Gifted Connections: Book 2(25)

“My sister, well, cousin, Ella Thomas,” I said worriedly. “I don’t know if she’s okay. She’ll come into her gift soon and I don’t know where she is or if she’s even okay. I want her safe. My brother, Alex-”

“Alexander Ray,” Gavin supplied from the back seat. I gave him a grateful smile.

“Alex will come into his gift soon,” I continued. At Judge Myers look of wonder, I added. “I forget you don’t remember all of this…now,” I said ruefully. “My mother had 5 of us, that I am aware. The evil harpy that’s messing with my life,” both men chuckled at me. I continued. “Me, followed by Micah and Alex. I’m not sure where my other brother falls in this, but Alex was able to let me know about his existence before…,” I paused and waved my hand around. “…all this happened. Alex is in the city, Gavin can give you more details, but he will get his gifts soon as well. His father will take him to hospitals, then sell him, essentially. Can you look again? It would make more sense.”

I let Judge Myers see the moment I met Alex and everything he knew about my brother Micah, who was homeless, living on the streets of Baltimore, and how he ended up in the trailer to begin with.

Judge Myers gave me a reassuring smile. “I will try my best to handle this, but I can’t make any promises,” he said sadly.

“Were you part of the institute?” I asked warily.

“I was,” he confirmed. “I got out long before the guys started acting like god,” he said reassuringly. “It looks like I have work to do. Hurry along before someone comes looking for you.” He reached out and grabbed my hand in comfort.

I opened the door, my heart feeling lighter. “Oh, and Blake,” he called before I could close the door. I leaned down to look at him. “Be careful, and I think it’s of great importance that you make those connections very soon.”

I nodded numbly and watched him drive away. We were further than the elementary school.

I groaned. “I hope you don’t mind the long run back.”

“I hope Collin doesn’t lock you down even tighter.”



Collin was livid when I got back. I could see that he was talking on his phone and pacing when Gavin and I came back to the parking lot.

“Where were you?” Collin asked as he stalked towards me. Grabbing my arm in a tight vice grip.

“I decided to run today,” I explained. “Ouch, Collin,” I hissed.

He didn’t seem to care that he was bringing me pain as he started to yank me to the car. “Why didn’t you take your phone? Why didn’t you have the decency to call me?”

“Collin, seriously you’re hurting me,” I cried out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I had left my phone and I didn’t think I was going to be late.”

“Seriously, dude, you need to let her go.” Gavin took a menacing step towards him.

“Stay out of this,” Collin snapped. “I know you want her, but she’s my girlfriend.”

“Oh my gosh, Collin,” I shouted. “We’re just friends!”

“Is there a problem here?” Noah interrupted.

I turned to see Noah, Drake, and Rose right behind me. From Collin’s look of shock, I assumed he hadn’t seen them approach. Noah looked ready for a fight, and even Drake had dropped his bag to the ground. Rose looked sullen.

Collin dropped my arm abruptly and smiled broadly. “No, nothing,” he hastily explained. Then he looked hesitantly at Rose. “Just relationship issues, you know how that goes.”

I rubbed my arms, certain I would have a bruise there tomorrow.

“Even if you think your girl is cheating on you, I don’t think manhandling her and dragging her around is acceptable,” Drake said with quiet conviction.

I looked over at Gavin, mortified that Drake would think I was cheating and wondering if he caught the slight inflection in Drake’s tone. Did he suspect their relationship?

Collin had the audacity to blush. “I’m sorry Blake and Gavin,” he said a bit grudgingly. “I was just worried. You’re new here and I didn’t know what could have happened to you. I didn’t know you were with him. I looked all over the gym and didn’t see you there. I freaked out. I’m sorry.”

I looked down at my arms and rubbed the imprints of his hands. I looked down, longing to tell him where he could go. If I didn’t realize how important it was for me to find out who else might be working with him, I would have already left him. I never understood how any woman would subject herself to any form of abuse.

“Blake, sugar, honey,” he tried to wheedle as he drew me into his arms. “I’m sorry. Please accept my apology.”

I grudgingly nodded.

“Blake,” Noah demanded my attention. “If you’re not comfortable going home with him, we can bring you back with us. Maybe give you both some room.”

“No!” Collin shouted quickly. Then more softly. “I mean, that’s not necessary, is it Blake.” He hugged me closer. “It was all just a little misunderstanding. She understands I would never intentionally hurt her.”

I looked over at Gavin once more. He was still angry. “Maybe a time out would be good.”

“I can drive you home, if you want,” Noah added. “Gavin, you’re welcome to come along as well.”