Renounced: The Shelean Moon, Book Two Read online

  Her mum looked amused and shook her head.

  “I don’t need to, as well you know. Some things women are better at doing and others are best left to the males. Whatever it is—don’t ask, you don’t want to have anything to do with Shalea, so I won’t tell you—this is one of them. Anyway, your dad and I decided you needed someone with you and thought it would be best for it to be me. In case you wanted to tell me anything.”

  Leira looked at her and then felt her face go red. How to really feel cut off and isolated in one fell swoop. Never mind, she’d asked for it. Deep down Leira reckoned she’d hoped someone—all of them—would have tried a bit harder to persuade her not to renounce. They hadn’t, and she admitted she felt let down. Now her mum had come out with that statement.

  “Mum.” Damn the whine. “What on earth are you suggesting?” she asked in a more moderate way. Less whine more casual interest. That was better. “That I celebrated my birthday by…” She couldn’t think of a way to put it delicately, so she just carried on. “Having sex? You think we made love, and then had a row? Well, thanks a million. A lot of trust in me you have in… well…in Donny as well, for that matter.”

  Her mum looked at her with what she and Brios always called her I’ll worm it out of you look. The one that made you squirm even when you hadn’t done anything wrong.

  “It has nothing to do with trust, Leira, and you know it,” Shala said sternly. “You and Donny have been very close, and now you’ve had a major fallout. So, I’m sorry that I thought it was for something like that if it wasn’t. But I feel it was a justified thought.”

  “I haven’t—we haven’t—and I’m not going to yet,” Leira said. She meant it, every word, even though Donny had given her some really tingly moments when she wasn’t mad at him, and perhaps even when she was mad as well. She didn’t think she’d mention that to her mum though.

  “Good, because when you do, it needs to be special.”

  Well duh. She knew that.

  I’ll be special. It was Troy. She recognized his projection voice.

  “This has gotten beyond a joke.” She was so angry, she spoke out loud. Her mum stared at her as if she had two heads.

  “What is? Us talking about sex?”

  She rushed to reassure her. “Nah, not that Mum, It’s good to know we can and I promise if I do ever get someone to have their non-wicked way with me on a bed of rose petals, you’ll be the first to know. Well, after me and the as yet faceless one. Who I hope will make sure there are no thorns in among the petals.” She giggled. “No, those stupid voices still get inside my head. If I’ve renounced, how can they? Why they think I’m interested is beyond me, whatever the hell Donny’s up to.” If she was truthful, she hoped deep down that anything Donny did would be for the good of Shalea, even if it didn’t seem so. Surely he hadn’t changed that much.

  “Look, love, contrary to what you think, life isn’t black and white, you know? There are lots of shades of grey. All spots have their own shape and Dad thinks the voices can bypass his block because of their evil. Try as he might, he can’t find a trigger to stop them. You know if someone or something is truly malevolent, they seem to triumph until Shalea is able to overcome them. He doesn’t know who or what is doing all this yet. He’s working on a way to block them, but for now…” She smiled, although it didn’t reach her eyes. “Try not to overthink internally, or respond if something does reach you. That’s a sure way of letting evil in. Remember to keep your mind open and trust your heart.”

  Leira knew she could be stubborn about things; however, what her mum said made no sense at the moment. She felt even more left out. Okay, I know it’s my own fault, I said no more Shalea, but still.

  “Okay.” She didn’t quite know what else to say, so she decided to change the subject. “What shall we do now?”

  “Go to bed.” Her mum was definite. “You’ve had a strange evening, and you’ll be better after sleep.”

  She was sure she wouldn’t sleep. However, she was ready for a rest.

  Half an hour later, Leira was fast asleep. She didn’t know if it was a dream, fantasy, or reality that had her sitting bolt upright in a sweat a few hours after going to bed. There was a scream dying on her lips, and she could still feel it echo around in her mind.

  It was him. The bloke from the river. Troy someone—Conlan—that was it. Now that she thought about it, Leira was certain he’d stood by her at the bus stop on her way home from town the other day. He hadn’t spoken, but she remembered how a dark T-shirt and faded Levi’s covered a tanned body. His hair was tied back, and there was an earring in his lobe now, that hadn’t been on the bus stop guy, but she was sure it was the same person.

  * * *

  In her state of deep sleep, now they were back at the bus stop. He just smiled—never spoke—then as the bus turned the corner and pulled up, he grinned.

  “Nah, it’s going the wrong way. You need to go my way.”

  The bus had driven past, and she’d seen the driver was Donny. The guy laughed. “Told ya, that’s not for you, babe, you need this next bus. I’m with you. Look…” A small, grey minibus drew up, and the door opened. She looked at the driver. Struan Scott glared back.

  “Told you it wasn’t over, Leira. You stopped me once. No way will you stop me again. Get in.”

  * * *

  “Noooooooooooooooooo.” Her scream still echoed around the room, in her ears, and in her mind.

  She gradually stopped trembling and realized when no one came running that the scream must have been in her head.

  That effing bastard Struan is up to his slimy tricks again. She was sure of it. What she couldn’t understand was why anyone would think she’d join the Rogues and why Troy insisted he was there for her. Even if Donny was one, surely the Rogues would know she would never join them? However, hadn’t she been convinced that Donny wouldn’t do anything like that? She didn’t know what to believe anymore.

  As her heart slowed to a normal beat, Leira went into her bathroom to get a drink of water. Although deep down she knew, in all probability, that Struan wouldn’t disturb her again that night, she wasn’t sure she even wanted to try to go back to sleep. It was too late, or too early, depending on how she looked at it, to ring Rach. She couldn’t project to anyone, and she didn’t want to tell her mum or dad. At three thirty in the morning…she squinted at her clock… precisely no one to turn to.

  You can turn to me, babe. Remember…you can trust me.

  That infuriated her. Why would this Troy Conlan think she would trust him?

  “In your dreams mate, Mr. Troy Conlan, whoever you are,” she said loudly. She might not be able to project and whoever was messing with her head, be it Troy Conlan or anyone else probably couldn’t hear her, but it made her feel better.

  Leira supposed she’d better try to get some sleep, especially as she was going out with her friends tomorrow, no—she amended—tonight. She walked back across the room towards her bed. The window was open slightly, and the curtain moved in the gentle breeze bringing the sweet scent of her mum’s roses into the room.

  She heard voices—male voices—and recognized them immediately. Brios, her dad, Donny, and his dad were talking directly under her window. Leira frowned. Surely Donny had left ages ago. Evidently not. Never mind her mum’s warning about eavesdroppers, she stepped closer to the window to listen.

  Sadly, she could only hear the odd word.

  “Pick up and stop?” That was her dad.

  “Seemingly…and…his powers diluted?” Donny.

  A soft laugh from Brios, and then the deeper tones of Donny’s dad. “Lesser gods…Ah, I guess…”

  “Leira, are you there?” her dad called softly. Her bedroom light was on, so her dad knew she was awake. Busted. She moved the curtains and pushed the window open wider to lean out slightly.

  “Yes, why?”

  Four pairs of eyes looked up at her. She was really glad she hadn’t worn her old PJs.

  “Your light is o
n…it’s three thirty…and you were hurt. Take your pick.” Her dad’s astuteness was a bit too much sometimes, and it seemed this was one of those times.

  “Fine…really, Dad.” She saw his eyes narrow.

  Uh-oh. She sighed. “No, okay…not really cos I’ve had a weird dream, so I got up and had a drink of water. I’m going back to bed now. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Call out loud if you need me, outside or inside. I’ll hear you if you really need me,” her dad said in a tone she wouldn’t dream of defying.

  She nodded and pulled the window in until it was almost closed. All of a sudden, she was really, really tired. Leira got back into bed, sighed deeply and didn’t move until she felt her mum shake her. She woke up in a hurry.

  “Waaa?” Leira flung her arm out and missed her bedside light by inches. “Oops.”

  “It’s okay, you didn’t hit it. Ten o’clock, honey. Rach rang, but you didn’t answer your mobile, so she called me instead. She’ll be over at twelve, and your dad wants to talk to you when you’re up and dressed. He said you had a bad night?” Shala said. “Why? What happened?”

  Leira sighed. “Not really bad, just a weird dream.” She took the cup of coffee her mum held out to her. “I’ll explain it all when I’ve thought it through. Thanks, Mum. I’m ready for this.” She took a gulp, gasped as the liquid slid down her throat, and waved her hand to cool the rest down a bit. “Wow, hot.”

  Her mum laughed. “Coffee usually is, love. Right. I’ll let you get dressed. Do you fancy bacon and eggs for brunch?”

  “I’d love it.” Leira put the mug down and gave her mum a hug. “Thanks, Mum.”

  “You’re welcome. Er…what am I being thanked for?” Shala asked with a chuckle. “Making you put your clothes away, or not being too inquisitive even though I’m dying of curiosity here.”

  “Everything. All of them, even putting my clothes away. At least I know where to find them now. So, really, just for being here and not asking questions, for loving me and well…for being my Mum.”

  Shala blushed and returned the hug. “It’s my pleasure, love…right. Half an hour for grub?”

  Leira nodded and got out of bed as her mum left the room. She drank the rest of her coffee and had a quick shower before she put on her favorite jeans and a hoodie. The smell of bacon drew her to the kitchen.

  “Hi, love.” Her dad was at the table as she walked in. She gave him a kiss and a cuddle before she sat next to him.

  “Feeling better?” he asked as he looked at her critically. “You seem less tense.”

  “Yeah, thanks. Seems stupid now that it’s bloody Struan bugging me again.” She smiled and mouthed sorry at her mum, who frowned at her language. “I thought he’d given up.”

  “He’ll never give up until he’s beaten beyond repair,” her dad commented shrewdly. “So, now tell me.”

  He waited for her to speak. Briefly, Leira explained her dream. Her dad nodded and took his plate from her mum with a gesture of thanks as she served them all. It seemed he would trust her mum’s cooking for once. Her dad saw the way she looked at his plate and smiled.

  “I did most of it. Mum’s just serving it up. Right now, we’ll keep an eye on Struan, and you, just take care. Keep your phone handy and charged. With no powers, you’re vulnerable.” He raised an eyebrow in question. She understood and shook her head.

  “Dad, it’s something I’ve got to try.” She hesitated. “All my life, for as long as I remember, I’ve been Shalean, grown into my power and taught how to use my gifts wisely. I’ve had Donny tell me what I was going to do with my life and never ask me what I want—just tell me. Well, I don’t want to be told—especially by him. I’m going to explore the life of a normal human. Who knows? I might love it. On the other hand, I might hate it, but whatever, I need to see it for myself.”

  Her dad nodded. “Okay, I take your point, but just be sensible and remember,” he hesitated, “if everything goes pear-shaped, you will be able to get through to me.”

  Her dad just gave her a get out of jail card. She hoped she wouldn’t have to use it.

  9

  Why on earth was Leira there? An indoor pool was so not her thing. Give her outside in the sunshine every time, even if in Scotland it was only possible about five days a year. She should have waved that get out of jail card long and hard.

  She executed a racing turn and made her way in a long-armed crawl back down the pool.

  Struan had obviously returned to town and decided he was back in her life. Unfortunately, now he was even more obnoxious. It didn’t matter where she was, he seemed to be in front of her, not talking, just staring. Leira decided the best way to upset him was to ignore him. However, it was easier said than done. He appeared everywhere like a jack in a box. Luckily, she thought, not in the loo.

  Why does he always have to be in my face? Does he even have to be here?

  Always, Leira, always here, and not just in your face. You’re mine. You’re ours. Not long to wait now.

  In his dreams. Leira hauled herself out of the pool, sat on the edge, and dangled her feet in the water. She made herself a note to ask her dad if there was anything she could do to stop him from bypassing the block, and it seemed, from reading her thoughts. That, she decided, was just not on.

  “Grr, this is getting tedious,” she muttered. “Go away.”

  Rach stood next to her and looked at her in surprise. “Sorry?”

  “Oh nothing, just muttering,” Leira hurried to improvise. Not for anything would she hurt Rach. “Not you. Petty annoyances. Like midges. Tiny and irritating.”

  “Oh, them.” Rach joined her on the side of the pool and looked down into the depths. “Just get the repellent out, eh?”

  If only it were that easy. “Or stamp on them hard?”

  “They’re too insignificant to extend any energy on,” Rach said with a wink. She’d obviously gotten the gist of what—or whom—Leira referred to.

  The water churned up into waves. “Like that. Little people who can’t do anything other than silly little things.” The water sloshed over the side and covered them up to their knees before subsiding again. “Why did we decide swimming was a good thing?” Leira asked as the water calmed, and she could see the bottom of the pool once more. “Because whoever it was deserves to be thrown in the deep end along with Struan. It’s bad enough to have him in my dreams without having him in my reality. Why didn’t we spend the day getting ready to go out tonight? Then I wouldn’t have been reminded about my nightmares and the midge called Struan.”

  “You’re dreaming about Struan? Have you told anyone? Why didn’t I know?”

  “It only happened last night. But Rach, someone projects to me. More than one person. Not just the slimy one cos him I’d ignore. There’s someone I don’t know as well.” She didn’t think she’d mention Troy just yet. After all, she wasn’t really sure it was him.

  Rach looked worried. “Have you told anyone?”

  “Sort of. Hey, let’s get in before…Aargh…oomph.” She didn’t get to say anything else before she somehow watched herself—as if in slow motion—fall into the water and sink with an almighty splash. It was just as well she was a good swimmer as she felt her feet touch the bottom. How on earth had she ended up in the water? One minute she’d been talking to Rach, and the next she was falling.

  Sheesh, I don’t do things like falling in. Not since I was five anyway and Stru…shit, shit, shit. Bloody irritating asshole. I should have guessed.

  I told you, Leira, I win. I will rule.

  It’s no good. I’m going to have to tell Dad about the little toad again and see if he can sort him out.

  No need.

  Aargh. Bloody Troy Conlan again. Bog off everyone. What is it with my mind? It’s got more stuff floating through it now than it ever did when I could project. It’s mine, you idiots, not a meeting place for morons.

  She felt two strong hands grab her and pull her to the surface.

  “Wh…pht.�
� Now she had a mouthful of water. Why on earth someone thought she needed to be rescued she had no idea. After all, she swam for the school, and the county.

  Don’t worry, babe, I’ve got you. That deep voice, with its distinctive Aussie twang, spoke close to her ear. Just relax now and let me do the work. I know you can swim, babe—like a fish I bet, but I needed to tell you that I’m here for you, even if you think I’m not. I’ve been given permission to project to you, and that’s why you can hear me. I’ll watch out for you—no worries, and I’ll hear you if you send to me.

  I do not need this.

  You do, you know.

  Leira shook her head and felt herself put firmly into the rescue position on her back, and her chin held as she was towed across the pool. Sheesh, she hadn’t meant to project that. As she looked up, she could see the worried face of Rach, and the gleeful face of Struan who yet again had appeared out of nowhere. She’d bet the story of her being rescued would soon do the rounds.

  Nah, babe, we’ll stop it before it starts—no problem. Watch me.

  She’d been towed to the shallow end by then and found herself standing with her hand taken by her supposed rescuer.

  “Okay, folks,” he raised his voice loud enough for everyone in the pool area to hear. “I’ve gotta thank Leira here. She was my willing victim.”

  Oh, was I? That’s nice to know.

  “First, to show you how easy it is to slip in.”

  Oh, yeah…especially when you’re pushed…

  “Second, to show you how vital it is to have lifeguards. I’ve lifeguarded at Bondi, and it’s just as important here as it is there—a tad warmer at Bondi though.” There was a ripple of amusement from the people around the pool area, and he laughed with them. “Okay, folks, we will run a water awareness course starting next week. If anyone is interested in doing basic survival skills, let Mrs. Jackson or me know. Right. Show’s over. Let’s let Leira have her swim.”