PART NINETEEN

Liz sat warming by the newly lit fire—well, more accurately the newly fired gas logs. She was thankful for their heat because the drafty cabin was quite cold, having apparently remained vacant for many months. There was just a sort of stale atmosphere to the place that had left her feeling lonely—and even more worried for Max than she’d been earlier.

She watched as Riley and Cecilia moved quickly about, making sure everything was in order, and wondered how long the group would make their camp here. She’d believed they were going to make at least a temporary home of the other cabin, but now it seemed she needed to readjust her thoughts. The funny thing was, the two dwellings weren’t that dissimilar, both were mountaintop cabins, but it was colder here, and even the furnishings lacked the same warmth. She’d gathered from her conversation with Marco that they typically spent the greatest amount of time at the first compound, and hoped they’d soon be allowed to return.

The others were touring the cabin, assigning rooms, but Liz just didn’t have the heart for it—not when the only thing she could remotely think about was Max. She’d desperately wanted to beg him not to go, to stay with her…not to risk his life so blatantly. But a quiet voice inside had reminded her that he was their leader now, and that he didn’t need his wife standing in the way.

He was her leader—and she would set the pace for all of them in her own willingness to obey his orders without argument--without flinging herself childishly into his arms, begging him to send anyone but himself. So, she’d bit her lip until it bled inside, as she’d watched him through the back window of the Suburban, quickly disappearing from view. She was learning inner strength like that—ways to control her emotions and keep them in check—in just these past few days.

Liz glanced up as Riley approached her, and she noticed deep concern in his brown eyes. They’d only spoken briefly in the past few days, but there was something she instinctively liked about him, something very warm about his entire demeanor. In appearance, he looked more like he belonged in a surf shop than in the midst of a revolution—he wore his blonde hair long and scruffy on his neck, and his clothes had a similar appearance…tattered blue jeans, well-loved sweaters. Back at the university, he’d have been out in the quad tossing a Frisbee, never studying.

Yet here he was, an ardent member of the resistance, and something about the lines in his face told Liz he’d been through a lot of hardship. She felt certain it related to more than just his recent concern about Anna.

"Hey," he greeted her softly, settling beside her on the hearth.

"Hey."

"You doing okay?" He asked, obvious concern flickering in his eyes.

"Not really," she laughed ruefully, and he nodded in understanding. Something about his inquiry had brought tears to her eyes, in the way those sorts of questions always did when you were already upset. Her vision blurred with hot tears, and she willed herself to be strong—unsuccessfully she realized, as the tears began coursing down her cheeks.

"He’s going to be fine, Liz," Riley promised.

"But they tried to kill him two days ago and now he’s just…" Liz sniffled quietly, wiping the tears away with the back of her hand. "Delivering himself to them."

"But he’s not alone. He has Marco and Tess with him and those two are incredibly strong together."

Together. Something about that made her shiver slightly, and she wasn’t sure why.

"What do you mean together?" She asked, uncertain why his words seemed so important.

Riley shrugged casually, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Well, just that both of them have strong mental gifts…and even though their abilities are different, that’s still a powerful combination."

Liz nodded, understanding more what he’d meant. The tears had subsided already, just as quickly as they’d come, and she was thankful for Riley’s companionship at the moment. In some ways, it was easier to pass the time with him, someone she barely knew, rather than Isabel, who would have shared all her fears—or even Maria who worried about her too much. There was also something about the way Anna and Riley shared a similar connection to her own with Max, that comforted her somehow—because in a way, she was with someone who understood her much more deeply than any of the others.

"So, have you heard from Anna?" Liz ventured gently, some part of her wanting to explore their connection a bit further.

A slow smile spread across Riley’s features—a familiar expression Liz knew intimately--and he simply nodded.

"You’re connected with her right now, aren’t you?" Liz asked, knowing full well why he’d smiled so dreamily.

He nodded silently again and Liz felt a rush of wonder at his confirmation of her suspicions—yet why should it surprise her that Anna and Riley could maintain a connection that way, when it was so like her own bond with Max?

Precisely because it is what you share with Max, and you’re seeing it from the outside, a small voice answered within her.

"Max was able to heal her before they left the cabin," he said. "She’s much better now."

"Oh, I’m so glad," Liz cried, placing her hand lightly on top of Riley’s. He glanced at her quickly, and something unexpected passed between the two of them in that moment—a sort of acknowledgement of their own peculiar bond. They were both caught in a conflict where they’d been forced to re-align priorities, to accept that their lifemates would always be in danger. And it was very therapeutic simply to be together at this precise moment.

"Anna can’t wait to meet you," he revealed with a thoughtful smile, then his expression changed, as if he were listening to someone. "Oh, and she wants you to know that Max will be okay. That she senses it."

"Really?" Liz breathed, her heart beating rapidly. "Do you really think so?"

"Anna knows so…and she’s never wrong," he promised. "Relax, Liz."

Liz nodded mutely, tears pooling afresh within her eyes. It was so difficult to grow accustomed to how intuitive they all were, and to trust their prescience. But experience had already taught her that she could.

So Max would be okay, and she’d force herself to relax. Yeah, right…impossible, she groaned with a laugh.

***

Marco and Tess stood outside Serena’s cell waiting for what felt like an eternity. Nicholas had entered her room again quite some time ago, and Marco was growing nervous. He’d wanted to wipe the smug look of satisfaction off of his face when he’d explained Serena’s condition, how she was locked into her natural form, unable to shape shift. Nicholas had taken such obvious pleasure in the details—especially in taunting Marco with them—that it had required all of his willpower not to strike the little demon down on the spot. It had been Tess’s reassuring glances that had brought his rage back under control, as he’d stood forming tight fists by his sides.

She’d stepped just a bit closer toward him at that moment, almost imperceptibly, and her scent had washed right over him. Calmed his spirit. She’d not moved from his side since then, even after Nicholas had re-entered Serena’s cell. The two of them stood silently that way, and now as the moments ticked by glacially, he wondered if she was as aware of their physical proximity as he was.

The interesting thing was that it didn’t distract him, but surprisingly helped him in this moment. She’d brought him peace and centered him in an almost mystical way--something that he couldn’t understand. Earlier, he’d been ready to strike Nicholas down, and now he was calm again, able to wait the situation out.

The door to Serena’s cell opened with a loud groan, and Max stepped out of the cell. Nicholas followed, closing the door behind him as he gestured to the guards. "Lock her in," he commanded. "Not that she’s going anywhere in her state." He smirked, tossing a glance at Max, whose mouth tightened in a grim line.

"Don’t start that again, Nicholas," he threatened angrily. "You’re getting what you want now, so leave Serena out of this."

"Oh, but how can I leave her out of the equation when she’s such an important variable?"

"You’re really pleased with yourself right now," Max promised in a quiet voice. "But you won’t be in the end."

"Let’s see. I’m getting the granolith," Nicholas sneered. "You’re losing a war. Gee, wonder who’s going to be happy when the day’s done?"

"Look, just cut the crap," Max demanded loudly. "And let’s get the terms negotiated."

"As you wish, my king," Nicholas replied, leading them down the corridor.

My king…my ass, Marco reflected sarcastically, as he and Tess followed, exchanging nervous glances. Marco couldn’t believe that Max would genuinely consider giving up the granolith, especially since Serena would never want that, would have given her life in exchange for its protection in a heartbeat. Marco frowned heavily, and had to believe that Max had devised some sort of plan.

****

Max had demanded that Marco and Tess be allowed to join the negotiations, and now the three of them sat gathered with Nicholas at a small, makeshift table near the front door of the warehouse.

Nicholas glanced at two nearby guards. "Wait over there," he commanded with a dismissive wave of his hand, and the two soldiers stepped back a bit. They’d been breathing down on them all, including Nicholas, as they’d settled around the table.

"So the terms are very simple, Max," he began, clearing his throat. "You give up the granolith’s location, and once we have it secured, we’ll release Serena."

"How do I know you’ll keep your word?" Max demanded, his golden brown eyes flashing with anger. Marco hadn’t seen Max like this before—there was a quiet fury in every word he uttered.

"You don’t," Nicholas laughed with a shrug. "But you don’t have an alternative."

"There needs to be some kind of simultaneous pass off," Max argued. "It’s the only way I’ll agree."

Nicholas closed his eyes a moment, apparently considering Max’s words—but Marco was surprised to see that his hands had begun shaking, and small beads of sweat had formed on his forehead. He wondered why the meeting was putting such a strain on him.

"That can be arranged, but until then Serena’s not going anywhere," Nicholas finally answered, his eyes opening.

"I need time to return to our camp…to discuss this with the others."

"I thought you were the leader," Nicholas taunted lightly.

"I need time," Max ground out, and opened his mouth to say more when there was a light commotion on the other side of the warehouse. Max’s eyes flew to Marco’s, widening slightly in panic.

"See what’s going on!" Nicholas thundered, and the two guards moved quickly away. At that precise moment, Max leaned close across the table toward Tess, whispering urgently. "Mind warp, Tess. Now!"

She stared at him, stunned, glancing at Nicholas in momentary confusion, and Marco was surprised to see Nicholas rake a shaking hand across his eyes. But before he could wonder what Max might have done to him, he spoke again.

"Now, Tess!" Max commanded in a hushed voice and Tess’s eyes pressed shut in complete acquiescence.

Marco glanced at Nicholas’s weakened form, trying to make sense of what was happening. And then he understood.

Nicholas wasn’t Nicholas at all…but Serena, who had somehow managed to shape shift despite her condition—perhaps because of Max healing her. But he didn’t even have time to ask questions, as Max darted from the table toward the front door. Tess was transfixed beside him, eyes shut, and he knew he’d have to lead her out. He grabbed her hand forcefully, pulling her to her feet, then dragged her quickly toward the front door.

Serena stumbled after Max, still in Nicholas’s form and Marco realized that their coup had taken a terrible toll on her weak body. Max stopped, helping her along by the arm, and all the while the mind-warped guards nearby kept about their business--except Marco realized that the commotion in the back probably meant they’d all just been found out. That they’d probably just found Nicholas within Serena’s cell.

He was moving far too slowly with Tess, who was working to maintain the mindwarp as he led her. He made a split-second decision, and swept her into his arms, amazed at how light she was. He began running toward the door—right as the guards shouted loudly in front of Serena’s cell.

"Go!" Max cried. "They know…Go!"

***

Liz and Maria sat with Riley on the front steps to the cabin. They’d moved outside once he’d announced that Anna and Michael were almost there, and now the moments seemed to tick by endlessly for him. He shifted uncomfortably on the step, ran his fingers through his hair straightening it, and would occasionally stand and pace.

"Riley, how long has it been since you’ve seen one another?" Liz asked quietly, because her curiosity on the point had become overwhelming. Maria glanced at her through narrowed eyes, smiling slyly.

"Yeah, Riley, you seem a bit," Maria hesitated, seemingly searching for just the right description. "Well, kinda worked up there."

Riley laughed, shaking his head, and Liz noticed that he blushed a bit, as he dismissed their prying questions with a roll of his eyes. "Ladies, please."

"No, no, see you’re not getting off that easily," Maria corrected him with a wry laugh. "This is me, Maria, and I must always know these kinds of things. Just ask Liz."

"She shows no mercy," Liz agreed with a faint smile.

Riley stared down at his hands for a moment, suddenly somber and quiet, and Liz regretted that they’d teased him at all.

"Too long," he finally answered with a heavy sigh. "Far too long."

Liz hoped that Maria would detect his mood shift, and was grateful that she remained silent. The two of them exchanged a quick glance, Maria raising her eyebrows in curiosity, and Liz was surprised when Riley spoke again.

"More than six years," he admitted in a hushed voice.

"Six years!" Maria exclaimed, her mouth falling open in disbelief. "That’s absolutely unreasonable!"

Liz quickly reflected that she’d have to agree with Maria on that point, but her thoughts were interrupted when Riley spoke again. "Difficult, but not unreasonable," he explained. "It saved all of your lives."

And for the very first time Liz realized the depth of Riley and Anna’s sacrifice—something she couldn’t even begin to contemplate—and knew that it had truly saved their lives the other night. But before she could express the incredible gratitude in her heart, she heard the rumbling engine of the Suburban winding its way up the drive. Riley sprung to his feet, moving into the gravel driveway.

"And I thought I would be glad to see Michael," Maria reflected. "I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now."

Liz nodded quickly in agreement, and then the vehicle lurched into view, grinding up the steep hillside. Riley stepped further into the drive, and Liz didn’t miss the way he shifted impatiently on his feet, how nervous he seemed as Michael parked.

And Anna had the door open almost before the car had stopped moving, was springing out onto the driveway, right into Riley’s arms. He swept her up so forcefully, Liz thought the two of them might fall over on the spot. They hugged tightly, just standing that way for an endless moment as Michael moved toward Maria.

Anna was absolutely lovely, with dark auburn hair as long as her own, falling loosely across her shoulders. She was tall, nearly as tall as Riley, Liz noted, feeling a bit voyeuristic as she observed their reunion.

And yet something in her simply couldn’t resist watching the two of them together. The idea that they’d been separated for so long because of the revolution was awe-inspiring, and brought her a whole new understanding of the very gentle Riley. Liz couldn’t look away as the two of them held one another as if their lives depended on it…and then they began kissing, not on the lips, just all over...everywhere. There was no place that remained untouched, as they showered one another’s cheeks, ears, and foreheads noses. It was so obvious that after remaining joined spiritually for such a long time, they simply couldn’t believe they were finally together physically again.

Liz smiled softly, and knew Riley had been right--Max would be okay, because Anna had sensed it. Watching the two of them together, such a mirror reflection of her own relationship with Max, she knew that if they could survive six years apart, that Max would come back to her this day.

*****

Serena collapsed into the backseat of the Suburban, panting heavily—and desperately shoved aside the aching need to shift. She would not be reduced to that in front of them all, it had been terrible enough with Max. Tess knelt on the floor beside her, and stroked her sweaty hair away from her face. Somehow, unbelievably, she’d managed to shift back to her true human form, but she felt her hold on that wavering precariously.

"You’re going to be okay," Tess assured her, and Serena nodded silently, swallowing hard.

Then why the hell am I yearning so for the change? She wondered silently, and pressed the need aside. Can’t happen, not now, not like this.

Her breaths came heavily, as Max floored the Suburban away from Khivar’s camp. She knew they were being followed, that a firefight would ensue. God, just let me keep this form, she prayed as she drifted hazily along the edge of consciousness, images floating in and out of her mind.

Her gray skin, covered in blood…Max staring at her in shocked disbelief…his hand on her abdomen, healing her, lifting the curse Nicholas had placed upon her…Nicholas entering the cell again, and Max striking him down so quickly, he’d never even seen it coming…his still, lifeless form lying on the floor, as Max had turned to her, asking if she might possibly be strong enough to shape shift then. Her awareness that Max had stepped into his rightful place, was leading them, even out of the enemy’s den…her hands shaking, as she’d pressed harder than any other time in her life to assume another’s form…the sensation of dissolving, then growing solid again as Nicholas.

Serena felt Tess stroke her hair again, and her eyes fluttered open for a moment. The buzzing in her mind was dissipating now, and she felt herself slowly strengthening. Her aching need to shift was fading, replaced by something much stronger…her will to remain human.

****

Tess slipped over the backseat into the rear of the Suburban where Marco crouched studying the terrain behind them.

"Damn it!" he declared. "They’re behind us, Max….we’ve got to get out of here now!"

Serena had passed out, her breaths becoming more even, and Tess had felt sure enough to join Marco in the back. He glanced at her quickly, then back at the road behind him, and she was about to speak when he shoved her roughly toward the floor.

"Down!" He shouted, his large hand gripping her shoulder.

She wrestled beneath it for a moment, and felt suddenly furious with him. "I’m in this fight, Marco!" She shouted angrily. "Do not treat me like some helpless girl."

He stared down at her mutely for the briefest moment, and she was instantly sorry as she saw such confusion pass over his features, as he moved his hand briskly away from her.

"My mistake," he mumbled, staring out the back window, and then his expression changed again. "Max, get us out of here, two vehicles behind us now!"

Marco reached inside his jacket and handed Tess a weapon. "Easy enough to use," he explained. "Aim and fire…but it packs quite a lot of power, so watch for its kick."

Tess took the compact weapon from him, kneeling beside him--and even in the thick of such tension, was aware of his energy, how the battle had caused it to spiral. Somehow she knew they were meant to fight just like this, beside one another. But she didn’t have a moment to reflect further because there was the bright sputter of weaponry, answered by glass exploding, flying right into her face. She shut her eyes against it, as Marco threw his hand out creating a shield.

"You okay?" He demanded hoarsely and she nodded quickly, opening her eyes. Surprisingly, none of the shards had cut her.

"Right behind us!" Marco shouted to Max, and Tess wondered if their conflict the other night had been like this one—if Liz had felt the kind of terror and adrenalin she did at this moment. Seeing an SUV gain on them, she raised her weapon, ready to fire.

"Drop your shield, and I’ll get them," She cried, glancing quickly at Marco.

"On my mark," he answered breathlessly, and Tess confirmed her aim. "Three…two…one. Fire!"

He dropped the shield at that moment, and Tess fired the unfamiliar weapon, surprised to see the windshield of the oncoming vehicle explode. The SUV swerved wildly, then lost control, running into a nearby ditch.

"What the hell just happened?" Max cried from the front.

"Only one left!" Marco shouted. "Faster, Max!"

Wind whipped Tess’ long hair, and she felt it wrap around her cheek, as she watched the second vehicle gain on them from behind. Marco raised his weapon, was about to fire, when there was a loud sputtering of gunfire. For a moment, she was disoriented, raising the weapon again.

Vaguely she wondered why Marco hadn’t begun firing himself. She aimed carefully, narrowing her eyes—and hit the vehicle squarely with a bright blue blast from her weapon. The car spun out of control, making a three hundred and sixty degree turn in the middle of the road behind them.

She turned to Marco, ready to rejoice with him, but found him collapsed against the side window, his white shirt stained starkly with blood right over his heart. He was unconscious, wounded deeply, and Tess drew in several sharp breaths, as she moved to him. Oddly, she noticed that several freckles dusted his dark forehead right over his eyebrow--such an intimate detail, yet in those drawn out seconds, it was what struck her.

Tess placed her hands on his chest, and felt warm blood pool beneath her fingers. This isn’t happening, she thought, tears filling her eyes. I love him…already I love him.

And somehow as he hovered there, on the cusp between life and death, the stakes so unbelievably high, she understood that they were called to one another. He would live, because he was meant to, and one day—perhaps years from now—they would be together.

Because Tess Harding knew one thing in that moment.