∞ The Tethered Ones ∞

Chapter 20

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• Luna •

In a daze, Luna stayed next to the refrigerator, thinking about what Sergeant Trent had said. She couldn't believe he guilt-tripped her into helping him free his partner. He was insane. She wondered how they would leave the property and go to another location that housed Kai and Amir's family. None of them could just walk up to the gate and say, "I'm going out for groceries. I'll be back soon."

That wouldn't work. The sergeant must have had a plan to leave the area and she wished he explained it. She didn't care to rescue his brother-in-law, only her husband's relatives, but they have no choice. Their backs were against the wall.

At first, he seemed genuine with his offer and was scared of being spotted. And he sounded like there was a lot at stake, more than he let on. Why would he want their assistance? Why wouldn't he try to break his partner out since he was in deep with this organization?

Then, it dawned on her.

Her powers.

Combining them with Amir's abilities, both of them would be astronomical. They could do some extraordinary things that most Tethered Souls haven't achieved. And if they didn't do what he asked, then he'd run off and tell Dr. Kim about her being healed. She thought that everybody knew she was okay, but that turned out to not be the case. She didn't like his proposition, not if it came with extra baggage.

She knew, though, that she couldn't exactly refuse his demands. Declining what he wanted would do more damage than good. 

Strolling toward the bathroom, she'd made it halfway before the patio door swung open and Amir burst through.

His incredible chestnut eyes bored into her as he took four ground-eating steps her way and grasped her shoulders. "He better not have done anything to you," he commanded, jaw clenched.

She swallowed, knowing his reaction was going to be elevated in a few minutes. "He didn't."

"What did he want?"

"Ethan . . . Ethan wanted to talk."

Amir went rigid. "Without me being here?"

Luna slowly lifted his fingers off of her shoulders, and then stepped away toward the door. "He came over with a proposition."

Spotting two bags next to the door, she lowered her waist and picked them up. "It's not a fair proposal, either."

Joining her, Amir helped place the items on the breakfast table. "He has a death wish."

Placing a box package of pasteurized cheese on the top shelf inside the fridge, he asked, "What the hell did he want?"

And here comes the bomb, she thought. "He knows where your family is."

"Come again?"

"He will make a trade. For you to free your people, he wants our help in freeing his brother-in-law."

Amir whipped around so fast she was sure he pulled a muscle. "What's he got to do with us?"

Clearing her throat, she grabbed a bottle of water and gulped it quickly. "His name is Kai; they're partners."

He shook his head. "I can't believe him."

Standing next to the stove, she explained to him as smoothly as she could what the sergeant said, leaving out the part where he'll turn on them if they decline his offer. She figured that was best discussed later. Good call, because Amir went almost full Terminator mode immediately.

He shuddered under his breath. "He can't believe we would go along with that. We'll rummage through Chase's room."

Tucking her hair back, she said, "I think he's desperate." All she wanted to do was sit down and grab a box of Chocolate Chip Pop-Tarts, her body wobbling from exhaustion.

"Does he know where they are?"

"I think so." She took a seat at the table. "He sounded adamant."

Amir shot forward, suddenly near her face. "Did he give off any clue where to look?"

She blinked. "No."

"Think, Moon. Think," he said, head lowered. "All we need are a few details."

Her chest quivered, and she shook her head. "He didn't."

"Damn," he muttered, towering over her.

"He also told me how this base of operation works," she added, gaining his full attention. "I allowed him to come inside so he could better explain himself. He did, but he sounded like he was frightened. Like they could do something with his body."

"Oh, I'm about to do something with his body all right."

Her heart was heavy, and her mind was tired.
Strong hands went around her shoulders, pushing her up.

His brows were dark slashes above his eyes. "Did he slip you something?"

Her cheeks burned. "I'm fine."

"You're not telling me everything. I can feel it, Luna." His voice went lower, venomous. "Did you two fight?" And then his voice dropped an octave, going deeper. "Did he touch you? If he did, I swear I'll kill him."

"I'm okay." She tried to conceal more of what happened between her and Sergeant Trent, but it was almost a losing battle. "I caused the mess, and I tired myself out."

He didn't look convinced, and he had no choice but to take her word for it. "If anyone and I mean anyone, does anything to you, I want you to tell me."

She nodded, compromising with him.

Flashing his gaze her way, he said, "Let's fix something to eat and go upstairs? I grabbed more toiletries, hygiene supplies, some cans, and sandwich items."

"How was it . . . over there?"

He took a breath and then replied. "Stressful. Julia Smith wouldn't leave me alone. I told her that you and I are staying put until you get better."

"Did she say she will come see me?"

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "She just advise that I take care of you, whatever that means." Luna's nerves shook when she heard that. "But Lily asked about you."

"She did?"

He nodded. "I told her she can come by after I speak with you about it. That's if you want company."

"Yeah, I don't mind. I mean, not now, but maybe tomorrow." Her heart fluttered knowing there was at least one other person on the plantation that wasn't out to get her. She trusted Lily, but who she really missed was Cami.

God, did she miss her best friend's cheerful soul and warm heart. She missed sharing stories and confiding with her. Neither of them has gotten to talk since the highway ordeal, and she was beyond grateful that one great thing came out of St. Matthew's and it was her.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked as he stood next to the microwave, and she looked at him.

"Can you heat me a bowl of Spaghetti-O's?"

The tips of his lips quirked up, and then he pulled out a can and began heating her food.

Climbing to her feet, she started for the bedroom. She took one last look and strolled up the stairs, two steps at a time.

Making her way to the bed, she flopped down and let out a breath. Sometime before the evening was over, she had to inform him of what Ethan had threatened. Whatever they decide to do in the end, their choice wouldn't be taken lightly. Someone else held the cards, and it didn't settle well with her.

• • •

After a quick bite to eat, and a long-needed shower, she and Amir were sitting on the bed discussing things. She finally told him everything that happened between her and Ethan, and as expected, he was ready to find him and beat him every which way from Sunday. It took a lot of comforting to hold him down, but he caved in thirty minutes later.

"Do you think he'd tell them that you healed me?" she asked, her body resting against the headboard.

"I can't imagine him not doing so." She let out a sigh, and he continued. "He's already playing both sides of the spectrum, and the only way to keep his partner safe is by turning on us. It's his bargaining chip. So, yeah, I believe he'd tell them what they want to know."

She gripped the top of the blanket, welcoming the lava-like anger saturating her skin. There was a lot at stake, and it was literally a life-and-death situation. Was there a way around Ethan's ultimatum?

She glanced at Amir. "What do you want to do?"

He chewed his lip. "We have two options: work with him or torture him."

Her eyes popped. "And you'd be the one to do that? Not right. It shouldn't always be you to compromise your morals. You're not the only Tethered Soul who can tear him up."

He turned to her. "I know, but I can't expect you to carry that burden."

"Stop being so self-righteous all the time."

He chuckled. "I can't help it. We're surrounded by demons and they're bringing the worst out of me."

"I get that, A, but I can hurt him, too."

He smiled. "Believe me, I know. And I'm not trying to argue over you transforming yourself into Wonder Woman, but torturing him should be my thing. I know you have just as much fury in you as me, but let me do this. I don't want that kind of guilt on your shoulders."

Moving forward, she shook her head. "No. That's not acceptable. Just because I lost control twice doesn't mean I can't handle myself. I could handle my abilities . . . if I had to."

A heartbeat later, he reached over, cupping her cheek. She took her eyes off the wall for a second, and he smiled a little. "You're aura is burning bright. It's extraordinary and has a tint of a creamy-white shade. I know you can handle yourself, but the last thing I want is for that light to be darkened by something so malevolent. It's not worth it."

Stupid girly tears burned her sockets and the room became fuzzy. She couldn't let them fall, because crying over his speech about sacrificing their morals didn't help the "I'm A Gladiator" case. So, she gave him a watery smile, and he nodded.

She hoped he understood the ramifications they were faced with, and how to deal with them. There was no room for errors.

• • •

Three hours later, and they were downstairs visited by Cami, Faisal, Colin, and Vikram.

Luna was filled with nervous energy as she and Amir explained their current predicament. This was the first time he was seeing the group again, but it didn't take him long to warm up.

When she asked about Sarah, Vikram informed her that she was asleep in her grandparent's room. That made her feel better to know her daughter's status.

After grabbing a bottle of water, she strolled into the living room. Before settling down in a lounge chair, Amir caught her hand and tugged her onto his lap.

Arms wrapped around her waist, he buried his chin in her neck. "You know what we have to do, right?"

The other four were talking amongst themselves, oblivious to what Amir and Luna were doing.

Placing the bottle on the end table, she turned toward him. "Slaughter him?"

He choked on his laugh. "No, Moon. We can't kill him. Not yet."

A single brow raised.

"That's only a backup plan," he added.

She was surprised. "You don't want him dead?"

He pulled back, meeting her questioning stare. "We have to find out everything he knows, and to do that, we're going to have to do what he wants."

"But . . . but . . . we . . ."

A grin encased his lips. "I love it when you stutter."

She snapped out of her stupor. "We can't trust him. It could be a trap."

"I've thought about that, too, Luna," he said. "But think about it? The organization has us, both of us, so what use would a trap be?"

Like always, Amir had a point. But that didn't stop her from feeling more agitated than she already was. "There's got to be another way."

"We're kind of damned if we do and damned if we don't." He shifted, sliding his hands along her arms. "But I have given it some thought."

"About what?"

"I know Faisal. He knows our family is held captive, and he's going to roam the planet looking for them." Amir's tone sent a shiver down her back. "He's safe, and I don't want him to get into any trouble. And we have a way to get to our relatives. He doesn't."

"I don't feel good about this."

He exhaled a breath. "I'm not going to let him do anything to you. He won't have his fingers still attached if he tries."

"It's not just me. It's you, and our family. Going along with him will be dangerous . . . reckless."

"We have to do something."

"I'm shocked," she admitted, sliding off his lap. "You don't have any recollections of Sergeant Trent and how he was in St. Matthew's. And if you remembered them, you'd want to crush him. You wouldn't be bowing down to him."

"Hey. No one is bowing down to anybody."

"I'm just saying . . . he is just as bad as the others. And neither of us trust them."

Amir shrugged. "We have to keep our eyes open and get through this."

She reached over for the water bottle and took a sip, then sat up once the others turned their attention toward the couch.

Cami looked at Luna and began pacing in front of the TV. Her short curly hair bounced behind her neck. "So Sergeant Trent wants help to rescue his partner?"

"Yeah," Luna answered.

She glanced at Amir and then Luna, shaking her head. "He's nuts. You can't stoop to his level."

"I don't think we have a choice," Luna said.

"I didn't like him at the hospital, and I don't like him now," Colin mentioned, placing his hands on his hips. "I'll try to find out where the Khan family is."

"That still doesn't solve what he's planning to do if Amir and I refuse," Luna grumbled.

"I think somebody should kill him," Cami said, standing next to the coffee table. "I'm sure there are some lethal drugs somewhere on Dr. Kim's property."

At first, Luna thought she was kidding, because this was her friend, the sweet woman who had come to her aid and lent her shoes the first time they spoke. But then, it dawned on her why she went there. Ethan used tasers on her when he was instructed to. That was something she'd never forget, or forgive.

Luna opened her mouth. "Cam . . ."

"I know what you're going to say, Luna. You're against killing him, right? He held you down like an animal and allowed you to feel the pain of a laser."

"So did Sergeant Decker," Luna replied, gaining his attention. "But he earned his redemption from us."

"I already told both of you how sorry I was," Colin said, his fingers curling at his sides.

"And you're forgiven," Luna told him.

"Guys, we need to focus," Vikram piped up. "Ethan is connected to another Tethered Soul. That's one of us in there. None of us know him, but he's next to Amir's family.  We need to think logically about this decision."

"I already made up my mind," Amir said, all eyes on him. "I vote to work with Ethan and free them."

Faisal stiffened. "Are you serious?"

"I don't trust the guy, but I will kick him into next week if he thinks he can pull a fast one on me," Amir said, then added, "On any of us."

From the coffee table, Cami sighed. "I don't like this idea. He's unpredictable."

"I agree," Amir said, glancing over his shoulder at Luna. "But if we don't help him, he's going to turn me over. My cover would be blown."

"Cover?" Vikram asked as he crossed his arms.

"They believe I've gotten close to my wife, but they don't know the extent of our relationship." He reached for her hand, threading their fingers together. "They don't know that I've used my healing ability."

"Wow," Colin muttered, rubbing the stubble on his chin. "You can't let them know that. They'll ship you off to another compound and you'll be unreachable."

"Then it's done," Cami said. "Ethan needs to die."

"No!" Luna was surprised at her voice. She didn't mean to scream so loudly. "We need to figure something out."

"Let's do it," Faisal said, seeming determined. "We help him, and he helps us."

"Who is 'we'?" Amir remarked. "This plan will only work between Luna and me. We don't want anyone else involved."

Cami whirled. "No one should help an abuser!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Colin asked. "Let him tell the house about Amir?"

Her eyes rolled. "Maybe Amir can kidnap him and tie him up over here. This is a pretty decent guest house if you ask me."

"And what do we do when they come looking for him?" Luna countered, her eyes focused on her best friend.

Amir stood, drawing in a long breath. "Nobody's going to kidnap him."

"That wasn't a bad plan, though," mumbled Colin.

"Moon and I are going to help him while keeping an eye on his every move," Amir said sternly. "If he steps out of line, we'll go to plan B."

"You can't do this," Cami said.

Faisal suddenly stood in front of her, grasping her shoulders. "They'll be all right. They've got this."

"Maybe," she said. "I'm just scared for everyone. Your family, honey."

"They're your family, too, Ms. Khan," he whispered, tilting her chin with his finger.

Luna's mouth dropped. "Am I missing something?"

Faisal turned around and shook his head. "We're not married yet."

"Yet?" Amir murmured, and Cami flushed, turning away.

"Watching you two makes me miss my family," Colin said, his eyes watering. "Sorry. Go back to what you were doing."

"Let's take a breath and talk about this later," Luna suggested.

"That would be better," said Colin. "How will you two talk to Ethan?"

Amir sat up. "I'll walk over to the house and tell him to come here tomorrow."

"Is that the plan? To work with him and see how it goes?" asked Vikram, looking at Amir and Luna.

They both nodded, and something cold and icky tugged at her chest.

Not because they were going to help a criminal do something so risky and not because Cami wanted him to die. But because deep down, underneath her skin, in the depths of her soul, hidden away from everyone, even her husband, she also wanted Ethan gone. She wanted him dead just as badly as she wanted to kill Chase. Tethered Soul or not . . . Her moral compass was leading her astray and she wasn't offended by it. And there was something very, very immoral with that.

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