“It wasn’t a slug; it was a sucker-punch.” Cael slammed her door shut harder than he’d intended then followed suit with his own door after climbing in the driver's side.
“You’re jealous.”
“No, I’m not.” Was he? “I just don’t think you need to go around kissing every Tom, Dick, and Gerry when you think they’ve been sweet.”
“Ha! Well, if it brings you any comfort, if I see Tom, I swear I won’t kiss him, but the only dick I know is sitting right here beside me.”
“Okay, I guess I deserved that.” He’d never thought of himself as a jealous man, but he really didn’t like the way Gerry looked at her.
“Look, Addison, the man is only, what, nine years older than I am. Surely you must be aware of his affection for you.”
“Oh please. Sure, he has feelings for me—brotherly feelings, I assure you—and I won’t change the way I act with any member of my family. Gerry is family, and technically it was just a peck on the cheek, you know.”
He didn’t want to argue, especially about Gerry. The man was too controlling as far as Cael was concerned. But maybe she was right. It was just a peck.
“Let’s forget about it. We’re going to the beach.”
“Why the beach? It must be forty degrees outside.”
“We need the beach so I can show you something, and besides, where else can we go where you can practice throwing fireballs?”
“Fireballs? Ha, I can’t throw fireballs. Maybe that dog bit more than just your leg. You’re saying some of the strangest things today. Are you feeling okay, babe?” She touched her hand to his forehead.
“Yes, I’m fine, and yes, you can. I’ll teach you.”
“How are you going to teach me to throw fireballs?”
“Remember last night when I said I have powers you have yet to see?”
“Yes, but then I thought you showed me. You know, in bed?” She raised her eyebrows.
That brought a chuckle to his voice and a rise to his ego.
“Yes, well, another one of my finer attributes.”
“Okay, if you can throw a fireball, why didn’t you this morning when the dog was attacking?”
He got out of the truck and immediately appeared on her side, holding the door open. “I never said I could throw fireballs. Come on, let’s get this over with; I’m hungry and not only for food.”
“You’re always hungry.”
“Yes, which I might add, is your fault because you’re so damn sexy.”
Chapter 31
Addie shuddered from the cold. The fierce wind soared right through to her bones. No one else was in sight. No one in their right mind should be down here. She glanced up to see two seagulls swoop down, racing toward some unlucky critter on the ground as they made their way across the sea grass shushing in the breeze leading to the beach. A tiny tan crab scurried by as they stepped onto the smooth, undisturbed sand. The low whispering sound of the waves crashing would have been soothing if it were a few degrees warmer.
Cael grabbed a rock the size of a bowling ball. “Now, it’s time I show you what else I can do.”
He flung the rock out over the ocean and it skyrocketed as far as Addie could see before it disappeared.
She gaped. “Whoa, I knew you were strong, but ... wow, let me see that again.”
He picked up another rock and flung it out—again it soared until she could no longer see it.
“Jeez, incredible, but I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked considering all the things I’ve seen lately. I’m impressed, but I don’t see how you throwing a rock is going to teach me to throw fireballs.”
“I’m trying to make a point here. I couldn’t throw a rock that size further than ten feet if I didn’t utilize all my energy. Believe me; as much as I’d like you to think it, I’m not really that strong. I just know how to project my energy, in this case, through an inanimate object. You can do the same thing with your sparks, or your telekinetic ability. All you need to do is believe. Do you remember what you did to my shoulder? You can do far worse damage than that if you learn how.”
He picked up another rock about twice the size of the ones he’d just thrown and placed it on top of an even larger rock.
“We have an ability known as kinetic absorption. It deals with the dynamics of the motion of objects, kinetics being the force that produces or changes motion. You can absorb forms of kinetic energy into yourself and convert it into physical strength. We all have it. It’s a way of enhancing our abilities. Didn’t your father ever speak of kinetics?”
“Well, yeah, but obviously not the same way he spoke of it to you.”
“Sorry, that was a bit insensitive of me. Come here.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her body to face the rocks.
“Now, concentrate all your energy to your fingertips and aim at the rock on top.”
She stood straight, aimed her hand toward the rock and sent sparks to it, managing to make a few scorch marks on its side. She wrinkled her nose. “Not exactly a fireball, was it?”
“It’s okay, try again.”
She did, and got the same results.
“This is hopeless and I’m freezing.”
“Focus all your energy toward the rock and believe. After you shatter that rock, I’ll take you in, warm you up and feed you.” He stood behind her, close. His lips brushed her ear and he kissed that sensitive spot on her neck below her earlobe.
His breath was warm. She should be distracted, but instead it filled her with heat, and she stretched out her hand. This time she thought of all the amazing things she had seen over the past couple of days and knew she could do this.
Bam! She shot out an enormous fireball, shattering the rock into a million tiny pieces.
She screamed with excitement and threw her arms around Cael’s neck.
“Great, that’s great, baby, now try it again.” He found another rock and placed it on top of the larger one.
Cael watched as Addison blasted another fireball, shattering another rock—it seemed with no effort at all.
“Well, now, I guess you’ve got the hang of it. Let’s go get warmed up.”
***
“I'm pooped,” Addison said while lighting the fire, then shrugged off her coat and sank down on the sofa.
“I know you're exhausted from last night and this morning, but we need to keep up the training. You'll need to learn to cope with fatigue and hunger if you expect to have any chance of defeating Eidolon.”
“What more training could there possibly be?”
Because she was Ristéard’s daughter, Cael knew Addison had more powers. “I'm sure you have more abilities. We will have to figure out what they are. I don't expect Eidolon to remain in the shadows much longer, especially after this morning’s little episode.”
Cael walked to the kitchen to make some lunch. “I hope turkey sandwiches are okay. We’re going to need to make a trip to the market soon; we’re running low on food.”
He looked up, surprised to see her standing in the doorway. “I repeat. What more could there be?”
Cael gathered the turkey, the cheese, and the mayonnaise from the refrigerator. “Grab some glasses, will you? We still have some milk in here. Have you tried using your telekinetic powers on anything besides appliances?”
“Like what? And how about mustard? I don't like mayonnaise.”
“How can you not like mayonnaise?”
“I don't know, I just don't like it.” Addie took a couple of glasses down and placed them on the counter.
“Huh, the little things one learns. Well, we know you can turn things on, including me.” He flashed a devilish grin. “But have you tried to move anything?”
“What do you mean by ‘move?’?” She stared at him as if he’d just asked her to fly to the moon.
“With your mind, sweetness, with your mind,” he said.
“My mind? No.”
He studied her, remembering she hadn’t grown up the same way he had. Abilities d
idn’t just appear all at once. Everyone else had always acquired their powers gradually—over time, even years—and he silently cursed Ristéard for not telling her about them and training her properly. Surely, Ristéard had known this day would come. Now, it was all left up to Cael to teach her everything.
“Cael ...? What do you mean?”
Her voice cut into his thoughts, bringing him back to the discussion. “I’m sorry, I forgot you really don’t know what you are … or will be … capable of doing. You, my love, have the ability to move objects with your mind. Here's your sandwich—mustard, no mayo. Sit. Eat. You need your strength.”
She ignored the order. “How do you know? I’ve never given you any indication of that. In fact, I’ve never even thought of the possibility before. Why do you think I should have that ability?”
“Just because you haven’t done it, doesn’t mean you can’t. Our gifts don’t appear all at once. Some take years to learn. I know you have this ability, because your father had it and you—as his female offspring—must also have it.”
“You make me sound as if I’m part of a litter of puppies. Look, I’m getting a bit tired of surprises. Just tell me now. What else could my father do? I’m not taking one bite until you tell me.”
Cael couldn't deny his amusement at the sight of her defiant demeanor and found it very sexy.
“You’re only hurting yourself.” He shrugged and tried to hide his grin as he bit into his sandwich.
“I’m glad you find me so amusing. But seriously, what else could he do?” She took a bite of her sandwich and stared at him.
“Okay, aside from the manipulation of machines, the sparks, and the fireballs, he could move objects—heavy objects—with his mind, and he could also ...” He took another bite before taking a sip of milk.
“What? Tell me before—”
“Before you what, shoot me with a fireball? I don’t know if you’re ready to know.”
“How can you joke at a time like this?”
“I am not joking. I really don’t think you’re ready to know.”
She took another bite. “Of course I’m ready. What do I have to do to prove it to you?”
“It’s too risky. Look, you’re aware of what’s at stake here. And you know that at any given minute, Eidolon could take over our minds, make us give him the book so he can use the crystal. Then we would be watching him take over the world or maybe he’d just kill us first. I’m sorry, baby, but I just don’t think you’re ready.”
Addison’s face turned crimson. “I can’t believe you. You are so, so ... condescending.” She stood up, and with a backhanded wave of her hand through the air, sent his sandwich flying over to the counter, allowing it to drop in a fragmented heap next to the sink.
“Hey, my sandwich.” He accomplished what he’d intended but still wanted his sandwich.
Addison gaped at the mess next to the sink. “I can't believe I just did that.”
“See, I told you that you could. You just needed some inspiration.” He walked over to salvage what was left of his sandwich, grinning back at her.
“There really aren’t any more abilities, are there?”
“That’s always a possibility, but none that I know of, and, as I said before, there’s really no way to predict what abilities one might acquire from the old gene pool. Your great-grandfather could have had some ability your grandmother and father never used.”
“Hmmm ... interesting.”
***
The lights in the bar and grill were turned down low. There were only locals left in the place. The old jukebox hummed out “Stand by Your Man” and Jared sat at the bar nursing a beer, brooding. Darcy sat at the corner table with Lieutenant Whelan. Jared had finally gotten her to see the truth about Tim, but now she had her sights on this fucking cop. Jared watched out of the corner of his eye as she flirted with the lieutenant. Darcy was the love of his life, ever since they were six years old. Always was, always would be. He just needed to convince her of that.
Whelan sat there in his freshly-pressed-highfalutin-uniform, dressed to kill as he leaned in, whispering something Jared guessed to be romantic garbage in Darcy’s ear. How the fuck was he supposed to compete with a badge and a uniform?
Jared glanced up when Cael and Addie came back in from wherever they had disappeared to right after Addie’s shift was over. Now there was a happy couple, he thought. He looked around, noticed Gerry talking with his loving mate, Maia. Now there was Cael and Addie. When was it going to be his turn? He sunk his head in his hands as he felt a friendly slap on his back.
“Hey, there, Jared. Is your shift over now?” Addie sat on the stool next to him, while Cael stood beside her.
“Yeah,” he said.
Addie glanced over at the corner table.
“You’d think I’d be over her by now—the way she treats me, flaunting every new guy she meets in my face.”
“I don’t think she’s doing it on purpose. Maybe she just doesn’t realize it bothers you.”
Jared frowned at Addie. “Hell, you’re right, Addie. I’m sure Darcy doesn’t give a fucking rat’s ass what I think.”
Cael and Addie gave each other a sorrowful look at his expense. “Shit, I don’t need your pity. I’m going to hit the men’s room and head home. You two have a great evening.”
Jared finished his business and stood at the sink washing his hands, when in walked none other than Lieutenant Duane Whelan himself. The lieutenant brushed by him and smiled.
“How’s it going, son?” he asked, turning to do his business.
“Fine,” Jared mumbled, then noticed something shiny on the floor. He picked it up and saw it was an earring.
“Did you drop this, Lieutenant?”
“Oh, yeah, now there’s something I wouldn’t want to lose.” He pointed to his earlobe. “I have to keep it in my pocket when I’m in uniform—it’s against regulations. Thanks, son.”
Son? Who the hell did this guy think he was, calling him son? He was what, maybe only a year or two older then he was. Jared wanted to deck him right there, tell him to keep his grimy hands off Darcy, but considered that would only get him a night staring at an old musty striped pillow and an uncomfortable cot to sleep on. Hell, he wasn’t even sure they had pillows in jail.
Chapter 32
It was a slow night at the Cliff Hanger and Darcy was there, sitting at a table with the lieutenant. Darcy still wore the same clothes she’d had on earlier, so Addie knew she hadn’t gone home yet, and Duane was still in his uniform. She could hardly blame Jared for being upset and leaving in such a huff.
She wished her two good friends could make amends. Addie knew Darcy could hold a grudge for a long time, but enough was enough; a year of brooding was a long time. Either Jared needed to move on, or Darcy needed to give him another chance. But it really wasn’t any of Addie’s business and she needed stay out of it, which she would. All she could do was just be there for them.
Addie and Cael stayed in the bar a while longer. There was no point in hurrying back to the beach house since it wasn’t exactly safe anymore. They sat drinking water as neither one of them was in the mood for alcohol, especially since Addie had gotten sick that morning from the whiskey. The horror of what Eidolon had conjured up in her mind, the fear that he was getting so close, frightened her and her hand shook as she held the glass of water to her lips.
“Maybe you should go stay at the Sectory for the night.”
“I’m not going into hiding again. I’ve spent most of my life moving from town to town, and not knowing why. Now I know why, and I’m not going to run anymore. I know my father gave you the responsibility of protecting me, but you have to understand. If we go into hiding, we’ll be running for the rest of our lives. Is that what you want? Is that what my father wanted for me? You know it isn’t. He knows it’s time—time for me to fight Eidolon.”
“Time for us to fight Eidolon,” Cael added.
Remembering the injuries Cael had already s
ustained on her behalf, she thought again about leaving while he slept. She wanted to be far away from Cael when she faced Eidolon. Alone.
“I’ve already had to save your life twice now, haven’t I? I’m the one he’s after. I’m putting your life at risk. You’re the one who should hide.”
“Save your breath, Addison, it’s not going to work. Do you expect me to sit idly by while you try to destroy him on your own? I know what you’re thinking and you’re not going after him alone. This is our fight, not just yours, and I won’t let you take on Eidolon single-handedly. I’ve spent my life training for this and you need me—you can’t deny that.”
“I don’t deny anything. I just couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”
His eyes twinkled and he took her hand. “I'm glad you feel that way and I feel the same about you, but it doesn’t change the fact that we need to face him together. Tomorrow we’ll spend the day at the Sectory, and refine your skills. We’ll work on them all day if we have to. You do have tomorrow off, correct?”
“Yes. One thing, though. I have to wonder; why did my dad have to die? Why couldn’t he have stopped Eidolon? Why did he leave it all up to us?”
“One thing? That's three. Why do I find that quirky little trait of yours so charming?”
“What quirky little trait?”
“Never mind. I don’t know, to answer your questions. It’s been puzzling me, but I do know one thing: your father underestimated you when he kept you hidden all those years. You’re a hell of lot stronger than he seemed to give you credit for. By the way sweetness, we are even on the life-saving score.”
“What are you talking about? You haven’t saved my life twice.”
“Yes, once at the bathroom, the other at the cliff when you were taking pictures.”
“You can hardly count the bathroom incident as saving my life. All you did was put your arms out and catch me while I was falling backwards.”
“Falling and nearly hitting your head. You could have struck your head on a rock and died. You were heading straight for one.” He took a sip of his water and grinned.
Whisper Cape Page 25
