The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Ninety-Seven

"Are we supposed to ignore the giant dildo in your hand, Gatlin?" Jason's nose wrinkles as he frowns. "Didn't think you liked dick, too."

"I don't," Chris' glare warms to a strikingly lustful expression, "but Blue loves it. She left this behind a few weeks ago and I swore I'd hang onto it for her. Since she was gone for so long, I had the opportunity to grab a few more things I think she'll enjoy."

"You're full of surprises," Jason mutters, but I don't look at him.

I can't get my mouth to move. I'm numb. Barely holding onto my sanity as their emotions slam into me. The link writhes, filling with so many emotions I nearly drown.

"You must be Lewis," Michael says. A kind smile overtakes his face and he steps forward, offering a hand to him. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Michael."

My goodness... I'd forgotten how much I loved their voices, loved to see them—loved them. It's a bittersweet reunion. I'm so happy to be in the presence, but saddened, too.

Lewis steps forward, taking Michael's hand for a brief shake. "Nice to meet you. I'd say Blue has told me a lot about you, but she's been pretty secretive."

"Yeah," Chris' face hardens, "she likes to be secretive on occasion."

I roll my eyes but don't rise to the bait. He too is guilty of keeping secrets. We all are.

"So..." Jason rocks back on his heels. "You going to let us in or are we going to leave Blue exposed for another hour while you complain about her disappearance?"

Chris' head swings so quickly I'm afraid he may break his neck.

"Not that I give a flying fuck, but what are you doing here and how are you with Blue?" He stomps over, meeting Jason eye-to-eye. "Last time we spoke, you said you didn't know where the fuck she was. Now, you show up next to her like you're buddy-buddy."

"Got a little help."

Slowly, Chris' glare returns to me. The indulgent grin on Jason's face makes me want to punch him, again. I have enough shit to deal with and I don't need this, too."

"It wasn't me," I argue.

"But you saw him, right?" Chris asks, voice dropping an octave. A vein works in his neck as his hands fist. He's livid. "You saw him, but you hid from us."

"It wasn't intentional, okay? We ended up on the same train for a few minutes. That's it!" Then it hits me. "Wait... how... how did you know I'd seen him?"

"You're not the only one with friends in high places, B," Chris's response brings a shudder of pure rage down my spine. I'd forgotten about his origins for a moment.

"Of course. I'm sure you kept your ties to the past. If you're done with your pissing contest, I'm hungry, tired and I need to shower. So, if you'll excuse me..."

His mouth opens, but I don't allow him to respond. Instead, I shoulder past him and stomp to the towering structure. Aracell rises like the columned halls of Egypt.

Massive grey columns raise the second level from the ground. Built like a geometric paradise, two rectangular sections tetter on either side of a center hallway. Floor-to-ceiling, bulletproof rated, reflective windows shimmer as dark as the night sky.

Pine and Hemlock trees lord over the winding grey slate sidewalks, shading the flanks and the main driveway. They sway in the breeze, branches hoping to scrape the sky. Birds call in their midst.

The door, built from solid iron, is black and features a long, vertical door handle. It pulses blue as Iris' voice pings in my mind. "Welcome home, Blue."