The S-Gene (Book 1: Amelia) - COMPLETE
The Retrieval

A/N: Sorry! So late! Happy thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians (part of the reason this is so late. It was a busy weekend with a lot of food!)

***

It was a good thing he didn’t need a lot of sleep…

Because he wasn’t getting any fucking rest.

Instead, he was laying in bed, staring at the ceiling - his eyes wide open. From time to time, he could hear soft breathing sounds and feel the expansion of Amelia’s rib cage when she filled her lungs with air.

But he could not replace rest.

How could he?

Shame clung to him like a second skin.

Noah hadn’t meant to get carried away. Everything had been overwhelming and before he knew it, the unthinkable had happened. Amelia did not say anything. She hadn’t appeared upset or sad.

He remembered her skin, moist, heated to the touch.

Nope. Now was not the time to think about this.

His body hadn’t gotten the memo.

He knew how she felt and he shared the sentiment; they were being watched. Doing that was what they wanted and the last thing he would do was give them the satisfaction of winning.

Even if he wanted what they wanted.

Well sort of.

He did not want more Djinns and children.

He wanted her.

Sometimes, he tried to calm himself, he tried to remind himself that biology was playing a trick on him, forcing him to want her. But then other times, he’d think about specific events, actions that led him to want her.

There was no denying that Amelia did not want this and that she did not trust supernatural beings. He had momentarily lost her trust as well, in the beginning, but she trusted him now. He could argue that it was because he remained her best chance at escaping this hellhole but it was more than that.

She truly trusted him, completely.

Yes, they had to do certain things out of necessity, but he did not feel the vibe of disgust or mistrust. And he was familiar with it.

A lot of people sought him out, desiring wishes but it did not mean they respected him. A lot of them were repulsed by him. Then again, he had not always been in this form. Sometimes, he altered it to appear more threatening, more powerful. It depended on his mood.

Some shuttered every time he appeared to them. Others nearly spat on him, thinking they were above. Amelia never did anything like that. She touched him - she kissed him… unprompted.

When she was around, he forgot. Yes, there were a lot of elements to remind them of their situation and a lot of their conversations revolved around breaking free of this but - still, he forgot he was different.

Noah had looked at humans, observed them, and wished for that freedom. That desire had grown so out of control that he had ended up signing his own will away to Genecorp and turning a blind eye to everything.

The little pleasures of life he had enjoyed by himself? They were better with someone. In the back of his head, he reminded himself of the reasons why he stayed alone, despite being here. Outside of his horrible reproduction success rate, there was always the chance that someone would betray him and own him.

And if that person never terminated their wishes, he could be enslaved forever.

Amelia was the first person that brought him out of his shell enough that he could put himself in danger. Perhaps it was a good thing that he had never encountered a universal carrier before her.

Ah, who was he fucking kidding?

He was a goner. He was trying to rationalize this, he was trying to have it make sense. It didn’t. He was fucked the second he gave her that necklace.

The necklace that was not a necklace.

That was stupid, that was very fucking stupid.

Especially if he were to consider the fact that she did not have it with her. So they either knew, or it was because she hadn’t been wearing it and it was back in her house. Most likely? It was the second option. If they had known this whole time, someone would have taken it from him a long time ago.

It was his lamp-not-lamp.

The one illusion he could control, no matter how much of his powers they locked away. This one, they couldn’t affect. The whole lamp myth wasn’t bogus. Back when Djinns could become Djinns the right away and not through some reproduction sham, a lamp was indeed used to trap them for eternity.

That was its initial shape, but as a Djinn grew in his powers, he could affect its shape and change it. It helped. Most humans hunted down for a magic lamp, and sometimes, it could buy them decades or centuries of peace.

Of course, sometimes, word would spread and then humans would try to rub about anything they could replace, or they would use magical devices to see through the charades or detect the lamp. Plus, they couldn’t constantly modify its shape.

It required a lot of power to do so and it was draining. He hadn’t been able to stock up enough power since his arrival in this wretched place. Though since they had been on what he assumed was the outskirts, a lot of his strength had replenished.

It did not matter, he could not change it now. He didn’t want to attract attention, and he had given it to Amelia. She did not own him, but she had the means to do so. He hadn’t told her. He couldn’t tell her.

It did leave a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had allowed her to make a wish before and she had refused. Except, she was now a lot more desperate. What if she wished out of this place?

In all honesty, Noah did not know if it would work. The damper on his powers would probably make it highly unlikely. Not only that, but it would give it away to Genecorp and he didn’t want that.

He had lent to her to help protect herself. It was there to guard her. It was a prison for him, but it was also so much more. In a way, it was the source of his power.

Noah turned to his side, staring at Amelia as she slept. Looking at her, being near her - it reminded him how forbidden she was. Amelia wanted more than this, and she deserved to have it.

It would be best for him to remember that.

***

Amelia was… strange.

Either that or she was overly kind.

She did not bring up what happened.

Unlike him, she had experience. Surely his unwarranted finish was somewhat embarrassing. He might not have partaken in the pleasures of the flesh with humans, but it did not mean he had not heard the gossip, the words, the jabs.

Over the years, he had heard a lot.

There were also an insane amount of wishes that had to do with performing sexually or phallus sizes. Which was ridiculous. If they did not know how to use it, what would the size change?

Then again, he had no ground to speak since he had never used his own dick before. Well. He had used it for personal pleasures… on his own… but never… until…

“Can I ask you something?”

Amelia’s voice breaking the silence was like a welcomed pause to the thoughts racing in his head. He needed to think about something else. Though Amelia was already the main subject of his thoughts. More of her wouldn’t necessarily be good.

He swallowed, his throat bobbing, before focusing his attention on her.

“Something I’m gonna like?”

Her lips stretched into a smile and she nodded. He could only assume that she understood what he meant. Worst case, he was wrong. It wouldn’t do any harm. However, if he did not put up the barrier - then they could be in trouble.

Noah did not doubt that he could harness more power if he didn’t constantly have to put up barriers but - Amelia enjoyed these moments of freedom, where they could speak freely. How could he take that away from her?

He closed his eyes, focusing his entire energy, feeling the warmth that spread throughout his blood, his body. How he had missed the feeling of being powerful. It was unfortunate that to feel it back in the real world, he had to become powerless. Was it power if you were tied to a chain?

When he opened his eyes, he saw Amelia bringing her steaming coffee mug to her lips. She lifted a leg, resting her foot on her chair and her knee against her chest. She turned her head to look out the window, and as always there was nothing.

“Is it crazy that I was half hoping to see them coming?”

He shook his head. “No - we did what they… wanted.”

It was almost safer here; he could keep up the charade. He wouldn’t be able to make it look like they were closer than they were. Not out there, not with his powers drained. Noah hadn’t brought it up, but he knew Amelia had put two and two together.

Yet, she preferred to leave.

He couldn’t blame her. If he didn’t create privacy for them, they didn’t have any. Noah himself did not know if he would be able to keep it up forever. Plus, the more they had to do, the less he could control his powers.

“How long do you think they’re gonna keep us here?”

“I thought last night’s…” he paused, cringing as he realized there was no perfect word to describe his embarrassment. “Show…” he settled on. “I thought it would be enough.”

“Yeah, me too.”

There was no hint of anything, nothing for him to decipher. Should he be apologizing? Not saying sorry felt wrong but saying it also felt wrong. He didn’t know which way to lean. She wouldn’t be speaking with him so casually if she had an issue.

Amelia wasn’t known to keep her words in. If she had something to say she let it out. It was a huge part of all the issues she was having with Genecorp. They were used to docile and Amelia was anything but…

It was refreshing.

“I am sorry for the barrier’s… weakness last night. I’ll do better next time.”

For the first time, she gave him something to work with; a blush. A nice dusting of red spread across her cheeks as she glanced down at her coffee mug as if it were the most interesting item on the planet.

“I kinda- I got… carried away.”

Wait.

She was blaming herself?

But…

He thought…

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. He stilled and looked at her, his eyebrows knitted together. Who would be disturbing them here? Maybe Amelia’s prayers had been answered? Just as he was getting some information…

It was not as though Genecorp gave them a lot of warning. They did as they pleased.

“I’ll get the door,” Noah answered, his shoulders slumping as he allowed the privacy around them to vanish. He couldn’t risk too much discrepancy, especially if Genecorp was at their door.

He wouldn’t surprise him if they were showing up to check that the deed had been done. Noah had hoped they would not push it that far, but he knew better than to think they wouldn’t sink to a new low.

Noah attempted to peak at whoever was on the other side of the door, but the sight he got didn’t ring any bells. He didn’t know this person. He gripped the door handle tightly before yanking the door open.

The tall, light-haired man behind the door smiled at him, revealing bright white teeth. He tilted his head forward, green eyes glimmering in the sunlight. “Noah. I believe Miss Parks is inside?”

He blinked once, then twice. “Yes,” he finally answered.

Obviously, she was inside. He should know this. Everyone knew it. As if anyone had the freedom to go where they pleased.

“And you are?” he added to break the silence that had settled.

“Apologies. I’m here to retrieve the both of you.”

These words were apparently enough to perk up Amelia’s interest as he heard her footsteps.

“We’re leaving?” she asked, joining them in the entryway.

The man nodded as he smiled at her. “Again, my apologies. We wouldn’t usually do it this way… we have… procedures. However, a highly important couple has come to an agreement much earlier than anticipated.”

He cleared his throat. “It is my understanding, however, that you have already passed your fertile window, Miss Parks, am I correct?”

His bluntness caused Amelia’s face to become the color of deep red flames as she shifted her glance to the ground instead. “Yes,” she meekly answered.

The man clapped his hands together, a grin adorning his face. “Wonderful news. This was the purpose of the retreat. We can always compensate you for this unusual situation. You may put in a request once you return to your homes.”

“Our separate homes?” Noah inquired.

“Yes. I do not believe you had fixed this matter in your contracts, correct?”

Noah didn’t have many interactions with Genecorp. Maybe in the beginnings when he had first arrived, but once he didn’t play the game and didn’t try to sell himself to whoever came around, they somewhat lost interest in him.

His kind was valuable, they kept an eye on him but… he didn’t speak with them often. Yet, he remembered that most of the interactions were done by texts. Why did this require a visit? They did not have time to inform them? Even if it was last minute?

There was no way they were mere seconds away from them. It was his understanding that a little amount of travel was required. Unless he had it all wrong.

Plus he appeared to know a lot of information. Correct information. The contracts, Amelia’s fertile window. A random person wouldn’t be aware of such things. So why couldn’t he stop feeling like someone was prickling him with needles right in the back of his neck?

It gave him goosebumps.

He turned around to look at Amelia was who now standing a lot closer to him. Out of fear? Or was she playing the act of the girl in love?

“No, we - it didn’t matter to us. Though I have been in my home longer,” Noah answered, never taking his eyes off Amelia. “What do you think?”

“I-well, even, if I- we wanted to stay. It sounds like they need our little…” she popped her lips. “Love nest for another couple.”

Her voice was shaky but he saw no other signs of fear on her. Maybe she was nervous that they would give something away or perhaps it was the presence of someone from Genecorp. He knew she did not have the best interactions with them.

“It’s settled then!” the man said, clapping his hands together. “Now, as you may recall, the trip here was done in secrecy.”

Is that what they were going to call it? He would call it something else but alright.

“What are you saying?”

“I would only need for you two to drink this. I do promise it’s painless.” He handed them each what appeared to be a bottle of water, but they knew better than to think it was regular water.

Hadn’t felt so painless when they woke up.

He wanted them to drug themselves to make his life easier.

“Do… we have to?” Amelia asked, eying the bottle, but not taking it from the man.

“Your cooperation would make this process much easier. We do have other ways but I would much prefer this way. Wouldn’t you?”

The smile on his face remained, but this time, it was more sinister. A cold chill ran down Noah’s back and he held back a breath, gulping it down. Why couldn’t he shake it off? But what was he supposed to do?

Kick the bottle?

Slam the door in his face?

Run? Where?

His options were limited.

Unfortunately, it appeared that Amelia was looking at him for guidance. So he took a decision. He grabbed the water bottle. They were being watched. Surely if this was wrong, or unplanned, someone would put a stop to it somehow.

No ding, no phone alert.

Perhaps his time in this hellhole had made him paranoid.

He grabbed the bottle from the man, untwisting the cap. Amelia followed suit.

Cheers.

***

Ouch.

Noah smacked a hand on his face, his eyes tightly shut. Fuck this felt like the first time all over again. He dragged his hand down, feeling the pastiness of his mouth as his hand ran past it. He was hella parched.

He rubbed his eyes before lifting himself into a sitting position. As he looked around, he expected to see his old room, but that was not it. For a split second, he considered the fact that he might be in Amelia’s room but… no that wasn’t it.

Because this was exactly the room he had been in before.

He hadn’t left.

He was still at the stupid retreat in the middle of nowhere. The only difference? Amelia was not next to him this time. He was all alone. How could he be all alone? They had said they were going back. Both of them.

Ding!

Had they forgotten to come back for him? Shouldn’t they have gotten them at the same time? Last time they woke up together. Unless it no longer mattered?

Noah’s hand was shaking as he shoved it into his pocket, taking out his phone. He couldn’t chase away the empty feeling in the pit of his stomach or slow down his heart palpitations.

GENECORP: Your retrieval and return to your homes will be in the next 24 hours. Please enjoy the final day of your honeymoon retreat.

Wait.

He tried to swallow but he couldn’t.

This made it sound like they should be together. But they weren’t.

His grip on his phone loosened as he snapped his head up, glancing around as if it would make her magically appear. His heart thundered in his chest as he took his first step, his phone slipping from his hand.

It landed loudly on the ground, the thud echoing. He didn’t care.

“Amelia?” he tried.

Nothing but silence.

His steps shuffled, and he ran through the house, smacking doors open, and jamming door handles in the walls. He didn’t care. How could they not know she was not here? They were watching everything, all the time.

“AMELIA?!”

Spit flew out of his mouth as he screamed her name, never staying in the same spot for more than a second. How long had he been unconscious? How long had she been taken by whoever had shown up at the door?

How had someone gotten here? They were not even able to get out. This could not be planned without inside help, he was convinced of it. Genecorp was involved. So why bother and text him? Why do this to him?

There was one place left to look: outside.

He took long strides, heading for the front door and he slammed it open. Noah ran through the grass, through the trees, but it hardly mattered. Wherever he looked, there was only him and no one else.

He was by himself.

All alone.

His limbs were shaking as he held back a scream. His heart was racing and he could have sworn it was mere moments from exploding in his chest.

Where the fuck was Amelia?