CHAPTER 48
Human World, November 18, evening.
“Hey, guys.” Bogdan grinned. He moved away from the opened door to let his friends in. “Erik, Georgeta and your parents are already here. Hi, Pen. What’s up.”
She shrugged. “Hi.”
Thick snow already covered the stairs. It glistened in the light that was spilling from the windows and opened door. Small pillows of white powder accumulated on the tree tops, the roof, and the black pickup truck parked close to the house. The teenagers followed Bogdan inside. Lusia peeked from the kitchen and waved.
“Erik!” Georgeta ran to her adoptive brother and threw herself onto him. She hugged him fiercely. “We were freaking out. The phones were out… don’t you ever go off like that again.” She ended with an accusation in her voice.
He put her down and disentangled himself from her arms. “Well, nobody knew the next earthquake was going to happen.”
“Oh, good. You’re here, son.” A tall, brawny man rushed from one of the rooms to the left and joined the teenagers in the hallway. He clapped Erik on the back, his eyes troubled. The resemblance between the father and son was incredible. Erik was a younger version of his parent. Finally, the man looked from Jatred to Penelope and back, “Hello. Is everyone okay?”
Andy Tornwood followed him, a large book under his arm. He shook hands with everyone and told them to go into the living room. Ivona stood on the top of the staircase, smiling. She walked down and greeted the newly-arrived teens.
“Erik!” A very slim woman in her late thirties ran down the stairs. Straight blond hair fell to her waist. “Oh, Goddess.” She hugged him fiercely and blinked the tears away, sniffling.
“I’m fine, Mom.” Erik grinned at her then looked back at his friends and introduced Penelope to his parents and the Tornwoods.
Penelope felt uneasy and, although she was sure that these people would protect her from any harm, she was still a member of the rival Race. Hanging out with Erik on neutral ground was always fine, but now she was in the Winter Shifters’ home. Alone. Her heart started to thump, and she felt a trickle of sweat running between her shoulder blades.
Erik touched her elbow. His eyes narrowed when he noticed Penelope’s distress. “Hey. Come here.” He wrapped his arm around her. “Are you okay?”
She inhaled and looked at him, shaking her head almost imperceptibly. “It’s nothing, nothing. Just tired, hungry, you know. Ugh, all this stuff is scary.”
“So, your parents are staying at the hospital?” Erik asked, following everyone to the living room, where they already sat by the fire. He led Penelope to a plush looking sofa.
“Yeah. Mom wants to make sure Estelle’s okay.” She rubbed her face and sighed. “The things that I’ve learned from Jasmira… it’s all really crazy. I don’t know if I can repeat it here. I mean, don’t get offended or anything, but I don’t even know your or Bogdan’s parents.”
“They are cool, trust me. Besides, they’re professionals. Here, sit with me.” He patted a spot next to him. When she sat down, he put his arm around her.
Both mothers went to the kitchen to fix something to eat for everyone. Georgeta and Lusia rushed after them to bring sodas and orange juice from the fridge. Penelope wasn’t sure if she should stay and play a guest or go help. She decided that four women in the kitchen was good enough.
“Did you see some of the homes on Holton Street?” Erik’s father asked, the question directed at everyone in the room. “Some look pretty broken up. Our neighbors were lucky though.”
“From what I hear luck had nothing to do with it.” Jatred reclined comfortably in the armchair. “Crystal is watching over her Shifters, right?”
The older man nodded slowly, his eyes on Jatred. “She’s doing a good job with that.”
Georgeta walked into the room, carrying a large tray with glasses, soda cans, orange juice, and a glass bowl with ice. She put it down on the dark-brown squatty coffee table and huffed at Erik. “I am still mad at you for going off and not even saying a word to me. I was so scared that something happened to you in that earthquake.”
He grabbed her and swung her around, laughing. She squealed and shifted in her brother’s arms into her animal form. He fell under her huge wolf body, with her collapsing on top of him. Georgeta’s black wet nose was pressed to her brother’s human nose, her sharp canines exposed. A low growl started deep in her throat.
“What’ya gonna do, Georgie-Porgie?” Erik taunted her.
“Kids,” their father said, a playful warning in his voice. “Come on, enough of the circus. Erik, don’t even think of shifting now. Last time you two broke too many things to let me allow you to roll around inside in your animal forms. Especially when we aren’t in our house.”
“She started it.” Erik chuckled. He heaved a breath, trying to lift his adoptive sister off his chest. “Girl, what do you eat to weigh so much?”
She snapped her teeth very close to his nose and snorted. Erik grabbed Georgeta’s fur with both hands, right behind her ears, and shook her head from side to side. She smacked her paw on his face and pulled free, jumping off him.
Erik lay on the floor, giggling and panting, his arms and legs thrown to the sides. He finally lifted his head and looked at his sister. She was already in her human form, walking casually to the kitchen. She held her left hand behind her back, middle finger flipped at Erik. Everyone was still laughing, and even Penelope seemed to finally relax and grin. Erik’s father was slowly shaking his head from side to side, a lopsided smile making him look much younger than he was.
“Is your family safe?” Ivona Tornwood asked Penelope, her voice gentle.
“Yes, they are at Saint Andrew’s hospital… with their friend. But they’re fine; my mom’s girlfriend was injured though.”
“Is your house intact then? You are welcome to stay with us—”
“No, thank you. I mean, yes, the house is fine. We called the neighbors to see.” Pushing her back deeper into the sofa, Penelope wrapped her arms around her stomach and put one foot on top of the other. She was uncharacteristically subdued. “I can go home or back to the hospital.”
“That’s crazy. We don’t know what’s gonna happen next. You’re staying here.” Erik sat next to her.
“Absolutely,” Ivona said.
“That goes for you too, Jatred.” Andy Tornwood nodded at Jatred. “Tyrrell’s okay, you said, right?”
“Thanks. I might actually crash here. My uncle is also at the hospital.” Jatred stretched his arms over his head and yawned widely. Then he added quickly, “Visiting someone.”
“I… I don’t know.” Penelope glanced at Erik. “I will see what my parents say. I should call them soon.”
Rain drops splattered the windows, and jagged lightning slashed the sky in half. Four seconds later the rolling thunder followed, deep and angry, ending in a loud snap.
“First snow and now rain. And thunder,” Andy said as to himself, standing by the window.
“Wow, look at that.” Penelope pointed to her cell phone screen. “You know how Mount Etna keeps erupting sometimes? The whole side just broke off and slid away today.”
“What are you looking at?” Jatred was right by her side. Bogdan, Erik, his dad, and Andy Tornwood crowded around her, everyone’s heads close together, trying to see the small screen.
“Facebook,” she answered.
“Internet’s up?” Erik moved closer to Penelope and looked at the image on the phone from over her shoulder.
Georgeta and her mother walked from the kitchen and, seeing everyone clustered together, joined in. Georgeta took her iPhone out of her pocket. Erik and Jatred did the same.
Bogdan’s mother brought her small laptop from the kitchen and sat down next to her husband. “Interesting that the cell towers, the Internet, and electricity are working on and off. Weird. The earthquake didn’t do as much damage as we first suspected.” She put her head on his shoulder for a moment, and he kissed her temple.
>
Jatred watched Penelope. She looked up and locked eyes with him.
“So. Are you gonna tell me what you know about Crystal screwing up with my brain?” he asked her with his mind, keeping his mental guards strong.
CHAPTER 49
Human World, November 18, evening.
“I guess that’s the plan. But...” Penelope quickly glanced at the adults.
“It’s fine. They are totally cool. You can tell them what you know. Besides, we’re all Shifters. We’re all in this mess together,” Jatred said.
She sighed. “Okay.”
“Oh, no!” Ivona Tornwood exclaimed. “More disasters—there was tsunami in Sumatra and Thailand. They are thinking it will hit eastern India pretty soon. It says here that hundreds of people have died. And two hurricanes too, one across the southern Bay of Bengal, going toward Sri Lanka. The other one in Haiti. This one is heading to Cuba and the Bahamas. And some heavy rains in Haiti too.” A line between her eyebrows deepened. “What? Multiple tornadoes—in Dallas and Louisiana? Homes are leveled, injuries and some fatalities too. Look, guys. Just look at this video. Do you see how these cars and trucks are tossed up in the air?”
“They are swirling like little plastic toys. What is that flying? A semi?” Her husband pointed to the computer screen, his voice filled with astonishment.
Everyone moved to see the video on Ivona’s laptop. Penelope stayed a few steps behind the rest of them, picking at her nails, and chewing on her lower lip. “Is this really happening?” she asked.
Each of the Winter Shifters turned around to face her. She stood alone, away from the group, and felt small and lonely.
“You mean those disasters?” Erik’s mother tried to sound calm. She smiled encouragingly at Penelope.
Erik’s dad laced his fingers together. He looked at his wife and the Tornwoods. He said something to them with his mind, keeping the mental shield strong so the teens wouldn’t hear him.
Jatred cleared his throat and stated, “Pen wants to discuss something with you. I mean, with us… all of us.” His eyes were fixed on Penelope, unblinking.
She exhaled loudly and pressed her hand to her forehead. “Look, I came here because Erik and Jatred wanted me to tell you about this mess we are in. You know, the ten-thousand-year mark.”
She related what she had recently learned from Jasmira. Everyone listened, their expressions going from surprise to disbelief to comprehension and shock. Each time one of the teens interrupted, the parents hushed them and motioned for Penelope to continue.
When she finished, the room fell silent. Jatred was tapping his foot on the floor with a speed never seen in humans. Georgeta’s eyes were huge, her eyebrows lifted. Erik held his head in his hands, elbows on his knees. Bogdan and Lusia huddled together, their faces grave. The four adults were talking among themselves with their minds, shielding the conversation from the teenagers.
Finally Andy Tornwood said, “The ten-thousand-year mark started early this time, a few weeks before the winter solstice. All these disasters happening all over the world are the best indication.”
“And now what?” Jatred asked. There was a scowl on his face.
“And now we have to figure out what to do about Amber’s plan. Maybe there is a chance to prevent it,” Penelope said.
Jatred turned to Ivona and said, “It kinda makes sense now. And we talked about all this when I came here last time with my uncle. So now we know for sure what we have only suspected before. The Summer Goddess is plotting to gain the control over everyone. Crystal said so too. I just didn’t want to believe her… I was really pissed about her messing with my head.” Jatred hung his head.
“Thank to Penelope we have our suspicions confirmed.” Ivona Tornwood looked at him. Her eyes were bright-blue, a startling contrast with her pale skin.
“Yep. Amber told Jasmira about her plans. It would be hard to get a better proof than Amber’s own words.” She turned her head to look at Jatred. “Do you finally believe that you and Jasmira were together?”
Jatred huffed, indignantly. “Whatever.”
“Look, I know you don’t remember her, but… just try to be nice, okay? Kinda like you used to be?” Penelope said, anger replaced by disappointment.
Jatred stood and walked out of the room.
“He gets it but still doesn’t want to cooperate.” Penelope shook her head. “Anyway, Amber wants even more power than she already has. Jatred and Jasmira are just tools in her plan. She won’t back off, because a chance like this—with the Royal heads of both Races practically ready for her little scheme—doesn’t happen often. Amber’s been waiting for thousands of years for this.”
They all looked at one another in silence. Finally Georgeta said, “How about our Goddess? Can she do anything?”
Jatred slipped back into the room, took a handful of crackers from a bowl, and tossed a couple into his mouth. “Sure the Goddesses hate each other. But they aren’t going to jump at each other’s throats,” he said through a mouthful of crackers. “If Crystal wanted justice she would have done something about the death of my parents.” Jatred spat the last words like he’d tasted something unpleasant.
Andy Tornwood cleared his throat and said, “Ivona and I have to go over what we just learned about Amber’s plans. This is very disconcerting. Very serious and complicated. We should consult the other members of both Races’ Historical Societies. And especially Jasmira’s grandmother, Jousenne Rosewater, since she’s the President of the Summer Historical Society. Although I understand, Penelope, that you may not want anyone to know that we heard these facts from you.”
“Look, Jasmira doesn’t even know that I am telling you what our Goddess expects her to do. She’s scared. And I don’t know what her grandma would say.”
“Don’t worry. There will be no mentioning the source of information to Mrs. Rosewater or anyone else. You have my word. And I’m sure each person in here will keep what they just learned to themselves.” Andy stood up, rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and began pacing around the room.
A series of nods and confirming murmurs accompanied Andy’s words. Everyone’s eyes were on Penelope.
“Dad,” Bogdan said. “But what can we expect to happen? I mean… to everyone, Shifters and humans?
“The members of both of our Races’ Historical Societies have been reviewing the archives, studying ancient records of various human cultures, making predictions based on them, and not just for a few years, but for generations,” Ivona Tornwood explained. She held a large mug of hot tea in her hands. “At the last Convention in Anchorage the leaders of our Race’s Historical Society presented the findings of the longest and probably most expensive research in the Shifters’ history. So far, everything that has been happening in the last week corresponds with these conclusions. But as far as Amber’s plans go…” she shook her head, her face grave. “I don’t want to say anything just yet. Not before we have a chance to think it over.”
“I will get in touch with the others,” Andy said to Ivona. “Hopefully we won’t have another earthquake or anything else as disturbing, and everyone can meet up with us. But we might be already out of time.”
Ivona nodded, looking into the distance. “Even before we figure out if there is anything we can do to prevent the success of Amber’s plan, I can risk saying that she’s no different than anyone else. The Shifters, the humans, and the deities alike are driven by greed. No matter if it’s love or power or money we desire. Greed for something that we want more than anything else makes us determined and blind to everything else.”
The room fell quiet, only the sound of heavy rain and thunder disturbed the silence. Jatred’s cell phone chirped, announcing a new text message. He took the phone out, looked at the screen, and said, “Uncle’s coming over. He’s on his way. Pen, your parents are staying with Estelle at Saint Andrew’s tonight.”
“Come with us then.” Erik took Penelope’s hand in his, weaving his fingers between hers. “Our house is a block a
way. We have a guest bedroom with separate bathroom. Mom?” He looked at his mother, his eyebrows raised.
“Oh, yes.” Erik’s mother nodded. “Just let your parents know where you are, Penelope, so they are not worried.”
Georgeta smirked. “Not worried? We are wolves. I’m sure they will freak out. No offense, Pen.”
Penelope rolled her eyes. Georgeta sat close to her on the sofa and gave her a hug. “You can sleep in my room. I have a bunk bed.” She laughed.
“I will paint your toes if you paint mine,” Penelope smiled weakly.
“Aw, cozy.” Jatred crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall with his shoulder, his ankles crossed.
“Shut up.” Georgeta shrugged. “Go annoy someone else for a change.”
“Okay, we should run back home,” Erik’s father suggested. He stood up and touched his wife’s shoulder. “Even if anything else happens, it’s just two blocks away. We will be fine. Just drenched, I’m afraid.”
CHAPTER 50
Human World, November 18, evening.
Jatred rose from the sofa with the uncanny grace of a wild animal. He was looking in disbelief at the screen of his cell phone, displaying the caller’s photo. And the music—different from his regular ring—was assigned to this caller. His mind was racing, I must have done it. I must have selected a different ringtone for her, different from anyone else’s number. And how would I have her photo here if we weren’t… Just more proof that she was…
The picture on the small screen belonged to a happy-looking Jasmira. She was captured during one of those belly-laughs, her head thrown back, long wavy hair loosely held up by a large hair-clip.
Forged by Greed Page 28
