Night World : Huntress Chapter 13

The kiss was warm and sweet. Not frightening. Jez felt herself relax in Morgeads arms before she knewwhat she was doing. His heart was beating so fast against hers. She felt dizzy, further safe, in addition a wonderful mental picture.But the approach of his mind was a nonher matter. It was just comparable the first time that terrible, overpowering pulltrying to suck her soul bulge and mix it with Morgeads until they were both one person. Until he knew herevery secret and she had no place to hide.And the worst thing Was that she knew it wasnt Morgead doing it. It was that let onside force doing it toboth of them, carrying them along helplessly.Whether we want it or not. And we dont want it, Jez told herself desperately. We both hate it. Neitherof us wants to share our souls.But and so wherefore was he still holding her, still kissing her? And why was she letting him?At that instant she felt his mind touch hers, r distri onlyivelying through the smoke-screen of apology shedth rown near herself to brush her thoughts as lightly as a moths wing. She recognized Morgeadsessence in it she could feel his soul, rancid and bright and full of rough emotion for her. He was openinghimself to her not trying to fight this or blush holding back. He was breathing out farther than the pull forced himto, tolerant himself to her gratuitously.It was a gift that sent her reeling. And she couldnt resist it. Her mind flowed out of its own accord totouch his, tendrils of thought wrapping around his gratefully. The shock of pastime when she let it happenwas frightening-except that she couldnt be frightened anymore, not now. And then she felt him respond, felt his happiness, felt his thoughts enfolding hers, holding her mind asgently as his arms held her body. And white light exploded behind her eyes.Jez Morgead Whats wrong with you two?The thought was foreign, cold, and unwanted. It broke into Jezs warm little world and rattled aroundannoyingly. Jez tried to push it away .Hey, look Im just trying to help. If you guys are alive, then, like give us a sign, okay?Morgead made a sound like a mental groan. Its Vol. I wee-wee to kill him.Im going to help, Jez told him. Then fewthing occurred to her. Oh-wait. Where are we ?It was a good question. A weird but necessary question. It took them a maent to untangle theirthoughts from each other and rise back to the real world.Where they seemed to be sitting under the ruins of a redbud tree, arms around each other, Jezs brain onMorgeads shoulder, Morgeads gift pressed into Jezs hair.At least we werent still kissing, Jez thought abstractedly. She could feel herself flushing scarlet. The restof the gang was standing around them, looking ware with worried expressions.What do you guys want? Morgead said brusquely.What do we want? pig leaned forward, vestige hair swinging. Jez actually saw both her midnight blueeyes underneath. You tierce jumped off the roof just as the fire got out of control. We put it out andcame stack to see if you were still alive- and then we find you here hanging on to each other and totallyout of it. And you want to know what we want? We want to know if youre okay.Were fine, Morgead said. He didnt say anything more, and Jez understood. Neither of them had any appetite to talk close it in front of other people. That could wait until they were alone, until it was the righttime.They didnt need to express this to each other. Jez simply knew, and knew that he knew.What about her? Thistle pointed to Iona, still unconscious on the sidewalk.Jez was already moving to the child. She checked the little body over, noted the purge breathing and thepeaceful expression.Shes fine, too, she said, settling back. She held Thistles gaze. No thanks to you.Thistles cheeks were pink. She looked angry, embarrassed, and defensive. Shes just a human.Shes a kid Morgead yelled, shooting up to his feet. He towered over Thistle, who suddenly lookedvery small. Which youre not, he went on unsym-pathetically. Youre just a-a sixteen-year-old ShirleyTemple-wannabe. each(prenominal) right, both of you Jez said sharply. She waited until they debar up and looked at her before continuing. You-be quiet and let me take care of things, she said to Morgead. And you-if you ever tryto hurt a kid again, Ill knock your head off. This to Thistle, who opened her mouth, but then shut it againwithout speaking.Jez nodded. Okay, thats settled. Now weve got to get this girl home.Val stared at her. Home?Yeah, Val. Jez picked the child up. In case you missed something, shes not the unjustified top executive.But Val wriggled his broad shoulders uncomfortably and looked at Morgead. You mean youwere wrong?Theres a first time for everything, right? Morgead glared at him.But, then-who is the Wild Power? pig it put in quietly.Who knows? It was the first time Pierce had spoken, and his voice was low and distantly amused.Jez glanced at him. His blond hair glinted in the red light of the sunset , and his dark eyes were mocking.I really dont call up I like you much, she thought.But of course he was right If this kid isnt the one-well, I guess it could have been anybody at thescene, she said blackly. Anybody worried generous to want to save her. One of the firefighters, aneighbor-anybody.Assuming the blue flash on the tape really was evidence of a Wild Power, Pierce said.I think it was. Jez glanced at Morgead. It sure looked like blue fire. And it certainly was some kind ofPower.And Grandma Harman dreamed about the Wild Power being in San Francisco, Morgead added. It allfits too well. He looked at Jez slyly. But it couldnt have been anybody at the scene, you know.Why not?Because of what you said about that controversy in the prophecy. Born in the year of the blind Maidens vision.That means it has to be somebody born less than eighteen years ago. Before that, Aradia couldnt havevisions because she wasnt alive.Goddess, Im slow today, Jez thought. I should have thought of t hat. She gave him a wry nod ofrespect and he returned it with a grin. Not maliciously.Its still not much to go on, Raven said in her pragmatic way. But dont you think we should go backinside to discuss it? Somebodys going to come along eventually and see us with an unconscious kid.Good point, Jez said. But Im not going up with you. Im taking the kid home.Me, too, Morgead said. Jez glanced at him he had his stubborn expression on. Okay, but just us. both motorcycles are going to be conspicuous enough. She turned to Raven. Therest of you can do what you want tonight try to figure out who the Wild Power is or whatever. Wellmeet again tomorrow and see what weve come up with.Why wait? Val said. Its only dusk. We could meet tonight-Tm tired, Jez cut in. Its enough for the day. And Goddess knows how Im going to explain being gonethis long to Aunt Nan, she thought wearily. Not to mention missing school.Pierce was watching her with an odd expression. So youll have to report to Hunter that w e failed, hesaid, and in that respect was a probing tone in his voice that Jez didnt like.Yeah, Ill tell him you screwed up, she said heavily. But that we still have some options. Unless youdrather I just tell him that youre all idiots and not worth giving a second chance. She kept looking atPierce until he looked away.When she turned to Morgead he was scowling, but he didnt say anything. He silently started towardtheir bikes.They couldnt talk while they were riding. Jez was too full of her own thoughts leastwise.She was finally free to consider those stick out minutes with Morgead.It had been amazing. Electrifying. But also enlightening.She knew now what had happened to them, what was happening. He had been right. It was thesoul-mate principle.So were soulmates. Morgead and I. After all our fighting and challenging each other and everything. Itsso strange, but in a way it makes sense, too.And its really a pity that even if we both survive the next week or so, were never going t o see eachother again.The thought came from some deep part of her that was utterly heartless and practical and saw everythingin the cold light of truth.Because unluckily the universe had picked the wrong person for Jez to be soulmates with. It hadpicked one that would hate her and want to kill her once he realized what she really was.Bad mistake, universe, Jez thought, biting knock off on a laugh. She realized, dimly, that she was verging onbeing hysterical.It had been such a long day, and she was so tired, and so hurt, and shed failed in her mission, and nowMorgead was in love with her, but there was just no hope. Small wonder she was punchy and anemotional wreck. She was lucky not to be railing off her bike.There really was no hope. Even in that last encounter, even when Morgead had been revealing his soulto her, Jez had managed to donjon her own secrets buried. He didnt know. He had no idea that the girl hewas in love with was vermin. Was workings with Circle Daybreak. Was ly ing to him to steal the Wild Power out from under his nose and end the hopes of the vampires for a world without humans.He was ambitious, she had always known that. completely hed ever cared about was climbing higher and gettingmore power. Shed promised him a position in the new world order-while all the time she was working ashard as she could to make sure that the new world order never came.He would never forgive that deception. He would never even be able to understand why she had done it.So you have to forget about him, the cold-and-practical part of her mind said quietly. And there wasnothing inside Jez that even tried to argue.It was dark by the time they reached the Marina district. As they approached the housing project, Jezsaw flashing lights ahead.Police car lights. Well, that wasnt unexpected. Ionas mother would have notified them by now. Jez justhoped she wasnt too worried.Idiot her mind said sarcastically. How worried do you expect her to be, with it getting dark and h ereight-year-old missing?She turned into an alley and Morgead followed her.Well have to do a drive-by, she said over the thrum of the engines. Drop her by the police cars andthen shoot out of there. Theyll probably chase us. Are you up for it?He nodded. We should go separate ways. Thatll make it harder for them to catch us.Right. You go on home once you lose them. So will I.She couldnt see his features clearly in the dark alley, but she knew he was looking at her. So will you?Go home?I mean Ill go to the place where Im staying.She expected him to ask about that, try to find out where it was, what she was doing. He didnt Insteadhe said, Do you have to?She bunked at him, startled. Then she frowned. Yes, I have to. I want to. Im tired, Morgead, andanyway Im not ready to be spending the night with a guy.I didnt mean that-Jez waved a hand. I know. Im sorry. But Im still tired, and- And Ive got other responsibilities thatyou dont understand. And if I truss around you any longer, while Im this tired, Im afraid that youregoing to find out what they are.And youre still mad, he said bleakly.Tm not mad- Or disgusted or whatever.What was he talking about? Tm just tired, shesaid firmly. Now lets drop the kid off, and Ill see you tomorrow.I- He let out his breath violently. All right.Jez didnt waste any more time. She unzipped her jacket, which had been holding Iona firmly against her.Then she sped out into the street.One block, two blocks. And now she was right beside the dark and deserted playground, and now shewas nearly level with the police cars. There were several officers standing around talking, and severalother bystanders who might be neighbors.Jez targeted one of the neighbors.She swooped in toward the woman, who was on the outside bump into of the sidewalk. She came up fast,then hit the brakes.Hey, she said. Here.The woman turned around and her jaw dropped. Jez didnt hesitate, just bundled Iona into her arms.The woman grabbed the childs weight automatically.Gi ve her to her mom, okay?And then Jez was roaring out and away. She could hear Morgead behind her, and shouts from thehousing project. Then a police siren.She glanced back. Morgead was just turning on a side street. He waved once at her, and then he wasspeeding off.Jez could hear more sirens now. She twisted the throttle and headed for the Bay Bridge.At least a pursuit was something she could enjoy.When she finally shook the police cars tag her, she turned toward Clayton. She would havebeen worried about what her aunt and uncle were going to say if she hadnt already been too worriedabout Iona.Shell be all right, she told herself. She shouldnt remember anything, and her mom will take care of her.But Jez couldnt help but feel guilty and just plain sad. There was some sort of bond amid herand the child. She felt-responsible for her, and not just because shed kidnapped and terrorized her.Nobody should have to grow up in that kind of place. I may have run around on the streets when I wa slittle, but at least I had Uncle Bracken, and a nice home to go to if I wanted. Iona-she doesnt even havea safe playground. I should do something for her, but what can I do that would matter?I dont know maybe I can visit her sometime. Maybe I can obtain her a plant.There werent any easy answers, and she was drawing up to a neat yellow frame house.Home.Time, Jez thought, to face the music. Uncle Jim and Aunt Nan and tight little Claire. She just hoped theyleft enough of her alive so that she could call Hugh laterward.She pulled her motorcycle into the garage, climbed off, and went inside. at all is bad enough, But to do it the day after you make us a promise-well, what are we supposed tothink? How are we supposed to trust you again?Jez was sitting on the blue floral wander in the living room. The Goddard living room didnt get used much,only for very formal occasions.This was one of them. It was a court martial.And there wasnt really a thing that Jez could say to the humans she l ived with. She certainly couldnt givethem any excuse that would make sense.First, ditching Claire even though you swore to us that youd let her drive you to school. Aunt Nanamiwas check mark items off on her fingers. Second, ditching school after you swore to us you werent going toskip again. Third, going off some place you wont even tell us about. Fourth, not even calling to let usknow you were still alive. Fifth, getting home at almost ten oclock at night-Uncle Jim cleared his throat. Nan, I think weve been over this already.A couple of times, Jez thought. Oh, well, at least Claire is enjoying it. Her cousin was standing at theentrance to the living room, openly listening. When she happened to catch Jezs eye she smiled brilliantly,her small face actually glowing with smug satisfaction.Aunt Nan was shaking her head. I just want to make sure she understands, Jim. I thought sheunderstood last night, but obviously She threw her hands up.Well, the thing is- Uncle Jim cleared his throa t again and looked at Jez. He looked uncomfortable hewasnt very good at groom, but Jezcould see that hed reached his limit. The thing is that we cant just keep yelling at you. We have to dosomething, Jez. So weve decided to lock up your motorcycle. You cant ride it anymore, not until you guide to be more responsible.Jez sat stunned.Not her bike. They couldnt take her bike from her.How would she get anywhere? She had to be mobile. She had to get to Morgead tomorrow-she had to get to Hugh sometime. She hadto be able to track down the Wild Power. And she couldnt do any of that without transportation.But she could see from Uncle Jims face that he was serious. Hed finally decided to put his foot down,and Jez had gotten caught underneath it.She let out her breath. objet dart of her wanted to yell and storm and rage about this, to lose control andmake a big noisy fuss.But it wouldnt do any good. Besides, shed managed to keep her temper for almost a year with thesepeople, to live her doub le life as a student and vampire hunter and make it all work. To swan that nowwould be stupid.And another part of her was scared that she was even verging on losing control. That was what even aday with Morgead did to her. It cut through all her careful discipline and changed her back into a ravingbarbarian.Morgead she couldnt think about him now.Okay, Uncle Jim, she said out loud. I understand. You do what you have to.If you can just show us that youre education to be responsible, then you can have the bike back. Youhave to learn to take life more seriously, Jez.That forced a tired snort out of her. She was laughing before she knew it, and her aunt and uncle werelooking shocked and displeased.Im sorry, she said. Ill try harder.And Ill just have to take public transportation tomorrow, she thought when the lecture was over and shewas free to go to her room. Even though thats a lot more dangerous. I could get hunted down so easily. .. .You messed with the wrong person, you know? Cla ire said as Jez reached her doorsill. You shouldnthave dumped me like that. You shouldnt make me mad.Yeah, Claire well, now I know better. Im terrified.Youre still not taking things seriously, are you?Claire- Jez rounded on the smaller girl. Then she halt dead. I dont have time for this, shemuttered. I have to make a call. You just run along and harass somebody else.She shut the bedroom door in Claires face.Which, she realized later, was a mistake. At the time, though, she was too tired to think about it.She was too tired to think properly at all. Tired and distraught, with the feeling that everything wasclosing in and happening too fast.And so when she picked up the phone to dial Hugh she hardly noticed the little click on the line, and shedidnt stop for even a second to consider what it meant.