Artificial Mates - Chapter 143

The sliding door opened on Grant’s worried face. I kind of heard bits and pieces of what they were talking about. Just the overall picture nothing specific. He took quick steps to met me in the kitchen area.

“Pack your things, we’re leaving,” he tossed in haste. I let my fork fall into my plate. I wasn’t exactly surprised. It was the way he said it, dry and emotionless. Was it just me or did Demos’ return somehow triggered him?

-I’m not bothered by Demos. We have to leave, right now.

His tone held hints of nervousness and guilt that I couldn’t pick up with this real voice. I guess that mate link let his well-guarded thoughts leaked. Grant took a deep breath before facing me.

“Ok, I’m annoyed,” he admitted. “But we do have to leave quickly,” he let his shoulders sagged as he took a step closer. I cupped his face with my hands, staring into this cloudy silver eyes.

“You know I love you, right?” a weak smile danced over his lips.

“I can feel it,” he whispered. Before I could add more he broke the contact and pulled away. “Liliane,” he started but I hopped off the seat and avoid eye contact.

“Stop! I know where you are going and I don’t want to hear you say you’re going to fight and leaving me behind. I’m coming with you, either you like it or not,” I clenched my hands in fists. It wasn’t exactly what I was planning to say, it just slipped in the spur of the moment. My heart raced just thinking about going back to that hell hole. Grant stopped in the middle of the round facing away from me.

“Please Liliane, don’t make it harder for us,” he turned around. “Promised that whatever happens, you are going to live,” I shook my head refusing to listen to him.

“No, no you’re not leaving me behind,” he rushed to me and held me tight in his arms as I struggled. “Let go, Grant! You’re not going to use your power to force me to order. I won’t. Do you hear me,” my voice broke and tears well up. “I’m not…we are a family. You promised,” I slammed my fists over his chest. He caught my wrists to prevent me from hurting myself.

“Liliane, listen—” I shook my head from side to side. He let go of my hand and cupped my face. “Listen,” he pleaded eyes full of gentleness. “I’m not going to leave you—alone. Actually I have a very important mission to give you. Only you can do this,” I paused out of breath and glared at him. Was it some trick to get me to stop? I searched his face and only find love.

-No tricks. I’m telling the truth.

“What is it?” I narrowed my eyes at him still distrustful. He chuckled at my caution tone. Grant stepped away from me and when to the living room. Next to the TV screen was a black box, he did mention that it was how they installed Jil into the house.

“I’ll take Jil with us. She will help us enter Atlas’ lair. If Olga is still inside, we’ll find her,” he disconnected the box and opened a screen in front of him. He scrolled through the different functions and Jil hologram appeared. “Jil, sorry I’m going to put you in sleep mode,” he gave the AI a weak smile.

“It’s ok Master, ‘everything to make you happy,” she replied back jumping with joy. He kneeled next to the TV and retrieved a red flashed disk that he inserted into the black box. The lights in the living room dimmed and the various appliances hummed. I looked up a little worried.

“It’s ok, it’s just Jil switch to sleep mode. Since she controls everything here…that means we are no longer under her protection,” he held my gaze. “Go pack a bag, quick,” he was dead serious.

“What about that important mission?”

“Liliane,” he sighed. “For once in your life have faith,” what was that? An artificial just told me to have faith. How ridiculous.

-Liliane! Clothes, now!

“Ok, ok Boss. I’m going,” I rose my hands up in surrender. “I can’t believe this,” I muttered as I raided my stuff. Scattered the carefully folded garments on the bed and pulled Demos’ black bag. I shoved in random outfits without looking. I rushed to the bathroom for my toothbrush and when I got back Grant was at the door.

“Come, I’ll tell you my plan on the way,” he left before I could argue. We left our house, it was now an empty shell. The love and warmth were gone. A cold gush blew my hair away as I gave one last look over the glass facade.

“Goodbye house. Goodbye honeymoon trip,” I murmured. Grant grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze.

“Liliane, I’m going to hand you our codes—,” I gasped and nearly let go of him. He held on as we rapidly got to the front of the complex.

“What?”

“I told you, I won’t let you go alone,” by then he was literally pulling me along the way. I had no idea how I wasn’t tripping over. My mind was a blank. He gave me a rapid glance over the shoulder and went on. “Whatever happens our backup will be with you. You take precious care of it, ok?” I felt like choking on tears.

“I don’t want you to die,” each word hurt like knives stabbing me in the heart. We were now making our way into thigh-high weed. Glowing lights from our complex elongated our shadows. Half of Grant’s face was let in the gloom. He turned on my hand forcing me to move forward.

“I will always be a part of you, all the memories we’ve shared together. All of it is inside you. So we won’t die as long as you remember,” I sobbed silently and let him guide me to the large parking ahead. He looked up in an alert.

“Demos is waiting,” he announced.