Storm: The Empire Chronicles

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “Not as many as normal. It’s been quiet.” Cleo sipped her drink. “That worries me a little.”

  “Your retreat is the only of its kind.”

  “I’m not worried about business as much as I’m worried about the clientele.” Cleo looked at Anastasia and then at us. “Trouble is brewing. I can feel it.”

  “You do have that gift.” Mom nudged me with her shoulder. I paid closer attention. I knew the touch was intentional.

  “I do.”

  “What gift is that?” Casey asked.

  “The gift of foresight.”

  “Meaning you can see the future?” Now that changed things.

  “Not clearly. But we get glimpses,” Anastasia explained proudly. “And feelings. I’m still developing it, but my mom is incredible.”

  “Unfortunately our visit isn’t of the social or relaxation kind,” Mom admitted.

  “I assumed as much. You did bring the girls.” Cleo leaned back against the couch. “You know you can tell me anything.”

  “Not out here.”

  Cleo nodded. “I understand.”

  “Is my usual room available?” Mom asked in a way that made me wonder what she was really asking. She was way smoother than I’d have expected. Then again, she had years of experience on the run.

  “Absolutely. Why don’t I show you to it?” Cleo stood with her drink still in hand.

  I held on to mine as I followed the others out of the room and down a long corridor.

  Cleo pushed a button and a glass elevator appeared seemingly out of thin air. We all filed on and the door shut. Once closed the elevator shot up at an alarming speed before the doors flew open again.

  Casey gave me another look. We’d been doing that since we’d first arrived at the retreat.

  “You and the girls have this whole floor. I’ve sealed it off so we can talk freely.” Cleo ushered us into another sitting area. The room one was designed with all sorts of shades of pastels. It had a very relaxed feel.

  “Thank you.” Mom took a seat on the edge of a couch. The action signaled the rest of us to take seats. We ended up sitting in the exact pattern we were in downstairs.

  “Tell me. What’s going on?”

  “We are experiencing a veil.”

  “A veil?” Anastasia put a hand to her chest. “For real?”

  “Yes.”

  “But no one has successfully conjured one in years. I thought it was a lost art.” Anastasia looked to her mother.

  “Evidently it’s happening. There is a growing faction of witches and warlocks using magic that has been outlawed and once thought extinct. It’s showing up with increasing frequency, and it’s what brought Vera here.”

  “You’ve been in the future?” Cleo wasn’t doubting Mom. She’d accepted it so easily. I didn’t get it.

  “Yes. Over a year ahead of this time.”

  “And who conjured the veil? I assume it wasn’t you.”

  “We don’t know for sure who helped, but my friend’s memory is at the center of it.”

  “Her friend is a Pteron with a mother who’s a witch. The magic was awakened from origin crystals.”

  Cleo took in a breath. “A Pteron with magic touched origin crystals?”

  “Yes. Is that a bad thing?” I didn’t like her response. It made my guilty feelings over pushing him to use them even worse.

  “Frightening more than bad.” Cleo kept her eyes on me. “This friend isn’t just a friend.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I’m trying to understand what his veil has to do with you.”

  “I kissed him because he was sleeping…”

  “And you got pulled into the veil?” Anastasia asked.

  “Something like that.”

  “Fascinating.” Cleo pressed the palm of her hand into the chair she was sitting on. “What does the Pteron-warlock hope to accomplish at this time?”

  Pteron-warlock. I hadn’t thought about his hybrid status yet. “We don’t know. He’s trying to figure it out.”

  “Who conjured it with him? It would be impossible to do alone.”

  “They don’t know,” Mom supplied.

  “Maybe that’s your answer. The time must have been selected by the other.”

  “So it may not have been for Jared. It would have been for someone else.” I contemplated who was part of it. Tiffany wouldn’t have used his memory.

  “The Pteron is named Jared?”

  “Yes.” I nodded.

  “He’s not aligned with the Laurents is he?” Cleo furrowed her brow.

  “He is. His father runs their security.” And was a complete and utter traitor.

  “The son of Jett Florence?”

  “Yes.” My stomach turned at the sound of his name.

  “I know his mother.”

  “What?” Mom and I said at once.

  “So do you.” She looked at mom.

  “We didn’t have time to tell you.” There was so much Jared and I didn’t have a chance to explain.

  “Tell me what?” Mom fixed her eyes on me.

  “That Jared’s mom was there with Robert. She tried to help you. You thought she was human.”

  “The woman with the Pteron? The one who warned me away?” Mom paled.

  I nodded. “Yes. It’s a small world.”

  “I’m lost.” Casey looked to me for answered.

  “I promise we’ll fill you in,” Mom quickly reassured her before returning her attention to the Meres. “But tell us, Cleo. Jared’s name meant something to you. Does this shed light on the situation?”

  “His mother was here once years ago. She was on the run and needed help disappearing.”

  I got chills. I wished Jared was sitting there to hear the story.

  “Since I know you would help anyone in need, we can skip right to what you did to help.” Mom folded her hands in her lap.

  “I put her in contact with a coven I thought would help. She had a friend with her. Elana. They’d grown up together in New Orleans.”

  “Elana?” The name immediately rang a bell. “Does she have a daughter? Nadia?”

  “Yes.” Cleo turned to me. “Why do you ask?”

  “I just met Nadia. She was helping us out. Georgina recognized her name.”

  “You’ve met Georgina? The Matriarch of the Laurent family?” Mom asked with surprise.

  “Yes, more than once.” Albeit she only remembered meeting me once.

  “His mother helped him conjure the veil. I can almost guarantee it.” Cleo nodded.

  “But why? We need to erase this veil, but we need to find out why we’re here first.”

  “Maybe she’s sending him a message? Mothers will go to great lengths to protect their children.” Mom seemed to contemplate something. “You should start with Elana. Maybe she knows.”

  “I will. But I can’t do it without Jared.”

  “I know you didn’t come here for information, so what else is there I can do for you?” Cleo addressed Mom.

  “Do you still have the package I left here?”

  Cleo nodded. “Of course I do. I would never get rid of your things.”

  “Thank you. That’s exactly what we need.”

  “I think I know what’s in that package.”

  “Your guess is probably right.” Mom stood and walked over to Cleo. Cleo stood and the two embraced.

  “Don’t wait so long before you return again.” Cleo smiled.

  “I won’t. That will be true whether I remember this conversation or not.”

  “These veils are interesting things…”

  “Dangerous things you mean.”

  “Exactly.” Cleo nodded. “If there is anything Anastasia or I could ever do to help you, we’re here.”

  “And the same goes to you.” Mom smiled warmly. “I may not be back for a while, but it holds true.”

  “It’s funny that you mention that.” Cleo clasped her hands together in front of her.

  “Is everything all right
with you?” Concern crossed Mom’s face.

  “I realize that Vera may be the only one who remembers this conversation, but I’ll ask anyway. Anastasia would like to do some traveling. I’m not comfortable having her do it alone, but I can’t leave the retreat unattended.”

  “I understand.” Mom nodded. I’m sure she knew all about trying to protect a daughter.

  “Could we maybe coordinate a trip for our girls together?”

  “That sounds like a great plan. If this veil becomes permanent I will ensure it happens.”

  “And I’ll ensure it if the veil is erased. You won’t have any clue who I am, but I’ll come by anyway.” I’d make sure of it.

  “That would be great!” Anastasia practically jumped up and down in her seat. “I’ve never been anywhere.”

  “That’s an exaggeration, sweetie.” Cleo patted her arm.

  Anastasia rolled her eyes. “I’ve been to New York. Once.” She seemed younger than her actual age, and I wondered it that came from how protected she was. The poor girl. She needed to get out. Even if we erased the veil I was coming back to get her. She deserved to see more of the world, or at least the area. It’s not like I’d been a world traveler either.

  “Do you need to leave immediately?” Cleo asked. “Can you stay a night?”

  I shook my head. “I need to find Jared. Once we get the crystals that is.”

  “I’ll take care of that.” Mom hurried out of the room, and I assumed she was retrieving the crystals from where she’d left them. I’m wasn’t sure why she’d taken them from Norco. There was so much I didn’t know, and I had a feeling I’d never fully understand.

  16

  Jared

  Levi and I were still arguing with Toby when we all turned at the sound of a car coming down the road. A few seconds later Allie’s lavender Land Rover pulled into the driveway. She turned off the car and opened the door slowly.

  We all stared as she stepped out. Levi’s eyes widened as he saw her for the first time. His whole body stiffened, and he took a step toward her car.

  “Uh, what’s going on?” Allie looked to Toby for an answer. She was dressed in a short dress, and both Levi and Toby had definitely noticed. Luckily they snapped out of it long enough to avoid making things worse.

  “Are you okay?” Toby watched her with concern.

  “Of course I am, but what are you doing here?” Then she turned to where Levi and I waited. “And who are they?”

  “I was worried about you.” Toby’s voice was soft, and his concern at least sounded genuine.

  She crossed her arms. “I appreciate the worry, but we broke up. It’s not your job to worry about me. Please take your friends and leave. It’s been a long day.”

  I couldn’t hold in the smile. Whatever Tiffany thought she’d done hadn’t worked. She definitely wasn’t interested in Toby.

  “They’re not my friends.”

  “Then who are they?” She watched us with a little bit more apprehension. “Or maybe I should ask you myself. Who are you, and why are you at my house?”

  “Your dad sent us.” The excuse slipped off the tip of my tongue.

  “My dad?” She put a hand on her hips.

  “Don’t believe them.” Toby tried to step between Allie and us.

  Levi quickly blocked him. “My father and your father have some business arrangements.” Levi fixed his most dazzling smile on her. “I’m Levi Laurent. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Allie.”

  “Uh, nice to meet you too.” She smiled.

  Whoa. This was not how it went the first time.

  “Allie, step away from him. He’s dangerous,” Toby warned.

  “You’re dangerous.” She rolled her eyes.

  I laughed. That was Allie for you.

  “And who are you?” She turned to me.

  “That’s Jared.” Levi’s eyes remained fixed on Allie as he spoke.

  “And why are you two here?” Her eyes moved back to Levi. “If my dad sent you, it had to be for a reason.”

  “You left the city in a hurry.”

  “And my dad noticed?”

  “How could anyone not notice you?” Levi’s eyes still hadn’t left Allie.

  She blushed. Allie blushing. There was a first time for everything.

  My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and picked up immediately when I saw the unknown number. “Hello?”

  “We have what we need, and I may know how and why we’re here.” Vera spoke so fast it was almost impossible to follow.

  “Where are you?”

  “Almost back to my parents’ house. Can you meet me?”

  I looked over to Allie and Levi. They’d probably be better if I got out of there. Toby was sulking, but he wasn’t going to do anything. “I’ll meet you at your house in ten minutes.”

  “Great.” She hung up.

  I walked over to Levi. “I have to go.”

  He nodded. “I’ve got this.”

  “Good. I’m hoping you don’t remember any of this, but either way. Take care of her.”

  Allie narrowed her eyes. “What is he talking about?”

  “He talks in gibberish sometimes.” Levi turned his body as if to block me, and I took it as my out. Then I thought of something. I couldn’t fly in broad daylight.

  I turned around. “Toby.”

  “What?” He grunted.

  “I need a ride.”

  “And why would I give you one?” His face said it all. He thought I’d lost my mind.

  “Because there’s someone you really need to meet.”

  “I’m not an idiot.”

  “Fine, but it’s your loss. She’s a great girl.”

  “I have a great girl.”

  “This one’s the one meant for you.” I had to assume I could work on that relationship later if I failed with the veil, but if I wanted any chance to fix it now I had to act.

  A black Jeep pulled up at the bottom of the driveway. The driver’s side window rolled down, and it was Chris. “Get in the car.”

  “Another friend of yours?” Allie raised an eyebrow.

  “Not really.” I hurried over to where Chris waited in the Jeep. I got into the passenger side. He pulled away.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked as he sped away from the curb.

  “You guys left without me.”

  “Because you disappeared.”

  “I was trying to help.”

  “Help by running off?”

  “Help by getting rid of the witches following you.”

  “We weren’t followed.” My job was security. I’d have never messed that up.

  “No one’s perfect.”

  I shrugged off his comment. “What did you do?”

  “Nothing that needs to concern you. I called in some favors.”

  “Why?” I kept my guard up. “Why would you call in favors to help me?”

  “Help you?” He laughed dryly. “I am trying to protect my family.”

  “Thanks for the ride. Flying during the day isn’t ideal.”

  “Pay me back by making sure my daughters stay safe.”

  “I will.”

  “And if you break Vera’s heart, I swear I’ll kill you myself.”

  “Got it.” I had no intention of ever hurting her. She’d be more likely to break my heart.

  Chris drove like a mad man and got us back to Vera’s house in record time.

  I jumped out of the car as soon as he parked. I knew she was okay, but that didn’t mean I didn’t need to see her. There something about watching Allie and Levi meet again that made it so much more important.

  Vera didn’t make me wait long. She ran out of the house and into my arms. She was wearing a small purse over her shoulder. She never carried a purse, so I assumed she had the crystals inside.

  I picked her up. “That’s a nice welcome.”

  “We can do this.”

  “Your confidence is great.”

  “You’re great.” She kissed me hard on
the lips.

  “Uh, can you guys do that later?” Casey looked away uncomfortably. She seemed so much younger.

  “Yes.” I reluctantly put Vera down.

  “Vera says I can’t come with you guys.” Casey put a hand on her hip.

  Vera nodded. “I don’t want her anywhere near Tiffany.”

  “What if she comes here?” Casey asked. Her tone was half annoyance and half worry.

  “Chris won’t let anyone hurt you.” I felt way more confident about that now.

  “Dad?” Casey looked at me.

  “He’s stronger than you think.”

  “Are you coming, Taliana?” I wasn’t sure what Vera had discovered. I was hoping she’d explain everything soon, but I trusted her.

  “Vera has everything you two need.”

  “Does that mean we’re going?” I was anxious to get things moving.

  “Isn’t it too bright out to fly?” Vera asked.

  “I have another idea.” I pulled out my phone and called Levi.

  He picked up after several rings. “Yes?” He was annoyed. I was pulling him from Allie.

  “Can I take your plane?”

  “Sure. Just make the arrangements.”

  “Oh no. We’re not taking the jet.” Vera’s face was a mix of surprise and apprehension.

  “Yes we are.” I grinned. “We have some history there, don’t we?”

  17

  Vera

  I boarded the Laurent’s private jet again. It wasn’t a new experience this time, but it still felt strange. “I can’t believe we’re taking this plane again.”

  “Do you want to get shot down by the government?” Jared walked onboard right behind me.

  “Do you really think that would happen?”

  “A short flight would be fine, but I’m not risking a cross-country one.”

  “It’s not that I’m complaining.” I sat down in one of the leather seats that lined the main cabin. I couldn’t believe how used to luxury transportation I was getting.

  “But you like my flights better?” He sat down right next to me.

  “Pretty much.”

  “Do you remember the first time we were on this plane together?” He turned toward me.

  I laughed. “You think I forgot that?”

  “You tortured me.”