Page 49 of Amaris Rejected

"I'm fine." I shoot a glare at Jeni. "Your enforcer on duty mentioned his teammate called out last night, and he needed a bathroom break, so I told him I’d take care of it until he got back. I'm supposed to attend a meeting soon, but I needed to discuss a few things with Jeni Quinn first. I also want to schedule a time with you after my meeting to continue questioning Sheila Morris."

"Sure, that can be arranged. Just let me know when you're done with your meeting."

"Thanks. My enforcers, Hill and Fillion, are in the evidence room with another one of your officers, gathering copies of the materials we need for the meeting."

As we stand there talking in front of the five occupied cells, six men rush into the room.

"How did you get in here?" Julian demands.

The one in front says, "Julian, I’ve just come to reunite with my family." He laughs, reaching into his pocket to take out a cigarette and lighter. His eyes gleam with danger as he inhales, then blows out the smoke with a satisfied sigh. He places the lighter back in his pocket.

Julian instantly recognizes him. "No smoking here, Remington. You don't have clearance to be in this area. "If you want to visit a family member, there’s a procedure," he snaps. That’s when I recognize him too. He is Remington Reems, Jeni's cousin.

"Ah, cuz, I don't want to visit. I’ve come to take them home." He waves his hand as if this is the most normal request. He points to the first cell door as blue lasers shoot from his fingers. The door flies open. He quickly repeats the process until all five doors spring open. "I only want my family, but I think I'll release all five of your prisoners just for the fun of it."

While Remington blasts open the cell doors, I leap at him, slashing his back with my claws. Surprised, he screams and twists, delivering a blow so powerful that I crash to the floor. I struggle to clear my head, then spring back to my feet, but the henchmen grab me before I can reach him. The four of them force my thrashing body to the ground, pinning me down by my throat. Taken down so quickly, they have to be Alphas. Still, they can barely restrain me, but they manage to hold me down until one of them pulls out a pre-loaded syringe. I feel the sharp sting in my neck, and then my body stills. I’m still breathing, but I can't move my muscles. I’m paralyzed.

From my spot on the floor, I search for Julian. He’s crumpled in a heap by the door, clearly taken out during my attempt to subdue the intruders. I hope he’s still breathing.

"Out, ladies!" I hear Remington call, pain evident in his voice. At least I got him good, his blood dripping onto the floor. "Quickly, clear the room so we can set the charges and leave!" he orders. One thug hauls Julian’s limp body out while another drags me into the adjacent room.

The females follow, huddled behind us while the remaining goons pull wires and other objects from their bags.How did they get all this past security?Working quickly, they assemble and attach what appear to be explosives to the outer wall of the holding cells, then wind the wire out to the hallway. Once everyone is out, they shut the main entrance to the cellblock and detonate the explosives.

The entire building shakes as the ceiling collapses around us. Thankfully, it’s just the lightweight fiberglass tiles and the fragile metal grid system that suspends them. The fluorescent ceiling lights explode, bulbs bursting in a shower of glass. Sparks fly from exposed electrical wires as the lights flicker on and off, swinging erratically from what’s left standing. Fortunately, the structure seems to settle and remains stable right now.

Remington yanks the wrecked cellblock door open and shouts, "Get the females, and let's move!"

I hear Jeni shout, "Bring Devon! He’s my boyfriend!"

Remington hesitates briefly before signaling his henchmen. They swarm into the main cell room, hauling me through the doorway. As the early morning sunlight pours through the gaping hole in the building’s side, I take in the devastation. The room is now a mess of concrete rubble, soil, and debris. The fluorescent fixtures are destroyed, leaving behind only twisted steel and exposed wires, all remnants of the explosion that breached the wall, revealing a tunnel leading to the surface.

Goddess, help me,I silently beg as one of the thugs throws me over his shoulder and climbs out to where a van is waiting. I’m dumped unceremoniously in the back.

I’m still unable to do anything but breathe. Taking advantage, Jeni climbs in, curling up against my side. Taking out her cell phone, she turns my head toward her and kisses my lips while snapping photos of us. I can’t even close my eyes to block out my disgust, so it looks like I’m a willing participant.

Typing on her phone, she sighs, then says, “Sent! You’re mine now, love,” she purrs, smiling as she settles onto my chest and continues kissing me. “I just sent some risqué photos of us to Amaris. No matter what happens now, Amaris has too much pride to take you back. So, get comfortable, darling. Based on the results of that last batch of tea I made for you, I’ve perfected my formula. The enchantment will ensure that you and Rue fall completely under my control. You’ll finally show me the love you truly feel for me.”

Rue is oddly still; his usual fury when Jeni is near is entirely subdued. The serum they gave me must have almost knocked him out completely.

Remington barks from the front, "Knock it off, Jeni. His body isn't working right now; he's paralyzed!"

"Darn it!" she exclaims.

"I'm going to kill her the first chance I get,"Rue growls weakly.

She giggles when she senses the vibrations in my chest.

"I'm completely on board with you, Rue,"I respond silently, still unable to speak aloud."If she’s put our family at risk, I don't care what happens to me. I want her DEAD! She’s sealed her fate."

"Agreed."

Chapter 34 - Escape

Devon

Wherever we traveled, it didn't take long. I think he has a hideout in the city. I’m still paralyzed, so I can't get up to look. The van comes to a stop. Psychotic Jeni is still curled up against me.

"We'll take your boyfriend inside, Jeni," Remington says. "If he’s finally passed out, he’ll be out for 24 to 48 hours." In the dark, I struggle to close my eyes, so they think I'm unconscious.

---