by S. C. Storm
“You knew.” She sighed. “That’s why I was calling you. I wanted to tell you I had decided to do just that. I want to ascend with the other guardians to help give the Nexxus its power. To give you back your strength.”
“I know this is what you want, child, but you have to realize something. Not every guardian ascends. A guardian who is ready to ascend will feel a pull, a drawing of sorts, to the island and the Nexxus. You have had no such pull yet. The need to ascend may come to you one day, but now is not your time. You have time to learn all the things you must know,” Arthur explained.
“I understand all that. I guess I shouldn’t have expected to be able to just jump into all this. The tracker I found told me there were other guardians on the islands who would train me and help me get ready for what is to come.”
“Yes, we must see to your training. I am somewhat shocked you found a tracker so fast.”
“So am I,” Mileena admitted. “The lady I spoke to at the resort told me where to go in search of one.”
“Ah, Millie. She is what the guardians call a keeper. She is a human whose family is blessed by the goddess. She keeps the histories of the guardians. Her family line knows all guardians ever born,” Arthur told her. “Which tracker did she send you to?”
“Lexi O’Connor.”
“An O’Connor, of course,” he said, seeing the confusion on Mileena’s face. “Alexandra did not tell you that she is of a guardian bloodline, I assume. The O’Connor’s are pure-blooded guardian werewolves. Many of them mated to non-purebloods, but Alexandra’s father did not. She, her sister, and brother were born pure. I met Alexandra when she was just a little girl. I know her father and uncle quite well. She will surely find the twins.”
With a sigh, Mileena smiled. “I’m glad I made the right choice. I liked her. I could sense the confidence in her. She was determined to find them no matter what.”
“Of that I have no doubt. All the O’Connor’s are like that,” Arthur said, then looked to Raymond. “Will you please put a pot of tea on for my granddaughter and me? We will be heading up to the attic. We have much to look at.”
“We can wait,” Mileena intervened.
“No, we won’t. Right now I feel wonderful, and I want to capitalize on that,” Arthur said as he stood. The little vampire took off to the kitchen as Arthur led the way up the long staircase to the attic without the need of any assistance.
***
Tempest Island
Erin O’Connor drove off the ferry and parked in the back of the resort. Getting out, she pocketed her keys and walked in. Spotting Millie, she crept up behind her.
“Guess who,” Erin said as she covered Millie’s eyes.
Millie jumped and moved away. “Land sakes, child, you scared me,” she scolded.
Erin laughed and kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry, Millie.”
Shaking her head, Millie hugged Erin. “I’m guessing you just arrived.”
“Yep, I saw Lexi’s car, so I decided to stop. Is she at the bar?” Erin asked.
“Yes, it’s almost time for her to get off. Get on over there,” Millie told her.
“I’m going. I’ll see you soon.” Erin hugged Millie and started walking off.
“I’m sure you will, and it’s about time you got home,” Millie said as she turned back to her work.
“I know, I know,” Erin mumbled as she headed toward the bar and grill.
As Alexandra worked on stocking the bar for the next shift, she was already making plans. Sensing someone, she turned. “Erin! When did you get home?” Lex cried as she came around the bar. She grabbed hold of her sister, hugging her tight. “Jas was asking about you earlier.”
“I just got here, and by the amount of texts he keeps sending me, I’m surprised he didn’t order me home already.”
“Yeah, he was upset that you hadn’t made it home yet. What took you so long?” Alexandra asked as she went back behind the bar and got a beer for Erin. She handed it to her and leaned against the bar.
Erin grabbed the beer and took a seat, taking a drink and setting it down. “Thanks. I wasn’t in a hurry, so I drove slow. With you just getting your new place, I didn’t think you’d be working today.”
“I wasn’t going to, but I changed my mind. I’ve got most of my stuff at the new house, but some is still at Mom’s. I was going to start unpacking today, but I’ve got to head out.”
Erin raised a brow. “You’ve got a tracking job?”
“Yeah, get this, I was hired to track down the Athertons,” Alexandra explained. “As soon as I’m done here, I’m going to head home, get some things, and take off. After I talk to Jas that is. He’ll have a fit if I leave and not tell him, in person that is.”
“That twin thing you two have is weird.” Erin said. “Jas will do more than that, and Kane will kick your ass for making Jas worry.”
Alexandra grinned. “I know, and it’s not weird. It’s helpful sometimes.”
“I guess. I’d rather not have more people in my head than there are now.” At her sisters look, Erin shook her head. “I mean, when we’re shifted as a pack.”
“You had me wondering there for a minute, sis. Are you going to stay with Mom and Dad?” Alexandra asked as she started stocking the shelves again.
“Actually, I was wondering if I could stay with you,” Erin told her.
“Yeah, you know you can. Any particular reason why?”
“No reason. Just after being on my own, I need some space. You know how Dad can be,” Erin said.
“I know, but as Mom says, ‘he’s just looking out for his girls,’” Alexandra told her. “Come help me finish so we can get out of here.”
“We?” Erin scoffed as she got up and started helping. “What’s all this we stuff? You’re the one on the clock.”
“Yeah, and if you want into the house, you have to wait until I’m done or else head over to Mom and Dad’s to wait on me,” Alexandra smirked.
“Yeah, yeah whatever.”
They worked in sync, having done this many times. When they were finished, Erin went out to her car. Alexandra clocked out, waved to Millie, and followed Erin. Getting into their cars, they drove toward Moonstone.
***
Moonstone Island
Once home, Alexandra packed what she needed and then headed downstairs. “You all settled?”
“Yeah,” Erin said, looking up. “I guess you’re heading out now.”
“After I talk to Jas I am. The extra key is on the bar. The kitchen is stocked right now, but—”
“I know. If I need anything, just order it. I’ve got it, sis,” Erin said going to her. “You be careful out there, okay?”
“I will.” Alexandra smiled. “And I know, I sound overprotective. Go see Jas as soon as you can okay?”
“If not tonight, then tomorrow. Now go,” Erin said, giving her a hug.
“I’m going, I’m going.” Alexandra headed out and walked over to Jason’s. Lifting her hand, she was going to knock when she sensed him behind the house. Going around, she saw him sitting on the patio. “Hey, big brother.”
Jason looked up. “Hey, where are you off to?” he asked, seeing how she was dressed.
“I’ve been hired to look for the Athertons.” Alexandra sat down. “I came by to tell you I was taking off.”
Jason let out a whistle. “The Athertons? You’re kidding. The vamp situation must be true then.”
“From what I’ve been told, it is. If they don’t ascend, their race will die out.” Alexandra told him what she knew.
“Damn, Lex, do you think you can find them?” Jason asked.
“I think so, and when I do, I’m going to have to do my best to convince them to come to Tempest.”
“How?” Jason held up his hand. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.”
Alexandra grinned. “No, you don’t.” She stood up. “I’ve got to head out, but before I do, Erin is at the house.” Jason looked up at her. “She got here before I got off work and
decided to stay with me, and before you get upset, I told her to come see you.”
“Has she seen Mom and Dad?”
“Yes, we stopped there to pick up some of her things and the rest of mine.” She leaned down to kiss Jason’s cheek. “I’ve got to go.”
Jason grabbed her hand before she left. “Lex.”
Alexandra stopped and looked at him.
Jason took a deep breath, knowing she was going to be angry at what he was going to say. “I know you can handle yourself, but I want you to take someone with you.”
Alexandra’s eyes had narrowed as he was talking. “Why?”
“Because it’s dangerous out there, and since you’re a pureblood, you’re a target.”
Alexandra growled. “Come on, Jason, I’ve gone out by myself before.”
“Not this close to the ascension and definitely not out looking for the Athertons,” Jason told her.
“So because I’m looking for them, you want me to take a babysitter with me.” Alexandra said sarcastically.
Jason sighed. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”
“It’s the same damn thing,” Alexandra said, practically spitting the words at him. “I don’t need anyone with me, Jason.”
Jason folded his arms across his chest. “Well you don’t get a choice. You either take someone with you, or you don’t go.”
“Meaning what?” Alexandra asked between gritted teeth.
“Meaning, I’ll order you not to go,” Jason said, watching the anger cross her face.
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
They stared at each other for a few minutes. Alexandra knew he would do what he threatened. “Fine, dammit, who are you going to send to hold my hand?”
Ignoring the sarcasm in her voice, Jason focused for a minute and reached out to Jaz with his mind. He looked back at Alexandra. “Jaz will be here in a minute. I want her to go with you.”
Fuming, Alexandra walked away from him, going to stand by the rail of the patio. She all but ignored him while they waited.
***
Jasmyn O’Connor pulled back her hair and headed out the door of her house. As she walked toward her cousin Jason’s house, she wondered why he had called her over. Going down the beach, she walked slowly, taking in the view. Taking a deep breath, she let the smell of the ocean fill her. It always gave her a sense of peace. She, like her sisters Zoey and Haley, loved their islands as much as the rest of her family. As she approached Jason’s, she saw him standing by the patio doors. She was surprised to see Alexandra there as well. From her posture, Jasmyn could tell she was upset.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Jasmyn asked as she came up the steps.
Jason turned to Jasmyn and smiled. “Hey cuz, I hope I didn’t take you away from anything.”
“Nope, you didn’t,” Jasmyn said as she hugged Jason. She looked at Alexandra. “Hey cuz, you okay?” Jasmyn asked her.
“Oh yeah, just great,” Alexandra said, then sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m okay.”
Jasmyn looked at the two of them. “All right, what’s up?”
Jason explained about the Athertons. “Lex was hired to go look for them.”
“Good, it’s about time they took on their responsibilities. So why is she pissed at you?” Jasmyn said.
“He said I couldn’t go unless someone went with me,” Alexandra told her.
“Why?” Jasmyn asked Jason. “Lex has gone out on her own before. She doesn’t need anyone to hold her hand.”
“That’s what I told him, but he said if I tried to go on my own, he’d order me not to,” Alexandra said angrily.
Jason sighed. “You know the reasons as much as I do. Right now, she’s a target because of her bloodline.”
Jasmyn looked at him puzzled. “That’s never been an issue with you before.”
“Yeah it has. I just never said anything. Her going after the Athertons is dangerous though. Who knows who else will be looking for them,” Jason said.
“Come on, Jason. I seriously doubt that’s going to happen,” Alexandra stated.
“You don’t know that, Lex. Besides, you both know Kane and I prefer anyone who goes out to be in pairs. It’s just safer.”
Alexandra rounded on him. “You mean you prefer us girls to be in pairs. You think the guys can handle themselves better than we girls can.”
“Now, Lex, I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to. It’s obvious.” Alexandra growled.
Jason took a deep breath. “No, it’s not.”
Jasmyn looked at them knowing this could turn into one of their famous fights. Ever since they were little, Jason and Lex had been known to have some hellacious ones. Since Jason had become the guardians’ alpha, they didn’t fight as often, and never about something like this.
“Now hold on. Lexi is right; we’ve always gone out by ourselves. Well, most of the time. I still don’t get why now is different,” Jasmyn said.
Jason turned to Jasmyn. “She’s never gone out this close to the ascension and never looking for the two vamps who are needed to keep their species going. There are more reapers out there than usual on the lookout for purebloods. Like I said earlier, Lex is a target for them.”
“Because they can sense her being a pureblood,” Jasmyn said.
“Exactly. Now I’m serious about this. If you want to go, you take Jasmyn with you.” He said the last to Alexandra.
Alexandra glared at him. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“No, you don’t,” Jason said.
“Fine. I’m already packed. I’ll wait for you at my house,” Alexandra told Jasmyn as she started to walk off. “I don’t know how long we’ll be gone.”
“No problem. I’ll get ready and meet you there,” Jasmyn said.
Alexandra nodded and walked off.
Jasmyn turned to Jason. “She’s royally pissed at you.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s not the first time though, and I doubt it will be the last,” Jason said, running his hands through his hair.
Jasmyn went to him and kissed his cheek. “She’ll get over it, and don’t worry Jas, I’ll keep an eye on her.”
Jason smiled slightly. “It’s not just her I’m worried about Jaz, it’s you too. Both of you are supposed to ascend this time. I want you both back here to do that.”
Jasmyn grinned. “No worries there. We’ll kick some ass, get the Athertons to do what they’re supposed to, and be back before you know it.”
“Of that I have no doubts.” Jason hugged her hard. “Be careful, Jaz.”
“I always am. See you later, cuz,” Jasmyn said.
“See you.” Jason watched her head back to her house. He sighed again, knowing he wouldn’t rest easy until they were both home.
Chapter 4
Walking in the house, Jasmyn O’Connor tossed her keys on the table and stretched her neck. A smile lit her face as the smell of homemade chili hit her nose. “Yum,” she whispered as she made her way into the kitchen.
Leaning against the doorframe, she watched as her sisters Zoey and Haley bounced around the kitchen. Zoey, the middle sister, stirred the pot as she smiled at her concoction. Haley, the younger of the three, danced around with her earbuds in as she layered fresh grilled cheese sandwiches onto a plate.
“You girls are on the ball today,” Jasmyn said, making Zoey jump.
“Damn, sis,” Zoey said. “I didn’t even realize you were there.” She took a wooden spoon and offered a sample. “Give this a try. I think I’ve finally beat Millie’s recipe.”
Jasmyn stepped over and took the sample. It was heavenly. “Okay, Zo, I have to give you that, but if you rub it in that old woman’s face, you will break her heart.”
“I’d never. This is a triumph I’m happy with keeping under my hat.”
“Good,” Jasmyn told her as she reached over and pulled Haley’s hair.
Whipping around, Haley popped out an earbud. “Hey, about time you got back. Dad calle
d. I dealt with him. I told him you were at Jason’s and that we were fine. He said for you to call when you could.” She smiled at her sister. “What did Jas want? Is everything all right?”
“Thanks for dealing with him. I’m sure I’ll have to hear it when I call and tell him I’m taking off for a bit. That’s what Jas needed to tell me,” Jasmyn said as she opened the fridge and grabbed a cold Mountain Dew. “Apparently, Lex has been hired to go find the Atherton twins. Jas doesn’t want her taking off on her own, so he asked if I would tag along.”
“It’s about time someone went and dragged them to Tempest,” Zoey mumbled from the stove.
Jasmyn glanced around at Haley who was giving her one of her famous looks. “I’m sorry, Demon. You know how it is. When Jas says go, you have to go,” Jasmyn told her, using the nickname Jasmyn had given Haley when she was just a baby. The wailing from her crib and constant ability to get into things she shouldn’t had brought about the label. “I’ll call Dad before I go and let him know the two of you will be staying here till he gets back. You’ll be closer to Jason and Kane that way.”
Zoey chimed in as she turned to face her sister. “Yeah, Dad won’t be making it home for another week or so. He said he ran into a few snags with that business proposal, so he would be longer,” she explained. “But I have told you; I am perfectly capable of taking care of Haley.”
“I know you can, Zo, but you know as well as I do with both dad and I gone they will want to check up on you two. Being here makes that easier. It won’t be a big deal,” Jasmyn assured her.
“I know, and don’t worry, we’ll be fine while you are gone,” Zoey assured.
“I know,” Jasmyn said. “You are nineteen years old, Zo. I trust you. Honestly.”
Zoey smiled. “Thanks. I just don’t want you worrying all the time while you are away. “
“That’s just a given, so you may as well get used to it.” Jasmyn grabbed a bowl. “Now scoot and let me eat. I’m starved.” She filled the bowl and turned to see that Haley already had two grilled cheeses on a plate reaching them out to her. “You are both awesome.”
