Sacred Bond: Secrets of Stone Ridge

by Harms, C. A.

  I watch, horrified as my best friend's eyes roll back in her head and her body crumples, except she doesn’t hit the ground because Ryder is suddenly in front of her, catching her before she hits the ground.

  “Well, shit,” I whisper.

  Merick

  “Get off me, you bloodsucking demon.” Lily swipes at Ryder as he lowers her to the bed. She attempts to get up the very second he releases her, but he grabs her waist bringing her back to the center of the mattress.

  “Demon, no,” he chuckles as she again does her best to attempt to distance herself. She is getting nowhere and Taryn and myself watch in disbelief as Ryder handles her as if he’s been doing the very same thing for years. “Your blood does smell delicious though.”

  I try not to laugh when Lily’s eyes widen in horror and she shrinks back against the headboard. “Don’t worry sweetheart, I’d never partake unless you offered.”

  “Well,” she whispers in a tone much less confident than her previous one. “I’m not offering.”

  “Shame.” When he winks at her I know he is toying with her. I also see the gleam in his eyes as he looks her over appreciatively. Not like she is a meal, but definitely like he wants to spend some quality time devouring her.

  “Taryn,” Lily says her name, though she doesn’t once take her eyes off Ryder, “this is crazy, all of this is completely insane.”

  “Lil,” Taryn places her hand on her friend's leg and that's when she breaks the stare with Ryder.

  “You have to know how this all sounds. Tell me you see the insanity of this?”

  I watch as Taryn watches her best friend. I can only imagine the things roaming around in her mind. The fear of losing her friend, how to make her believe and accept the things we are telling her.

  A part of me wants to tell Ryder that we should leave the ladies alone to sort through this, but I say nothing. Ryder does not move, watching Lily closely. Obviously not trusting her. Though I don’t believe for a second she will hurt Taryn, I am undeniably thankful that Ryder is so cautious around my love.

  “You don’t think that in the beginning I wasn’t skeptical?” Taryn looks from her friend to me and I offer her a smile. Remembering back to the time I first shared who I truly was. Picturing the disbelief in her eyes, how she feared me makes me relive that pain it caused in my chest. I never want to feel those feelings again. “I thought I was losing my mind. Thought that I was insane myself when I first saw Merick in his shifter form.”

  Looking back at her friend she slides in closer, ensuring that they are looking into one another's eyes. “It is crazy, unbelievable even, but it's true. You’ve seen it now for yourself and no matter how hard you try to pretend it didn't, nothing can erase it.”

  Taryn takes in a slow even breath, and I recognize the move as her way of attempting to calm herself. I want to go to her, soothe her and reassure her that no matter what I will always be here no matter the outcome.

  “This is my life,” it's barely above a whisper and my heart breaks for her. “It’s the life of my child and the man I love. I need you to accept that, because more than anything I don’t want to lose you either.”

  The very second the light glistens against the single tear that drips from Taryn’s eye and flows down her cheek I can no longer remain at a distance. Hurrying across the guestroom I round the end of the bed and sit at her side. Moving in behind her I wrap my arms around her and pull her back to me. Resting my lips to her ear I whisper the words I know she needs to hear.

  “I love you, more than anything in this world. You are my life.”

  When she relaxes in my embrace, I look past her to her friend and see the moment of clarity as it settles over Lily. She sees it, the love I have for her best friend. I have to believe she understands what Tayrn and my child truly mean to me.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Lily reaches out and places her hand over Taryn’s, offering her a reassuring squeeze. “So, you’re in love with a wolf, stranger things have happened, right?”

  If Taryn hadn’t laughed I may have remained worried. But she moves away from me and two ladies hug each other, whispering things only the two of them can hear. I know though things are still fresh, the two of them will be okay and that makes me happy.

  I stare out the large picture window and watch Taryn and Lily sitting on the top steps of the back deck looking out over the expanding backyard. They laugh, and talk. At times even shed a few tears.

  “That woman,” Ryder says as he steps up to my side. “Damn.”

  “Ryder.”

  “What?” he chuckles, “I’m just saying.” His smile is wide, while he stares out at Lily.

  “Do me a favor.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t.” The two of them I imagine would be toxic. Lily is full of fire and Ryder likes control. It would be a continuous battle of wills and I’m afraid in their presence we would all be in trouble.

  “I think she likes me,” he says. I shake my head and turn away from the window and walk toward the bar. “She’s most definitely got a thing for me.

  “She called you a demon.”

  “Yeah,” her smiles happily as he joins me near the bar. “She's a little confused. I may have to show her who I really am.”

  “Please don’t,” I chuckle. If she was scared before, I can only imagine what that would do to her. I’ve seen Ryder lose his shit, I’ve seen him get territorial and it's not pretty. He would scare her shitless, sending her running back to the city.

  “What’s wrong Merick?” I notice the mischievous gleam in Ryder’s eyes. “Are you afraid I’ll make her fall in love and then Taryn will realize that you’re not the big man on campus.”

  “I have no worries with Taryn and how she feels about me.” If there is anything in my life that is completely clear it is her love for me. Afterall she’s given up her life, the way she’s always known things to be, to become mine. Willingly, she stepped into my world and faced fear head on. She is mine, she will always be mine.

  The two of us share a drink, both deep in thought. I’m not sure I want to know the things rolling around in his mind. I can certainly imagine not wanting to see the things he’s into. Especially if they involve Taryn’s best friend.

  “So,” he breaks the silence and I brace myself for what’s to come. “What happens next?” I’m surprised to find him out of Lily Lust Land and back to reality. Our reality.

  “We continue to prepare,” it's all we have, because none of us truly know what’s to come. One day at a time, or one minute at a time in our world, because that's exactly how quickly things can shift. How fast everything can change from good to great destruction.

  Taryn

  I hang up Lily’s clothes in her closet, she’s decided to stay until I give birth. We tried to talk her out of it for her safety, but my best friend is stubborn and very determined. I invited her to stay with us, but she didn’t want to listen to us having sex, apparently, I’m very loud.

  She asked about the cabin so we got it cleaned up and Merick said she’ll be protected. We’ve got a good rhythm going and while she puts clothes on hangers I hang them on the rack in the closet. Merick and Ryder are in the living room, doing what I do not know. I find it very strange that Ryder has been around a lot more consistently since Lily got here, but I like it.

  He’s got this air of danger around him that is kind of sexy, but I’d never tell Merick that. Lily’s a bit of a wild thing and I don’t know if there is a man alive...or dead, that can handle her.

  Once everything’s put away, she sticks her suitcase in the bottom of the closet. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with us? I’ll promise to be quiet.” I’d much rather have her under the same roof.

  She places her hands on my belly. “I love you, but no. You and Merick need your space. I mean come on, the guy had a security system put in the moment I asked to stay here.” Lily leans in. “I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around all of this.”

  I no
d because I get it, I really do.” I still have a hard time myself, but I’m so happy Lil, happier than I have ever been in my whole life.” My eyes burn with unshed tears, but that seems to be the normal thing lately. The hormones are out of control and my body sometimes has a hard time adjusting to the quick increase in them.

  “Hey don’t cry. If your man knows you’re crying he’s going to come in here, huffing and puffing.” Lily pulls me into a hug.

  My daughter gives a kick and Lily smiles at me. “I think someone loves her aunt Lily.” I lower my voice to a whisper, “I’m glad you’re here, that you’ll be here when my baby is born.”

  We head out into the living room and the men are sitting in front of the fireplace. They each stand up when we walk in and I go right to my man. “I’m hungry.”

  “Let’s get my girls fed. Do you guys want to grab dinner with us?” He looks to Ryder and Lily.

  My bestie just shakes her head. “No, thanks for asking. I'm going to heat up some of the soup I bought at the market today.”

  “I drink my dinner,” Ryder says and the look on Lily’s face as she looks at him is priceless. Oh, these two are going to be fun to watch.

  I get up from the table, rinsing my plate off in the sink. Today I felt like baking, so I made a two layered vanilla cake, with vanilla bean frosting. The big slice I ate was delicious. In all honesty I could probably eat another but I knew I’d feel shitty afterward.

  I look out the window and find my man with no shirt on, chopping wood. My nether regions take notice immediately. Ten years from now will we still feel that fire between us? I mean things are intense between us, but won’t they eventually fizzle out?

  The sky suddenly turns dark, but Merick doesn’t seem to notice. I lean forward and look over at the horizon, and it appears like a dark blanket was thrown over our place. I knock on the window to get his attention, but it doesn’t work.

  The trees to the left start rustling and that’s when I see a cloaked black figure come out of the woods. They move right toward him, but Merick is oblivious. I bang on the window, “Merick!” I bang again, screaming his name over and over.

  He finally turns to me, smiling and waving. I try to run to the door, but it’s like I’m moving through thick mud. “Merick...Run!”

  “Taryn, Taryn baby. Come back to me.”

  I blink, and suddenly the sun is shining through the windows and I’m on the floor in Merick’s arms. I’m panting as tears run down my cheeks. “I was w-watching you chop wood. All of a sudden it was pitch black outside. The black figure I’ve seen in my dreams was back. They were coming for you, but you couldn’t hear me calling your name. I tried to come to you, but it was like I couldn’t move fast enough.”

  “Baby, when I came in you were staring off into space, shaking like a leaf with tears running down your cheeks. When I reached you, you collapsed in my arms.” He brushes my hair out of my face. “You were awake this time. I need to call Jonathon and have him and Marissa come over to check you out.”

  He stands, taking me with him, and carries me into the living room. After placing me on the chaise lounge he kisses me softly, rubs my belly, and he disappears down the hall. I close my eyes, trying to hear what’s going on in Merick’s head.

  “I need to do something. We can’t keep living like this.”

  I sit up, my heart races as I think about what that means. Olivia can sense my stress because she’s kicking up a storm, “I know baby. We’ll protect Daddy.”

  It’s ten minutes later when Merick opens the door to Marissa and Jonathon. I push myself up from the chaise lounge, which is getting harder and harder to do. “Hey you guys.” I try to sound upbeat, but inside I’m crying and scared.

  “Child sit, I’ll come to you.” Marissa comes toward me and sits next to me. She places her hands on my belly and that familiar warmth spreads through me. “The child’s powers grow every day. That’s why your vision happened while you were awake.”

  “How much power does she have?” It scares me to think that my child could have any sort of power.

  “There is no way of knowing for sure until she’s born. The moment she was conceived she woke the magic of our land. You began to hear people’s thoughts and started having visions. Once she comes I have a feeling more of our ancestors will be coming home.”

  I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it’s very hard to do right now because the future is unknown.

  Marissa takes my hand and places a little jar of a light green powder in it. “Take a teaspoon of this in the morning and before bed. You can mix it in your tea or plain water. This temporarily binds…”

  “No Marissa, don’t we need her to be able to hear? What if there’s a threat and she can’t hear it coming? What if the baby tries to show her someone’s coming, but she can’t?”

  “It’s very temporary Merick. This will allow her to get some rest. The baby is almost ready.” She looks at me. “Sweetheart you need all of the rest that you can get. The stress is not good for you or the child.”

  I take it from her and nod. “I’ll use it, I promise.”

  She gets up from the chaise lounge and helps me stand. “We’ll leave you, but I have a feeling we’ll be here again soon.” Marissa kisses both of my cheeks and then hugs Merick.

  Jonathon stops in front of me. “The binding is very light, but it’ll be enough for you, for now.” He kisses the top of my head and then walks to the door.

  Merick walks them out and I watch them through the window as they talk. Trees rustle in the distance and I run, or rather waddle, toward the door, but then I see Merick’s dad come out of the trees.

  I carry the jar into the kitchen and sit it next to my tea so I won’t forget to take it. When Merick and his dad come in, Josef comes right to me. “Hi sweetheart. How are you feeling?” He pulls me into a hug, and kisses my forehead, tenderly.

  “I’m feeling good Josef, thanks. Your granddaughter could be here at any time.” I smile up at him.

  “Granddaughter? I hope she’s beautiful like her momma.” He’s been so sweet since the night I woke to him and Merick getting into it.

  “Yep a little girl.” I rub my hands over my belly. “We want to name her Olivia. I hope you’re okay with that.”

  Josef looks between the two of us and smiles. “She’d be so happy about that and very honored.”

  Suddenly there’s a big boom that rocks the house, and I’m knocked to the floor.

  Merick

  “What happened?” Taryn looks up from the floor, a dazed confused expression on her face. “Merick?”

  I remain trapped in my own trance. Torn between going to her and rushing out of the house in search of what caused the disruption. My father is gone, nothing more than a flash of silver fur. An eerie silence settles over the room, only the sound of my own heartbeat rings in my ear.

  “Merick?” Again, Taryn calls out and I settle my gaze on her, slowly walking in her direction.

  Reaching out for her, I carefully help her from the floor and begin looking her over for any marks or signs that her fall may have hurt her or our daughter. “I’m okay,” a hoarse whisper falls from her lips right before she cups my face in her palm and instantly I feel our deep undeniable connection. Even in the madness she has a way of calming me. I should be out there, looking, I should be ensuring that we are safe, only I can’t leave her.

  Not yet.

  So many things are already flashing through my mind, this can’t be it. This can’t be the point where our worlds collide and the darkness consumes us. We’ve done all that we can to eliminate that chance. We’ve set barriers, assigned guards. Tapped in to the abilities of everyone around us. Those that threaten us are being monitored. Unless, there are other threats out there I am not aware of.

  “Talk to me,” I focus on the woman I love. Concern still etched upon her beautiful face. Our eyes locked in an intense stare.

  I’m just about to open up and bleed my soul dry of all the fears that haunt
me, when I hear the front door open, and the echo of high heeled shoes tapping along the hardwood floor.

  “Merick.” Rowan offers me a forced smile. I know it's more to keep the calm around Taryn and not because everything outside these walls of our home is safe. “You’re needed outside,” continuing to move across the room, she steps up to our sides. “I’ll stay with Taryn.”

  I assume she is putting on a happy appearance, trying to rid her mind of any alarm for the benefit of my very pregnant girl. I appreciate it, I do, but she should know that Taryn is not oblivious to tension and fear. She can read our thoughts, feel our unsteadiness. It’s impossible to hide from her gifts.

  “Go,” it's Taryn that urges me to join the others. “We’ll be fine.” This timid, fearful girl, or so she was when I first met her. A woman trapped in her own mind, lost in the hustle of everyday life and oblivious to the unseen that looms the world. She was so innocent and now, she too knows the scary world she lives in. She knows what’s out there. Only now she is strong and fierce, ready to protect.

  My everything.

  Leaning in I press a soft kiss to her lips and allow my head to rest against hers for a few seconds before stepping back and turning my back. I know if I stay much longer, I will be unable to leave her. And the one thing I had to do now was ensure that we are safe.

  “Footprints? anything?”“

  “Nothing,” my father looks out over the mass of land before us. “We’ve scoured and searched, there isn’t anything to show otherwise.”

  “So nothing more than misfire.” My nostrils flare with the irritation I feel. One idiot, and the entire thing explodes, literally. “I thought they were the best.”

  “The best we had at the time, but not the best.”