Enigma: Unearthly Paradox, #4

Chapter 1

Trudging through the sand on the way back up to Jett’s parent’s house, it occurred to me that my birth parents might be alive. And if that was the case, then one of them was still being held against their will in the sex slavery program that Roman was trying to stop.

Jett shot me a sideways glance, not a single ounce of cockiness evident in his expression. If they are, then we’ll save them. Roman has to know who it is, or at least your Dracorian parent will.

I nodded, then picked up my pace, moving through the sand faster than I’d ever been able to before. I was practically gliding above the granules and had to remind myself that I wasn’t supposed to be doing that in plain sight of humans.

Jett opened the gate, letting me through first, and slamming it shut behind him. Grabbing my hand he pulled me back. Whatever happens in there, I want you to know that this is the first I’ve heard about any of this.

I tried to force a smile but I didn’t quite succeed. I know.

Jett swept my hair behind my ear and placed a kiss on the corner of my lips. Come on. He cocked his head toward the house.

We walked up the stairs to the patio then went inside. Everyone except for Zoran was still there, sitting at the table, caught up in a conversation about the impending war.

I barely got two steps into the room before my question exploded from my mouth. Are my parents still alive?

Roman looked up at me, his eyes softening the moment they met mine. Then he nodded.

I sucked in a sharp breath as my whole world came crashing down. Where are they? I asked as I slowly walked around the table and took my seat.

Jett sat down beside me. Do we know them?

Roman studied me for a moment and I could tell he was trying to decide what to say. Eventually he said, Carrie’s your mother.

My eyes widened in surprise. Carrie, as in the bargirl at Paradox?

He nodded.

Holy shit, Jenna spluttered.

I shook my head in confusion. But she’s too young. She’s only a few years older than me.

Jett leaned closer to me. She’s actually thirty-eight.

Roman took a sip of his drink then placed the bottle back on the table. Carrie was nineteen when you were conceived. She came to me because she knew how I felt about the program and didn’t want to give you up to the leaders.

But she gave me up anyway.

Not in the way she would’ve had to, if the others had found out. You would’ve been taken at birth and raised in a confined area much like the one K has been held in since she came to Earth. Carrie didn’t want to give you to Morgan either, but she knew that being with him was the safest place for you.

I snorted. Safe? I almost died.

Roman shook his head. You would never have died. Your Dracorian side would’ve kicked in right at the last second, and you would’ve survived just about anything.

I looked at K and realised how easily I could’ve been her, denied all freedom. Up until today, I’d thought I had a pretty crappy childhood, but it was nothing compared to the life I would’ve endured if Carrie hadn’t come to Roman. There was no way on Earth I was going to let K suffer another day, trapped in a life that no one should be made to live. She deserved to be free.

Jett curled his hand over mine, his gaze falling on Roman. What’s the plan?

Zoran’s gone back to Sydney to let everyone know what is going down tonight, and to put some precautionary measures in place. I’ll be leaving soon, for a few hours, to warn the others.

In the mean time, we need to prepare everyone here. Zane stood as he downed the last of his drink then put it back on the table.

Jett squeezed my hand. We’d better get moving, too.

Nodding, I stood, as did Jenna and K.

I’ll let you know the details when I return. Roman pulled out his phone as he got to his feet. He leaned down, kissed Natalia on her cheek, and then headed into the garage.

Saying our goodbyes, we made our way outside.

Jenna nudged her shoulder against mine. Don’t worry. We’ve got this. When I looked at her sceptically, she added, We’ve got two half-breed royals.

Technically, we had three half-breeds, and by the look on K’s face, I could tell she was well aware of how much her accepting to bond with Zane would help our cause. She glanced at Zane, who smiled back at her in response. Smiled, not smirked or grinned or any of the other full-of-himself confident expressions he usually wore. This smile showed understanding and not an ounce of pressure. Zane was finally getting it.

He turned to us. Can you do the runs today?

I blinked in surprise. We’re still opening?

Of course, Jenna said. Life goes on.

Jett got on his bike. And it has to be a big one. There will be more to feed than usual.

K winced at Jett’s choice of words.

It’s not as bad as it sounds. I climbed on behind Jett and wrapped my arms around him.

Jenna put her hand on K’s arm, completely unscathed by how weirded out she was about being touched by someone she’d just met. Zara’s right. And you can see for yourself tonight.

K’s eyes widened as Zane hooked his arm over her shoulder from behind and pulled her against his chest. By the look on her face, it was the first time he’d done it and I had to try to squash my smile as I remembered all the times Jett had done the exact same thing to me.

Zane glared at Jenna. She’s not going anywhere near Paradox tonight.

K pushed against his arm, trying to break free from his hold but Zane wasn’t letting go. Let go of me, she snapped.

Zane held on for a few moments more then released her.

K stepped to the side and ran her hand through her hair. Don’t tell me what I will and won’t be doing, she snapped.

Zane’s shoulders rose and fell with each breath he took, as he ground his teeth together. It’s too dangerous for you.

They have a right to know what they’re fighting for, Jenna said. "Without seeing her, K’s just a faceless person that you’re asking everyone to be willing to die for.

I don’t see the problem.

Of course he didn’t. I sat up straight, my hands resting on Jett’s hips. Do you want to come with us tonight?

K shrugged. I could tell it was just to piss Zane off and it was working.

Watch what you say, I warned him.

He gave me a barely noticeable nod but kept his gaze fixed on K. If you want to, then we will. But you can’t be there at midnight. It’ll be too dangerous.

K shifted her feet as she looked around the neighbourhood, sadness evident in her eyes. I don’t want to hide.

Zane’s jaw popped. Well, that’s not really an option.

She rolled her eyes. I mean, I don’t want to hide before necessary. If what Roman said in there was true, then this is my fight, too.

Zane stared at K for a moment then said, Okay. But there are rules.

K rolled her eyes again. Let me guess, I have to stay by your side even when I pee.

Zane crossed his arms over his chest. No. You can pee in Jett’s office with either Zara or Jenna beside you. And you’ll be standing in front of me, not beside, behind or anywhere else.

Or not, Jenna said. No one’s going to jump her in the bathroom.

K furrowed her brow then she turned to Zane. Why in front of you.

Jenna sighed. You haven’t told her have you?

Told me what?

No, Zane said.

Jenna scratched her forehead. Look, I know we agreed to keep things from Zara but K’s not the same. She knows what she is and it’s only fair to tell her how easy it is for someone to bond with her.

K looked uneasily at Zane. What’s she talking about?

I don’t think now is the right time to discuss this. Zane cocked his head toward my house. I’ll tell you on the way home.

I don’t have a home so you may as well tell me now.

Zane sighed and dropped his hands to his side. Please. This is not the place to have this conversation.

Did he seriously just say please? I asked Jett.

The corner of Jett’s lips turned up. I think he did.

K squared her shoulders. I think this is the perfect place to have this conversation.

Fine. He took a step toward her. All anyone needs to do is... He vaporised then appeared standing behind her, his chest flat against her back.

K jumped.

And then I take you before you even know I’m there.

The colour drained from K’s face.

Jenna shook her head. Real nice, Zane.

What? She wanted to know.

Yeah, except there’s a much better way of saying it. Jenna looked at Jett. I’m sure that’s not how you told Zara.

My cheeks flushed as I remembered how Jett had told me and yes, Jenna was right, it was nothing like what Zane had just done.

Grinning, Jett started his bike. No, it wasn’t.

Whatever. Zane stepped to K’s side. Now she knows just how easy it is and maybe she’ll understand why I’m a little over-protective.

Fuck you. K rushed down the driveway then turned right, heading toward my house.

Thanks, Zane said dryly to Jenna. I’m so glad it’s now out in the open. He took off after K.

Don’t blame me, Jenna called after him. She rolled her eyes then jumped into her car. I’ll see you guys at the storage shed at four?

Jett gave her a quick nod then revved the engine and took off.

Ten minutes later we were pulling up in front of Paradox. Jett parked on the footpath right in front of the doors.

We hopped off the bike, and Jett went straight to the pin pad. A second later the locks turned and we walked inside.

Paradox was empty but I had a feeling it wouldn’t stay that way for long. I had no idea what to expect tonight, but as usual, my mind was racing with possibilities and I was pretty sure that none of my scenarios would compare to what was coming our way.

That night in the forest was a major eye opener, and I couldn’t help but think that compared to what was about to happen, it was child’s play. The Lomazzos had gone up against ordinary Dracorian’s, but tonight we were going to have royals coming after us, and I was sure that would take everything to a whole other level.

Jett caught my hand and spun me around to face him. We’ve got this.

I loved his optimism, but in truth, I had no idea if I should believe him or not. Have you ever fought a royal?

Apart from my brothers, no.

Then how can you be so sure?

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. Because I have you.

I stared at him, wishing I could be as confident, but I couldn’t. I’d only just learned to fight and I hadn’t actually put any of it into practice. There was still so much I didn’t know how to do. I’d seen Jett stop time, control humans, move things with his mind, yet, I couldn’t do any of those things.

We can work on them, Jett said. And besides, we have Roman. There’s a reason why he was head of the royals.

I forced a smile.

Come here. Jett hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me against him. We’ll be fine, and if we quickly get through things here, we can get working on bringing you up to speed. And... He leaned down and brushed his lips over my neck as he breathed in deeply, lighting a fire within my veins. You can help me light up this place.

I tipped my head to the side, allowing him full access, but again it wasn’t enough.

Jett placed a soft kiss just below my ear, then pulled away just as the front door opened and Carrie walked in.

Chapter 2

Carrie bit her lip as the door closed behind her. She tilted her head to the side and looked at me with sadness in her eyes. I wanted to tell you...

I drew in a deep breath then released it slowly. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. What was I supposed to say to the woman who gave me up? Then again, she’d saved my life when she didn’t have to. She went against the Dracorian law to give me a better life.

Jett squeezed my hand. Maybe you two should talk upstairs.

I nodded then headed up. Dread was pooling in my tummy as I climbed the steps. I could feel Carrie two steps behind me, and the nervous energy radiating from her. I half wished Jett could’ve rescued me from having this conversation, but, once again, I needed to put on my big girl panties and deal with this situation so we could focus on what was to come.

Reaching the top landing, I turned to Carrie. Do you want to sit out here or go into Jett’s office?

Ah... Here’s fine—as long as it’s okay with you.

Here’s fine.

Carrie went behind the bar and grabbed a couple of bottles of pre-mixes and held one out to me. Want one?

In truth, I wanted a whole damned bottle of vodka to calm my nerves, but I didn’t want her to see just how nervous I was. Thanks.

Carrie handed me the bottle as we sat down on the couch reserved for my family. She twisted the cap and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of us. I... Carrie laughed nervously then shook her head. I must’ve rehearsed what I was going to say to you a million times in my head, and now that I have the chance to say what I’ve wanted to all these years, I can’t.

I get it... I took a sip. I may not have had the ideal life, but it was better than the alternative.

She twisted in her seat to face me. "I never wanted to give you up. I wanted to run away with you and raise you on my own, but they would’ve found me. They would’ve known why I was missing. You would never have been safe. I went to Roman and he promised me that you would be safe with Morgan.

Morgan may have been an ass who never turned up at any of your school events, but I want you to know that I never missed one.

You watched me?

She laughed. It sounds a little creepy when you say it like that, but I guess you’re right. I did watch you. I watched you every chance I got. And you have no idea how many times I almost told you the truth, but it wasn’t time.

Look. I get it. I’m not angry with you. I’m confused, sad, nervous and even a little scared, but I’m not angry.

She drew her brows together. Why are you scared?

I shrugged. I don’t know. I guess I’m afraid of what’s going to happen from here. I mean, you’re my mother... I thought you were dead.

Carrie went to touch me but stopped short, then lowered her hand to her lap. I’m so sorry, she said, her tone full of remorse.

I took another sip, trying to work up the courage to voice my thoughts. The only problem was alcohol no longer gave me the false confidence it once did. When I was little, I used to imagine finding out that you were still alive, and what I would say to you. I used to imagine you’d come rescue me, and tell me that my father had kidnapped me, and you’d been searching for me ever since.

Carrie smiled.

But then I grew up and realised that was just fantasy. I didn’t know what my point was, but I was rambling and couldn’t stop myself.

And now?

I studied her for a moment then said, And now, I’m hoping to take things one day at a time. I choked on a laugh. Not that we’re guaranteed to still be alive come this time tomorrow.

Carrie reached over and placed her hand on my knee. Something tells me you will. You and Jett have something that none of the others have.

Yeah, every single royal leader coming after our asses.

She laughed. You know that’s not what I meant.

Did you know about Jett? When she looked confused, I added, Did you know about Romans plans for me with Jett.

Carrie nodded slowly. "Roman told me he wanted you to bond with Jett, but he promised that Jett would never force you to, and it was ultimately up to you to decide if you wanted Jett in return.

I didn’t agree with the way Roman brought out your Dracorian side, but it was a necessary evil, and it all worked out in the end. You found Jett, he found you, and from what I can see, you both found everything you’ve ever wanted in each other.

I couldn’t help but smile. Just thinking of Jett did that to me. He is everything I could’ve ever dreamed for.

Jett’s a good man. But if Roman had suggested Zane for you, I probably would’ve kidnapped you and hidden you in the woods for the rest of your life.

I laughed then leaned in closer to her. You know, I never would’ve thought I’d say this, nor will I ever tell him, but Zane isn’t that bad once you give him a chance. He’s really surprised me with K.

That’s only because of what he’s seen with you and Jett.

I shook my head. No, it’s more. Zane really does have a good heart buried under all that macho, egotistical, bullshit he displays.

When I saw the confused expression on her face, I realised that I was probably one of the few people who saw his other side. Carrie had spent years with the Lomazzos but had never seen them like I had. Zane may not act like he cares but he does.

I’ll have to take your word on it.

I sat there staring at Carrie, trying to see any resemblance between her and me. We both had dark hair and eyes, but that was where it ended. She was taller than I was, and held a confidence that I was still trying to obtain. Our skin was a similar colour, but in reality, she didn’t look old enough to be my mother. It was really kind of weird.

What? she asked nervously.

"Nothing. I was just trying to