by Katie Dunn
I glared at him, water dripping from my hair into my eyes. I dove for him and pushed him under, enacting my revenge. We wrestled in the water and splashed each other for a while, both of us laughing, until we were too tired to continue. We ended up floating in comfortable silence when our energy was spent.
“Thanks for bringing me here,” I said, breaking the silence.
“This is my favorite place to go when I want to get away,” he responded.
It warmed me inside that he chose to bring me here to be part of this place. Again, I wondered how he had come across it. I opened my mouth to ask but he spoke, halting my words.
“You’ve been through a lot lately.”
I stayed quiet, not knowing how to respond. I felt it was rhetorical because of course I’ve been through a lot. My life had changed, and new surprises kept coming up refusing to let me settle into this new supernatural life.
“You were never meant to be a part of this,” he added.
I bristled, offended that he still thought I couldn’t handle it all, but immediately calmed when I noticed there was no venom in his words. He was just stating a fact, not trying to put me down. I thought about it a moment, trying to see it from his perspective. Owen had been the Horseman and I had been the oblivious twin. I should have gone to college none the wiser.
“Yeah, but I am now, and you know what? I am glad for it.” Except the whole killing two people thing.
The water shifted as Liam faced me. I turned to see him better and flapped my arms and legs to keep myself afloat. He studied me, trying to determine whether I really was glad to be part of the Horsemen or if I was putting on a brave face. He must have been satisfied with what he saw because he smiled but then his smile dimmed, and he looked down at the water.
“I’m sorry, Phi.”
“For what?” I knew there were tons of things he could apologize for such as drugging me, using his talent on me, dunking me in the water, or ordering me around, but something else seemed to be weighing on him and I couldn’t fathom what it would be.
“I’m sorry I didn’t save Owen. I’m sorry you were dragged into this.”
Oh my goodness. Liam felt guilty over Owen’s death. I never made him feel any better about it either. I felt guilt trickle inside me. Back when I did not know about the Horsemen or the Templars, I had blamed Liam and the others for encouraging Owen to ride motorcycles. When I learned the truth, I let go of that blame. It was not their fault that their friend, their pseudo brother, was murdered. Except I never did anything to let them know I didn’t blame them anymore. I was a terrible friend.
I reached out and touched his cheek making him look back at me. “Liam, you have nothing to be sorry about.”
He gently took my hand from his face and held it under the water. His eyes shown and for a second and I thought he was going to cry. “Yes, I do. I was there the day he died. I couldn’t save him. Now I am doing everything I can to save you from the same fate but you’re too stubborn. Why can’t you do as I say and stay safe? You mean too much to me.”
My eyes widened at his declaration. I meant too much to him? What did he mean? Like a sister, or something more? I didn’t want to dwell on it in case I misinterpreted his words. Instead I focused on what else he said. I squeezed his hand and bit my lips to force down a chuckle. He had been trying to push me away for weeks, but I kept coming back, challenging his authority and orders. While his actions had not been stellar, I now understood that he was scared and trying to prevent me from getting hurt.
“Liam, I am here to stay. Now that I am a Horseman, I would be in more danger on my own. And don’t feel guilty about Owen, I know you did everything you could to help him.” I put all my sincerity behind my words so he knew I did not blame him and that he should not carry around guilt any longer.
If Liam was there the day Owen died, then he would have fought with everything he had to save my twin. I did not doubt his ability and strength so while it was a shock to find out Liam was there, I felt more sympathy than anything because he had to witness my brother’s end.
Liam tugged on my hand, forcing me to float towards him. I thought he was going in for a hug, but he brought his hand up and cupped my cheek then leaned down and brought his lips to mine. My eyes went wide, and I squeaked at the suddenness of it all, but then I felt his lips move and I melted against him. I closed my eyes and threw my free arm around his shoulders bringing our bodies closer even though I didn’t think that was possible.
I had been kissed before, but nothing came close to being kissed by Liam Griffiths. Heat radiated from him despite being in the water and the stubble on his jaw scratched against my chin sending shivers down my body. I moaned against his mouth, enjoying the feelings cascading through me that he caused. I felt him smile and he bit my bottom lip before soothing it with another kiss.
“Oh, get a room already!”
I shrieked and pushed away from Liam, turning in the water to find the source of the voice.
“What’s wrong?” Liam asked from my left, his posture alert.
Owen floated above the water with crossed arms, staring down at us with a jokingly disgusted look. “I’m gone for, like, two seconds and you’re jumping my best friend. I object!”
“Wha- I’m- no,” I stammered, looking up to see Owen’s lips twitching as he fought a smile.
“What are you saying? What’s going on?” Liam asked, getting closer and looking around to find what I was looking at.
I turned my head, keeping Owen in my peripherals, to look at Liam. His brows were furrowed in confusion as he studied our surroundings. I noticed his lips were a little red and swollen and smiled to myself, loving that I caused that.
“So, my brother is here judging us,” I stated casually.
“Owen? He’s here?” Liam spun in a circle in the water, looking for the ghostly form of my twin.
I chuckled and pointed to the air where Owen floated. Liam squinted at the spot but shook his head letting me know he couldn’t see him. So maybe it was just a Death thing.
I focused on Owen again. “Why are you here? I didn’t summon you.”
“Well, you kind of did.” At my confused look Owen explained, “his emotions,” he pointed to Liam, “were the necessary bits to summon me then you both started saying my name and voila, I am here.” He bowed as if he just performed a magic trick.
I relayed the explanation to Liam, and he nodded though I wasn’t sure how much he actually understood.
I cleared my throat, remembering what I had been doing a minute ago. “So, uh, how much did you see?”
Owen’s face morphed into disgust. “Too much.”
My cheeks reddened and Liam chuckled, understanding his answer without having to hear him.
“Well you can go now.” I turned away and started swimming to shore. I was a little perturbed that Owen interrupted my kiss with Liam, but also thankful for it. I had no idea why Liam kissed me and while I enjoyed it, I felt it would make things complicated among the Horsemen. My muscles ached from having to support myself in the water for so long, but I finally made it to shore.
Owen chuckled and appeared on the rock where Liam’s clothes and my shoes were laid out. I reached him and pulled myself up onto the rock. Owen looked over everything then narrowed his eyes at me. “You were swimming with him and kissing him while he is only in his underwear?”
My cheeks reddened further at the reminder. I heard Liam get out of the water, so I kept my gaze averted. Owen moved his glare to Liam and started cursing at him and muttering things about seducing his sister and how he will haunt his ass if he does it again and other sorts of nonsense. I snorted but stayed quiet knowing I was the only one who could hear him.
“Could you hand me my clothes?” Liam said from behind me.
I grabbed them and held them behind my back, continuing to keep my eyes away from Liam’s nearly naked body. Liam took them and I waited for him to get dressed.
“Ok, you can turn around now.”
I did and my heart raced at seeing the jeans hang low on his hips and his chest bare since he did not put on a shirt yet. I moved closer, wanting to run my fingers over his chest but Owen floated down from the rock and stood in front of Liam, glaring at me with his arms crossed.
I rolled my eyes and sat down instead to tie my shoes.
“I hope that wasn’t an eye roll at me,” Liam said, coming over to sit next to me on the rock.
“No, it was because Owen is trying to prevent me from touching you.”
Liam leaned closer. “You want to touch me again?” he asked in a husky, low voice that made me shiver.
“Ack!” Owen said.
“You can always leave,” I suggested, looking back at Owen.
Owen floated closer to me and suddenly he was all seriousness. My smile dropped at his change of demeanor and I knew he was about to say something that would ruin my mood.
“You need to tell him about your roommate.”
And with that my mood was officially ruined. All the warmth I felt before was replaced with fear and dread. Shawna’s warning from earlier came to mind. I needed to tell them about the professional Templars coming to hunt us and the mark that all the dead had on their arms. I wanted to talk to Owen about it first, but it seemed as if I wouldn’t get my chance. Gah! I was tired of all this and as soon as I said something, Liam would be back to his cold shoulder, bossy, Conquest self.
I sighed and nodded, acting as if I agreed with Owen, even though I planned to tell the guys only about the incoming threat not about Shawna. Then Owen disappeared leaving me alone with Liam.
Chapter 15
“He’s gone,” I told Liam.
Liam sighed, “I wish I could see him. I have so much I want to say.”
I understood that. “Maybe next time I can be the medium like in one of those psychic shops.”
Liam chuckled. “With the crazy robes and accent?”
“Definitely.” I stood up and turned towards the trail that would lead me back to the bridge. “Ready to go?” I wished I could stay longer and figure out what this new thing was between Liam and I but there were more pressing matters that I needed to tell all three guys.
Liam nodded and grabbed my hand, leading me back the way we came. I did not hesitate this time at the bridge. I kept my eyes forward and walked as quickly as I could while trying not to sway the bridge too much. I made it to the other side without looking down and continued down the trail, remembering the rest of the way. By the time we made it to the bike I was exhausted. Liam had dried off for the most part by that point and put his shirt back on. I tried to hide my disappointment, but his grin told me he knew. Liam got onto his bike and was about to start it up, but I jumped forward and placed my hand on his arm to stop him.
Before the engine drowned out our words and before I ruined the day with my information, I wanted to know where that kiss left us. Were we friends? Something more? I hated to think it but a teeny, tiny part of me wondered if he had kissed me to manipulate me. To make me more open to following his orders. I instantly pushed that thought away, refusing to believe that he would do something so dastardly.
“Um, Liam, so, uh…what are we?” I wiggled my finger indicating the two of us.
He studied me as he grabbed the extra bike helmet and handed it to me. I waited patiently for him to say something but as the silence grew, my nerves grew with it. I tucked the helmet under my arm then fiddled with my bracelet while I waited for him to say something.
“I don’t know,” he finally said, looking away. “For the longest time you were my best friend’s sister although I couldn’t help liking you. You were always so confident, lively and didn’t take shit from anyone, how could I not?”
My heart skipped a beat at his words. Liam had liked me in high school? I never picked up on that. Probably because of all the other girls he usually had hanging off him.
“Then Owen died.” Liam closed his eyes as if forcing down an unwanted emotion. “And you became Death.” He looked back at me and I saw anguish and struggle within his eyes. “I didn’t know what to do to protect you except push you away, but you kept coming back. Every time you stood up to me made me want you more, but it was dangerous to have you near us.”
I blushed and looked away, not wanting to be caught in his heated gaze. It was heartwarming to know he had liked me all along, even though he had a terrible way of showing it. I never admitted to anyone, not even Owen, but I had a crush on Liam in high school as well, and even though I hated seeing him when they showed up at orientation two months ago, I felt all those emotions again. However, it was pretty easy to ignore when Liam was being a jerk.
“So, what are we?” Liam shook his head and smiled. “I don’t know, but if you’re willing, I would like to find out.”
My stomach fluttered and happiness swept through me. I jumped forward and kissed Liam, surprising us both. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“I have one condition though.”
Of course, he did. I tensed, readying myself for a battle of wills. I would not be babied so he better not even think about it.
“You have to promise me you won’t put yourself in danger.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you giving me an ultimatum?” I tried to pull back, hurt that he would do something like that.
He tightened his hold around me, refusing to let me go. “No, I’m not giving you an ultimatum, but I will not be able to stay sane if you keep throwing yourself into dangerous situations. Every time I find you in danger I freak out and my talent goes wild.”
I noticed he showed concern before, but I never knew he freaked out. Aw, he cared. However, I couldn’t promise him what he wanted. All those times I found myself in danger were not my fault. I put my arms around his neck and leaned in.
“I will try but I can’t promise anything.”
He growled and I kissed him on his nose, then pulled out of his embrace. He let me go and sighed. I thought I heard him murmur something about being difficult and causing him to have a heart attack but he started up the engine at the same time so I couldn’t be sure. I put my helmet on then got on the back of the bike and relaxed against Liam’s back for the ride home.
We had been gone for most of the day, so I was surprised to find Kaden and Trevor still in front of the TV.
“Don’t you guys have homework to do? Have you even moved?” I asked as I walked toward the kitchen to grab some lemonade.
“We are binge watching Lucifer,” Kaden called out from the living room.
I chuckled and got out a glass. I felt someone behind me, but I didn’t turn around, instead I got another glass and poured us both some lemonade. When I turned around, Liam was standing close. I held out a glass to him and he took it, smiling at me flirtatiously. I didn’t return the smile which made him tilt his head questioningly.
I sighed and set my glass down at the table. “I’ve gotta talk to you guys,” I said.
Liam’s brows drew down silently asking what I needed to talk about.
I ignored his look and called to Trevor and Kaden.
“But we are at a really good part,” Kaden called back.
I walked into the living room and grabbed the remote. Trevor jumped up to wrestle the remote from me before I could stop it, but he got to me too late. I pressed pause and exited out of Netflix. They glared at me but followed me back to the kitchen where Liam sat waiting.
“I need to talk to you guys about something serious.”
That got their attention. I waited until we were all seated around the table then cupped my hands around the glass of lemonade, using it as a barrier between me and the three Horsemen.
“I came across some information recently about the Templars.”
Liam narrowed his eyes at me, and I saw his hand tighten around his glass. I knew he was wondering why I hadn’t told him anything earlier.
“I found out the Templars are sending some professionals to hunt us. They will be here
within two weeks.” I looked at Liam. “It looks like you were right about them blaming me for this outbreak.” I bit my lip, waiting for their reactions.
They stared at me with varying degrees of disbelief and fear. Then all three of their expressions turned suspicious.
“How did you come across that information?” Liam asked.
His tone chilled me, and I felt sad to know the cold, vexed Liam was back. At least now I knew he did that because he was protective of me and he was guarding his emotions, but I still didn’t like it.
“I would like to keep my sources confidential,” I replied and winced at their instantaneous yelling.
They could yell all they wanted but Shawna was my secret and she had risked herself to bring me that information. There was no way I would throw her to the dogs, well, Horseman, after that. Even though I was still hurt by her lie of omission I wanted to believe her when she said I could trust her. She hadn’t seen me as a threat when she knew I was a supposed Horseman, so I would give her a chance. I really hoped I didn’t regret it.
Liam’s voice rose above the others, quieting Trevor and Kaden. Liam pierced me with hard hazel-brown eyes, but I could see the hurt within them. I felt guilty that I was already keeping things from him, but I wasn’t going to back down.
“Fine. But just know, I will find out,” Liam warned.
He could try but unless Shawna or I told him he would never figure out that my information came from my ex-roommate. I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter how I know; it matters that we are in danger. And there’s another thing. All of the dead students had scythe marks on their arms.” I bit my lip thinking over the implications. “I think someone is doing this and framing me.”
Liam made a rumbling noise in his chest and his gaze stayed trained on me. He reminded me of a wolf. Hmm, were werewolves real? The Horseman couldn’t be the only supernatural beings out there.
“You promised me,” Liam said, bringing my focus back to the issue at hand.
I held up a finger. “Technically I didn’t, but how is this my fault?” Once again, I didn’t choose to be in dangerous situations but somehow there I was.