I was glad my mother knew me so well, but then I realized that she might be able to read my feelings like Ruth could. “Mom, can you read my thoughts?”
“Not your exact thoughts, but your feelings. You can read mine, too.”
“How?” I asked excitedly. I hadn’t even contemplated that I could do it, too.
“I will teach you how, as well as how to block me.” She gave me a knowing smile and nodded toward Calvin. I could feel my cheeks burning. My mom had been gone since I was in middle school, so we had avoided a lot of the awkward talks about boys. I had a feeling we would be making up for it soon.
“So Calvin, you are from Rawlins?” Mom asked.
“Yes. My family has always lived there.” Calvin sounded nervous.
“So this must have all been a real change for you.”
“Yes. But not as much as it has been for Charlotte.” Calvin winked at me. I never took Calvin as the winking kind of guy, but the gesture made my heart race.
Mom smiled. “True, but it looks like Charlotte is adjusting just fine to me.”
Monty let out a huge sigh, getting our attention.
“What is wrong, Monty?” Mom asked.
“Nothing that can be changed.”
“What do you mean?” Mom tugged on Monty’s arm.
“I am of course happy to have you back, but it does not change that it was my failure to protect you that led to your imprisonment and Charlotte’s predicament.”
“Your failure? Monty, you gave up everything to protect me, and from what I have gathered from speaking to all of you, you have continued to sacrifice to take care of my children.” Mom’s eyes were full of concern.
“I never should have allowed Blake to get you. I was your Guardian and your brother.”
“Monty, I do not want to belittle your abilities, but there is no way you could have stopped Blake. No one could. I am the one who should carry the blame. I underestimated Blake; I should have known better. I should have sensed it.” I had to bite my lip to keep from jumping in to ask her to explain that. I thought about how wrong I felt around Blake.
“What do you mean, Emma?”
“Blake is no longer just a man,” she said with so much sadness that I focused on her voice more than her words.
I didn’t process what she was saying until Liam broke in. “Not just a man?”
“I was already suspicious that he was dabbling in something dark, but I could not confirm it until he kidnapped me. My last memory before falling into the deep sleep was of Blake standing over me, and I realized he had somehow obtained something different, the very opposite of the power from the Source. This makes him virtually unstoppable.” I shuddered involuntarily.
She must have noticed my response. “I said virtually. You have the ability to stop him. I can feel your strength, you have more power than I did.”
“Theoretically, I have this power, but I don’t think I really do. I mean, I can do things but usually not on the first try and not quickly.”
“One thing you do need to work on is confidence.” Mom looked at me questioningly. “Where did all of this self-doubt come from? I do not remember you ever being so unsure of yourself.”
I shrugged. I had no idea how to answer her without making her feel guilty for things that hadn’t been in her control.
“I hope your brother is not suffering from the same problem.”
I laughed. Kevin certainly didn’t have that problem.
Liam chuckled. “Kevin has enough self-confidence for all of us.”
“Kevin has had his own share of doubts. He just hides it well.” Monty’s face might have been youthful, but sometimes the way he talked made him seem like an old sage or something.
Liam laughed. “Yeah, maybe when it comes to Samantha.”
“Samantha?” Mom asked.
“Hank and Melinda’s daughter,” Monty told her. “Kevin met her last year and took quite an interest.” I could tell Monty was trying to keep a straight face. I couldn’t. Kevin unable to get a girl was pretty funny.
“I take it Kevin has remained just as popular with the girls then?”
“That’s an understatement,” I muttered.
My mother’s face lit up with amusement. “But he finally met his match?”
“Pretty much. I really shouldn’t give him a hard time, though. I know what it’s like when you can’t have the one girl you want,” Liam said in an uncharacteristically deflated tone. I noticed Monty giving him a look. I tried not to read too much into it, but the implication was there.
Before I could dwell on it too long, Calvin put his arm around me. “How are you holding up? If you are tired I can carry you.”
It took me a minute to realize Calvin was being serious. I may have been tired, but I wasn’t about to be carried again. “I’m doing fine, but thanks.”
Chapter Twenty
Charlotte
The quaint wooden house felt luxurious after several nights of sleeping in caves and the woods. I had never been much of an outdoor person. The fireplace in the living space was inviting, and the three bedrooms upstairs provided some much-needed privacy. My mother and I shared a room. Lawson took the first guard outside.
Mom sat across from me in the cozy living room. “What is the most challenging part of using your abilities?” She regarded me expectantly, almost as if viewing me as a peer and not a daughter.
I hesitated, not really wanting to admit how often I passed out, but if I wanted her help, I needed to be honest. “I get so exhausted, sometimes to the point that I black out.”
“Hmm. Where do you draw your energy from?”
“Usually from myself, I don’t know how to get it from anywhere else,” I admitted.
“Oh my, no wonder you have been passing out!” Mom sighed. “One of the most important lessons, and the first thing you must know, is that instead of overusing your own energy, you should draw it from elsewhere.”
“What do you mean? I’m supposed to steal energy?”
“It is not stealing. Every living thing has energy, and if done in moderation, you will cause no harm.”
“Does that include people?” My stomach dropped, thinking about taking anyone’s strength.
“Yes, but as I explained, it must be done in moderation.” She must have realized how nervous I was. “I promise you can master it.”
“I hope so.”
“I will show you. Close your eyes.”
“Okay.” I closed my eyes waiting for her next direction.
“Now tell me what you feel.”
“What do you mean?”
“Relax and let your mind roam. Try to reach out. Do you sense anyone?”
I identified something strong and clear next to me. I was able to reach out to it, and it responded by pushing energy toward me. “Is that you, Mom?”
“Yes. You are doing well, Charlotte. Now reach out further. What else do you feel?”
I pushed myself harder and felt three more forms. One seemed stronger, closer than the others, and I knew it was Calvin.
“Reach out further.”
Once I got the hang of it, I was able to push out even further, until I could sense animals and even the trees. The feeling was strange but also incredible. For once, using my powers energized me instead of depleting all of my strength.
“Now pull from it, but gently. Focus on taking only the smallest amount.”
I began to feel warmth from within as I slowly drew strength from the outside. My thoughts became clearer and more focused. I opened my eyes, euphoric. “Wow. Unreal.”
“How do you feel?” Mom asked.
“Amazing.” Energy flooded me from every direction.
“That should solve your energy problem.” She smiled. “I cannot promise you will never pass out, but it should not be a regular occurrence.”
I hugged my mom with such force that I nearly knocked her over.
Mom laughed before nonchalantly moving on. “So from what you told me, you can c
ontrol water and the weather, and manipulate natural elements and growth.”
I nodded.
“Okay, so next we will try fire.”
Although momentarily surprised that she was jumping right into another lesson, I was excited to keep going. “Does it work the same way as the rest?”
“Yes. Close your eyes and picture a fire in the fireplace.” She squeezed my hand. “I never wanted this for you, but it is so incredible to be sharing it.”
“I feel the same way. When I found out I was the Essence, I wanted and needed you so much. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“You could, but I am glad you do not have to. I have missed so much, but I am so happy to be with you now.” She pulled me into a tight hug, and we both tried to wipe away tears.
I hesitated before asking her about the other part of her earlier statement. “Why didn’t you want it for me?”
“Being the Essence is a great honor, but it requires boundless sacrifice. Without consent, you must give up your life as you know it to fill the role. Even growing up in Bellgard, prepared that the day might come, I had trouble accepting it. I wanted you to have a normal childhood, grow up to marry who you chose without constantly looking over your shoulder. Does that make sense?”
“It does. Sometimes I wish this never happened to me, but then other times, like when I’m with Calvin or I do something impressive, I can’t imagine life without it.”
“I cannot tell you how proud I am of you, sweetie. You have grown up to be a smart and beautiful young woman with such a true heart. I only wish I had not missed it happening.” She paused before moving the subject back to fire. “Just pull some energy from me.”
“You sure?”
She nodded.
I let out a deep breath. “All right, let’s try this thing.” Closing my eyes, I tried to push everything out but one thought—fire. I heard a whoosh and felt an overwhelming feeling of heat that bordered on painful. When I opened my eyes, I was looking at a roaring fire.
“Terrific, Charlotte!” My mom actually clapped her hands, the action made her seem years younger.
“This is so much easier now! I couldn’t do it without you!” What used to exhaust me had become exhilarating.
“It is easier because you have more confidence. It is not me; it is you.”
“If you say so.”
“Okay, so maybe you are still the same Charlotte. You always used to tell me that.” She laughed. “Back to more serious business. We already know you can manipulate the weather, but let us see how far you can go.” Mom stood up with no warning, and I followed her out into the night. It was freezing.
We walked to the edge of the woods where Lawson stood with his back to us. He turned around when we got closer. Although momentarily startled by our presence, he recovered and greeted us with a small smile and a wave.
“If you are as powerful as I think you are, you should be able to use wind to move a large object.” Mom bubbled with excitement.
“Okay, how?” Since using energy came easier, I was excited to continue experimenting.
“Move Lawson.”
“Excuse me?”
“Picture wind lifting up and moving Lawson.”
“Shouldn’t we ask permission?” I whispered, looking over at Lawson.
“If you want to.” Mom smiled mischievously, a smile I had never seen on her face. “But it might be easier to just do it.”
“Okay. So I need to picture a large force of wind moving Lawson?”
“It is a little bit more complicated when you are dealing with a person you do not want to hurt.”
“What do you mean?” A knot formed in my stomach.
“You need to be cautious to direct your thoughts carefully. Only use as much force as you absolutely need.”
“Mom, I don’t know about this. I don’t want to hurt him.”
“I did not mean to scare you. Lawson is strong; he can handle being knocked around a little. Try to keep your powers in check. This is an important lesson. That fire you created inside was great, but it was almost out of control. Maybe focusing on a person will help you learn to control the amount of energy you use.”
“Here goes nothing.” I took another deep breath and closed my eyes. I sensed the surrounding forest and drew in energy before picturing a clear image of wind.
“What in the world?” Lawson yelled.
I opened my eyes. The wind I had conjured lost its power, and I watched with alarm as Lawson slumped to the ground.
I ran over immediately and took his hand to help him up. “Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry, Lawson!”
Back on his feet, Lawson moved his hands to the back of his head and surveyed the area. “I take it this was your doing?” Lawson sounded so serious, I felt a lump form in the back of my throat. I started to apologize again until I heard Mom laughing.
“What?” I turned back, and Lawson had a huge grin on his face.
“Do not take it so seriously, Charlotte. You did not hurt me,” Lawson said.
I blushed. “Oh, but still, I’m sorry.”
“It looks like you learned an important lesson today,” Mom commented.
“Not to try to move people with wind?”
“Not to lose concentration. If you focus hard enough, you will eventually be able to see without opening your eyes.”
I planned to ask for more clarification, but I heard footsteps and turned around to see everyone else on the porch.
“What’s going on?” Liam looked half asleep, his hair messy and falling into his eyes.
“Are you okay?” Calvin quickly reached my side, checking every inch of me for injury. He hadn’t even taken the time to throw on a shirt.
“I’m not the one you should worry about.” I nodded in Lawson’s direction.
“Your Essence was using me for some practice.” Lawson chuckled.
Calvin’s deep laugh startled me. It was so rich, it matched him perfectly, but it wasn’t familiar yet. I wanted to know everything about him, every habit and mannerism, and the laugh was a good start. I caught myself staring at him. His arms and chest were so strong, but not from a gym. It was from work.
“What is it?” Calvin asked, studying my face.
“I like your laugh.”
“In other words, she likes the way you look without a shirt on.” James smirked before turning to walk back toward the house.
I blushed, but Calvin caught my chin before I could look away. He kissed me gently. “I love bringing color to your face.”
I smiled at him, momentarily forgetting we had an audience.
“Let us go get some rest and let the boys stay out in the cold for now.” Mom gave me a meaningful look, and I knew we would be having a talk.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kevin
Darkness greeted me when I woke up. Memories of the night before flooded in as I held on to the end of a particularly enjoyable dream about Samantha. Letting my eyes adjust to the dark hotel room, I stretched. Thankfully, I had snagged a bed, so I wasn’t sore. After quickly getting dressed, I headed out for a run. After weeks of daily practices at Carolina, I missed the physical activity. The streets were empty, a nice change of pace from the usual. It felt so good to get out. The last few days had been stressful, so it was good to relieve some of the tension. I was pumped up from everything with the council and Samantha, and probably could have run forever if I hadn’t found myself back at the park.
I saw her just as I rounded the corner to the pond. A light haze coated the sky, but the rising sun gave enough light to illuminate the area. I stopped several feet away and just watched. She was doing some kind of yoga stretches. I had no idea someone could be that flexible, and it only accentuated her beauty. Although it made me wince thinking about how painful it would be to hold my leg up like that, I couldn’t turn away. Her eyes were closed, so I decided to enjoy the view.
“Can you feel it?” Samantha’s voice broke me out of my near trance. Did she realize I was there?
“Kevin?”
She knew. Damn! Hopefully, she didn’t know I had been practically ogling her.
“Yeah. Sure. Sort of?” I had no idea what she was talking about.
She turned around and strolled over to me. “Ever since you and your sister arrived in Energo, there has been a change in the air. Now it is even stronger.” Samantha seemed so confident and excited that I didn’t want to let her down.
I tried to play it off as though I actually understood what she was saying. “Yeah, it’s great, huh?”
Samantha laughed. “It is almost like a large weight has been lifted. We can do this. We can defeat Blake.” I gave her a weak smile, but couldn’t help focusing on her lips.
As if she read my mind, she filled in the distance between us. I was sweaty from my run, but figured she had been working out, too, so I didn’t let it stop me. I kissed her, and just like the night before, it was incredible. A warm chill spread through me, giving me goose bumps as I lightly touched the small of her back.
She pulled back, breathless for a moment. “Whatever is developing between us cannot get in the way of our duty and our fight. We can only continue if you understand that.”
“I get it. I completely understand.” I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I would have agreed to anything at that moment; things just felt right. My life back home started to feel further and further away, but that didn’t bother me. My biggest concern was somehow doing my part to save Energo while trying not to screw things up with Samantha.
Wordlessly, Samantha started running, and I joined her. We took the long route back to the hotel, and I let myself relax and enjoy the exercise. By the time we separated and went to our respective rooms, I felt recharged. I took a shower and got changed before any of the other guys were even up.
***
After pacing the lobby for at least a half hour, I was relieved that someone else finally woke up and joined me.
Henry stepped out of the elevator eagerly and walked over to me. “I thought about going out to explore, do you want to come?”
“Sure, there’s nothing much to do here.”
The streets were no longer empty as we exited the hotel, but it was still early enough that we didn’t have to deal with the bustling crowds.
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