Turbulence (9 page)

Whatever afterlife his father was in, he was probably
disappointed. He brought Greyson up to be a leader, to be strong, to pay no
attention to feelings.

Nobody took orders from a weak man.

----

Greyson thought all night and the next day about the
situation with Avalon. It was one of the only things he could still do
something about. There was not much he could do concerning Department X,
besides make sure the people under his direct watch were as safe as possible.

He would try to patch things up with Avalon as best as
possible, though there was no reason at all for her to forgive him. He treated
her like crap. Greyson didn’t expect her to just pardon his behavior and
pretend that things were cool between them. He just wanted to get to a place
where they could be in a room together without the tension.

With his hands tucked into the pockets of his black pants,
he walked up the road toward her cabin. She hadn’t come in to work that day. It
wasn’t a mystery as to why.

As he got closer to the cabin, he watched Ross come out.
Ross turned and embraced Avalon for longer than was necessary. A growl rose up
in Greyson’s throat.
A jealous growl
. Somehow he managed to clamp down
on it before he pounced on his brother.

They broke apart and she went back into the house. Ross
turned and walked away. He faltered in his steps when he saw Greyson.

“What are you doing here?” Ross asked.

“I should be asking you the same question.” Greyson arched a
brow.

“Got a right to be anywhere I want to be.”

“So do I. Guess you and Avalon are going strong.”

Ross lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “We’re cool. Just had
dinner.”

That irked Greyson to no end. He hoped it wasn’t reflected
on his face. “I see. Don’t you have someplace to be?”

“Yeah. You make sure of that,” Ross muttered as he walked
off. Greyson didn’t know what he meant by it, but it didn’t matter.

He walked up to the cabin and knocked. The door swung open.
A look of surprise crossed Avalon’s pretty features before being schooled into
the model of composure. Her eyes remained violet.

“Sir. What can I do for you?”

“Can I come in?”

She opened the door and gestured for him to enter. The cabin
was small but quaint. It felt homey in a way the suite of rooms he had at the
main house didn’t. Probably because Avalon was here. Something about her calmed
the torment within him and gave him momentarily feelings of peace.

She strolled into the small but neat kitchen. “I was just
clearing the dishes. Have a seat at the table if you would like.” He did.
“Would you like something to eat?”

“No thank you.”

She looked so beautiful in the long, flowing dress that
wrapped around her body. Her elegant neck was exposed since her long hair was
in a bun. He longed to kiss, to taste the delicate skin of her throat.

Avalon moved gracefully around the kitchen like a dancer,
skilled and fluid. She picked up the evidence of the meal she shared with his
brother. Greyson was reminded of the breakfasts they no longer shared together.

“I just saw Ross,” he said when the silence stretched
between them for far too long.

Her hand paused in scraping the leftovers from a plate into
the trash. “Yes. I made him an early dinner since he is not going to the
community dinner later.” She resumed her task.

Avalon never went to the dinners. That’s how he knew he
would find her in the cabin tonight. “That was kind of you.”

“We do it every week. He has never been to one of the
community dinners. I figure it’s the least I could do.”

“He’s been to a dinner.”

“He always has to work. You put him on duty.”

That was news to Greyson. He didn’t realize he did that.
Ross was the person in charge of the sentries and therefore one of the best.
Greyson just felt more comfortable when his brother was working. It never
dawned on him that Ross missed out on anything.

“I’ll have to change that then,” he said, rubbing his chin.

“Thank you. He’ll appreciate that.” She placed the dishes
into the sink and then sat across the circular wooden table from him.

Greyson glanced around, ready to duck if he saw Veeva. The
old woman was likely to hit him over the head with a frying pan. He didn’t have
an admirer in her. “Where is your grandmother?”

“I managed to convince her to help Bear out in the kitchen
so that Ross and I could have a quiet dinner together.”

She might as well have slapped him in the face. Her words
had the same stinging effect. “Listen, Avalon, I know you probably don’t want
to hear this, but I came here to apologize.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “It’s not necessary. A
man of your station needs not to apologize to the likes of me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m a servant. You’re a member of the upper classes. We are
who we are. It was the same on Jheta. It’s the same here.”

Avalon sounded ridiculous. He cared nothing of class
systems. “Things are not the same here as on Jheta, Avalon. It doesn’t matter
what caste we were born into. You don’t seem to be having a problem with my
brother. We are of the same class, same mother and father.”

She averted her gaze and fussed with the salt and pepper
shakers, moving them in a circle on the table. “Ross is…different. He’s very
down to earth.”

“And I’m not?”

“No.” She looked up then. “You like to throw your weight
around. You know your position. You were born to command. It defines you.”

He didn’t know what to say to that. He didn’t care if other
people saw him that way. It mattered that Avalon did. He never wanted her to
see him as anything other than her equal.

Greyson said, “I’m sorry for everything. For the ridiculous
things I’ve said to you, how I have been acting. You didn’t deserve my anger
and frustration. You don’t have to forgive me. But the apology is out there.”

He stood and pulled the book he bought for her from the
waistband of his pants. He slid it across the table to her. “It’s a book.
Thought you’d like it.”

She stared at the book as if expecting it to turn into a
snake and bite her. “You don’t have to buy my forgiveness.”

“I didn’t. I’ve had it for some time now,” he said,
embarrassed to admit it.

With trembling fingers, she reached out and took the book.
“No man has ever bought me anything before,” she uttered so quietly he had to
strain his ears to hear it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad to have been your first.” Greyson
felt the unexpected urge to shower her with gifts. “I hope you like it. It’s
romance.”

She stood up and walked across the space separating them.
Her thick black lashes rose and fell over her purple eyes. “I’m going to hug
you.”

She didn’t get the chance because he wrapped his arms around
her first. She felt so good against his body, so small and perfect like she was
created to be there within his arms. Her hair smelled of something warm and
sweet: vanilla. He wanted to free her locks from the restrictive bun she kept
it in, feel the silky tresses and bury his face in it. Bury himself in her.

“You don’t have to let me off easy because I bought you
something, you know.”

“I know. I forgave you yesterday.” He pulled back to study
her. She looked earnest enough. “Life is too short to remain angry and
offended. I forgive you, Greyson.”

He pressed his lips against her forehead. “That means a lot
to me, Avalon.” Because he didn’t deserve it. “Guess what? I decided to cut
back on drinking. Just be a social drinker instead of the everyday thing.”

He’d looked into it today, even talked on the phone with an
alcohol counselor. He was serious about this. Cutting out drinking cold turkey
probably wasn’t going to fly, but eventually he’d make it to a point where he
wasn’t dependent on the stuff.

She grinned. It was dazzling. “I’ve been praying that you’ll
stop. Promise you’ll stick to it?”

“Yes. I don’t want to be the alcoholic guy that nobody
likes.”

“I like you,” Avalon whispered coyly.

Because he wanted to do more than kiss her forehead and
because she was Ross’s woman, Greyson reluctantly released Avalon. He backed
away, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“I’m going to the dinner. You’re not coming, are you?”

She shook her head. “I already ate.”

“I know. You look good, Avalon. Healthier.” Just gaining a
few extra pounds made her shine and even more beautiful. “I expect to see you
at work tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there. I was giving you time to cool off.”

“You can see I’m cool now.” He took a few steps backward.
“Have a good night. Try not to dream about me tonight,” he teased, reaching the
door.

“I don’t know if I’ll sleep. I’ll probably be reading all
night.”

“Try to get a little rest, sunshine.”

Even though it was evening and the moon had already appeared
in the sky, Greyson had a little bit of sun to take with him because things
were right with Avalon again.

Chapter 9

“Uno!” Avalon held up the last card in her hand. It was a
green two.

Ross frowned at his cards. He still had five of them left.
“I should have never introduced this game to you. You’re too good. But it’s not
over yet.”

He threw out a yellow two during his turn, after which
Avalon put down her card.

“Yes. I win.” She grinned. She didn’t know this game could
be so fun.

Playfully, he slammed his cards on the kitchen table in his
cabin. His house was bigger than the one she shared with her grandmother, but
it was still smaller than the farmhouse.

“Good thing we didn’t bet anything,” Ross said. “I would
have been sorry.”

“Yeah, right.” Avalon gathered up the cards and tied a
rubber band around them. “Amelia told me you always beat everyone at poker. No
one wants to play with you anymore.”

“Don’t you know that Uno is so much harder than poker?”

“Seriously?”

“No.”

She laughed. “I like being friends with you. You’re funny.”

He leaned back in his chair and took a sip from his beer
bottle. Avalon was struck once again by how attractive he was. And he had a
wonderful personality to match. If only he could be Greyson. “I like it too.
Besides the sentries, I don’t have many friends. I don’t really get to hang out
with Lily that often with her either spending time with Dex or working.” The
dejection in his voice was difficult to miss.

“Do you think you’ll ever get over loving Lily?”

His warm brown eyes held her in shock that she’d guessed his
feelings. Honestly, he did not hide them too well. “When did you figure it
out?”

“The first night we went out.”

“Guess that ruined things for you.”

“Not really,” she replied. “I still like you as a friend.”
Neither of them was in a place to be more than friends to the other.

He took another sip of his beer. “Yeah. That’s what tends to
happen with women and me. I get stuck in the friend zone. You didn’t really
have a choice since I put you there.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I know you don’t and that’s why I like you. With Lily, I
tried to be more than friends. However, I came into the picture too late. She
already loved Dex too much. Still loves him. So to answer your question, I hope
I get over her soon. It’s been a year and I am still trapped. I don’t know what
to do.”

Avalon reached across the table and put her hand atop his.
Her heart went out to Ross. He was such a wonderful guy. If only Lily had met
him before Dex. But she didn’t and she was happy where she was. She and Dex
were starting a family.

She allowed herself to be carried away into a vision of the
future. Maybe she could give him hope, let him know he would find love
eventually.

In the vision, it was night, warm and humid. Ross stood on a
sidewalk. Cars whizzed by on a busy street. Behind him lights glowed. A
flashing sign advertised a hotel and casino. From the determined expression on
his face, she gathered he was searching for something or someone. Then the
vision dissolved.

Avalon blinked to clear her eyes. Ross knew about her
ability already, but this was the first time she’d used it on him. He did not
seem offended when she told him what she saw.

 He rubbed his jaw, the bristles of day old stubble rasping
against his palm. “There are casinos and hotels everywhere. What was I
searching for?”

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’m sorry I can’t be
more helpful.”

“It’s all right. Maybe I was headed to win a few hands of
poker.”

They moved over to the couch. Ross turned on a basketball
game. Avalon didn’t really understand much about the sport other than the
orange ball going through the net was a good thing and that the men were
incredibly tall and in great physical shape.

“Avalon?”

“Hmm?” She turned to look at Ross.

He pressed his lips together, thinking of how he wanted to
phrase what he wanted to say. “You are a gorgeous woman and not once since
we’ve known each other have you ever mentioned another guy. I’m not holding you
back, am I?”

“No. You’re not holding me back.” Should she tell him the
truth? Ross was trustworthy. He told her about Lily. It was only fair she did
the same. “There is a guy I’m sort of interested in, but it doesn’t matter. It
wouldn’t work out between us.”

“Why not?”

“We’re too different. He’s out of my league.”

“I find that hard to imagine. Who is he?” He saw her
reluctance to tell him and he nodded. “It’s okay. That’s your business. What
makes him out of your league?”

There was only so much she could tell without him guessing
on his own that the guy was his brother. “He comes from a different background
than me. Very privileged and high class. I come from the lower ranks, a long
line of servants. He’s a player. There is no reason he would pay attention to
me for more than a night. Then I’d be nothing to him.”

Greyson probably left a trail of broken hearts everywhere he
went. The number of girls she knew of probably didn’t do his body count
justice.

Ross rubbed the back of his neck. “If this guy really likes
you, if he deserves you, then your background shouldn’t make a difference. You
are one of the kindest, most selfless and beautiful people I know. If he
doesn’t see that then move on. If he really is the playboy you say he is, maybe
you should move on anyway or maybe you are the girl who will change him.”

Avalon could not imagine changing Greyson. He was set in his
ways. She wouldn’t get the commitment she desired with him or all that came
with a commitment: bonding, children.

Ross continued speaking. “It sounds more like you’re afraid.
You’re holding the differences between the two of you like a security blanket.
You have no reason to be insecure or have low confidence. Give the guy a
chance. You never know what may happen. Backgrounds don’t matter here. We have
all become new people.”

The idea of actually letting Greyson into her heart scared
her so much. She didn’t want to be hurt, which she knew would happen
eventually. There was no way he would ever blood bond with her. Avalon wanted
that someday. Their time together would mean little in the way of progress.

Would it still be worth it?

----

Avalon didn’t like this. She didn’t like it at all.

This was the third day of the new sessions Amelia liked to
call treats. It was full contact boxing, which was really seeing how many times
Avalon could get knocked on her butt. She felt like a child playing dress up
with the red boxing gloves and matching helmet.

When Amelia was feeling generous, Avalon landed a few
punches. Mostly she just bounced on her feet and swung at the air. But she was
getting better. Nowhere near sentry level, but good enough to be able to get
away if an attacker came after her.

“Come on, Avalon,” Amelia taunted. “I thought you wanted to
be tough.”

“I do,” she garbled around the mouthpiece protecting her
teeth.

“Then hit me. I’m right here.”

They danced around the mats in a circle. A crowd of a few
sentries had formed to watch the match. At first it made Avalon nervous, but
whenever she managed to land an easy punch against Amelia, she was rewarded
with cheers. It kept her going even though she was tired.

Avalon threw another punch. Amelia blocked it easily with
her forearm.

“It’s okay. You got it,” someone yelled.

She scrutinized the other woman. Amelia told her to always
look for weaknesses in her opponents. Amelia had to have a weakness. Everyone
did. Once she looked for it, it didn’t take long for Avalon to find it. Amelia
favored her right side. Avalon faked right, taking her by surprise and went
left. She landed a nice blow to her ribcage.

Amelia’s eyes narrowed as the small crowd whooped and
cheered. She swung out and punched Avalon in the face. Avalon went down hard.

----

Greyson walked through the doors of the sentries’ training
facility. He was looking for Ross to tell him he was giving him the night of
next week’s community dinner off. Ever since Avalon brought it to his attention,
Greyson wanted to make things right.

All thoughts flew out of his head when he saw Amelia throw a
hard punch and Avalon fall like a rag doll. He ran over to her at a dead run,
his heart about to rip free of his chest. He dropped to the floor beside her.

“Stay down,” he directed when she tried to get up.

“I’m okay, Greyson. Really.” Avalon’s words sounded
distorted and he pulled the teeth guard out of her mouth.

He helped her sit and drew off her helmet. A red bruise was
already forming beneath her left eye. If she didn’t get to Miriam the healer
soon, she’d have a wicked black eye in no time.

After Greyson saw that Avalon was relatively okay, his
concern transformed into fury. He glared at Amelia. She staggered back from the
force of it. “What the hell is going on?”

“Sir. I-it was an accident.” She took another step back with
good reason. Greyson wasn’t feeling too forgiving right now.

“An accident? It looked to me like you two were boxing. Do
you like beating up on people smaller than you, Amelia? Do you?” he shouted.

“No, sir. But it’s—”

“She’s been teaching me self-defense,” Avalon interrupted.
She touched his arm with the boxing gloves still on her hands. “Truly.”

His jaws worked hard as they clenched and unclenched. He
didn’t care about the reason why the bruise was on her face. It should not have
been there at all.

“That’s it. No more lessons. It’s over. Do you hear me,
Amelia?” The usually stern and unbreakable sentry nodded, fear reflected in her
dark eyes.

“But, Greyson—”

“Hush, Avalon. I haven’t even started with you yet.” Her
mouth snapped shut.

Greyson looked each of the men who had gathered around to
watch this buffoonery in the eyes to let them know he meant business. “Not one
person lays a hand on this woman for any reason. Not as a joke, a training
session, a hug. Nothing. If I hear about it, I will rip your hands off. Got it?
Good. Out!  Everybody out of here!”

“Not you, Avalon,” he said when she tried to get up and
scramble away like everyone else.

“You’re overreacting.”

“I may be, but I can’t help it.” He lightly touched the
bruise, drawing back when she winced. “Why didn’t you tell me you wanted
self-defense lessons? I would have trained you.”

With the attacks and murders going on courtesy of Department
X, it was probably a good idea for everyone to learn to defend themselves.

At least she had the sense to look embarrassed, but not
enough so for her eyes to change colors. They stayed clear blue. “You are
always busy.”

“Not too busy for you, sunshine. I’ll train you for now on
at the farmhouse.”

“But you’re not a sentry,” Avalon objected.

Greyson’s eyebrows rose in amusement. “I used to be. When
Ross and I first arrived on Earth and I decided to start a Jhetan regime, I did
everything. I eventually handed off the duties to him and the sentries
flourished under his command.”

Avalon still shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking. I offered.” He took one of her hands,
unfastened the big red glove, and pulled it off. He did the same with the
other.

“I’m only doing this to toughen up, sir.”

“You’re plenty tough. Don’t call me
sir
.”

“I’m weak. You probably think it.”

“I do not. If I did, I would be an idiot. Don’t tell anyone
I told you that.” He winked and she laughed. “I like to hear you laugh,” he
said thoughtfully. He liked everything about her.

She looked down at her hands and said softly, “You shouldn’t
say things like that.”

Greyson cupped her chin to force her to look at him.
Heavens, her eyes were violet and filled with heat. “Why not?” His voice
sounded deeper than it had a few seconds ago.

“I don’t want to say,” she whispered.

“Because it makes you feel good?” he offered. The reddening
of her cheeks answered for her.

Greyson couldn’t stop himself when he lowered his mouth to
hers. It was just a peck, but it felt like more, especially when he pulled
back. Her eyes were as round as saucers.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He was lying
because he wanted to do it again.

She touched her lips. “That was my first kiss.”

“Your first kiss?” The consequences of what he’d just done
and what he’d stolen from her crashed into him. “Forgive me, Avalon. I know
you’re with Ross and—”

“I’m not,” she blurted.

“What?”

“Ross and I are friends.” Ross and Lily were friends too and
he knew how his brother felt about her. “He’s interested in someone else.”

“You’re not seeing
anyone
?”

She shook her head. “No one at all.” Greyson felt the
greatest relief until she said, “But you are. A lot of someones. A
whole lot
of women.”

He never felt more humiliated about his playboy ways than he
was then. He even paraded other women in her face all because he was jealous.
He was such an asshat.

“Those women meant nothing to me,” he explained. Hopefully
Avalon believed him. “Before I met you I thought having as many women as
possible was what life was about. The ones you saw over the last few weeks were
women I used to upset you because I was envious of Ross. I thought you were
together.”

Greyson exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m
screwed up, Avalon. One minute I want you. The next, everything my father
taught me about women floods my head. I shouldn’t be here right now. I need to
go.”

“No.” She grabbed his wrist, her touch searing his skin. He
wanted her hands everywhere on his body. “Don’t go.”