Beneath the Fallen City, Jamie A. Waters [ebook reader .TXT] 📗
- Author: Jamie A. Waters
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“A claim doesn’t negate your feelings, Kayla,” Alec explained softly.
Marcus stepped over to them, clearing his throat to get their attention. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’re going to need all of you. We have quite a bit of damage control that needs to be done.”
Alec nodded, taking Kayla’s hand and leading the group back toward the platform where the High Council members were discussing how best to address the public. Kayla took a peek at Carl, wanting to go to him but not able to bear the thought of leaving Alec’s side while he needed her.
Marcus turned to Alec. “We’ve all spoken and come to a decision. You were to be appointed to the High Council within the next few weeks based on your mother’s family name. However, in the absence of a Tal’Vayr on the High Council, we offer you that position now.”
Alec nodded. “I accept.”
Marcus hesitated, glancing at some of the other members. “We no longer have a High Council leader. This position has always been held by either a Rath’Varein or a Tal’Vayr. Your families were the original founding members of OmniLab. It’s only suitable for one of you to accept this responsibility.”
Seara was quiet for a moment. “I have a suggestion.”
Marcus and the other High Council members looked at her expectantly. “The position should be divided. No one person should have that sort of control over us again. Instead, I suggest both Alec and myself share the position of High Council leader. When the time comes for me to step down, I will turn my position over to my daughter. They will lead jointly.”
Marcus looked at the other council members, who nodded in agreement. He turned to Alec. “Is this agreeable to you?”
Alec looked down at Kayla and raised an eyebrow questioningly. Her eyes were wide, and she thought toward him, “Oh, hell no. I’m still a ruin rat. I don’t have any desire to lead this group of numbnuts.”
“You saved this group of ‘numbnuts’ by deactivating those bracelets. But don’t worry. Your mother will lead until you’re ready.”
Giving her a reassuring squeeze, Alec turned back to Marcus. “Yes, I agree.”
Marcus looked relieved and announced loudly, “It’s official. Master Alec Tal’Vayr and Mistress Seara Rath’Varein will act as joint co-leaders of the High Council.”
Muted applause erupted throughout the room, and several people offered their thanks and congratulations to them. Alec plastered on a smile, but Kayla knew it was a façade. She’d worn one long enough to recognize it even without his emotions filtering through her. The whole ordeal was bittersweet.
Marcus said, “Unfortunately, we still have the trader announcement this evening. You’ll both be needed to make the announcement.”
Seara inclined her head. “We’ll be there.”
Alec indicated his agreement before adding, “If you’ll excuse me, though, I need to make arrangements for my father.”
Marcus looked at him with sympathy. “I know it was difficult, Alec, but you did the right thing.”
Alec managed a nod and then averted his gaze. He leaned close to Kayla. “Do you mind if we leave?”
She shook her head, putting her other hand on his arm. There weren’t enough prototypes in the world to tempt her into staying. “I’ve wanted to leave this place since the moment you brought me here.”
They walked back to the Rath’Varein quarters. After everyone had filed inside, Alec stopped Kayla at the entrance. “I need to make arrangements for my father. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
Kayla looked up at him. “Do you want me to go with you?”
He gave her an appreciative smile. “Thank you, but you’ve done a great deal today. Why don’t you relax for a bit before this evening? I know Carl wants to speak with you about what happened. It would probably be better to give you two some privacy.”
Her throat went dry, her eyes darting nervously to the door. Once she went inside, everything would change. “I don’t know what to say to him. I don’t know what happened myself.”
Alec’s touch was a soothing balm as he caressed her face. “I know. He’ll need to understand this is confusing for you.” When she frowned, he added, “Kayla, you know how I feel about you. You’ve seen it for yourself. I can’t say your relationship with Carl doesn’t bother me, but I understand. You might be interested to know he was the one who told me to go ahead and complete the bond with you.”
The news surprised her, and Kayla looked to the door again, wishing she could see inside his head. Why would he have done such a thing? There had been nothing but contention between him and Alec since the beginning.
Alec turned her back to face him. “He loves you, Kayla. He was willing to risk losing you to make sure you were going to be all right.”
She inhaled sharply. The selflessness of Carl’s actions floored her. He’d done nothing but protect her since the moment they met.
She looked up at Alec, trying to discern his motivation. “Why are you telling me this?”
He was quiet for a long moment. “I told you about Carl because I want you to resolve your feelings for him before you come to me. If you need more time, I understand. I’ll support you no matter what you decide to do.”
“Why are you being so understanding about this?”
He gave her a small smile, and she saw a glimpse of the familiar cockiness in his eyes. “Because, at the end of the day, I know you’ll always come back to me. The bond between us is too strong and neither one of us will be able to resist it. Even if you decide to run off and leave the towers with him, you’ll find dozens of excuses to come back.”
The idea made her frown. Her first instinct was to pull back and deny it. She wouldn’t allow herself to be ruled by some metaphysical bond. “Is that what it’s going to be like?”
Alec ran his fingers along the side of her face. “When I touch you, you feel complete, don’t you?”
She shivered and gave him a small nod, not comfortable with how much she enjoyed his touch. “That’s because of the shared energy. The farther away you go, the more you’ll feel its loss. That’s not to say it’s impossible to be apart, but you’ll find yourself longing to be with me again.”
Kayla hesitated, but she needed to be honest with him. “Alec, I don’t know if I want to stay in the towers. My life and everything I’ve ever known is outside these walls. I don’t want to give that up. When I’m in the ruins, it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I feel alive down there.”
His look was one of infinite patience, and he gave her an understanding smile. “That’s because you were using your energy without realizing it, Kayla. Do you feel alive when you’re with me?”
“Well…” She considered the question, not sure if it was the same thing. She’d only known Alec for a handful of days, regardless of the intimacy they’d shared through their bond. When she was in the glow of an energy exchange with him, she felt more alive than she ever had. Each small touch from him evoked a promise of that powerful connection. “I don’t know. Yeah, I guess. You’re making my life more complicated. I don’t know what’s real anymore, but I know what I feel for Carl is real.”
“You don’t have to make a decision about anything right now, Kayla.” Alec glanced up as a few people wandered down the hall, giving them curious looks. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled away from her. “I should go, but I’ll be back soon.”
Kayla nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and watched him walk away. Once he was gone, she let out a long exhale and went back inside her mother’s quarters.
Everyone looked up when she entered. Uncomfortable with the stares, she managed a weak smile. “Quite a show, huh?”
Veridian frowned at her. “Are you really thinking about marrying him, Kayla?”
Panic, sharp and biting, flooded through her. She shook her head. “Marriage? Me? Hell no. I’m not marrying anyone. I was just trying to keep that damn bracelet off me.”
Veridian stood and gave her a hug. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
She hugged him back and then turned to Carl. Her palms were damp, and she rubbed them nervously on her dress. “Carl? Could I talk to you for a few minutes?”
He nodded and stood. Kayla felt everyone’s gaze on them as they made their way toward her room. She heard Cruncher mutter, “She’s either going to break his heart or make him incredibly happy.”
Kayla stepped inside her bedroom and closed the door behind Carl. He remained silent and just watched her. She bit her lip and looked up into his brown eyes. A million things to say came into her mind, but nothing seemed appropriate, so she fell back on what worked.
She stepped close, putting her arms around him. Carl hesitated for a moment before resting his hands on her waist, keeping her in place. He shook his head, his movements stiff, and didn’t make any other moves toward her. “Kayla, I don’t understand what’s going on with this whole energy thing.”
“I don’t either.” The distance
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