Fractured (Josie) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 0026 

The men move silently. A group of about 12 standing side by side. My heart beats wildly in my chest. Here we go. I spot Theo in the line of men, he gives me a reassuring smile and motions for me to breathe. The seer walks down the line of men, she stops in front of Theo and places a hand on his shoulder with a nod, then she continues down the line. Theo has the biggest grin and I know he’s dying to run over to me. The seer stops again and we both look to see who else she has selected. It’s the copper–haired man with the shy smile. Axel, I think his name was. He stares at me a little wide–eyed and his cheeks flush red. I think he may be in shock. The seer walks away without a word and I follow, Theo and Axel fall into step behind me as we silently go to collect the rest of my bonds. This is so weird. 

Sage leads us into the main study building, we pass door after door and then suddenly she stops and turns to face one of the doors. Damien steps forward and knocks on the door before popping his head in and quietly announcing the seer’s arrival. The sound of chairs scraping the floor quickly falls into silence and then Sage steps into the room. I follow her in and three men are standing at the front of the class. One of them is Luke. Ismile widely as she touches his shoulder. I’m so happy that we were right about Theo and Luke and I bet Axel is nice, he has kind eyes and seems too shy to be anything but sweet. The seer walks on with purpose. I guess she’s not done then. Luke joins our line of silent soul seekers as we set off on our next mission. I almost laugh at my own thoughts and have to bite my tongue to keep quiet. As we make our way through the school I start to recognise our route and my heart begins to pick up its rhythm. We are heading right towards the office of Mr Deacon Collins. I have a feeling he’s not going to take this well. As we approach his door I hear raised voices coming from inside, he’s not alone. Sage stops at his door and Cole knocks on it to announce our presence. My knees start to feel like jelly as we wait. The anticipation is going to kill me before he opens the door at this rate. A hand slips into mine from behind, Theo’s calming vibes flowing through me. 

“Come in,” Mr Collins’s voice calls. Cole pushes open the door and steps back allowing us to pass. I push onto my tiptoes to peek over Sage’s shoulder. Deacon sits at his desk, a look of defeat painted on his face. His eyes soften as they meet mine. I’m still angry at him, but I’m also relieved I hadn’t imagined the pull towards him, and despite his words in assembly, there was something between us. He can’t deny it now, no matter how much he wants to. The seer takes one step forward and then turns to the right, reaching out a hand. I lean forward to see what she’s doing and I forget all of my calming techniques when my eyes meet the wide–eyed stare of Mason. 

“No,” I gasp as horror grips me. 

“Fuck, no,” Mason growls, knocking Sage’s hand from his shoulder. He surges forward, squeezing out of the door, ensuring he doesn’t touch me as he passes. 

“Mason, stop,” Theo pleads. There’s a scuffle as Theo and Mason grapple in the corridor. Axel joins the fray before he is flung into a wall, hard. Theo gets knocked to the floor, landing with a pained sound. It takes the effort of Marcus, Cole and Damien to restrain Mason. I look to Mr Collins, who is guiding Sage to sit on the couch. She looks frail and unwell. Mr Collins shouts for a medic and orders me to get out. Lturn and stumble forward. The world is spinning too fast. My knees buckle under me and just before I hit the floor arms wrap around me. 

“I’ve got you, I’ll always catch you,” Luke says, pulling me back to my feet and lending me his strength. He pulls me into an empty office, giving me a break from the chaos to gather my thoughts. 

“Why is this happening?” I ask on a whimper. “This has to be a mistake,” 

“It’s not. Look,” Luke pulls the notebook from his pocket and flips it open to show me. I blink at what I’m seeing. It’s a list of names. Theo Henry, Luke Weston, Deacon Collins, Mason Marshall, Axel Bennett. “This is my prediction of your bonds,” he explains. 

“Do you have a seer gift too?” I ask. 

1/2 

“No, I’ve been watching your behaviour and these are just based on my observations,” he admits. 

“You are such a geek,” I shake my head. I have so many questions but now is not the time or the place. 

“Yes, but I’m your geek now,” he smiles, pulling me in closer to him. He looks down at me his eyes moving from my eyes down to my lips. He inches closer and I know he’s going to kiss me, and I’m not opposed to it. Everything goes quiet in the corridor as Luke’s lips brush over mine. It’s not quite a kiss, more of a question. He’s seeking permission to kiss me. 

“I know what you are doing,” I smile, the movement causing our lips to touch again. 

“What’s that then?” he grins grabbing my hips and pulling me closer. 

“You’re trying to distract me,” I whisper, my breath catching at the tension building between us. 

“Is it working?” he asks, his lust–filled eyes searching mine. 

my 

“Yes,” I breathe, and then he pounces. His lips crashing into mine in a blissful kiss. For a moment all my