Storm: The Empire Chronicles (9 page)

“You were right about Murphy.” That hadn’t been important to say when I saw her on Norco, but somehow it felt more important now. Maybe it was because my latest dream had been so realistic or because he’d threatened to take Casey, but she needed to know she was right. I was wrong.

“You know what you are.”

“I know
who
I am.” I wondered if she’d understand what I was saying. I was more than just an Ursus. I was the heir to Norco. The daughter of Gareth.

“There is so much more you still need to learn.”

“Would you believe me if I swore on my life I’m telling you the truth?” I hoped my eyes and words conveyed how important her answer was.

“I’d try.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ve been to Norco.”

Her mouth fell open. “When?”

“It hasn’t happened yet.”

“Why are you talking in gibberish?” She looked perplexed.

“Because I’m kind of back in time.”

“Vera…”

“Jared, the guy downstairs, his mom’s a witch. Somehow he created a veil, and we’re here. It’s all messed up, but I swear it’s real. It all happened right after we left the island. You and Gareth were—”

“Gareth? You remember your… him?” She reached out her hand as if to touch me, but then she dropped it.

“I don’t remember him from being a child, but I know him now.”

“There is no way you could have been there—”

“I have been. I’ve met Gareth. I know about Daria and Madoc. I’ve had dinner at Viso. I know Norco. I know my name at birth was Astrella.”

“Astrella.” She said the name softly.

“Please.” I grabbed her arms. “You have to believe me. I was there. I met everyone. I went through a Petere ceremony.”

“What?” Her eyes widened.

“I chose Jared.”

“Wait. You said his mom is a witch, but why is he with Leviathan?”

“Jared’s a Pteron. And for future reference he goes by Levi not Leviathan.”

“There is no way you would have been allowed to choose a Pteron.”

“Gareth is fine with it. He knows Jared is strong, and I think Gareth wants him to try the Origin Crystals and—”

“What?” Her eyes widened. “What are you talking about?” She attempted to turn her surprise into confusion, but it didn’t work on me.

“Don’t pretend, Mom. I know all about the crystals and the cave. I think the crystals may have been part of how Jared made the veil. But it’s a long story.”

“Why would you be back in time?”

“We don’t know. There has to be a reason we’re here, but now he can’t get us back to reality. We’ve screwed up so much. Like me leaving Murphy, and now he’s after Casey—”

“What?” Mom froze.

“That’s the main reason we’re at your house.”

“What’s the other?” She wrapped her hand around her neck.

“I know you have talents. Maybe you can help us? Maybe you can help us understand why we’re here, and how to erase this veil and go home?”

She ignored me. “What did Norco look like?”

“You don’t believe me?” Her disbelief hurt more than I expected.

“Please. I want to.”

“You want proof?” I started out of the room.

“Don’t leave!” She yelled after me.

“I’m not leaving, I’m getting someone else.” I walked down to the landing of the stairs. “Jared can you come up here for a minute”

"More secrets?" Casey glowered.

"Trust me. You aren't ready to hear all this." It would be far too much at once.

"I'm not a little kid anymore. Stop treating me like one.” She walked to the bottom of the stairs. "You've been gone."

"This has nothing to do with your age."

"Then what does it have to do with?" She took two steps up.

"Things you'd never believe."

"Yeah. I'm sure." She rolled her eyes.

"You really want to know?"

"Vera," mom warned from beside me. "She can't handle all that information at once."

"All what information?" Chris appeared around the corner.

"Jared, go tell my mom all about Norco."

He nodded and started up the steps, carefully moving around Casey.

"Norco?" Casey's forehead furrowed.

"You're going to need to sit down for this." And even that wasn’t going to help.

"Don't tell her without me." Mom touched my arm.

"Why not?” I turned to her. “I found out on my own."

"You are older."

"Do I need to say it again?” Casey reached the landing. It was crowded with four of us now. “I'm not a baby."

"This isn’t about your age." It had to do with experience and knowledge. Both were things she lacked right now.

"Maybe we should show her. She might pass out, but at least she'll have to believe it." Levi decided to join our party on the stairs.

"You should also probably tell her you are related before you take your shirt off. You don't want her having any weird feelings.” The whole situation was messed up already.

"Uh, why would we be related?" Casey looked between Levi and me for an answer.

"Yes, Vera. Why would they be related?" Chris started up the stairs.

“I know everything, Dad.” I forced myself to meet his eyes. “Everything.”

“You don’t know as much as you think you do.” His voice didn’t waver.

“I’ve met Gareth.” I locked eyes with him again.

He paled.

“You’ll always be my dad. I decided that the moment I found out, but it doesn’t change who my father is.”

“Excuse me?” Casey held onto the wall. “What the heck are you all talking about?”

“You have a different dad. Mine.” Levi pointed to his chest. “At least that’s what they’ve told me.”

“Uh, what?” Casey looked about ready to pass out.

“Hence why your sister said I should warn you we’re related. They claim I’m your half-brother.” He smiled. “This is all news to me too.”

“Someone had better explain what’s going on here.” Casey put a hand on her hip.

“I like Vera’s idea.” Levi pulled off his shirt and stepped back downstairs to the lower level.

“Don’t do that in here.” Chris’ warning was lost before Levi released his wings, and Casey completely passed out.

I
waited awkwardly
in the living room. I’d tried to help Casey, but Vera and her mother, Taliana, had forced me away. I could tell Vera felt bad for the shock caused by her suggestion.

Instead I stood there waiting while Chris stared both Levi and me down. Levi eventually got tired of it and walked outside. I would have joined him if not for Vera. I didn’t want her to feel like I was abandoning her.

“Vera wasn’t lying. You’ll always be her dad. And Casey’s. That doesn’t change.” I had to say something even if Chris didn’t want to listen. He looked like a man who’d been kicked in the groin. My guess was he felt worse. He’d dedicated eighteen years to raising other men’s daughters as his own, and now the secret was out. I couldn’t stand watching him suffer.

“Shut up.” Chris scowled.

“They were going to find out eventually. Both of them.” And at least the first time around they’d taken it remarkably well. It’s amazing how resilient they were. Unfortunately this time was far more dramatic for Casey. Maybe it’s because it happened more naturally the first time around, at least on my end, and I wasn’t so involved. I wasn’t the one who had to show Casey that the world wasn’t as simple as she thought it was. Even though I’d been there when Vera faced her mom, it was so much harder watching it unfold in her living room.

“I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but my girls are none of your business.” Chris stepped toward me.

“Actually they are.” Especially Vera. She was definitely my business. Of the utmost importance.

“She’s using you. I love Vera with all my heart, but she doesn’t know what a real relationship is.” He looked up toward the landing where all the women were standing.

“She learns.” I spoke out loud without thinking.

“Why are you talking like that?” His forehead wrinkled.

I walked around toward the foot of the stairs so I could check on the girls. I was feeling useless.

Vera stood up from her spot next to Casey. “Because we’re traveling back in time.”

“Vera, that’s enough,” Taliana warned.

“It’s not enough because it’s the truth. That’s how I know about Gareth. If you call him I can assure you he has no idea who any Vera is, and he’s never met me. Yet I can tell you everything about the island.”

“And the Pesco. That stuff is good.” I tried to lighten the mood. By the looks I got in return, it hadn’t worked.

Chris looked at Taliana. “When did you tell them?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t.”

I let out a deep breath. “I’m not sure I’m ready to go through this discussion again.”

Vera grunted. “Let’s not forget you and Levi were the ones who suggested we wake up my parents. I was all about grabbing Casey and running.”

“What?” Casey sat up.

“And that’s what wakes her up.” I laughed. “She’s still Casey.”

“I’m still me?” She glared. “You don’t know me.”

“I do. Very well.” I didn’t particularly want to think or discuss how well I did. I wouldn’t call what happened between us a mistake, but my reaction afterward was. I’d treated her horribly, and I’d never fully forgive myself for it.

“In ways we won’t discuss.” Vera jumped in. “All you need to know is Jared is with me. Your Pteron is currently getting back with his ex, who’s supposed to be with Levi. Jared and I screwed up a lot with this time veil.” She looked around at the confused expressions on her family’s faces. “I’d explain more, but well, I can’t. Anyway, we need to find Toby, that’s your guy, and Allie, that’s Levi’s mate, and fix all this. We also have to keep Murphy away from you. He’s probably on his way to find you already.”

“Why would Murphy need to find me? Is he mad about what happened with Finn or something?” Casey watched Vera carefully.

“What happened with Finn?” Chris’s face darkened. “What did he do to you?”

“Did you say a time veil?” Taliana asked, wisely cutting off any discussion of Murphy’s younger brother, Finn. That wasn’t going to help matters.

“Yes. I have no idea how, but did Vera tell you about the crystals?” I asked.

“The crystals?” Chris’s mouth fell open. “They know about them too?”

“They know
everything
, Chris.” Taliana sighed.

“And you believe this
Pteron
created a veil?” Chris pointed to me. “Or was it Vera? Last time I checked only witches and warlocks could do that, and it’s a rare skill to come by. I’ve never met someone who could.”

“I don’t know who did, but they know too much.” Taliana sat down on the top step below the landing. “Do you think Gareth would have left us alone if Vera had seen him? He’d have found us immediately.”

“He still loves and cares for you, Taliana.” Gareth’s tenderness had surprised me at the time. “Chris… I’d probably stay far away.”

“I don’t care what you think.” He scowled.

I held up my hands in defense. “Just giving some friendly advice.”

“We’re not friends. Nor are you friends with my daughter.” He crossed his arms.

“Actually, Dad… I picked him as my mate at a Petere ceremony, so he’s here to stay.” Vera walked down to meet me in the living room.

“A Petere ceremony?” Chris balked. “Gareth forced you into that?”

“And Mom… they both wanted me to, to calm everyone down. I picked Jared.” She touched my arm.

“And how did everyone react?” Chris’ expression was softer as he addressed his daughter.

“It was a mixed response.”

“So, uh, what are we?” Casey asked. “I mean I know I don’t have wings, but do the rest of you?”

“You do have wings, you just haven’t used them yet, and the rest of us are bears.” Vera made it sound completely casual, as though every family was a mix of different supernatural creatures.

“Insanity. This is the most insane dream ever.” Casey buried her head in her hands.

“I could prove you have wings, but I don’t want to traumatize you.” I wasn’t sure if my comment would help or hurt, but I couldn’t stand there and do nothing. We had no time for that.

“Yeah, I’d rather not be traumatized, but thanks for the offer.”

I smiled. “And there’s that sense of humor.”

“Stop that. Stop acting like we know each other.” Casey exhaled loudly.

“He’ll stop.” Vera sent me a warning through her eyes.

“So what are you doing back?” Taliana asked. “Vera says you don’t know why you ended up at this time?”

I nodded. “Exactly, and now we’re stuck. I can’t time travel in this veil since I haven’t had the magic awakened or whatever.”

“That’s it.” Vera grinned. “It’s so simple, how didn’t we think of it earlier?”

“What?” I asked with surprise and excitement. Had she figured something out?

“How was the magic awakened the first time?” Her face was lit with excitement.

“The crystals?” Understanding dawned on me. “You want to go to Norco?”

“No way.” Chris shook his head. “You will not be taking my daughter to Norco.”

“I’m going to Norco. He can’t go alone.” Vera shook her head. “Besides, there’s no way we’re going to get him on that island without problems unless Mom talks to someone in advance.”

“I’m going wherever you go this time, Vera. I’m not being left behind again.” Casey moved to her feet.

Taliana grabbed Casey’s arm as if to steady her.

“After all the craziness I’ve said and you’ve seen, you want to come with us?” I couldn’t believe how well Casey was taking things.

“Yes.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’m as crazy as you two.”

I turned to Chris. “Sorry, pal, but for your own safety I’m going to have to tell you to stay behind.”

“Not a chance.”

“We need to find my mate first.” Levi walked back inside. He must have been listening to our conversation from the porch. “Don’t forget about that.” He closed the door behind him.

I nodded. “She’s in Westchester. “

“Lucky break she’s just on the other side of the city, huh?” Casey started down the stairs.

I laughed.

She turned to me. “No comment about knowing me.”

I held my hands up in front of me. “Not saying a word.”

A
fter making
sure Casey was really okay and telling Vera my plans, I walked out onto the front porch where Levi was waiting again. “You’re ready to go, aren’t you?”

“If she’s really my mate, then yes.” He straightened up from where he’d been leaning against the railing.

“She’s your mate.” I knew that for sure. I didn’t like the thought of leaving Vera, but we needed to make sure Allie was ok. I realized she might not be back from New Orleans yet, but it seemed worth a try. That way we could at least search the area and make sure the house was safe.

“Do you know her exact address?”

“Yeah. Her mom’s house. I also know Toby’s address in case she’s over there.” I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case, but it always pays to be prepared.

Levi rubbed the back of his neck. “She won’t be at his place.”

“She hasn’t met you yet. No getting jealous.”

“She’s going to be my mate. I’m allowed to get jealous.”

“Do you want to just go?”

“You okay leaving?” He studied me. Maybe he was beginning to understand how much Vera meant to me.

“The sooner we leave, the sooner I see her again.”

“She seems cool, for whatever that’s worth.”

“You wanted her.” Might as well call a spade a spade.

“She’s gorgeous.” Levi grinned.

“She’s mine.” A felt a growl develop in my chest even though I knew Levi wasn’t actually going to try anything.

“And you tell me not to be jealous?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“It’s different. I know her already.”

“I kind of know Allie.” He smiled as though saying her name brought him pleasure. “At least I know the girl from my dream.”

“She’s even better than you remembered.”

“I want to meet her.” He straightened again.

“But be prepared. This isn’t going to be love at first sight—at least not on her end.”

“Great.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

“She’s going to be annoyed and tell you to leave her alone.”

“Wonderful.”

“But it’s all worth it in the end.” And hopefully it would be this time too, although I was still hoping to erase the veil before that even became an issue.

“Was she excited to become my princess?”

“No.” That was an understatement.

“But she said yes…”

“Uh, not exactly.”

“What do you mean?”

I looked out at the dark night. “This probably isn’t the best time to tell you.”

“It’s the perfect time to tell me.” He clenched his jaw.

“It isn’t.”

“What did I do?”

“You really trust me?” I knew his reaction wouldn’t be a good one. I needed to make sure he focused on the end game.

“Of course I do. I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Then you’ll trust me when I say it all works out… but you were an idiot. Or you will be an idiot.”

“Just tell me.” He tilted his head back to look at the sky.

“You don’t want to know the details. In your defense, it was out of desperation.”

“Desperation?”

“Yes. She was leaving, and you didn’t want her to. You tried to find a way to stop her.” I understood more now than I did then. At the time I couldn’t imagine having feelings so strong they’d make you do something so reckless.

“But she eventually forgives me for whatever I did?”

“Yes, but she makes you pay for quite a while.”

“I won’t be an idiot this time.” He seemed to be speaking more to himself than to me.

“Let’s hope you even get a chance to date her.”

“I will. If she’s supposed to be my mate, she will be.”

“Listen to you, believing so whole heartedly in destiny.” He’d given up those thoughts completely after failing to find his dream girl. Did my word really mean so much to him that he was willing to believe in it again?

“If it’s really her, then I do.”

“It’s her.” At least I could be confident about that.

“If you’re wrong, and you’re putting me through this for nothing, you’re going to pay.” His eyes darkened.

“It’s her.”

“We’ll see.”

I pulled off my t-shirt and released my wings.

He released his wings. “How far is she from here?”

“Not far. Thirty-eight miles.”

“Not that you had it mapped out specifically.”

“I’m always prepared.”

“Which is why you’re so useful.”

“Glad I’m useful for something.” I was in a hurry. Not only did we have to check on Allie, but I wanted to get back to Vera. I knew she could protect herself and she wasn’t alone, but every minute I was away worried me. I was losing it.

We took off and started the short flight toward Allie’s house. We were silent at first.

A short ways out, Levi broke the silence. “If she’s not there yet, we can put a security detail on her house.”

“We can’t.” I didn’t want to explain about my dad, but it looked like I was going to have to soon. “We can’t trust anyone.”

“That’s depressing. I’ll stay and watch it myself.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“You think I can’t protect myself?” There was amusement in his voice.

“I know you can, but it’s my job to make sure you’re not left alone.”

“Whatever you say.”

I started the descent toward her yard. I’d never been there before, but I knew the basic layout of her neighborhood. I landed and quickly retracted my wings. I had no interested in getting caught.

“I feel like a stalker.” Levi spoke exactly what I was thinking. Landing in her backyard made me feel like a total creeper.

“You are. Well, we are technically, but it’s for her own good.”

“Most stalkers probably say that.”

I laughed. “Good point.”

“When I fall for her the first time I didn’t stalk her though, right?”

“Not stalk as much as carefully monitor.”

“So I was a psycho.”

“You were a little bit obsessed.” That was putting it mildly, but in hindsight I couldn’t blame him. They were meant to be together.

“Why was she going to leave?”

“She’s supposed to go to Princeton.”

“But she doesn’t?”

“She transfers to Tulane.” It hadn’t been an easy decision for her, but in the end it had been the right one.