Blake, Abby - Soldier [Altered Destinies 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read Free Page A

on his hand.
    “She’s sedated! How the fuck can she be influencing our actions?” Zane twisted his arm, her grip quite painful as he pulled against her hold. Relief swept through him as both he and Rick finally pried themselves free. Immediately, he felt more like himself, more in control, less frantic. He could still feel Jenna’s desperation to rescue her children, but it was easily discerned from his own feelings. The fact that he still wanted the assignment was not entirely surprising. Stolen children was a major problem—anyone’s children, not just Jenna’s.
    “Sit down,” Jason ordered in a very authoritative voice. Zane sat in the chair, far from Jenna’s reach, and held his head in his hands. He had no idea just how Jason fit into The Agency, but considering who his sisters were, it was a good chance that if he wasn’t actually highly placed himself, he certainly knew people who were. All Zane needed was to get fired. He loved his job. This was where he felt most comfortable, where he could do the most good.
    Jason smiled kindly as he placed his hand over Zane’s forehead. “You know I have to put this incident in my report to Caleb, but I have no intention of blaming you for that outburst. It’s more than obvious that Jenna has some influence over people she touches, though at this stage we can’t be certain if it’s all people or just you and Rick.”
    “Thanks,” Zane mumbled, grateful for the understanding but still conflicted over his feelings for Jenna. If she could influence his thoughts, then what was real? What wasn’t? How the hell could he trust anything that went through his own brain?

Chapter Three

    Rick shook his head sharply. He had no idea how he’d finally figured out that Jenna was influencing his thoughts. It had only been Zane’s uncharacteristic outburst that had finally made him see things clearly.
    “I’ve never heard of someone capable of manipulating people’s thoughts and emotions,” Zane said. Rick noticed Zane’s hand trembled slightly. The loss of control over his own actions had affected him deeply. No one liked being forced to do something, and Jenna’s skill seemed the most dangerous they’d ever come across.
    “I know of one empath who can affect the emotions of others. And even then, it’s more of a suggestion than any real influence over their decisions. Jenna seems to have the same skill, just more advanced,” Jason said quietly.
    “How do we protect ourselves from that?” Rick wanted to say so much more, demand answers right now, but he held his emotions together and waited with a thin veneer of patience for an answer.
    “I’m not sure you can,” Jason said as he shook his head slowly. “We need to figure out if she can affect everyone or just you two.”
    “Why would you think it could be just us she affects?”
    “Because Theresa can only use her skill to influence her husbands. Fortunately, Caleb and Ethan are both strong telepaths and empaths, so they can easily discern her influence from their own decisions. I don’t believe she’s ever actually tried to use it deliberately.”
    “Whoa, back up a minute,” Rick said, his confusion growing with every word Jason uttered. “Why would you think Zane and I would be the ones she can influence?”
    “You already show a connection to her. You feel drawn to her in ways you’ve never felt with another woman.” He said the words in a matter-of-fact tone, like a typical scientist, with complete disregard for the actual people and real emotions involved. Rick wanted to explode and could feel Zane’s temper heating up.
    “Of course we have a fucking connection. We just saved her life. Of course we feel a responsibility toward her.” Even as Rick shouted the words, he knew in his heart that the connection to Jenna was more than that. Saving her life had been part of their job. Hanging around the hospital waiting to find out if she’d make it, holding her hand while she screamed through