Storm: The Empire Chronicles (7 page)

“No they won’t.” I wasn’t going to let that happen.

“They will. And you’ve made it so much easier for me. I appreciate it.”

“Were you behind this?” She acted as though she hadn’t helped create the veil, but I didn’t believe her. I didn’t believe anything that came out of her mouth.

“Behind what?” She stopped again.

“This veil.”

“You know who was behind it.” She ran her tongue over her teeth.

“No I don’t.”

“Yes you do. We all know you’ve got brains to go with that brawn.” She pushed my arm.

“That doesn’t mean I know the answer to this.”

“I thought you knew…” She seemed pensive.

“I know who my mom is.” I wasn’t going to let her hold that over my head.

“Then you do know the answer.” She ran a hand down my arm. “Mother dearest.”

“Why would she have created this veil?”

“I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell us no matter how hard I tried to get it out of her.”

My chest clenched. “What did you do to her?” I hadn’t seen my mother in years, but the protectiveness was there.

“She’ll survive. I followed you, and much to my surprise I found myself back here.”

“Where’s Allie?” Tiffany was being talkative, and I hoped she’d spill.

“She’s fine.” Tiffany headed toward the front doors of the hotel and glanced outside.

“Where is she?” I gritted my teeth.

“On her way back home.”

“Why would she be doing that?” I was afraid to hear the answer.

“She realized she’d made a big mistake. She’s going to fix it.”

“Toby?” I heard a pounding in my ears. This wasn’t happening.

“I always did like those Blackwells.”

“Allie belongs with Levi.” My heartrate accelerated. I was getting angrier by the second, and I needed to stay in control. I couldn’t shift in the middle of the hotel lobby. I’d make things even worse.

“Yes… they do look happy together, but I prefer Toby as the king.” She smiled.

“You’re a bitch.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

“There’s nothing worse than you.” I didn’t want to leave Tiffany to meddle, but there was little I could do. I needed to talk to Levi, and I couldn’t do it with Tiffany on my tail. “I’m out of here.”

“You expect me to believe you’re going to walk away and leave your friend and little bear in danger?” She laughed dryly. “I know you better than that, Jared. I know you so much better than you even know yourself.”

“I’m getting Allie back here.” I would, but not yet. Just like I couldn’t do anything to stop Tiffany without making the situation a whole lot worse.

“Good luck with that one.” She laughed and headed for the main doors of the hotel.

I watched until she disappeared through the doors before pulling out my phone and calling Levi.

He picked up right away. “Either this girl is insane or you have a lot of explaining to do.”

“I have a lot of explaining to do.”

“Meet me downstairs.” He hung up.

Downstairs was good. The Society chambers was the safest place to be. If there was even such a thing as safe anymore.

L
evi thought I was insane
. I didn’t only know it from his expression or his body language, although it was clear there too, but he outright said it no less than three times before he finally listened to me.

“I understand you think I’m crazy, but I’m not. And even if I was, what would it hurt to go downstairs? You’d be safe, and you could kill me easier there.”

“And then you sound crazier. Why would I kill you? And there is no basement.” He wrung his hands at his side. He was starting to lose his cool. I was surprised he was still talking to me.

“There is a basement. I’ve been in the chambers. Albeit not until you’re King, but still…”

“Wait… is this part of Jared’s joke?” He narrowed his eyes.

“No. I swear. I’ve been there. Take me downstairs and I’ll prove it by showing you where things are.” I nodded toward the elevator.

“Technically Jared could have taken you down there.” He shifted his weight from foot to foot.

“Without getting caught?” I put a hand on my hip. “You guys have better security than that.”

“Who are you?” He stepped toward me. “Who are you really?

“I’m someone who wants you to live and meet your mate.”

“My mate?” His eyes widened.

“Now I have your attention. Of course.” I should have started with that part. “Come on, let’s go. I’m sure Jared can meet us when he’s done with pyscho witch.”

“Who?”

I shook my head. “Just take us down there.”

“Fine, but there better be a reason for all this.”

“There is.” A good one. Everything was on the line. I finally got him into the elevator.

Levi inserted a key, and the elevator started its descent. I hoped Jared figured out where we were. I had acted quickly and impulsively, but I needed to get Levi away from the witches. He needed to understand who and what he was dealing with.

The elevator opened up into complete darkness. I was grateful for my night vision.

“Ok. You ready to listen?” I turned to him.

“You can see me.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes. I can. I’m an Ursus.” I went with the formal term.

“Jared has lost his mind over an Ursus?” He didn’t sound as surprised as I’d have expected.

“Yes. Or a bear if you want to be more informal.”

“I don’t care what term you use. It’s the same thing.”

“Ok then, let me lay this out there. Those girls we were with are witches. At least one of them is. The blonde. She’s psychotic. She is going to try to kill you and your mate.” I carefully avoided using names. There was no reason to confuse him more.

“My mate? You mentioned her before.”

“Yes, your mate. You were supposed to meet her today but everything is messed up.” And it was only getting worse. What I’d give for a do-over of the day.

“I was supposed to?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Yes. If you thought I was crazy before you’ll think I’m certifiably insane when I tell you the next part.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t tell me.”

I shrugged. “I have to, but promise to hear me out and give Jared a chance to talk to you.”

“Jared’s one of my closest friends. I’ll always hear him out.”

“That’s great and all, but I guarantee you’ll think he’s crazy too.” Or even crazier.

“He’s been acting weird all day…”

“For a reason.”

“Which is?” Levi gestured for me to continue.

“We’re from the future.”

Levi chuckled. “Ok, good one.”

“No, really. Jared somehow conjured a veil and made this alternative time thingie that I don’t fully understand, but the bottom line is he’s screwed some things up. I’ve screwed them up too, and we need your help to fix it.”

“Now I know you’re insane. The only people who can conjure anything are witches and warlocks. Jared isn’t magical.”

“Not yet. It isn’t awakened. That part comes from his mom, and you’re the one who tells him that. He’s used these crystals, and he somehow made this veil thing or someone else helped him make it.”

Levi’s phone vibrated. One of the perks of being supernatural was incredible hearing. He pulled out his phone and picked up. “Either this girl is insane or you have a lot of explaining to do. Meet me downstairs.” He pocketed his phone.

Hopefully that meant Jared was coming.

“Maybe you’re the witch. Maybe you somehow found a way to mess with a Pteron’s mind.” Levi studied me like he was looking for a sign of what I actually was.

“I’m not a witch. I’m a bear.”

“Prove it.” He crossed his arms.

“You really want me to?” I had no interest in shifting, but I’d do what I had to do.

“Yes.”

“Fine.” I pulled off my tank top.

Levi averted his eyes slightly, but I could tell he was still watching. I didn’t think it was in any pervy way, but he didn’t trust me. I didn’t care. I was used to being naked in front of people. I stepped out of my shorts and underwear. I refused to rip them. They were the only clothes I had.

I reached for my bear from the corner of my mind and let it take over, embracing it entirely as the change consumed me. My vision tunneled, and my body heaved before I took my second form.

Levi stared with his mouth hanging open. “You’re a bear.”

I stood there. I wasn’t ready to change back yet. It took too much energy. The elevator opened, and I really hoped it would be Jared.

“Do I want to know what you did to her to make her shift?” Jared’s familiar voice sent a wave of relaxation through me.

Levi kept his eyes on me as he responded. “I asked her to prove she wasn’t a witch.”

“She’s not a witch.”

“No, but she seems to think you are part warlock or something.”

“I do have magic in me.” Jared sounded completely unapologetic.

“That’s insane.”

I shifted back. I wanted to be able to talk. The shift back to my human form happened quicker, and Jared jumped in front of me and handed me my clothes.

Levi laughed. “You do really like this girl.”

“I do, and I’d appreciate if you’d stop staring at her when she’s naked. You have your own mate to worry about.”

“My own mate? You want a bear as your mate?” Levi’s eyes widened.

“Yes. I don’t know how much Vera told you but the whole inter-species or even inner-species taboos are pretty much gone soon.”

“Soon? Oh yes, because you come from the future.” Levi rolled his eyes.

“We do. I know it sounds insane, but it probably makes sense if you think about everything I’ve said today.” Jared seemed calm. I wasn’t sure how he was holding it together.

“I heard I was supposed to meet my mate.” Levi smiled. I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or teasing.

“You were. Unfortunately she’s on her way back up to New York to reconcile with Blackwell’s grandson.”

“Uh, what?” Levi’s forehead furrowed.

“Yup. Tiffany, that blonde witch, messed with her. The problem is if she chooses him he becomes king because she’s an enchantress and…”

“Just stop.” Levi held out his hand in front of him. “This is getting ridiculous.”

“Levi.” Jared put his hands on both of his arms. “Would I ever mess with you about this? I swear Allie is your mate. It’s the girl from your dream. You two belong together.”

“I belong with a girl from New York who is dating a Blackwell? By the way, Blackwell doesn’t have a grandson.”

“He does. And he’s a legitimate heir. This is important.”

“So what is it you want me to do?” Levi tilted his head slightly. He was listening.

“Go get her. Stay away from Tiffany. Georgina says—”

Levi interrupted, “Wait. Georgina? You talked to my grandma before talking to me?”

“He thought she’d be more likely to listen and have answers,” I quickly jumped in.

“And did she?” He leaned forward.

“She believed us, but she didn’t have the answers because I’m not magical here.” Jared’s body tensed. He didn’t like discussing his powerlessness in our situation.

“There’s no way you’re part warlock.” Levi shook his head. “I can’t buy that part.”

“I didn’t really believe it until I woke up here, and then I somehow pulled Vera back with me.”

“Yeah, how did you get into all this?”

“I kissed him.” There was no reason to beat around the bush.

“Kissing him did this?” He pointed up as though we’d appeared through the air. “And you still want him?”

I laughed despite the precarious situation. “I thought it would make him wake up, but yes. Kissing Jared is kind of addicting.”

“Great information to know.” Levi pulled out his phone and glanced at it.

“Expecting a call?” Jared asked.

“No, just seeing if my mom ever texted back. She said you came by.” Levi raised an eyebrow.

“I did. To make sure you guys weren’t playing a truck on me.”

“What did you tell her?” Levi looked horror struck.

“I asked about Allie, that’s how I found out the hotel was recently sold.”

“Why are they related?”

“Allie’s the owner’s daughter.” Jared let out an exasperated breath.

“Oh yeah? I went for a rich girl?”

“She’s embarrassed by it. She doesn’t fit the mold.” Jared smiled. I assumed he was reflecting on his early memories of Allie. The two had an interesting friendship.

“So you like her?”

“You’re talking like you believe me.” Jared’s face brightened.

“I don’t know what else to believe. I guess anything is possible.”

“I do like her. She’s cool, and she doesn’t put up with any of your crap. Or mine. We’re good friends.” Jared smiled.

“Is he being serious?” Levi turned to me.

“Yes. And she seems cool from what I’ve seen.”

“Cool is a good thing.” He smiled slightly.

“We have to go.” I didn’t have a watch on, but I didn’t need a clock to realize time was passing quickly. “I need to make sure Casey’s ok.” I refused to let Murphy get near her.

“Who’s Casey?” Levi asked.

“My little sister,” I explained.

“Okay. Got it.” Levi nodded.

Eventually we’d have to explain she was his half-sister too, but that could wait until we were closer.

“We’ll protect her. I promised you that.” Jared touched my arm gently.

“You know Toby will kill you too if you don’t.” Then I remembered something. “Well, if he ever meets her.”

“He’s going to get back together with Allie if we don’t get moving,” Jared grumbled.

“Wait.” I froze. I hadn’t quite processed what Jared meant about Allie returning to New York. “What?”

“Tiffany sent Allie back to him. Messed with her mind.”

“Oh crap.” Had things seriously gotten that much worse?

“Oh crap is right.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” I straightened up. “We need to take care of all of this. Now.”

“We were waiting for Levi to agree to help.”

“I have to, don’t I?” Levi held out his hand to the side. “I don’t have another choice.”

“But what about Tiffany? Can we really leave her here set loose?” I asked.

“She would have been loose anyway. At least Levi now knows who she is.” Then Jared stopped. “We need to make sure Owen understands too. You tell him. He won’t believe me.”

Levi nodded. “Good point.” He pulled out his phone and walked a few steps away.

“You and Owen had a messed up relationship even before Levi became King.”

“Believe it or not, it’s actually better in the real world.”

“I don’t quite get it, but I do.” Most relationships, including friendships were strange, complicated things.

“Whatever that means.”

“You know what I mean.” One of the best parts of being with Jared was that he got me. He understood me in a way that few ever had.

He nodded. “I guess I do.”

"Is she ok flying?" Levi pointed to me.

"Of course I am."

"She's a bit of a flying junkie." Jared grinned. "I think it's because she likes to be close to me."

"You have nice big wings. Are we done?" I cocked my head to the side. I wasn’t in the mood for games. We had no time.

Levi laughed. "She's the female version of you."

"Is that a bad thing?" I put a hand on my hip.

"I like Jared, and you are the more attractive version, so absolutely not."

"Good." I probably shouldn't have been so comfortable with Levi, but I was. There was something about his personality that made it impossible not to like him. I knew that underneath his tough exterior, there was something far more real than what most people were. Jared was the same way. There was way more there than reached the surface.

"We can't be seen by Tiffany." Now that we had a basic plan, the details were important. We wanted Tiffany to stay in New Orleans looking for Levi instead of following us up to New York where she could make things much worse for all of us.

"We'll take the passages.” Levi nodded as if agreeing with himself. “We will come out far enough away that she won't be watching."

"I'm sure someone will be watching, but there is always the possibility we could get lucky." I didn't want to sound discouraging, but we had to be realistic. And careful. I wasn't generally the most cautious person, but sometimes it was completely necessary.

"It's dark, and no one knows about this exit. It's not an entrance, and I'm one of only a handful of people who even knows about it or has access."

"My dad probably does." Jared’s face darkened.

I'd forgotten about that. Not completely. I obviously knew that Jett Florence was in cahoots with Tiffany, but with all the other craziness I’d pushed the significance of that from my mind.

“Good point. He might slow us down, but I can tell if he's down here. If no one’s been down here, then we're all clear."

"We should go." Jared didn’t move to correct Levi on why Jett would be a problem. I assumed he was doing it to save time, and I wasn’t going to mess with that.

"We can get Casey first." Jared met my eye.

"I didn't ask."

"But she's the one in potential danger. I can't say I love Toby, but we all know he isn't going to hurt Allie." Jared was thinking through things logically. I was having a harder time with that. The only thing on my mind was protecting Casey. After we had her with us I’d be able to concentrate on everything else.