Exposing ELE (ELE Series #3) Read Free Page B

to ask her how she could possibly know that, when I remember what Claire’s life has been like. She lost both of her parents very young in life. If anything, her loss is far worse than mine is.
    I wrap my arms back around her, hoping that she isn’t reliving the pain of her past for my expense. “Thank you,” I whisper into her ear. I don’t need to say anything more to her. I can tell she already knows how thankful I am to have her as a friend. She’s always there in my time of need and goodness knows I will always be there for her.
    “Why don't you go get washed up? You are probably starving!” Claire pats my leg.
    I shake my head. “No, I need to find the soldier who knows where they are keeping my parents and Tony.”
    “Why?” She looks at me and then shakes her head in understanding. “Look, Willow. They already sent a team to save them. I know they will get them out. You can't go. Not by yourself.”
    “How long ago did they leave?” I wonder if I can catch up with them.
    “This morning; that’s over four hours ago. You can't catch up with them,” she says as if answering my unasked question.
    “Now look whose reading minds,” I tell her. “Actually, I can catch up with them. I'm mighty fast. They’re probably carrying heavy artillery. I won’t be needing near as much as they do. Now, who's the guy I need to see?”
    Claire looks down uncomfortably and fidgets with her nails. “I don't think I should say.” CRAP! THAT'S A SUICIDE MISSION. ALEC WOULD BE PISSED IF I TOLD HER IT WAS THAT JOSH GUY. As if sensing my invasion, she darts her head up and meets my eyes. “How dare you!”
    I cringe at her angry glare. “I'm sorry, Claire. I have to help them. I know you don't understand but I can't just sit around and wait to see if the rescue team accomplishes their mission. I have to go.” I feel bad for betraying Claire's trust, but I have no other options right now. I stand up and catch my reflection in the mirror above the bed. My eyes are a dark green. This eye color corresponding to my abilities thing sucks. There's no way to be covert at all.
    “Fine! Then I'm coming with you!” She stands up and throws her hands on her hips.
    “Absolutely not.” There is no way I'm going to let anything happen to any more of the people I love.
    “This isn't up for discussion. I'm coming,” she demands.
    I focus on her eyes. “No. You are not coming. You are not going to tell anyone else that I know about Josh. You won't follow me or even remember that we had this conversation. Do you understand?”
    Her eyes glaze over a bit as she nods her head. “I understand.”
    “Thank you.” I take a deep breath. My heart is hammering out of my chest and bile is rising into my throat. I can't believe I'm doing this to my best friend. I once again feel as if I am left with no other choice. “I love you, Claire. I'm sorry,” I tell her.
    Her eyes focus again. “What are you sorry for, sweetie?”
    I sigh. “Everything.” She looks even more confused so I add, “I think I’ll wash up before going down to eat. You don't have to wait for me though.”
    She hesitates but finally shrugs her shoulders. “Okay. I’ll leave my light with you. This hotel is set up much like the other one. The dining hall is downstairs. I'll see you in a few.”
    “Okay.” I pull her into a big hug and hold on firmly. It takes a lot to blink back the tears that invade my eyes. I let her go, she hands me her candle and then leaves the room.
    I take a moment to wash my face. The hazel eyes of a girl who's becoming more and more like a stranger, stare back at me. The same hazel eyes that Zack has... I mean had.
    I grab a new pair of jeans and a tank top from the dresser and change quickly. Then I head out in search of Josh. The hallways are deserted; probably because everyone is eating. I pass a room on my way to the dining hall and stop quickly. The door is slightly open, but from here, I can tell that it's the weapons room.
    I