by Elle Thorne
Chapter Sixteen
It didn’t sit well with Sean to be kept out of the room that Eden and her panther were in. But he got it; he knew he had no rights in his current position.
Hell, she’d not even admitted to liking him.
Not out loud, anyway.
Still, for a reason he’d be hesitant to have anyone overhear, he couldn’t imagine not being involved in anything that centered around her.
Sean paced. And paced. Straight lines, from the front door, to the kitchen entrance, then a one-eighty, then the same path in reverse, and other one-eighty, and then retracing his steps again. On and on he paced.
Until finally, on one of his one-eighty turnarounds, he almost ran into a man a hair larger than him.
“Griz.” Sean frowned at the older shifter. “What gives?”
“You’re fixin’ to wear treads into the wood.”
Sean crossed his arms over his chest.
“The rest of us are going to talk in Tyler’s front room. Want to join us?”
“Okay. Why there?”
“Don’t necessarily want Eden’s panther or elemental to listen in.”
Sean got it. “Let’s go.”
Paces later, Sean, Griz, Tyler, Cross, Judge, and Ciara, had crossed the common foyer and found seats or walls to lean against in Tyler’s place.
Sean studied the faces of those assembled. They were there for one reason. To help. He was overwhelmed by the sense of community he’d found here. Thus far, he and Tyler had been pretty much flying solo, keeping to themselves, avoiding everyone, just taking care of their business and trying to raise Trista and Tessa. But now, he knew what he’d been missing all this time.
Griz, the older shifter, still passing for much younger than his age—thankfully shifter genes gave the blessing of longevity and slow aging. Griz, the defacto spearhead, who didn’t claim a position of leadership, and yet was often deferred to. A mystery, his origins and training unknown to Sean.
Cross and Judge, Griz’s nephews, had been Enforcers for the Compliance Unit. Sean and Tyler had heard of the de la Cruz brothers: Cross, Judge, and Lance, but only in passing. Anyone who worked in private security, risk management, investigation, and intelligence had heard of the de la Cruz men.
Sean and Tyler’s work was a little more under the radar, and less involved in the government side of shifters, but they were very aware of the highly respected brothers.
Sean turned his glance to the only woman in the room. Ciara.
Intuitive. So why was she here? It seemed Griz had her here for a specific reason.
Am I the only one who doesn’t know what her purpose is?
“Recap time,” Griz announced. “Cedric and Jenner have the witch. They’re keeping her in one of Grant’s cabins. When we know exactly what’s going on, when everything is in the open, they’ll do whatever they need to do with her. For now, she’s ours to question. They’re going to be giving us an update.” Griz cleared his throat, emotions chasing one another across his face. “After we know that Eden is okay, we’ll head over there.”
Sean nodded. “No offense, but what’s Ciara’s purpose here?”
Ciara’s light gaze snapped his way. She locked eyes with him.
Suddenly, Sean found himself being effused with a sense of calm. A peace. It was as if his anxieties and concerns about Eden were gone.
He frowned.
A slight smile played across Ciara’s face. “Now you know?”
Cross looked between the two of them. “You did your thing?”
Ciara nodded.
Sean shook his head to clear it. How the hell did she do that? “Yeah. I see what you can do. But what’s it for?”
Griz leaned back in the wing chair his large frame overwhelmed. “We thought Ciara could help Eden with the problems her elemental has. The fire starting.”
Tyler nodded. “Camden talked to Mae about Eden, and between Mae and Griz, they came up with the idea to help her elemental chill. At least long enough to give them time to figure out what it would take to get to the root of the problem and straighten this out.”
Where the hell have I been? How do I not know about all this shit?
Sean exhaled. It was time to stop being so hard on himself. He was ass deep in worry about Eden and concern for her… and keeping it all to myself.
Tyler gave him a look of sympathy. “You’ve been a bit detached, bro.”
Sean nodded. “Sorry.” He hadn’t intended to come back from the last trip and get struck by these crazy, massive feelings for Eden. He hadn’t anticipated that he’d have fallen so hard. He also hadn’t anticipated she’d have an elemental who seemed to hate his damned guts.
I should have opened up to Tyler with this stuff.
Then again, Tyler had been so wrapped up with his new relationship with Camden, Sean wouldn’t have disrupted them with his petty concerns.
Griz rose and clapped Sean on the back, letting his hand linger on Sean’s shoulder. “We’ll get through this. She’s got a lot of people pulling for her. And you. Both of you.”
Sean frowned. Did Griz have an idea how Sean felt about her?
Maybe I’m not as good at hiding my feelings as I thought.
“Thank—” Sean’s exclamation of appreciation was interrupted by a sound. “Someone’s here.” He strode to the window and looked out.
A large dark sedan pulled up next to the other vehicles.
A tall, broad-shouldered dark-haired man stepped out of the vehicle and walked to the other side, opening the door.
Sean sucked in a sharp intake of breath. The woman that stepped out of the passenger side held such a resemblance to Camden and Eden that it caught him off guard. That has to be their sister.
The back doors of the car opened and out sprung a youngster not much older than the twins. A dark-haired little girl full of energy that bound into the arms of the second man that exited the vehicle. This one was equally as large as the first one.
Griz stepped next to Sean and studied the driveway. “Circe, Eden and Camden’s older sister. The others are Linc and Marco, though, I don’t know which is which. And Linc’s niece. He’s her guardian, now. Seems her parents, one being Linc’s brother, have passed. Long story.”
Sean wondered if there was any story Griz didn’t know, an incident that he didn’t have a hand in.
Sean and Tyler made their way toward the front door and opened it before the visitors knocked.
The woman was in front, the men flanked her, one carrying the little girl. Sean figured that was Linc.
Circe took a step back. Studied Sean and Tyler, then shook her head. An amused smile played on her lips. “What was I thinking… sending Cam and Eden here with the two of you.” Another headshake. “No wonder.”
Tyler stepped forward. “I’m Tyler. It hasn’t been as smooth as one would think.”
“What? She didn’t start another fire, did she?”
“I’m Sean,” Sean began. “It’s a bit more than just fire starting.” Then he launched into the recent events as they made their way to the others.
He told them how Eden had vanished, Cross had indications of witches. That Mae and Griz had brought in the two wizards. That the cabin was burning. That Eden wouldn’t come out of unconsciousness.
They’d barely reached the room where the others were sitting when Sean finished his recounting, but it seemed Circe would have nothing to do with talking to anyone right then.
“Take me to my sister, please.” Circe’s voice was laced with worry.
“Come with me,” Ciara took Circe’s hand in hers.
“I’m going with,” Marco announced.
Circe paused, studied Ciara. “Don’t try that stuff with me, please. I don’t need my emotions dulled or placated.”
Ciara raised a brow. “Of course not. Wouldn’t dream of it without your permission.”
How the hell did Circe know what Ciara was?
Sean didn’t spend more time on that thought when the l
ittle girl came to him and Tyler and tugged on their shirts.
“I’m Dina. Circe said there’d be someone for me to play with.”
Cross asked, “Where are the girls now?”
“Slumber party with Mac, Braden, and Dakotah. The only place we could think to keep them safe.” Tyler looked at his watch. “Shi-” he glanced at the young girl, and winced, “—shoot. And probably headed this way right now.”
Sean dropped to one knee, making himself eyelevel with the little one. “They’ll be here shortly. They’ll love having company. Want to see their room?”
Dina nodded.
“I got this.” Tyler took her hands in his. “You check on Eden.”
“Come on, Uncle Linc.” Dina grabbed Linc’s hand with her free hand. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Seventeen
Eden didn’t push to go outside right away. She stayed next to her panther, letting her rest and recuperate from the burns.
Piria sat in that same isolated corner, silently staring at the flames she’d created.
This was one time that Eden was appreciative of Piria’s elemental skills. The fire was providing a warmth that was very necessary. Eden couldn’t survive in the climate of Piria’s world without some warmth.
The climate didn’t affect her panther; she had a built-in coat. It didn’t affect Piria, whose temperature always ran too hot. But for Eden, it was sheer agony and she kept her hands outstretched toward the flames while her panther rested.
She could see Piria’s eye was closed, and wondered if the elemental was feigning a nap or if she was simply trying to discourage conversation.
At long last, it didn’t matter to Eden. She would risk disturbing and agitating Piria if it meant getting answers.
“My family must be worried about me.”
“They are. They don’t understand why you haven’t recovered. They’ve brought Circe and Marco to help you.”
“So, they found me?”
“You were in a cabin. The bear shifter saved you.”
Sean!
A warmth and a flurry of emotions soared within Eden.
“You’re not very good at keeping your emotions hidden,” Piria smirked.
“So, sue me. I’m human like that,” Eden snapped, instantly regretting it, not wanting to antagonize the elemental.
“They’ve brought an Intuitive along, as well.”
“I’m not familiar with that.”
Piria shrugged. “A being that is skilled at working with emotions. I’ve known one or two, in my time. Of course, that was before I met you.”
“Of course. Why do you think they’d bring him along?”
“Her. Her name is Ciara, or so they call her. Probably to calm me down. They don’t know I’m not upset.”
Yet, Eden thought. But things could flip in a heartbeat with Piria.
“Why is it that you can hear them and I can’t?”
“Because it’s my world. I’m the one with access to it. Think of it as a door or a window only I can see.”
Eden didn’t like thinking of it that way. She didn’t like thinking of this situation at all. Circe was probably livid.
And she’ll come to my rescue.
Because that’s what Circe did.
I hope she doesn’t risk putting herself in danger.
Eden rubbed her hands together and scooted her feet closer to the fire. “I’m hungry. I realize that it seems like such a petty thing to bring up during a time like this.”
“I understand. We’ll get you something, later. When we leave the cave. The storms here don’t last long.”
Eden wasn’t worried about food, and in truth, she wasn’t that hungry. She simply couldn’t sit still without trying to find her way out of this world. But it seemed her hunt for an escape would have to wait.
She trailed her fingers over her panther’s fur, and felt comforted by the low rumbling sound coming from her animal.
Chapter Eighteen
Sean was walking across the foyer that separated his place from Tyler’s when he heard footsteps behind him. He hoped someone wasn’t trying to catch up to him to stop him. He’d had enough of being apart from Eden and was ready to check on her.
Griz was hastily catching up.
Sean pulled up short in the middle of the room. “I don’t need a babysitter.” He didn’t mean to be so gruff, but damn, this had been a hell of a day.
“I’m not trying to push you around. Just hate to see the place go up in flames if Piria gets an inclination that you’re around. Camden said her elemental seems to have a particular dislike for you.”
“Yeah, I think dislike is an understatement.”
“If Piria knows you’re around, she could hurt Eden, without even meaning to.”
“Sounds like you’re talking me out of going.”
“The way I understand it, she can’t tell things from scent. She doesn’t have shifter hearing. In fact, she has nothing that an average human wouldn’t have.”
“Except she can start fires with her mind,” Sean interjected.
“True.”
“So, what’s your point, Griz?”
“Point is, if you’re going to be there, it’s best to not be heard if she’s still unconscious. We don’t know if Piria is unconscious or if it’s just the panther and Eden.”
“I gotcha.” Sean bristled at the other man’s interference.
“I’m not trying to butt in. I’m on your side. I am.”
“Why? Why are you on my side. Hell, do you even know what my side is?”
Griz frowned. The expression combined with that imposing scar made him look fearsome. “Let’s just say I know what it feels like to love someone and not be able to have them.”
Sean cocked his head and studied the seasoned shifter. Maybe he does know. “I appreciate it.”
“Let’s see what we can’t do for your girl.”
My ought-to-be girl. My ain’t-yet girl.
Sean exhaled his frustrations. “Let’s. You do the talking, if she’s still out. If she’s awake, well, I’ll make myself scarce.”
“And I’ll update you.”
They reached the room just as Doc was coming out with Circe, Mae, and Camden.
“How is she?” Griz asked Doc
“Ciara’s sitting with her while we discuss options.” Doc gave Sean a questioning look. “Let’s talk about this in another room.”
Sean nodded his appreciation that they were including him, and at the same time, doing what was best for Eden.
Doc closed the door behind them. “There’s no reason for her to be unconscious now. The witch confessed they had Tranqed her, but that would have dissipated by now. And the smoke inhalation, I’m thinking she should be out of that as well.”
Sean frowned.
“Then what the hell is going on with her? Why is she still out?” Griz asked.
My thoughts precisely.
Circe grimaced. “I think it has something to do with her elemental. I believe Piria is involved in why they aren’t able to wake up.”
“How—” Sean shook his head. “How the hell is she doing that?”
“If I had to take a guess,” Circe expounded, “I’d say Piria is orchestrating this. She’s keeping them in her world.”
What the hell is she talking about?
Sean did his best to not look at Circe as if she’d lost her marbles.
She gave him an understanding look in return. “I see you don’t know much about elementals.”
“Well, my brother’s woman has one.” That sounds lame. “No. I guess I don’t know much about them at all,” he conceded.
“Okay, a brief summary in Elemental Science 101.” Her smile was tight, but at least, it reached her dark eyes.
The sight of those eyes, that face, her features, and even how some of her expressions reminded him of Eden. Made him miss her.
“So, without going into the whole history of elementals, because I do want to get to work on my plan, elementals are
like spirits, some would say. They take up residence in our bodies and minds, but they also have their own world. And we can join them in their world.”
“We who?”
“Well, for example, some elementals have the power to travel into another elemental’s world. And when they do, they take their host with them. So, you see, my elemental, Albani, can take me to Piria’s world. I’d be a separate entity there, as would my elemental and my panther.”
“So, if you went in, you’d be able to see Piria, Eden, and Eden’s panther separately?”
Circe nodded. “And that’s my plan, precisely. I’m going in to find out what is going on with Piria.”
“So, elementals can travel… they can do this thing?” Sean asked.
“No. Only some elementals. But some of us who can do this, can also take others in with them. Depending.”
“On?”
“Whether they are powerful enough. Whether they want to.” Circe looked at Camden, then continued. “I should have done this long ago. Tried to help her.”
Camden hugged Circe. “No. It’s not your fault. It falls on me, too. And on Eden, as well, I suppose. We’ve all tiptoed around Piria.”
Circe pursed her lips. “Some specialists we are. How’s that saying go? Physician, heal thyself?”
Camden hid a smile behind her fingertips. “True. Okay, let’s go in then. Shall we?”
“You can’t.” Circe’s expression was carved of stone.
“Why not?”
“It’s risky.”
“Wait a minute.” Sean raised a hand. “What kind of risk are we talking about?”
Circe sighed. “People can die in an elemental’s world. It’s no different than being in this world. And shifters are separated from their animal in that world. So, if a shifter or his animal were to die there…” She shuddered.
“What would happen? Would they die here, too?” Sean knew if he were separated from his bear, he’d be a mere human. Unless of course, his bear was killed while they were one, then the human part of him would die as well. He tried to recall the lore, but it wasn’t something that one dwelled on. You just did your damnedest to stay alive.