Page 64 of Fated By Fire
“I thought it would help,” he says quietly. “I didn’t know it would… connect us like that.”
“Connect us?” I rake my fingers through my hair. “What does that even mean?”
He opens his mouth to respond, then closes it again. For the first time since I’ve known him, Caleb Craven looks uncertain.
“Get some rest,” he says finally as he gets up. “I’ll check the perimeter before I leave.” He moves toward me, surprising me when he stoops to brush his lips over my forehead. “I wish I could stay,” he says. “But I have to get this back to the vault.”
“It’s fine.” I wave a hand. “I’m good here.”
“You sure?” His brow furrows.
“Hundred percent. Go do whatever dragony stuff you have to do.”
He looks at me for a moment before giving a curt nod. “I won’t be long,” he says, then heads out the door.
I wait until his footsteps fade before diving for my bag, pulling out my mother’s journal with trembling hands. Whatever I just experienced—both with the Heartstone and with Caleb—I need answers. And something tells me they’re hidden in these pages.
But as I settle onto the bed, journal in hand, I can’t shake the lingering sensation of Caleb’s presence, like an echo in my blood. The Heartstone might have shown me visions of my mother, but it did something else too—something that has my heart racing every time I think of him.
What the hell did that crystal do to me?
Chapter 24
Caleb
Being back in my office doesn’t bring my normal sense of balance. Too much has happened. I turn away from the window, the weight of the upcoming clan meeting pressing heavily on my mind.
Summoning everyone on such short notice is bound to raise suspicions, and the news I have to share will undoubtedly stir up a hornet’s nest. Malakai’s recent actions have crossed a line, and admitting that he’s gone rogue will not sit well with his supporters within the clan.
“Sloane,” I call out.
She appears in the doorway almost instantly, her eyes reflecting concern she doesn’t voice. “Yes, Caleb?”
“Is everything prepared for the meeting?”
She nods. “Everyone has been notified. They’ll assemble in the boardroom within the hour.”
“Good.” I rub my temples, the lingering sensation from the Heartstone still humming at the edge of my consciousness. “Any word on Malakai’s whereabouts?”
“Not since the last report. He’s keeping a low profile, but our sources are still tracking him.”
“Keep me updated. And make sure security is tight tonight. I don’t want any surprises.”
“Understood.” She hesitates for a moment. “Caleb, you know this isn’t going to be easy.”
I offer a faint smile. “When is anything ever easy with Craven?”
Sloane leaves, and I pick up my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I find Lydia’s number. She answers on the second ring.
“Caleb, I believe you’ve called a clan meeting. Good idea. There are some interesting rumors doing the rounds.” Lydia’s voice is warm, but I can sense the curiosity behind it.
“Glad you approve.” I pinch my lips together before I continue. “But I need to talk to you about something important. Something else.”
“Go on.”
I brace myself for what I’m about to say. What I did is unprecedented. “I showed the Heartstone to Elena Ross. A human.”
There’s a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “You did what?”
