Camden took her by the hand and led her to the kitchen table, forcing her to sit down in one of the rickety cane chairs. “Is Armando good to you?” he asked, sitting down in the chair across from her.
“He treats me the same as always.”
Camden frowned at her response. “So basically he still treats you like a common whore.”
Whitney lowered her head, her silence speaking volumes.
“You would think the old creep would use one of the younger Breeders as his slut.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to say. It is what it is.” Whitney exhaled and placed her hand over his. “Go back to Florida. It’s dangerous here. What’s going to happen if you and Kieran get caught up in that mess going on over at the Grove?”
“I’m not leaving without you.”
“Armando will kill you before he will let you take me away from here.”
“Whatever. I’m willing to take that risk,” Camden said.
Whitney banged her fist on the table. “Well, I’m not!”
“Whit, you have to come with me.”
“I said no… and I mean no.”
The kitchen door swung open, interrupting their conversation. Bijoux stepped into the room, her pink-streaked hair swirling around her. Her eyes met Camden’s, watching him with indifference.
“Bijoux, come over here and meet my brother, Camden. He’s here on… college break.”
Bijoux walked over to the stainless steel stove and poured herself a cup of coffee. “It would seem all that education didn’t make him too smart, did it?”
“Really? Why do you say that?” Camden said, intrigued by the girl’s outspokenness.
Bijoux turned around to face him. “What person in their right mind would choose to come to this god-forsaken place? There’s something dark going on around here. I feel it all the way down to my soul.”
Camden frowned. He was finding his homecoming disappointing at best. He was sure Whitney would be happy to see him, but he also knew she would be concerned for his safety, but not to this degree.
“Camden, have you eaten?” Whitney said.
He shook his head, his mood taking a nosedive.
Whitney gave him a reassuring pat on the back as she stood. “I’ll grab the ham and eggs and whip you up a quick omelet.”
The moment Whitney stepped away Camden gave in to his sadness. Placing his elbows on the table, he leaned his head on his hands. “Did I make a mistake coming back here?”
Bijoux sipped her coffee and watched him with uncertainty. She didn’t care much for boys. They had a habit of using and abusing her. She prided herself on being able to keep her emotions at bay. She stared at Camden, offering him no sympathy or support. As he leaned forward in his chair, she was surprised to see tears covering his cheeks.
“I was positive Whit would be thrilled to have me home.”
Bijoux continued drinking her coffee, still unsure of what to say. “She’s afraid something will happen to you. Why can’t you get that through your thick head? You’re in danger here. Hell, we all are.”
“Whit’s being paranoid. I’m fine. Besides, I’m not traveling alone; my friend’s name is all the protection I need.”
“If that’s the case, I’d advise you to stick to him like glue.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he assured her. “Hey Bijoux, why don’t you sit down and tell me about yourself.”
She shook her head, allowing her hair to cover her face. “Yeah, if you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about myself — not much to tell anyway.”
“I doubt that’s true, but have it your way. We can always talk about something else.”
Bijoux eyed him suspiciously. “What is it you want from me?”
“Nothing… I dunno… maybe your company,” Camden said, surprised by her question.
Bijoux hesitated for a brief second before walking over to the table and sitting down in the chair across from him. “I’m kinda surprised Whitney’s never mention you.”
“You mean she never talks about me?”
“No, but to be fair, this is my first day working with her,” she said with a half-smile.
Bijoux continued to question him about his life in Florida. The time seemed to fly by as Camden described his numerous escapades with Kieran, along with a blow-by-blow account of how they managed to purchase their own homes at such a young age.
His life fascinated her. He was free to make his own decisions. She could barely grasp the concept of being free. Her heart filled with envy. She couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever know the joy of living her own life and not being controlled by another human being.
Minutes later Whitney returned carrying the simple ingredients for Camden’s lunch, and with Bijoux’s help, his omelet along with a bowl of fresh strawberries was on the table.
Camden dug into his food with abandon. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed a home cooked meal. He devoured the last strawberry seconds before Armando entered the kitchen.
The women jumped to their fee. Armando remained silent, waiting for Camden to do the same. When it became apparent that he had no intention of moving, Armando pounded his came on the floor in a show of anger.
“This is my home. I demand the proper respect. You will stand and address me accordingly.”
Reluctantly, Camden pushed back his chair and rose to his feet.
Satisfied, Armando turned to Whitney. “I assume this disrespectful young man is Camden.”
“It is,” she said, her voice trembling.
Armando circled him, studying his good looks. “He has changed — turned into a fine-looking specimen.”
“Man,” Camden corrected him, his voice barely above a whisper.
“What did you say?”
“I’m not a specimen. I’m a grown-ass man. You’d do well to remember that.”
Whitney stood off to the side wringing her hands together well aware of Armando’s growing rage. “The boy’s forgotten his manners.” She turned her attention to Camden, her face pleading for his understanding. “Apologize to Mr. Rayne right this minute!”
“No way!”
“Camden, please… for me.”
“Fine. I’m sorry for my behavior. It will not happen again,” he said, rolling his eyes in defeat.
“Very well,” Armando said gruffly. “So, tell me, where is Kieran hiding?”
“I don’t know. He isn’t here?”
“If the boy was here I would not be asking you.” Armando wondered why there was no sign of Kieran on the compound. He was quite fond of the young man, but he happened to be the son of Lucien Bourdon and therefore could not be trusted. Perhaps he should send the Lookers out to search for him. The last thing he needed was Kieran snooping around the breeding compound and reporting back to his father.
“Camden, do you remember Sam?” Armando said.
“Sure.”
“He has a spare cot over the garage you can stay there… for the night.” With those words Armando turned and left the room.
Whitney wasted no time, slapping Camden on the back of the head with her meaty hand. “What in the world were you thinking? You can’t be speaking to these people that way. Do not give them a reason to take you beyond the fence.”
“She’s right,” Bijoux added. “If you make them angry they might follow through on their threats. I saw a man from the compound today — I’ve never seen such a pitiful sight.”
“I’ll be more careful in the future,” he reassured Whitney. “But I still think you worry too much.”
“Lord, how I wish I believed that,” Whitney said. “But I won’t stop worrying until you boys are home safe and sound.”
Fifteen
Lyric stood in front of the walk-in closet trying to decide which outfit to wear to dinner. After discarding several dresses, she gently placed her final selection on the bed. She turned to Halen and sneered. “Isn’t this dress amazing? Daddy bought it for me.”
“I guess
. It’s nice…if you like that frilly, girly stuff.” Halen reached out, timidly running her fingers over the silky sky-blue material.
Lyric sighed. “I want to look amazing tonight. Kieran Bourdon is staying with us for a few days,” she said, her voice laced with excitement. “He’s so gorgeous — powerful too. His family’s legacy is nothing short of legendary.”
Halen mindlessly gathered Lyric’s discarded dresses and placed them back on the hangers. It didn’t surprise her that Kieran made such an impression on the hot-to-trot Lyric. The guy was nothing short of total perfection. She imagined most girls would find him irresistible.
Sitting down at the vanity, Lyric brushed her hair, her thoughts on Kieran. He had informed her earlier that he planned to leave town as soon as he settled things with his father and stopped the ceremony. She found his news extremely disappointing. He couldn’t leave town. He had to stay here and fall in love with her. That was the plan. It had always been the plan. Her plan.
Lyric had visited the Grove on numerous occasions, and she knew that she would be the perfect choice to rule by Kieran’s side. There had to be a way to persuade him to remain at the Cove and take his rightful place among the members of the Hive.
Together they could send the new Chosen One back to wherever she came from. Lyric stared at her reflection in the mirror, confident that she would have no problem changing Kieran’s mind. Before long he would be begging to do her bidding.
“Halen! Get over here and help me get ready for dinner. I cannot keep Kieran waiting, now can I?”
**
Bijoux met Halen coming down the hall. “I was on my way to get you. Whitney has dinner ready. She seems anxious to see you,” she said.
“Really? Why is that?”
“She wants you to meet her brother. He’s friends with some dude named Kieran. Seems this Kieran dude is a big deal around here.”
Halen froze. She couldn’t meet Camden. What if he remembered her from the accident? Her eyes met Bijoux’s. “Have you met Camden…before today, I mean?”
“No. Of course not.”
Halen’s mind raced. She didn’t see how this could turn out well. “Bijoux,” she began nervously. “I can’t meet Camden. Tell Whitney…tell her…I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well.”
“Okay, but I still do not understand why you can’t take five minutes to meet this guy — it’s important to Whitney.”
“I told you, I’m sick. Would you mind bringing my dinner to my room? I’d really appreciate it.” Halen turned and headed back to Lyric’s room, opened the door and rushed inside. Would the lies ever stop? She hated being dishonest with her friends. She knew her refusal to meet Camden would hurt Whitney deeply and it broke her heart.
Tears pooled in Halen’s eyes as she watched Kieran and Lyric walk hand in hand through the flower garden. She tried to move away from the window, but the image of the boy she loved kissing another girl rendered her immobile. Anger surged through every fiber of her body. How could she have been so stupid? Obviously she was nothing more than a plaything in Kieran’s eyes — a minor distraction to help kill a few hours. He planned to use her to satisfy his lust while he went about seducing Lyric.
Halen moved to the dressing table and began rummaging through Lyric’s jewelry box. Just one nice piece and she’d be set for the next six months. Smiling, she removed an opal and diamond-encrusted ring. Looking around to make sure she was still alone, she quickly slipped the ring in her pocket. Tomorrow she’d walk to the nearest town, sell Lyric’s gaudy-ass ring and use the money to find her way home. She wondered if this was the first time she’d ever stolen anything. Unfortunately, she had a sinking feeling it would not be her last.
Kieran allowed Lyric’s kiss to linger a moment too long before breaking the embrace. Her sudden advances took him by surprise. Her aggression left him feeling cold, but he didn’t want to do anything that might upset her, thus angering Armando.
“Your father will be furious if he catches us kissing this way. You need to get a grip, Lyric. Learn to control yourself. Besides, I really gotta go. I promised Whitney I’d taste one of her blueberry pies.”
Lyric smiled sweetly. “Do not let me keep you. I’m sure Whitney is waiting.”
“Thanks for understanding. I’ll see you around.”
Sixteen
Whitney sat at the kitchen table reading the newspaper when Kieran casually strode into the room. Surprised to see him, she stood, hugging him tightly. “Kieran, just look at you! You are sure some kind of handsome.” She walked over to the stove and poured two cups of coffee. Placing the cups on the table, she urged him to sit down and join her.
“Thanks, Whitney,” he said, flashing her a smile.
“I’m glad you stopped by,” Whitney said. “I need to talk to you about Camden — he shouldn’t be here. Not now.“
“It’s not like I didn’t try to talk him out of coming. He was determined to see you.”
Whitney lowered her head, her voice a mere whisper. “He wants me to leave this place, Kieran.” She paused, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. “I can’t do it. I just can’t.”
“I know Armando will never allow it to happen,” Kieran said.
“Armando is determined to keep me,” she said defeated.
“Why? Why is he so determined to keep you here?”
“Who knows why Armando behaves the way he does. Maybe he thinks I’m the only person capable of running this crazy house.”
Kieran shook his head. “Pardon my French, but that’s bullshit and you know it. The man is in love with you.”
“Don’t be absurd,” Whitney stammered. “I’m the man’s property, not his equal. His is not allowed to have feelings for me.”
Kieran frowned. “I think his feelings for you run deeper than either of you are willing to admit.”
Whitney ignored his statement. “Since you’re so anxious to discuss people’s love lives, do you have a girlfriend back home?”
“No, but there is is someone pretty special in my life.”
“Really? Is she from around here? Oh goodness, it’s not Lyric, is it?”
Kieran laughed. “Not hardly. Give me a little credit. I think she might be one of your neighbors.”
“From one of the farms? Are you telling me this girl is…poor?”
“I honestly have no idea. What are you saying, Whitney? Does a girl need to be rich for me to care about her?”
Kieran’s statement shocked Whitney. How could he ask such a foolish question. “Here, where your family’s name is king — yes.”
“My family’s name means nothing to me. I’m free to live and love as I please. if my choices upset my father, all the better.”
Seventeen
Afraid her tossing and turning would disturb Bijoux, Halen climbed out of bed, slipped on her clothes and walked outside, staring vacantly into the starless sky. She shuddered, thinking about the journey that lay ahead of her. If caught, Armando would have her killed or worse, sent to Magnolia Grove to fulfill her destiny. Tears pooled in her eyes and she quickly brushed them away. There was no turning back now.
The next morning found Halen scared and apprehensive. Her heart pounded in her chest as she slipped into Lyric’s expensive purple and white floral sundress. She opened the door and peeked outside. The most difficult part of her escape would be getting away from the main house without being seen. She quickly wrapped the delicate lace shawl around her shoulders and ran down the stairs through the kitchen and out on to the cobblestone patio.
She ran as fast as her legs would carry her down the overgrown path and past the garden. By the time she reached the edge of the woods she was out of breath. She wondered if Kieran would wait for her by the fountain or if he was still wrapped in Lyric’s seductive embrace.
**
Lyric awoke late, outraged to find Halen gone. Storming out of her room, she demanded Bijoux find Halen and tell her to come to her bedroom immediately. Bijoux was left with no choice but
to tel Lyric about Halen’s disappearance. Fuming Lyric rushed off to tell her father. It wasn’t long before the entire house was in an uproar.
Lyric and Armando, along with Mitchell and Whitney waited on the front porch to greet Kieran. Like a fool, he’d waited for hours by the fountain. Halen had stood him up and his current mood reflected his frustration. “What’s all the commotion about?” he said to Armando.
“It seems one of my recent acquisitions escaped. She’s been missing for a few hours — she shouldn’t be too difficult to locate.”
Kieran eyed the snarling dogs surrounding Armando. “Are they necessary?”
“The dogs are used for tracking, nothing more. Your help is needed, my boy.” Kieran shook his head. He had no desire to go chasing after a helpless girl. “I don’t think so, Armando.”
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Whitney whispered nervously, wringing her hands. Her simple request irritated Lyric, who placed her delicate hand on Kieran’s arm and glared at Whitney. “You may speak to Kieran after they find that horrid girl. I need you to run along inside and fix everyone something cold to drink. It’s as hot as Hades out here. I’m sure Kieran must be thirsty.”
Armando walked over to Lyric and placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. “There is no time for refreshments, daughter. We will be home for dinner with that trouble making little bitch in tow.”
“Good luck, Daddy.”
The moment Armando and his entourage disappeared over the horizon, Kieran moved to pry Lyric’s claw-like fingers from his arm. “Excuse me, Lyric,” he said curtly, moving to stand next to Whitney. “What can I do for you, Whit?”
She motioned for him to follow her to the other side of the porch away from Lyric’s prying eyes and keen sense of hearing. “You need to catch up with Armando and the others.’
“You know I can’t do that.”
“But you have to,” she pleaded. “Mr. Rayne is so angry there’s no telling what he might do to that poor girl.”
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