Gathering Storm

by Jess Parry

  The curtains in the sitting area ruffled as the evening breeze entered the room. The air shimmered for a minute as Simon stood over the group. Lips spread in a wicked smile as he took in the group sleeping before him.

  This was going to be easier then he thought, laughing softly he vanished into the evening breeze departing out into the night. Hunger clawing at him, he knew he needed to find nourishment soon. Searching the streets, spotting a couple drunkenly groping each other, he swooped in violet eyes gleaming.

  Marcus stood behind the bar ignoring the laughter from the patrons pouring the dark wine into his glass; he didn’t bother to look up when the shadow crossed in front of him.

  “Aye, how did tonight’s events work for you?” Marcus asked as Ash approached the bar

  “She’s bloody surrounded by them, I couldn’t get close to her, I tried to bring a dream on, but she wasn’t open enough for it take” Ash sat heavily into the chair in front of Marcus.

  Marcus grabbed another glass filling it with the dark wine before sliding it over. Lifting his eyes, he met a fiery green gaze staring back. A wicked grin escaped Marcus as he brought the glass to his lips.

  “Angry are you?”

  “Go to hell, Marcus”

  “Ah come on Ash, you knew it was a matter of time before you let your temper best you?”

  “I didn’t let my temper best me; the fool Jason is alive isn’t he?” Ash retorted before taking a large gulp of the wine. Closing his eyes, he felt the heat rush through him, calming some of his anger. Sighing, he leaned back in the chair.

  “I told you not to go in so strong with her; the other night should have given you an inkling of what I meant!” Marcus calmly assessed Ash’s mood, sighing heavily before taking a sip of his wine.

  “What, that she felt the wards on the door, or that she took the wine without it killing her?” Ash asked as he sat up, his stony glare shooting daggers at Marcus

  “All of the above, brother!” Marcus boomed as he slammed his glass on the bar top. “You know she has felt all of us push her, she commented on it! She is wary, I suggested you back off for one night, yet you kept pushing.

  “I didn’t push any harder than the other times dammit” Frustration lancing through Ash’s voice

  “Yes, you bloody well did!” Marcus poured more wine into his glass, giving his senses time to adjust

  “You rushed to her the other night in the club…Simon was so close to bringing her memories to the surface.” He took another drink of the wine, setting the glass down gentler this time “You had to stop that! You had to come in and close her off, then whisk her away”

  “She wasn’t ready for that, Marcus, you even said as much in the park!” Ash finished his wine standing up abruptly. He could feel the wines effect, the chaos pulsing in his veins madly; he felt it longing for pain. It wanted to hurt someone, anyone, just to feel the release.

  “Come on, you gave her the journal right?” Marcus asked

  “Yes, but she couldn’t read it” Ash screamed “Why the hell couldn’t she read it!”

  The front door flew open as Simon blasted in with two girls hanging on his arms giggling interrupting the conversation.

  “Brother’s I brought us gifts”! He bellowed loudly as he turned blowing softly into each girls laughing face.

  Seeing Ash standing at the bar, Simon winked at Marcus before turning back to Ash.

  “The prodigy has returned alone. I take it dear Siobhan has rebutted you yet again. I wonder how long we will wait this time for the new one to come around”

  Growling low, Ash flicked out his hand as hoarfrost rushed Simon, only to stop a few inches from him. The hoarfrost began pressing against the wall that currently holding it away from Simon, searching for a crack to slip through. Ash roared in frustration whipping around growling at Marcus, his eyes glowing bright green. Marcus calmly walked around the bar placing his hand onto Ash’s shoulders.

  “Now, we know you are not going to harm Simon, he just loves to get you into a fit” Marcus slowly pulled Ash back as the girls leaned closer into Simon. They were staring at Ash in fear; Marcus could feel that fear washing over him. The little tether of hold he had on his own temper beginning to slip.

  Marcus whipped his head around glaring at Simon. The laughter died on Simon’s lips as he took in the kaleidoscope swirling in Marcus eyes.

  “Come on ladies, let’s go somewhere for a little privacy, it appears it will just be us tonight” Simon smiled blowing softly into the girls faces before walking back outside.

  Simon’s laughter faded from Ash’s ears as he glared at Marcus.

  “Why did you stop me?”

  “You are a fool for going after Simon; he is only bringing the chaos to the front.” Marcus dropped his hand from Ash’s shoulder. Turning he made his way back behind the bar, picked up his glass of wine drinking deeply.

  “Tell me brother, where exactly is our dear Moira and her brothers this fine evening?” Marcus didn’t bother to watch the emotions race across Ash’s face. He already knew what thoughts were running through Ash’s mind as he vanished into the night.

  “Now the true chase begins” Marcus laughter rumbled through the room silencing the patrons inside.

  Siobhan woke up to an empty bed; she sat up looking around the room. This wasn’t her room, whose room was she in, blinking the sleep out of her eyes. She slowly got her bearings as last night’s events came back to her. She sat there for a few minutes listening to the muffled voices coming from the sitting room. She knew they were talking about her, but couldn’t understand why they hadn’t woken her up.

  Getting up she quietly walked into the bathroom bushing her teeth before pulling her hair up into a bun. Walking out to the sitting room she was greeted by Jason, Shawn and Sarah sitting on the couches with a room service table in front of them. Plates were arranged all over the table along with empty coffee cups, a lone cup with a tea bag hanging on the saucer letting Siobhan know Shawn preferred tea. Walking over she picked up the cup and looked at Shawn, who grinned reaching for it.

  Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she added a little milk before sitting down next to Jason. He leaned over kissing her softly before running his fingers down her cheek to her chin. Taking a couple of drinks of her coffee she felt her nerves calm.

  “So, since no one wants to speak first, I’ll just be the one to say last night was just beyond freaky” Sarah said as she leaned over squeezing Siobhan’s knee.

  “Aye, I would agree with you” Shawn said shaking his head “I called work and told them I was going to be out for a while”

  “Why did you do that?” Siobhan asked

  “Well for starters, did anyone open the window last night?” Shawn asked

  “No” answered Jason

  “Well it was open this morning when Sarah and I rose” Shawn said looking at Sarah smiling as blush rose on her cheeks “Something isn’t right, first the wind, then the window in your old room last night and then this one opened” Hesitating a minute, he took a drink of his tea “There is something going on, and it has to do with either you or Jason” he looked pointedly at Siobhan who dropped her gaze, picking at invisible lint on her jeans.

  “Since Siobhan has more Irish in her blood, I would say it’s directed at her” Shawn finished on a sigh sipping more of his tea

  “Look, Shawn, we don’t know you and we just got here, so how could this be Siobhan’s fault?” Jason asked hotly

  “Ok Boyo, tell me who else it could be as I’ve been in Dublin most of my life and never had anything like that happen to me before last night?” Shawn said his lilting voice quietly commanding

  Clearing her throat Siobhan looked at everyone in the room, reaching inside for a little strength, she straightened up her shoulders “Well, you guys remember when we went into that little store yesterday afternoon?” She asked quietly dropping her gaze

  “Yah” Jason answered

  “Well, as we were leaving, the old woman slid this ri
ng on my finger saying it was to protect me” she whispered. “Then when we got back to the main street I looked back and the store was gone, it was an empty building” rushing through to finish that part as Jason’s eyes widened

  “Why the hell didn’t you say something Siobhan?” Jason said voice slightly rising

  “I don’t know it was like this feeling just popped up to keep quiet” Siobhan said still keeping her gaze down

  “Can I see the ring?” Shawn asked

  Siobhan lifted her hand resting it in Shawn’s as he leaned in for a closer look

  “There’s writing on it, but I don’t know what it says” Siobhan said

  “It’s Gaelic” taking a breath before continuing “Le mo ghrása mise agus liomsa mo ghrá” His voice taking on a musical tone as he said it

  “And what the hell does that mean?” Sarah asked

  “I am my beloveds and my beloved’s is mine” Shawn said looking up at Sarah

  Sarah blushed looking quickly away from Shawn; Siobhan had caught the look they had shared between them before Sarah had quickly looked away. A smile spread across her face, who knew coming to Ireland, her best friend would find love.

  Coughing louder than needed Jason reached over to take the ring off Siobhan’s finger. His fingers touching the ring, it starting glowing softly before zapping Jason finger, hissing Jason pulled his hand back.

  “Jesus that thing just shocked me” he said putting his finger up to his lips

  “Wait, what?” Siobhan asked looking over at Jason “How can that be, Shawn just had his hands all over it”

  “Well my hands aren’t in the mood to pull your clothes off” Shawn said as he winked at Sarah “That’s probably why it didn’t shock me”

  Turning to Jason “You on the other hand…” he didn’t bother to finish.

  “Oh come on, that is just fucked up!” Jason yelled as he jumped up off the couch “Take the ring off Siobhan”

  Siobhan reached down to pull the ring off, but it wouldn’t budge. Twisting the ring every way it wouldn’t slide off her finger. Jumping up she ran to the bathroom pressing the hotel dispensers of soap onto her finger. Twisting it under the water, she let the soap wash off, drying her hands she walked out into the sitting room holding her finger up with the ring still there a tear sliding down her cheek.

  “That’s answers that” Shawn said as he rose

  “What do you mean that answers that?” Sarah asked

  “We’re taking a trip to the country” Shawn said glancing at Siobhan “We need to speak to my grandmother”

  Walking over to Sarah, Shawn bent down kissing her softly on her lips then turned back to Jason and Siobhan “I have to run home and get some clothes, I’ll be back in an hour, then we’ll catch the train”

  “No” Siobhan said as everyone turned to her, taking a breath “My dad gave me this credit card, I think it’s time I start using it. I’ll call the concierge and see if they can arrange a car for us”

  “Oh can you see if they can get one of those cars that go really fast?” Sarah asked with a wicked grin

  “Silly, those only seat two and it looks like we are four” Jason said shaking his head and chuckling

  Shawn ran his hand through Sarah’s hair then headed to the door as he stepped through he called out “See you in an hour”

  Sarah went back to her room to grab some clothes, while Jason did the same. Sitting on the couch alone, Siobhan finished her coffee, picked up the phone, calling the concierge. Twenty minutes later, Jason and Sarah came back into the room using the extra room card that Sarah still had.

  “I was able to arrange for a car to be brought over to the hotel, since we don’t know exactly where we are going, they set it up as a rental” Siobhan looked up at Sarah before continuing “I hope Shawn can drive”

  A short time later, there was a light knock at the door signaling Shawn’s return, Sarah jumping up to answer it. Shawn walked in, dropping his small bag, he pulled Sarah to him kissing her smartly on the lips.

  “Hey um…do you by chance have a license?” Sarah asked Shawn

  “Aye, I do why?” Shawn asked

  After relaying what Siobhan had told Sarah and Jason, Shawn looked at Siobhan, his eyes widening. Smiling, Siobhan reached into her purse and pulled out the shiny black card. Whistling low Shawn shook his head looking back at Sarah.

  “Aye and is yours that color?” he asked quietly

  “Pleeease…mine is gold” Sarah said squeezing his hand “Can we go now please?” Sarah asked looking a little worried at Siobhan.

  Shawn held the door open as the girls walked out followed by him and Jason. Sarah grabbed Siobhan’s hand walking a little faster to give them a slight distance from the boys. Tossing her arm around Siobhan, she lowered her mouth to Siobhan’s ear.

  “Oh hell Becky, what am I going to do if the fact I’m rich ruins things with Shawn?” She whispered softly for only Siobhan to hear

  “Then he isn’t worth it” was Siobhan’s retort “But honestly, given everything that has happened with us in under 48 hours he’s still here…” taking a breath “I think that says something”

  “You’re right, but god Siobhan, the boy touches me and it’s like a bolt of lightning runs through me” Sarah hissed “I’ve never felt that with anyone, not even Pete”

  Hearing her friend describe the sensation of Shawn’s touch, brought shivers through Siobhan, she closed her eyes to the on sought of emotions that crept up. She thought of Jason and how even though she loved him, she never felt that connection that her best friend was feeling for a boy she barely knew.

  Doubt started weaving into her thoughts, was Jason the one she was meant to be with? Was it because they have known each other since they were babies the cause for their spark to be dim? Shaking the dark thoughts out of her head, she squeezed Sarah’s hand as they entered the elevator hitting the button for the lobby.

  The concierge informed them the car was outside at the valet lot and to simply let the valet know they were ready. They would bring it around to them. Thanking the concierge they headed outside to the valet station.

  “There is supposed to be a car for me, Siobhan Gallagher” Siobhan said to one of the guys standing at the station.

  Nodding, he reached down and opened a door that had a seat of keys, grabbed one, promptly saying he would be back before he took off around the corner. They stood silently at the bell station, lost in their own thoughts, waiting for the bellman to return with the car. A shiny black BMW pulled up, the car sat idling purring as the same valet jumped out.

  “Damn that looks just like your dad’s Siobhan” Sarah said

  “It’s the newest 5 series” Jason said absentmindedly walking over to the driver side reaching in to pop the trunk. They boys lifted the few suitcases they had, shutting the trunk, Shawn got into the driver seat. He let out a little sigh as he sunk into the comfortable leather as Sarah slid into the passenger side. Jason climbed into the back with Siobhan.

  “Everyone ready?” Shawn asked as he pulled his seatbelt over his shoulder clicking it in.

  “Let’s get this party started” Sarah said

  13 CHAPTER Thirteen

  The engine purred to life as Shawn eased the car out into oncoming traffic. Heading out of the city, they fell into a hushed quiet as the car moved around the congested streets. Siobhan had wanted to see the country, so was happy they had to go there to talk to Shawn’s grandmother. In the back, Siobhan scooted over to Jason laying her head onto his shoulder. Reaching over he ran his hand down her face bringing her chin up to kiss her lightly.

  “We’ll figure this out” he whispered

  Sooner than Siobhan thought they were driving through the country side, she looked out the window to see rolling hills of green passing them by. Shawn wasn’t out for a Sunday drive, but he also wasn’t racing to get to his grandmother’s. He was driving with one hand on the wheel while the other was holding Sarah’s hand as she rambled on about living in Chic
ago.

  He would nod his head every now and again to let Sarah know he was listening, but didn’t offer much conversation back. Siobhan watched them for a few minutes feeling that she was intruding on a private moment, she looked over at Jason. He had taken the bandage off and she could see the black string of the stitches marking four little X’s just above his eyebrow. It had a faint purple bruise to it, her heart hurt thinking if that piece of glass had gone just a little further down. Shuddering at the thought, Jason pulled her tighter into his embrace. Settling into the warmth of his body, she closed her eyes drifting to sleep.

  The moon was shining before her; Siobhan was walking barefoot along the path. She had snuck out of her parents’ house, stopping every few minutes to look back to see if a light came on. Soon, she was far enough away, that she knew she was alright; she started walking faster on the path following the moons light. Coming to the entrance to the woods, it was so dark in there she couldn’t see the fireflies glow when they went in.

  Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the darkness. The air was cooler the deeper in she went, she shivered wishing she had grabbed her wrap before leaving home. Suddenly, everything went quiet, the evening noises were silent, and a chill crawled up Siobhan’s back. Looking around, she didn’t see anyone but continued on at a slower pace. As she passed some of the ferns near her feet shook slightly, she stopped and looked around again.

  Calling out she waited for someone to answer…silence, even her voice just moments ago seemed to disappear into a void. She took another step and heard the rustling again, she stopped dropping down to her knees shaking. She looked around wildly trying to locate where the sound was coming from. Exhaling a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding, she greedily gulped in the cool evening air.