by KC Kean
“We takeover the Ace block, letting everyone think it’s just you guys, like normal. When in actuality, there’ll be a lot of trained people in every room, ready for their attack. Because there will be one, so why not have it on our terms?”
Luna and the guys nod in agreement, as I consider the situation from every angle, my fingers tapping absently on the table as I do. “Once this is over with, what will our lives look like? Without Totem in the picture? We’re not going back in The Games or completing any outstanding assignments if they expect us to put our lives at risk to protect Featherstone.”
Rafe’s hand slams down on the table as he shouts, “Yes! New favorite. Kai’s my new favorite, I called it.” He smiles at me, and even I can’t stop myself from smiling back. “That’s exactly what I said, and they agreed.” He finishes.
“Alright, old man,” Luna says, making him glare at her. “When are we expected to leave?”
“Today,” Bryce answers. “We all go today.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
(Luna)
“Look at me!” I call out, gaining everyone’s attention, but more specifically, Rafe’s. He looks at me confused, as I jump up and down at the top of the steps, leading to the private plane waiting on the tarmac for us. “Fully alert and completely aware I’m about to get in a vehicle with you, Dad!” I yell. He shakes his head as he smiles up at me.
“Get on the damn plane, brat,” he grumbles back, and I smile as I step inside. This time around, I can appreciate the interior and luxury of the plane. Cream leather seats sit facing the front in pairs. The sofa-like seats behind them face each other from each side, seating eight in total. The memory of waking up on that same sofa, and seeing my father again, runs through my mind.
Just beyond that is a small kitchen area and two doors. One is leading to the bathroom, the other to the fully furnished bedroom Kai laid in after he’d been shot.
The flight should take around four hours, so we should arrive at the Academy around dinnertime. Sitting on the sofa, I get comfortable and buckled in, ready for us to go over a few details when we arrive back at Featherstone.
Roman takes the seat to my left, as Oscar cuts in front of Parker, to take the seat to my right.
“Sharing is caring, Parker Parker,” he sings, but Parker just gives him the finger and takes the seat on the other side of him.
“It would work in your favor if you were nice to me. You know, so when you want to play and experiment, I’ll be more inclined to say yes,” Parker whispers, as Kai steps onboard, with Mia and my dads behind him.
Roman can’t contain his laughter as Oscar gapes openly at Parker, making me chuckle along with him.
“Having sex has given you some big balls there, Parker, and I think I like it,” Oscar says back, quickly planting a kiss on his cheek in response. “But we both know you want in my ass, sweet cheeks, so stop with the high and mighty bullshit, it doesn’t suit you.”
Clipping himself in, he smiles brightly, as if nothing was just said, and makes conversation with Rafe, who sits across from us.
“What have you done to us?” Roman whispers against my ear, and I whip around to look at him.
“Don’t blame me,” I say, my eyes widening, but I see the humor in his face.
“I definitely blame you. None of us are the same since meeting you, Princess. You’ve changed all our lives, even before falling in love and marrying you. We barely joked or smiled, always focusing on the next task at hand. Now, we have hope, a sense of freedom, and you. Always you.” Brushing his lips against mine, my heart swells at his words. I definitely love me some romantic Roman.
“Have you spoken to Jess?” Rafe asks, and I nod.
“Yes, her stuff is packed, and she’ll be there when we arrive too.” I can’t wait to see her, I’ve missed her so much, but it was always the safest option. I’m not totally set on her being in Ace if there is a chance of Totem attacking, but there will be a lot of us there to protect her.
“Great, I spoke with Maverick too. Him and a few of the guys he’s had watching over her are also going to come to Ace as well.” Good, the more people on our side, the better. “So, you guys will all stay in Luna’s dorm. Maria said, ‘you’re welcome,’ she sorted your bed situation out.” He rolls his eyes, but I silently thank the greatest grandmother of all times. The waggle of Oscar’s eyebrows tells me he thinks the same.
“Reggie, Travis, and Patrick are going to set up in Roman’s dorm,” Bryce says, glancing up from his phone as the plane starts to move. “While Juliana is going to share the Morgan's with Betty and Maria. Rafe and I will be in Parker’s, and the Dietrichson’s dorm will be filled with security guards.” Glancing at us all for confirmation, he continues, “Maverick and his guys are going to go in with Jess, so we can assign security guards to Oscar’s and Kai’s space as well. That way, we can have a good rotation of fresh guards at all times.”
Mia looks around nervously, but Rafe catches her gaze. “We want you to be able to choose where you stay, doll. You can stay with us, or the women.”
“You aren’t handing me off to my father as soon as we get there?” She asks quietly, and Bryce’s eyes nearly fall out of his head.
“Never, Mia. If you want to see him, that’s your choice, but I will never force you.” She nods, sighing in relief, as Kai squeezes her hand.
A part of me questions whether I should be jealous of the relationship she has with my biological Dad, but ultimately, they saved each other. I’ll be forever grateful that neither of them were alone, or dead.
“Okay, whatever works out, I’m not fussy.”
“Great, are you getting anything on the security feeds yet?” Roman asks Kai. Bryce gave him a laptop after breakfast, and he’s been working his magic ever since.
“A few of the verified guards are already showing up at Ace, but nothing else out of the ordinary. You were right, Barbette is nowhere to be seen either,” Kai answers, glancing to Rafe when he mentions Bitch Dietrichson. My blood boils at the sound of her name alone.
“Okay, well, let’s make the most of relaxing, because once we land we need to be on high alert.”
Kai goes back to the laptop, tapping away as he tracks every security camera on campus, and the surrounding areas. Roman slouches back in his seat, stretching his legs out as he closes his eyes. Parker pops his headphones in, The Violence by Asking Alexandria, blaring from the headphones Bryce gave him.
Lost in their own conversation, Bryce and Rafe zone us out, as Mia leans her head on Kai’s shoulder, watching as he works. Which just leaves me and Oscar.
“Do you want to Netflix and chill, baby girl?” He asks, shaking the laptop from his backpack in front of me. “I know, we can’t do the chill part, but I’m game for some binge-watching if you are.”
“I’m in,” I answer, as he wraps his arm behind me, pulling me close and setting the screen up for us.
The calmness that settles over me, in this steel can floating in the sky, has me thankful I was dragged to Featherstone. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here with my Aceholes.
*****
The SUV drives through the gates of Featherstone, and my body is ready for an attack. Although, an ambush as soon as we drive onto campus is highly unlikely. Parker squeezes my hand, as my eyes scan the grounds. Dad is driving, and Bryce is wearing a baseball cap to hide his face from any footage, in case Kai can’t delete it quick enough.
We’re driving in like ghosts, Kai erasing our trail, but no one knows my father or Mia are alive, and we want to keep it that way for a while longer. Roman sits across from me, searching for any signs of threat, just like I am. Kai and Mia sit beside him, as Oscar takes the seat on the other side of Parker.
Silence fills the car as we slowly crawl through the grounds. Watching as the blocks come into view, it feels like we’ve been away for years. It’s a little after six in the evening, so classes are out, and there are a few students relaxing outside.
No one really pays any attention
to the SUV as we drive passed, but the blacked-out windows help keep us covered in the rear. The garage door opens, security guards waiting on the other side, as Rafe parks the SUV. We all stay inside the vehicle until the garage door shuts behind us, then we all begin to climb out.
Rafe and Bryce greet the security guards as we make our way into the lobby. The glass windows in the lobby have been tinted, so no one can see in, making it feel too dark. Especially without having Thomas here to smile at us, but Rafe said they’d encouraged him to take a vacation, so he didn’t end up caught in the crossfire.
Standing in the lobby, near the main doors, with his hands crossed behind his back, is Ian. Without question, I run straight at him. He doesn’t step out of the way, only relaxing his arms to his side. I don’t know what he expects, but when I jump, throwing my arms around his neck, it takes him a moment to hug me back.
“Thank you, Ian. Thank you for everything. But if you keep secrets again, I’ll karate chop you so hard in the throat, you won’t be able to speak for a week. Understood?”
“Yes, Miss Steele,” he mutters, and I drop down to my feet.
“And quit that shit, you call me Luna, or I’ll think of something else to weakly threaten you with, okay?” I plant my hands on my hips, trying to muster a glare as I stare at him, but he just shakes his head at me.
“To call you, Luna, would be unprofessional, but I’ll consider it.”
I nod and turn back around, my Aceholes waiting for me. Bryce and Rafe step around the corner, seeing Ian straight away. Leaving them to greet each other, Mia heads back with them, as we step into the elevator. The elevator quickly takes us up to the fourth floor, where there are two security guards walking around.
Unlocking my door, the guys follow in behind me. As the door clicks shut behind us, I sigh in relief. Kai’s arm comes around my shoulder, kissing the crown of my head.
“Sakura, I’m going to set the tech up on the kitchen table. If you need me, just call.” With that, he stalks off, determination in every stride. We want to get these fuckers and sooner rather than later.
“You guys better not be fucking! I’ve missed my girl,” Red says, stepping out of my bedroom and charging towards me. “Hey, Captain,” she murmurs, wrapping her arms around me and holding me tight.
“Hey, Red,” I respond, squeezing her back, just as tight. “I’ve missed you,” I mutter back, and I hear someone huff behind me.
“I haven’t,” Oscar adds, and I can tell she’s giving him the finger behind my back, and I roll my eyes at the pair of them already. Pulling back, she glances at my face, noticing the cut from Becky, and her eyes darken.
“I’m all good, Red,” I say, trying to reassure her, but she still stares me down a little longer. “The guys are going to grab a few things from their rooms before the others get situated, and Kai is going to set up all the tech stuff in the kitchen. Do you want to order food with us? You can catch me up on everything that’s been going on while I’ve been gone.”
“Oh my god, yes. I want pizza. Lots and lots of pizza.” She claps enthusiastically, and I glance back at the guys who are already heading for the door, not ready to deal with an excited Red right now. Even Kai runs towards them, winking as he shuts the door behind them. Aceholes.
Turning back to her, she grins wide at me. “I’m not actually that excited, but I wanted you to myself for a while,” she chuckles, and I can’t stop the bubble of laughter that passes my lips.
“You crafty, bitch!” I cry out, and she just laughs harder.
This is exactly why I’ve missed my girl.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
(Luna)
I’m not ready to pretend everything is back to normal today, but here we are, getting ready for classes like Totem isn’t out there, wanting to get his hands on me. My hands shake with fury as I think about it again, but I need to pull myself together.
I loved spending time with Red last night, her presence has a good effect on all of us, including Oscar. Kai still insisted on walking her to her room, which she now has to share with Maverick and a few others apparently. She seemed to be putting on a brave face, but I can tell this is all getting to her.
Sighing, I finish brushing my hair up into a ponytail and move away from the vanity, minimal make-up on my face. Looking down at the uniform I’m forced to wear again, I frown in annoyance. The blouse shows too much cleavage, the split of the skirt rising high up my leg, and the blazer pulling my waist in tight. It’s all a load of bullshit. I love my body, but I’m not just here to put it on display like this uniform encourages.
Glancing to the rows of heels in the closet, I’ve reached my limit. Fuck them. I’m not wearing those damn heels anymore, especially if I’m expected to react to a sudden threat at any time. I bypass all the black court heels with red soles and roll on a pair of ankle socks. Slipping my feet into a fresh pair of combat boots, I instantly feel more comfortable. I dare someone to fucking question me today. What is on my feet is the least of anyone’s worries.
“Angel, come eat before we have to leave,” Parker calls out from the kitchen, and I move towards the sound of his voice.
Stopping at the door leading into the kitchen, Kai, Oscar, and Roman are already sitting at the table, while Parker carries over plates of eggs and bacon for everyone. I want to capture this moment, everyone relaxed and smiling at each other. Kai taps away on his laptop, grinning at Oscar winding Roman up, flicking the end of his nose like a child, and Parker smiles as he takes care of everyone.
“Fuck, baby girl, you’re turning me on in those combat boots,” Oscar says, his eyes scanning over me from head to toe. I roll my eyes at him, as the rest of my Aceholes follow his gaze.
“Damn, Princess, he’s not wrong,” Roman murmurs, and their attention has me blushing a little.
“Sakura, you’re getting all flustered, and it isn’t helping the situation,” Kai adds, and I watch as his hand drops below the table to adjust himself. Fuck.
Taking the seat beside him, his other arm instantly comes around my shoulders. “How is your other shoulder?” I ask, my hand instinctively resting on his thigh.
I watch as he grimaces at the question, but answers honestly. “Not too great, Sakura. Movement in general, isn’t that bad, but too much strain, and it burns.” He sighs. “But, I’m here with you, and that’s what matters.” I melt at his words, lifting up to place a kiss to the corner of his mouth.
“No more distracting our wife, she needs all the energy she can get. We want to be at our best when they come,” Parker says, putting a plate of food in front of me, and I smile up at him. Kai moves his laptop so Parker can place the other plate in his hand in front of him. Rushing to the counter and back, Parker takes the seat beside me, offering me a hot mug of coffee as he does. Mumbling my thanks, I bring the caffeine goodness to my lips.
“What’s the schedule for today?” Oscar asks, and subconsciously we all look to Kai.
Shaking his head at us all, he reels off classes for today. “Weaponry for us all this morning. Followed by Science for Oscar, a free period for Roman, and Tech for the rest of us. Then we’ve all got Combat this afternoon.”
“Perfect, a good bit of training is what we need,” Roman adds, and I couldn’t agree more. “You’ll be able to try your range of weaponry with your left hand, Kai,” he murmurs, and Kai nods in agreement.
“I will. I’ve also blocked the security feeds, so we are the only ones with access to the cameras, and Rafe put a few more up last night. We haven’t found any blind spots, but we just need to stay vigilant,” Kai responds, and the determination in his voice fills me with confidence.
A knock from the front door stops our conversation. “Come on, bitches!” Red yells from the other side of the door, and I can’t help but grin.
“You heard the woman, come on, bitches,” I sing, rising to my feet to go and let her in.
She bombards me as I swing open the door, rushing inside and slamming the door shut behind her.
>
“What the fuck? Where’s the threat?” I panic, checking her over, but she just waves a hand at me.
“No threat. I was just excited to see you.” I stare her down, watching as she runs her fingers through her hair. There is definitely something different about her, I just don’t know what. I’ll give her some time to figure it out, then she better spill it.
“If you say so. Have you eaten?” I ask, and she nods in response.
“Oh my god, I love the boots. So you, Captain,” she says with a grin, holding her hand up for a high five, which I reluctantly meet. “Are you ready to show everyone their queen is back?” Rolling my eyes, I glare at her. “What? You are! And you have to introduce me to your bio Dad too.”
“God, Jess, one thing at a time. Throwing everything at her at once will put her in a foul mood,” Roman says, placing his hands on Red’s shoulders from behind and guiding her to the door. While Oscar wraps his fingers with mine, pulling me along too. Kai and Parker follow behind us, as Roman opens the door.
“She would not be in a foul mood with me, Roman,” she argues back, glaring over her shoulder at him.
“I mean in general. My father warned me to avoid upsetting my wife at all costs, and if that means shutting you up, then so be it.” She stops dead in her tracks, her smile reaching from ear to ear.
“You just said wife,” she whispers, and he frowns down at her. Turning to face him fully, she pats him on the arm before hugging him tightly. “The little twinkle of love in your eyes is adorable,” she adds before spinning around and heading for the elevator.
“What the fuck?” Roman mutters to himself, looking at me with wide eyes, but I just grin because it really is adorable.
*****
“I’m starving,” Parker moans, like we’re not heading for lunch.
This morning has been busy, but Weaponry with West was good. He literally just set us up in the far corner, having us practice with all the guns he’d had stored in Ace. So we were familiar with everything we would have on hand.
