“It’s not like he would’ve stolen my gift. Which is the only thing you should be worried about, right?”
He didn’t say anything.
If you ask me—which no one ever had—Kembers were more concerned about Rygons taking our gifts than killing us. If they drained us of our energy, they gained our gifts. Too many mental abilities made a Rygon more powerful than a Kember. Too many powerful Rygons would overthrow the Authority.
Yeah, they gave up their lives just to keep us safe from their mortal enemies. I called BS on that one.
Suddenly intrigued and relieved by the distraction he provided, I studied him in his black button-up shirt and suit pants. Dark circles lay beneath his eyes. “What’s your gift, anyway?”
He didn’t answer right away, and I wondered if he heard.
“Heightened senses.”
“Heightened senses?” I hated myself for being curious. “How does it work?”
He pulled open the middle console separating our seats and fished around inside. “I can see and hear for miles, pick up on any scent and by touching someone or something, I can feel their emotions.” A little white Excedrin bottle rattled in his hand as he pulled it out.
That explained the hungover look—he probably didn’t get much sleep. “So…if you touched me right now, you’d feel what I’m feeling—like an empath?”
He nodded.
I made a mental note to stay out of reach. “I control minds.”
“So I’ve heard.” He popped a couple white pills in his mouth and took a swig from his water bottle.
His comment shouldn’t have shocked me. Kembers and Dreas may’ve been good about keeping their identities secret from the Norms, but they sucked when it came to confidentiality.
His grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I don’t know how things were…run when Delmari was in charge, but there need to be rules concerning your ability and self-control—”
My cold laugh cut him off. “Who died and made you captain?” It hit me, and the retort immediately lost its wit. “I don’t need any rules.”
“Do you have any idea how many people disagree with that?”
“Probably everyone.” I shrugged. “Mostly Ian.”
“Especially, Ian.”
“Well, he’s a dick. I don’t care what he thinks.” Ian should die a slow, painful death.
His brows rose. “He’s looking out for you. You owe him your respect.”
What a line. “You really are his bitch.”
He rubbed his temples, mumbling something I didn’t understand. “I know you and Delmari had a special relationship. He raised you. The bond was inevitable and understandable to a point.”
I couldn’t imagine anyone bonding with Aiden.
“However, had Delmari kept the oath in the first place, his loss wouldn’t be upsetting you like it is. You’d be able to accept a new Kember without feeling your whole world has been affected. Surely Delmari taught you the job we as Kembers have, right?”
Fury raced through me. I couldn’t believe how indifferent he acted toward Delmari. “To be a pain in the ass and ruin lives? Oh, wait—maybe that’s your,” I waved my hand in his direction, “role in this.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I don’t answer stupid questions.”
“We’re assigned—”
“A specific,” I used my wisest, smartass voice, “Drea, and you swear by oath to protect him or her from the Rygons until one of you dies. Whoopdee freakin’do.”
“Yes, but while keeping all emotions aside.” He glanced in my direction. “You can’t tell me Delmari didn’t think of you as his daughter, like you thought of him as your father.”
The dreaded ache in my chest squeezed. He was right. Delmari and I had been daddy-daughter like. Kembers weren’t allowed to have emotional attachments to anyone. It interfered with their call as guardians. Tears burned from the memory of Delmari, but I fought them back. I’d die before crying in front of Aiden. “I’m sure you don’t have that problem. You know, having people who actually like you.”
He continued like I’d never said a word. “It’s our job as guardians to stand by and watch—not interfere. We’re here for your protection.”
My stomach tightened; heat rushed like liquid fire through my veins. I wanted to put this tool in his place, but I didn’t. The second I did, traitor tears would fall. I was furious—too furious to hold them back. Instead, I pulled my knees to my chest, laid my head against them and looked out the side window.
An hour later, the truck slowed.
Oakridge was no doubt a small town. Probably chuck-full of in-breeders and hicks. Buildings, which looked like they were built by cavemen, sat on both sides of the street and a small line of cars passed in the opposite lane. A group of teenagers walked on the sidewalk laughing and flirting with each other. Back home in Meridian, I had a pretty normal teenage life compared to most Dreas. I lucked out. Delmari never wanted me to feel deprived, so I had tons of friends. Ninety percent of them were Norms. Plus, a lot of guys that were into me.
Of course, Delmari’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. What intimidating, six-foot-three man would? My normal friends constantly asked questions about him, wondered why he never failed to be off in the shadows. I had some fun with it. I mean, if I had to lie, I might as well make it a good one. So, I told everyone my mother was an Italian supermodel who couldn’t be around, so she hired Delmari to take care of me.
Which wasn’t too hard to believe. My mother had been Italian, and I guessed I inherited her thick, ebony hair and slightly exotic features. My skin tone resembled someone who spent a lot of time in the sun, but sun or not, I stayed this color year round. With the lack of knowledge about my mother, she could’ve been a supermodel for all I knew. My curvy figure had to have come from someone.
We stayed on the main road and drove about ten more minutes outside of town. I groaned when we turned on a dirt road, surrounded by thick pine trees. Back in the forest again. The trees made my stomach turn. I pictured every one of them bursting into flames.
A one-story, bluish-grey house with a wraparound deck came into view. Aiden turned down the gravel driveway. Apparently, this was the place. It looked pretty basic with probably only two or three bedrooms and an attached garage. I sighed. If it wasn’t for the crappy location, maybe I would’ve called it nice. Maybe.
Cutting the ignition, Aiden reached back and grabbed my backpack from the rear seat. He handed it to me. “The Authority is usually good about stocking houses, but if you need other things, we can go to town tomorrow.” He stepped out, grabbed two huge duffle bags from the truck bed and strode to the front door.
The house opened up into a big rectangular living room with two beige sofas and a big chair. We passed a tiny kitchen with light wood floors and cupboards to a round hallway, which held three doors. Aiden pointed into a huge room—clearly the master suite. “My room.” Then straight across was a smaller one which I took to be mine.
A slow breath escaped my lips as I walked into my new haven and closed the door. Aside from the fact the bedding and curtains were a nasty shade of banana yellow, it wasn’t too bad. A small desk, full size bed, and dresser took up most of the space. That didn’t matter, seeing as I didn’t have anything else to add. I threw my backpack onto the bed, scattering the decorative pillows to the floor.
I dropped onto the mattress and stared at the ceiling, unable to get over how dreamy—no—nightmarish this all felt. I just wanted Delmari to come in and shake me until I woke up. Or maybe even jump out of the closet and yell “psych!” I cringed, the unsettling feeling of doubt growing in my stomach. He wasn’t dead…right? I closed my eyes, but no matter how many feathers they stuffed in this bed, I’d never be able to sleep.
A soft knock sounded from the door.
I groaned, already dreading whatever talk Aiden prepared. “What?”
He pushed the door open and stepped barely past the frame. “Did you get settled
?”
I nodded.
“You’re not allowed to leave the house without me—not even to step outside. Don’t answer the door or phone. I don’t care who you may be expecting.”
Jolting to the sitting position, I stared at him in disbelief. “So, where’s the orange jumpsuit?”
He crossed his arms. “Ian called. Delmari’s funeral will be held on Saturday in Boise.”
My heart sank. I hadn’t been expecting that. My voice came out barely audible. “Th-This Saturday? That’s only two days.”
“I know.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting back tears. No. This couldn’t actually be real. Could it? He’d show up before Saturday—he had to. There’d be no need for the funeral. “I’m not going.”
Aiden’s straight face never wavered. “Yes, you are. It’s a form of respect.”
“Wasn’t the point of moving me clear out in the boonies to make sure I don’t run into the Kember?”
“Ian wants you there. If the Kember attends, you’re the only one who can identify him.” He turned, but before stepping out of my room, he paused. “You’ll regret it if you don’t go. Trust me.”
Chapter 5
After a-day-and-a-half without returned phone calls, with no change in news and no Delmari, reality slowly trickled in.
He really wasn’t coming.
A life without Delmari would be a world without rain. Dry. Desolate. Unrelenting. A life I didn’t want any part of. I held in my screams, fought back my tears and destroyed every pillow in my bedroom. I shouldn’t have left him. I should’ve gone down with him. Instead, I ran like a weak little Drea who thought she actually had something to live for.
Fat drops of rain ran down the strands of hair clinging to my face and dripped off my chin. I didn’t find it ironic it was raining. It just figured. One more thing that would try to rip me in two. One more thing I wished I’d never see again.
I closed my eyes. The vivid picture of the Kember’s ocher gaze and black flowing robe played over and over again. It was burned in my mind. I’d find the bastard, and when I did, I’d kill him myself—or die trying.
A few feet from where I stood, a vast blue tent covered hundreds of chairs and Delmari’s black casket. Common sense told me to take cover under it, but it was pointless. I was too numb to feel the cold; too detached to feel my wet jeans and hoodie sticking to my body. All I could do was watch.
Long lines of Kembers and Dreas walked by his casket, paying their last respects. A few of the females actually cried. I bit my lip. They had no reason to. It’s not like their life had flipped upside down. Nothing changed for them. They’d go home and live their lives and never again look back on this moment. I took a few deep breaths and wiped the droplets off my cheeks. Focus Taylee. Find the Kember.
One by one, I studied the face and eyes of each person who passed. I balled my fists, my nails cutting into my palms.
“You’re going to freeze, not to mention ruin your clothes.”
I didn’t turn. I didn’t speak. The deep, carefree tone that usually lifted my spirits had no effect on me today.
Skyler’s suit jacket draped over my shoulders, bathing me in the warmth his body left behind. It surprised me I could still feel—that something in this life could be warm. With both hands, he turned me around. The rain flattened his short brown hair and ran down his nose. A sympathetic smile creased his lips as his thumbs wiped, what was most likely mascara, under my eyes.
Despite my mood mirroring the weather, I managed a weak smile and motioned toward my best friend. “I didn’t know you owned a suit.”
Skyler pushed strands of my wet hair behind my ears and shook his head. “I don’t even know what to say…” He pulled me into a big hug, and I rested against his chest.
It didn’t help the ache. It didn’t get rid of the hurt, but at least something held me together.
“I’m really sorry, Tay,” he whispered in my ear. “You know I’m here for you. Always.”
Tears threatened to spill, so I pulled back and stood tall. “It’s—I’m fine. I can handle it.”
Skyler tilted his head. I knew he wouldn’t argue—especially with me.
A hand gripped my shoulder, and I turned. Joshua looked like he’d gotten as much sleep as I had: zilch. The pain in his hazel eyes cut through me. His sandy blond curls looked disheveled, and it probably had nothing to do with the rain. He and Delmari had been best friends since before entering the Kember Academy when they were fourteen.
“I should’ve been there,” he whispered. “I should’ve been…”
The child in me wanted to bury my head in his chest and bawl. “You were with Skyler, where you were supposed to be.” I almost kicked myself for wondering why he hadn’t been there. Delmari would’ve lived if he was. No one stood a chance at taking them both on. Like Delmari, Joshua had the reputation of kicking ass and taking names.
“Aiden will take care of you.” He presented such confidence I would’ve believed him, had I not already met the guy. “If you need anything, I don’t care what time it is, you call.”
His words brought me a grain of comfort, even though I’d never take him up on his offer. I forced a nod, trying to make my voice light. “I will.”
He gave my shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. “Where’s Aiden?”
I motioned toward the willow tree Mr. Antisocial stood against. He glanced up and met my gaze, his face and posture stiff. Although I’d never admit it to him, his hearing impressed me. Like Joshua, and the rest of the Kembers here, he wore his black button-up shirt and suit pants: a sign of respect.
Joshua motioned over to him. “I’m going to go say hello. Save us a seat under the tent.”
Skyler grabbed my hand and led me toward the crowd. Kill me now. The last thing I wanted was to be where people could judge and criticize the relationship I’d had with Delmari. If they were smart, they’d know today wasn’t the day to cross me.
We reached the tent, where everyone had begun to be seated, and sat in the back row. I sunk down in the chair, focusing on nothing but the fact that we had a quick escape route once it ended.
Minutes later, Aiden sat on the other side of me. His damp hair hung in his eyes and water dripped off the wavy strands around his ears. He never once looked at me or even acknowledged my existence. Déjà vu. I think we’d only exchanged ten words in the last two days. Maybe because I never left my room, but I doubted it.
The preacher, with deepset eyes and a sharp nose, ironically looked like a vulture. He stood to talk and, as horrible as it might sound, I zoned out. I didn’t want to hear it—any of it. Lost and confused, I twisted the stem of the rose Skyler had jacked from Delmari’s casket. Part of me still couldn’t believe this all happened. This had to be someone else’s funeral. I let myself believe that. Someday I’d have to face the facts, but that was the good thing about someday—it wasn’t today. I pushed it away and put my thoughts elsewhere.
When the service was over, Skyler threw an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to a start. “Taylee, Taylee, Taylee. I’ve missed you like crazy.”
I laughed under my breath, hoping he didn’t notice how off it sounded, and gave him silent props for the subject change. “So you have to sing a song about it? Please don’t tell me you’ve turned into one of those stupid musicals on me—you know I hate those.”
He tilted his head to the grey sky. “Still a pain in the ass, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, but you like my ass.”
“Everyone does.” He bumped me with his hip. “So Aiden’s pretty cool, huh?”
Speaking of ass. “Yeah, if you like having a parole officer twenty-four seven.”
“It can’t be that bad. I mean, I know he’s pretty serious and likes to keep to himself, but he’s got a reputation most Kembers would die for. He’s already killed tons of Rygons. Joshua said if anyone else had been assigned to you, he’d be worried. That says a lot about the guy, you know.”
I stared, puzzled
. How did he know all this crap about Aiden?
“He was Joshua’s apprentice the last two months of his training.” The question must have been written on my face. “Aiden gave him a run for his money, and you know how awesome Joshua is.” He shook his head. “That was like six years ago. Wait until you see him fight. He’s freakin’ amazing.”
I huffed. This wasn’t the time to reevaluate my perception of Aiden—I didn’t want to. We walked in silence for a moment longer, and I finally couldn’t handle it anymore. “Do you sense anyone who could’ve done this?”
He didn’t answer right away. A line formed on his forehead as he concentrated. Skyler’s psychometry ability allowed him to look into someone’s mind and read their intent. His gift didn’t come with restrictions or rules like mine had. “No…it’s a lot of minds to sift through, but I don’t feel anyone with bad motives toward Delmari,” he whispered.
My eyes widened in disbelief. “No one?”
His hand rubbed up and down my arm. “It’s okay, Tay. They’ll catch him. It’ll just take more than two days.”
“I’ve gotta find him,” I whispered fiercely. “He’s gotta be here.” I jerked my head in all directions.
Skyler’s hand, hanging around my shoulders, seized my jaw and held my head in place. “You don’t need to worry about this right now—or ever. Ian won’t rest until they get him. Plus, Aiden and Joshua are keeping an eye out. You take this time to grieve.”
I scowled at him. I should’ve known he’d say something dumb like that. “It must be nice to know if you don’t get a basketball scholarship, you’ll have a promising future as a shrink. That way you could deliver all your bad talks to people who need them.”
“Ha- ha. Very funny.” He released my head and kicked a pinecone as we walked.
“Sorry, Doctor.”
He hesitated. His gaze drifted across the cemetery. “While we’re on the subject of my ‘bad’ talks…”
“I knew it! I knew—”
Darlings of Paranormal Romance (Anthology) Page 140