Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series

by Christina Mobley

  “It was all real, Brea.”

  “Then I don’t understand why you can’t tell me what’s going on. We’ve never lied to each other, Shawn. I don’t want any lies now. I want the truth, all of it. What would be so horrible about telling me. I already know the worst of it. You’re a Waevern soldier.”

  “Brea, it’s not that simple.” He was silent for a moment, then continued, “What would you do if it told you that this is killing me. That I have been driving myself crazy.”

  Brea didn’t say a word as he leaned toward her.

  “What if I told you that when we kissed that day, it was the most amazing thing I have ever felt. It was the first thing I’d truly felt since Scott died. It scared the hell out of me. When I touched you it was like I took a deep breath for the first time in years and then, when you left, I felt like I couldn’t breathe anymore. I don’t like that you have that much power over me, but the truth is, you do.” He reached out and ran his finger down her cheek. “I’ve wanted nothing more than to tell you everything, but I don’t want to lose you and I need you to believe me when I say that I had no choice but to hurt you. I’d rather protect you, even if the person I’m protecting you from is me.”

  “Just stop, Shawn! God, you’re driving me crazy! This is like an endless game of pulling the petals off of a flower; ‘he loves me, he loves me not…’ You didn’t want me anymore, you told me that, Shawn. You lost me that day, don’t you get it?” Brea was so mad she was shaking. She had never heard him talk about his emotions like this. He had never revealed himself so much of himself to her before. Shawn didn’t talk about his feelings, and yet, here he was, doing just that. Brea didn’t know what to do or what to feel. She didn’t know what to say. She sat completely still and closed her eyes as his finger ran over her lips. He hadn’t lost her yet and he knew it.

  “What if I told you that I’m in love with you, but I’ve known for a while that I can’t be with you. He leaned in close, his lips only a breath away from hers. They both breathed in and out slowly. She wanted his lips to touch hers. Suddenly, pain shot through her head again. An image filtered through her mind. A man’s face. Pain, so much pain. She choked on a breath. “Shawn, I…” She tried to speak.

  He kissed her then. Tears filled her eyes as she gave in and tasted his sweet kiss. He held onto her like his life depended on it and she did the same. No kiss, not even the first one with him had ever felt this good. She felt like his kiss held the oxygen she needed to breathe. A gust of warm wind wrapped around them, bringing the saltwater smell of his element with it. Water splashed from the banks and moved around them holding them together and drowning the rest of the world out.

  He pulled back and stared into her eyes as he let the wall of water fall. “Brea, whatever happens I need you to trust me. I need you to remember that everything I’m doing is to protect you. I’ve done some bad things, but sometimes what appears to be is not what it seems. Whatever happens remember that you know how I feel about you, you know me. The truth is I can’t tell you what’s going on right now. It would only put you in danger and everything I’ve done would be for nothing.”

  “What are you talking about, Shawn?”

  “Shawn!” his name pierced the air.

  They both turned to see Bianca walking toward them.

  “What the hell?” Bianca asked angrily.

  They both stood.

  “What’s your obsession with her?” She took a step closer, “I just don’t get it Shawn. You’d risk everything for a nothing like her?”

  “Shut up, Bianca.” Brea said. “I know you’re working with the Waevern. I know you’re Caslan’s sister. Not that anyone will be surprised when they find out.”

  “Shawn doesn’t really want you!” Bianca screamed at her. “You don’t even know him.” She smiled, “Besides, you won’t tell Ava about me, because that would expose him, too, and we all know how obsessed you are with Shawn. The obvious way you follow him around when you come here. Poor wannabe Brea, so in love with magic and powerless to do anything about it.”

  Brea lost it. She ran at Bianca, grabbed a fist full of blonde hair and dove on top of her. Brea reared back and punched her. They rolled across the ground and somehow Bianca wound up on top. Brea grabbed her throat, digging her nails in. Shawn grabbed Bianca and pulled her away and then helped Brea to her feet.

  Bianca jerked away from Shawn, her eyes blazing. Shawn walked away with her without a backwards glance.

  …Ava…

  “When are you leaving, Alec?” she asked.

  His eyes were focused and his face serious. “In an hour. It will only take us a few days to get to Virginia.”

  “I wish I could go, but I can’t leave her yet.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to.”

  Alec picked Emberlee up and sat in the rocking chair with her. She stretched in his arms and looked up at him with her amber-colored eyes. She looked so tiny in his big arms. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you two, but we need to get there before they move them again. We don’t know what we’ll run into. I need to be there.”

  “I know. I want you to help them. I can’t imagine something happening to Emberlee.”

  “I won’t let anything happen to her,” he promised as he looked at Emberlee. I’ll be back after we load the boats.” He stood and handed Emberlee to Ava. Kissing them both, he grabbed his bag and walked out of the room.

  …Alec…

  Markson gave the order to pack the boats; Shawn and Thomas would stay behind to guard the Island. Bianca stood at the front of the large pile of supplies checking off items from the list. Alec and Thomas grabbed a box from the pile. They walked towards the boats; there were three parked along the dock. Alec tossed a box to Shawn who was neatly packing the items they would need. Thomas and Alec walked to the next boat and Alec started it, “Stay close to Ava and Emberlee while I’m gone. That’s all I ask. Protect them. Stay close to them no matter what.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go instead?”

  “No. I trust you. I know you’ll protect them and I need to do this. I need to be there. I need you here.” Alec turned as Shawn walked toward them, “Both of you.”

  Shawn stepped into the boat, “Alec, I have a bad feeling about all of this.” He turned toward him, dropping his voice, “Alec, take Ava and the baby and go. I’ll find the missing women and Thomas can stay here to protect the island. You can take them somewhere safe until it’s all over.”

  “It’s an easy mission. Besides, I trust you and Thomas to protect them. They’ll be safer here.” Alec smiled. He looked up as Bianca climbed in the boat and Shawn and Thomas climbed out, “Bianca, do we have everything?”

  “Yeah, let’s go.” She smiled at Shawn, “Bye, Babe.”

  Shawn took a breath, looking past her at Alec. “Be careful, Brother.”

  Alec smiled. “Always am.”

  Shawn turned and walked away. Puzzled, Thomas looked at Shawn and then at Alec.

  “Stay close to them, Thomas.”

  “You know I will. Don’t worry, Alec. We’ve got this.”

  …Brea…

  Brea opened Ava’s door without knocking. Aunt Avalene and Ava both turned towards her. Emberlee jumped, but didn’t wake.

  Brea swallowed hard and walked in, closing the door behind her. She turned around and opened her mouth before she lost her nerve. “Ava, I have to tell you something.”

  “What’s wrong?” Ava stood.

  “It’s about Shawn and Bianca.” Brea closed her eyes and slowly reopened them. “They’re working with the Waevern. Bianca is Caslan’s sister. She’s here to try and win the Waevern throne. Whoever brings Vern a True Elementris gets the throne, and the other four die. Vern Waevern stole them all when they were babies and raised them. I think Shawn’s helping her. They knew each other before she came here. Caslan said that Shawn is a Waevern soldier and has been since he was twelve.”

  “Are you sure about this, Brea?” Thomas asked. Brea hadn’
t even noticed that he was out on the balcony. He turned from the balcony doors, tools in hand. “You need to be real sure about what you’re saying right now, Brea, cuz if it’s true, all hell’s about to break loose and it’s all going to rain down on Shawn’s head.”

  “Where is Alec?” Aunt Avalene asked, concern laced in her voice.

  “They’ve already gone, they left a while ago.” Thomas said and stepped further in the room. “Brea, I’m asking one more time. Are you sure?”

  Brea turned to look at him, shaking. He stepped closer to her. She saw the turmoil on his face. “I’m sure, Thomas. I saw him there myself. He was at a Waevern gathering with Bianca just two days ago. It’s true. I should have told you all sooner.”

  Thomas’s face hardened and his face turned blood red with anger. He stepped toward the door, dropping the tools on the floor. ”I’m going after him.”

  “Alec?” Ava stepped forward.

  “No. Alec can take care of himself. I’m going after Shawn.”

  “No Thomas, let me…”

  Thomas shook his head and flung the door open. “Ava, I promised Alec I would protect you. If that means protecting you from one of my own brothers, then that’s what I’ll do.” He looked at Brea, “You should of told us before Alec left.” His eyes were gleaming like those of a wild beast caught in the glare of a flashlight. He shook visibly. “You don’t lie to family.” He turned, determined, moving fast.

  “Thomas, wait!” Ava called.

  He kept going, never even looked back.

  “Go!” Aunt Avalene ordered Ava and Brea as she picked the baby up from the cradle.

  Ava and Brea didn’t need to be told twice. They rushed after Thomas. He was faster than they were. By the time they reached the stairs they had lost sight of him.

  “Where did he go?” Brea said as they reached the castle doors.

  “That way,” Ava pointed.

  They found Shawn and Thomas standing in front of each other. A large group of guards silently watching them; the look on every face, accusing.

  “Is it true?!” Thomas screamed at him.

  Shawn looked up, noticing Brea. His blue eyes were filled with tears as he looked back at Thomas. “I’m sorry, Thomas, I should have told you.”

  Thomas didn’t respond, just swung and hit him.

  Shawn backed up and cracked his neck. “I deserved that. Let me explain, Thomas.”

  “Nah, ain't nothing you got to say that I want to hear, Shawn!” he said as he hit him again. This time Shawn stumbled back and blood burst from his lip.

  Everyone saw Shawn’s face change as Thomas reared back again. They tumbled on top of each other. Fists flew and the crowd thickened.

  “Stop them!” Ava screamed.

  Guards reluctantly moved forward, trying to stop them without getting hit themselves. Shawn was pulled back. They were both bleeding and barely held by the guards around them. Thomas broke free, going after Shawn again. Lyssa came running full blast and darted in front of him, grabbing his shirt with both hands. “Thomas stop, please.”

  He looked at her, spit blood, then looked at the guards, “Take him. Get him the hell outta my sight.”

  “Take him to a cell.” Ava said, her voice shaking.

  Shawn glanced at Brea as they took him away.

  …Alec…

  “Caslan, show me on this map where the guards stay,” Alec ordered.

  Caslan grabbed a pencil and drew on the map, “Here and here. There’s a hall right here that leads to a back door and there are three other entrance points, here, here, and here.”

  “Good.” Alec folded the map and put it in his back pocket. “Let’s go.” He climbed in the lead car and the large group of Clutch Guards followed suit.

  …Brea…

  The tension in the room was too much. Ava didn’t say it, but Brea knew their friendship had taken a major hit today. She’d always told Ava everything and now, when something was so important, she hadn’t said a word. Ava was trying to find a way to reach Alec. They’d sent a group out to warn him about Bianca, but Ava wouldn’t rest until she reached him herself. Sleep would be the best chance of connection. Aunt Avalene gave her a mixture to help her sleep. Emberlee was sleeping soundly in her cradle and Brea stood motionless by the door as Ava tossed and turned. More than an hour later Ava seemed to find her way to sleep. Brea pulled Ava’s bedroom door open carefully and shut it behind her. When she whirled around, she realized Thomas was standing there, statue still. He wouldn’t meet her eyes.

  “Hello, Thomas.”

  Thomas nodded once.

  “I’m going down to grab something to eat.”

  “K,” he said shortly.

  Brea walked past him and turned back. “Thomas. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not gonna hold it against you, but Brea, stay away from him. You aren’t the only one he hurt. He was like a brother to me and Alec.” He shook his head. “He’s going to be all torn up about this.”

  Brea felt a tear roll down her cheek. “I know.”

  She turned and continued ahead without a word. She didn’t know what to think or how to feel. She walked around the castle and stared at the setting sun. Her insides burned with the pain of it all. She couldn’t think straight. She needed answers. She stood suddenly and walked straight toward the prison.

  Bill looked at her when she walked up.

  “Mr. Bill, would it be okay for me to visit Shawn?”

  “Does Ava know you’re down here?”

  “Not exactly.”

  He paused, then nodded and opened the gate. “Ten minutes. The first one there.” He pointed at a cell on the left.

  “Thank you.” Brea locked eyes with the old man for a moment and walked in. What was it about Shawn that she couldn’t let go of? Brea slowed as she approached his cell. She looked up and cleared her throat. He sat on the edge of the cot with his back turned. “What are you doing here?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “I didn’t have any choice, Brea.” He turned toward her, visibly shaking, blood smeared on his lip. “I’m sorry. For everything.”

  “Just tell me the truth, Shawn. Why were you there with them? Are you really a Waevern soldier, none of this makes any sense.”

  “Brea, please don’t make me say it.” He walked toward her eyes filling. “That’s not who I really am.”

  “It’s true then.” Brea looked up trying not to get trapped in his tortured stare “You’ve been lying all along. Why did you say all those things to me? Why did you say that you loved me?” She felt sudden rage. She had never felt a more intense emotion flip in all her life.

  “Because.” He grabbed the bars and pressed himself against them. His white shirt was soaking wet and she could see each muscle flex with anger, “It’s true. I never wanted to lie to you, Brea.” He looked into her eyes, calming, “ I never wanted to lie to anyone. I was trying to protect you, protect everyone.”

  “That’s a lie.”

  “It’s not.” A hard line formed between his eyes. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He stared at her with such a sad look that she wondered if she had made a mistake. She felt love and hate collide inside her as she watched him.

  “I just want the truth.”

  “The truth will hurt you more.” He licked his bottom lip and pushed the hair out of his eyes, “Maybe you should go. I’m not sure of anything anymore and I don’t want you in the middle of all of this.”

  “Shawn, I need to know everything. The damage is done. It’s over. The least you can do is help me understand so I can try to fix this.”

  “There’s so much more, I needed more time, but...”

  “I told Ava.”

  He nodded.

  “She is my best friend. I had to tell her. It’s obvious that I’m wasting my time here. If you still can’t tell me the truth, I’m leaving.” She turned away.

  He grabbed her by the arm through the bars. “I don’t blame you. I should have told Alec the truth a
long time ago. I just didn’t want to lose you and Alec and all of this. It doesn’t matter now.” He squeezed her hand as she turned around, “Brea, you have to stay away from Caslan, away from here. Go somewhere for a while. Don’t trust anyone. Tell Ava to get away too. This fight started long before you both came here. I’d rather lose you forever than see you in the middle of all this. You need to leave here now, before they come.”

  “Why?” She pulled her hand away. “Before who comes?”

  “The Waevern Army and more. I thought we could protect the island, I thought I could warn Alec. Bianca has him fooled, and they used you to fool Ava. I let it happen. I should have told you everything. I should have gone to Alec sooner.” He looked down, “I knew they were planning something big, but I thought I had time to stop them. They want the island. I think that’s why Caslan’s here. I couldn’t figure out how they thought they would take it, but it was right there the whole time. That’s probably why they took those women and why Caslan convinced you to trust him enough to bring him here. They never needed me or those women. They were just distracting me from their real plan. They only took them so that Caslan could help find them and the island would be vulnerable. They knew that Alec would feel like it was his responsibility to go and that he would take a big group of guards. Bianca probably told them that he would. I thought I’d be with him. I thought I could stop it. Bianca convinced him to have Thomas and I stay behind to protect Ava. It’s a trap, just like before.”

  “Before?”

  “With Scott.”

  “They’re going to kill Alec?”

  “Alec can take care of himself. It’s the island they want.”

  “We have to stop them.”

  “Damn this island, Brea.” He leaned his forehead against the bars, “Go, convince Ava to leave.”

  “No. I have to tell her that they are going to attack the island. I have to tell her they are leading Alec into a trap.”