Fighting Destiny (Central Coven) (24 page)

I entered the adjoining bathroom and turned on the water in the large shower.  Steam filled the bathroom, and I let the silk nightgown fall to the floor.  Since, apparently, I had been asleep for more than twenty-four hours, I decided to take my time.  I stood in the water, and let it run over my face. 

I stepped out of the shower, wrapped myself in a thick Egyptian cotton towel, and used magic to dry my hair.  I opened drawers and cabinets and discovered every styling product available.  Every cosmetic product I could possible desire, in my shade, was present.  I played with the make-up until I achieved a sexy, but still natural look.  Grey was going to regret teasing me.

My hair cascaded down my back in loose curls.  I dressed in the clothes I had chosen, and sauntered down the stairs.  I felt a stirring of butterflies in my stomach, I expected to see Grey as I turned the corner, but instead Finn was standing at the base of the stairs.  Damn that magnetism between us.

His eyes grew large, and burned like bright blue fire.  Suddenly I was regretting the extra effort to make Grey suffer.  “I was worried about you,” he said softly.  “See, all better,” I said awkwardly.  “You have your own room here?  And when did you move clothes in here, because we had to go back to get clothes, but you already had them,” Finn observed.  “Come on Finn, let’s not do this again.  You know I am with Grey.  I never meant for you to come here and see us together like this.  It would not have been my choice to bring you,” I told him.

“Yet, here we are,” Finn said, refusing to look at me.  “I think everything has already been said,” I told him and turned to walk away.  “Chloë, I love you,” he said, putting his hand on my shoulder.   I turned my head to look at him, “Finn, you said we would try to be friends.  I love Grey.”  “Then you are right, there isn’t anything left to say,” he let go of my shoulder and walked away.

Grey stepped out of the shadow.  I jumped when I saw him.  I don’t know why I felt guilty for speaking to Finn, but his revelation made me feel awful about the conversation.  I smiled weakly, and he rushed over and put his arms around me.  “This is awkward for you,” he said.  I smelled the clean scent of his skin, like the smell of the breeze after a spring rain. “Yes, it is,” I said with my face pressed against his neck.

The back door slammed loudly.  “This is awkward for more than just me it seems,” I said.  “I’m sorry this is hard for you, but he brought this on himself.  He cannot expect you to wait around for him until he is ready to be with you,” Grey said solemnly. 

He pulled away from me, but I reached out to stop him.  “I don’t want him to always come between us.  I want you.  I’m not waiting for him to grow up, or biding time.  It is you that I want.  I hope you believe that.”  He looked at me intently, “I believe you love me, but I see you are torn.  I won’t push you any further than you are comfortable.”

Grey went down into his daytime lair in the basement.  I stormed off into the parlor.  I wanted to hurt something.  “Oh good you’re dressed,” Anita announced as I walked into the room.  “Where is Finn?” Dean asked.  “He went out back,” I replied.  “Why?” Anita asked without thinking.  I shot her an irritated look.  “Forget I asked that,” she said.

I flopped down into an oversized leather chair.  She playfully bumped my shoulder. “What’s wrong?”   “Everything.  Finn is pissed.  Grey is insecure.  And that necromancer bitch is still out there,” I complained.  “So what are we going to do?  We can’t hide out here forever.”  “Give her a break, Anita.  She’s been unconscious for over twenty-four hours, and awake for about one now,” Dean scolded. 

“I’m trying to think, but my head still hurts,” I said with a hand to my temple.  “That is because you are over doing it and will kill yourself if you do not stop,” said a heavily accented voice from the hallway.  I shook my head. I knew that voice. “Marguerite, bonsoir.” 

“Chérie, how many times do I have to tell you to call me maman?” Marguerite asked.  “Of course, maman.  Why are you here?” “I felt the surge in your power, and thought I would stop by to check in on you.  Are you alright?” she asked looking around disdainfully.  “I have been better.  Do you have any news about the Christiansens?”  “There hasn’t been any sighting of them in Europe.  I have spoken to the
Council
about it, and they suggested I look into some sources I have here in North America,” Marguerite answered.

“Is any of this connected to Simone?” “She is out?” my mother asked shocked.  “What do you mean out?”  I demanded.  “She is supposed to be in a
Council
prison.  I put her there actually.  She has been actively trying to overthrow the governing structure of the supernatural community for years, but she and her mate came after me.  I told her even if I were a less powerful witch she would never have enough power to overcome me,” Marguerite revealed.

“So she has come after me to make a point to you and leverage power over the
Council
?” I asked bewildered.  “There are a few witches, and several necromancers that are unsatisfied with the status quo.  She will not gain more power by getting you out of the way, but with you and I out of the way there are only a few witches that are more powerful than those allied with her.”

“So this is revenge and Machiavellian politics?  Why attack random students?” I inquired.  “You are destined to be a leader, to be the most powerful witch ever, and her biggest threat.  Attacking students around you forces you to get involved.  She must assume you are weak.  If you require my assistance, contact me.  However, I must let you know the
Council
is eager to see how you handle this situation.”

“It seems like there is more to this.  Finn’s parents are missing, Dean’s cousin, and…” Marguerite interrupted my train of thought.  “Hmmm, I suppose we had better add his name to those we are searching for,” Marguerite thought out loud.  “Mother, what aren’t you telling me?” “You had better sit darling,” she ordered.

I did as she said.  “Have I ever told you about the
Watchers
before?” she asked. I shook my head.

“Alright then, I had better tell you now.  When there is a risk of exposure of our kind to humans, the
Watchers
monitor the situation and take appropriate action.  They are composed of members of each of the races.  Exposure can happen from humans that have seen too much, or from supernaturals that are too careless.  Neither can be tolerated.  However, in the case of humans,
ordinarily,
memories can be erased or they can be encouraged to join with us.”

I nodded.  I had met a few of the
aware
in high school.  “Good, you know what I am talking about. But, when an immortal risks our secrecy the consequences are more severe.  Vampires are usually executed because their exposure usually means they have committed murder.  All other races have their powers bound, and most often are imprisoned for life.  That is quite a deterrent when you live forever,” she said severely. 

“I still don’t understand where the Watchers fit into this, or why Simone is coming after us,” I admitted.  “I’m getting to that. There is another member of the
Watchers
missing.  His name is Carlos Sanchez.  Carlos had told me Alexander’s behavior was growing even more flagrant than it was in the past, and believe me he has been busy.  It was decided he should be executed.  I believe he must have helped Simone escape prison.”

“Why?” I asked bewildered.  “She has been the only one fool enough to try and usurp the
Council
for thousands of years.  He must have seen it as his only chance at survival.  In turn she gains another chance at power. 

After Simone’s first bid at power, the
Council
decided it was best to bind the powers of our most gifted children, until they were nearly adults.  Usually, a young witch has powers gradually until she is your age.  I bound your powers, Finn’s parents bound his, Anita’s dad left her, all this was done to conceal you in case anyone else ever got the same idea again,” Marguerite explained.

“You what?  Why?” I asked shocked.  “Children are vulnerable, and their powers can be misused by others.  I didn’t agree with the Christiansens not to tell Finn what he was, but they wanted him concealed from everyone.  I chose to let you know what you were, but keep your powers from you until you were old enough to use them.  We all did it to prevent the same situation we find ourselves in now. 

We did it because, others who want power would seek to destroy yours, imprison you, and leverage that over the
Council
to gain control.  If they can weaken us, others would be able to step into our place.  Others, particularly the sorcerers that do not value human life, or the balance that we are sworn to protect. Do you understand that Chloë?”

“So how exactly does Finn’s parents, Carlos, and Dean’s cousin fit into this?” I asked.  “They are the
Watchers
.  As soon as I know anything I will let you know. Oh, and darling, do be nice to Finn.  I am quite fond of him and have plans for him in the future.  Au revoir.” We kissed on both cheeks, and she left as immediately as she arrived.  “I really should be careful what I ask for,” I said to no one in particular.

Grey was standing in the doorframe.  “You disappeared quite conveniently,” I noted.  “It was not a coincidence.  Your mother does not like my kind.  She telephoned me just before I saw you in the hall.  She knows we are seeing each other, and implied she did not want to see me. She warned me not to tell you she was coming. I’m sorry, I should have anyway, but I’ve been around you long enough to know not to anger a DuLac witch,” Grey explained and kissed my forehead.

“Where did your mother go?” Dean asked.  “I think she is outside talking to Finn before she leaves,” I answered.  Grey’s expression darkened.  I was embarrassed by my mother’s cold behavior.  Not surprised though, she didn’t make a habit out of considering my feelings.

“When do you think we can go back to the dorm?” Anita inquired.  “In a hurry to leave so soon, huh?” I replied.  “Well, I’m fine here, but I don’t think Finn is.  And yeah, he’s been an ass for the most part, but he’s still our friend.”  “Well, Simone can’t do locator spells.  However, I don’t know who else is working with her.  If you stay together, you could go to a hotel.  Don’t use your real name, and pay with cash.  I will see you in class tomorrow, and we will work this out,” I advised.

“Sounds good to me,” Finn answered from the same doorway Grey had stood in.  They all left to gather their things.  “You aren’t going with them?” Grey asked.  I looked up to him, and grabbed his shirt, “Don’t you have a promise to keep?” I asked flirtatiously. “It seems I do,” he picked me up off the chair and kissed me until he heard them descending the stairs. 

“I have a vehicle that will be difficult to trace back to you,” Grey said offering Dean the keys to a black Volvo station wagon.  “Thank you,” Dean said and took the keys.  Then Grey opened a safe hidden behind a beautiful impressionist painting, he took out a small stack of cash, and handed that to Dean also. 

“This should take care of any expenses you have for the next few days.  Anita has fake identification, let her book the rooms you might need.  And in the car is an untraceable cell phone and a charger. Be safe and call if you need anything.  The numbers are programmed into the phone,” Grey told Dean.  “You’re alright,” Dean said and slapped Grey on the shoulder. 

Finn scoffed and stormed out.  “Thank you Dean.  That means a lot to me.  You are all important to Chloë, and I want to help you,” Grey replied honestly.  “Enough of all this man flirting.  Let’s go already,” Anita quipped. 

“She, on the other hand, will never change.”  “You already know I approve, but I would appreciate a little sucking up too,” she teased.  “Stay away from cheerleaders brat,” Grey teased.  She playfully slapped Grey on the shoulder.  “See you tomorrow night,” Anita said and pushed Dean out the door.

“It would seem we are completely alone,” Grey pointed out.  “Yes it would,” I said trying not to giggle.  Grey strolled over to me, and he inhaled deeply. “Now where were we?”  “We
were
upstairs,” I reminded him.  He smiled, scooped me up in his arms, and practically flew up the stairs.

A large bald eagle soared high above a tree-lined river.  I ran after it, tripping over rocks and exposed branches.  The river was low, but rushed rapidly downstream. 

The day was gray, cold, and quiet.  The only sounds were the calls of the eagle, my breathing, and the hushed roar of the river.  The smell of evergreen hung heavy in the air. 

The pall of the sky seemed to sharpen the colors around me.  The pine trees were deep green.  The smooth stones were different shades of gray, violet, blue, and tan.  My own hair, as the wind blew it past my face, reflected deep tones of mahogany.

I was missing something.  I looked into the trees on my right and saw Mickey.  She perched, stoically observing.  Then suddenly she looked at something behind me.  A large black raven flew over me and tried to pull out a lock of my hair.  Instinctually, I dropped to the ground.

Off from her perch, Mickey, the Red-Tailed hawk dove at the raven trying to chase the determined bird away from me.  I took advantage of the distraction she was providing; I stood up and ran as fast as I could.  The rocks cut my feet, and it was then I realized I wasn’t wearing shoes.