Page 116 of Remnants
My chest tightens with unease, and I drop my arm from the elevator. It feels like I’ve been punched in the gut, all the air expelling from my lungs.
Jackson answers my unspoken question. “I’ve been helping her with her gift. And you.”
“Me?”
He nods once, but I’m still too stunned to ask anything else. Kellan lowers his hand, and the doors begin to close. “I’ll see you soon,” my shadow promises before the doors shut.
What…is that about?
“Come on, beautiful. I’m sure he’ll fill you in later if you ask.”
I don’t refute it because I know it’s true. The bigger issue is figuring out where the fuck do I begin with all the questions now running rampant in my head. How long has this been going on? Why is he training her on her gift? What is he helping her with when it comes to me? Why is he doing this? What is he trying toaccomplish? Is he hoping to use her gift against GE somehow? Or is this just about me?
Kellan prods me with a slap to the ass. I smack his chest in return and pivot out of his reach. “Smack my ass in front of the others, and I’ll squeeze your balls,” I quip, and he laughs.
“You’ll have to get to them first.”
Calling on my gift, I fill my entire body with it and wiggle my fingers. “Oh, I think I’ll manage.”
His grin sharpens. “You’re proving to Jackson you have full control over your gift now, remember? What’ll he say if he sees a hole in my jeans?”
I snort. “Probably that you deserved it.”
He cackles and settles a hand on my back to get us moving toward the Guild Hall. “I think you may be right. Let’s not start anything too reckless while Aiden and Dane are gone, though.”
The reminder smothers my playful mood. He’s right. Aiden, Dane, Harvey, and Reid went to install the cameras at the beach house. If all goes well, they should be back soon. If not…we need to be prepared to back them up. It’s probably why Jack insisted on me testing my gift, so I’d be ready no matter what.
The hall is wild with energy and noise. Which is a silly thing to notice anymore because it’salwayslike this. Morning, afternoon, and night, they’re always rowdy and carefree.
So, when a hush suddenly falls over the area where we walk in, it’s obvious.
I glance around, trying to figure out what caused the sudden silence and find the tables nearest us all staring at…me.
Kellan wraps his arm around my back protectively, ready to snap in their direction when a voice sing-shouts across the room.
“REGGIE! Over here, my dear! I’ve saved you a seat!”
All the eyes on me swivel to Gabe dancing on his chair as he waves me over in an exaggerated performance. I can’t help but laugh at his outrageous moves and ignore the rest of the room to join him and the other familiar Guild members. He pounces on me, knocking into Kellan in his effort and ignoring the fact that my gift is active. “Oh, so glad you could come! They’re kicking my butt again, I tell you. I need your wisdom.”
“I’m not sure I’m much better, but I’ll do my best,” I offer him with a smile.
He fluffs my hair. “Wonderful.” Gabe grabs my hand and drags me to the table, waiting until I’ve taken the seat he’d apparently saved for me before he plops into his and loudly scoots it next to mine.
Kellan scoff-laughs—muttering something about being forgotten so easily—and walks around the table to the other open seat next to Fabian.
Gabriel passes me his cards. “Here, take a looksee.”
“Is this the usual game?” I ask, and the others nod. Not that it makes a big difference. I’m still figuring out a strategy for how to play to win this one, but at least I have a small idea of where to start. Lowering my voice, I whisper to Gabe, “Thanks for that.”
“Don’t worry about those coots. Half of ’em are from the Pits and the rest are just nervous.”
I get it. I only just figured out how to use my gift without destroying everything I touch. Hopefully, I can earn their trust by showingthem while I’m here with my gift active that I’m in full control.
The sound of plastic and something like beads rustling around and clicking draws my attention to Gabe.
“Ah, perfect.” He pinches a tablet from a small bag and flicks it into his mouth. “Down the hatch!”
Zedd suddenly appears, snatching the bag from his hand. “You’ve had enough.”
