Star Gods, стр. 58
“That’s right, it is my choice.”
“However, I won’t allow you to hurt anyone. You need to let them go.”
Kevin scoffs, tightening his hold and Maliki’s dad makes a strangled sound. “They’re my way outta here.”
I shrug. “If you think so.” I lock eyes with Maliki’s brother, knowing he needs to see my face to hear my approval. “Go ahead.”
He grins from ear to ear.
Kevin panics. “What’re you doing?”
“You’ll see.”
Maliki relaxes beside me.
The young boy’s ability is amazingly strong. It filters out and into Kevin’s mind.
Kevin shakes his head, blinking rapidly. “What’re you doing?” he repeats more panicked. “Stop that!” His face reddens as he fights to keep his ability at his victim’s throats.
Maliki’s little brother snickers. Kevin’s ability releases, and without his own control, he throws himself into the wall. I hold him there using my telekinesis, pressed against the wall like a cartoon character.
Maliki’s brother looks to me in disappointment. “You did well. We’ll take care of him now.” I place a barrier around Kevin so he can’t go anywhere and go down on one knee in front of the boy. “You have a very powerful ability of persuasion. When you’re old enough, I hope you’ll consider working with us.”
He nods vigorously, his hands and fingers moving quickly toward Maliki in sign language.
“Mikel says he’s honored for the offer, and as long as Dad and I agree, he will be glad to work for you.”
I smile. “I’m the one who will be honored, Mikel—and it’s work with, not for.” I turn toward Maliki. “Why are you still standing here? Go, see your family.”
Mikel moves before his brother can and dives into Maliki’s arms.
I step away and Dad travels beside me, falling into step with me.
“Your followers are awaiting their orders. All still loyal to Levi have been removed. If you agree, I’d like to go to planet and bring your Mom, and everyone else, home.”
I stop, staring at Dad in confusion. “I don’t give you orders. That would be messed up. Sage and I will always need yours and Mom’s guidance.”
“Good to hear.” Dad smiles. “Tyce and I will be back soon.”
I chuckle. “The best plan I’ve heard all day.”
16
I lean back onto my hands and stare up into the star filled sky grateful to be home and in my normal clothes. The amount of followers we earned was astronomical, over half of Levi’s followers are now on the right side, able to be with their families, and away from the physical and mental abuse Levi willingly gave on a daily basis. Learning how Levi gained his control was a learning curve for us all, and measures will be placed so it never happens again.
“How long does it take to travel to Planet Eos and back again?” Sage questions as she continues to pace the length of our front yard.
“You’re going to wear a path,” I say, and chuckle when she looks.
“Why are you so nervous anyway?” Ashe asks from the picnic table. “This is no different than meeting Dad.”
“I don’t know. Because she’s Mom?”
“Sage.” With action figures spread out on the lawn in front of him and Mikel, Maliki grabs my sister’s hand as she passes. “Relax. Your Mom’s gonna love you.”
I lift my brows in surprise when I feel Sage’s response to Maliki, and then nod in approval with a smile.
Sage turns to me in annoyance. “That’s one thing we need to change.”
“You only need to learn to block my thoughts.”
She places her hands on her hips. “You don’t block yours.”
I smirk.
“You do?” She travels to me, punching me on my shoulder. “Tell me how to do it!” She drops next to me and shoves me onto my back, play punching me. “Tell me, Zeke! Tell me now!”
I laugh, grab her hands, and yank her down onto my stomach. “I’m gonna tell Mom.”
“You can’t.” She fights my hold. “She’s not here yet.”
“Hmmm,” Tyce says, appearing over us. “Think we should tell them, Claire?”
Sage freezes.
I let her go and shove her off me. “C’mon, Sage. Mom’s here!” I hurriedly get to my feet, reaching my hand down to my twin.
She sits up, looking down at the ground.
“Sage.”
She doesn’t move.
“Give her a minute, Zeke.”
I spin around, smile, and take the few steps to grab Mom into a bear hug. “Mom.” I rest my cheek on her shoulder. “Welcome home. I missed you so much!”
“Zeke.” I can hear tears in her voice. She places her hands on both sides of my face, and gazes into my eyes with her deep blue ones—her honey-brown hair falling freely past her shoulders. “Eight months, I missed eight months and you look more like a man than a teenage boy.”
“I can sit on the ground and kick and scream if that helps.”
“Yeah, just like he did last week,” Tyce says.
Mom laughs, gives me one more hug, and kisses my cheek. Slowly, she moves away, wringing her hands in front of her. She slowly kneels on the ground next to Sage. “I understand if you hate me.”
“Hate you?” Sage’s head turns toward Mom and tears trail down her face as she sees Mom for the first time. “I don’t exactly understand, and I feel cheated—but I don’t hate you.” Her lips form into a smile through her tears. “You’re more beautiful in person.”
Mom smiles, and moves hair out of Sage’s eyes. “I can say the same about you.”
“I look like you. It’s nice to finally meet who I take after.”
“I want you to know,” Mom says, her voice catching. “I loved you the moment you were born. Letting you go to keep you alive and safe was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Sage dives into Mom’s arms making her laugh. “I have to tell you, Ashe, who’s overprotective by the way, and I love him for it, along with Tyce and Zeke, taught me about family and the love they have for one another.” She squeezes Mom and more of her tears flow. “I love you, Mom. I think