Queen Ascending (Ace of Queens #2)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Gemma didn't want to think about the mess that would follow once Tobias and Lafayette realized she had left.

All she wanted to focus on was Exton's hand holding her as he drove away from the abandoned car and Ben's body on the road.

She marveled at how her anxiety and fear all ceased to exist around Exton. In the dark interior of the car, Gemma focused on the road ahead and took a deep breath. Exton brought her hand up to his lips and left a warm kiss.

"Was this a good idea?" Gemma asked quietly.

Exton smiled, "Yes...this was a very good idea."

The butterflies in Gemma's belly flew up and into her ribcage. She felt her heart flutter to the beat of their wings.

"Everyone is going to be so happy to see you," Exton said kissing her hand again.

Gemma blushed, "Are your parents okay...did the curse come back?"

"They better than ever," Exton chuckled. "I have never seen two people more in love."

"I'm glad," Gemma leaned her head back against the seat. She watched Exton as his eyes shone with happiness.

"Wait until you see how big Mavi got," Exton continued. "She's a little brat, but I love her. She lights up the whole place, an exact replica of mom. Dad says she's getting a taste of her own medicine."

As Gemma watched Exton's carefree laugh, something inside of her pained. It was as if some invisible hand had taken hold of all the butterflies and ripped them to shreds.

Tobias would come for her...

He wouldn't stop. He wouldn't spare Exton's family.

Slowly, Gemma shifted in her seat and pulled her hand back from Exton. At first he didn't take notice of the change in her, he was distracted by the pressure of someone trying to open his mind-link.

"Is something wrong?" Gemma asked quietly.

Exton shook his head, "Nothing, someone is just trying to mind-link me."

"Pull over, it could be important," Gemma urged him. To her surprise, he listened without arguing. Her eyes scanned his face as his eyes glossed over and he opened his mind-link.

The care was silent as she waited for him to finish.

A few minutes later, Exton's eyes snapped back into focus. Deep worried lines appeared on his face. Gemma's heart sank at the sight of them.

Had Tobias learned of her disappearance already?

"What's wrong?" Gemma asked.

Exton gave a heavy sigh and leaned his head back against the seat. His hands gripped the steering wheel as his knuckles turned white.

Gemma grew worried with each passing second.

"Exton?" She reached out and touched his arm.

"Two days ago, thirty packs were attacked in America," Exton began. "No survivors. We sent the king's guards and they found a peculiar sigil at all of the pack houses."

Gemma's body chilled, "...What sigil?"

"It was a sparrow in a ring of fire. It sat on a double edged sword."

Goosebumps began to rise on Gemma's skin.

"The councilmen searched through the books and they've identified the sigil," Exton paused. His eyes were shut as he inhaled Gemma's scent to calm himself.