by Jaymin Eve
At one point we entered a small town, which seemed to pass by in a blink, and then we were back on a forest road. I was about to ask how much longer, when he turned off the main road and drove into the trees. Our ride got very bumpy as we left the cleared path, but Chase easily maneuvered the huge vehicle. I couldn’t believe the car fit, but somehow it got through.
Only … were the trees moving out of his way? I knew I hadn’t imagined that when we were walking. It was much more obvious now, because the car required a lot of room. Guess I was starting to understand the Leights powers.
It grew darker once we were under the canopy. I found myself pressing my face to the window, so I didn’t miss anything. For the first time in a long time, there was a low level of excitement thrumming in my center. I was invested; I wanted to know everything. Despite the initial dangers I had faced, I couldn’t be angry this was happening to me. It felt like my world had opened up so much, and it had only been a few hours.
Even with my vigilance in staring out the window, I totally missed the cabin until the car slowed and we pulled up in front of it. It blended into the environment in a way that was pretty darn impressive.
“It’s protected by the land,” Chase told us as he opened my door. “House of Leights’ power is weaker on Earth, but I still have some pull here.”
Yeah, I think we’d all noticed that. No doubt it was this power he’d used when he saved me and Brad in the alley. As everyone exited the vehicle, I struggled to unbuckle the complicated harness, and just when I was about to declare that the car was really nice and I might stay in here forever, Chase leaned in through the door – bending himself in half to fit – and in two swift movements had me free from my restraints.
He hadn’t been this close to me before. I could feel energy running across his skin … as crazy as that sounded. It was bringing every hair on my body to attention. Goosebumps broke out over my arms and a scent of pine and mint invaded my senses. Just like the leaf I’d found at the party. That very fresh smell of nature, mixed with man, created a heady sensation.
My chest heaved as he stepped back, lips parting to suck in air faster. He held out a hand to help me out, but I still couldn’t bring myself to touch him. If I touched him, I was pretty sure everything inside of me would cease working, and I needed to retain some bodily function.
“Thank you,” I said, deftly ignoring his outstretched hand to slide out on my own. “I appreciate your help.”
A flash of white teeth; he grinned in the same lazy way he had in the forest, like he knew exactly why I was avoiding him. These aliens did not lack confidence, but he wore his without an ounce of arrogance, and that was so seductive.
Chase released me from his magnetic pull by turning away. I sank back against the car for a moment, and Brad, who had just crossed around from the other side, winked and grinned at me. He was silently saying “Told you so.” I bared my teeth at him in return, silently telling him “Shut your face or I will break it.”
I might be small, but I’d never let that get in my way before.
My parents fell in on either side of me as we made our way toward the stairs that led up to the log style cabin. It looked small and cozy. Front porch, with three rustic, wooden railings, and the walls were layered logs.
As we stopped in front of the large inviting door to remove our shoes, my mom squeezed my hand. “How are you handling it all?” she asked, her face serious.
I shrugged. “Too soon to tell. I’m going to schedule some time for a breakdown soon, though.”
My dad chuckled, his loud infectious laughter reminding me of home, of days before worry, of days before aliens. Sure, apparently the aliens had always been there, but I’d been in the dark about it … and the saying “ignorance is bliss” had come from somewhere.
“That’s my girl.” My dad ruffled my hair gently. “I’m so very proud of how you’re handling yourself. I promise that we will figure this out soon. You won’t be a prisoner forever.”
Fingers crossed. I was not ready to be caged, that was for sure.
Once our shoes were removed – a tradition my mother instilled in us – we stepped inside. The wood theme continued in here, the floor dark polished. From the entrance it seemed the long planks of wood ran all the way across the entire room.
My father shut the door behind us and I took in the enchanting scene. My favorite interior design style would never change – modern, minimalistic, with white and cream base, and colorful accessories – but there was something completely captivating about this little cottage in the woods.
It was light and open, high windows spanning across the entire living, dining, and kitchen area. The furniture and accessories were cream-colored, and they’d gone for those squishy, comfy styles. I especially liked the way there were no walls at all to separate rooms, just furniture used to create individual and unique spaces.
The couches surrounded a massive fireplace. The hearth was at least six feet wide, the stone of the flue running right up to the ceiling. Its accent, which was dark gray mixed with light creams, was a beautiful contrast to all the wood on the walls.
“Come in. Please, make yourself at home.”
I startled, turning to find a Daelighter close to us – a woman. I studied her closely. It was easy to tell she wasn’t human. She had the same otherworldly, supermodel look about her. Her skin glowed and eyes shimmered.
“My name is Star,” she said, holding her hand out to me, shaking back her long dark hair. “From House of Darken.”
I recalled Chase’s very fast lesson on their world – Darken was the house with the power to control weather and beasts.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” I returned, gingerly taking her hand. I wasn’t sure what I expected to happen, but thankfully there was nothing out of the ordinary when we touched.
“Emma and Callie will be down soon,” she said, releasing her hold on me. “They’re just freshening up after their training.”
My eyes flicked to my father’s and I wondered if I was supposed to know who these two women were.
“Secret keeper number one and two, in that order,” he informed me. “They arrived at the safe house a few days ago. Oh, and just so you know, we won’t be staying here long. We’ll keep moving between safe zones until Laous is dealt with.”
Because he could apparently track me no matter where I went. I guess they were just hoping it would take him a little time to find me again.
Star nodded, her smile fading away as a look of sadness entered her eyes. “Yes, we need to make sure he’s brought to justice.”
Her voice broke and she cleared her throat. I’d seen that look before. She’d lost someone recently.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I murmured.
She blinked a few times. “How did you know…?”
I shook my head, staring at my socks for a minute. “I guess I just recognized your expression … my friend died last year.” She had committed suicide. Katie had suffered from depression, but at that time, I’d thought she was doing okay. When I got the phone call from her parents, I’d refused to believe it. It took me days to come to terms with what happened.
I still thought about her all the time – the sassy girl with long blond hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Technically, she had everything going for her. But depression did not discriminate; it took whomever it wanted and held on for dear life. She had fought hard, but in the end, the battle was too large for her.
It hurt still.
“It was my brother,” Star whispered, her almost navy eyes shiny. “He was killed fighting the resistance – members of the four houses that joined Laous’ team. We’re ferreting them out now, trying to determine how deep it goes in our houses.”
Her brother. A lump formed in my throat because her face held untold levels of devastation. “I’m really sorry,” I said, wishing there was something better I could say. The thought of losing Brad had tears springing to my eyes.
She nodded at me, swallowing hard.
“Thank you, it’s … it’s not getting easier. If anything, it’s harder than ever, but we’re moving forward for Marsil. He would have wanted us to keep fighting.”
“We just need to make sure he’s the only casualty.” The masculine voice came from a hallway leading off the main living area. It was the voice of a rock star, deep rumbly tenors. He stepped out from the darkness, moving into the light where we were all standing.
Holy hell. Beautiful but deadly was exactly how I’d categorize him. His head was shaved, almost completely bald, which showcased his own set of dark red tattoos across one side of his head and down his neck. It looked like they were a similar style to Chase’s, the same symbols. That had to be something to do with their houses.
“Daniel, overlord major of House of Imperial.” Star introduced us. “He is bonded to Callie, the second secret keeper.”
Okay, that was interesting.
“Was Callie born in House of Imperial?” I blurted out.
Daniel paused, tilting his head at me in a completely unhuman way. “Yes, she was. Why do you ask?”
Don’t look at Chase. Don’t look at Chase. “No reason.” I shrugged in an attempt to act causal. “Just trying to piece all of the information together.”
Information like … was there a deeper reason I felt a connection to Chase? Callie and Daniel were bonded. She was born in his land…
“Ask all the questions you want,” Star said to me, moving forward to take a seat on a large one-seater chaise chair. “We have nothing else to do for the next few days until we receive word of where we move to next.”
With a sigh, I sank down into the long couch. My parents and Brad joined me, all of us looking exhausted and ready to call it a day – despite the fact it was about 8 A.M.
“Thank you.” I attempted a smile. “I have about a billion questions, but let’s start with … what’s an overlord?”
Daniel answered: “We have a leadership system which is a mix of your human monarchy and military forces. The overlord major rules over his house, and there are four houses in total. If they have a mate or betrothed, she or he will also rule in supremacy. This title is passed through bloodlines, like a monarchy. Next in line is the overlord minor, then we have admiral major, admiral minor, and it continues down in a ranking system.”
I waved toward his head. “So, the marks you wear, they’re something to do with being an overlord?”
He nodded. “Yes, a true inheritor is born with the marks, but if there are none to inherit, the marks can be added once you’re initiated.”
So that means … I turned toward the silent Chase, who was standing with one shoulder nudged into a nearby wall, observing everything. “Chase is an overlord m…”
“Minor,” he filled in for me. “My parents are still alive and well. I’m next in line to House of Leights.”
Great, he was a prince – kind of – too. Of course he was.
Star piped up then. “My father is the overlord of House of Darken, my oldest brother Lexen is the next in line. His draygone soul chose Emma as a mate.”
My entire world ground to a halt, and I knew I must look crazy, trying to breathe and blink and not pass out. Someone started to talk but there was a roaring in my ears. Eventually, I held both hands up and whoever was talking stopped.
My voice was a breathless whisper: “Are you telling me that the first secret keeper is mated to an overlord of Darken. The second secret keeper to an overlord of Imperial. What? H-how?”
I was destined to be with Chase…
That had to explain why he affected me so greatly. I wasn’t weak – it was beyond my control.
“Yes,” Star said with a nod. “Both of them are bonded in a way which makes them true mates. A soul-deep bond. We believe it might have something to do with the timing of the secret keepers and overlord minors being born, like all of you were born in a similar year and under the same moon. Maybe the great gods thought this time the secret keepers needed extra security to keep them safe.”
No! No! No! No! And hell no! I did not want that. Predestined bull. I controlled my own life. No one else had that right. Unable to stop myself, I looked up to meet glittering green eyes. Chase’s expression was unreadable. He didn’t look angry, but there was something there that told me he was as confused about this as I was. Neither of us said anything. He didn’t confirm that he felt the same connection I did, and I wondered if it was mostly on my side.
“What’s a draygone?” I heard Brad ask, and it was enough to pull me from my own head.
I looked down to find my hands clenched, nails biting into the soft flesh on my palms.
“It’s like your dragon myth on Earth,” Daniel offered. “Lexen can shift his form to a half-beast, half-Daelighter version.”
Guess that explained the beasts. They had dragons … no big deal. And Lexen was like a … werewolf but in dragon form. Also … no big deal…
My breathing was increasing rapidly. I was going to embarrass myself if I didn’t calm down soon. “I need a moment,” I said, somehow keeping my voice even. “Is it okay if I step out onto the porch?”
My dad took a moment to look at Daniel and Chase, who were no doubt the authority here, being princes and all. Both of them nodded and I shot up in my chair. “Don’t wander off,” my dad warned me. “If you see anything weird at all, get back inside immediately.”
I wasted no time bolting from the room. Brad half-rose from his chair but I shook my head at him. I really did need to be alone.
7
Running away to get some air was becoming a thing for me. The excitement I’d felt earlier in the car was fading away again under my panic. I was acting very bipolar in my emotions, freaked out one minute, excited the next. Seriously, how was I part of this Daelighter world? With true mates and bonding. I mean, who even used the words mates and bonding? This entire thing was too much like a fantasy novel for my liking.
I was not born on Earth!
Technically … I was an alien? Even if I had human DNA? Wait … was my DNA still human? I was born in House of Leights for a reason. They needed the secret keepers to be in fetus form for a reason, so that we could be born in the waters of Overworld. Which must have done something to us…
Rubbing at my temples, a headache was threatening to explode behind my eyes. It was just a light pounding now, but I recognized the signs from the few times I’d ended up with a migraine. Too much stress, teamed with no sleep, was taking its toll.
Light footsteps sounded behind me and I turned expecting it to be my mom. She was the only one who moved so stealthily, but instead it was another girl, who looked to be about my age. Her shoulder-length platinum-blond hair was the sort of color that most of my friends spent hundreds in the salon to achieve. Hers looked natural though.
“Oh, hey,” she said, blinking a few times as if she’d just noticed me there. “I didn’t expect anyone to be out here. I like to escape all the chaos on occasion.”
Samesies, strange girl. Samesies.
As she stepped closer, we both examined each other.
“Hi,” I said. “I’m Maya.”
“Callie.” She held her hand out to me.
A sliver of excitement had my stomach flipping. Not in the same way Chase affected me, but in the way that made me think this was someone who understood what I was going through.
“You’re the second secret keeper,” I said as we shook hands.
She smiled, turning her face from pretty into beautiful. She had a very Jennifer Lawrence look about her, and I could definitely see what had Daniel so enthralled. I hadn’t missed the way his face softened when she was mentioned.
“Yes, and you’re our third,” she declared. “Emma is going to be very excited to meet you. She thinks the four of us have a destiny to be best friends and family. That we’re all tied together.”
She was blunt in an enchanting way. Like she wasn’t sure how to hold a conversation without just saying everything she thought. But there was no malice in
her words.
“This destiny business is getting kinda old, don’t you think?”
A tendril of curtness crept into my tone, but she didn’t seem offended. She leaned back against the railing and observed me like I was some sort of science experiment. “What do you mean exactly? Being chosen as a secret keeper wasn’t a destiny thing, it was just timing. Our families were one of the few in on the alien secret, and our mothers just happened to be pregnant at the right time. All four keepers had to be born in the same year.”
Mimicking her pose, I leaned back, keeping a few feet between us. “I’m not talking about the secret keepers stuff, but that still could be destiny if you think about it. What if we were conceived at the exact right moment to fulfill this fate, blah, blah.”
Callie chuckled, propping her feet out a little as she leaned further back. I noticed she was wearing black Converse, a mirror to mine that were by the door. She also wore a pair of jeans and a simple white shirt. We were actually twinning really hard right now, and for some stupid reason, that made me feel a bond with her more than any of the destiny crap.
She watched me closely, no doubt seeing the mess I was. “I’m going to guess that just like Emma, you had no idea about this world.” Her unusual stormy-gray eyes narrowed on me. The way she was staring made me slightly uncomfortable. Like she was seeing too much.
“I knew nothing,” I confirmed. “Which is kind of stupid considering my parents literally work in the government agency which deals with Daelighter and human relations. They said they were going to tell me soon, but that it was important to them that I live a normal life for as long as possible.”
Shadows crossed Callie’s face. “I spent my days moving every three to four months, living with my crazy mother who blamed aliens for everything that was wrong in the world. I would have liked a few years of normal life.” She shook her head, a half-smile back on her face. “Turned out, aliens are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Daniel?” I guessed.
Her face lit up like I’d handed her a limitless credit card and her own private plane, Christmas and birthday all wrapped into one huge moment. “Having someone like Daniel in my life … there’s no comparing it to anything else. Emma will tell you the same.”