Tethered (A BirthRight Novel #1) Read online

The next few days pass at lightning speed. Everyone’s getting along, I’ve had no new visions, Pap’s still in stable condition, and my time hanging out with Hunter and my family has been amazing. Who knew just sitting around talking and watching movies could be so much fun.

  I haven’t seen him at the hospital this week since he’s on day shift, but he’s been coming by at night to hang out. We’re supposed to go out this weekend—to do something by ourselves. Not that he’s told me what he has in mind. The brat.

  Dru and Aunt Morgan are at the airport picking up Ash and Aidan, while the rest of us are here with Pap. But I’m getting anxious waiting for them to get here. It’s been months since I’ve seen them. And it’s hard to believe Dru and Dhelia have never met the boys. Sure, they’ve seen pictures and videos, but that’s it.

  While Dhelia’s glued to her laptop, I just can’t seem to stop myself from daydreaming about two of my favorite people. Ash and Aidan are two of the most extraordinary guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. When they’re together, they are so dynamic, animated, and funny. Apart, they’re unbelievably shy, and so awkward you wouldn’t think they were the same people at all. Anyone who knows them gets such a kick out of the drastic transformation in their personalities when separated.

  I smile to myself, picturing their quirky behavior.

  Ash and Aidan are also beyond brilliant. Both go to Stanford on a full ride. They’re artistic, talented, sing and play acoustic guitar—as well as write music, which they perform on a regular basis at various clubs near school. Since they’re graduating this week, I’m sure they’ll miss it. Especially since it’s how they earn spending money.

  I often wonder what their abilities would be if Aunt Morgan hadn’t bound their powers, as I’m sure they’re just as cool as Ash and Aidan themselves. I understand her reasons for keeping magic out of their lives as children, but perhaps as adults, she’ll let them choose.

  As I think about how ecstatic I am to see the boys, Dhelia slams her Toshiba shut with bang. I jump. “Is everything okay over there?”

  She stands, fists at her sides, trying to hold back her anger. “I wanted tickets to Dave Matthews this weekend. They’re playing at The Garden on Saturday, so I thought we could show the boys around the city since they’ve never been to Manhattan before. But of course . . . the show’s sold out already. Damn it!”

  “Awe, that was sweet of you, Dee. They love Dave Matthews. But I’m sure there’s gotta be something else we can take them to see. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”

  The defeated look on her face is almost painful to watch. She hangs her head with a heavy sigh. “Yeah, I know. I just wanted to make a good impression. I want them to like me.”

  I understand where she’s coming from, but she’s not usually the person who cares about what anyone thinks. Who knows, maybe there’s hope for her yet.

  “Well, as long as you don’t bite their heads off when they walk through the door, I’m sure they’ll love you.” I pucker up, blowing her a big ole’ kiss.

  Dhelia snarls, but can’t hold it for more than a few seconds before she flops down next to me on the couch, pushing me like she’s pissed. But for once, I know she isn’t.

  We share a laugh together, completely unaware Gram had stopped reading until she says, “Well it’s about time!”

  We smile at her pleased expression. But just as Gram’s lips part to speak, voices draw our attention towards the door.

  Dru and Aunt Morgan walk through first and the boys follow a few steps behind.

  “Ash! Aidan!” I jump up, rushing over to kiss them both on the cheek—followed by a smothering hug. “Oh my god. I’ve missed you guys so much.”

  “Hey, cuz. We’ve missed you, too.” Ash returns the greeting, while Aidan sends me a radiant smile.

  “My boys! Get yourselves over here and give your old gram some sugar.”

  Wow! Now this is a beautiful picture. Looking at Aunt Morgan and her boys next to Dru and Dhelia, you’d swear the five of them are super models. And they all look so much alike. Of course, Ash and Aidan have some of their father’s Italian features, so their bone structure looks slightly different—but still model-like to say the least.

  Once Ash and Aidan are free of Gram’s smothering, they stand frozen in place, staring at our comatose grandfather laying before them.

  Everyone’s silent, giving them time to process the image that’s sure to be ingrained in their memories forever.

  We all know how they’re feeling. The problem is, there’s nothing anyone can do to make them feel better. Nothing.

  I’m guessing Aunt Morgan filled them in on the way here, so I’m sure they’re just in shock and unable to ask questions.

  Dhelia walks over to the boys, lifting her arms around their shoulders as she fills the space between them. They turn their heads to see who it is and she says, “This isn’t how I imagined meeting you guys for the first time, but I’m so happy you’re here with us now.”

  They smile, moving their arms up around her waist.

  I watch in astonishment at the mirror-like images before me. Ash and Aidan are so in sync with every movement, it almost seems unnatural. Nevertheless, it’s still fascinating. It reminds me of a ballet. Each movement choreographed and timed to perfection. Except with these two, they need no rehearsal. It’s like breathing for them.

  When I used to watch them, I would always wonder if I would have been the same way with my own twin if she hadn’t died. I’m not sure why I torture myself—wondering about things I’ll never know. Perhaps I just enjoy inflicting unnecessary pain upon myself.

  My ADD mind suddenly drifts to Hunter. I know I shouldn’t get carried away, but I suddenly find myself anxious for the boys to meet him. They’ve never been crazy about anyone I’ve dated before, but I have a feeling this time will be different. Because Hunter’s different.

  There’s something special about him, even though I still haven’t figured out what that is. Ash and Aidan are great at reading people, so I know they’ll see what I do—even if Dru doesn’t.

  Gram interrupts my musings with chattering about heading out for lunch. They’ll be taking Pap down for tests soon, so we decide to head out then. The boys are hungry for good Sushi, so Torigo Japanese Restaurant here we come. Yum.