Chapter Sixteen
Lauren
W hen I step into the kitchen, I’m blasted by the thoughts and questions from all the men I brought back. It’s too much. My temples throb. Each voice is distinct, yet they unify into an overwhelming roar, like a crowd in an echoing stadium, increasing in volume until I fear my skull will split.
I mentally push back, rejecting their affection with a harshness born from confusion and desperation. They withdraw in unison with a clinking and clattering of silverware hitting the floor.
Instant relief is followed by remorse. I didn’t mean to push them away the way I did. They’re still reeling from finding themselves in the future and I’ve sworn to protect them. Their need to connect with me is natural, and I should gently wean them from me rather than shoving them away.
Braxton comes to a halt beside me. The calmness of his silence tells me he didn’t see them transform .
I let out an impatient grunt, completely frustrated both with the situation and myself. How am I doing all of this so badly? “That’s them. The soldiers are now in silverware form.”
Braxton lets out an audible breath. “Ooo-kay.”
He doesn’t believe me.
“What happened here?” Ray asks from behind us.
I wave a hand in the direction of the soldiers. “They all started talking in my head at once, and I pushed back.”
Braxton takes my hand again. “Pushed back at who?”
I mutter, “He didn’t see them change back.”
Ray barks out a laugh. “Sorry, but that’s fucking funny.”
“It’s not. Not to me.” I pull my hand from Braxton’s and stomp over to where Pete, Elliot, and Franklin were standing, then hesitate. Everything I’ve done so far for these men has been to help them. I’m about to bring back Pete, a man who feels like he loves me, to prove something to Braxton, another man who believes he loves me. How is that fair or kind? Is there a better way to convince Braxton? Pete returns while I’m trying to think of one.
“Holy fuck,” Braxton says. “How did you do that?”
Ray pats Braxton on the back. “Hold on because this is only the beginning of the ride.”
“I’m sorry,” I say to Pete.
He shakes his head. “Stop saying that. There’s no need to be. You didn’t make this situation, and you didn’t pull me back—I came because I wanted to. And the others? Even if it’s difficult for them, they will support you as selflessly as you’re supporting us. Call them back.”
I turn to face Braxton and quietly but firmly instruct, “Watch closely.” Then I look away because I can’t do this while looking into Braxton’s eyes. I center myself and give myself over to the yearning within me to be loved. It’s matched by the soldiers’ yearnings. All around us silverware glimmers like light reflected off ripples of water. There’s an emission of energy then metal elongating and reshaping into human forms. One by one they rise to their feet...