Page 180 of Cerulean Truth
Was I losing Emma because of it? Gods, I hoped not… The fighting about Julian had put a strain on our “relationship” but I couldn’t help myself. Her being safe was something I gladly fought about, even if it meant I’d end up being the one hurting. Her safety was all that mattered.
My morning musings were interrupted by Stephen’s anger flooding my Nexus. I translated myself another cup of coffee as Stephen’s voice boomed through the room.
“You didn’t think the Board’s attempt on your life was important enough to inform me?” he shouted, skipping any greeting.
I cringed. Right. Knew I’d forgotten something. “Yeah, about that. Let me catch you up.”
“I don’t need catching up. I heard everything from the United Chiefs,” Stephen roared. Levelheaded Specialist Stephen Stone roaring through the Nexus was not a good sign.
“I don’t know if you noticed, but I’ve had my hands full since our return with an untrustworthy Elder who abandoned us in the middle of battle. Did the United Chiefs mention that?” I asked through gritted teeth.
Stephen looked confused and stilled. “The Elder left during the battle with the Board?”
I nodded. “Yup. Claims he went to find the United Chiefs to lift the bubble he ‘knew’ they were about to install.”
Stephen blinked. “Did they bubble you in?”
“Yes, but that’s beside the point. He left, Stephen. He’s a trained Offensive and Specialist, the eldest and arguably the most powerful person alive, and he left us.”
Stephen shook his head in disbelief. “Tell me everything.”
So I did. I told him about the Elder, about Emma, Alliance, the Board and their Amplifier, the Chiefs, and about Dale.
“Dale was there?” Stephen inquired, frowning.
I nodded.
“Did he say anything about…?”
“No, he hinted at it but didn’t say anything,” I reassured Stephen.
“Did you tell anyone?” Stephen’s unwavering gaze bore into me.
I swallowed. “I told Emma.”
Stephen froze. “You told Emma…what?”
Taking in a deep breath, I replied, “I told her the lie. Don’t worry, our secret is safe.”
Stephen exhaled loudly. “Thank the gods. James, you can’t tell her. Not yet. Not until you’re Leader, or this will all have been in vain.”
I clenched my jaw. “I know.”
“I can’t believe the Board was about to use an Amplifier on Emma,” Stephen muttered, effectively changing the subject. “Are you sure they weren’t under some insanity spell?”
I gave a light shrug. “Would it matter?”
“I guess not. So where is it?”
Frowning in confusion, I asked, “Where is what?”
“The Amplifier, James. Where is it now?”
I blinked.Fuck.
“James?” Stephen’s voice turned threatening as his eyes widened. “Did youforgetabout the Amplifier?”
I had. The whole Emma and Julian situation had me in such a hold I’d forgotten about it completely.
