First World - A Walker Saga Book 1

I kept my eyes closed.

  “Come on, Abby. It’s not that bad. Open your eyes.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m fine. I don’t need to see.”

  For the past hour Lucy had had me glued to a chair in my bedroom. She and Lallielle had been flittering around me, primping my hair, fixing my make-up.

  Tonight was my birthday party. I wasn’t officially eighteen until the next day, and so far there hadn’t been any weird changes in powers or abilities. I hoped to skip all of that.

  “Aribella, open your eyes.” Lallielle was smiling. Even through closed eyes I could tell.

  With a sigh, my eyelashes fluttered open. Immediately, I was yanked to my feet by an excited Lucy.

  Lallielle hugged me. “Okay, I’m going to head down now. You both look stunning.”

  She was worried about being late. It had taken them longer than expected to tackle me into the chair. She was already dressed in a flowing floor-length green gown. She looked amazing and exotic, like a Grecian goddess in her one-shouldered dress. Blowing me a final kiss, she left the room.

  “Luce,” I exclaimed, seeing her for the first time. “You look gorgeous.”

  At some point during my torture, she’d found time to get ready. Her wavy hair had been straightened. She was wearing a strapless blue dress which matched the color of her eyes. They looked even bluer than normal. As she moved, the chiffon lace sheath swished around her legs.

  “How have you had time to get ready and help me?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Making you look beautiful is not exactly a difficult thing.”

  I groaned. It had certainly felt difficult.

  We made it into my wardrobe. Lucy grabbed my dress from the hanger. I had chosen a simple black silk. Hand-tailored to fit me, it was all kinds of stunning. Stepping into the tightly fitted sheath and adjusting the bodice, I slipped the halter over my neck. For the first time I had cleavage and I was a bit proud of it. It even covered the pink scar on my chest.

  Lucy zipped me up before handing me a pair of killer black heels. And killer was right. After two minutes in these five-inch stilettos, I’ll probably have broken my neck.

  Sighing, I took them. I’d put them on downstairs.

  “Are you going to check out our hard work before we head down?” She had no problem stomping around in her own heels.

  Screwing up my nose, I shook my head. I wasn’t ready to face a mirror. I wasn’t ready to turn eighteen. I just needed everything to slow down. I could see the backpack, ready for our adventure the next day. Code name: save the world.

  “No, I trust you and we’re already late.” I needed air and to wash my face. But if I did that Lucy would knock me out for sure. We left my room and headed down the hall.

  “So, do you think Brace is going to be here tonight?”

  Most of the time I managed to avoid talking about him. Now if I could just stop thinking about him, I’d be set. I kept reliving his expression as he broke Olden’s neck, the panic I read in his eyes as he dropped beside me. His soft words in my ears … gah.

  Lucy walked smoothly, despite her own six-inch heels. “Sam mentioned that Deralick and Quarn should be here tonight, but I’m not sure of Brace.”

  “He’s just so different from my dream, Luce. I never thought it would be this complicated.”

  She smiled knowingly. “Of course he’s different. You had a one-dimensional view of a fictional character. I know you enjoyed the mystery and even a little the pain as he was wrenched away from you each night, but this is real life. He’s flesh and blood, with emotions and issues of his own. You need to take the time to get to know him.”

  Her insight was a refreshing change from her usual suggestive comments.

  “You’re different since your kidnapping.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “It’s not just the time on Earth. It’s Sam.”

  I came to a grinding halt at her suggestive tone. “Are you saying – you and Sam – like did the deed? Went the whole hog?”

  She laughed. “Seriously? The whole hog. One would think we were farm animals. How am I supposed to use those mental pictures the next time I’m with all the hotness that’s Sammy?”

  “I want to scrub my eyes, ears and mouth out. Brother, remember?”

  Continuing to chuckle, she dragged me along the hall again. “Speaking of sexy, have I told you how much I’m ‘in love hearting’ your marks?”

  She hadn’t stopped gushing about them since I’d revealed them to her the other day. She’d already known the basics about the Walkers from Samuel. But seeing the real thing had impressed her.

  “They’re just gorgeous. It’s like a frame was made to showcase your unfairly advantageous beauty.”

  I laughed. As she took my arm, her expression was calculated. We paused at the landing outside the ballroom.

  “You ready, Abbs?”

  I attempted to pat my hair, which appeared to be piled on my head in an elaborate up-do, and Lucy snatched at my hand.

  “Starting to regret not checking the mirror before you left?”

  Oh, that was just evil. I grabbed at her arm as she stepped away, stalling my inevitable entrance into the ballroom.

  “I’m scared to see him, Luce.” I shared the unshakable fears I held deep in my heart. “He just doesn’t feel the connection.” My heart was heavy with a multitude of regret and despair.

  “Who? Dumb-ass, hot-ass?” She raised her eyebrows, her nose wrinkled. “Abbs, come on. Don’t you see the way Brace looks at you?”

  My eyes swung around to stare at her. She’d never mentioned this to me before.

  “Like you’re the last piece of forbidden fruit in the bowl.” A slow grin ensued. “He wants you, to pick you, taste you, eat–”

  “I get your point, Lucy.” I interrupted her drily. I stood there contemplating her words.

  She leaned in closer. “He feels it. Something holds him back, Abbs, but he definitely feels it.”

  She left me there then, stepping through the doorway. The announcement of her arrival was loud, even through the closed door. Lallielle had decided I needed to make a sole appearance or some such crap. I shook off Lucy’s words and attempted to focus on my entrance.

  I’d had all of this procedure explained already. I probably should have paid closer attention. Burying my head in the sand had not prevented Lallielle’s crazy party planning. I slipped on my shoes, wobbling slightly before finding my balance.

  Deep breath, Abby. You got this.

  I stepped through the double doors to the top of a massive curving staircase.

  “Announcing the arrival of Aribella, Contessa Frayre.” My new name and title.

  The announcer dude had the perfect First World accent. Deep and rich, it echoed throughout the room without the aid of a microphone. I stopped breathing as the entire room fell silent and faced me. I wasn’t a shy or introverted person, but after so much of my life spent alone or with Lucy, I mostly hated crowds.

  Two seconds from hyperventilating, I was turning to exit the way I’d just come, when I found myself tangled with a man.

  “Oh, my apologies. I thought you’d already entered,” he said. His masculine voice wrapping around me.

  Putting some space between us, I did a double-take. He was massive, typical of the advanced evolution of First Worlders. His features were blond, but his skin was an unusual golden brown. He had an icy cold beauty, almost inhuman. But he was definitely beautiful. Not in the same way as Brace, whose perfection encased a dark warmth that drove me crazy. Blondie was the opposite: a chiseled cold iciness.

  “Announcing the arrival of Lucas Questialia, to-be Crown Emperor.”

  I guess it was time for me to finally meet Lucas.

  Reaching forward, he grasped my hand before bringing it to his lips. A jolt of something shocked my arm. It flowed between us. At that moment, a slight smile crossed Lucas’s face.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aribella. I’ve been waiting a long tim
e.”

  His expression was unemotional, but there was something there that made me uncomfortable. As I pulled my hand free, the tendrils between our grips unraveled and his icy blue eyes flashed. With a slight nod, I turned away and moved forward to walk the massive staircase. He was another complication I didn’t need that night. I stumbled at the first step and almost made my birthday debut by tumbling to my death.

  With a tight grip on the railing and my eyes focused on my feet, somehow I made the torturous journey down those stairs.

  I stepped onto the ballroom floor and was immediately swamped by the crowd. Apparently, when there hasn’t been a celebration for years, First Worlders really let their hair down. I smiled at each introduction, but could guarantee I wouldn’t remember any of them by morning.

  Except maybe Lucas. It was hard to forget an emperor.

  He was standing near me, being fawned over by heaps of ass-kissers, although I noticed how easy it was for him to brush them off and move on to the next group. He paused a little longer with a strikingly tall blond woman whose red dress plunged to her navel. She had a husky laugh that floated through the throngs of people. Her red-tipped nails rested easily on Lucas’s jacket.

  I was distracted from my observations as Josian reached my side. He had created a path so easily through the crowd.

  “How are you going, baby girl?” He enveloped me in one of his amazing hugs. He was so huge it was like being engulfed. “You look so beautiful, just like your mother.”

  “Honestly, Dad … this sucks. I want to escape. My eyelashes weigh two tons, my face is stiff from this make-up, and I swear these heels are communing with Olden’s ghost and trying to kill me.”

  He caught me as I stumbled for about the tenth time in as many minutes.

  “Well, you’re the right height for a Walker now.” He smiled down from his still much more impressive height. “Did you see the presents table, though? Good haul.”

  I looked over at the large table running along the back wall. It was packed with gorgeous wrapped packages.

  This was becoming absurd. “I don’t have to open those in front of everyone, right?” Pretending to love gifts from strangers was beyond my meagre acting skills.

  Josian was distracted from answering by Lallielle waving us over. She was a little away, chatting to a large group of people. I could see Quarn standing to one side. I waved and he acknowledged me with a nod and mimed a noose around his neck. I laughed. He’d be hating this.

  “You go, baby girl. I’ll take one for the team.” Josian shooed me off in the opposite direction before he moved toward Lallielle.

  I walked away as fast as the ridiculous heels allowed and managed to grab a glass of quant juice. Looking around, I noticed a nice quiet corner where I could kick off my death-trap heels, and made my way there.

  Sinking into a chair, I closed my eyes.

  “What’re you doing hiding in the corner at your own party, Red?”

  I jumped at the smooth voice. When I opened my eyes, I found Brace standing in front of me. He stared for an immeasurable moment, his eyes heated and his expression unreadable.

  “There are not words to describe how you look tonight,” he said finally before looking away. He let out a strangled breath as he turned back. “I want to say breathtaking, and breathtaking is correct, but it’s not enough.”

  I drowned in the heat of his eyes for a moment, and then I took in the full picture.

  Speaking of breathtaking! My heart stuttered. Before that moment I’d never seen him in anything but casual clothes. Tonight his height was emphasized in a perfect fitted black tuxedo. His broad shoulders filled out the jacket. He was huge, solidly built, falling just short of being bulky. He looked dark and dangerous. The silky strands of his stylishly tousled, inky black hair fell along his forehead.

  I stood then, torn between throwing myself into his arms, pride be damned, or punching him in his perfect nose.

  Angry words erupted before I could stop them. “Where have you been, Brace? Why did you bother to come at all?”

  Okay, I was even more pissed off than I’d thought.

  Before he could answer, I turned and walked away. The punching in the face option was definitely starting to win.

  As I stormed off, I realized I’d left my shoes under the chair. Shrugging, I decided to retrieve them later, hoping no one would notice.

  A hand caught my arm. Only at the last second I stopped myself from flipping the person over my shoulder. Old habits. I turned, expecting to see Brace, but it was someone else.

  Lucas stood before me. “Would you like to dance, Aribella?”

  I should have known. Although the jolt wasn’t as obvious, there was still some type of mild electric connection between us.

  I looked to the corner where I’d left Brace. He was gone. I turned back and, with a sigh, nodded.

  “As long as you call me Abby.”

  I placed my hand into the crook of his outstretched arm. He smiled broadly. “Abby it is then.” He spun me out onto the floor.

  I swayed awkwardly a few times, uncomfortably, but at least I was more coordinated barefoot.

  “Sorry, I have no idea how to dance.”

  Lucas smiled. “Oh, really? I couldn’t tell. You do such a perfect sway.”

  Flushing a little, I returned his smile. “You should see me do the chicken dance. I was compound champion.”

  Laughing, he leaned closer, the standard First Worlders’ perfect white teeth flashing, the cold iciness of his blond beauty softening as he smiled.

  “I have no idea what a chicken dance is.” He looked down. “Do you realize you aren’t wearing shoes?”

  I followed his gaze down at my bare toes. At least my toenails looked wicked. They were painted a shimmery black to match my dress.

  “Yeah, they’re over in the corner somewhere.” I sighed. “They were killing my feet.”

  Lucas threw back his head, laughing out loud. “You’re definitely not what I expected.”

  He wasn’t exactly my expectation of the spoilt future emperor either. But there was still something about him that made me feel edgy.

  I turned at a low deep growl. There was no one around us. I couldn’t tell where the rumble came from. Suddenly a hand appeared on Lucas’s arm. Brace appeared from nowhere to stand before us, serious and beautiful. And, as usual, those damn eyes called to me, tantalizing me.

  “Do you mind if I steal Abby away for a minute?”

  I could hear the restrained anger in his voice. What was his problem?

  Lucas looked down at me before facing Brace. He had to look up a little to meet his eyes, but eventually he nodded and stepped away.

  I noticed Brace had my shiny black heels hooked over his right hand.

  “Did you lose something, Red?”

  Shaking my head, I snatched the heels from him.

  “Now, now, snatching isn’t nice, Abby.”

  Screwing up my nose, I stuck my tongue out at him.

  With great difficulty, I managed to finagle my shoes on. Brace stood back, grinning at me.

  “Abbs, everything okay over here?”

  Lucy and Samuel were swaying next to us. We were in the center of the dance floor.

  I nodded once, and before she could question me further, Samuel swept her off. As I watched them, Samuel laughed into her upturned glaring face, before leaning in closer to whisper in her ear. She turned back toward me, looking curious. I shifted my attention before she returned to rescue me again.

  Brace held out a hand. “So, how about that dance?”

  I glared at him. At least with those stupid heels we were much closer in height.

  “How about ‘no’?” I turned to leave.

  He caught my hand, and hauled me back against his body. “Come on, you don’t want to create a scene at your own party,” he whispered into my ear.

  I couldn’t move or answer. Electricity zoomed through our closely pressed bodies. I stopped str
uggling and just breathed. The connection between us was as strong as ever.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t been around to visit you.”

  We were swaying closely. The entire world disappeared.

  “I just had a few things to take care of. But Sammy told me about Spurn. I’ve decided you need me, so I’m coming along.”

  I pulled back, spluttering a little. “What makes you think we need you?”

  What was Brace up to now?

  Shaking his head, he pulled me back into his arms. “I said you need me and, more importantly, Sam doesn’t want to be the only guy on the trip.”

  I continued to glare. But there was something I’d been wanting to say, and since this was the first time I’d seen him since Earth, now was it.

  I took a deep breath. “Thank you for ... uh ... killing Olden ... saving me.” I stuttered over my words. I didn’t really know how to express my gratitude.

  His light-hearted expression sobered. “I was too slow. There were too many distractions, but ... you should never have been hurt.”

  I shook my head, but before I could satisfy my need to reassure him, his mood lifted and, grinning, he swirled me away, out of the main dance floor. We moved closer to the large balconies. The doors were thrown wide open and huge fire torches were scattered around. Along one wall were massive antique mirrors with ornate gilded framing.

  I caught the first glimpse of my reflection. I looked again, just to make sure that was really me. I looked tall and slim. My full glossy red lips were parted in surprise. The long black dress fitted flawlessly, contrasting with masses of dark red and black hair, which was piled up in messy curls, a few falling to frame my face.

  Lallielle and Lucy had outdone themselves with my makeup. My skin was always clear, but tonight it glowed. And my eyes looked even larger and more cat-like than usual; the black kohl lining them enhanced the emerald green.

  “I told you. You really have a beauty that is otherworldly,” Brace said, observing my stunned expression. “You have the beauty of a Walker.”

  I turned away. Maybe for the first time I actually did have the otherworldly look of Josian. But that didn’t mean I wanted to be the world savior. Or that I even could be.

  I turned at the sound of Brace’s name. A group of suit-clad men, his friends I assumed, were calling him over. With a regretful glance, he left me there, making his way to them.

  I followed him across the room, where he was cajoled into a dance with ‘boobs’, my nickname for ‘vulture woman in the red dress’. Clenching my nails into my wrist, I turned away, attempting to calm my murderous thoughts. I was pretty close to ripping every strand of blond hair from her head. I stepped out onto the balcony, allowing the cool breeze and sounds of the ocean to soothe the ragged edges Brace always left me with.

  Later that night, after numerous awkward dances, and countless introductions, the party was over.

  Lallielle was off ushering the last of the revelers out the door. Lucy and I were lying on the ballroom floor, staring up at the massive ceiling.

  “So, could you have ever imagined this would be your eighteenth birthday?”

  Turning my head to the side, I smiled. “I was just hoping we wouldn’t be in some type of people-smuggling rape ring for my birthday.”

  Lucy shoved me. “There’s still time, Abbs, twenty minutes till midnight.” She looked thoughtful. “What was with you and blondie in the red dress?”

  Lucy was referring to the incident that had taken place ten minutes earlier, when ‘boobs’ had been leaving with her parents. They’d stopped to thank Lallielle. I was standing there as well. As our parents started chatting, she’d leaned in close to me.

  “Don’t even think you can have First World’s most eligible bachelors, Aribella. I don’t care what anyone else believes, I know you’re not the empress.” That wasn’t the first time tonight I’d caught murmurs of that. She continued to sneer at me. “I was here first and I’ll be long after you’re done and gone.”

  I didn’t even flinch at the snarling venom in her low voice. I smiled sweetly as I lowered my own voice. “Seriously, boobs, you don’t scare me. I grew up in New York and ran in the ganglands. Hormonal women are the least of my worries. If you don’t get your bitchy ass out of my house, I’m going to break your nose.”

  Lucy erupted into laughter as I explained what had happened. “You called her ‘boobs’?”

  At my nod, she snorted louder.

  While we were relaxing, the boys were off playing some game on a huge felt-covered table. They’d tried to explain the rules, but it was beyond me. Some type of cross between pool and chess, with large colored balls and stone statue people that had to be moved around in a pattern.

  I changed the subject from ‘boobs’.

  “Thanks for the earrings too, Luce, I love them.” I reached up to touch the beautiful emerald-colored stone studs. That and my necklace were the only jewelry I had on.

  She shrugged. “I did have a vintage tee stashed back home. But these will do.”

  I laughed.

  “So give me a quick rundown on the tales of Abby, First Worlder and Walker.” Lucy’s side profile looked both worried and intrigued.

  I tilted my head back further, staring into the massive and ornate ceiling. In each corner someone had painted an angel warrior. They all held a weapon pointed toward the center of the room. It was spectacular and unusual all at the same time.

  “Well, first there is the whole ‘half-Walker shouldn’t exist’ theory. I’m apparently the one to destabilize ... no demoralize ... no that’s not right either. Oh, right, I think it was destroy them.” I rolled my eyes as I mocked the over-dramatics of Walkers.

  “Maybe it was ‘delight them with your duck-face’?” Lucy offered helpfully. “Maybe that’s the ‘d’ word you’re looking for?”

  “Duck-face?”

  She shrugged. “I got caught up in the alliteration.”

  Laughing, I continued again, my eyes still locked on the entrancing angels.

  “The next one is where I might be the Empress of First World. Apparently my husband-to-be Lucas is a top dude.”

  Lucy lost it then. She laughed until she was breathless. I’d have laughed too, but unfortunately this was actually my life.

  “And lastly, I’m setting out to find some half-Walkers – that don’t exist apparently – and prevent an apocalyptic universal battle of mother-effing proportions.” I threw my arm over my eyes. “You know, because I’m just that awesome.”

  “And lucky,” Lucy tacked on. “Don’t forget lucky.”

  I snorted at the mere thought.

  Lallielle interrupted us, appearing above our heads. “I’ve organized a little after-dinner in the sitting room downstairs.” She smiled. “That way we can all be there when Aribella officially turns eighteen.”

  As I looked down the long length of my tight black dress, I realized I had no idea how I was getting up off the floor. At least my shoes were off again, and nothing was making me put them back on. For the fiftieth time I flexed my pained toes.

  “Lalli, you could have included a huge slit up the side of this dress,” I complained. “I can’t get my butt up off the floor.”

  Josian appeared out of nowhere and hauled Lucy and me up together. He threw us each over a shoulder.

  I gasped as he dashed from the room. His super speed was breath-stealing.

  We ended up dropped together into one of the big soft couches downstairs.

  “Superman at your service.” Josian got a total kick out of our descriptions of superheroes. He was sure many of them were based on Walkers.

  Lucy giggled as she tried to sit up. Josian left us and we were there for at least ten minutes before the others made it to the room.

  Quarn looked happier now the crowds were gone. He walked arm-in-arm with Francesca.

  I guessed no one had told him that it was her false predictions that had sent us all to Earth. I still hadn’t really warmed to t
he soothsayer. She was unnerving, knowing things the way she did. Plus her eyes had never become any less creepy.

  Brace, Samuel and Lallielle were the last to arrive.

  Josian stepped back into the room. In his arms he carried a massive bouquet of pink and purple roses.

  Struggling out of the couch, I bounced over to him. “They’re gorgeous.”

  “Happy birthday, baby girl.” He kissed my cheek. “These are menorial roses. If you put them into water, they won’t die.”

  I was relieved to hear that. Much as I loved beautiful flowers, I hated that they died so quickly.

  Lallielle organized a huge vase to be delivered, half full of water. I placed my roses one at a time. Their floral and deep musky scent filled the room. Once I was done, I took a seat again.

  Samuel shifted in his spot next to Lucy. “Lucas? What are you still doing here?”

  Lucas had just walked into the room unannounced. His jacket was off and draped over his shoulder. It was clear no one had known he was still there.

  Lallielle spoke fiercely, marching to my side. “You cannot have her, Lucas. She’s not the empress.” Never mind that last week she’d been sure that I was.

  “I’m not here to take Abby,” he said, as if I were a piece of furniture he needed delivered. Without expression, he continued, pushing back his blond hair. “Brace explained the mission you’re to undertake. I want to assist.”

  God, these men gossiped worse than Earth women.

  Josian leaned casually against the wall. “Why would you want to do that?” I knew him well enough now: that was his suspicious voice.

  Lucas shrugged. “This seems to be the way to repair First World.” He looked directly at me. “I’d think that was my job more than anyone’s.”

  I hated to say it – the unease was still there – but I couldn’t shake the slight curiosity. But that didn’t mean I wanted him along on the journey. I was interrupted as I opened my mouth to object.

  “Are we getting this party started or what?” Francesca’s light-hearted words broke the tension. Surprisingly, she had a wicked sense of humor. She’d be enjoying the strain in the room.

  “You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you, Frannie?” Lallielle glared at her. “So Aribella goes with Lucy, Samuel, Brace and Lucas? Is there anyone else about to join the group?”

  Francesca shook her head, her mouth apparently too full of cake to speak.

  When I looked out the window, the large glowing numbers in the sky told me it was eight minutes to midnight. Eight more minutes before I stopped being Abigail, Earthling, and my destiny as Aribella, First Worlder and Walker, kicked in.

  Leaving the arguing group, I stepped outside. I needed a few minutes to walk, so I scooped up the train of my long dress and strode out onto the sand.

  No one knew what to expect when I reached my power enlightenment. Josian had told me that full Walkers were born with their powers; they just developed further as they aged. First Worlders’ powers kicked in at maturity, twenty-eight. Francesca told them I’d fall between this.

  “You shouldn’t wander off by yourself, Red.” Brace appeared at my side. He was as sneaky as Josian sometimes.

  I was standing on the edge of the water line, allowing the cool water to wash over my aching feet. I mentally made plans to burn those heels the next day.

  He too was barefoot, with just dress pants and his white shirt, the top two buttons free. “What are you thinking about?”

  I glared at him. “You can’t actually expect me to share my thoughts with you, disappearing Chuck.”

  He sighed, staring out into the horizon. “Actually, I’m almost hoping you don’t share too many of them. You already drive me crazy with your words. Thoughts are sure to be much worse.”

  Did I really want to know what that was about?

  Once again I found myself turning to leave the crazy tension he created. I’d never think of myself as a coward, but something about Brace scared me to death.

  It didn’t matter, though. Brace captured my hand, preventing me from escaping.

  I’d had enough. Using his bulk, I brought myself in close, lowering my shoulder, and flipped him cleanly over my back. I was lucky enough to have taken him by surprise. Yanking my dress up, I went to pin him down, but he was too fast. Within seconds he reversed our positions. I found myself on my back in the sand, staring up at him. He used his bulk to hold me down before bringing his face close to mine.

  “You’re important, Abby.” He was serious. “These events are much bigger than you and me.” His velvet brown eyes softened. “Despite the fact you constantly irritate me.” He leaned closer. “But I would take on anyone to keep you safe, by my side, where you belong.”

  The last part was barely a whisper. I wasn’t sure if I would hear any more over the beating of my heart.

  I sucked in a ragged breath. His lips were inches from mine.

  He shook his head. “Why did it have to be you, Abigail ... all this time?” His thick sooty lashes framing those captivating eyes, his expression and body against mine was driving me insane.

  And then he kissed me.

  His full firm lips pressed into mine and I forgot everything.

  His strange behavior.

  The long absence.

  My lips opened as the kiss deepened. He kept the bulk of his weight off me, as if he knew I’d hate the loss of independence. All that touched were our lips. I could escape at any point – not that I wanted to.

  He did bring one hand down to cup my face. Fireworks exploded behind my closed eyes. A fire burned through me.

  Brace groaned against my lips.

  And in that moment the time clicked over to midnight. A surge of energy arched me under Brace. The pain was suddenly everywhere, sharp and intense. I looked down to see if knives were filleting my bones from my body.

  “Red, what is it? What’s happening?”

  Pain arched my back again. Brace held me as he tried to figure out what was attacking. With a bloodcurdling scream, my body succumbed to the pain and I writhed on the ground for a few endless moments. My sole aim: just keep breathing.

  Chapter 15