Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
My wrist screamed from the force it took to keep the car in check. The tires squealed as I shot down the street in the other direction. I checked the rear mirror. The black car was gaining on us fast.
The car jolted as we shot over a bump in the road. Devon came to with a moan and tried to sit up but was thrown against the door as I turned sharply onto another street. But it was useless. The car was so close to us now, I could see the shape of a man behind the steering wheel. And suddenly I felt cold. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to see his face ever again, but there he was. Alec.
The front of his car was almost touching the truck’s rear. My foot on the gas pedal eased as a wave of calm washed over me. He appeared to be alone. All the fear, all the worry, all the urgency disappeared. The car slowed even more.
No, a warning voice inside me said, Keep going. Run. But I was so calm. There was no need to worry, no need to be afraid. Everything would be fine. Deep down, I was aware that those weren’t my own emotions. The car rolled to a stop beside an abandoned warehouse. I knew we should keep going, but I couldn’t bring myself to press down on the gas, couldn’t fight the overwhelming feeling of calm that had captured me.
Alec parked in front of us and got out, his expression wary. And suddenly the calm let up and my feelings returned like a whirlwind. I couldn’t believe he’d used his Variation to control me like that.
I gasped. Before I knew what I was doing, I’d grabbed Carl’s gun and jumped out of the car. My arm was steady as I aimed it at Alec’s head. “Take another step, and I’ll shoot you.”
But as soon as I’d said it, I knew I could never do it. And I knew that he could feel it too. His gray eyes were soft, not fazed at all by the weapon aimed at him. I’d just as soon pull the trigger on myself as I could harm him.
Despite everything, despite all the lies and his betrayal, I still loved him. And I hated myself for it, more than I could ever hate him. I lowered the gun until it was pointed at his shoulder. He took a small step closer to me, his face begging for understanding. But even if I couldn’t shoot him, that didn’t mean I trusted him, or forgave him. For him, the FEA would always come first. It would have always stood between us.
“You manipulated me again, though you promised not to do it,” I hissed. “You promised! But you lied!” The last came out as a breathless scream.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Devon open the passenger door of the car. I hoped he’d stay where he was. Alec briefly glanced at Devon, his lips tightening before he turned back to me.
“Tess,” he said. “It’s not that simple. It’s not the way you think.”
“Don’t! Don’t use that tone with me. I’m done being your marionette. I’m done with you and your empty promises, I’m done with the FEA and their lies. I’m done. Done.” I took a deep breath but my ribcage constricted painfully. I felt as if my chest was in a vise.
Alec stared at me like he couldn’t comprehend what I’d just said. “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. You’re in danger. The FEA is your only protection. I want to protect you. That’s all there ever was. I care about you and I want to keep you safe.”
The grip on the gun tightened until my fingers turned numb. “Liar,” I spat out. “I was your mission. Your puzzle to survey. Every word and every kiss we shared was a lie. If you think I’ll ever forget that, you don’t know me at all.”
He opened his mouth, but I continued. “When will Major and the others be here?” I was surprised he’d come alone.
“No one’s coming. They don’t know I’m here.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s the truth, Tess. I came to take you back to headquarters with me. I talked to Major. He’ll listen to you. He’ll reconsider his decision to send you to the hospital.”
“That’s a lie I definitely won’t believe, Alec. I know Major. After everything I’ve done in the last few days, he’ll keep me locked away until he’s sure I’m brainwashed enough to obey his orders.”
Alec took another step toward me. Dark shadows lingered under his eyes and he’d lost weight. “Tessa, I just want to help you. Please come back with me.”
“If you want to help me, tell me where my mother is,” I said.