Treasured Secrets (Coveted Saga #1) (The Coveted Saga)

by C. M. Owens

  My body was firmly placed against his, and his arms were on top of mine. I followed his body movement, and I could feel something - I just didn't know what it was.

  I started to ask him what it was that I was feeling, when suddenly, fire erupted from his palms. He crisscrossed the blaze to create a repetitive pattern, and I felt entranced under the spell of its beauty. I couldn't feel any heat from the fire, but I could feel the power as if it was my own. My body flowed with his as he continued projecting the magnificent blaze.

  Then he spoke softly in my ear as we continued to flow together. "Pretty soon you'll feel your own magic. It'll feel even better than this." Then the fire suddenly disappeared, abandoning us in the cold.

  I almost had to catch my breath when I stumbled away from him. Everyone had spoken about magic, lectured me on it, even given me some shining demonstrations, but this was the first time anyone had let me feel it.

  "That was amazing. I've never felt anything like that," I breathlessly released.

  He just smiled at me. "It's not just magic - it's an art. It can bring you peace and release. There's no other feeling like it in the world. You hold the control and you feel grounded."

  His distraction was needed, and it did give me a sense of calm. Nothing could quell my need to be with Tallis, but it was enough to push the heartbreaker away from the forefront of my mind.

  "Thank you. I guess I need to get back in. I'm sure the house has cooled down by now. Not to mention, I'm frigging freezing now."

  He chuckled lightly. "Sorry. I forget how cold it can be during the winters." Then he turned back like he was going to continue blazing.

  I stopped walking and faced his back before speaking again. "Are you going to stay out here all night?"

  He turned back to me to respond. His eyes pulsed, and I felt something happen. I felt as though there was a furnace suddenly inside me, warming me from the inside out. It felt confusing, but it offered such delicious heat.

  "That should make you feel a bit warmer out here. Should you want to stay a little longer. I'll just be another hour or so."

  I looked at him, my curiosity piqued to the nth degree. "Did you just use your power to warm me up?"

  He gave me a cocky smirk as he nodded. Then he winked at me and turned back to continue blazing.

  I was fascinated with his skill, so I decided to watch. His movements and his power were so magnificent together, a mesmerizing force that left me enthralled. I tried to deny my heavy lids the ability to shut, but they kept winning the battle. I sat in the small chair, fighting sleep, determined to watch, but it was pointless. In the end, the locking grip of sleep prevailed.

  I woke up the next morning to the perfect temperature for a house. I looked around to see I was in my room. I was sort of embarrassed about falling asleep while watching Jared. I supposed he had put me in my bed.

  I got ready and went downstairs. I could smell breakfast cooking. When I reached the bottom of the steps, I found Gear and Olivia.

  "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

  I blushed slightly at Gear's question, which made him raise his brow in suspicion.

  My mind flashed back to the intense moment I had unexpectedly shared with Jared. "Yeah, but I had to adjust the thermostat early this morning."

  Then I heard Jay start to laugh as he joined us in the kitchen. "Sorry, Aria. I think I may have bumped it last night on my way out."

  I tried not to think of my late-night rendezvous with Jared as I fibbed slightly. "No big deal. I just fixed it and went back to bed." Then I remembered something. "Hey, Jay. What're you doing tonight?"

  Jay raised one eyebrow at me. "Nothing that I know of. Why do you ask?"

  I sighed in exasperation. "There's this stupid party I have to go to. Mom wants me to engage in every social activity I'm invited to. I really don't want to go alone, and I haven't exactly made any friends yet."

  He frowned at me. "What about Taryn or McKee?"

  I rolled my eyes. "Taryn has a thing to do out of town, and given the bizarre behavior of McKee, I'd rather not ask him. I think that would only complicate things more."

  "Selesha?" he asked, swallowing hard after straining out her name.

  Jay hadn't spoken about Selesha much since he met Ayla, and Selesha had gone off to lick her wounds in solitude. She'd asked Olivia not to say anything, but Olivia let it slip to me.

  "Busy," I mumbled, stealing a quick glance at Olivia.

  She was frowning now. Selesha was one of her best friends, and Jay was completely in love with Ayla. Olivia felt disloyal, but she knew Jay couldn't deny his soul mate, nor did he want to.

  Apparently Selesha and Jay were linked. The same thing Tallis thought was going on between us. The moment he found his other half, his feelings for Selesha vanished. I couldn't imagine the heartbreak she was facing, because, despite their denials, they were both captivated by the other.

  Jay shook his head after a beat. "I can't go. I'd have to take Ayla, because I can't leave her for too long yet, and I'm an electric. If anyone was to say anything about her that made me mad, every light bulb in the house would blow. It'd be fortunate if no one got electrocuted."

  It was very frustrating how close two soul mates had to stay after the initial acceptance of the connection. I did, however, understand his point. So then I turned my attention to Gear. "How about you?"

  He frowned. "I would, Aria, but I have to go check out some leads tonight. Everett is guarding you tonight. Why don't you just go with him?"

  I rolled my eyes. "I don't think he likes me very much. I'll just ask Ash. Maybe she can go with me."

  "She has to meet up with some other blazers for training tonight. And before you think about Aster, she and Chris have plans as well. You may have to go solo tonight," Jay said, shrugging.

  I sighed in aggravation. "I'd rather not. I can only imagine the things that would be said if I showed up alone after all the guy drama I've had at school. I already get tired of hearing what the hyenas have to say when I have somebody with me, let alone when I'm by myself."

  Jay scowled, his face reddened, and I heard at least two light bulbs shatter in the chandelier that was growing tired of its stress.

  "I changed my mind," he said through gritted teeth, a few more bulbs bursting to add drama. "I'll go and take care of them. Then you won't have to worry about them anymore."

  I rolled my eyes again and handed him the broom, agitated by the fact I was finding normalcy in the chaos.

  "No. That won't be necessary. I'll just find someone else... Maybe."

  "I'll take her," a new voice interjected. "I don't have anything else to do tonight. I'll make sure no one has anything wise to say either. I've got enough swagger for a social function."

  Jared's Irish accent was a little richer than it had been the day before, making him a bit too swoon-worthy. I guessed he normally dialed it down.

  I turned to face him, feeling a little exposed. It was embarrassing for people to know I was a big pathetic target for the Twisted Barbie Club.

  "You don't have to do that. I'm sure a high school party isn't exactly what you'd planned on doing while you're here."

  He leaned up against the wall and smiled at me, warming me with his charming grin. "I think I can handle a high school party just fine. Besides, I'm getting bored. I've always been a sucker for a damsel in distress."

  Just what I needed. Someone else's pity.

  Gear grumbled a little. "You know the rules, Jared."

  Jared just laughed. "You have got to lighten up. I know the rules. I'm just helping the girl out. She really shouldn't have to go alone. Mortals girls are vicious, you know."

  Gear smiled at him and let out a bit of a laugh. "Fine."

  Then Jared winked at me. "I'll pick you up around seven?"

  I laughed slightly at his obvious joke, considering he was staying on the floor just below me. "Sounds good."

  Chapter 15

  Mean girls

  Whoever said 'these
are the best years of your life' must have been popular. It's not that way for everyone.

  I walked down the stairs in a tight pair of jeans that tucked into my boots which came up to my knees. I had on a white shirt that fell off one shoulder just slightly.

  I put my coat on and started looking around for Jared. But I heard him before I saw him.

  "High school dress code is a lot different than what it was when I was in high school." His eyes caught mine while he rapidly descended the staircase. Then he continued. "I might've shown up to class a bit more if all the girls had looked like that."

  He winked at me before giving me his best that's-right-I'm-cute-and-you-know-it grin.

  I tried hide my blushing cheeks by turning away before speaking. "Thanks for going with me. I apologize in advance for anything that might be said. Some of these people are jerks."

  Jared's hand moved to the small of my back as he held the door open for me. "Why don't you just tell your mom what's going on? I'm sure she'd let you skip these sorts of events if you did."

  I shook my head. "You don't know my mom very well. I can hear her now. 'Making friends is never easy. Arisianna, dear, you have to kill them with kindness. Things are never easy in life, so you need to learn the best way to fight your own battles now.' The list of wiser-than-thou quotes goes on and on."

  He laughed slightly at my impersonation before he spoke. "She doesn't realize mean girls have risen to a whole new level these days, huh?"

  I just sighed. It felt odd talking about girl politics with an immortal who probably had far worse things to deal with. I felt childish, but I couldn't help it. Despite the fact I was a little mature for my age, I was indeed still seventeen. I deserved to act like it on occasion.

  "No. And I don't want to tell her either. Everyone has enough to worry about. I can deal with a few nasty comments if everyone else can deal with keeping the world safe."

  Fine. Maybe it was harder to be a selfish teen than I thought. I felt petty for letting Elaina and her bitch patrol get under my skin.

  He laughed a little harder, possibly poking fun of my miniscule problems. "How very noble of you." Then he opened the door to his jeep. He saw me eyeing it skeptically.

  "I put your crest in it. Everett will be following us as well. You're safe."

  Oddly enough, I did feel safe with him. I barely knew him, but I felt protected. I'd seen him use his fire recreationally, and I could only imagine how much of a threat it would be if the need arose.

  I climbed in the jeep and he shut the door for me. As soon as he opened the door on his side, I asked him a question that was bugging me.

  "How old are you? Or... how old were you when you transformed?"

  "Transformed?" he asked, grinning.

  I flushed. "Whatever it's called," I grumbled.

  He chuckled lightly to himself.

  "Nineteen. I was one of the youngest ever to transform, until your friend Tallis came along."

  I winced noticeably at the mention of Tallis's name, but I tried to recover before he noticed.

  "So, you didn't have too many years to explore the mortal side of life?"

  He laughed a little. "Judging by the way you're dreading this party - an event that is supposed to be fun - it doesn't seem as though I missed out on too much."

  I rolled my eyes. "I'm sure your high school years were just fine. All a guy has to do is look good and sound cool. It’s not as easy for the girls."

  I heard him snickering before he responded. "Is that your way of telling me that you find me attractive?"

  I could feel my face suddenly beaming red again, and I started stammering in an effort to recover from my blabbering fiasco.

  "That's not… I was just saying… Oh forget it. I think you know what you look like."

  I slumped lower in my seat as his laughter roared free. How did my foot get that wedged in my mouth?

  "Yes, I do know what I look like. I just wasn't sure if you'd noticed. I'm looking forward to this party a little more now that I know you have. We might break a few of Gear's rules."

  He winked at me and such an adorably cocky grin perked up. I just shook my head before lowering it in embarrassment.

  We pulled up to the house shortly after, much to my relief. I wasn't even sure whose house it was. All I knew was the address and the time to be there. Maybe I'd get lucky and Elaina wouldn't even be there.

  There were people everywhere, which meant Miss Socialite Alpha Hyena was probably somewhere within the mix. My nerves balled up. I really didn't want to do this.

  Most of the people looked like strangers. Were we at the wrong place? That would be perfect.

  Jared hopped out and walked around to my side to open the door.

  "Well, it's now or never." Then he held out his hand to take mine.

  I took a deep breath as I got out. I saw two of the girls that usually followed Elaina around, making this all too real. My stomach started twisting up with knots. I had already been embarrassed in front of Tallis numerous times, and it would be nice if Jared didn't have to witness the same events he had.

  Jared studied me, seeming to notice my tense... everything. "Aria, we can leave. I can tell your mom we were here. I'll just leave out the details about how long we stayed. If she prods for more information, I'll turn on the charm and lead her to think we stayed longer. I can be rather convincing."

  I was instantly very fond of that idea. "Let's hang out for a minute so I can tell her I was here and then we can bail. I'm not as good at lying as you claim to be."

  He chuckled a little. "Alright. Sounds like a plan."

  We walked up to the enormous house and went in, narrowly avoiding the two hyenas. I breathed out in relief when I saw them veer right instead of following us. There were kids my age everywhere. We could hear splashing out back as if there was a pool. We were almost back there when I saw Elaina.

  Bile rose to my throat when I saw the malice glaring from her eyes. She looked away from me long enough to appraise Jared, and then the frosty stare was back.

  "Well, well, well. She did show up," Elaina snarked, her lips curled up in a wry grin.

  Her hyenas laughed, acting like the sheep they were. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one hip. Then she continued. "And she brought yet another new boy toy."

  Jared put his arm around me protectively, seeming bored with Elaina and her mignons. When my knees grew shaky, rattled with stress and nerves, I leaned against him for support.

  "He's hot," one of her giggly, drunken mignons blurted out.

  Jared just rolled his eyes as he pulled me away from the girls. Elaina wasn't the type to let someone walk away though, so she took another stab at me.

  "I guess he's in a hurry to get what she gives out so freely." Then she and her hyenas cackled in unison. Several of the drunken partiers joined in, some of them laughing without even knowing why.

  I bet if my mother knew there was a bunch of underage drinkers here I'd never have to go to another social function again. Of course, she'd also call every parent of everyone she knew was involved. That certainly wouldn't help my status at school.

  Jared turned around with a dangerous smirk playing on his lips. "No, I'm just too old to hang out with trash. I'm used to being around a more attractive crowd. Quite frankly, your thunder thighs are a total buzz kill. Gonzo's nose over there isn't doing anything for me either." He pointed at one of the girls standing beside Elaina. She grabbed her nose quickly and her face blushed with humiliation.

  I stifled a laugh, even though his insults were absolutely terrible. He really needed to brush up on current cut-downs. Too old to hang out with trash? Gonzo? Thunder thighs? Sheesh. He sounds like my grandfather insulting someone. Ew.

  Elaina snarled at him, suddenly looking rabid. She was about to say something else when he turned back around. There was an oversized, pretentious portrait of her and her family on the wall. If I had known that this was her house, I would have never come.

  Before I
even knew what was going on, the portrait was on fire, blazing uncontrollably. There was no smell of smoke though.

  My mouth hung unhinged as I stared in shock. A few gasps rang out as others took notice, but Elaina's back was to it. She had no clue.

  Jared smiled menacingly, popping candy in his mouth so casually as he brought it to her attention. "I don't suppose you have a fire extinguisher, do you?"

  The burning smell finally crept around as the smoke seemed to double, but she still didn't notice.

  Elaina looked confused as she replied. "No… Why?"

  He smiled as he continued popping the candy in his mouth. "Because you're going to need a damn good one to put that out. It's a scorcher." He pointed at the picture behind her.

  Elaina whipped around to see her oversized, obnoxious family portrait blazing. The walls were scorching and the floor was starting to singe, much to my twisted delight. She and her hyenas were panicking and some of the other party members started laughing at their frantic attempts to put it out.

  I elbowed Jared slightly in the waist and whispered to him. "Put it out before you burn the whole house down. You proved your point."

  He just laughed as he flicked his wrist. The fire was extinguished as quickly as it had started, but the scorched remnants and smoky haze remained. The portrait was destroyed.

  "My parents are going to kill me," Elaina wailed, tears filling up in her eyes.

  Then Jared smarted off before we walked away. "Personally, I'd say the place looks a lot better now."

  He pulled me away from the party quickly before anyone else could say anything to hurt my feelings. I felt like a spineless wimp once again - a pathetic cause for rescue.

  We got back out to the car and he held the door open for me, grinning smugly as he ushered me in.

  Everett came running up, sounding panicked. "Jared, was that you?" Jared nodded. Then Everett continued, relief covering his face. "Thank God. I was worried there was a blazer here other than you." Then realization settled in and he tilted his head, bemused. "Why did you blaze up the house?"

  Jared kind of laughed lightly. "They were giving Aria a hard time. I thought I would distract them a little and wreak a little havoc on their perfect little lives. Mission accomplished."