Aon

Chapter Six

I began to rub my temple after a half hour. My thoughts were beginning to scramble and create a headache that pulsed somewhere between my temples and the back of my head.

I didn’t recognize where I was. This was the Northern part of the state, from Williamsport and up. After a certain point, I was lost and utterly confused of where I was. It was a part of Pennsylvania I had never seen before. The streets weren’t as busy, and an eerie feeling crept beneath my skin as I scanned the sidewalks. People sat on their porch steps with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other. They glared at the SUV as they stopped in mid-conversation to stare. Teens draped across the stairs, some of them tangled together like vines with half-mast eyes watching as we drove by. A young man wearing a black hoodie, stood by a broken fence and slipped his hand into a young girl’s hand. It was an exchange, a baggy with white powder inside, for the money she had to offer.

Did he just sell that sixteen-year old girl drugs? Where are we? What’s going on?

I sat up in my seat as we passed a car with every door wide open. It blared its radio with multiple teens and middle-aged men lounging on top of the hood and roof. They watched us warily until one of the dark-skinned males lifted a middle finger and spat at us.

I shrunk back into my seat and looked towards Jacob, he peered ahead as if this was common for him. We were in the bad part of the neighborhood, somewhere I’ve never seen or experienced. I didn’t like this; my stomach was in knots and tightened until I felt as if I should hide beneath the seat. Even though the windows were tinted, I still felt as if they were looking into my eyes. To make matters worse, someone deliberately pulled out in front of us and slowed to a painful crawl.

As we rounded a bend in the road, not only did the car slow down even more, but teenagers began to chuck stones at the windows. I stiffened at each thump and flinched at every stone thrown. I feared one of these times it would break the window.

Casually, Marcus stood and grabbed my shoulder to push me back, then rolled the window down and leaned out the window. He pulled something from his pocket and aimed it at them causing them all to scurry and raise their hands. My throat tightened at the sight of the pistol and a tremor of fear washed through my body. Alexander was right, when I get a chance, I need to get away.

The window slowly rolled up and I held my breath all the while. He collapsed back into his seat next to me and tucked the pistol beneath his jacket. He held my gaze quietly as his jaw tightened and he forced a smile onto his trembling mouth. He leaned forward in his seat towards me, the Adams-apple in his throat bobbing from his harsh swallow.

“You okay?”

My mouth popped open and fell shut as I replayed the memory through my head.

“Scarred for life.”  I said truthfully with a rasp. “Why are we here?”

He seemed to sigh in relief as his shoulders slumped. “Kaden’s here, he’s our informant.”

“Informant?”

He brushed back his bangs from his face, to reveal a small scar across his temple, then let it fall back into place as he sighed.

“He tells us when the Legions are on the move and if it’s okay to cross the boundary.”

I nodded and almost looked out the window but caught myself and met his gaze again. The creep must have thought it was out of fear of the teenagers, but truly it was to keep an eye on him to ensure that pistol wouldn’t turn on me. His mouth curled the slightest bit, a true smile itching to cross his thin lips.

“Just look at me if it makes you feel better. I don’t think you’ll mind much.”

“How would that make me feel better?” I said stubbornly. “You’re not as good-looking as you think you are. Actually, quite the opposite.” My voice leaked with venom.

He didn’t take offence to this, instead his eyes filled with mischief as he leaned back and flashed me a crooked grin. Of course, I was lying. He was ‘okay’ looking, but not the worst I’ve ever seen. He was too thin in my taste, he needed some meat on his bones. I swear, someone could snap him in two if they weren’t careful. He seemed to know I was lying too. He just stared at me with a sly grin on his lips as he shook his head. My cheeks flushed as I huffed and turned my head to look at the back of the passenger seat.

Self-conceded jerk.

There was one thing I know: all the good-hearted men are either married, gay, or dead. I just so happen to be stuck with one of the many who aren’t good.

Suddenly the car turned off into an alley, between two run down houses, where two tanned skinned men stood leaning against a brick wall. They were built beneath their white tank tops and they seemed to flex their biceps to threaten us. They had broad faces and dark hair, with dark beady eyes that peered at us from beneath their bushy brows in caution and amusement as we parked.

Jacob instantly got out as April and Alexander suddenly flung themselves between the seats. They popped open the door beside me and hopped out as they hurried after him. I stared after them surprised as I undid the buckle slowly and cautiously of my surroundings. Marcus suddenly grabbed the seat buckle and tucked it on the other side of my hip as he put his face in front of mine. I froze in shock and fear, holding my breath as my eyes flashed to the pistol visible from his open jacket.

“Don’t question anything I do while we’re in there.” He warned gruffly as his dark emerald eyes held mine lethally. “Your life depends on it.”

I swallowed harshly and stilled in fright. We were the only ones in the vehicle and this horrified me. Why would they just leave like that? Didn’t they understand I didn’t want to be alone with any one of them?

“Do you understand?” He growled. “You have to listen and do as I say. If not, you may be shot or worse.”

I nodded quickly as a lump formed in my throat and my heart thudded. He grabbed my wrist and yanked me to stand as he ducked out of the SUV. I stumbled after him, but he didn’t let me go. He shut the door and looked at me in warning.

“Remember what I said?” His voice soothed as he proceeded to flash me a soft smile.

I was baffled as I nodded mechanically. He frowned at me and leaned down to my height.

“Work on your expressions. Smile if I pinch you and look a little bit more relaxed when I touch you.”

“What?” I rasped confused and horrified.

“Just do it.” He muttered annoyed.

He pulled me towards him and flung his arm over my shoulder casually. I didn’t know what to do, so I kept my arms at my sides and walked when he began to push against my shoulders. The two men were eyeing us as we came in front of the SUV, their eyes trained on me like rabid wolves waiting to pounce. I stiffened beneath their gaze and tried to avert my eyes, when Marcus suddenly turned us towards them and stopped in front of them.

“Ralph…” He greeted the first, then turned to the other. “Rico”.

“Who’s the fine lady you got there?” One of them rumbled with a hearty laugh.

“Mind if we watch her for a minute or two?” The other snickered.

I wasn’t the only one to stiffen. Marcus’s hand flexed over my shoulder and he pulled me against his side. The warmth and sudden comfort of his protective stance repulsed me. I shouldn’t be finding comfort with my enemies.

“Sorry, she’s taken.” His voice leaked with venom, possessiveness in his biting tone.

“Maybe next time?”

“Unless you want to keep that little d**k between your legs. I advise you to keep your eyes off my girl.”

I looked up shocked just as he flashed me a warning glance and my mouth snapped shut.

“You coming, Marcus?” I heard April call. “Kaden wants to see all passengers.”

Her voice had a tint of a warning with it and I looked to her as her bright eyes caught mine. She was ridged, her mouth pinched shut and her hands fisted at her sides.

“Coming, Ally.” Marcus said casually. “I didn’t think we were in a rush.”

Marcus turned, gearing us towards the open screen door and squeezed my shoulder. When I looked up at him, his eyes were harsh, his mouth pinched shut.

“Your acting needs to get better, sweetie.” He growled under his breath. “If you want to live, act comfortable. To live a life like mine, you would have to be used to comments and idiots like that.”

I nodded even though I didn’t know exactly how to act. As soon as we crossed the threshold, the scent of cigarettes smothered me, and the smell of alcohol filled the air. The air was thick with the fumes and formed a haze in the hall as he geared me into a room. There were five men standing around the room, not including Jacob, April, Alexander, and a man standing in the middle of the room. I hesitated and almost stopped if it weren’t for the slight pinch on my back. I restrained from jumping and forced myself to keep walking as an urge to flee filled me.

The man in the middle of the room looked to me, his dark eyes locking with mine as Marcus stopped four feet from the doorway. He was a black man, with hair that was cropped short to his scalp, a wide face and bulky build. He towered taller than Jacob and looked rather intimidating just to hold his gaze.

“Who are you?” He mused as he slowly left my gaze to scan me.

I shuddered in disgust and shot Marcus a panicked glance. His eyes were sharp as he pinched my shoulder. He dropped his hand from my shoulder to the small of my back and pushed gently. I wanted to push against his push but followed suite as he wished me to stand a foot from him.

“Jessica, my girlfriend.” Marcus lied smoothly. “Is it trouble? I thought we’d take her with us to see the Sledge Sisters.”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” The man snapped. “If I was, I would have asked you, asshole. –Now… who are you, little sweets?” He murmured as he tilted his head and slowly met my gaze.

“Jessica Rogers.” I lied as I fidgeted and looked to Marcus warily.

Marcus looked like he wanted to kill me, his eyes hardened, and his lips pulled over his teeth in horror and rage. My heart was in my throat as I looked at the man and nervously tucked my hair behind my ear. Act natural… oh yes, shaking is really natural!

“Awe now, don’t be shy, shorty.” The man purred. “I ain’t hurtin’ a fine thing like you. It would be a waste. Besides, I’m having fun just looking at you. You picked fine, Marcus, you picked fine.” He licked his lips and looked to Marcus. “If you ever get tired of her, don’t be afraid to leave her at my door.” He winked with a hearty chuckle.

My mouth tried to curl in disgust, only making him roar in laughter. Marcus stiffened and suddenly looped an arm around my waste, pulling me back against him as he silently gnashed his teeth. I looked up stunned at his response as his eyes held the man with possession and anger. The electric pulse seemed to swell between both of us and I found myself panicking inwardly to be set free.

“Sorry, but I don’t think she’s one to grow tired of, Kaden.”

I looked to the man and he seemed amused as he sauntered over to us with a wide grin on his big mouth.

“Ah, man. Don’t be like that. I wouldn’t take something that ain’t mine...” Kaden winked at me and bent down to my height. “But, if she ever grows tired of you…”

“Kaden,” Jacob said finally. “Are we going to discuss why we are here, or are you going to keep flirting with Marcus’s girlfriend?”

“Dammit, man.” Kaden chuckled. “Aren’t you a little bit angry that your brother got someone so fine?”

“Not at all.” Jacob said flatly.

Kaden chuckled and winked at me with a click of his tongue. I shuddered and quickly looked away, only for him to roar with laughter as he walked away.

“She’s a keeper. Seems like she doesn’t want just anyone. She would rather have vanilla than chocolate.”

I flushed and fidgeted as I cast a glance up at Marcus in wary of his reaction. His features were smoothed, and he looked down at me approvingly with a nod. I sighed in relief and looked to Kaden as he dropped himself into a cushioned arm chair.

“No Legions, if that’s what you want to know. They all headed for the south for some reason. Can’t tell you why though, seems rather strange to us. It should be safe for you to cross the border. No Legions will follow you for sure.” He shrugged his heavy shoulders as he looked up at Jacob.

“Do you know if the Sledge Sisters are still in New York? Or have they moved again?”

“They’re still there. Don’t worry.” Kaden waved him off as he took a swig from an amber bottle. “The Legions moved on south, so they’re staying the night before heading up north to Canada.”

“Would we have enough time to make it?” Marcus inquired baffled.

“You might.” Kaden shrugged again with a swig from his bottle. “You know how long they stay in one place. They have to keep on the move. They’re one of our biggest informants. If they were found out by the Legions, our whole operation would crash. But even then, I’m just annoyed they haven’t invited me over for five years now.”

“They have their reasons.” Marcus flashed a sly grin.

Kaden cheeks seemed to turn crimson and he flashed him his teeth. “It was only once. Can’t they forgive me?”

“You mistook one sister for the other, while dating the other. Who wouldn’t be angry about that?” Jacob chuckled. “Then to make matters worse, your Soul Twin hears about it and the Sledge Sisters don’t take well to cheaters. Besides, you’re what –twenty-five? Twenty-seven? They’re almost in their fifties, Kaden.”

“Well, if they didn’t look so damn similar…” He muttered as he took a swig from his bottle.

“Back to subject,” Jacob began again. “We have a deal…”

Kaden’s eyes flashed to April and Alexander, and he nodded with a hefty sigh.

“I know. I’ll make sure they aren’t harmed in the process of getting them back to Lewisburg. Do you have the payment?”

Jacob pulled a white envelope out from his back pocket and handed it to Kaden. Kaden’s brows lifted as he opened the envelope and began flipping through the many hundred-dollar bills.

“’Kay, we done here?” Kaden inquired as he tucked the money into his shirt.

“I believe so.” Jacob said.

Kaden rocked himself onto his heels and shook Jacobs hand firmly.

“See you again?”

“Maybe…” Jacob agreed halfheartedly. “We’ll let you know when we’re on our way back to the state.”

“Gotcha.” Kaden gave a halfhearted salute as his eyes flashed to me. “Take good care of her, Marcus. Don’t want this one slipping through your fingers this time, do you?”

Marcus gave a muttered response and grabbed me by the waist to pull me out of the room. I had only one glimpse of April and Alexander before I was yanked away. They gave me a small wave that I could not return. I was towed out of the building, where Rico and Ralph leaned against the opposing building with brows lifted as they watched me walk with him. Marcus flung open the side door and ushered me inside before following suite. I fell into the seat he sat in earlier as he sat in the seat beside the door.

“You’re lucky he thought your fear was shyness.” He muttered as he combed his fingers through his hair.

I didn’t know what to say at first. I was still trying to shed off the comments they gave me. I wanted to go home and take a shower to wash away where their eyes had stared and to brush my mouth out with soap. They made me feel like trash, a piece of flesh they could use as they wish.

“Why was he…?” I couldn’t find the words as I shuddered.

“He’s a pervert. What more can I say?”

“Why did I have to go in?”

“Because if you didn’t and we pulled up to the checkpoint before entering New York and his goons saw you; they’d kill you without second guessing. Now he can warn his men you’re here with us.”

I hesitated as I watched Jacob come out calmly with Kaden following him roaring with laughter.

“Why can’t they know my name if their Aons, too?” I whispered.

He was silent a moment before sighing.

“No one can know you’re alive…”

“Why?”

His eyes flickered to me in weary. “It’s too much of a risk. If they knew and one of his informants was a traitor, the Legions would change their course and come after you.”

The SUV shook as Jacob got in and slammed shut the door while still feigning a laugh. I watched as Kaden lingered in the doorway, his eyes watching as we pulled away until we were out of sight. I remained silent, but I assume Jacob thought I would have questions with the way he kept looking at me through the rearview mirror. I shook my head at him and ducked between the bucket seats to the back benched seat. I wasn’t tired, but I laid down on the back seat with my back to them. I just wanted to cope with everything without anyone staring or watching me as if I’m a caged animal.

My mind was scrambled. Not only was I now alone with them, but I would be until New York it seems. I wanted to be somewhere where I could breathe and think clearly. Being here with them, it conflicted my thoughts. Here, it all seemed real, it all seemed believable. But I wondered how I would feel away from them, where I could breathe and feel like myself.

Nothing changed for more than an hour, but my side began to hurt, and my arm had fallen asleep from laying in the same position too long. I sat up and leaned back against the seat with my cheek pressed to the cool leather. For lunch and dinner, they stopped to get takeout, but I wasn’t that hungry and only asked for a soda and fries. I barely finished either and watched the scenery pass until I eventually grew tired. I kept moving, forcing myself to stay awake and aware as we passed through towns and counties. My eyes fell half-mast by the time the sun began to fall and blind me where I sat. I shielded it with my hand at first and stifled a yawn, but it was of no use, so I shut my eyes and dropped my hand.

I knew I would fall asleep, but it was no use to stay awake when I would have to stay awake tomorrow night. If they killed me in my sleep, so be it. If they are actually sane, then I guess I’m some sort of Aon ruler type being. My gut told me they didn’t lie to a certain extent. But for once in my life, I wished my gut was wrong, because I didn’t want to believe all of this. The one thing I didn’t want, I now want. I would give anything to be back in my quiet apartment again, just to lay down and wake there. It would be a dream.