“He can be very charming and persuasive.”
“On the surface, when he wants something.”
Again, she surprised him. He had believed her to be immature, a girl seeking instant gratification. How wrong he had been. She might’ve just graduated high school, yet she was mature beyond her years. Inventive, strong-willed, and beautiful. His gaze slipped to her rose-colored lips. He tore it away and stared at his unfinished eggs. What was wrong with him? Waldeburg trusted him. She had picked him to be Sierra’s mentor, and here he was having inappropriate thoughts.
“How did you know I was in danger? And how did you find me?” Sierra pushed her chocolate hair to one side, making him want to caress her neck.
He cleared his throat and told her about Louis’s anonymous text. “And then there’s this.” He pulled the lapis pendant from underneath his shirt and unclasped it. Sierra did the same and put hers next to his on the table.
“This used to be one stone.”
Gavin nodded. “Waldeburg gave me the pendant three years ago at my graduation, to guide and protect me. I thought she wore the other part.”
“She did until we were attacked by the Umbra at the motel. She gave it to me that night.” Sierra smiled. “You thought I stole it the first time you saw it.”
“Yes.” A pause. “Did Waldeburg tell you the lapis stone’s legend?”
“No.”
He could’ve dismissed this as Waldeburg being too busy or not wanting to overwhelm Sierra with information, but he knew better. Waldeburg wanted him to be the one to tell Sierra, because for some reason, the Guardian believed the two should be bonded.
“All Ardere children grow up listening to the lapis stone and Princess Ines legend.” At Sierra’s confused look, Gavin added, “We don’t have a monarchy anymore. About hundred thirty years ago, we switched to the regency with two regents—one in Connecticut and one in London, and about eighteen local rulers, with most residing in the US and Europe since those are the regions with the highest supernatural population.”
From his leather jacket, Gavin removed the folded piece of paper he had been carrying and wanted to share with Sierra for quite some time. He handed it to her. Her eyes widened as the magical ink that Ardere used for all written communication, and which only appeared to fellow supernaturals, suffused the page. “There are many versions of the story, each with their own twist. This is the one I was told.” He didn’t add that his mother, Maryann, used to read this version to him and his sister at bedtime.
Sierra examined it for a moment and then began reading the story out loud. “Magic is intangible and everywhere. Just like mountains and lakes, certain areas are more concentrated with it. Only supernaturals can sense those. Over three hundred years ago in a location long lost in history, humans built a water well. It soon ran dry, and the human settlement moved on. Free of curious eyes, Ardere began pilgrimaging to it. What appeared empty to humans was a well filled with golden liquid. So concentrated was the magic in it that it took on a tangible form.
“Some Ardere worshipped the golden liquid, others wanted its power for themselves. The latter wondered whether the magic could be transferred and utilized. They tried everything from submerging themselves into the liquid to drinking from the well, but nothing happened. Over time, most Ardere gave up, deciding the well was just a spiritual place.
“Then one day, Ines, an Ardere princess, came to the well. Around her neck she wore the lapis lazuli. An ancient stone, said to represent friendship and truth, it’s also believed to bring about harmony in relationships, as well as wisdom and awareness.
“Ines cried, asking the well for strength. Her parents had arranged a marriage against her will, forcing her to leave Felipe, the man she loved. Unable to bear the thought, she begged the well to allow her to remain in the life of her beloved, even if she couldn’t be his wife.
“When she leaned forward to drink from the well, the lapis pendant dipped into the golden liquid and began pulsating. Ines took it off and watched in astonishment as the lapis broke into two parts.”
Sierra’s forehead scrunched up, yet she didn’t question the legend’s credibility. Neither did Gavin, not after he had experienced the lapis bond’s magic firsthand.
“Deciding this was the well’s way of granting her the wish, she put one half back on her necklace and gave the other one to Felipe.
“Over the years, the necklace enabled the princess to watch over Felipe. It alerted her whenever he was in danger, allowing her to send help. The necklace worked both ways and even granted the lovers telepathic communication. Even though they weren’t physically close, their souls were intertwined forever.” Sierra stared at the text for a few moments before folding it back up. When she made a motion to give it back to Gavin, he shook his head.
“It yours. Legend says the pendants were passed in secret from generation to generation. Today, most Ardere believe the lapis has been lost or never existed in the first place. Let’s keep it this way. You have enough of a target on your back as is.”
She nodded. “The lapis, you knew I was in danger because of it?”
“Yes.” Gavin didn’t explain how her fear had crystallized into a physical blow and had almost knocked him over. If he had the option, he wouldn’t dwell on the thought himself. Because what did it mean if he felt her pain like it was his own?
“Gran wanted us to work together. Why?”
Gavin smiled. “I don’t know, but she has never been wrong in her judgment.”
And against common sense, Gavin was glad Waldeburg had chosen him. Since Sierra had come into his life, everything had gotten complicated. If he wanted to keep her in his life, things would get even more complicated. And yet, for the first time in years, that didn’t make him recoil. He welcomed the challenge. She was worth it. He shook his head. Where had all these thoughts come from? This was so unlike him.
Sierra examined the stone closer. “Do you think we will be able to communicate through the lapis telepathically?”
Gavin chuckled. “I’m not sure that part of Ines’s story is true. Even if it is, you need to learn control over your powers first, before we attempt telepathy.”
She nodded, and her expression grew somber. “I need to learn how to defend myself.”
Chapter 17
Sierra compared the photo of Forsyth Park to her painting. A tall statue atop of a fountain, surrounded by Spanish moss. The mermen and swans spraying water looked almost the same. The trees, on the other hand, weren’t as detailed as she’d liked them to be, meaning she would have to return to them tomorrow. She washed out her brushes and palette and left them out to dry.
From her closet, she pulled out a top and shorts. Two hours until her date with Maxim left plenty of time to squeeze in a workout. Before her life had turned upside down, yoga had been her workout choice. Now her focus had shifted to increasing her stamina, which translated into daily jogs and sprints.
Her feet hit the pavement. Despite the campus being empty, the streets were still littered with trash. She focused on a burger wrapper, willing it to float into the nearby bin. Nothing. She stopped running and took a few deep breaths; then she tried again.
Still nothing happened. This was ridiculous. Her telekinesis only worked when she was agitated. She hoped, with Gavin’s help, she could learn how to control it, find her on and off switch.
Gavin. The awe in his face when she had told him how she had escaped the hotel room. At that moment, he hadn’t looked at her like a child. No, he had viewed her as an equal. He had been impressed. Sierra shook her head and quickened her step. She shouldn’t care about whether Gavin approved or thought her to be brave. She needed to stop thinking about him and start thinking about Maxim.
Educated, sweet, and considerate Maxim. Not aloof, mysterious Gavin. She refused to become one of those self-sabotaging women, pining for emotionally unavailable guys, while pushing great guys away.
With her resolution in place, she concentrated on her breathing, o
n the sensation of her body moving. It felt strong, lithe, and invincible. The last few weeks had unfurled a new awareness within her that reached from her body to her mind into her soul.
She had lost so much, yet in a strange way, she felt more whole than ever. Her feet became one with the earth, her soles rolling from heel to the tip. Nature was in her, and she was a part of it. A power so familiar and yet so new reverberated through her skull, down her spine. It seeped into every fiber and nerve ending.
Sierra sank into the soft cinema chair, debating whether leaving the last three buttons of her flannel shirt undone was too much and if she should re-button one. Before she could make up her mind, Maxim joined her.
Dapper as usual, his hair was slicked back neatly while his beige cardigan revealed a pressed gray shirt underneath. “I got us Shiraz and salted nuts.”
“Thanks.” She took the snacks from him. They felt odd in her palms. She was used to men eating popcorn and drinking Coke while watching 3D movies with nonstop explosions. Apparently, a movie date with Maxim was nothing like that.
The vintage cinema with its crown moldings and thick, velvety curtains resembled a theater. Instead of noisy teenagers, intellectuals who had probably seen Citizen Kane half a dozen of times surrounded Sierra, making her wish she’d googled the synopsis beforehand.
“Do you like the wine?”
Sierra took a quick sip. Besides being underage, which she hadn’t mentioned to Maxim, she wasn’t much of a drinker, especially when it came to red wine. “Yeah. It’s good.”
“A part of my cellar is a wine chamber.”
“That’s cool.”
The lights went out, and Maxim wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Her pulse quickened. The excitement of an impending kiss turned into disappointment when she realized he had no intention of taking his eyes off Orson Welles. She slumped into her seat and stuffed her mouth with peanuts, trying to appreciate the movie.
She didn’t. Her thoughts drifted to Louis and the lengths he had gone to add her to his followers. How many others were out there who would do the same or worse? And what would the Umbra have done to her if Gavin hadn’t showed up? She shivered, realizing she would be a captive in the best-case scenario, dead in the worst-case scenario.
The attempt to think about something else brought another concern to the forefront. Was she responsible for Finn’s death? Savannah hadn’t seen a single crime for twenty years, until she showed up…If she was responsible, she wanted to help, or at least be able to protect herself. This way Gavin wouldn’t have to worry about her and could focus on his actual duties.
“They don’t make movies like this anymore,” Maxim said, and Sierra realized the credits were rolling. Lost in her thoughts, she had missed the movie. “What did you think?”
“It was good.” She hoped Maxim didn’t notice she had no idea what the movie had been about. He drew in closer. His mouth hovered above hers before they met. His lips tasted of licorice and blackberry. He deepened the kiss, the acidity of the wine trickling down on her tongue. Guilt exploded in her chest. Here she was on a romantic date with a great guy, thinking about another one. What was wrong with her?
“Should we take a walk, grab some coffee?” Maxim suggested as they exited the cinema. She nodded. Maxim talked about an Oscar-nominated movie he wanted to watch, which unfortunately wouldn’t play in Savannah’s cinemas. “What about you, what do you do for fun?”
“Umm.” She remembered her “trip” to Atlanta and suppressed the giggle rising in her throat. I get kidnapped, and then read texts that are invisible to human eyes. Oh, and I’m planning on training my telekinesis. She couldn’t even begin to imagine his reaction if she blurted out the truth. “I like to draw, and I’ve picked up running.”
“Very health conscious of you. It’s great for your heart. How long have you been running for?”
“A few weeks. I wasn’t very sporty in high school, but I guess people change with time.”
He nodded. “Yeah. I’ve changed a lot in the last few years.” She tilted her head, willing him to elaborate. “I’m more focused. I know what I want.”
She smiled. “You’re a researcher at a university, don’t you feel like you’ve already reached your goal?”
He shook his head. “This is just the beginning, and I have a feeling it’s about to get much better.” He pulled her in against him and kissed her.
Warmth rushed through her. This felt good. Real and normal. Maxim was exactly the type of guy she needed in her chaotic life.
The melodious rattling of Sapientia’s doorbell sounded, followed by a harrumph. Sierra swiveled to find two men exiting the coffee place. Her gaze locked with narrowed turquoise eyes. Next to Gavin stood a tall, dark-haired stranger with a blue aura. Judging by the cowboy boots and a checkered shirt, the Blur wasn’t from Savannah. She tugged at her purse strap, angry about her irrational desire to hide when she was doing nothing wrong.
“Gavin, how are you?” Maxim asked with a wide smile. Either he wasn’t aware of the tension or he chose to ignore it.
Gavin looked Maxim up and down, as if seizing him up.
“We should probably get going.” The dark-haired stranger attempted to dissolve the tension. His voice had a distinct twang, and Sierra guessed him to be Texan.
“Sierra, can I have a word with you?” A question, but Gavin’s broad stance and tight jaw made it clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Maxim stiffened for a split second before he relaxed. “I’ll get the drinks. What would you like?”
“A cappuccino. Thank you.” Sierra shot him an apologetic look. Once he disappeared behind the red-rimmed glass door, she hissed at Gavin, “That was really rude.”
Gavin’s gaze brushed over her face, down the front of her buttoned shirt to her jeans, shifting the heat of her vexation to a different type of fever.
“You look nice.” Was she imagining it or was Gavin’s voice even lower and huskier than usual? “What are you doing with Maxim here?”
“She’s on a date obviously,” the Blur replied for her.
Gavin’s lips thinned, and his stare pinned her, as if daring Sierra to confirm it.
“Yes. I am. If there’s nothing further you want to discuss with me, I’ll join Maxim now.” She made a beeline for the door, but Gavin’s next words stopped her.
“I can’t believe you’re on a date with him.” Her eyebrows pinched together. Her having doubts whether she was good enough for Maxim was one thing, but Gavin had no right to confirm her fears. “He’s a douche.”
Not expecting that, Sierra froze. Gavin took a step toward her and then another one. Standing so close to her, his woodsy scent of cedar and sandalwood enveloped her.
“Be careful.” Gavin’s voice, coarse as pumice seconds ago, melted into rich, dark chocolate. Then he turned and walked away with the stranger.
Sierra stared after the two men. If she didn’t know better, she might believe Gavin actually cared about her. She shook her head. He was just doing his job, keeping his promise to Gran.
“Ready to go?” Maxim handed Sierra her coffee, his face relaxed, as if the tense exchange with Gavin had never happened.
Sierra wished she could move on as quickly and be as secure with herself as Maxim was. He laced his fingers through hers, and they ambled down the street, discussing restaurants and bars, Maxim listing his favorites. The perfect gentleman, he insisted on walking Sierra to her front door.
“I really enjoyed tonight. I can’t wait for our second date.”
A tingling sensation spread in her chest as Maxim cradled her head. His face inched closer. His lips fell upon hers. She opened her mouth, and his tongue met hers, circling it. Her muscles melted into gooey caramel.
With a grin, she entered the apartment. Her grin shattered when she noticed Gran’s stern expression.
“You’re late.”
Sierra crossed her arms. “By like ten minutes.”
“I worry about you.”
&nb
sp; “I won’t stop living my life just because there’re people out there who want to harm me.”
Gran rose from the couch and folded the blanket that had covered her legs seconds ago. “It’s not just your physical safety I worry about.”
“Maxim is a good guy. He’s smart and sweet—”
Gran drew Sierra into an embrace. Placing a kiss on her temple, Gran whispered, “But is he the one you really want?”
Chapter 18
As soon as Gavin unlocked his empty bar, Cooper teleported from the entry to the counter, and then behind it. “Do you mind if I help myself?” He pointed at a Corona bottle.
“Sure, go ahead.” Unlike Gio, Cooper had the decency to ask.
“You like the Fluidus.” Cooper handed Gavin an opened beer.
“I owe Waldeburg, and Sierra is her granddaughter.”
“Uh-huh.” Cooper took a large gulp. He didn’t seem to be buying the explanation. Hell, at this point, even Gavin didn’t believe himself. “What is it that’s stopping you from asking Sierra out?”
Gavin crossed his arms. “We need to find Louis’s camera. I’m sick of him monitoring me.”
“Fine. We’ll do that first.” With that, Cooper began teleporting across the room. One second he stood at the cash register, the next he was at a corner booth, another second later he was examining the lock on the front door.
Gavin wanted to point out that walking around like a normal person would’ve taken just as much, if not less, time. He didn’t, because he understood that using one’s powers without having to look left and right for bystanders was an indulgence. If he had been a Blur like Cooper, he would teleport as much as he could. How blissful it must be to escape one’s body and disintegrate into water or air particles, if only for a few seconds.
“The liquor.”
Gavin joined Cooper behind the counter. “What about it?”
Cooper pulled out the Midori. “Mind if I break this?”
Fluidus Rising: A YA Paranormal Novel: (The Ardere Series Book1) Page 11