Discovering Shadows

by Jenkins, Tawnya

  “No!” she shouted, Nate used his body to shield her from the debris.

  New Beginnings

  Lily couldn’t tell you much of what happened after they left the compound, Nate had told her that her brother was dead, and now Reece is dead. She felt empty inside, everything was her fault, all of this was her fault. Nate had to carry up her up the stairs once they arrived back at Aiden’s place. She refused to go into his room, not after what she had done. Now she lay there in a bed, in a foreign room not knowing what to do next, so she gave into the darkness and went to sleep.

  Not knowing what to do to, Nate made arrangements for the team to stay in a small condo in Avon Lake. Still close to Sorrow, but he felt there had been enough sorrow, they needed a change of scenery. Stepping up Nate had called the League to provide them with an update; he recommended that Alaric, Victor and Emily be reassigned. He also requested a small leave of absence for himself and Lily in order to have time to grieve and recoup. Reluctantly they had granted his request.

  Nate made Lily a bowl of hot soup, and took it to her room.

  “Hey, Lil.” He knocked once before entering. The room was just the way he left it, as was Lily—curled up under the massive pile of covers, in the middle of the bed.

  “Go away,” she groaned.

  “Nope, not going to happen, you’re stuck with me,” he joked as he set the bowl down next to her on the table. “Come on you got to eat something, you’re going to wither away.”

  She pulled the covers up over her head. “Who would care?”

  He pulled the covers back to reveal her face. “I would, come on, Lily don’t keep doing this to yourself.” He handed her the soup. “Eat this and then you’re taking a shower, I mean a bath. I’ll run you some water and stay in here while you’re in there . . . you know just in case.”

  “What does it matter? They’re dead Nate! Leo and Reece and Sam. Even Aiden is gone, they’re all gone and it’s all my fault.” She sobbed.

  Nate was on the bed in seconds, he placed the bowl back on the table and scooped her up in his arms, stroking her head gently as she soaked his shirt with tears. “Its okay, Lily. It’s going to be okay, I promise. We will get through this together, okay?” She nodded and wiped her nose with his sleeve. “That’s sort of gross,” he joked and she laughed. For the first time she started to feel like maybe she would be okay. Lily took the bowl from the table and let the now warm liquid soothe her throat. “Do you think, maybe you could make some coffee?” she asked.

  “Of course.” he smiled.

  “With some mini marshmallows in it?” She gave him a pouty face.

  He laughed. “You got it. You finish the soup and I’ll go make that coffee. Then you can get cleaned up and we’ll get out of here.”

  “Where are we going,” she asked with a mouth full of chicken noodle.

  “A small town called Avon Lake. I got us a condo right on the beach. Thought we could both use a change of scenery.”

  “Oh.”

  “Are you okay with that?”

  “Yeah, I mean. I guess he isn’t coming back, so there’s no reason for us to stay here.” She held her tears in, allowing the reality to sink in.

  “Hey.” He bent down and lifted her chin with his thumb. “It’s going to be okay.” She nodded and spooned another bite into her mouth. “Alright, I’m going to get that coffee going so we can get out of here.”

  Pieces

  Avon Lake was beautiful, even the sign was welcoming, “Avon Lake welcomes you.” She immediately felt the small town love, as they drove past a few elderly couples holding hands walking down the main road. The small town had a cute little theater and a few thrift shops. As they passed a place called the Avon Café and Coffee House, Lily demanded they stop for coffee. She ordered something called a Mounds Bar and it was heavenly. They also had food so she got a turkey club Panini.

  The condo was small but right along the beach, it reminded her a lot of her old home. It came fully furnished; all white leather furniture. Dark cherry wooden tables and a nightstand. White walls bordered with pastel wallpaper. “You go ahead and take the master bedroom, girls need more space anyways.” He shrugged.

  “Thanks,” she said quietly as she unloaded what little stuff she had from the car. “Um, do you think we can make a run to the store or something soon? I don’t really have a lot of clothes or you know, girl stuff.”

  “Oh, yeah. Of course, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about it. I am used to traveling light. But we need to go get some groceries and stuff so we can grab your stuff then, too.”

  “Okay, I uh . . . don’t have my ID or any of my credit cards anymore and we went through all the cash I had already.”

  “Don’t worry about it Lil, the team has their own credit card for stuff we need for missions. I’ll get you what you need.” He smiled. Lily nodded and went up the stairs to get situated into her new room. The room was massive, much bigger than the one she grew up in. A large four-post king sized bed stood in the center, surrounded by a nightstand on each side, each one with a small bouquet of white daisies. There’s a large antique looking dresser with a mirror on the top, a descent size walk in closet and a massive spa like tub in the bathroom. She didn’t allow herself to get too happy about the new place; happiness was not something she deserved.

  The trip to the store only took an hour there and back, Lily found it uncomfortable spending the League’s money. She picked up a few plain T-shirts and jeans. She got a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of boots and some hair products. She also picked up some feminine products. Her periods had stopped during all the stress and chaos, but now with things calming down she expected it anytime. Nate was great, constantly coaching her to get whatever she needed and wanted. He even threw a couple of chick flick DVDs and books into the cart, telling her she needed an escape from reality once in a while.

  It was odd for her to walk around without her soul, she wondered if she was missing something. Even though her eyes had changed back to normal, she felt dead inside but was amazed she could feel anything at all. Once they got home, she curled up with a blanket and began reading one of the books while Nate barbecued some burgers. The week continued on without any incidents, and Nate and Lily settled into a nice routine. She would cook breakfast he would make coffee. He would do dishes she would make lunch. He would cook dinner she would clean up.

  Things seemed to be pretty normal, but Lily was always fearful of the calm before the storm. She found herself constantly on alert and still jumped at loud noises. No matter how hard Nate tried he could never make her feel safe.

  It was a Wednesday night when Nate convinced her to get dressed up; he wanted to take her out. It wasn’t a date he assured her, just two friends having a night out. She wore a pair of dark skinny jeans and a maroon tank top with a gray cardigan. She had slept with her hair in a braid the night before, so it now had a slight wave to it.

  “Wow, you look—you look amazing.” Nate smiled at her as she came down the stairs.

  Lily blushed. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  He had on a pair of jeans and a white polo. His hair had gotten slightly longer but he had it perfectly styled. “So, where are going?”

  “I did some research, found a nice Italian place I thought we’d try. It’s called Vintage House Café.”

  “Sounds good, I’m starving.” she chuckled.

  The restaurant was beautiful, a little on the classy side. The waitress had seated them in a small booth in the corner of the room. Lily waited for the waitress to leave. “What’s going on, Nate?”

  Nate looked confused. “What are you talking about?”

  “This.” She motioned with her hand around the room. “This is too much, it’s too nice.”

  “What? You don’t think you deserve something nice?”

  “No!” she said a little louder than she realized. “I mean I’m good with a burger joint or something. Why did you pick this place?”

  He sig
hed, and folded his hands on the table. “Look Lily, I see you, okay. You think I don’t, but I do. I see the emptiness in your eyes; the pain that is always written on your face, even when you smile . . . it’s there. I hate it, okay. I just thought maybe I could give you something happy, just for a little while. We’ve both been through so much in such a short time, and it’s more than anyone should have to endure in a lifetime. I just feel like you need this as much as I do.”

  Not knowing really what to say, she reached her hand out and covered his with her own giving it a slight squeeze. “Thank you.”

  They finished dinner and saw a comedy, the latest Will Ferrell movie. By the end of the night, Lily had taken Nate’s arm as they strolled down the beach. “This was nice, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He smiled down at her.

  Revenge

  Lily excused herself early once they got home and lay in her bed staring at the ceiling. She was nearly asleep when she heard Nate scream, “Lily! Run!” And then there was a loud crash. Lily’s heart rate increased as she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Panicked she threw off the covers and ran into the bathroom, not knowing what else to do, she started running water in the tub and positioned herself next to it. Her fingers itched to manipulate the water, it begged for her to control it—it had been way too long.

  Giving in she placed her finger near the spout and drew the stream to her. It felt like coming home for the first time in a long time. She breathed in a sigh of relief, as she connected her emotions with the water, preparing it for whatever enemy was coming. When her father walked through the door, the water fell to the ground; she had not expected to see him.

  “You! Get out!” she demanded.

  “Oh come now, my dear, I have been searching for you; you disappeared on me. I’ve been so worried.”

  “Worried,” she spat, fists now clenched at her sides. “You used me! You lied to me! And because of you, people I love are dead!”

  “People you love? You mean that poor excuse you called a brother? The one that lied to you all those years? Or that fool of a man that thought he was your equal?”

  “Don’t you dare talk about them! Do you hear me? Don’t you dare speak their names or so help me I will rip your tongue from your mouth!” Lily stated, feeling her anger boil inside her. She knew what was coming; she could feel the flames emerging. To her surprise the flames were now a faint bluish-green in color. And, instead of feeling hot she felt a chill as the new flames swirled around her.

  Davarius appeared just as shocked as he stood perfectly still. “Fascinating. Oh my dear you are something, aren’t you? A rose in a bed of thorns—magnificent. Come with me, let me help you,” he pleaded. Swiping her foot out, she kicked his feet out from under him, sending him crashing to the floor. She pounced on him, landing blow after blow to his face. That’s when she noticed the pendant, the glowing red calling to her like a beacon. Stopping her assault briefly, she ripped it from his neck.

  A shock jolted through her as her hand connected with the stone, Mine she thought to herself, as she tightened her hand around it. A thousand memories surfaced to her in that moment; Leo’s laugh, her father’s bedtime stories, her mother’s smile, without thinking she crumbled the stone in her hand. A bright red light emerged and filled the room, Davarius gasped as the light spun around and around, and then like water down a drain, it flooded down his throat. The force of it threw Lily backwards, she watched in amazement as the light lifted Davarius from the floor and then all at once, combusted inside him; sending pieces of him scattering throughout the room.

  As if knowing where it belonged the red light regrouped itself and then gently approached Lily, soaking through her chest. It felt like someone had given her CPR, her lungs expanded and her chest puffed, as she finally was able to breathe again.

  Nate bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time to reach Lily. “Lily?” he called out.

  “In here,” she said quietly from the bathroom. Nate burst in and assessed the situation, he could see the body parts scattered around the room. “He’s dead,” she said calmly.

  Nate rushed to her and lifted her up from the floor. “Are you okay?” he asked, searching her face.

  “Yeah, I think for the first time in a long time, I am.” She smiled and then crashed her lips to his. Nate tightened his arms around her and deepened the kiss. Lily’s emotions were on overdrive, as she fisted her hands through his hair. Nate’s hands roamed over her exposed back as he carried her to the bed. Lily knew she would never be the same again, but for the first time she had hope, and she had Nate.

  New Evil

  Andros paced the small space of the cabin; it had been hours since Davarius had reported back. He should have never agreed to involve the girl, how foolish it is to rely on a female. They lie to get their way, and then once they hook you, they die and rip out your heart. When his phone rang he had almost guessed it was bad news, seemed to be the story of his life lately.

  When he had heard the news his beloved was pregnant, he was overjoyed, the thought of being a father was a joyous occasion. When he learned of her deceit and her being unfaithful he had tried hard to forgive her to assure her he wasn’t going anywhere. It nearly killed him when she left him at nearly nine months pregnant, and even more so to learn of her death.

  He had gone on a rampage. When the League sent a team out to eliminate him, he was outraged. Who are they to decide his fate, what gives them the right to be the order over all? No more, he would take his place as the leader and show the world what he was truly capable of. Andros entered the bedroom, and approached the sleeping man in the bed. Very carefully he injected his new formula into the man’s neck, causing him to shake violently. “Wake up now, Reece, my son, the world awaits its demise.”

  To be continued in “Illuminating Shadows”

  Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. While you wait for Illuminating Shadows, please enjoy an excerpt from my next book: Conjured Hearts.

  CONJURED HEARTS

  (Coming Soon)

  Chapter One

  “Please, please babe . . . can’t we—can’t we talk about this?” I sobbed.

  “Let go, Allison. It’s over, I can’t do this anymore,” Logan replied as he unlatched my hand from his leg. I collapsed onto the floor as I heard the faint echo of the front door slam shut. And just like that my world crumbled. My heart broke. Logan and I had been together for three years things were great. We had finally gotten our own apartment together. He was the first guy I’ve ever dated and the love of my life. Still, I knew . . . deep down I knew this day would come. I’m no good for him. I know that, I know he deserves better than me. But knowing that doesn’t stop it from hurting.

  When he had gotten down on one knee, I knew I couldn’t say yes. I wanted to, Gods how I wanted to. I stared at that sparkling diamond like a little girl starring at a lollipop. My fingers itched to put it on. My heart begged me to scream yes and jump into his arms, but my mind knew better. I hated that my mother was right; we can’t date mortals. Not only is it against our laws, but well, it just never works out. He would age, gracefully I’m sure. Salt and pepper hair and a distinguished jaw line, but me . . . I would age until I looked around thirty, and then I would stop. I had hoped I would be different, that Logan and I would be the exception. I had turned him down so many times, before finally agreeing to date him. He was perfect. The way his hazel colored eyes changed colors with his mood. The way his perfect lips curved into a smile every time I walked into the room. His soft wavy chocolate-brown hair that I loved to run my fingers through. As badly as I want to run after him, I know I can’t give him what he needs . . . what he deserves.

  My mother chooses this exact moment to appear in front of me.

  “Oh Allison really, all these tears and theatrics for a simple mortal boy. Pick yourself up from that floor this instant. No member of the Pierce family will ever gravel,” My mother, Victoria say
s in her most prestige tone of voice. My family is like royalty in our community, and Mother will never let me forget it. As I gather myself up, I take in her polished black high heels and red pencil skirt. She has on a perfectly pressed white button up shirt and her signature string of pearls. Her jet-black hair is meticulously gathered into a side ponytail and her lips are stained red. She looks like a pin-up girl from the 1950’s. “There, that’s much better darling,” she says as I pick myself up. “Now I trust you will be attending this year’s Solstice ceremony?”

  “No, Mother, actually I will not,” I state with my arms crossed defiantly.

  “Come now, of course you will attend. I already assured your father and grandmother that you would, and you know I simply hate being untrue,” she replied, while gazing at her red painted nails.

  “I don’t want anything to do with all of this . . . this magic stuff. I just want to be normal and live a normal life with a great guy.”

  “Don’t be stupid, Allison, you are far from normal. You are destined to be a legend like the rest of your lineage. You’re of age now and it’s time for you to attend and find your mate.”

  “I don’t want to find a mate! Don’t you get it? This is stupid . . . all of it, I don’t want anything to do with any of it,” I shouted.

  “You listen to me,” she stated, as she ran her manicured nail up my throat to my chin. “You will attend this Solstice. You will be on your best behavior. And you will not embarrass this family with that kind of talk, or outbursts of that nature. You will be twenty in a few months, and once you start your transition, you will need your mate. You will find one or I will arrange one for you. Do I make myself perfectly clear, young lady?” she scolded.

  “Crystal,” I seethed as she vanished before my eyes. Ugh! I wanted to scream, to hurl something through the wall. Instead I sunk back to the floor and cried until I had no more tears left. My father comes from a long line of Conjurers. His mother, my grandma, is one of the most respected leaders of all our clans. Our clan is very fortunate. Every generation has managed to find their mate. That puzzle piece that perfectly connects them together. Not every clan is so lucky; a few of our clans have gone generations without mating. They mate with mortals and end up with half-blood children—children that will never be accepted by our people. They never fully gain their conjuring abilities and end up being jinxed—or exiled as it is more commonly known. Being a Conjurer is sort of like a witch. Some of us have the ability to make things appear out of thin air or even make ourselves appear, like my mother did. Each of us however, is unique. We won’t know what our particular ability is until we meet our mate and our full power comes forth. It takes a great deal of strength to transport yourself, a talent not many clan members have. Everyone in my family has this ability, well everyone except me.