chapter Twenty-Four
DURING THE WEEK LEADING up to my test, I met with Reese every day at the falls. We were taking a huge risk by sneaking off grounds, but it was the only way for me to train. The basement was occupied by Jace, and even if we could find another place at the Academy to practice, I didn’t feel comfortable maxing out my power anywhere near there now that I knew they were looking for me.
I had to learn to rein in my power to levels the Councils would never suspect, and that required first getting a feel for my full strength. I never allowed myself to reach the dangerous level, though, as I always kept the crystal on me. The fear of losing control still hovered over me. I never told Reese that I felt I could push myself more. I was frightened about what that could mean—just what my power could do.
After watching how Jace treated Lana, I’d asked her to go back to Jace and Nick. I couldn’t stomach the triplets being separated and Jace ignoring her. She was hesitant, not wanting to abandon me, but I assured her Reese and I had to focus on getting me past the test. She conceded, reluctantly.
Seeing them back together made things feel almost right again. But I also had ulterior motives. I knew how Jace’s mind worked. Finding out the truth about me had to have increased his hatred for the Narcos. And with the Councils pushing the union between races, I knew it was only a matter of time before Jace snapped and tried to launch a rebellion. I needed Lana to keep an eye on him. I couldn’t focus on my training if I was constantly worried about him getting himself in trouble—or worse—killed. I told Lana to act as if she were upset with me, that way Jace wouldn’t keep anything from her. I only prayed he’d keep it together until Reese and I figured something out.
The day before my test, Reese and I sat on the bank near the river, passing currents between us. I held my glowing blue hands up before me, palms toward Reese, as he sent a stream of Charge to me.
“Can you feel the level of the current?” he asked, maintaining the current’s strength.
I smiled, taking in his serious expression and hard eyes. “Yes.” I felt a ripple of current along my skin. “And at this low level, I think I’m having a difficult time focusing on anything.”
His eyes shot open, a half-grin sneaking across his face. “Are you trying to sidetrack me? Do you know what I do to misbehaving students?” He broke the current, pulling me toward him then to the ground. “Okay, I think you got it down.” He buried his face in my neck.
I giggled. “Do you think I can really pass the test? I feel like I control Charge pretty well.”
I felt him nod. “Yup, and with that neat little trinket, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
My crystal pressed into my thigh as Reese lay on top of me. It was small enough that I could easily conceal it under my clothes during the test. Reese felt I didn’t even need it, but it was my security blanket. I was nervous about going in front of the Councils, and even if I didn’t need it, I felt comforted by its presence.
Reese pushed up and stared into my eyes. “You’re going to be fine.”
I locked my arms around his neck, drawing him to me. We’d been training so intensely that we hadn’t had much free time for anything else. I loved the feel of his weight bearing down on me, his body molding to mine—connecting us in an intimate way. His skin heated, sending waves of warmth over me as I pulled him closer.
I knew Reese wanted to wait—to make it special—but I couldn’t picture a more special moment. Every time his hand caressed, lingered, grasped, I wanted him that much more. Heat spread between my thighs, and I wrapped my legs around his hips, pressing his lower body persuasively against mine.
Reese pulled away and buried his head between my shoulder and neck, releasing a strained breath. “You’re killing me, Dez.”
I rested my hand on the back of his neck and weaved my fingers through his hair. “Well, that’s not the reaction I was going for.”
He palmed the ground on either side of my head and pushed up. “Come on,” he said, grabbing my hand and bringing me with him. “We should get back. We’ve pressed our luck this week.”
I frowned, pouting. But he was right. I was so close to the test—I didn’t want to call unwanted attention to myself. I began packing up our supplies.
Reese took the other end of the blanket I was folding, bringing it to meet mine. Then he cupped my face. “I can’t wait till this is behind us and I can focus only on you.”
My cheeks warmed. I wanted the same, although Jace lingered in the background of my mind. But there was nothing I could do about Jace’s feelings toward me. I just hoped Lana would keep him out of trouble.
Once we were back at the Academy, we slipped in through the side door, the one Mr. Liam had left open the night we’d snuck onboard the airship. I hadn’t told Mr. Liam any more about me, and he never asked. I felt he was definitely on our side, not wanting whatever the Councils had planned, but he wasn’t ready to be a player yet.
And Reese and I weren’t big players to begin with, either. We still couldn’t figure out how uniting the races would free us as guardians. Or if we, the living test subjects, had anything at all to do with that. We could only sit idly by, waiting to discover their next move and hoping to gain a clue.
I said goodnight to Reese and headed for my unit. Lana was lying on her bed, sending a message—to Devon, probably—as I entered. “Hey,” I said, flopping down on my bed.
“Hey.” Lana sat up and crossed her legs. “You ready for tomorrow?”
“As ready as ever.” I rolled over, facing her. “How’s Jace?”
She blew out a deep breath. “He’s Jace.” She shrugged. “He’s still secretly working on deciphering that scroll. He’s convinced it has something to do with whatever the Narco Council is up to.”
“Well, he might be right. Who knows?” I bit down on my lip. “Has he said anything about me?”
She shook her head, and I rolled back over and stared at the low ceiling.
“Dez, just give him more time. This is hard for him.” She bounced up and came to sit beside me. “I don’t want to remind you of this, but even if he didn’t have an issue with you being half Narco, he still walked in on you and Reese.”
“I know.” I buried my head under my pillow.
Lana pulled it away. “He’s loved you forever. This is tough for him.” She smiled wanly. “But I know my brother. He still cares about you.”
I appreciated her faith but couldn’t trust it. I spun the bracelet he’d given me around my wrist, watching the dim lights of our room reflect its blue back at me. Somehow I had to find a way to make things right between us.
The next morning my nerves were a wreck. I knew I’d be called soon. Now that Lana was with the guys in the far corner of the room, Reese had taken her seat next to me in Mr. Liam’s class and in our general studies block. I still felt guilty whenever I glimpsed Jace during our classes, but I was thankful for Reese’s close presence today. I felt like my nerves were going to implode at any minute.
I rubbed the small crystal in my pocket, waiting for my moment to be called. As Reese passed over my text, Mr. Liam’s communicator went off. My head shot up, and his eyes found mine. I knew it was my turn.
“Dez Harkly,” he said with slight hesitation in his voice. “The Councils are ready for you.”
As I stood, Reese reached out and clasped my hand. I gave him a strong smile though my legs threatened to drop me right to the floor. Before I reached the classroom door, I glanced at Lana, Jace, and Nick. Lana gave me a warm smile, and I smiled back until I saw the worry on Jace’s face—in his eyes. I forced a small, hesitant smile. He didn’t return it, but his gaze held mine as I pushed through the door.
Before I approached the headmaster’s office, I quickly slipped my crystal down the front of my shirt, nestling it into the pocket of my bra. As I neared the door where two Narcolym guards stood, I bit down on my lip and shifted into my Kythan form.
I took a deep breath and entered through the open doors as the guards pulled them apart. Sitting at an oblong mahogany table, three members watched me walk across the room. Three sets of glowing eyes—two blue and one red—studied my every move. My breath hitched.
“Please stand in the center of the room, Ms. Harkly,” one of the Shythe members said, waving his hand before him.
I nodded once, smiling tight-lipped, and remained quiet. Just as Reese had instructed me. From my peripheral, I saw a guard moving toward me. He held something dark in his hands, but I didn’t turn my head to investigate as he sidled up behind me.
The Council member in the middle, the one with red eyes, spoke next. “We’re screening students for our matching program. We’d like you to commence your practice routine. The same one you perform in your power training block.” He smiled, revealing his elongated eyeteeth. His eyes methodically raked over me, and my heart hammered painfully against my chest.
Forcing myself to breathe, I responded, “Of course.” I’d practiced this routine dozens of times in my training course and in front of others. I relaxed a little, preparing to begin my routine.
He tilted his head and motioned to the guard behind me. “But with one difference,” he added. The guard approached and slipped a dark fabric over my eyes. “You’re to be blindfolded. And, we’d like you to summon your full power.”
The guard finished tying the blindfold, yanking my hair in the process. Ow. After my eyes were fully covered, I nodded my head once and calmed my breathing—centering myself.
I felt a little less confident, but I’d performed this routine many times. Though, I didn’t understand how being blindfolded would help or hinder me. Or what it would prove to them. I sucked in a breath and began, bringing my arms before me and sparking my Charge. The current crackled as I connected a stream between my palms. Cake.
I concentrated on arcing the current higher into the air. But not too high. I imagined how it looked—a simple stream of blue bending, vibrating on a low frequency. I moved into my next position and separated the stream. Bending at the knee, my arms shook as I pretended to use my full power, sending the currents higher into the air. I locked onto the feel of my power, maintaining the level Reese and I had practiced. Even though I couldn’t see, I could feel the level of power.
I finished each position easily. The blindfold actually helped keep my nerves in check. I couldn’t see the Council members, so I couldn’t watch them judge me. Only after I was done with my performance and the cloth was removed, did I feel my stomach flutter. They were taking notes, their eyes glancing up momentarily and then back at their notes. Even though their reaction to my performance gave me nothing to worry about, I kept waiting for them to signal the guards, chain me up, and haul me away. But when they were finished writing, they only said thank you.
I bowed my head, thanked them, and left the room. When I reached the hallway, I nearly collapsed. Reese and I had definitely over-prepared, but I was thankful and shook with relief as I entered Mr. Liam’s room. Reese’s gaze met mine, and his creased forehead relaxed, the anxiety leaving his features. Then he nodded. I could almost feel his worry washing away.
My gaze involuntarily sought the upper corner of the room. As much as I wanted to reassure Lana and Nick, I wanted to see Jace’s expression. His eyes were trained on the project before him. I shrugged off my disappointment and took my seat next to Reese.
He took my hand and rubbed his thumb over the top. “Congratulations. I believe a celebration is in order.” He winked.
“Damn straight.” I released a shaky breath. “Can I have a beer, like…now?”
He laughed and quickly kissed my hand before releasing it.
I glanced once more toward Jace’s corner. His eyes met mine, and as if he couldn’t prevent it, he smiled. But before I could return the gesture, he looked at Reese, his smile fading and his eyes turning cold.
After testing ended that week, Reese was taking me out to celebrate, but he wouldn’t tell me where. I desperately hoped we weren’t heading to Cogs. I sat sidesaddle, my mini-bustle skirt tucked underneath me as we hovered along the streets of downtown on his levibike. After seeing Jace’s almost acceptance of me earlier, I didn’t want to ruin it by dancing or being close with Reese in front of him. The dark look he gave Reese in class told me enough. Jace might be willing to warm to me, but he wasn’t ready to accept Reese.
Reese pulled up to the Rivers End Loft—the nicest hotel in Haven. My heart sped, beating wildly. Before I allowed myself to get excited, I considered that we might be here for dinner. The hotel had an amazing restaurant on the lower level, and Reese had probably made reservations.
He offered me his hand as I scooted off the seat, and when his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help but blush.
“Is this too…” Reese trailed off, his eyes dropping from mine. “I mean, is this all right?”
My face heated. He wanted to spend the night with me. “It’s perfect.”
He cupped the back of my neck, and his thumb caressed my cheek. “I’m so relieved you passed the test.” His eyes became serious. “I never want to fear losing you again.”
“You won’t.” I held his gaze, matching its intensity. “I want to be with you, Reese. Always.”
He beamed and wrapped his arms around me. Then he kissed me urgently. I pulled back. “Hey now, save that for the room,” I said teasingly.
A devilish grin spread across his lips. “Oh, let’s not waste time out here, then.” He tugged me along as he hurried toward the front double doors. I laughed, exhilarated by the weight of our troubles being lifted. We could finally—for now—just be Reese and Dez. A normal couple.
Once inside, I gaped, taking in the gorgeous interior as we crossed the black and white swirled marble floor. The hotel was breathtaking. Sandstone pillars decorated the lobby while gold leafing feathered the walls above their arches. Panels of burgundy velvet draped giant stained glass windows, surrounding me in a cocoon of gothic beauty. My hand skimmed the mahogany banister as we climbed the spiral staircase to the top level.
When we reached our room, Reese pulled a gold key from his pocket. I eyed him. “Hey, you already have the key. How did you know I’d agree?”
His grin widened. “I didn’t.” The lock clicked, and he swung the door open. “But a guy can hope.”
I didn’t have time to look around the room. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, Reese seized my waist and lifted me into his arms, his lips meeting mine hungrily. I laughed, but the sound was muffled. I locked my legs around his hips, and he kicked the door closed.
He walked us across the room until my back hit the wall. His body surged with heat as his hands slid along my thighs, under my bustle. My breath hitched.
I thought Reese was passionate when we were together at the falls, but this was different. He’d been holding back then, not allowing himself to act. Now, he wasn’t. The force and desperation with which he kissed me—the feel of his hands heating, gripping—was overwhelming. And my breath struggled to keep up with the emotion.
He anchored me to the wall with his body. Removing his hands from my legs, he brought my arms up and pinned them on either side of me as he buried his head into the crevice of my neck. His teeth elongated and softly grazed my skin. Fire ignited between my thighs, and I sucked air into my lungs.
“Sorry,” Reese mumbled, slowing himself. “Like, weeks…all at once.” He lifted his head and stared at me. His eyes blazed red. Then he pressed his forehead to mine.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, urging him closer. “Don’t stop,” I whispered.
His breath shuddered out against my lips, making me shiver. He dropped my arms, grasped my face, and pressed his lips to mine, hard. Then he caressed my chest, feeling along the binding of my corset as his fingers worked at the small clamps. When the stubborn bottom half wouldn’t cooperate, he groaned and pulled the corset apart. “I’ll buy you a new one.” He pushed off the wall and carried me to the bed.
The soft down comforter engulfed me, and his eyes traced my body. Then he lowered himself, placing delicate kisses along my stomach, inching his way up. My skin prickled, and I took shallow, unsteady breaths as his lips trailed over my skin until finally meeting my mouth again.
I became lost…lost in the moment and in him. His hand glided under my bustle, pausing just before his fingers crept under the hem of my underclothing…
BANG!
I flinched.
Reese broke the kiss, and our eyes darted toward the front of the room. I instinctively covered my chest.
The knob hung loosely, knocking against the door as a dark figure stood in the frame.
Reese shot up. “What the hell…” But his words faltered as Jace rushed into the room.