Unleashed: Evolution Series, #7

Chapter 1

The devastation Angel had cast on the world wasn’t something I was prepared for. I knew she would come after me, but I never considered Angel would destroy innocent lives just to lure me out.

I hated that I had to put my life above others, but it wasn’t my life I was protecting. It was the innocent life growing inside of me, and she was mine to protect.

Aiden wrapped his arms around me from behind and looked at our reflection in the mirror. You can’t blame yourself for this.

My shoulders slumped as I exhaled slowly. Since Gemma showed us the footage this morning, we’d been through this exact conversation way too many times to count. "It is what it is. If I had bothered to look at anything in Nathan’s memories, besides what he did with you and me, then none of this would be happening. And I know what you’re going to say, but you’re wrong. It is my fault. And it’s up to me to fix this."

Aiden lowered his hands so they were resting against my tummy. While you’re pregnant?

I covered his hands with mine. I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize her. But once she’s born...

You know you’re not the only one who can help bring Angel down.

I didn’t answer him. There was nothing I could say except tell him he was wrong, and I really didn’t want to enter into that conversation again. Of course I’m going to need everyone’s help, I said instead.

Aiden sighed. I know what you’re thinking.

I turned in his arms. That we need to come up with a plan?

He brushed my hair behind my ear. That’s not what you were thinking, but it’s a good start. Aiden knew exactly what was going through my mind even though he couldn’t hear a word. But like me, he figured we were never going to agree on who was going to take care of Angel. I didn’t want to mention the fact I was now stronger than he was. Sure, he’d been able to keep Angel out of his thoughts, but she could still make him do whatever she wanted him to. What I needed was for Aiden to be more like me, so Angel couldn’t use him against me. How I was going to accomplish that I didn’t know, but we definitely needed to do something.

I leaned my forehead against his bare chest, reveling in the warmth of his touch. I’d spent so many days strapped to the gurney, imagining being in his arms... And now I had Aiden back, I couldn’t relax. Angel had made damned sure about that.

He lowered his cheek onto my head and breathed in deeply, loving the way I felt in his arms. I was home, to him. Wherever we were, as long as we were together, nothing else mattered. Only, it wasn’t just us. We would soon be three. And we hadn’t even started to prepare.

But again, that had to wait. What Gemma had just shown us had to come first.

Aiden grabbed my hands then led me over to the bed and sat, pulling me into his lap. We don’t have to see our family just yet. They don’t know we know, and we could let them try to come up with a plan on their own.

I wished his words were true, but our family didn’t know the real Angel. They didn’t know what she was truly capable of. She would follow through on her threats. By this time tomorrow, there would be another person’s blood on my hands if I didn’t turn myself over. All I wanted to do was open my mind to Aiden and let him see for himself just how bad she was, but I couldn’t. Aiden would never forgive himself for hurting me—even though he was just as much a victim as I was.

In all honesty, do you really think they can bring her down? I asked.

Aiden stared at me a moment, his thoughts mirroring my own. No, he admitted. But with Harry’s help we might just have a chance at stopping her.

Or at least stripping her powers so we can kill her. I mean, even Angel couldn’t survive without a heart... My eyes went wide with the realization of what I needed to do. Aiden was not going to like it. Hell, neither were any of our family or friends. The pain Nathan had inflicted on everyone was unforgivable. But he was our best chance.

Aiden pulled his head back slightly with a suspicious look in his eyes. He knew I was up to something he probably wouldn’t like. What is it?

I studied his face for a moment, trying to figure out if I should tell him, or just bring Nathan to us. The possibility of Angel killing Nathan increased with every second that ticked by. But I was done doing things without telling Aiden. He had a right to know. Everyone had a right to know, but I was losing time. If Angel had the same idea as I did, then she would know Nathan couldn’t remain alive, because unlike her, I could bring whomever I wanted to me.

Don’t be upset. And try to think this through before you tell me what a bad idea it is... I trailed off waiting for him to agree.

Go on, he said, wondering how worried he should be.

I took a deep breath, then spat the words out. I’m going to bring Nathan here.

Aiden stilled beneath me, dread building in the pit of his stomach then spreading like wildfire. Nathan had spent years manipulating us, and then tried to kill me after killing Ben, Chrissy and almost killing Grandma and Marie. And now, I was asking to bring him back... Aiden didn’t understand how I could make such a suggestion.

Think about it, I said quickly, before he completely convinced himself how insane my idea was. Nathan is the only person alive who knows how to stop Angel. I know he can’t be trusted, but we’ll be there to make sure he’s doing everything right. As long as we keep Nathan drugged up, he won’t be able to hide anything from us. We can handle him. I smiled when I heard his thoughts.

We won’t be able to leave him for a second.

He’s only human. We can lock him up in the boot of a car or something and without his abilities, there’s no way he’d be able to get out.

Aiden chuckled. What about Angel finding him.

I don’t think she can bring anyone to her like I can.

How do you know for sure?

I shrugged. I don’t. But if she could, then don’t you think she would’ve taken one of you guys by now. And I seriously doubt Angel can transport to anyone she wants either. Because, again, I’m sure you would be the first person she’d go to.

Aiden was pretty sure she’d come straight after me, but he didn’t want to voice that thought. Instead, he asked, Is that a two-way thing?

I think so. She can’t transport to me and I can’t bring her to me. I tried, after I shot her, but it was as if she didn’t exist. Kind of like the brain dead guy I tried to transport ages ago.

And I think we both know Angel is far from brain dead.

But that’s what we need her to be. And as much as I don’t want to see his face again, I think we need him. Nathan made us. He made Angel. She and I come from the same DNA, but we have differences in our abilities, and I need to possess the ones he gave her.

Okay. You’re right, he said. But I don’t know if everyone else will agree.

Then we’ll just have to convince everyone. And until then, we’ll have to find somewhere to stash him.

Aiden chuckled at my word choice. Stash him?

Yep. We’ll lock him up somewhere that he can’t escape. Of course the room must be void of anything remotely comfortable because the arsehole doesn’t deserve shit.

Aiden smiled. God, I’ve missed you. He kissed my temple.

I bit my lip, trying to supress my grin, then snuggled into the crook of his neck and exhaled softly. I missed you, too.

The light reflecting off my ring caught my attention, bringing a smile to my lips. I can’t believe we’re engaged.

Aiden kissed the soft spot below my ear, making my smile grow even wider. I can’t believe we’re having a baby.

I laughed. Do you think we’ll cope?

He shrugged. I don’t know. But it can’t be that much harder than bringing Nathan down. And if we find a way to kill Angel, I think we can cope with anything.

As much as I loved his optimism, I wasn’t as confident as he was. In the little time I’d spent with Lisa, I’d learned how friggin’ dependant babies are on their parents. I just hoped we’d find a way to cope with everything else we needed to do first.

Chapter 2

I knocked on the adjoining door to Lisa’s room and waited for her to answer. Aiden was downstairs trying to find somewhere we could stash Nathan until we’d spoken with our family.

Lisa opened the door, looking better than I’d ever seen her. She had a light in her eyes that had been missing for too many years, and peace had settled over her soul, something she couldn’t remember ever feeling. However, the tracksuit she was wearing was a little undesirable. Apparently, the extra shove I’d given her to accept Aiden’s generosity to go shopping with his card, only extended to the basics—at the discount stores.

Hi. She gave me a little wave.

You look nice, I said with a smile. But I think we need to go shopping again. You know, spend a little more money. Buy a whole new wardrobe.

She looked down at her black trackies. I did.

Yeah, that’s a nice tracksuit. But when we suggested you go shopping, we were kind of expecting you to buy a lot more.

I can’t—

I cut her off when she was about to give me the ‘I’m grateful for your offer but it’s too much’ speech. Well, if you don’t, then I will. And who knows if anything will fit you properly, or if you’ll like the colours or style.

Lisa looked at the floor, fiddling with the cord on her hoodie. I can’t.

No one had ever given her anything, and she really didn’t know how to accept our generosity.

I took her hand and gave it a squeeze. How about I come with you a little later? I have to do a couple of things first, but then I’ll be free, and I need some new clothes, too.

She smiled, but still felt guilty about using Aiden’s money.

I leaned closer. And seriously, Aiden’s family has more money than they could ever spend in their lifetime. This was kind of saying something, when they could potentially live forever.

My engagement ring caught Lisa’s attention. She lifted my hand to get a closer look. Is that new?

With the biggest grin ever, I nodded. Aiden proposed to me yesterday.

Lisa smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. I’m so happy for you.

What she didn’t say brought a few tears to my eyes; tears I desperately tried to hide. Lisa was happy for me, but at the same time, she wished she had someone who loved her for her. And treated her and Logan the way they deserved to be treated.

Lisa didn’t know I could hear her thoughts, and I wasn’t going to enlighten her. Instead, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and gave her a hug. Thanks.

She sighed as she hugged me back, for the first time feeling as if someone actually cared. I hated hearing the things she’d been through, but it grounded me. It taught me to be grateful for what I had, and focus on the positives instead of the negatives.

Stepping back, I looked at her little man sleeping in the crib by her bed. How’s Logan?

Lisa took a quick peep at him. He’s great. He has no idea what’s going on or how lucky we are, which is exactly the way I want it.

She wiped away a tear that fell. I still can’t say thank you enough for everything you’ve done.

I leaned against the doorframe. I’m only standing here because of you. If I hadn’t met you that day, I guarantee I’d be dead.

Lisa bit her lip. Have you figured out how you’re going to stop your twin?

Not yet. But we have a few ideas, which I’d better get back to.

She nodded.

I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve got a few things sorted, then we’ll go shopping. And I’d better see empty room service dishes when I get back.

Lisa chuckled. I promise I’ll eat.

Good. I grabbed the door. Maybe watch a movie or something.

Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll spend money.

Yeah, her idea of spending money and my idea of spending money were two completely different things. She’d probably have a heart attack if Anna took her shopping.

Smiling, Lisa closed her adjoining door so I couldn’t press her anymore on the matter.

I closed the door on my side then sat on the bed. Have you found anything, I asked, Aiden. I hadn’t silently spoken with him from afar since before we knew about Angel, and I wasn’t sure if we still could.

A second later came his response, I think so. You can come and check it out if you want?

Transporting to Aiden, I found myself in a small storage container he’d found in a nearby residential building

What do you think? Aiden asked.

I looked around the small dusty room filled with odd pieces of furniture, boxes, and other crap. It looked as if no one had stepped foot inside the place for years. Looks pretty good to me.

We can tie Nathan up there. He pointed to an old-fashioned fabric chair that looked to be from the eighties.

We’ll have to keep him pretty sedated so no one will hear his cries, which means a trip to the hospital.

Or, I could just put him in a comma, I said, before I realized what I was saying.

Aiden narrowed his eyes at me. You can do that?

Yep. I turned away from his stare and ran my finger along the top of an old Victorian dresser.

But of course, he didn’t let it lie. Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding something?

I shrugged as I inspected the dust I’d picked up on my finger.

Have you done that to me?

Shit! At times like this, I hated that he knew me so well. Aiden was worried that his baby’s mother wasn’t as perfect as he’d believed. And after all the lies Angel had told, Aiden wasn’t taking my dismissive response well.

Taking a deep breath, I spun around and said, I thought I was turning into a monster. I didn’t want you to worry about me.

He crossed his arms over his chest. When?

When I got the vision of what I now know is Angel decapitating that guy. I looked at the ground. I was going to spew and you were waking up. I didn’t want to tell you that I was going to kill someone.

When I heard his next thoughts, I lifted my gaze to meet his. I’m sorry.

He drew me into his arms. You know, I never would’ve believed you could be capable of doing that.

I nodded against his chest. I know.

Aiden kissed the top of my head. At least it was only one time. When I didn’t respond he said, It was more than once, wasn’t it?

With a guilty expression on my face, I tilted my head back to look him in the eyes. Only one other.

When?

After I escaped and got my abilities back, I came to visit you at the cabin two nights ago. You were sleeping and I got a little close and you started to wake up... I couldn’t let you see me.

Aiden had felt me there that night. I thought it was a dream... He trailed off, remembering he’d woken a short time after, when Angel climbed into bed with him. Then his memories went blank, which only meant one thing. He’d slept with her that night. I’m sorry.

The pain in his eyes as he looked at me, knowing I would know what he was thinking, was killing me.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced a smile. You’re never going to accept that you’re not at fault are you?

I should’ve known. He put his hand over my heart. This connection we have can’t lie. I should’ve known that.

I sighed. She made you believe there was another reason why it was missing. And now you know it’ll never disappear, which makes you the only person who can tell us apart.

Knowing I could never make him see the truth as I saw it, I said, We should probably bring Nathan here.

He nodded, his hands clenched into fists by his side. No matter how thankful he was for Nathan giving us to each other, Aiden hated him even more, since he’d found out about Angel. His once cool and collected demeanour was almost gone.

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. We’re going to beat Angel, and Nathan might be the key, so, no kicking his arse, okay?

Aiden smiled. I can’t promise anything.

I grinned. But your thoughts belie your words.

I think that’s one of the first things we should get Nathan working on.

Sorry, but your thoughts are mine to hear, and always will be.

He brushed a strand of hair off my face, tucking it behind my ear. I wish I could still hear you.

No, he didn’t. My thoughts would ruin him. If he knew what Angel had put me through, he’d never forgive himself. I smirked. You just miss hearing how hot you are all the time, don’t you?

With fondness in his eyes, he shook his head. I miss all the little stuff.

He missed all those times when he had to fight the smile that was desperate to come out as he listened to all the crazy little things I thought about. Aiden also loved the way my heart would flutter at the smallest of touches from him. A look, a smile, the way we made love... And of course, being a guy, his thoughts then went to when he saw me in the shower that morning. He’d taken in every detail of my body and locked it away in his memory.

I bit down on a smile. You’re making it impossible for me to concentrate on what needs to be done. I turned my back to him and focused on the chair.

Taking a deep breath, I readied myself for seeing Nathan again, then transported him to me.

The second Nathan was in our sight, Aiden moved beside me and placed his hand on the small of my back.

Nathan looked like shit. He was still covered in bruises from his last encounter with Angel and even had a missing tooth that wasn’t going to grow back