Page 56 of Unclaimed Bonds

He grunts and laughs, rubbing where I made contact. “Did that feel like you’re in a coma?” he taunts.

“Jeremy! That wasn’t nice!”

Nathan laughs. “Shakti, leave them alone. It’s what siblings do. Besides, I think she can handle it.”

The twins stretch out on my bed and turn on the TV. Shakti and Nathan position in my sitting area and check in with me before they bidding me good night. This is more than I could ever want. Eventually, they wrangle the twins out of my room to give me some peace and let me settle in.

When everyone leaves, I remember Liam’s request. He left a long time ago. Running onto my balcony, I look for him, but little good that does. I can’t see anything. I listen intently, but I hear nothing. He may have gone, but I walk inside and flip the light switch three times.

Chapter 27

Running Away

JESSICA

EIGHT YEARS AGO:

July 25, 2016: 11:45 p.m.

Emerald Pack Clinic

Iknow I promised I wouldn’t run away. But does it count if I run back to the place where it all started?

I turn on the light of my room in the clinic. It looks like I was never here. The bed is stripped of sheets, but I climb onto it anyway and sit in the middle. Being here makes me feel better. This feels like what I deserve more than the luxury of my new home.

I just sit in silence, lost in my thoughts when a knock startles me. Liam stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed over his chest. My breath catches at the sight of him.

He offers me a crooked smile. “I followed you back here.” I avert my eyes. He probably thinks I’m an idiot. “How about we take a walk?” I hesitate, preferring to remain in my safe place.“No one’s in the clinic. I don’t think it’s good for you to stay here alone.”

Sliding off the bed, I follow him out of the room. I don’t know where he’s taking me, but I trust him. I wish I could talk to him. I wish he could hear my thoughts. I wonder… maybe he could. I did it with Shadow, but I don’t really know how.

I reach for Liam and gently touch the back of his arm.

“I can already hear your thoughts,” he admits.

I snatch my hand back.How?

He shrugs. “Not sure. It happened that night you ran from the clinic. At first, I thought I imagined it. Then, when we returned to pick you up and your thoughts, your voice, was in my head. I knew you weren’t feeling well, trying to fight it. I felt your panic… and then I stood guard outside of your door every night after you returned.”

Why can’t I hear your thoughts?

“I’m not sure. Maybe because I’m built different. The twins are happy and secure with their lives. I tend to shut people out. I spent my entire life erecting a wall, probably to protect myself.”

I frown.What happened to you?

He stops walking. When I look around, I realize we’re standing in front of the obstacle course. He takes me around and motions for me to climb up this wall. I hesitate at first, unsure why he wants me up there.

“You’ll see.”

I step back, and with a running start, I jump and grab onto a peg. I smile as I start to climb. This is what I need—to feel something, to feel… alive. Liam climbs after me. I almost reach the top of the wall when I glance down at Liam.

My foot slips. My heart flutters with panic. I’m too high. A fall could break my neck or crack my head. Either way, I will definitely die. I grasp for another peg, but I miss it.

“Hang on. I’m coming,” Liam calls.

I will my racing heart to slow. Then, suddenly, air—no, wind—surround me. As my grip falters, I let go. I open my arms and allow the wind to take me. I stop falling. The wind pushes me back up the wall, and I perch my feet on the top.

Slowly, I turn toward Liam, just below me. I offer him a hand, but he doesn’t take it. Narrowing my eyes, I wonder… I picture air around him boosting him forward.