Broken Warrior (The Weavers Circle 1)

“I’m in Savannah, Georgia, and it looks like I may stay here awhile. How’s Jeff?”

A low grumbling noise leaked through the phone and Clay found himself smiling at the familiar sound. “We broke up, but that’s old news already. Haven’t talked to you in forever.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. What happened? I thought he was the one.”

This time she sighed, and he could almost imagine her rolling her eyes. “Well, apparently, I was one of many in his eyes.”

He grimaced, hating that the guy had hurt his sister. “Fucker.”

“Yeah, that he was. With lots of women, I’ve learned. But I’m just happy I found out now and not after we were married.”

“Was that even in discussion?” Clay winced when his voice went higher in shock.

“Yep. He’d proposed. I tried to call you, but the call never went through.”

“My fault for letting the phone die so much. You’re still in school, right?”

“Oh, nothing is going to derail my plans. I got into nursing school, and I’m so damn excited to finally be getting close to my dream.” She gave a happy sigh. “You haven’t talked to Leta in a long time either. She’s got news, too.”

“What kind of news?”

“I’ll let her spill the beans on that one.” She laughed, the sound so light and bubbly that his heart ached. He hadn’t realized how much he missed that sound. “But Mom’s found a new boyfriend.”

His mother had been so devastated to lose her husband, she’d never dated anyone. “Seriously? What’s he like?”

“He’s pretty cool, actually. Older than her by about six years and works in landscaping, so he’s in great shape. He chased her pretty hard, and she finally caved to a date. They’ve been inseparable since. Leta likes him, too.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Leta is picky as hell.”

“You’re telling me. She hated Jeff. Guess she had good reason, turns out.”

“She still with her boyfriend?”

“Going strong on four years now, so yeah. Those two are forever, it seems.” She cleared her throat. “Are you ever going to come home, Clay?”

A lump formed in his throat.…He knew his family missed him, but their home was not his and had never felt like it was. This place—Savannah—felt more like a home than anywhere he’d been in ten years, but he knew it wasn’t. This feeling had to be temporary. “I’ll work on visiting soon.”

“It’s been so long since you have.”

He hadn’t wanted to bring the danger to his family, so he hadn’t been home in nearly a year. That was longer than he’d ever gone before.

“Why Georgia?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve met some people, and I’m staying in this old plantation home. Something about it feels…it’s hard to explain, but it feels like I’m supposed to be here right now.”

“Well, if you stay there, at least we’ll have someplace to come visit. I’ve got spring break coming up. I could come.”

“Not yet. Let me get my bearings first. Plus, I don’t know how long I’ll be here.”

She was quiet, and he could feel her pain in the silence. But he didn’t want her anywhere near the pestilents, and until he figured out how to get rid of them, he’d have to stay away from his family.

“I miss you so much,” she said softly.

“It’s hard to explain, but I’ve got something going on, so seeing each other will have to wait.”

“What kind of something? You’re scaring me. Did you join some motorcycle gang? Or a cult?”

A strangled laugh escaped Clay. “No, I didn’t join a gang or cult. There are a few things I need to work through. But I promise, it won’t be long before I come see you.”

“Not another year. Promise.”

“I promise.”

He hoped he could keep that promise.Chapter 8Baer was bored. Not that Clay could blame him at all.

They’d been cooped up in the house for over a week now with little to do. The goddesses, or rather the “aunts” as they’d come to think of them, weren’t popping in much anymore. Jo would coo over Baer here and there, while Flo would stop by to bark at them to train more and not leave the plantation grounds.

There had been no sign of Willie.

Jo had mentioned in passing that Willie was upset that none of her own “children” were close to the plantation house yet.

But Clay didn’t want to train anymore. He was tired of struggling with his powers. They didn’t want to follow his directions, fought him at every turn. It was bullshit.

On the other hand, Baer was flashing between animals faster and faster now. As if it were nothing more than flexing a muscle for him.

Clay’s only concern was that Baer was growing more distracted when they were out in the woods training. He complained of headaches and trouble concentrating, which was odd. All Clay’s headaches had vanished when he received his powers. The one bonus so far.