Hidden Truth

Chapter 10

Blake

Claire started to fall back as her eyes closed. The sun started to peak out between the rolling dark clouds. Claire's magic was so intense it drained her body, knocking her out while it recuperated. Gently lifting her off the couch I carried her into my room and placed her on my bed. The pounding on my door continued as my brothers yelled at me to open up. Glancing once more at Claire, I went to my door. Flipping the lock, I slowly opened the door and slipped out. I held up my hand to my brothers while I closed my door. I knew she was going to be asleep for a while, but I didn't want to jinx it.

"What the hell was that," Luke asked. He stood in front of me with his arms crossed, glaring at the door.

"I was filling Claire in about basic things, and she didn't handle hearing about her father very well. I think he just left her without any explanation." I ran my hand through my hair as I let out a breath, I didn't realize I was holding.

"That was really intense," Tony spoke up as he glanced from the door to me. "It looked like a tornado was about to hit."

"Yeah, probably. She was lost in her emotions."

"So how did you stop her," Luke asked slowly.

I shrugged and gave a bullshit answer, "I just held her hand and talked to her. Eventually she passed out from exhaustion." My brothers seemed to buy it as I walked away. I needed some fresh air after all that. The kiss I shared with Claire, although it was used as a distraction, did something to me. I wanted to feel her lips on mine again.

Luke's and Tony's footsteps followed behind me as I walked through the kitchen. I went out the sliding doors, noticing the wind had died down to a light breeze. My head was a battlefield as I thought about my next move. Should I call my dad and tell him the latest news or call Claire's dad? I was so lost in thought I didn't hear my brothers talking to me until Luke punched me in the arm.

"Earth to Blake," Luke yelled.

"What," I said, not turning to look at them. My eyes were trained on the forest line as my mind raced.

"Did you talk to dad?" Luke walked into my view, forcing me to look at him.

"I talked to him before all this happened. She overheard some of it so that's why I explained shit to her. I didn't know this was going to happen." My voice was weak as I tried to answer Luke. "I'm torn between calling dad again or calling Claire's dad."

"We can keep this between us. Dad doesn't have to know," Luke replied. Tony nodded, agreeing with his twin. I knew my brothers would have my back, but I had to determine what to do. As next chairmen of the Council I needed to be smart about shit and handle business.

"Thanks brothers. I'll have to think about it a bit more, but I think a call to her father will be needed." They nodded to me but didn't need to say more. There was a nice silence in the air as the sun started to set for the night. "Dad said nana wasn't doing so good, so why don't you guys drive up and visit."

"What about you," Tony asked. Luke furrowed his eyebrows as he waited for an answer.

"I'll stay and watch Claire. Maybe I'll try to fill her in on some small stuff, and I can get some reading done." I could see the look in Luke's eyes, he didn't trust me. He thought I was up to something, and maybe I was. Maybe deep down I just wanted to be alone with Claire.

"Yeah, sure," Luke slowly said. "We will head out in the morning."

"I'm going to move Claire into her own room so I can try to get some sleep. Night guys," I called out as I turned to head inside. They stayed outside talking quietly to each other as I headed back to my room.

Claire was still passed out in the spot I left her. Part of me didn't want to move her, I liked her in my bed. But rationally I knew it would look bad to have her still in my bed come morning. Carefully I lifted her off the bed and walked her next-door to her room. As I placed her into her bed her hands gripped my shirt. Laying her head on the pillow I grabbed her hands and slowly pried them open, releasing myself.

It was a slow walk back to my room. Closing my door, I rested on the back of it for a bit before climbing into bed. I rolled onto my right side, facing the balcony doors when her scent hit me. Resting my head on the pillow she just laid on, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Her sweet smell relaxed my throbbing head and slowly I drifted off.

***

A knock on my door woke me the next morning. Glaring at the clock I got out of bed to see what my brothers wanted at five in the morning. Opening my door, I saw my brothers with their bags. I didn't expect them to actually go through with it. "You're leaving now," I asked.

"Yeah, before traffic hits. We called dad last night to let him know we are coming down, and he wanted us to tell you to call him every night," Luke replied as he threw his bag over his shoulder.

"Why," I furrowed my brows at Luke. My heart picked up speed thinking he told dad about what happened.

"He just wants you to check in with him about Claire while everyone is out," Tony calmly spoke. I semi relaxed, but my dad not trusting me made me feel like a child. I nodded and walked with them to the door. The sun was starting to rise as they pulled out of the driveway.

The house felt too quiet with everyone gone. Quietly walking upstairs, I peaked in Claire's room to see her still asleep. Closing her door, I went back to my room. Falling back on my bed I stared at the ceiling as the sun slowly crept in. Quickly jumping out of bed I ran out of my room and went to the library downstairs. Since I was up, I may as well do some research for Claire. I pulled out every book on witches I could find in the library and stacked them on the table.

Grabbing one that focused on nature elemental powers I skimmed through it to find something to help her control her powers better. I don't remember how long I was down there reading before my eyes got heavy and I felt myself drifting off. But before falling asleep I finally found what I was looking for. I knew exactly how I could help Claire. Without getting her father involved and causing another tornado from her.