Free United (The Guardians Book 2) by Jessica Roe

was pretty sure she wasn't even around. Not long ago, Charles had been pretty into that psychic chick, Heidi, before Gable had shipped her off to London to save her from Pablo.
    “I want to go,” Zay said. “I want to prove my capabilities outside of Keeping.”
    Ralf clapped his hands once. “Then it's settled. Xavier will go and Charles and Walker will stay behind to take care of the city.”
    Charles pursed his lips and frowned but didn't object any further.
    “And what about. . .” Talon rifled through a pile of papers in front of him before pulling one free. “Ah, here she is. Your scientist, Felicity Xylander. I understand she researches faeries?”
    “She does?” Nicky asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
    “It's more of a hobby,” Charles replied. “Though it's taken a bit of a backseat of late. Ever since Nicky joined the team she's been studying him and his shadow guide heritage.”
    Nicky blinked. “She has?” Gable was beginning to wonder if the guy ever paid attention to his team. Or to the general world around him.
    “Her research might prove valuable on a mission such as this,” Talon suggested.
    Charles looked almost as horrified as he had about Zay going. He was like a father sending all of his children off to a war he couldn't fight. “Felicity is very young, only twenty two. And her experience in the field is limited indeed. She's extremely smart, but I'm not at all sure she'd be up to the challenge.”
    “Then this will be a perfect learning experience for her,” Talon said, no room for argument in the tone of his voice.
    He didn't say anything else, but Gable heard Charles make a faint sound of protest in the back of his throat.
    With her eyes averted from Faiz as a show of courtesy, Terelle said, “I'm aware that I can't go-”
    “No, you cannot,” Faiz agreed curtly. “You and I both know it is strictly forbidden for a banished faerie to return to Zawavia.”
    Terelle nodded respectfully, though Gable wasn't sure why. The guy might have been a king but he was also a giant freaking douche. “I'd like to send somebody in my place,” Terelle continued. “My best psychic, Cadby La Gatutta, has more power than most Outcasts. Not only that but he has a bond with one of the Outcasts we know for certain is on the island – they were close friends for many years. I believe once he is in Zawavia he'd be the best person to find a psychic link to the Outcasts and guide the Guardians to them.”
    The Elders agreed.
    “That's a great plan.” Ralf was impressed. “Cadby is one of the most powerful psychics we've ever had on record. Why he doesn't do more with his power is beyond me. As long as you think he can keep up with the others physically?”
    “I know he'll do his best.”
    “Good. And the earth elemental, the one who helped capture the informants. Do you think he'd be willing to accompany the team?”
    “He's already on board. Ward wants to help in whatever way he can.”
    “That's excellent news. A powerful earth elemental is always an exceptional ally to have. I'd like to send one of my Trackers, too.”
    Zay pulled a face. “Is that really necessary?”
    Ralf grinned. “Ah, how I do enjoy the petty Keeper/Tracker rivalries. Don't worry, I'll only send the one. Hubert Eades has recovered quite nicely from his brush with the rogue fire elemental you helped bring in the other week, thanks to the salve your scientist created.” Charles smiled proudly. “Hubert can go along with you. He's one of the greats.”
    “So great he couldn't even hang on to a fire elemental,” Zay muttered darkly.
    Either Ralf didn't hear his comment, or he chose to ignore him.
    “I'm going,” Gable declared, speaking up for the first time. It wasn't like her to be so quiet, but the amount of power in the room was kind of overwhelming.
    Gustavo, the South American Elder, glared fiercely at her, like he couldn't believe her audacity. “I think not. You are neither a Guardian nor an Outcast,