Page 23 of Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora 1)

“Even if he’s sixteen, that doesn’t mean I approve of you dating him. I want to meet his parents. I want to know a little bit more about him.”

Alora felt tears spring to her eyes and tried to ignore her throbbing forehead. “That’s fine, Uncle Charles. We’re not dating, but I do like him. I think you’ll like him too, once you get to know him. But please—”

“Alora! I think you need to come now,” cried Beth. “Like, right now!” Alora could hear Bozeman’s frantic barking.

“I’m coming!” she called, starting toward the kitchen. Her head began a steady pounding with sharp stabbing pains.

“Young lady! We’re not through with this discussion yet.”

“Ahhh!” She clutched her head as her knees buckled and she fell to the floor. “Wesley! Help me!”

Wesley burst through the door and scooped her up, carrying her to the kitchen floor, where Kaevin lay unconscious while Bozeman continued his furious woofing.

“What’s happening? What’s wrong with her?” asked Charles.

Alora grasped Kaevin’s hand, and the pain ebbed away. Exhausted, she rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes in relief.

“What’s going on?” Charles demanded. “What’s wrong with them?”

Beth sighed. “Nothing a little hand-holding can’t fix.”

Chapter Four

“So, that about sums it up,” said Alora. “Did I leave anything out, Kaevin?”

“I haven’t explained about the council and how yo

u’ll be a member once we get you back to Laegenshire.”

“If,” said Charles. “If she goes back with you. It sounds to me like she’s safer here.”

“But she must come back,” Kaevin declared. “She must use her gift to help Stone Clan and all the other clans to defend ourselves against Water Clan. And I will be the next Stone Clan leader, after my father. I cannot remain here.”

“Perhaps you can’t stay here, but Alora can. We’ll just find some way to undo this soulmate thing,” reasoned Charles.

“But it cannot be undone.” Kaevin’s hand tightened around her fingers.

“How do you know it can’t be undone?” asked Charles. “You said yourself you only knew of two other couples who were soulmates. You don’t know that much about it. Surely, this bond can be broken somehow. Especially since the two of you are so young.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Whitford,” said Beth. “I hate to interrupt, but I think Wesley and I need to get home. It’s a school night.” She and Wesley donned their coats and hats.

“I’m sorry, Beth,” said Charles. “Do I need to drive you home?”

“I can take her, sir. I got my license this summer.” Wesley gave a polite bob of his head.

“So... I’m guessing you won’t be at school tomorrow?” Beth asked Alora.

“Sure she will,” said Charles. “I’ll see to it.”

“I think Friday is more likely,” said Alora. “But then we have the Christmas holidays. Three weeks off!” She could feel her uncle fuming silently behind her.

“I was thinking maybe Kaevin might like to go hunting during break,” said Wesley. “Maybe elk or deer?”

“I’d be glad to go on a hunt,” said Kaevin. “I always take part in hunting for Laegenshire. And Jireo and I are masters at laying snares. We’ll have the smokehouse stocked in a few hands.”

“Uhmm... okay. Sure,” Wesley said. “Do you need to borrow a gun?”

Kaevin blinked in confusion. “What’s a gun?”