True Fate (36 page)

He stroked her hair and kissed her head gently.
"I love you, Nia. No matter what is ahead of us, okay?” he spoke softly.

"I love you too Aaron.” she said looking up
at him and giving him a brilliant smile. He closed his eyes as she yawned. So he
guided her head back to his chest and they slipped into a comfortable sleep
together.

###

Savannah went back to Darragh's room and sat on
the couch. She propped up her feet and relaxed her mind. She could help Darragh
and Eric from where she sat, they couldn't risk Isabel seeing her. So she
concentrated on Darragh's bond and linked up with them that way. They had a lot
of work to do to break down the old glamour and reconstruct an unflawed
version. She was glad she had the help, she was so used to doing things like
this on her own.

Darragh nodded at Eric as they got into the
suburban. The glamour on the vehicles needed to be especially strong since they
would be spending the rest of their trip on the road. Next would be to see
everyone physically, by morning they would get them all in one room and do just
that.

Avery tossed and turned in her bed, she was dying
to go check on Nia herself. She could have healed her too, of course not the
same way as her sister, but still. She couldn't believe she was stuck
babysitting Isabel, she had to keep a dang shield around her mind in her
presence and it was aggravating. Avery couldn't wait for morning, at the first
sliver of sunlight she was going to see Eric.

'I miss you too.’
Avery
jumped, then let out a heavy sigh. Eric had surprised her.

'Are you eavesdropping?’
she teased.
'Absolutely. I miss you.’
he whispered into her mind.

Her cheeks heated and she couldn't stop the
warmth that flooded her insides at his words.
'I miss you more.’
she
responded.

'I'll see you soon, come see me in the lobby in a hour.’
he said with his voice fading. Avery smiled, one hour and she was saved.

Chapter 19

Nia left sleep behind, slow and happy, she was
warm and snuggled up to Aaron's chest and he was laying on his side with his
arm under her pillow. She was curled into him with their legs intertwined. Nia
was fully aware of the fact that it wasn't odd or awkward to share Aaron's bed
anymore. It was comfortable, she stared at him in the small amount of sunlight
that was trickling in from between the curtains. His dark hair fell in his eyes
begging to be brushed away. She didn't want to wake him just yet, she was
certain that much like the other guardians he wouldn't be getting much rest
from here on out.

His skin glowed with the sunrise and she fought
the urge as best as she could not to trail kisses down his cheek. She unwound
herself slowly and got out of bed quietly as he turned onto his stomach, but
the dull snore never missed a beat. She stretched making her back pop and
decided to go brush her teeth and take care of her wound. The thin pink line
was puckered and tender, there was a lot of soreness.

After brushing her teeth she washed the salve
away with warm water and the soap Savannah had left on the dresser with an
after care note. Washing her hands after applying a small amount of salve she
was thankful it smelled of jasmine and not menthol.

She really did feel great otherwise, she was sure
it was thanks to whatever that was Darragh had given her. Nia decided to text
Rhea receiving an immediate reply.

Nia: Morning! I need breakfast and definitely
coffee. See u down there in twenty?

Rhea: Ok definitely, we'll be there! See u soon.

Nia: Have stuff to tell you but need to do in a
bubble ASAP, ok? Strange happenings last night.

Rhea:
 
-_-
Uh oh. Okay. Miss u, see u soon. P.S. Now I'm worried. Thx. LOL

Rhea: U will SPILL!

Nia: LOL of course!

She went and sat on the edge of the bed, staring
at him a few minutes more. She was really living a totally different life from
just last week. Unable to imagine life without Aaron, it was crazy and scary
but it was how it was supposed to be, she reasoned.

Deciding to give him a few more minutes she had
no problems figuring out what to wear. Her dark stretch skinny jeans with her
black 'mad hatter' shirt and for shoes she thought her combat boots would be
best for the road. She applied little makeup, just bottom liner, mascara and
lip gloss. Her hair was fine after her shower last night, she just ran a brush
through her long locks. It hung in long semi wavy strands, her bangs were
starting to get too long to wear on her forehead so she pinned them back in a
bump. Making sure to put a ponytail holder in her pocket just in case she
needed to put it all the way up.

When she came out of the bathroom Aaron was
picking out his clothes for the day. He smiled at her in passing and said
"Good morning.” in a sleepy voice closing the restroom door behind him.
"Morning! I'm going to pack us up and then we need food and caffeine!” she
said loud enough for him to hear through the thick door. "We can pack
after breakfast. I'm starving.” he said as he exited the bathroom. He wrapped
his arms around her from behind as she was folding her pajamas. He leaned
forward and kissed her cheek. "Come on.” he said as she turned.

She looked him over, "You're not even
wearing shoes yet!” she said laughing and then leaning up to kiss his cheek. He
in turn looked at her feet questioningly, “Boots?” he asked.

"Yeah, I figured we should be prepared for
anything. If we have to run, anyway. I won't get very far in my Converse.” she
explained.

Seeming to mull it over for a second Aaron
nodded, "Good idea.” he said finally. He grabbed his socks and boots and
put them on while Nia was strapping her daggers to her waist and thighs. She
had her sword slung across her back and put on her ruby ring making them all
disappear. Aaron grabbed his weapons and followed suit then they made their way
downstairs hand in hand.

Breakfast proved to be pretty uneventful, light
conversation and getting to know likes about music and trivial questions like
that passed between everyone in the group.

Darragh came down and fixed a large plate for
himself grabbing two milks and orange juices and returned to his room. Claiming
his mother's bad health for his isolated demeanor, when in reality he was
taking breakfast to Savannah.

It had taken the majority of the night and
morning for Eric and Darragh to complete the glamour needed for their trip and
the fatigue was evident. But Eric was certain it would hold. He told everyone
to meet in Nia's room after breakfast and went with Avery to "check
on" Darragh. They said they were going to make sure he was really okay.

Nia noticed Avery putting two bagels in a napkin
and putting them in her jacket pocket along with butter and cream cheese
packets. She grabbed a butter knife and they were off. She was supposing the
bagels and cream cheese were for Savannah. Nia was going with Aaron back to the
room after breakfast, they were mostly packed up. Isabel had her bag already in
the car and escorted Rhea and Adam to get their stuff together and after that
they'd go to Nia's room too.

Eric and Avery had exchanged kisses in the
elevator on the way up.
 
She was not
about to waste their alone time with words. They went to Darragh's room and
Avery gave the bagels and cream cheese to Savannah, "Thanks sis. He has no
idea how to feed a lady.” she said motioning towards Darragh jokingly.

He graced her with a thousand watt smile which
she returned and then turned her attention to Eric. "Eric, let me help you
with a little 'pick me up'.", she said.

"Like what?” he asked squinting at her but
definitely curious.

Darragh interrupted, "I feel like I'm well
rested and we both know that's untrue and it only takes a minute.” he told
Eric.

"Okay I’m in.” he answered her with a smile.

"Of course.” she replied.

Avery busied herself with packing up equipment
and Darragh helped her. Savannah instructed Eric to lay down and clear his mind
and he did so easily. She told him to place himself in a serene atmosphere
mentally and summon a good night’s rest like a wish. He laughed but did as she
said and just like that. Good. Nights. Sleep.

He sat up with the shock clear on his face.
"I had no idea we could do that.” he said with a surprised tone.

Savannah spoke out loud now, "We have many
powers that none know of but the ones who keep the knowledge from us. I have
much to share with all of you, but all in due time.” she responded.

"Thanks.", Eric said.

"I'll be in Nia's room glamoured into a
corner.” Savannah informed both he and Avery.

"What? Why?” Avery asked protectively.

"I need to read Isabel and the best way for
me to do that is in the same room.” she explained.

Avery shook her head, "Maybe someone else
can read her, maybe Nia?” she suggested.

Eric sighed, "She's not ready, she doesn't
know what she's capable of yet Avery.” he reminded her.

 
Darragh
took a deep breath, "Savannah is the only one of us that Isabel won't be
specifically blocking. It stands to reason that it be her, plus there's none
stealthier.” he added giving her an appreciative smile.

"Fine, but if Isabel so much as coughs
at
 
my sister I will do whatever I have
to keep Vanna safe!", she said giving them each a stern look.

"I'll be fine Avery.” Savannah said stepping
closer to Avery and trying to reassure her. Avery only called her Vanna when
she was scared or hurt
. 'It will be okay, promise. I have to get in there.’
Savannah sent to her sister.

Darragh was moving the last of their bags over by
the door. "I will take her and we will grab the luggage after we do this.”
Darragh said. Eric nodded as Avery hugged Savannah.

###

Nia and Aaron were finishing up their packing
when the first knock sounded. It was Darragh and he held the door open a little
longer than necessary.

Savannah materialized beside him scaring them
both. Darragh chuckled. "I'm going to be glamoured into the corner in here
and stay put after I get to that corner.” Savannah quickly explained pointing
to the most closed off corner of the room. "As long as no one walks into
me it will be okay.” she added. Nia looked at her confused and Aaron had the
very same expression.

"She's going to read Isabel so we can know
what we need to.” Darragh stated.

Aaron and Nia just nodded, what else could they
do? Savannah went to the corner by the bed and a shimmer later she was
invisible again. Darragh stood by the foot of that bed protectively. Nia was sure
no one would get past him.

Eric, Avery, and Isabel came in and then Rhea and
Adam together. It was time to start. They strategized routes and plans and
escapes and safe houses they called
hideaways
. It was interesting to be
a part of though.

Nia had confidence that Eric would keep her safe
and Aaron would too and she hoped someone was devoting their protection to Rhea
and Adam.

"Darragh will follow in a car he had sent
over and he will have most of the equipment with him. If we get separated at
any point just reach out to him telepathically, Nia.

The conversation continued as Nia's vision
started to blur and her ears rang.
'It's okay Nia, it's just me. I am about to
read Isabel and I thought you could tag along. You may want to sit first.’
Savannah's voice sounded in her mind.

'Why is my vision blurring?’ she asked.

'I will be sifting through memories and things
she is guarding and I think that you should see what you are capable of.’
Savannah said explaining
.

'Now you must keep your mind guarded from
intrusion and calm. No more communication to me until I am done, unless I speak
directly to you, Okay?’
she asked. Nia sent a
compliant smile to Savannah's mind and Savannah internally laughed.

'Yeah you are definitely capable.’
she sent as Nia backed up to the bed and took a seat grabbing Aaron's hand.
'Let's begin.'

Isabel was definitely hiding a few things.
Savannah thought sensing the strong guards she had up. 'Nia I am going to pull
memories like files to make better sense of the information. It's going to go
quickly, so pay attention.’ Savannah sent directly to Nia.

It was like slipping into Isabel's mind and
becoming her. They saw a worried Isabel looking in a mirror she took deep
breaths then steeled her nerves. She had to get to the meeting with Lilith, she
had no idea what she wanted. She feared that she and Brennan had been
discovered. Stopping off in the library she found him there she waved and he did
too, careful not to draw too much attention to themselves. There were a few
people lingering in the library.

'I'm off to my meeting, be prepared to bolt if we
need to.’ she sent him mentally. The feelings emanating inside of her at the
mere sight of him were staggering. It was definitely love.

Isabel was so afraid for him and she knew as one
of Lilith’s Elite she ran the risk of Brennan being used as leverage. Lilith
was as conniving, as she was beautiful, Isabel knew that for a fact. She had
been aware of Isabel's love for Darragh and used her hatred for Savannah to
gain her loyalty back then. She thought Isabel still harbored hatred for
Savannah now and used it as a sort of common ground. The only thing was she
didn't hate Savannah or Darragh, in fact she had been over it for years now.

She was happy that he found love and realized she
had been a stand in for the one he really wanted. It hurt but she understood,
she took a deep breath and walked down the hall. As soon as she caught sight of
Alana she tucked away the thoughts and worries and locked them up tight.

"She will see you now.” Alana said politely.
She turned the cold brass knob as her stomach knotted.