Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,210

much mine as I was his. I wasn’t the only one changed by Ethros.

Maverick coughed, bringing our attention to him. Jules still hadn’t woken up. “Here’s the first trial. I’ve run several scenarios. We won’t know for sure for a few hours. There is also the possibility that it acts as a catalyst. It could make it worse.”

Allaire took the vial from Maverick’s hand, obviously seeing the indecision on his face, before injecting it into Jules’ IV. “We’re all forced to make hard decisions, figure at least this way you won’t blame yourselves. Hopefully this will stop whatever is triggering the mutation. But since it has already started, there could still be long-lasting side effects. We won’t know for sure.”

Cyler finally spoke up. He was clutching her hand and staring adoringly at her face. “We’ll take what comes.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

I didn’t want to leave the guys behind. There was something ominous about our goodbye, but I didn’t dwell on it. I was determined to remain optimistic about our situation. We would get out of here. Together.

The party at Cavil’s estate was massive. Women in fine dresses and men in suits walked beneath twinkling lights while sipping champagne and listening to music. I saw the other Walker Companions from my night in Cavil’s ivory room, but they all wore white again. Soldiers grabbed them around the middle as they walked by and carried them off. Their giggles sounded forced but they didn’t complain.

Huxley and Kemper stood on either side of me. “I’m going to check the transport dock,” Hux said. “I want to see which direction Cavil arrives from, as well as see if Tallis has anymore painted notes on the shipping transports.” He kissed my cheek, leaving me with Kemper. I watched him walk away, then turned to follow Kemp away from the crowds.

According to an announcement made thirty minutes ago, Cavil would be arriving soon. I itched to visit Josiah one last time but also knew it would be pointless.

I leaned into Kemper’s chest, and for a moment, I wondered what would happen if we weren’t on the edge of destruction. Would this be a date? Would he take me off to another room, strip this dress from my trembling body? Would he make love to me as the band played outside?

“What are you thinking?” Kemper asked.

“This feels an awful lot like a date. I was just daydreaming, I guess.”

Kemper pulled me close, looked around, then placed a tender kiss on my forehead before stepping backwards, deeper into the shadows of our secluded spot. “Wanna pretend again?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” I whispered back. Kemper pulled me against the wall and pressed me against him, leaning his pelvis against me while twirling my hair around his finger.

“Close your eyes, Ash,” he whispered.

I did as he requested and allowed the veil of my dark lids to shut out the stress around us. I turned down the volume of my thoughts and focused on Kemp’s voice.

“You’d walk up to me wearing that delicious dress, and I’d have to catch my breath because you’re so breathtakingly beautiful,” he began while trailing his hand down my arm. “And we’d hide in the shadows to steal some kisses, but it wouldn’t be enough. You’d want more. You’d need to feel me.” My breath caught as Kemper spoke. I heard footsteps walking by, but Kemper continued, ignoring them.

“We’d find a spot to sneak off to. Maybe your room at the Walker quarters. I’d follow you inside, pausing only for a moment to stare at you. I’d question if this is the right time or place, but not for long. Then I’d hold you close and explore the slit in your dress, rising slowly, following your inner thigh with my hand until I felt nothing but your need. I’d spend hours making you feel good, Ash. I’d bring you to the edge and pull away again and again, teasing you just because I could. ”

Huxley approached us then, although my eyes were still closed, I sensed him near. I was so attuned to them now. Could he see the flush on my chest? Was he wearing that smug smile I loved so much?

Kemper leaned in closer to whisper in my ear. “Then I’d show you how much I loved you. I’d let the best parts of yourself bloom just for me. I’d show you a future where we were together and nothing else mattered, pouring my love into you so that there’s no room for doubt. Then I’d