Page 44 of (Sur)real
Me? I looked at them again in shock. I’d called them.
“I don’t know how.” Yet, even as I said it, I knew I did. I focused on my fear for them, instead of myself and Clay, and touched their sparks with that fear. Those closest turned and ran away.
OLIVIA…
The Others played with the bodies of the dead, making them lurch and twitch on the ground as the rest of the group surrounded Gabby and Clay. I let my fear and anxiety pour from me.
“Show me Gabby’s phone,” I said. A few of the Others raced back to the vehicle we’d abandoned.
I turned and followed. Inside the vehicle, I felt along the seats until my fingers touched an object on the back seat. Her phone still had buttons, making it easier to dial Blake’s number. He picked up on the first ring.
“Father,” I said.
“Olivia. Stay there. They are coming for you.”
“If they do, we risk everything.”
Snow crunched behind me, and I held up my hand for silence.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“They are starting to trust me. They know they cannot Judge in favor of the humans. With me here, the Dreamer is piecing together the answer to the final Judgement. A day, two at most, and she will know. Sending your men forced Gabby to call the humans to her. This close to the end, their powers will only evolve with each attack, risking not only our men, but the Judgements when they fight against us.”
“And they just let you call to tell me this? Do you think I’m a fool?”
I could feel his growing anger.
“No, Father. They are caring for one of the men, Gabby’s Mate, who was injured during the attack. Gabby left her phone in one of the vehicles, which is where I am. You know I’m not lying.”
He was quiet a moment.
“What are you suggesting I do, then? Nothing?”
“Use me to follow them at a distance until the Dreamer has the answer. I’ll find a way to let you know. I need to go before they notice me.”
“Stay in touch.”
He ended the call. I turned and handed the phone to whoever stood behind me. The Others continued to play with the bodies of the dead as someone carried Clay to a vehicle.
“You’re playing a dangerous game,” Winifred said, accepting the phone.
“A game I’ve been playing since I bit Blake’s neck. The only game that might keep us safe and buy us the time we need for Bethi to find the answers.”
“What happens when she does?” Winifred asked.
“We tell Blake and meet him somewhere far from any humans. Then, we will pass our Judgement.”
Nine
JIM…
Everyone is still alive,Winifred sent me.
I exhaled slowly. Paul and Henry did the same. The cubs continued to watch their cartoons, completely unaware of the danger the rest of their family had just faced.
Michelle is making arrangements for Salt Lake,she continued. The group needs to rest. I want you to meet us there.
Aden giggled at the cartoon, his head resting on Paul’s shoulder where he reclined on the bed with his leg slightly elevated. Liam sat by Henry on the floor. The cub didn’t notice when Henry looked back at me, impatience reflected in his gaze. It wasn’t due to Aden but our situation. Being away from the pack while they’d fought hadn’t sat well with Henry.
