“Oh stop with the look. It’s not what you think. I’m curious as to who he is and how he knew about your grandfather, or that the Koenig family would be looking for you.”
My heart sunk at her words. She spoke everything I had been wondering since I had woken up from the hospital bed. Kian seemed sincere, but could I trust him? He knew more about me than the people who had taken care of me for the last seventeen years of my life, and how did he always seem to know where I was? Why did I feel so confused when he was near? Was it his Talent that drew me to him? I had plenty of questions for Kian, but no way of finding out the answers.
“No, I am not meeting Kian, but it doesn’t mean that he won’t show up. He seems to know where I am.” I paused, considering whether or not I should tell her where we were going. The logical part of my brain overruled. I should tell her in case the Koenig family found me. “We’re going to a frat party. I’m meeting up with Michael and Lacy. They have been begging me to hang out with them.”
Mrs. LaMotte studied me for a moment. “Sadie, it was smart of you to tell someone where you are going, but it doesn’t have to be me. You have other friends who…”
“I trust you,” I interrupted. “Not just because you’re my teacher, but it feels right. You know?” I placed my hand over my heart, hoping my body language would indicate what I was trying to say.
She nodded in understanding.
“Be watchful,” she warned, before leaving me in the training room. I followed close behind.
Chapter 11
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The door shook on its hinges as Madison kicked the door in her signature knock.
“Give me two minutes,” I yelled.
“Two minutes and then I’m busting the door down,” she replied.
I had no doubt she would stick to her word, so I double checked myself in the mirror while taking deep, calming breaths. I had spent hours getting ready for this outing, telling myself it was because I wanted to look as good as I felt, but I knew it was because of Kian. His mauve eyes gleaming with intensity and full lips begging to be kissed had been haunting me each night as I attempted to push his handsome, hypnotic, and powerful gaze out of my mind. Every cell in my body longed to see him again, and I was hoping he would show up at the party tonight. I had questions only he had answers to.
Rebecca would be mostly proud of my outfit. Instead of my usual jeans and t-shirt, I opted for a jean skirt, a sapphire sequined tank that made my eyes pop, and matching canvas shoes. Rebecca would want me to wear some strappy sandals to lengthen my legs, but a girl has got to be comfortable. I took another deep breath, steadying my nerves before touching up my lip gloss and opening the door.
Madison was leaning against the wall with one leg bent at the knee. Her eyes were closed, so I took the liberty of examining my friend. Today her punk rock style was tamped down, but only a little. She was wearing a black graphic tunic with the neck cut out as to allow one emerald-freckled shoulder to peek out. Her orange and pink plaid leggings were tucked inside black mid-calf boots that were more fashionable than fierce.
“I was about to break in and drag your ass out of there.” She turned her head, widening her eyes as she took me in slowly. A half grin slowly grew as she turned to walk away. “You look great. I wonder who you’re trying to impress.”
“Nobody,” I replied a little too quickly. Slowing down, I continued, “I wanted to look as good as I feel. I deserve it.”
“That you do, but we both know you’re lying.” She narrowed her gaze at me. “If Kian shows up, he won’t be able to keep his hands off you.” She winked at me before turning to open the doors.
The door to Saint Vincent’s slammed behind me as I stood there, staring at Madison’s back. Guilt poured over me like boiling oil. I cringed as the joy and hope melted away, replaced by the sour taste of guilt, and a heavy pit of remorse opened in my chest, stealing my breath. Liam’s name escaped from my lips so softly I was sure Madison couldn’t hear, but she stopped and turned suddenly.
“Sadie. Look at me.” I dragged my gaze and anchored my attention on Madison. Her eyes were afire. I took a step back, overwhelmed and confused by the sudden emotion from my friend. “Don’t. Just don’t do that to yourself. To your friends. To me. We had to watch you close yourself off from the world after Liam’s death and there was nothing we could do to help but be there for you.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but Madison cut me off. “Liam’s death hurt. We mourned with you. Everyone knows how much he meant to you. Keep your memories of him close. Revisit them and love the man he was, but don’t cling to his ghost.” Tears brimmed in her eyes as she closed the distance between us. Her warm hands reached out and clasped mine hard enough that her knuckles turned white.
“It is okay to like or even love someone else. No one will fault you for it. We all desperately want it for you. When you love, you love with your entire heart and soul, and that love knows no bounds. The universe cannot contain the depth of your love and that is why you are my closest friend. You love me despite my temper, my brashness. You deserve that kind of unfathomable love too. Please, please allow yourself the opportunity to love someone else and show them just how amazing it is to be loved by you.”
I wrapped my arms around Madison and pulled her to me. As tears trickled down the planes of my face, I allowed my friend to hold me and squeezed her back. She was right. I was clinging to Liam’s ghost and letting the fear of losing someone else prevent me from being happy.
Pulling away, I wiped my tears, hoping I didn’t have black circles under my eyes. “Thank you, Madison. I love you!”
“I love you too!” Arms linked, we walked to the waiting taxi. Each step had a little more bounce than before as the weight of guilt fell away. I knew that from this moment on, I would be okay. I could remember Liam and always love him, but I finally felt free to live without him.
When we arrived at the party, it was in full swing and I was instantly reminded why I never came to college parties. There were bodies everywhere. Groups huddled around the kitchen and the living room, writhing to the deep bass thumping from the massive speakers. Panic bubbled up for a moment as body heat and the overwhelming stench of body odor overtook me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lacy and Michael standing in a corner, away from the madness. The siblings couldn’t look more different as they huddled together. Michael bending at the waist so Lacy could stand on her tip toes to whisper in his ear. Madison’s gaze followed mine. She squeezed my hand and leaned in close, yelling in my ear, “I’m off. Are you good?”
I nodded and rushed to my friends as Madison’s bright orange hair bobbed through the crowd on the dance floor.
“Sadie!” Lacy waved her hands, motioning for me to hurry up. “When you asked us to meet you here, I was shocked. This doesn’t seem like your kind of scene.”
“It’s not, but I don’t feel comfortable going out by myself anymore and Madison offered.” I shrugged and winced. I had forgotten that Liam’s siblings were out of the loop with my Talent outburst two weeks before.
“Why’s that?” Michael asked. “Does it have anything to do with that guy giving you a hard time?”
“Kian? No. He’s fine.”
“Yeah he is,” Lacy quipped. Her eyes were focused across the room. My body stiffened and I knew that Kian was here. There was no way I was going to turn around and look at him. The last time he had seen me, my Talent had gone nuclear. Nope.
“Ignore him.” I grabbed Lacy’s chin and forced her to look at me. “I have something important to tell you.”
“Does it have something to do with your weird behavior lately?” Michael asked. In all the years I had known him, he had always been quick with the questions and rarely gave much information in return. It was annoying.
“Yes.” I took a deep breath. “My Talent surfaced two weeks ago.”
Lacy squealed in excitement as Michael patted me on the shoulder and congratulated me. It was so refreshing to see how hap
py my norm friends were for me. People like the two of them were a rare find.
Lacy kept gushing about how she knew my Talent would surface and although I was pleased with their praise, I couldn’t let it sink in. What if they were disgusted with me once they learned how dangerous my Talent was? Liam’s Talent was dangerous too, but at least his gave life as much as it took. Mine could drain a Caelian’s Talent to the point of death. It did not give life.
My increasing anxiety caused my Talent to gently buzz below the surface of my skin. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath through my nose and pushed it out of my mouth. If they weren’t disgusted by my Talent then they would without a doubt hate me once they discovered who my grandfather was.
Michael shushed Lacy while reaching out. He grabbed my hand and held it gently in both of his. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m nervous,” I said softly. “My Talent is dangerous. More than Liam’s.”
“What is it?” Michael asked, squeezing my hand and pulling me closer toward the two of them, telling me with his actions instead of words of his love and his trust that I wouldn’t hurt them.
“I’m a Talent drainer and the only Caelian in history to have a Talent this dangerous. Mrs. LaMotte has been working with me to control it.” Lacy snaked her arm around my waist and laid her head on my shoulder.
I continued, “I… I discovered my Talent in a highly public, immensely violent way.” I told them the entire story. When I got to the part about Kian, Michael’s gaze jerked to the wall behind me and his face grew hard, but he returned his attention back to me just as quick, softening his eyes. He reminded me so much of Liam when he looked at me like that.
When I finished the story, I kept my focus on Michael as Lacy’s arms squeezed my waist. The wheels in his mind were turning and I knew better than to interrupt him while he was processing. So I patiently waited as I returned Lacy’s hug. Taking comfort that she still loved me.
“Your grandfather is Miles Koenig? That is insane. I’ve only seen a few pictures of his son, but now that I think about it, you look like him.” Michael paused. “Do you know who your mother is?”
I shook my head and grasped at my necklace. Ever since Rebecca encouraged me to wear it weeks ago, I hadn’t taken it off. For some reason, the motion gave me comfort.
Tears pricked at the edges of my eyes, but I was resolved not to let them drop. Not knowing my mother’s identity was the big question mark in my life.
Michael pulled me against his massive body and I melted into his hug. Lacy’s hand gently touched my lower back, letting me know she was still there. This was what it must feel like to have a family. A sister to comfort you and a brother to love and make you feel protected.
“Sadie,” Michael whispered. “I hate that all of this is happening to you. When Liam introduced us to you, Lacy and I grew to love you just as much as we did Liam. You’re my sister, and I will do whatever it takes to help you figure all this out.”
“I’m scared my grandfather will come for me,” I whispered.
“Do you think he will?” Lacy asked. Her voice stunned me for a moment. I hadn’t noticed that she had been quiet during our conversation. It was uncharacteristic of her to be quiet.
“Everybody thinks so. My Talent could be useful to him.”
“He won’t get to you,” Michael spoke with conviction. “If you ever find yourself in a position of danger, call me. I will come for you no matter what.” He paused and I felt him nod against the top of my head. “Lacy and I have some contacts… I won’t get into it now, but there is a way I can protect you if your grandfather comes for you.”
I squirmed out of his hug and gazed into his eyes, trying to read him. “What?”
“Sadie, do you trust us?” Lacy asked, her voice a fragment above a whisper.
“With my life,” I replied without reservation, and my eyes widened with the realization. It was this moment that I realized I had a family and it didn’t matter who had birthed me. I had all the family I needed right here and I trusted them with every inch of my being.
“Then don’t ask questions,” Lacy answered. “We will help you and you will have to trust us to take care of the details.”
I nodded as Michael stiffened next to me.
“What do you want?” Michael’s voice deepened with anger. “Haven’t you done enough to her?”
My head turned to look at where Michael had aimed his anger. Kian filled my vision. His beautiful face was pinched in a contained anger. I stiffened and in that moment I became conscious that Michael had been holding me against him for a while. The lights from the makeshift dance floor highlighted Kian’s goldenrod hair like a halo, causing him to look like an avenging angel.
“I have done nothing except tell her the truth,” Kian’s throaty voice replied between clenched teeth. “Can you say the same?”
Michael rose to his full height and gently pushed Lacy and me behind him. Kian’s brows knitted in a frown before he narrowed his gaze in anger as I stayed behind Michael. Both boys were silent, posturing and ready for a fight.
I kept my focus on Kian. He confused me and I didn’t understand why he was following or helping me. For all I knew, he was dangerous, which was why I had allowed Michael to place me behind him, but then again he had never indicated he wanted to cause me harm. His temper scared me, though. I didn’t understand it. Kian’s glance flickered to me as if he knew I was thinking about him, and he locked his intense gaze on mine.
Somehow I knew it would be alright. I stepped from behind Michael despite his protests.
“Michael, remember my Talent. I can handle Kian if necessary, but it won’t be.” I turned to look at Kian. “Right?”
His lips quirked into a half smile. “That’s correct. I’m here to talk.”
I turned to face Lacy and Michael. Michael’s face was a mixture of unease and anger. He didn’t trust Kian, but he trusted me. Lacy was leaning against the wall, arms crossed with a full smile. She raised her eyebrows and jerked her chin toward Kian. It was obvious she had no qualms about Kian. I returned my focus to Michael. I needed him to accept that everything would be okay.
He released a sigh and returned my gaze. “Promise to call me later. No texting. I want to hear your voice.”
“I promise,” I replied, leaning in for another one of his bear hugs.
Michael’s lips found my ear as he whispered. “I just want you to be safe. There’s nothing more to it. Understand?”
I pulled back and nodded before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Lacy saluted me before grabbing Michael and pulling him deeper into the party. I instantly felt the loss of their presence, but it was quickly replaced by the heat of Kian’s body as he stepped closer to me.
Groaning, I turned around to give him a piece of my mind, but he was much closer than I had thought and my voice refused to work. His lips twisted and I cursed myself internally for allowing him to see what he did to me.
Maybe being alone with Kian wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Chapter 12
“Want to get out of here?” he whispered.
My heart leaped at the thought of leaving with Kian. All traces of doubt disappeared with six words. My mind swam with the possibilities of what would transpire if we were alone, but the logical part of my brain won.
“I don’t think so,” I replied. “There has to be somewhere around here where we can talk.” My voice broke when I said talk. Stupid body for betraying me. Kian smiled a knowing smile before reaching out to grab my hand.
“I figured as much and scouted the area before I approached you. Come on.”
“Where are we going?” I asked as I pulled out my cellphone to let Michael and Lacy know where we were going.
“Out back. There’s an old bench near the fence. Don’t forget to text Madison too.” My mouth fell open. He didn’t even turn around.
“How?”
“I felt your body move when you reached for your phone. Plus, you�
�re smart. You don’t know me, so it’s natural for you to be wary of me.” He turned to look at me. “Hopefully by the end of the night you will trust me.” His eyebrows pinched in uncertainty. The unusual display of emotion was short-lived before he schooled his features to his usual indifference.
He led me around the dance floor and outside, past couples making out on the lawn furniture and through a throng of people throwing each other into the pool.
The bench was exactly where he said it would be. We were far enough away from the nearest group of people that they wouldn’t hear our casual conversation, but close enough for them to notice if I screamed. The fence line was right behind us with a collection of trees located to the left, giving us the semblance of privacy. He sat down and patted the spot next to him.
Hesitant, I stood for a moment gathering up every ounce of courage before I sat down and turned to face him. He was looking out over the crowd. He was beautiful. Being this close to him was burning me up from the inside.
“I know you have questions and I’m prepared to answer them,” he stated.
“Okay,” I replied, and gathered all my courage to ask the question that had been plaguing me. “Are you working for my grandfather?”
“No. The Koenig family hasn’t used my services since last year.”
“Why don’t you belong to a family?”
“I chose not to attach myself to the system.”
I shifted in my seat. “What services do you provide, besides bounty hunting?”
“I’m a private investigator and sometimes a bounty hunter.” He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care, but his attention trained on my face. I could tell he was waiting for my reaction.
“How did you know about me? Am I one of your cases?” I asked while meeting his stare, demanding the truth and terrified of what I might find. His penetrating gaze locked with mine before speaking.
“No. You are not one of my cases, but your case has been open for seventeen years. I learned of your father and the possibility that he had a child within another family about a year ago when I was under apprenticeship. Every hunter knows of your case and as far as I know, no one has actively searched for you in over ten years.”
The Caelian Cycle Boxed Set Page 9