Unleashed (The Gate Chronicles Book 3)

Chapter 2: Not In Control

Ryder opened her eyes to gaze around the hospital ward in West Base. Her eyes widened. What was she doing here? She and Kane were supposed to be doing reconnaissance several hours away from West Base. They were supposed to be checking up that anomaly.

The anomaly.

The memories came rushing back, and in that moment, she noticed the second presence in her mind. Last time she had consciousness, she remembered him fighting her for control of her mind. So why did she have control right now?

Because I’m still getting used to your mind, love. And anyway, you’re in a hospital bed. As long as you’re not doing anything I don’t like, you can stay in control. Unless I need you to do something.

She glared at the wall.

Come now. What’s with the long face?

Shut up! What sort of demented pervert are you, anyway? She snapped back, unable to believe this was really happening. It couldn’t be happening to her. Things like this just didn’t happen to Ryder.

Oh, but they did.

Stop listening to my thoughts. She went back to glaring at the grey walls across the aisle from her.

The ward was mostly empty. A few other patients were sleeping peacefully, recovering from whatever injuries they had sustained on their missions. Her injury, unfortunately, was not one that the doctors would be able to fix. Well, it was more of a malediction than it was an injury. Regardless, they couldn’t do anything. She had to rid herself of this beast on her own.

I’m hurt that you would think of me like that. I’m not a beast, you know. I’m just trying to settle a score. Someone hurt me very badly many years ago, and I must make it right. Justice must be served… You wouldn’t stand in the way of my justice, would you?

She thought about it. Well, I don’t know… What does your justice have to do with me and this organization? I mean, you weren’t intending for someone else to walk through that door, were you?

Nope.

Ryder could sense the smirk on his face in her mind. Jerk.

You’ve already touched upon that point. Several times, in fact.

I know that! She paused. His words made her wonder what he wanted justice for.

Would you like to know? He whispered.

She bit her lip. Finding out could be important, but it was also dangerous to deal with this man. If Ryder knew anything, she knew that. But she sensed more than just anger and bitterness from this being. She also felt a great deal of pain and sadness. Maybe, just maybe, if she could find out what had happened, she could help him to heal and avoid further problems.

Look, whoever you are, I think you’ve made a mistake. We don’t know each other, and I didn’t do anything to you.

I know that… I’m not trying to hurt you, Ryder. I promise.

How do you know my name, anyway? She shivered, wondering if maybe he had targeted her specifically.

Your lover was calling it as he was trying to help you in the warehouse. The man sighed. It must be nice to have someone who loves you so much…

Ryder started. Why would he say something like that? So far, all she’d gotten from him was sarcasm and anger. Sadness and pity was the last thing she’d expected in his voice. She had caught a sense of it in his presence, but she didn’t think he’d voice it. He didn’t seem that sort.

Yeah, sometimes. He’s like an older brother to me. But sometimes it’s stifling… She sighed and stared down at her sheets. I love him for it, though. He’s always taken care of me. Ever since we were kids, he’s been watching out for me when others weren’t able to.

The man was silent for a while. He thinks of you as a lot more than a sister, you know.

No… He doesn’t.

Why do you push that notion away so quickly? He seemed curious about her denial.

She couldn’t say that. Her cheeks flamed, and Ryder looked away instinctively, even though she knew he wasn’t physically looking at her.

Ah… You love another. Sad… Who is this other man that you love? I see him so many places in your mind. You grew up together?

I don’t want to talk about this. Show me what you were going to earlier. Why are you here, and why are you so bitter?

Silence followed for a while, and Ryder thought that perhaps he’d retreated for a while. Then his voice came once more, soft and soothing. My name is Alyx. Alyx Byrd. 

Something shifted in her mind, and she blacked out again.