ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ Tethered ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Chapter 35

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• Luna •

Luna was one step closer to hurling all over the floor.

This . . . this being . . . wanted her to be with him. He wanted Sarah to join his psychotic secret society? Nausea and panic rapidly invaded her bloodstream.

Enzo wanted them to forget about Amir, the person they loved most.

Her husband lost it. Amir jumped to the first step before Zander and Greer caught him. He spewed F-bomb combinations she didn't know existed.

"Are you freakin' insane?" Amir yelled. His eyes were bright white as he fought the two men. "You scumbag!"

Enzo frowned. "I suppose you don't want my support."

Amir's body struggled, illuminating the vault. "Forget it. It's no longer worth it, and when I'm done with you, nobody will recognize you."

Enzo coldly glanced at him, raising one large shoulder. "That's what I—"

He received another F-bomb from Amir. "You're an idiot if you think I'll give up my wife and daughter. A cold-hearted jerk."

Luna's stomach sank after Enzo smirked. "You don't have to accept my offer. Otherwise, go."

Amir surged onward, nearly dragging Greer and Zander down. When he unleashed another rage, Luna's heart hammered like thunder.

"Is that it, Enzo?" she croaked. "You won't help us without that condition?"

He nodded. "I didn't stutter."

"And you won't be able to talk again once I tear your tongue out of your throat and feed it to the birds outside," Amir growled.

Enzo locked his gaze on Luna, warning her that he would not back down. She and Amir's family could be captured if they leave without this community's help, so she must consider staying with this man to prevent the world from going back hundreds of years.

She couldn't allow that.

None of them could.

Realization churned her stomach. She had to give in to Enzo. That was it. There was no alternative.

Luna's hands trembled when she stretched them down her sides. "Amir."

He didn't hear her because his attention was focused on Enzo. Tensions rose inside him. Every breath was straining. Her husband looked like a bottle about to explode.

"Could everyone please give us a few minutes alone?" Luna asked.

Enzo waved vaguely. "I have unlimited time. You guys? Not so much. Figure this shit out. Fast."

Amir twitched. "You crazy son of—"

"Amir!" When Luna brushed his shoulder, he turned toward her with piercing eyes. "We need to—"

"We're not talking about anything," he panted. "I need to end his pathetic—"

"No," she responded to Amir's furious glare. "You're better than this. Better than your swearing. Let's talk."

"I won't lose my family." He stared at Enzo and back at her. "If you want to know exactly what I intend to do with the bastard, we can talk as much as you want, Moon."

Greer met her gaze from the other side of Amir. 'You don't have to do this, Luna.'

'I know,' she said. 'But we have no choice. I want Sarah to grow up in a better world.'

'Is that a smart move?'

She shook her head and narrowed her eyes. 'No. But I don't see another option.'

"Please." Enzo interrupted Luna and Greer's conversation. "Tell our congregation your answer."

Luna eyed him. "There is no definitive answer."

"I'm about to bury this douchebag even deeper!" Amir yelled.

Luna begged, "Can you guys help me get him out of here?" Talking in there will just get Amir antagonizing Enzo again.

Zander bowed his head. "Come on, Sunshine. Let's walk and unwind."

"Sunshine?" Luna raised her brows.

It took some time to get Amir into the reception area. Greer and Zander were hesitant to leave him alone with her for fear of his anger toward Enzo, but they finally left.

Amir's appearance demonstrated he would shoot through the metal door and become like Thor on testosterone.

His chest rose and fell quickly. Despite his ambiguity, Luna could taste his wrath.

"I can't believe him," Amir howled.

"Yes, but . . ." She inhaled at his bright stare. "Enzo won't budge."

He closed and opened his mouth again. "He can twitch his nose and make BARDA disappear, but he's not taking my family away from me."

"If he can't have his way, he won't give us what we want," Luna carefully hypothesized. "Nobody else will join us."

"We'll figure it out, Moon."

"What other choice do you have, A? None."

Inhaling, Amir growled. "Enzo. Is. Not. Getting. What. He. Wants."

"Amir, let's talk this thing through."

He shook his head. "No. We're leaving."

"We can't leave just like that. Genesis serums are ready for the four of us."

Amir's wrath swirled through him to her. "Say that again?"

"Amir. They planned to give it to us once we showed up, okay?"

"No."

"That's why I think we should give Enzo something he wants," she continued.

"I don't care, Luna."

"You do care. I know you. This war is too important to ignore."

He laughed coldly. "You know me better than that."

"I know you're mad—"

"I'm furious," he responded.

"Okay." She raised her hands. "But we need his help."

"Not if it demands that." Amir thrust a hand through his hair. "Forget it. Nothing is worth that. You don't realize—"

"I know you're scared," Luna said. She knew he'd never been so heartbroken about an inevitable decision. "But I feel that once we stop this war, we'll find each other. We've done it before."

"That's because I sensed your integrity, Luna, back in Dr. Kim's home."

"See? We connected." She sniffed, nearing his side. "If I do this, we'll find a way—"

"No!" Amir screamed again, twisting toward her. "It kills me that I know what it's like to lose your memories, that you'll have to, and that I can't protect you or Sarah."

"Baby, we—"

"It's never going to happen. Don't bother."

"What do we do? Give up? Ignore the dozens of deaths?"

"That's the plan."

Luna watched him.

"We can live in a rancid tomb for the rest of our lives," Amir continued, pacing again. "I know I can be selfish sometimes. But I'm willing to say screw it and cut our losses to spare you and Sarah from my trauma."

"Really? What kind of life would that give us?"

"Do not bring logic into this discussion."

Frustration raged inside her when she clasped his cheeks. His beard pricked her palms. "Amir, we need them."

"We'll fight BARDA ourselves."

"Amir . . ."

He broke free. "I can't believe we're arguing about this."

"I know Enzo's requirement is unsettling."

"Do you, Luna? Sounds like you don't."

She crossed her arms and frowned. "You know I don't want to do this. I have to."

"You don't," he said.

Luna inhaled deeply. "I do. For the sake of our family and the planet."

"You'll make me pick between you and the world?" Amir bellowed, his eyes a brilliant white.

"You don't have to choose." She circled him. "You are making the choice. By trying to protect me, you're letting everyone else go."

Amir stared at her. She expected him to speak again as he closed his eyes, his face brittle and body tense.

Luna realized she had him thinking, not feeling. She clung to him. "Are you prepared to do that? Because everyone we love will die. You know that."

He tilted his neck and pressed his lips away from her. Minutes passed. "Enzo's going to touch you. He'll be kissing—"

"I'll never have sex with Enzo. Not willingly."

Amir's nostrils flared. "I'm about to kill him! His name and 'sex' in the same sentence—"

"Amir."

"What?" He swerved, brushing his hair. "How can I accept this?"

"I'm not asking you to accept it, but I am asking you to understand why we must do this, how much is at stake, and who is at risk. Don't think about me or yourself."

"You're missing the point completely."

Amir kissed her quickly. His kiss was cosmic. In the face of challenges and nervousness, their teeth clattered. He caressed her cheek. Love dominated their relationship.

She didn't feel the damp wall's chilly touch or the sharp edge of desperation that had been gnawing at her since Enzo's ultimatum.

Amir kissed her to say to hell with that scumbag and what he wanted—Luna's body was his. Mind, heart, and soul.

He embraced her warmly. "I don't want you to do this, and I can't promise I won't kill Enzo. But you're right. We need them." Those few words sounded like they hurt Amir. "I can't believe this might be the end of us."

Luna nodded, processing this memory of them while her lips trembled. "I love you, A."

"I love you, Moon. Always will." Amir stared at her. "If Enzo has conditions, I do as well."

Her lips parted. "What . . . what are they?"

He shook his head. "We'll talk about it when Enzo comes back in here."

Amir held her cheek. She knew that was their toughest challenge.

They both agreed to talk more about Enzo's requirement, but Amir insisted on living underground with his family, even if they didn't know who he was. Enzo laughed and suggested that they start right away by getting closer to Luna and absorbing her abilities. Instead of ignoring Amir's demand, he practically rolled out the red carpet.

After hearing Amir's rant, the man smiled.

Luna knew Greer could handle himself, but several Engineered Souls and Defectives were eyeing him like a meal in the throne area outside of the room. She was appalled by the large bed covered in animal fur remains.

Raising his shoulders, Amir murmured, "Enzo's bedroom. The jerk had to do this in his room."

Yep.

Luna was suspicious. Enzo had many ways to learn about her and her powers. She questioned her ability to follow through despite his promise not to give her the Genesis serum.

But she had to keep going.

They had to follow his condition. It was life or death.

Bile waited in her throat. To relieve pressure, Luna closed her eyes and shook her arms.

I can do this. Both of us can. For everybody.

"What are you doing?"

Her impromptu dance ended. "Sorry. I'm scared."

"I get it, Moon." Amir forcefully exhaled. "What you did was interesting. It somewhat reminded me of a Muppet Baby."

A wry laugh was followed by tears. "A baby muppet?"

Amir nodded. "Yeah. It was intriguing." He growled at the bed. "Luna, this situation is so messed up."

"I know," she said. "But this is what we have to do."

Amir's creamy brown stare centered on her. "Did you ever think you'd end up here when you tethered to a man from another country?"

Luna embraced him. "Never. I had no idea that this would be our destiny." She paused and smiled at him. "I was fortunate to be paired with a nice Pakistani."

He beamed.

She continued, "From there, we learned more about each other."

Inhaling, Amir scanned Luna's eyes. "I wonder whether you regret anything."

"Like?" She smiled slightly.

"Meeting me and being seen. That was the catalyst, right? Chase admitted you into the hospital."

Luna shook her head quickly. "Sarah and I were always his targets."

"Yeah, but this was preventable."

"Amir, our love for one another and our daughter made it worth it." Her hands covered his shoulders. "I'll never regret loving you."

He clasped her palms. "Are you sure you'd always feel that way about me?"

"Yes." Her fingers curled around his collar. "Despite our efforts to live peacefully, I don't regret our journey. I love you, Amir. Love has advantages and disadvantages. My mother never regretted loving my dad, even though she nearly divorced him. In my heart, I'll always want you."

Amir kissed her tears. "I know I almost pushed you away when I lost my memories, especially after I manhandled and set you down by the one woman you hated, but I will use every breath I take to help you remember who I am. Losing part of you will be overwhelming, and I hate that you're going through this."

"I will not forget you." She kissed him back. "I couldn't." She cupped his jaw. "They can't take you away from me. Away from our daughter."

"They can't, Moon. God, I love you and Sarah so much."

The chamber door opened and clattered against the wall as they parted.

Enzo snorted when Luna squirmed in Amir's arms. His shredded jeans dropped low on his wide hips after he strode in. A lot of dark skin was on display. Stomach. Inked torso and limbs. There were other differences, too. Once he walked further, she understood Zander and Zain.

The stones.

Enzo's spine sparkled in Tanzanite.

Luna's eyes closed. "I think I might vomit."

"You ripped your shirt?" Amir asked, stiffening around her.

Enzo chortled. "Ha! You wish!"

"So, why are you shirtless?" Amir remained calm, but Luna knew he was seconds from becoming a predator and attacking his prey.

"Absorbing another person's abilities can get messy," Enzo said casually. "Our paramour may sweat."

Heat radiated from her husband like a nuclear fallout. Luna gritted her teeth while Enzo crossed the room and fell on the bed. He sat sideways.

He patted and winked at her. "It's showtime."

Her feet were anchored. "I . . ."

Amir's strong arms held her in place. "No. Not this way."

"But I want to do it like this," Enzo stated, resting his chin on his free hand. "It'll be relaxing."

Luna was on the verge of having a stroke.

"This is too much," Amir whined. "You're pushing me."

"Once I finish with Mrs. Sunshine, you'll be next, pal." Enzo beamed. "Batter up."

"You—"

"Calm down, A," Luna whispered, gripping Amir's shoulders. "Take a breath."

"No. He is overdoing this," Amir replied.

"I've hardly started." Enzo sparkled. "It's not just about me, is it? How far you'll go to win this war with my help matters. Keep that in mind."

Amir glared at him and let out a low, vicious howl.

Luna couldn't breathe.

"Do I need to remind you that I don't need shit from any of you?" Enzo sneered. "Things are great here. It's fine if you don't follow my instructions. But there is no other alternative. You can swallow Genesis and go—"

"No." The word erupted from her mouth. "We'll do this. No more excuses."

"We can't, Luna," Amir proclaimed.

Enzo frowned. "What's the problem?"

"This is important." Luna twisted in her husband's arms and looked at him. "You said you'd give it a shot."

"I truly wanted to. I tried." Amir stared at her with wandering eyes. "Enzo is—"

Luna stopped him. "We can only get help this way." She wanted privacy to talk to Amir again, but that wasn't going to happen. "It's his condition. We have to take it or leave it."

Amir moaned without speaking.

"A . . ." She grasped his cheeks to make him look at her. Everything was riding on her words. "No turning back."

Amir closed his eyes for a moment before muttering in a tone that tore her apart. He spoke one word. "Hurry."

Sighing, Luna breathed again. Amir held her upright. She gently grasped his shoulders as he struggled to release her.

It broke her. She turned to Enzo, shaking uncontrollably.

She had no choice.

For the sake of humanity.

Many would suffer. Hatred and anger would follow. White light shone off the corners of the room as she dragged her feet to the bed. Amir was two inches from her back in his angelic form.

'Moon . . ."

She sat quietly on the bed, panting and shivering so badly she couldn't feel her fingers.

Enzo caressed her cheek while she sat still. She twitched at his chilly fingers after he moved and pressed his other hand into the mattress next to her leg. That sent shockwaves down her spine. He ignored her shaking and smirked at Amir.

'Forgive me, Moon.' Those three words flashed through her mind from Amir. 'Enzo is dead.'

Luna braced for the bad to come. Her husband was a whirlwind of light, heading straight for her, but Enzo was holding him in place mid-air.

Wind from behind her tossed Amir against the wall and carried him several inches above the floor as Enzo stood at the foot of the bed. The Engineered Soul sucked everything in like a black hole.

"You dare to come at me!" he roared. "I'll kill you and the horse you rode in on!"

Luna couldn't let anything else happen, but she couldn't leave without their assistance.

"Stop!" she shouted, walking slowly. "Take my powers. Nothing matters if you kill him."

Enzo looked confused before he smiled. She halted.

He continued walking. Enzo slumped on his back and chuckled loudly as he elevated his knees and lay on the bed with his boots. Amir collapsed when the force holding him against the wall faded.

She faced the man while standing beside the bed. Was Amir seeing this, too?

Enzo burst out laughing, echoing off the stone walls. Luna stood and grasped Amir's upper arm. She didn't get it. Nope. It made no sense to her.

Enzo rose after laughing himself to death. "Wow, I've never seen this before." His hands hit his big hips. "You guys are one-of-a-kind. Pure Souls born and bred."

"Uh, thank you." Amir faltered with those words. "But that doesn't explain your laughter."

With a wide smile, Enzo looked average. Still a tad scary, but kind of natural to her. "You two were seriously considering my condition, weren't you?"

Luna looked away.

"Holy crap, you were going to let me put myself between you two?" He stood, arms raised. He laughed. "It was so easy to test you. Zander gets tested all the time, but not like this."

"It's a terrible test," Amir scoffed.

"You were testing us?" Luna muttered, making Enzo chuckle.

"That wasn't how it was going to start," he said. "I thought, 'What the hell?' when I heard your plea and what you would do to get our support. I was interested to see how far you'll go. And now I know." Laughing, Enzo scratched his neck. "That rhymed."

"Sick son of a bitch!" Amir exploded.

Enzo tsked. "Bro, you'll need a lot of repentance when you pray later."

"Don't even go there," Amir raged.

Luna looked at Enzo a third time. "You were never going to make my daughter and I use Genesis?"

"Don't take this wrong, sweetheart. You're attractive and all, but you're not my type," Enzo expressed. "The women around me earlier have everything I want and more."

Should she even care? "Congratulations."

"Don't think about it, Mrs. Khan."

"I wasn't," she said as she flattened her clothes. "To be clear, if we hadn't agreed to your demands, you would have let us go without helping us?"

"Yep." Enzo shrugged and went to the table for whisky. After gulping, he faced them.

Luna was sickened by his test. Why? To control their minds? She wanted to curl up in a fur coat.

"I want to hack up your body." Amir stared him down. "Then toss the pieces to the animals."

Enzo shrugged. "You are not the first to do so. I know you two will go far, which is good. It is something I can appreciate. I support you. We'll help."

She was startled. "Seriously?"

"I'll tell all the leaders in every underground community we've reached an agreement," he said, wiping his hands. "Everyone will want BARDA gone. Every culture, nation, and region."

Luna and Amir received grape juice from one of the Defectives. She took her mug, surprised.

"Let's toast," Enzo said, his eyes dark. "To an unexpected partnership. A Tethered Alliance."

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