Keditha's Betrayal

Chapter Sixteen

“So why don’t we just bum-rush them?” Brittany asks.

Julian shrugs. “Seems easy enough.” He mumbles.

"Maybe before…” I say.

Jackson raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean A?” he asks.

“Before it was just Isabel, Philip and Casey, all who are pretty easy to take down in combat, even when they have the entire program tucked under their arm.” I tell him.

Jackson rolls his eyes, laughing. “You know, we were the best they had. We can take them."

"Yes but…now they have Louis.”

Jackson shrugs. “And? You took him out before, you can do it again.”

I shake my head at him. “Just barely, it took all of my energy to take him down and even then I barely left a scratch on him. Louis is Philip’s muscle now.”

Donnie leans forward, resting his hands on the table. “We need a different approach.” He says, I nod in agreement.

“I can take him out.” Kenny says.

Donnie glances at him. “You?” he asks.

"Yeah, I usually handle situations like this from a distance.” He says.

Donnie pauses, before whipping his whole body towards Kenny. “You don’t mean kill Louis, do you?” Kenny shrugs lightly. “We’re not killing Louis, that’s an order!” Donnie snaps at him.

"Look, I’m just saying. Louis isn’t one of us anymore. He’s as bad as one of them." Kenny tells him.

"No." Donnie says sternly. "We'll have to rely on Athena and Jackson."

Jackson and I exchange a look. "Us?" Jackson questions.

Donnie nods. "You two are the best the program has ever had and you work well together. If Athena is just able to take Louis then by that math, you shouldn't have any problem with him."

I stare at the table while deep in thought. "Jackson and I will distract Louis while Brittany distracts the guards. Kenny watch Brittany's back while Donnie and Cade go to take down Casey and Philip." I tell them.

Brittany nods as a smile forms on her lips. "You sure you don't want a shot at Casey and Philip?" She asks

I roll my eyes. "At this point, they could die from a heart attack and I'd be fine with that."

Donnie taps the table impatiently. "I'll figure out an entrance and escape route for you guys but for now, we should wait. Make them think we're not coming, allow them to let their guard down."

I smile at him. "Sounds good to me."

Julian grabs my arm, pulling me away from the crowd. "Athi, can you promise me something?" He asks.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "Depends...what's up?"

"I want you to promise you'll be safe." He says.

I laugh. "I'll be fine, Julian. You know me."

Julian's brow furrows as he stares at me. "I do which means I also know you won't give up, no matter what."

I reach out, squeezing his arm. "I'll be fine. I promise." I try to move past him but Julian grabs my arm again.

"You know how I feel about you." He says. "I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you."

I offer him a sad smile. "Julian, I promise I'll be fine, okay?" I say.

Julian releases my arm, nodding. "Okay. I just..." he trails off, hesitating.

"What now?" I ask.

"Watch Jackson's back." He tells me.

I laugh again. "Julian, I'm pretty sure Jackson can take care of himself." I say.

"Yeah but so could Kenny." Julian rubs his neck, giving my boyfriend a quick glance.

My smile fades. "I didn't mean-"

Julian shakes his head. "I'm not blaming you Athena. Kenny jumping in front of you was his own decision but they care a lot about you and just like Kenny, Jackson would risk his life for you." He tells me.

"Jackson wouldn't do anything stupid."

Julian shrugs. "He would for his best friend." I cross my arms, staring at the floor. "Athi, I'm not trying to bring you down. I'm trying to warn you. This whole with Louis scares me and I don't want to lose any of you."

I bring myself to meet his eyes. "I know Julian. I promise to stay safe and keep Jackson from being an idiot."

Julian smiles warmly at me. "Shouldn't be too hard, you're a better fighter than he is. Thanks for listening to me Athi."

I smirk. "Of course. Even though you're still the same flirtatious idiot I met months ago, I've grown to respect you somewhat."

"If only Kenny didn't exist." Julian teases.

I shake my head, laughing. "Maybe in another life."

Julian studies my face for a moment. "I...should go talk to Cade." He tells me.

"Giving everyone the worst pep talks ever?" I ask him.

Julian rolls his eyes. "It wasn't that bad."

I shoo him away while mouthing go. Signing, I scan the room. A feeling of dread washed over me.

Julian was right. Jackson would sacrifice himself to save me just like Kenny tried to do.

But I had a feeling everyone in this room would do the same for me or anyone else.

We had become a close knit family. "Maybe a little too close..." I mutter to myself while I watch Brittany and Jackson flirt with each other.

The only problem was I was reckless, that's where Jackson and I really differed. He was take a moment to assess the situation and the proceed with caution.

I would always run in head first and because of it, my boyfriend almost died.

All of this is my fault. We're in this situation because of me.

I meet Kenny's eye. He was watching me intensely, a scowl framing his face. I smile at him which he returns after a moment.

I head over to him, wrapping my arms around his. "I think I'm gonna go rest for a moment." I tell him.

"You feeling alright?" He asks, his voice already filled with concern.

I nod. "Yeah, this is just...a lot. I need some time to think."

"Did Julian want anything?" Kenny asks before I could leave.

I chew on my lip. "Not really. He just wanted me to be careful, especially after the whole..." I gesture at Kenny's wound. "Almost dying thing and then Louis breaking into our room."

Kenny smiles. "You will be careful right?" He asks.

I huff. "Of course Kenny, I always am." I tell him.

He narrows his eyes at me. "If you say so." He kisses me gently. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Mhm, I will." I head up into Kenny's bedroom and drop down on the floor, resting my back against the bed.

I had to do something about this whole situation. I can't let Philip's stupid infatuation with me get everyone I love killed.

But I couldn't leave and I couldn't try to take them out alone.

Kenny would be pissed if I left again.

Just then the door opens and Kenny slips into the room. "Hey." I say.

Kenny sucks in a breath, looking uneasy. "Hey, can we...talk for minute?"