The Source: Holding Kate, #3

By LaDonna Cole

This time...it's personal

 

Corey and the Keepers search desperately for a way to save Kate from the evil intent of the Sphere Master. He is bent on revenge and burns with the desire to possess her. Forced to hide her an alternate dimension, they help a warrior clan try to eradicate a plague the enemy unleashed. 

 

In an unthinkable decision, the team is ripped apart to live out their lives in different places and time periods, while Corey strives to reunite with Kate.

But Kate's heart has a mind of its own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BHC Press/H2O
• Release date: Aug 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386073772

Book preview

Cover.jpgTP

The Source

Copyright © 2015, 2017 LaDonna Cole

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by H2O

an imprint of BHC Press

Library of Congress Control Number:

2017951015

Print edition ISBN numbers:

ISBN-13: 978-1-946848-80-2

ISBN-10: 1-946848-80-8

Visit the publisher at:

www.bhcpress.com

Also available in softcover

Also_by

For the original Heartwork Village Staff

Alice, Dana, Mary, Shelena,

Stacey, and Thea

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Screams gurgled through her throat, she couldn’t stop them. Unhinged and fearing for her own sanity, Kate ripped the covers off the bed and jumped onto the cold stone floor.

She ran.

Blinded by tears, she slapped the castle floor with her bare feet until she found the door, threw it open and ran into the courtyard. The gate was ajar so she dashed through it and fled toward the hills. She had no thought of escaping Greg, she was not a prisoner. She ran to escape the reality of Corey’s rejection.

Bare feet skittered through the manicured lawn and her elegant sleep gown trailed through the streams and puddles as she splashed on. When groomed lawns ended, she mowed through high grasses and crashed through dense bracken. She sprinted into the cover of a copse of trees, the needles and deciduous droppings gouging into her tender feet. Any pain was preferable to the gaping wound in her chest.

The forest began to close in, trapping her, thickening with branches, bushes, and thorns. She slashed at the assailing limbs blindly, tearing the soft flesh of her arms. Still she pressed forward, escaping the agony of stillness.

She broke out of the forest and bolted up a hill. Jagged rocks tore into her feet and ripped her nails. Climbing toward the peak, she stumbled and slipped. Gashes striped her knees and elbows. Her ripped and soiled gown snagged on rocks, protesting her ascent. Each fall pulverized her limbs as razor sharp shale and toothsome stones sliced into her flesh.

Still she ran.

Scrambling and clawing to the top of the hill, she teetered to a stop. A precipice yawned beneath her and she staggered and struggled for balance, gazing into the rocky depths far below. She was out of room, out of breath, and out of strength. There was nowhere to go anyway.

Collapsing to the stony ground, she screamed into the dirt. The heartrending sound tore from her throat in serrated ripples, the sound description of her soul.

6126390338

COREY! KATE SCREAMED. Corey’s heart lurched in his chest. He jumped up from the desk and ran into the living room to see her running out of the front door.

Slam! The screen door popped behind her. She turned around, dancing in place and yelled through the screen.

Come on, Corey! They’re here! They’re here!

He sighed in relief. My wife is not in danger, at least not at the moment. She was just happy the team had arrived back from their vacation.

She ran down the steps and jumped into Donnie’s arms. He whirled her around in a circle then set her down. She staggered to Mel and grabbed her in a fierce hug. Corey jogged down the steps and joined in.

Oh! I am so glad you are back! Kate exclaimed as she squeezed the life out of Mel.

Mel giggled. It’s good to be home!

Is our little one well? She placed her hand on Mel’s still flat belly and Mel nodded with a sparkle in her eyes.

Hey, Bro! Corey fist bumped Donnie, and then hugged Mel. You look nice and relaxed.

Mmmmhmmm, Mel agreed and cast a heart melting glance at Donnie.

Kate and Corey broke into silly grins.

They gathered up their luggage and took it to the apartment over the boathouse. Kate had spent all morning cleaning it, setting out fresh flowers, and turning back the sheets in preparation for their return.

Kate! Did you do this? Mel dropped her bag in the front room.

Yes, and I have dinner in the oven. When you two get refreshed and changed come on over and we will catch up on everything!

Hugs were exchanged and backs pounded again, and then Kate and Corey left them to settle in. Corey fingered Kate’s hand as they sauntered back toward First Cabin.

That was very sweet. He kissed the back of her hand.

I just wanted them to know how much I missed them. She blushed. I can’t wait for the others to get back. She skipped around and jumped on his back. It has been way too quiet around here.

I don’t know about that. You weren’t very quiet last night, or this morning!

Corey! She batted at him playfully, and then kissed his neck. "I will miss our time alone." Her voice was soft and demure. His heart stuttered.

He set her down and turned around to gather her in his arms. Kate, we don’t have to all live here, you know. There are other cabins. We can spread out.

No. Definitely not. I want my whole family here under the same roof.

Corey smiled at her and then grew serious, realizing her probable motive for wanting them all under the same roof. Are you afraid?

Yes. She pressed her forehead to his chest. But that isn’t the reason I want the Keepers here.

I know. They scaled the porch steps. He opened the screen door and led her inside. I want them here too, but I think we should be sensitive toward their needs.

She glanced up, warily. Are you talking about Trip? she asked softly.

Yeah, and Dirk and Tara. Corey shrugged. We don’t know what might have changed on their vacations.

I was surprised that Tara chose to go to Galapagos with Trip and Eunavae. Kate coaxed him onto the couch and crawled into his lap. I thought she would go with Dirk.

She still loves Trip.

Yeah. Kate’s face fell.

Corey touched her brow and smoothed the line that formed there. Quietly, he asked, Does it bother you that she still loves Trip? His heart jerked. He thought his lovely wife had moved past her feelings for Trip.

No, not at all. It has never bothered me. I always thought they were made for each other. It’s just— She bit her lip and the crease returned.

What?

I feel responsible for them breaking up in the first place. A tear trickled down her cheek. If I had been stronger, faithful—

Kate, he whispered and took her precious face between his hands. You can’t blame yourself. They have to work it out between them. Don’t carry the guilt of that. Let it go. He kissed her tear away before it reached her chin.

She nodded and lifted her lips, sighing into the kiss.

The timer buzzed on the oven, so she kissed him quickly three times and jumped up to take the meatloaf out of the oven. He’d told her it was Donnie’s favorite, so she’d searched the web for a recipe. She took the new creation out of the oven, put in the rolls, and reset the timer. They carried the food to the table and iced the glasses. Kate was pouring the tea when they heard the footfalls of Donnie and Mel on the porch.

Come on in, Corey called, and they opened the screen door, entering with smiling, relaxed faces.

Do I smell meatloaf? Donnie grinned.

Uh oh! You will never hear the end of his requests now, Kate. Mel laughed. Now that he knows you can cook it, he will hound you to death for more!

Well, he’d better wait until he tastes it, Kate suggested. It’s my first attempt.

They sat down around the table. Kate’s meatloaf was a hit, and Donnie polished off the whole dish. Mel exclaimed over the creamy mashed potatoes and Corey enjoyed the fresh asparagus.

How lucky am I? My wife can cook!

She had been so busy fighting for her life, they hadn’t had much regular-married-couple interaction, but over the last two weeks she had relished being the homemaker. Corey rubbed his belly. I think I’ve gained five pounds from all the good cooking and experimental recipes. Not that I’m complaining! Kate has a knack.

So, Corey, you’re like really rich, huh? Mel swirled her iced tea glass and her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Your little Italian Villa was a mansion!

Oh man, that pool! Donnie moaned, leaning back and rubbing his full belly.

The pool? Do you mean the one in the master suite or the one outside?

Yeah, take your pick! Donnie mumbled through a satisfying stretch. So you’ve been holding out on us?

I—I just didn’t want it to change things, you know? Corey stammered.

I didn’t know either, if it makes you feel any better. Kate rolled her eyes.

Yeah, but Kate, you didn’t spend 170 years meeting him for breakfast every morning, Donnie interjected.

Nope, just a thousand years sharing the same cloud! Kate laughed.

Oh yeah, and it never came up?

Nope! Kate gave Corey the stink eye.

He grinned.

So how many homes do you own? Mel leaned back and crossed her legs.

A few, he hedged.

Kate gawked at him. A few?

He took her hand. When things settle down here, I will take you to every one of them.

Kate narrowed her brows. I probably won’t be seeing them anytime soon, then.

Donnie and Mel traded startled expressions, and then turned to Corey. Why not? What happened? Donnie asked.

We had a visit from The Sphere Master.

Mel blanched. He came here?

Right in our back yard, Kate murmured and her face tightened with distress.

Corey’s heart swelled protectively, and he readjusted his hold on Kate’s hand.

What? How?

A sphere landed on the other side of the pool.

Oh man, that is not good. Donnie scrubbed his hand across his face. What did he want?

Kate.

Mel gasped and took Kate’s other hand. What did he say?

He said my team killed his wife, so it was only fair that he be compensated.

His wife?

Greg said ‘my wife, my Kate,’ Kate choked out.

So they were married? a familiar voice asked from the front room.

They all jerked heads around to see Trip standing in the front door with his arms full of luggage, face drawn and tight. Greg and the other Kate were married?

Kate cast her stricken gaze down at his feet.

Surprise! We’re home! Eunavae announced as she hopped out from behind Trip.

Mel’s face brightened. Hey! You guys are back early?

Tara walked in behind Eunavae, and Trip’s jaw tightened, stepping aside to watch the reunion. Mel and Kate squealed and ran to them. A flurry of hugs and squeals and giggles invaded the living room. The sweet reunion wrapped them in warmth.

It was so good to have them all back home. Tara glowed in her deep golden tan. Eunavae flushed pink all over.

Corey touched her red nose. Girl, didn’t you have any sunscreen?

Slathered SPF 120 all over myself, everyday, but still burned, she complained. Trip said he will never stop calling me Pinky now.

They burst out laughing, and Corey caught Trip’s inquisitive eye as it cut to Kate and back. He’d heard enough of the previous conversation to know that Kate was in danger. Corey nodded imperceptibly, and then they turned their focus back to the homecoming.

Kate gave instructions for the others to get settled while she and Mel whipped up more dinner. Donnie ate all of the meatloaf, she explained, cutting him a playfully derisive look.

He posed an innocent expression.

How about— Kate stuck her head in the fridge. Bacon sandwiches?

Sounds great! Trip called from the upstairs.

Okay.

Sure, Eunavae and Tara chimed as they shuffled suitcases through their bedroom door.

Corey and Donnie went up to Trip’s and Dirk’s room to help Trip unpack. Corey took the opportunity to give more detail about Gregory’s unwanted visit.

What happened? Trip dumped his suitcase and whirled around when he saw them enter the room. His jaw bulged and he planted his fists on his hips. Gregorvitch came here in a sphere?

Corey nodded.

Donnie closed the door behind them.

How does he have access to our spheres? He left the village, right?

It was his own. It looked and sounded different. The shape was oblong, not completely round and instead of water or fluid, it swirled with tiny glass shards or maybe clear sand. Corey rolled eyes up to search his memory. The sound was deep, more like a foghorn instead of a screech.

So he wants our Kate?

Our Kate. Corey didn’t like the implications of those two words, but knew what he meant. Yes.

Trip cursed and sat down on his bed.

When Dirk gets back tomorrow, we are going to all go up to the Admin Mansion and talk to Chaps. Corey sat down at the desk.

Yeah, we need security, a plan of action. Hell, Corey, we need to shut down this place until we can figure out how to protect her.

We can’t shut the village down. We have commitments to 3,500 teens and their families, he argued. But we have shut down the quantum fields. Though, I don’t think it matters now that we know he has his own technology.

Donnie crossed his legs as he leaned against the paneling. The campers aren’t in danger. Just Kate and whoever decides to protect her.

Corey searched Donnie’s face. Listen, Donnie, you and Mel should just go. I can put you in a house far away from all of this. You can start a life with your wife and unborn child.

Donnie closed his eyes and took a deep breath. That is very tempting, Corey, but Mel and I consider you and Kate family. We won’t abandon you now.

Put them in a house? Trip asked, eyes narrowed. His face slowly dawned with comprehension. Corey, who paid for our vacation? The village, right?

Yes. The village compensated you all for your work as Keepers.

What did you and Kate get as compensation?

Two weeks alone.

What aren’t you telling me, Corey?

Corey sighed. I am Corey Chastain of Chastain Corporation.

Your parents have some money? Is that what you’re saying?

My parents died two years ago. I was the sole heir.

Trip sat in silence for a minute, then said, So you are?

I own Heartwork Village and all of the Chastain Corporation holdings.

Trip whistled. That makes you the boss.

No. We’re a team, just like before. Dirk is Jump Commander, Mel and Donnie are second in command. I’m just an advisor.

They get their paychecks from you, Corey. That makes you the boss, Trip insisted.

Corey huffed and looked down. This is why I didn’t want you all to know. It messes things up.

They were both awkwardly quiet, deep in their own thoughts.

Maybe, but I think I can handle it if I get a paid vacation every three months or so. Trip grinned.

Was it great? Corey lifted bright eyes and chuckled.

Oh man! You should have seen Tara attack this aggressive shark!

What? Donnie and Corey leaned forward.

Jeez, talk about heart stopping! She’d moved too far away from the group…

Worries of Gregory and spheres melted away as Trip launched into an animated description of the scuba adventure.

6126390367

EUNAVAE CAME OUT of her room in her yoga pants and vintage T-shirt and climbed onto the bar stool, combing her strands of wet hair.

Do you want cheese? Mel asked, motioning to the plate of bacon and toast in front of her.

Yes, please.

Kate handed her a glass of milk, her favorite beverage for dinner, and carried the mashed potatoes and asparagus over to the bar.

Kate, I didn’t know you could cook, Eunavae said with a smirk, scooping up a spoonful of mashed potatoes and plopping them on her plate.

Neither did I. Kate shrugged. I found a recipe site on the web, and I’ve been poking experiments down Corey for two weeks. She giggled. He hasn’t complained at all.

Corey never complains. Eunavae bit into her bacon sandwich and rolled her eyes. S’good! She nodded.

Thanks.

Tara strolled out of the bedroom and mounted a bar stool next to Eunavae to finish braiding her wet hair. She wore a black tank top and short shorts and her toned muscles rippled in perfection as she manipulated her long blonde hair into a fishtail down one side.

No cheese. She smiled at Mel when she held a piece up. That asparagus looks good, load me up.

Kate held up a container of bottled water and a juice box and shook them at her.

Water, please.

Kate tossed the juice box back in the fridge and cracked the top on the water and set it in front of Tara. She and Mel leaned across the counter.

Kate scrutinized Tara while she ate. She couldn’t wait to hear about the vacation and Trip. She hoped they were able to rekindle some of their relationship away from the distractions of jumps and dangers. And Kates.

Eunavae launched a story about their guide and how he fell over himself every time Tara went near him. Tara tried not to smile and rolled her eyes frequently during the story until finally she got caught up in the hilarity of the whole thing and joined in on the storytelling. They laughed until their cheeks hurt.

The guys came downstairs animated about their own stories. Trip took his sandwich out onto the patio and the guys followed. Kate snagged Corey’s hand as he passed and made him kiss her before he went outside. His hand lingered on her cheek as he gazed into her eyes.

Eunavae sighed, Please.

What? Kate asked as Corey released her hand and stepped through the patio door.

Please never stop showing him affection in front of me.

Me either, Tara added. 

Mel nodded.

Kate felt heat rise in her cheeks and imagined she matched Eunavae’s sunburn.

We just lived with him for so long, watching him ache for you.

Miss you.

It was heartbreaking, seeing him so alone. Tara set her fork down. You were present with us every day in that man. Even in our quantum jump to Poland, the memory of you brought him back to us.

His love for you is overwhelming. When I thought you were going to betray him, Mel added, shaking her head. I couldn’t stand it.

I literally wanted to strangle you until I decided it was the dragon manipulating you again. From that moment on, I was determined to kill it and release you from its hold. How could we have ever imagined? Tara said.

…that there were two of me.

Exactly.

Gregory said the other Kate was his wife and he wants revenge. He wants to take me to replace her.

Tara and Eunavae jumped off their bar stools and ran around to Kate.

What? That is horrible.

He will have to get through me, first! Tara growled, linking her arm in Kate’s.

Mel and Eunavae enfolded Kate in hugs and cooed comforting words of friendship and devotion.

Do you think that is why all of the jumps were targeted on you? Eunavae asked, pushing Kate back to arm’s length. Was he trying to destroy the other half of his Kate? She leaned forward and stroked Kate’s hair.

I don’t know, but he is coming for me. He isn’t going to just give up. He hates Corey and wants the village destroyed.

Tara stiffened and drew Kate to her side protectively. Eunavae and Mel exchanged determined expressions. Kate felt strengthened from their pledges of love and support. With the Keepers around her, she was sure she would be safe.

They moved to the living room, lounged on the sofas, and launched into telling the best parts of their vacations. They crooned at Mel’s romantic interludes in Italy with Donnie and shivered over the mysterious ghost. They gawked at Eunavae’s underwater pictures of the coral reef and the odd creatures in Galapagos. A picture of Eunavae and a cute baby seal sent them into oohs and ahs. Tara was strangely silent and it drove Kate crazy. She wanted details, but Tara wasn’t sharing. Finally, they turned to Kate.

Spill.

What?

Tell us what you and Corey did. Where did you go for your vacation?

We stayed here.

What? You stayed here in First Cabin for two weeks? Eunavae’s mouth dropped open.

It was, it was, Kate sighed dreamily. It was perfect.

Mel and Eunavae sighed at the sheer happiness that emanated from Kate. Tara lifted the corner of her mouth and crossed her legs.

We took moonlight swims in the pool and had long philosophical conversations in the hot tub. We cooked together, studied together, jogged, played tennis and raquetball, and spent whole days in bed. Kate’s skin flushed with heat. It was perfect.

Kate looked into the faces of her friends. They were caught up in the romance, eyes half lidded, and sighs and oohs escaped.

I think I am having a religious experience, Eunavae hummed and wrapped her arms around herself.

Tara and Mel laughed. Kate put her head on Eunavae’s shoulder and smiled.

The boys burst through the back door, laughing and jostling one another. Corey and Donnie found their wives and snuggled in beside them. Trip started the dishes and Tara got up to help him clear away the leftovers.

Kate stole glances at them and was satisfied to see they shared flashes of smiles and occasional eye meeting moments. They never touched except the one time Tara reached across the bar in front of Trip.

Excuse me, she murmured and their eyes met for a fraction of a second. Trip stilled, watching her closely. Kate thought she saw something kindled there. But Tara jerked her eyes down, breaking the connection, and it was over. They went back to business.

When they joined the others, Trip sat down on the love seat, but Tara curled up on the floor and leaned against Corey’s knee.

The conversation continued until they all became droopy eyed. Mel fell asleep against Donnie’s arm. Eunavae, curled up on the love seat with her head in Trip’s lap, yawned three times and drifted into dreams. Trip’s head lolled back, and he started snoring. Turning sleepy eyes up to Corey, Kate grinned. He kissed her and gathered her into his arms whispering goodnight to Tara. She climbed onto the couch they vacated with a dismissive wave.

Kate peeked over Corey’s shoulder as he carried her from the room. Crickets chirruped lullabies as summer blossoms tinged the air with night’s heady fragrance. Warmth rekindled in their hearts, the friends nestled into their dreams. Kate sighed, feeling safe once again with her dearest companions settled near.

6126390395

"SO WHAT DO you boys wanna talk to me about, t’day?" Chaps drawled in his thick Texan accent. Even as Acting Administrator he looked more like a cowboy than a chaplain or an executive. He pulled the shade down to block the bright morning sun, tossed his Stetson onto the hat rack, and moved behind the desk in Mama Ty’s office. He kicked his cowboy boots up on the corner of the desk and leaned back in the leather chair. The snaps on his western cut shirt shifted as he slid his arms behind his head.

We don’t really know how much you know about the Keepers team, Dirk started. He had come home to Heartwork Village during the wee hours of the morning and slipped into bed without waking anyone in First Cabin. The next morning was a buzz of welcomes and kisses as the Keeper girls fussed over him while Trip and Corey cooked breakfast.

Well, now, Mama Ty said y’all had special status and I was pretty much to let you have whatever you asked for. She didn’t tell me much. He sat up, tucked his boots under his desk and leaned his elbows on the smooth oak desk top, folding his fingers together. Oh, she did say to confer with you before switching back to the quantum curriculum.

I think it would be okay to restart the quantum jumps, don’t you? Corey asked the others. The infiltrator is no longer in the Inner Circle. The safety measures have been placed back into effect.

Yeah, I think so. Dirk looked at Donnie for confirmation.

Donnie nodded.

Okay, that is good to know. I will recall the med techs and quantum monitors. Chaps made a note on his compad. What else can I do you fer?

We need a quantum team set up for the Keepers that is completely separate from the others, Dirk requested. The future of the village is at stake.

Chaps. Corey scooted to the edge of his chair. "Do