Chapter 23
Madden
DIVING INTO THE water, I bask in the feeling of it rolling over my body, pulling me deeper, down, into the one space I find comfort and control.
Right as I hit that spot, I’m propelling my body up, taking air into my lungs before propelling myself forward.
Usually my pace is quick, efficient. Today, my muscles are almost rigid, filled with tension and desperate to take these laps as quickly as possible.
I move through the water with erratic motions, trying to tamper down the part of my powers that are threatening to spill out around my teammates and my coach.
I’m breathing hard by the time I’m done with my laps, my chest rising and falling in a way that shows just how little control I have right now. I can’t help it though.
I left Skully at her duplex three days ago, not lying when I said we had an out-of-town swim meet.
They were back-to-back Friday and Saturday.
We got back so late on Sunday, I could barely function except to text her I was back in town.
Now it’s Monday and I need to see her. Heath and I missed the family dinner on Sunday night, which sent Gavin into another tailspin.
My mother assured me he was calming down, but there was an underlying concern in her voice over the phone.
I’m worried he’s escalating his anger over the Nexa, knowing he’s running out of time.
After the New Year, Aero, Killian, and I all turn twenty-one and ascend.
At that point, our powers increase to full strength, and we’re able to take our places at the council from the previous members.
Gavin is being forced into retirement and his short fuse is beginning to show.
My legs shake as I stand on the pool deck and calm my breathing while drying off with a towel.
I just need to make it to the showers, clean up, get dressed and then go find Skully.
Texting her wasn’t enough, calling her also won’t calm the storm inside me.
I need to visually see her. I want to watch her brown eyes deepen to the color of hot chocolate and see the pink tinge of a blush in her cheeks when I reach for her.
The last time at the Gate was heavy. We both shared things that had the power to hurt the other, and even knowing how many more secrets lie between us, I also know I need her like I need air.
More than, if I’m honest. Skully carries my heart around inside her.
“Heard you had a little rendezvous at the Gate last week.” Killian’s voice sounds bored as he leans against the pool railing, effectively stepping into the path between me and the locker rooms.
My brow rises, and my lips tip up in a smirk. “Jealous, Alden? Last I checked I don’t answer to you, and you do everything I say.” My shoulders roll back and my head cocks to the side. “Unless this is about her?”
Killian grins, and it’s the usual cocky, self-assured smile he always uses when I know he’s trying to get under my skin. “I could care less, honestly. It’s less work for me anytime I’m not called to the Gate. You know how much I hate pretending to care what the council needs.”
“So it’s about her then?” My hands tighten in the towel in my hands, but I keep my mask in place, letting zero emotion cross my face.
“Depends on which her you’re referring to.” Killian shakes his head, amusement dancing across his face. “I can tell you’re confused, Danvers. This always was a problem for you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I grit out, done with his games and ready to just put his head through the wall instead.
“Same story, same old Madden.” Killian’s eyes flash. “Both women in the palm of his hand, and you’re oblivious.”
“Stop talking in riddles, Killian. You have something to say, just say it.”
“I didn’t care about your little stunt at the cemetery, but I can’t say the same for your friend.” His eyes flick up to the stands and my head turns. For a second I’m disappointed it’s not Skully, my gaze landing on Lily instead.
How long has she been here? Our practice was two hours this morning, and she never mentioned showing up.
Usually she only comes to our home meets.
And that one away meet. The voice in the back of my mind reminds me and I frown at the thought.
Lily has been my friend for years, all of us watching out for her with how her family is.
Not inviting her to the cemetery wasn’t because I didn’t trust her, it was because she would need one of us to protect her.
She was weaker than us. And even though Skully is still wrapping her head around her powers and her training without her memories, she is still a stronger reaper than Lily will ever be.
Scoffing, I shake my head at Killian. “Just worry about yourself. I’ll talk to Lily and explain things. She won’t mind.”
“But will Skully?” Killian quips back, his arms folding over his chest, his eyes darkening. “I think every time you try to smooth things over with Lily, you tend to forget who’s more important. You blind yourself to the damage.”
My gut clenches at his words, and my mind rages.
I want to deny what he’s saying. It’s on the tip of my tongue to turn this back on him and shove the truth down his throat.
But if I do that, then it brings back the past and his relationship with Skully.
I’ll have to remember how many times I caught her with him, how she’d look away from me, and turn to him.
How no matter what I said to her, no matter how many times I kissed her until her knees were weak, or snuck into her room to shatter her, making her come on my hands or my tongue, it was never enough.
“You know I’m right,” Killian says low enough under his breath. “You need to tell Skully the truth.”
“I will tell her when the time is right,” I snap at him, my jaw clenching at his interference. I hate knowing that he thinks he knows her better than I do. I know what telling her about our bond will do. I know more than he ever will about what it will end up costing us.
Killian’s gaze flicks to the bleachers one more time before leveling me with a glare that tightens his whole face. “Be careful, Madden.”
His words feel like a warning, one that hits my chest just like he intended.
I don’t give him the satisfaction of replying or even attempting to comment.
Once upon a time we were friends, brothers even.
Then Skully dropped into our world and turned everything upside down.
One day things were perfect, and the next she poisoned everything around me.
Shoving past him I head to the locker rooms, intent on getting out of here.
I shower quickly and dress in a pair of black joggers, a black sweatshirt and jacket.
The mid-November weather has drastically chilled the entire East Coast and dropped a few dustings of snow over the town.
The holiday break is coming up soon, and I’m ready for the reprieve from school work and projects.
I need my full concentration on finding the Nexa and stopping the council.
My fingers reach for my phone and I instantly pull up the thread of texts from Skully over the past few days.
After talking with Killian, I notice things I hadn’t earlier.
I was so excited she actually texted me back that I missed the fact her answers are one-worded.
There’s also the fact that she doesn’t text me first; I’m always reaching out to her.
MADDEN: We’re heading out of town for a meet tomorrow, Angel. I won’t be around so don’t worry about going to the Gate.
MADDEN: Also, program me in your phone.
SKULLY: Okay.
MADDEN: Morning. We’re heading to Florida then back to Boston. I’ll let you know when I get back.
MADDEN: Back in Boston. How was the weekend?
SKULLY: Good
MADDEN: Are you working?
SKULLY: Yes
MADDEN: It looks like with the weather we won’t get back until late.
MADDEN: I’ll make it up to you, Angel.
MADDEN: Morning. Coach called an early practice in the morning. Can I see you after?
She hasn’t responded, and it’s been almost twelve hours since I sent it.
My chest clenches painfully, and my shadows pulse with a mixture of anger and worry.
I know we didn’t leave things the best between us when I dropped her off the other night, but I thought we were making progress.
Skully was letting me in a little bit. Guilt slams into me, knowing what I’m keeping from her.
Slamming my locker door closed, I go to pocket my phone only for it to vibrate in my hand.
GAVIN: Your presence at the manor is needed.
I blow out a breath, pushing down the swell of rage inside me.
Being at his beck and call is getting old.
Being summoned like a dog is enough to make me want to end him now.
If I had any other choice, I’d tell him to fuck off.
The truth is that I need him to believe we’re compliant.
I need him to be comfortable, thinking he’s in control when we pull the rug out from under him and destroy his world.
MADDEN: On my way.
One glance around confirms that I’m still alone in the locker room. Doing something I never do, I shimmer out of there and head straight to the manor.
“Sir,” Simone greets me, his knack for knowing the comings and goings at the manor are impeccable if not annoying. “Mr. Morgan is expecting you.”
“Thanks, Simon,” I answer gruffly, moving past him and heading straight for Gavin’s office. My shoes squeak against the fresh waxing on the floor as I walk down the hallway. I cringe internally, hoping that my mother won’t be alerted to my presence and I’ll end up forced to be here longer.
Knocking on Gavin’s door, I wait for him to call out for me to enter, taking the second to square my shoulders and take a deep breath. I don’t know why he summoned me, but I can only guess it has something to do with the Gate.
“Come in,” Gavin calls, and the door opens on its own accord.