Caution to the Wind: Book One of the Elementals Series (3 page)

Loren grabbed her jacket and made sure her keys were in the pocket, as well as her cell phone. She took it out to check the battery. It was full.

“Leave it.”

Her eyes widened and she looked up at him. “What?”

“Leave the cell phone. You won't need it.”

“But what if someone texts me?”

He gave her a pointed look. “Then they can wait.”

No one would text her. It was as if he knew. She shut off the phone and put it on the table.

Avery gave a satisfied nod and held the door open for her. After she shut and locked the door behind them, he began to walk and she fell into step beside him.

Loren gave one last look back to her apartment. “I’m leaving my world behind,” she said quietly.

Silence fell, but Avery’s hand touched her arm. She flushed and remained quiet.

“Think of it as a new start instead,” Avery suggested. “Leaving an old world behind, starting a new one?”

What did this new world have in store? Loren’s stomach knotted in anticipation and anxiety.

There was only one way to find out.

Chapter Three

Fairhaven Manor.

Loren couldn’t believe she was actually here. In the broad spectrum, she should’ve focused on her recent discoveries.

But
Fairhaven Manor
.

The mansion completely blew her away. Having only seen the Morgan family home in photographs, it was surreal. Only the most prestigious of the prestige ever came here.

And here she was.

Avery chuckled at her awe of the place. “You’ve seen nothing,” he told her. Maybe that was true. After all, she’d barely glimpsed the garage and the huge backyard. She’d seen a terrace and part of a swimming pool before he ushered her inside.

It didn’t surprise her much when Avery explained he had a secret route for getting back and forth from the city and Fairhaven. It consisted of some back alleys, an old dirt road outside of city limits, and an honest-to-God underground passageway.

The ultimate secret lair wasn’t so secret. It was only the Morgan manor, passed down through generations, as expansive and elegant as she’d ever seen it shown.

They entered the manor through a side entrance. Once inside, Avery stripped off his coat and put it in a closet. He looked normal now, dressed in a simple t-shirt and black jeans.

“Come on,” he told her. “I’ll get you settled.” He hefted her worn duffel bag strap onto his shoulder and pushed open a door into another room.

She stayed quiet, her wide eyes taking in the surroundings. Everything was lavish. The dining room was incredible. There was a long table, with many chairs. The lighting came from electric sconces on the walls. There were landscape paintings decorating the room instead of photographs. It made for a sophisticated, cozy atmosphere.

As she followed Avery through the room, her attention finally returned to him. He had a smartphone in his hand.

“I’m home.” Avery looked over his shoulder at her before he spoke again. “She’s with me. Yes.” A brief pause. “Right now? All right. Meet you there.”

“What? Meet who? What’s going on?” A wave of anxiety hit her and she bit down on her lip as she looked up at him.

“I didn’t think they’d want to meet you right away. I figured they’d let you settle in first. Guess I was wrong.” He pushed open the door and entered a large foyer.

Loren stayed close behind him as they neared the staircase. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling caught her attention. Loren stared up at it, slowing her steps as she gazed in amazement.

“Loren.”

She flushed in embarrassment when she noticed Avery had begun to climb the stairs without her. She hurried to catch up.

“I’m sorry; this is all so… fancy. You grew up here. With all this. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like—” she cut herself off when she noticed Avery's stare. More heat flooded into her cheeks.

He didn’t ridicule her. He just smiled and continued up the steps. Loren followed and focused her eyes on his boots to keep from further distraction and embarrassment. While her gaze trailed Avery’s footfalls, her mind drifted to what was about to happen. She would soon meet other super-powered people. Nervousness formed a ball in her stomach. She worried her lip with her teeth again, further aggravating the raw wound.

Avery stopped and Loren nearly collided with him. He sharply glanced back at her and she gave an apologetic smile.

He opened the door. The first thing he did was toss her duffel bag into an empty chair nearby. Loren remained in the doorway.

She had never seen so many books in anyone’s home before. It was as if she’d become lost in the aisles of a public library. It put her pitiful bookshelf with its dozens of cheesy and dog-eared romance novels to shame.

She let her gaze trail along the walls, on the many rows of books. Her attention finally shifted. She noticed the desk and the man who leaned back casually against its lacquered surface.

Loren had only ever seen Callum Morgan in photographs and on television, and always in a three-piece suit. His dark hair was always combed back and his face was stoic and stern—every bit a serious executive. Seeing him now in jeans and a soft blue sweater with his arms crossed and a gentle smile made Loren rethink her preconceived notions. Maybe he wasn’t the hard-ass the media made him out to be.

Next to him was the sister. Eva Morgan, the middle child and the only girl of the family, looked as relaxed as her oldest brother did. Her hair was the same dark color as Avery’s, but her eyes were more hazel than blue. She was a gorgeous woman, perfectly made-up even now. A slender brow arched at Loren.

There was a young man seated in one of the large armchairs, a laptop open on his legs. She didn't recognize him at all. His hair was short and spiked with blue at the tips. He glanced up and a wide grin spread over his face, pulling at the ring below his bottom lip.

“I wasn’t expecting the entire gang.” Avery ran a hand through his hair, brushing back one or two errant strands off his forehead.   

“We became anxious when you disappeared earlier today,” Callum answered. His smile dropped.

Avery lifted his head. “Yeah, I figured as much.” His voice was tense, but he gestured for Loren to step forward. “This is Loren Bramley.”

Callum pushed off from the desk and closed the distance between them, offering his hand to her. “A pleasure, Loren. I assume my introduction is not necessary.” His hand was cool and strong when he shook hers. She hoped he didn’t notice how shaky and sweaty her hand was.

“Everyone knows who you are,” she answered. A small nervous laugh bubbled out of her. “Callum Morgan. One of the most powerful men in the world.”

He smiled. “I wouldn't go as far as that.”

His sister strode forward and took Loren’s hand next. Her grip was much tighter than Callum’s, stronger. Loren hoped she hid the surprise from her face.

“Eva.” Her red lips spread into a tight smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Loren.”

“It’s uh nice to meet you too.” Her attention drew away from Eva’s face when the blue-haired man lifted his arm in greeting.

“Levi. I’d shake your hand, but I’m occupied.” He gestured at the laptop. “How’s it going?”

“Uh, good, I guess? I can’t believe I’m here. Meeting famous people.” Loren's cheeks reddened when Callum chuckled.

“Famous, yes, but don’t let that deter you. We’re just as down to earth as the next family.”

“We’re really quite normal, outside the spotlight,” Eva continued. “You don’t need to be intimidated by us.”

“Oh, I’m not. I’m just… incredibly nervous.” Loren wiped her hands on her jeans.

“Would you like some tea?” Callum suggested, “Or perhaps another refreshment? I’m sure both of you would like something.”

“I’ll take hot chocolate,” Levi piped up, his attention glued to the computer screen. Long fingers scrolled along the mouse pad. Callum paid no attention to him.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Avery chose to sit in another of the armchairs, but he didn't relax. His back was rigid, his shoulders tense. Loren remained where she stood.

“I’d like some tea,” she said.

Callum offered her another soft smile. “Please make yourself comfortable.” He stepped behind the desk, pressing a button on an intercom. “Please have tea and refreshments brought to my study. And one hot chocolate. Thank you.”

Eva chose a seat. Callum sat in the chair behind the desk. Hesitant for a brief minute, Loren finally sat in a nearby chair, but she couldn't relax.

Was this actually happening? Was she about to have tea with the Morgan family in Fairhaven Manor?   

Before her mind could thoroughly process it, Callum spoke again. He folded his hands on the surface of the desk, looking directly at her.

“There is much we need to discuss. It’s late. An in-depth discussion can wait until tomorrow, after breakfast. For now, I'll hit the bullet points.” He paused. “Eva, Avery, and I were all granted abilities when we were young. We were told there was another.” He stopped there and once more focused on Loren. “Unfortunately, circumstances prevented us from discovering that person.”

Loren followed so far, but she had more questions. She met Callum's eyes. His were blue and intense, shining.

“How long have you had your powers, Loren?”

“Since I was seven.” She was quiet.

“Powers related to air?”

“Yeah.”

Callum leaned forward. “Do you remember how you got them, or the first moment you realized you could do incredible things?”

She nodded.

“And all your life you’ve wondered why, how?”

She nodded again.

Callum sat back. Loren risked a glance at Avery. He stared at her with the same intense gaze as his brother.

It was a long moment before Callum spoke again. “We have been searching for you for close to twenty years. You're the one.”

All she could get out was a single, shaky word. “Oh.”

The silence gave her time to think but her mind was blank. She was the one. What did
that
mean?

“She’s freaking out,” Levi said.

Maybe he wasn’t wrong. Her breath came out in quick little gasps.

“Levi, behave.” Eva's voice was stern.

“Do you need a paper bag to breathe in? Put your head between your knees.”

“Levi, you’re not helping.” When Avery snapped, Loren finally broke out of her trance. He looked more than annoyed. Levi fell silent.

“I’m—I’m okay,” Loren said. “Really. It’s a lot of information and everyone keeps coming at me at once. It’s… too much.” She wasn't okay. She was far from okay.

Callum looked at each person in turn. His gaze settled on Avery for a few moments longer before he returned to Loren. “It
is
a lot of information,” he agreed, “and precisely why I suggested we discuss the details tomorrow. To give us all some time to adjust.”

Loren liked that idea and nodded in agreement. She rubbed her hands on her jeans once more.

“We’ve had years to adjust.” Eva tossed some of her long hair away from her face with a graceful shrug of her shoulder. “But one more night won’t make much of a difference to me.” She looked at Loren. “Callum’s right. Discussing this won’t be so daunting after we’ve had a good night’s rest.”

The door to the study opened and a maid stepped in, carrying a tray laden with tea and goodies. Callum gave the woman a kind smile and a thank you. She departed quickly and Callum poured the tea.

Levi untangled himself from his laptop to snag the cup of hot chocolate. He took a couple sips from it. Loren gave him a shy smile, which he returned.

She accepted her cup of tea. “I don’t know what to say,” she admitted.

“You don't need to say anything. We’re all thankful to have found you.” Callum blew on his tea.

Avery let out a small scoff and Callum fixed his younger brother with a sharp stare. Loren found that a good time to pick up her tea. Her gaze darted between them.

“And you wanted me to stay home.” Avery's mouth twitched.

“I won’t deny it ended in our favor.”

Loren took note of how Avery’s jaw clenched at his brother’s words. She sipped her tea.

“It was still risky.”

“I was careful, Cal. I’m
always
careful. I know what I’m doing.”

“That’s debatable.”

Loren suspected this sort of exchange happened often. The brothers looked tired, jaded. Had she ever read anything in the papers about their less than amicable relationship? She couldn't remember. Witnessing the tension between them made her stomach cramp.

Avery rose from his seat.

“No arguing.” Eva was quiet, but firm. “No fighting. Not tonight.”

Avery resumed his seat, eyes narrowed as he stared across the table. Callum held his gaze but said nothing.

“Awkward,” Levi said under his breath.

Loren fixed her gaze on the desk and sipped her tea, hoping for the tension to ease soon.

After more edgy silence, Callum continued. “The point remains. You’re here now. That's what's important.” He lifted his cup to his lips, wetting them.

Loren refrained from asking questions though she'd already compiled a list in her head. She needed more answers.

“Where do you live, Loren?” Callum suddenly asked her.

“Oh, uh, Westacre. Downtown.” She omitted the bad neighborhood and the terrible apartment, but her cheeks burned all the same.

“So close and we never knew.” Eva’s tone was thoughtful. Loren glanced over at her, seeing a furrowed brow.

When Callum shifted to lower his mug, she looked back at him. He appeared pensive but didn’t share his thoughts. “It’s late,” he said instead, “and we have a busy day tomorrow. Best to turn in now and attempt a few hours rest.”

He pushed back his seat and stood. “We’ll meet in the dining room at ten-thirty, after my meeting.” His attention fixed on Loren, smiling at her. “I’m sorry this was brief.” He turned to Avery and his smile vanished. “Please see that she gets settled in.”

Avery nodded stiffly once and stood while Loren took a final drink of her tea and placed her cup on the desk. She quickly joined him.