Free Destined to Fly: An Avalon Novel by Indigo Bloome Page A

expected. I talk until I have almost no words left and finally sum up.
    ‘That is why there’s no other option than for me to give her what she wants, for the sake of all our lives.’ I take another sip of wine and only look up to meet their eyes when I replace the glass on the table.
    Jeremy and Robert’s faces are brimming with emotions I can’t bear to register. Adam looks toward his brother and as they lock eyes, their heads tilt ever so slightly, acknowledging some silent agreement between them.
    Leo speaks first. ‘You know that everyone around this table cares for you deeply, Alexandra, that we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t?’
    ‘Yes, of course. And I want to thank you for all you have done to protect me. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.’
    ‘Life isn’t about repayments. It’s about experiencing and learning, exploring the unknown. Something you have enabled quite a bit of recently.’
    ‘Don’t I know it,’ I say under my breath. Thankfully, Leo’s lips curl in a half smile rather than annoyance. He certainly is incredibly handsome and has aged magnificently for a man nearing fifty. He is fit and tanned, no doubt from his recent time in the heat of the jungle, with playful, reflective azure eyes that are bordered by thick black lashes and a classic, perfect American smile. I can see why people, at first glance, may consider that he and Jeremy could be related. They are of a similar build and stature, both exceptionally good-looking in the sense that the majority of straight woman and gay men could easily be caught staring idly at their bodies for far longer than would be deemed appropriate in public. Both share the same suave presence and intellectual confidence, the key difference being Leo’s relaxed and charming personality,compared to Jeremy’s more professional, urbane and commanding demeanour.
    ‘Yet, you see the only option available to you is the one provided by Madame Jurilique?’
    I nod in silent agreement to Leo’s question.
    ‘Thank you for sharing your fears with us. Jeremy, would you like to share your perspective?’
    He nods and states his side of the argument we have been having for days as though he is a barrister delivering his concluding argument to the judge and jury. If I didn’t fundamentally disagree with his case, I’d be bursting with pride at his succinct yet heartfelt delivery. In this particular instance, it doesn’t help me one bit. Nor does his reference to his concern that if one pharmaceutical company is interested in ‘acquiring’ my blood’s unique capability, that it would only be a matter of time before others cotton on and want access to the same thing, by any means, just like Xsade.
    ‘And Robert, anything to add?’ Leo certainly can’t be deemed anything but egalitarian. Robert quickly aligns himself with Jeremy, stating that giving in to Jurilique’s demands will not serve to keep either me or the children safe in the longer term and, like Jeremy, will not support my returning to Xsade under any circumstances, regardless of the impact of her smear campaign against me.
    I’m a little aghast at both his knowledge of the issues we face and the depth of his convictions. Robert and Jeremy share solemn looks between them before looking back to Leo. God, what hope do I have? Ilook pleadingly toward them, feeling my energy to fight them draining from my limbs as well as from my words. ‘Please, both of you … how can you say that? You know I have no choice …’
    ‘Alexandra, I have an alternative option for you to consider this evening. One that, in all likelihood, hasn’t crossed your mind and one that I’d like us to explore, if I may. Would you care to hear it?’ Leo’s eloquent phrasing takes me by surprise every time he opens his mouth. I had always assumed he would be as direct as Jeremy can be, but it’s not the case.
    How could I not be open to options? Particularly in circumstances such as these. What else is there to do?