“Are you saying I have both?”
“Water gives us life, AJ. Your first lesson will be to heal your broken rib.”
“Have you lost your mind?” I asked, shifting on Kellen’s legs and regretting it as a new wave of pain surged through my left side. “I need to go to the hospital.”
“If you cannot do it on your own, we will,” he responded.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumbled. “What do I need to do?”
“I have no idea,” he replied coolly.
“You’re impossible.” I leaned my head forward, and another stab of pain assaulted me. “This is unbearable. I can’t even think.”
“Then don’t. Reach out to the water around you, and tell it what you need.”
My eyes narrowed at the ridiculousness of his statement. Had I been able to turn around, I would’ve slapped him. “Just wait until I feel better.”
Still, I turned my attention to the droplets of water that now danced on their cloud pillows. Their actions almost seemed playful as the clouds wove around each other, and the droplets bounced from one to the other. I forced my hand towards the nearest one with a grunt of pain. Four of the playmates stopped near my fingers. My arm grew weary, and the pain in my side thumped with my heart beat.
“Please,” I whispered, feeling silly for talking to a drop of water.
All four bounced from their pillows into my hand, then merged together into one about the size of large marble. It rolled around my palm as I lowered it to my knee.
“It’s kind of cute,” I said. “Why did the rain never respond this way?”
“How often does it rain in Vegas?” Kellen asked in return.
“Not very, but enough that I would have noticed this.”
“Your binding was strong, AJ.”
I nodded and continued to watch the water roll around. “How do I make it do what I need?”
“Each element is different,” Kellen replied, shifting slightly beneath me. “The earth is solid, strong, resilient, but also nurturing. It listens well but is slow to act. Fire, on the other hand, is volatile, arrogant, fiercely rebellious, and quite intolerable. It requires authority mixed with bribery.”
A small laugh rumbled through me, and I moaned with the pain that followed.
“Okay, so water is?”
“I don’t know. I would guess it’s reclusive, but it could also be demanding and forceful like the ocean.” He held his palm next to mine, and the marble stopped rolling. “But I also know that it heals, so it must have compassion.”
I watched it inch towards the edge of my palm and stop. A tiny tentacle-like strand stretched towards Kellen’s palm. As soon as it touched, steam rose into the air, and the marble rolled away.
“I don’t think it likes you very much,” I said, with a weak grin. Exhaustion washed over my pain. I’d never been able to ask for help. Not that I didn’t want to, but no one was ever there to offer it. Everything I had, as little as it was, came from my own hard work and sacrifice. Now, I had to ask a sentient puddle of water to heal my broken body. A nervous laugh escaped my lips. I must be losing my mind. “Little one, I really need your help.”
It started spinning in place, faster and faster, with small drops shooting from its sides. Then, as suddenly as it started, it stopped. The air became thick with moisture, and I looked around me. Kellen’s fire smoldered, and the droplets had vanished.
“I think we’re about to get wet,” Kellen whispered in my ear. “Look up.”
I tilted my head back with effort and gasped. An enormous rain cloud hovered above us. Before I could react, a deluge of water fell on us both.
I expected it to be cold, but sighed with relief as a warming sensation washed over me and settled into my side. Much like Kellen’s tingling spark, I felt the water’s smooth motion as it moved towards my tender ribs. A dull ache followed its path until it wrapped around the broken bone. A loud pop preempted the surge of pain, forcing a scream from my lips.
Kellen held me tight as I pushed against him and clawed at his hand.
“Get it out!” I yelled.
“No,” Kellen said, “let it fix what is broken.”
He grabbed my free hand in his and wrapped me in a fierce embrace. My ribs moved, the muscles knitting back together. I squeezed my eyes shut, and flashes of my horrid childhood blinked between my hopes of a loving mother and a normal life. They died quickly as another spike of pain tore through my chest, and visions of my new reflection intermingled with Kellen, Kate, and Logan. I pushed the thoughts away, knowing I couldn’t deal with my emotions and the pain at the same time.
Tiny pinpricks swept across my stomach, and the tearing pain subsided. I opened my eyes in time to see the water bleed away into the dark soil beneath me. Kellen loosened his grip, and I rolled to my side and folded into him like a child.
I was grateful when he didn’t hesitate to just hold me and let me cry. The reality of the last twenty-four hours came crashing down with long, shuddering sobs.
Chapter 9
I woke with a start in a soft bed, covered by a thin quilt. Moonlight filtered through the sheers hanging on the window across the room. A long dresser covered the space below the window. A soft light outlined a partially closed door on the wall adjacent to my bed.
“Where am I?” I whispered. “Please tell me that was a dream.”
I pulled the covers back and gingerly placed my hand on my ribs, only to find a huge t-shirt covering me. Nope, not a dream. I pushed past the fabric and reached my stomach, flinching. My ribs were still tender and probably bruised, but at least they weren’t broken.
“Because the water healed me. How does that even happen?” I whispered to myself.
I slid off the bed and felt a cool floor beneath my bare feet. I looked down at the enormous t-shirt hanging to my knees. The neckline fell over my bony shoulder, and I tugged it back in place.
“I really hope Kate is responsible for this,” I said, shaking my head.
I padded across the room and started opening the dresser drawers. They were all empty. Cursing quietly, I pushed open the door next to me, revealing a bathroom similar to Kate’s but with another door on the far end. I took care of the necessities and went in search of my new friend.
I poked my head out the bedroom door and into the dark hallway. Small nightlights lit the corners, but I wasn’t sure which way to go. My temporary room didn’t open onto the patio garden, so I assumed I was in the center of the house.
To the right, then. I tip-toed down the hall and stopped at the first corner. I peered around the edge and noticed a soft glow coming from the last door. Could that be Kate’s room? Or maybe the sitting room Kellen took me to?
I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to sneak down the hall, but I didn’t want to be the only one making any sound. Voices from the room forced me to stop just outside the door. I didn’t want Kellen to see me in the stupid t-shirt that I assumed was his.
“You were not followed?” Kellen asked, his voice drifting into the hall.
“Of course not.”
The second voice sounded familiar, and I tried to place it.
“Have they already found more?” Kellen continued.
“I don’t think so, but they suspect my involvement. My usefulness to you may be at an end.”
An uneasy silence followed. I felt a little guilty for eavesdropping and decided to go back to my room or maybe investigate the hall in the opposite direction. I turned and ran into a solid wall of muscle.
“Hello, princess,” Logan whispered.
I clasped my hand over my mouth, stifling my scream.
“Come. It’s more civilized to be part of the conversation.” He gestured towards the door with his hand.
My face flushed, but I didn’t move. “What are you doing here?” I asked in a low voice.
Logan chuckled, his gaze dropping down my body to my bare toes and back to my face. “You look marvelous, now come on. Everyone already knows you’re her
e.”
Where did that statement come from? I was positive I hadn’t voiced my concerns out loud. “Don’t avoid the question,” I demanded.
He folded his arms across his chest. “You can walk in with me and act natural or walk in by yourself. It matters not to me.” He stepped around me and towards the door.
I took a deep breath, trying to make a decision. I wasn’t getting answers from him, and I cringed at the thought of anyone else seeing me like this. Kate was one thing, but having a conversation with two men was something else entirely. “Never mind, I’m going back to bed.”
I rushed back down the hall, expecting him to stop me, but I made it all the way to my bedroom without interruption. I closed the door and leaned against it. What was I thinking? I found a small lamp on the bedside table and turned it on, then hopped back onto the soft mattress.
Kellen did mention that they knew each other, but why was Logan here? I didn’t trust him, but I wasn’t sure I trusted Kellen either. He had removed the binding that would’ve killed me, but could he have been lying? He wasn’t the friendliest, but he did treat me with compassion and respect when he removed the binding. I sighed. Having both of them together had to mean trouble. What were their plans for me? Obviously, there had to be one. Logan lured me into that damn casino in the first place.
I thought about his conversation with me before meeting with the so-called Council. He had to have seen past the veil. He knew who I was, but he obviously didn’t share it with Kellen. Why not? Were they just manipulating me or each other as well? What did it mean for me, now that my identity was revealed?
I needed to get back to my apartment. I also needed to find my bag and phone. I looked at the door and sighed. Logan was the last one to have them. How did I get thrown into this mess? More importantly, how did I get out?
I pulled the quilt up to my chin and wrapped my arms around my knees. I wasn’t hideous anymore. Could I actually get a real job? I wasn’t stupid, but I didn’t go to college either. I might be able to apply at one of the dozens of timeshare groups or possibly a realtor. An involuntary shudder ran through me as I thought of the many casinos who kicked me out. I wouldn’t be able to look at them without seeing vampires in every dark corner, anyway.
I certainly wouldn’t find anything sitting in a borrowed t-shirt, hours away from civilization. I needed to talk to Kate. I looked at the bedroom door, debating if I should follow the hall in the opposite direction of Kellen and Logan. No. I’d find her in the morning.
Three quick knocks startled me, and a small yelp escaped my lips.
“Can I come in?” Kellen’s muffled voice asked.
“It’s not locked.”
The door swung open, and he stepped inside. He was wearing baggy, gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips and a light-colored t-shirt.
“It’s not polite to walk in uninvited,” he stated, his impassive expression boring into me. “How are you?”
“Fine,” I replied curtly.
He shifted his weight and dropped his gaze. “Kate is washing your clothes. They should be ready for you in the morning.”
“Thanks.”
“I promised to answer your questions,” he began. I noticed an uneasiness that hadn’t been there before. “We can do that now… or in the morning if you’re still tired.”
“What time is it?” I asked, watching him closely.
He shifted his weight again, and my suspicions started running wild. Why was he so nervous?
“Eleven,” he replied.
I tossed the cover aside and slid from the bed. The neck of my too-large shirt fell over my shoulder again, and I grabbed it. “I don’t suppose there’s anything else for me to wear.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, but he didn’t smile. “Kate’s sleepwear is even more revealing and would never fit you.”
“Fine.” I huffed and pulled the neck closed with one hand and stomped towards him. I was getting answers and food from him. “I’m hungry.”
“Then let’s feed you.” He pulled the door open and led me down the hall to the right, the same direction I went before.
“You know, smiling isn’t painful,” I said to his wide shoulders.
“It might be,” he replied, not turning around.
I quickened my step to catch up and walk by his side. He looked down at me and shook his head, but I didn’t miss the softening in his eyes.
“So, what’s on the menu?” I asked.
“Whatever you’re cooking.”
“You might be disappointed then. My specialties are eggs and cereal.”
He pushed open the door I’d hidden behind and motioned for me to go in. It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the light, but I smiled when they did. I walked into a large open space with the same slate flooring as the hallway and my bedroom. Several small groupings of chairs filled one side of the room, while an open kitchen with a long bar filled the other.
“Is that really all you eat?” Kellen asked, interrupting my gaping.
“Just about,” I replied, “except when Sandy takes pity on me and gives me fried chicken.”
“Sandy?”
“Yeah, the owner of Sandy’s Diner.” I strolled towards the kitchen and ran my free hand along the black, granite countertop. “I’m afraid all this high-end stuff is wasted on me,” I said. “Point me towards the cereal.”
“I don’t think so,” Kellen replied. “You need real food, little girl.”
“Some of us can’t afford real food,” I snapped back and immediately regretted it. Despite my suspicions, he’d been kind to me, mostly. “I’m sorry. That was rude.” I pushed myself into one of the bar stools at the counter and studied the chips of rock in the polished granite, feeling foolish for bringing up my financial status. It wasn’t his problem.
He leaned on the counter across from me, and I could feel his stare.
“What?” I asked, still focusing on a chip of gray stone.
“We have some leftover pasta and grilled chicken breast in the fridge.” He reached over and pushed my chin up with his fingers. “You’ll eat, then we’ll talk.”
Chapter 10
Kellen moved efficiently through the kitchen, placing a large portion of food on a plate for me. He popped it in the microwave and resumed his lean on the counter.
“My parents left this place to us when they passed away,” he said. “My sister and I were taught to manage their holdings and, so far, haven’t screwed it up.”
The microwave dinged, and he removed my plate, setting it in front of me.
I didn’t know how to reply to his statement, so I changed the subject. His financial status and upbringing were clearly the exact opposite of mine. “Why aren’t you eating?” I asked, eyeing the pasta in front of me.
“I already did, while you slept,” he replied.
My faced flushed. I’d cried like a baby in his arms, and he let me. So much for my accusations. “Sorry about that,” I said, twisting my fork between my fingers. “I can’t believe I cried myself to sleep.”
“It was what you needed. You had a rough day.”
“Yeah, just a little.”
He pushed off the counter and started cleaning up the mess he made, and I delved into my pasta. It was amazing, but everything tasted amazing to me. Disappointment filled me a few minutes later as I stared at an empty plate.
“You can have more,” Kellen said.
I looked up to find him watching me.
“Nope, I’m good.” I hopped off the stool and took my plate to the sink, pulling on the neckline of my shirt as I went. I already felt trapped between his kindness and my inability to leave. Accepting anything else from him would come with a price. “Can we go back to my apartment? I really need some clothes.”
When he didn’t respond, I turned to look at him. He was still leaning against the counter, with his arms folded across his chest.
“Logan will be packing up your apartment,” he replied.
“What? He
can’t be there, nor can he touch my stuff!” I wrinkled my nose and bit my bottom lip. I didn’t have much, but it was mine. I didn’t want a complete stranger going through my things, especially one I didn’t trust. My cage shrunk with each second that ticked by. “Why is he doing that?”
“You can’t go back, AJ,” Kellen said. “The vampires know who you are. One of them saw past your veil.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. Of course one of them did. Had Logan passed the news to his buddies? Was the vampire playing both sides? I didn’t know whose side he was on.
“Why does that matter? Who cares if your Magister is my mother? She certainly doesn’t,” I snapped.
“Let’s sit down and talk about this.”
I stomped across the room to a trio of over-stuffed chairs. Sinking into the nearest one, I folded my legs beneath me, and pulled the t-shirt over my knees. I looked down and gasped. The neckline stretched farther than it should be. Kellen chuckled as I struggled with the ridiculous wardrobe.
“This is not funny,” I hissed.
“It really is,” he countered, “at least from my perspective.” He leaned back and grabbed a dark gray throw from the chair behind him. “Take this. It might help.”
I snatched it from his outstretched hand and wrapped the small blanket over me. It felt great, and I pulled it around my neck, nestling my chin into the thick, fuzzy fabric. It swallowed my entire body.
“Why can’t I go home?”
His smile faded, and he looked toward the door.
“It starts with your family. The Magister’s line has been in the same family for generations,” he began. “Your mother is an only child despite her parents’ efforts to have more. When they passed away, your mother inherited the mantle. For the first couple of decades, she worked relentlessly to uphold our ways. No one minded that she refused to marry or have children, as all her time and efforts were devoted to making our lives better.” He paused and looked at the door again. Was he expecting someone? “But the pressures for an heir became overwhelming. She hid her pregnancy well, but there were still rumors. When the baby never came, it was assumed she couldn’t carry one to term.” He turned and his expression confused me. “No one knows who your father is except your mother.”
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