BETRAYAL SHADOWS

Samantha's POV As Alex emerged from the SUV, the slow, knowing smile covering his face seemed to cloud the surroundings. My body screamed that something was wrong, but I couldn't match the man before me with the brother I knew. He had always been challenging, erratic even, but I had never thought of this—a cold of betrayal swept over me as awareness started to blossom. Adrian tensed next to me, his hand squeezing around the revolver he had taken from under the seat. His whole body coiled, preparing for whatever lay ahead. Still, I felt we were outmatched even in the quiet of that moment. Alex was on top of everything. "What is he doing?" Whispering more to myself than to Adrian, I said My voice faltered as the weight of the moment collapsed upon me. Adrian kept his eyes on Alex. We ought to leave this place. Not now. His voice sounded urgent, and the second made the risk in the matter obvious. But I couldn't get going. Trying to make sense of why Alex would be here and why he would be working with Jared, my mind flew. He had promised me, so he wasn't supposed to be here. Alex moved a few more steps toward us, his palms out in what appeared to be a peace-oriented gesture, but his smile told otherwise. "Samantha," he said, his voice calm, as if this were all simply a misunderstanding. "You honestly didn't really think you could keep me out of this?" My frustration rising inside me, I closed my fists. "Alex, what do you mean?" We came to you looking for assistance. He laughed, the sound frigid and contemptuous. And tiny sister, I am helping. Just not the way you believed. Adrian moved deliberately and under control, then shifted next to me. Under his breath, he muttered, "This is a trap," his voice low enough only I could hear. "He's performing for us." "No," I said, shaking my head softly. He wouldn't act in that manner. But doubt bit me even as I said the words. Years of attempting to separate myself from Alex's world and persuade myself I could trust him when it counted have gone toward this. Now, though, I understood how foolish I had been given the reality of his treachery. Alex moved another step nearer, his eyes shining with a mix of entertainment and something worse. Samantha, you see, I have always had more grandiose ideas than you were aware of. Jared presented me something I turned down. Hard swallowing, my heart thumping in my chest. "What did he say he promised you?" Alex's smile grew wider, then his eyes briefly turned to Adrian before focusing back on me. "Power: Command. The kind of things that only materialize from wise alliances. My stomach twisted. This was so it. Alex came to present us to Jared; he hadn't come to assist us. I had trusted him, and now we were poised on the brink of something far more perilous than I could have ever dreamed. You don't have to do this, I murmured, my voice quivering but urgent. You have no need for Jared. We can stop him all together. This is still something we can correct. Alex's face softened momentarily, and I considered—just for a moment—that perhaps he would listen. His eyes then sharpened, though, and the cold, detached look came back. "You always were too sensitive, Samantha," he shook his head. You have no idea how the world operates. Jared already has the winning. You are still breathing simply because of me. Adrian moved forward, his presence a wall of fortitude right next to me. "We are leaving," he remarked, his voice stern. Now. Alex just lifted an eyebrow, though, still sporting that annoying smile. "I worry Adrian, you're nowhere at all. Jared wants you living, you see. For now at least. But, my lovely sister? That is somewhat another narrative, though. My blood cooled in line with his words. Alex was actively planning to turn me over, not only working with Jared. The betrayal felt like a punch to the belly, the reality of the circumstances sinking in like air from my lungs. My voice quivering with both dread and rage, I shouted, "I won't let you do this." "You are my brother. How could you?" Alex's countenance changed momentarily, as though some part of him was second-guessing what he was going to do. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by that same cold, deliberate gaze. "This is simply business, Samantha. Not personal. Adrian's hand rushed forward, firmly clutching my arm. "We are not staying here to learn about the outcome." I nodded, pulling myself out of stillness. Though I forced myself to move, to follow Adrian's lead, my legs felt weak. His eyes never leaving Alex, who was still standing there observing us with that disturbing smile, he led me back to the car. My heart dropped, though, as soon as we arrived at the door I heard tires crunch on gravel. Another SUV drew up behind us, impeding our only escape path. And this time I had no notion about who might be inside. The door flung open, and Jared emerged, his face contorted into a smile that sent a tsunami of terror through me. Clearly delighted with the way things were going, he looked between Alex, Adrian, and me. "Well, well," Jared muttered, his voice full of contempt. Is this a wonderful family reunion? Adrian moved in front of me, his body stiff, poised for battle. I knew, nevertheless, we were imprisoned. Not now could there be a way out. Jared seemed to have all the time in the world as he walked toward us, hands in his pockets. "You actually felt you could outmaneuver Adrian? That you and your companion here might flee? Adrian answered nothing, but his jaw closed and his fists tightened at his side. Though the cards were stacked against us, he was ready to guard me. I could see that right now. Jared turned to face me, his smile broadening. Samantha, you too... I looked for more from you. Have you not always been the smart one? But, depending on Alex? That was your initial error. His comments had weight like a punch. I had never paused to consider the one person I felt I could rely on; I had been so preoccupied with keeping Jared away, safeguarding Adrian and myself. Of course, my brother is here. "What do you wish for, Jared?" With a hollow voice, I asked. He waved, as if the response was clear-cut. "I am looking for what is mine. And Samantha, you have the secret to it. Jared gestured to Alex, who stepped forward taking something from his jacket before I could react. a syringe. My breath seized in my throat. Alex murmured gently, "Don't fight it," almost soft. "This makes sense." "No," I muttered, pushing Adrian back-off. But everything imploded before I could react. Adrian raced forward, knocked the syringe out of Alex's hand, but Jared's men were closing in already. Before Adrian was taken away, the struggle was fierce and savage; I hardly had time to absorb what was happening. "Archive!" I cried, reached for him, but I was caught from behind, muscular arms pinning me in place. Jared's contented smile as he watched it all happen was the last thing I noticed before everything turned dark. The planet was foggy when I arrived. Though everything appeared blurry and far in the low light, I could see the form of a figure standing over me. "Welcome back, Samantha," he whispered in a low, menacing tone. We have a lot to talk about. And at that same instant I knew that whatever was ahead would be worse than I had ever dreamed.