Home.
She missed it. It wasn’t opulence like this place, but cozier and warmer. More her. Her collection of books. Her eccentric collection of coffee mugs. Her music. Her wardrobe.
But she couldn’t really complain.
She was alive.
#
Walking to the library was a surreal experience. She was alone and the silence of the enormous house was a little overwhelming. Though her shoes were silent, she could swear she still heard her footsteps. Where were the men of the house? Did they work? Away from them, she realized just how much she didn’t know about them. Gideon was going to explain things. Tonight, hopefully. But why did he sound so… doomed… when he promised?
Finally, she turned a corner and entered the library.
Books. So many books. Knowing they wouldn’t bite her; she still cautiously approached the shelves. Running her hand gently along the leather covered spines, she would have bet on each one being a first edition.
There was that longing for home. The cheesy romance novels that she collected. The well-loved epic fantasy novels. The books with tiny creases and even some with light coffee stains.
Eve couldn’t read these. These were collectors’ items.
She turned, staring at the walls lined with money, knowing she didn’t belong in their world. Guilt at enjoying that morning’s luxuries nagged at her. What if she pulled down one of these volumes and snagged a page, tearing it? What if she fell asleep holding the thing, as she often did, and creased a page? She didn’t get paid from the library and the trust that her mother set up for her wouldn’t become available for another three years. She would never be able to pay for one of these.
She followed the shelves around the edge of the room, skirting the white baby grand piano. Tempting as it was to ease onto that seat and press her fingers to the ivory, she didn’t have permission. And besides, it had been so long since she took lessons, it would be a disgrace to tap out basic songs on such an elegant instrument.
She continued her slow walk around the room. Closer to the other side of the room, the books changed, becoming more modern and not quite so expensive. This was more her speed. Fellowship of the Rings called to her and she carried it with her to a chaise and dove in.
#
Eve sat up with a gasp, inhaling oxygen instead of cold water.
She wasn’t drowning. Wasn’t dying.
She was okay.
God, what a dream.
But it wasn’t really, was it? It was memories. A thing that she lived through. Scrubbing her hands over her face, she tried to banish the cold of the water that she could still feel surrounding her. Her stomach rumbled. How long had she been asleep? For that matter, what time was it? Failing to find a clock, she went in search of the kitchen. Essie said she had a plate for her.
Finding the kitchen was easier than she imagined it to be. Maybe one day she would have it memorized. At the very least, it would give her something to do while the others were gone.
Opening the huge refrigerator, she frowned. Considering how many people lived here, it was barren. Did they eat out often? Maybe. Obviously, they had money, so that wouldn’t be an issue. And that could be one of the reasons Essie was out today. To restock.
Whatever. It wasn’t her business.
Pulling her dish out, she took the cover off and smiled at the sandwich. The silver dome seemed awfully fancy for something so mundane. Not that she minded mundane. It helped her feel more grounded in the luxuries of their home. Taking the sandwich with her, she moved to the large window that overlooked more of the forest that surrounded the house.
She couldn’t see the sun from where she was, but from the long shadows, it was almost set. So much for her walk. Strolling through an unfamiliar forest at night was not exactly high on her list of priorities. Standing in front of the window, she watched as the sky took on the otherworldly hue of twilight.
“What is it about you?”
The voice startled her, and she spun while trying to swallow the scream that wanted out. Fallon stood at the entrance to the kitchen, leaning against the frame, watching her. Sebastian’s warning about Fallon came back to her, but she didn’t sneak up on him, it was the other way around. Did his warning still hold true? Would Fallon hurt her?
“I’m sorry?” She held her hand up to her heart, trying to will it to slow down.
“Did I scare you?” He stood abruptly, taking a couple of steps toward her before stopping again.
Eve nodded, only then able to feel the anger that seemed to be his constant companion. “Yes, you did. I didn’t hear you.”
“Good.” His lips curved. “The others should be with us soon.”
She wished she could see his eyes. Gideon said that Fallon didn’t hate her but seeing it would help. As it was, it felt like he wanted to destroy her.
“Why do you want to scare me?”
Fallon shrugged. “Something to do.”
Her laughter sounded weird to her ears and her skin felt prickly. Absently, she rubbed her arms. To say he unsettled her would be an understatement.
Keeping her eyes on him, she moved to the other side of the marble island. Reaching across the pale bands of gray and black in the white marble, she pulled her dish to her. Every fiber in her screamed at her, telling her he was going to grab her arm. The only thing that happened was his lips twisted into an almost smile.
“I told Gideon I wouldn’t hurt you.”
“Probably.” She cleared her throat while stepping back from the counter. Taking a deep breath, she turned her back to him.
“I’m sorry? I didn’t catch that,” he said.
“You said ‘probably’,” she said before turning the water on. If he said anything to that, she didn’t hear him over the sound of running water. Shutting it off after washing and rinsing the plate, she dried her hands before gripping the edge of the sink. The emotions were so strong now. Too strong. She was going to drown in them. His hands appeared on either side of hers. She was trapped.
“Mmm, I did say that, didn’t I?”
His breath was warm against her skin and she was silent as he ran his face through her hair. His heat warmed her back. If she took one tiny step, she would touch him. And she had to be honest with herself. There was a small part of her that wanted to.
What was happening to her? How could she feel anything but fear for the man at her back?
“Probably,” he said again.
If it wasn’t for the rage, she could get lost in his voice. As it was, her knuckles shown white as she tightened her grip, forcing herself to not touch the hands at her sides.
“Come on, Eve? Cat got your tongue?”
She didn’t move. She knew she didn’t. But there he was, pressed against her. Maybe it was her, because of his quick breath.
“I’m sorry.” She trembled within the confines of his arms. She leaned forward, away from him, but it was too late.
He grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Sorry for what?” He held her wrist up to his mouth and took a deeper breath. Softly, he trailed his lips over the exposed flesh. “Invading my life?”
Chills broke out and his laughter was dark, sensual, arousing. Frightening.
She reached out with her free hand, needing to see his eyes, needing to see that he didn’t hate her. Her fingers grazed his cheek and he almost pushed her away.
“No,” he growled, moving away from her.
“I just want to see your eyes.” She took a step toward him.
“Nope, princess, not gonna happen.” He turned away. “I mean, I could show you, but then I’d have to kill you.”
“What are you, CIA?” she asked. She moved to the other side of the island and pulled herself up on the stool. Everything inside her screamed for her to go, run back to her room until someone, anyone other than Fallon came to get her. But she would be damned if she showed him her fear.
His shoulders loosened as he faced her. “I’m far more dangerous than the CIA,” his voice drop
ped lower, but this time, it didn’t scare her.
She propped her head up on her hand and studied him.
He leaned back against the sink. “Why are looking at me like you just dissected me?”
“I’m trying to figure me out,” she said. “You just happen to be here and are the cause of my latest…” She trailed off. Did she want to admit that much? She knew nothing of him and hell, he wouldn’t even let her look at him.
“Your latest fight with your body?” His lips twitched at her quick inhale. “You can’t hide anything from me. I can smell it on you.”
The uneasiness was back. He meant what he said. She could feel that. But how does one smell feelings? Was he something like herself? “You said the others would be with us soon?” she asked, pretending he didn’t say anything. Far safer that way.
He pushed away from the sink and crossed to the other side of the island. “What’s the matter? Afraid to answer me? Scared to admit you are attracted to all of us? Want to hide behind Sebastian, because he won’t give you what you are too terrified to ask for?”
“I don’t—”
“Stop. Just stop.” He leaned across the counter and took a deep breath through his nose. “Even now, you want. You can’t lie to me.” He wrapped his fingers around her exposed wrist. “Try it again, I might have to punish you.”
“Let her go.” Gideon walked into the room and Eve let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding.
“Saved by the man.” Fallon laughed, letting go of her arm. “Take her away, oh fearless leader.”
He turned and walked to the window. Staring blindly out at the darkness, he tried to force down the feelings inside him. She wasn’t the only one that wanted. He shook from it. After how long? How long since his wife and children were torn apart in front of his dying eyes? How did the red-hair witch touch him in a place that was buried so long ago? How did he want again? It was betrayal to her. His Nadua.
Was it her hair color? The shocking, almost unnatural red that made him want to see if she matched on the inside.
No… It wasn’t that. He had no desire to rip out her throat. Well, except for that one minute when he wasn’t expecting her to be the cause of the scent of human. Of dinner.
Well, it was all about to be moot. Gideon was going to… enlighten her and she would leave. He could go back to his comforting madness. But he had to satisfy a need, a curiosity.
Turning, he went back to the temptress. Spinning her barstool, he caught the back of her head and pressed his lips to hers. She stiffened in surprise before relaxing. Lips softened and welcomed him. Warning lights went off, alarms blaring in his mess of a mind. He shouldn’t have done it. Should have minded his own fucking business and let her run off screaming into the night. But it was far too late for that now.
Fallon pulled back and cursed.
She said nothing as she looked at him, green eyes wide, lips parted, hands fisted on her thighs.
There was nothing he could say. Hell, he already did. He told her he could smell her need for him. For them. He touched her bottom lip. “Nice knowing you, princess,” he said before damn near running from the room.
Fuck him. He told Gideon to tell her the truth. And now all he wanted was to take those words back. Lie to her. Anything to keep her.
Outside. He needed space, freedom. Something to keep from going back, grabbing her, and taking her far away.
Why? Why did he do it?
Instead, he found himself in the study. He flopped down in a chair beside Sebastian and cursed.
“You too?” Micah asked from across the low table.
Fallon couldn’t answer, so he just growled at him. Micah laughed. Laughed. At him. He made a move to stand up, but realized it was too much trouble.
The eldest looked at him and he shrugged at Sebastian. “I hate this,” he finally said.
Sebastian gave a single nod of his head. “I don’t think any of us are happy with what’s about to happen,” he said.
“You know, if we lie to her…” Fallon trailed off. “She wants us all,” he finally got out.
Sebastian nodded once more. “There is something about her. Something that calls to us. But it doesn’t matter. She’ll be gone soon enough.” His face was expressionless, totally what Fallon would expect from Sebastian. He would swear the man had no feelings.
Which was weird. Though his own feelings were mostly rage and anger, at least he still felt something. But then, he wasn’t nearly as old at Sebastian. Could be that if he lived that long, then he would have that emptiness to look forward to?
Across the way, Alex stiffened. As the youngest of the group, he still needed to breathe. He could probably smell her getting closer. “This is it, boys.” Fallon gave a humorless smile. “The end of the beginning.”
Gideon walked in followed by Eve.
CHAPTER FIVE
Eve walked into the study and stopped. They were all there. She glanced at Fallon and could feel the heat rise in her face. Sebastian was right beside him. The heat grew. Fallon gave a slightly mocking laugh that she did her best to ignore.
After a quick glance at Gideon, she took a seat. This time, she wasn’t next to anyone. The chairs were positioned differently and it felt like she was on trial for something, the way everyone was looking at her. She licked suddenly dry lips. Why was she singled out?
“Eve,” Gideon said, sitting in a chair across the table from her. “I made you a promise.”
She nodded.
Leaning forward, he pushed a large orange envelop toward her. “Please. Consider these gifts. I expect nothing in return. I simply want you to feel safe. Well, safer.” He leaned back and crossed his leg over his knee.
He looked like a CEO of a major cooperation, she decided, completely in charge and used to being instantly obeyed. The executive look was further cemented when he propped his elbows on the arms of the chair and motioned toward the envelope. “Please, open it.” He pressed his fingertips together and watched her.
Frowning, she picked it up. A quick glance around told her that everyone was watching at her.
“Is it going to bite?” she asked.
Gideon gave a twisted version of a smile. “No. It won’t.”
She undid the prongs and opened the envelope, sliding the contents into her hand. A phone. Keys. She looked up. “What—.”
“After our discussion, or during it because I don’t expect you to stay till the end, you are going to want to leave.” He waved at the things in her hand. “There is a car parked outside the front door. Those keys belong to it. The phone is so that you may call whomever you wish,” he paused, closing his eyes.
Why was she suddenly hesitant to hear what he had to say? Why did he look so tired? Defeated? Why did he feel sad?
Gideon sat up a little straighter. “I don’t want to sound melodramatic, but I have to warn you. After you leave, if you bring anyone back, while your life may be saved, no one else’s will. I told you before, I protect those here. I do so at all costs. Are we clear on that?” He hated the way he was speaking to her, but she had to understand how deadly serious he was.
Her eyes were huge as she looked at him, but she finally gave a small nod.
“Jeeze, Gideon, can you stop with the mafia-speak? You’re scaring her more than she needs to be.” Alex sat up and gave Eve a quick look. “I really don’t think she will be back. Much less with a posse.”
The icy look Gideon gave Alex made her feel sorry for him.
“This is uncharted territory for all of us. My apologies if I am trying to save lives.” Gideon’s tone was as cold as her skin and she shivered from the undercurrents in the room.
She was used to Fallon’s anger now. She was used to Sebastian’s emptiness. What she wasn’t accustom to was the agitation from Micah, the anxiety from Alex and the sadness from Gideon.
“Just tell me, please? Why do I need threats? Why are you sad?” she asked Gideon and his eyes widened at her question. A spike of confusion mixed wi
th the sadness. “Why do you all think I’m going to run away?” She looked at Alex. “What are you so worried about?” A glance at Micah.
He shrugged before she could ask him what was wrong with him. “Listen to Gideon. You’ll have all your answers.”
She looked back to Gideon. “I’m all ears.”
Gideon took a deep breath before glancing at Sebastian. “I’ve never spoken the words out loud.”
Sebastian gave a small shrug and spoke for the first time. “Everything is new… once.”
He looked back to her. “One other thing. I have no idea how to get rid of the mark. The symbol is like nothing I have ever seen.”
She wanted to see Sebastian’s expression, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Okay. We can find a way to deal with that… I guess?” She frowned. “I’m confused. It seems like that would be the most important thing. I mean, does that mean I am tied to you forever? I don’t know—”
“No, Eve. That’s not the most important thing. Do me a favor and pick those things up.” Gideon nodded at the phone and keys.
She did as he asked.
“Now then, if you could not panic, that would be great, though I don’t expect it. If you are holding them, you are more likely to take them. From here, take two rights and then a left and you’ll be at the front door.” He gave her a sharp look. “Got it?”
She stopped short of saying ‘yes sir’. “Yes.”
He closed his eyes and she watched the muscled in his neck flex. What could be so serious as to warrant all this? The mark on the hand not being the most important? What had him swallowing so—.
“We’re not human,” he said, and his eyes opened. Where before was a beautiful hazel, there was now a blazing red.
She jerked back, fingers clutching at the things in her hands. “Other,” she whispered, glancing at Alex. He nodded. “What does that mean?” She forced herself to look at Gideon. “What does ‘other’ mean?” she whispered, trying to think of a way out of her chair that didn’t look like she was going to run. Which she totally was. Two right, one left. “What is this?” She could feel her panic now. Filling her to the brim. “What are you?”
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