A Controller's Destiny (Unit Matched #3) by Mary Smith

too.
    His three boys are smart and they’re going to be accomplished. I shouldn’t have doubted that. Graham is so smart and will be a wonderful father.
    I blink the tears away that tell me that I’ll never be a mother, but my future is bigger than that. The life I imagined is nothing like it’s going to be. I take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay though.
    I can still feel Graham’s anger and I need to talk to him. I need him to remain focused on what will happen because of my death.
    I go upstairs and knock softly on his bedroom door.
    “Come in.”
    I open the door, but don’t make a move to cross the threshold.
    “Are you okay?” I ask even though he isn’t.
    He’s still dressed in his workout sweatpants and white T-shirt. He’s arms are crossed and I can see his ripped muscles about to rip through the cotton material. He’s staring out the window that looks into the backyard.
    “Do I look okay?” he makes no move to look at me.
    “Did you want to read your future?” I hold up the book. “Even Harry Potter knew his.” I try to tease but it didn’t come off that way.
    Graham turns to me. “No, I don’t want to read my future.”
    I nod. “Everyone left, but they’ll be back tomorrow for brunch. We’ll go over the rest of the prophecy then.”
    We stare at each other, but he makes no more towards me.
    “Well, I’m going to watch TV. If you want to eat, let me know and I’ll make something.” I give him a small smile and head back downstairs.
    I know he needs to be alone right now.
    Actually, I know him better than he does at the moment.

Chapter 9
    Battle Plans
     
    “I think you made enough food.” Graham says as he sets the table. I had gone a little overboard, but I couldn’t sleep a wink, and had been up since early this morning cooking up breakfast burritos.
    “Well, I know Xaviera is eating everything in sight, and I know you can put away a few carbs.” I try to lighten the mood.
    “Shorty, stop. Stop trying to make me happy when the truth is about to knock down our door in about three months.” He holds the back of the chair tightly. The pain is rolling off him in waves.
    “Graham. I’m not trying to make light of this situation, I swear. I’m trying to prevent everyone from going into a deep depression when we’re about to jump into a battle.”
    He hangs his head. I know that this is a lot for him to take on, but I hope he knows that I’m happy for him, even if it still stings my heart.
    During my restless night, I realized that I needed to be forthcoming with everyone. I needed to let them know how I feel. I wanted them all to remember this time with me. I wanted him to know everything.
    I walk up to him. “You know, it’s nice that you have a special name for me.”
    “You didn’t like it the first time.” He gives me a small smirk. “I saw it in your eyes.”
    “Well, I wasn’t thrilled with it.” I roll my eyes at him. “But, it’s nice that I have something special from you.”
    Graham leans down, placing his forearms on the back of the chair. The hurt is gone replaced by sadness.
    “I’m not upset.” I touch his arm. “I know I’m not an ideal Matched, but you’re going to have a great life. I want you to know that even though I lied, and didn’t tell you what my future held in the beginning of our Matched, please know that I care about you. I’m happy that you’re going to find the right Matched.”
    He shakes his head and right before he opens his mouth, our front door opens. I pat his arm again and turn to greet everyone.
    “There’s plenty of food and drink.” I announce as the girls hug me tightly.
    “I’m starving.” Xaviera makes her way to the table. Thaddeus chuckles and pulls out her chair.
    It’s not until we finish our meal that Thaddeus brings up the subject of the battle. I grab the book.
    “All right, so let’s break this down.” Thaddeus says.
    “The first part is: The sacrifice will be from the one that holds the