Child of Tempest Read online

  “I’ve heard of him. Isn’t he the famous author who’s living up by Water’s Edge?”

  “Yes.” Dr. Seymour nodded. “He bought the old mansion on Water’s Edge at the north point of Wizard’s Lake. Another local legend of mysticism and magic.” He rolled his eyes. “He writes occasional articles for the local newspaper. You can use my office to talk to him, if you like.”

  “No, that’s okay.” She stood up. “I want it to be more casual.”

  “Very well. I’m going home now. I’m not feeling well. Dr. Jameson has already left, and in an hour Dr. Tomas will be coming in. He’s the neurologist. I hope in the wee hours of the early morning, all things will settle down.” He stuffed papers into his briefcase.

  “Are you even sure Mr. Akvo is still here?”

  “Oh yes, I saw him just before I met up with you. He said he wasn’t going anywhere until he talked to someone. I told him I would have you meet with him.”

  “I see. Where is he?”

  “He’s waiting in the lobby of the ER.”

  “I’ll go get him.” She headed for the door.

  “Xandra.”

  “Yes.” She stopped and turned to look at him.

  “I’m sorry for what I said about your family and the hocus-pocus. I could see you didn’t care for the comment.”

  “It’s fine.” She waved her hand. “Go home. I’ve got things under control here. I’ll call you if things change.”

  Chapter 2

  Xandra headed to the nurse’s station in the ER. It was approaching one o’clock in the morning, and things seemed to have calmed down for the moment. She rounded the corner and entered the area where the nurses were congregated.

  Nancy, one of the nurses, greeted her. “Hello, Dr. Carrington. You’re lucky you missed the earlier rush. It was something else.”

  “I heard,” Xandra said.

  “You have a man waiting to see you.” Patty rushed over to her. “Dr. Seymour asked Mr. Akvo to wait in the lobby. Come here and take a look before you go out there. You have to be prepared for this, for him.” Patty waved her over to the one-way glass.

  “Why? Is there something wrong with him?” Xandra followed her to look out into the lobby.

  “Hardly.” Patty giggled. “If so, I like what’s wrong with him.”

  “Well, yeah. He’s nothing but right.” Nancy chuckled. “In fact, he’s so right, we all need a cold shower.” She winked.

  “He’s a famous author too. He writes murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. His name is Ujian Akvo. Isn’t it an exotic sexy name? Just like he is.” Patty put her hand over her chest. “Be still my heart.”

  The other three nurses looked as if they were starstruck.

  “What’s such a big deal? Haven’t you all seen a handsome man before?” Xandra peered out the window. “Oh.”

  “See, we told you,” Patty said. “He’s a dream.”

  Xandra moved closer to the one-way glass so she could get a better look at the man pacing the lobby. She nearly stopped breathing and coughed. Dear Lord, he’s right out of my dreams. His hair was a mixture of browns. It looked sun-kissed with small strikes of much lighter, nearly blond strands. He had chiseled features which were accentuated by a five o’clock shadow. Overall, he was exotic. Xandra could see his aura, it was strong and vibrant. It nearly matches mine. But it’s darker and much more passionate. A shiver raced up her spine, followed by a wave of warm heat. She leaned against the table to regain her composure.

  “Look at how his shirt clings to him and strains at his shoulders. OMG, I’m in lust.” Patty fanned herself in an exaggerated manner.

  Xandra looked away from him to watch the other women’s mesmerized expressions. She glanced back to take one more look before she ventured out to greet him. His dark slacks clung to his powerful legs, molding him, emphasizing the perfection of his physique, leaving no secrets for the discerning eye. Xandra swallowed hard. She needed to pull it together before she went out there.

  “What did I tell you? He’s almost as pretty as you.” Patty paused and put her hand up. “No, I’m sorry, he’s more. He’s utter perfection. I googled him too. And just for your information, he’s not gay, he’s not married, and he’s not involved.” She smiled.

  “Why would I need to know that?” Xandra shook her head.

  “’Cause you’re gonna go get him.” Nancy looked up from her desk. Her expression spoke volumes. “I hear he’s rich too. You have to try.”

  Xandra frowned. “Try what?”

  “To get him, of course.” Nancy rolled her eyes. “Now go out there and show him your charm. He’ll be smitten.”

  “Oh, please.” Xandra waved her hand. “He has no time for a small-town doctor like me. He’s… Well, look at him. Anyway, I’m not interested.”

  “Right.” Patty grinned. “I’ve known you most of my life, Xandra. You’re not the goody two-shoes you pretend to be. Go out there and show him the real you. I miss the you I knew in high school and college days. Bring her back for a moment. He’s bound to be captivated or he’s simply not human.”

  “Patty!” Xandra frowned. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you saying I’m no fun anymore?”

  “No.” She shrugged. “He’s waiting.” Patty pointed.

  “I can see that.” Xandra headed for the door. She was a bit annoyed by Patty’s comments.

  When the door clicked as it opened, he turned in her direction. She fisted her hands at her sides to give her strength and focus. “Hello, Mr. Akvo. I understand you’ve been waiting to speak with me.”

  “Yes, I’ve been waiting to speak to someone.” He walked toward her, stopping only feet away. Hands on his hips, he towered over her like a giant. “I’ve been waiting for some time too.”

  “I apologize.” She gave him her most winning smile and spoke the soothing tone she used with difficult patients. “But as you know, hospitals are busy. And unfortunately, tonight was especially so.”

  He seemed to cool a bit, and she noticed the muscles in his jaw relax.

  “I’ve not introduced myself. I’m Dr. Xandra Carrington, and the chief of staff asked me to speak with you.” She extended her hand. “It’s good to meet you.”

  “I’m Jian Akvo.” He took her hand and shook it. Almost instantly, a burning sensation traveled up her arm to her heart. She started to perspire as she felt his energy, it was white-hot and it made her sizzle all over.

  Damn, she hated her abnormal abilities. Why couldn’t she be clueless like everyone else? He’s furious enough to make my blood boil. I need to cool him down or we’ll both go up in steam. She looked directly into his eyes. Damn it, I knew it, he’s not human. He’s a warlock or a wizard. What the hell did he want with their town? He should be able to sense her family’s presence there and be deterred.

  Quickly, she pulled her hand out of his grasp, but the odd feeling lingered. Evidently, he doesn’t need to be deterred. He’s incredibly powerful and probably fears nothing and no one. Maybe he was behind the odd near-drowning episodes. A spark of awareness ignited in his gaze, and he finally smiled. Her knees weakened as his face transformed. Now he was even more devastatingly handsome. Often evil is pretty, she reminded herself. It was as if now he truly saw her and his demeanor abruptly shifted. He knows I’m different too. Of course he does.

  “Mr. Akvo, would you like to go to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee? I can try to answer your questions.”

  “That sounds perfect. You can call me Jian. May I call you Xandra?”

  “Yes, certainly. Follow me please. The cafeteria will be mostly empty at this time, and their coffee is delicious.”

  “That will be a first for a hospital. However, it seems this hospital has a lot of…differences.” He winked. “Lead the way, Xandra.” He stepped back, giving her space.

  The atmosphere in the room was thick with electric energy. It bounced between them like a volleyball. If there’s a spark, an explosion might take out this whole hospital.

  They walked in silence down a hallway to the elevator. She could feel him sizing her up and she was doing the same, hopefully without being as obvious. It was as if, as soon as his annoyance evaporated and he touched her, he noticed her, really seeing her for the first time. Now, she had his full attention, whether she wanted it or not.

  At the last minute she decided to take the stairs. She veered to the left and pushed the stairwell’s door open. She took off up the steps quickly. He was right behind her without hesitation. When she got to the fifth floor she exited the staircase to the cafeteria. She looked over her shoulder at him. He was unaffected by the exercise. Of course he’d be fine. He’s obviously the perfect specimen of good health. Being immortal does help. She rolled her eyes, careful he couldn’t see it.

  Then she turned to look at him. “I hope taking the stairs was okay. It helps me stay alert for my late-night shift,” she lied. “It’s a habit. I’m sorry.”

  “No problem.” He grinned. His bright white teeth emphasized his nicely tanned complexion. She could tell by the twinkle in his eyes that he fully understood her motivation and found her to be amusing. “The elevator can be claustrophobic, and I prefer the stairs anyway.” He shrugged as they both headed toward the food area. It was self-serve, and he picked up a cup and filled it from the coffee dispenser. She walked up next to him with a tray in hand. “Do you take cream or sugar?” he asked.

  “A little of both. Thank you.” She got another tray and handed it to him.

  “Here you go, you can make it how you like it.” He sat the creamers and sugars on her tray. “I take mine black.”

  “I’m not surprised,” she whispered under her breath.

  “What?” He looked over at her and gave her a lopsided grin. “What did you say?”

  “Nothing.” She shook her head hard enough for some of her hair to fall free from its bun.

  “Yes, you said you’re not surprised.” He tilted his head to the side as he regarded her. “Well, I’m not surprised you take cream and sugar. You look like the sugary-creamy kind of woman.” He winked. “Always the best kind.”

  Xandra was momentarily speechless. She carried her tray to the cashier. “I’m paying for my coffee and whatever he gets.” She nodded toward Jian as he grabbed three donuts. “They’re probably stale at this hour.”

  “That’s okay. I’m hungry and it seems there’s not much to choose from right now.” He finished selecting his food and sauntered over to where she was waiting.

  He moved with ease and confidence. Even the cashier was so busy watching him, she couldn’t pay enough attention to take Xandra’s employee ID. Finally, the cashier grabbed it, swiped Xandra’s card, and tossed it onto her tray while she was all smiles toward Jian.

  As Xandra picked up her tray, she glanced over her shoulder at him then headed to a table.

  “You didn’t have to pay for me.” He was right behind her as she approached a table. They sat down at the same time. Unfortunately, he selected the chair catty-corner to hers and her knee bumped his leg, sending another zing of energy straight to her womb.

  “It’s no big deal, I get a discount.” She poured a cream into her coffee. She couldn’t help but think about his earlier comment and hesitated to add anything else. I don’t care what he thinks. She picked up four sugars and opened them. He watched her with his icy eyes over the rim of his cup. She poured the sugar into her coffee and stirred. “I like sweet things.”

  “I do too.” He smiled. “Just not coffee.” He put his cup down and leaned toward her. “So, tell me what you know about these spontaneous near-drowning cases.” His light blue eyes were riveting—no, stunning. Although, she sensed they could be icy at times, for now they dazzled like jewels and had an agelessness to them.

  She drank some of her coffee, giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts. Her rehearsed answer fled her mind. “The victims’ lungs filled with water and they started to asphyxiate.”

  He leaned even closer to her. “Xandra, I know that much. I’m not going to report this, I want to know for other reasons. Give me some more details, please.”

  Xandra felt a peculiar pull compelling her to answer him as he desired. Fury washed over her as she understood what was happening, but she remained as cool as possible. The cafeteria wasn’t as lonely as she’d expected and she didn’t want a scene.

  “I thought you were a reporter?” Her tone was a bit sharp. The people at a nearby table glanced their way. Xandra gritted her teeth. “And why are you trying to do that…” She pointed at him. “Why didn’t you do that to Dr. Seymour? He would have been much more susceptible. And he knows more than I do, he’s the boss. I really resent you using that on me.”

  “I am a reporter.” He leaned back in his chair, giving her a good view of him.

  She couldn’t help but appreciate his muscular body. He was built like a god, and it made her hot just thinking about it. Focus, Xandra. He’s…doing his thing. Whatever his thing is.

  “I’ll write an article of some sort. But I can leave some things out, if you like. Just tell me what you know. And what ‘that’ are you referring to?” He looked directly into her eyes. “Are you speaking in some sort of code?”

  “Jian, you know what I mean. Don’t play with me. What are you?”

  “Huh?” He gave her a clueless look, then he smiled widely. “I like it when you say my name.” His ice blue eyes warmed a bit. “Your voice is sexy.”

  “Are you a warlock or a wizard? Or maybe something else? Something worse?”

  He silently watched her as he drank down more of his coffee. “I think I’m going to need more coffee.” He got up to go refill his cup.

  I wish my pager would go off. She looked down, checking, then tapped it. It never went off when she wanted it to. The story of my life.

  Jian was back quickly and sat down. He placed another cup of coffee in front of her. “Here, I think you need some more too. I hope you have enough cream and sugar left,” he said, grinning.

  “Very funny.” She glanced down at her tray full of creamers and sugar.

  “What? I’ll get you more if you need it.” He pushed his chair back to get up again.

  “No.” She shook her head. “The coffee’s fine.”

  “You know, you’re beautiful for a bitch. I mean witch.” He winked. “I think you’re the most beautiful one I’ve ever known or even seen.”

  Xandra started to get up. “I need to get back to work.”

  He put his hand on hers. “Xandra, stop. Please sit down. I’m only teasing you. For some reason you bring it out in me, and I’m really not the teasing type.” He shrugged. “Sit down, let’s start over.” He patted her hand. “Come on. You have questions for me, and I have questions for you. And I especially like you. I don’t think you’re a bitch either, it just rhymed with witch. And I truly enjoyed seeing your reaction. You’re quite delightful and lovely.”

  She sat back down. “Am I lucky to be liked by you? How do you know you like me?”

  “I know what I like.” He smiled. “I’m sure you can understand that. So, let’s chat, shall we? I’ll answer anything you ask of me, and hopefully you’ll answer my questions. And I didn’t mean to do that. It was an accident. Sometimes it just happens. Like I said, I like you and I feel at ease with you, so that thing just slipped.”

  “That’s your excuse for using compulsion on me?”

  “Yep.” He grinned. “I’m not perfect.”

  “You’re amazing, is what you are.” She pushed her cup away from her.

  “Thanks, I think.” He gave her another lopsided smile. “I’m a Krevellian. Perhaps an amazing Krevellian.” He chuckled. “If you know what a Krevellian is, I’ll be truly impressed.”

  She scooted her chair back. “Really?”

  “Yes.” He finished his second cup of coffee then he started on his first donut. “You want some?” He pushed the plate toward her. “Do you know what a Krevellian is?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Wow, I’m impressed. You’re quite a learned woman.”

  Xandra tensed her muscles to stop from shaking. Fear shot through her. She was sitting in the hospital’s cafeteria with one of the most powerful magical beings in all the universe. He could kill a mortal with a mere thought and make an immortal suffer as he so desired. They had powers of the gods. Krevellians were known for the cruelty they exhibited at times, especially if they were irritated. Damn, this is bad. It’s a nightmare. She trembled more and hoped he didn’t realize. But she couldn’t control herself and her teeth chattered.

  “You have nothing to fear from me.” His expression became more serious. “And I’m not responsible for the water related incidents. I promise.” He put his hands up in surrender. “I’m not into that sort of mischief, and I don’t like to see people suffer. At least not unnecessarily.”

  “So why are you here?”

  “You don’t believe me?” He frowned. “You’re prejudicial, for sure.” He shook his head. “Some people are so narrow-minded.”

  “I’m not narrow-minded, I’m learned. Remember?”

  He grinned. “I guess you are, Dr. Carrington. Well, to answer your questions, I’m an author and I bought the mansion on Water’s Edge. It’s a great house.”

  “I’ve heard.”

  “As you know, I like lakes, oceans, and all waterways, so it’s the perfect setting.”

  “I can understand you’d like it.” She nodded.

  “I have rights too. I can live where I want. Currently, I’m an American citizen, just like you.” He gestured toward her. “A naturalized one, of course.” He shrugged. “And I like your little town. It’s pretty and I can get some writing done here. Plus, I do write for the Coventon newspaper on assignment. I’m rather good, you know.”

  “I’ve heard that too.”

  “You’re a woman of few words.”

  “Not always.”

  “That’s good to know. I enjoy a little conversation.” He ate his second donut. “When I heard about this bizarre situation with the strange near-drowning cases, it obviously got my full attention. So I came to investigate. Nothing more. I want to know what’s going on. It does seem to have the taint of something supernatural, and it concerns me.”