Chapter 8
Jemmy whirled on me as I drew closer. “Did you know about this?”
“I just found out yesterday,” I quietly answered. “It was the first day I got to see him in this new… body.” I wryly twisted my lips at him in apology, and Drake squeezed my hand in comfort. We’d decided to attempt to divide and conquer our new situation, so Lincoln had intercepted Bentley and Lexus on our way over and taken them on a tour.
Gavin sighed and rubbed his face. “I wasn’t looking for a new connection, Jem.” He gave Mercedes an apologetic smile, and the hurt in her eyes was followed by understanding.“I failed one of Horatio’s assignments, so he ordered them to rough me up. Mercedes and Bentley helped me get mended, and we…” He cleared his throat. “Found out we were connected.”
“Likely story,” Jemmy huffed before she glared at Mercedes. “You were there the night of the attack and denied that you felt the pull to him?”
“Even if I did,” Mercedes spat out as she stood, “what was I supposed to do? Horatio had my daughter, so I had no option but to help him. I knew who Gavin was the moment we entered that hallway, and I mourned my connection. I thought I had lost him before I even met him, but then he came back into my life.” She laid a hand on Gavin’s shoulder. “I wasn’t going to waste another second that I could be spending with him. Unlike you, princess,” she said with a sneer, “I haven’t been sheltered nearly my whole life. I care for him enough to make this work for him. Even after discovering you two, I was all in.”
Jemmy had met her match in Mercedes, who seemed to have just as much, if not more, fire than her. There was no doubt they would be butting heads, and I definitely didn’t envy Gavin and his new situation. At least Sierra was always laid back, quiet, and non-confrontational.
When I added Lincoln to our family unit, most of my guys understood the importance of completing my connection, especially since we really didn’t have a choice once we all started getting sick.Initially, it wasn’t easy, but we made it work. Seeing how seamlessly Lincoln fit in now proved that fate knew more than we did.
“You don’t know shit about me,” Jemmy snarled.
“I know enough.” Mercedes smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. “You have a shitty mom. She gave you up, boo hoo.” She pretended to fist her eyes. “Newsflash, princess, most of us gifted have a shitty start in life. U nlike you , we didn’t move on to a large ass mansion with six amazing brothers to look out for us. Unfortunately, not all of us have lived a fairytale existence like you.”
Jemmy shot Gavin a hurt look before she stalked closer to Mercedes. “Don’t pretend to know anything about me. So he told you about my past? Who cares? At least my mommy issues didn’t come with a child. A teenage mom, can you be any more cliché?Did you slut yourself out because you were so desperate for a baby who’d love you because no one else ever did?”
“Jemmy,” Drake, Pops, Megan, and I immediately reprimanded her.
I hadn’t even realized that Pops and Megan had made their way over to us. Other than a few stragglers, the DFAC was nearly empty. Still, Jemmy was loud enough that the kitchen staff could probably hear her.
Mercedes laughed cruelly. “Much bigger and eviler people attempted to break me, princess. They never succeeded, and neither will you. Say and believe anything you want. I don’t give a shit. However, Gavin never told me anything about you or Sierra—other than the fact that he missed and loved you guys, though I don’t know why in your case. From all the intel we were shown, you’re a spoiled, self-centered, selfish bitch. Horatio may have been using us, but he showed us what we were up against, and I’ve never been impressed with you. I wish I could have Gavin without you. Sierra, you seem cool, though.” She cast a look toward the woman in question.
“Merci, Jemmy, please,” Gavin painfully pleaded.
Mercedes and Jemmy sent him a glare like their situation was of his creation. Being resentful was understandable, but he had no control over his connections.
“I don’t think it’s fair to form any opinions about anyone until you get to know each other,” Drake said, ever the diplomatic one.
“Maybe we should have this conversation away from the public area,” Megan softly suggested. She was standing with Sierra, embracing her while she gently rubbed her back.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Jemmy snapped. Her anger was still palpable, but she seemed to be fighting off any tears. “I’m done. I’m out.”
“Jemmy,” Gavin pleaded, reaching for her.
“No!” she screamed, holding her hands up. “Don’t touch me with his hands. This morning, I almost considered getting over the fact that you looked nothing like the man I fell in love with.” She laughed cruelly. “But that was before I found out you came with that bitch in tow. If you want a relationship with me, get rid of her.”
“You know that’s not how it works,” Drake gently chastised Jemmy. “It’s not fair to Gavin or Sierra.”
“Do you remember what I told you about when I allowed Alison to run off Megan?” Pops added with a frown. “Those are years I can never get back, and I regret that now more than ever since I have Megan again. Please don’t repeat my mistakes. Cool off, and maybe then we all can…” He cast Mercedes a censored look. “Revisit this conversation. Nothing good comes from decisions made from hurt and anger.”
“Choose now, Gavin.” Jemmy was so keyed up that she was visibly trembling.
“You know I can’t,” Gavin said in a pained whisper. “You, Sierra, and Mercedes are each a part of my soul. I can’t choose any one of you over the other.”
“Jemmy…” Remy came out of nowhere and placed a hand over her mouth. “Before you say anything else you won’t be able to take back, let’s take a walk.”
I looked over my shoulder and noticed Jace standing by. The two of them must have returned to the dining facility once they realized they might be needed, and I was glad for their presence. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to de-escalate the situation.
Jemmy struggled against his hold, and I knew she wouldn’t willingly go anywhere. I hated using my gifts against her, but I, too, feared she would cause irreparable damage to her relationship.
“Jemmy,” I said in a firm voice, using my gift to compel her. “Please take a walk with Remy. Do some soul-searching and determine if you truly want to give up on a man like Gavin. There’s a reason fate chose you guys to be with him.” I shot Mercedes a look, and for a moment, something like shame flashed across her features before she made her expression carefully blank. “You both need to cool off and realize that.”
“You’re right,” Mercedes reluctantly agreed as Jemmy walked away with Remy. “I shouldn’t have blown up at her, but I hated that she was tearing into Gavin without letting him explain the whole situation. I’ll go find Bentley and Lexus.” She placed a comforting hand on Gavin’s arm. “Are you okay with that?”
“I can show you where they’re at,” Jace quietly volunteered when Gavin nodded and slumped forward. “Lincoln was giving them a tour and showing them our classrooms.”
Mercedes looked torn for a moment before following Jace.
I took a seat next to Gavin, feeling like I was being pulled in too many different directions. Megan was taking care of Sierra, and Remy had Jemmy. I didn’t know if I should be comforting them, but I was reminded of the many times Gavin had stood by me. Even though he had grown close to my guys too, he’d always supported me when I had an issue with them. Abandoning him now wasn’t even an option. I had to show him I could be there for him as well.
I tentatively stroked his back in a comforting gesture. Once upon a time, I wasn’t a very physically comforting type of person. I felt almost awkward giving and receiving it. However, over time and with the help of my guys, I had become less… touch sensitive. Plus, I was pretty sure my little beans were making me more maternal with each passing day.
“How did you do this, Ake?” Gavin asked in a pained whisper after a few moments. “How am I supposed to keep three women happy? I’m going to lose them all.” He lifted his head, and I saw the tears shining in his eyes.
I shook my head. “It’s not easy, but if anyone can, you will. They’ll come around eventually,” I reassured him.
“Maybe it would have been better if I died,” Gavin said defeatedly. “I knew this was going to be tough.” He gave a dry laugh. “But part of me hoped my bonds with them would be enough.”
I physically flinched, and at the same time, I heard feminine gasps. Megan and Sierra seemed just as horrified by his comment as I was. I knew Gavin didn’t truly wish for his death, but the situation felt extremely hopeless to him.
A moment later, Sierra left Megan’s hold and placed a hand over his. “You’re not a quitter,” she quietly reminded him. When he aimed a hopeful look her way, she put her hand on his cheek. “I’m going to be honest with you. This is hard. This is really, really hard on me. But last night, I determined my baby, our baby, has a right to know his father, even if he doesn’t look like the man I fell in love with. Just… Can we take things slowly?”
“I’ll take anything you give me,” Gavin earnestly replied. “I understand how hard this is on you, Jemmy, and Mercedes. Once I realized I had jumped, it took me nearly two weeks to deal with this body and face. I want you to know that I couldn’t and wouldn’t even make a connection with Mercedes until you girls knew about her. She wanted to, but I didn’t think it was fair to you girls. I hated hurting Mercedes, hated knowing that this was probably how Jem would react.”
“She’ll come around,” Drake determinedly stated. “It may take a while, but she can’t shun the connection for that long. I always wondered why…” He looked hesitantly over at Pops. “Their gifts never faded.”
I gaped at them as Pops nodded. “If anything, Jemmy became stronger. I should have attempted to figure that out sooner.” He cast an apologetic look toward Gavin.
Gavin attempted to smile and shrug, but it was weak.“How could anyone predict that this would happen?”
“What did happen—” Pops began.
“Not now, Will,” Megan said with an exasperated smile.
Pops looked mortified for a moment. “True. True. Now is not the time or place. Sierra, would you like to show Gavin the changes we made to the simulation programs? That is,” he paused, looking lost once more, “if you want to. I know you’re all navigating a difficult situation.”
“It’s a good place to start,” Sierra tentatively stated as she used her sleeve to wipe her nose. Gavin held out a napkin to her. Once she accepted it, he reached for her like his instincts were urging him to pull her close, but then he withdrew his arms. He didn’t want to push her.
“Do you need to find Mercedes?” Sierra inquired in a small voice as she looked down at her feet.
Gavin shook his head. “No. I’ve learned Merci gets to a certain point where she needs solitude to process things. She’ll find me when she’s ready,” he said, resignation clear in his voice.
Sierra nodded.“Okay, I’ll show you the new simulations.”
I leaned in to hug him before he left. “You got this,” I whispered in his ear. “You’re an amazing man, and they are lucky to have you. Just because the packaging changed doesn’t mean the gift within is lost.”
He hugged me tightly and tried to force out a chuckle. “I missed you, Ake. Thanks for being the best friend a guy could ask for.”
“I missed you too.” I sighed.“You were my best friend first,” I teased him.
He smiled then followed Sierra out.
“What a mess.” Megan blew out a loud breath. “I still can’t wrap my head around it.I’m so happy Gavin’s back, but seeing him as another man is mind blowing.”
“It really is,” I heavily agreed, wrapping my arms around Drake’s middle. I leaned my head against his chest. “Like I told him, though. The packaging is different, but he’s still the same man.”
Will rubbed a weary hand over his face. “Just when I thought I knew and saw it all with the gifted, I’m constantly shown that I’m still learning.”
“Is it too early for a glass of wine?” Megan quipped.
“A glass of scotch doesn’t sound so bad.” Will placed his arm over her shoulders before kissing her temple.
“On that note,” Drake teased.“Blake and I are heading down to the learning center.”
“Yay,” I said a tad sarcastically as I allowed Drake to lead me away.
η
“Why is she here?” I asked.
Drake had taken me to the learning center, but I paused in the doorway. Part of me wondered if jumping into things so quickly was wise. I was kidnapped and separated from my men for months. My biological father had imprisoned me. In addition, Alison belittled and physically accosted me at one time.Sure, my prison was comfortable, and I wasn’t starved, but it was a prison, nevertheless. Should I have taken time to process it all? Should I have holed up with my family and soaked it all in?
When I saw Tamara, it only brought back memories of why we were in our current predicament. Her father had been a huge reason Horatio had succeeded in infiltrating our operations. His daughter’s presence here was like rubbing salt into an open wound, even if she wasn’t being held culpable.
“Who?” Drake asked in confusion as he waited for me to enter.
There had been nearly triple the number of high school students since my abduction.I could see some Knight students I once went to school with and many pupils I didn’t recognize. The group of newer students mostly consisted of pregnant girls, and I couldn’t help the anger that assaulted me with that realization.
Horatio had done this, and a couple of them barely looked older than sixteen. I couldn’t imagine the struggle they must have endured. I nearly felt physically ill due to my empathetic response.
“Blake?” Drake gently asked as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Sorry.” I shook my head, remembering my original question. “Tamara,” I said. “Her father was the enemy, and now he’s dead. So why is she here?”
“We rescued Tamara,” Drake hesitantly informed me. “She was found innocent. Unfortunately, her mother and Mei Linn’s mother were deemed guilty and handled accordingly. Mei Linn and Tamara have no family. Plus, we all know Tamara never wanted to participate in the program. She’s pregnant because of Horatio, so Pops felt like it was his duty to take them in.”
When he said it that way, I felt like a petty bitch.I couldn’t imagine what she was going through. She was essentially raped and forced to conceive a child she wasn’t ready for or wanted. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, and she was far from it. I just didn’t like her as a person.
I watched as Tamara threw her head back and laughed at something Rick said. She would’ve looked like she did in high school if it weren’t for her rounded belly. She sat at a large square table with Jaxson, Ben, Rick, Mike, and a few other Knights. Oddly enough, I felt no jealousy over Jaxson sitting there.
She might be his ex, but I knew there were no lingering feelings on his end. They simply shared a lot of mutual friends, and I didn’t expect Jaxson to walk away from them just because of her. After all, most of them had known each other since elementary school.
I took a moment longer, lingering in the hallway. “Tamara’s parents just let Horatio use her as a guinea pig?”
“No, they were definitely against it, but they couldn’t stop Horatio,” Drake ruefully stated.
“Couldn’t or wouldn’t?” I asked as I looked over at another table full of pregnant girls.
I barely concealed my shudder. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the psychological war they were fighting. Most of them had been taken from the streets or other unsavory situations. They had been lulled into believing they were safe, then bam! They became lab rats to a very deranged man.
“That man is evil on so many levels,” I murmured.
“Both,” Drake answered.“And he really is. If it wasn’t for Dr. Wong, I have a feeling most of those girls would be in a much darker place. Don’t get me wrong…” He cleared his throat and pushed his glasses up with his pointer finger.. “They will probably deal with the repercussions for years to come, but at least they’re on the road to healing now. Some have even chosen to keep the babies they're carrying.”
“How many more facilities does he have left?” I asked in a horrified whisper.
“After last night,” he answered. “Five less. There shouldn’t be much more left.”
I sighed. “How much can I help now?” I asked, giving a pointed look at my belly.
“I’m sure we can find something for you to do,” Drake confidently said before wrapping his arms around me and caressing my belly. “Some of the women we rescued have jumped in with both feet. We’ve been able to use their gifts and their memories to dismantle the facilities. In a way, I believe it’s also helped them heal.”
“Blake!” Mr. Bates finally noticed me lurking in the hallway with joyful surprise. “It’s so good to see you. Although, I fully expected not to see you for a while.”
I attempted a smile as I shrugged. “I’m kind of on a timeline.” I ruefully pointed to my distended belly. “I hope to complete all my high school requirements before they arrive.”
Mr. Bates gave me a look akin to pride as he nodded and smiled. “Well, you weren’t too far off before. I’m sure we can help you achieve that goal, so come in. I’ll happily point you in the right direction.”
I took a deep breath and nodded—time to get this done.