Reclaimed: Evolution Series, #6

By Kelly Carrero

Jade

Two weeks ago I thought the worst was over. Now, I'm trapped in a cage and a woman I never knew existed has taken over my life.

 

Aiden

Two weeks ago I began to lose the girl I loved. Something had changed in her, and no matter how much I didn't want to believe it, the reality was that Jade was turning into the monster she feared she would become.

 

Angel

Jade never knew I existed, and now she is going to pay for it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Carrero
• Release date: Mar 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507074404

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jade

Time knew no bounds for a woman trapped in her own insanity. I could’ve been strapped to the gurney, doped out of my mind for days or maybe even weeks. However long it was didn’t matter. Every second that passed seemed as if it were an eternity.

My brain felt as if it had turned to sludge, as once again I looked around the cell, praying I could find a way out. I needed to get back to Aiden. I was going out of my mind as various scenarios reeled through my head of what my evil twin was doing with my love. My tears had long dried up, and the only thing keeping me alive was a drip that Angel had come back to put into my arm, the whole time telling me how thoughtful and loving Aiden was. I wanted to be sick but my body wouldn’t allow it. Angel was determined to keep me alive but paralyzed, living the life she’d been dealt by Nathan.

I could almost see her and Aiden’s bodies entwined as he made love to her again and again, because unlike me, Angel didn’t care about anyone else or the things that were going on in the world. Angel wanted to be loved. Something Nathan had denied her. And I knew that if I ever got out of there, I would indeed become a murderer.

A little flutter erupted in my tummy, warming my heart. I wasn’t alone. Whatever Angel had given me, hadn’t destroyed my baby’s life as she’d hoped. My baby was growing inside of me, each day becoming stronger than the previous. I was carrying Aiden’s child and that was something Angel couldn’t fake. Eventually, the day would come when Aiden realised that she didn’t have a baby.

I sighed internally, knowing that was only wishful thinking. Angel was too strong for Aiden or Harry. She could so easily make them believe the baby had died, or that there never was a baby. Then there would be no visible signs on her body and my family would go on living their lives, none the wiser that there was an imposter amongst them. But there was an alternative, one that I didn’t want to think about. If Angel knew my baby was still alive… I shuddered internally, praying she wasn’t going to take her as soon as I’d given birth, and then claim my little girl so she could build a happy family with Aiden. Or worse still, kill her as soon as she was born.

As sick as it was, and as much as it tore me apart, I knew the only way I would ever get out of there was if Angel was distracted by Aiden long enough for the IV bag to run out, and for the drugs to pass through my system. I wasn’t sure if I was paralyzed because of the drugs or if Angel had damaged me—permanently. Either way, I could only pray it was the former, because anything else would shatter me to the point of no return. I couldn’t live forever trapped in my own mind. I just couldn’t do it.

A blur flashed in my peripheral vision. I tried to turn my head but it was as if it were made out of cement. Other than being able to move my eyes, I was completely paralyzed.

A figure slipped through the bars to the cell as if it could pass through walls. A second later, it was as if I was looking into a mirror. Angel walked around the bed and connected a new IV bag. The old one still had a quarter of the fluids left, but I guess she wasn’t taking any chances.

Like the last time Angel was there, something snapped in my mind and I gained control of my speech.

Everything I’d rehearsed I would say to her was drowned out by tears when I saw the look in her eyes. Contentment. Happiness. And worst of all, love.

You know what the funny thing is? Angel asked.

I didn’t answer.

You two believed that you had some special connection with each other, and that nothing in the world could come between you. But… She grinned. Aiden doesn’t even know I’m not you. He hasn’t the faintest idea that you are locked away in here, and that the girl he’s been making love to is someone else.

And just like that, my heart ripped open all over again. I closed my eyes as images of the two of them played through my mind. I was seeing it from her point of view. Feeling every movement, every sound as if I were there. But I knew it was her. I was reliving Aiden making love to her. And it was making love. They weren’t just having sex. I knew the difference. Aiden had shown me the difference. And now he was showing her.

My eyes snapped open at no direction of my own. Angel was controlling me.

She leaned over and whispered, I’ll have another show for you tomorrow. She grinned, then phased out.

Tears streamed down my face and loud sobs came from my throat. It took me a second to realise that she’d forgotten to take away my voice. I cried desperately for someone to hear me and come to my rescue, but my calls went unanswered. Without my abilities, my voice was useless. And I was once again stuck in my own insanity.

Chapter 2

Aiden.

Jade crawled into bed beside me in the early hours of the morning; just as she had done last night, and every other night for the past couple of weeks. She edged closer and slung her arm over my waist as she snuggled up to my back.

I forced my breathing to remain even, but the coldness of her touch almost had me inching to the side of the bed. I didn’t know what had changed and I couldn’t deny there was something different. What that something was remained a mystery, because I had made a promise to her that I would never leave. Jade was a part of me. And I knew that whatever we were going through, we would come out the other side, stronger than ever.

Jade pressed a kiss to my back as she slipped her hands over my chest. I knew what she wanted, but I didn’t have it in me. Something didn’t feel right. But like the night before, she didn’t take my subtle turn down. Jade ran her hands down to my pants and I could no longer pretend I was asleep.

I rolled into a sitting position and looked at Jade, biting her lip, her eyes telling me in no uncertain words what she wanted.

Leaning down I kissed her forehead, then stood. I need to go to the bathroom.

Jade flopped onto her back, her eyes flaring with anger I could tell she was trying to control.

I walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind me, something I’d only started doing two weeks ago.

I turned on the tap and splashed my face with water, trying to get some perspective on what my heart was telling me, but my mind didn’t want to believe.

Resting my hands on the basin, I watched the reflection of the water dripping down my face. Maybe it wasn’t Jade? Maybe it was me? I tried to pinpoint the moment I’d noticed the change in her, but every time I thought about it, the memory slipped away. And no matter how much I didn’t want to believe it, I knew there was a great possibility that Anna was right. For all we knew, Jade couldn’t control herself. Maybe she was destined to become like her father.

I ran my hand down my face, wiping away the water, and then turned my head toward the bedroom. There had been a change in not just Jade’s energy, but also her personality. And no matter how much she tried to be the person I’d fallen in love with, Jade wasn’t that person anymore. But I’d promised her we’d find a way to bring her back. And I wasn’t willing to give up on us.

Jade’s phone beeped in our room and I knew it had to be Chelsea again. For some reason Jade didn’t want to see her and she’d used the excuse that she was worried that she would hurt her. Chelsea didn’t understand, because to her, Jade could never be that person and two weeks ago I would’ve believed that to be the truth, too.

Knowing I couldn’t hide out in the bathroom forever, I opened the door and stepped back into the bedroom. Jade was sitting on the bed with her back against the headboard and her phone in her hands. Who was that? I asked.

Jade locked her phone and threw it on the bedside table. No one important. Going onto her knees, she crawled to the foot of the bed and ran her hands up my chest. What’s important is us. And finding a way to keep me from turning into my father.

I grabbed hold of her hands and gently eased them back to her.

Anger flashed in her eyes before they turned to sadness. The next thing I knew tears were pooling in her bright blue eyes, melting my heart. I swiped a piece of hair behind her ear then cupped her cheek in my hand.

Jade tilted her head into my hand, taking comfort in my touch.

I wished I could hear her thoughts so I knew what was going on in her head, but she’d permanently blocked me out. Probably in fear of me finding out she was falling to her deepest fear.

I need this, she whispered. I need you.

And there went my heart, ripping all over again. I was completely whipped by the girl kneeling before me. It didn’t matter what she did or who she became, I was going to be standing right there beside her. Even if it cost me my life, I was going to find a way to bring back the Jade I loved.

Dropping to my knees I pressed a kiss to her lips. You’ve got me.

Jade wiped away her tears and smiled. For a second, I wondered if they had been real, but quickly dismissed the idea because if I knew anything about Jade, I knew that she never manipulated me. And hopefully, there was still enough of the good Jade in there to not let that happen.

My phone beeped, saving me from any more of her advances. I hated that I felt that way, but I couldn’t deny it. I loved her with everything I had, yet some insane part of me was stopping me. I let my gaze settle over her. I was insane. Jade was every teenage guy’s dream girl, and I half wondered if I’d swapped teams, because really, that could be the only reason I’d turn her down. She was the definition of perfection, not just in her looks, but her personality as well. Only, that was what had changed. And no matter how much I didn’t want to believe it, I couldn’t deny she was different.

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head then grabbed my phone off the bedside table. There were two messages from Chelsea and another from Lucas. I opened Chelsea’s first. Is Jade okay? She’s still not speaking to me. Does she think she’s going to kill me, or something? Tell her if she doesn’t see me today then she is no longer my BFF.

I smiled then read her next message. I’m kidding. Jade isn’t going to get out of our contract that easily. I’m going to bust down your door and sit on her ’til she starts talking.

I chuckled. Knowing Chelsea she would follow through on her threat.

The next message was from Lucas. Chels is going insane. I’m bringing her over in ten.

Jade’s phone beeped and I guessed it was another message from Chelsea. What has she threatened you with this time? I asked.

Anger flashed in her eyes. Jade looked away as she crawled out of bed then disappeared into the bathroom.

I shook my head then walked around the bed and grabbed her phone. It was a message from Nikki. I know you’re going through some stuff right now, but we want to be there for you. Gemma is asking about you. She really misses you. And so do I.

Jade phased into the room, saw me with her phone and snatched it out of my hands. Don’t you know it’s rude to read someone else’s messages?

I stood there in shock. Seriously?

Standing with her back to me, she took a few deep breaths before turning around. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped. It’s just I’m so worried that I’m going to end up like Nathan.

And you think shutting everyone out will help?

Yeah, I do.

I drew my eyebrows together. Don’t you think keeping your normal routine would be better? You know, be around your friends and family. Locking yourself away from the world isn’t going to stop whatever it is that’s happening to you.

Jade opened her mouth to say something but shut it instead. She walked over to me and picked up my hand. I’m sorry. Maybe you’re right. But I’m just not ready yet.

I sighed. Well, you’d better get ready, because Lucas and Chelsea will be here in five minutes.

Her whole body stilled, and a second later she dropped my hand. I have to go somewhere.

Where? I asked.

She shook her head. I’ll be back later. Tell Chelsea I’ll call her. Jade phased out before I had a chance to object.

Chapter 3

Aiden

Walking down the stairs I pulled out my phone and typed a message to Chelsea. Now’s not a good time. Jade had to go do something, but said she’d call you later. I pressed send then slid the phone across the counter in the kitchen.

After turning on the coffee machine, I opened the cupboard and pulled two cups out then quickly realised my error. Shaking my thoughts away, I put one back and shoved the other under the machine.

Where is she? Chelsea asked from behind.

I slowly turned around and looked at her, unsure what to say.

Sorry, Lucas said silently. She made me bring her.

Don’t worry about it.

Chelsea pulled out her phone and began texting Jade.

Don’t bother. Jade left her phone behind.

She drew her eyebrows together. Jade never leaves her phone behind.

I shrugged. She did this time. I opened the cupboard and pulled out two more mugs.

Chelsea walked over to my side, her thoughts going a million places and none of them thinking that her best friend was beyond help. She put her hand on my shoulder, all of her frustration slipped away leaving hurt in its place. She’ll be okay, won’t she?

I wanted to tell her that Jade was fine although the truth was, she wasn’t. And after everything Chelsea had been through with Jade, she deserved my honesty. I don’t know.

Her heart skipped a beat then dropped out on her.

But I’m not giving up on her.

She leaned her head against my arm. Neither am I.

Lucas sat on the breakfast stool. Your mum thinks she’s going to kill you doesn’t she?

I pulled Lucas’s mug out from under the spout and handed it to him. And here I was hoping she’d get over it by now.

Chelsea grabbed her mug once it was finished then sat beside Lucas. Not with that bitch of an ex-girlfriend trying to ruin your relationship. She looked to Lucas. No offense.

None taken, he said with a laugh. We all know Georgia’s a bitch.

With the coffee mug between my hands, I leaned my elbows on the counter, facing them. Well, she got what she wanted.

Who? Georgia? Chelsea asked.

I nodded. She wanted in on my family and now she’s got it.

She wanted you, Chelsea said.

I hated to admit it but at that moment, Georgia was the more sane option. I shook my head, pushed off the counter and walked over to the sofa. That’s never going to happen.

Chelsea swung around, jumped off the stool, and sat on the adjacent sofa. I get the whole staying away from your family thing, but I don’t know why she won’t talk to me or her mum. Gemma’s turning into the little wench she used to be; she thinks Jade has shut her out because she thinks she’s too good for the rest of us.

How is Gemma doing? I asked.

Lucas sat beside Chelsea. Pissed would pretty much round it up.

Chelsea nodded. She’s complaining that no one has time for her, and she doesn’t have any friends anymore because of Jade or Nathan or whatever. But you get my point. I think you really need to get Jade to go see her.

I took a sip then lowered the mug to my lap. I’ll try talking to her.

Chelsea looked around the room, frustration growing inside her. This is bull shit. I’m not leaving here until I see her.

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

What? I’m not, she said. Jade is not going to shut me out. It’s part of the BFF contract.

Lucas bit down on a smile. I was happy for the guy, to have finally got his shit together with her. He’d made the poor girl wait long enough. But that was his style. He wasn’t the type of guy to do relationships. He didn’t believe that you should just jump in and tie yourself down without knowing that she was the one. It probably had something to do with him not having a mother; and having an asshole that showed no sign of commitment to anyone since the twin’s mother, bring him up. I could tell Lucas loved Chels, and wondered how long he’d make her wait before he told her. She clearly loved him, so I wasn’t sure what he was waiting for.

Well? Chelsea asked.

Fine by me. I leaned back in my seat. Jade might be pissed though.

She slunk into Lucas’s side. Jade really doesn’t want to see me, does she?

Not really. I finished off the remainder of my coffee and put the mug on the coffee table. Jade’s changed and she doesn’t want anyone to see her.

You see her, Chelsea said. She couldn’t comprehend how Jade could suddenly turn her back on her, after everything they’d been through together. They were like sisters; nothing, nor no one, had ever come between them—and suddenly, Jade didn’t want anything to do with her.

I don’t know why, I said.

Lucas kissed the top of her head. She’ll come around.

"And until then we just