“No,” Cole answered. “I don’t.”
“He’s right, Meg. You, Alik and I were the original three metahumans. Something about the serum we were given created more than just metahumans. We evolve into more—with individualized heightened abilities.”
“What is yours?”
“I don’t know. My evolution hasn’t happened yet. But if the pattern continues, it will springboard from part of my current abilities. You were always highly emotional, sensitive to those around you. You turned into an empath. Alik…”
“Yes, what about Alik?”
“He was always the strongest and had this amazing eidetic memory. Now he hulks out when he gets his adrenaline pumping and can rip a tree from the ground.”
“Seriously, he can. We’ve seen him do it. It’s pretty awesome—well, not for the tree, but you know.” Cole smiled at the memory.
“Right, well, his perfect memory turned into an ability to see back in time. It’s how he could track us to Kentucky. He calls it ‘retro-cognition’ or ‘retro-cogging’,” Evan explained.
“And you? What do you predict your evolution will bring you?” Meg asked, truly curious.
“I don’t know. I’ve always been a problem solver: puzzles, codes, medicine, mechanics, engineering—that’s all right up my alley.”
“At what age does the evolution take place?”
“It seems different for everyone—kinda like puberty. You evolved after being shot with a malarial virus in Hawaii.”
Meg’s eyes got wide. “What?”
“Wow, that’s a long story,” Cole whistled.
“Okay, for another day,” Meg conceded.
“Yeah, well, you were sixteen. Alik was fifteen. I’m only thirteen.” He shrugged with obvious frustration.
“It still could happen at any time though, right? What are the signs it’s starting?” Meg asked.
“Sickness. A very high fever, chills—you get the idea. It lasted two or three days before you and Alik started to come out of it.”
“Interesting,” Meg mused. “So how do you feel?” She asked with a soft smile.
“Fine, unfortunately,” Evan sighed.
“Okay guys, that’s enough Metahumans 101. It’s time to go see your mom, Meg,” Cole urged.
“I am still astounded that she’s regained some sensation. This I really cannot wait to see.” Evan’s eyes lit up at the thought.
“Do you think Maze is okay?” Meg asked as they piled out of the SUV.
“I think we left him in very capable hands. One thing at a time, Meg. Let’s go introduce you to the woman who has given up her life for you.” Evan put his hand protectively on his sister’s elbow as he’d seen Creed do. It seemed like the gentlemanly thing.
Meg turned to look at up at her little brother. He stood just over six feet tall and weighed two-hundred pounds. The only thing youthful about the way he looked was the fuzz on his upper lip. Evan’s intelligent hazel eyes framed in long lashes were a striking feature. His lashes started dark brown at the base but changed color to light blonde at the nearly invisible tips. Lashes any girl would be envious of.
Meg cocked her head and looked at him. “It’s coming, little brother.” She said ominously.
“What?”
“Your evolution. I think I can sense a shift near in your future.”
Evan blushed deeply at his sister’s words. “I hope you’re right, Meg. We could use all the gifts we can get next time we face Williams and Arkdone.”
Meg stared off into space for a moment, sensing something dark but every time she reached to decipher the vibration, it slipped further away.
“What is it, Meg?” Cole asked, worriedly.
“I don’t know. Something about your evolution, Evan, but I can’t quite feel what it is.” She shook her head and blinked several times, forcing herself back in the here and now.
“Well, do you need more time or are you ready to go inside?” Cole asked, tactfully motioning toward the hospital. They’d been standing on the front steps of the well-manicured hospital.
Meg took a deep breath and stepped toward the building as her answer. Her lithe body was hidden beneath the baggy jeans and shirt, but Cole couldn’t help watching the sway of her slim hips as she walked across the lobby toward the elevators.
Don’t get your hopes up, he warned himself. You were just getting over her. Don’t read into anything she says or does right now. Heck, she has no memory of who or what she really is. Besides, it’s not like loving her has brought you anything but pain and heartache.
He forced himself to look away from the way her curls escaped her pony holder beautifully at the nape of her long, slender neck.
Oh, who am I kidding? he moaned inwardly. If she crooks her finger at me, I would trip over my own feet to run to her. What a sap. He shook his head and let his eyes crawl back across her profile as they waited for the elevator.