Divided

chapter TWENTY-THREE

We found Samuel in the balcony area outside the office arguing with two other men and a woman I recognized as Elizabeth Hardgrave.

“I told you, you are mistaken. No one is usurping your place in the coven, least of all a newcomer. She does not even know our ways yet,” Samuel said.

" 'Yet.’ Even you admit she is going to learn. And then what?” Elizabeth asked.

“And then if she is strong enough, she may displace you, but it will be a long time before that is even a possibility. Why don’t you stop trying to cause problems?” Samuel said, jaw clenched.

“Your friend is the one causing problems by bringing this little girl into our world. We can see what he’s doing. We know he’s just using her to secure his place in the coven,” Elizabeth said.

“Who the hell are you calling a little girl?” I would not stand by and let some stranger insult me.

“You, little girl.” Elizabeth eyed me with hatred I didn’t think possible for a person one didn’t know.

“I’d watch your mouth if I were you.” I clenched my fists at my sides.

“Or what? You can’t even control your power. We all heard about what happened.”

“Is that what you think?” I knew I was taking a risk, but it was one I was willing to take. I steadied my breathing and let my power rise up in me. I didn’t know what would happen. I had only focused on controlling how it reacted to Vittorio. I didn’t know how it would react to my anger towards these people. It rose, hot and liquid inside me.

Instinctively, I knew what to do. I let it slowly reach out toward the three arguing with Samuel, while picturing bolts of electricity in my mind. I only wanted to scare them, to prove I had control over my power. The thought that I might prove them right never crossed my mind.

Samuel took a few steps toward me, and I saw Vittorio shake his head out of the corner of my eye. I pictured lightning surrounding Elizabeth and those accompanying her, calling my power back to me only after they had cried out in pain. It came reluctantly, wanting to play with these people who had insulted me, but it returned, allowing me to push it down to wherever it was that it slept in my gut. I collapsed, and Vittorio caught me and helped me to the couch. The look of terror on their faces was well worth the energy spent.

“What were you saying?” I knew it lost a bit of impact as I sat on the couch, but I had proven my point.

They stayed as far away from me as they could as they made their way to the stairs.

“Do you realize you just solidified their fear that you are going to try to usurp their place?” Vittorio said angrily.

Was it anger at me, or them? Maybe both.

“They insulted me, and you. I couldn’t just stand by and take it.”

“You have never used your power in such a way. What if you lost control? You would have confirmed their belief that you are weak.” His fists were clenched as well.

Definitely at me.

“I thought of that, but it was too late by the time I did. Luckily I kept control.”

“You did very well, I must admit, mia bellezza, but that was a very dangerous risk to take. I would appreciate it if you do not take such risks in the future,” he said, jaw clenched.

“I’m sorry. I had to do something. I’m not the type of girl who stands by helpless while she’s insulted.” Not anymore, anyway, I added in my mind.

“I understand, mio amore. And I am proud of you.” His voice softened as he held me close, and my power rushed out toward him.

“Oh, shit,” I had time to say before I lost control. I kissed Vittorio madly, as if my life depended on it. Some tiny bit of sanity left in my brain told me I was about to give the club an X-rated show, but my body didn’t care. I straddled him on the couch, pulling his shirt over his head, kissing his neck.

He neither reciprocated nor pushed me away.

After what seemed like eternity, I felt someone embrace me from behind. Someone with strong arms pulled me close to him, away from Vittorio. I struggled for a moment, but as soon as I was no longer touching Vittorio, my power calmed. Realizing it was Samuel who held me, I relaxed in his grip and let him carry me to a chair, to sit by myself.

Focusing on my breathing, I had my power completely under control again in a few minutes. I wanted to sink into the chair and disappear when I realized everyone was staring at me. As it was, all I could do was smooth down my skirt and wonder if Courtney was among the gawkers, too weak to do more than wonder.

Samuel sat on the couch next to Vittorio. I could not hear their conversation, but their faces were serious. They stood, and Vittorio headed for the stairs.

Samuel scooped me up into his arms with strength surprising for his size. He followed Vittorio out of the club, and helped me into the passenger seat of his Range Rover. Samuel and Vittorio stood outside the door of the SUV.

“I don’t think I can ever show my face in there again.” I groaned.

“Do not be embarrassed, mio amore.”

“Easy for you to say. You weren’t the one acting like a sex-crazed animal.”

“You were spent from your first display of power. You did not have enough to hold it back from me. I am thankful I was strong enough to resist returning your advance.”

My body tingled, craving Vittorio’s touch. I tried to get out of the SUV and go to him, but Samuel held me back.

“Samuel, do you think you can give her some of your power, so she will be able to control her own?”

“Can’t I just go home and sleep?” I asked.

“We have much we must discuss, the sooner the better.,” Vittorio said.

“How will Samuel give me his power?”

A crowd of gawkers had gathered around the entrance to The Chapel and were staring at us.

“Samuel will explain on the drive back to my house. I think we should leave now, though, before we attract any more attention.”

I wanted to protest, wanted to ride with Vittorio, but knew why I couldn’t, so simply nodded. I wanted to know more about the coven, but also wanted to go home and sleep. I wondered if I could at least convince them to let me have a hot bath and some coffee before we talked about whatever was on their minds.

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