Surfacing the Rim (Piercing The Fold) (24 page)

I lean in and run my lips against his cheek, feeling the tightening within me. Just the graze of his lips against my jaw ignites a spark. His hands tighten on my hips, and he leans his whole body against mine, pushing me flush against the wall. He slowly moves his lips up my chin and barely grazes my lips before he pulls back. His breath hitches, and I tremble from knowing that I affect him the way he affects me. He searches my eyes and runs the back of his hand along my cheek, jaw, and then neck.

Xander whispers, “Can I kiss you, Jes?”

I run my hands along his shoulders, up his strong neckline, and into his hair. I nod my head slowly while I brush my lips lightly against his. I whisper, “Yes.”

Xander’s lips touch mine, softly, tenderly, carefully. A moan escapes me as his lips make my heart feel like it’s bursting into a thousand pieces. He reacts to my moan by deepening our kiss. His hand slips down from my hip, moving behind my upper thigh. I touch my tongue to his lips. He groans and devours me. I wrap my leg around his waist, and he leans in to me, letting me feel all of him.

Xander pulls back, raggedly breathing. “Jes, we need to slow down.” He kisses me again, indicating that he is lying to himself.

I don’t want to slow down.
Wait, why does he want to slow down?
Still running small kisses along his full lips, I inch back just enough to ask, “Why do you want to stop?”

He claims my lips again, moaning. He leans back a little, still close enough that we’re a mere centi
meter apart. His voice trembles, “I don’t want to stop, Jes. I just…I want this.” He pauses, looking down between us. “I want this to be what we both want—not just what I want.”

He closes his eyes, and I can’t read him. I want desperately to let my block down, but we can’t. None of us can because we are so close to Sam and Corinna. If we did, they would know about us, our plan, and Xander.

Even though I can’t read the direction of his thoughts, his next words tell me what he needs. He moves his hand from my neck and slides it down past my collarbone to the center of my chest. He releases my leg gently and pulls my hand to his strong chest. I look down at our hands rising and falling in time with our fast breathing.

He whispers tenderly, “You know how I feel about you, Jes. I showed you that night in the cabin.”

I remember he showed me all of him that night. That is something that Nate and I have never done. Tears begin to well up in my eyes, thinking about all of the emotions he shared with me.

Xander looks up into my eyes. His are filled with tears as well, but they also show the desire and passion he has for me in this moment. It is raw and naked. It’s something I have never witnessed in another person.
Xander’s voice cracks. “I told you before we left the cabin that with every ounce of my being, Jes, I love you.”

In that moment, I realize that I have to tell him how I feel before he leaves to meet Sam at the Sondian safe house. I have to tell him that I choose him. My heart belongs to him.

My voice quivers with new and unchartered emotions, “I love you, Xander.”

He holds his breath for a moment, and he searches my eyes, not yet believing I just said those words to him. A single tear falls from his eye, dropping and missing his cheek completely. A soft, slow smile creeps across his lips before he places his mouth on mine. He lifts me off my feet, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

Xander’s voice shakes when he whispers into my hair, “I love you, too, Jesca.”

Chapter 38

Jesca

Xander and I are still holding each other when a soft knock interrupts us.

I pull back from Xander and walk to the door. “Yes?”

I hear Nate’s voice come from the other side. “Plans have changed. It’s time.”

Taken aback, I throw open the door. “What has changed?”

It’s a stupid, stupid move. I didn’t think about Nate’s reaction to seeing Xander in my room. Nate looks at me, and then he glances behind me at Xander. His body stiffens, and his jaw works beneath the skin.

Nate quickly looks down at the ground and visibly tries to calm himself. I’m about to say his name when he flatly says, “The weather has worsened. Ezra and I want to leave now to ensure we get you to Sam’s in enough time without drawing suspicion.”

Xander and I silently stand there. I turn slowly to look at Xander. His hands are resting in the pockets of his jeans.

He looks at Nate squarely in the eyes and says somberly, “Alright. Let me say my goodbyes.”

Those words make me cringe, and I want to do everything I can to keep him from going. I look back at Nate. His eyes move from Xander to me.

It’s written all over his face. He knows that I have chosen and that my choice is Xander. Nate lowers his eyes from mine. He turns and walks away.

For a long time, I look down at the spot where he was just standing. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. I didn’t want to hurt him like this.

I feel Xander’s body move close to mine. His chest is flush against my back. His warm fingers gently interlock with mine. I know he’s unsure about what I’m feeling right now.

He whispers, “I wish he didn’t have to find out like this.”

I nod, agreeing with his words. “Me, too.”

We stand there, unmoving.

Xander rests his lips on my head. “I have to go, Jes.”

I turn to him slowly and whisper, “I know.”

The last kiss we share before Xander leaves my room is the most loving caress I have ever felt. We don’t say goodbye. We part in silence.

I sit on my bed with my legs crossed, staring a few feet in front of me. That feeling within me starts to grow—the one that’s like lightning is getting ready to strike.
I conjure up the hypotheticals of what could happen on this mission to the three men that mean the most to me—Ezra, my father; Nate, my link; and Xander, the man I am in love with. I am so afraid. My stomach begins to constrict with nerves, and I close my eyes. I bow my head and begin to pray.

All of a sudden, Anna’s voice is in my head. You are so much stronger than you know, Jesca. Never stop fighting, and you will survive. This is your legacy now. This is your purpose.

I slowly open my eyes and walk over to my bag. I unzip the front pocket and pull out the quarter-sized Copula that Ezra gave me before we left Miami. I unclasp the chain that it hangs from and put it around my neck. When it’s fastened, I hold it in my hand and whisper, “This is my legacy.”

Chapter 39

Nate

She chooses Xander. I collect that much from the look in her eyes when I see her and Xander standing there in her room. I don’t need to read her mind to know what I have walked in on.

I tell Xander that we need to go, and then I walk away as quickly as I can.

As I walk from the lower level quarters ignoring all of the others, I try to clear my mind of the scene I just witnessed between Xander and Jesca. When I reach the warehouse level, Ezra is already sitting in the front seat, talking with the driver. I’m able to get my emotions in check before I climb into the car.

Ezra asks, “Where is Xander?”

I answer flatly, “He’s coming.”

Ezra looks back at me. I try to avoid him, choosing to stare at nothing out the window.

Ezra’s voice softens,
“You alright?”

Shit, he knows. How can that be? I have my freakin’ block up! I look at him now. His face has worry and concern written all over it.

I breathe out slowly, “Yeah.” It’s the simplest answer to a very screwed-up and difficult situation.

Xander opens the door. I shift my body to angle away from him toward the window.

Ezra asks Xander, “Ready?”

Xander replies, “Yeah.”

Most of the ride, Ezra talks Xander through how he should keep his block up and keep his emotions in check, not letting his anger surface. He tells Xander that he can’t ask any questions.

There’s more, but I zone out. Even though I envy what he and Jesca have, I can’t stand listening to the risks he’s taking. No matter how much I care for Jesca, it will never be what they are.

I look over at Xander. He’s staring out his window as we pass the swarms of wandering civilians and military vehicles peppering the road.

We are related by blood. On top of it, we are linked. We are bound by fate and science. Right now, neither one is stronger than the other. Both are only equal.

I reach over to touch Xander’s shoulder without considering what I’m going to say to him. Xander turns his head to look at me. His face is clouded with worry and anxiety.

I let the words just come freely, letting fate take the reins. “Xander, I promise to keep you and Jesca safe for as long as I can. When the battle starts, look for me and Jes. Stay close to Jes the entire time, alright?”

His eyes are searching my face, wondering where this is coming from. “Nate?”

I grip his shoulder and pull him into a strong embrace. I feel our inner energy briefly surge between us.
I say, “Just listen to me on this, alright?”

He pats my back. “Alright.”

I start to back away, but Xander pulls me closer.

He says, “Nate, whatever happens, I will take care of her.”

I don’t say anything. I’m on the verge of breaking down, and I know that I’ll lose it if I try to talk. Still leaning on his shoulder, I nod to let him know I hear him.

The truck stops. Not wanting to intrude on the last moments that Xander and I have with each other before the mission, Ezra speaks low, “We’re here, Xander.”

We both pull away at the same time. I quickly turn my body to face the side window, holding it together until my cousin and my partner is out of sight. I hear his door shut, and I cover my eyes with my hand.

Ezra gets back into the car moments later, and we drive away. I lean against the door and keep my head down while the tears flow and my body quakes. I can’t hold it in anymore.

Chapter 40

Jesca

After Xander, Nate, and Ezra leave, I pull myself together and head up to the living room level of the safe house.

Near the kitchen, Sebastian and Balthazar are standing around a long dining room table with maps covering the surface.

Sebastian is the first to notice me enter the room. “Hi, Jesca.”

I walk over to join them at the table.

Balthazar points to a body of water. “I think that we should enter Aokigahara Forest here, near Lake Motosu. See, right there, east of the lake, there is an overlook.”

I watch Balthazar show Sebastian how we will enter the forest. While they are talking, I take in the enormous size of Mt. Fuji. I am in awe of its expansive diameter and mystical forest that surrounds it.

Sebastian glances over at me and notices what I am wearing around my neck. His face softens when he looks back up to my face. “You’re wearing it.”

My hand immediately goes to the Copula hanging from my neck. I lower my eyes to the Copula, remembering Anna’s words.

Sebastian walks over to me and puts his hands on my shoulders. “She has come to you again.”

I nod, keeping my eyes on the copper medallion. “Yes.”

Sebastian says, “Anna was so strong, Jesca. I’m not surprised that she has found a way to be here for you now.”

The rest of the team begins to trickle into the living room.

Balthazar calls them over to the table. “We are going to meet over here.”

Siobhan and Isabel walk through the lower-level doors and come straight to the table. I see Siobhan put her arm around Isabel in a nurturing manner. I can see that Siobhan has bonded with Isabel while they have been here together.

I hear a door shut behind me. When I turn, I see Ezra and Nate walking toward us. I look down quickly, focusing on the map.

My stomach turns a little while I recall the humiliation and pain I caused Nate when I opened the door to my room, revealing that Xander was with me.

Ezra stands next to Balthazar at the table while the rest of the team fill
s in the vacant spots around the table. Nate stands right next to me.

Sebastian asks Ezra, “Was everything fine with dropping him off?”

Ezra glances at Nate, and then he quickly looks back at Sebastian. “Yes, he will be fine.”

I notice the brief look Ezra gave Nate, and I plan to ask about it when our briefing is over.

Sebastian and Balthazar tell us that the drive to Lake Motosu normally would take five-and-a-half hours, but with the climatic conditions and the possibility of military checkpoints, especially around Aokigahara Forest, it might take longer.

Sebastian says, “We will need to pair up and combine abilities in order to remain safe in the forest.”

Nick’s eyes get huge. I have never heard the slightest hint of anxiety in Nick’s voice as I do now. “We are going into the forest?”

Balthazar answers, “Yes, we have to go through the forest. All other access points will take us the roundabout way to the site of the wormhole.”

Nick interlocks his hands above his head, and he starts pacing. “Ahh! That place is full of evil spirits, man. We’re talking about once-you-check-in-you don’t-check-out type of shit.”

Angela crosses her arms over her chest. “I’ve heard stories, too. Aokigahara has always been known to go hand in hand with death and darkness. It’s said that the souls of those that have died there linger in the forest. They confuse and manipulate the living visitors to trap them, giving them no other way out but death.”

Balthazar hits the table with his open hand and yells, “Ha! Of course! The souls!”

Ezra asks, “What about the souls?”

Just then, I see Ezra’s expression change from a bewildered look to one of realization.

He looks at Sebastian. “The gamma ray burst coming from the black hole within the Andromeda galaxy—you think Sam and Michael want more from this intersection and invasion?”

Sebastian answers, “Yes, I do. Michael Sanderson is having Sam place this wormhole right in the middle of a hot spot for lost souls. It also has a high-electromagnetic charge, so he can make a connection with what is beyond the black hole in Andromeda.”

Balthazar adds, “And, with a highly charged wormhole, along with the intersection of our galaxies, Michael is using Sam to traverse through the wormhole with hopes of connecting with the black hole, having Sam come out the other side.”

Ezra’s eyes move rapidly as he thinks aloud. “But, that also means that something could come through from the other side. It could come through the black hole and traverse to our world.”

Balthazar runs his hand through his hair and nods. “Theoretically, yes.”

Ezra puts one hand in his pocket and covers his mouth with his other. I can see him thinking deeply about a strategy, and it scares me.

Ezra pulls his hand away from his mouth and puts it in his other pocket. “I will stop Sam permanently. Jesca, Nate, and Xander will combine their abilities to help Jesca close the wormhole as quickly as possible. The rest of the team will hold off the Sondians and anything that passes through the wormhole.”

Nick chuckles a little. “Anything?” Ezra glares at Nick, and Nick quickly becomes serious. “Yeah, got it.”

I absentmindedly touch the Copula dangling from my neck, running my thumb against the smooth exterior glass.

Ezra addresses both Nate and me. “Nate, you and Xander will need to combine your abilities. Then, together, you will combine with Jesca. Jesca, you will need to work as quickly as you can.”

I look at him and try to swallow, but there’s no saliva. My mouth is completely dry.

Ezra looks at the others. “The rest of you need to combine your powers to kill anything that attacks you.”

I briefly glance over at Isabel and remember Corinna. “Who will subdue Corinna?”

Siobhan speaks up. “Isabel and I will take Corinna.”

Elisha eyes Ang, and I can tell they are both concerned that Isabel might be too emotionally attached to subdue her own sister.

Elisha says, “Ang and I will help. You might need some extra hands.”

Siobhan looks at Elisha, and then she glances at Ang. She slowly nods, realizing their logic.

Nick’s phone begins to ring. He pulls it out of his pocket, looks at the caller ID, and answers the call. “Yeah. Alright.”

Nick hangs up and looks at Sebastian. “Monica Leal is here with her team. They are pulling into the warehouse with the additional transportation right now.”

It’s a surprise to me that Monica Leal embodies a female version of Ezra Kahn. When she walks in to the safe house flanked by her team of six, she walks with a confidence that makes me cower a little. I’m glad she’s on our side.

Her dark brown hair is pulled up in a high ponytail. Her eyes are mesmerizing as their dark brown color contrasts against her pale skin. When she turns her head to scan the living space, I notice a deep, shiny scar that wraps halfway around her neck.

Monica walks straight to the dining table where we are all standing. She begins introducing herself and her team. Sebastian introduces all of us to them.

As soon as the introductions are done, Ezra speaks up. “I’m sorry about your mother. We all are.”

Monica keeps her eyes on the map for a moment, and then she looks directly at Ezra. “Thank you, Ezra.”

Sebastian asks, “Has she come to you again?”

Monica closes her eyes and nods quickly, like she is holding back emotions she does not want to reveal to us.

Balthazar walks over to her. Lowering his voice, he asks, “When did this start?”

Monica looks up at Balthazar. “Three days ago. And, yes, I have considered it as well, Balthazar.”

Ezra questions, “Considered what?”

Sebastian ignores Ezra’s question and speaks directly to Monica. “Anna Gershon has come to her daughter, Jesca, as well.”

Balthazar looks at Ezra now. “I believe that Monica and Jesca are experiencing these visitations from their deceased parents because the place in which they exist now is physically getting closer to us.”

Sebastian adds, “I believe it as well, Ezra. Think about it. Anna and Joan are reaching out to their daughters now. After all this time? It can only be because they couldn’t access them until now—now that they are closer.”

I speak. “My mother, Anna, told me that she was too far to reach me before when she had first tried to come to me.”

Monica’s voice is soft but firm, “My mother told me the same. She said she’d felt my life force moments before she came to me.”

Recalling my experience, I half smile at Monica, and I’m amazed at how we share a similar story.

Ezra’s head snaps from me to Sebastian. “It could be possible that they are in the Andromeda galaxy.”

Balthazar agrees with Ezra,
“In the Andromeda galaxy and in the black hole.”

Monica corrects him,
“In the black hole and through the white hole on the other side.”

Ezra folds his hands together on top of his head and walks toward the open living room. “I can almost bet that Sam was more than eager to go when Michael had asked him to cross through the wormhole in hopes of discovering what was on the other side of the black hole.” Ezra swats at the table lamp, sending it across the room. It smashes loudly in
to the nearby wall. Ezra growls, “He is going after Anna’s soul.”

* * *

Within an hour, Monica’s team and our team have been briefed, and we are ready to move. We each make sure we have a partner—linked or not. Each team member needs to be partnered with a jumper, someone that can astral project. This is necessary in getting us to the site quickly. Ezra is paired with Monica; Balthazar is with Sebastian; Siobhan is with Isabel; Elisha and Nick partner with Angela; Nate is with me; and Luke is with Jake.

I watch Monica talk with Ezra quietly before we load into the trucks. He seems distant and preoccupied. After hearing Balthazar, Monica, and Sebastian’s theories on what is on the other side of the black hole, I can only agree with Ezra, thinking that Sam wants to get to Anna.

Before we get into the truck, I pull Ezra aside. “Ezra, I just want you to know that I will do everything I can to seal that wormhole quickly. He can’t have her. I won’t let him have her. I will not stop. I will do everything in my power to make us safe.”

Ezra grabs hold of my hands and stares at me. The way he looks at me tells me that my words are painful for him to hear. His eyes become glassy, and he looks up quickly to stop the tears from falling.

I start to speak. “Ezra—” But, I become quiet when he pulls me to him tightly. I wrap my arms around him.

Ezra whispers, “I know you will not stop until you do everything you can…and that scares the hell out of me.”