Chapter 21: Oh Shit!
Chase Collins observed the past two months unnoticed. He lurked in shadows or stood invisible among them. He studied his past enemies as well as the newcomers. He researched the girls' backgrounds. He instantly was attracted to them as soon as he discovered they had the Power and keep the bloodline intact. He didn't want all four girls just one. But who? Teresa was too timid and Alexandra was too loud and hyper. It was between Elliot and Browen. It would be more revengeful to go after Caleb's heart. Elliot was strong. But he liked Browen's crass and use of Power.
So, he would base his selection on opportunity. Who would be more exposed and alone? Who was weaker (in terms of Power or emotion)? He waited to see who it would be. If any would refuse, he would force them to give their Power, kill them, and move to the next girl if necessary. He would always stand in front of their house right when they fall asleep. "Good night my girls, you'll need much rest for what lies ahead."
It was Tuesday and Friday is the day of the formal. After school, Browen was home doing homework. Her phone buzzed to alert of a text message. She flipped opened the phone. It was from Reid (or so she thought). It said, "Meet me after practice at 9." Browen didn't think much of it because Reid did that on occasion. So, she got ready and left a note at the house, being that everyone else was out and about. She went to the pool. No one was there. No people waiting for the athletes. No athletes themselves. It looked quite deserted. So, she called Reid.
"What sweets," Reid greeted. "Where are you?" Browen asked. "Um the dorms, why?" "What are you doing there? You're supposed to be here." "Where are you?" "At the pool, to meet you." "I never called you." "I have a text from you." She saw something at the corner of her eye and refocused. "Hello Browen," Chase greeted on the other side of the pool. "Oh shit, um Reid get your ass here now!" Browen worried. "What? Why? What's going on? Browen?" "It's Ch..." the call ended. Reid knew what she was about to say. "Browen! Hello? Shit!" Fortunately, the dorms aren't far from the pool.
Reid summoned himself outside the pool doors. He crashed through and scattered his eyes. "Browen?" He walked to the edge of the pool. The water was ice, and Browen laid unconscious on the center of the pool. Reid was about to jump. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Chase advised, "The ice isn't that strong enough." "What did you do to her?!" "Don't worry. She's not dead, yet. But I figure why not use her as bait first. And here your are." Chase walked casually along the pool. Reid's eyes never left Chase.
"What do you want?" "Ah, the million dollar prize question. What do I want? Well, you should know. You were the ones who defeated and sent me far away. So, revenge is one desire. As I was observing you all, I did a little research on your new flames. Very interesting indeed. Girls with the Power and able to produce an heir with that attribute. Naturally, caught my attention. Not only that, I was able to choose among four. Browen happened to be the most opportunistic. I also want to continue the Pope bloodline." "Not if I kill you." "I remember now you're the hot tempered one. Sometimes at the expense of wisdom."
Chase was stronger then Reid. Reid already descended but Chase had his father's power. Chase created the first energy blast and sent it to Reid. Reid battled with Chase. After a period of time, Browen started to wake up face down on the ice. She was confused and wasn't aware of her surroundings. Chase certainly underestimated Reid's power. At one point, it looked like Reid was going to win. Reid was about to strike when Chase started to make the ice crack.
Browen heard the slow cracks creeping towards her. She remained still. Then, the surface below her feet broke instantly causing her to fall into the deadly cold water. The ice then reformed over her head. Not good. Reid had Chase pinned up against the wall by his Power. "You shouldn't mind me. Worry about your dear bird there," Chase motioned his chin to Browen's direction. Reid turned and didn't see Browen. Chase sent a blast to the distracted Reid. Chase was freed and escaped.
Reid ran to the pool. He looked around. Maybe she got out of the pool? Then, he heard a muffled bang on the ice. He went and stood on the ice. He lowered and crawled to see if he can see her. He wiped the ice to see clearer. Her face was under his. "Browen!" She was frantically hitting the ice. Reid banged on the ice with fists. Browen pleaded with her eyes and relied on Reid to save her. It was no help. Reid saw Browen struggling to keep her breath. Her body shook and went limp and floated against the ice. Reid raged with tears and shot an energy blast away from Browen and created a hole. He dived into the glacier water. He was a great swimmer but not in Arctic water. He got to Browen's body and pulled her back to the opening.
He shot an energy blast behind him to create propulsion. They went through hole and then back down on top of the ice with a hard slap. Reid shivering himself dragged Browen out of the pool. He performed CPR. His lips touched her numb blue lips. She threw up the water. She was barely conscious and shivered in a compulsion. "Gotta get you warm." He carried her to the locker room. He laid her on the ground. He went to the showers and turned them all on. The ones he wasn't directly using were turned to hot. The shower he would use on tepid. He got Browen and sat on the ground with her in his lap.
The locker room was full of steam like a fog. Reid clung to Browen. After Browen regained color, Reid knew she had to get out of the wet clothes. Browen was still shivering violently. Reid took her to his dorms. She laid him on Tyler's bed. He set the heat in his room as high as he could. During the process of removing clothing, Reid softly said, "Sweets, listen don't think I'm trying to screw you. You're wet and I need to get you dry." Browen made a moan. I guess that means a yes. She was down to her underwear and bra. He picked her up and laid her on his bed and covered her. He, in turn, stripped down to his underwear. He got into bed. He laid on top of Browen hoping his body heat would help.