Ayden is now back at Dauntless for good, and that doesn't bode well for Eric and Jade's relationship. The long-overdue confrontation takes place with him and Eric, as well as with Jade. Ayden makes it clear to Eric he has no intention of going away quietly.

I had intended to include the Founder's Ball in this chapter, however...it would've made it over 16k words long, and sometimes you have to know when to say when lol. I more than likely will have the Founder's Ball scene completed by next week or so :).

***Friendly reminder: my version of Eric is not exactly that of a Disney prince. He's rather sadistic in his choice of an interrogation method in this chapter. Please read with caution if you are squeamish about graphic violence. ***

Warnings: Profanity, sexual situation, graphic violence

Enjoy!

-Emmy

I close the last file on my computer, glancing at the time. "Shit…that was fast…" I murmur. I've had a fairly light workload and the day went by quick. I hit Ashley's pager on my desk, her voice crackling through a moment later.

"Hey…"

"Hey…do I have any more meetings scheduled for the day?"

"No…you were supposed to have a briefing with the editor of the Candor newspaper, but he asked to reschedule."

"Anything else in dire need of immediate attention?"

"Not really…unless you want to get a head start for tomorrow."

"Fuck that…you want to take the rest of the day off?"

"Is that even a question?"

"Go on and take off…you and your hubby still need some newlywed time."

"Best…boss…ever…I'll see you tomorrow to help you get ready for the Ball?"

"You better…go on, get out of here."

"See you tomorrow."

Grinning, I shut down my computer. After straightening my desk, I gather my things and head out of my office. Even though Eric is working late and won't be home until later, I'm anxious to get home myself. I thought I'd need some time to get used to referring to his…our…penthouse as 'home', but there's really been no difference at all.

Eric wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't going to wait. Two days after Ashley and Rob's wedding, I opened the door to Eric's…our...penthouse to find most of my stuff delivered in boxes. An entire side of Eric's massive walk-in closet was cleared, as well as a section of the bathroom. To my surprise, I felt a sense of contentment instead of annoyance.

Now that we live together, we settled into a comfortable routine without even realizing it. On the nights Eric isn't away on business, we meet for dinner out in our sector or at home. Eric either has it delivered, or I cook whatever I find in the kitchen. After we eat, we meet up with our friends or decide to spend the rest of the night in bed. Our passion lasts well into the wee hours of the morning sometimes, even though Eric usually has to get up early.

More often than not, we end up entangled in the sheets naturally …even if we were asleep. My blood heats as I think of how no words are spoken, just the slightest graze of his fingers down my arm or my lips against his neck will ignite our flame. Our bodies eventually meld together, craving the satisfaction we've only found with each other.

A small sigh escapes as I step onto the elevator. I'm still in awe of how much of a fit we are, as hard as I fought against it. Ever since I shut myself off after my father died, I've always felt out of place. I didn't want to go back to the house we shared with him, haunted by memories of all that was taken from me. Even after Initiation, when I should've been ecstatic to have a place to call mine, it still had that cold, empty feeling. Since I moved in with Eric, I now know what I've been missing this whole time.

With Eric, it truly feels like home.

A small blush creeps over me, heading toward my old apartment. I need to make certain nothing was left, though there isn't anything I can't easily replace. After the reader scans my palm, I let myself in. It now looks the same way as when I first moved in after Initiation; bare, with only basic furniture throughout. I'm glad I wasn't here long enough to form an attachment to it…quite the opposite in fact.

A sad feeling grips me, thinking of all that happened here…none of it good. Cheating on Ayden…My first major fight with Eric, to me hiding Ayden when he made his surprise visit...feeling guilty about being in bed with Ayden while thinking about Eric…Ayden discovering my betrayal…

"There's nothing I can do about it now," I resolve aloud. Shaking away those thoughts, I notice a small blanket crumpled on my bed. That reminds me…I need to talk to Rachel. Sighing, I pull out my phone as I stroll, Rachel picking up a minute later.

"Hey, Jade…"

"Hey…what are you up to?

"Nothing really…about to head out…what are you doing?"

"Just gotta pick up some stuff from my old unit...I just wanted to give you a heads up."

"About what?"

"Ah…well…Eric put in my official change of residence to his…our…place…"

"Okay…?"

Hearing the question in her response, I hope to bring this up without upsetting her. Any time a faction code other than mine is entered into my palm reader, I get an alert as this unit is still technically mine. I know she's been using my old place as a safe haven from Sebastian, though I conveniently 'forgot' to mention it to Eric.

"The thing is, my palm reader is going to be deactivated soon, along with all the faction codes I had programmed. I won't be able to get back in after this month…which means neither will you. If you left anything you want, I'm here right now and can grab it."

Rachel doesn't say anything, a thoughtful silence falling between us. Tactfully giving her time, I begin to look around. Sighing deeply, I sit down on the bare mattress.

"Rachel…you still there?"

"Yeah…yeah…I'm here. I don't think anything is there, but…um…do you know the exact date it'll be shut off? Just in case I did miss something…"

I shake my head wryly. She's not concerned with anything she may have left, she just wants to know how much longer she can avoid Sebastian. After debating for a moment, I decide to just say it. "Rachel…you can't hide forever. I know that's funny coming from me, but still…how long can you really do this?" She huffs in the receiver, making me imagine her rubbing her forehead like she does when she's upset.

"What are you talking about?"

"Rachel…there's no need to pretend. I know you've been staying here for the past few nights, and I also know why."

"Look, I just…I needed a little bit of time to get over all this, and I can't do that with Sebastian banging down my door. I'm sorry…I didn't realize it was a problem."

Leaning forward, I rest my hands on my knees. "Rachel…you know it's not a problem. You could stay as long as you want…hell, I don't give a shit if you want to just move in here. The issue is that my best friend is hurting, and I hate seeing you this way."

"Look, it sucks…but I'll get over it eventually. I just need some time. He's not the only guy in Dauntless, and I think it's time I remembered that."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I haven't been laid since the last time I was with Sebastian, and I could use a little bit of meaningless fun for a night."

Raising my brow, I make my way to my balcony and plop down into a chair. "Oh…I see…so what's your plan with that?" I ask slowly. While a common method for us Dauntless women as a means of curing a broken heart, I'm not so sure this is the best decision Rachel could make. Something tells me Sebastian does not agree it's as over as Rachel thinks it is.

"No 'plan', really," she muses in a thoughtful tone. "I just need to go out with my girls and take my pick…shouldn't be too hard. You down to be my spotter?"

Chuckling, I shift the phone between my shoulder and ear. "As much as I would love to, I have the first of the Founder's Balls tomorrow, so I gotta get some shut-eye. Besides, Eric would probably flip his shit, and I don't feel like hearing his mouth."

"I'm sorry, have we met? Is this still Jade Crawford? The same one whom loudly proclaims she doesn't give a shit what her man says, she'll do whatever the fuck she wants?"

"Ha ha…suffice it to say, things are a little different now…"

"Yeah, I get it. He'd probably lose his shit at the thought of you helping me troll for random cock."

Snorting, I stand up and head back inside. "Yeah…he'd be somewhat displeased," I retort with a laugh. "But seriously Rachel…call me if you need me. Eric won't be home until late, and I'll just be at home if you want to talk." Rachel sighs, her tone losing some of its humor.

"Well…if all goes as planned, I'll be too occupied…if you know what I mean…to dwell in self-pity. Appreciate the thought, though."

"All right then…happy hunting, I guess?"

"Wish me luck for a decent hit-and-quit tonight…"

"May your conquest be hard of cock, and silent of mouth…"

"If I choose correctly, I'll occupy his mouth in other ways."

Bursting into laughter, I close the door behind me as I leave. "On that note, I'll let you get to it. I expect full disclosure tomorrow," I demand playfully. Rachel chuckles. "Of course…that goes without saying. What time are we meeting again?"

"Usual …oh, wait…can we make it a half-hour earlier? I have to be down at Leah's to have the final fitting for my ball dress."

"Yeah, that'll work."

"See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

As we hang up, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness for her. Though Rachel is putting on a brave face, I know her well enough to know she's completely broken-hearted. She loves Sebastian but doesn't think it'll ever be real…especially because she can't see how much he loves her, despite his sordid sexual past.

Sound familiar? A little voice whispers in the back of my mind.

"It's not the same," I quickly mutter. My pace quickens as that familiar feeling starts to come over me. Eric may care for me, but he doesn't love me…he's not capable of it. He may treat me differently now than he did when this started out, but I refuse to be played for a fool. Eric is…was... the only Dauntless leader without a solid relationship, and in Dauntless, an image in politics is as important as your fighting skill and combat knowledge.

Eric needs me to show stability and fulfill his requirements as a leader. It's all business where he's concerned…it's not love.

At least not for him.

A lump forms in my throat, making me swallow thickly. While knowing this will end inevitably and badly, part of me holds out the tiniest flicker of hope. Hope that maybe in time Eric could love me…though I won't delude myself. All I can do is keep moving forward, hoping that when our relationship eventually crashes and burns, there'll be something of my heart left.

Lost in my own little world, I head toward the elevator and almost run into someone coming around the corridor. "Fuck!" I exclaim, colliding with a muscular body. Large hands grip my arms, stopping me from falling backward. "Jesus…sorry about that…." I start to apologize, finally looking up.

My heart nearly stops, as Ayden's hazel eyes stare back.

He's been officially back at Dauntless since last week, from what I hear. He passed his proficiency exam with flying colors, with even better results than he had in his Initiation. I've been preparing myself for when I begin seeing him around the compound again, but as usual…he pops up when I least expect it.

"Still not watching where you're going, I see," he remarks flatly, dropping his hands from my arms. My surprise begins to wear off, making me quickly get myself together. The last thing either of us wants to do is force small talk, and I really don't want a repeat of our last encounter.

"Excuse me," I mutter, quickly moving to the side.

"Jade, wait…I was hoping to run into you."

Raising my brow, I turn to face him. "Oh…you were?" I'm unable to keep the surprise from my tone. Judging by the day he ordered me from his sight in the hospital, to the pure scorn and hatred he showed for me the last time we met, I'd have thought I'd be the last person he'd ever want to run into again…though I think I know what this might be.

"I…I assume you got the package?" I ask meekly. When I was unpacking my things at Eric's, I found several of Ayden's belongings. I knew Ayden would be back at Dauntless eventually, but I didn't think it would be this soon. I had his things sent to storage, to be delivered when he moved to his new place.

His jaw tightens, giving a curt nod. "Yeah, I did…that's actually what I needed to talk to you about." He clears his throat as I wait for him to continue.

"I don't know if I ever left it here, but I can't seem to find my black leather jacket…the one I used to wear in the winter, on patrol…" Shaking my head, I make a mental checklist. "You mean the one your Dad gave you?" I ask, knowing this is a touchy subject. It's one of Ayden's prized possessions, one of the things his father gave him before he died.

"I don't remember seeing it, but I can take another look."

"Okay…well…just let me know if you find it. I've stopped by a couple of times but can't seem to catch you at a good one."

"Oh…well…I…umm…" I stutter, feeling like an idiot. Quit being a fucking coward, I command myself sternly. He's going to find out sooner or later anyway, might as well get it over with. "I don't live here anymore," I finally state quietly, feeling my cheeks flame. Ayden's stare bores into me as I fidget, forcing myself to meet his eye.

"I was just here by happenstance…I moved in with Eric."

The temperature between us falls to subzero. Ayden's face practically ices over, his chest beginning to heave. My pulse races, knowing his reaction wouldn't be good, but hoping I wouldn't have to find out in person. Looking away, I brace myself as best I can.

"Oh…I see…" Ayden's biting sneer cuts through the air. "Well…that didn't take long, but I get it. After all, you were in his bed every chance you got when we were together, so it would make sense he moved you in for his convenience. Must've been a pain for him to visit the Reserve ward, so might as well have an in-house fuck toy readily available," he spits out.

Shell-shocked by his impudence, all I can do is stare breathlessly. While knowing I deserve every bit of his recrimination, he doesn't have to be cruel.

A sudden flash of anger ignites. I've respected Ayden's wish for me to stay out of his sight, yet here he is, seeking me out. I already know my guilt...I don't need him reminding me whenever we cross paths. If he intends to throw my transgression in my face whenever the opportunity arises, then it's best he just stay away from me.

"Listen Ayden…I'm running late, and I really don't have time to stand here and be insulted. I'll look again, but I don't think I have it. If I happen to find it, I'll have it sent… is there anything else you can think of, so I can do it all at one time? You've made it perfectly clear you want all possible ties severed, which is fine with me. In fact, just email your list to Ashley and I'll make sure it gets taken care of," I snap, giving a sarcastic smile.

Cutting my eyes to the side, my jaw clenches as I spin on my heel. Stomping to the elevator, I pray the doors open quickly. After they swing open, I rake my hand through my hair and press for the top floor. Just as the doors begin to close, Ayden's large frame suddenly wedges in the entrance. They swing back automatically, as he steps into the car with a withering glare.

Shock ripples through me as he leans over, pressing the emergency stop button.

My mouth opens as Ayden makes his way toward me with clenched fists. At a loss for words, all I can do is stare as he towers over, rage seeping from every fiber of his being. Stopping inches away, he crosses his tattooed arms.

"Seems you and I need to settle a few things still…"

"I already told you, just email your-"

"That's not what I mean, and you know it."

My stomach plunges as I inhale sharply. "We have nothing more to say to each other... Any conversation we have now would just be going in circles, and I'm not interested-" Ayden cuts me off mid-sentence.

"I don't give a fuck what interests you… while everyone tells me you aren't worth it, it doesn't matter what your reasons would be, I still want answers…I'm owed that much. I don't give a shit what they are, I just want to hear them from your mouth…you will face me and explain yourself…then this will finally be over for good."

Drawing myself up, my natural defiant streak flares. Stepping a bit closer, I meet his hardened stare with my own. "I'm sorry…who the fuck exactly…do you think you are? Because who you are not, is someone that can tell me what I will, or won't be doing. As you said, I'm 'not worth it' anyway, so what does it matter what explanation I give? Quite frankly, you wouldn't believe anything I'd say…for admittedly a good reason….so why should I say anything? You're going to think whatever you want, and to be honest…I'm not so sure I give a shit any longer."

Sidestepping him, I try to reach around for the button when he blocks it. My eyes widen as Ayden shoves me none-too-gently, making my back hit the wall. Slowly looking up in a daze, my eyes search his face. Ayden has never, ever gotten physical with me before, and although I can handle myself if this gets out of hand, I don't want it to get to that point.

Biting back my reflexive 'fuck you', I open my mouth when Ayden cuts me off again.

"Was Eric the only one?"

All the air leaves my lungs at once. My mouth opens and closes, trying to form a response. Ayden's expression remains stoic, but the pain and fury in his eyes are evident. His jaw clenches, waiting for my answer.

"Yes," I finally manage to whisper. Ayden never breaks eye contact as my throat goes dry. I look down, feeling my heart jackhammer in my chest. When I look back up, Ayden is still staring, shaking his head.

"Ayden…I never…meant…I never meant for any of it to happen, and I still don't understand how it did. Hurting you was never my intent, and if I could go back, there are a million things I would do differently. I know there isn't anything I could say or do to make things right. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I hope you can come to not hate me in time."

Ayden chuckles humorlessly. Leaning forward, his stone-like mask finally drops. My eyes grow round, as Ayden only looks like this when he's about to lose it. "Hurt me? Is that all you think you did Jade? 'Hurt me'?" Ayden strides forward abruptly, catching me off guard.

The next thing I know, my back is once more against the wall. Ayden places either hand on the side of me, eyes desperately searching my face. "You didn't just hurt me, Jade...you fucking destroyed me, and everything we had! And for what…him? A guy that's just going to use you and throw you away once he got what he wanted? Are you really this gullible?"

My eyes fill with tears as I look away. "Ayden…" His hand comes up to grip my jaw, jerking my face back to his. "Don't look away, you fucking coward...look me in the fucking eye and give me my answer…you owe me closure…tell me you want him, and that everything you did was of your own volition…that you're willing to be used and discarded once something he deems better comes along…because I don't fucking buy it!" he roars desperately.

Ayden squeezes his eyes shut, trying to calm down. I can't stop a tear from escaping, making a solitary track down my cheek. I don't want to hurt him…but he's right. I do owe him the truth, after all the lies and deception. It's not what he wants to hear, but it's high time I be truly honest. I lower my voice to barely above a whisper.

"Ayden…I don't expect you to understand when I don't understand myself. I don't know what answer I can give, other than it just happened. I don't know how or why I did what I did, and again…it was never with the intent of hurting you. I will regret all the pain and heartache I've caused both of us until the day I die. Be that as it may, I can't take back that it happened….and as fucked up as it sounds, things ended up for the best…for both of us."

Ayden's pained expression twists his features in a tortured mask. "No, Jade… what's 'for the best' is the way we were before he came along and ruined everything. We were good before he got his hooks in you…." His eyes become almost pleading, his voice becoming thick with emotion.

"How can you not see that none of this is real? He doesn't love you, Jade…you're just a possession…a plaything. He doesn't really love you, and never will…can you honestly say he was worth losing everything? Our future? Our marriage? The life we could've given each other?" His voice becomes noticeably lower.

"Though you're too fucking blinded to see it right now…Eric Coulter is a ruthless, cold, psychopath…a piece of shit that poisons everything he touches. Can you honestly say you could love someone like him? Someone that will never love you back and will eventually ruin you without a second thought?"

My heart shatters into thousands of unsalvageable pieces. Ayden just said aloud, what I've always known in the depths of my heart. I've already come to terms with the truth of what my relationship with Eric is…but hearing him echo that little voice brings a fresh set of pain. Exhaling slowly, I resolve to stick by my promise to be honest. I don't want to hurt him, but he needs to hear this… I need to give him the closure he deserves.

"Yes, Ayden…I can."

Time stands still, our raw moment of truth hanging between us. Ayden says nothing for a long while, his features transforming from disbelief to pain, then back to anger. He opens his mouth to speak, then stops, seeming to remember himself.

Ayden quickly drops his hand to the side. "You know what…this isn't my problem. This stopped being my problem a long time ago. You're too far gone…there's no hope for you. Besides, whatever happens to you now, you deserve…you two deserve each other." His eyes ice over again, his hurt once more coming to the surface.

"Just like he deserves what he'll eventually get from a selfish, lying, dead-inside-bitch like you."

Spinning on his heel, he angrily mashes his fist against the 'door open' button. Ayden stalks out of the elevator without another word, leaving me devastated in his wake.

The stinging spray from the hot shower pierces my skin, but I barely feel it. I wrap my knees to my chest, deep sobs wracking my body. "Pull your fucking shit together," I sternly command aloud, trying to get a grip. Squeezing my eyes shut, I rest my head against the wall. My encounter with Ayden has rocked me to my very core, and I can't seem to get a hold of myself.

Ayden didn't tell you anything you didn't already know…that little voice echoes.

I remind myself to face that pertinent fact. Wrestling my hurt and sadness down, I give myself a minute to let it out. "Get the fuck off the floor…stop being so pathetic," I snap. Forcing myself to my feet, I shut the water off and reach for my towel. Once I step out, my alarm is raised as I catch sight of myself in the bathroom mirror.

Staring at my reflection, I become almost in a trance. My eyes are bloodshot, and my features have a sad, tortured look about them. My heart begins to pound, knowing Eric will know something's up the minute he sees me. I've got to get myself under control. Inhaling and exhaling, I watch as my eyes well with tears again. "Goddamn it," I growl, panic starting to set in.

The front door beeps as I'm wiping away my tears. Shit…Eric is home. Taking several deep breaths, I quickly rub my face with the towel several times. I don't want Eric to see I've been crying, and I'm going to have to come up with an explanation.

Eric appears behind me in the mirror a second later, sliding his jacket off. "Hey," he murmurs, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Hey," I whisper, the towel partially covering my face. I feel his lips on my neck as his jacket falls to the floor. "I've been thinking about you all day," he husks. Murmuring an unintelligible response, I tilt my head to give him better access.

"You're home late…where've you been," I whisper as his lips travel between my neck and shoulder.

"Four Seasons…have to make sure everything is ready for the Ball."

He pulls back a second later, eying me in the mirror. "Why's your face so red?" he asks evenly, turning me around. His expression melts into concern, taking in my haunted, blotchy look. "Have you been crying?" he demands, his arms tightening around me. Forcing myself to focus, I give him a strained smile.

"No," I reassure. "I was trying to figure out how to program the shampoo dispenser in this ridiculous shower, and it squirted right in my fucking eye. Hurt like a bitch…I'm still trying to get it out." Even I hear how weak that is. Eric holds my gaze for a long while, not quite buying this utter load of bullshit. Giving him a hasty kiss, I wrap my arms around his neck.

"I also had a reeeallllly long day, and I'm dead-ass tired. You've been at the Four Seasons this whole time? I wouldn't have thought it'd take that long to secure…" I quickly change the subject, hoping to deflect. Eric shrugs, kissing me carelessly while removing his shirt.

"It didn't…Had a matter with the council afterward that required my attention…usual bullshit."

"What now…more attacks? Some evil factionless plot uncovered?"

A strange expression crosses Eric's features, sitting down to take off his shoes. "I can't talk about it Jade…you know that." Smarting at his clipped tone, I raise my brow. "Excuse the fuck out of me...I was just making conversation. Something the matter with you?" I ask. Eric glances up, seeming to remember himself.

"No…you're just not the only one exhausted."

"Well, we have the Ball tomorrow night, so we should get some sleep…"

"I'd love to, but I might not be finished for the night yet…I might get called back once we get our report for tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow night?"

"Security Analysis…since it's the only Ball with all the government officials, Dauntless is assigning more guards."

"Aren't the Abnegation going to give you shit about that? They consider extra attention 'selfish' or some bullshit."

Eric snickers as he stands, inspecting his side in the mirror. "Fuck the Stiffs…the factionless can have them. Not like they're useful for anything anyway. Definitely agree that's one faction that should be wiped out. Save everyone a lot of hassle," he muses absently. Something about his tone doesn't sit right with me.

"Wiped out…what do you mean wiped out? With whom are you agreeing about it?" I ask curiously. Eric doesn't answer right away, just shrugs as he turns toward me. "Disbanded…I meant disbanded. Since they spend so much time with the trash of Chicago, they might as well live in the gutters with them. They could take turns giving each other baths and spoon-feeding their meals. Probably some weird Stiff fantasy they secretly harbor anyway…might as well live it out," he snarks.

He brushes a strand of hair from my forehead, cocking his head to the side. "You seem a little off…everything all right?" Quickly looking away again, I grab the towel and dry my hair. "Yes…I told you, I was just assaulted by your stupid shower and it hurt…and pissed me off. That's it."

"Well, you are Dauntless and not Erudite, so figuring out a simple panel might take some time."

Pursing my lips, I'm about to give a smartass answer when I notice a deep gash on the side of his ribs. "Shit…what happened?" I frown up at him, touching it lightly. Eric grabs my fingers, pulling them back to his chest.

"Nothing…I'm fine."

"That looks bad…did you have it checked out?"

"I'm fine, Jade."

"How'd you get it?"

Eric shakes his head, a weird look dawning in his eye. "Aren't you the inquisitive one …" he murmurs. Without warning, he sweeps me off my feet. Before I can probe any further, he carries me back to the bedroom. "I can think of better ways to utilize our time," he whispers, laying me down. His grin begins to fade, noticing the sense of despair I'm desperately trying to hide.

"Jade…what is it?"

"What's what?"

"Whatever has you on edge..."

Trying to force a smile, I know I'm failing miserably. There's only one way I can get out of this, and right now I need it to come through for me. Hooking my legs around his waist, I quickly move him underneath. "I'm not in the mood for talking," I whisper, bringing my mouth to his roughly. Feeling his surprised smile against me, I quickly reach down and rid him of the rest of his clothes.

Before he has time to react, I quickly sink down until he's sheathed to the hilt inside me. "Fuck…" he rasps, closing his eyes as I begin to move. He grips my ass as I sink my nails into his chest, urging my ride. My throat tightens with unshed tears, trying once again to pull myself together.

Cursing the repressed grief, guilt, and sadness that's threatening to pour out of me at any moment, I start to move faster. Soon the headboard is slamming into the wall, with Eric holding on to the rails. A fine sheen of sweat begins to slick my skin. Squeezing my eyes shut, I desperately try to push my tears and the echo of Ayden's words away from me, playing in my head over and over.

He's going to get what he wants from you, then throw you away the minute something better comes along….

An anguished sob escapes, making my eyes fly open. Taking a minute to get my bearings, I finally look down at Eric. He's gone completely still, his eyes open and now narrowed as he studies my face. Anger pulses in his jaw, and I know that my attempt at distraction failed.

Eric doesn't speak for a long time, remaining stone-still as his gaze burns into me. With lightning-speed he grabs my arms, bringing me down to the bed then quickly rolling on top of me. He moves both of my wrists over my head, pinning them in one large hand.

"What the fuck is going on…"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you, trying to fuck away whatever has you crying and looking like you've seen a ghost…out with it…now…"

Eric's warlike expression bears down, refusing to relent. He's not going to let this go …no matter how much I don't want to have this discussion. "Let me up," I whisper tearfully, wriggling my wrists from his grasp. Rolling to the side, I reach for the sheet and wrap it around me. My anxiety rises, knowing he won't stop until he has an explanation. I can't tell him about what happened with Ayden…he'll go crazy.

Inspiration suddenly strikes, thinking back to recent events. It's something we need to discuss anyway, and now's as good a time as any. Besides, it's the only plausible explanation I can think of.

"Eric…we really never did…discuss what happened," I whisper softly. Eric's jaw clenches, searching my face suspiciously. "What do you mean?" he asks in a low, hard tone.

"I mean a few things, actually."

Bringing my eyes to his again, I decide to start from the top. "We never talked about what happened when you showed me the new place…when you reacted the way you did to finding out about my serum. I still don't understand why you were so upset about my taking birth control, and I don't completely buy that it was just because I didn't tell you outright."

Eric shakes his head in confusion. "Where the hell is this coming from Jade? Why do you want to rehash this? What the fuck is going on?" he demands again, though I raise my hand to silence him. "This is something that's been bothering me, and I need an honest answer from you." Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage to finally broach what I initially suspected.

"Eric…have you been trying to get me pregnant? Do you want a baby with me?"

A thick tension coats the air as I wait for his answer. Eric sets his jaw, blinking rapidly. "No…and you still don't seem to get it. I don't want a baby any more than you do. I wasn't pissed because you refuse to get pregnant…I'm pissed because you kept something from me, as I already explained. As for the second question…"

Eric inhales sharply, his stoic mask shifting in place. "Fuck no, I don't want a baby…now. However…it's eventually something that will be required of both of us…so in time, I guess my answer would be yes. It's one of the reasons I picked a place with so much room." He swallows, trying to gauge my reaction.

"Eric, I'm not going to stop taking my serum any time soon. The simple fact is that I don't want children…never have. If this rule were not in place, I wouldn't have kids." I press on before he has the chance to interrupt.

"But it's not my choice…I have to have them eventually. When that time comes, and it's still something we want with each other, then my going off the serum will be a decision we make together," I say quietly, placing my hand in his. I brush my fingers over his jaw, giving a slight shake of my head.

"I just wish you could see that me taking it wasn't with the intent of hiding it or making a choice without your input. Quite the opposite in fact. I didn't want us to be in a situation that we had not mutually decided upon…I didn't want to get knocked up when that may not have been what your choice would be, and again, would leave me to pick up the pieces if you decided to walk away," I whisper, hearing the tremble in my tone. Eric instantly moves over me, gazing at me earnestly.

"I hadn't thought of it like that…"

"Of course you didn't…men never do."

Squeezing my eyes shut briefly, I prepare for his answer to a question of which I may not want to know the answer. "Now that we got that out of the way... When I walked in on you that night at Wonderbar, you kept telling me I don't know what I saw…so tell me…." Eric's expression hardens as I set my jaw firmly.

"What exactly did I see?"

Eric breathes deeply, never breaking eye contact. I refuse to back down, needing to hear his answer. "What you saw…" he begins slowly, frustration creeping into his tone, "…was me in the bathroom, trying to wash the vomit of some drunk gutter slut off me…when another cum dumpster mistook me taking my shirt off as an invitation. What you saw, was me making it clear it wouldn't happen…and me having to explain to the stupid twat the only way she'd understand…though I admit my method was easy to misconstrue if you didn't see everything that happened before the moment you walked in." He props himself on his elbows, eyes searching mine.

"I'm going to ask you one more time…what suddenly rehashed all of this?"

"As I said already, it was in the back of my mind. Now that we live together, I thought it best we not let things fester and get it out in the open… now we have, so that's the end of it," I explain. Eric's eyes narrow disbelievingly.

"Yes, we do live together…which is why it would be foolish to try and hide anything from me. There's nothing I won't discover, especially when it comes to you."

His tone sends chills down my spine. Eric brushes a strand of hair from my forehead, staring past me for a second. "Perhaps if there's anything else you feel the need to discuss or disclose, you should go ahead and do that." He brings his eyes back to mine, his gaze piercing through me.

His silent warning hangs in the air. With our eyes locked, I practically feel Eric's suspicion trying to penetrate my mind. He doesn't believe I'm just upset about all that's happened recently, and he's trying to figure it out. I can't tell him about Ayden…I just can't. Eric doesn't take kindly to threats, and right now, he would see Ayden as his biggest one. Even though it's not even a choice of whom I would pick if it came down to it…and Ayden was even still an option…Eric wouldn't care.

He'd still stop at nothing to win.

Just as Eric looks as if he's about to say something, the council signal beeps from his phone. Eric shoots a murderous glance at it before turning back to me. "Looks like we'll have to table this discussion for later…but we will finish it," he declares in a low, hard tone. Not knowing how to respond, I just nod while slowly swinging my legs to the side.

We get dressed silently, an uncomfortable feeling of distance between us. After Eric slides into his black utility jacket, I feel him walk up behind me. My breath catches as he wraps his tattooed arms around my waist, leaning in close to my ear.

"I meant what I said, Jade. If you are hiding something from me, do it the easy way and tell me before I find out on my own. It doesn't matter if it's the easy or hard way…either way, I will find out."

He slips away before I have the chance to respond, his words turning my blood to ice.

ERIC

"Everything is a go for tomorrow."

Max takes a drag of his cigarette, turning on the monitor. The rest of the council studies the projection screen, now illuminated with the ballroom of what used to be known as the Four Seasons. "All cameras are in position, pinpointing every face that enters these doors. Since this is the Government Ball, everyone should be easily recognizable anyway, but be on extra alert for any suspicious person."

Willow, one of the female leaders, tips her jaw at Max. "I took the liberty of assigning soldiers on the roof, just in case. It'll offer an extra vantage point, as well as thwart any attempt to infiltrate any unmanned checkpoints of the building." Max nods his approval as she turns to Eric.

"An emergency evacuation route has also been determined for Jade if need be. My guards will also be prepared to act as an extraction team to get her out of harm's way in case shit goes down."

Eric's jaw clenches, exhaling his own cigarette. Willow aims the laser pointer at the screen, indicating the multiple sets of doors leading into the ballroom. "This area here is the pre-reception room. Behind this bar-" she circles the area against the wall "-is where an old service elevator used to be. If something pops off get Jade to this entrance, where she'll be secured."

Eric turns to her as she puts the pointer down. "The Dauntless behind that wall have a code word. If Jade is being guarded and anyone attempts to get back there without giving the code word, they'll be shot on instant."

Eric nods but offers no reply. After Max goes over last-minute procedures, the meeting is adjourned. Shifting in his seat, the gash in his side twists uncomfortably as he moves to leave the conference room with the others.

Earlier today, he interrogated the two factionless men that were captured while trying to breach Dauntless. One of them had managed to break out of his restraints, pulling out a knife concealed on his body. Though he put up a good fight at first, even managing to slice his side, he was quickly subdued.

Kneeling before Eric with his hands bound, he unwisely continued to gloat…even with Eric's gun pointed right between his eyes.

"I must say I'm surprised at how sloppy and careless you're getting…not what one would expect from a Dauntless leader. Especially not when it comes to a hot piece of ass like your precious little Goldilocks."

Fury roiled through Eric's veins, making his palm begin to twitch. The greasy man's black-rimmed teeth stretch his face in a grotesque, evil smile, unflinching under Eric's murderous glare. Unfazed by the barrel of the gun less than an inch from his temple, he continued his taunt.

"You think death scares me? It makes no difference in anything. Kill me like I know you're going to. Nothing will change. We're going to get her sooner or later, Coulter…it's only a matter of time…."

A cruel smile broke over Eric's face, suddenly knowing exactly what he should do.

As the man watched, Eric lowered his gun. Confusion flicks over his face when he makes no move to shoot him. "You know something? I think you're right…killing you quickly, with no one to see just how much you suffered would serve no purpose. Thank you for pointing that out…it was a valuable reminder." Eric holsters his gun back to his side, then knits his palms together. The man's heart begins to race, seeing the malicious glee brimming in Eric's eyes.

"I think a more effective method would be to make a rather messy example of you…"

The man's eyes shine with fear, a visible sheen of sweat breaking over his forehead. Eric moved behind him, all of a sudden shoving his head toward the concrete table. "Bite the edge," he growled, as the man tried to turn his head. Eric grabbed the back of his long hair, his other hand forcibly pulling his jaw open.

"I said…bite the fucking edge," he commanded, pushing him again so that the slab of concrete was between his teeth. "Since you apparently can't tell me anything of value, there's no reason to keep your mouth intact. So… let's start with your teeth…."

He screamed in agony after Eric reared back and stomped his head with lethal force. Blood splatters across the concrete as he fell to the side, some of his teeth knocked loose onto the table, some still hanging in his mouth by strands of tissue. "NOOOO...PLEASE!" he screamed as Eric jerked his head up to do it again.

Completely broken under Eric's malicious torture, he gave up the newest plan. The two factionless men were counting on Jade not being at the government Founder's Ball, believing the Dauntless would not risk having her outside the protection of the compound walls. They had tried to infiltrate Dauntless to recon the layout, mapping out the best course to get to the Crawford women on the night of the Ball. They were hoping that with the assignment of extra security at the Four Seasons, the numbers would be weakened and their chance to grab both Jade and her mother would be greater.

Eric can't help but laugh at their ignorance, amused at how they overlooked one pertinent fact. Of course he would take Jade to the Ball…it is in fact the safest place for her. Not only will she not leave Eric's side, but there'll also be no less than five undercover-Dauntless around her at all times, as well as security watching from the surveillance station.

Eric makes his way through the Pit, deciding not to go home just yet. Though not late by Dauntless standards, there's only a sparse group of soldiers milling around, some just coming off patrol. Eric heads toward his office, needing a minute to collect his thoughts. He's still perplexed by Jade's odd behavior and hates feeling as though she's keeping secrets.

Eric sinks down into his office chair, his eyes narrowing. Something isn't right…and he will get to the bottom of it. Lighting his cigarette, he turns on his computer and decides to see for himself what Jade's been up to…since she won't open her fucking mouth.

He logs in and accesses Jade's data feed. His eyes scan all text messages, calls, and emails, finding nothing out of the ordinary. His frustration mounts, not liking that Jade is hiding something from him. He meant what he told her; there's nothing that will ever happen that he won't discover. She may not realize her every move is being followed and monitored not only by the security detail covertly assigned to her but by eyes and ears all over the compound.

Suddenly, he sits up straighter.

He literally has eyes on her everywhere in Dauntless…Compound security has footage of every inch of the place.

Eric slips out of his office, making his way to the Control Room. At this late hour, there are only two Dauntless working the night shift. Engrossed in their conversation, they seem not to notice him as he makes his way to the central office, accessible only by leaders. Once the scanner roves his eye, he slips in quietly and flips on the monitors. After he types his council password for the main system, the screens light up.

He pulls up the camera log near Jade's office, tapping his finger impatiently. Fast-forwarding, he stops when she leaves. He watches her walk down the corridor, not seeing anyone speak to her. He switches the camera to the Pit, watching her make her way to the elevator. "Fuck," he swears as she steps on. There're no cameras in the elevators, so he can't see where she's going.

But her faction code will ping, letting him know where she went.

He quickly switches to the other monitor, scanning her log. Right after she left her office, she went to her old apartment. His brows knit in confusion. Why would she go there? He had all her stuff moved already…she'd have no reason…

Eric quickly turns to the other monitor, pulling up the footage from outside her old apartment. He watches as Jade enters, taking a bit to come back out. He fast-forwards again, his temper starting to simmer. What would she be doing in there? A weight drops in his stomach, as an unfamiliar sense of jealousy grips him.

Is someone in there with her? Why would she need to be in an empty apartment…?

He exhales loudly, trying to calm down. "Pull your shit together," he commands himself sternly. He needs to keep a clear focus, and not let unfounded suspicion cloud his mind. Tapping the button again, he stops when Jade exits, alone, with no one coming out after her…but she is on the phone.

Quickly accessing her data, he sees it was just Rachel.

Some of the tension eases in his body, watching her make her way to the elevator. Glancing at the other monitor, he sees the next place she went after that was their penthouse. He shakes his head in frustration, not understanding what caused her to act the way she did when he got home. As he's trying to figure it out, a flicker from the camera log catches his eye.

His full attention is captured, watching Jade come face-to-face with Ayden.

His blood instantly boils, watching their brief exchange. He can't hear what they're saying, but the sudden look on Jade's face tells him everything. He watches as she quickly side-steps him, heading for the elevator. Ayden watches her go, his face twisted in rage. After a minute, he takes off after her with a look of angry determination.

Eric quickly pulls up the footage from the camera by the elevator. He watches as Jade steps on, wiping tears from her eyes. Not even a second later, his fury makes him see red as Ayden follows her, forcing his way into the elevator. "Fuck," he snaps, realizing the cameras were disabled while the elevator was undergoing repair. He has to know what happened…

He quickly types in Ayden's faction code, hoping to get some sort of clue. As he's scanning the log, Eric turns back to the other screen as Ayden reappears. He's exiting the elevator with clenched fists, a look of rage mixed with pain in his expression. The doors close behind him, with Jade making no attempt to follow Ayden.

After the screen goes blank, Eric sits with a clenched jaw. Smoke billows around his head, training a lethal gaze before him. "You should've fucking known," he snaps, rubbing his forehead.

Every time he thinks they've turned a corner in their relationship, something comes along to fuck it up. Just when he thought they might've overcome the hurdle of the way they started out, that the ghost of Jade's guilt was finally starting to fade away, reality bitch-slaps him again. He gave her every opportunity to tell him the truth, warning her he'd find out eventually.

Yet here Jade is, still lying to his fucking face without batting an eye…about Ayden, of all things.

Pushing himself away from the desk, he stalks toward the door. What he's most pissed about, is that this is exactly what he knew was going to happen. He knew his love for Jade was going to mess with his Erudite-rooted logic, making him forget what a deceitful, fickle woman she can be. After all, she comes from Tamra Crawford, a woman that knows a thing or two about how to manipulate men that love her.

"That stops right fucking now," he mutters, stalking through the Pit.

Jade's place is with him, and his with her. Eric wants to start building their life together, getting both of their futures in Dauntless on track. As long as she's loyal, he'll give her everything in his power, including the life she deserves as his Queen.

But if she allows Ayden to manipulate her into throwing everything away…

It won't matter how deep his love for Jade runs. The one thing he could never forgive is her betrayal. If Jade betrays his love and makes a fool out of him, he'll show neither of them mercy. As far as Ayden goes, he wouldn't bother with a simulation and a train this time…he'll get more satisfaction using his bare hands.

He'll even make Jade watch while he does it.

Eric steps out of the tunnel, the wall closing behind him. Patrol guards just coming back into Dauntless glance at him with a nod and salute, but Eric ignores them and heads for the dispatch center. All conversations come to a halt as Eric storms into the glass-encased office, slamming the door behind him.

Ayden sits at the dispatch radio, smoking a cigarette and scrolling through his phone. He looks up as Eric makes his way toward him, raising his brow. Dead silence falls over the room, all activity ceasing outside. Glancing to the side, he sees everyone stopped in their tracks, knowing something is about to go down.

Eric and Ayden haven't seen each other since the last time at Amity, when he and Jade were technically still together. By now, everyone figured out there was something going on between Eric and Jade for quite a while before there should've been. A confrontation is long overdue…and looks like it's finally time for it to happen.

The other two in the office stand in respect by the presence of a leader, as is the custom of the Dauntless. Their eyes round in surprise when Ayden remains in his seat, glancing at each other. Eric is still Ayden's superior by Dauntless standards, and an open act of insubordination is generally not tolerated.

Ayden doesn't give a shit... He will not pretend to give 'respect' to someone that doesn't deserve it. Eric isn't a true Dauntless and didn't earn the title of 'councilman'. Though Eric is unaware of all that Ayden knows about him and how Eric truly came to be in the faction, Ayden can't let on to that yet. As Eric stalks toward him, he silently reminds himself to keep that ace up his sleeve no matter how badly Eric tries to goad him.

He'll play that card when it's time to…not a minute before.

Eric turns toward the other two, cutting his eyes to the door. They immediately nod and take their leave, glancing at Ayden as they go. Ayden's palms begin to twitch, wrestling the urge to put his fist through Eric's face. Just like he has a certain role to play with Jade right now, he has one to play with Eric as well. He masters a bored look as Eric slowly paces toward him, his hardened mask in place.

"Wow, Sawyer…really moving up in the world, aren't you?" Eric sneers with a cocky grin, sitting on the desk across from him. Ayden doesn't respond, determined not to give Eric the reaction he seeks. Ayden looks him up and down in disdain, shaking his head.

"What can I do for you, Coulter?"

Eric's nostrils flare, the smirk draining from his face. "I think you mean 'sir', soldier," he barks, not used to insubordination. Ayden grins, still not responding. With a bored sigh, Eric decides to cut to the chase. Both of them know why Eric is here right now, and it's time he made himself crystal clear.

"I'm surmising that fall from the train fucked you up in the head, so we'll sidestep that for now. I'm going to make this short and sweet… I'll even dumb it down so you can understand. I suggest you listen very carefully to what I'm about to say because it's the only time I'll say it."

Eric lowers his voice to a deadly calm tone. "You and Jade have no further business with each other. You are not to speak to her…you are not to look at her...you are not to involve yourself in anything to do with her. From this moment on, Jade Crawford does not exist to you. If I find out you so much as sneeze in her general direction, I will fuck you up worse than that jump from the train ever could. This is your one and only warning to stay the fuck away from Jade…is that clear?"

Ayden takes a drag, his gaze hardening. His sinister chuckle emits lowly from his chest, catching Eric off guard. This wasn't what he was expecting, by the start of this little exchange.

"You really think you 'won', don't you?"

As the two men face off, a cruel smile breaks over Ayden's face. "Don't worry, Coulter…that dirty bitch is all yours. In fact, you probably did me a huge favor. Though Jade is one of the better fucks in Dauntless and gives good head, being married to that crazy slut would've been a fucking nightmare. Now that I think about it, I didn't just dodge a bullet, I dodged a fucking nuclear warhead. Good luck with her…you're going to need it."

Ayden leans back in his chair, propping his feet on the edge of the desk. Never breaking eye contact, he laces his hands over his stomach.

"This isn't about Jade any longer…she's not worth another minute of my time. I've wasted enough of my life on her. But If you think the score between you and me is anywhere near settled, you are the Goddamn dumbest fucking Erudite I've ever met…it would make sense why Jeanine had no use for you…in her faction that is," Ayden sneers through a vicious grin.

Eric forces himself to remember there are cameras in here, before doing something he won't be able to explain later. Eric can't help but smirk in amusement. While it almost worked, he won't be baited.

Ayden can pretend to trash Jade all he wants…he doesn't fool Eric for a second. Mental chess is not a game Ayden should play with him. Casually lighting his own cigarette, the corners of his mouth turn up in in a cocky smirk.

"You mean just like Jade had no use for you in her bed? Funny…I couldn't keep her out of mine…or off my dick. I've meaning to ask you; how do you like the taste of it? Seeing as to how you got my seconds whenever you came off shift…"

Eric exhales, feeling a slight satisfaction at Ayden's poor attempt to hide his rage. "In the interest of saving time let me go ahead and give you a hint since you're obviously too ignorant to pick up on this," he begins in a bored tone, ashing his cigarette disinterestedly beside him. Smoke billows around his head, his eyes narrowing.

"I'm the last person you want to fuck with…"

Ayden puts his feet back on the ground and slowly rises. His smirk vanishes, replaced by a hardened expression and a clenched jaw. Stopping just in front of Eric, he lowers his voice to an ominous tone.

"No, bitch…you're the first."