Surfacing the Rim (Piercing The Fold) (13 page)

In that moment, Xander falls to his knees before me. He envelops me with his body in an embrace. His soft sobs take my breath away and melt my heart. I run my hand through his hair over and over again, trying to calm him.

I don’t know if it’s because of the overflow of our emotions or his need to share something intimate with me, but without any warning, Xander lets me into his mind.

When someone opens his mind to you, it feels like a window is being opened in a fast moving car. Everything just floods in, swirling around.

I gasp from the impact of all the images—his mother’s face, his father’s face, his parents’ funeral, his grandmother’s face. He even gives me the memory of the way his grandmother smelled, and I inhale it deeply. He shows me the first foster family he stayed with and how the kids would push him and hit him when the parents weren’t watching. He shows me the shelters and his fear of getting hurt by the other runaways and homeless people.

I wrap my arms around his neck, hushing him as the thoughts continue to flood me. He shows me a younger version of Ezra, waving at him and running toward him. He shows me Sam telling him to get into the car. He unleashes so many memories in this moment that I can’t help but sob hysterically with the overload of emotions flooding in on me.

I feel his body begin to relax. He’s calming his sobs, taking deeper breaths now, but the memories don’t stop coming.

He shows me the day he saw me at Ms. Olivia’s. He shows me the way I looked at him while we sat at the café, drinking coffee. He reveals how I made him feel as I interlocked my hands with his when he walked me back to the villa and then how I looked at him with hate and bitterness the night we lost Corinna to Sam.

That same night when he snuck up on me while I was jogging, he exposes how he was so hesitant to come see me before he left, but he couldn’t leave without telling me how he felt. He gives me all the emotions that were overflowing within him when he kissed me that night—the need for me, the passion for me, the want to be everything that is good for me. It all takes my breath away.

I pull back from him far enough to still feel his labored breath on my lips.

“Jes. I…”

The heat of his whisper on my lips sends me over the edge. I crush my mouth against his eagerly. This is all the permission he needs to cup my face with both of his hands, pursuing me feverishly with his tongue. As soon as our tongues meet, he groans and deepens the kiss even more.

My hands move up his broad chest to his neck, raking through his thick, dark hair. I pull him into me, never wanting to let him go.

Xander pulls back breathlessly. Looking into his eyes, I feel his racing heart under my palm, his heartbeat matching mine. I know he wants more. I can’t deny that I want more, too.

Xander runs his thumb along my swollen lips, and then he leans his forehead against mine, closing his eyes.

After a deep sigh, Xander looks up at me and says, “You need to rest, Jes.” He gently pulls me to my feet, walking me back to the bed. After I lie down, he covers me with the heavy comforter. He walks back to the lone chair in the corner, sits, and wraps himself up in the blanket I gave him.

We don’t speak the rest of the night. The only communication is our taking turns to watch each other while the other rests. So much has already been said without a single word spoken. More words are not necessary.

As I lie there, blocking my thoughts, I wonder how Xander could possibly connect with me and save my life if we aren’t in fact linked.

Is it possible for Nate and Xander to both be linked to me?

Chapter 18

Xander

I lean back in the deep chair, trying to get comfortable. Who the hell am I kidding? This chair is not going to get any more comfortable, but I’m not about to leave Jesca after Sam’s attack in her sleep.

I lean my head on my fist and study the rise and fall of the comforter covering her. She’s still awake. We are both too wired to sleep, but at least, she’s resting.

I still can’t believe what I walked in on.

* * *

I heard her yell, and then I heard a loud thump. Without a doubt, I knew she was in danger, so I bolted from my bed, heading straight into her room.

Jesca was dangling above the ground, engulfed in a dark, smoky form that had no face or features. Her eyes were closed, and she looked so pale. Her heart—I could hear how faint it was and how slow it was beating.

The thought of her dying drove me to snatch her away from what I now realize was Sam. As soon as I grabbed hold of her, I knelt on the floor and pulled her into my arms. The dark form dissipated into thin air.

I shook Jesca, but she was limp like a rag doll. I held her to my chest and imagined trading my life for hers. I would do that for her.

Then, I felt the strangest thing. The only thing I can think of to describe it is to compare it to the electric charge of the atmosphere just moments before lightning strikes. I felt energy boiling inside of me, and the only thing on my mind was giving that energy to her so that she could live.

I whispered, “Come back to me, Jesca. Don’t leave me.” When her lips brushed against my throat and I felt her breathe deeply, I shivered. The first thought that came to my mind was that I would never let her go for as long as I lived.

I didn’t tell any of them how I was able to save her because just the simple act of saving her made Nate angry as hell. He resented that I was the one. I didn’t want to add insult to injury. I knew that Jes and Nate were partners because of the link they shared, and after seeing Nate’s reaction, I think something happened between them before they came here to get me.

* * *

I can’t blame him for loving her. I’ve fallen in love with her as well. I would never in a million years have shared my thoughts with another living soul, but with Jesca, I want to share everything I have ever felt about my life, my family, and her. I want her to know all of me, so she can then decide if I am worthy enough for her love.

And tonight, God, she’s told me that I am worthy enough and that she feels the same.

I close my eyes, lean my head back on the chair, and run my fingers over my lips, remembering the kiss we shared.

Chapter 19

Jesca

As soon as dawn breaks through the frosted window, I roll over to look at Xander. His eyes are closed. He looks so peaceful. His dark brown hair has fallen across his forehead. I can see some of the features that he shares with Nate—the dark eyelashes and the olive-toned skin.

Xander’s jaw tenses as he stirs a little. I think he fell asleep. I’m glad because he needs all the rest he can get. He has no idea what training with Ezra will be like today. He only has a couple of days of heavy trai
ning before we head to New York.

Whatever stirred him has passed. He is breathing deeply and definitely sleeping. His lips are parted slightly. Instantly, my lips tingle, and my stomach tightens from the kiss we shared last night. Who am I kidding? That was not just a kiss.

Xander closes his mouth, and his eyes flutter open, looking right at me. I feel like I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Quick, say something Jes!

I whisper, “Good morning.”

Xander blinks a few more times. “Morning.” He unwraps the blanket from his body and stands. His white henley shirt and jeans are rumpled from sitting in the chair all night. He stretches his arms over his head. The henley hugs his broad chest in all the right places.

He starts folding his blanket and places it in the trunk by the window. I watch him as he looks out the window, the clouded sky reflecting in his steel blue–green eyes. I lie back down slowly, curling onto my side, and stare at him, amazed at everything about him.

He doesn’t look at me when he speaks. “I did the same thing last night.”

I scrunch my forehead, wondering what he’s talking about.

He looks at me. “I could watch you for hours, Jesca. Everything about you amazes me.”

Xander looks back out the window, putting his hands in his pockets. In this moment, there is no uncomfortable silence. It is a simple, peaceful, comforting, and passionate connection between him and me, and it thrives in the silence.

Once again, the question surfaces in my mind. Could we share a link?

Being in Xander’s arms last night, connecting with him telepathically, and kissing him
, felt so different from the connection that I have with Nate. The emotions I shared with Xander last night were intense. I have never experienced that before. My mind starts reeling with all of the possibilities.

I pull the comforter tightly to me. “We better get moving. You go ahead and take a shower first.”

Xander turns to me now and walks to the bed. He places his hands on mine, where I’m gripping the comforter. His touch brings back the sensations I felt last night. Sensing it, Xander smiles, releasing my hand slowly.

I watch him as he walks to the door, gently closing it behind him. When I hear the shower running, I scoot off the bed and take the comforter with me, wrapping myself up like a mummy. I need to talk to Ezra about what happened last night and what it could mean for Xander, Nate, and me.

* * *

I find Ezra on the front porch of the cabin, sitting in a rocking chair with a cup of coffee in his hands. He acknowledges me, and then he takes a sip of coffee.

The air is frigid, and the sun is trying to break through the overcast sky. I pull the blanket tightly around me while I step out onto the porch.

I lean against the post in front of Ezra. “I need to talk with you, Ezra.”

He stops rocking, a concerned look appearing on his face. “What happened?”

The way he states the question makes him sound like an overly concerned father.

I quickly reply to relieve his concern, “Xander and I talked last night. He told me some things that make me wonder if we could be linked. Is that possible? Can I be linked to more than one person?”

Ezra runs a hand along the back of his neck. “What did he say that makes you think that it’s a possibility?”

It only takes me a couple of minutes to recount what Xander told me about bringing me out of the dream when I was near death last night.

Ezra taps his fingers on his lips nervously. His lack of an immediate response has me on edge.

I ask, “Well? What do you think?”

Ezra gets up and comes to stand next to me near the railing of the porch. “I’m not sure. You, Nate, and Xander are only the second round of guardians to receive the reconfigured Copula. Nate and Xander’s abilities are so similar that it could be possible for both of them to be linked to you.”

Ezra looks down, and then he glances back up at me. “Xander has feelings for you, so it could be that he channeled his energy through you to help bring you back. It might not be a link at all.”

“Yes, but what about when he heard me while he was sleeping? It sounds a lot like what Nate experiences while I’m dreaming.”

Ezra gazes out over the landscape. “Yes, it does.” Looking back at me now, he says, “Let me watch him interact with you and Nate over the next couple of days. I don’t want to make any assumptions without seeing for myself.”

I hear footsteps, and the front door opens.

Xander steps out onto the porch, nods at Ezra, and then glances at me. “Shower is all yours, Jes.”

“Thanks,” I say as I walk past him.

Ezra calls to me, “We’ll start in about twenty minutes.”

I turn briefly and nod to Ezra before shutting the door behind me. Then, I head up the stairs to take a shower.

Chapter 20

Jesca

After showering, I throw on a long-sleeve shirt, an old pair of sweatpants, and tennis shoes. I’m sure Ezra is going to work Nate and me just as much as Xander, so he can prepare us for the coming events in our near future.

I braid my hair as I head down the stairs. I walk over to the window to see if Ezra and Xander are still talking. Ezra is explaining something, and Xander is listening intently.

The clanking of pots and pans draws my attention. When I walk into the kitchen, I see Nate with a towel thrown over his shoulder and a spatula in hand.

His voice is soft when he says, “Morning, Jes.”

I move toward the kitchen bar, smiling softly. “Morning, Nate.”

I see all the food he’s prepared—eggs, toast, buttermilk biscuits, country-style gravy, and bacon.

Glancing up to him, I sarcastically say, “Wow, you’re hungry this morning.”

His snickers a little and begins to scoop out the eggs onto a plate. He looks up at me. “It’s a peace offering.”

“A peace offering? For what?”

Nate adds two biscuits along with gravy to the plate. “I shouldn’t have left angry last night. I was frustrated with the situation.”

I reassure him. “Nate, there’s nothing to apologize for. If you were in my position and I was in yours, I would have felt the same way.”

Nate gazes at me, and then he picks up three slices of bacon for the plate. “So, you know what I’m wondering then?”

Nate pours a cup of coffee while his eyes keep darting to me, checking to see if I’m wondering the same thing as him.

He says, “I’m wondering how Xander was able to connect with you and save you last night when I couldn’t.”

I hesitate answering right away, but then I nod, letting him know that I’m thinking about the same thing.

Nate carries the plate and the coffee mug around the island, setting it in front of me. He walks back around and fixes his own plate.

I know he feels terrible that he was unable to save me. “Nate, you were taken off-guard, just like I was. Ezra said that we would work on getting you mobile in my dreams today. I experienced the same thing when I started gaining the ability to astral project within lucid dreams. I know that you will be able to do this, Nate.”

He’s making his plate, not acknowledging my commentary. I reach for his hand to get his full attention. It works, and he looks up at me.

“I believe in you, Nate.”

Nate moves his hand over mine and squeezes it. Energy passes between us, making me want to hold onto him forever. I breathe deeply and slowly pull my hand away, remembering our talk about controlling our physical contact. The moment our hands no longer touch, I feel a brief ache within me to pull his hand back to mine. I look down at my hand and then up into Nate’s eyes. His lips part briefly as if he wants to tell me something, but then they close.

I hear the door open, and Xander and Ezra walk in.

Nate looks at them briefly and then back at me, smiling. “Eat up. Your food is getting cold.”

Xander walks into the kitchen and picks up a plate. “Jes, did you make all of this?”

I correct him. “No, actually, Nate did.”

Nate sits down next to me with his plate in hand. Trying to lighten his mood and clear the air, I elbow him to get his attention.
When he looks at me, I smile and say, “Thank you for making all of this. These are definitely my favorites.”

Nate smiles back at me. “I know.” Then, he digs in to the food on his plate.

Xander looks at Nate, and with his voice full of sincerity, he says, “Thanks, man.”

Nate looks up from his plate, still chewing his food. He holds Xander’s gaze until he swallows his last bite, and then he clears his throat an
d responds with equal sincerity, “You’re welcome.”

Xander sits on the other side of me.

Ezra comes to stand in front of all three of us. He eyes the food, breaks off a piece of bacon, and pops it into his mouth. “Hmm.”

He grabs a napkin and a handful of bacon. Then, he heads out of the kitchen, humming to himself. We watch him as he crosses the living room and opens the basement door.

He stops humming and turns to face us. “Don’t just sit there. Bring your plates. We have a lot to do in the short amount of time we have. It’s going to be a long, long day, wee ones.”

On that note, Ezra winks at us and disappears down the stairs, humming loudly.

I roll my eyes at his remark. “I think the Ezra Kahn from the facility has just entered the building.”

Xander looks from me to Nate with a perplexed look on his face. “What does that mean?”

I look at Xander coyly. “You’ll see.”

Nate snorts. “Yeah, you’ll see the wrath of Kahn.”