Caution to the Wind: Book One of the Elementals Series by F. R. Southerland

stepped closer to her. He crouched down in front of her. “It’s not easy. I’ve had eighteen years to adjust to it and there are still times when I feel like I’m sleepwalking through it. It's like some crazy dream. Even among my siblings, in a household that knows, I still feel lost. Like there’s something more. Fitting in? I never tried. The only thing that comes close to it is keeping my powers a secret from the world. Believe me, that’s not easy. Not with everyone always watching.”
    “Is that one of the reasons Levi made the inhibitor? To keep you from accidentally revealing your powers?”
    Avery sighed. “One reason, yeah.” He paused. “Dinner is ready downstairs if you’re hungry.”   
    “I’m not sure. Will you be there?”
    “No.” Avery was halfway across the floor by the time she entered the bedroom.
    “No?”
    “I'm going out.”
    She should've guessed. The all black ensemble meant he intended to go back to the city as the vigilante again. She didn't realize how much she'd wanted him to stay. She masked her disappointment with a smile.
    “Oh, okay. Be safe?”
    “Hey, I always am” He lingered at the door. For a moment, Loren thought he might say something else. Instead, he gave her a small nod and headed out the door.
    Alone again, Loren viewed her reflection in the vanity’s mirror. She pushed hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ears. She attempted to smooth it down. Her face remained flushed. Redness had crept into her cheeks and neck.
    She couldn't help but feel drawn to Avery when he was close, and she couldn't help but think about him when he wasn't.
    The memory of Avery's warm touch on her hands was fresh. The scent of his cologne still permeated the air in her room. She could still see his smile.
    The Avery from her thoughts smiled gently at her. Before Loren realized, her thoughts shifted. In her mind, she saw Callum's smile and envisioned his cool, comforting touch.
    Her mouth drew into a slight frown and she shook her head to clear it of her thoughts. She couldn’t think of either Morgan brother right now. There were matters that were more important.
    But the distraction had been nice, as confusing as it was.
    Dinner was waiting. Not wishing to be late, Loren smoothed her hair back again and resolved to get through it without incident.
     
    ~~*~~
     
    Unlike breakfast that morning, the servants presented dinner in courses. Loren was pleased with the salad and the chicken. She managed to eat heartily. Dessert was chocolate cake. It was so rich; she had to stop after a few bites.
    Everything was delicious and filling. The wine was especially enjoyable. She lost track of how much she drank but declined a refill once her thoughts became fuzzy.
    The dinner conversation consisted of Callum and Eva talking mostly among themselves about business. Levi was absent. Loren felt completely at ease.
    Dinner seemed to go on for some time but she didn’t mind. She sipped her water and listened to the siblings. It was another small glimpse into their lives and Loren was privy to it. But she was still an outsider.
    She'd begun to wonder if she should excuse herself and return to her room when Callum addressed her.
    “Would you like a tour of the manor? I’m afraid with the events earlier there wasn't much time to properly acquaint you.”
    “Oh, yes. That would be great. Thanks.” Loren had so far memorized the path from her room to the dining room, but that was about it. It would be nice not to worry about misdirection.
    Callum pushed back his chair and stood. Eva dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a napkin before she joined him. “I have those reports to finish. It will be a late night,” she said, “and an early day tomorrow.” She stepped over to brush a kiss against her brother’s cheek in farewell. “Goodnight.”
    “Goodnight,” he echoed.
    Loren watched Eva leave before stretching her arms and pushing her chair back. She swayed slightly from a sudden