The blood drained from my face. I tried to feign nonchalance as I moved closer. “Nothing special,” I said, holding out my hand. “Give it to me.”
She hid it behind her back. “If it’s no big deal, why do you want it so badly? You look as though you would kill me to get it.”
I was so full of anger at that moment I could have. I shouldn’t have cared if she knew about it now. Why was I so mad at her all of a sudden? I took a few calming breaths before I asked for it again.
“Here,” she said, shoving it at me. “I was just curious. It looks ancient.”
Once I had the smooth leather in my palm, I felt better. “That’s what I thought. Look, I’m trying to keep you from getting into trouble, too.”
“What?”
“I took it from Roger’s study.”
Her eyes flew wide then narrowed. “I’ve never known you to steal. What gives?”
Unnerved, I ran my fingers through my hair; how was I going to explain this to her? “Roger’s little brother startled me when I was reading it. I put it in my purse without thinking about it. I hadn’t meant to steal it, but I want to finish reading it before I give it back. Roger can’t know I have it, though. Alex said Roger doesn’t like people going into his study. He made sure I understood I would be in trouble if Roger found out.”
She laughed. “What was Roger supposed to do to you—kill you?” When I didn’t return her mirth, her smile melted away. “He may be a creep, but you can’t be serious.”
“I don’t know who Roger Wayne is, and I don’t want to. He’s into something wrong, Cassie. Alex actually inferred that I might be a spy. He was trying to joke about it, but I think he was looking for a reaction from me—something that would have given me away.”
She looked unconvinced. “But you aren’t a spy.”
“If Roger is the sort of guy I’ve taken him for, it wouldn’t matter to him why I was in his office. I don’t think he would care that this book is the only thing I saw, either. I don’t know what he’s hiding in there, but maybe he’s CIA or something.”
“You’d better hope not. They could be listening to our conversation right now.”
I was bewildered. “How do you know that?”
Her eyes gleamed with long held secrets. “Daddy has a device in his office that makes eavesdropping impossible.”
I didn’t want to insult her by asking the niggling question that worried me: what was her father hiding? “Doesn’t your dad’s company make iron furniture? What’s so top secret about that?”
She shrugged. “I overheard a conversation he had with a colleague that was visiting from Ireland. I didn’t want him to know I had been listening in the hall. He would have been really upset with me. I was supposed to be in bed.”
“That’s weird,” I commented absentmindedly. All of these things seemed like they could be connected, but I couldn’t figure out how.
“So,” Cassie trailed off expectantly. After I gave her a confused look she huffed. “Are you going to read the thing or what?”
I wanted to more than anything at the moment. When I caressed the smooth leather, Cassie cleared her throat. I got the hint. I read her the part I had already seen.
I write this account in hopes that some other unfortunate soul may benefit from the mistakes I have made. I would like to think I would have chosen death instead of bonding with my captor if the circumstances presented themselves again, but I find I am as much afraid of dying today as I was five hundred years ago.
This woman had to be an Elemental, but why would she have died if she hadn’t bonded with the lord that took her? There had to have been another option. At least, I hoped there was for my sake. And how on earth had she lived that long?
“The man in the gift-shop said something about wishing he were bound to me,” Cassie said, interrupting my thoughts. “It was an odd statement, but I was so mad at him at the time I couldn’t have asked him to explain what he meant.”
“I wondered if they were the same thing, too.”
Her gaze lowered to the book then back to me. “Have you figured out what it is?”
I sighed heavily, wiping moisture from my brow. I was tempted to open the window, but a sudden trepidation kept me from doing it. “Grace said the lords couldn’t bond with me until I was taken someplace specific.”
“Those men were lords!” She jumped to her feet and paced the room like a caged lioness.
“You should have known,” I said irritably. “I told you what Grace said after I called her. What does that mean for me?”
She didn’t answer me. “Why you?” she asked with a strange intenseness in her gaze.
I gave her a mocking glare. “You don’t think much of me, do you?”
She shook her head. “Stop putting words in my mouth. I just don’t see what they could want from you. It’s not like you’re any different than I am.”
I laughed. “Apparently they think so.”
“I’m confused. Tell me exactly what Grace said before we read any more of this thing.”
I spilled it all. Now two people knew how insane my life had turned.
Cassie wouldn’t look at me when I was finished. “I’m really sorry, Rayla. I had no idea it was this bad. I thought I had brought some creatures with me. I would never have guessed they might be here for you instead.”
“No big.” I got up to get a drink. “They haven’t taken me yet, so there’s still time to figure out how to stop them. I need some ammo for tomorrow.”
“What happens then?” Cassie asked with a frown.
I lowered the cup in my hand. Could she be any more clueless? “I start my job.”
“You are not still considering working!” She took the glass from me and gulped down half of it. “What if they decide to take you? You can’t risk it. I won’t let you!”
I crossed my arms. “I will not hide in my dorm waiting for them to come get me. I have a life to live, and they are not going to stop me. I need to find something in this book that will help me get rid of them.”
“That’s a great plan,” Cassie said. “What happens if there isn’t anything useful in it?”
I threw up my hands. “If you know what I can do, now would be the ideal moment for you to tell me.”
She locked gazes with me. “I’m sorry, Rayla. All I know is that lords are a big deal in the fae world. They are the real royalty and are nearly worshiped by their people. My conversations with Nixlan never got to how to stop them from taking someone. You don’t know how badly I wish they had, but I didn’t even know those men were fae. I couldn’t see it. They must have really powerful glamour.” She held my shoulders firmly. “You can’t go to Notre Dame anymore. Make them come to you. Let me pay for your expenses. Please, Rayla. Think about what you are risking.” Her tone lowered. “I don’t want to lose you.”
I shook my head, stepping back. “Then help me fight them. I refuse to cower away from my life because a few guys think they can steal my dreams from me.”
“What if—”
“I can’t talk about this anymore. It’s already late, and I’ve got a busy day ahead of me. I can read out loud if you want.”
“That’s okay. I don’t want to disturb you.” She climbed up to her bunk and settled in.
She looked hurt, but the last thing I needed was to add more doubt to my already questioning mind. This book was special. I felt it every time I held it. I just needed to find what I was looking for. I should have smoothed things over with Cassie, but I couldn’t risk another distraction. Time was slipping away from me like water through a sieve.
Lily—the author of the journal—had a pretty colorful life before she had been captured. Her mother had run away with her when she was a child trying to protect her from her own father, if you can believe that.
He belonged to an organization that conspired with the fae to breed Elementals in exchange for power and money. He had planned to give his daughter to the fae when she turned nineteen in exchange for a governmental position of som
e sort.
Was the same kind of thing still happening today? Was that why I knew nothing of my own father? Could he be part of some hellish organization that sold children for power and status?
I didn’t quite understand it, but each Elemental was chosen and branded at birth by one of the basic elements. Lily had been born with the mark of air.
Shouldn’t I have a birthmark? The only thing that marred my skin was my scar. I guess I could have had a mark, but I didn’t remember one.
There was something else bothering me. Each statement I read led me to believe Elementals were only female. Were males called something else? Did Zach have hidden power like I did? Was that why he seemed to know so much about the fae, or had I gone to the most likely conclusion without considering other options? I needed to be careful. He had a way of setting me at ease, but what if… My head erupted with a sharp pain that went as fast as it came. Man, I lost my train of thought.
Anyway, Lily’s mother, Ingrid, had taken her to a distant land. She had been successful at hiding her daughter for many years, until one day strangers had come to their village asking questions about a widow with a grown daughter. Ingrid fled with Lily, but she was too late. The lords found Lily on her nineteenth birthday:
Mom had taken me to the May Day celebration against her better judgment. She gave in because I had agreed to stay by her side the entire time. I watched while girls danced, weaving colorful ribbons down the Maypole. Mom walked a few paces away from me to discuss something with the butcher. From the look on his ruddy face, he was sweet on her. I became bored with their flirting. I gazed longingly at the laughing couples swaying to the music.
As was mostly the case, we were new to town, so when the lords approached me I had no reason to fear them. Mom had warned me about fae men, but nothing could have prepared me for first contact. She told me to marry an ugly man—that way I would know he was not one of them. I was young and was overcome when they showed interest in me.
One in particular seemed enamored of me. His words made me blush and sparked a desire within me I could not deny. When he asked me to dance, I thought nothing of it. If I had to marry an unattractive man, shouldn’t I allow myself one dance with the most beautiful man I had ever seen?
The last word I ever heard from my mother was a blood-curdling—‘no.’ The next thing I knew, I was in a land that could not exist. The colors hurt my eyes. The sounds made me cover my ears. Traumatized, I looked to the man that had taken me from my life.
Cold, ageless eyes stared back at me. “Your body will adjust in time,” he’d said. There was no apology in his gaze or on his perfect lips.
When Cassie shook me awake, I was still at my desk. I wiped the drool from my mouth. “What time is it?”
She yawned, stretching her tiny frame skyward. “Eight-thirty.”
I shot out of my seat. I was going to be late to class. “Why didn’t you wake me sooner?”
She calmly looked down at me. “I just got up myself. Sorry.” She turned, walking to the dresser and back with the clock in her hands. “Why didn’t my alarm go off?” She ran her fingers through tangled hair, hovering over my shoulder. “Did you learn anything useful?”
I didn’t know how long I had stayed up reading, but I felt exhausted. “Not yet, but man was it interesting. The way she described the fae realm was enthralling.”
Cassie’s gaze grew distant. A tiny smile spread across her lips. “It is beautiful.”
I was so tempted to skip classes today to read more, but I wasn’t about to risk my education when I had worked so hard to get here in the first place. College life was much more difficult than I had expected, but it was the step I needed to get into the industry.
I showered in record speed, making it to my religious studies class just on time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t concentrate. I probably wouldn’t be able to remember anything I learned today because I couldn’t keep my mind off how I was going to get rid of the lords.
I was worried about the possibility of running into one or all of them at work. I decided to take the bus to the library to avoid being alone. Running would have been great, but I couldn’t risk it. A rigid tension was building inside me even though I had been working out in the fitness center. Running on a treadmill was no substitute for the real thing. My feet needed to connect with pavement, or maybe it was the elements? All I knew was my lungs needed the fresh air, but that would have to wait until I could get rid of my not-so-harmless admirers.
Two girls stood at the bus-stop with me. We had dispersed with introductions, and they were busy talking about how excited they were to be going to Notre Dame tonight. I wished I was so thrilled. When the bus pulled to a halt, I climbed in first, greeted the driver, and stopped mid-stride at the top of the steps.
Luke sat casually three rows back. The urge to run shot through me, but how could I without giving myself away? I squared my shoulders, planning to walk by him without even acknowledging he was there. That backfired like my car when I didn’t warm it up.
He grabbed my elbow before I could pass him. “I’ve saved a seat for you, beautiful.”
How had he found out I would be here? Turning toward him, I gave him a curt nod. “Oh, hi,” I said in the fakest tone I had ever heard. “I didn’t see you there.”
He smirked, tilting his head in mockery. “I know how I affect you.” He ran a disconcerting finger over my wrist. “You are nervous around me. You need not be.”
I glanced sidelong at the sun god. “That’s your opinion.”
“Please, Rayla.”
My name on his lips did funny things to my mind. Everything inside me wanted to give anything and everything he could ever ask for. He stood, towering over me with his exquisite body.
“Have a seat. I have gone through much trouble to meet you alone. I merely desire to speak to you.”
I fought the compulsion surging through me to do what I had been told. “So said the fox to the gingerbread man,” I hissed. “I am not so gullible.”
His expression turned openly delighted. “That is what interests me most about you.” He chuckled. “I promise not to eat you, if you will listen to me.” His smile was warm, kind even.
The girl behind me cleared her throat. “Excuse me. Can we get by you? The bus does run on a schedule.” She finally got me to comply to Luke’s wishes with a little shove. Too bad she was the one who tripped up the aisle when she took one look at him. Served her right.
I lifted my chin in defiance before planting my backside on the seat next to him. Clinging to the edge of the seat, I stayed as far away from him as I could manage. I wasn’t going to believe a word that came out of his mouth.
“That wasn’t so hard, now was it?” His cool gaze lingered on my face.
My skin burned where his shoulder touched mine. “Speak for yourself.”
His brows rose skyward while a tiny muscle tightened near his eye. After only a moment a slow smile spread across his gorgeous lips. “You know what I am.”
My eyes flew wide. When I opened my mouth to protest, his soothing, gentle touch on my lips took my breath.
“This pleases me. We will have an easier time getting to know one another now.”
How was I supposed to respond to that? I turned away from his intense gaze, inwardly shaking myself for being so stupid.
“I have something for you,” he said, pulling a prettily wrapped package literally out of thin air. “I give this to you in the hopes you will see I am not so very different than you. I, too, have dreams and ambitions. Together, we can attain anything.”
Even though I wanted to, I couldn’t look away from him. “I—”
“You needn’t say anything, Rayla.”
We were at my stop. I stared into his cerulean eyes looking for some evidence of duplicity. If it was there, I couldn’t see it.
“I will see you soon, my beautiful Elemental.” He caressed my cheek gently and gave me a minute smile. “Perhaps next time, you will want to talk to me.”
<
br /> I got off the bus, clumsily shoving his package into my purse. I had a hard enough time with Lily’s journal secretly calling to me. Now I had a present I didn’t have time to open.
I ran underneath Touchdown Jesus to the library doors, eager to avoid any more interaction with the lords. The mosaic was beautiful. Had it been intentionally created with football in mind or was it just a happy coincidence that Jesus had his arms raised like a game official. All he was missing really was the whistle and uniform.
Religious icons were everywhere on campus. The library was no exception. If church provided a measure of protection from the lords, I hoped this place would suffice. I flung the door wide, rushing into the spacious foyer.
Alex Wayne stood stoically in front of me, his arms folded across his chest. I gave him a token smile and walked right past him.
He fell into step beside me. “Why the hurry?”
I didn’t feel like talking. My words were breathless. “I’ve got to find my trainer. I work here now.”
A deliberate smile spread across his lips. “I know.”
I didn’t remember telling him anything about my new job the other night. “It’s good to see you, Alex, but I really need to go. I don’t want to be late on my first day.”
He laughed. His gaze found mine and held it captive. “I’m the one you’re looking for.”
Why did I feel as though his words offered a double meaning I wouldn’t like to understand? “You can’t work here.”
“Yes,” he said with a triumphant grin, “I do. Mr. Hansen sent me to find you. I’m to show you around and get you started.”
I gave him a skeptical look. “What gives, Alex? You don’t need to work.”
“I volunteer three days a week.” He smiled proudly. “I have been for six months, so you can get over yourself now.”
After a moment’s hesitation, I decided to believe him. “Are you sure I don’t need to clock-in or something?”
He smiled impishly, shoving his hands in his back pockets. “I forgot about that. Come on, and I’ll show you.”
The library was bigger than I had expected. Although decidedly mid-century modern, the interior reflected the same gothic arches and columns that dominated the surrounding buildings. Rich walnut stacks were neatly set in rows. Several cozy seating areas were scattered throughout the first floor with tables lining the walls.
Alex led me to the ancient languages library. Several piles of books waited on tables to be put away.
“I’m sure you can figure this part out by yourself,” he said, looking distractedly behind me.
The clip-clop of heels erupted down the marble hall. A girl walked toward us. She was cute with rounded features, thick straight blonde hair, and brown eyes. The tailored jacket and mini-skirt she wore looked all wrong on her.
Her face flushed prettily with color before she spoke. “Mr. Hansen wants to speak with you, Alex.”
He rolled his eyes, clenching his jaw. “Don’t go anywhere, Rayla. I need to talk to you.” His sneakers screeched in protest as he ran down the hall.
The girl walked over to me, holding out her hand. Her floral perfume overwhelmed my senses. “I’m Brooke. I work here a few days a week. Let me know if Alex gives you any trouble. He can be overly demanding at times.”
I just bet. The more I was around Alex Wayne the less I thought he was who he appeared to be. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She turned to leave then hesitated. “I’m taking my break at seven if you’d like to join me. I’d love some company.”
I smiled. “Thanks. I’m off at seven, but I’ll take a rain-check.” I was happy to have someone else to talk to. I didn’t want to spend any more time alone with Alex than I had to.
She left me to it. I started with one of the larger stacks and got to work. It wasn’t exactly brain surgery, and focusing on putting the books away took my mind off the lords. After a couple of hours by myself, I was beginning to wonder if I had been abandoned. I was just putting the last book into place when Alex came down the aisle.
He didn’t return my smile. Instead he gestured for me to be quiet, pulling me into a conference room. He shut the door behind him, his features tight with a grim expression. “It appears there is one book you’ve failed to return.” Sweaty fingers clamped around my elbow. His gaze pierced my soul. “You need to give it back, Rayla.”
I had a hard time suppressing my surprise. I was tempted to lie to him but figured it wouldn’t do any good. “Why the melodrama? I fully intend to return it when I finish reading it.”
“There’s no time for that.” His fingers dug into my arm. “Do you have it with you? If you give it to me tonight, Roger may never find out you took it.”
I was desperate. “You’re the only one who knows I have it. Please, I need to read it.”
He got a funny look on his face. “Why?”
I wasn’t about to tell him the truth. Although, if his brother had a book written by an Elemental, Alex was probably well aware of the world I didn’t want to believe existed. “I’m just really into it. It’s enthralling. Have you ever read it before?”
He quirked a brow. “I already told you. Roger doesn’t let anyone into that room, not even me. I should tell him what you did and be done with this, but I like you.”
What would Roger do if he found out Alex had a key to his study? I would only use blackmail if I had to. It took me a second to think of something that might appease him. “Are you working tomorrow?” Maybe I could copy the book and no one would be the wiser? All I knew was that I didn’t want to give it back, ever, let alone right now. “I could bring it with me then.”
“Nice try,” he said dryly. “I already saw it in your purse.”
My lungs tightened as though an angry gorilla was using them for drums. “How dare you go through my things!” Rivulets of moisture fell down my back. Had he been bold enough to look into the package Luke gave me?
“I could have taken it back already, but I was hoping to give you the opportunity to do the right thing.”
Why hadn’t I finished it last night? I should have skipped classes today. “I really need to know what’s in that book!” I grabbed his forearm, my nails digging into his skin. “Please, Alex. I’m begging you.”
His gaze fell dispassionately to my ineffectual hand. “How could you be so desperate to read a stupid book?”
I was offended on several different levels. He clearly wasn’t an avid reader. “How do you know it’s dumb if you haven’t even read it?”
“Maybe I should,” he said. “I told you not to get involved in this stuff.”
“I’m trying to avoid getting sucked into whatever this is.”
He edged a little closer with a sly smile on his boyish face. With steady fingers, he pushed sandy bangs from his hazel eyes. “I could be persuaded to let you keep it a little while longer.”
I backed away from him. “What did you have in mind?”
“Not much.” He smiled broadly. “Just a kiss.”
No problem. I planted a sweet one on his cheek.
He let out a gusty chortle. “That’s not quite what I had in mind.”
I smirked inwardly. “I know, but it is all I can give you. My life is a little complicated at the moment.”
His expression turned grave. “It could become a lot more so if Roger found out about you.”
The heat of anger crept up my neck. “Are you threatening me?”
His eyes were cold. “I don’t do threats. You need to prove to me that you are just a sweet girl that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”