I studied it carefully.
“Since you have clan two and three’s Princeps, technically you should be at an advantage.” I looked up. “So why would Que risk it then? He must know something we don’t.”
“He believes that he’s more powerful than all of the other Princeps combined,” Brace said, his voice was amused. “I’ve told him many times that his arrogance will be the end of him.”
“And we have clans one, two and three’s most powerful, baby girl.” Josian spoke softly. “Brace supersedes his father in power.”
That would make him ... the most powerful Walker in existence.
Brace chuckled. “That’s not technically true. I’ve never been tested against Que.”
I stared into his perfect features.
“That’s really ... damn hot,” I blurted without thought.
The table erupted into laughter. Heat spread across my cheeks, and I knew I was bright red. Lallielle and Josian refrained from laughing, but did sport large smiles.
I had wonderful parents.
“Abby’s starting to sound like me. I think I like it,” Lucy said as she continued to shovel the roast meat into her mouth. “A little sex-crazed is the way to be.”
I sank lower in my chair, trying to disappear. Josian cleared his throat then, before taking a huge drink out of his silver urn.
You’re lucky we’re in a room full of people, Abigail.
Brace’s eyes devoured me. He looked as if he was two seconds from caveman-styling me over his shoulder and departing the room.
More like two milliseconds.
Lucy leaned in close. “He’s eye-effing the crap out of you right now.”
I was thankful she managed to keep her tone low this time.
“You should hear what’s going on in my head,” I whispered back.
She patted my shoulder. “That’s my girl.”
Chapter 14
I attempted to concentrate on my meal, but I honestly tasted none of the flavors. I might as well have been eating the gunk that passed for food on Earth. Small beads of sweat ran down my temple, and it wasn’t overly warm in the house. I felt trapped, enclosed in this Walker situation. When I couldn’t take the food any longer, I stood.
“I just need a few minutes,” I told the surprised faces, before I ran out the door.
The moment the fresh clean air hit my lungs I breathed in a few deep breaths. Kicking my shoes off, I strode across the sand to the water’s edge, ignoring the urge to step out into the cooling water. I needed to start jogging again. Nothing else cleared my mind. Of course, I’d have to ditch my red Walker babysitters first.
“You should swim,” Talina said, startling me. “It’s amazing how clear one’s mind is while diving through the waves.”
I attempted a smile, which at best amounted to a painful grimace.
“I would love to flee from my constant mental worry, but somehow I know it’s still going to be here when I return.”
“What will become of us, Abby? Eventually someone is going to figure out how to stop this. Bad people will do anything to assure their plans are a success. If Que or someone else wants to free the Seventine, how can seven half-Walkers stand in their way?”
I knew right then she was thinking of Gladriel. Her bitchiness hadn’t been a surprise, but her plan, especially the part including Raror, had been unexpected. I took her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. She let our skins touch for a few moments before pulling away. It was the first real contact she’d allowed since Raror’s death, and I was going to take it as a positive step. There was a semblance of calm in her eyes as she stared out into the darkness. I pushed my hair off my face. The wind was light but annoying.
“I wish I had some answers,” I said. “I guess we just keep going with the plan, and hope that our luck holds out long enough.”
My words weren’t reassuring to either of us.
I couldn’t say how long Talina and I stood there, watching the play of lights over the ocean. Eventually the rest of my friends and family joined us. Brace stepped in close. His presence, as always, blocked everything else. I moved back until I was pressed firmly against him, soaking in his warmth and comfort.
“You okay, Red?” I could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
Sometimes it amazed me that he could be unsure of me ... of us.
I guess a lot of the time my random decisions were confusing to him. Walkers were slower but surer with their actions. I arched my head back, so I could stare up into his face. He lowered from the great height he existed at and kissed my lips ever so softly. I decided right then to stop some of the worry; I wasn’t ready to miss these moments right in front of me.
“I can’t believe I pushed you away in fear of losing you. I wouldn’t give up this time we’ve had for anything,” I whispered.
My extended neck was starting to hurt but I couldn’t pull my eyes away.
“Don’t forget I was a lying McLiar.” He grinned.