Fusion Read Online Free PDF Page B

back to normal.”
    Olivia nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was hinder whatever was going on. Her questions would have to wait.
    Amadea smiled, her gratitude shining through. “Okay, on to business. I have to get back to London very soon, so I will hand over the orders from Rupert. Bruno, you already have your assignment and are clear?”
    He nodded.
    “Harry, you will stay home for now. I do realize you want to head back to college, but your father wants you to remain in Mountain View.”
    Olivia noticed her son’s disappointment, but he didn’t argue.
    “We will send someone to cover you, but Bruno will keep an eye on you in the meantime, Harry.”
    Amadea turned to Olivia. “Alexa is on her way to cover Ella.”
    “Oh, good. Ella’s been saying how much she misses Alexa. She’ll be pleased to see her again.”
    “It will be difficult for Alexa to cover Ella at school,” Amadea said, “but we are working on a solution.”
    Olivia nodded.
    “David, you’ll be with Arizona as usual.”
    David nodded but looked pensive and unhappy, staring down at his shoes and fidgeting. Olivia caught the look that passed between him and his mother.
    “Problem, David?” Olivia asked before Amadea could move on.
    “No, Your Highness,” he said, his expression proving otherwise.
    “David, I’ve known you for a long time. What’s the matter?”
    “Nothing, I will carry out my assignment as ordered.”
    “Actually,” Kellan said, “I’d prefer to do it, if it’s okay with you.” Kellan looked up at Amadea.
    Amadea raised her eyebrows. “I wasn’t expecting this. What’s the issue, David? You are Arizona’s Wanderer, right?”
    “Yes, and it’s not a problem.”
    “Why can’t I do it?” Kellan interrupted. “Arizona and I spend a lot more time together than she does with David. I would prefer it.”
    “Amadea? Surely that’s okay?” Olivia agreed.
    Amadea shook her head. “Kellan does not have a Wanderer connection with Arizona. David will be able to keep her safer.”
    David turned to Kellan. “That’s true, but we can work together. Main thing is to keep her safe.”
    “Good. Now that we are clear, I’ll get back to Rupert and let him know that everyone is covered.” She got up from her seat.
    “Wait,” Olivia said quickly. “I need to know where Rupert is. How is he? When will he be home?”
    “He is fine, just very busy. He’s in London at the moment, but is leaving for St. Moritz tomorrow morning. I promise that he will come home as soon as he is able. In the meantime, carry on as normally as you can.” With that, she faded and then completely disappeared.

I stared into her big brown eyes, wondering what was going on in her little head. The depths of her eyes pooled an ocean of wisdom and thoughts that I felt she wanted—needed—for me to tap into. We sat on my bed, inches from each other, not touching but completely engrossed in one another. Her nose suddenly twitched, and she sneezed, her eyebrows rising into a comedic arch. Her somber mood was suddenly replaced by one of bewilderment, one that I couldn’t help but giggle at. She shook herself and rolled over, clearly looking for a belly rub.
    But I was afraid to touch her. Just hours ago, contact with her skin—her fur—had transported my mind into random flashings of disjointed image clips all coming at me at a speed that made me feel unbalanced, like I was in a free fall into nowhere. I had instinctively moved away from her, hoping to make the flashes stop. I had no idea what I’d seen. The images changed so quickly. In my panic, I hadn’t taken the time to try to remember any of them.
    Everyone’s eyes had been glued to me as I stood up and moved away from Gertrude.
    “What happened?” Mom had asked.
    I had been vague. Not on purpose, but because the incident itself was unclear. Thankfully, they hadn’t pushed me. David’s mother diverted our attention by asking us to get seated for dinner.
    After dinner, Mom had