Shifted

Chapter 18: The Fall

By the time we got back to the pub, the party was already in full swing. The bar was packed full of unfamiliar faces, but everyone seemed to know Dillon. People were pulling him over and shaking his hand before we could even get in the doorway. They were even kissing me on the cheeks and introducing themselves as I trailed in behind him.

I couldn't have been more relieved to see Charlie, Grady, Maeve, and Raine at the bar, smiling and making a commotion as we came over. Liv was there as well, but it didn't look like she wanted to be. She ignored the both of us and stuck close to Raine. Maeve threw her arm around my waist as soon as I reached her and kissed me on the cheek, most likely leaving her bright red lipstick behind. Last, Charlie walked over to me and wrapped me in a hug.

Congratulations, love, Charlie's thoughts rang in my head. I figured this is an easier way to communicate than yelling over the music, he thought as I hugged him back, truly happy to be so welcomed and wanted. You're going to blow us all away. Others may not tell you this, but we can all feel the difference in your power when we're near you.

So you're a Mind Shifter? I was surprised not only that he wasn't a Feeling Shifter, but also that everyone could feel the difference just by being near me. I hadn't even experienced the extent of my power yet. Charlie took a step back and kissed each of my cheeks, just like everyone else was doing tonight.

Actually, I'm capable of both Mind and Feeling Shifting. I was meant to be discarded by Declan though. Thankfully Raine fought for me, to keep me at the Cliffs, Charlie explained telepathically. He still had an arm around me until Dillon appeared and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ah, sorry mate," Charlie laughed, stepping back. "I'll grab everyone a round, how about you go find a table."

We settled at a table in a surprisingly quiet corner of the room with the group. Charlie appeared with a tray of Guinness and his trademark coffee.

"So, how did it all go?" Grady asked, still yelling slightly over the Irish band. A crowd of people was already sweating as they danced to the fast-paced music in the middle of the room.

"It was perfect," I answered, smiling cheerfully. Everything leading up to this night had been a whirlwind of emotions and events, but I felt like nothing could bring me down from this incredible feeling now.

"Well, look at this gang," a familiar voice called from behind me. An unsettling wave of emotion washed over me as the group turned to find Finn standing with his hands resting on the back of my chair. I squeezed myself against the table as far from him as possible. His threatening aura reached toward me, shining an unpleasant red that could only mean pain. I tried to combat it but I was taken off guard as the crimson glow licked at my arms like flames. I winced in pain and had to grab the table for support as my mind went fuzzy.

The entire group tensed at Finn's presence and I instantly heard all of their angry thoughts at once. They didn't seem to realize I could physically feel his aura, except for Charlie. Charlie jumped from his seat and put his hand on Finn's shoulder, firmly pushing him back.

"We don't need the Garda, mate," he growled. Though I hadn't known him long, I didn't expect this protective side of him. Charlie was a good deal shorter than Finn, but he stood his ground. Charlie's body helped to block Finn's aura some, which in turn helped to clear my mind. Dillon and Raine flanked Charlie, further blocking my view of Finn.

"Woah, lad. I'm just offering my best wishes," Finn defended, putting his hands in the air. "I'm here as a mate, not as the Gardai."

"We don't need you here. You can run off back to Moher and Declan," Charlie repeated, forcing Finn to step back.