Chapter 151: Top of the Rock

Derek and I get on the road immediately, but in separate cars. I am still concerned about Brian sniffing him out so he is following at a safe distance. The feeling of finality hits me while I’m driving. We are coming to the end of this journey and I can’t help but feel a sense of elation mixed with trepidation. My ultimate wish would be to save Anna and my brother; that he will have an epiphany and we can all be a family again.

I have a sinking suspicion that’s wishful thinking on my part.

I’m still bothered by the fact that my powers haven’t shown up since I had Anna. It’s not like I can just contact the Moon Goddess; even if I did, she never answers my questions anyway. I guess it’s down to my ability to persuade Brian to understand my side.

We drive for as many hours as we can and then make a final stop to get some rest before the last leg of our trip. Derek leads me sleepily to the motel room and we fall into bed in an exhausted heap. A few hours later I wake up to him staring at me with a concerned expression.

“Are you ok?” I ask.

“You and Anna are my whole world. I’m just...I’m scared Lily,” he replies. My strong, arrogant Alpha is having a vulnerable moment, so I pull him close to my chest and stroke his hair.

“It’s going to be ok,” I tell him, even if I’m unsure if it’s true or not. He raises his head and looks at me intensely.

“If anyone has to be sacrificed, I need it to be me. I won’t survive without either of you. If it’s possible, I want you to grab Anna and run. Let me handle Brian,” he says.

“Derek-” I start to say but he puts his fingers to my lips.

“No, Lily. For once, let me have the final say. Please,” he says firmly but with a hysterical edge to his voice.

“Ok,” I reply, if only to reassure him. I pull him close and kiss him hard on the lips.

Desperation spurs us on as we quickly remove each other’s clothing. Derek sucks on my nipples and caresses me between my legs, getting me ready to receive him. He sinks into me and I sigh in pleasure at his entrance. My hips move in tandem with his in a language as old as time.

We stare into each other’s eyes and whisper words of love to the rhythm of our movements. I cry out when he thrusts so deeply that I feel him in every single part of my body. He holds my face between his hands as he increases his pace. A single tear falls from one of his eyes and I feel them welling up in mine.

If the worst should happen, this may be the last time we are together like this. We are using our bodies to say goodbye to each other; to mark each other’s souls forever. As we reach our peak together, we cry out the other’s name and Derek holds me so tightly I have trouble catching my breath.

We lay melded together for a few moments, listening to each other breathe. He strokes my cheek and I give him a smile as he kisses me softly. The silent tension is nearly unbearable as we dress and leave the room. When we get to the cars, Derek kisses me passionately one more time.

I reflect on my time with Derek the rest of the drive to New York. Tears fall freely down my cheeks when I think of every moment we’ve shared since we met. That first moment in Raphael’s house, when I felt a pull I couldn’t explain. Looking back, I think I knew he was my destiny.

Memories flash before my eyes like a movie. When he made it clear to the rest of the pack that I belonged to him; nursed me back to health after being poisoned; comforted me after Trina’s death; rescued me so many times I’ve lost count. I think of all the obstacles we’ve overcome; all of the enemies we have managed to defeat; forgiving each other for our mistakes; our relationship surviving Cassie and Marcus and everything that’s been thrown at us. We have been through more in the last year than most couples have in their lifetime.

I remember our wedding day, surrounded by family and friends and so full of hope for the future. That day is only trumped in importance by the day our daughter was born. Derek was so scared for me, but so strong and supportive. The moment she arrived we looked at each other and knew that our love made the most beautiful person in the entire world.

As I drive over the Manhattan bridge, my heart lodges in my throat. I pray for a good outcome. I manage to find a parking spot and walk towards the Empire State Building. It’s a weekday and there aren’t many people around thankfully. I pay my ticket and ride the elevator to the top. Brian might not be here, but somehow I know he is. He’s waiting for me. He’s waiting to end this once and for all.

Well so am I.

As we planned, Derek is staying back until I can get Anna safely in my arms. As the elevator opens, I see Brian standing on the observation deck. I walk out to him and I notice he has a gun in one hand and he’s holding Anna with the other. Fear and loathing strike my heart. I feel a moment of sadness for the boy that was once my closest confidant. Now he is a man bent on revenge.

He fires the gun into the air and I jump with surprise. The other patrons scream in fear and scatter, running towards the exits. Once everyone is gone he fires the gun at the elevator panel, rendering it useless. Even if Derek was planning on following me up, he would have to use the emergency stairs and it would take too long. I gather as much courage as I can before speaking, even though I’m terrified of what he’ll do next.

“Brian,” I say with desperation.

“Hello sister,” he replies with an evil smile.

Then he jumps up on the ledge and tears open the safety bars with one hand, leaving an opening to the ground more than a thousand feet down.

And he’s holding my daughter precariously over the edge.