Page 10 of Charmed

"I've been wielding the air element since I was sixteen." She offered a slight shake of her head, her voice distant. "Not once have I felt like it was crushing me. Until now."

Ah, jeez. Who knew her being honest for a change would level him twice as quickly as her diversion techniques? "Fi, I..."

Footsteps descended the stairs, and he closed his eyes to seek composure. Futile.

"Ruh-roh." Kaida's voice wafted to him, and he opened his eyes to find their siblings standing in a row by their feet. "Did you finally kill each other?"

"What's wrong?" Brady asked after no one responded.

By way of answer, Fiona and Riley raised their left arms in unison, wrists out.

"Oh," Ceara muttered, dragging the word out into five syllables.

Silence hung. Unspoken thoughts crackled. The clock ticked.

"My sentiments exactly." Fiona sat up, knees drawn to her chest and her head in her hands. "Happened about five minutes ago."

Like a shot, Tristan squatted beside her. "What did you do to your hands?" Carefully, he lifted her arm and examined the bloody gauze around her knuckles. Concern bracketed his mouth. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I had a drag-out with the punching bag and won." Clearly restless, she surged to her feet and strode straight toward the changing room, disappearing inside. They stared after her until she emerged with her purse and headed for the stairs. "Blessed be, people."

Wait. She was leaving?

"Hold on, Fi." Riley rose, but there was already a cloud of dust in her wake.

Ceara clasped his arm to stop him. "I'll go. She's going to need a bit of time to process." She offered a weak smile. "I'll make sure she's not alone."

"Okay." His gaze swept over her auburn ringlets and sincere blue eyes, settling some of the turmoil in his chest. "Thanks."

When she was gone, Riley stared at the mat, wishing it would open up and swallow him into a void of nothing where curses, tasks, and destiny didn't exist.

His entire childhood had been one belittlement after another emphasizing his uselessness. Of the six, he brought the least to the table and was, by far, the weakest. No one said as much, but it was obvious. The girls had magick, never mind other talents. Brady was incredibly intelligent and, as a historian, had a grasp of the past they'd sorely needed. Tristan was a warrior, not only in mindset, but in his heart.

Riley, however? Nothing except a brief comic relief amid the chaos.

"Need a hug?" Kaida's patient cerulean eyes bored into his, understanding in their depths.

His heart lurched behind his ribs. He would adore her to death even if she weren't his future sister-in-law and made his brother happier than he'd ever seen him. Riley had only known her a few months, but she'd wrapped herself around his pinkie from the onset and he had no intention of shaking her loose.

She didn't wait for an answer. Erasing the distance, she slid her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his chest.

He smoothed her long blonde strands while secretly cherishing the brief embrace. Kindness hadn't been a huge part of his existence. Kaida was both level-headed and compassionate, the type of woman who could see two sides to every story. Add in the fact she was beautiful and easy to be around, and Brady was one lucky SOB.

Riley could only hope like hell to have the courage and wisdom to love when his time came. He didn't foresee that occurring anytime soon, though. First, his family didn't have luck in the ever-after department, Brady notwithstanding. Second, Riley wasn't exactly known for being courageous or smart. And third, why the hell were these thoughts invading his head? He'd tossed sentiment out on its ear years ago. Survival 101.

He pulled away, smiling down at her. "This mean you're leaving my brother for me?"

Brady's eyes narrowed. He grabbed her hand, dragged her to his side, and secured her there with his arm. "Dinner? I assume we're not training tonight."

"Lead on."

Tristan headed up first, the others following.

In the kitchen, they served themselves roasted chicken, steamed potatoes, and baby carrots, then decided on the nook instead of the formal dining room since it was just the four of them.

Not having much of an appetite, Riley pushed his food with his fork and glanced around for reprieve. Polished white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Wine pantry with the best selection money could buy. A large island splitting the room. Dark blue marble countertops and state of the art gadgets. Pristine black and white checkered tile flooring.

He and his brothers had done some remodeling a few years back, but the place still had remnants of cold functionality. A house not a home. Since Kaida had moved in, warm traces had appeared like colored glass bottles above the cabinets and pots of herbs on the windowsill. It didn't completely erase the frigid vibes. Riley didn't think anything ever would.

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