Chapter 40

Aidan took the stage to kick off the Springtime Ball with his signature version of Vivaldi’s Spring—much to the delight of the crowd. Later, Allie cheered for his rock rendition of Bach’s Chaconne. He played throughout the evening, most often choosing her favorite songs. But every time he left the stage and returned to Kayla’s side, it felt like a rejection.

You can’t have it both ways, Lex.

How do you do that? Sometimes he could see into her deepest thoughts, no matter how hard she blocked him.

You wear your feelings on your face. It’s not mind reading.

Aidan, I just—

I know. It’s okay.

Save me at least one dance?

Of course, I was merely attempting to give you and Vince some space tonight.

* * *

Halfway through the evening, Headmistress Miller took the stage to announce the Springtime King and Queen. Allie and Vince watched with their friends as the hopeful girls crowded the stage, waiting with bated breath for the announcement.

“I so don’t get this ritual.” Allie wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“It’ll be you up there,” Vince said.

“Watch your mouth!”

“Well I voted for you. And by the way, I’m digging this backless thing,” he murmured appreciatively. Chloe outdid herself with Allie’s dress. Her skirt was a flouncy, ball gown in a tattered, silvery gray fabric, and her top was a simple backless halter. She was tempted to wear flip-flops, but Sasha threatened to chop her feet off if she didn’t wear at least three inches.

He’s got a point; you look hot. And I kinda voted for you too.

I’m throwing punches if I hear my name.

To no one’s surprise, Aidan was crowned King. He took the stage with his typical cool arrogance, but she knew he loathed the attention.

“Our Springtime Queen is—Alexis Carmichael!” Mrs. Miller announced to the cheering crowd.

“No,” Allie cried. Vince pushed her toward the stage with a quick kiss to her forehead and a grin that said he knew she was pissed.

Prom Queen?

Get your butt up here, red. I’m not doing this alone.

Allie slowly shuffled up to the stage, her face flushed with embarrassment she hoped would come off as excitement.

I’m such a freaking cliché. She winced when Mrs. Miller placed the crown on her head, and someone shoved a bouquet of red roses into her arms.

Be nice.

At least you were prepared for this!

Lex, you’re popular, nice, and hot. How is this a shock?

Oh… shut up.

They’re just responding to our power. We’re intimidating but somehow still fascinating. I think they see us as the unattainable—something they know they’ll never be.

Allie just wanted to disappear. She and Aidan led a slow dance under a single spotlight, their cheap tinsel crowns glittering in the light.

You do realize this means even our peers think we should be together? He smirked down at her.

You’re already on my list, buddy.

I seem to stay there, babe. Relax, in a hundred years, we’ll still be young and beautiful, and they’ll all be dead, so none of this high school crap even matters. His eyes danced with amusement.

Dead? She looked around the banquet hall at all their friends. That’s so sad. Her eyes filled with tears.

Sorry, bad joke. I forgot about your mortal brain. Let’s make the most of this, shall we? He gave a curt nod to the DJ, and the music changed.

Aidan whirled her around the dance floor to the sweet melody with a lyric that spoke of his concern about her dreams. He chose the perfect slow song, and it was comforting, hearing his gentle reminder that they really were just dreams.

* * *

“Where’s your crown, short stuff?” Vince asked as they strolled through the gardens just beyond the ballroom. The city lights twinkled all around them, but the street noise echoed in the distance.

“Stuffed in a planter back there with my shoes.” She gestured over her shoulder. “I’m just glad I had the foresight to bring flats.”

“The look on your face was priceless,” he said as they took a seat on a bench. “I know you’re about ten minutes away from stuffing that fancy dress in a planter too. Let’s get out of here soon? I’ll even spring for cheeseburgers and shakes.”

“Cheers to that! I love you.” She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Love you too.”

“I owe Aidan one more dance, then let’s go find this girl some jeans.”

“And I promised Kayla a dance.”

“I’ll be in soon. I’m just going to rest my feet for a minute.”

Sorry about that. Ever since the Naomi incident, she felt guilty whenever she and Vince had an intimate moment.

Hey, you love him. It’s kinda hard to deny it since I have a half-crush on him myself, thanks to our shared brain.

Sorry. She laughed as she headed back inside. She halted at the door when she noticed a strange but familiar flickering. Quinn and Sasha were locked in a shocking embrace, so distracted they didn’t even notice her. He was using his gift to hide them, but Allie could easily see through his cloak.

I’m so stupid. She stepped back, not wanting to disturb them. In all the months of their close friendship, she never once suspected there was anything between them.

Am I so self-absorbed I didn’t even notice? She ducked into the alley and headed around the building to the front entrance.

They’ve been head over heels since they were kids, but they don’t make the best couple.

They obviously love each other; why resist it?

Is that supposed to be a serious question, Alexis Ann? Can we not talk about my sister’s love life? I, like all of her brothers, prefer to pretend she doesn’t have one.

Sorry.

Lex, where are you?

“I knew I’d catch you on your own eventually,” a woman’s voice rang out from the shadows.

Allie knew she was in trouble. She didn’t recognize the woman as Coalition by her appearance—she just knew it.

Aidan, get the others and get out of here!

We’re not leaving you!

There was something vaguely familiar about the tattooed woman. She was beautiful, despite her piercings, smoky eyes, and evil sneer. Dressed all in black, she would have blended with the night if it weren’t for her white-blond hair braided tightly to reveal her shaved head beneath.

It can’t be. But she was the girl with Vince at the beach party so many months ago. She wasn’t alone either. A man had followed as Allie wandered down the alley so lost in thought with Aidan she hadn’t even noticed.

Don’t let them near you! He rushed from the dance floor, snarling at Graham to stay inside with Chloe while he searched for Quinn and Sasha.

In the gardens, Allie said absently, staring at the man with a strange circular weapon at the ready.

Distract them, and so help me, you better fight back! He reacted as if he were her commanding officer, which she supposed he was. Quinn’s coming around from the front. Sasha and I are behind you. Be careful!

“Jon, is it her?” the woman asked.

“I can’t be sure, Ella, but this one’s definitely not on record. Livia will be pleased, even if this isn’t the girl.”

“We’ll gather the others too, just in case. Get her collared. How many total?”

“The three girls for sure, but maybe as many as six. I couldn’t get a clear read on the boys.” Jon flicked the magnetic collar open and took another step closer.

Do not let them get that thing near you, Allie!

She felt something primal rise up within her and knew she would not hesitate.

That’s my girl! You’ve got this!

Aidan, what are they talking about? What girl?

No idea.

“Don’t come any closer!” Allie snarled, stopping the man in his tracks.

“Jon! I’ve never seen you waiver like that. What’s wrong with you?” Ella rolled her eyes.

“This one’s different. She’s strong.” He took another wary step.

Allie watched as Jon fought the instincts that told him to keep his distance. He knew what she was, and it left him more cautious than most.

“Stop!” Allie’s command rang out loud and clear. Her tone brokered no argument, but the sound of gunshots distracted everyone.

“Idiots,” Ella hissed.

Aidan!

We’re fine. There’re two more back here, but we’ll handle it. Focus on what’s in front of you. That’s a seasoned agent, and he’s confused by your power. Use it to your advantage! He slammed a solid block against her, stronger than ever before.

She had no time to think about his predicament as Jon took advantage of her hesitation to move in closer.

With nearly perfect reflexes, she grabbed his arm and twisted violently, his bones snapping like twigs beneath her grip. He shrieked when she forced him to his knees, pinning his shattered arm behind him until he dropped the collar.

Allie breathed a sigh of relief when Quinn moved silently to her side, cloaked in his gift.

“Jon!” Ella shouted. Allie turned to face her, confident Quinn had her back.

She removed her Boleadora bracelet. Sliding the bead into place, she released the coil and twirled the chain like Gregg taught her.

“Watch out, Allie,” Quinn called softly.

She glanced back to see Jon reaching for his gun. Quinn’s powerful kick sent it clattering across the pavement, seemingly of its own accord.

“What the hell?” Ella gaped at Quinn’s sudden appearance. Allie aimed and released her weapon, feeling a surge of elation when the chain tightened around the girl’s arm. The tiny blades engaged, injecting the potent tranquilizer that dropped her like a dead weight.

“Nice!” Quinn praised. “Your aim sucks. How’d you manage that?”

“Progress under pressure, I suppose.” She shrugged. They turned together to face Jon before he could recover.

“Sit,” Quinn barked, and he slumped back to the ground instantly. Allie stared at her friend in awe. She and Aidan got so much credit for their strength she often forgot how talented their friends were.

Aidan, where are you?

I’m dealing with a situation back here. The other two are tailing Sasha. She’s leading them back around to you guys, and I’ll come from this side. If we can box them into the alley, we can take them. Are you okay? He let his mental block slip for a brief moment, but it was long enough. He was covered in blood, stooped over a prone body. Don’t look, Allie! He slammed the block back into place, but she saw the victim’s face, it was Vince, and he was dying.

“Aidan! No!” She stumbled to her knees, beating against the barrier he’d erected to protect her. “Aidan, please!” She sobbed.

“Allie, what’s wrong?” Quinn shouted. She looked up just in time to see Jon strike him with the butt of his knife. Quinn went down hard, and an instant later the collar snapped around his throat.

“No!”

Tires screeched to a halt behind her. Someone hit her hard, knocking the breath from her lungs. The sound of metal against metal filled her ears as something cold and heavy settled around her throat. A wave of lethargy hit her like a tidal wave, and she stumbled awkwardly to the ground.

Allie! Aidan’s voice was distant and tinny. It was like a punch in the gut when their precious connection faded into oblivion.

Aidan! She recoiled at the empty echo in her mind. He was gone. The fire in her core was gone, and she couldn’t touch her power.

“Lane, get Ella in the van. Now!” Jon ordered. He dragged Quinn, hefting him over his shoulders. “Jake, get the girl.”

Within seconds, they peeled away. Allie sat in horrified silence, utterly stunned by how easily they were taken.

God, Aidan, please don’t let him die!