Read Online Caution to the Wind: Book One of the Elementals Series by F. R. Southerland - Free Book Online Page B

him, he’d destroy that world.”
    “When Avery said we were saving the world he didn’t necessarily mean our world?”
    “He might’ve meant both.”
    The weight of it all pushed down on her. Suddenly, Loren wanted nothing more than to be in her apartment in her blanket cocoon. She longed for the simplicity of her former life. It looked good right now.
    “I don’t think I can handle it.” She couldn't be important, she realized. Even though she wanted it, craved it. She had too much anxiety. There was too much at stake.
    The air shifted around her.
    “Take deep breaths,” Callum spoke gently. He leaned on the edge of his seat. “Breathe in, exhale slowly,” he instructed her.
    Loren focused her eyes on him. She sucked in a breath, and then let it out. Then again. The shifting air around her settled. She brought up a shaking hand to smooth back her windblown hair.
    “It’s under control now. I’m sorry.”
    “It’s okay. You’re fine.”
    But was it? She didn’t know.
    Callum’s mouth pressed into a thin line as he studied her. “Forgive my asking but do you have an anxiety disorder?” he asked.
    Loren couldn’t deny it. She nodded and looked down at her hands.
    “Related to your abilities?”
    “No, I—I think it comes from other things, though that’s certainly not a big help.”
    Callum sat back. Silence followed for a few seconds. “I think we’ve discussed enough for one night. We should think on other things and, perhaps, get some rest. Do you agree?”
    Loren pushed hair behind her ears before she nodded. “Yeah, I think that would be for the best. We can talk about it tomorrow.”
    “Or in a few days.” Callum stood with her. “I have a business retreat. I leave in the morning.”
    “You’re leaving?” Loren frowned.
    “Yes. Eva and I discussed it at dinner.” He gave her a curious look. “I will be away for a few days. She will be in charge of the household, as usual.”
    “Oh.” Loren hadn't realized how lost in her own thoughts she'd been not to catch the conversation. Her disappointment remained. “Have a safe trip.”
    Callum smiled at her. “I intend to. Thank you.” He paused. “May I walk you back to your room?”
    “Yes, please.”
    He offered his arm to her and Loren hesitated before she placed her hand on his forearm. They stepped out of the sunroom.
    “This stone,” Loren began, “what if it was closer than you thought?”
    An eyebrow lifted. “What do you mean?”
    She chewed on her lip, uncertain for a moment. Her fingers closed around the cord and she drew it out from her shirt.
    Callum stopped in his steps. “You’ve had it. All this time.”
    “Uh, yeah.” She fumbled to untie the cord. “Castle uh gave it to me when I got my powers. I didn’t know what it was, what it could do. I kept it safe. Like he wanted, but I think… he’d want you to have it. To keep it safe with the others.”
    Her hand trembled as she held it out to him. The stone swung back and forth, a pendulum for a brief moment before Callum took it into his palm.
    He stared at it in amazement. “This is incredible.”
    “Yeah. Make sure it’s safe?”
    “Of course.” His fingers rubbed over the stone. He lifted his gaze to her. Unable to decipher his unsettling look, she glanced away.
    “Thank you for this,” he said quietly. He leaned down. His cool lips brushed over her cheek.
    The surprising and confusing action made her face burn. “You’re uh welcome.”
    “I’ll have this sent immediately to a safe place. I’ll take good care of it.”
    “Good. Good.” She nodded and avoided his gaze.   
    She heard static. Levi’s voice broke through. “Callum!” The white noise crackled again.
    She stopped when Callum did, noticing his frown. As his name repeated, he stepped over to the closest intercom and pressed the button.
    “What is it, Levi?”
    “Emergency.” His words broke apart. He said something else, but Loren couldn't make it out. Then, the message came