Page 49 of Country and Clove
“So your animal-related Chosen gifts translated into full-blown Celestial powers. How fascinating.” Nova was leaning forward, captivated.
“And we think Aaron may be the second Celestial,” Clove finished.
“There’s no doubt. You’re both Celestials,” Lark said, his color-changing gaze sweeping between them.
“Oh and you know just from looking at us?” Aaron snapped. Clove gave him a look that said,we talked about this.
“It’s not about looks, it’s about energy. Your power signatures are off the charts. It’s the same for all Celestials. I’m sure Nova will agree.” He glanced toward the ice- and fire-wielding Celestial with a look of utter confidence.
“He’s right. I could sense your powers the moment we entered the cottage. You’re both probably a little mixed up right now, but soon you’ll be able to feel it too.”
“So the question is, why did they emerge at the same moment?” Darren sat back and stroked his chin. “We’ve never had two emerge at once, and certainly never a fated pair before.”
“Maybe that’s just it,” Aria chimed in. “You two are the only ones who found their fated mates before the Celestial change. Nova had just met Darren, Dahlia was a Celestial before she found Gideon, and Lark’s powers were from years before he crossed paths with our pack. You said you experienced the bond, right? Maybe it linked you somehow.”
Clove peered up at Aaron to find his simmering eyes already on hers. Was it possible the stars had chosen to give them these abilities at the same time as a thank-you for accepting the bond?
Now that she thought about it, the chaos with the animals and storm started almost immediately after their bond was fully tethered in place. But there was a cost to having abilities like these. She’d watched it happen when Nova was first gaining control of her powers. If you didn’t learn to control them, they would control you. And for a Celestial, the consequences of not being in control of your powers could be deadly.
Clove thought of the way both Nova and Dahlia had taken out dozens of attackers at a time. She didn’t know quite how to tackle her abilities though. Nova was fire and ice. Dahlia was earth and life. Clove was…animals? How could she control them? And what good could she do for the pack even if she did?
“I think you’ll find the power to wield animals can be quite beneficial. We just need to build up your confidence and your connection with this new gift.” Lark gave her an encouraging smile.
Aaron snarled. “Get out of her head.” He stood, his muscles coiling with tension.
“Calm the fuck down, Aaron,” Aria griped. “Lark is only trying to help.”
“Well maybe I don’t want his help.” Aaron’s voice was dangerous and low. Swirling clouds blotted out the sky and the howling wind came racing across the farm. Lark glanced outside, then quirked an eyebrow at Aaron. Thunder rumbled through their small cottage and lightning flashed.
“Well you’re going to get it regardless.” Lark moved in an instant, teleporting across the room. He grabbed Aaron by the shoulder, and they both blinked out of existence. Clove shot to her feet, panic racing through her. Darren moved in, placing two steadying hands on her shoulders.
“Deep breaths, Clove. We don’t need a herd of cows busting down the door. Aaron’s going to be fine. He may be stubborn as hell, but he needs Lark’s help with this.”
The storm vanished as soon as Aaron disappeared. Clove’s power was pressing against the thin barriers that held it back. She could feel it welling within her, desperate for an outlet. Darren’s golden eyes began to glow as he sensed the growing power. She wanted to trust him, but she felt torn without Aaron’s presence nearby.
“I think we should move outdoors and far away from any buildings or structures still standing. You wield great power now, Clove. Let us help you,” Darren spoke in a soft, soothing tone. Nova and Aria moved in on either side of her, placing their hands on her in support. She took a deep breath and expelled it with a defeated sigh.
She looked into her friends’ eyes as fear and excitement danced hand in hand within her. “Okay. Let’s figure this out.”
CHAPTER20
The grey of the in-between gave way to an overgrowth of deep green and vivid red. Aaron’s heart was hammering in his chest. He dropped to the ground ass first. What the hell was Lark thinking teleporting him away without any warning? He’d been completely unprepared for the shift in location. His stomach churned and the world swam around him. Where had he taken them? He shut his eyes, groaning and feeling like he was on the wrong end of one too many shots.
“If you’re going to throw up, do it over there.” Lark’s voice was as unfeeling as ever. Aaron squinted up at him. The sun was blinding as he worked to come to his senses.
“Dude, what did you do to me?” Aaron clutched at his stomach and shielded his eyes.
“Apologies. It seems you’re more sensitive than most to that kind of travel.” Lark crouched down in front of him. His eyes were a deep, twilight blue and soft honey gold. He placed a hand on Aaron’s shoulder and focused his eerie swirling gaze. “You’re feeling much better now.” The words wove their way inside Aaron’s mind and a moment later his stomach settled and the world shimmered into focus.
“What the hell was that? You’re a healer now?” He leaned away suspiciously.
Lark sighed. “You’re not going to like this. I didn’t heal you. I convinced you that you were feeling better and you believed me.”
“How about you explain that to me again but you cut the bullshit.”
“It’s called compulsion. I plant an idea and you believe it’s your own. It doesn’t usually work on someone as strong-willed and stubborn as you. Lucky for me, I caught you in a disoriented state,” Lark spoke casually, like he hadn’t just admitted to having mind-control powers.
“You were right. I don’t like it. Just how many goddamn powers do you have?” Aaron found more reasons to dislike Lark every day.
