Wave of Truth (The Magic Catalyst Chronicles Book 4)

  Wave of Truth

  The Magic Catalyst Chronicles – Book 4

  Jacie Douglass

  Wave of Truth Copyright © 2020, J.C. Douglass. All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations in book reviews.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

  Book Cover Design by Rocking Book Covers at RockingBookCovers.com

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Emily’s Playlist

  Tuesday, November 3rd

  Thursday, November 5th

  Friday, November 6th

  Saturday, November 7th

  Sunday, November 8th

  Monday, November 16th

  Wednesday, November 18th

  Saturday, November 21st

  Sebastian

  Elijah

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Emily’s Playlist

  What I’ve Done – Linken Park

  Wicked Ways - Garbage

  Slip Slide Melting – For Love Not Lisa

  White Flag – Delta Heavy

  Burn – The Cure

  Dead Souls – Nine Inch Nails

  Demons – Imagine Dragons

  Fade Out; In – Paloalto

  Move You [SSSPII] – Anya Marina

  Bellyache – Billie Eilish

  Running Up That Hill – Placebo

  Sin – Nine Inch Nails

  Take Me Home- Delta Heavy feat. Jem Cooke

  Radioactive – Imagine Dragons

  Emily’s Bonus Tracks

  Sin (Long) – Nine Inch Nails

  Emilienne

  Tuesday, November 3rd

  ∞

  Ding

  The sound of a text message pulls me from an awesome dream full of incredible calorie free desserts. It’s pitch black in the room and I groan, rolling over and snuggling deeper into my blanket. Whoever it is can wait; if I’m lucky, I’ll fall right back into my dream and finish that delicious strawberry cheesecake.

  Ding

  Ding

  OMG, I am going to kill whoever is texting me at this hour. I grab my phone from the nightstand, blinking rapidly until my eyes try to focus. Nerd Ian flashes on the screen followed by an alert for the group chat.

  Ding

  I resist the urge to chuck the device across the room, instead pulling the covers over my head. All I want to do is go back to bed and forget everything that’s happened since I read Mom’s letter. But I doubt the guys will let me get away with that.

  Ding

  Seriously?!?

  Sighing in defeat, I unlock the phone and read Ian’s messages.

  Nerd Ian: Good morning Emmy.

  Nerd Ian: Are you awake?

  Nerd Ian: Emmy???

  I switch over to the group text.

  Nerd Ian: Hey, has anyone heard from Emmy or Clay? Emmy’s not answering my texts

  Tank Clayton: Ian, I’m pretty sure she’s still asleep. It’s 6:00 in the morning ya know.

  Nerd Ian: Oh… right...

  Me: Ugh I’m awake now… What’s so important it requires predawn text messages?

  Nerd Ian: Oops sorry Emmy, I wasn’t paying attention to the time.

  Nerd Ian: But... since you’re up…. Are you coming to school today?

  Me: Meh, I guess… Not sure why I should bother though. I was only going because Mom made me.

  Vampire Jared: Woah, hey now. You’re not going to drop out are you?

  Me: Well it’s an idea. It’s not like I need to be there. I’m just auditing classes anyways.

  Rock Star Samil: …

  Rock Star Samil: If you’re not in school, it’ll draw more attention. And we won’t be around during the day to watch your back.

  Me: That’s true. Bleh, I suppose I’ll keep going.

  Nerd Ian: Terrific!

  Angel Sebastian: That’s the spirit, Sprite! We’ll be over in an hour, so get that cute ass moving.

  Me: We?

  Rock Star Samil: Me and Bast

  Me: You better be bringing coffee

  Angel Sebastian: LoL that can be arranged

  Nerd Ian: Can I call you? I’ve got news Emmy

  Me: Can’t it wait till lunch Ian? It's too early for serious thinking

  Nerd Ian: Sure. I’ll see you then

  ∞

  I drag myself out of bed and get ready to face another day. After a quick shower, I settle on a body hugging, knee length black and red striped dress with a pair of black leggings. Pausing in front of the mirror, I smooth out the wrinkles and straighten the hem. I smile in satisfaction at the overall look.

  I may not look like a supermodel, but I like my curves and this dress makes the most of them. There is nothing wrong with looking like a woman, with hips and boobs.

  Then I see my face and I can’t help but grimace. I look like a creepy ghost from a low budget horror movie. Suddenly, I wish I’d spent more time on YouTube learning about makeup. I have no idea how to hide the dark shadows under my eyes. They’re a dead giveaway that I haven’t been sleeping well. Nightmares woke me up at least half a dozen times since Mom left. Thankfully I never remember the details once I wake up. Of course, it’s just my luck that when I finally have a good dream, the guys manage to interrupt. Oh well, it is what it is.

  Taking a seat at the dressing table, I pull out the bag of makeup my mom had continually tried to get me to wear. I do my best to cover the dark circles using a compact of pale powder. Once that is done, I finish it off with my standard eyeliner, mascara, and a dramatic red lipstick. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.

  “Hey, Trouble!” Clayton calls through the door. “You didn’t go back to sleep, did you?”

  Rolling my eyes, I yell back. “Maybe…”

  “Well you better get a move on, they’re gonna be here any minute.”

  “Ya, ya, I’m working on it,” I grumble, staring at my damp hair as Clayton’s heavy footsteps recede.

  No way do I want to deal with blow drying my rainbow mess of hair right now. Cheating, I twist it up into a bun and pin it in place with a couple of hair sticks. That will have to do.

  Grabbing my phone, I rush out of the room and down the stairs. I find Clayton leaned against the wall in the entryway, one hand absently rubbing his shaved head. His dark chocolate skin was enhanced by the pale blue polo shirt that stretched dangerously tight across his broad chest. His raised arm pulls the fabric up on one side, exposing well defined abs. Damn, it should be a sin to look that good.

  “See I’m ready on time.”

  “About time,” Clayton grins as he slowly looks me over, and I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. “Looking good, Trouble.”

  “Thanks.” I stutter, flustered by the attention. I scramble for something to take the focus off me and defuse the tension. “Umm, I hate to ask, but did your shirt shrink?”

  Clayton barks out a laugh. “Not exactly. I di
dn’t bring an extra shirt, so I grabbed this from the laundry room. I’m guessing one of the twins left it here, probably Ian.”

  “I’d say it’s your now,” I snicker. “I don’t think he’s gonna want it back, assuming it survives the day.”

  “Hey now,” Clayton frowns, pushing away from the wall and crossing the distance between us. “Are you saying I’m fat? I’ll have you know this is six feet three inches of pure muscle.”

  “I didn’t say you were fat!” I protest as I throw up my hands in surrender. “You are so far from fat that fat’s not even in the same zip code. It’s just obvious that your shirt is way too small. The poor thing will never be the same again.”

  Clayton opens his mouth, but a horn blares outside interrupting.

  “Saved by the bell,” I laugh, pulling on my jacket and shoving my phone in the pocket.

  “This isn’t over, Trouble!”

  “Ya, ya, talking about it isn’t going to magically restore the fabric,” I call over my shoulder as I slip out the door. Hitting the bottom step I pause, and glance back at him. “Wait, can you use magic to fix Ian’s shirt?”

  Clayton shrugs, causing the shirt to ride up, proving my point that it’s way too small.

  “Hell if I know,” he grumbles as he tugs it back down. Pulling the door closed, he tromps down the steps while sliding on his red and white letterman jacket. Just that simple movement has the shirt crawling back up his abs.

  I bite my lip to keep from laughing and rush to the SUV, hopping into the back seat before Clayton has a chance to object. His curses fill the air as I slam the door behind me. Unable to keep it in any longer, I burst out laughing as I lock the door and pull on my seat belt.

  “Good morning, Sprite,” Sebastian cheerfully calls from behind the steering wheel. I get my laughter under control and look over at him. His sun kissed golden blonde hair is still damp and slicked back from his deceptively angelic face.

  “Morning Bast!”

  “Causing trouble already?” His emerald green eyes catch mine in the rearview mirror, and he winks playfully.

  “Who, me?” I smile, batting my eyelashes. Sebastian chuckles, shaking his head. He leans across the center console to pop open the passenger door and I can’t help but notice how good he looks in his dark grey Henley. I glance away, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Ugh, I need to get my shit under control. Distracting myself from the mess that is my life by drooling over my best friends is not the way to start the day.

  “Get a move on, Clay,” Sebastian calls. “You’re gonna make us late.”

  Grumbling, Clayton climbs in the front seat and yanks the door closed.

  “Rough morning, Clay?” Samil asks, passing me a travel mug. I pop open the lid, releasing the delicious fragrance. Mmm the nectar of the gods.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Clayton pouts, folding his arms across his chest. Sebastian ducks his head to hide a smile, cranking up the radio before hitting the gas.

  I take a quick sip before securing my coffee in the cup holder. I’d learned the hard way that drinking and driving is dangerous in more ways than one. Pulling out my phone, I open the app for the security system and arm the alarm.

  Ugh, that’s another thing I need to figure out. With Mom gone, how long before things start getting shut off? Power, gas, water… And god knows what else. I don’t even know where to start. Closing my eyes, I let my head fall back with a sigh.

  “Hey Em,” Samil’s velvety voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “Are you ok?”

  Opening my eyes, I turn my head to look at Samil. Concerned hazel eyes peer at me from behind bright magenta bangs. I resist the urge to brush the hair back from his face and force a smile.

  “Hi Samil. I’m good, just a lot on my mind.”

  “Well, hopefully this will take care of at least one of those worries,” he offers, holding out my messenger bag. I reach for it and his calming energy rushes over me as my hand brushes his. With a genuine smile, I pull my bag onto my lap.

  “Thanks for bringing it. I can’t believe I forgot it last night.”

  “Of course, Em. You know we’ve got your back.” Silvery light with twists of purples swirl around him, and instinctively, I reach out to catch his hand.

  “I know. You guys are the best.”

  Samil squeezes my hand reassuringly, before releasing it and turning attention to his phone. I surreptitiously watch him through my lashes, unable to look away. His exotic features give him a striking look, the piercings in his eyebrow and nose somehow enhancing rather than detracting from Samil’s beauty. Wearing his standard look of black jeans and a black tee shirt under his leather jacket, he manages to look both sexy and dangerous.

  Damn it, I need to get my head back in the game. I cannot be drooling over one of my friend, let alone all of them. I push those dangerous thoughts aside and take a deep breath. Focusing on my daily ritual instead, I surround myself with a shield of golden light to block out the emotions that bleed off of the other students at school. Gathering the energy was so much easier now, almost second nature.

  We pull into the school parking lot with only a few minutes to spare, and Sebastian grabs the first available spot. With a quick goodbye to Samil and Clayton, Sebastian and I rush off to our art class.

  ∞

  The first half of the day flies by and before I know it, it’s time to meet up for lunch. I’m not sure I’m ready to hear what Ian has to say, but there’s no point trying to put it off. Clayton and Jared split off to grab food from the cafeteria, so I head to our usual table on the patio. For a change, I’m the first one there. I sit down on the bench, and rest my head on the table, using my arm as a pillow. There’s definitely a chill in the air today. Pretty soon we will have to figure somewhere else to spend lunch. Even after surviving the crowd at the Halloween Ball, the effects of my last attempt to go into the cafeteria is burnt into my memory and I dread the idea of going back in there.

  “Hey, Pixie.” I jump as Jared’s smooth voice whispers in my ear and his cool energy rushes over me. “No napping on school property.”

  My cheeks heat up as the feel of his lips during our Halloween kiss flits through my mind. I quickly slam the door shut on that thought. God what is wrong with me today. The last thing I need right now is to complicate my friendship with Jared, or any of the guys, with romance or anything else. I can’t risk messing up the only good thing in my life.

  I sit up, as he drops onto the bench next to me. Sunlight hits his long black hair, highlighting the blue streaks in it. I bet some girls would kill to have his thick, straight hair. His blue jeans and faded Rolling Stones tee shirt accentuate his lean swimmers body as he leans into me, inspecting my face.

  “Not getting enough sleep?” Jared finally asks, arching a brow.

  “Oh, I sleep,” I reply with a shrug. “It just isn’t always very restful.”

  “I’m sorry, Pixie. That sucks.”

  “It happens.”

  “Hi Emmy,” Ian greets, sitting down across from us. “Hey, Jared.”

  “Hiya Ian.” I smile, glad for the interruption.

  Ian’s purple hair falls in his eyes as he gives me a shy smile. Seeing the twins together always amazes me. I appreciate that they have different styles. Maybe one day I'll ask them if they do it on purpose so they won’t be mistaken for each other. I can just imagine Jared playing some wicked twin switch up pranks. What would it be like to have a twin, identical or otherwise? To have a friend your entire life, to never be alone.

  Laughter interrupts my train of thought as the rest of the guys join us and within a few minutes they are talking about their plans for the week. Shaking my head, I focus back on Ian.

  “So what was it that you wanted to tell, Ian?”

  “Well,” he starts hesitantly, eyes downcast. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?”

  “Why don’t you get the bad news over with first?” I answer, giving him a reassuring smile.

  “So, I
was able to hack into the investment company’s records.”

  “Ok, that’s good, right?” I ask, glancing from him to Jared.

  “Yes...” Ian replies, pausing a moment before continuing. “It’s just that… Well… The financial downturn the lawyer said they had been experiencing…”

  I nod encouragingly.

  “It was only affecting you… Starting in May…”

  Ugh, why am I not surprised.

  “Knowing that the… Uh…” Ian stops again, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. “Umm… well the…”

  “The ‘incident’,” I interject, putting him out of his misery.

  “Yes…” he nods. “The “incident” happened in May. Once you add in the fact that Invictus Investments is owned by the same group I tracked the rental company back to…” Ian pauses clearly uncomfortable.

  “So what are you thinking?” I prompt, trying not to be impatient. He takes a deep breath, like he’s steeling himself for what comes next.

  “The most logical conclusion is that Invictus Investments is connected to the Magi that planned the ‘incident’.” Ian finally blurts out in a rush. “I took the liberty of downloading everything relating to your account, as well as other relevant documents on the fund’s performance. Once you’re set up with a trustworthy lawyer, you may have a case for legal action against them for embezzling and mismanagement, if nothing else.”

  “Wow,” I manage, trying to take it all in. “Thanks for finding all that information, Ian. Honestly… I’m not sure it’s worth it to go after them for the missing money. I might be better off cutting my losses at this point.”

  “Emmy?”

  “If these people are connected to the Magi that are after me, bringing more attention to myself with a lawsuit doesn’t seem like a good idea.” I explain. Ian frowns and opens his mouth to interject but I hold up a hand. “I’m not saying you’re wrong. I’m just thinking it might be better to pick my battles.”

  “It’s your decision,” Ian sighs, his expression conflicted. “But it does lead me to the good news. I was able to get in contact our family lawyer. He’s gone over the paperwork you gave me and is willing to consider taking you on as a client.”