War is brewing with the factionless as Jade turns another year older. She and Eric navigate their new relationship.

****Eric is not nice in this chapter...if you don't like the evil version of him, skip this part.***

Language, violence, 'drug' use, light smut.

-Emmy

A strange, continuous beep startles me from my sleep.

Blinking lazily, I lift my head and look to my right. Eric's phone vibrates on the table, red light flashing from the screen. A moment later I hear Eric's steady footfalls beside the bed. "Fuck," he mutters under his breath. "Coulter," he snaps tersely, walking out to his balcony. I drop my head back on the pillow, too tired to move.

Rolling to my side, I start to fall back asleep as Eric's voice filters in from outside. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he says after a short conversation, hanging up without another word. He's going somewhere…. I need to get my lazy ass up. Yawning, I reach for my phone to see what time it is. "Shit," I grumble. Why do I always forget to charge my phone when I'm here? Glancing at the clock, I do a double take. "Holy shit..." It's a lot later than I thought. Blushing, a small smile pulls at my lips.

Eric did wake me up…in the best way…earlier this morning, so I didn't technically sleep in. Pulling the sheet higher, I begin to look for my clothes. Eric's large frame fills the doorway as I look up with a soft smile. He doesn't return it, just makes his way toward me. Sinking down, he grips the back of my head, pulling me into a hot, hard kiss. Just when I think we're about to go back to bed again, he breaks it and pulls back. Staring breathlessly, Eric runs his thumb over my lower lip.

"Something came up…I have to get to HQ."

"Okay…where are my clothes?"

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why'? I need to get dressed…"

"No, you don't."

Pursing my lips in confusion, I shake my head. "Yes…I do. Unless you'd like me to walk home naked, I need to get dressed." Eric doesn't say anything, moving back over me until I sink into the pillow. "What I meant," he murmurs between kisses to my throat, "Is that you don't need to get dressed because I don't want you to leave. This might not take long... I want to find you the same way I left you." My eyes close, my leg instinctively wrapping around his waist.

"Don't start something you won't finish…"

"Don't say things you know are bullshit…"

Giggling, I scrape my nails lightly over the back of his head. "As much as I would love to stay in bed all day…" Eric closes his eyes as I press kisses along his jaw."...I have things to do, and so do you. Half the day is gone." Glancing over his shoulder, I spot my clothes sitting on top of his dresser. Eric still doesn't move, my smile draining as a serious look comes over him.

"You realize we are nowhere near done with discussing what happened last night, right?"

Hearing anger seep into his tone, I swallow thickly. Of course, Eric was not going to let it go and I expected no less…though I don't look forward to having that discussion...at all. Finally nodding, I meet his eyes. "Yeah…I guess we need to clear the air a little." Neither of us speaks for a moment when Eric's features harden.

"I may have been…momentarily distracted…last night, but in no way, shape or form do you get out of explaining yourself and all the subsequent bullshit that has ensued from this little tiff of ours."

My natural defiant streak suddenly flares, my eyes narrowing. Slipping out from under him before he can stop me, I cross the room to pick up my clothes.

"You know your name is Eric Coulter and not Tom Crawford, right? You are not my father and do not speak to me as if I were a fucking child... What happened wasn't solely my fault you know, and I'm not the only one that needs to explain themselves. You have a lot to answer for as well," I snap, hastily getting dressed.

Eric's jaw clenches, slowly rising from the bed. He stops two feet away from me as I lift my chin defiantly. "Fucking relax," he grits out. "Stop turning everything into an argument just for the hell of it." As we stare each other down, a small smile pulls at his lips as I desperately try to keep from cracking one myself. Eric shakes his head, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"I have to get to HQ...this is a conversation for later. I was merely reiterating that we aren't done here…in any sense."

"I know that…so no need to be a dick."

I lick my lips as he rolls his eyes. Grabbing my shoes, I slip into them and pick up my phone. "Besides, I need to charge my phone. For some reason, it doesn't hold one for very long." Eric puckers his brow. "Just charge it here." He nods toward his nightstand when I shake my head vigorously.

"Yeah…because that worked out so well last time."

ERIC

Sebastian and Logan look up from the round table. Eric stalks into the Command Room, his boots thumping heavily. "This better be really fucking important," he grumbles as the other leaders and commanders start to filter into the room. He had no intention of letting Jade out of bed today but got the call he couldn't ignore. Making a beeline for the table, he glances around.

"Where's Max?"

"On his way…we just got the report from recon patrol, we have to move quickly."

"What's going on?"

Before Sebastian can answer, Max enters the room, flanked on either side by his entourage. "Status," he barks with no other greeting. One of the young commanders, Alexandra, immediately stands up straighter.

"Reports of suspicious activity were radioed in from my patrol squad near Abnegation. They noticed a pack of factionless heading in an odd direction and carrying bags of some sort. I ordered them to follow discreetly, activate surveillance and remain out of sight until further instruction. "

Alexandra flips the switch under the table. The projection image lights up the screen before them, all turning their attention. "My team is in position as we speak, ready to move on command." They all watch as about twenty to thirty factionless men and women carry boxes in and out of the rundown, large building. "What's in that box?" Taylor, another commander wonders aloud. Eric steps forward, his eyes narrowed as he realizes what it is. "Gunpowder." The others all glance at each other. Alexandra nods.

"Yes, sir… by all appearances, it seems a factionless 'stash house' has been discovered with enough weapons and ammo to overtake Chicago."

"Where?"

"Just on the outskirts of the city…. an abandoned warehouse of sorts. No other buildings around it."

Max turns to her. "Did they observe where the factionless came from with the bags? What sector?" Alexandra shakes her head. "They weren't spotted until one of them came out of the alley near Abnegation. The patrol was going to detain and question, but I thought it would be better to see exactly where they were heading. It might've led to something bigger….and I was right."

Max nods in approval. Alexandra's chest puffs out just slightly, but she otherwise shows no emotion. "Ready to move on your orders, sir." Max turns to address the room in whole.

"I want covert op on this...they can't be tipped off and have a chance to get away." He turns to Eric. "Mobilize two squads with the understanding this is confidential. I don't want any nosy fucks from Candor press getting wind and reporting until we're ready." Max studies the monitor, turning to Eric again.

"I want those weapons confiscated and analyzed. Someone is supplying them... I want to know who."

Eric's eye sweeps the room, the others staring back intently. "I heard it firsthand… factionless believe they are not bound by our laws and act at will. They will not willingly give up their weapons or information without drastic measures. An example needs to be made if they're to be brought to heel."

A cold glint forms in Max's eye, turning back to the room. "Zero tolerance policy needs to be reemphasized. Coulter is right; an example needs to be set. I want the rest of the factionless scum to see what will happen to them if this doesn't stop." All council leaders standing at the round table nod in agreement.

"What do you suggest?" Max asks. A smug little smirk pulls at the corners of Eric's mouth.

"Simple. No mercy… we give them a taste of their own medicine." Eric snuffs out his cigarette, looking at the others pointedly. "Any outlaw guilty of raiding or harming citizens will no longer be brought to Candor for trial. They'll be detained for questioning. If no cooperation given, they face a Dauntless firing squad. That goes for anyone abetting them as well." Max just gives a hardened stare.

"I'll leave that to your discretion…but make sure your message is clear."

Eric picks up the rifle, running his hand over the smooth steel. Inspecting closer, he admires the intricate craftsmanship of the weapon. "Impressive," he murmurs, aiming at the wall in front of him. "Even has iron sights." Putting the rifle down, he turns to the factionless men and women kneeling on the dirt floor. All have their hands bound behind them, with the squad of soldiers pointing rifles at their heads.

Dauntless managed to overtake the band of factionless after a small firefight, catching them unawares. They engaged but quickly realized they were grossly outnumbered and surrendered. When the Dauntless entered the abandoned warehouse, they were in awe. Boxes upon boxes of gunpowder and ammo were stacked practically to the ceiling. But the real treasure was the guns. Rifles, handguns, automatic weapons…. all of them as precise as if manufactured in the Dauntless facility itself. But they weren't...none of them contained the tracking numbers, and the steel didn't match the kind used by the Dauntless. These were not crafted in any faction. Though not fully inventoried, a quick surmise made it possible for the number to be in the thousands.

Eric had immediately ordered all of it confiscated, calling in the trucks from the Dauntless armory to haul it away. The factionless glare at them openly, as the boxes and weapons are carried out one by one. "Stop," Eric orders three Dauntless, just as they get to the back wall stacked with gunpowder. "Leave that there for now." Puzzled, they glance at each other but put them down.

Eric surveys his captives slowly, stopping when he gets to a man in the middle. Studying him for a moment, something familiar is pinged. The man is slight in build, with green eyes and light brown hair. His clothes are tattered and too big, but the one thing Eric notices is that he wears glasses. Stooping down, he peers more closely. "You were Erudite," he states as the man looks up, meeting his eye. Recognition hits him, as he arches his brow in surprise.

"I know you…you were a year ahead of me in levels…Jeremy…right?" Eric asks. "We lived two floors down from each other growing up…" Jeremy doesn't say anything, just stares ahead blankly. "That won't work," he finally says in a bored tone. Eric peers down at him.

"What won't?"

"We weren't friends in Erudite, Eric. Don't try to mind fuck me. Besides, it's useless...even if I wanted to tell you what you wanted to know, I couldn't."

"Why not?"

He doesn't respond, shaking his head and looking down. Eric mulls his options for a moment. He could kill him right here and now and make an example, or he could do what he does best. Analyze, find the best angle, and get what he needs from there. He doesn't believe for a second Jeremy doesn't have something…anything that could be useful.

Eric stoops down, feigning as much sincerity as he can. Resting his gun beside him, he places his arm on his knee. Jeremy finally meets his eye, curious about Eric's sudden shift in mood.

"Okay…look…I wouldn't normally do this, but you and I have some history, so I'm willing to make an exception. Just tell me where the other stash houses are, and I won't kill you."

Jeremy shakes his head in disbelief. "You forget I grew up with you, Eric. Mercy isn't in your vocabulary. I'm as good as dead…there's no reason I should betray our cause." Eric sets his jaw firmly.

"What 'cause' is that?"

Jeremy clenches his jaw while again refusing. Eric softens his expression, rubbing his temple. "Look…I'm trying to throw you a lifeline here. Let me make this clear; this is the only opportunity you'll have...if you foolishly turn it down, it will make perfect sense why you didn't make it in Erudite."

Eric's features harden, seeing Jeremy's internal struggle of whether or not to betray his comrades. Just when Eric thinks he won't crack, he speaks. "I don't know how many of them there are, we only know about the ones we're assigned to. We're not told in case something like this happens." He hangs his head.

"Who gives the assignment?"

"I don't know…"

"What do you mean you don't know? You don't know who you take orders from?"

"No, not in entirety."

"What do you mean?"

Jeremy looks up with a defiant glare. "Our leader is very protective of their identity. They know it wouldn't be logical to expose themselves just yet, with things just getting underway. We get our orders through the commanders assigned under them. Once everything is in place, all will be revealed. It doesn't matter how many of us you capture; no one will be able to tell you anything. Not until our leader is ready."

A heavy silence falls, as everyone waits for Eric's reaction. After what seems like an eternity, Eric gives a small sigh as he stands. "Thank you for your cooperation." Surprise shows on Jeremy's face, as that's not what he was expecting. Eric places his hand over his heart mockingly.

"Jeremy…I'm a man of my word. I promised if you cooperated, I wouldn't kill you and I meant it. I'm not going to harm you." Eric looks to Sebastian, a silent understanding passing between them. Sebastian turns, lifting his arm and aiming his gun at Jeremy's head. His eyes widen in horror as Sebastian cocks the hammer. A cold, cruel grin breaks over Eric's face.

"Unfortunately, my colleague here made no such promise. I'm not going to kill you...he is."

Jeremy's screams are muffled instantly, as Sebastian fires. Blood splatters onto the faces of the other bound factionless, Jeremy's lifeless form slumping to the floor. Eric chuckles in amusement as the man to his right suddenly has a wet spot appear down his leg. "No wonder you failed your factions," he sneers. The man bows his head and begins to pray quietly, his eyes squeezed shut. Eric shakes his head wryly, pointing his gun at the man's head.

"Just a tip…I don't think He's listening..."

The woman beside him screams as the man falls sideways into her. The bullet Eric fired passed all the way through his skull, hitting the man behind him. Both slump to the floor, brain matter and blood pooling on the floor. As the woman cries openly in terror, Eric suddenly turns to his squad.

"Everyone outside, now".

Baffled, they all glance at each other. "Sir…should one of us stay behind? Are we just going to leave them there?" A young female soldier asks, Eric's eyes whipping to hers. She visibly gulps as his gaze pierces through her. "Are you in command here? Or am I?" he snarls. She immediately falls back, hurrying outside with the others. Sebastian straightens his jacket, glancing at the gun powder left behind. No explanation is needed, as he already knows what's about to happen.

"Give me ten minutes to get the supply trucks a safe distance away. I'll take alpha and delta teams…bravo will stay behind. I'll remind them that they're on a covert op and to keep their fucking mouths shut if they want to stay off the wall."

Eric nods in approval. "Make a call to dispatch…get the disaster response team out. We don't want it to spread."

"Copy that."

Once all the Dauntless are in the trucks and headed back toward the compound, Eric slides into the passenger side of the utility vehicle. He purposely waits until his truck is the last in the fleet. Once the trucks are several car links away, he turns to the driver.

"Stop."

Puzzled, the driver pulls over and Eric jumps out. "Everyone out!" he barks at the handful of soldiers in the back. One by one, they jump out and fall into line behind Eric. "I'll remind everyone again…this is covert op. Keep your fucking mouths shut about this or face the council. Is that understood?" After hearing a collective 'yes sir', Eric turns his attention back to the building, now a safe distance away.

Eric scrutinizes the farmhouse, calculating the most likely angle of where the gunpowder would be. "Tracer rounds," he barks to the young soldier, whom immediately hands him his weapon. He glances toward the warehouse apprehensively, realizing what Eric is about to do.

"Sir…you'll blow the whole building…there's enough gunpowder in there to decimate everything within a near radius…" Eric snaps his eyes to him with a chilling glare.

"Is there a reason you felt the need to voice the fucking obvious, soldier? Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"No sir, of course not! I just thought maybe some extra caution should be taken, with all the greenery around. If it catches fire-"

"If it catches fire," Eric interjects in a thunderous tone, "It will do one of two things, or both if we're lucky. It'll deter anyone waiting to ambush us on our way back to Dauntless, or it will kill them along with the idiots in that building. "

Shifting his rifle over his shoulder, Eric steps forward. Addressing the squad as a whole, his mouth twists in a disgusted sneer.

"Take a look around you. Do you really think they don't have their own recon squads out here, watching our every move right now? Max is right…we need to send a message. One that's crystal clear about our intentions if this doesn't stop..."

With that, Eric takes aim and fires.

As the rest of Dauntless watch with a mixture of horror and disbelief, a deafening boom vibrates the earth around them. A cloud of fire rises from the building with a blinding flash, spraying ash and wood all around it. As the structure burns to the ground, a human figure, propelled by the force of the blast, appears outside of where the entrance was. Muffled screams can be heard as they collapse, flames consuming their body.

Eric smirks coldly, watching the person burn to their death. "An example needed to be made… here it is." He gestures to the burning body, now still on the ground as flames singe away any semblance of the human being they were. He sweeps his eye over his squad.

"Let it be known, any person standing against the faction system will die a traitor's death…anyone in the faction system itself aiding and abetting these outlaws will burn with them."

Max shakes his head in awe. "Jesus Christ, Coulter…never let it be said you do anything half-assed." The other leaders sitting at the table all smirk. Eric snuffs out his cigarette with shrug.

"You wanted a message sent... I sent it. Whether or not they choose to take it seriously remains to be seen."

Eric leans back in his chair, lacing his hands over his stomach. "Whoever this is, isn't fucking around. They're keeping their identity concealed for a reason, which can only mean this is someone known to us. It's the only logical explanation." Just then, Max touches his earpiece. "Send her in," he says. A buzzing sound strums through, then the door opens. Ava, the head of the Dauntless armory enters, carrying one of the confiscated weapons. Nodding toward the other leaders, she sets it on the table and gets straight to the point.

"While this is a finely crafted weapon, it didn't come from Dauntless. Not our specs, no tracking number, not even our metal. Whoever made this knew what they were doing. The only thing I could find that was unusual..." she picks it up, taking the clip out. Holding one of the bullets, she continues. "The ammo used in these is very strange. They're small and rounder, no hollow point. Almost like what they used back in ancient times… just as deadly." She lays it back on the table.

"While not manufactured in Dauntless, someone with extensive knowledge of weapons had to have made this. This is even more advanced than what we currently use here."

"How so?" Max asks.

"It has a broader range, also an advanced tracking system. There's no telling what this could do...but I have a suggestion."

"What's that?"

Ava puts the clip back in, looking up. "In order to gauge its true potential, it needs to be tested by someone with needle-precision. Tamra Crawford is the best shot we have. I'd put this in her hands and see what she can do with it. There's no one in Dauntless more efficient with a weapon."

Max immediately sits up straighter, a fire in his eye. "I concur... I don't want to put this off, either…I'm going to see to it personally. You will clear her schedule next week, and have Sanders take over the proficiency exams. She will not be in the Armory until I'm done with the analysis. Adjust staff rotation accordingly," he commands. Eric bites back his amused smirk. Ava gives a curt nod.

"Yes, sir."

"You're dismissed."

Max waits until the door is shut behind her to continue. "All of you are to instruct your staff to compile two lists. They'll need to search citizen records to find all Dauntless-borns that didn't pass Initiation, also their family records. The second, anyone that's been exiled from Dauntless and the reason why. From five years ago to present. Some asshole with a clear grudge is orchestrating this... I want to know who and why. Someone that knows not only how to handle a gun but also how to make them, is coming after this city. While it doesn't appear we have a traitor within Dauntless, it doesn't mean there isn't one." As they all make mental notes, Max strokes his chin.

"A war is brewing… we need to be ready."

JADE

"Is he an idiot? Did he say why?"

"Jade, stay still or I'm going to get this everywhere," Leah sighs. Furrowing her brow in concentration, she points to the ceiling. I look up as she applies eyeliner to my lower lid. "Not really...he canceled on me once, saying he got pulled into work suddenly and was going to text to reschedule. I text him a few days later, and he never responded. He changed his mind for some reason." She steps back to scrutinize her handiwork. Shaking my head incredulously, my mouth puckers in confusion.

"I grew up with Scott, and he's never been like that. It doesn't make sense…."

"Something spooked him, but I have no idea what."

Shrugging nonchalantly, Leah picks up mascara. "It's all right, Jade. To be honest, I was just going to go out with him because he's the only one that seems interested right now. But seriously…." She gestures to look up again, and my eyes turn upwards "….is there something about me I'm just not seeing? I mean…I shave my legs, I wear makeup, I shower, I think I'm pretty attractive and I'm not an idiot, so what is it? It's like a have an invisible repellant..." My eyes shift to hers once she finishes my makeup.

"What about Brady?"

"What about him?"

"You really think he's not interested…"

"No, I really don't…"

Leah exhales loudly. "Look Jade…I know you think Brady is into me but trust me… he's not. Once again, he's had plenty of chances, never taking a single one. I haven't heard from him in a while, either. I know he's busy with all the shit going on in the city, but he hasn't so much as text me once." Hearing the slight air of frustration in her tone, I decide to drop it.

She walks into my closet and begins to rifle through my clothes. Choosing a black t-strap halter top and a pair of tight jeans, she lays them on my bed. "Get dressed…Samantha and Rachel are already in the Pit. If we don't hurry, we'll miss the train." Glancing at the clock, I see she's right. As I'm sliding into my shoes, she pokes her head in.

"Hey, I gotta stop by my place before we go…I forgot something."

"All right, I guess just meet me in the Pit and we'll go."

"Will do."

After giving my appearance one final inspection, I head out toward the elevators. As the car descends, I rest my head against the paneling. Sighing, a small giggle escapes me, thinking about how this day has gone. My birthday has never been a big deal, and in fact…I've dreaded it ever since my Dad's been gone. My Mom has always overcompensated for him not being here, but I let her go overboard and pretend to be excited.

It's one of the few things I know bring her genuine happiness, so I'm not going to take that away from her.

After I left Eric's, I went home, showered, and charged my phone. When it finally turned on, there were no less than a dozen texts messages. Mostly from my friends, asking if we were still on for tonight. The girls are taking me somewhere for my birthday but haven't told me where. The others were from my mom, asking me to call her as soon as I can.

When I'd called her, she answered on the first ring…

Earlier that day

"Jade, where've you been? Why weren't you answering your phone?"

"I'm sorry, I forgot to charge it last night and just plugged it in a little while ago. I was in the shower, I didn't hear it ring…"

"I was worried…you didn't show up this morning and I couldn't get a hold of you."

"Didn't show up for what? Did we have plans?"

"What the fuck do you mean 'did we have plans'? We always have these plans…"

Confused, I made a mental checklist until it hit me.

Every year on my birthday, my mom always makes my favorite breakfast, followed by a homemade cake. It's been a tradition since I was a little girl. "Oh…shit…that's right…I'm sorry Mom, I guess I just forgot…."I offer sheepishly, imagining her pursing her lips like she always does when about to scold me.

"You forgot what we've been doing every year for your birthday since you were little?"

"Yeah…I did….in fact, I forgot it was my birthday altogether, in my defense…"

"How come that doesn't surprise me…"

"Give me ten minutes and I'll be right there."

I went to my mom's and had our breakfast, followed by the cake. It was delicious, one of the few things I look forward to. But what was really great….is that I was able to have an honest, real conversation with my mom about everything going on. Since I stayed with her for a few days, it was impossible to hide how being separated from Eric affected me. I wasn't sleeping or eating well, and my mom was worried. I never fully explained as I didn't want to talk about it, but I decided to get it off my chest.

After gathering my courage, I told her everything that happened, including finding the tape of Ayden, the subsequent blowout with Eric, and waking up in Four's bed. Tamra shook her head, clenching her teeth.

"Jade…what has gotten into you lately…this is serious now…" Guilt stabs me as I hear the worry in her voice, quickly taking her other hand. "Mom, I know it sounds bad, but I have it under control…" Tamra shakes her head vehemently.

"Almost falling to your death in a drunken stupor is not 'under control' Jade. Neither is waking up in some random guy's bed…"

"I know, Mom, I really do…don't worry…I know I have some changes to make, and I'm making them."

Tamra's eyes suddenly well with tears. "Jade listen to me," she begins in a soft tone. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I watched your father destroy himself, and I'll be damned if I watch my daughter do the same thing." Her voice began to shake.

"Baby girl, you are the most precious thing in the world to me…you are my reason for breathing...if something ever…happened…I…" she chokes up, unable to finish. I immediately took her other hand and squeezed.

"Mom, really, there's nothing to worry about…I know I screwed up, and I have some changes to make. I, too, came to the same conclusion you did…this is the same road Daddy started to go down, and I realize that. A lot has happened these last few days to put things in real perspective. I'm no longer a child, and there are some areas where I have some real growing up to do. It's time for me to put a few demons to bed for good…in a productive way." I explain calmly, as Tamra purses her lips. "Okay…so what's the first step?" My heart starts beating faster, not knowing how she'll react to what I'm about to say.

"I'm going to go visit Daddy's resting site. There are a few things I need to say, if only for me."

Tamra doesn't speak, at a loss for words. When we got the news of my father's death, something inside me just shut off. I was seventeen by then, no longer a little girl with unrealistic hopes that we would somehow be reunited. My mom had tried to convince me to come with her to spread his ashes, if only for closure, but I refused.

I'd tried to tell myself that my father was already dead to me and I've already mourned. I didn't want to open old wounds, seeing no reason to bring a fresh set of pain upon myself. I simply buried all my feelings, pushing them deep down inside in hopes it would fade in time.

But if there's something I've come to realize in the past few days, it's this. If I'm going to move forward with my life as an independent adult in Dauntless, I have to face a few things and let them go for good. I need to make peace with myself, not letting childhood scars deter me from my future any longer.

Visiting my dad and saying a final goodbye, I think is a good start.

Tamra takes a deep, shaky breath, this time letting her tears fall over her cheeks. "Mom…" I immediately get up and wrap my arms around her. "Oh, my baby girl…" she whispers, her head buried in my neck. My own tears fall over, as she pulls back and takes both sides of my face.

"I hope you know just how much I love you…and if I could go back and change things, I would in a heartbeat. I never wanted you to go through what you did, and I…I…just…"

Smiling through my tears, I reach up and grasp both her wrists lightly. "Mom…I know you do… I don't blame you for anything. I know there's more to the story than you can talk about, but I want you to know…this wasn't your fault. Regardless of what happened with you and Max and the correlation with dad, I'm not angry with you.. there's nothing that would ever make me stop loving you. Maybe…." I wipe her tears with my thumb,

"It would be a good idea to put a few demons of your own to bed as well."

I stroke the back of her palms with my thumbs. "Mom…. we both need to move forward, and in order for that to happen, you have to forgive yourself. The only person that's angry with you, is you... The past is the past, and neither one of us can go back. But we don't have to let it define the rest of our lives. Listen to me…" My voice becomes thick with emotion, my tears starting to well again.

"I want you to be happy, and you deserve to be. I want to know that as I move onto the next phase of my life, you won't hold yourself back any longer. It's not what Daddy would've wanted for either of us…"

Tamra touches her forehead to mine. "When did my daughter become so grown up," she whispers as I grin. " I'm stubborn like my mother, so it may have taken a while, but never late than never," I laugh. Tamra shakes her head, pulling back. "You know what? Today is my baby's birthday, and there shouldn't be any tears. We should be celebrating." Rolling my eyes, I shrug as the mood lightens. "Eh…another year older, not really a big deal." I sit back down as Tamra sits across from me, her face suddenly suspicious. I purse my lips.

"What?"

"Well, you've never really been into your birthday, but you've never completely forgotten it either…you must've had a pretty big 'distraction' last night…" she trails off, raisng her eyebrow expectedly. Blushing furiously, I pick up my coffee and shake my head. "I am not having this conversation with you, mom…" I giggle.

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not going to discuss my sex life with my mother…it's weird you even want to know…"

Tamra scoffs. "Ah…Jade? You do remember I'm your mother, and you're pretty much a carbon copy of me? You're also Dauntless-born. Do you really think I'm under any pretenses whatsoever about your sex life? When you were 15, did you really think I believed you and Tanner were just 'hanging out at the train yard'…when your hair was full of gravel when you came back?" She laughs as my face gets red.

"Anybody I know?" she asks.

Swallowing nervously, I turn back to her and bite my lip. I don't know how she'll react to me being with Eric last night. "Well…actually…it was Eric." Bracing myself, I'm relieved when she shows no reaction at all. "Well…" she says slowly, "that's good you got things straightened out." Her tone is neutral, making me breathe a sigh of relief. "Yeah…we...yeah…" I trail off, not needing to finish. Quickly changing the subject, she takes a bite of cake.

"Oh, I remember what I was going to ask you," she says as she swallows. "What's this thing with Jeanine all about?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You're having some sort of meeting with Jeanine at Erudite soon, right?"

"Yeah…why?"

"I got an e-mail from some guy named Rex at Erudite…ambassador I assume?" I nod, and she continues. "He said that you're meeting with Jeanine next week, and she'd like for me to come for some reason. He didn't say much more than that, and I had to decline anyway…I'm right in the middle of the proficiency screenings. But why on earth would Jeanine want to see me? I'm not even on the council…"

My forehead creases in confusion. "I have no idea….to tell you the truth, I don't even know why she wants to see me either…it's weird. She has some sort of unexplainable interest in me all of a sudden. She gives me the fucking creeps." Tamra shrugs.

"I was in school with Jeanine, and she's always been weird. We weren't exactly chummy, either. She was always too smart for her own good….no real friends to speak of. I have no idea what she'd want with me…I was hoping you could tell me." I shake my head. "Sorry mom, I have no clue."

The sinking feeling in my stomach tells me I don't really want to know.

As the train rolls through the city, a small smile comes over me. Even though I've never really been into my birthday, it's nice to have good friends that care and want to make it special. I don't want to get too crazy tonight, but it'll be good to let loose and decompress after the last few days.

I haven't heard from Eric since he left this morning. I didn't get a chance to mention I was going out with the girls tonight, and he might wonder where I am. A part of me finds myself anxious to get this over with and get home…where I know he'll probably be waiting. Shaking my head at myself, a small sigh escapes. My friends have gone through a lot of trouble for me tonight, and I will not be an ungrateful bitch. Besides…if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that if Eric wants to find me, he will. Resolving to have fun tonight, I force myself to stop daydreaming and tune into the conversation around me.

"…by the way…where's Ashley? Is she coming tonight?" Leah asks. Rachel nods.

"She said she was…I texted her earlier, but she said she'd have to come a little later. She and Rob had something going on."

Samantha nods thoughtfully, turning to me. "Has she said what's wrong with her? I haven't asked because I don't' know if she wants to talk about it. She's been really sick for a while now." Exhaling slowly, I shake my head. "No…she hasn't said anything, and I, like the horrible friend and boss I am, haven't really been paying attention. I figure if she wants us to know, she'll tell us." Rachel suddenly turns to me with a suspicious smirk.

"By the way…where've you been all day?"

"What do you mean?"

"We came by earlier, and you weren't home. Your mom was a little worried…she texted me and asked if I'd heard from you."

My face flushes bright red... I might as well tell them. "Yeah, I didn't get home until later, and then took a long nap." I try not to smile as they all glance at each other. "Not that it's any of my business…" Samantha smirks, "…where were you?"

The slow flush creeping over me is my giveaway. "Where do you think?" I ask softly, biting back my grin. I tell them about everything that happened last night, from leaving the bar to Eric confronting me on the way home. Rachel pretends to roll her eyes. "Jesus Christ, Jade…I can't keep up with you!" she laughs. Samantha shakes her head with a grin.

"It's about fucking time," she declares wryly, as we all burst into laughter.

"Yeah, I know but…oh my God..." I can't finish what I was saying, as an acrid, putrid odor suddenly saturates the air. All of our faces twist, covering our noses. "What the fuck is that smell," Samantha spits out, covering her mouth. Rachel sticks her head out of the train car, gasping in surprise. "Holy shit…." I stick my head out as well, taken aback by what I see. The Dauntless fire squad members are training their hoses on several piles of burning wood, their fire suits covered in black soot. Whatever structure used to be in its place is completely gone. As the train rolls by, the smell still lingers in the air.

"What the Hell happened…"

"That must've been what the call was about earlier," Samantha says.

Gesturing behind her, she continues. "A call came in to dispatch about an old building catching fire. It was pretty serious…three squads had to go out to get it under control."

"Was anyone hurt? Do they know how it started?"

"No official report yet, but they were saying that it was probably started by some factionless fucking around and not paying attention."

Leah wrinkles her nose. "Yeah…but what could they have possibly been doing to cause that much damage? What could've burned to make that kind of smell?" Samantha grimaces. "Well…multiple fatalities were also reported. It seems about 40 or 50 factionless managed to get themselves killed. It was awful…the reports said there were body parts scattered with charred remains. That smell is probably from burned bodies."

Gagging, I keep my hand over my mouth. "That's awful…what a horrible accident." Samantha sighs. "If it was an accident." We all turn to her.

"What do you mean?"

"The arson investigation analysis hasn't come back from Erudite yet, but it's suspicious this is the only building that caught fire, managing to do so much damage. From the level of destruction, it was almost like the building was targeted. Some pretty flammable shit had to have been in there for it to blow as it did. Nothing is adding up right now…the building didn't just catch fire, it fucking exploded…killing everyone within near proximity. Even found bodies behind it."

A shiver goes down my spine. I can't imagine what kind of inconceivable monster could murder so many in cold blood.

To my surprise and delight, Oak Street beach is packed when we got here. I thought we were just going to hang out somewhere in the Dauntless sector, but the girls decided to throw me an impromptu surprise party. There're several fires going in trashcans, enough liquor and kegs to keep everyone feeling good.

When we got here, I was presented with my gift: in one of the barrels, the sweet smell of pot is permeating through the air, contributing to the relaxed, happy vibe. "Where'd you guys get this," I sighed, breathing in deeply and enjoying the instant lift. Rachel smiles. "You're not the only one that has hookups in other factions. Vanessa gave me a great price on a whole bush, and we all pooled our credits. Happy birthday, bitch!" She laughs.

"Happy birthday indeed," I laugh, wrapping my arm around her.

As the night wears on, I make sure to remember my limit. I can drink most guys under the table, but I want to keep a clear head tonight, regardless of it being my birthday. The girls seem to have a different plan in mind, though.

"It's Jade's birthday, so we're getting her fucked up whether she likes it or not," Samantha laughs, handing me a shot. "Drink, bitch, or I'll pour it down your throat," she teases. Rolling my eyes, I toss it back dramatically, slamming the glass down beside me. "I mean it guys…I need to watch it a little. You'll have to drag my drunken ass home." They all scoff as I roll my eyes with a laugh.

"By the way…where's Sebastian? He didn't want to come out here?" I ask Rachel. She shrugs. "I don't know…I haven't talked to him since this morning. He got pulled to HQ really early for something. I figure if he wants to find me, he will." She takes another sip of her beer, her face suddenly thoughtful.

"So…are you two officially a thing? You've been seeing him for a while now…." I ask. Rachel all but laughs.

"I haven't been seeing him…I've been fucking him. Big difference. This is Sebastian Black we're talking about."

"What do you mean?"

"Sebastian doesn't have relationships. He has fuck buddies… I just happen to be his main one right now. We're just having fun."

I'm not at all fooled by her tone, arching my brow. She brushes a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear. "Well….do you want it to be more?" I ask. She rolls her eyes with a sigh. "Even if I did, I'm not stupid enough to ever believe he'd want more from me. We hang out and the sex is awesome, but c'mon…Sebastian is not really the type of guy that ever settles for one woman. He's been through more pussy than an Erudite gynecologist. Not exactly long-term material where relationships are concerned," she laughs. Narrowing her eyes slyly, she nudges my arm.

"Sebastian has been with every girl in Dauntless at least once…including you."

I immediately throw my arms in the air in protest. "Oh my God…once…one time…when we were practically kids and didn't really know what we were doing. I don't even remember it that well, to be honest…" Lie...I do remember….I remember how horribly awkward it was, not really something I like to relive. We were at a party on the roof of an abandoned building, completely hammered. As is the tradition with Dauntless teenagers, we were playing a stupid game and landed on each other. We went into another room, did our thing, and came back out. It wasn't the best sex I've ever had, either.

Although I'm glad to hear it's improved since then…with a lot of practice, it seems.

Rachel glances over my shoulder. "Oh, Ashley's here…." We wave as Ashley spots us, making her way over. "Hey guys," she greets cheerily with a huge smile. "Happy birthday," she says giving me a quick hug. Surprised, I pat her back lightly. I'm not a hugger, and she normally isn't either. There's an air of excitement about her, and she's positively glowing.

"We weren't sure you were still coming," Rachel notes, taking a drag from her joint. A radiant grin breaks out over Ashley's face as she sits down. "Yeah, I'm sorry I'm late…I was a little busy being proposed to," she beams.

We're all stunned for a moment, not quite processing what she just said. Ashley giggles and holds out her left hand, where a beautiful, sparkling gem now sits. With a collective squeal, we all hug her and grab her hand.

"Oh my God, Ashley…that's great!"

"Congratulations!"

"Well shit, this calls for a toast!" Samantha proclaims, getting drinks ready. Ashley turns to me with a smile. "Here, do mine for me…I'm still a little off." She hands me her glass. Unable to hide my surprise, I slowly take it from her. In all the time I've known her, she's never been one to turn down a shot.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah….no big deal, I'm just still feeling a little off."

"A little off," I repeat. We all glance at each other, an air of concern settling over us.

"You're still sick? Ashley, is this more serious than you're letting on? Erudite can't figure out what's wrong?" Ashley blushes, unable to keep the smile off her face. "No…Erudite can figure it out…I actually figured it out before they did, and really it's not that bad…some would even say it's good …." She's unable to stifle her giggle, as I'm truly confused. Suddenly the obvious jumps out me. "Wait a minute…." My eyes snap to hers, hitting me like a ton of bricks.

Ashley has been sick off and on, food being her trigger. She declined to go on the zip line with us that night and didn't drink either…she's not drinking now. In fact, I haven't seen her drink in a while...or jump on a train….and she doesn't need birth control. An elated grin breaks over my face at the same time one breaks over hers, seeing I finally get it.

"Ashley, are you…?"

Suddenly she glances over my shoulder, holding her hands up in a 'wait' gesture…but Leah, Rachel, and Samantha all realize what I do. "Oh my God Ashley…you're pregnant!" Leah squeals…just as Rob, Eric and the rest of the guys suddenly appear.

From the look on Rob's face, she obviously hadn't had the chance to tell him yet.

Rob stops dead in his tracks. His eyes become huge, a euphoric grin spreading over his face. Ashley gives a sheepish shrug as he strides toward her. "Are you?" He breathes, wrapping his arms around her waist. Laughing, she wraps her arms around his neck, touching her forehead to his.

"I was going to tell you tonight, you just beat me to it ...but yes, I am. You're going to be a Daddy..." She whispers through happy tears and a smile. "Holy fuck…holy fuck….." he whispers, picking her up. "We're having a fucking baby!" he cries, kissing her soundly. Everyone standing around us roars, voicing our congratulations. Once Rob puts her down, Leah gives her a quick hug.

"I'm so sorry, I spoke without thinking...congratulations…I'm sorry if I ruined the surprise," she apologizes, but Ashley waves her hand. "It's okay, really... I was going to wait until later to tell you guys because this is Jade's night. But there is one other surprise I have... since the cat is out of the bag already…." We all look at her curiously, not knowing what she's meaning. Ashley takes a deep breath, pulling a folded piece of paper out of her pocket, handing it to Rob. He looks up at her quizzically, opening it and studying the grainy black and white image.

"This is the baby? Can you tell what it is yet?"

Tears well in her eyes again, looking at him solemnly. "Yes…I know what the sex of both are...Strong, healthy… twin boys..."

Everyone is rendered speechless. Rob looks like he might pass out, as our jaws all drop open. Ashley laughs, her tears streaming down her face. "Twins," Rob whispers in disbelief, as we all congratulate them again.

"Alright, no more shots for Ashley and double for Rob, no pun intended, and this calls for a toast!" Samantha exclaims. Eric's arms slip around my waist, and I turn to kiss his jaw. I can't help myself...it's a happy moment, and I'm glad to be part of it. The others bite back smiles as they pretend not to look at us. While it's no secret that Eric and I are involved, people are still getting used to seeing us together….and be open about it. I swallow the lump in my throat. It's because they're used to seeing me with Ayden...

No, I tell myself firmly. Don't do that…don't ruin it.

Rob and Ashley go off to have a moment alone. As everyone drinks to them in celebration, Eric pulls me with him to sit down with him. "I'm surprised to see you here," I murmur, giving him a fleeting kiss. "Took a little longer than I thought…doesn't mean I was going to miss seeing you on your birthday," he responds, as surprise ripples through me.

"What?" he asks.

"You know today is my birthday?"

"Of course, I do…"

He pulls me in closer. "Why are you so surprised?" I giggle, pressing my forehead to his. "Because it's just another year older…really not that big a deal. Besides, I barely remembered it myself." As I plant a kiss on his neck, I notice his jacket has a slightly smoky scent. "Oh…is the fire what kept you?" I remember suddenly. His face transforms into an unreadable expression, shaking his head.

"I can't talk about that, Jade. You know that."

"You saw what happened, right?"

"What do you mean?"

I shudder slightly. "When we rode out here, there was a building annihilated to shit…must've exploded. Samantha said there were a bunch of factionless killed...do they know what caused it?"

Eric clenches his jaw. "Samantha shouldn't be talking about what comes over dispatch…an official report hasn't been released yet. Again, Jade, I can't tell you things that go on with the council… I don't want to talk about work anyway." The force in his tone makes me jump.

Ignoring the nagging feeling that something isn't sitting right, I decide to let it go. Eric probably had a long day, and he's right…he's not supposed to talk about council matters. Sensing my shift in mood, Eric pulls me closer. "Relax…I just don't want to talk about work right now. Long fucking day." Nodding, I settle further into his arms and lean against him.

Silently scolding myself, I take another sip of my beer. It's my birthday damn it, and I'm not going to let anything ruin it.

***continued on the next chapter...wouldn't let me post all of it here :) ****