“Rest Meriel. Just rest.” He turned his attention to Kaleb and me. “Ready for breakfast?”
Kaleb immediately jumped to his feet. “I’m starved,” he said, patting his stomach.
I followed the boys into the kitchen, which was rather crowded by everyone sitting around. Looking at their faces, I felt grateful having such wonderful people in my life. I didn’t say much during breakfast, instead I sat back enjoying how they moved and interacted with each other. It was similar to a large family; no one was in the way because everyone simply maneuvered around one another with grace.
Jayce waited until I finished eating. Then, he led me outside so we could have a moment alone. I found the fluffy clouds inviting and I couldn’t fight my urge to lie in the grass and look at them. We took shelter under a large birch tree in the yard on a patch of grass covered with shadows cast by the leaves above. I knew I could lie there a while without getting sunburned. Jayce sat down beside me. A light breeze blew, sending the fragrance of nature all around us. My hand prickled as I brushed it over the spikes of grass blades. I looked at Jayce, who was staring at me. I sat upright, noticing that something didn’t seem right in his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine.” He didn’t sound very convincing.
I twisted my head to the side and looked at him in disbelief. He was flat out lying. “What aren’t you telling me?” I pressed.
“It’s nothing.”
I decided to leave it. He’d tell me once he was good and ready. So, I figured there wasn’t any point in pushing.
We stayed outside for most of the day. Jayce stayed beside me, though he seemed a million miles away. I tried ignoring the building tension and instead focused on the clouds floating above. They reminded me of a time long ago. Once my sisters and I stayed in the yard for five hours straight, watching as they passed by. We made a game saying what we saw and then the others had to point it out. It was our version of hide-and-go-seek. You had to be quick because the sky was so big and the clouds changed constantly.
Another day was coming to an end. I watched as the sun dipped behind the hills. I rolled onto my stomach and looked at Jayce. “Do you think Daray’s going to come for me soon?”
“I don’t know what he’s planning,” he replied sharply.
“Couldn’t you connect, so you could find out what he’s planning or see what he’s doing?”
“Is that what you want?” he snapped. “Fine!” He closed his eyes to concentrate. Two seconds passed and he opened his eyes back up. “Nothing.”
“Jayce, come on,” I said, frustrated by his mood. “You didn’t even try.”
“You want to know what’s wrong so badly, well here it is! The elements can’t fight for you. Don’t you get it? We almost lost Meriel. It’s just crazy, there’s more at stake here than you. Yet, everyone keeps putting everything on the line and it can’t be done anymore. It has to stop!”
His words cut through my soul. “I never asked anyone to do this for me.” I couldn’t believe what he just said. It was heartless and there was no need to be so cruel.
I started getting up, figuring it’d be better to leave him alone before anything else hurtful was said and couldn’t be taken back. The house was big enough for us to stay far enough away from each other until things cooled down, or maybe it was better to just go home. I decided that it was better to leave. He didn’t seem to want me around right now. I got up.
He grabbed my arm, holding me there.
“What?” I sarcastically shot at him. “Didn’t you say it already?”
“I’m not sure I’m built to do this. I love you more than anything in the entire world, but you need to understand, I can’t have you and keep them.“ He let go of me as he pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them.
Suddenly, I realized how badly this was tormenting him. I lost my edge and reached over to hug him, hoping to help ease some of his pain. “You don’t need to choose Jayce.”
“Yes, I do!” he yelled.
That was enough. I let go of him. This was just pointless. He was too upset and wasn’t telling me the whole story. How was I supposed to help if I didn’t know what was going on?
Kaleb came out of the house and walked towards us. I got up and headed away from Jayce. He was so angry and it tore me apart. I didn’t know how to handle him when he was like this. I kept my eyes straight ahead on Kaleb. I never looked back at Jayce as I walked away.
Kaleb looked over at Jayce, but never said a word to him. Instead he escorted me back into the house. Everyone crowded around in the living room. I looked around, but didn’t feel like being near anyone. I felt their eyes on me, questioning my worth. I began feeling like an outsider. Sensing my angst, Kaleb led me away. He took me up to the room where he was staying. I walked in and sat on the bed while he closed the door.
“What was that all about?” Kaleb asked.
“I’m not entirely sure. I thought maybe you’d know better.” For some reason, I thought he might have known something I didn’t.
“I know he’s feeling torn at the moment. He loves you more than anything, but he’s also the keeper of the elements, which isn’t something he can give up easily. It’s a big responsibility that was bestowed on him.”
I had to believe Kaleb when he said Jayce loved me. I thought that he did too, but the way he was acting now, said something totally different. It felt more like he hated me.
“He feels like he needs to choose right now. The elements aren’t safe when you’re involved… no offense. Until Daray is destroyed and peace can be restored, he will remain torn.”
I didn’t respond. I just sat there waiting for him to finish his theory.
“They want to protect you and they will fight. The problem is, every single being on this planet depends on them. So basically, what it comes down to is, they can’t risk themselves again for the sake of you.” He tried to break the news gently, but his words still cut like razors.
“I never asked them to do anything like that for me. I never asked anyone,” I snapped. I didn’t want to cry, but I could feel the tears coming.
“We know you never asked. That’s why we want to help.” He patted my shoulder. “You are so stubborn and you can’t see the big picture yet.”
I knew he was trying to support me, but I was past the babying part. Just pull the Band-Aid off and let me have it. I stood up, put my hands on my hips, and paced back and forth. What was I going to do? If I left here I wouldn’t be as safe. Although, they were pretty much saying they didn’t really want me here anymore. Or at least, that’s what I was getting out of these conversations. Then I had an idea. “Kaleb, I want to go to the beach. Will you come with me?”
“The beach?” By his expression, it was apparent he didn’t think it was a good idea.
“Yes, just the two of us. Maybe there’s some way to negotiate with Daray and the others. You'll be safe with me. They know we’re connected so they won’t harm you.”
“Won’t harm me? Meh!” He folded his arms in disapproval. “Just like they wouldn’t hurt Garrison. You’ve got a blind spot for that parasite.”
“Kaleb! I’ve got to try something. I can’t sit by while everyone else battles for me. I love Jayce; I won’t stand by and let him toss me aside, especially over something like this. He shouldn’t have to choose. It’s not right.”
“I don’t know,” he said, with a shrug.
“Whatever Kaleb. Forget it, I’ll go by myself!” I started towards the door. In a quick flash, Kaleb pressed himself up against the door, blocking me in.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re too hot-headed? Geez man!”
“Kaleb, I’m warning you. You either get out of my way now or I’ll make you move.” I braced myself for impact.
He didn’t budge. “Pretty tough talk for a girl.”
I rolled my eyes and smirked. He was right. My mouth sure did tend to run off sometimes. I let out a sigh as I headed back towards
the bed.
“How do you suppose we get past everyone else? It is getting dark, you know, and they’re keeping watch.”
“Oh, so you’re in, are you?” I turned around and grinned.
“Can’t let you have all the fun, now can I? Besides, I’m in the mood to punch a few parasites.” He smashed his fists together the same way Kael always did.
“Oh my!” I said, feeling like I was standing beside a clone. I turned around deciding to sneak a peek out the door. We needed to make sure it was clear so we could make our escape. I stuck my head out and saw Kael walking down the hall towards the room.
“Kael’s coming,” I said, closing the door quietly. “He can’t come, Kaleb, it’s too risky.”
Right on cue, Kael knocked on the door.
“Got it?” I asked.
He rolled his eyes and shoved me aside as he opened the door.
“What’s up?” Kael asked.
“Not much. Just hanging with Shanntal right now.” He moved aside so Kael could see me.
I waved.
“Oh, hey Shanntal. What’s going on?” Kael said waving back.
“She and Jayce are experiencing some, umm… friction, so we thought we’d hide out in here.” Kaleb filled his friend in on some of the details.
“Cool, but not cool. Friction isn’t cool. Hiding out is cool.” Kael pushed his way into the room. He walked straight over to the bed and sat down, making himself comfy.
Kaleb and I looked at each other, speechless. Then, he abandoned me to sit down beside his buddy. They both folded their arms and peered at me.
“Perfect,” I said aloud. If I hadn’t known any better, I would’ve sworn they’d planned this.
“What’s perfect? Am I missing something? What are you guys up to?”
Kaleb looked at me with an innocent expression. “Why can’t we just tell him?”
I shot Kaleb the evil eye. Now I was left with no choice, so I explained to Kael that Jayce had said the elements weren’t safe with me around. I told him how the entire world depended on their survival and I filled him in on our plan to make a getaway so everyone would stay safe.
“Wow! That’s pretty heavy,” Kael said, rubbing his head trying to process everything.
I glanced over at Kaleb, who seemed quite relieved Kael knew what was going on. Now he wasn’t under so much pressure to keep it under wraps. We both looked back at Kael, waiting to see what he was going to say.
“I’m in! Where and when are we going?” he asked, punching his fists together.
“Kael,” I said using the most serious tone I could, “I need you to understand, Kaleb will be safe with me, they know we are connected After what happened to Garrison, Daray owes me this much. I’ll try my best to protect you, but there’s no guarantee what will happen. This is going to be extremely dangerous and we’ll be completely outnumbered.” I wanted him to be informed of absolutely everything before he committed.
“Don’t worry that pretty face of yours. Believe me, I can handle myself.” He stood up, flexed his muscles, and flashed his big toothy smile.
“Well, when you put it that way,” I said, laughing.
He was so big and fierce. His smile however, made him look like the kindest fellow; built like a bear, with the seeming innocence of a child.
We were all in agreement. Kael was coming and he seemed pleased. “We’d better hurry up and get out of here before anyone else comes along or the whole clan joins us. Who’s on watch?” Kaleb asked.
“Makan and Kynthia. Why?”
“Where’s Jayce? What if he connects?”
“I saw him just before I came up here. He’s not really himself right now. Poor guy’s quite depressed. Makan took over his shift so he could take some time to pull himself together. He’s sitting alone in the back room, sorting through things,” Kael explained.
Hearing this made my mission even more important. I needed to get this settled quickly. “Okay, good, everyone’s busy. How do you suppose we get out of here?”
“Let me handle that one.” Kael walked over to the window, glancing back at us before pushing it open. After providing us with another one of his toothy smiles and a whooshing sound, he transformed. Now flying directly in front of us was a large bird with distinctive, brilliant purple eyes.
Kael flew over Kaleb and grabbed onto his shirt as he lifted him out the window. I ran over to watch what was happening. I looked down in time to see him place Kaleb gently on the lawn near the property line. A few seconds later, he flew back into the room and picked me up with a swift lift. Once landed, I turned to take a long last look at the big house.
I would miss each and every one of them dearly. They all meant the world to me and because of this, I was going to leave. I’d leave, so they could stay safe. I didn’t want any more harm coming to anyone I cared about. This way Jayce wouldn’t feel so conflicted because it simply wasn’t right having to choose between the elements and me. I didn’t expect him to make that choice, it was too difficult and I understood completely.
Though leaving everyone broke my heart, it seemed to be the only way to get things resolved once and for all with the nightwalkers. Perhaps one day, this would all be nothing more than a distant memory. Perhaps one day, Jayce and I could be together without everything going wrong. I knew we were meant to be and I’d prove it by making things right and keeping everyone safe. With my new sense of determination, I walked out into the night with Kaleb and Kael by my side.
Changes
~ Chapter Nine ~
The three of us made our way through the darkening forest. It felt strangely uplifting being away from the others, because I knew they were safe.
A loud snapping sound came from a branch as it broke into pieces. What caused the break? Was it a vampire or werewolf? Possibly a doomahorn? Or maybe it was Jayce coming after us, begging me not to leave. We froze in our places, listening carefully. Another rustling sound came from a short distance away, right where we’d just been walking.
We all started feeling more intense, realizing we weren’t the only ones awake and moving. The lush forest around us was thriving. A hooting owl flew out of a nearby tree, while a family of raccoons scurried along the ground in the opposite direction. I suppose I hadn’t really noticed this before because I’d been too wrapped up in myself to see that there was more in the world than the three of us.
Moving a little more cautiously, we walked through the thick forest, heading towards the beach. No one really said much now, the guys stayed busy and alert ensuring there were only forest animals nearby. I felt quite nervous as I thought about the unknown waiting for us.
Then, Jayce ran through my mind again. How did everything get so mixed up with us? We’d been so happy two days ago, now here I was alone and without him. I couldn’t ask him to choose me over the elements because it wasn’t fair. I would’ve resented him if he’d asked that of me. It would’ve been the same as telling me to choose between my family and him. Not a decision to be made lightly or likely to be in my favor. So, I left with Kaleb and Kael in the middle of the night, heading into the forest, sacrificing my love so Jayce and the elements would be safe. So the world could stay safe. He was right; they couldn’t fight for me. My broken heart would mend over time; the losses and sacrifices, well, those would never be forgotten.
I was hurting. I didn’t want to be away from Jayce. I needed him in my life. I knew it was selfish, but I couldn’t help wanting the one thing that made me feel happy. Why couldn’t it be all about me for once? Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my stomach. The piercing ache stole my breath away and I crouched down, holding myself.
Kaleb came over, placing his hand on my back. “What’s wrong?”
Kael stopped walking and headed back over towards us.
“My stomach really hurts.” I gently sat down on an uprooted tree trunk. “I just need a minute.”
Kael and Kaleb sat on either side of me, constantly scanning the forest to make sure we didn’t have any
uninvited guests stopping by. A few minutes passed and the pain subsided. I took my time standing up waiting to see if my stomach was going to act up again. When I felt more like myself, I told the guys, “We’d better get moving if we want to make it to the beach tonight.”
Kael spoke up. “Why don’t I shift? I can get you there faster and Kaleb is quick, it wouldn’t take him long to catch up.”
“Absolutely no way! We stay together. No one is going off alone. Think of us as Siamese triplets if you must. We’re joined and there’s no way anything’s going to break us apart. Understood?” I folded my arms across my chest showing I meant business. I was a girl, but there was no way I was going to let these big guys push me into anything I didn’t think was safe. Our lives depended on it.
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