Hidden Truth

Chapter 11

Claire

A sharp pain throbbed in my right temple as I slowly opened my eyes. The room was dark with only the moon casting a dim light across the floor. Looking around I realized I was in my bed. Blake must have carried me into my room after I lost consciousness. A dull pain formed in my chest thinking about him not wanting me around. I wasn't sure how long I was knocked out for. Was it a few hours or days?

Slowly I sat up, my feet hitting the cold wood floors. Resting my elbows on my knees, my head fell to my hands. I ran my fingers through my hair and squeezed my eyes closed trying to remember what exactly happened. The pain in my head intensified the more I tried to think back. I gave up and walked to my bathroom to take a shower. Turning the water all the way to hot, I went to stand in front of the mirror while I waited for it to warm up. My body was covered in sweat and there was dried blood under my nose.

Reaching up, I ran my fingertips lightly over my lips. An image of Blake kissing me flashed in my head. His lips were soft and gentle, but I knew he only kissed me to make me calm down. He didn't do it because he liked me, and I don't know why that hurt. Tears stung my eyes as I held them back. There was no reason for me to be upset over this. There was nothing between Blake and I, and never will be.

Stepping into the shower the hot water stung my back, but I didn't flinch. It relaxed my muscles, feeling the heat burn my skin. Something about the burning water on my back made the pain I felt inside go away. I stood under the water for who knows how long. My mind kept drifting to Blake and his kiss, and the storm I created. I remember learning about my father leaving me without so much as a heads up that I was a witch and could possibly kill someone with a tornado. Then there was the cherry on top of the shit storm about how I was supposed to replace him on the council. Up until that morning I knew none of this, so when were they going to tell me and help me with my powers? Hearing Blake tell me all that shit woke up a deep rage I had buried inside myself

The water started to go cold, and my hands were becoming prunes when I decided to step out. Wrapping a large towel around my body I went into my room. I just stood in the middle of the room, staring at my bed. My mind was racing, I wished I was still asleep to have some peace. I needed more answers and to get these powers under control, but I feel like Blake wouldn't be able to help me. I need to go see my father.

Throwing on my old clothes, I left my room to find Blake. First, I tried his room. I knocked on his door three times, but no answer. Next, I went to check the library. The room was empty, but my eyes landed on the pile of books on the table. Slowly walking over to the table, I ran my fingers lightly over the covers. They were thick, hardcover books, and looked to be hundreds of years old. The titles are what caught my eye. Every book was about witches, from the origin of witches to harnessing your powers. I can't believe Blake was doing research to help me.

"Shit," a yell from the kitchen brought me out of my head. I put down the book I was holding and left the library. Pushing open the swinging door, I walked into the kitchen to see two pots on the stove and Blake sitting at the counter. He held a glass halfway filled with a dark red liquid. My heartbeat picked up; now that I knew about what he was. I knew he didn't kill people, but a part of me was still uneasy. His eyes met mine and he gave me a small smile, "good evening."

"Um, hello," I glanced back down at the glass debating what was inside. Cautiously I try to ask, "is that . . " I trail off as I point to the glass on the countertop. Blake looks at his glass and picks it up with a smirk on his face. Slowly he takes a sip and lets out a sigh of pleasure.

"Red wine. You want some?" he asked as he set the glass down and got up. He walked to the edge of the counter and leaned back against it. He was dressed in a simple dark blue t-shirt and black jeans. The shirt hugged his upper body, giving me flashbacks of when he was shirtless on my bed. His voice broke me out of my trance, "I made some spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. You must be starving after being asleep for months."