∞ The Tethered Ones ∞

Chapter 40

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• Luna •

When Luna tried to stretch early the next morning, her voice was muffled by Amir's chest. "You have a death grip on me."

His laugh rumbled through her as he loosened his embrace. "This is how we cuddle."

"True, but I need to get moving." She yawned, unable to leave. She was so relaxed that she couldn't feel her toes. "I want my coffee."

"Are you sure you can't wait?"

She nodded, wanting to get some breakfast as well. So another thirty or forty minutes at most wouldn't hurt. "I can, but it's not a good idea."

He smiled and lifted her chin with his finger. “What?” she whispered.

His gaze swept over hers. "I wanted to speak to you about something."

Anxiety was in full bloom. "About what?"

"Monday," he said, and her anxiety intensified. "I know you think you're invincible, but you know you can stay here, right?"

"Amir . . ." She could tell where this conversation was going. "It's not about proving myself or seeking vengeance. It's all about rescuing—"

"Rescuing? "he repeated.

"I'm rescuing innocent people inside that place."

"Is that the truth?"

"Yes. Your family is my family, and even though I don't know Ethan's children, they shouldn't be in there being harmed and experimented on." She squeezed her eyes shut. "That could be Sarah."

"And what if something goes wrong, Moon? This raid should be carried out by myself, Ethan, and possibly one of the other men in the neighborhood."

She laughed. "I see Ethan has rubbed off on you."

“No. Owen and Connor fought with their spouses for good reason." As he rose on one elbow, the bed shifted. "You might end up back in the organization's hands."

Luna peeked at him. "You don't think I'm capable of defending myself?"

He shook his head, and a wavy lock of hair fell over a brow. "I know you can fight, but this will be a huge raid. We don't know what to expect."

"I know, Amir."

"Okay, but can you at least think about staying behind?"

She nodded, which was easier said than done. The last thing she wanted was for him to be concerned about losing her. "You're concerned that I won't survive."

Amir exhaled deeply. "Will you please listen to me?" He continued after she nodded. "I know what you are capable of, and I've seen your abilities. When provoked, you can be pretty frightening."

He has no idea, she joked.

"But . . . if things don't go the way we plan, I don't want you involved." His eyes locked on hers. "I want you to be somewhere safe."

She knew where he was coming from and wanted to reassure him, but she couldn't stay behind. "I want you somewhere safe, too, but I'm not asking you to stay out of it."

His brows furrowed. "That's not the same."

She sat up. "How is that any different? And if you say it's your responsibility because it's your family, I'm going to hurt you."

"Come on, Big Bird."

Her eyes narrowed. "Big Bird? I'll show you Big Bird."

He chuckled and looked up at her. "I like calling you that because you remind me of a bird. You enjoy exploring and never settling down. You also wore a Big Bird costume once upon a time."

"That's such a corny answer."

"I'm a corny person, so sue me."

Both of them laughed.

"Seriously, though, I want to do this, Amir. Let me do this."

"No." He moved forward. "You've already been a victim. I'm not going to let you get caught again."

"You have a point, but I've also grown a lot since then. I have new abilities, so I have more reason than you not to get caught."

"And that's another reason I don't want you to do this. They'll test what you can do." His eyes were a deep brown. A sure sign he was about to erupt into his protective rage. "You have no idea how I felt when I saw you shot—when I hear how your voice still rasps when you're happy or upset. You cried until you went silent—"

"I know. I don't need a reminder," Luna snapped and cursed under her breath. She tried to keep her cool. She placed her hand on his arm. "I love how protective you are, but it also drives me insane. You can't always keep me safe."

His expression indicated that he could and would try.

She exhaled forcefully. "I have to do this — I have to help Nasir, Maryam, and Adnan."

"And Ethan?" he hinted.

“What?” She locked her gaze on him. "Where did that come from?"

"I don't know." He moved his arm away from her. "It doesn't matter. Can—”

“No. It does matter. Why would I want to help him after what he's done? He had me pinned down in St. Matthew's! I wanted him dead. I still do. I thought you knew that, but I guess not."

She wished she hadn't said those words.

His face froze.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I understand why you said that . . . because I care about others, and that's why I have to do this. It'll make me feel like I'm making a difference in my life."

"You don't—"

"Yes, I do."

Amir clenched his teeth and turned his cheek. "Can you please do this for me?”

Her chest ached because she knew how much her decision had bothered him; he'd never begged for anything before. "I can't."

Seconds passed, and his shoulders tensed. "You don't have to do this. All I'm going to be concerned about is you getting hurt or caught."

“See? That's the issue! You can't always be concerned about what's going to happen to me."

His brow arched. "So you're not worried about me?"

Her mouth dropped open. "Of course, I am."

He smiled. "At least we agree on that."

"I'm always worried about you, Amir." She snatched up her sandals and tights. She hobbled on one foot as she rolled them on. "Ugh! You irritate me sometimes."

He sat up in one fluid motion. "Not long ago, you were really, really enjoying me. Where did that part of you go?"

"That Luna left the house." She moved on to the other leg. "I'm going with y'all on Monday. My decision is final."

Amir rose. "I don't want you to go."

She wiggled her tights up, staring at him. "You can't do this to me, Amir." Reaching for one of her shoes, she wondered how it got into the bathroom. "I'm not a helpless damsel in distress. I don't need saving."

"You're not a book character, Moon."

She threw her blouse over her head. "No, really? Crap. I was hoping I was because I'd write my character to have a husband who understood her desire to help those in need."

She spun around and walked out of the bedroom, then out of the front door. Of course, he was one step behind her. He stopped her in the middle of the yard.

“After everything that we've been through, we shouldn't be fighting," he said. “I don't even remember if we've ever fought like this before, but I don't like it. If something happens to you, what am I supposed to do? How am I going to live?”

She sniffed, turning her cheek away. "You just have to."

He put his hands on his hips. “I don't even want to think about what would happen to you.”

Tears stung her eyes, and it took a couple of seconds to get the next words out. “I know all of this is coming from a good place, but I have to be there. Our family needs both of us."

"I'm not trying to control you, Luna."

"Perhaps not, but that's what I'm used to. Being controlled, and I'm sick of it." A group of neighbors began to leave their homes down the street. "I need to go for a walk."

"Can't we talk about this?" he begged.

"Not right now."

Luna dashed down the sidewalk and spotted Zoe and Dominique near the front gate. Before she reached the end of the road, Amir tethered to her. "I hate it when you surprise me like that," she muttered, coming to a halt.

"Please consider what I am asking." His gaze darted over her shoulder, glancing at their new friends. "You don't have to put yourself in danger."

"No?"

But you can, Amir?

He said no and urged her to return to the house, but she was determined about getting some space between them. She was well aware that this would be the first of many disagreements they would have together.

They'd never fought like that, and it saddened her.

Luna couldn't get away fast enough as she crossed the street. She did so without looking back to see what he was doing. Or if he entered the house. Their marriage would suffer if he continued to object to her going on the raid. That thought broke her heart.

Dominique and Zoe followed her lead. "Hey," said Zoe.

Luna gave her a tight smile.

"Is there a reason you're walking so fast, Luna?" she inquired.

"Hey," Dominique murmured, clutching her shoulders. "What's the matter? You can talk to us."

"People. People want to be in charge of everything, and some of those people are your spouses."

Zoe nodded and pursed her lips. "That happens."

Dominique rolled her dark eyes. "That's not it, Zoe. Luna's going through something."

Zoe shook her head and ignored her, pushing her square-framed glasses up to her nose as she carefully stepped off a curve.

When did she get glasses?

"Did you and Amir fight?"

"Something like that."

"I take it this was your . . . first blowout?" Zoe elaborated.

"If there's one thing we both know, it's that we've been where you are. It's never fun to fight with your spouse," Dominique chimed in.

"But at least the make-up sex is fun, right?" Zoe stated.

Dominique and Luna both chuckled, their brows furrowed.

"It's just . . . we've always gotten along. I'd gone off the rails and done my own thing, but we'd never argued like that. This was different," Luna explained.

They all made it to the small park and sat down, then watched a few families play with their children.

"I'd never expected for us to disagree on something I wanted to do," she went on.

"Well, you've got to see it from Amir's perspective," Dominique said, sitting beside her. "He'd give anything to keep you and Sarah safe. We can sense his devotion to you, and that's a powerful thing. Owen and I have our share of disagreements, but we always find a way to work together."

"What . . . what do you do?" she inquired.

"I put Owen in his place. I felt ambushed last night. First, he begs me to stay behind, then asks if your group wants to join in. We argued about it for hours." Dominique chuckled, and then caught Luna's stare. "He and I finally came to an agreement that I'll stay in the truck. You must find a happy medium to restore peace and harmony into your life."

"Wow. Who needs a life coach when we have Dominique Hale?" Zoe exclaimed.

"I'm not a counselor. Owen and I have been married for twenty years, so we've been through a lot. Especially when I was deployed."

"That's good, though. You two seem okay. Well, most of the time, "Luna explained.

"Pfft. That's all for show," said Zoe. "They argue like cats and dogs, thinking no one can hear them."

Dominique jabbed Zoe's arm and said, "No, we don't. Our arguments usually revolve around me going on a supply run. Owen is untraceable, and he uses blockers made specifically for him. I don't have anything like that and can't get them developed. When I'm outside these walls, a hunter can easily find me."

"That is why you should always have tellurium on hand. We put it in all of our cars and most of our clothing," Zoe stated.

"We do," Dominique agreed. "We don't want to get off topic, but we're here to give Luna advice. If it is important to you that things improve, fight for your marriage. Don't let this one disagreement ruin what you've built."

"She's speaking facts," Zoe added.

"Ahem. Didn't you tell Ethan that after rescuing your brother, he should leave?"

"Oop. Dom, she got you there," Zoe said, laughing.

"Ethan and Jamal are not the same. My brother married a trader, which is why he needs to go."

"There's no debate there," Luna replied. "But I understand what you're both saying. Maybe I acted out of malice and should figure out how to collaborate with him."

"Exactly. But for the time being, give yourselves some space and then reunite. Let's go eat!" Dominique suggested.

"I'm not really hungry." She stood up. "I have a lot on my mind. I'll eat later."

"Okay," Zoe said. "We hope everything works out for you both."

Luna smiled and mouthed a 'thank you,' and then turned toward her street. But then, she considered going to the infirmary. She hadn't seen Chase since they arrived, and she was curious how things were going with him.

She quickly changed her mind. Who was more important, Amir or Chase? Amir was, and she can check on her ex later.

As she walked down the sidewalk, Ethan sat on his porch, a can of soda in one hand and a Pop-Tart in the other.

"You know there are more clothes available, Luna," he yelled.

"I can't seem to get out of my tights. They are extremely comfortable."

He chuckled.

"What's the deal with the sugar high? Planning to rot your teeth, Sergeant?" She came to a halt when he looked down.

"This is the only substitute I have because all the couples around me seem to take their arguments outside."

Luna scowled. Of course, he was watching her fight with Amir. Before she could respond, he added, "Seeing the infamous fight between Aluna was the highlight of my morning."

"Pleased to entertain you, Evil."

He grinned. "His Highness certainly got you riled up. I like this side of you."

She moved her body toward her house, not wanting to stand around and talk to him. Her husband was home, and she needed to make amends with him.

"You're . . . quiet," Ethan observed.

"And?"

He shrugged a lazy shoulder. "Just saying."

"I don't have time for you and your stupid remarks. I need to check on Amir."

"He is fine. He went inside the house after you stormed out like a crazy woman. Just take a breather."

Her brow furrowed and her hands balled into fists. "You should mind your own business."

"Hey. I try, but whenever I'm outside, people tend to air their dirty laundry all over the yard."

Ethan hissed as he positioned himself against the railing.

"What happened? Sergeant, did you strain a muscle?"

He moaned. "No. My foot hurts."

"Then why are you standing when you could be sitting?"

"Because, if you must know, I was about to go inside."

"Okay." Luna crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't care."

"You asked." He winced. "But can we please talk?"

"What? Not without Amir present."

"You can go get him, but I doubt he'd want to come here."

When the sun broke through the clouds, he caught her eye. "We can talk here or on your porch. It's about BARDA. Come in, please."

She decided to follow him inside and sat on the couch, her knees pressed together. Did he really have something to say about the organization? "So, now that I'm here, what exactly is it?"

Ethan took a bite of his Pop-Tart. "It's about what they do to those closest to their victims."

"I know what they do." She had already been tortured by them. What else could be new?

He sat in the armchair, staring down at his pastry. "When you don't give them what they want, they resort to extreme measures." Ethan's gaze was drawn to the front door. "You'd have to make a sacrifice."

Her stomach flipped over. "You've made sacrifices?"

Ethan nodded as if speaking was excruciating.

Wondering where he was going with this, he answered without her speaking. "You need to understand what's at stake for both of you."

What's at stake for them? She knows the risks, and he was the one who pushed her and Amir to help him break his people out. She suddenly couldn't sit any longer and stood to her feet, swallowing down that god-awful burning lump in the back of her throat.

“I know I blackmailed you guys,” Ethan said quietly. "I'm sorry I did that."

Her head jerked toward him, and she was horrified to find tears in her eyes just thinking about what would've happened if they'd followed his plan. She and Amir could have already been locked up and subjected to every treatment the organization developed.

"You're sorry?" she groaned.

"I am."

"Oh, goodie," she remarked dryly.

He brushed a few sugary crumbs from his jeans. "Owen and Dominique aren't the same couple I used to know. They have changed. She didn't even like the fact that I was with Jamal. Neither did Kai."

"Big shocker there."

"It wasn't because of who I am or even my attitude; it was much more than that. I met her brother shortly after he'd lost his lover in a fire, and she didn't want him to start a new relationship," he explained, sniffing. "But after we met, there was undeniable chemistry between us. We couldn't ignore it."

"Like Amir and me when we first met in his hometown," she explained.

"Like that. Anyway, Jamal first introduced me to Dom, who advised him to think twice about getting involved with someone new. But he didn't care. We grew closer."

"How touching." Luna threw her hands in the air. "Will your sob story have a point any time soon?"

He shifted his gaze to her. "Just listen to me, Mrs. Khan."

"Okay. Get to it."

He scoffed. "In short, Jamal introduced me to Kai, and that's when we felt a connection. Our abilities manifested themselves in the middle of a mall in Jamaica, where the brothers are from."

Luna swallowed. "Wow. How did you feel?"

"That's the thing. I was in my mid-twenties and had reunited with my bully seven years later. Then it was discovered that we were tethered. I couldn't understand why I felt such an immediate gravitational pull toward him."

Ethan adjusted his legs on the couch and folded his hands in his lap. "I'll never forget the look on either of their faces. That's when Jamal came out to his brother. Kai bullied me for four years because of who I liked."

"He was homophobic."

Ethan narrowed his eyes and nodded.

"Did you know Kai had a gay brother in high school?"

"I knew he had a brother, but I never saw him. Jamal was twenty-one years old when we met." He smiled slightly, leaning back against the couch. "Things were always good between us, like you and Amir."

"Don't do that," Luna warned. "Amir and I have a different connection than you guys."

"Maybe. But the point is, and the reason I'm explaining this is because of what BARDA will do to either of you." Ethan untied his shoelaces.

"What are you doing?" She moved over and glanced down. "You don't have to take your shoes off."

"Yes, I do. I have to show you what they've done."

Luna's brows furrowed. "Put your shoes back on. I've got to go."

"Luna, wait," he pleaded behind her shoulder. "This is what I'm talking about. Look."

She swung her head around and her gaze landed on his feet, startling her.

Ethan was missing most of his toes.

"How . . . how . . . how did that happen?" she stuttered.

His eyelids were brimming with tears. "Every time I didn't turn in someone I cared about, they cut off a toe. Six toes is a small sacrifice to keep the people you care about safe."

━━─── • ───━━━

Yeah, Amir and Luna needed their first real fight, and she needed to hear more from Ethan's backstory. Now we know why he is always a prick. He is in emotional, mental, and physical pain. But he is still not off the hook. He has a lot to make up for.