Indriell from before the Great War, before the power was corrupted. His power was pure and that made him dangerous and unpredictable.
Marcus threw his head back and laughed. “You don’t pull any punches, do you, my boy?”
“No, sir.” Aidan smiled, relieved Marcus seemed more relaxed now.
“And why do you think I’d waste my time training you?”
Aidan shrugged. “You’re the one who came all this way to meet the child of prophecy. I guess it’s up to you if you want to use me to your advantage or hold me back. Either way, I’m still your prisoner. The question remains will we be allies or enemies?”
A delighted smile spread across Marcus’s face. “You have my attention. Sell me on the idea and we will see if you’re worth my time.”
“I think you’ve been looking for me for a very long time,” Aidan began. “My family suspected I was the child of prophecy and they protected me. In some ways, they smothered me.” Aidan hated himself for the lie. “The Milan initiative has given me the chance to break away from my family’s plans to hide me until I’m Proven.”
“They wanted to coddle you because you are young.” Marcus shook his head in disgust. “A surefire way to see you never reach your true potential. A boy of your talent needs to be pushed to his limits.”
“And leaving me among a bunch of women and children is any better?” Aidan’s brow lifted, though the words disgusted him. Aidan knew from the way Marcus spoke with Cleo and Sarah that he had little confidence in women.
“Touché. But training is not all you’re after, is it, Aidan? Go ahead, speak your mind.” Marcus’s face revealed nothing as his hands formed a steeple against his lips.
Emerge- The Betrayal Page 29
