Page 89 of Enchanted Hero
“Absolutely not.” Alexander strode in front of the image of him hovering outside a building. “I don’t want anyone else involved.”
“We’re already involved,” Carter challenged. “Our only hope is tricking the world into believing it can’t be you. While you’re in full sight, I’ll arrive in a black outfit pretending to be the hero. You’ll be exonerated.”
“Or they might realize there are two of us.” And then ten and then a hundred and then more, until all of his people were locked in glass cases. “In all likelihood, they’ll still investigate me. And if there’s two, there could be a thousand.”
“There are only a few hours left.” Carter fisted his hands. “There has to be another way.”
A hundred impossible options churned as the group waited for him to make a decision. They would advise and give opinions, yet as leader, it was his responsibility to take the final step. In the end, only one choice emerged that could possibly protect his people. “I’m going to deny it.”
A dozen glances were exchanged. “You really think that’s going to work?”
Not even a little.
Alana stepped forward. “I’d like to come to the press conference.” Murmurs of agreement followed, from a people willing to sacrifice themselves.
Yet he would not allow it. “You’re not going anywhere near that press conference.” He turned to the rest of them. “None of you, you understand?”
They all hesitated, then one by one nodded.
“I better get ready.” Alexander looked at his family and friends, the beautiful people who deserved to live their lives. He would not say good-bye, like it was the last time. “I am honored to be part of such an extraordinary people.
Eyes watered and lips drew severe slashes, yet not a goodbye was uttered as everyone filed out of the room, except Carter. He waited to speak until the others left. “What about Everleigh?”
Even now, her name had the power to comfort him. “She’s at the compound.”
Carter raised an eyebrow. “You left her alone?”
For the first time that morning, Alexander allowed a ghost of a grin. “Is that a problem?”
“You said she was suspicious.” Carter cocked his head to the side. “Don’t you think she’ll conduct her own investigation when she realizes she’s alone?”
“It’s a definite possibility.” Alexander widened his smile. “Which is why I left everything unlocked.”
“I see.” Carter matched the grin. “Then I will say good luck and… enjoy.”
Alexander rubbed his hands together. “Time to catch my beautiful spy.”
This was not good.
Not good at all.
Once again, she’d thought she was so clever, seizing the perfect opportunity to explore the ultimate mystery. All the security guards had conveniently disappeared, the halls had emptied and Alexander was missing. It had been so easy, just one unlocked door after another, until the one that unequivocally proved Alexander’s identity. Only easy had become too easy, impossibly so.
In other words, it was a trap.
Everleigh ran to the door, nearly slamming into the dark wood. She grasped the knob, tensing every muscle, preparing to break into an all-out run as soon as she entered the hallway. She swung open the door to reveal…
Alexander.
If she hadn’t already known he was extraordinary, it would have been obvious now. Power surrounded him, an aura of undeniable strength. Dressed in black like his hero persona, he towered over her, his bright blue eyes blazing. “Hello, Everleigh.”
Her breath hitched, she took a reflexive step backward. “Alexander.”
“Find anything interesting?”
Bathed in the glow of otherworldly artifacts, there was nothing she could say, nothing she could do, to emerge unscathed. She’d discovered the truth, and he knew it.
There was no escape.
