“We’re all in this together, right?” Uncle Frank asked.
“Right,” we all agreed.
I hugged Uncle Frank and my parents and said goodbye. It was great to see them, and I was glad they all had a chance to see I was safe, especially my mom. I knew she wouldn’t be able to rest until she physically saw me with her own eyes, able to make her own assessment. For thirteen years we were a close knit family. Now, everything had changed.
As soon as the door slid shut, I melted back into Finn’s arms.
We were alone and this was a rare and precious moment.
Need and desire burned between us and within the silence, we connected. I could read him perfectly; his longing gaze told me he wanted me just as much as I wanted him.
Without warning, his lips came crashing down on mine. I moaned into his mouth, which made his hands twist in my hair and pull my head back just enough so he could deepen the connection.
I wanted him. I needed him.
Oh, how I missed the sound of his voice, the way his mouth felt against mine, the way our breaths blended seamlessly. His touch captured me. I no longer had a lonely heartbeat. It had found its match and together they beat in perfect unison.
My mind was telling me we needed to stop because there were hidden eyes. But I was helpless against the passion stirring between us. Our need was much stronger than reason.
He lifted me up and carefully laid me on the table. His dark eyes, unblinking and focused, were half-lidded with desire. The warmth of his body and the feel of his breath against my skin tested my strength.
Balancing on one elbow, he laid next to my side, running a hand up the length of my leg, smoothing over my stomach, and finally resting on the side of my face. Our mouths were merely a whisper apart.
“You’re so perfect,” he breathed.
His closeness was driving me mad.
“I’ve missed you,” I said softly.
“Do you know the suffering I’ve had to endure, wondering how you’ve been? Not being able to see you, or even call you? Sometimes I wonder if we should have taken Rhett’s offer and stayed at Sanctum.”
“I know,” I sighed, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. “I think about it too. But our families need us.”
His eyes closed. “But I need you.”
I smiled, pulling his mouth back down to mine. “I need you, too.”
Bringing a leg over mine, he leaned over me, a crooked grin playing on his lips. “So how much time do we have?”
“We can’t do anything here. There are eyes all over this room.”
“Maybe they need some excitement?” he played, nipping at my bottom lip.
Groaning at the contact, I shook my head and cleared it. “No way. Not on my account.”
“I was playing. No one will ever get to see you like I will,” he said.
His eyes went distant and I saw a slight furrow.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he said.
“You can’t hide anything from me, Finn,” I said. “Soon, I’ll be able to read your mind.”
He sighed. “Why does life have to come with so much struggle?”
“Because it’s the struggle that strengthens us.”
His eyes glimmered, and his fingers gently traced the side of my face.
“I never had to struggle to get you.”
“That’s because everything I have is yours, and given freely.”
He smiled and shook his head. The muscles in his arms twitched, which for some odd reason made my heart flutter.
“Can you read my thoughts right now?” he asked.
“I don’t have to.”
His eyes studied my face before he rolled on top of me, his hard body resting firmly against mine. Laying his head on my chest, I ran my fingers through his thick hair.
“I can hear your heartbeat,” he whispered. “It makes me feel alive, and reassures me you’re safe in my arms.”
“It beats with one purpose only,” I breathed. Curling my fingers in his hair, I pulled his head up to look at me.
His dark eyes found mine.
In one swift movement, he pushed up onto his elbows and his beautiful face lingered inches above mine. Teasingly, he grazed his tongue across my lips, causing a faint moan to escape. Moving in with hunger, his mouth took over, our tongues danced and explored with eagerness, peppered with moans of pleasure.
For the briefest moment, there wasn’t a care in the world. I was wrapped in Finn’s arms and everything around us faded into complete bliss as our bodies moved in sync with one another. The warmth of his skin on mine filled me with an extraordinary strength.
My body arched into his, as his hips rocked into mine. The movement caused his trembling hands to grasp at my back, tugging me closer. Love and need filled us to the point of overflowing.
“One day,” he breathed in between soft kisses. “I’ll have all of you.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I said. I longed to feel him loving me.
Slowing down our movements, we both knew, this magical moment would have to end soon. Kissing a few more times, he rolled to my side and patted my stomach.
“Shall we get off of this table before the good doctor comes in and we’re fully embarrassed?”
“Yeah.” I sighed.
Giving me one last, deep kiss, he pushed off and offered me his hand. As he pulled me up I landed back in his arms.
“I don’t want you to leave,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I’ll always be here for you.”
“I know, but not the way I need you to be. I feel so lost without you.”
“I promise, we will be together soon. Then we can spend the rest of our lives in each other’s arms.”
“Not soon enough,” I said sadly.
Noticing his feelings imitated mine, I changed the subject.
“So, you started military training, huh?”
“Yeah. Gives me something to do, at least. They’re getting ready for the damn Arvy war.”
“How’s your leg holding up?”
“It’s fine.” He pulled up his pant leg and showed me the healed pink scars. I ran my fingers over them, and he took hold of my hand. “Hey, no teasing.”
“I wasn’t,” I smiled. “Sort of.”
He shook his head. “How’s your head?” He brushed a few stray strands of hair behind my ear.
“It’s still attached.” I giggled. “Most times.”
He placed his hands on either side of my head and kissed me. “Something troubling you?” he asked.
“They’ll be taking me to an Arvy chamber soon for training and I’m terrified.”
“They’re caged, right?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“I hope so.”
“Don’t let ‘em get to you, Abi. You’re stronger than they are. You just have to realize it,” he said.
“I feel like you’re the only one who gets me. The real me.”
“It’s because we’ve been best friends for the past thirteen years. I should know everything about you.”
I smiled. “As you already know, I started my training, but you know what the best thing about it is?”
“What?”
“I can pull up memories of my past, which allows me to see you whenever I want. In vivid detail. The down part is . . . I can’t touch you.”
“Oh yeah? So what’s your favorite memory?”
“There are way too many to pick just one. I actually got to relive the day we went down into the hive. I’d forgotten how adorably cute you were.”
“What do you think about me now?”
I blushed. “My thoughts have grown up a whole lot since then.”
“So have mine,” he said, whisking me back into his arms and playfully grabbing my behind.
Our laughter filled the room, just as the door slid open. Dr. Simon entered with a look of surprise.
“Where are the others?”
Finn set me down, but kep
t his arm around my waist.
“Oh, they left a little while ago,” I said.
“Dr. Simon,” Finn nodded in greeting, stepping forward and extending his arm.
“Hello, Finn. It’s nice to meet you again.”
“You as well. Thanks for taking good care of Abi.”
“I’m merely helping her to expand her mind. She’s very strong on her own.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Finn bragged. “She’s excels at everything.”
“I’ve caught a glimpse of some of the things she’s capable of. She’ll definitely be an asset to the program.”
Finn smiled. “Dr. Simon, is there any way for me to be able to spend a little more time with her? I realize there are rules and regulations, but she is my fiancé.”
“I know,” Dr. Simon said. “They’re pretty strict with the rules here, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“I don’t want you to get into trouble,” Finn clarified. “I just need more than an hour a week with her. She makes up the better half of me.”
My insides beamed, knowing I felt the exact same way.
“I understand,” Dr. Simon nodded. He was probably reading Finn, and I had no doubt he knew he was telling the truth.
“There is a guard ready to escort you back,” Dr. Simon said to Finn.
Finn turned and hugged me one more time, then gave me a quick kiss.
“Be strong. I’ll see you soon.”
“You too,” I replied.
As soon as Finn walked out the door, half of my heart went with him. I felt emotional but pulled myself together, remembering his last words.
Be strong. Those words were much easier said than done.
Dr. Simon stood at the door. “Abi, since it’s still early, I was wondering if you’d be interested in going to the Arvy chamber? I’d like to see the interaction you have with the mutants. If you’re up for it.”
“Sure, why not?” I replied.
Perfect, let me contact a few people and set it up. It’ll just be for an hour.”
“That’s fine.”
“Did you have a nice visit with your family?”
“I did. And thanks again for setting that up. It really meant a lot to all of us.”
“It’s no problem. I told the heads of the department that our new Reader was having trouble adjusting and a visitation with her family would be most advantageous.”
“It definitely was.”
I COULD FEEL MY BODY tense as we proceeded through long halls and a series of doors which needed a swipe card to enter. Then we descended down a set of stairs which led deeper and deeper into the ground.
Finally, Dr. Simon paused outside of another door.
“We’re here. I’m going to go in first and make sure they have everything set up, and only one Arvy in your session.”
“What am I trying to accomplish?”
“We want to see how the mutant reacts to you, and what you can do as far as communicating with it. We also want to see if you are able to manipulate its thoughts.”
“I haven’t learned to manipulate anyone’s thoughts yet,” I said.
“I have a feeling it won’t be hard for you,” Dr. Simon said with a grin. He slid his tag across the pad. “I’ll be right back.” As soon as the door opened, I could hear the growls and piercing screams of the monsters within.
When the door closed behind him, I relaxed. A cold sweat blanketed my body, and I wondered if I’d made the right decision.
I wished I had Hellfire. Having her at my side made me feel like I could defend myself against anything. She never failed to protect me. Now I was vulnerable.
It was a good ten minutes before the door slid open and Dr. Simon stepped out.
“We’re ready for you.”
I took in a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves.
“You’ll be just fine, Abi. The first time is always scary,” he said.
“But that’s the thing. This isn’t my first time,” I said. “I start to break down whenever they get too close.”
“We have a team of specialists in the room, and a soldier standing by with a weapon. I’m not saying anything is going to happen, but we are ready for anything,” he reassured. “If you feel you can’t handle it, please let me know.”
“Alright,” I breathed.
“So, what’s Hellfire?” he asked.
My eyes narrowed. I didn’t remember telling him about Hellfire. Then I realized the obvious.
“I’m sorry. It’s my job to find out information, and I’m very efficient. Sometimes my efficiency can come off as annoying.”
“Tell me about it.” I grinned, then immediately back-pedaled. “Efficient, I mean.”
Dr. Simon laughed. “I know I’m both.”
“Hellfire’s my gun, and she’s been a big part of my life for the past thirteen years. She’s not only my weapon, but has practically become an extension of my limb since we went topside. She’s saved a lot of lives, and has saved my butt more than once.”
“A gun?” he said, a little stunned. “Do you still have it?”
“No,” I sighed. “I had to give her up before I arrived here because she would have been confiscated.”
“Where is she now?”
“A soldier who was with us at Sanctum took her. It’s the only way I could keep her safe. She’s in good hands though, but she’d be much better in mine.”
He turned and his eyes looked amused. “I have an old pen I brought down with me from the topside. I used it every day, taking notes and writing my thoughts down, until it ran out of ink. Although there were many other pens available, that one was special. Actually, it still sits right here in my pocket.” He pulled out a pen that had been worn from years of use. “It’s the only thing I have to remind me of my past, and it’s been with me so long, I couldn’t part with it. So, I know exactly what you mean.”
I smiled at his comparison. I guess he did know how I felt.
He tucked his pen back in his pocket as we made our way inside.
The Arvies down the hall were still making noises, and as we got closer, my head started to throb.
“What’s wrong?” Dr. Simon asked.
“It’s just my head. It’s hurting like it usually does when I get close to them.”
“The room is right here,” he said, knocking quickly and turning a knob to let us in.
As I stepped into the room, acid filled my stomach. The stench of the Arvy burned my nostrils and made my gag reflexes kick in.
It was strapped to a chair in the corner of the room; its binds so tight its veins were bulging. Encompassing its head was a metal helmet attached to a muzzle. Under the chair was a puddle of clear liquid, which I assumed was urine. It wore a crudely deteriorated covering, ragged and reeking from years of constant wear and neglect.
In another corner of the room, sitting behind a long desk, were two men in white lab coats, each with pads and pens in hand. Standing at the back of the room was a soldier with an AR-15 slung around his shoulder and a revolver at his side. I just hoped he knew how to use them, if the time ever came.
Dr. Simon placed a chair about fifteen feet away from the Arvy, directly facing it.
“Abi, you’ll be sitting here.”
As I walked forward, the Arvy’s opaque eyes locked onto mine, following my every move. I could hear its deep growl rumbling from within. Its long bony fingers gripped the chair so tight they looked like they would fall off. I tried to keep my mind blank, showing no fear as I took my seat and stared directly at the mutant.
Although it showed no signs of humanity, I wondered what he looked like before the mutation. How old was he? Did he have a family? What did he have to endure to come to this point?
I had to shut out my emotions because having empathy for these creatures would lead to my downfall. I knew better than anyone, there was no way to reason with them. I’d tried. Sadly, the only thing left within their dark hearts was a burning hatred, and an unwavering drive to a
nnihilate us. The survivors. The ones who hid away in safe underground bunkers for thirteen years while they suffered through agonizing pain that came with ungodly amounts of radiation.
My head pounded, but I kept steady and focused.
“Abi, are you ready to begin?” Dr. Simon asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
“I want you to ask it what it wants.”
I didn’t need to ask. I already knew the answer from its narrowed eyes and the snarl on its badly cracked and bloodied lips.
But I’d try it anyway.
Everyone in the room was silent, except for the Arvy. It thrashed in its chair, its arms tensing, desperate to snap the binds. Its putrid, decayed mouth snapped and spat as it growled and screamed.
“What do you want from us?” I asked.
Its growl roared even louder.
“What do you want?” I repeated, staring directly into its eyes, demanding an answer.
Its stare remained locked on mine; its answer came in a rumbled rage.
“Kill.”
I turned to Dr. Simon, and he nodded.
“Abi, I want you to see if you can manipulate its mind, inputting another word into it. A simple word it can easily latch onto.”
I turned back to the Arvy and relaxed my body. Shutting my eyes, I pictured ocean waves crashing on the shore of a white sandy beach, and gentle sea breezes blowing through the trees.
These were things I’d dreamt about in our old hive. Unrealized wishes waiting to come to fruition.
I pushed these beautiful thoughts out toward the Arvy and with it, the word peace. Repeating it over and over, I let my inner thoughts and emotions flow. Inside, I could feel something happening. A buzzing and prickling sensation which started at the top of my head and ran down the full length of my body. My fingers felt like electrical currents were passing through them.
In the midst of focusing, I realized the room went dead silent. The Arvy’s growl had ceased and his rasped breath had slowed and became steadier.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed its face was relaxed and its eyes were wide open, almost with a look of shock. Even the deep lines embedded on its brow and nose had softened, and it didn’t look as menacing.
Then, one of the white coats in the corner moved his chair. The sharp screech echoed through the room, and startled the Arvy, who immediately snapped back into murder mode. Face contorting, its eyes filled with the hatred they were identified with. Its terrifying growl once again filled the room.