by Cameo Renae
“Time for what?” I asked. My dad’s eyes narrowed.
“To meet your family.” She smiled.
I knew that wasn’t what she had been about to say, but I took it, because they were pushing for me to go.
My father had taught me everything I needed to know about self-defense and how to use weapons, but there was something about me he didn’t know. A secret I’d kept from him, different from the magic I had when I was younger.
Ever since I’d turned sixteen, strange things started happening to me. Things I couldn’t explain.
My sense of smell, taste, and hearing were heightened, and I could see extremely well in the dark. Not only that, I felt strong—really strong—and could move heavy things with no problem. At first, it terrified me, but I knew that if I told my dad, he’d freak.
He was the kind of dad who would rush to the drugstore and buy a ton of medicine if he heard me cough.
The thing was, since the changes started a year ago, I never got sick. Not once. So, I kept the changes to myself. Besides, I didn’t want anyone else to know. They wouldn’t understand. I’d read enough books and watched enough movies to know what would happen if I went to a doctor. I’d be tested—poked and prodded—and then they’d give the ultimate answer: “I’m sorry, Mr. Blaekthorn. We don’t know what’s wrong with her.” Then there’d be more experiments, only to get more unanswered results. Nope. I wasn’t a damn lab rat.
So, I embraced my oddities.
I knew, deep inside, nothing was wrong with me. Actually, I felt like everything was right.
With the new changes, I was also having a recurring dream of a woman, tall and beautiful, with long golden hair and honey-colored eyes. And with her, always at her side, was a beautiful golden-haired wolf. She would kneel and embrace it, pet its thick fur, and sing sweetly to it, lulling the wolf to sleep. When her eyes found mine again, she would smile, and the dream would end.
I had no idea what the dream meant, but I always felt so peaceful when I would wake after it. It happened so often, I felt like I knew the woman. She looked a lot like my mother, but she wasn’t her. She was older, and I often wondered if she was my estranged grandmother. The woman I was told left after my grandfather died, without a word.
Another knock on the door made me stiffen. This time, my dad went to get it.
“Ms. Gingrich,” he said, and I sighed.
“Is everything all right?” she asked in her old, craggy voice.
“Yes,” he replied. “My brother stopped in for a visit.”
Her head peeked in, and Uncle Garrick waved to her. “Oh, I didn’t know you had a brother,” she said, her eyes narrowing.
“Well, you never asked,” he chuckled, then stepped outside for more privacy. It didn’t matter. I could hear him even if he whispered. “Ms. Gingrich, I’d like to ask a favor.”
“What is it?” she asked.
I was just about to rebut when he said, “I’ll be taking Eris with me out of town for a bit, to visit the family. Would you mind watching over the place while we’re gone?”
“Of course,” she replied, patting his hand. “But you watch her well, Piers. Keep her safe.”
“I will, ma’am. And thank you.”
She nodded, then wobbled away.
Internally, I squealed.
My father had agreed to me going, but with strict rules. Mess up, and he’d drive me right back to New Mexico to stay with the Grinch, no questions asked. The utter seriousness on his face gave me no choice but to willingly agree.
Within a few hours, we were packed and ready to leave. Outside were two large, identical black trucks. To my surprise, Uncle Garrick had a Chevy Silverado 4x4, just like my dad’s. I guess the Blaekthorn brothers were a lot alike.
Before we left, I saw Ms. Gingrich talking to Lyra. Lyra handed her a pamphlet, and then walked away. That was odd.
By the time we hit the highway, it was a little after midnight, and I fell asleep.
I dreamed of my brother. We were both younger, around the ages in the picture Uncle Garrick brought, and were playing in the snow. Behind us was a two-story log cabin with gray smoke billowing from the chimney. On the porch, my mom and dad sat with two steaming mugs in their hands, watching us. My father looked so much younger and stress-free. Smiles adorned their faces as they chatted and laughed with each other. I could see the love in their eyes, every time their eyes met. A look I’d never seen in my father’s eyes.
Camden threw a snowball, hitting me directly in the face, and I stood there, stunned.
“Get him back, Eris!” my mother yelled. Her eyes were wide and kind, urging me to fight back.
I bent and gathered snow in my gloved hands, packing it into a tight ball. As soon as I threw it, Camden ducked, and I missed. Mom and Dad set down their mugs and ran out toward us. A family snowball fight began. Me and Mom against Camden and Dad.
My mother’s laughter was beautiful. Like a ray of sunshine on the cloudiest day. We were laughing and screaming, chasing my dad and brother all around the front yard, throwing snowballs, tackling each other, making snow angels, and having a blast.
“Eris,” my dad said, nudging me awake softly. “You okay?”
“M-hmm,” I hummed. “Why?”
“You were making sounds in your sleep. Were you dreaming?”
“Yeah,” I breathed, my heart still aching at the new memory. “I think my memories are starting to return.” I was glad they hadn’t come all at once. I wasn’t sure if my heart could take it.
“That’s good,” he said.
I sat up and yawned, stretching my arms over my head. “Where are we?”
“In Colorado.”
“How long have we been driving?”
“Almost seven hours,” he said, his eyes tired. “I’m hoping we’ll arrive soon.”
We were still following Uncle Garrick’s truck down a winding, narrow, bumpy road. A rocky cliff was on one side, and it looked like a sheer drop on the other. Snow lined the sides of the road, and I found myself white-knuckling the truck’s grab handle.
“Haven’t you learned to trust my driving yet?” he asked with a smile.
“On a normal road, yes. But in the middle of the boonies, on a road with snow, possible ice, and a death drop . . . my faith is being tested.”
Dad laughed out loud, and it was a wonderful sound. I hadn’t heard him laugh much since we moved to New Mexico.
He took hold of my hand. “Change is coming, Eris,” he said, his eyes still on the road ahead. “But we’ll get through it together, like we always have.”
I turned to him and smiled. “I know we will, Dad . . . like we always have.”
Chapter 3
A little after eight in the morning, we pulled in front of a building with a sign on its front that read “Havenwood Falls Medical Center.” It looked like it was once a one-and-a-half-story home that had been renovated, and was painted white with blue trim.
Lyra waved goodbye and headed to a car in one of the stalls. Two men, who looked like they could be related, met my dad and uncle outside of the facility. Uncle Garrick extended his hand to the older one, who was wearing a flannel shirt and jeans.
“Sheriff Kasun,” he addressed him, then nodded to the other, dressed in a police uniform. “Conall.”
“Eris, why don’t you go inside,” my dad instructed. “We’ll be right in.”
It was cold outside, so I happily obliged.
As I stepped into the facility, I saw a girl around my age sitting behind a desk to the right, flipping through a magazine. She was pretty, with long black hair, hazel eyes, and a nose piercing. “Hi. How can I help you?” she asked with a smile.
I swallowed and walked up to her. “I’m here to see my brother, Camden Blaekthorn.”
She gasped, her eyes widening as she took in my face. “Your Cam’s sister, Eris.” I was a little taken aback she knew who I was, but nodded. “Gosh, you’ve, like, totally changed since the last time I saw you.”
&
nbsp; I studied her face, but didn’t recognize her.
“You, don’t remember me, do you?”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s fine. I suppose you’ll, like, remember all the details later, huh?” She grinned, tapping the side of her temple with her finger. “My name’s Taylor.”
“Nice to meet you, Taylor,” I said.
“I bet the family’s glad you’re back,” she added.
I shrugged. “I haven’t seen them yet.”
“Oh.” Her eyes flitted to a chart on her desk. “Well, I’m sorry about your brother. I hope they, like, find out what happened to him soon.” She leaned over the desk and pointed to my left. “He’s in room number two. Take a right around that corner, and it’s down the hall on your left. The nurse practitioner checked on him like ten minutes ago, so you’re free to go in.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“Good luck.” She smiled. “And it’s good to have you back.”
I nodded and smiled back, then began my journey down the stark white hall. My heart hammered harder and faster with every step I took, a mixture of anxiety and excitement welling up inside of me.
The place smelled sterile, a mixture of bleach and lemon cleaners.
Then, I spotted a small black number attached to a door. Two. Taking in a few deep breaths, I placed my hand on the knob and paused. My feet were frozen, not allowing me to step any farther.
Just do it, Eris, I urged myself.
I took in one last breath, then turned the knob and pushed the door open.
A young man lay on a bed, eyes closed, chest steadily rising and falling. Wires were attached to him, monitoring his heartbeat. The steady spikes on the monitor appeared to be strong.
I studied his profile, his features so foreign, yet so familiar. Flashes of memories, once stolen from me, started to return. But they were from when we were much younger.
I still wanted to know why we’d been separated and all memories of him erased. They said it was to protect the town, but there had to be more. My dad left this place for a reason. What was so important that a father would leave his son? What happened here in Havenwood Falls that made us leave seven years ago?
I made a silent promise to myself, and to my brother, that I’d help to find out what happened. Even if I had to look myself.
Judging by the photo, Camden had completely changed. He wasn’t a boy anymore. He was a young man. He looked muscular, his body a lot longer, his face thinned out, his nose strong, and jaw more prominent and stubbled with facial hair. I wondered if he would have known me if he saw me. Because if I’d seen him in New Mexico, even if he stood right in front of me, I would have never guessed he was my brother.
“Who are you?” A deep, sensual voice rumbled behind me, making me jump.
I turned back, but had to look up at the figure standing behind me.
Good God, he was gorgeous, around my age, with a strong jaw and straight nose. His hair was dark brown and unkempt, like he’d raked his fingers through it a few times. He was tall, at least six-one, with broad shoulders and defined muscles under his almost too-tight shirt.
But it was his eyes that captured me. Beneath the long, dark lashes were the most beautiful hazel eyes rimmed in gold.
Where did he come from? I hadn’t heard anyone walk down the hall.
A devilish grin grew on his full lips, and heat rushed to my cheeks. Quickly, I turned away, arms crossed over my chest, hoping that if I ignored him he’d go away.
“Are you Cam’s new girl?” he questioned.
I gasped, pivoting back to him. “Excuse me?” I shot him my best evil eye. But it did absolutely nothing, only made his full lips turn up even more—lips I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to punch or to know what they felt like pressed against mine.
Wait. No! What the hell was I thinking?
He stepped closer, his right hand braced against the doorframe, blocking me in. “So, where has he been hiding you?” His voice was low and seductive, his eyes sweeping down my body and back up until he met mine.
“Who the hell are you?” I sneered, wanting to smack that adorable grin right off his face.
“I’m Cam’s best friend, Rylan. Rylan Gilles.” He held out a hand to me, but I didn’t take it. I exhaled and turned my attention back to my brother.
“Well?” he pressed.
“Well, what?”
“Are you going to tell me your name?”
“No.”
Laughter rumbled behind me.
I didn’t know this guy and wasn’t here to make a new friend. All I wanted, was to see my brother.
I heard him take a step closer and could feel his body heat radiating against my back. I twisted my head toward him. “Haven’t you heard of personal space?”
His eyes narrowed as he tucked his hands into his jeans. “You’re feisty.”
“Well, you’re rude.”
“I like feisty.”
“I’m sure you do,” I exhaled. “So why don’t you go somewhere else and find a feisty girl who gives a damn.” He didn’t respond, so I glanced back. “What?”
“Nothing.” His eyes narrowed, studying mine, but he still had that damn snarky grin.
My dad’s voice echoed from down the hall.
“Over here,” I called, hoping to squash this awkward chatter.
“Hey, Rylan,” Uncle Garrick said as they stopped near us. “How’s Cam doing?”
“Nothing’s changed,” Rylan replied. “Vera said you’d gone out of town, but wouldn’t tell me why.”
Uncle Garrick smiled. “Well, this is why.” He threw an arm around my dad’s shoulder. “Rylan, I’d like you to meet my oldest brother, Piers. Cam’s father.”
“Wow,” Rylan exhaled, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” My dad took Rylan’s hand and shook it firmly.
“Piers, Rylan has been staying with me and Vera,” Uncle Garrick explained.
I stayed tight-lipped but listened intently.
“He came wandering into Havenwood Falls about six months ago, after he lost his family. He and Cam became close friends, and when Cam told us about his situation . . . we couldn’t help but take him in.” He slapped an arm around Rylan’s neck. “He’s a good kid, and a big help around the property and the store.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Rylan,” my dad said, using his cautious voice. I could see his eyes carefully studying Rylan’s face.
“And,” Uncle Garrick’s hand landed on my shoulder, “Rylan, this is my beautiful niece, Eris . . . Cam’s sister.”
There was a sparkle in Rylan’s eyes as he glanced at me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Eris.” His head angled, giving me a broad smile, revealing straight, white teeth.
God damn it. Why did he have to be so damn handsome and cocky?
We must have held each other’s stares for some time, because my dad cleared his throat. Rylan turned away first, and I exhaled a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding.
“I’m sure my brother has a set of rules for his household,” my dad started, and my stomach began twisting. My dad glanced at me, and I knew exactly what he was going to say next. The same thing he told every boy he thought showed the slightest bit of interest in me. “But I have one very important rule for you. My daughter is off limits.” It wasn’t only a command; it was a warning.
“Yes, sir,” Rylan answered with a nod of his head. He then glanced at me, and I shrugged, quickly turning away.
“Good, then,” my dad said. “Now that we’re all on the same page, I need to see my son.” He stepped around me and headed toward my brother. I tried to follow, but my feet were still frozen.
Uncle Garrick stepped forward, patting Rylan on the shoulder. “I’ll see you at home.” He then followed after my dad.
Twisting my head back one last time, I saw a smile broaden on Rylan’s face, making the gold around his eyes shimmer brighter. He leaned close, his scent refreshing and attractive, a mixture of pin
e and fresh air, and what I thought the forest might smell like after a rainstorm.
“I’ll catch you later, cupcake,” he whispered softly into my ear, the heat of his breath brushing against my cheek.
“Don’t call me cupcake,” I growled. And before I could say anything else, he winked and walked away, chuckling, as if my dad’s words meant nothing. As he exited, my body relaxed.
What the hell was wrong with me?
I turned my gaze back into the room. My father was leaning over my brother, whispering words into his ear, holding his hand. My heart ached as I finally stepped inside and closed the door.
Chapter 4
There was a knock on the door a few minutes later. A man walked in and shut the door behind him. He was of average build, with salt-and-pepper hair and navy-blue eyes. He tucked a pen into his white lab coat and walked up to my dad, extending his hand.
“You must be Piers Blaekthorn,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Underwood.”
My father took his hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you, Doctor. Do you know what’s happening to my son?”
“We’re not entirely sure. The mages believe it’s a spell, and because my own healing abilities don’t seem to work on him either, I’d have to agree. It’s a dark spell that is keeping him in a deep sleep, and he hasn’t been responding to any treatment. But Garrick told me about what happened to your wife. Do you know if—”
“Wait,” my dad interjected, holding up his hand. He then turned his attention to me, and his eyes softened. “Eris, could you please wait outside for a moment?”
“Why?” I was confused. Was what happened to Camden connected to my mom?
“Please, honey.” His eyes begged. “There are things we need to discuss privately.”
“If it’s about Mom and you know what happened, I think it’s time you told me.”
“I will, sweetheart,” he said, his fingers brushing the side of my cheek. He stood in front of me, laying both hands on my shoulders. “I promise, when we’re done here, and I know more, I will tell you everything.”
“Everything?” I questioned.