Hidden Powers

Chapter 5: Hope

                It’s been a few nights since I had my dream and Holton has been staying in my room ever since. With him next to me, he’s using his powers to help protect my mind from Jack. Another thing that’s been helping is the strong smell of pine trees. I’ve never been able to smell the trees so much from my window, but I am loving it. That smell has always made me feel safe, and now with it surrounding me in my bedroom, I feel like Jack can’t reach me here.

                Lucy is coming over today to hang out with me, since we both haven’t heard from Emily since the movie night. Something was off about her, but I’m not too worried right now. I need to focus on other things, like bringing Ava and the others here safely. Something told me they were close, but I haven’t been in touch with Ava in a while now. Holton and I were going to go out to the barn today so I could try again, and this way Holton can keep Jack out of my head while we can connect.

                Once we make it out to the barn, Lucy was walking up the pathway. I nodded my head towards the barn and she changed directions.

                “You’re here early.” I told her.

                “I was getting restless at home. I tried calling Emily again, but it’s like she fell off the face of the earth for some reason.”

                “She can stay that way.” Holton grumbled beside me. Lucy started coughing, trying to hide her laughter. She always tried to be respectful to her friends, even if they were acting odd at the moment.

                “Anyways, we’re going to the barn to reach out to my friend Ava.” I told Lucy. “You can come with us and help Holton.”

                “Why go out to the barn? Does your phone have better service there?” She asked confused.

                “We won’t be using the phone.” I smirked. Sometimes I forgot that she doesn’t know about our red eyes. It might be time to explain it all to her, but later. Right now I needed to focus. “Go to Holton, he’ll tell you what you need to do.” I placed my candles where they needed to go and lit them before I sat in the middle. I looked over to where Holton and Lucy were standing, they were holding hands which had me smiling to myself. Holton nodded his head for me to begin.

                Ava? Are you there?

                Hope! I’ve been trying to reach you, but there’s been a block up. Is everything ok?

                My letter was from Jack, and ex boyfriend and a mistake. He’s been messing with my mind. Holton has been able to help keep him out so I could build my strength back up.

                I don’t think I’ll like what you have to say about him when we meet up.

                You won’t. I chuckled at her. Open your eyes so I can see where you are.

                Of course. She opened her eyes and I saw pine tress surrounding her. AS she was turning around slowly for me to get a better grasp at where she was, there was a little speck in the distance that made me smile.

                I know where you are. Wait there.

                We’ve been here a few days already. I think we need to move, but Mark refuses to.

                You’re really close don’t worry, but I have to go now. Holton and Lucy are doing a protection spell to keep Jack out so we can talk. I don’t want to drain them.

                If we’re close, hopefully we can talk in person soon.

                We will. I cut the connection and blew out the candles with my hand. Holton and Lucy opened their eyes but didn’t let go of each others’ hands yet. I cleared my throat and they jumped apart.

                “They’re here.” I bounded off down the stairs and out of the barn. Holton and Lucy were hot on my trail as I ran to the edge of our field close to the house. They were literally right outside our front door and didn’t realize it. As I got closer, the pine tree smell grew stronger.

                We reached the boarder and Holton and I held hands while we place our other hands on the bubble to open a doorway. The speck I saw in the distance was our house, but I knew that she wouldn’t have noticed it, since we have a pretty good protection spell surrounding us now. The bubble started opening, and there they were.

                “Ava!” I squealed. She turned around and screamed. Next thing I knew we were hugging and almost falling to the ground. We were laughing and pulling away from each other.

                “I can’t believe we’ve been so close this whole time.” Ava said while looking behind me.

                “It’s part of our protection spell.”

                “I don’t mean to be rude and ruin this happy moment, but can we take this inside the protection bubble?” Holton said as he went over to help the guys grab their things. He snapped his fingers and the tent was packed up along with all their other camping items.

                “Thanks man. That would have been a pain to take down trying to go fast.” James said. Holton nodded as James and Mark picked up their gear and followed us back through. I was trying to avoid eye contact with Mark. My heart was beating super fast from being in close proximity with him. I led them to the barn and finally turned around to face them.

                “You can store your things here for now. Mom and dad have had the guest room prepared since you said you were going to come and find us.” I told them. I noticed Lucy looking between everyone. “Oh my goodness, I’m sorry I forgot introductions. This is Holton, my twin, and my best friend Lucy.” When I mentioned that Holton was my twin, I saw Mark’s shoulders relax. I wonder what that was about.

                “This is James, my husband, and our good friend Mark who is also my personal guard for the time being.” Ava finished while she was eyeing up Holton and Lucy. “Are you two mates?” She asked out of nowhere.

                “What? No. Lucy is still only 17.” Holton said.

                “When do you turn 18?” Ava asked Lucy.

                “Beginning of April.” She whispered. Ava tilted her head to the side and looked between the two of them still.

                “Well, you don’t need to wait until your birthday anymore.” She winked at them. Holton and Lucy looked at each other and gazed into each others’ eyes, like a deep gaze that they’ve never done before. After a minute, they both broke into a smile and rushed into each others’ arms. “I’m glad I could help.”

                “You’ve been here a minute and already bringing people together.” I said as I shook my head at her. Those pine trees were moving closer to me, and I took a deep breath relishing in the calmness that spread over to me. Then I felt a presence near me.

                “You smell like lilacs.” Someone whispered close to me. I turned to see Mark standing behind me. He was slightly taller then me so I had to look up to reach his eyes. He looked down to mine and it felt like the world stopped. Everyone around us disappeared and now I understood why he was on my mind so much, why I felt the pull. “Mine.” He snarled.

                “Yours.” I whispered.

*Mark*

                This little witch who looked like a pixie was my second mate, but she didn’t feel like second place. With Lacey, I felt the urge to release her from the start, like it was a mistake. Standing here in front of Hope and looking into her eyes, I don’t have that sensation. She is everything I’ve been waiting for and looking for.

                “Mine.” I snarled out so everyone knew that she was spoken for. I was never going to let her out of my sight.

                “Yours.” She whispered as her dark brown eyes sparkled up at me. I wanted to grab her and kiss her. I wanted to lock her up so no danger would ever come to her, but I know of her destiny and all I can do is fight along side her to make sure she is successful.

                As if she was reading my thoughts, she stood up on her tip toes and leaned her head towards mine. Without hesitation, I grabbed her and pressed my lips against hers. I vaguely heard some clapping in the background and then a wolf whistle. That is what broke us apart. Hope and I looked over to our friends and saw Ava and Lucy were both clapping with huge smiles on their faces. James winked at me and Holton looked indifferent. I don’t blame him though; a strange vampire kissed his twin sister. Maybe I should let him punch me in the face so he knows I don’t plan on hurting her.

                “I don’t need to punch you. We’re good man.” He held out his hand and I shook it hesitantly. “I can read minds. It’s part of my extra gifts.”

                “Oh, that’s pretty cool.” I said which was true. I always wanted to read minds before because it would help me understand how stupid people can be.

                “You’d be surprised how many stupid people there are.” He chuckled.

                “I’m glad you boys are getting along, but he’s my mate Holt, go be with your own.” Hope told him and nodded her head towards Lucy. He looked over at her and went to her side. He whispered into her ear before she blushed and they left us alone in the barn. Being a vampire I could hear what he said, and it was only about making a picnic and going to a special spot on their land.

                I held Hope close to me and took deep breaths of her lilac scent. It was now my new favorite flower. Maybe I should find some for her. She snuggled her face into my chest, holding on tight. Something has scared her, but what…or who?

                Who has hurt you so deeply? I thought towards her.

                It’s a long story. She whispered back in my head. My eyes widened and I looked up at Ava and James who were watching us with small smiles on their faces still. Hope didn’t seem as shocked, probably since she can link with Ava, but I haven’t been able to link with anyone before.

                “Are you mind linking?” Ava asked, her eyes wide with excitement. I nodded. “James and I are able to do it too. I think it’s part of our gifts as red eyes, we’re able to communicate with our mates in a more useful way.”

                “It shocked us when we figured out we could do it too.” James laughed.

                “I think it’s pretty cool. Witches and warlocks normally aren’t able to mind link with anyone.” Hope piped in.

                “I suppose it’s something I can get used to.” I smiled and kissed the top of her head.

                “Ava? Are you ok?” James asked as he stood closer to Ava. I looked over and even Hope looked up to see if her friend was ok. She nodded her head but then slightly swayed to the side before James caught her.

                “Pick her up and follow me. I’ll show you to your guest room and then bring my mom in to see her.” Hope grabbed my hand and pulled led us into the house. We went upstairs and down a long hallway. We stopped in the middle and she opened the door to our left. “This is your room. Across from me if you need anything. Place her on the bed.” She instructed James. He did as she said trying his best not to jolt his wife too much. “I’ll be right back with my mom.” She kissed my cheek and left the room. I hope her mom will know what’s going on with Ava.