Test of Balance: Book One: Balance of Power Series

By H.M. STOREY

Abandoned at birth.

Relentlessly hunted by the enemies of her family.

The Test of Balance is her only hope of survival.

 

Laina and Dra

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publicious Book Publishing
• Release date: Jun 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9780645109917

H.M. STOREY

Just another avid reader who decided to write a book - that's me. I never expected the passion to burn so bright but it has and I'm loving every moment of it. As an author, I want to entertain my fellow readers while accomplishing my creative dreams and personal goals. Dare to dream and let it become your reality. Never give up. Never let go.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The Universe created the Divine Trinity of Chaos, Balance and Order, to rule the known worlds together in harmony.

However, the brothers were not content to share. After eons of fighting for supremacy, they realised that neither could hold dominion over the worlds while their sister Balance stood firmly between them.

They contrived a slow insidious plan to rid themselves of their meddling sister but failure has a high price.

And they will pay.

Run! She cursed savagely as they fled before her seething fury.

You have invited me into your game but you’ve forgotten, I am neither of you and yet I am each of you.

You will rue the day you ever thought to cross me.

A satisfied smile curved her lips, as she faded away and their secret hideout was no more.

CHAPTER ONE

Laina

Larsen was happily daydreaming as she applied cream to old Myrtle’s bed sores. The relaxing rhythm of her subconscious motions faltering when Myrtle unexpectedly sat up, grabbing her arm firmly and hauling her close. Startled, Laina’s eyes widened at suddenly being pulled off balance, the pot of herbal cream dislodged from her hand hitting the wooden floor with a loud thud, spilling its precious contents.

‘Run, child. They see you.’ Myrtle’s dry, raspy voice sounded harsh in the room’s sudden stillness. The pressure of her bony fingers seemed impossible given her frail appearance and her normally murky grey-blue eyes blazed a brilliant cerulean. She leaned closer to Laina, her voice rising to a high-pitched wail. ‘No more dancing. Shadows flee. Run! Hide! Death sees. It—.’

Her moment of clarity gone in a blink of an eye, Myrtle’s shoulders abruptly sagged, forcing Laina to throw her arms around her slumping form before easing her back gently onto the bed. Laina tenderly moved the hair from Myrtle’s face to study her serene expression, starting when the bedroom door flew open, banging against the wall. Clara rushed into the room, holding clean towels and a basin of water. Laina watched her hastily set them down on the dresser, ignoring the water sloshing over the edge as she hurried to her mother’s side.

Clara’s eyes swiftly scanned the room, trying but failing to determine the cause of her mother’s dishevelled appearance and the mess on the floor.

‘Laina, is everything alright? What happened?’ she asked urgently, frowning at the rumpled bedding as she checked for signs of fever. She adjusted Myrtle’s bedclothes before smoothing her blankets—all the while flicking worried glances at Laina.

‘She sat up, grabbed my arm and spoke,’ she answered, her eyes never leaving Myrtle’s face. Laina rubbed her arm where the imprint of Myrtle’s fingers bruised her skin.

‘Did she hurt you?’ Clara paused, watching Laina’s restless movements with concern.

‘No, I guess she just startled me.’ Laina met Clara’s gaze for the first time since she entered the room, forcing a smile to hide her worrisome thoughts. She bent to pick up the pot of lotion by her feet. ‘Unfortunately, this went flying—but it’s not broken. Sorry about the mess.’ She flashed the half-empty jar at Clara and glanced at the spilled contents on the floor.

‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll clean it up later.’ Clara waved away her concern and offered a reassuring smile.

Laina smiled back at her gratefully before glancing down at Myrtle’s tranquil face. ‘I haven’t heard her speak for months.’

‘Ahh. That explains your strange expression. I wouldn’t be taking too much notice of what she said. She’s been saying the craziest things lately.’ Clara smiled lovingly at her mother.

‘Like what?’ Laina only recognised a few words, and she didn’t think Myrtle was crazy. The essence of foreboding in Myrtle’s words unsettled her.

‘Let’s see, No more dancing and shadows fade are currently her favourites. She always loved dancing, so her repeating those words struck me as odd.’ Clara smoothed her mother’s bed as she spoke, then took the jar from Laina’s slack hand. ‘Most of the time she just yells run!’

‘You’ve never mentioned her speaking before.’

‘She only started doing it after your last visit. At first, I hoped it was a sign she was improving, but she just repeats the same things.’ Clara stroked her mother’s hand affectionately. ‘What did she say to you?’

‘All I could make out were the words run, dancing and maybe death. At least, I think that’s what she said?’ Laina smiled apologetically at Clara. She wished she could give her good news, but it was only more of the same. Laina washed and dried her hands, then folded the towel, placing it neatly by the basin. She nodded towards the lotion. ‘I’ll bring you a fresh batch tomorrow.’

Clara acknowledged her kind offer, however Laina appeared distracted, so she reached out and gave her forearm a reassuring squeeze. ‘Don’t let her words bother you. Like I said, nonsense spoken by an ailing woman.’ Clara accepted Laina’s feeble smile. Gathering up the basin and towel, she left the room, placing them on the kitchen table as she waited to walk Laina to the door.

Laina reluctantly left Myrtle’s bedside and wandered slowly toward the front door, unable to shake the urgency of Myrtle’s tone. The fear settling in the pit of her stomach made her apprehensive.

‘Doesn’t your mother have the gift of sight?’

‘She did once, but she hasn’t shared the gift for many years.’ Clara smiled warmly at Laina, following her outside into the morning sunlight. ‘Enjoy the rest of your day. I hear Ash will arrive this afternoon?’ Clara gave Laina a knowing smile. If she had Laina’s emerald eyes, flawless skin and tumbling raven locks, she would focus all her attention on getting Ash into the marriage bed and leave tending the sick to others.

‘Clara Benson, I do believe you’re sweet on Ash?’ Laina teased with a playful smile. Clara was an attractive woman, with hair kissed by the sun, blue eyes and a gentle nature. She would be an excellent match for Ash.

‘That makes me the same as every other woman in Middle Vale.’ Clara rolled her eyes in dreamy pleasure. ‘But it doesn’t mean he notices any of us. You better claim him before one of Lord Balen’s daughters tries their luck,’ she warned as she waved goodbye.

Laina laughed happily and waved back. However, the moment she turned away her expression became grim, her thoughts centred on the feeling of being constantly watched. She should have spoken to the Ellarndri, the Leader of the Temple of Elarn, about her fears weeks ago. But without evidence, why would she believe her? Only Drake or Ash would accept such a strange tale as truth. Unfortunately, they’d both been away for weeks.

She spent the rest of her day offering healing at the Temple of Elarn and it was late afternoon when she finished her duties. Relieved to hear that Ash would soon be home, she quickly checked that her simple blue dress was still clean before dashing out the door to go meet him. She could finally tell someone about her growing anxiety and fear.

Laina waited for Ash by the crumbling ruins of Orban Cottage, on the hills overlooking the thatched-roof town of Middle Vale, but the harmony she normally felt when surrounded by beautiful fields of wildflower slipped from her grasp and time dragged. Laina blamed the invisible Watcher she could feel gliding silently through the trees a short distance away. The Watcher followed her everywhere, except beyond the boundary of the Larsen farm and within the Temple of Elarn. She’d hoped Orban Cottage would be another sanctuary, but unfortunately it wasn’t.

Laina turned to focus on the densely treed mountains rising majestically behind the cottage, hoping to see Ash on the lower trails, but they were empty. She sighed with disappointment as the warmth of the day cooled, heralding night slowly creeping across the valley. ‘Damn your tardiness, Ash.’ She stomped her foot in childish consternation, turning back towards the village in time to see the temple night-lights flare into life. Night would soon hold sway over the land and she was a long way from home. Laina knew Drake had returned because of the bond they shared, and he would be unhappy with her getting home after dark. ‘If you don’t get here soon, you can walk to the farm by yourself.’ She growled under her breath, afraid of drawing unnecessary attention from her Watcher in such an isolated place.

‘You still have such delightful childish habits, Ali girl,’ drawled a male from behind her. ‘Do you answer your own questions? There’s a name for such behaviour, but don’t worry, I know a cure,’ he offered in a condescending voice.

Laina stilled, listening to his throaty chuckle. A sly smile spread across her face, before she spun swiftly, crashing him to the ground. She sank her teeth into his arm, only letting go when he yelped in pain. Satisfied, she quickly scurried away, standing casually to brush dirt from her clothes. ‘I only use my childish habits on children. Now, what does that make you?’ she asked, speaking sternly to him.

‘A child am I?’ drawled Ash, not bothering to right himself.

Laina focused on the man sprawled on the grass before her—a brown sheepskin jacket hugged his broad shoulders, a white linen shirt stretched across his firm chest, and weathered brown leathers moulded his lean hips and long legs. Laina studied the plains of his chiselled face, featuring a two-day-old stubble, windblown dark hair falling just past his collar and startling blue eyes. A child he certainly wasn’t, and the butterflies stirring in her stomach confirmed it. Sighing as she offered him her hand, ‘A child you’re not,’ she conceded honestly. ‘And don’t call me Ali girl. It’s Laina or Miss Laina to you.’

Ash accepted her hand, leaping up to drag her into his arms and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead. ‘Now that you know I’m a man grown, when will you marry me?’ he asked casually, dropping his arm across her shoulders and shepherding her down the trail.

‘Oh, that’s easy.’ Laina answered with an open smile on her upturned face, her fears and worries forgotten. ‘I will marry you after you ask Drakes permission,’ she replied in a sweet, sincere voice.

‘Ahh Ali girl, that is the one thing I can’t do.’ Ash hung his head in mock defeat.

Laina smiled at him. She knew Drake had warned Ash away from her many years ago, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t love him like a second brother. ‘All is not lost, my love,’ she cooed. ‘We need only wait until my brother dies, and then we can be together. Will you wait for me?’ She purred, drawing him close to her side.

Ash leaned into Laina, like a lover whispering sweet messages. ‘I’ll wait for you, my love, until next summer at least. Then I’ll marry Suzette from the Upper Vale, because she has no brothers and finds me irresistible.’ He grinned in anticipation.

Laina smirked at his false expression before flashing one of her winning smiles. ‘Men are so easily distracted.’ She released a heavy sigh loaded with disappointment, her countenance serious as they skirted the town and headed towards the farm. ‘You are free to marry your harlot Suzette—because you’re a coward and not worthy of my love.’

Ash suddenly staggered, gripping his chest with a pained expression, making her laugh at his antics. ‘You’re so cruel. You heartless woman.’ He chuckled warmly at their light banter before regaling her with tales of his travels.

Laina, engrossed in his entertaining stories, lost track of time and distance—until Drake’s potent emotions slammed into her, forcing her to her knees in the dusty lane that led to their farmhouse. She had unwittingly allowed her source defences to drop, lulled by the security and comfort of Ash’s company. Now she had no protection against Drake’s emotions as they raced along the bond they’d shared since childhood, a bond that enabled them to locate and communicate with each other over considerable distances. A bond that had strengthened with each passing year.

Laina first noticed flutters and pulses along their bond around the time Drake started attracting female attention. Then one summer’s evening, when Laina was returning from the temple, her emotions exploded—raw, unfettered desires raced along the bond she shared with Drake, leaving her powerless to protect herself. Passion roared through her system until she could no longer discern which feelings were hers and which were Drake’s. At some point, she became a passenger in Drake’s emotional torrent. Her mind, body, and maybe even her soul surrendered to the moment as she rolled around on the grass, withering with primal desires that eventually left her whimpering and crying in shame.

That night, Laina returned to the temple to find the willowy Ellarndri waiting to greet her, empathy shining in her warm brown eyes. ‘Come child, the Oracle Elarn has instructed me to teach you shielding, starting immediately.’

That night, and the nights that followed, Laina remained at the temple, perfecting her shielding. When the Ellarndri announced she was ready to return home, Laina didn’t feel confident and expressed her concerns.

‘You can’t hide from this,’ soothed the Ellarndri, smiling kindly at her. ‘Twice, we have turned Drake from our door. I don’t think he will leave so easily a third time.’ The Ellarndri noticed the worry still shadowing Laina’s eyes. ‘The bond you share with Drake has a greater purpose Laina, and only death can sever it. I have given you the skills needed to limit the emotional transfers, but having said this, you still need to talk to your brother.’ Her posture became rigid as she spoke.

‘But … I can’t, I … don’t know how.’ The words getting caught in her throat as the feeling of defeat settled in the pit of her stomach. Laina would have continued to plead her case, but she recognised the Ellarndri’s unwavering expression.

‘I see you understand your situation.’ The Ellarndri took Laina’s face in her hands and gazed into her eyes. ‘We can’t tell you how or when to do this, but understand that as you mature into womanhood, the emotions you transfer will also strengthen. I advise you to tell him soon, at a time and place of your choosing, or the universe will reveal your situation and the consequences will be more…,’ the Ellarndri searched for the most appropriate word, ‘unpredictable.’ She concluded with a heavy sigh because she could see Laina’s face twist with distaste.

‘I understand.’ Laina nodded, while her mind retreated from the task before her.

The Ellarndri released Laina’s face before rising to her feet. ‘You say the words child, but I know you’ll not do what you should.’ The Ellarndri raised her hand to silence her protests. ‘Remember, when your world crumbles, the Oracle Elarn will come to you.’ The woman turned slowly and walked away.

‘Madam Ellarndri!’ Laina scrambling to her feet. The Ellarndri paused, her hand on the door, but didn’t turn around. ‘Should I return for duties tomorrow?’

‘You’re always welcome, child of source.’ The Ellarndri opened the door and left.

Laina remained in the temple, alone with her thoughts, trying to work out what she should say. When she finally decided, she went home, but that night she couldn’t bring herself to tell Drake the truth. Instead, she told him the Ellarndri taught her to apply personal source shields to prevent the transfer of illness to her person. Laina saw the doubt in Drake’s eyes, but there was sufficient truth in her words for him to not discern her lie by omission.

But years later, here she was—on all fours, in the middle of a dirt track, panting heavily—with the Ellarndri’s words ringing in her ears. The universe could wait no longer, exposing her secret without consent. ‘What’s the matter?’ Ash stared at her, confused by her actions. ‘Did you trip? Are you in pain?’ He offered his hand to help her up.

Laina couldn’t speak. She barely managed to wave him away. Although she wanted to get up and pretend nothing was happening, her legs wouldn’t listen. She watched him scan the surrounding area, seeking a reason for her being on the ground, before turning back to her, mystified.

‘Elarn, guide me to help her.’ He watched Laina’s back arch upwards before she sighed, the muscles in her face finally relaxing. As Elarn Elect, his connection to the Oracle Elarn’s source energy, heightened his senses and provided him with night vision. When the moon was at her fullest orb, like tonight, he could see everything as if it were late afternoon on a rainy day. ‘Take my hand.’ He leaned down towards her.

Laina lashed out at him, sending him onto his backside in the dust.

‘Don’t touch me,’ she hissed, but immediately regretted her actions. ‘Oh Ash, I’m so sorry. What a miserable creature I’ve become.’ She dragged her hand across her face, ashamed of her predicament. She looked down the lane to where the Larsen farmhouse stood nestled amongst the trees, obscured from sight by a bend in the path. When she turned back to Ash, tears of shame streaked her face.

‘Let me help you, Laina. Whatever it is, I’ll find a way.’ Ash watched as emotions played across her face. He wanted to reach for her, to comfort her, but held himself back, afraid of fracturing their fragile truce.

Laina studied his concerned face as shame washed over her. She wished with all her heart that she could undo what had happened, but it was too late. She had no option but to deal with the bond transfers that had plagued her existence for years.

‘I wish I could fix this easily, but it’s the bond.’ She watched as his face furrowed with concern at the mention of their bond.

‘What about the bond?’

‘The bond has strengthened over the years, both in clarity and distance. So much so, that the Ellarndri taught me how to shield myself. There are times when distance and my shields are necessary for me to maintain control of my sanity.’ Her explanation was skirting the truth, but she was struggling to find the courage to speak candidly.

‘Like tonight? You had no shields?’ He was trying desperately to make sense of what he’d seen. How were her shields connected to their bond?

‘You were always the clever one.’ She smiled weakly at him, still unsure what to say.

‘That’s why I couldn’t sense you until I was nearly at the cottage. Your shields were in place then—but they weren’t when we got here?’

Laina nodded but didn’t elaborate further.

‘What happened?’ He paused but she remained silent. ‘Is Drake hurt? Is that what you felt?’ Ash was struggling to get the full picture. ‘If he’s hurt, you need to tell me.’

Laina shook her head and chuckled, a sad, distraught sound. ‘If only it were that simple. Don’t worry, Drake is not injured. He transmits limited pain, but it’s not the same for his other feelings.’ Laina needed to take a leap of faith and trust somebody. She had to tell Ash what was happening. ‘So,’ she took a deep breath, ‘to answer to your question, it’s not his pain I must shield against, but his pleasure.’ Laina watched as confusion was replaced with understanding, and then the realisation of what had happened to her.

‘Ahh! Really?’ Ash ran his hands through his hair, not entirely sure how to handle this information. ‘So, I mean…oh hell, Laina, this is a shit situation!’ He sat back quietly, absorbing this news.

Laina respected Ash’s need to think. She sat quietly beside him as the evening shadows moved with the progress of the silver moon and the sounds of the night creatures resumed.

‘Does Drake know?’ he asked, finally breaking the silence.

‘What do you think?’ She snapped, glaring at him for asking such an uncharacteristically stupid question, then instantly feeling guilty for attacking him. ‘Sorry, but that was a really dumb question.’ She released a slow sigh as she regained control of her emotions before continuing calmly. ‘He doesn’t know because I usually avoid the house when he has special female visitors.’ Laina rolled her taut shoulder to ease tension. ‘However, tonight, in the delight of your fine company, I forgot Elsie would visit—although she normally leaves by nightfall.’ Laina threw a stick into the trees with as much force as she could muster. ‘If he married her, I could move into the temple permanently and that would solve this problem.’ Laina checked for his reaction.

‘I guess that’s an option.’ He agreed tentatively, although it probably wasn’t the easiest solution, considering it required Drakes consent. ‘Could you wait until after I leave before suggesting marriage?’

‘But then you’ll miss all the fighting.’ Laina presented him with a sickly-sweet smile.

‘My point exactly.’ He was grinning as he climbed to his feet and extended his hand, which she accepted willingly. ‘So, you were only waiting for me to avoid coming home?’

‘Yes, and no.’ She saw him arch his eyebrow, his stern countenance daring her to lie. ‘You’ll always find me waiting for you whenever I can, or until your wife Suzette tells me otherwise.’ Laina faked a shy, innocent smile.

‘But I asked you first.’ He grumped playfully, comfortable acting as the scorned suitor.

‘But… not… Drake.’ Laina spoke slowly, stressing each word.

‘Then I’m doomed to remain a single man.’ He happily mocked himself, relieved to see her less stressed. ‘Let’s go, we’ll talk to Drake together.’ He felt her hesitate. ‘Come on.’ He encouraged with a gently tug on her arm. ‘I’ll be right beside you.’

He relaxed when she squeezed his hand and fell into step with him.

CHAPTER TWO

Laina

took a dozen confident steps before stopping to grip his forearm. She whipped Ash around to face her, hoping her shocked expression would say what she couldn’t.

‘What’s the matter?’ He flinched and tried unsuccessfully to release his arm from her painful vice-like grip.

‘Work it out.’ She groaned, looking about frantically as another emotional wave hit her ‘You need to break the connection. Hit me!’ She tugged at his sleeve.

‘What about your shields?’ he asked anxiously, but she shook her head. ‘There must be another way. Drake will kill me if I hit you.’

‘We’re too close. You need to do it.’ She begged, clinging desperately to him. ‘Hurry, Ash! Hit me before it’s too late. There’s no other way.’ She gasped, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

‘I can’t.’ He stepped away, the idea of hurting her was abhorrent. ‘Don’t ask this of me, I won’t.’ He finished weakly. The narrowing of her eyes made it clear she was about to make him suffer.

‘If you won’t help me, then join me.’ Snarling her words, she lunged forward grabbing his wrist and dragged him onto his knees in the dust beside her. Opening the floodgates of her bond, she watched as Ash tried in vain to block Drake’s emotions. She observed with satisfaction as his defences collapsed, drowning him in the torrent of Drake’s passion.

Sharing the bond allowed a part of her to function as an observer, while her true self fought valiantly to rebuild her shields. Laina felt regret as she watched Ash. She would release him if she could.

It startled Laina when Oracle Elarn mind-linked with her.

‘This is wrong, Laina. You used my Elect, your friend, in a foolish and mean fashion.’ The Oracle Elarn’s words blossomed inside her like dream speech. Loud, clear and extremely annoyed.

‘I’m sorry, Oracle. I would release him if I could. Please guide me?’ Laina’s thoughts were sluggish and dense because of the separation from her physical self.

‘You were told to deal with this issue and now here we are.’ Oracle Elarn let her displeasure f ilter through to Laina. ‘How can Drake control what he sends across the bond if he doesn’t know? You must speak with him!’ The Oracle’s voice boomed in her mind.

‘But I don’t know how.’ Laina whined, ashamed of her cowardly behaviour.

‘Of course you do!’ Oracle Elarn was angry with Laina, who continued to behave like a petulant child. ‘You have always known what to do.’ The Oracle sighed, regaining her composure. ‘But let me help by releasing Ash and provide an opportunity for you to do what you should have already done. Let’s not have this conversation again.’

Laina realised she’d heard the Oracle’s spoken voice. She opened her eyes to see brown leather boots peeping out beneath the hem of an emerald green dress, before forcing herself to look upwards—and there stood a beautiful, auburn-haired woman. Laina gasped in awe at being in the physical presence of the Oracle Elarn. She was still mentally processing this miracle when pain flared across her cheek, the impact sending her flying across the road to land in the discarded leaves and branches of a nearby tree.

Slowly raising her fingers to her lip, Laina was surprised to find dampness. When she looked at them, there was blood. Laina scanned the area for the Oracle, but she was no longer with them. She dragged her bruised body across to Ash, sad to see him shuffle away, to distance himself, as a fresh wave of guilt washed over her. Regrettably, she understood how raw and fragile he was feeling. It would take a while for the ripples of Drake’s emotions to disperse.

‘What did you do?’ He rubbed his arms as he looked around confused. Eventually satisfied he knew where he was, he turned his attention back to her, frowning at her injured face.

‘Did I hit you?’

‘No, compliments of the Oracle Elarn.’ She deadpanned, licking her lip. An ugly bruise would soon form, but she decided not to apply healing. It would remind her of the consequence of procrastination.

‘What did you just say?’ He stumbled over his thoughts. ‘My hearing seems to be affected by…?’ Ash paused, unsure what words would best describe his experience. Unable to find any, he just waved his hands about to indicate them. He combed his fingers through his hair and rubbed his face briskly. ‘Did you say Elarn did that to you?’ He pointed to her swollen lip, perplexed.

‘Yes. Oracle Elarn was physically here.’ Laina smiled at him because only a select few had seen her true form. ‘Apparently, she didn’t appreciate my treatment of her Elect.’ She tentatively touched her lip, which was still bleeding.

‘She hit you?’ He shook his head, trying to dispel the residual fogginess.

‘Could I do this to myself ?’ She held back her ire as she pointed at her face questioningly. ‘Asking you to hit me might have sounded like a strange request, but it worked—the bond severed and I no longer feel Drake’s passion. What about you?’ Laina watched as Ash closed his eyes for a moment.

‘No, can’t say I feel anything, but then again, I felt nothing until you grabbed me.’

Laina noted his raised eyebrow. This action, coupled with his mild, measured tone, translated into, ‘What the hell were you thinking?’

She looked at him sheepishly. ‘I’m sorry about that. I needed….’ She flopped back on her bottom, wrapping her arms around the tops of her knees. ‘Honestly, I didn’t know if you’d feel anything,’ she admitted apologetically. ‘I was angry because you wouldn’t hit me, but I never expected you to suffer for me, and for that I’m sincerely sorry.’ Laina watched him accept her apology with a slight nod of his head.

‘But on the upside, Oracle Elarn came to your rescue. She said she would also arrange an opportunity for me to tell Drake.’ She knew Ash would see through her forced cheerfulness, because the last person she wanted to see right now was her brother.

‘Tell Drake what?’ Rumbled a deep voice from behind them. ‘And it better not be what I’m thinking, seeing as I find the two of you rolling around together.’

Standing in the moonlight was a muscular, bare-chested Drake, a blue and white checked tablecloth tied about his waist affording him cover to his knees, and his sword held casually by his side. His imposing figure blocked their path, while his posture radiated barely controlled anger.

‘It appears the Oracle was right. Here’s your opportunity.’ Ash waved his hand graciously towards Drake as he slowly stood.

Laina shot Ash a filthy look, annoyed at being pressured. ‘You’re a man. It would be easier for you.’ She hissed, clambering to her feet while staring daggers at him.

‘Oh, thank you for noticing, but I’m not the one with the problem.’ There was no way he was telling Drake. He wasn’t even sure where to start. He stepped back, encouraging Laina forward.

Laina, however, turned to engage him in a silent battle of wills. Consequently, neither noticed Drake advancing.

Drake needed to take control of this situation. He didn’t understand how he came to be standing in the lane, with no recollection of making the journey. At least he’d had the clarity of mind to cover his person and grab his sword.

‘Are you pregnant, Laina?’ He demanded, breaking their childish clash of wills.

Ash and Laina startled, instinctively backing up a few paces.

‘Ash?’ Drake took a threatening step towards him. ‘What did I tell you?’ Drake levelled his sword at his chest. ‘If she’s with child, we’re going to have a serious problem.’ His voice was laced with barely concealed rage.

Ash’s first instinct was to run, but it was better to face a charging bull, so he held his ground. Checking his involuntary back-peddling, Ash raised his hands in surrender. ‘If she’s pregnant, I can assure you I’m not the father.’

‘Shut up, Ash!’ Laina stepped between them before rounding on her brother. ‘If you want to know something about me, then you ask me!’ She slowly stalked towards him. ‘And just for the record Drake, you don’t get to pick the father of my children, I do!’ Laina stopped close to her brother, hands on her hips, glaring at him—green eyes flashed at equally fierce green eyes.

Ash knew the pair wouldn’t appreciate his intervention, so he stood where he was and waited. Their slightly jerky body movements hinted at the battle that raged across their bond. Ash had witnessed them argue like this only a handful of times, and each time he’d marvelled at the display of source energy radiating from them. An intense argument could sometimes send a surge of source energy into the surrounding land.

Ash closed his eyes, preparing himself for the source rush when something solid hit his chest. He looked down to see Laina gripping his shirt front, dragging him flush against the soft curves of her body. She glanced over her shoulder at Drake and paused. Ash wished he could hear what they were saying without physical contact, because from the snippet he caught, combined with the look on Drakes face, it didn’t bode well for him. Laina wrapped her arms around his neck, and when he turned to question her actions, she kissed him in an unsisterly manner.

Ash couldn’t believe how his body responded to Laina’s touch. It moulded to her feminine form and his arms encircled her waist, drawing her hard against him. He felt her surrender to his touch seconds before something hard slammed into his side. He remembered travelling through the air before his back hit the ground with a solid impact, forcing the air out of his lungs, as a weight settled on him. Ash shook his head to clear his vision and saw death with green eyes hovering only inches above his face, sharp steel resting at his throat.

As quickly as death had arrived, it disappeared in a blur of blue fabric. Laina stood before Drake, who crouched nearby, breathing deeply. Ash sat up, running his hands over himself in a quick assessment of injuries. Thankfully, he only had a few scrapes and bruises. Ash looked at his friend, recognising how dangerous he had become. Everything about him was faster, stronger, and more intense. When did things change?

‘How did that feel, Drake?’ Laina stood defensively in front of Ash, feral eyes glued to her brother. ‘Was it the fabulous experience you thought it would be?’

‘What the hell are you doing?’ Drake glared at Ash over her shoulder. He wasn’t just anyone. He was more than a best friend—he was like a brother, a brother who shouldn’t kiss his sister.

Laina followed Drake’s gaze. She watched as Ash raised his hands in surrender but remained seated in the dust, watching. ‘Don’t you dare make this about Ash. This is about you and me. I asked you a question!’ Laina hooked her hands on her hips, moving to block Drake’s view of Ash.

‘And what was your important question?’ He drawled irritably as he tried unsuccessfully to think of a reason for Laina kissing Ash. You only kiss someone you’re attracted to, which brought him back to his original assumption.

‘I asked you what you felt?’ Laina needed Drake to acknowledge he’d felt something through the bond before he attacked Ash. However, Drake was more focused on Ash, instead of listening to her. ‘What did you feel?’ This time she tried moderating her voice to hold his attention.

‘What did I feel when?’ Drake frowned, perplexed by her tone. What was she talking about?

‘When I kissed Ash, you idiot!’ Laina jabbed her finger in Ash’s direction. She paced with short, aggressive steps. Her attempt to remain calm lasted until Drake uttered three stupid words.

‘I felt nothing.’ He stopped suddenly, watching her icy glare slide ever so slowly over him. He recognised that look and backtracked quickly. ‘Okay. Let me think. I saw you kiss him and things just happened by themselves. There!’ Drake quickly met her gaze, trying to read her reaction, unsure