Ordinaries: Shifters Book II (Shifters series 2) (18 page)

Chapter 33

The Stutterer and the Flyer: The New Dream Team?

–TANNER–

“Get over it, Ryland,” I say. “We leave today.” I’m not going to tell her, but I totally freaked when I saw Kai carrying her. She was covered in blood and writhing in pain. I thought she was going to die! Corey didn’t even know if he could save her. I spent every night in the med tent. That’s when I met Kae. She’s one of Corey’s friends. She has this way of making me feel better. Corey says that’s her Apt. I’m not exactly sure what that means.

I tell Quinn—who’s taken over as the resistance leader since Miles was killed three days ago—to show me the landing points again. We are going to Colony Nine in a few hours, and I have been preoccupied lately, what with my little sister dying and all.

Miles’s family was sent there three years ago. Turns out that is why Miles planned for us to liberate them first. With Miles gone, Marcus changed the plans to Twelve, but Quinn totally freaked out and said the plans haven’t changed. He would not let Miles down, especially now. So we’re going to Nine.

The planet is barely livable, since the terraforming didn’t take as well as they thought it would. The colony had to adapt, so they constructed a huge covered city with many of the factory workers moving underground. The colony was originally supposed to be agricultural, but was converted to a manufacturing facility for colonial ships and other tech-based products.

Quinn told us we can survive outside, but it’s hard to breathe. With all of the population being confined to living under covered protection, they are restricted to living only indoors. For us, that’s good and bad. The battle will be limited to smaller, more specific areas, but that also means our numbers don’t mean anything. Not good!

“Ry, come over here,” I tell my sister. “Cooper will fill you in. A few things changed while you were napping.” I don’t tell her I wasn’t involved in most of them because I couldn’t bring myself to leave her until I was sure she was okay, which was really just today.

Ryland mumbles something and gives me a dirty look. She walks over, and Cooper starts to explain the strategy while pointing at the maps of colony Nine. In the last couple days, Cooper has done an amazing job uniting our Tyro and Shifter Young after the devastating Shifter attack. I heard it was tense for a while with fights breaking out between the locals on Six and the Shifter Young. Distrust was rampant. Cooper stepped up, negotiating peace.

Greg and Kyle have stood out as leaders amongst the Tyro, convincing them to offer their allegiance to the rebel alliance. It was decided that Cooper and Greg would remain with Clay to command the base on Six while we take ships and forces to Nine. Once we’ve set up a base there, we will reunite and plan our next move. Since taking Six, we control the fuel supply, so manufacturing seems like the next logical step.

Ryland’s clearly not happy with the plans. I don’t think it’s the strategy. I think it’s the idea of leaving Clay, and I don’t think she’s too keen on the idea of Kai having a new partner. She keeps giving Kae dirty looks. I walk over to her and say, “You’ll like Kae, Ry. Besides, I think Kai really likes her.”

“He likes
her?
” Ryland asks, as she looks at the new girl.

“You will too. Trust me,” I tell her.

Clay walks in the tent and looks around. He sees Ryland and runs over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Ry! Thank God! I was so worried,” he says, and he kisses her.

“I’m o . . .” Ryland starts, but he cuts her off with another kiss. For some reason, Ryland keeps eyeing Kae.

“What’s the matter, baby?” Clay asks. I really don’t like his little pet names for my sister, but he does genuinely care for her.

I catch Kai, glaring as Clay dotes on my sister. When he sees me watching, he turns away, crossing his arms.

Kae looks at Ryland and then says something to Kai I can’t hear. A huge smile spreads across her pale, freckled face, and she bolts over to my sister.

“Kae,” I say. “This is Ryla—”

“Hi, Ryland,” Kae says, bouncing like she’s holding back an explosion of happiness.

I notice the familiar perfume scent that follows Kae around, and I can’t help but smile as well. She’s just such a happy person, despite what’s happened here.

Kae reaches her hand out and says, “I’ve always wanted to meet you. I mean, I’ve watched
everything
about you, like on the news and everything. Well . . . not in a creepy stalker kind of way, but you are kind of like, like my hero or something. Oh, you know what I mean.” She grins and tackles Ryland in a huge bear hug.

Ryland eyes me sideways over Kae’s shoulder. I don’t think she knows how to take her new admirer. I didn’t know what to think when I first met her either.

Kae goes on, “I feel like we’re already best friends. I know we’re not, but . . . you know what I mean? Kai has told me so much about you. I just feel like we’ll be totally best friends. I know,” Kae stops and grimaces. “Sometimes I talk too much. But it’s like, you’re
so
amazing!”

Ryland’s expression changes to a smile and she says, “I love your perfume. What is it?”

Kae looks confused and says, “Oh . . . I don’t wear any. I’m not really sure why. My mom always told me not to. Not my real mom, though. I don’t remember her.” She sniffs herself and asks, “Why? Do I smell? I’m sorry. I’m sure I need a shower.”

“No,” Ryland says. “I like it.”

Kae smiles and says, “I knew we would be friends.” Then she hugs my sister.

My sister isn’t usually a hugger, but this time, she melts into Kae’s arms like there is genuine affection.

–RYLAND–

At first, I feel a fire swelling in the pit of my stomach like a raging inferno. I want to punch this new girl, Kae. I want to knock her out. Who does she think she is, replacing me?

Then she starts talking to me, and I can’t help it. I like her. She’s so bubbly and warm and goofy. Her crazy, frizzy Afro of blond hair glows in the light like a halo.

“Ummm . . .” I mumble as she pulls away. “So, what am I supposed to do now?” I ask. I’m not really sure where to go from here.

“You’ve been assigned a new partner as well,” Cooper says, looking slightly nervous at being the one to tell me.

“Who is my new partner?” I ask, impatient at being left in the dark.

“Well, they decided they want you doing covert ops. They want to keep them as quiet as possible.” Cooper still won’t meet my eyes.

“What does that mean?” I grind my teeth.

“They’re going to use you as a spy,” Tanner says slowly. “Scouting ahead before we officially launch our mission to colony Nine.”

“Who’s my new partner?” I ask gruffly, no longer willing to wait for the answer.

“Viktor,” Marcus says matter-of-factly, stepping in.

“Mole Man?” I screech. “He’s not covert ops! He can’t even sneak across the Canadian border on Earth without attracting the attention of every border guard in the freaking country! How is he supposed to help me?”

Marcus frowns at me. “If you aren’t mature enough to handle your new role, then I’m afraid you’ll be reassigned to weapons logging and maintenance.”

“Immature?” I snap. “You’re taking away a partner who has saved my life multiple times, and you’re giving me a partner who’s practically agoraphobic! I’m going to die!”

“The point is to have you do quiet scouting missions,” Cooper says softly. “You shouldn’t be fighting at all.”

“So, I’m supposed to sneak around and tell you what the terrain looks like? No, thank you!” I snap.

Tanner frowns. “This doesn’t seem like the best use of our operatives. Wouldn’t it be more useful to have a Shadow or something?”

Marcus practically growls at Tanner. “We need Ryland on this. Our troops trust her. She’s a symbol to them. We also need her relatively safe after . . .” he trails off.

“After I almost died?” I snap. “Yes, it happened. That doesn’t change my skill set. I’m a flyer and a warrior. Not a spy!”

“It has to be you,” Kai says softly.

“Oh, yeah? Why is that?” I snap. “Why don’t I just stay here and protect home base then?”

Cooper sighs. “Sol
é
says it has to be you. She says you will be the one to find our way in. Without you, our entire mission fails.”

Prophecies again! Tanner is a traitor; I have to be on some stupid “safe” side mission; one of us is going to lose everyone; one day, Kai will try to kill me.

“Fine,” I snap. “When do we leave?”

“Today,” Marcus says evenly.

I look to Clay. I haven’t even gotten to say goodbye.

Chapter 34

The Most Beautiful Death Storm Ever

–TANNER–

Viktor strides into the tent with a newfound confidence and loudly says, “I hear my new p-partner nakonets-to prosnulsya.”

Ryland turns and stares at Viktor. Turning back, she rolls her eyes and says, “How am I supposed to work with him? He’s always stuttering or talking in some other language! Either way, I can’t understand him!”

“Russian,” I say, annoyed.

“What?” Ryland asks.

“He’s speaking Russian.” I look at Viktor, trying to apologize for the rudeness of my sister. “Viktor’s a genius. It’s time you treated him with respect.”

Ryland looks at the ground and takes a long, deep breath. “I’m sorry, Viktor. I didn’t mean to—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Viktor says, waving her off. “You should have heard me when your Seer told me I must work with you.” Ryland looks a little surprised, and Viktor says, “A little girl? One that’s p-prone to unnecessary risk?”

“I’m the little one?” Ryland asks, pointing to herself. I give her a look, and she holds her tongue.

“Is The Wizard prepared?” Marcus cuts them off—which is probably a good thing, since this conversation was going downhill fast.

“Naturally,” Viktor says.

“Good. You leave now,” Marcus says bluntly.

“Right now?” Ryland asks. “But . . . I didn’t even say—”

“Say goodbye now,” Marcus says. “You leave immediately.”

Viktor grabs Clay’s shoulder and says, “For you, I have made something special.” Clay wrinkles his forehead and Viktor says, “You are a ga-good pilot. You will know the one. She’s Novyy master.”

Clay smiles and says, “Thank you, Viktor. Good luck.”

“With this one . . . I will need it,” Viktor teases, pointing to my sister before walking out of the tent.

Ryland gives Clay a sideways glance and asks, “What was that about?”

Clay smiles and says, “Novyy master.” Seeing that she doesn’t understand, he explains, “It means ‘the new Wizard.’” He wraps his arms around her and says, “Listen . . . I know this is happening quick, but I promise I will see you soon. Sol
é
says it has to be now.”

“But . . .” Ryland complains.

“Come on, Sleeping Beauty,” Kai pipes up. “Let’s get you on the ship.” He takes her hand and drags her out of the tent as she looks back at Clay.

“Sorry, Clay,” Cooper says. “She had to go now.”

“I know,” Clay replies.

“So,” I say, attempting to lighten the mood. “Viktor made you a new ship. That’s pretty cool.”

Clay smiles slightly. “I just wish I was going—”

“Back to business, people,” Marcus says, interrupting. “We must prepare. We leave in an hour.”

–RYLAND–

The last thing I see of Clay, he’s frowning at Kai. He isn’t wishing me goodbye. He isn’t staring wistfully after me. He isn’t chasing after me for one last kiss. He’s jealous.

I tear my hand from Kai’s and glare at him as stubbornly as I can. “You just go off and get a new partner without me? You stuck me with Viktor?”

Kai’s face remains unreadable. He shrugs. “Sol
é
had a vision. You’re supposed to be with Viktor. Marcus reassigned me to Kae.”

“Is she that bubbly and happy and inhuman all the time?” I ask, trying my best to sound annoyed. Despite my rage at being replaced, I can’t help but like her a little. Just a little. She’s just so . . . happy.

Kai shrugs. “Her Apt has something to do with it. Pheromones or something.”

“Pheromones, as in like what attracts people to the opposite sex?” I can’t help it. A warm heat of anger and jealousy burns through me. Although, I’m not sure why I care.

“Pheromones are way more complicated than that,” Kai says sharply, cutting me off.

I see The Wizard looming in front of us. Something about it today looks sinister and threatening. I know this is some sort of subconscious feeling I have about the trip projecting itself onto the ship, but I still don’t want to go anywhere near it. I feel as though death is waiting for me inside, and I’m not sure whose death it is.

“Kai,” I say, turning to him suddenly. Every fiber of my being is serious, and I know he can see it in my eyes because he stops. “Please,” I’m begging now. “Please don’t let them leave Clay here.”

Kai starts to roll his eyes.

I know he doesn’t like Clay, but I reach out and put a hand on his arm. “You two are good for each other,” I say.

He shakes his head, but I continue.

“I mean it. You challenge each other, and I don’t have to worry about either of you if you’re watching out for one another.”

Kai stands there a moment, searching my eyes. Finally, he quietly says, “I’ll try to talk to Marcus.”

“Thank you!” I say with more enthusiasm than I’ve felt in weeks. A weight has been lifted from me. I wrap my arms around him for a quick hug. “And if you can’t convince him,” I say, not looking up at him as we hug, “Make sure Fluffy stays behind. To protect him.”

Before he even has time to react, I dart into the ship. I don’t want him to see that I’m crying. I don’t even know why I’m crying.

Of course Mona is there to see. She frowns down at me. “What’s wrong, dear? Torn between two boyfriends?”

I glare up at her. “Screw you!” I snap. “It’s not like you know anything about actual relationships.”

Mona’s face changes to a look of anger I can’t quite understand. There is jealousy and rage and pain behind it. Then, she melds into a form I’m all too familiar with.

Pleading brown eyes stare up at me. “Why didn’t you save me?” she asks in Peanut’s voice.

I lunge at her. I want to hit her, punch her, kick her, tear her limb by limb. Before I reach her, she vanishes. I slam into the floor with more force than even I expected, and everything goes black . . .

In my dream, I’m staring at a small flag. It’s being folded and handed to me. It reminds me vaguely of what they give a soldier’s wife after his funeral.

But it isn’t an American flag. It is blue, with a white circle in the center. I realize then it isn’t a circle. It is an “O” for Ordinaries. This flag is the symbol of our movement.

Tears fall from my eyes and land on the flag, staining it a darker blue. I clutch it to my chest. I don’t feel anything.

I don’t understand why I’m crying or what this flag means. None of this makes any sense, but a feeling of dread builds in my stomach and expands to encompass my whole being.

Before I can look up to see who’s around, to see who’s missing, I’m jolted awake.

I wake to hear someone yelling what I can only assume is cursing in what I can only guess is Russian. I start to ask him what’s wrong, but the ship is rocked by an explosion so violently my teeth slam together, making my jaw ache.

There’s more yelling in Russian followed by, “Oh, yeah?”

The next thing I hear is a whoop of joy. Mona’s sultriest voice says, “You got them all, my Viktor.”

Viktor croons something back.

I almost vomit listening to this exchange, but I realize that I’d better go see what’s happening before Mole Man gets me killed. When I reach the pilot’s station, my aching jaw drops to the floor.

We are flying through the middle of an asteroid field. Each one is shimmering and glittering a thousand different colors as it reflects the light of a nearby star, and even though one is heading directly toward us and we are about to die, I think this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.