Interference: Book One

  . . .

  Flames licked at my skin without burning. Once again, fire danced around me, protecting me from the beasts. I could hear screaming in the distance—my name yelled from what sounded like Nora. I had to reach her. We needed to save her. The echo of laughter rang out around us and crawled under my skin. The pain, suffering, and heartache were enough to last me a lifetime. I screamed, my back arched and my head back, expelling every bit of power I had inside.

  Sitting straight up, I barely missed the bunk above me as I gasped for air. Drake, seated on the end of his bed, watched with his forehead creased and mouth set in a grim line. He stood and handed me a glass as he pulled his shirt over his head. I drank the water, calming the remnants of the vivid dream. My shirt stuck to my back, wet from sweat. He bent, lifting it over my head, and slid his Yankees shirt on me.

  “Better?” he asked.

  “Getting there. Thank you.”

  He turned, heading back to bed.

  “Drake?”

  He paused.

  “Please stay with me. I relax when you’re with me.”

  He looked down at the small bunk, skeptically.

  “Please,” I begged.

  His face softened, and he climbed in bed beside me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. The stress dissipated, and a peace settled over me.

  “That’s much better, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I love it when you beg.”

  I fell asleep, smiling.

  I could hear whispering the next morning, but I wasn’t awake enough to care. Warmth surrounded me, and I’d finally slept peacefully. I drifted in and out until the sound of music crept up the stairs to our loft. My eyes opened, and memories from last night hit me. The nightmare. Drake.

  Drake laid flat on his back, and I had stretched out on top of him. His hand drifted underneath my shirt and held tight against my lower back. The warmth of his chest filled the empty void that appeared since he last held me. I missed him. He stirred beneath me, and his other hand reached for the back of my head, entwining his fingers into my hair.

  I felt it when he woke. He froze as he realized where he was. His body stiffened, then relaxed as he slowly slid his hands away from me, leaving me cold. I sat up and stretched, barely missing the top bunk. I smiled shyly at him, still wearing his shirt.

  “Thank you for last night. I haven’t slept that well in a while,” I admitted.

  His gaze took me in, the morning light shining through the window. “I didn’t mind. I can’t remember the last time I slept that good.” The dark circles under his eyes had vanished, and the heaviness gone.

  “You guys coming down for lunch?” Neela called from downstairs.

  I looked at Drake, shocked. “Lunch? How long did we sleep?”

  “I don’t know, but I have a feeling we needed it.”

  Drake left so I could change in private. I wasn’t sure if last night meant anything, but I’d hoped we had made progress. I wanted him to trust me. As I started to join them downstairs, Neela and Ren huddled at the bottom of the steps, unaware their voices carried up the stairs.

  “It sure looked like they were back together. Do you think he told her?” Neela asked.

  Ren sounded pissed. “It isn’t right if he didn’t. You know how much she disliked Alexa.”

  “I’m staying out of it. Those two are complicated enough.” Neela’s voice trailed off as they snuck back into the kitchen, leaving me devastated and angry.

  So much for honesty. Alexa? I kept to myself for five days and he couldn’t wait for me? He couldn’t give me the time I needed to collect myself before moving on? The last thing I wanted was a tornado to hit the McDonnell’s home. I needed to get out of there and clear my head—quickly.

  I changed back into running clothes, my face flushed and heart-pounding. I didn’t need distractions like this. I couldn’t afford to lose control. Running down the steps, I pulled the front door open, only to run into Drake with a wildflower in his hand.

  “For you.” He held the daisy, waiting for me to accept.

  I took the flower, but couldn’t look him in the eyes. Alexa? Seriously? I tried to keep walking, but he grabbed me by the arm, forcing me to face him.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  Using my sensory gift, I lit my arm up like a hot iron, burning anyone who dared touch it. He jerked his hand back and stared at me with hurt and confusion. He didn’t know I could do that. I said a silent thank you for Marcus’ training.

  I turned and ran as if I could leave my problems on that stoop. I sprinted down the country road, needing the wind in my face and the crunch of gravel under my shoes. What exactly happened with Alexa? It had been obvious what she intended, but I would’ve never imagined Drake going there. I thought back to the day when I walked in on him in the shower—when he refused me. The crippling betrayal flooded my mind. I needed to stop and breathe. I needed clarity.

  A lush field surrounded an ancient-looking tree that shaded the center of a meadow. The trunk appeared massive, around six feet in diameter, and I chose that spot to spend some much needed alone time.

  The beauty of Ireland called out to me—this place in particular. I closed my eyes and the atmosphere soothed the anguish that Neela and Ren’s words had caused.

  I loved Drake with everything inside me. There wasn’t any part of me that doubted it. Maybe he was tired of waiting for me to get my crap together. Perhaps he felt lonely and took an opportunity. The thought hovered in the back of my mind that she looked an awful lot like Cassie.

  I needed Nora. She always knew what to say, and she’d been on my mind morning and night. Fitz still hadn’t found her, and I couldn’t imagine a world without Nora.

  “Feel like company?”

  I opened my eyes to Hillie—smiling—but less stoned that day.

  Her carefree personality was contagious. “Sure. This place is amazing, Hillie.”

  “Yes, it is. Helps you clear your head. Am I right?”

  “Clarity comes to those who seek it, isn’t that what they say?” I grinned.

  “Don’t listen to that crap, cousin. Clarity comes to those who discuss it. That’s the only way to get past something. I heard Neela and Ren talking when I was in the jacks this morning.”

  “The jacks?” I tilted my head, confused.

  “The toilet,” she clarified.

  Ah, yes. The jacks.

  “I have to tell you that Drake was pretty upset after you left. I told him to stay, and I’d go after you.”

  “Thanks for that. I just needed some space.”

  “What’s the deal?” she asked.

  “My attraction to him is so intense—I’m terrified of getting hurt. We want to be together but the hurdles that lurk down the road are a constant shadow on our relationship.”

  Hillie propped her head in her hand, intrigued by our issues. “Hurdles? What do you mean?”

  “Allegato marks. I carry the mark of Rage Fire. Drake is sensory.”

  “Mercy, that doesn’t mean it isn’t Drake. Fire is a scarce sign in Seregalo. He could have another gift that hasn’t presented itself. What’s his mark?”

  “I’m not sure—when I’ve seen it, it almost looks unfinished—chaotic.”

  She raised her brows. “Sort of like your powers?”

  My head popped up, and I stared at her like she was the most brilliant person I’d ever met. “Do you really think so? What I overheard this morning . . . I’m not so sure.”

  “There’s always more to a story, Mercy. You should’ve learned that by now. If you and Drake run into a problem, you confront it. Never run from it.”

  She was right. Drake deserved the opportunity to defend himself, and I needed to fight for our future. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, but every time I pictured him with that long-legged bombshell, I couldn’t help but fume. And maybe sulk a little.

  She stood, dusting the grass from her dress. “Let’s get back to the house. You’ve been out
here all day, and it’s almost mealtime.”

  “All day?” I questioned.

  “That’s right, so get your fanny moving. You’re going to love skinny-dipping in the creek at sunset. That’s something else entirely.” Hillie wagged her brows.

  I ignored that last tidbit of Hillie and Quinn’s life. It wasn’t something I wanted to witness. It did amaze me how time could get away when I shut the rest of the world out.

  “Plus, Quinn arrived back home and is eager to meet you.”

  17

  ⥈

  Next to the creek, a bonfire blazed, and our group circled the flames, chatting over bowls of what looked to be stew. Hillie pulled me over beside her, knowing I needed the comfort of her kind and understanding presence. Her intuition always amazed me.

  “Mercy, this is Quinn.” Hillie giggled.

  Holy smokes. Quinn had to be at least seven-feet tall. He had dark hair, with a rough-looking beard. The man was twice my size, and tattoos covered both arms. I looked over at Hillie with wide eyes and an opened mouth.

  “I know, right?” she mouthed.

  Drake cleared his throat, watching our exchange. Hillie stared at Quinn like she was seeing him for the first time.

  “What brings you to Astriawell, cousin?” His deep voice startled me.

  I cleared my throat before I spoke. “We need help if we’re going to find Seregalo.”

  He didn’t react at all. “And why do you think I’ll help you?”

  “Brian Fitzpatrick sent us.”

  Quinn leaned back with his hand on his chin, contemplating my answer. “Is that so? Well, it must be important if Fitz sent you. How is he these days?”

  “Recovering from a concussion, given to him by his partner, Gavin Lee. It has been a rough week,” I explained.

  Quinn sat forward, angry at the revelation. The man was intimidating. “Where’s Lee now?” he grumbled.

  “Mercy shot him,” Drake answered.

  He nodded, pleased. “Why would you want to go to Seregalo? It isn’t what it used to be.”

  Quinn and Hillie’s eyes became heavy as they focused on the ground at the mention of the hidden land.

  I closed my eyes, and prayed for strength. I wanted to be honest with them. With everyone. “I want to change that.”

  Quinn burst out laughing, the sound echoing along the creek. “How are you planning on doing that, little one? Please, do tell.”

  “So far, I’ve manifested four of the six gifts. There’s a strong probability that I could be the next leader of Seregalo.”

  It was the first time I’d said it out loud. Pride ridden smiles graced my friend’s faces at the acceptance of my future. Quinn sat back, drink tilted up to his lips. He watched me, taking his time to respond.

  “So, it’s true then,” he mumbled.

  Drake’s rough voice surprised me. “It’s true.”

  “Four, huh? I thought you were supposed to have all six—that’s the rumor.” Quinn turned his head to the side studying me.

  “If I have the gift of time, I haven’t figured it out yet. It doesn’t matter if I’m subconsciously powerful. I refuse to ever use it.”

  Quinn raised his brows. “Have you learned to shield your mind?”

  “I have, but I refuse to violate another’s subconscious.”

  Quinn smiled. “Smart girl.” Quinn stared around our small group, sizing us up. “It’s not for the faint of heart—the journey.”

  I chuckled. “I’d be disappointed if it was easy.”

  “Alright, future leader of the Regalians. I’ll take you to the entrance at Stonedell. The rest is up to you. We leave in two days.”

  “Wait, why two days?” Ren asked.

  “The entrance only opens during a new moon, when the sun aligns with the moon. So, we leave in two days.”

  We sat by the fire for hours. Hillie told us stories about her and Quinn and how they fell in love with Astriawell. Their connection, so apparent in every move they made, caused me to long for Drake. First, I needed to look at him without picturing Alexa. Lightning flashed in the distance, and I knew I needed to excuse myself before I caused a natural disaster. One thing Marcus told me repeatedly, “When you feel yourself spiraling, know when to walk away.”

  I stretched, then pushed up from the ground. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, everyone.”

  “Goodnight, Mercy. Sleep well.” Hillie called out.

  I walked back toward the house as the rain slowly sprinkled to the ground, strengthening with every negative thought. Everyone took off for shelter, and I snuck to the side of the stone cottage, creeping toward the barn entrance. The loft quickly became a quiet space for me, a place of comfort. Wet clothes plastered to my skin by the time I climbed the old wooden ladder, but I didn’t care. I sat alone in the hay, watching the storm roll in.

  Thunder provoked snorts and grunts from the horses, as the chickens prepared to roost. Rain clattered on the roof, and I closed my eyes, letting the sound drown out everything around me. I reminded myself to let go and breathe—quit thinking—stop hurting. The storm dwindled.

  “You know, I went to great lengths to pick that flower for you.” Drake’s voice carried through the night air.

  Words failed me and I could tell by the tone of his voice that my silence annoyed him.

  “Why won’t you talk to me? I thought we made progress with each other last night.”

  “I thought we did too,” I muttered.

  “So, what’s changed?”

  I stood to face him. “Alexa,” I admitted.

  His eyes widened, and his visible swallow told me my words hit home. As if waiting for the chance, thunder rolled overhead and rain pelted the ground.

  He blinked. “What about her?”

  “What happened, Drake?”

  “Nothing happened, Mercy. I swear.”

  “I was honest with you last night, Drake. This is your chance to come clean. I overheard a conversation between Neela and Ren on the steps discussing whether you’d been honest with me about Alexa. How do you think it made me feel?”

  “Probably very similar to when I heard about you kissing Ren.”

  Ouch.

  “Did you sleep with her?” I asked.

  Drake’s eyes flamed at my words, and he took a menacing step toward me. “What did you say?” he asked.

  I couldn’t keep my chin from quivering. “She looks an awful lot like Cassie.”

  “So, now I’ve slept with Cassie too? Is this who you think I am?” he shouted over the unrelenting storm.

  “I don’t know who you are!”

  Another step forward, Drake grabbed me by the back of my neck and covered my mouth with his. I pushed against his chest, but my heart refused to fight him. My fists clenched his wet shirt, and I pulled him as close as possible. His hands were everywhere—wanting every inch of me. We were starved for the connection.

  My legs buckled and Drake came down on top of me. He stayed up on one elbow attempting to keep his weight off my chest, but I needed to feel him. His size made me feel small and protected. One of my legs wrapped around him as I pushed up against him. Drake moaned and I could feel the muscles in his back tighten.

  Our kiss slowed, but the pull between us only strengthened. His hand cupped the side of my face as he pulled back. “You know who I am, please don’t say that. You know me better than anyone.”

  His lips grazed mine once more.

  “I love you, Mercy. I’ve always loved you, and there will never be anyone else for me. Do you understand that? If you don’t feel the same, now is the time to tell me.”

  Tears rolled down my cheeks as his thumb wiped them from my face.

  “I love you, too.” I admitted.

  He kissed me again, soft and leisurely.

  “No more running. For either of us, right?”

  I nodded. “Right.”

  We sat in the loft together, his arms around me as we watched the abrupt storm transform into a soft rain. We were quiet
for several minutes when he finally spoke.

  “Alexa followed me into my room after I’d taken a shower. By the time I realized she was there, Ren came through the door to find her there, with me half naked. It didn’t look good, especially since you and I were on the outs. He stomped off mad, and I never explained when I should have. I kicked her out, and I never touched her. I swear.”

  “I believe you.”

  “I have to say, jealousy is hot on you. Let me know if you want me to rile you up again sometime. We can make it happen.”

  I shoved him. “I think I’m good.”

  “Just offering.” He grinned and kissed the top of my head.

  I sighed. “Why is everything so complicated? Life, relationships, family, friends.”

  “Talk to me, Mercy.”

  “All I’ve ever wanted was to have a loving family. Right after meeting my dad, he dies in my arms. One of my best friends is missing. Even though you and I love each other, something unknown lies between us. Will our mates show up down the road? Could we really be fated?”

  Drake’s eyes met mine. “Wait, what do you mean could we be fated? Our marks don’t match.”

  “Hillie thinks there’s a chance my mark could still be yours,” I told him.

  “How’s that possible?” Drake’s eyes brightened.

  “Apparently a fire sign is a secondary, rare gift, that’s all I know. She thinks it could be undiscovered, and the reason your mark looks unfinished is that my powers are still evolving.”

  “Is there any way to know?” he asked.

  “I wish I knew. Hopefully, time will tell. I think she doesn’t want us to give up.”

  “I’m never giving up, Babe. I promise.” Drake pulled me against his chest.

  A little while later, we crept back into the house, soaking wet. It was late, and Neela and Ren were already asleep. Stripping off wet clothes, I stood in front of him in my bra and panties. I pulled his shirt from my bed, and he watched as I pulled it over my head. His eyes darkened at the sight of me wearing it.

  Piled up on his small bed in shorts, Drake smiled at me from across the room. I couldn’t resist climbing in beside him. He wrapped his arms around me, one hand resting on my hip. I closed my eyes, letting sleep take me as a contented sigh escaped from his lips.