Page 143 of Conform
“Why aren’t we down there helping?” I demanded.
“We aren’t authorized to help. Our MINDs won’t take us there.”
“Change them. You do it all the time.”
Phillip met my gaze. “This time I can’t.”
The Pod slowed outside a familiar balcony. Phillip exited, and I chased after him, the smoke choking me. Phillip and Collin had gone to a building containing supplies weeks ago. How long had the Reaper been planning this?
I entered Collin’s living quarters, and Phillip shoved my items into my hands. “Here.”
I pulled out my Comm Device, typing a quick message to Lo, asking her to tell me when she was safe. “Where’s Nora?” I asked, tucking my device away.
“Unbelievable,” Phillip bit out, picking up a lacy black bra from the floor. “I will never understand how we are brothers.” He turned on his heel and headed toward the sleeping chambers.
A forgotten book, ancient and tattered, lay open on the sofa. I hurried after him, putting the pieces together. “Phillip, just leave them alone.”
“No,” Phillip spat before banging on the door, the bra clutched in his hand. “Gregory!”
There was movement behind the door, then it swung open. Gregory stood shirtless in the doorway, his pants slung low on his hips.
“Little sister,” Gregory greeted me, nonplussed. “Phillip.” I heard a flurry of movement behind him.
“What do you think you’re doing here?” Phillip demanded.
“Do you want to know the specific positions or just the gist of the events?” Gregory drawled, crossing his arms.
“Our city is under attack, and you are meant to be at the Capitol, not here.”
“No,” Gregory said simply.
“No? What do you meanno? Those were your orders.”
“They weren’t. If the world is about to end, I am right where I am supposed to be, regardless of the consequences.”
Nora came up behind him, tying a green robe around herself. “Phillip, please understand.”
“How many times have I understood, Nora?” Phillip fumed.
“I would do the same for you, you know that,” she urged.
“But you cannot,” Phillip stated, an ugliness to him, “because you both lack the wherewithal to obtain the power to do so.”
Gregory’s body shook as Nora’s hand found his arm.
“Please cover for us one last time, please,” Nora begged.
“Last time?There is no last time with you two. How many times have we been here? How many times have I cleaned up your mess?” Phillip demanded. “You can’t keep doing this. You will be caught, and you will pay. It won’t just be undesirable Mates. They will kill you. Collin cannot keep saving you, Nora. Think of your offspring.”
One moment Gregory stood by Nora. The next, Phillip was pinned to the wall, Gregory’s face inches away.
“Bring her offspring into this again, and it will be the last thing you do,” Gregory seethed.
“Gregory, stop.Please. Phillip is only looking out for them.” Nora pulled on his arm. I stood frozen.
“Someone has to,” Phillip choked out, staring daggers at Gregory. “I’m blocking your MIND from here.”
“Then I will find another way,” Gregory shouted.
