Surfacing the Rim (Piercing The Fold) Read Free

in. “Yeah? What about it?”
    Ezra holds up his iPhone. “A device similar to this was used prior to travel to send a surge of electricity directly to the Copula. The surge acted as a harness between the body’s copper and the Copula, working together to open the wormhole, but this device wasn’t just a Copula defibrillator. It had multiple purposes.
    Looking away, Ezra continues. “It was a miniature computer. This device recorded neurological and physical changes within the body during and after travel. As protocol, after every mission, Sebastian’s associates collected the data to check for any changes or abnormalities. Across the board, the data showed increased levels of copper in those who were implanted. The levels of copper contributed to alterations within the body, making those implanted superior.”
    Nate questions, “Superior? In what way were they superior?
    Thoughts start firing in my head. Alterations in the body making the implanted superior. Alterations.
    Ezra’s voice is filled with worry. I tune back in enough to hear him say “…physical strength and speed. Psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance, telepathy...”
    His mouth is moving, but I’m not listening anymore. Are we implanted? I almost speak the words, but instead, I quickly shut my gaping mouth.
    Nate guardedly looks at me. “Jes?”
    Ezra’s gaze focuses on me. He’s just sitting there, waiting for me to ask.
    I don’t ask the question sitting on the tip of my tongue, wanting to leave my lips. If I do, I’ll slip below the surface of reality, sinking into a sea of new truths that I will have to surface from. I don’t know if I can handle that. I don’t know if I’ll be able to surface once I hear the answer to the unspoken question lingering in the atmosphere.
    Ezra sits back in his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest. His voice is soft when he speaks. “You are both implanted with Copulas.”
    Yep, I’m slipping deep below the surface. I feel every hair on my body stand on end. My throat constricts, and I can’t get enough air.
    I push my chair back and stand slowly. Nate reaches out to hold my arm and steady me, but I pull away from his grasp. I need to get out of here. I charge quickly to the coat closet and grab my sweatshirt.
    Nate calls after me. “Jesca, wait! Where are you going?”
    Ezra reprimands Nate, “Nate, let her go!”
    I ignore them and run out the back door.

Chapter 2
    Jesca
     
    I pull my hooded sweatshirt over my head to shield me from the chill in the air. It’s mid-August, and the weather could easily pass for late November in Georgia. I cross my arms over my chest and walk quickly down the beach. I feel my lungs tighten, and I can’t get enough air.
    Damn it. Don’t have a panic attack, Jes. Breathe.
    I should be relieved. That one missing puzzle piece of my life has been found. With the piece in place, it strips the mystery away, explaining what I am and why.
    My fear is spiking as I continue to walk along the beach. I cough out a sob, and hot tears begin to roll down my cheeks. The frigid air dries them quickly.
    What does this Copula make me? Am I an alien?
    The Copula has altered me. But, what did it alter me from? What was I like before I was implanted? Did they implant me to save me or make me into something they needed? Am I a weapon for the fellowship?
    I feel violated, like my whole life has been predetermined without my input. What about Nate? Has his future been cast for him? Has our link to each other been determined all along as well?
    The last question makes my heart ache, and my skin turns hot from panic.
    From the moment I met Nate, the attraction was instantaneous. I knew it was for him as well.
    Is that because of the link? Could the Copula be the sole reason Nate and I feel an attraction to each other?
    I turn to look out at the ocean, hoping that I am done thinking this. Deep down, I know I’m not. I breathe in deeply, using the cuff of my sweatshirt to wipe away