Emergence (The Primogenitor Chronicles Book 1) (42 page)

“Come on, Kieran, come play with me,” he said softly, but the Hunter shook his head and kept up his pacing outside of the circle. The sound of footsteps running broke through his trance, and he looked up to see Christoff race into the gym, Donald right behind him. Grinning, Nick called out to his brother, “Come to spoil my fun, Chris? Or do you have the balls to join me?”

His grin faded when he saw the black smudges marring his brother’s throat, so he looked at the others instead. Donald had circled around behind him to the farthest quarter of the circle’s perimeter.

“Kieran, Dylan, maintain your positions. Nickolas, look at me.” Christoff’s face was carefully neutral, and he stopped precisely at the edge of the circle.

Shaking his head, Nickolas turned away to continue toying with the crowd gathered around the edge, taunting them to join him. He spread his wings and gave them a vigorous flap then lunged at the circle’s edge, laughing when a couple of the onlookers fell backward. His vision greyed out for a moment when the ghosts took on more definition, but he pushed the sight away and spun back to the center of the circle—only to double over, hissing from the sudden pain that ripped through his head. He tried to breathe through it, but he had to twist and fall into a crouch to forestall Donald’s attempt to come in from behind.

He wove along the edge, assessing the four Hunters that kept him contained in the circle, frustrated that his control of the situation was gone. A new sound broke through his focus, and he started to growl as the rest of the Flight and Wing leaders arrived on the run. All of the most dangerous Valkyries were now present and accounted for. There were just too many.

Heat and force expanded in his center; the faces around him wavered like mirages on a sunny road.

“Chris!” Kieran shouted. “He’s about to use his power.”

“Nickolas. Look. At. Me.”

Nick felt the breeze stir his hair, but the force of Chris’s command drew his attention away from the seductive lure of power growing inside.

His gaze locked on Chris, who immediately started to move along the circle’s boundary. Drawn to follow his brother’s movements around the ring like he had Kieran’s, the world started to narrow once more. Christoff gently directed the situation, taking control. “Nick, no one’s going to fight you today. No one wants to see a repeat of last night.”

He attempted a halfhearted lunge, but Chris didn’t fall for it. “Don’t worry, Chris. I won’t try to kill you this time, just beat the crap out of you.”

“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen either. This isn’t the way to deal with things, Nick.”

The pain and the ghosts shattered his concentration. He couldn’t dredge up the strength to force the welling power into an outlet; his world narrowed to the green of Christoff’s eyes. That realization surfaced and he tried to pull away, but he couldn’t break the eye contact with his brother. Trapped, he hypnotically followed the Hunter’s movements.

“Relax, Nick. Don’t panic. Remember? You asked for my help. You need dinner and sleep. Listen to me. Dinner and sleep.”

The tide swelled but then receded. As it settled back down into its well, the ripples of his emotions evened out with it. A soft whine escaped his throat and he closed his eyes.

Chris’s hand squeezed his shoulder now that he dared to cross the circle’s boundary. He used the physical contact as an anchor.

“Come on, Nick, it’s dinner time. Let’s go eat.”

Wearily, he opened his eyes and met Chris’s protective ones. Chris squeezed his shoulder again, then turned him toward the doors and with a gentle shove, pushed him across the boundary line. He dropped his eyes to the floor as the crowd parted and the Flight leaders circled him. The image of a prisoner led off to the gallows flashed through his thoughts as they escorted him to the cafeteria. Dev and Aidan held the double doors wide so they could pass as a group from the Valkyrie section into the mixed corridors.

His stomach grumbled loudly and he sighed. Only a couple more minutes of this, then he could sit in peace to eat.
I can grab a table in the corner; Chris and Donald can tell me what I’ve been missing lately.

I wonder what they have for dessert.

He followed his escorts into the dining hall and started to scan the available tables, but Chris’s hand returned to the back of his neck and propelled him toward an empty table in the center of the large room. He balked, but the hand tightened. Donald pulled out a chair, and Chris shoved him down into it.

“This is a little much, don’t you think, Chris? I’d like to just sit over there, where it’s quiet.” He pointed to a small table at the far side of the room and tried to ignore the Wing and Flight leaders pulling out chairs from the surrounding tables to sit.

Christoff’s eyebrows rose in an expression that said “you’ve got to be kidding me” then waved his hand at someone and took the seat across from him. Nick looked in that direction and felt the blood drain from his face.

“No.” He started to rise and was shoved back down into the seat. Snarling, he turned and saw Donald and Kieran standing behind him. “I’m not going to be served like some child. I’m going up to get my own food from the buffet just like everyone else.”

“You’ll eat what you’re served, doctor’s orders.”

“Not on your life, Chris. Not after last night. I’ll pick my own meals.” He shoved the tray of food aside and tried to rise again, with the same success as before.

His brother pushed the tray back in front of him, shaking his head. “We don’t have to drug your food, Nick. There are plenty of ways to do it if necessary, you know that. Personally, I’d shoot your ass myself. Ian says you need certain things in your diet, and we’re to make sure you get them. So eat.”

He looked down at the tray of food. Rare steak and a metric ton of raw vegetables. The meat he could cope with, but the vegetables made him wrinkle his nose. And of course, no dessert. There was also one small grain roll and a huge pitcher of milk. He brightened a bit when he noticed the concession of chocolate milk.

He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes. The anger haunting him for days started to resurface and settle into his gut, slowly simmering. He tried to push it away. But the crowding, the control, made it difficult. He looked up and met Christoff’s gaze. Determination, covering fear, looked back at him.

Chris is afraid? Of me? For me?

Depression swamped and doused the anger.
Will I ever get this right?
He reached out and picked up a piece of broccoli. The relief surrounding him was palpable. Someone brought three plates to the table and Donald and Kieran dropped into seats on either side of him.

I just want today over. Get back to my room for some peace and quiet.

Muted conversations surrounded him. He picked at his food but eventually managed to choke most of it down then drained the dregs of settled chocolate out of the milk pitcher.

Everyone around him had already finished. He met Chris’s scrutiny. “There, satisfied? Now I’m heading straight back to my room to go to bed. No detours.”

Chris and Donald both rose with him; he closed his eyes and sighed but otherwise ignored them. He made his way out of the subdued cafeteria to walk the dreary halls to his suite.

“Look, Chris, I’m sure one day I’ll appreciate all you’re doing, but not right now.” Arriving at the door to his suite, he stopped and turned to face them. “Right now, I’m worn and can’t appreciate much. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Good night.”

He turned back to his door but was stopped by Christoff clearing his throat. His forehead thunked against the door and just waited for whatever shoe his brother decided to drop.

“Um, Nick, we need to come in with you,” Chris said softly.

“No, Chris, I need the time alone. I’ve been hemmed in all day; I need the space.”

The regret in his brother’s voice didn’t change his reply, unfortunately. “I know, Nicky, that’s why it’s Donald and I who will stay with you.”

He spun around and backed Christoff up to the wall. “No, Chris, it’s my room. I don’t need you to protect me from no one. I’ll be alone.”

Chris’s wings spread and he pushed back. “This isn’t just about protecting you from making a mistake around the wrong people in the Facility anymore, Nickolas. You need to be monitored
at all times
. You heard what Ian said.”

“Chris, listen to me. I will be fine.”

“Hey, guys, we should take this into a less public venue. You’re getting louder, and we don’t need witnesses.”

He turned to glare at Donald.

“He’s right, Nick, we should take this inside.”

“Fine,” he snapped, and opening his door, he stalked inside, prowling around the furniture while the other two came in and closed the door. “Now that we are private, get out! All I’ve wanted all day was some space and to be alone. This is ridiculous.”

Trapped, Nickolas ran his hand through his hair, gripping it at the temple, his mind whirling. Their low growls caught him by surprise. Already off balance, the push of aggression from the two Hunters sent him reeling. Christoff stalked him, Donald joining him.

He gave ground and backed away, attempting to keep the distance between them. The risk of his talent taking control if they touched him was more than he could cope with. The two Hunters maneuvered him into the corner, pinning him there with their presence. He flattened himself to the wall, his emotional rollercoaster running at full speed and headed for the first bend.

“There’s no more arguing, Nickolas. No one is willing to take a chance. You will be monitored. We can do it here or you can stay in the Hub. Which is it?”

Memories swamped him of the nightmare he endured in the Hub during his isolation. He sagged against the wall and turned dazed eyes to his brother, sure in the knowledge that Chris was telling him the truth. Even knowing what such an action would do to him, they would still follow through with the threat. At a loss for what to do, his mind started shutting down.

Sadness, compassion, and a touch of fear flowed across Chris’s face. “Nick, you need to sleep. We can discuss this more later. Come on.”

They parted, giving him an opening to pass, then herded him toward the bedroom where he fell gratefully onto the bed and into oblivion.

Nickolas jerked upright, breathing hard, the tangled images of his confinement in the Hub twisting in his mind. Sweat cooled his body. The need to feel the open air beneath his wings was overwhelming. He rose quietly. His clock read 3:05 a.m.
This is probably going to be my last chance to get her out.

He tiptoed out of his bedroom through the dark and paused to look down at Christoff sleeping on the couch.
I know you just want to protect me, little brother, but I can’t go back there. I can already feel the claustrophobia closing in. It’s not even a choice. I’m sorry. I really wanted you to come with us.

He turned away and slipped through the rest of the dark living room to the door and stopped dead in his tracks. Donald slept on the floor, his body stretched across the doorway. Unbelieving, Nickolas stared at the Hunter, dumbfounded, trying to force his mind to reconcile the situation. The caged feeling from his dream engulfed him.

“Going somewhere, Nicky?”

He spun and stared wide-eyed at his brother. Propped up on one elbow, Chris watched him calmly. Donald woke at the sound of Christoff’s voice and slowly sat up to lean against the door. He took a step back and looked from side to side, seeing no hope or compromise in their faces.

“Let me out,” he rumbled. His wings opened and closed fitfully. Chris sat up and reached over to the lamp, flicking it on.

“You know what Ian said about disturbing Jessica in the middle of the night.” His brother looked more intently at him. “Or
were
you going to the Hub?”

Nick looked away then glanced at the door. His muscles tense.

“Easy.” Chris rose slowly.

“Let me out.” He flexed his knees.

Donald slid up the door to a standing position. Chris held his hands spread low before him and took a step.

“Easy, Nick. Why don’t you head back to bed?”

“You know what the dreams do to me. I need air.”

“You can’t seriously believe that you would be allowed to go for a flight?” Chris stared at him incredulous, then understanding dawned. “You never stopped. That’s why you haven’t lost any strength or agility.”

He started to growl and looked at the door again.

“Nick, you can’t be alone. Someone needs to be with you at all times until Ian says otherwise. He thinks it should only be about two weeks, then you’ll be back to normal. Just two weeks. But until then, no more midnight flights.”

“Don’t do this to me, Chris.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No.” He slammed into Donald with his shoulder. The door creaked and bowed outward but held in the jamb. He got his hand on the knob, but Chris grabbed him in a bear hug.

“Stop panicking, Nick. Easy.” Chris dragged him away from the door. He struggled, but Donald joined Chris as soon as he got his breath back. Together they pinned him in a chair. “Stop.”

He continued to struggle but couldn’t gain any leverage.

“Nickolas,” Chris snapped. “Let us help you.”

“I don’t think he hears you anymore, Chris.”

“I’ve got him. Go call Jays.”

Chris held his wrists tight to the chair arms, a knee across his thighs. Nick slammed his head against the back of the chair. “Let me fly, Chris!”

His voice broke and he turned his eyes to meet Chris’s gaze. The green rippled, then he felt a tear slide down his cheek. He closed his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Nick,” Chris whispered.

Exhausted, despair gained the upper hand and his muscles went lax. Chris quit pressing into him so tightly but didn’t let go.

Eventually the door opened, then he heard the rustle of clothes next to him as someone crouched. He pulled his eyes open and met Jays’s concerned expression.

The doctor reached over and brushed the hair out of his eyes then placed his palm on his forehead. “You’re too hot. Ian thinks your body might be fighting itself like an infection.”

Jays pulled a capped syringe out of his pocket. “Ok, Nick, I have something to make you sleep. Chris, turn his arm.”

He flinched when the drug invaded his vein.

“I know. I hate using this sedative because it hurts,” Jays commented soothingly. “But Ian specified I use this one for you; he said it should stop the dreams.”

He put pressure on the needle mark then quickly applied a Band-Aid. “You shouldn’t wake till midmorning, and you’ll likely feel a bit groggy when you come to, so be prepared. Let’s get him in bed, Chris, it moves fast.”

His brother took his leg down then lifted away from the chair, releasing his arms. Now free, he tried to stand, but a wave of dizziness washed through him and his vision tunneled. Chris and Jays each grabbed an arm before he fell.

“I really hate tranks,” he mumbled.

The two half carried him across the suite to his bedroom. He rolled onto his side after they lowered him to the mattress and looked up at his brother. “I wish you’d just let me fly.”

Chris cocked his head and watched him a moment before responding. “Not happening, Nicky. Get used to it.”

He felt another tear slide from his eye as Chris quietly pulled the door shut and let the drug finish claiming him.

 “Rough night, Chris?” Ian asked as he watched the door to Jessica’s room close behind Nickolas. Turning to look at Christoff and Donald, he noted the fatigue and strain in the young Valkyries’ eyes. He motioned them to follow him over to the monitor so he could observe Nickolas and Jessica interact. “Has he eaten yet?”

“No. I thought I would get him straight over here.”

“Jays, order up food for him and Jessica.” He pulled his chair out and sank into it, pulling a clipboard to him then flipping through a couple of pages before he turned to face Christoff and Donald. “Tell me the details. I already got a report from Jays on what happened in the gym. How’d dinner go?”

They each pulled out chairs and joined him before Chris answered. “He wasn’t overly happy having his food assigned for him. He tried to refuse, but we outnumbered him, and he eventually ate pretty much everything. He had a lot of trouble keeping it together though.”

Ian chuckled. “Not surprising. I’m sure he was thrilled. He was always argumentative over his food.”

“He did not take it well when he found out we were staying with him overnight.”

Ian started writing. “Any particular reason? I would have thought the two of you would have felt comfortable to him.”

“Maybe.” Chris paused and he stopped writing to look at the Hunter. “I think I solved your mystery on why he hasn’t lost any of his flight ability. He woke from nightmares and tried to get past us. I’m pretty sure he’s been out flying most nights. Alone.”

“Damn. I thought we’d broken him of that.”

“Yeah, me too. Anyway, around three he tried to leave his suite and panicked when he found Donald across his door and we wouldn’t let him go. That’s when we called Jays.”

He turned his head to look at his protégé and raised an eyebrow.

Jays folded his arms and leaned a hip against the desk. “You were right about the fever, Ian. The chemical rollercoaster was taking its toll. He needed relief. I think he was in massive pain, and not just mental either. He went under without a wave.”

Ian flipped through some of Nickolas’s previous records. “All of his responses seem to be in keeping with what I would expect. Any sign that he was having more dreams, Chris?”

“Not that I saw. He slept pretty deeply after Jays left.”

“Good, that’s what he needs. The MRI showed how much his brain is altering. His body is fighting itself because of the chemical buildup, which is a major factor causing his erratic behavior. Keeping him quiet, fed, and rested should help his body process and minimize the effects.”

“It’s the keeping him calm, sir, that is going to be the challenge,” Donald added dryly.

Ian flashed a grin and set his pen down. “Right you are, Donald, right you are. We can’t keep him tranked the whole time, so it’s up to you guys to keep him on track.”

“Ian. They’re at it again.” Jays sighed.

Ian swiveled his chair to the monitor that Jays stood over. The camera showed Nickolas and Jessica tight in an embrace, standing at the foot of her bed. The two Hunters stood and peered over his shoulders.

“Go, Nick,” Chris cheered softly.

“Wow, I’ve never seen Nick kiss anyone. Let alone make out like that,” Donald added.

“This isn’t good.” Ian studied the two carefully. His talent started to swirl and rise in his well, outside of his will.

“What do you mean?” Chris asked sharply. “Nick’s finally showing a sexual interest, which is what you wanted.”

“Keep watching, Jays.” He turned back to the two Hunters, ignoring the rising currents for the moment. “That aspect is good, Chris. It’s the timing that isn’t. Neither is ready for what I suspect is to come. It’s too early. They’re both still at the mercy of their changing bodies.”

“Looks like they’re handling it just fine from here,” Chris smirked.

Ian cast him a withering glance and the two returned to their seats. “This isn’t just about sex, Chris. If it was, then we’d be overrun with little winged babies by now, don’t you think? The sperm sample I took from Nick before the MRI shows that his reproductive tract is now processing viable sperm. I can assume that Jessica’s eggs will be fertile as well. First of all, we can’t take a chance on her getting pregnant before the coma; second, I think that it will take something more to make them able to conceive. I think it will take combining their power.”

That caught their attention. He sat back and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “There’s a lot you will all need to learn. I assume you’ve figured out that soon you’ll have to leave?”

Chris and Donald exchanged a look, then Chris turned back and met his eyes. “We had wondered…”

“I won’t be able to keep them safe, Chris. And this is too important a development to stop. I’m making arrangements for you to go and join the rebel Valkyries.”

“But…”

“Aurora can keep you safe. They are stronger than the factions here at the Facility know. The Facility fears them enough already, hence the lies. They will be able to teach you what you need to know. But for now, I need you to trust me.”

“Ian,” Jays snapped.

He spun his chair back to the screen. Nickolas and Jessica now lay on her bunk, completely lost in each other and totally uncaring about how far they were going, considering the camera. But it was the haze of visible power growing around them that had him concerned.

“Are they…glowing?” Donald asked in a whisper.

“Ok. They have to be separated. Jays, get Jessica’s inhibitor ready. Chris,” he turned to the Hunter. “Nick won’t go willingly; get Dev and Kieran. Hopefully that will be enough hands. I’d like to avoid tranking him again so soon after the last.”

The Hunter picked up the phone and sent an announcement out while he turned back to the screen. The glow had definitely grown.
As long as no blood exchange has happened, we’ll be in time. Thankfully, they are both operating on instinct and not knowledge.
Running feet drew closer, then the doors into the Hub flew open. He rose as Kieran and Dev skidded to a stop next to Chris and Donald. Their voices rumbled across the distance as they explained the situation. Jays finished drawing the inhibitor and joined him.

“Ready?” He looked at the assembled faces. “This isn’t going to be pretty. Leave the door ajar so you can get him out.”

He led them to the door and slid his card through the reader. The door popped, and Dev pulled it open for them. He entered, everyone filing in behind. A golden haze, like dust floating in a sunbeam, surrounded the two.

“That’s enough, Nick. Time to go.”

Nick’s wings spread and curved down to cover the two of them; the Alpha turned his head to pin them with his gaze and snarled. A low rumble echoed from Jessica. She, too, stared at them. Both their eyes reflected the liquid sunlight.

“Let’s go, Nick.” He held that feral gaze, barely.

“No. Leave.” The words were almost unintelligible mixed with the growls.

“Chris, Donald, remove him.”

Nick’s eyes snapped to the Hunters and he tensed.