Saved Elemental (Evelyn Storm Series Book 2) Read online

  It’s a lot for us to deal with knowing the woman we love is going to have to face the demons to fix the world. We have no idea when it will happen. How will we ever be ready for that?

  Dane

  Everyone’s contemplating what I’ve said, but I feel their doubt. I hate that I can’t tell them everything, but what choice do I have? What if I told them and the next day Evie or the babies were killed? I’d rather keep it to myself and know that I have to be careful about who we bring close to her than risk her getting hurt. I’ve been trying to figure out who will be the one to betray her, but I don’t know what to look for.

  Why would someone she loves betray her? There are too many possibilities for someone to betray her, and even more people who love her. I did consider her grandfather at first, but then I thought why would Destiny tell him to tell me? But then, that could be another way to trick me. Tell me what Destiny said only to betray us later, having no one suspect him because he told me.

  I’ll just have to be more aware of who Evie interacts with, and, hopefully, figure it out before something bad happens.

  “Hey, I want to ask before I forget to bring it up but what happened in the foyer earlier? How did you do that?” Ky asks me startling me out of my thoughts.

  It’s clear he’s talking about the incident when I lost all control of my power and seemed to black out. I saw what happened through my eyes, but it was like I wasn’t in control. I heard Evie scream, and something inside me rose up inside me breaking free and electrocuting the guards.

  “I’m not sure. I think it may have just been Evie’s power. We should all be able to draw on them by now, and I think it was just in the heat of the moment that I accessed it,” I tell him trying to hide my own confusion.

  I have no idea what happened. At first, I assumed it was Evie’s power because it was the most obvious reason, but then I felt the bond flare open after. To be able to use her power, the bond needs to be open. I was planning to ask Raphael as soon as I got a chance, because it honestly felt like there was something else inside of me.

  “Ok, guys, I’m going to call it a night. I’ll see you in there,” I say, walking into the room hoping Evie’s still asleep.

  She must be exhausted, because she’s still in the same position we left her in. I stare at her for a minute glad to have her back within reach. I missed her so much. Its nuts thinking we’ve only known her a week. A month ago, I would have said my life was great having three best friends to rely on, but now I know I have everything. I just wished Evie hadn’t been taken.

  Stripping off my clothes, I climb into bed with Evie and wait for the others to join us. I’m glad we put her in here, because at least the bed is big enough to fit all of us. We may be slightly cramped, but I don’t think any of us will be leaving her alone for a while. She will always be in our sight, so she doesn’t ever get taken again.

  Letting myself relax I cuddle in closer with my arm wrapped around her, and my hand placed gently across her stomach. It’s amazing how protective I already feel for these wonderful, new beings.

  Chapter 13

  Christian

  Pulling into the mansion’s driveway, I’m surprised to see Zach and another guy waiting for me. Wow, a welcoming committee. This isn’t going to be good.

  Climbing out of the truck, I wonder who the other guy is? He looks so familiar, but I’m sure I haven’t met him. How come he is waiting out here with Zach?

  “Hey, man, thanks for coming,” Zach says, reaching out and pulling me into a hug.

  “Sure thing. You know I’ll always be here when you need me,” I say, pulling back “Who’s this?”

  He looks back at the other guy before answering me “Uh, this is Dane. An old friend of mine, and he’s already bonded to my bonded. Actually, you should know there are three other bonded. Just so you don’t step on any toes during your check up,” he says, watching me.

  What he just said makes absolutely no sense. “If what you just said is right, the girl who I’m here to examine, not only is she your bonded, she’s pregnant with someone else’s baby, and she has four other bonds? And one of them is the guy you used to date? Is that right?” I ask in my most professional voice.

  What the hell happened? How the hell did I not know his ex was in town?

  He told me about Dane not long after his mother took her own life. I thought we had grown closer since then, and he told me everything, but obviously not.

  And how the hell does one girl have so many bonded? Isn’t there like a limit? Here I am with none and she has five!

  Dane is smiling at me and I see why my brother could be attracted. He’s pretty cute for a guy, not that I swing that way. No, I definitely need a girl in my life.

  “Yep that about sums it up. At least you aren’t freaking out. I don’t know what we’d do if you couldn’t look at Evie. You’re the only one we can trust right now,” Zach says to me solemnly.

  Seriously how long was I gone? What could have happened in the month since I talked to Zach?!

  Zach

  Christian’s taking it surprisingly well after I tell him about Evie, Dane and the bonds. To be honest, I expected a bazillion questions and explanations but he’s just staring at Dane.

  I told him all about Dane and what happened, so I understand if he’s a little shocked. He even gave in to some pretty excessive name calling after I told him what happened between us.

  He thought I was a total douche for ruining something as important as my relationship with Dane over my grief.

  “Ok, if we’ve all stopped with the catch ups can we please get you to look at Evie? She’s been through a lot and we need to make sure her babies are ok,” Dane says interrupting my thoughts.

  “Sure, but I’ll need some help bringing up the equipment. It’s heavy, and I had to get my neighbours to help me put it in the truck. I also want to warn you I do my exam in two parts. The first is that we have a chat about cycle, previous contraception, any worries and fears etc. Usually I do this with just the Mother and Father. And the second part, I’ll do the scan and bloodwork to see what’s going on. Is there anything I should know before I do any of that?” Christian asks looking between Dane and I.

  “Well, Evie has twins by two different fathers, and only she knows who they are. Everyone agreed not to find out who the fathers are until after they’ve been born, so we’ll all be in there with her whether you like it or not. The only thing that would stop us is if Evie asked us for privacy, which I doubt,” Dane says, watching Christian with a strange look.

  I don’t understand why he’s being so weird. Actually, all of them have been since last night. At first, I assumed it was just because after they all woke up Evie was still fast asleep. Teddy tried waking her up, but she just groaned before rolling over, tucking a pillow to her chest and going back to sleep.

  They got more anxious after she woke up, not letting her do anything, insisting on carrying her to save her strength. Even her father has been watching their behaviour. He must sense how weird it is too.

  Sure, I’m just as worried about Evie but I don’t want her to feel suffocated by us. Besides, I think it’s better for me if I give her space for now. It will give her time to reconnect with her bonded before I talk to her.

  “Ok, I understand and respect that you all want to be there, but if she asks you to leave the room, I expect you to. Some parts of the exam women don’t like their partners knowing about,” Christian says to Dane, before heading back to his truck to grab his equipment.

  “Come on, we need to make sure everything’s all good with Evie and the babies. I promise he’s the best and we can trust him,” I throw back over my shoulder as I follow Christian.

  I hope after Christian looks over Evie the guys will ease up a bit. I’d imagine if they keep going like this, Evie will become anxious thinking something’s wrong.

  Evie

  Ugh! What is wrong with everyone?!

  I’ve been awake for less than an hour and no one will l
et my feet touch the floor. When I woke up, Ky was sitting by the bed watching me drinking a cup of coffee. The only thing that woke me up was an unimaginable need to pee. As I went to climb out of bed, he scooped me up and asked me where I wanted to go.

  After going to the bathroom and being placed back in the bed, I thought it was pretty sweet. Well that got old fast.

  I went to brush my teeth, Ky carried me.

  I went to get food, Teddy brought some up.

  I went for a shower, Mike carried me.

  They must think I’m going to break. They’ve been super quiet and extra clingy. Isn’t it the gir’ls job to be clingy?

  I have to pee again and as I climb out of bed Teddy reaches for me. I’ve had enough and I finally snap at them.

  “What the hell?! I’m just walking five steps to the bathroom! I don’t need an escort!” I shout, frustrated at their need to baby me.

  I could understand if I had to go downstairs, but seriously I’m going five steps away to pee, and five steps back to the bed. It’s not a god damn marathon!

  Stomping my way into the bathroom, I relieve myself and wash up, all the while wondering what the hell is going on with them?

  Why do they keep carrying me and refusing to let me do anything? Once I’m back in bed, I try not to let the guilt at snapping at Teddy overwhelm me, but I feel bad when I feel his sadness.

  “I’m sorry I snapped, but you guys have all been acting weird all morning and I’ve had enough. Now, who’s going to tell me what’s going on?” I say looking between Ky and Teddy. Mike seems to have disappeared, and I haven’t seen Dane since I woke up.

  “Well Dane told us some stuff last night, and I guess it has us a bit rattled,” Ky mumbles, while Teddy avoids looking at me.

  What could be so bad that they would act so overprotective?

  “Well?” I ask waiting for them to explain.

  Teddy finally looks at me, “Can I try project to you? That way I don’t have to try repeat it and miss something.”

  Huh, I never thought they could do that with me, but I guess they just hadn’t tried yet. I really need to learn how to do it too, so I don’t repeat conversations.

  “Ok, let’s try it,” I say, excited to see if this works.

  Whoa! This is so cool! I thought it would be like a movie playing in my head, but it’s more a soundtrack with the individual voices being played through a conversation.

  If I didn’t know what this was, I would assume someone recorded the guys’ conversation on a tape recorder and it’s just playing it back, but the difference being I can feel what Teddy was feeling during the conversation.

  My guys are scared of losing me. They think that if I have multiple bonds, I won’t find the time for them, and I’ll eventually stick with someone who is better for me than all of them.

  I didn’t realize I closed my eyes, until I feel the tears running down my face and open them. I can still feel Teddy’s fear and knowing about Teddy’s, I open myself to the bonds.

  They’re all scared to lose me to someone better, and they’re scared of what more bonds will mean for them.

  “Come here,” I say holding my hands out to Teddy and Ky.

  They both come willingly and climb into the bed, hugging me from either side.

  “You’re all idiots,” I say while projecting to Mike and Dane. “I don’t know how you could ever think that more bonds would make you mean less to me. In case you all forgot, you were the first people I have felt safe with my entire life. You came into my life and turned it upside down. Not only with the elemental stuff, but you showed me love and kindness where I’d never had any. You made me want to live my life, and stand up to my parents when I had never even thought about doing it before I knew I had something to live for. I love all of you, and now there are two wonderful little babies growing inside of me that we’ll raise together as a family. I would never leave any of you. Yes, there may be other bonds out there, but we’ll deal with it together and try our best to make it work.

  I won’t bond with anyone if you don’t want me to, but I ask you to think of yourselves in their shoes. Meeting your bonded and finding out that she had already bonded to four others? It would kill you. Can you really do that to someone else? Besides, I would never bond with anyone I didn’t love and trust. They would also have to fit in well with us.” I hope they understand just how much I need all of them, not just one of them.

  Mike

  Those little shits! We all agreed last night not to tell Evie until later about the extra bonds she could have, but, no, they had to give in and tell her. I don’t think it helped that we were all worried about what it meant for us now, and in the future.

  I’m following Dane, Zach, and Cristian to one of the spare rooms we have down stairs when we hear her project to us.

  Knowing Evie doesn’t want to form any bonds without us approving makes me feel a lot happier. The last thing any of us wanted was for Evie to form the bond with someone that would hurt her or try to take her away from us.

  Dane turns to me and says “Man, that girl’s amazing. She’s going to be the best bonded, and the most amazing mother. She’s already managing us pretty well,” he says with a slight chuckle.

  I 100% agree. She’s doing an amazing job as partner when she already has the four of us to handle plus potentially Zach.

  I go back to work carrying Christian’s microscope to the room.

  Dane called me down to help when Christian asked if he could set up a room. He needed a room that had a bathroom attached to it in case Evie had to pee during the ultrasound, which is pretty common for pregnant women apparently.

  Zach

  I think after Christian has finished dealing with Evie, it might be time for us to have a talk. I need to work through my thoughts, and he’s the best person to help me look at it logically. I can’t always be jealous of them, because Evie is bound to sense it sooner or later.

  Watching Dane and Mike talk about Evie, I can’t help but feel jealous. I know they love her and she loves them, but what does that mean for me? Will I ever get a chance to be with my bonded? Or will I forever be around her and not with her? I honestly don’t know which would be worse, being bonded to her and having to share her, and, most likely, being put last because she found the others first, or not being bonded at all?!

  Chapter 14

  Christian

  After we’ve set everything up, I send Dane and Mike up to get Evie. I want a moment alone with Zach before I check over his bonded to see what’s going on. No one has explained anything and I’m going to need some answers if he wants me to make sure everything is ok.

  Once I’m sure they’re out of earshot I turn on him “Ok, explain! What’s going on? After everything that has happened so far, I know something big is going on, and no one is telling me. I need to know as much as possible if it’s related to my patient. I won’t know what to look for, if you don’t tell me!” I say, frustrated by all the secrecy.

  “I can’t tell you. I’m sorry but they’ve made me promise only to tell you what you need to know, so they don’t risk anyone trying to hurt Evie. I trust you, I do, but if I want any chance of being with my bonded, then I need to work with the others, and that means not telling you. I’m sorry,” Zach says with sympathy. I can tell he really wants to tell me, but he believes it will be bad for him if he were to tell me anything.

  I sigh and turn back to my sonography machine, turning everything on and getting all the other equipment ready beside the bed so Evie will be comfortable.

  “I understand you’re trying to protect your bonded, but what if you all keep this information to yourself, and because I don’t know about something, I won’t check for it, therefore leading to complications in the pregnancy? I need to know anything that could be related to the babies, or could affect the babies so I can make sure I check everything,” I say, straightening all the tubes and needles. It’s part of my OCD keeping everything neatly organised.

  “Is that tru
e?” says a soft voice from behind me.

  My eyes widen in surprise, and I turn to see a beautiful girl being carried in Dane’s arms. She has bags under her eyes and is severely dehydrated, by the looks of it. Her body looks like it’s dying, but her eyes, they’re so full of fire that I know she’ll do anything she can to protect her babies.

  “Is what true?” I ask, hoping she didn’t hear all of what I said.

  “What you said about needing to know about what happened to me?” she asks, watching me for any hint of a lie.

  “Yes, it would be better if I know the full extent of what has happened, so I know what to test for. When I do your blood tests, I usually just check the basics, but I can run more extensive tests to find out about the babies’ hormone growth levels to see if they’re developing, and detect any abnormalities. Same as when I do a scan, I can look for certain things in the scan, that I wouldn’t normally look for,” I say to her, trying hard not to stare.

  Watching her, I see multiple expressions cross her face as I feel my heart beat faster. She is so beautiful. I wonder what could have possibly happened to her to make her so nervous about telling me? She looks scared and ashamed. Why would she be ashamed?

  Evie nods to Dane and he places her on the bed near me. She reaches out to grab my hand, and I feel a jolt shoot through my body. She’s my bonded.

  Oh no, Zach’s not going to be happy.

  Dane

  I knew Christian and Zach wanted to talk, but I should have waited longer before bringing Evie down. Once I told her the doctor was here, she practically jumped out of bed to get downstairs. She must be feeling anxious to find out how the babies are doing, and I don’t really blame her since we’re all feeling nervous. I’m excited to see the babies, though.

  I can see Evie debating with herself to tell Christian before she finally decides.

  I’m going to tell him. Can you put me on the bed, please?