Tethered (A BirthRight Novel)

by Hall, Brandi Leigh

  “Will one of you please fill us in on what you saw?” Gram’s agitated voice makes me jump.

  Oh god, I’ve never been good at conveying bad news. You can do this, Chloe. I take a deep breath, making eye contact with Michael. “Well, your father is going to hold an exorcism at his house, like you said, sometime tomorrow. I didn’t recognize four of the people, but Natalia and her husband will be there with the children. While they’re upstairs sleeping, the rest are down stairs performing the ritual. From what I could tell, things start going crazy and the candles they have lighting the room end up catching the entire place on fire. The fresh paint must make it extremely flammable.”

  “What? I told him not to use oil-based paint and stain. Damn it!” His eyes open wide. “Please tell me they get out okay?” Michael’s face turns white, paralyzed with fear.

  “I’m so sorry, Michael.” Aunt Morgan’s voice cracks, eyes glazing over in remembrance of what she’d seen. “Unless we figure out a way to stop them, they all die in the fire.”

  He shakes his head. “No. This can’t happen. There must be a way to stop him. Are you sure it happens tomorrow night?” Michael’s fretful eyes dart back and forth between us.

  “Yes, I’m sure,” I answer. “I don’t know how I know, I just know.” Even though this isn’t what he wants to hear, I have to be honest. I can’t help but wish I didn’t.

  Gram gets up, pacing across the pewter slate tiles. “Michael, you must try again with your parents. Do whatever you can. If you’re not able to convince him to not go through with this, then we need to figure out a way to save them before it’s too late.”

  He holds his palm to his forehead. “Okay. I’ll try. I’ll also call my sister and tell her to stay home with Emma and Isabelle.”

  “Do what you can.” Gram hugs him with genuine tenderness. “Don’t worry, dear. No one will get hurt. I promise.”

  “But on a positive note...at least now we know what Mom meant by us using our powers together.” No matter how bad the situation, it feels good knowing I can make a vision happen—if I need to.

  “That is a good thing,” Gram replies. “I’m sure it’ll be very useful when we understand how to use it. But right now, we need to come up with a plan. And it will take all of us to do it.”

  Without giving it another seconds thought, I text Hunter with a nine-one-one, asking him to come over ASAP.

  Once everyone’s together, we work with Michael and Hunter to form a back-up plan for tomorrow night.

  This whole thing is partly our fault—so we have to make it right.

  Chapter 20

  The Botched Exorcism

  Aunt Morgan and Michael sit, pouting after yet another failed visit with his parents. And just as we expected, Mr. Russo refuses to listen to reason.

  He’s convinced it’s all lies—so there’s nothing they can say to change his mind. And to add insult to injury, now he thinks we’ve brainwashed his son. He’s even refusing to speak to Michael as long as he’s “tangled up with those devil worshipers again”.

  I sit in the living room, watching the surprising change in Aunt Morgan these last two days since she’s been talking to Michael. And considering the goo-goo eyes they’re giving each other, it’s clear how much they’re still in love, even after all these years.

  How wild is that?

  To lose the love of your life and spend the next two decades broken hearted—thinking he wanted nothing to do with you and the children you created—only to find out it was a lie and you’ve been hating the wrong person. Yeah, she’s gotta be on a cloud.

  Last night, I overheard Michael say he’d gotten married after college, but was never in love with her. She was his best friend, so he thought it only made sense to get married. They were together for ten years, but his never wanting to have kids eventually destroyed their marriage. The pain he felt from losing his twins with Morgan was something he never got over—so he never wanted to try again.

  But now he’s found his way back to the woman he’s always loved, and the children he always wanted, but lost.

  I can’t see what the future holds for Michael and Aunt Morgan, but my gut tells me they’ll find a way to work through it. Being apart for so long has done nothing to diminish their feelings. It’s extraordinary.

  I guess it’s never too late to start over.

  I suppose I can even understand why the boys feel so strongly about not helping Mr. Russo. But given the fact that we now know innocent people are involved—two of which are children—even the boys agree we have to help them.

  According to my vision, we have mere minutes to get them out once the fire starts. So we’ve spent the last few hours devising a plan that makes the most sense for everyone’s safety.

  We know the adults are together in the den when the fire breaks out, while Emma and Isabella are upstairs. And Michael thinks he can get his mother to let us know what room they’re in after Natalia puts them to bed.

  I keep trying to figure the exact time this so-called “exorcism” takes place, but I can’t trigger another vision. We know it’s after dark, so we just have to sit around watching the house for the first sign of a fire. Can you imagine? To make matters worse, the Russo den is the only room without windows, so we’ll be lucky if we’re not too late.

  Oddly enough, everyone’s in a good mood today. The idea of being able to use our powers, in light of this linking thing, has everyone buzzing with anticipation.

  As usual, it’s me who’s the worrywart—so I can’t get excited like they are. Not that I don’t understand where it’s coming from, because I do. My mind just refuses to let me think about anything other than what could go wrong.

  I sit on the couch watching Hunter shape-shift with my brother and cousins. It’s surprisingly impressive to watch. I’m just not sure what I think of this whole thing yet. It’s like nothing you can ever imagine.

  He must feel my eyes burning a hole through his forehead, so he turns my way and smiles. My god, even after breaking my heart, he still manages to make me flutter.

  I smile, turning the other way.

  We’re getting along okay, but it’s still somewhat unsettling having Hunter know everything about the family. My entire life I was never able to share our secrets with a single person. Now, not only does he know about us, but he also has his own secrets, which we need to protect in return. It’s a lot to handle.

  Like the gentleman he is, Hunter’s giving me plenty of space, but I’m still not myself. Yes, I made the choice to forgive him. And I can’t blame him for doing the exact same thing I had done. So what’s still holding me back? I miss holding him—and kissing him—yet I won’t allow myself to get too close.

  Is it possible hearing him say he’d fallen for me, freaked me out more than I realized? The night he told me, I was so overwhelmed by my vision, I suppose I might have over looked it.

  I was so convinced this was just a crush. But now I know destiny has other plans.

  It’s uncanny how well Hunter gets along with my family. As I sit here admiring the bonds he’s formed overnight, I’m reminded of what it was like before he came into our lives. He’s had an effect on each and every one of us. Is that part of the prophecy, too?

  We try deciphering the riddles to figure out who will play what part in the prophecy. The only thing we know for sure is, tonight’s plan is the pivotal event that puts everything into motion.

  But no pressure!

  I watch the four guys as they practice playing out possible scenarios. It’s fascinating to see how they can link their powers. If I weren’t so freaked out, I’d be joining in on the fun.

  No one has any idea how things will work out tonight—or if. There are any number of things that could go wrong on this rescue mission, but I need to have faith in our abilities. We can do this—I know we can.

  I force myself to stop fretting so I can spend some time with the ladies of the house. Another five minutes watching the guys and I might have testosterone-overload
.

  I drag my feet into the kitchen, finding the rest of the group going over the plan with Pap. Even though he can’t make any magical contributions, he still wants to help any way he can.

  “What’s up with the face?” Pap asks as I plop on the bar stool next to him.

  “Oh, you know me.” I admit, shrugging with a sigh.

  “Well, get over it for a few minutes and have some pie. Key Lime or Boston Crème?” His joyous grin makes it impossible not to smile.

  “How about one of each?” I lean my head on his shoulder as he chuckles.

  “Good call, dear. Who else wants a piece?” Gram opens the fridge, pulling out two heaping pans.

  Everyone raises their hands. She shakes her head, grabbing a stack of paper plates and plastic forks from the pantry.

  “Are the boys ready?” Aunt Morgan turns to look out towards the living room. “It’ll be dark soon.”

  They were pretty much done when I left the room. “Yeah, I’d say so. They’re just messing around now.”

  “Well, I’ll go tell them it’s almost time. I’d feel much better if we’re ready and waiting before the sun goes down.” Aunt Morgan tugs at her tight collar, heading towards the boys.

  “Good idea. Let’s hurry up with dessert and get everyone together on the front porch.” Gram puts what’s left of the pie back in the fridge.

  We shovel down dessert then head out to get the group together.

  On our way towards the front porch, Hunter grabs my arm. “Chloe. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  Once everyone goes out the door, I turn to him. “What’s up? You aren’t getting nervous, are you?”

  He shakes his head. “No, no. It’s nothing like that. I’m used to these types of situations. Usually much worse. It’s just that, we haven’t really talked since everything was brought out in the open. I’m not sure how we are...and I really miss you. I didn’t want us going into this without telling you how I feel.” Predictably, he shoves his hands in his front pockets.

  Oh my god, I’ve missed you, too! “I know what you mean. And I know I’ve been distant. I guess I just need time to digest everything. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been worried about tonight. And for the record, Hunter...I miss you just as much. I was so happy a few days ago, and then someone pulled the rug out from under me.” I look into his eyes, seeing his pain over the distance he’s caused.

  My stomach ties up in knots to see him like this.

  “Well, we have no way of knowing how this is going to work out tonight, but I need you to know...I love you. I don’t want you to say anything back. I just need to make sure I tell you, just in case something should go wrong.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “We haven’t been seeing each other very long, but I knew I would love you from the very first moment our eyes met at the airport. I’ve never experienced anything like this, and I just hope you give me the chance to prove it to you one day.”

  Whoa!

  My heart races, his words registering with undeniable clarity. I wasn’t expecting this at all. There’s so much swimming around in my mind, but I know this isn’t the time to get into it. So instead of trying to find the right words, I reach out for his hands. The second our skin touches, all sense of reality disappears.

  I tug his hands around my waist—then I wrap mine around his neck.

  Our eyes only meet for a second, but it’s all I need to make me forget my own name.

  Up on my tippy toes, I search to find the sweetness of his lips. My legs tremble. I hunger for the taste of his mouth—but I crave his touch more than anything. As we get lost in the most delicious, passionate kiss, the sound of giggling breaks our trance.

  “Are you kids coming out...or were you waiting for your personal invitation to come in the mail?” Pap chuckles, turning away from the open door.

  I’m not ready to let go just yet, so I rest my head on his chest, continuing to hold on tight. I can feel he wants me in his arms, just as much as I want to be here. But we have an important job to do. The lives of innocent people are about to be in our hands.

  We dolefully pull ourselves apart without saying a word, exchanging a knowing glance as I grab his hand and lead him to the porch.

  No one must be aware what Pap walked in on. My family sits, watching the Russo house in pained silence, awaiting the moment of a reckoning.

  Gram stands up. “Does everyone know what they’re supposed to do?” With slow, deliberate eyes, she looks to each of us.

  Everyone nods.

  “Okay, good. Does anyone have any questions?” She eyes us again, but no one utters a word.

  Hunter clears his throat. “Well, I don’t have a question, but I do have a suggestion.”

  “What is it, dear,” Gram asks, wearing her pleasant, business-like smile.

  “Well, even though I’m not actually a fireman, I’ve still had a lot of training in emergency situations. So if we’re planning to run into a burning house, it might be a good idea to wet our clothes first to avoid catching on fire ourselves.”

  “You know, I can’t believe we never thought of that. We were so worried about getting everyone out of the house, we never thought about it from that side of things. Terrific idea, Hunter. Dru, would you please grab the garden hose and pull it around to the front?” Gram points to the back yard.

  “Sure thing, Gram...I’m on it.” Dru jumps to his feet and takes off around the corner of the house.

  “Also,” Hunter adds, “we should have on pants and long sleeves to protect our skin. I know we plan on being in and out like lightning, but you just never know what might happen. I’d feel a lot better if we had on footwear and clothing that wouldn’t melt, but I know it’s too late for that. Just be as quick as you can.”

  “You heard him everyone. Hurry up and change your clothes. Chop-chop!” Gram barks the orders, smacking her hands together like a teacher.

  A few minutes later, everyone’s dressed and ready to go.

  For thirty minutes, we wait for a sign.

  Something. Anything.

  Michael still hasn’t heard from his mother about what room the kids are in—so we’ll have to wing it.

  My stomach knots, thinking of what we’re about to do.

  I look around at my family, all wearing the same apprehensive, furrowed brow. We’ve never done anything like this before. It’s enough to freak anyone out.

  Michael stands up. “I’ll be right back. Maybe I can see something.” He walks over to his parents’ house, turning back every few seconds to look at us. If we’re worried, he must be going out of his mind. His entire family is behind those walls.

  He disappears around the side of the house.

  Dru steps in front of us, his face turning snow white.

  Within seconds, Michael flies back around the corner shouting, “Now! Now! I hear screaming inside! Go now!”

  The instant the first words leave his mouth, we see flames emerge in the front room of the house.

  Everyone bolts to their feet and Gram grabs the nozzle, spraying us down like a mad woman. Just as rehearsed, Dru, Dhelia, Ash, Aidan, Aunt Morgan and I, form a circle and join hands. Gram begins chanting something in the background, but the only thing I’m able to focus on is the sight of Hunter shape shifting into the most enormous bird I’ve ever seen. He darts across the lawn, gracefully taking flight as he makes it into the Russo’s yard.

  As Aidan begins teleporting, the rest of us link-in with him—then disappear in a flash. The last thing I see is Hunter landing on the Russo’s second floor balcony, changing back into his human form before kicking the window in.

  We’re blinded by darkness for only two seconds.

  In the blink of an eye, we’re standing in the middle of a burning room. The first thing I see, is the scaffolding they’d been using to paint, had fallen in front of the closed door, barricading any possibility of escape. Now I understand how they became trapped in the first place.

  I try scanning the room, but I can’t see thro
ugh the clotting smoke.

  My eyes burn like they’re full of acid as I struggle to find Michael’s family.

  Cries for help draw our panic-stricken attention to Mrs. Russo, Natalia, and two men, huddling together on the floor for protection from falling debris. As we move closer, the flames grow hungry, demanding something to feed on.

  My chest constricts—from both fear—and polluted air. I brush it from my mind as screams come from somewhere close. As Dru, Ash, and I work our way towards the women—Aidan, Aunt Morgan, and Dhelia move towards the screams in the opposite direction.

  “Help us, please!” Mrs. Russo cries out in tortured desperation.

  I lean down beside her. “That’s why we’re here. Where are the others?”

  Mrs. Russo and her daughter try looking around, but the noxious scene before them makes it difficult to see.

  “Ash, can you conjure up some wet rags?” I ask.

  In a flash, he hands them dripping wet, white towels, which they use to cover their faces.

  As we try moving them from the corner, a loud cracking sound of breaking wood gets my attention. I look up, just as a large beam begins falling from the ceiling. “Dhelia! Above you...look out!” I shout.

  She turns as the beam loses its last hold, falling right towards them. Her eyes light up like a neon sign, sending the flaming piece of timber flying into the wall in the opposite direction.

  Oh, thank god. That was close.

  “My girls!” Natalia cries out, pulling the cloth away from her face. “They’re in the attic. Please help them.”

  “Don’t worry. Someone is already looking for them.” I try to calm her, but I remember Hunter’s only looking on the second floor. Not on the top floor. Bile rears its ugly head at the thought of something happening to them. Or him!

  “Dru, can you please do your thing?” I ask, hoping he can calm them long enough to get out.

  “Consider it done, Sis.”

  As he works his magic, the rest of the group appears with four other people.