The Essential Elements: Boxed Set

by Elle Middaugh

  At the sloping bank, I sunk my fingertips into the freezing water. For the third time in my life, I used my Elemental power as a tracking device. Energy spread out and streamed through the river.

  Xavier was close.

  I nodded at Cade with a reassuring smile. Then I got down on my hands and knees and dipped my face into the water.

  “Xavier?”

  Uncertainty colored my tone. I wasn’t sure how this was supposed to work, exactly, and I felt a little ridiculous.

  The murky river was clear as glass. It somehow seemed even brighter down there than above—more Water perks. The river was wide, but not very deep. At the lowest point, it was only six feet to the surface. Green slime coated the rocks and broken branches gathered at the bottom.

  “Xavier!” I called again, this time louder.

  “Valerie?” he shouted back.

  “Yeah, it’s me!”

  I couldn’t see him. He still felt a ways away, but he was getting closer.

  Slowly.

  I hated to wait. It was taking so long…

  “Where are you?” I finally asked. “What are you next to?”

  “Uh…” There was a pause. “There’s a bridge up ahead. It’s an old iron one, the kind with a fancy arch underneath.”

  Perfect! He was only a few blocks from the courthouse.

  “Wait for us at the bridge, okay? We’ll be there in a few!”

  I stood and dusted off my knees, even though no snow stuck to them.

  “Come on,” I said. “I know where he is.”

  I headed for my car, partly expecting Cade to protest, but he merely hopped into the passenger side and buckled up. A smile crept onto my lips.

  When we hit State Street, I immediately noticed that Dad’s car wasn’t sitting along the curb. That wasn’t really surprising, though, since that wasn’t where the employees parked. I supposed that was what he’d be now—Curwen’s employee, one of his advisors.

  I continued on until the corner of State and 1st where a little park rested right by the river. The 1st Street Bridge was an old arched structure, its metal turned an almost greenish color over the years. I assumed that was where Xavier would be.

  We left the car and walked to the water’s edge. He sat on a rock, just below the surface. I could see him as easily as he could see me. We exchanged a quick wave then he popped his head above water.

  “Thank God!” he said, grinning. “I knew my little trackers would rescue me.”

  I snorted and laughed. I was one breath away from a denial when I realized I couldn’t deny it. Cade was extraordinary at tracking on land—he’d even fooled Nicholai—and I’d been the one who’d tracked Xavier through the water. We were both surprisingly efficient.

  Cade, on the other hand, wasn’t amused. “I thought I told you not to disappear on me anymore?”

  Xavier grimaced as he rolled his blue eyes. “I’m lucky I even chose the right direction at the river.”

  Cade gave him a flabbergasted look. “How could you forget that home was downriver? Even I know that, and I’m not a Water.”

  “Because I didn’t know where the hell I was in the first place!”

  “Hey guys,” I said, cutting in as politely as I could. “Sorry to interrupt, but I’m gonna go. I really need to find my dad. He needs to know about the bombing while there’s still time to stop it. I’m gonna head over to the courthouse and see if he’s with Curwen and Hol—”

  “Mind if we ride along?” Cade asked abruptly.

  “No…I don’t mind,” I said slowly. “But don’t you want to see your own father? I’m sure he’s been worried sick.”

  Cade nodded. “He has. He was looking for Xavier up near Canada. He’s on his way home now, but he won’t be back for a few more hours.”

  He took a step closer, imploring me with those emerald eyes.

  Heat coiled all around me.

  “I want to stop Nicholai as much as you do,” he said in a lowered voice. “I want to help.”

  I suddenly felt breathless.

  “Are you sure this isn’t about Holden?” I asked.

  He sighed and glowered. “Only a little.”

  I knew it wasn’t the best time to mention that name, but it hadn’t been until I said something about finding my father with him and Curwen that Cade had perked up. I knew he was jealous of Holden. He hated every moment I spent with him. He’d just tried so hard to stay away when I was human, and he’d been so busy chasing Nicholai after we found out I was Elemental that I wasn’t used to him acting like he cared.

  My gaze softened. “You have nothing to be worried about.”

  “I’m not so sure about that,” he whispered back.

  “Secrets don’t make friends!” Xavier yelled.

  Cade glared at him. “Yeah, but friends make secrets.”

  I took a step back, blushing peony pink.

  “We’re going with Val. Come on.”

  “Good,” Xavier said. “I’m starving. Do you think we can stop by Mama Sofia’s and grab a pizza?”

  “Can’t,” I muttered, still embarrassed from the previous conversation. “They don’t serve Elementals.”

  “What! That’s ridiculous!”

  “But true,” I said.

  “We don’t have time for pizza right now,” Cade argued. “Val needs to talk to her dad. After, I’ll just make us lunch at the house.”

  Uhhh… My mouth fell ajar. I hoped the stupid sound hadn’t actually escaped my lips.

  “You mean your house?” I asked.

  Never mind—the stupid was officially out.

  He smirked. “Yes my house.” Then the smirk fell. “Unless you don’t want—I mean, if that would be too—”

  “No, no!” I said, catching back up to real time. “I’d love to—”

  “Do I need to bring a date, too?” Xavier half asked, half whined. “Is this, like, a couples’ thing?”

  “No!” Cade and I said together.

  After blushing again, I stomped a foot. Get it together, Val!

  “Let’s just go,” I said. “We’re wasting time.”

  I pulled up to the curb in front of the courthouse and rested my hand on the shifter. Was my dad even there? The longer the car idled, the more doubtful I became. Finally, I slid the stick into park. He had to be.

  We took the stone steps quickly and with sure footing.

  The building was old and antique in design. Entering the foyer, we quietly looked around. It reminded me of Ancient Rome. Columns lined the cracked tile floor, reaching upward to join with the beams of a stained, vaulted ceiling.

  With me flanked on each side by a Landston, it was no wonder the clerk at the desk was cowering. Our good looks could mean only one thing: we were Elementals. I smiled to show my innocence, but I must’ve looked more like a predator with sharp teeth, because the sweating man recoiled even farther. It seemed like his glasses were the only thing visible above the counter.

  Xavier waved happily. Cade crossed his arms and looked away. I glanced skyward and hoped to hell this would be easier than I was expecting.

  “Hello,” I said softly. “I was wondering if my father was here.”

  The clerk’s larynx bobbed sharply. “What d-department?”

  I hummed as I thought. “I’m not sure, actually. I believe he’s working for Curwen Michaels, though.”

  His eyes bugged, the whites standing out dramatically against the brown.

  “His n-name?”

  “Jameson Moore.”

  With shaking fingers, he rifled through some loose papers. Apparently unsatisfied, he grabbed a wireless mouse and clicked it furiously. A bead of sweat slid down his temple. He readjusted his glasses.

  I felt so bad. There had to be some way to put this poor man at ease. I laced my fingers and looked at the floor.

  “Beautiful winter’s day, isn’t it?” I glanced at him.

  He swallowed hard and nodded.

  Yes, because talking about the weather, which Elemental
s controlled, was definitely the best way to calm him down.

  “Nice tie,” I said instead. It wasn’t really.

  He snuck a finger behind the knot and tugged like he was letting out steam. His eyes slid around the room again. Finally, he relaxed. It was so odd, watching the stress practically drain out of him.

  Then I realized why.

  “Police! Put your hands on your head!”

  What the?

  I glanced over my shoulder and saw two men in uniform with handguns trained on us. They looked seasoned and professional, but I could see their guns shaking.

  “Don’t move!” the taller one shouted.

  “Hands on your head!” the other said again.

  My heart instantly whooshed into deep, pressured beats. I glanced at Cade; he merely raised an eyebrow. My blood pumped harder. I looked at Xavier, who was much more compliant—his hands were already on his head and a childish look of fear washed over his face.

  Flashbacks spliced in and out of my vision. Cade’s parents and an interrogation. The sound of a shot echoing off the walls. Blood pouring out in a kaleidoscope of pain. Shock, disbelief, fear.

  Ice-tipped fingers found my head with uncertainty.

  “Why are you doing this?” I asked. “What’s going on?”

  The guards moved around, trying to better cage us.

  “You are in blatant violation of the law,” the tall one answered. “You’re breaking curfew.”

  The short one was homed in on Cade. “You have one more chance to put your hands up, son, before I shoot. Elemental insubordination will not be tolerated in this town.”

  Cade laughed—laughed!

  “You think it’s insubordination for a living, breathing person to be out in the light of day? Oh, that’s right. I’m an Elemental, so I’m not a person.”

  “Just put your damn hands up,” I snapped.

  True or not, being condescending wouldn’t score us any points in the eyes of wary humans. The last thing I wanted was for one of us to get shot.

  He scoffed, but at least he listened.

  I took a deep breath. “Sir, there’s a very good reason why we broke curfew to come here today.”

  The officers glanced from me to the desk clerk, who was shaking his head. Confidence seemed to have welled up in him now that he had backup.

  “She was only looking for her father,” the clerk said. “Nothing that would justify breaking the law.”

  “I was looking for him because there’s a very serious issue we need to discuss.”

  The short guard’s stare was unforgiving. “I’m sure there is, young lady, but it’s going to have to wait until after curfew. Until then, we’ll be detaining you three. You can have a seat in the holding cell over there.”

  “Like hell,” Cade said immediately.

  “Sir,” I continued, trying to talk over Cade’s defiance. “There’s something very serious involving the grand opening of Sol and Lune. This can’t wait until after curfew.”

  The short cop tightened his grip on his gun. “If you know about something terroristic, you’d better tell us now.”

  I hesitated. I had no desire whatsoever to get humans involved in this—their panic and hysteria would ruin everything.

  “I need to speak with my father,” I said finally. “Or Curwen Michaels, who my father is working for, but I can’t tell you. The information is too sensitive.”

  The tall cop gave me a funny look, his eyes sliding curiously along my body. I knew what he must’ve been thinking—I looked more like a high-end hooker than a young adult holding sensitive information.

  I tried my best to not feel irritated or uncomfortable.

  “Just…call my father. See if he’ll speak to me.”

  Short Cop squinted at me then nodded at the clerk.

  A relieved sigh escaped my lips.

  In no time, the clerk had a phone up to his ear. His fingers tapped furiously at the computer keyboard, and the noise set my teeth on edge.

  “Yes, hello, Mr. Crawford? Could you please inform Mr. Michaels that there’s a young woman here looking for a man on his payroll? The name is Jameson Moore.”

  A long pause ensued.

  “Thank you. I’ll be sure to tell her.” The clerk deposited the phone with a loud clatter. “Your father, Mr. Moore, is here. He is, however, unavailable to entertain you at the moment.”

  “What?” I said, accidentally shouting. “No, this is—”

  “A very serious issue?” the clerk asked smugly. “Mr. Michaels will be sending down his assistant to discuss the nature of your visit.”

  Cade groaned and rolled his head to the side.

  I knew what he was thinking, but Holden wasn’t Curwen’s assistant anymore. This would be someone different.

  “Instead of the holding cell,” the tall guard said, “why don’t you have a seat in the waiting room over there?”

  “Mr. Crawford will be with you shortly,” the clerk added, sounding like the dick he apparently was.

  Do not be like them, I warned myself. Do not judge an entire group of people based on a few shitty individuals…

  Instead, I crossed the lobby to the tiny waiting room and thought about that name—Crawford. Cade and Xavier followed silently, taking seats across from me. Then we waited.

  I’d known a Crawford once; we all had. Could it possibly be Boone? He was a Modernist, after all, and another of Sienna’s exes, too. I hadn’t heard whether he’d lived or died after the incident, though, so I couldn’t be sure.

  The same old guilt welled up at the thought, but I didn’t push it away this time. I let it sting all over. I should’ve kept better track of my friends. I deserved the bitter pain of remorse.

  Sure enough, it was Boone Crawford who entered the little room a few minutes later, dressed like a model in a business apparel ad. A dark gray suit complimented his lean frame and pale blue eyes, and his light brown hair was perfectly slicked to the side. He carried a shiny tablet and wore an expensive-looking watch, but his typical casualness still shined through. He was more like a surfer than a businessman.

  “Boone!” I said, standing.

  “Hey Val!” He pulled me into an easy hug then looked around the room. “How’s it going guys? I heard there’s some trouble going on.”

  “Something like that,” Cade said, rolling his eyes. He might’ve been a little jealous, but I could tell he was relieved it wasn’t Holden.

  Boone sat down and smiled at us then leaned back and folded his hands behind his head.

  “So let’s hear it.”

  Cade cut straight to the chase. “Nicholai’s planning on bombing Sol and Lune.”

  Boone’s eyes popped open wide. “Bombing?”

  “Yes, in order to frame the humans.”

  “Dear Jesus…” Boone muttered.

  He sat up and tapped out a few things on the tablet. His fingers on the touchscreen were soft and nearly soundless, much more pleasant than the desk clerk’s keyboard.

  “Curwen and Jameson are definitely gonna wanna hear about this…”

  A few moments later, he flipped the tablet around, and I was face to face with my father.

  “Dad!”

  “Valerie, thank God you’re all right! When you didn’t come home last night, I thought the worst. Did he hurt you? So help me, I’ll kill him if—”

  “Believe me,” I interrupted. “There are plenty of people who want to kill him, maybe even me. I’m pretty sure he punched me in the head, and he caged me up too, but no lasting damage was done.”

  Disbelief mixed with anger and frustration on his face. “He punched you in the head? Why? What kind of a grandfather punches his granddaughter?”

  My features displayed no emotion at all. “He isn’t my grandfather, not anymore, and Amelia isn’t my mother, either.”

  “What? Valerie, don’t let him brainwash you into hating your own mother.”

  “He didn’t. I came to that conclusion all by myself…when I talked to her.” The
volume and intensity of my voice rose significantly by the end. “She’s alive, Dad. She didn’t die. She deserted us.”

  “What? No…” Pain and confusion softened his blue eyes.

  Anger and resolution hardened mine. “Yes.”

  “Val,” Boone said softly, encouraging me onward.

  I needed to get to the point. We didn’t have all day to discuss the enormous lie that was Amelia Prett. Dad and Curwen—and even Boone, I was sure—had more important things to be doing.

  I sighed. “Listen Dad, Nicholai is planning on bombing Sol and Lune. Cade and I overheard some Elitists talking about it.”

  “Son of a bitch,” he cursed.

  I nodded. “You were right. They’re hoping it’ll look like humans were targeting Elementals. They’re trying to drive us further apart.”

  He squinted and I could tell he was thinking. “Okay. I gotta go, sweetheart. We need to deal with this as quickly as possible—not you, though. You stay out of it. I’ll call you when it’s all sorted out.”

  I reached for my back pocket, but there was nothing in it. “Can’t. I think the Elitists took my phone last night.”

  “Okay. Buy a new one and text me the number. In the meantime, are you going to be with Sienna and Jay? I can call one of them instead.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m with Cade and Xavier Landston.”

  I glanced at Cade. He nodded, understanding my silent question. I then gave my dad his number, and we ended the video session.

  Boone blackened the tablet screen, rising as he pocketed it into his suit jacket.

  “All right guys, I gotta get back to it. Curwen’ll have me busy for a while now.”

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  It all felt like my fault. Every last insignificant detail could be traced back to the root and blamed on me or one of my family members, and that was a hell of a burden to bear.

  “No worries, Val,” he said, smiling.

  After Boone left, we received a police escort out of the building.

  Xavier stood and rubbed his stomach. “Is it time to eat yet? I’m starving!” Washboard abs, not sunken ribs, peeked out from under his shirt. Starving was hardly the word for it.

  To my surprise, even Cade looked excited for lunch. “Yeah, let’s go home and I’ll whip us up something delicious.”

  “So you’re a cook now?” I asked with a grin.