A Controller's Destiny (Unit Matched #3) (5 page)

Everyone agrees. The girls and I jump into the Ford and follow the boys to a Mexican restaurant on the other side of the plaza.

Like always, Graham holds my hand as we walk into the restaurant. We are quickly seated and look through the menu.

“You guys won’t judge me if I order everything on the menu, right?” Xaviera bites her lip as she glances at the menu.

“Oh, I’m so going to judge and then steal some enchiladas from you,” Amaya teases.

“Hhmm, enchiladas,” Xaviera licks her lips, causing us all to laugh.

“I guess the cravings are really kicking in.” I look up from my menu.

“I’m on the verge of tipping up the salt shaker until my lips are chapped. I can’t seem to get enough salty stuff,” Xaviera declares.

“You can order whatever you want.” Thaddeus kisses her temple. “Besides, Graham still can out eat everyone here.”

Oliver chuckles.

“Ha ha, Thad,” Graham rolls his eyes.

The waiter comes and we place our orders. Thaddeus starts talking about his project in New Orleans.

“They are breaking ground in March and I want you all there,” he says and tells us the dates. “The issue is Xaviera can’t fly, so we’ll need to drive. I figured we could rent a big van and drive about halfway and then grab a motel or something.”

“That sounds fine for us.” Oliver says for him and Amaya.

“That’s spring break for Gia and I have plenty of vacation saved up, so we’re in,” Graham answers for us.

I don’t say anything because there’s no point. Actually, going to New Orleans might be nice with the girls. We had only been to New York City, but Graham didn’t go because we weren’t Matched then.

Our food arrives and we all dig in. However, I can’t shake the feeling that someone is staring at me. I’m feeling uneasy and I push my plate away.

“You feel it, too.” Oliver looks over at me and I nod.

“Feel what?” Graham’s face is serious

“Someone’s watching us.” I whisper. Xaviera and Amaya hear me, and Amaya moves closer to Xaviera, as does Thaddeus. Graham also scoots toward Thaddeus, but holds my hand.

“Excuse me.” The waiter makes me jump. “Are you Gia? Gia Centers?”

I nod and I feel Graham pulling me closer to him.

“This is for you,” he sits a drink in front of me. “And this, too.” He hands me a card and walks away.

“I order you not to drink that.” Xaviera’s command washes over me.

“I wasn’t going to.” I ease the envelope open and pull out the card.

“Gia,” Graham’s voice is calm and deadly at the same time. “What does it say?”

I look at it and in perfect calligraphy it says: Soon.

“Soon, it says soon.” My heart jumps into my throat.

“What the hell does that mean?” Amaya asks.

“Could it be a student playing a trick? Or a Unit citizen?” Thaddeus asks.

“I don’t think so.” I shake my head. My nerves are rattled. The single word is bouncing all around me. I thought I would have more time.

“Gia, do you want me to calm you?” Oliver’s voice is almost a whisper. “Your emotions are everywhere.”

“Gia, let him. You look like you’re about to pass out.” Xaviera leans in.

“Oliver can’t calm me,” I inform them.

“Sure, he can. I’ve seen plenty of other Controllers calm each other.” Amaya furrows her forehead at me.

“Could we please just get this to go and go back to Unit?” I beg, trying to avoid them.

“Gia, I order you to let Oliver calm you.” Xaviera commands me for the second time in a few short moments.

If he calmed me, he would know. He would know the secret that I’ve kept all these years. The only ones that knew are the King and Queen and my mom as far as I know. I can’t let it happen, but I can’t stop a command from my Paired and Royal.

My hand moves on it’s on accord over to Oliver’s. Once I touch his fingertips, I do my best to suppress the blue orbs that form around my hands. He sends the soft surge through my veins and my nerves settle, and I can feel the color returning to my face.

When I open my eyes, I look at him. Oliver’s eyes are wide, and I can see the shock and surprise on his face.

He knows.

Oliver knows my secret.

Chapter 5

The Normal Unit Life

I walk into our house hoping that Graham is working late. I have successfully avoided everyone, including my mother, the whole weekend and for most of the week.

I spent the majority of my time in my new office. I put everything together on my own, and I’m very proud of that.

I yell for Graham, but don’t hear anything. I knew his truck wasn’t in the driveway, so that means I can take a breather.

I try not to think about the fact the Oliver knows the secret. He hasn’t told anyone. At least, I don’t think he has. I flop on my bed and try to wrap my head around everything that’s going on in my life. Before I can even start, the doorbell rings.

No one ever rings the doorbell.

I jog down the stairs only to see the King Douglas and Queen Stacy looking back at me.

Crap.

“We need to talk,” The King says.

I step to the side and they walk in.

“May I get you something to drink?” I have to remember my manners even if they make me nervous. It doesn’t matter how many times I have been to their home, they’ll still the King and Queen of Unit.

“No we’re fine, but you know why we’re here.”

“I do.” I point to the couch and they sit.

“Oliver knows. He hasn’t said anything to anyone but us. However, he came right over and told us.” The Queen gave me a sad smile.

“Xaviera ordered him to calm me; I’m sorry.”

“Gia, does Graham know?” The King’s voice isn’t his usually happy tone. It’s all business.

I shake my head. “No, I swear he doesn’t.”

“I ordered Oliver not to say anything to anyone, including Amaya,” he continues. “But, I think this is going to come rearing its ugly head soon.”

“You know about the note?”

“Yes, Oliver told us. What do you think?” Queen Stacy looks at me, wanting my honest opinion.

I close my eyes and pray that my tears don’t fall. “I think he’s going to come for me sooner than we thought.”

The room is quiet.

“I thought I would have at least a few more years before I died.” The tears leave my eyes and I can’t help it. All my life I have known that I would die young. I knew that it was going to be for a greater purpose, but I didn’t think it would be this soon.

“Gia, I told you long ago that I will do everything in my powers to protect you.” The King has said that to me numerous times over the years when we have discussed this.

“Your Highness,” I wipe the tears. “I’m not trying to overstep my position, but I think that Xaviera and Amaya need to know. I don’t want this to blindside them. They’re my best friends and I love them. We need to make them aware.”

My heart twists knowing that my best friends will be sad to learn of the secrets that I’ve kept, but I did it for them. I don’t even want to think about Graham, and how he won’t be able to control his temper.

“I agree with Gia.” The Queen looks at me then her husband. “She’s right; we have to tell them. We need the Unit prepared for this.”

Before the King can answer, Graham comes through the door.

“Shorty, I’m…” he stops. “I’m sorry; I didn’t realize we had company. Your highnesses.”

“Graham, how are you?” The Queen puts on her bright smile.

“I’m well, thank you.” He looks at me perplexed.

“We were just leaving.” The King stands. “Thank you, Gia. I will take your suggestions into consideration.”

The Queen follows him out, but not before she stops and hugs me. “You’re the bravest girl I know,” she whispers.

Once they’re gone, Graham looks at me. “What was that all about?”

I had to think fast. “Xaviera’s baby shower. They need some suggestions.” I rush past him and go into the kitchen. “Want to go to the Diner for dinner? I didn’t get to make anything.”

“Actually, that sounds great. Let me shower and change.” Graham heads up the stairs.

I fall back on the couch and try to regulate my racing heart. Of course, this is going to happen right now. I close my eyes and think about my life. My Unit life.

I was eight when my mother told me of my life. I had been Paired with Xaveria and Amaya since birth. It was rare to be Paired that early, but the King and Queen knew who I was the moment I was born. The mark suddenly appeared a few hours after my birth. It’s a vine that is wrapped around my thigh. No one has ever seen it, except those who knew the secret.

My mother explained to me first that I was special and Unit would rejoice me in my death.

Death.

It’s strange to be twenty and know that, for over decades, I have been waiting for this. I’m newly Matched, have a career, and I thought that we would have more time before Zane came for me.

“Shorty, are you ready?”

I pop my eyes open to see my Matched standing in front of me. He is in a pair of loose jeans and a gray sweatshirt. My thought quickly moves life after my death.

Who will take my place in Graham’s life?

Will he treat her as he does me?

Graham is sweet to me. Even though I had hoped that there would be more between us, I don’t think there will be time before my death.

“Yes, let’s go.”

A few people nod their heads at us as we walk into the Diner, but I hear Amaya yell my name from the corner. I see Oliver with her and he is staring at me. I can see it written all over his face.

“Hey girl. Where have you been all week?” Amaya glares at me.

“Busy with work. How’s school?” I deflect attention from me.

“It’s fine. I think I may have overloaded myself this time, but I want to graduate in May.”

My eyes shift to Oliver and he hasn’t taken his eyes off me. I need to get him to stop. I’d practiced for years shutting everyone’s thoughts out. It’s not fair to listen to them.

I connect with his green eyes.

Oliver, stop staring at me. You’re going to make Graham suspicious.

Oliver jumps.

“O, you okay?” Graham asks.

“Leg cramp,” Oliver begins to rub his leg as he lies.

It’s true, then. It is you.

Stop it, Oliver. Stop it now. The King gave you a command, you have to obey it.
I shift my eyes away from him and shut off my mind.

“Gia, did you hear me?”

I shake my head. “Sorry, Amaya, what did you say?”

“I was asking how’s the office?”

“Looks great.” I smile at her as if there is nothing wrong in the world.

Graham and I place our order and I see Xaviera and Thaddeus walking into the Diner.

“Looks like this is the place to be tonight.” Xaviera jokes, taking a seat by Amaya. Xaviera gives me a quick hug. “I’ve missed you. It seems like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Have you needed me?” I worry that I might have missed something.

“Well, no, but I miss my best friend.” She bumps my shoulder.

Our food comes and Xaviera and Thaddeus order theirs.

“I think we’re about to head out.” Oliver stands. Amaya gazes up at him like he’s lost his mind, but she doesn’t argue.

“Yeah, see you all later,” she says, unsure why they are leaving.

I’m thankful that Oliver leaves because I know that he wants to ask a thousand questions. However, I can’t deal with that right now. I need to focus on other things, such as Graham and lesson plans. I’m not ready to deal with Zane even though I know I need to.

“Gia, Dad said that the note is probably a prank. Did he tell you?” Xaviera asks.

“Yes,” I lied to her. “I saw him and the Queen today, actually.”

“You shouldn’t worry.” She squeezes my hand.

I give her my fake smile, but deep down, I know that I do worry about it. I worry every day. I pretend that I don’t. I pretend that the life sentence ahead of me isn’t rushing at me faster than I’d ever thought it would.

“Are you excited about New Orleans?” Again, I deflect the attention from me. I know that is an easy deflection since Xaviera loves to travel.

She goes on and on about everything that she wants to see while we’re down there. I can feel excitement and jubilation rolling off her. She told me how she booked a hotel for us right down in the French Quarter and she can’t wait to go shopping for shoes. Of course, she will have to wait to wear them until after her pregnancy.

I listen to her every word while I eat. I hear Thaddeus and Graham talking about some football team. Or maybe it was basketball? Either way, they weren’t paying attention to us. It gives me a few moments of clarity, a glimpse of what a normal life could have looked like.

But, I know that I will never have that.

“Gia, you’re crying.” Xaviera reaches out and touches my hand.

“Oh,” I wipe the wetness from my eye. “I must have an eyelash or dust in my eye.” I wave her hand away. “Graham, are you finished? I’m kind of tired.”

Graham nods and pays for the bill. I swiftly hug Xaviera and wave to Thaddeus before heading out the door. We ride in silence back to our house.

“Want to tell me what’s going on?” Graham asks the moment we step into the house.

“I’m tired.”

“You’re lying. Tell me the truth. What did the King and Queen want?”

I sigh. “To talk about Xaviera’s baby shower,” I lie again.

“Why didn’t you tell the Princess?”

“Because it’s supposed to be a surprise shower, Graham. I don’t want to ruin that for Xaviera.” I walk into the kitchen, away from his eyes boring into me.

“Why do I feel like something is amiss?”

“What do you mean?” I grab a bottle of water from the fridge.

“You’re not telling me something and I want to know what it is.”

I take a long swig from the plastic bottle, letting it wet my dry mouth.

“Graham, you must be as tired as I am. I don’t know what you’re talking about or what you think is
wrong
. But, everything is fine.” I pat his shoulder and walk back into the living room. “I’m going to get some grading done and then go to bed.”

“Gia.”

I turn to him.

“You’re not keeping secrets from me, right?” he searches my face.

I step right up to him, raising my head up. “I’m not. I promise.” It kills me to lie to him, and I know that it will come back to haunt me, but it needs to be done for now.

He stares at me for another moment and then finally nods.

I smile at him and head up the stairs.

~~~

Friday can’t come fast enough for me. I plan not doing anything all weekend long. I am caught up on all my work, and I’m going to lounge around with my kindle and rest. I have earned it.

I picked up a pizza for dinner since cooking isn’t on my agenda this weekend and head home. I’m surprised to see Graham’s truck in the driveway when I get home, and I’m a little excited to think that he might have another
date
night planned for us.

“Shorty, did you get the text?”

I didn’t even make it all the way into the house before he bombards me.

“My phone is on silent. I haven’t checked it.” I sit the pizza down on the kitchen counter.

“Come on, the King wants us.”

I stop. I can’t breathe. All the air has left the room. Oh no, is he going to tell everyone today?

“Shorty, come on; he wants us now.”

I nod and force my legs to follow Graham out to his truck. I climb in and try my best to quit shaking as we head across town to the King and Queen’s house. I see Thaddeus’ Audi and Oliver’s Escalade in the driveway.

Yep, he’s going to do it today. I try to mentally prepare myself for the moment. It’s all going to come crashing down in an instant. I know that it is.

“Gia. Graham. Please, come in,” the Queen greets us. “Everyone is in the office.”

I follow Graham as we head toward the back of the house. I try to calm my racing heart when I see everyone standing in the King’s office.

“Gia. Graham.” The King nods at us.

“I apologize, Your Highness. I didn’t receive your text until I got home,” I rush out.

“It’s not a problem. Everyone has just arrived, anyway.” He smiles at me.

“What’s going on, Dad?” Xaviera asks. I can feel her panic. I know that she’s thinking that it has something to do with Thaddeus and Amaya. I rush to her and quickly calm her. I don’t want her or the baby to be upset.

“I have something very important to tell the six of you and it’s vital that you all listen to everything I say before you all fly off the handle. Understood?”

We all nod. I already know what is happening, but the rest will not be so compliant.

“I want to tell you all a story and then I’ll explain how it affects everyone in this room.” The King walks around his desk and leans on the front of it.

Everyone is looking at each other, but I keep my head down. I already know this story.