25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25

-Jared-

I dined with Julia once more after a day spent attempting to acquaint her with the concept of a conventional life. Regrettably, I couldn't claim to be a proficient instructor. It was Alison who had afforded me a glimpse into the semblance of normalcy, something I still struggled to fully grasp. She would have been far more adept at elucidating these matters to Julia, but before she could do that, I needed to reclaim her.

Yet, throughout the day, I found myself preoccupied with Julia's query: where would she ultimately find herself? She didn't belong in my world. Despite my desire to ensure her safety, I wasn't her parent. Did she have any other kin? I was in the dark about this guard, who had been lurking around her mother. Perhaps he had lingering family connections, but what if he didn't? Did I hand her over to the system?

Julia wasn't exactly born into a conventional existence, and the system was overrun with orphans, with foster families sometimes proving to be even more abusive. What had I gotten myself into with this girl? I resolved to make a decision once Alison returned. With her back in my arms, I would find solace and clarity of thought once more.

"Jared?" Julia's voice pierced through my ruminations.

"Yes?" I responded.

"What day is it?"

"Um, Saturday," I offered hesitantly.

"No, the date."

"The date?" I echoed.

"Yes," she affirmed.

"September 20th," I responded promptly.

"What year?" Julia inquired.

"2039."

"Hm," she mused thoughtfully.

"What?" I prompted.

"I think I turned 10 a few days ago."

"You think?" I questioned.

"Dad never celebrated it. Mom always did, but after she passed away a few years ago, I sort of forgot," she admitted with a hint of melancholy.

Could this girl break my dead heart into even smaller pieces? I resolved to ensure Louis's death would not only be a reckoning for Alison but also for Julia.

"You can choose a new one," I suggested gently.

"A new one?" she echoed, intrigued.

"A new birthday," I clarified.

She pondered the notion for a moment, then a smile graced her lips. "Then I want it to be the day you and Alison saved me."

"Sounds like a fitting choice," I agreed.

She nodded in agreement before focusing once more on her food, relishing the novel experience. Despite her enjoyment, her disdain for vegetables persisted as she pushed them away, displaying a clear preference for fries. She quickly drained her soda as well, and amidst it all, I found an unexpected sense of tranquility. However, I reminded myself not to grow too attached. The uncertainty of our future loomed ominously. Perhaps I wouldn't emerge unscathed. Perhaps Alison wouldn't either, and then what would become of Julia?

With these troubling feelings weighing heavily on my mind, finding rest proved to be an arduous task. I stayed by Julia's side once more, aiding her in drifting off to sleep before I returned to my own room. The night was spent alternating between brief periods of rest and pacing as I prepared for the early meeting. As the sun began its ascent into the sky, I dressed and armed myself before gently shaking Julia awake in her room, signaling that it was time to depart.

Instantly, fear clouded her expression, and she shook her head adamantly, pressing herself against the headboard.

"No, I can't," she whimpered, curling into herself defensively.

"Julia, you must," I insisted.

"You're going to leave me there!" she protested, her voice trembling with fear.

"We've discussed this already. I'll be returning."

"No, you won't. You want Alison," she accused tearfully.

"Yes, I want Alison. She's my wife, of course I do, but I won't abandon you to those people. I promise."

She continued to shake her head, clearly overwhelmed by the prospect of what lay ahead. Frustration gnawed at my patience as I reached out to coax her, but she resisted, sinking her teeth into the hand that grabbed her. I endured her outburst, allowing her to release her pent-up frustration before she withdrew, looking bewildered.

"You didn't flinch," she observed, perplexed.

"Barely felt it."

Her expression shifted to one of heightened anxiety, and she shook her head pleadingly. "Please, Jared, I can't. I don't want to stay with them."

"It's only temporary," I assured her.

"No, I can't!"

"Julia, I'm out of options! If I strike, they'll harm Alison, and without her, I can't function!" I exclaimed urgently. "I'd be a wreck, incapable of keeping you safe. You don't want them to come here and take you, do you?"

She shook her head, her gaze dropping to the ground.

"Then I need you to focus. I understand it's terrifying, but you're not staying there," I insisted firmly.

"W-What if they're like my father?" she asked.

"They are."

"But I don't want to be confined or abused!" she protested.

"Then pretend. Fool them," I urged.

"I-I can't," she whimpered.

"Yes, you can."

"Please, I'm scared," she pleaded, her voice cracking.

"And that's okay, but I need you to stay composed. Can you do that?" I implored.

She shook her head, her resolve crumbling, and impatience stirred within me. With a swift motion, I lifted her up, ignoring her struggles and screams that echoed in the room. Despite her resistance, she was so light that carrying her with me was effortless. She continued to kick and pound her fists against me, even attempting to scratch, but it was futile. I restrained her arms easily and descended the stairs, her protests fading into the background as we exited the house and headed toward the car. By the time we reached the vehicle, her fight had subsided, replaced by tears. I couldn't help but think that her emotional turmoil might serve our ruse even better.

Gathering my team, we settled into the cars. Julia sat beside me, refusing to meet my gaze, convinced I would abandon her like everyone else. I was determined to prove her wrong, but for now, I allowed her to stew in her own turmoil while anticipation surged through me. As I got closer to Alison, it stirred a primal hunger. I longed to see her again, to smell her, taste her, and touch her. My body thrummed with delight, and for a fleeting moment, she consumed my thoughts entirely.

I'm coming, my sweet slave , I thought.