Jaded Jewels (The Coveted Saga #2)

by C. M. Owens

  Today, Tallis was in the parking lot. He was leaned up against his new, white range rover—like usual. Even his car was different.

  He watched me drive away, and I saw in my rearview mirror as he left, too. He followed me down the road to my house. I knew he was just making sure I made it home safely, but my heart felt like someone stabbing it again as I turned in and he turned in behind me.

  I thought he was going to stop this time, but he just backed back out and went in the opposite direction—back toward town.

  I sat in my car, crying for a moment. I thought of chasing him down a few times, but gradually, my panic attack lessened, and reality reminded me it would be a pointless endeavor. I tried to compose myself before pulling down the driveway.

  A black SUV was sitting in the driveway—off to the side. I climbed out of my car and studied the unknown vehicle as I walked into the house. I could hear people talking in sad voices and saying they were sorry. It sounded like a funeral procession. I guess it kind of was.

  I wasn't sure if I should interrupt, but I hated to just walk upstairs. I was conflicted about which one would be ruder. So I weighed my options, started and stopped several times, and finally groaned before heading up the stairs. Then I turned towards the den. Then I stopped and turned back toward the stairs while shaking my head.

  Finally, Ash came to put me out of my misery.

  "Aria? Can you come to the den? We have some guests."

  The saddened undertones of her usually chipper voice worried me. If Ash was upset, it couldn't be good. I nodded and followed her into the den where everyone was already assembled.

  "Arisianna, I would like you to meet Henry. He's here from California. He just lost his family, and he's going to be staying here for a while," Iris said, gesturing toward the new face.

  His long, lean body sat there, misery lacing his posture and forcing a weakened slump. I couldn't imagine that sort of loss. His sandy blonde hair hung in his eyes while he kept his head hung low. The tears in Iris's eyes threatened to flood her face, but she held them back, trying to be strong.

  "Oh, I'm sorry," I murmured uncomfortably.

  I felt awkward as I stumbled for something better to say, but there was nothing. I didn't know him, so how could I say something more appropriate?

  "Thanks," he muttered with an obligatory breath.

  His voice was meek, like he was exhausted. But he didn't look as dreadful as I'm sure he felt. He was young, maybe twenty-two—or one-hundred-and-twenty-two. Who knew around here?

  He had light, sandy blonde hair, and he was in desperate need of a haircut. He wasn't doing well with the shag look, but I'm sure he had other things that held priority over his hair at the moment.

  When he looked up to meet my gaze, his blue eyes were stunning. He was attractive, so I tried to break eye contact quickly. I didn't need to accidentally make anyone else have feelings for me. The whole mortal and immortal crazy links were driving me crazy.

  He smirked slightly, almost like he knew what I was doing. Or maybe he just noticed me checking him out and misconstrued it for attraction.

  "He's asked to help out and go to school with you for added protection. He enrolled this morning.” Iris handed him a key. "You can stay with Arisianna on the third floor. There's an extra room. We have some things to do in town, but you can go ahead and start getting settled in. Arisianna will show you the room we've prepared for you. Just call me if you need anything, or if you have any problems."

  Iris changed into her old lady face, which gave me a few unwanted chills. It was hard to get use to her flip-flopping back and forth between the two.

  Henry followed me up the stairs, never speaking. I showed him to his room and fidgeted uneasily as I tried to figure out if I should talk or walk away. I mean, really? Couldn't someone have coached me up a little better? I'd never been in that situation before.

  Finally, I decided to ask for his input on the matter. "I'm sorry. I really am a socially awkward person and I have no idea what to do. Should I say something or just walk away and give you some space?"

  He laughed ever so slightly, seeming to be pleased with my honesty. "Please, stay. I need socially awkward. It's been a rough day with everyone's condolences. I would like to just have a regular conversation with someone who doesn't have the perfect thing to say."

  He was in luck, because I never said anything perfect.

  I pulled up a chair and sat with my arms crossed in front of my chest. "So how old are you?"

  He smiled and cut his eyes toward the floor before answering. "I'm twenty-one."

  My head bobbed with a bit of a laugh. "So, how old are you, really?"

  His smile spread, and for a second, it seemed as though he was distracted from his pain.

  "One-hundred-and-ten. My mom was witch and my dad was bodyguard—just like your sister and Chris."

  "So, what is your amazing power?"

  "Your grandmother has asked me not to say it aloud. She feels like someone is watching the house and the family. She thinks it's safer to keep what I can do a secret, until she can find out for sure."

  I thought back to all the times I had felt the same way. I had convinced myself that I was just paranoid. Surprised Iris had the same concern, I said, "Wow, I didn't know anything about that."

  It annoyed me that no one had said anything to me. Of course, I had been a little absorbed with the whole Tallis-heartbreak thing.

  "Yeah, I probably shouldn't be saying anything about it right now. Maybe sometime we can find somewhere we can be sure no one is listening."

  He looked out the window, surveying the yard with a wary eye.

  "Yeah, I'll think of somewhere."

  The only place I trusted was the Verdan house, but I certainly couldn't go there. I changed the subject—since it was off limits anyway.

  "So... why do you want to go to school again?" I ask, possibly making it sound incredulous.

  He chuckled. I didn't find it funny. Who willingly dives back into hell?

  "Well, I heard about the guy that was protecting you—the link and all."

  Link this, link that—everyone wants to talk about frigging links.

  My emotions had me on the brink of a breakdown, but I concealed it all, remaining stoic as he continued.

  "I told them I would help out with you. It's the least I can do right now. Your family is being pretty generous by inducting me into their coven. I would be a sitting duck without a coven's protection. Your crest is now my crest—making us family for all intents and purposes. I'll be safe while I'm planning my revenge."

  Angst filled me as the conversation got heavy and serious. I was stressed over a guy; Henry had just lost his family. Looking through the window at our problems, mine seemed to pale in comparison.

  "Revenge on who? Was it Graven or Kao?" I asked, suddenly feeling a building of pressure against my spine.

  I sat up a little straighter, waiting for his answer. If they killed his family, then they might be coming here next, or they might go after Tallis and his family.

  "No. It was someone different. Not all of life-draining bastards are directly linked to Graven. Just like not all of us are linked to Iris. It's someone trying to make a name for themselves. But again, I'm not sure this is wise to discuss here."

  I nodded, selfishly relieved this conversation was ending. I was still adjusting to all of this, so it was terrifying the hell out of me.

  "Are you hungry?" I asked, unsure of what else to say.

  "Yes, actually."

  I smiled and motioned for him to follow me. "Let's go grab some food."

  I picked my keys up and he followed me to my car, both of us staying quiet all the way outside. This time it was a comfortable silence instead of awkward silence.

  "Nice ride," he said, whistling low as he admired my ride that was too expensive.

  "Thanks. It was a present from my grandparents. I know this little drive-thru place we can hit."

  "Sounds good."

&nb
sp; He studied the crests that were embroidered into the car's interior.

  "We should be safe as long as we stay in the car. Grandma says there is a slight trail left, but with it only being the two of us, it shouldn't be too bad."

  He chuckled, seeming to delight in something.

  "Yeah, I know a thing or two about the scents a witch can leave behind."

  He winked at me to let me know he was poking at me. I felt stupid now. I didn't know why I had just tried educating a guy who was over a century old.

  "Sorry. I was just trying to be reassuring."

  He shook his head. "I wasn't being a smartass. I really do know a thing or two about scents. I was just making a private joke. I'll explain it to you one day." He smiled before continuing, "Besides, my two halves almost cancel each other out. My essence has a very weak scent that is barely traceable."

  The first part of his comment was a little odd—but oddities were a growing normality. I shrugged it off instead of prying. He had been through a lot, so I really didn't expect him to make sense. I was happy to hear that his scent was limited, though.

  We headed down the driveway and made our way toward town. I had made it a habit to constantly check my rearview mirror to see if anyone was following me. He noticed.

  "Should I be worried about something?" His voice was leery as he looked around.

  I frowned, feeling bad for scaring him.

  "Sorry, it's just a habit. Someone has tried killing me—a couple times now. It tends to make you a little paranoid."

  "Yeah, I heard. That's one reason your grandma wants me to stay close. I actually managed to get English with you. The rest were full, and Iris didn't want us using magic at the school to get me into your classes, considering it could draw attention. I should always be within earshot, though. Super hearing and all."

  Everything about him put me at ease, and I felt like I had a friend. No freaky links were interrupting us, no terrible drama surrounded us, and he was easy to be around. Finally, someone kindred.

  But my moment of reprieve was brief. I felt someone watching us, but my mirror revealed nothing. Assuming I was still being paranoid, I tried shrugging it off.

  We grabbed our food and headed back toward the house. But the eerie feeling of eyes on me wouldn't go away. I knew there was someone close. I just couldn't find them. I didn't want to worry Henry again, so I tried making light conversation.

  "So, do you think you'll like the house?"

  My smile stayed tight and forced, as I discreetly kept watch around me.

  "I definitely like the company so far. Everyone has been incredibly gracious and very accepting. I don't feel uncomfortable or out of place. Going to school with you will also help me feel like I'm more of a helping hand instead of an imposition."

  "I'm glad you like it. What's your favorite part so far?"

  His eyes widened with a bit of excitement. "I really love the pool. Indoor pools are incredible. Hot tub is nice, too."

  His authentic excitement distracted me from my worry. I hadn't even used the pool yet.

  Tallis wasn't crazy about water, since it was the one mortal thing that could kill him. I guessed half-and-half bodyguard-witches were a little different.

  "We can go for a swim if you want," he said with a warm smile.

  "Yeah, sounds good." I tried matching his upbeat tone, but my train of thought had found its way back to Tallis—as always.

  When we got home, everyone had made it back. Ash met us at the door while holding the note I had left for them.

  "Really?"

  I shrugged innocently. "What? We were hungry. No worries—we used the drive-thru."

  She grabbed my hand and led me to the kitchen where everyone had congregated. Iris smiled in relief.

  "Arisianna, Henry, I got you both something." She handed both of us a cell phone. Her eyes narrowed as a small smirk spread across her face. “Now, you have no excuse to worry us."

  Henry smiled sheepishly at me, forcing me to bite back a grin. Smiling would be a bad idea right now. He snickered under his breath as we made our way up the stairs, escaping the scolding eyes behind us.

  "Wow, it's been a while since someone expected me to check in," Henry whispered through his soft chuckles

  I shook my head and blew out a harsh breath. "She gets intense these days. She's definitely different than the wacky old lady I met when I first got here. I think her younger face is far more mature than her old face."

  "I heard that," Iris called from downstairs, forcing me to cringe.

  Henry just laughed, and we split up to change before I stuck my foot in my mouth again. Stupid super-hearing.

  Henry and I met at the pool. Ash and Jay were in there already. Amazingly, they weren't arguing.

  It was strange there was a pool in the house. It did seem a little dangerous. Ash had once said that it was the safest place in the house, and no Coldwell would ever drown there. I didn't understand it, but I trusted her.

  We all splashed around for a while, laughing and letting all of our drama escape for a few hours.

  It was hard to see Henry’s perfect body. He was built so similarly to Tallis, but he had just a little more muscle. I'm sure that was due to his bodyguard half. I was attracted to him, but only because he reminded me so much of the stubborn idiot I loved.

  Every time my mind strayed to the changer-witch, it never wanted to let me go. I was ensnared by memories and destroyed by impossibilities.

  I felt like I was doing something wrong for even looking at Henry. It was foolish. I found myself staring at him, but imagining Tallis's face. I finally just excused myself from the pool fun.

  Henry looked at me strangely, but everyone else saw my struggle. I'd become the gloom-and-doom queen.

  An eerie feeling settled over me as I headed up the stairs, making my way toward the bathroom to wash off the pool. I tried shaking it off as I climbed into the shower, but the plaguing feeling sunk its claws in deep.

  I peeked out of the shower curtain, expecting to find someone, but the bathroom was still empty, the door was still shut, and no sounds seemed suspicious. In horror movies, the girl always gets sliced and diced in the bathroom. I'd been subjected to such movies since I'd been here. Stupid gory brothers.

  I finally pulled the shower curtain open and left it there. If something was coming, I was determined to see it. No suspense.

  But maybe it was those over-the-top, bloody movies that were making me so paranoid.

  After stepping out of the shower, I dried off and brushed my wet hair. As I walked into my room, I shivered.

  The light was off, and I could have sworn I left it on. The window was open. Why was it open? I never open it—except the time I snuck out.

  Flipping the switch, I realized what was wrong with the light. The stupid bulb was blown. It wasn't like that was something new. Light bulbs didn't last long around here.

  The room was like an icicle, so I squinted my eyes against the darkness, making my way toward the open window and shutting it. As I turned around, a hoarse shriek escaped my trembling lips. A dark silhouette was on my bed, and I was trapped here with it.

  "Hello, Aria," a deep voice said, sounding deceptively warm and soft.

  As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I took him in. He was different than the essence-suckers I had come into contact with. He was more refined and showed more control. He had to be a leader of some sort, but not Graven.

  His hair was straight and long, draping below his shoulders. And his tall stature made him even more intimidating as he stood to his feet. He carried a foul smell that I had become accustomed to, but even it was different from the rest.

  I was frozen—too scared to move. I wanted to scream, but the pool was so far away. It was unlikely, that even with their incredible hearing, they would hear me in time. With my luck, it would probably only prompt him to kill me faster, and I wasn't ready to die.

  I just stood there and waited as the stench of fear radiated from me.
/>   "It's interesting to me that you aren't screaming and panicking right now. Why is that, exactly?"

  He raised his eyebrow up while he awaited my response. I didn't say anything, though. I was afraid I might cry, scream, beg to live—all of which would ensure a quicker death.

  "Well, I guess I'll be the only one talking," he continued with a barely visible smile. "I just wanted to see what Graven has been so interested in. He's been sending out more scouts than I've ever seen before."

  I still said nothing, but my eyes grew wider as the fear spread. He noticed my anxiety growing, and surprised me with his next words.

  "Don't worry, little Coldwell, I have no plan to take you for myself. I simply wanted to see what you were. Your essence is different than anything I've come into contact with. If you die, then it would remain a mystery, and I've never been one to handle a cliffhanger.

  "Also, if I killed you tonight, I would only start a fight, and I'm not ready for a fight with the Coldwell Coven… yet. Not to mention, Graven would come for me, too. I'm glad I could meet the little witch everyone has been whispering about. It's amazing to me how many times you have eluded death in your mortal state. For now, we talk—just talk. I promise you can relax."

  Relax? I was so tight I was worried I might shatter if touched wrong. There would be no relaxing. Instead, I tensed more—something I thought to be impossible.

  With a shaky voice and a pounding heart, I managed to ask, "What do you want to talk about?"

  "I told you. I just wanted to meet you and introduce myself. My name is Lokan. I happen to know some useful information about Graven—if you're interested."

  He raised an eyebrow again as he circled the room, gradually moving toward me, and waited for me to take his bait. I always was that stupid fish who was willing to snap at a worm, despite the hook that glistened in plain sight.

  I moved away slowly, making my way closer to the bed. There would be no chance of me outrunning him, and I knew that. Wearing a creepy grin, he continued to stare at me.