Interference: Book One Read online

  A deep moan vibrated throughout his chest as he pulled back, pressing his forehead to mine. “Do you have any idea how much I want you?” he asked. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”

  I tilted my head back and gently kissed the corner of his mouth. He closed his eyes, and clenched his jaw as if restraining himself.

  I whispered, “I can’t fight this anymore.”

  Drake exhaled, as if relieved. “Me either.”

  11

  ⥈

  “How is she? Cassie?” I asked.

  “She’s fine, Mercy. Lucky that Drake pulled you off her, but fine.” Fitz answered. “You want to talk about it?”

  “Nothing to say, I guess. I suck at control, apparently.”

  “You were wound up before she approached you. I felt it as soon as you entered the building. Wanna tell me about that?”

  “I had . . . a visitor at the ballgame.” I picked fuzz off my shirt sleeve that wasn’t there—anything to look casual because I knew Fitz would not take this well.

  “A visitor? Someone you know? Mercy?”

  “Asher Moreno.”

  Fitz sat back, struggling to suppress the worry etched on his tense face. “I see.” He lowered his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Does Drake know?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did he hurt you? Where was Gavin?”

  “No, I fought him off. Well, kicked his tail, really.” A grin spread across my face, and he shook his head, watching me. “Dr. Lee stayed with everyone else when I went to the batting cages.”

  “He sent you alone?” Fitz’s brows shot up. “I’ll have a word with him about that.”

  “It was my fault,” I admitted. “I honestly thought it would be fine.”

  “While I’m proud you could use your gifts, I’m concerned that you had to. That could have ended badly, you know that, right?”

  “I do. I have to keep training, Fitz. There’s still so much I need to learn.”

  “Mercy, I. . .” Fitz’s gaze darted to the door, and he abruptly stood as loud pounding and shouting carried into his office.

  “What’s going on?” I asked from behind him.

  We walked out into the hall and had to step back from the force of emotions crashing into us. Ren stood on one side of the hallway, and Drake on the other.

  “Ren, I know you’re upset, but you had to see this coming a mile away, right?” Drake asked.

  A wind tunnel formed around Drake, spinning and keeping him confined.

  “She wears my mark!” Ren shouted.

  “I don’t care who’s mark she wears, she belongs with me, and everyone knows it!” Drake’s body slammed into the wall repeatedly.

  Ren gave everything he had toward punishing him. Anger stirred within Drake, but more than that, I sensed sympathy for Ren. It was never Drake’s intention to hurt him.

  “Ren, stop this before someone gets hurt,” Fitz called out.

  “Someone? The only person getting hurt is Drake.” Ren smirked.

  Drake still wasn’t defending himself. The wind tunnel turned full force and smashed his body into the ceiling. Sheetrock crumbled to the ground, and a crack formed above our heads. The light fixture overhead swung back and forth, threatening to topple, and blood ran down Drake’s face from the back of his head. I’d had enough.

  “Ren, please!” I shouted.

  “What, Mercy? Please, tell me what I can do for our princess. You like this? Does it turn you on to have two guys fighting over you? Who’s next? Kellan? Gonna make your way around the guild?”

  All at once, Drake swept Ren’s feet out from under him, and his head slammed against the floor. Ren’s palms flew to his eyes out of panic. Drake stepped in front of me, looking down at Ren.

  “I’ll take anything you got, all day long. I know it upsets you, but don't ever speak to her that way again. She doesn’t deserve it.” The anger in Drake’s deep voice shook me to the core.

  Ren looked up at us from the floor after getting his sight back.

  “Drake, give the boy his legs so he can get out of the hallway. I don’t have time for more therapy today, so sort your issues.” Fitz turned, stomping toward his office.

  . . .

  I waited in the pool for twenty minutes, but Ren never showed. I pushed water around, swirled it, spun it, and even created a massive waterfall with two tiers. The thought of him not forgiving me caused a sharp pain across my chest. I liked Ren and wanted him in my life. Maybe not the way he wanted, but I think we both knew that from the beginning. He tried to force something that never had a chance. As I dried off, giving up for the day, a voice drifted over from the doorway.

  “Quitting so soon?” Ren leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

  I dropped the towel, a relieved smile spreading across my face. “You came. I didn’t think you would.”

  “Would you blame me?”

  I shook my head, “No, but I’m glad you did.”

  Ren walked over to where I stood and dropped his towel on the chair, “I got stuff to do, so let’s get to it.”

  As he stepped around me toward the pool, I wrapped my arms around him, and he relaxed under my embrace. “I made my choice on the first day, Ren. It had nothing to do with you.”

  He propped his chin on top of my head and hugged me back. “You know I didn’t mean anything I said, right?”

  “I know,” I said. “For the record, this doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy on you today.”

  Laughter rumbled throughout his chest. “I never expected you would, Mercy Monroe.”

  . . .

  I felt awful. From my head to my toes—my muscles hurt, and my head pounded. I’d practiced all day and needed time to recharge. Nora said she’d bring dinner back so I could rest. I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel when we added the other gifts.

  After a small knock, Drake cracked the door open, “Are you dressed? I hoped to catch you changing.” He stepped into the room and took in the pathetic, weak excuse of a Regalian spread out across the bed. “You’ve looked better. I mean, you’re still hot, but I’ve seen you hotter.”

  “Go away.” I pulled the pillow on top of my head. I vaguely heard the water running, but ignored it.

  Drake pulled the pillow away and lifted my head into his lap.

  “How’s your head?” I asked. The memory of him bleeding in the hall still haunted me.

  “I’m fine. I’m more concerned about you at the moment.”

  A cold washcloth laid across my forehead. Right then, I knew choosing him would be the best decision I ever made. He left dinner to check on me. He wanted to take care of me, and I’d never had that before. I felt—complete.

  All at once, the aches drifted away, and warmth settled in my joints. I moaned in appreciation, “Best boyfriend ever.”

  “Is that what I am? We’ve never really talked about it,” he said, softly.

  I opened my eyes, studying his face, “You’re more to me than that, but there isn’t a word for it. So, boyfriend will have to do.”

  He smiled, “I don’t know, I mean, I think I could do better than the average boyfriend.”

  “Oh yeah? Give it a go.” I grinned.

  The warmth radiating throughout my body intensified, my muscles turning to mush. As if he knew exactly what I needed and where I needed it.

  “Yeah, I mean, that’s nice.”

  My atmosphere changed, and white sand and blue water surrounded me. A soft lapping of waves slapped against my legs as familiar hands massaged sunscreen into my shoulders.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I mumbled, relaxed.

  Then . . . the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls hovered in the air.

  “Now you’ve gone too far.”

  Drake smirked. “Just trying to be a good boyfriend.”

  . . .

  A high-pitched giggle pulled me from sleep. I sat up, glancing over at Nora’s side of the room, her small frame huddled under the blankets. It had to
be a dream.

  “Hehehehe . . .”

  I pulled the blankets back, standing, convinced I wasn’t going crazy. I wore a large cotton shirt that hung down to my thighs, but it didn’t concern me at the moment. The laughter did. Easing the door open, I peeked into the hall, as if a horrid monster would be waiting. Instead, a beautiful red-haired little girl in pink danced across the hardwood floors, her perfect white sandals not making a sound. Her head tilted down, she peered up with bright green eyes and a mischievous grin across her face at the sight of me.

  “Where did you come from?” I whispered.

  The child’s head flew back in laughter as though I’d said something funny and then died as quickly as it began. She bolted down the hall away from me, tempting me to follow. I couldn’t hear a sound throughout the dark and empty building, all except the high-pitched giggles up ahead. I tip-toed toward the child and found her in the activities lounge, but to my surprise, two sat before me. Although identically beautiful, the one at my door had an evil presence, while the other a gentle, sweet smile that comforted me.

  They sat on the floor, crayons in hand, focused on the task before them. One looked up with a gentle expression, proud of the work she had accomplished. She held up a picture of a family of four, standing outside on a sunny day. The sun shone down brightly, and flowers bloomed all around them as they stood holding hands.

  “That is so pretty!” I praised her. “What do you have over there, little one?”

  Again, her eyes shifted upward as she fought a smile. The picture she held up took my breath away. A dark-haired woman with hazel eyes took up the extent of the picture. Red crayon colored over her head and ran down in a chaotic mess across her face. Along the bottom in messy scribbles, she had written, ‘Die’.

  Laughter erupted out of the child that sounded like a crazed grown woman. I backed up slowly—chills running down my spine.

  At once, the cackling died, and her head snapped forward. She screamed, “You can’t run from me!”

  I turned to escape the evil shriek that resonated from the room and hit a tall hard body. Arms wrapped around me as I fought to get away.

  “Hey. Are you alright?” I looked up to the familiar face of the new guy staring down, concerned.

  His forehead wrinkled in confusion—he probably thought I’d lost my mind. “You’re shaking all over. Should I get someone for you?”

  I spun back around, and the dark lounge was empty. All except a single red crayon rolling across the floor.

  “I . . . I . . .” I knew what they would think. Poor, crazy Mercy. “I think I need to lay back down, but thank you. What’s your name again?”

  “Sebastian. You’re Mercy, right?”

  “That’s right. Thank you, Sebastian. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight, Mercy.”

  . . .

  “Mercy, how can I help you?”

  I stood outside of Fitz’s office that day, contemplating whether I should talk to him. I’d begin to knock, then I’d leave, then come back again. I finally gave in after a somewhat vicious pep-talk that ended with me calling myself a coward.

  “I need to speak with you.”

  “Sure, come in and sit. What’s up?”

  Chewing the side of my lip, unease prickled the back of my neck at the questions bouncing around in my head. Did I really want to know the answer?

  “Mercy, I don’t have all day. Spit it out.” Fitz turned his wrist to check the time, then narrowed his eyes at me.

  “Who are the twins?” I asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat, anticipating his answer. I had already worked it out, but I needed him to say it. I’d taken Fitz off guard—he blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. I could tell he didn’t intend to have this conversation with me.

  “What brought this on?” he asked.

  “They visited me in a dream last night. Two little red-haired girls with bright green eyes.”

  He glanced down at the floor, then back at me. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you?” His gaze carried a sadness I anticipated. I didn’t need his sympathy, I wanted honesty.

  “They were very different people, Mercy. Aadya might have been more powerful, but her jealousy over your mother, Annabel, was extreme.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

  “That your aunt wants you dead? One of your biggest emotional hurdles is family, Mercy. A part of me feared it would make things harder for you—more confusing. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth. I’d like to know how you figured it out.”

  “Besides the red hair and green eyes? Something about one of them felt evil and dark. The other, I can’t explain it—I just knew it was my mother. Her calming presence, I suppose. This dream felt stronger than my previous one, actual objects moved after the interference. Is that even possible? The thought is terrifying, Fitz and I. . .”

  “Whoa, what do you mean moved afterward?”

  “I woke to the sound of giggling down the hall. They were in the activities lounge, drawing and staring up at me. I turned to run out and collided with Sebastian. Then everything disappeared, except a crayon rolling across the floor.”

  “Sebastian?” His brow wrinkled in thought.

  “Yes, Dr. Lee’s new patient.”

  “Ah yes, I remember. I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself to him yet. So, the objects they were using remained after they disappeared?”

  “Should I be afraid?” I asked.

  “Her subconscious powers have strengthened if she’s able to be that present.” He stroked his eyebrow, then sat up straight. “They’re getting bold. The only way to fight this is for you to practice your own subconscious gift, then you might be able to block them. I’ll see if Dr. Lee is available today. Don’t wear yourself out, you’ll need your strength.”

  I nodded in agreement.

  “We’re going to do everything we can to protect you.”

  “I’m tired of people protecting me. I intend to do it myself.”

  . . .

  A few hours later, I waited for Dr. Lee outside his office. Tension rippled on the other side of the door, I could feel it. Someone yanked the door open with force, and Sebastian stepped out, startled to see me standing there.

  “Hey, Mercy. I meant to find you earlier to check on you after last night. You seemed pretty shaken up.”

  “What happened last night?” A deep voice rumbled behind me.

  I turned to find Drake standing behind me, staring intensely at Sebastian. Sebastian’s eyes shifted toward me as if he didn’t want to announce my personal business. The silence made things worse. It made us look guilty of something completely innocent.

  “Mercy?” Drake questioned again.

  “It was nothing. I had a nightmare, and I ran into Sebastian in the hall. I went back to bed and slept well afterward.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Sebastian said with a knowing smile. “Talk to you guys later.”

  After excusing himself, Drake turned to look me in the eyes, his hands on each side of my face, affectionately. “Sometimes I wish you were a better liar, so you didn’t embarrass yourself. You want to tell me the truth?”

  I grinned. “Later, I promise.”

  “How about tonight?”

  “Tonight?”

  “I have plans for you. Be ready by six.” His lips quickly met mine before leaving me with Dr. Lee.

  . . .

  Three hours. I spent three hours diving into my subconscious, learning to block, focus, and amplify. The pain in my head throbbed brutally, and my eyes swelled from pressure. I felt as though I had a hangover. Dr. Lee decided it might be best to bring in a sensory interferer to help with the pain during training. My gift wasn’t numbing like it did last time and I couldn’t focus. Dr. Lee stuck his head outside the door and yelled, “Ah, Sebastian, come here for a minute.”

  “What now?” he asked, full of attitude.

  “I thought you could help a patient of mine. Her training has caused some disc
omfort. Do you think you could take time out of your busy schedule to assist a fellow Regalian? Since you seem to excel at sensory—really, one of the best I’ve seen.” Dr. Lee cocked his head to the side and glared.

  Sebastian’s jaw clenched but looked over at me with kindness and sympathy. “Of course. Anything for Mercy.”

  “It’s not a problem. Drake is in his room, and he’d prefer to do it anyway,” I explained.

  He smiled. “No need, I’m standing right here. It won’t take but a minute. Close your eyes, okay?”

  I did what he instructed and felt his hand rest on the back of my neck and the other on my forehead. Nothing happened.

  “I’m proud that you’ve learned to block so well, but I need you to let your guard down, or I can’t help you,” he explained.

  I tried to relax, but couldn’t let go of the defensive hold I’d clung to.

  “Think of something that relaxes you, go to your happy place and breathe for me. That’s it, good girl,” he whispered. “Almost done.”

  The pain dissipated, and my eyes no longer felt as though they’d pop out of my head. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

  Sebastian stood with his arms crossed in front of me. “Anytime. Out of curiosity, what made you relax so quickly?”

  I cut my eyes toward Dr. Lee, then back at Sebastian. “It’s um, well it’s personal.”

  “Drake,” he guessed. He stared at me with a half-grin. “I get it, you know. I felt like that about someone before.”

  “What happened?”

  “Long story.” Sebastian’s eyes darkened. “I gotta get to the tennis court. Kellan is waiting for a butt-kicking.” He stopped at the door frame and grinned over his shoulder. Then he left without another word.