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  Kale didn’t seem to care that she’d done nothing to help him. His only concern was for his mother. “Why were you with my mother when I was born?”

  “I was there the moment she herself came into being. It seemed no less fitting I be with her when she brought her own child into the world.”

  The sharp, stubborn chin. The ice blue eyes. I hadn’t noticed before. It all came together. “Felecia was your daughter.”

  Ginger nodded. “From the first moment I looked into her eyes, I knew what would become of her.” She stomped her cane into the ground. “Do you think it’s easy raising a child, each day looking into her eyes and seeing the black future she had before her? Do you think it was simple for me to stand by and watch the events that would bring upon her end unfold, day after day, unable to stop it?”

  “But why not try? There had to be something you could have done. Send her away? Warn her?”

  “These things are not to be toyed with,” the old woman snapped. “Each person’s future is tied to a thousand others. Change simply one thing and you have chaos. Everything is thrown out of balance and horrible things happen.”

  “You let her die?” Kale asked. His face was neutral but I could hear the agony in his voice. In my hand, his fingers twitched like he was trying to flick them, but I held tight.

  “An ancestor of ours, the first known visionary, learned this lesson the hard way. Newly married and with child, she and her husband Winston were the picture of happiness. They had their own home, a baby on the way, and a bright future ahead of them. Our ancestor, Miranda, being a visionary, had access to information that told her otherwise. She saw she would lose her beloved husband at an early age to a horrific stable fire.”

  “She intervened.”

  “She stopped him from going to the barn that night. She thanked God for her gift because it had enabled her to save her husband. But her thanks did not last. Soon after their child was born, Miranda regretted what she’d done.”

  “Why would she regret saving the one she loved?” Kale asked.

  Ginger’s expression softened. “Because, Kale, Winston was destined to die in that fire. If Miranda had never interfered with his destiny, then Denazen would never have been formed.”

  “What?” Kale and I gasped in unison.

  “It happens, but it’s rare that the offspring of a Six, even with only one parent, is born without the genetic chromosome defect. As you can probably guess, Miranda’s child grew to be a Six. Narrow-minded and foolish, Winston was unable to handle the truth. He branded the child—and its mother—evil, and drove them away. He started the organization that would become the Denazen we know today. Because of Miranda Kale’s selfishness, we live in fear, hiding from the repercussions of her mistake.”

  “Miranda Kale?”

  “I named you, child. I found it fitting that you, destined to free us from our chains, bear the name of its instigator.”

  “What about your daughter, was she like me? This Felecia?”

  Ginger shook her head. “The opposite of you. You take life, and she gave it.”

  Kale’s fingers tightened in mine. “Will we be able to save Sue?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never met the woman.”

  I stepped forward and placed my face inches from hers. “You’ve met me. Do we save my mom or not?”

  Silence.

  “You owe me,” I growled. “You sent me into Denazen to get you this damn list in exchange for something I had all along.”

  “You were never in any danger. I knew you would return with the list. That is why I asked. You were meant to get it for me.”

  “That’s not the point.” I was yelling now, making no attempt to keep my voice down. It’s not like anyone could hear me over the thumping beats of the party below.

  “I am not a fortune-teller,” Ginger said. Her face reverted back to its usual, stony set. “Do you see a crystal ball? Am I wearing a turban? The information I am privy to is not for others.”

  “So that’s it then? You get what you want and I get nothing out of it?”

  “You will always have sanctuary among us. A place to go and food to eat. An offer like that, for you, Deznee Cross, is a generous one. I have sent word. Misha Vaugn has redacted your ban of the hotel. You may stay there when needed.”

  “Wow. Thanks,” I said sarcastically and turned away. I wasn’t getting anywhere else with her. Time to cut my losses and focus on the important stuff. Mom. Ginger was right. I didn’t need the Reaper, I had the information needed to make it happen.

  We were nearly to the outside edge of the room when Ginger called out. “One more thing.”

  Something told me not to stop, but I did it anyway.

  “I’m sorry for everything.”

  I didn’t answer, only continued on my way. I didn’t ask, but something told me she wasn’t apologizing for lying to me.

  26

  It was almost midnight when we left the party. Kale and I were both tired and hungry, and as much as it bugged me, the only place we could think to go was Misha’s.

  The money Brandt had given me was basically gone—a bus trip was out of the question since I had nothing on hand to make spare cash with. And besides that, the idea of mimicking anything after the last few days turned the air in my lungs to ice.I It looked like we were hoofing it across town. We were only four blocks from the hotel when I heard someone yelling my name.

  “Dez, helooo? Are you deaf, girl?” A car pulled up alongside and Curd hopped out. Looking sleek in black leather pants and a crisp black button down.

  “Curd!” I threw my arms around his shoulders. “Are you okay?”

  He pulled away, glaring at me. “No thanks to you. Not cool to split on me like that right as I crashed.”

  “Crashed?”

  “I went up to get you and your boy a soda and voom! Last thing I remember was pulling a cold one from the fridge, enjoying my buzz. One too many uppers that morning, I guess. I passed out cold. But to leave me facedown on the floor? Not cool.”

  He didn’t know what had happened. Part of me felt grateful. “I’m sorry. I got a call and we had to book.”

  “Whatever.” Curd gave me a once-over and frowned. “What are you doing over here? There’s a red square rave in the field outside Fallow Farm. Heading home to change?” In my wrinkled hoodie and dirty jeans, I must have looked like a walking disaster. Definitely not how Curd was used to seeing me.

  “No party for me tonight. It’s been a long few days. I’m heading to a friend’s to crash.”

  “Aww. I told Fin Meyers you were gonna be there. You were asking about him so I figured—”

  “Who is Fin Meyers?” Kale asked. From the way he snatched my hand and squeezed, I got the impression he was jealous. He was definitely more normal than he realized. I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze in return.

  “When did I ask you about that jerk?”

  He looked at me as though I’d shown up wearing last year’s jeans. “Um, this afternoon? When you called me? Wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise? We discussed Sumrun invites, or do you not remember that either?” He shook his head. “I gotta say, with your drool scale, it surprised me you wanted to be bothered with a walking disease like Fin, but to each her own. I heard you were into some weird shit.”

  Kale’s brow furrowed. “When did you have time—?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t.” To Curd, I said, “I haven’t spoken to you since the day we showed up at your place.”

  A wave of nausea washed over me.

  Mercy.

  That’s why my address book had been open on the desk. I hadn’t pulled one over on Denazen—they’d pulled one over on me. The list, the emails, Kale’s escape, it had all been a setup.

  Curd’s voice echoed through my haze. “You’r
e looking a little pale, Dez. Everything all right?”

  I couldn’t answer right away. If I opened my mouth, I’d scream my head off.

  “Dez?” Something slipped over my shoulder. Kale’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

  I remembered the emails on the flash drive. Of course. They’d need someone to get the party’s location. Who better than me. Sumrun was one of our town’s biggest secrets. They could ask Alex, but he’d tell them he didn’t know. Mercy had my voice and my address book. I’d practically handed her the location on a golden platter. “You told me where the party was being held this year when we spoke on the phone earlier, didn’t you?”

  He nodded and leaned forward. “I thought you gave up all that”—he put his fingers to his lips and inhaled deeply—“stuff.”

  “It’s been a really long day. Refresh my memory?”

  Curd sighed. “The old Shop Rite warehouse by the docks.”

  “Oh, right.” Think. Think fast. I contemplated telling Curd that something big was going down, but decided against it. What good would it do? Nothing I said would make him consider changing locations this late in the game, and as far as I could tell, Curd knew nothing about Sixes. He’d write me off as crazy or, better yet, stoned, and walk away laughing.

  I needed this party to happen—but on my terms, not theirs. “Hey, I know the party’s in a few days, but I came up with a killer idea and I forgot to mention it earlier.”

  “I’m all ears, baby.”

  “Let’s make it a costume rave this year.”

  “I dunno. I mean I love the idea, but ya think we can get the news out this late in the game?”

  “Totally! Do a mass email. People will spread the word!”

  “That’s a serious idea.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of Marlboros. “Hey, where you two headed? I can give you a lift before I hit the square.”

  “That would be great, thanks.”

  §

  Even though Ginger said we had use of the hotel whenever we needed it, I half expected to be turned away at the door. To my surprise, though, we were escorted up to the third floor and deposited in a single room with two queen-size beds. Ten minutes later, after Kale finished checking under the beds and in the closet, a knock came from the hallway. When we opened the door, no one was there, but a cart full of assorted food sat unattended.

  “What is this soft white stuff?” Kale asked, sitting across from me. We’d jammed the food cart between us and pigged out. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten so much. I was ready to pop.

  “That is a fried cheese stick. Pretty much in its own revered food group. It’s only earthly equal is the chocolate food group.” I leaned across the table and pushed a small dish of still-warm marinara sauce at him. “Dip it in there and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  He did as instructed, and I watched his lips curled into a deliriously happy smile. A small moan came from deep inside his throat as he chewed his fried cheese. The sound—as well as the smile—gave me goose bumps.

  I reached for my glass of water at the same time Kale reached for his. Our fingers brushed. It was enough to make him forget the cheese stick.

  He was on his feet, around the cart, and next to me on the bed before I had a chance to blink. Gesturing to the empty cart of food he said, “They’ve fed us and locked us in. Can I kiss you again?”

  “They haven’t locked us in, Kale. We’re guests here, not prisoners.”

  “They locked us in last time we were here. We were not guests.”

  “Things were a little different last time. And they didn’t lock us in, they requested we stay in our room. They didn’t know if we could be trusted.” I slid down the bed and made my way to the door. “See?” I opened it and stepped into the hallway. Kale followed.

  He looked up one end and then down the other. “Now they trust us?”

  I shrugged. “We got them the information they wanted, so I guess so.”

  “How far will they allow us to go?”

  “How far? We can go wherever we want. I mean not into other people’s rooms, obviously, but we could leave if we wanted.”

  Kale slid past me and went for the stairs. I made sure I had the room key, closed the door, and followed him. He didn’t stop till he hit the lobby. The desk clerk offered him a friendly smile, then turned back to her newspaper.

  Kale watched her suspiciously, taking small, tentative steps backward. She ignored him.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, trying not to laugh.

  But Kale was serious. He put his hand on the door handle and the desk clerk glanced up from her paper to give him a truly confused look. Staring at her, Kale pushed open the door and stepped outside.

  Nothing happened.

  He stayed there, on the other side of the thick glass door, for a few minutes before coming back inside. The bell above chimed, and the desk clerk looked up again. “Did you guys…need something?”

  Kale didn’t answer. Instead, he pushed back out the door, this time taking several steps away from the building.

  I rolled my eyes. “Sorry. This is all a little new to him.” I opened the door and pulled a very stunned-looking Kale back inside. “Can we go to sleep now?”

  The whole way back to our room—it took a few minutes because he still wouldn’t get into the elevator—Kale remained silent. We reached the room, and I pulled out the key. Kale leaned forward, arms wrapping around my waist. His cheek skimmed up my neck and across the side of my face as we walked inside. “Is this okay?” he whispered, voice a bit hoarse.

  “Um,” I swallowed, fighting for control of my voice. “Sure.”

  He drew away and pulled off his shirt, then without missing a beat, mine was gone as well. Large hands spun my body to face his and lips met my own as the fire started to build.

  “I can see it in your eyes,” he breathed between kisses. “You still don’t believe this.”

  “Hmm?” A mumble was about all I could manage. I wanted less talking and more kissing.

  He pulled away and laced his fingers through mine, holding them out in front of me. “This.”

  I sighed. It was a shame to ruin such a perfect toe-curling kiss, but he seemed determined. “It’s not that I don’t believe you. I’m being”—I tried to think of the right word— “cautious.”

  He frowned. “Cautious?”

  Obviously not the right word. “I know this is all really hard for you to understand but—”

  “You keep assuming I don’t know anything at all. Because I’ve never seen a DBD, had a cheese stick, or had someone who makes me happy, you think I can’t figure out how I feel.”

  “DVD.”

  “What?”

  “It’s a DVD, not a DBD. Digital Video Disc.”

  He glared at me. “I’m not simple. I know Alex hurt you. I know about things in your life changing you. I know about being cautious.”

  “You asked me if I was afraid of you.”

  He pulled further away and I could see a hint of fear in his eyes. “Yes.”

  “I said I was, sort of.”

  “You did.”

  “That’s what I mean by cautious. I’m afraid of you because I have to be careful.”

  His expression twisted and he looked as though I’d hit him. “I would never hurt you. I can’t—”

  “That’s not what I mean. I’m afraid of the way you make me feel. I’m the first person you’ve ever been able to touch. The way you feel about me isn’t going to last. Eventually you’re going to want something else. Someone else…”

  “You’re the only person who can touch me, Dez.”

  “For now. Remember, Ginger said you can learn to control it. Eventually, you’ll be able to live a normal life. You’ll be able to be just
like everyone else. You’re going to want to date other people.”

  “You’re not hearing me.” He pulled me closer. “You’re the only one who can touch me. Someday I might be able to touch other people without turning them into a dusty husk, but that won’t change the fact that you’ll still be the only one who can touch me.”

  He pulled my hand up to his chest and placed it over his heart. “I don’t know how you feel, or understand exactly what you mean by date other people, but if it’s this”—he squeezed my hand to his chest—“then you’re wrong.”

  Then he kissed me. Not a gentle peck or a tentative pull of the lips. A scorching, soul-wrenching hammer that pounded a heart-stopping rhythm from my toes to the tips of my fingers. Alive. Like his other kisses, it was the strongest high I’d ever had. A thrill I intended to ride all the way to the end this time.

  I backed us up against the wall. “How I feel? You want to know?” I ran my hands over his face and tangled them into his messy hair. “This is unlike anything else. I’ve bungeed off buildings, I’ve skateboarded off roofs. I’ve even gone train surfing. Nothing comes close to the high I feel when I’m with you. You’ve been through horrible things, and yet you’re one of the kindest, truest people I’ve ever met. At first I thought it was because you were safe. I could feel something for you because you couldn’t hurt me. Not the way Alex did. But it’s more than that. It’s you. Who you are. The way you are. Everything from your smile to the way you always say exactly what’s on your mind. Your soul, Kale.”

  I took a deep, shaky breath. “It terrifies me to say it, but I think I might be falling in l—”

  “I love you,” he said. His arms encircled me, fingers digging into my lower back. They slipped down, sliding inside the back of my jeans. His words came in thick, hot rasps that tickled the side of my face as he kissed a trail from my chin to my ear, and back again. “Just you. Only you. Always you.”

  I pulled him away from the wall and backed toward the bed. He followed, never breaking contact. Like me, the room, the entire world would vanish if he let go. We reached the bed and I turned, breaking the kiss. He strained forward, eager to reconnect, but I resisted. I took a step back and made a show of slowly unbuttoning my jeans. Kale stopped fighting me and froze. He stared, eyes trained on my hands as I slid my jeans down to the floor. When I kicked them away, he reached forward to grip my hips. A small sigh of contentment escaped his lips as he made contact again, pulling me closer.