Chapter 311 The Risk

Chapter 311 The Risk　　~ SASHA ~ 

Sasha wanted to weep with despair, and with sheer joy.

No, Zev, you don't understand. If you show up here, that will be the end. Whatever we do, we have to do it without you coming anywhere near the compound. They won't let you leave.

Fat chance, Sash. I'm not leaving this to the others. They don't know their way around. And they're—

No, Zev. Listen to me. They believe that our offspring—you and I—they think that's the answer to this whole picture. As long as we're apart, they can't get what they want. It's giving me some leverage. If you show up, they will take you and the rest of this won't happen. But if I can still dangle that in front of them… I have a plan, I think.

Zev tensed. What is it?

Sasha bit her lip. He might know more than she did. But part of her was terrified that he'd think it was too dangerous, and then where would they be?

She hoped he could feel her hand on his face, her thumb stroking his jaw.

I had an idea, she admitted carefully. And I don't know if it will work, but when I came through and Nick was talking about—

Pounding began on the front door of the apartment, along with Nick's voice calling her name.

Sasha was startled out of the link with Zev, her entire body jolting as she sat bolt upright, suddenly reminded that she was utterly alone, in the narrow bed, and… still thrumming with the force of her orgasm.

"Sasha! Open the door! How did he get in there!"

Sasha gasped.

What's going on?! Zev shouted in her mind.

It's Nick, she sent back, pulling her legs out from under the quilt and forcing herself to stand, to straighten her pajamas, to make sure all her buttons were done up—but her hands were trembling.

"SASHA, OPEN THE DOOR OR I'M COMING IN!"

His pounding rattled the door in its frame as she raced across the living room. "I'm coming!" she called, praying he wouldn't understand why she was flushed and trembling.

Sasha?! Zev cried in her head.

Nick's here. And I think he thinks you're here. Zev, how would he know?

She punched the button at the side of the door that worked the lock and it beeped, then clicked. Then the door flew open, only narrowly missing her face as Nick tore inside.

"Zev!" he bellowed. "How the fuck—"

"Nick, what's going on?" she asked as calmly as she could.

"I know he's here!" Nick snapped, leaning into the bedroom first, then looking behind doors, and in the bathroom. "How the hell did you two manage that?!"

"What are you talking about?" Sasha asked him, but to Zev she sent, How does he know? Zev, he thinks you're here. That means they'll be looking for you!

I know, Zev rasped. I heard. I'm going, Sasha. I love you.

I love you, Zev, she sent back, trying desperately not to cry. I love you so much.

It's only a few days, beautiful. Just hold on.

No, Zev, you can't—

"How the hell did you do it, Sasha?" Nick roared, storming up to her from checking the bedroom and finding nothing.

"Wh-what are you—"

"Don't play dumb, Sasha. They're monitoring everything. Your heartrate, your blood pressure, your—for god's sake, every alarm on the tech is screaming right now. Where is he? How did he get here?"

"He's not here!"

"But your bond—it's alive. You said it was broken when you left, but it's back now, right?"

Nick loomed over her, his voice raised, his eyes piercing, and he was so intimidating, it was reflex for her to put her hand over that spot, to press the comfort of Zev's presence deeper into her own chest.

Nick caught the gesture and tipped his head. "What the hell is going on?"

Sasha could feel Zev fleeing, feel the goodbyes and regret he sent. She hurriedly returned with an image of herself kissing him goodbye, clinging to him, then she forced herself to focus on Nick.

"The bond came alive, yes. But he's not here. I don't know where he is," she said, which was mostly true. Though she had a fairly good idea.

"Then he's back in this world," Nick growled, hands in his own hair, turning as if he might find Zev behind him. "Holy shit, is he insane? He can't—"

Just as Nick turned back to face her, reaching as if he might take her by the shoulders, Sasha screamed, literally screamed—until it cut off like she'd been shot and she dropped to the floor, trembling.

Every ounce of air in her lungs poured out in a great whoosh, and she was left on all fours, gaping, unable to draw a breath, as the most horrifying pain seared through her chest and spine, like hot lava burning its way through her.

That piece of her was being torn out again. But this time it fought. As if it had talons gripping the branch of her heart, it was ripped out of her, taking flesh and leaving her raw and bleeding, unable to suck in air as the pain jangled through her, following her ribs and curling around her back.

"Sasha… Sasha, what—"

Nick dropped to the floor next to her, one hand on her shoulder, shaking her slightly. But the anger was gone from his voice.

"Sasha, what's happening? What the fuck?!"

She opened her mouth, but she couldn't make a sound, couldn't suck in air to be able to speak, just fell to her side, trembling and gaping.

The moment seemed to extend forever. Her vision began to tunnel, and the sound of Nick's voice became distant.

But finally, finally the pain eased just enough that she could suck in a breath—wheezing, groaning with it—until she was able to find enough oxygen to make words.

"He's gone…" she rasped, then heaved in another breath. "He's gone again." She let her eyes lift to meet Nick's, so he'd see every ounce of rage in her. "You asshole," she croaked.