I'd been in this position before, with Ryan. Don't panic, I thought. Remember what he told you to do. His words echoing in my mind, I worked up one of my legs, until it was between me and the Sybilin. I kicked with every ounce of energy I possessed. The alien sailed backward. I didn't allow myself a moment's rest but jumped forward, gripping my knife, and cut.
It howled, then dropped to the floor, immobile.
I stood in place, gasping. Ryan looked up at me, his features pained.
“Thank you,” he managed. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” I was just about to jump back into the fight when another Sybilin fell at my feet. I blinked in surprise.
“It's over,” Mia said, panting. “They're dead.”
“Enemy neutralized,” the computer said, confirming Mia's words.
Suddenly weary, I gazed around. Shock, yes. Pride, that too. But most of all, I experienced sadness. Yellow rivers branched from the bodies lying on the floor. Not all of them were Sybilins, though. My stomach clenched, and I prayed to God I didn't find one of my friends dead.
Ryan eased to a sitting position, weak but okay. I looked past him…and that's when I saw Kitten. She was unmoving.
Panicked, I stumbled to her and knelt down. “Kitten?” I shook her shoulder. “Kitten!”
Her eyelids fluttered open weakly. “What?”
“Thank God.” I sighed in relief. “Are you hurt?”
“Only my pride,” she said dryly. “One of those bastards knocked me down and tried to kiss me, but I remembered what you said and scratched its eyes out.” A dark cloud blanketed her expression as her gaze scanned the room. “Is Bradley okay?”
“I'm right here,” he said, bending over her. His freckles appeared black against his too-pale skin. “You okay?”
“I'm good,” she grumbled, but she smiled up at him. “Did we win or what?”
“Oh, yes,” I said. “We won.”
16
In the following days, the buildings were cleaned and the injured doctored. Both Kitten and Ryan spent two days on an IV. I visited them as often as I was allowed. There was always another agent in Ryan's room, though, so I never got a chance to talk to him about the kiss. And I wanted to talk to him. Badly.
One of those days I was summoned to Angel's office. She didn't say a word as she blindfolded me and drove me away from the school. Sweat beaded over my skin. My nails bit into my palms. I expected my memory to be wiped for daring to break a rule and kiss an instructor (and wanting to do it again), but she merely escorted me…somewhere and sat me down at the only piece of furniture in the room. A table.
She removed the hood, and I blinked against the sudden light. “Where am I?” I asked nervously.
“An abandoned warehouse we like to use.”
“For what?” I gulped past the lump in my throat.
Angel hooked a lock of light brown hair behind her ear, her expression unreadable. “You'll see.”
“I thought I got three strikes, not two. I thought—” My mother entered, and my mouth formed a large O. “Mom?”
“Phoenix.” She hesitated in the doorway, then tilted her chin with determination and marched forward. “How are you?”
Angel stepped away from the table, giving us a sense of privacy without actually giving us privacy.
I pushed to my feet. I couldn't believe this. It was more surreal than having Outers attack the camp.
“How are you?” my mom repeated. Her familiar brown eyes swept over me. “You look well.”
“I am,” I said shakily. “You?”
“I'm good.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “They tell me you're doing well. That they test you every day and you're clean.”
“I am.”
“I—I'm proud of you.” Her features crumpled, followed quickly by her shoulders. She stared down at her hands.
Had she just said…surely she hadn't…
“I am. I'm proud of you. I let you go without saying good-bye, and I've hated myself ever since. I just—”
With those words, I experienced a tide of relief. Of joy. Of happiness. I rushed to her and wrapped her in my arms. “It's okay. Really. Sending me to camp was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I'm clean. I've made great friends, and I finally have a purpose.”
“That's all I've ever wanted for you.” She squeezed me tightly. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
Angel piped in and said, “We need to get back, Ms. Germaine. I'm sorry.”
My mom scrubbed her watery eyes with the back of her wrist, and gave Angel a half smile. “I understand.”
I hugged her again. “Write me.”
“I will. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.”
This time, we said good-bye. I smiled the entire drive to camp, joy bubbling from me. My mother loved me. She was proud of me. Life had never been better.
The next day, all of the students were called together. We'd partied here before, but now we were going to celebrate our victory. There were decorations and streamers, a colorful, festive river. Music played in the background. I stood off to the side, watching the dancing.
Kitten looked completely healed and was locked in a tight embrace with Bradley, not caring who saw them. Cara danced with Erik, and there was worship in his eyes. I experienced a pang of envy. I wanted that with Ryan. And I knew I couldn't have it.
Speaking of Ryan, where was he? He was out of the hospital, I knew that much. I wanted to see him. Needed to see him.
Just then, Boss entered the room. Conversations tapered to quiet, and the music died down. Ryan was beside him as if my thoughts had summoned him. My heart hammered against my ribs and my gaze drank him up. His gaze did the same to me. The rest of the instructors, including Allison, Mia, Angel, and Siren, entered, as well, and lined up behind him.
Boss spoke, his voice echoing throughout the room as if he wore a mic. “I want to commend each and every one of you for your bravery. You handled yourselves like true agents. I'm proud. Very proud.”
Everyone cheered.
He allowed it to continue for several minutes, then held up his hand for silence. “You were given a glimpse of just how evil some aliens can be. I hope this strengthens your resolve to become the best agent you can be.”
Kitten, Emma, and the rest of our gang inched beside me, and they were nodding. Hell, even I nodded. I wanted to be a good agent. The best. I wanted to protect my world. My friends. My mother.
“There are far worse out there,” Boss continued. “But as for today, we aren't going to worry about them. Now that everyone is healed and out of medical, we're going to celebrate. Dance. Eat. Laugh. Classes are dismissed for the rest of the afternoon. Tomorrow, however, we'll continue on schedule.”