A Royal's Love (Unit Matched #1) (8 page)

I heard the pop of the twig. I launched from behind the tree and began my attack. A fist came from the left, and I was able to dodge it. I swung the knife to the right narrowly missing my attacker. He shoved me against the tree. I was stunned for a second, before I wiggled my fingers causing the wind to pick up dirt and dust. I commanded it right into the face of the man and swiftly kicked his upper thigh with all my might making him fall to his knees. I pulled the power of the vines around the trees to hold him in place, and I race to the bottom of the small hill.

“I taught you that move,” Amaya yelled from the end of the trail.

I laugh still trying to catch my breath.

“Princess, do you mind?” I hear Mr. Roberts’ question as he was still tangling in the vines.

I released him, and he brushed himself off.

“Excellent job training.” He slightly bows.

I nod back to him and slipped my now closed knife into my pocket. Weapons were not used a lot in Unit, but we are always prepared.

“I think that’s enough for today.” My father ordered, and everyone began to leave. My father grabbed my arm and held me back from everyone else.

“I want to talk to you.”

I nodded.

“Your mother and I had a long talk last night.”

“What about?”

“About the fact that my daughter is kissing now.”

My mouth dropped open, and I felt the ground shake a little. I tried to rein in my emotions the best I could.

“I know that you and I have had the ‘sex’ talk.”

“Please, Dad,” I cut him off. “Let’s not do that again.”

He chuckles. “I promise we won’t. However, things are different, and I want you to remember that just because you’re Matched doesn’t mean you have to have sex.”

I dropped my head. Having this conversation isn’t how I thought I would spend my day, but I know that he was looking for me.

“You know some Matched couples are pregnant before their ceremony.”

“I know, Xaviera, but that doesn’t mean you have to be.”

“Do you not trust Thaddeus?”

“If that was the case you wouldn’t be Matched with him.” His voice was firm, and I nodded. “Nonetheless, just remember what I said.”

He hugged me tightly. “Now, how would you like to train with your old dad?”

“I would love it.”

“Let’s work with water first.” I followed my dad to the small creek that was on our property and we stand on the embankment. “Focus on the water.”

I take a deep breath and relax. “This would be easier if I had my Controller.”

“It’ll go faster if you would be quiet and concentrate too,” Dad jokes. “You can’t do everything with your Protector and Controller. You need to learn on your own too.”

I nodded and turned back to the water.

“Relax and think about the water.”

Staring at the water I listen to Dad’s deep voice. It begins to ripple and then the small waves come faster.

“Pick it up. Rotate it like a standing whirlpool.”

I did and I could feel the energy pulsating through me.

“Good. Now higher.”

I lift it up.

“Spin faster.”

The water listened to my command.

“Good job.”

The power was still flowing through me, but I didn’t know how much longer I could do it. Finally, I release it.

I stumble from the power dying down in me, but Dad catches me.

“You need to keep training. You don’t want to be caught off guard.”

I nodded.

“I know that Thaddeus has been working on his powers too.” Dad winked at me.

When a couple become Matched they also become equals. That meant Thaddeus was no stronger than I was.

“Let’s head back to the house. I bet your mom has some Lucky Charms for you.”

I laughed with my dad and headed back to the house.

August

Chapter 9

Bring It On, New York City

“Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. That’s all my parents keep talking about.” Amaya slammed her purse down on the table at the coffee shop.

“Well, he’s your Matched shouldn’t you be trying to make it work during your decision period?” Gia asked sitting next to her.

“You’re sounding like my mother.” Amaya narrowed her eyes at her.

“Hey.” I set the coffee in front them. “Don’t be mean to Gia. I’m sure that we all can figure this out.”

“Oh, well I’m glad that you’re all sunshine and rainbows with your perfect Matched. I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m in Matched hell,” Amaya practically yelled at me.

“Ssshhh!” Gia and I both tried to get to her to lower her voice, making her roll her eyes.

“I order you to lower your voice,” I command her in a harsh, quiet tone. “Besides mine is still in the beginning stages,” I clarified.

“I’m sorry did I misunderstand you when you told us all about your make out session with Mr. Thaddeus Edwards?” Amaya smarted off at me.

“Enough, Amaya.” It was Gia that came to my rescue. “We both know that you wanted Thaddeus to be your Matched, but he isn’t. However, you did get a great guy, and why aren’t you at least trying?”

Amaya put her head down on the table hiding her face. Gia and I looked at each other not sure what to do. Amaya was always the strongest of the three us. Seeing her sad and upset was hard to take in.

When she raised her head, we saw the tears streaming down her face. “I’m sorry,” her voice cracked with emotion. “I shouldn’t be mad at you girls. You’re always there for me,” Amaya paused looking out the window. “I guess I thought it was going to be different.”

“We all did,” I said. “But this could be a great thing.”

She wiped the tears from her face. “Maybe,” she whispered. “Okay.” Amaya shook her head. “Let’s talk about Gia.”

“Why?” Gia looked at her confused.

“Um, did you forget your birthday is in less than three weeks?” Amaya asked.

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten.” Gia sipped her espresso.

“Did you find a dress?” I asked.

“Mom and I searched all of Vermont and nothing. I swear I should just wear an Idaho potato sack.”

“Hey, let’s go to New York City.” Amaya’s face lights up like the sun.

“What?” Gia and I said at the same time, shocked by her suggestion.

“Yes. When finals are over, we could leave on Friday and spend the weekend in N-Y-C.” Her eyes became bigger with the idea.

“We just can’t go to New York,” Gia said.

“Yes.
We
. Can,” Amaya pronounced each word firmly. “Xaviera and I are Matched. We’d be like your chaperones or something? Plus, I’m her Protector and you can make sure everyone keeps their emotions in check. If things get bad, then Xaviera can create a tornado and wipe it all out. Come on.” Amaya was bouncing in her seat. “Ask your parents tonight and let me know. We’ll get a hotel and have a girl’s weekend.”

“Well.” I bite my lip. “That actually sounds like fun.” I looked at Gia. “I mean we’ve never done that and this summer has been a killer for school. My parents might say yes.” I shrugged unsure.

“There are a lot of different shops then what we have here, and I’m sure that I could find something,” she paused still thinking it over. “I’ll ask, but I can’t promise anything.”

Amaya squealed in delight. “This is exactly what I need. Let’s go ask now.” She grabbed her purse and bolted out the door.

~~~

I had to wait for dinner to ask Mom and Dad. They both were very hesitant, but I got them to agree to talk to Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Roberts before making a decision.

Dad ended the conversation with, “We’ll see,” and it was the best I could ask for.

When I was cleaning up the kitchen, I heard Mom answering the door. I didn’t think much about it until the smell of the ocean surrounded me, and Thaddeus was standing next to me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked drying my hands.

“Thought I’d take my Matched for a late night stroll? I haven’t seen you in several days.” Thaddeus touched my cheek.

“Let me grab my tennis shoes.” I went to the laundry room, laced up my shoes, and told my parents I was going out with Thaddeus.

He took my hand, and we went to his dad’s Jeep that was in my driveway. He had the top and sides off, and we headed out of Unit. Because he had to shift gears, he couldn’t hold my hand the whole time, which was good because I had to hold my hair down from the wind.

When arrived at the city park, I tried my best to smooth out my hair, but it was no use.

“I thought we were taking a stroll not going through a wind tunnel,” I complained.

“You look beautiful.” He helped push my hair out of my face. “And this is a stroll.”

We walked the path around the park as the sun set. Thaddeus told me that his client was in town, and he was a little nervous about the meeting.

“Thaddeus.” I blocked his path. “You’ll be great. I know it.”

“Thank you.” He leaned in to kiss me, but I stepped back. I wanted him to kiss me. I’ve thought about that kiss every single day. “Something wrong?”

“We’re in a park. In public.” Yes, in Unit Matched couples showed affection, but I didn’t feel comfortable yet. “Sorry.” I hung my head.

“I understand.” He reached for my hand, and we continued to walk the path. “Tell me about your day.”

I told him all about school, homework, and my finals coming up. “Oh, and the girls and I are thinking about a girl’s weekend in New York City.”

It was his turn to stop me. “What?”

“Amaya, Gia, and I might be going down there to shop. We asked our parents but none of us got a definite ‘yes’ from any of them,” I explained. I looked at his face and all I saw was anger. “What is it?”

“You’re not going to New York City with Amaya.” His tone was serious and firm.

“Excuse me?” I stepped back from him. I thought I heard him correctly, but I wasn’t sure how to take it.

“The answer is no.” Thaddeus’ eyes bore into mine.

I crossed my arms as I became upset with his words. “If my parents say ‘yes’, than I’m going with my
friends
. I’m your Princess.”

“I’m your Matched.” He took the same pose as I did. “You’re not going if she is going. You see how she acts here, could you even imagine her in New York City? With no parents or Unit citizens around her? I highly doubt that you can control her.” The rage in his eyes was becoming more pronounced.

“You can’t tell me what to do,” I informed him.

“The hell I can’t.” He towered over me. “I’m your Matched, and I said so.”

I shut my mouth tight. I’ve never felt my temper rise like this. I felt like I was on fire, and I could see the smoke from my fingertips. I crossed my arms, not backing down this time. “How dare you, Thaddeus? I might be your Matched but you don’t own me. I’m not a pair of shoes. If I want to go to with my friends I’ll go, and I’m going to New York.”

“I forbid it.” Thaddeus’ teeth were clinched tight. The clouds were growing dark around us, and I could see his jaw popping.

“Let me inform you of something Thaddeus Edwards, you can forbid a tree to grow, but it’s going to. I’m going on this girl’s weekend, and you can’t stop me.”

We stood on that path staring each other down. We didn’t say anything and never broke our connection. I could feel the wind pick up between us. After a full two minutes, I finally told him to take me home.

“Fine,” he growled at me, and we stalked back to the Jeep.

When Thaddeus dropped me off in front of my house, I jumped out before he could come around, and I ran up to the house. I slammed the door not even saying as much as a ‘goodbye’ to him.

I didn’t speak to my parents and went to my room. Who does he think he is? I’m not his possession. I’m his Matched. If he thinks he can control me, he doesn’t know me at all. I fell on my bed.

Great, in a matter of a week, I had my first kiss and argument with my Matched. I rolled over and put my pillow over my face, wishing the world away.

~~~

I wasn’t sure what today would bring when I opened my eyes. I didn’t sleep well last night because I couldn’t get Thaddeus and the fight we had out of my mind. I was so mad that I almost called Gia to come over and control my emotions.

After cleaning up, I put on the most comfortable clothes that I owned. I had planned to study all day. Finals were upon us next week, and I needed to be prepared.

When I went downstairs I didn’t see Mom or Dad, but I did notice that a large box of Lucky Charms is on the table.

Finals Fuel, Love Mom

I love her. She knew exactly what I needed to get this day started. After making a large bowl, I headed into the TV room. I laid out the work in front of me on the table, ready to start it. I flipped on the TV to a music channel and blasted it through the surround sound.

I finished most of the studying in a couple of hours, and then I worked on my project. It was finished and I was touching it up. I wanted to keep my grades up.

With all the reading and reviewing, my brain let me forget the argument with Thaddeus. Maybe I should call him, so he could apologize to me? He shouldn’t have treated me that way. We might be Matched, but he wasn’t going to take me away from my friends, or tell me where I can go. I thought about Mom and Dad’s relationship. I don’t remember Dad doing anything like that to Mom.

I shut the TV off and picked up my phone. I saw two text messages. One from Gia and the other from Amaya. Both of their parents said they could go if there was a chaperone.

Chaperone?

Who would do that?

Well, that means mine would say the same thing too.

“Xaviera,” I heard Mom call for me.

I got up with my phone and headed to her. She was standing in the kitchen in a fashionable wrapped dress with her hair pinned up.

“I talked to the girls’ moms,” she said.

“I figured. They sent me texts about having someone go with us.” I flopped onto the chair.

“Don’t be pouty. I know that you’re not a small child, but you’ve never been to a big city like that, and I have no problems saying that I want you to be safe. You’re also of Royal blood and you will be protected,” Mom’s voice was serious. I understood what she meant, but I wasn’t happy about it.

“I know, but I don’t know anyone that would be able to do it in such a short time.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that because I took care of it. I have booked the room and made sure it was a safe area. You’ll leave on Friday after your last final and come back Monday afternoon.” Mom was precise on her plan.

“Who did you get to go with us?” I was curious who would agree to go with us to New York City to go shopping.

Mom winked. “Just someone.”

“Oh no,” I moaned. The only ones I could figure it would be were our dad’s or maybe the moms. Having my mom would be awesome, but I can’t imagine Gia’s or Amaya’s with us. They weren’t as cool as Mom. “When will we find out?”

Mom shrugged leaving the room.

“Well, crap,” I mumbled. I got up from the table and headed back to the TV room.

I sent a mass text to the girls. Even though they were excited, they knew it would be a parent who would go.

My phone alerted me of a text and I thought it was one of my girls, but it wasn’t.

Thaddeus: We need to talk.

Me: Are you going to apologize?

Thaddeus: I didn’t say anything wrong

Me: Yes you did, and I’m not going to talk to you until you say ‘sorry’.

I threw my phone on the couch and focused back on the music from the TV.

Jerk.

I should have known that, deep down, he was this way. I knew that it wasn’t totally true. I saw the tender side of him, and I know that he was just worried about me, but I’m not a baby. Okay, I hadn’t been to New York before, but I needed some experiences in my life before we were official.

Did I really think that?

Thaddeus and I have only been Matched for almost a month. We didn’t have to make a decision like that right now.

I had thought about it all my life; finding my Matched and being together. Then when I finished high school, and I was closer to eighteen, I started thinking about my life outside of Unit.

I thought I could travel, see what the world was like outside of Vermont and experience everything. I didn’t leave because of my parents. I know this, and I believe they did too.

Now, I’m Matched.

~~~

I’ve had the worst week of my college and personal life. My finals, my professors, and my project almost made me pull my hair out. It was insane the lack of sleep I’ve had to make sure I had everything done and knew all the material.

On top of that, I had to work an extra shift at the bank. Plus, Thaddeus and I hadn’t talked since Sunday. Mom asked me what was going on, and I told her everything that happened.