by Kelly Hall
“No, but we’re going to try and see if Owen can share my visions,” I said.
“How would he do that?” Hunter asked.
“I don’t know.” I shrugged, not offering anything about the dream.
“This is just so strange. How come they didn’t discover all this on their own?” Holly said. “Have you learned any more about the history of your families?”
“No,” I said with a shrug, “Ray seems to keep that very close, but he says he’s got some journals that help him out. They belonged to Birdie. He said he’d show us sometime.”
“Weird,” Hunter said. “It’s just hard thinking of having another grandmother. Even having Ray as a dad. I mean, I remember my dad. He was nothing like Ray. It’s hard to even imagine them as friends.”
“I know, he was amazing,” Owen smiled. “Even if he didn’t have magic.” They both stared far away as if looking inside their own minds and remembering the dad they’d loved and lost so long ago. I thought of how Ray was, and how even though Owen seemed to be so much like him, I knew he’d be way different if he’d actually been raised by him. I shuddered to think of how they could have turned out. Instead of giving me more contempt for Ray, it actually made me see that his intentions may not have been so terrible. He had chosen the best thing for them after all.
“Well, I just think it is weird how everything seems to work with Ray, like he’s making this all happen.” Talon shrugged and then gestured toward Hunter. “I mean, why isn’t it working with Hunter? He’s a Chandler. And why is this connection only between you and Owen?” We didn’t respond. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “I’m sorry guys, but I’m not buying it. Something strange is going on and I just don’t want us to lose sight of that. I mean, he grabbed Lily, his truck nearly ran us off the road, and in case no one else remembers, that El Camino he’s driving looks an awful lot like the one that tried to run Hunter down, not to mention his four-wheeler nearly killing me.”
Hunter seemed unsure. He bit his lip and stared at the floor, but nodded as if he agreed, and Holly didn’t know what to say either. She, like me, stared at the brothers back and forth, waiting on a reaction.
Finally, Owen spoke up. “Look, man. I get that this is all new and strange, but Lily and I know what we’ve accomplished. He’s an ass but he’s harmless. He’s also all we’ve got for answers so I say we trust him.” Owen bit his bottom lip and crossed his arms as if trying to keep his cool.
Talon shook his head. “We don’t know him. We don’t know if he’s harmless. Lily’s dreams have been telling her to trust no one.” I wanted to point out that before he’d said that meant nothing, but I welcomed the change of heart.
“He’s our dad.” Owen dropped his hands into fists and stood up to pace.
Hunter spoke up and played neutral. “He’s got a point. Both of you do. But the best thing to do is just be on guard and not let anything take us by surprise. Our pact and our safety are key. Ray will prove himself and show his true colors eventually. In the meantime, let’s just get to know him and give him a chance.” We all stood there staring at each other, waiting for the next argument, but no one ever went up against Hunter. We took his word as reasonable and final. With nothing else to say we filed out of the shack and realized that we were surrounded.
This time several Shadows waited outside for us. Everyone froze. “Holy—do you guys see ...” Owen started.
“I see them,” I spoke softly, interrupting him. “I just can’t believe that y’all can too.” I looked at Holly whose face was paler than normal; and Hunter who bowed up ready to throw down if anything got near her. Talon took a protective stance and clenched his fists. Owen and I looked at each other.
What do we do? I thought to myself.
We go with our instincts. He projected. We exchanged a wide-eyed glance.
Here goes nothing, I thought.
I called the Light and once it hovered in my hand I reached out to touch Owen, who sparked to life. My shared powers worked with him in perfect sync.
It shocked us both, the fact that it had happened with such ease. Was this really meant to be; Owen fighting at my side? I had an idea. I reached for the Light and willed it in half. Half mine, half his. Then I sent half to Owen and let mine hover above me. We looked around at the rest of our circle who stared wide-eyed. Talon frowned.
“Lily, remember what Ray said. They feed off the Light! They can use it to manifest if we’re not careful,” Owen reminded.
“What now, then?” I asked, the Light still hovering above me.
“We fight.” Owen threw his Light at one of the closest Shadows and it lit dimly once the orb neared it, revealing the image of a scraggly old man dressed in rags. He quickly disappeared as the Light touched him, banishing him to the other side. I threw mine at the next, and it too disappeared.
Suddenly, Holly fell to her knees and screamed. A Shadow hovered over her, and it smothered her with its darkness. A tendril of black smoke reached for her mouth, not quite making it, as she jerked about.
Hunter couldn’t move. A Shadow had him bound. Its Shadow form appeared normal, except for its arms that stretched out long and black till they wrapped around him like vines.
Talon was in a similar situation, bound around his arms and mouth. He struggled against it, but it didn’t help. As we fought them off, more lurched forward to attack. They moved fast, but luckily Owen and I had dosed and we proved a good match. We sent our orbs forward, crashing into the shadows so that they seemed to vaporize and fade away. After I zapped the one that held Talon hostage, I took a look around to see Owen take care of the last one.
We looked around, our Lights ready, our chests heaving, trying to catch a steady breath. Are more coming? After a few heavy breaths, I didn’t spot any others.
Talon lay crumpled on the ground and Hunter had crawled over to where Holly had fallen. Owen and I stayed in ready positions, awaiting another attack, but nothing happened. Talon coughed and I ran to his side. Owen ran to his brother and then Holly; his borrowed Light returning to mine. I sent it away, still amazed by what happened. This is what Ray had told us about.
“Talon—Talon, are you okay?” I shook his arm.
He rolled over and opened his eyes just a slit. “Lily,” he whispered. The next words were a mumble; garbled words trying their damnedest to be heard. I leaned in closer.
“What is it?” I hovered just inches from his mouth hoping to hear, afraid he’d been badly hurt. All of a sudden I felt pain as he grabbed my neck and leapt to his feet with me.
Holly screamed, terrified of Talon.
His eyes turned into deep pools of liquid black. He had hit me hard in the head to stun me, so I remained barely conscious. Everything had a fuzzy edge. My sense of hearing was impaired by a steady ringing.
Owen came into my line of sight, but my hopes for his help faded when I realized a Shadow had him, a black tendril wrapped around his waist and leg. He fought it to inch forward. Holly sat frozen and confused with fear, gripping her now unconscious Hunter protectively.
“I told you you’d never see me coming, Little Flower,” Talon hissed. Not Talon. His voice sounded like Talon’s, but the tone, the evil that dripped like thick syrup from his tongue, was Kevin Hilliard. He had taken over Talon’s body, using my Light and his life force to manifest and possess him.
“I know you love my new look,” he teased. “I’m going to use him to kill you. Let’s see how he likes living with himself then.” He stared into my eyes and flashed a glance at Owen. “But first, I think I’ll have my fun.” He kissed me not quite on the mouth. Even though it was Talon’s lips, my stomach turned. I struggled to break free, but he overpowered me until I lost my fight.
“Let her go!” Owen screamed, hopeless to call the Light without me. I had no strength to summon it with Kevin shutting me down.
“Oh, I’m sure this is painful to watch, but wait, there’s more,” he laughed. As he kissed my neck, his free hand wandered down m
y back. I struggled against his hold and then kicked at his legs hoping to throw him off balance so I could break free. Tears stung my eyes as I ran out of energy and slumped against him. He stroked my hair and continued his assault.
Suddenly something zapped his hands and he jerked back with anger. Owen and I looked over to see Ray approach from behind the shack. Where did he come from? How did he know? I thought. I started thinking of how Talon had doubted Ray all along.
He zapped a blue light at the Shadows that held Owen, breaking him free. Owen collapsed to the ground, but then quickly stood back to his feet. Holly stayed crouched by Hunter, tears streaking her face.
“Who are you?” Ray asked, looking at me and the monster that looked like Talon. Things faded in and out of sight again.
“His name is Kevin. He had an accident with Talon and died out here on Halloween night. He’s trying to hurt Lily for revenge,” Owen blurted, giving his dad a fair warning.
“Accident.” It hurt to hear such venom in Talon’s voice. Even when I’d heard him at his most angry it didn’t sound this hateful.
Ray stepped forward, closing the space between us.
“Careful. I could snap her pretty neck,” Kevin said. His lips grazed me there again. “Besides, you have to be careful you don’t kill my host.”
“I don’t care about him.” Ray held up his hand to send another spark.
NO! I wanted to scream, but the sound couldn’t come. I felt useless, unable to do anything. Nausea overtook me; something foul had smelled up the air all around us. Evil. I wanted to scream. As Ray made his move, another voice cried out.
“No!” Owen screamed, but it was too late.
Ray sent the bolt our way, and just before it reached us, I felt a release. Talon fell to the ground behind me and I followed, landing on top of him. Everything went completely black, but I could still hear Ray and Owen’s panicked voices.
“Oh my God, you could have killed them,” Owen said.
I felt him at my side.
“I saved your asses.” Ray barked, sounding appalled. “He’ll be okay and Lily’s fine. You think I’d let something happen to her?”
“What about Kevin? Did you kill him?” Owen asked.
“Kevin’s already dead. But no, he vanished before I could banish him. He could come back whenever he wants, but I have a feeling I scared him enough.”
“But he won’t stop? He’s going to keep after Lily’s Light? He can possess people?” Owen’s voice broke.
“He might try again. That’s why you’ve got to learn to protect Lily! He’s already figured out how to get to her. That’s why she needs you.”
“When will she wake up?” His hand stroked my cheek as I lay there in a fog, unable to move. “Hunter, you okay?” He asked.
I heard a mumble and Holly’s voice assuring. “He’s fine, just weak. I don’t understand why I’m not out too?”
“Hunter probably deflected the spirit’s energy to protect you instead of himself. He’ll have to learn how to use those things more efficiently. You both will,” Ray said. “You’re very lucky he loves you so much. Here, you help him sit up and sip this.
“Owen, give this to Lily.” I heard a faint sloshing sound next to me and figured Ray had given Talon the Water to heal him.
Owen’s hands slipped behind my neck as he lifted my head to his lap. “Drink, please, Lily.” His voice was soft and pleading. I felt something cool on my lips and started to drink. He leaned down and kissed my forehead leaving my cheek wet. Tears? Is Owen crying? Surely not. He sniffled and sobbed.
“Come on. Let’s get them inside,” said Ray. His tone was sharp and clipped but full of concern. “I’ll help you.”
“Thanks.” Holly’s voice was steeped with tears and worry. I was sure she had a hard time getting Hunter to the shack being weak herself.
Owen lifted me up and carried me inside to the chaise. The cool cushion crinkled beneath me as I stretched out.
My eyes fluttered and I glanced over at Hunter who sat slumped in the other cushioned chair. Then I saw Owen with Talon under his arm, supporting him, helping him to the last cushioned chair closest to me. I could see the worry in his eyes as he tried to get Talon to drink more Water.
“What happened?” I struggled to sit up.
Ray answered. “The dark energy, it weakened you. Kevin knew that generating that much energy would allow him to manifest himself in Talon. Then he’d use the Shadow’s darkness to weaken you all hoping to take you out. He tried to bluff me, but this isn’t my first rodeo.” He shook his head. “Just for the record, I’m sorry, but I had to do what I had to do.”
“How did you know?” Owen asked, taking the words out of my mouth. I still couldn’t believe Ray had shown up out of the blue.
“Instincts.” He winked. “I just got a feeling I needed to come check on you.”
“Can you help me get them home?” Owen asked.
Ray wiped his brow. “Sure, I guess this is as good a time as any to say hello to Ms. Ida.” It was strange hearing him use Granny’s first name.
“You better hope she feels the same,” Owen warned. Ray gave a loud groan.
Chapter Fifteen
Granny clutched her collar seeing Owen drag Hunter through the door, and she almost dropped her teeth when Ray Chandler came in behind, dragging Talon with him. Holly and I stumbled in together and though still weak from Kevin’s dark energy, I had recovered much better than the others. It must have had something to do with my Water regimen.
“Hello, Ms. Ida,” Ray spoke first, giving Granny time to catch her breath.
Owen helped his brother to the couch.
“What’s going on, Owen? LeAnn told you about him?” Granny looked at Ray as if he might go off like a bomb at any moment.
Owen spoke up, “No ma’am. I found him on my own.”
“Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag.” She helped me and Holly to the couch and then went to the kitchen. I wondered if she felt more comfortable there as if, in her kitchen, she was in control.
“I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you. Guess you taught me well on keeping secrets,” said Owen, as he knelt by Hunter.
Ray spoke up. “I would have stayed away, but he found me. Look at us. I couldn’t deny anything. You had to have known this might happen?”
“Yeah, I knew, especially the more this one kept growing to look just like you.” They talked about Owen as if he wasn’t there. Granny wet a rag at the sink and brought it over to clean Hunter’s face. He had his eyes open now, but they drooped and dark circles had appeared.
“You’ve been around a few days and you’re already causing trouble. When are you ever going to grow up?” she scolded. “I want answers, and none of your usual smooth talking.”
Owen stifled a chuckle. “Boy, you sure do know him.”
“Oh, you have no idea. He and W.O. were friends right out of high school. They were always instigating something; one as bad as the other.” She shook her head. “And still good at avoiding answering my questions, I see.” Granny knelt by Talon, and Owen returned to my side, stroking my hand. “He looks awful.” She felt his head. “Cold, too.”
Ray walked over and checked Talon’s temperature too. “Get him that blanket. We might want to get him to bed.”
“I agree, and then come the explanations.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ray suddenly sounded ten years old.
***
Ray and Owen brought Talon back to Owen’s room and put him in the bed.
“Lily, you and Holly can stay a little while, but you’ll need to be in bed come morning.” Granny didn’t like lying to Mom, but we needed a story. “I’ll tell Cate that Talon came over with a stomach ache and was afraid he’d give her a bug. He can stay here tomorrow while you all go to school.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Holly answered, helping Hunter to his room. “Come on, Lily.” She waved me to the back. Granny gave me a wary look, aware something terrible had happened. I wondered what
Ray would tell her and how much of it she already knew about. Granny had many secrets herself. If she’d known Ray so long, did she know about his power, too?
Granny put on a pot of coffee and sat talking with Ray for the next hour. Holly stayed with Hunter and I went in to sit with Talon and Owen.
I sat on the bed near Talon’s feet. He lay so still it made me nervous.
“Ray said he’ll be okay once he rests. Kevin wiped him out is all. You okay?” Owen looked at me with tired eyes. I figured he felt yucky, too.
“Thanks for helping him.”
“I did it for you. I know how worried you are. I can feel it,” he whispered. “I used to think it sucked to have to watch you with him. That was nothing. I could always pretend that you didn’t really mean it. Now I know you do; strongly. It sucks.” His eyes met mine and my heart warmed.
“You were amazing, tonight. It’s so weird to see someone doing all that. Now I know why you all looked at me like you did that first time.”
“Yeah, freaky huh?” He nudged me. “We make a great team, though. I can’t do it without you, so I guess that means you’re stuck with me.” His eyes sunk in with heavy lids. He opened his mouth to say more, but looked away. “You should get some rest, Lily. Let me walk you home.”
“Sure. I’ll see if Holly’s ready.” He waited at the door while I whispered my goodnight to Talon and got Holly. I hesitated to go, and I had a certain feeling that, aside from Talon being out, something else was just not right. Ray left shortly after we did.
Granny stuck with her story when she called Mom early the next morning. Mom hated that Talon had to spend a night away from his bed while feeling poorly, but she was so proud of him being protective of her and the baby. By then, Hunter had regained his strength and wanted to go to school, but Granny said no and sent me, Holly and Owen on our way.
***
School only lasted half a day because of a teachers’ meeting. I let Talon get some more sleep and gather his strength in case he still wanted to go out for our date. Owen and I went to Ray’s early for our lesson. Still suspicious, I’d take my advice from Hunter and give Ray the benefit of the doubt; besides, I saw the importance of knowing our powers. We were so lucky that we had Ray to show us even though he could be a pain in the butt. Miraculously, things had worked out, so we could fight back together. For that I was thankful.
