Page 105 of Ravage
“Yes, that’s right. Everyone who lived there is a part of the Guild.”
So the building was a hot spot for GE to attack and steal as many people as they could. “Where did everyone go after the attack?”
Claudia studies me for a moment. She must decide I’m trustworthy for some reason, because she tells me. “The bunker. There are floors underground that are more heavily guarded and can still fit everyone, though it’s tight. They will stay there until it’s safe to return to the Tower. Which won’t be long, I hear. Just a few more security precautions will be put in place.”
“So, what does Aiden have to do with the Guild?”
There’s a long pause before she answers. “He’s the Guild Master.” Portia and I stare at her blankly, and she adds, “The leader of the Guild. He runs it.”
Oh.
“He created it?”
“Well, not exactly. He took over when the man who started it was killed two years ago.”
Ah. “Gifted Enterprise?” I guess.
Her face pales. “No. Uh, you should really talk to Aiden about it. It’s not my place.”
“What's your place in the Guild?” Portia chimes in. I’m still trying to figure out why she’s so worried about telling me how Aiden became the leader of it. Did he kill the founder? Like a coup d’état? Is that how they have so much money for cars, a safehouse, and that fancy Loft? And where do the other guys fit in with this Guild?
“I’m the head of the rehabilitation team for gifted who were brainwashed or are suffering in any way from their time with GE.” Her smile returns while directing it to Portia. “Your gift would be really great on the team if you’d be interested.”
“Um…” Portia looks my way and then back to Claudia. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
“Of course. If you’re just finding out about the Guild now, then I’m sure you have more questions you’d like answered first. If you ask Aiden, he can fill you in or direct you to one of the board members.”
“Why isn’t Aiden staying with the Guild if he’s the leader? Are you sure he didn’t abandon you?” I cut in.
Her expression hardens. “Of course not,” she replies crisply. Like my insult to Aiden offended her on his behalf. “He recognized that they’ve become a target and is distancing himself to protect the rest of the Guild.”
Hm. Sure he is.
I know firsthand that he’s not above abandoning others to protect himself and his brothers.
“We all know that it’s a dangerous time for us now. GE isn’t the only group or people who are a threat to us. He’s doing his best to keep us all as safe as possible and we’re doing our best to support each other,” she continues. Then her voice lowers to a more serious tone. “I don’t think it’ll be long before the rest of the world knows about us at this point.”
Chapter twenty-six
Raegan
I spend my afternoon running through shops to expand my wardrobe. I can only borrow so many bright, glittery, or sequined clothes from Portia before enough is enough. I’m still low on funds, so I buy a couple things here and there and then steal the rest.
I’m not proud of it, but a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do. Especially when she doesn’t exist on paper to ever qualify for a legitimate job. That and because holding a job for more than a month usually equals GE finding me.
I use my gift to remove the tags and anti-theft devices and stuff the stolen goods into my existing bag from the store. Once I’ve snagged enough outfits for a week, I call it quits. I’m not greedy and that’s more clothing than I’ve owned in a long time. I also hate shopping.
As I’m walking down the sidewalk back toward Hype and my apartment, the distinct feeling of being watched creeps between my shoulder blades and up my neck. I cautiously check my surroundings, but only see people going about their day.
It’s late afternoon and the streets are still busy.
I frown and keep walking as I scan around me to look for anything out of the ordinary. If I am being followed, the last thing I want to do is lead them back to where I’m staying. Better to draw them out and get rid of them first.
I take a few side streets away from Hype just in case, zigzagging and making sure the feeling of being watched doesn’t subside. Then I twist down a less popular shopping district with no cars and walking paths only. There’s no one around, so I drop my bags and ready my gift in both hands.
Something moves out of the corner of my eye, and I jerk my head toward it.
Sitting on top of a light pole is Jackson. He’s in his usual gear. Hood up, so I can’t see his face, one knee bent and foot on the pole while the other dangles off of it.
