The Price of Power (The Price of Secrets Series Book 2) (17 page)

    I noticed something different about him, something wrong. It was hard to explain. It was Mike, but it wasn’t. How has Jaycee not seen it?

    Be careful, play along
.

    This time it was my own voice inside my head coaching me.

    “Sorry to scare you guys. I was looking for Jaycee so she could give me some advice. You know, girl talk.”

    “No, seriously, where did you come from? One minute…”

    I cut Jaycee off. “I guess you were too involved with Mike to notice me walking over here from your house.” I changed the subject while trying to study Mike. “I’m glad to see you two talking again. Have you worked things out?”

    “We could if you would leave.”

    Chills ran down my spine, literally. That was not Mike. Correction, it was Mike, but he’s not in the driver's seat if you know what I mean.

    “Mike, be nice.” Jaycee gave him a puzzled look. “We are trying. He believes me at least, but wants me to give up my powers for him. Hannah, maybe you can talk some sense into him. Tell him about…. you know. Make him understand that I need to keep my powers.”

    I have to get her away from him and closer to me. “Well then, let’s just show him. Jaycee, come stand by me.” I was still in the same spot I was when I first got here. Which was about fifteen feet away from them.

    Jaycee turned to Mike. “Stay right there and watch this.” She smiled as she walked to me.

    With all my power and all my might I screamed at Jaycee from within, praying she would hear.
Please Jaycee hear me! That is not Mike, he is possessed. We have to save him, without hurting him and ourselves, all at the same time
.  

    The smile on her face dropped. She heard me, and God bless her, she ran to my side. She didn’t even have time to think about it, she just listened to me. Her trust in me was so strong.

    Something inside of me stirred, awakened. Maybe it’s was my fear that caused it, or Jaycee’s belief in me. “Kindergarten, you dumb bastard, our bond has been forged since kindergarten. You will not touch it, or her!” I threw my hands out, all on raw emotional instinct, slinging pain into his head. Thick, syrupy, pain attaching itself to every crevice of his mind. “Rhyme, Jaycee! Get that demon out of him!”

    Mike feel to his knees and screamed out in agony. “You bitch!” He quickly formed a fireball in each hand and sent them straight toward me.

    It went right through me! I’m not here, my body is not here!

    Jaycee started her spell and I knew I had to join in.

    “Out of sight,

     out of mind,

     Mike Bentley is no longer yours to find!”

    “Really? That’s it?”

    “Just repeat the damn spell.”

    And so we did, three magical times.

    Instead of seeing the demon leave Mike’s body like before, we felt it. The air suddenly was easier to breath and Mike’s aura had lost it’s dark glow. We waited about half a second to run to his side.

    “Mike, please Mike, be okay. Speak to me.” Tears ran down Jaycee’s face and onto Mike’s shirt.

    “What was that...that thing inside of me? What happened?”

    “You remember?” I was shocked. I couldn’t help but wonder if the man from the gas station’s bathroom remembered what he had done too.

    “Yeah, it was like watching through my eyes without having any control over my body. Jaycee,” he grabbed her hand, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t believe you before, but I do now.” He sat up and grabbed her into a kiss that was box office worthy.

    Then, nose to nose and eye to eye with her, he cupped her face. “If you are a witch that has to fight that thing…”

    “A demon.” Leave it to Jaycee to interrupt a moment.

    “Whatever. I’m with you. I won’t let my girlfriend do this alone.”

    “Girlfriend?”

 “Umm, hey, guys.” I felt my body pull for me.

    “What the hell?”

    Mike’s last words were the last I heard until I was back safely in my own body. Then, before I had a chance to open my eyes, I heard the sounds of panting.

    It was Blaze. My strong protector was standing over me. I’m talking two paws on one side of me, and two paws on the other.

    “It’s okay, Blaze, I’m here. I’m back.”

    He whimpered and whined while licking my entire face.

    “I’m glad to see you too. Can I get up now?”

    He jumped off the bed and waited for me.

    I knew it! I knew he could understand me.

    “We will save that talk for later, right now I think I need to throw up.” I was only half kidding, my stomach was still doing flips. “Thank you for protecting me.” I hugged him tight. “I think we both have earned a treat.”

    My cell phone rang, without looking to see who it was, I answered. “I’m okay, Jaycee.”

    “Freakin’ astral projection! And just when were you going to share that little tidbit of info? I wanna do it.”

Chapter 16

    “No really, I’m good. But thank you for your concern.” My response was filled with sarcasm.

    “Well, you already said you were, didn’t you? Where are you?”

    “At home, in my room. How’s Mike?”

    “He’s shaken up, and rightly so. He has a few blister on his hands from the fireballs. But, overall, he’s taking it better than you’d think. I told him the whole thing, I had to with what he saw.”

    “That’s okay. I kinda figured, after what just happened, that you would have to.”

    “Hannah,” her voice softened, “that was dangerous for you to do. It could have messed you up, or worse. How did you do that? How did you know?”

    “I didn’t know, it just happened. I’ve had this feeling all day of dread. It’s hard to explain it. I concentrated on you and said a little chant in my head, and boom, I was there.”

    “So, you said a chant, a spell, and astral projected. Han, you know that’s a witches power right? A high level one at that.”

    “I’m not a witch. There has to be another explanation for it. Maybe since one of my abilities is that of a seer, it let me
see
what I was looking for.”

    “Maybe.” Jaycee didn’t sound convinced.

    “We can talk about this in more detail tomorrow night with Daniel.” I looked over at the clock. “Make that tonight with Daniel. Merry Christmas, it’s well after midnight.”

    “Merry Christmas. I will talk to you tomorrow. And, Han? Thanks for tonight. You were amazing, but the best jaw-dropping part was when you glowed.”

    “What? I did not. When?”

    “You did. When you told that butt munch demon off, and raised your arms to send him pain, you glowed. From head to toe you glowed a bright, white, light all around you. Like I said, amazing. I think your powers are progressing.”

    What was I supposed to say to that? What was I supposed to think about that? “Like I’ve told you, I will always be there for you.” That was the best I could come up with. “Good night Jaycee.”

    “Night, Han.”

    I put my phone in my pocket and noticed that Blaze had been sitting there patiently listening to my conversation. “I guess you’re waiting for me to make good on that promise of a treat, aren’t you?”

    He wagged his tail as a yes.

    “Well, come on, let’s go see what we can find.”

    He took off to the kitchen before me.

    “You’re a smart boy.” Very smart indeed. I added to my mental note to talk to Daniel about Blaze. That note was turning into a list, and it was getting pretty long. I know dogs are intelligent and can learn hundreds of words, but to understand everything I say? That can’t be normal. Ha, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black.

    Christmas mornings are the best. I have had the same routine for as long as I can remember. As soon as I open my eyes I wish Jesus a happy birthday. Even though, I’m sure today is not his actual birthday, it is still the day to observe it. Then Mom, Dad and I have breakfast. After we eat, and Mom breaks out the camcorder, we open presents. In that order, every year.

    With Blaze on my heels, I passed the Christmas tree in the living room on my way to the kitchen. It was beautiful. I felt a twinge of guilt for not appreciating it before now. Mom had it color coordinated with the room, naturally, in shades of red, gold and silver. It was all I could do not to detour over to the tree and check for gifts with my name on it. But I stayed strong.

    “Merry Christmas.” I announced to Mom and Dad, who were already sitting at the table. I opened the back door and let Blaze out to do his thing.

    “Merry Christmas baby girl.” Mom got up and kissed my cheek. “Make a plate and come eat.”

    “Merry Christmas H.B.”

    Uh-oh. Dad usually only calls me H.B., for Hannah Banana, when he’s had more than one glass of wine or when he’s ticked off. It’s eight in the morning, so I’m guessing the latter.

    He turned his body to face me as I added bacon, grits, eggs and a biscuit to my plate. “We need to talk.”

    “Avery, can’t this wait until later?” Mom asked.

    “I’m just going to ask her one question, Marie. Hannah, what happened last night?”

    “I was… I kinda… How do you know something happened last night?”

    “Oh well, let’s see, I was woken up, by what I thought was an earthquake. That was, until your mom said that she didn’t feel anything. So, I went to check on you, and that dog of yours wouldn’t even let me in the room! The best I could do was to stand in the doorway and scream your name, which you never responded. I had to watch your chest to make sure you were still breathing.”

    “Dad, I can explain.”

    “No, wait, I’m not finished. Right before I’m ready to call an ambulance and animal control, this female voice talks to me. Out of nowhere, this voice says to leave you be, that you were on a quest. What the hell, Hannah?”

    “That must have been MacKenna, I told you about her. Blaze was just protecting my body because I was…. I astral projected.”

    “You did what? I thought we had a deal. I would give you your space to do what you were called upon to do, as long as you kept me in the loop.”

    “I can’t keep you in the loop about something I didn’t know, until last night, that I could do. Something was wrong and when I sat down to concentrate on it, I just ended up there. I’m pretty sure I saved Jaycee from being tricked into giving up her powers to a demon, and Mike from being possessed by it.” I realized I had raised my voice to, just shy of, yelling. “Sorry.” I added.

    I waited for my punishment to be handed to me while Dad sat in silence.

    Mom wrapped her arms around me from behind. “Are you okay?”

    “I’m fine. Jaycee said I glowed.” I said meekly.

    “My baby girl. When I was your age my biggest worries were boys and homework.” Her voice quivered.

    “Wow, Mom, your teenage years sounded really boring.” I tried for a smile from her, and ended up with a laugh.

    “You are your father’s child.” She wiped her eyes. “Sit down and eat your breakfast.”

    I sat down as I was told, but didn’t touch my food. I watched my dad, waiting for him to respond. He finally looked up at me and covered my hand with his. “That is not an ability you should have. That is a witches power.”

    “That’s what Jaycee said. But I did it and I’m okay. Don’t worry so much. You know I have MacKenna and you saw how well Blaze looked out for me. Along with Jaycee and Daniel, I’m more covered than Fort Knox.” I squeezed his hand. “It’s Christmas, let’s enjoy it. I love you.”

    “To the moon and back.”

    ...I ended up with so many new clothes and shoes that I’m going to have to donate some of my old ones just to fit them in my closet. I also got makeup, an ipod, and gift cards. If I left out anything I’m sure Mom can playback the video. She loved the pajamas I got her and Dad was happy with the slippers and the book on Stonehenge. He has been fascinated with the place ever since I told him about Jaycee’s connection with it. Even Blaze racked up on gifts. He got a bone, the size of my arm, a ball, a squeaky toy, and a new black collar with his name on it. We had a great Christmas, even the worry lines on Dad’s forehead went away, eventually. They just left to go volunteer at the homeless shelter. I usually go with them, but they understood why I couldn’t this year. Daniel and Jaycee were on their way here so the three of us can come up with a plan to help Megan. Jaycee better not complain one bit or I will have to remind her that I just saved her and Mike, so she owes me one. That should guilt her enough to bite her tongue.

    I heard the doorbell ring, I put away my journal, and hurried to open it. There stood my boyfriend, looking all sexy in a red sweater, holding a mistletoe over his head.

    “It’s bad luck to break tradition.” He smiled those delicious dimples at me.

    “We can’t have that.” I sighed. “I guess I have no other choice.” I raised up on my toes and laid one on him. “Merry Christmas to me.” I giggled.

    “We really need some magic-demon-supernatural free, alone time.”

    “I couldn’t agree more. I still have your Christmas gift that I keep forgetting to give to you.”

    “Unless it’s you with a big red bow, it can wait a few more minutes.” He pulled me back up on my toes and kissed me again.

    A hot tingle warmed my insides. “You make it hard to be good.”

    “You’re telling me. Maybe you should go get my gift, before we end up on Santa’s naughty list.”

    I walked over to the tree, putting more effort in my hips than needed, and picked up his gift. When I turned around I almost face plowed into his chest. “Sorry.” Why was I so nervous? “Here, I hope you like it.”

    He sat on the arm of the couch and unwrapped it. “That’s us at your birthday party and you put our song at the bottom.”

    “I wondered if you would pick up on that or not. I didn’t know you thought of it as our song

too. Do you like it?”

    “I love it, thank you.” He gently laid the frame down on the side table and pulled me into his lap. “Are you cold? You’re shaking.”

    I felt my face turn hot. “No, I’m good.” Did my voice just crack, really? Could I be more horrified?

    He tucked the same strand of hair, as always, behind my ear and let his hand linger. “Don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s sweet that you still get nervous around me. I do too, I’m just better at hiding it.” He smiled.

    Blaze chose that very moment to push his way between us.

    “Blaze, why don’t you go watch out for Jaycee.” He turned around, walked to the window, pushed back the curtain with his nose, and started to bark. “See, I told you! Did you tell him to do that?”

    “No, I promise. I kinda had my mind on other things.”

    “Door’s open, we’re coming in. Are you two decent?”

    We?

    Jaycee walked into the living room, followed by Mike.

    “Crap, you are. Don’t you guys ever have any fun?”

    I stuck out my tongue and made a face at her before turning to Mike. “How’s your hands?”

    “Healing, they’ll be good as new in no time. I talked Jay into letting me tag along. Hope that’s okay.”

    I could tell, by his tousled hair and the dark circles under his eyes, that he hadn’t been sleeping well. “Of course, I think Daniel would be here too if he was in your shoes.”

    “Absolutely.” Daniel confirmed.

    “Let’s get started. I made some snacks for us, I figured we could talk at the table.”

    We went into the kitchen, only after Blaze gave Mike a sniff of approval, to catch everyone up on the last few days.

    “But that’s a witch’s power!” Daniel spoke in awe.

    “So I’ve heard.” I said dryly.

    He turned his head toward the wall, as if expecting to find the answers, to all this, written on it. No, wait, I’ve seen that look. He’s trying to piece something together.

    “So how long have you talked to dead people?” Mike asked as he crunched down on a ranch dressing covered carrot stick.

    I froze. It was still crazy for me to be talking so openly about my gift.

    Mike noticed my hesitation. “Hey look, Hannah, my lips are sealed. You can trust that I won’t say a word. Not that anyone would believe me if I did.”

    I tried to give a reassuring smile. “I trust you, I do. My abilities have always been a part of me that I have kept private my entire life. But to answer your question, I was twelve when I first met a dead person. I call them living impaired, it sounds less depressing.”

    “You said abilities. What else can you do?”

    “I know what’s happening.” Daniel interrupted. “Don’t you get it?” He looked from me to Jaycee, then back to me. “Z said you were the core, the center, the Heart of us. You can talk to Blaze…”

    “What, really?” Jaycee asked.

    Daniel kept going. “That’s my gift. You casted a location spell and astral projected, that’s Jaycee’s gift.”

    “That I can’t even do yet.”

    “You are copying our powers! And I bet when we find the other two, you will copy theirs too. That’s why you are the Heart, that’s why The Light thinks we have a shot this time around.”

    “That would explain it.” Jaycee chimed in again. “It makes perfect sense.”

    It did. I was copying their powers, but not draining them of it. So they will be able to help and to protect, but it was going to be up to me to use the combination of the five to defeat the Triune. Permanently. That’s why I have to be the leader, because it’s going to all come down to me.

    “What did he mean by this time around?” Mike asked.

    “Don’t worry, I will give you Hannah’s diary so you can catch up.”

    “You will not!” I couldn’t help but laugh at the mischievous grin on her face. “You share my secrets, Sister, I share yours.” I felt the release of tension that I didn’t even realize I had built up over the past hour. I find myself stressing out way too much to be only sixteen. If I keep this up I will look fifty by the time I hit twenty-five. Maybe by then Jaycee will have married a rich plastic surgeon.