Another chapter and boy did I not see just how much days passed since the last one. Truly sorry for that. I'm wondering what all you readers will think of this chapter. My only comment today, Math sucks so much I cannot begin to describe just how much, lol. Enjoy!
~Jade~
I gripped Tori's hand as we entered the main hall of the hidden jail located underground. We walked into a small intersection area full of officers. Sort of like a reception area. Jail cells made of steel with only a strip of a window lined each path; straight, left and right on both sides of the path. Tori's father stopped in front of one of the officials, holding a quick conversation before waving us through. We began walking forward, stopping at the gate marked with a 'B' above it. I looked to the left and right, seeing an 'A' marking the door on the left while a 'C' marked the door on the right. So Beck would be the second door down this way? We waited for a buzzer to signal that the gate in front of use was opening before it slid to the side. We stepped in and it closed promptly after we went through. A one marked the door on the left and a two marked the one to the right. The next door on the left was marked with a three and the next one on the right a four. It continued a long way down but we were already at our destination. Mr. Vega placed a hand on the door we would be entering and then turned to us.
"I must warn you both. Nothing but talking can happen. Any and all violence can cause unneeded false alarms and other complications. Stay calm," he warned. I nodded determinedly, telling myself to remain composed through the whole thing. Beck would not get to me this time. I couldn't let him. We looked to Tori's father for a go ahead and he responded by moving forward to place his hand on the panel by the door. It slid open at the touch of his hand, revealing a slouched over figure on a cot. Beck was dressed in a jumpsuit similar to the ones we wore back in the Yerbanian prison, but this one was a dark navy blue color. His number was stamped in white on his chest. We walked in, making him look up with a steely glare. I hadn't ever seen him as angry as he was now. Coupled with the fact that he obviously wasn't getting much in the way of food, he didn't look too good. The door closed behind us, bathing us in silence. The lighting was dimmer in here, just enough to see, but I could still plainly see the way Beck eyed Tori warily. He growled quietly before turning away and giving us his back.
"I'll stay here to give you some space," Mr. Vega told us, leaning back against the wall by the door. He crossed his legs and arms to rest fully against the surface. I glanced at Tori who nodded before slowly approaching Beck. I stopped a comfortable distance from him so that he didn't feel the need to lash out.
"Beck," I called to him. He sneered and shook his head but eventually looked over his shoulder at us.
"What do you want? Did you come to rub it in my face?" he demanded, his voice venomous. I scowled, a frown taking over at his words. I opened my mouth to retort when Tori cut in.
"Beck, we're still your friends. We didn't mean for you to get hurt, but Bonds are out of our control. You should know that. As for following St. Claire, we warned you it wasn't the best choice yet you continued to go along with it. I'm sorry you're here, but please, if not for me or even Jade, tell us where St. Claire is hiding for the good of everyone involved," she asked him, voice soft. I scoffed and shook my head, crossing my arms in agitation. He didn't deserve a fucking apology, especially not from Tori, but I kept my mouth shut, determined not to ruin the moment. I wasn't an idiot. If I fought with him we wouldn't get anywhere. I needed to let Tori do what she did best. Beck's hard edged frown lessened slightly as he closed his eyes with a sigh.
"I can't," he mumbled, shaking his head. His eyes fell to stare at his feet.
"Why not?" Tori questioned, quick to answer before I could. I was a mix of angry and impressed; angry at Beck but impressed with the way Tori continued to handle these situations with ease. But then again, she had been doing this for a long time now.
"I would tell you, but he blindfolded me as soon as we got close," he explained, finally looking up to give us a conflicted stare.
"Then what's the last thing you saw before he blindfolded you? Any information at all is helpful at this point," Tori encouraged. He sighed before running a hand through his hair.
"You know that lake way out in the woods?" he began, making both Tori and I tense. Tori blushed slightly but nodded.
"If you travel out even further you'll come to an abandoned shack that contains a trap door. I was blindfolded right after passing the lake but I'm sure you take a trap door down into a tunnel flooded with water that leads up into a building where he's hiding out. I've only been there once. That's all I have," he shared. Tori offered him a grateful smile and walked forward to tug him to his feet. We were both surprised when she pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you, Beck," she whispered. He hesitantly returned the embrace, shock clear on his face, before it turned into his boyish smile. In that moment he was the Beck we always knew.
"I'm sorry," he replied, burying his face in her shoulder, guilt and regret creasing his features. She pulled away to give him a reassuring nod and then looked over at me. I sighed before walking over and taking his hand in mine.
"Thank you," I muttered, looking down at our joined hands. He squeezed it before pulling me into a hug. I held onto him, hoping he wasn't punished too badly for his crime. When he finally pulled away I kissed his cheek.
"Take care of yourself and stay out of anymore trouble, Beckett," I told him. He nodded, his smile bittersweet. I released his hand and replaced it with Tori's, her familiar grip taking hold of my hand. We turned to go when Beck spoke up.
"It sucks that I lost her but I'm glad it was you I lost her to. I can't think of a better person to take care of her," he stated, directing his words at Tori. She grinned back at him and Beck nodded a confirmation.
"See you around…I hope," he said, sitting back down. We both nodded our agreement before looking to Tori's father. He was watching with a mix of emotions flitting across his face that I couldn't read. He glanced at Beck with an appreciative smile, Beck giving him a respectful one in return, before he turned to lead us back into the hall. We followed him to be buzzed out and then we stopped in the intersection again. Mr. Vega gestured to an official and he stepped over with a salute, posture rigid. Hell, they acted like typical stiff soldiers. Sarcastic humor still going strong, I couldn't stop the thought that they looked like the stereotypical soldiers in movies. Tori glimpsed the small smirk tugging at my lips and gave me questioning quirk of her brow. I just shrugged so she returned her attention back to the conversation at hand.
"Yes, sir?" the formal officer asked.
"We have the information we need. I want the patrols to start scouting-" Mr. Vega began to instruct but Tori jumped in at that moment. I gave her a curious glance but her attention was still on her father.
"I want to lead one of the patrols. I think Jade and I deserve to be involved," she interjected.
"Tori," I whispered to her with a shake of my head when she glanced at me. That girl was pushing too much. Even I could see that. Her father's jaw clamped shut as he turned a disapproving eye on her.
"No, it's safer if you two stay home. Now that we know where he is I want you out of harm's way. He's very dangerous and well trained far beyond your years," he disagreed.
"But father-" Tori began again only for him to shake his head. His heavy hand landed on her shoulder so that he gripped the back of her neck firmly but just enough to make her body visibly tense. Her shoulders hunched and she let out a whimper that wasn't one of pain, but submission. I could feel her determination and anger subside at the action, bowing to his demand to stay silent and listen. She was ashamed for talking back and now she was being reprimanded for it. Almost like a pup getting scruffed by the leader of the pack.
"No more Tori," he warned, letting her go. She nodded reservedly, her eyes downcast. Mr. Vega turned back to the official to relay the information while I quietly moved to stand next to her.
"It isn't smart to fight him, pup. Your father's right. I understand you want to get him for what he's done but you saw what he's capable of. I agree we should stay out of it," I told her softly, reaching out to run a comforting hand over the spot where her father grabbed her. She sighed before gently pushing away my hand.
"I know you want to get him just as bad, but you're just agreeing with him to keep me safe," she muttered, a frown on her face. I rolled my eyes and tilted her head up to look at me.
"Damn straight I am! I would do anything to keep you safe. Even if that means keeping you from what you want or making you unhappy," I responded with a slight growl. She looked at me for a few seconds, silent except for the muttered conversation behind us. I tried my best to convey the mixed emotions I felt. Eventually she allowed a small smile and gave me a single nod of acknowledgement.
"Good, now let's just stay quiet and follow your father's lead. It's the best thing to do," I advised. She took my hand off her chin and held it in her own hand.
"When did you start listening to authority and following rules?" she accused, her playful tone seeping back into her voice.
"Hey, it's for a good cause or else I would be right there with you fighting that bastard," I answered with a scoff and a roll of my eyes. She let out a half-hearted laugh.
"I know. I'm just a hot head, aren't I?" she admitted this time around.
"Yes, but you're my hot head. Not to mention hot in general," I replied, pulling her closer to teasingly poke her side. That produced a giggle from her, and a slap to my hand to stop me from tickling her.
"Ready to go you two?" Mr. Vega questioned us, his conversation done. Tori nodded, her smile back in place. His own smile returned when he saw her smile before turning to raise a brow at me. I shrugged and tilted my head to the exit.
"Are we going now, Mr. V?" I asked him jokingly, my own tone brightening now that Tori was happier.
"Yes, we're ready to go Miss West," he replied playfully. I shook my head but gestured for him to take the lead. He did so, Tori and I following him out. I could see the officers giving us confused and puzzled glances. Those stuck up prudes probably never saw something like this before. I wondered if they were aware that their leader was capable of acting this way in the first place. Oh well, they could keep the sticks up their asses for all I cared, but I was more than glad that Tori's father knew how to lighten up no matter how much of a dork he was when he did. After all, his personality imprinted on Tori, my Tori, who I loved with my whole existence; the goofball tendency included. We were let out the heavy door where Paul still stood guard. Poor dude was probably bored as fuck. I gave him a salute as we left, making him look at me like I was stupid. I laughed and Tori slapped my arm, her face blushing with embarrassment.
"Jade, don't do that! Be serious!" she reprimanded. I loved how formal and proper she became when it came to her duty and important matters. It made it more fun to act in the complete opposite manner than was expected. Mostly, I was just happy to be of help instead of hindering her this time around. I stopped in the shade of the overhang to pull up my hood before stepping into the sun. I flinched at the heat. Fuck, it's fucking hot today! I let out a sharp hiss and instinctively sped up to get to the car faster. Tori and her father jogged over too, Mr. Vega pulling out his keys to push the button that would unlock the car by the time I got there. I jumped in and leaned back with a sigh. The two wolves showed up not long after, joining me in the temporary shelter of shade in the car.
"Man, it's hot out there today," Mr. Vega commented, glancing outside as he started the car.
"You think?" I almost snarled. I started rubbing the pain from my arms while Tori started on my back but she smacked my back lightly when I bit out a retort at her father. I growled at her for it but she ignored me. Just that small reprimand fucking hurt and I didn't appreciate it at all.
"I forgot how bad a vampire's temper gets when exposed to the sun," Mr. Vega commented thoughtfully. We were on our way back so his eyes were on the road but he spared a quick look at me through the rear view mirror.
"Don't forget Jade naturally has a horrible tolerance deficiency," Tori chimed in.
"You aren't being helpful," I told her, narrowing my eyes at her. She shrugged and stopped rubbing my back. Instead, she rested her arm across my shoulders. It was useless trying to intimidate her now. She knew I wasn't really upset. Damn, stupid downside to the Bond. I miss being able to mess with her.
"I'm going to drop you guys off at home and then head over to the Council. I'll be there late going over a game plan. I want you both in the house at all times. As for school tomorrow, well, I think I'll let you attend as long as you only go to school and then come straight home," Mr. Vega informed us.
"Yes, father," Tori agreed.
"Sure thing," I responded.
"Good to hear. I'll see you later," he said in farewell, turning around to look at us. We had just pulled into the Vega's driveway. Tori and I got out. I waited for her to give her father a hug and then we were walking back to her house as Mr. Vega disappeared down the street behind us. We remained quiet until we were inside.
"What do you think will happen to Beck?" I asked her, a hint of concern in my voice I just couldn't seem to smother. She caught it just as easily, her lips turning down in a frown, her eyebrows creasing.
"I don't know but I'm worried about him too. I mean, he's been our friend for so long…" she muttered, conflicted.
"I'm not worried about him. He can take of himself. I'm just wondering what they'll do to him that's all," I corrected her. She rolled her eyes and shoved my shoulder, in a manner that told me she knew I was spouting lies, before entering the kitchen.
"It's ok to be worried for him, Jade," she told me as she raided the fridge.
"Beck will be fine. He's mister calm, cool, and collected remember?" I reminded her. She raised an incredulous brow at me and prepared a response when Trina came down the stairs, effectively cutting her off with her loud voice.
"What happened to Beck?" she asked, her own tone concerned yet nosy.
"Oh Maker, Trina why do you even care? Do you seriously still have some kind of stalker crush on him?" I demanded. She gasped, her hand going to her chest in mock offense.
"A friend of Tori's is a friend of mine," she replied. I decided to ignore her so I turned to see what Tori was doing only to see her smiling back at me, leaning on the counter and gazing at me with her soft brown eyes. The ingredients to a sandwich lay scattered and forgotten on the counter around her.
"What?" I demanded, frowning back at her.
"You're so cute," she stated, her voice practically dripping adoration along with just a sample of something more. I was stuck between scolding her for being so sappy and basking in it.
"Oh geez, really Tori? You're going to do that while I'm here?" Trina complained, throwing up her hands. I continued to ignore Trina in favor of seeing what Tori meant. I walked over to her, leaning on the opposite side of the counter so that I was staring right at her.
"I'm not cute," I disagreed, my lip lifting to show off my fangs in an attempt at a warning. She only laughed and reached over to trace a warm finger over my bottom lip, making me close my eyes and relax. I was aware that she was winning but I couldn't help it. Her touch, along with the rest of her, was addicting.
"You adopted our phrases. I think it's cute when you say them," she whispered, her finger moving to trace over my upper lip next. It was slow and purposeful.
"You guys," Trina whined in the distance. She was easily ignored now that all my attention was on Tori. I inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly. I opened my eyes and caught her hand before she could move away. She froze, her hand stilling as well in my grip. I parted my lips just barely so that the tip of her finger fell between them.
"You aren't being fair," I mumbled, my tongue brushing her finger briefly before letting her hand go. She watched with wide eyes and let her hand drop heavily to the counter as soon as I released it.
"You aren't either," she whispered. Her breathing had sped up and her heart wasn't far behind. Her eyes were focused on my lips so I licked them provocatively. My smirk took its place when I heard a small whine escape her. I stalked around the counter to place my hands on her hips and lean into her.
"Hey, I'm still here," Trina butted in, walking up to us and waving her hands. I didn't even bother giving Trina my attention when I finally answered her.
"Then if you don't want to witness something that will surely involve a very naked Tori I suggest you leave now," I cautioned her, meaning every word. She stared with a gaping mouth at my audacity before turning on her heel and doing as I suggested.
"You better not do anything on our counters or table unless you're willing to clean up after," she called over her shoulder, irritation clear. We both smiled at the mention of doing exactly what she had told us not to. I really wasn't opposed to it. This whole time we only had eyes for each other. Even as Trina continued to rant all the way upstairs we went back to ignoring her. I finally leaned in and pressed my lips to my mate's. When I pulled away I looked into her gold flecked brown eyes and grinned cheekily.
"You really want to risk having cleaning duty later?" she asked me playfully, voice husky.
"I'll clean the whole damn house if I have to," I responded, my mouth going for her neck the moment the words had left my lips. She groaned and gave me more room, her hands sliding down my body to grip my hips and bring me closer. She leaned back on the counter so that we rested against something more stable than her legs. My left hand curved further around her while my right dragged down her neck, her pulse hammering just under the surface of her beautifully tanned skin. I groaned and licked a path right over her jugular before following with a few nips. A moan vibrated up and past her parted lips, rewarding me with the sound once it reached my ears. It made me shudder.
"Maker, Tori," I breathed against her skin, my hips pressing into her. She chuckled and moved away slightly so that she could lock eyes with me.
"So cute," she teased again. I was ready to retort when the words died on their way from my brain to my mouth. Her hips had just pressed into me at the moment, making me grit my teeth. I dropped my head on her shoulder so that my forehead rested against her.
"Should we really get into this with Trina right upstairs and possibly the return of either of your parents?" I inquired, secretly hoping she wouldn't see reason. My words had no effect on me, what made me think they would have any on her? I got my answer when she flipped our positions and immediately bit into my shoulder with blunt teeth. I sucked in a sharp breath at the sensations tingling through my body.
"What do you think?" she growled out in a pant as her teeth continued to nip up my neck before taking my bottom lip in her mouth. I turned it into a kiss, my hands yearning to feel her body. I found my way under her shirt so that I could run my hands up and down her sides. She shivered against me but it didn't stop her from rocking into me again.
"Shit," I groaned, clutching her tight so that we were flush against each other.
"Stop that so I can think," I demanded, my thoughts only focusing on one thing now and it wasn't what she had asked. She chuckled, fully aware of what she was doing. She gave me a minute of peace before resuming. Her hands blazed trails under my shirt, fingers spread to feel more of me at a time. It sent a shiver down my spine.
"I think we should continue somewhere more private," I finally answered. She nodded in agreement and hastily yanked me to the stairs by the wrist. We burst into her room, already picking up where we left off. I only had a short amount of time to close and lock the door before Tori pulled me onto the bed. She straddled me with the sexiest smirk. I couldn't wait. I returned her smirk before our lips met again in a dance that was only the introduction to the main event.