“I can’t believe your water elemental healed Logan,” Kellen said.
“Yeah, well if he hadn’t, Logan probably would’ve killed me. I still can’t figure out Braden’s intentions.” I turned and laid back down, staring at the ceiling again. “When Logan recovered, my elementals decided he shouldn’t crave my blood. That’s when all the changes happened.”
“Damn, AJ,” Kellen whispered. “I think craving vampire blood is worse. He can’t just go downtown and get a snack, leaving the human unaware of what happened.”
“You think I don’t know that?” I snapped, looking over at him. “Logan has suffered more than any of us. First by my mother forcing him to become the monster he despises, and now my elementals. It’s a wonder he doesn’t hate me.”
“You’re difficult to hate,” Kellen said.
I waved a hand at him. “Whatever.”
“What happened that’s made Logan believe Braden will come for you?” he asked
“I’d rather not talk about that,” I mumbled. “I stupidly baited the asshole and will now pay the price. Hopefully Logan doesn’t pay it with me.”
“You won’t tell me?”
I heard the disappointment in his voice and felt it through our connection. Damn men.
“Don’t get pissed off and don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I waved both hands at the ceiling, mumbling, “Stupid men. Like I want to admit my ignorance.” I sat up but didn’t face him, pulling the blankets over my lap. I waggled my finger at him. “If you hadn’t just bared your soul to me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I didn’t know he’s a sadist. I should have. He hinted at it, but I was too over-confident to listen.” I repeated my episode with the bastard vampire, choking on my words and swearing the taste of his blood resurfaced. “The only good thing to come out of that was his news about Sergey and Ernesto.” I continued retelling our conversation about the vampire council, trying hard to redirect Kellen’s attention. It didn’t work.
“He’ll never stop wanting you, AJ,” my partner said, his voice rising with concern.
“No shit, Sherlock,” I muttered. “I was so stupid.”
I fell back into the pillows and pulled the quilt over my head. The mattress shifted from Kellen’s weight, and his body moved in next to mine. I flipped back the blanket and looked at him. He stared back at me, his face only inches from mine.
“He can’t have you,” Kellen whispered. “I will be the partner you need. Your strength, support, and friend. We’ll grow together like we were supposed to all along.”
His words scared me, and I slammed up my mental barrier. His eyes narrowed for a moment, but then he scooted back, giving me space. I’d always wanted more from him, but his rejection and threat to my life ended those feelings. Right? So why was my heart racing?
“I’m not sleeping,” I mumbled. “Will you take me to the water training room?”
“Of course.” He rolled off the opposite side of the bed, and I took a deep breath.
This was going to suck.
Chapter 22
The training rooms lined an entire wing of the palace, each one specially designed for its element. Four fountains grounded the four corners of the water room. The hushed sound of flowing water relaxed me as soon as I entered, kicking off my shoes out of habit. The cool stone felt wonderful on my bare feet, bleeding away more of my stress.
“I might come here every day,” I mumbled.
“Why is that?” Kellen asked, startling me. I hadn’t expected him to follow me into the room. But here he was by my side, bare toes flexing on the dark gray stone.
“It’s relaxing,” I replied. “The element soothes my mind. I think I could actually meditate here.”
Kellen looked around, pausing at the four fountains for a few seconds each. I followed his gaze, wondering what he thought. He’d also replaced his mental barrier, blocking me out. I could hardly blame him. I was the one who started it.
“What are we learning today?” he asked, his long legs folding beneath him as he sat.
“I didn’t mean to drag you with me,” I said. “Göksu and I have a date.”
“He told you his name?”
Did Kellen really not know? I tried to remember when my elemental revealed it. At Logan’s house? Or was it in Kellen’s estate?
“Yes, he’s been extremely helpful the last week or so,” I replied, sitting down in front of my partner, again out of habit, and folding my own legs.
“Mine haven’t spoken to me since that first time,” Kellen muttered. “I want to learn how you do it.”
“There’s nothing to teach, Kellen. I told you all I know at the council meeting with King William.” My tone softened, and I placed my hand on his knee. “You introduced me to my magic, showed me how to use it and where to find it.” I tapped my sternum, the spot where my well of power resided. “You are the one who dragged me into all this six weeks ago. Now you want me to teach you?”
“When you put it that way, it makes me feel like an idiot.”
“Well, if the shoe fits…” I smiled at him, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “You’re not an idiot. You’re just a control freak. I’ve never had control over a damn thing, so I’m used to everyone else bossing me around. Listen to your elements.” I removed my hand from his knee and laced my fingers in my lap. “Now be quiet, I’m easily distracted.”
He grinned, then leaned back resting his weight on his elbows. “I can’t believe you said you don’t boss people around.”
I stuck my tongue out at him and closed my eyes. The moisture in the air called to me and a small breeze whispered by my face. Niyol. I smiled, leaving my eyes closed. I loved that wispy elemental, so devoted and loyal.
You are my favorite mage, he whispered in my ear, ruffling my hair.
I giggled. “Niyol, are you supposed to be doing something besides occupying Göksu’s training room?”
“No, princess. My sole task is protecting you.”
“Yes, about that,” I said. “Where the hell were you when that bastard attacked me in the car?”
“I was outside the car.” A gust of wind knocked me over, and I opened my eyes. Niyol’s transparent body hovered right next to me. “I thought you had it under control, princess.”
I sat back up and tried to glare at him. I couldn’t be mad at Niyol, though. I was the one who screwed it up. “Yes, until I didn’t.”
“It won’t happen again,” my elemental stated.
“I’m afraid it will,” I mumbled. “But I’ll be ready next time. Anyway, I’m here to talk to Göksu.”
“Yes, I know,” Niyol said, drifting around behind my partner.
My gaze dropped to Kellen, who turned halfway around to look at Niyol. My partner’s astonished expression would’ve been funny in any other situation. I suspected my air elemental was antagonizing him on purpose. Niyol had already made it clear he didn’t trust Kellen’s elementals.
Göksu?
Yes, child. I’m almost there.
You’re traveling? I didn’t know that was even a thing.
His fluid form rose up from the stone floor on my right side. He too moved around behind my partner, his body losing shape as he did.
“I see what you mean, brother,” Göksu said in his soft voice. “He has changed, definitely for the better.”
I tried not to let my mouth fall open. They were analyzing Kellen? I thought they were trying to intimidate my partner, not judge his worthiness.
“Shall we include him in the training?” Niyol asked, circling around me.
“Yes, I believe we shall,” Göksu replied. “Alisandra will need his strength.”
My two elementals stopped, one on each side of me, both staring at Kellen. His wide eyes looked like they would pop from his head. I was right there with him, but for a different reason.
“Did they just judge whether or not I’m worthy to train?” he asked.
“Kind of sounded like it,” I replied, trying to keep from smiling. My elemen
tals’ arrogance surpassed my partner’s, and it somehow surprised him.
He leaned forward and wiped his hands on his jeans. “Alright. I’m ready.”
“I’m sure you’re not,” Niyol purred. “You will be the target. Be sure to defend yourself, but you are not allowed to attack the princess.”
Kellen’s stare widened, but he remained silent.
“On your feet,” Niyol commanded, then turned to me as I stood. “Your attempt to create the weapon from the vampire’s blood was admirable, but the technique was wrong, which is why it remained fluid.”
“You must freeze the water, then compress the molecules,” Göksu added.
It made sense in theory. “How do I freeze the water?” I asked. “I didn’t realize I could change the air temperature.”
“You cannot, child,” my water elemental said, drifting towards the nearest fountain. “But your partner can call on fire, which removes the heat. The two of you together can create a weapon.”
“But only you can wield it, princess.” Niyol picked up the instruction, following Göksu. “Your partner’s fire will damage its stability.”
I looked at Kellen, finding the same shocked expression I knew spread across my face.
“I guess you didn’t know either,” I said.
“Nope, but I’m anxious to try it,” he replied.
“This knowledge cannot leave this room,” Niyol stated, rising into the air. “It would be best to practice it elsewhere, but I’ll keep watch tonight to ensure there are no unwanted guests.”
With a gust of wind, he disappeared, leaving me and Kellen staring at Göksu.
“Let’s begin.”
I rolled my shoulders and held out my hands, pulling a stream of water from the fountain. It came so easily in this room. Was it enchanted or just the abundance of moisture? I didn’t know and, at the moment, didn’t care.
I thought about the weapon I wanted to make and remembered the long sword Kellen carried in our first fight against the vampires. He needed to teach me to use one. I twisted the stream over itself several times, creating a sword-sized cylinder.
“I want to make a sword,” I said, continuing to manipulate the water. “I’m not sure if I can make the edges sharp though. I know I can do it with air, but…” I bit my bottom lip as I tried to flatten the rounded shape.
“I’m not sure how to draw the heat off your weapon,” Kellen said. “I can’t pull fire from water, can I?”
“You’re the fire mage. Don’t ask me,” I retorted. “Ask your elemental.”
I heard him huff and mumble a request about fire. I didn’t expect his elemental to show up right away, but apparently Kellen did.
“This is impossible,” he muttered.
I dropped my strand of water and turned to my partner as it splashed against the stone. How dare he talk about the impossible? My entire life was impossible, but here I was.
“I never want to hear that come from your mouth,” I said. “You’ve taught me nothing is impossible. Six weeks ago, vampires and ogres were impossible. And werewolves. And magic!” I placed my hands on my hips and glared at him. “If you want your elemental’s knowledge, give him a good reason to share it with you. ‘Because I said so’ isn’t a reason.”
A smile crept across his face. “You’ve changed so much.”
“Whatever. We’ve already been down that road.” I turned to Göksu and a wave of understanding and love washed over me. “I don’t want to go back to a life without them,” I said, pointing at my elemental. “Not just for the power they give me, but the friendship and loyalty. I’ve never known love, and I’m grateful theirs was first. It fills my soul like nothing else can.”
Göksu’s fluid form puddled and reappeared in front of me. “How can I not love someone who sees me that way?” he asked. His hand pressed against my chest, his warm touch filling me with magic.
“I want to feel that,” Kellen whispered. “I want that relationship.”
“Then you must convince your elemental that you deserve it,” Göksu said. “When you do, this lesson will wait for you.”
I expected my partner to run to the fire room immediately, but he didn’t. I snuck a glance at him. His squared shoulders and pursed lips spoke of his determination. With each passing moment, my trust in him bloomed.
“I understand,” he said.
“Good. Protect yourself so the princess can do some target practice.”
I chuckled and took a few steps back. “Don’t worry, Kellen. I’ll aim for your walls of dirt, not your head. You can’t heal like Logan.”
“That’s not very encouraging,” he said, frowning and backing up. “Are you using your new speed?”
I pulled a splinter from the air, making it about seven or eight inches long, with points on both ends, but no bladed edge. I’d become so good at it; the effort hardly required any thought. It rolled between my fingers, and I smiled at Kellen’s surprised expression.
“I don’t think I can keep from going fast, but you’re right. I should try to look more human and less vampire. It scares people.”
“No, child, you should not,” my elemental interrupted. “Battles are not fair, and your partner needs to prepare to fight against something quicker than himself.” He flowed to one of the fountains and perched on its edge. “I will heal his wounds when you’re done, so don’t hold back.”
My partner licked his lips and narrowed his eyes. I could almost feel his nervous tension, which surprised me again. I expected arrogance, not anxiety. He was afraid of me. I shook the thought away and drew three more small spears, holding them in my left hand. I pulled my right arm back and drew a breath, aiming at my partner. I nodded, hopefully giving him a cue that it was coming. Before I could release my weapon, a pool of ice formed under my feet, and I scrabbled to keep my balance.
“Oh shit!” I screamed, swinging my arms as I tried not fall on my butt. “Göksu! That’s cheating.” I scanned the room looking for my element. He was gone, but his puddle of ice remained.
“I think your elemental is going to challenge us both,” Kellen said. The rock around his feet trembled, bouncing small fragments of stone on its surface.
“So it would seem,” I snapped. “I guess I asked for it.” Irritation flitted over me, but I couldn’t be mad. It was what I wanted. I’d begged my elemental to teach me how to use water and now he was.
My feet slid to the right over the ice, doing a silly shuffle. When I reached the stone, I let my first weapon fly. A wedge of rock rose into the air shattering my small, glass missile. Damn. Kellen smiled. I smiled back and grabbed another from my left hand. As soon as I released it, a swell of water crashed into my back. Rather than throwing me to the ground, I barely balanced on a wave surging towards my partner. I squealed with excitement and terror, launching another weapon at Kellen.
He rolled to the side, and a short wall of rock sprang from the ground, redirecting my new surf board. I launched my last weapon at him but didn’t get to see it hit its mark. The water vanished, and I tumbled head-over-heels across the stone, screaming the whole way.
That shit hurt.
My elemental was getting a piece of my mind.
When I came to a stop, I sat up and looked around for Kellen. He was sprawled out on the floor about ten yards away, blood oozing from his shoulder. His gaze met mine as he sat up. My anger melted. I’d hit him, and it had to hurt. I rolled to my hands and knees, every one of my joints aching from my wanna-be acrobatics.
“You and I are going to fight, Göksu,” I mumbled. “That hurt.”
Halfway to my partner, and still crawling on my hands and knees, a deluge of water fell over me. I gasped, expecting another attack, then cursing as the all too familiar warmth of healing washed over my body. I loved it when my elemental did it. There was no painful trade-off.
Kellen’s laugh drew my attention. He was now laying on his back, soaked in water, the puddle around him seeping into the cracked stone. I crawled to his side, leaving
my own watery trail. His soft chuckles became infectious, and I giggled.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Everything,” he replied, reaching over and rubbing his now healed shoulder. “I need to train with you more often.”
As he sat up, water dripped down his face from the hair plastered to his forehead. His soaked t-shirt clung to his chest, as I imagined my own did. The smile on his face brought back too many memories of a time when I actually liked him.
“I never imagined using my elemental the way you just did,” he continued. “You need to work on the dismount, but that was brilliant.”
A barked laugh escaped my lips, and I rolled back to sit on my heels. “You thought I did that?” I asked. “Göksu totally tossed me around. My screaming like a little girl should’ve given that away.”
“Probably, but you still managed to hit me,” he said, his smile not fading. “I need to practice throwing up shields, and we need to take you surfing.”
“You’re not funny,” I mumbled, but I couldn’t hold back my grin. Riding around on that wave felt awesome and terrifying. I didn’t think I could recreate it, though. My elemental controlled all of it, which was fine with me. There was no way I could hold onto the wave, create my little weapons, and attack someone all at the same time. Thinking about it made my head spin.
A blast of hot air sent me and Kellen both falling over onto our backs.
“Thanks, Niyol,” I muttered. “I’ve already been tossed around enough.”
“You’re welcome, princess.”
I stuck my tongue out at my element. He didn’t miss my sarcasm; he just chose to ignore it.
“We have company,” he continued. “Your British admirer wishes to speak with you.”
“King William is here?” Kellen asked, rising to his feet. He held his hand out to me, and I let him pull me to my feet.
“The prince is waiting for you in the Magister’s Hall,” Niyol replied. “Your guard is on his way to your sleeping quarters to wake you.”
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