I woke first, an unusual event. While I snuggled against Thomas, I gently explored the threads I held. Through his connection, they felt so very human. I knew that, if I wanted, I could easily manipulate them as I could a human.
I traced the threads to their counterparts and felt each individual’s will. Mary and Gregory were there, easy to distinguish from the rest. As I touched Mary’s contentment, I noticed something more. It was as if several other threads drifted from her. I lightly touched one and felt Winifred. Through Winifred, I felt hundreds more and gasped aloud. They were all connected like a spider web.
“Charlene?” Thomas said sleepily.
“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t meant to wake you.” I tried to quell my panic but it didn’t work.
“What’s wrong?” His arms wrapped around me and gently rubbed my bare skin.
“Thomas, can you read my thoughts now?” I asked. Fear consumed me.
“In a way. I can only read the thoughts you send to me.”
I have secrets, I thought at him.
“I know you do. And whatever they are scares you. Keep your secrets, Charlene. It doesn’t bother me. If you ever want to tell me, I’ll listen. But your secrets won’t change this or how I feel about you.”
What if they do?
They won’t, he thought back at me, because I love you unconditionally.
I touched his will. It didn’t slide from my grasp anymore. Through my hold, I felt my will spider out through his connections and further still through the other connections. When I touched Winifred and Grey, and the Elder in Europe, the number of connections exploded to the thousands. Near and far, I had complete control of them all.
Though Thomas’s love was unconditional, I knew his acceptance would always have conditions.
I was now the potential threat he and Winifred had feared.
Eighteen
Present...
“You’ve been doing that a lot since we left,” Thomas said coming to stand behind me. His hands settled on my shoulders as I continued staring out the hotel window. Bethi, Gabby, Luke, and Clay were now barely visible in the glow of the streetlights. They were on their way to find the fifth member of our little group. Bethi’s excited nervousness and her desperation had been palpable.
I was relieved that only the four were going. Emmitt, Michelle, and Jim were a door down from our room. Close enough to keep safe, though Gabby had assured the Elders she would be watching for Urbat. So far, their net hadn’t closed on this area.
“Doing what?” I asked, gently laying my hand on his.
“Drifting off. Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I don’t,” I answered honestly. He wouldn’t accept less. “Mostly I’m thinking about my past.” And what I would do to keep the ones I loved safe.
“You’re worried.”
“I am. I’m worried that my secrets, when you hear them, will be more than your Claim can withstand.”
He turned me, and I met his serious, dark gaze.
“You’ve always been stubborn. But, I can’t believe that after all these years, you still doubt me.”
“It’s not doubt in you or your ability to love me. I’ll never doubt either. I’m worried you won’t be able to forgive me everything.”
He frowned. “Now, you’re worrying me.”
“I know. And I’m sorry. I love you, Thomas. More than ever.” I sighed and looked out the window once more. “Something is pulling at me. Something dark and ominous. It’s whispering to me to be strong, to wait. It’s telling me the end is near. The end to what? I don’t know. But I sense it’s not going to be good. When Bethi started talking about Judgements and balance, it felt right.”
I sighed again and said the words that had been weighing on my mind.
“The cycle is almost at its end. I feel like it’s the end of our time here, of me.”
Author’s Note
Thank you for reading. Gabby and Clay, Emmitt and Michelle, Bethi and Luke, and Thomas and Charlene aren’t done yet! The series continues with Isabella’s story (keeping reading for an exclusive sneak peek).
Did you know that reviews on reader and retailer sites help shape the future of the Judgement Series? I try to read them all and listen to what each says. Because so many of you have asked for more, I’ve decided to write novellas from Clay, Emmitt, and Thomas’ point of view. I can’t wait to share their stories. Keep leaving the reviews, and I’ll keep listening!
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