Free Chaos (Book 4) (The Omega Group) by Andrea Domanski

interconnected, it would be catastrophic. Imagine a world
where all electrical systems are gone in a matter of hours.”
    “Oh my God,” Gracey whispered. “When she temporarily shut
down the nuclear plant, I assumed she’d been trying the magic out, like a test
drive. I called Robert because I thought she was planning on doing it for real
the next time—causing a core melt down. I had no idea she would do something of
this magnitude.”
    “I don’t think she can,” Julian answered. “There’s no way
anyone or anything has enough power—even the supernatural kind—to create a
CME.”
    Gracey didn’t look convinced. She’d chewed her fingernails
to the point of drawing blood and, once again, Orano reflexively reached out to
pull her hand away from her mouth.
    “We’re working under the possibility that the coven
operating here had something to do with the flare that caused the blackout in
California,” Orano said. “If that’s the case, then their endgame has to be even
bigger.”
    “Maybe, but maybe not,” Julian responded. “What if
California was their endgame?”
    “If they’d already accomplished their goal, then Gracey
wouldn’t be a target,” Phoenix said. “They’d have no reason to try to discredit
her, not to mention the attack on all three of us earlier tonight. No, they’ve
got something else planned.”
    Their conversation got interrupted by the theme song from Harry
Potter . A blush crossed Gracey’s cheeks as she reached for her cell phone.
Her jaw dropped when she read the caller ID. “It’s Tori.”
    “Julian, we’ll call you back.” Orano pressed the end button
on his phone and gave instructions to Gracey. “Put it on speaker. Keep your
voice as normal as possible. We don’t want to tip our hand.”
    Gracey nodded, then answered. “Hello?” She sounded
tentative, but that could easily be attributed to spending time in a mental
institution.
    “Gracey! It’s so good to hear your voice. You left the shop
so quickly yesterday that we didn’t have a chance to talk. I’ve been worried
about you. I just heard about your recent struggles and wanted to check in. Are
you okay?” Tori’s voice dripped with sweetness.
    Before she answered, Gracey took a breath and shook her
head, as though ridding her brain of cobwebs. “I’m doing great, Tori. Thanks
for asking.”
    “Oh, I’m thrilled to hear it. Look, I’m having a backyard
barbecue at my house tomorrow for some friends from the coven. I’d love it if
you could come. That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”
    “Um,” Gracey’s eyes widened as she waited for instructions
from Orano.
    He covered the phone’s microphone with his thumb and
whispered, “Tell her you have guests. Try to get her to invite us as well.”
    Gracey nodded. “I’m not sure, Tori. I have some friends here
for a few days and I’d hate to leave them alone.”
    “Then bring them. The more the merrier. I won’t take no for
an answer. I’ll see you and your friends tomorrow around four.”
    The line went dead, but Gracey continued to stare at the
phone. “This is going to be bad, isn’t it?”
    Phoenix wrapped his arm around her, gently squeezing her
shoulder. “She’s planning something, that’s for sure. But so are we.”
    “We are? Okay, good. I think.” A yawn interrupted Gracey’s
ramblings and quickly spread throughout the group. “It’s been a long day. If
it’s all right with you guys, I’m going to head to bed.”
    Orano stood. “I’ll join you.” The shocked look on both
Gracey’s and Phoenix’s faces had him sputtering out a clarification. “Not like
that. I just meant that I’m going to bed, too. In the same room, but by
myself.” Before he could embarrass himself anymore, he opened the door and held
it for Gracey.
    Phoenix got in one last dig as they left the room. “Gracey,
if you get bored with your roommate, I’m right next door.”
    The blush that covered her cheeks in response bothered Orano
more than