Discern (Discern Saga, Book #1)

by Samantha Shakespeare

  “Okay,” I breathed. Our kiss continued for a little while longer. His lips left mine, and I opened my eyes to an empty bedroom.

  How quickly he could disappear was unsettling. He could be gone in seconds and never be seen or heard from again. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to free my mind of these negative thoughts. I had to believe that Andrew was never going to leave or harm me in any way. But trying to purge these thoughts was easier said then done.

  After a quick shower, I threw on some clothes and glanced one more time in the mirror before heading downstairs. I had never felt insecure until now, but if his female siblings were as perfect as he and his brother, then I had a lot to live up to. I doubted my beauty was anything compared to theirs.

  My father sat at the formal dining room table, casually leafing through the pages of the newspaper. The smell of warm, maple oatmeal filled the room. His eyes peered from behind the paper. “You look nice today,” he smiled, carefully folding the paper and setting it aside. “I made you breakfast,” he said, pointing to the bowl sitting in front of the vacant chair beside his.

  “Thank you,” I smiled.

  I assumed our talk would center on Andrew and the incident at the restaurant yesterday, which seemed like a lifetime ago.

  I gently pulled out the chair from beneath the table, dragging its legs across the tile below. His eyes carefully watched as I took my seat. I anxiously stirred the oatmeal watching the maple syrup blend together with the oats.

  “First, I’d like to apologize,” he said, clearing the back of his throat and reaching for my hand.

  I immediately stopped stirring and gazed up in his direction. “What for?”

  “For what happened at the restaurant. I didn’t mean to upset you,” he sighed.

  “I was more hurt than upset.”

  “Tom had come to me with concerns over your relationship with one of your professors,” he exhaled deeply. “And convinced me that this certain individual had a criminal past and could possibly harm you.”

  “He isn’t a criminal, Dad. Mr. Mitchell is still bitter about my breakup with Braden,” I said, stabbing at the bowl of oatmeal.

  “I realize that now, but at the time I was scared for you. I couldn’t imagine a monster having anything to do with my baby,” he said worried.

  Andrew was more of a monster than my father realized.

  “Did Mr. Mitchell speak with you after the incident?” I had to know if he had really cleared up the situation as instructed by Andrew and Alec.

  “Yes. He stopped by my work and explained his displeasure in your dating someone other than his son and apologized for telling such a lie about someone he didn’t know very well,” my father explained.

  “What about Evelyn?”

  “What about Evelyn?” he asked confused.

  “Why was she there?”

  “Because when I mentioned Tom’s initial story, she recalled seeing you with your professor at her shop,” he explained cautiously.

  “Oh,” I muttered.

  “So is it true that you’re dating one of your professors?” His voice was anxious.

  I wasn’t sure if I should answer truthfully. So much had occurred, and I wondered if telling my father the truth was wise. “I do spend time with one of them, but I wouldn’t say dating is the appropriate word.”

  “Would this be the professor that was at the country club event?”

  “Yes,” I answered, keeping my head down.

  “He’s a very handsome, older looking man.”

  “He isn’t that much older than me,” I said defensively.

  “How old is he?”

  “Twenty-six,” I lied. There was a six, in his age, but a thousand at the end.

  I leaned the spoon against the side of the bowl and casually began spinning my phone on the table with my index finger.

  “Are you being safe?”

  “I’m not doing anything with Andrew,” I scowled.

  “I hope that he respects your decision.”

  “What decision?”

  “To wait until marriage,” he clarified.

  “Oh, that,” I murmured.

  “You are still waiting?” he asked concerned.

  “Of course,” I lied, not sure if there would ever be a marriage between us.

  “When will I get the pleasure of meeting Andrew?”

  “When it’s decided that he and I are actually dating.”

  He reached for my hand. “Well, when you’re sure, let me know.”

  “I will. And I’m safe with him—I truly am.”

  The ringing of my phone interrupted our moment. “Hello?” I answered.

  “Are you still coming?” Ryan’s voice was hesitant.

  “Yes. I’m just finishing breakfast, and then I’ll head your way,” I said as I shoveled a bite of oatmeal into my mouth.

  “Why weren’t you at school last night?”

  I looked over at my father to gauge whether or not he had heard Ryan. “I’ll tell you when I get there,” I answered flatly.

  “Okay, see you in a few,” he said, ending our call before I could say goodbye.

  “Poor Ryan,” my father mumbled.

  “Why do you say that?” I asked, forcing the last bite of oatmeal down my throat.

  “He’s been in love with you since junior high and still doesn’t have a chance, even with Braden out of the picture,” he scoffed.

  “He’ll always be just a friend,” I said, casually scooting my chair out and reaching for my bowl.

  My father lightly touched my hand. “I’ll take care of the bowl, you just go help out those families,” he smiled.

  I leaned over and kissed my father on the top of his almost completely bald head. He insisted on leaving the small amount of salt and pepper hair along the sides. It had been balding ever since I could remember. The only time I saw him with hair was in my parent’s wedding photos. It took them ten years before they conceived, so their youth had escaped by the time I had become aware of things.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. And don’t be a stranger down at the dealership.”

  “I’ll come in soon,” I said, hurriedly shutting the door leading into the garage.

  I drove away, unaware of what today would bring. I spotted Ryan’s red truck as I pulled into the parking lot. I parked in the spot right beside his. I reached for the handle, but before I could, the car door swung open.

  Ryan stood before me with an angry look. “Tell me the truth,” he demanded.

  “What truth?” I asked startled.

  “The truth about Andrew Alexander,” he snarled.

  I snatched the car door from his grip and slammed it shut. “There’s nothing to tell,” I snapped.

  “Don’t lie.”

  “I didn’t come here to get accused of something I’m not doing.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Everyone’s talking about you guys,” he hissed.

  “Well, there isn’t anything to talk about,” I insisted.

  “Haley, please stop lying.”

  “Ryan, if he and I do decide to date, then you’ll be the first person I tell.”

  The lies were becoming harder and easier all at the same time.

  “Is there a possibility?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Great,” he mumbled.

  As I walked through the dark tinted glass door, I looked around and noticed a woman and toddler sitting on the tan suede couch in the waiting area.

  “Just put your things under here.” Ryan pointed underneath the large reception desk.

  “So what exactly will I be doing here?

  “Incoming calls are answered behind that glass window, so all you need to do is hand these forms to anyone that comes in, and then page me with this phone. I’ll come greet them once they’re finished,” he instructed, holding up the red phone that was hidden in the top drawer of the white desk.

  “Sounds easy,” I said, taking a seat.

 
“I’ll be in the back most of the day, but holler if you need anything.”

  “Ryan,” I called out, but he quickly disappeared behind the large steel door that separated the waiting area from the actual shelter. Hurting him was a horrible feeling, but he wanted more. And my heart was taken now.

  My eyes met with the woman that was seated on the couch. She smiled, and I instinctively smiled back. She returned her attention to the clipboard that sat on her lap.

  Her young toddler son sat quietly beside her. His actions were unlike other children of his age. They both had dark circles underneath their eyes. I wondered when the last time was that they had truly rested. She would occasionally glance up at the front door with a look of fear on her face.

  I looked around the room trying to find a toy to give to the child. I hoped this would bring a smile to his cheerless face. I couldn’t find anything, which was frustrating. There was a black object that looked similar to a mini fridge underneath the desk. I rolled my chair over to it, noticing an open filing cabinet where personal information was kept. I slammed it shut and pulled the fridge door open.

  Inside were several bottles of water. I grabbed two of them. They both watched as I approached.

  “Could I offer you or him some water?” I asked politely.

  “Thank you,” she said meekly, extending her hand.

  I handed her the bottles. “Do you need any help with the forms?” I asked, noticing all the lines were blank.

  “That would be a blessing. I never learned to read,” she said embarrassed.

  “No problem, I can help you,” I smiled gently.

  I sat down in the chair next to the couch. She handed me the clipboard. I scanned over the documents and began asking her each question carefully. Her hand lightly touched mine. “Thank you so much.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” I said, watching as she patted the top of her young son’s head.

  Tears rolled down her cheeks. The little boy wrapped his arms around her neck and she cradled his body. My heart ached as I watched the interaction between the two. It was not aching because I missed my mother, but at the possibility of mankind being destroyed. Humans, such as these two beautiful people, did not deserve such an ill fate.

  Just as I was filing out the last line, I heard the chime of the front door. A tall, brown haired man stood angrily glaring in our direction. His fists were balled and he began shouting incoherently. I glanced back down at the woman, who was now holding her son. Her expression and body language easily conveyed that the man was here to try to take her and the child away.

  I instantly stood up, placing my body between him and her. “You need to leave or we’ll have to call the cops,” I warned.

  “Go ahead,” he challenged.

  “Ryan!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

  My eyes darted back and forth from the metal door leading to the back and to the man’s face. I eagerly waited for the door to come bursting open.

  “No one’s coming,” he sneered. “So move out of the way, before I make you,” he threatened, as he took a step closer toward us.

  The chime on the front door began rapidly ringing. I couldn’t see who had just entered, but I hoped it wasn’t back up for him.

  “Not a good idea.” Andrew’s voice snarled.

  “Oh, thank goodness!” I gasped.

  Andrew appeared beside the man, but he was not alone. Alec stood on the other side, but another man, with reddish-blond hair and sparkling orange eyes, stepped forward beside Alec. Their eyes quickly darkened to a crimson red as they surrounded the man.

  “No!” I shouted. “Not here.”

  Andrew glanced behind me, and his face softened as he realized the presence of a woman and a small child. His eyes faded back to green as he gestured for Alec and the unknown man to hold back.

  “We’ll have a word with the gentleman outside,” Alec grinned devilishly.

  “I’m not going anywhere without my wife and child,” the man growled. “Carrie, you’re coming with me.”

  She had a petrified look on her face. “Don’t worry,” I said, taking a seat beside her. “These men work for us and will take care of him,” I lied, trying to cover for them and comfort her.

  “Okay.” Her lips trembled. “He’ll never leave us alone.” Tears began falling again.

  Andrew stepped closer to us with a pained expression, his eyes now black. “He won’t ever bother you again.”

  Our eyes met, and a gentle smile spread across his face. Alec grabbed the tall, brawny man and effortlessly dragged him out the door. The man with the reddish-blond hair, assumed to be one of their brothers, followed, but before he left, he eyed me over.

  A silver flash caught the corner of my eye. Ryan appeared from behind the door. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing now,” I reassured.

  “What’s he doing here?” he asked agitated.

  “Ryan, stop,” I insisted. “We have someone ready to be shown around the place,” I said stiffly, gesturing toward the mother and her son.

  Ryan immediately looked down, composing himself. “Of course.”

  I handed him the paperwork and whispered a few things in his ear. He smiled and began conversing with the young child.

  “Haley has to leave,” Andrew said, interrupting his conversation.

  Ryan shot him a nasty look. “Why’s that?”

  I looked up at Andrew, not understanding his request. “What’s going on?”

  “It would be best if you left.” His eyes never left Ryan as he spoke.

  “Are you going to leave with him?” Ryan asked, glaring down at me.

  “I think it would be wise.” My voice shook.

  “Fine, but at least call me tonight, so I know you’re safe,” he insisted.

  “I will,” I promised, wondering if I would get a chance to make that call.

  Ryan and the other two made their way behind the door.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “My brother Holden is here, and I need to see if your defenses work against him,” he stated stiffly.

  “Can’t it wait?”

  “He doesn’t have much time here before the others will take notice of all three of us in one town.”

  “Oh,” I said softly, as I grabbed my purse.

  Ryan’s mother stepped out from behind the door. “I heard you had to leave.” She sounded sincerely disappointed.

  “Yes, I’m sorry. It’s kind of an emergency,” I frowned.

  “Okay, sweetie, thanks for coming in today,” she smiled.

  “No problem,” I grinned. “Oh yeah, I almost forgot,” I said, turning back around.

  “Yes?”

  “My father wants to make a donation and wanted me to find out what would be helpful.”

  “Really?” Her voice was slightly shocked.

  “Yes,” I smiled, embarrassed of my stingy father.

  “Anything would help,” she assured. “You can decide for us.”

  “I don’t think that would be wise. I’d write you a check for every last penny we had.”

  She smiled. “Just talk it over with him, and whatever you two decide will be greatly appreciated.”

  “I will.”

  Andrew lightly placed his hand against the small of my back. Ryan’s mother instantly took notice of how close we stood beside one another. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He placed it on top of the counter. “I meant to give this to you the other day.”

  Ryan’s mother unfolded the piece of paper. Her eyes lit up, and a large grin stretched across her face. “Are you sure about this, Mr. Alexander?”

  “Yes,” he smiled, as he lightly nudged me toward the front door. “Have a wonderful day,” he said as we exited the building.

  “Bye, Ms. Scott.” My voice trailed off as the door shut behind me. “What just happened?”

  “I wrote them a check.” His voice was casual. “Anything you’re passionate about; so am I.”
/>   “Really?”

  “Of course,” he winked. “Plus money isn’t really an issue for me.”

  “It must have been quite a bit by the way she reacted,” I gathered.

  “It was enough to take care of them for a few years.”

  “Do they have that much time?” I asked grimly, remembering back to their gruesome plan.

  “I’ll make sure of it,” he said determined.

  “I hope so,” I frowned, sliding into his car.

  There was no need to ask about what had happened to the man that Alec and Holden had taken out of the shelter. His soul was more than likely trapped inside one of them, where he could no longer hurt his wife or child. This final judgment for him was hopefully not the same for the rest of mankind.

  20

  Bulletproof

  We reached Andrew’s house within minutes. I nervously walked through the door, wondering if my defenses would keep me safe from his brother, Holden. As I approached the top of the stairs, I quickly caught sight of two, unbelievably attractive and powerful men casually sitting at the table, waiting for us.

  “So this is Alexandria reincarnated?” Holden asked doubtingly.

  “Yes, it is, but she has a name, and it’s Haley.” Andrew appeared displeased with his brother. “Haley, this is Holden,” he introduced.

  I smiled uneasily. “Hello.”

  “What is she? I can’t sense anything about her,” Holden asked, irritation heavy in his voice.

  “Perfect,” Andrew smiled widely. “Now be polite and shake her hand.”

  Holden arrogantly stepped in my direction. I anxiously lifted my hand to meet his. My stomach felt sick. Our eyes met as soon as our hands touched. Holden began screaming as I watched the fire blaze between us both, but again, I could not feel anything, and he, too, was immobilized. Andrew pulled his hand from mine. Alec ushered Holden over to the sink where he doused his arm in cold water.

  “It only gets better,” Andrew breathed excitedly.

  “You couldn’t have warned me?!” Holden shouted.

  “No. I had to make sure the touch was pure,” Andrew explained.

  Holden held his charred arm as he glared in Andrew’s direction. “Is this a trick?”