by Jill Sanders
“Mike’s in the process of remodeling, so if you’ll excuse the dust,” Xtina said, setting down a bag. “These are some clothes I had packed up. Honestly, some of them are from Jessie.” She rolled her eyes. “My friend thinks I don’t have enough clothes.”
Brea smiled slightly. “I don’t feel right staying…”
Xtina held up her hand, stopping her. “You may not know this, but I too have”—she blinked a few times and took a deep breath— “strange powers. I’ve had them my entire life. I used to think that it was a curse.” She shifted, then motioned to the sofa.
Mike had stayed behind at Xtina’s house, since he needed to stay off his leg for a few days, so it was just the two of them.
Brea sat on the sofa across from Xtina as she sat in a large leather chair.
“Here.” She held out her hands. “I’ll show you.” She wiggled her fingers, telling Brea that she wanted to hold her hand.
Brea hesitated for a second, but then her curiosity took hold and she reached out.
When their fingers touched, Brea felt a weird sensation rush through her.
“You had a very lonely childhood. It was just you and your father, whom you love very much.”
Brea’s eyebrows shot up. But Xtina wasn’t done.
“Your job is on the line.” Xtina frowned. “From your ex, Drew.” She sighed. “What an ass.” She shook her head. “Sorry, anyway, you’ve been having visions.” Xtina’s eyebrows drew closer together, but Brea took her hands away.
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
“No, I should be the one who is apologizing.” Xtina leaned back. “I can read other people’s minds by touching them,” she said after a moment.
“Everyone?” She leaned a little closer, growing more curious.
“Except Mike.” She smiled. “It’s so nice not hearing…” She sighed. “Everything. When I’m with him.”
“You’ve had this your entire life?” she asked. When Xtina nodded, she took a deep breath and decided she could let a few more of her defenses slip. “I’ve had… dreams, since I was a kid.”
“Dreams?” Xtina leaned forward and tilted her head.
“Visions, really. Of things that are going to happen.”
“Like what happened in the grocery store?”
She nodded. “Yes, one moment I’m somewhere”—she shook her head— “and then the next I’m somewhere else.” She made a hand motion. “Then, zoom, I’m back to where I started.”
“What happens next?”
“Usually, within a day or two, what I saw, comes true.”
“Every time?”
“Yes.” She frowned. “The only thing that has ever changed…” She felt a shiver run up her spine. “When your eyes went white and you said, ‘Hidden Creek holds your fate.’”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Xtina said, getting up and walking in front of the fireplace. “When I saw you in the grocery store, and again when I first saw you on my porch, your eyes were different.”
“My eyes?” Brea asked.
“Yes, they were very… silver. Almost as if they were glowing.”
She blinked a few times, not sure what to say.
“Had you… Both times, had you just… appeared?”
Brea thought about it. “Yes. I normally get this sensation. Like pins all over my skin. But I didn’t know about my eyes. Sometimes I shut them because they hurt.”
“Interesting.”
Brea sighed. “It sucks. Here I am, more than sixty miles away from my bed, with no clothes, no car, not even my own toothbrush.”
“I’m sorry this is happening, but I’m positive you’re where you’re supposed to be.”
She sighed and leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment. “Yes, me too. I tried to fight it, and look at how I ended up.” She laughed. “Stuck here with no comforts of home.”
“But, you were here just the other day, in the grocery store,” Xtina said.
“Yes, I was here until this morning.”
“Why did you leave?”
Another shiver ran through Brea. “I saw something. Actually, someone.”
“Who?”
Brea didn’t want to answer. Because as odd as it was talking about transporting over a hundred miles away and having visions of the future, not to mention being able to read someone’s mind by just touching them, seeing the ghost of your dead aunt was just crossing that crazy line.
She shook her head and leaned back. “I guess I was just spooked and tired. I drove home and then”—she shrugged— “was here.”
“What time did you get home?” Xtina asked.
“Why?” She leaned up.
“Just curious.”
“Well, it was around six.”
“In the morning?”
“Yes.” She felt her heart skip as she looked out the window. Then she felt all the blood drain from her face when she noticed that it was dark out. Still.
“It’s almost eight at night,” Xtina said slowly. “So, where have you been for the past…”—she glanced down at her watch and calculated— “fourteen hours.”
“I could be wrong. I was there, watching you get carted out of the ambulance, then I went back…”
“Wait.” Xtina walked over and stood in front of her. “The ambulance?” When Brea nodded, Xtina knelt down in front of her. “Breanna, that was two days ago.”
Chapter 5
Ethan sat in his brother’s car and watched the scenery fly by. Stuck in the States for the next six months. What could be more boring?
He hadn’t always been such a thrill seeker. But after his first mission with the Special Forces, something had changed in him. He started living for each mission. Downtime was filled with training or thrill-seeking adventures with some of his crew.
He glanced down at his arm and shoulder. For the next six months, he’d struggle just to be able to lift a beer to his mouth.
He held the worry about the visions he’d been having for the past few months in the back of his mind. Something was wrong with him, and he knew the best way to get to the root of the problem was to isolate himself and figure it out.
Which he could do in Hidden Creek, if his brother and his new girlfriend could keep to themselves.
“So, tell me about this woman,” he asked, shifting until he got a better look at Mike.
Even though they were identical twins, there were slight differences. For one, Mike was right-handed, and Ethan was left-handed. Which was a good thing, since it was his right arm that was nestled in the sling at the moment.
Their noses were a little different, as well as their smiles. But what was really different was the fact that Ethan had bulked on the muscles during his combat training, while his brother had “gone soft,” as he liked to joke.
“Xtina?” Mike glanced over. “You’ll like her. She’s…” His eyes met Ethan’s. “Different.”
“As in, two heads? Or she has a large tattoo on her face?”
Mike chuckled. “No, neither. Just different. In a good way.” He turned off the highway. “Mom and Dad like her.”
“Oh, well, then she must be different than all the other women you’ve brought home.”
Mike glared at him. “You’ll see.”
Ethan rolled his eyes. “So, tell me about the other one. The one that’s staying at your place.”
“Brea?” Mike slowed down as they drove through Hidden Creek.
Ethan had been there a few times since his brother had moved here last year. He liked the small town, but he didn’t want to let his brother know that little tidbit.
“Yeah, the one that you want me to stay with.”
“Geez, it’s not like I’m asking you to sleep with the lady.”
Ethan chuckled. “Sorry, it’s just… I was hoping for some quiet time.” He looked down at his arm. “She’s not a hovering type, is she?”
Mike shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. We’ve only known her for four days.”
“Jesus.” Ethan
sat up, and Mike glared over at him. “Sorry, I’ve been hanging around the guys too long.” He sighed. His parents had never allowed them to use strong language growing up, but after being around his buddies too long, words had a way of slipping out. “You just met the lady and you’re letting her stay at your place?”
“Yeah.” Mike smiled. “You’ll see. You’ll like her.”
Ethan thought Mike gave him a strange look, but they arrived at Mike’s house before he could ask about it.
“Man, you got a lot done since last time.”
“You should see the inside,” Mike said, parking the car. “I just have the guest room to finish.” He sighed. “Been kind of slow after…” He nodded to his leg.
“Yeah, what are the odds that we’d both get shot within a week of each other?”
Mike sighed and reached for the cane he’d been using to get around. Ethan thought he could have had it worse; he could have to hobble around like his brother.
“Here,” he said, rushing out of the truck and helping Mike get out.
“I don’t need your help.” Mike pushed him away. “You’re the invalid here.” He motioned to Ethan’s arm.
“This?” He chuckled. “Flesh wound.”
Mike laughed. “Right, and this is just a scratch.”
“Are you two done making light of your injuries yet?” a female voice said from behind him.
Ethan turned to see a dark-haired beauty walking towards them. Her green eyes were fixed on Mike, but she glanced briefly over at him and smiled before walking into his brother’s waiting arms.
“You must be Xtina.” He held out his hand, and noticed that she briefly hesitated before reaching out to take his in a quick handshake.
“Now, if you two will come in, Brea has made dinner.” She turned and started to grab the bag from the back of the truck.
Before she could, he reached in with his good arm and threw it over his shoulder.
“You shouldn’t…”
He turned, his eyebrows going up.
“Never mind. I know that look and know better than to argue with it.” She smiled.
He followed them into his brother’s place and set his duffle bag inside the door. He let out a low whistle.
There was new flooring, paint, and even pictures hanging on the walls. The place looked like a home instead of a science experiment like it had the last time he’d been there.
Then he saw the woman standing in the kitchen and he froze.
His heart stopped in his chest and he was pretty sure that for the first time in his life, he was going to faint.
“Ethan, this is Brea.” Mike’s voice shook him from his stupor.
When she moved towards him, his first instincts were to rush over and kiss the woman. Then he shook his head clear. He was just happy that she was actually a real person. All this time, he’d begun to believe that he was losing it.
“No, you’re not crazy.” Just hearing her voice made his heartbeat return to normal.
“Um…” He didn’t know what to say.
When she laughed, the warm rich sound of it woke him from his coma. He shook his head clear and relaxed. “I’m Ethan.” He moved closer, his brother and Xtina all but forgotten.
“Yes, I know,” she said as she set down a glass and walked towards him. “I’ve seen you.” She tapped the side of her head. “As I’m sure you’ve seen me.”
He nodded, not really understanding what he was giving away. He was still so shocked to find his dream girl standing in front of him.
Brea had been staying in Mike’s place for a few days. Xtina had been kind enough to drive her back to her apartment and help her collect some necessities—her clothes, her computer, and most important, her car.
They had wanted to do an experiment while they were there.
They’d hung out at her apartment until late that night, hoping she’d vanish in front of a video camera, but nothing had happened.
“I wonder if it was just a fluke?” she’d asked before heading back to Hidden Creek.
“Could be, or it could be that somehow you already knew you’d come back here.”
“But what about all the times I showed up at the library. I’d already settled into the fact that I was going to do the research there, so why did I end up popping in instead of driving each day?”
“Good question.” Xtina smiled over at her. “Guess someday we’ll know the answer.”
So, she’d stayed at Mike’s house and settled into a pattern. She was still writing and sending Drew more information for the article every day. He complained that she didn’t have any information he wanted, threatening her each time that he didn’t see any reason to keep her on.
She’d interviewed Xtina about everything that had happened to her, and Drew seemed very interested in sending the crew down so she could do a piece on her kidnapping. But he was looking for the angle of her being crazy, which Brea just wasn’t getting from the woman.
If Xtina was crazy, then so was she. Because currently standing in front of her was her dream guy. Wow, talk about being nervous.
His hair was shorter than she’d remembered it being in her visions. He was still wearing his military fatigues and looking damn sexy in them. Even with his arm in a sling, he looked ready to take on anything. Except her. His dark eyes held questions.
“How about a beer?” she asked, then walked over and pulled out two bottles.
“Can’t,” he said, setting a bottle of pills on the counter between them.
“Water it is then.” She set one bottle back and grabbed a water bottle for him, then poured Xtina a glass of wine. “Dinner first, then we can try and find some answers.”
He was still standing across the bar, watching her closely.
By the time they all sat down at the table, everyone was a little more relaxed. Mike filled Ethan in on what they’d been through in the past few weeks. She found it a little odd that he hadn’t yet mentioned Xtina’s abilities, or her own, for that fact.
After the chicken Alfredo was devoured, they moved into the living room, where Mike built a fire in the fireplace. They talked briefly about his plans to finish remodeling the house, but then everyone grew silent.
“So,” she said nervously, “you’ve been having dreams?”
Ethan’s eyes moved to hers and held them for a moment. “For the past few months. I’ve… seen you.”
“And?”
She felt her face heat when his eyes moved over to her brother. He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. “That’s it.”
She knew he was lying and knew that Mike and Xtina also guessed.
“Ethan, would you let me try something?” Xtina leaned forward. “I have an ability to see into people’s minds. Everyone except Mike.” She smiled over at Mike. “I’m curious…”
He leaned forward. “For real?” His eyes went back and forth between Xtina and his brother.
Mike smiled and nodded. “Yeah, guess I’m a big mystery to her.” He wrapped his arm around Xtina’s shoulders.
“That’s because there’s nothing up there.” Ethan smiled. “Been telling him that for years.”
Xtina laughed, then held out her hand. “Would you allow me to try?”
Brea saw Ethan hesitate for a split second, then reach across the space and lay his hands in hers.
Instantly, Xtina’s green eyes turned an almost emerald green and became unfocused. Less than a minute later, Xtina broke the connection.
“You love your brother very much.” She smiled and leaned back against Mike. “And you love your job.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t see any…” Concern flooded his eyes.
“No, I know better than to go poking around in military secrets.” Xtina smiled. “I kept to your family memories.” Xtina’s eyes moved to Brea. “And, I saw a few flashes of what you’ve seen.” Her smile fell away. “And what those images have cost you.” Her eyes flew to his shoulder.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “I sho
uld have—”
Xtina broke in. “It wasn’t your fault.”
Ethan stopped and took a breath. “So.” His eyes moved to Mike. “Anything you want to tell me?”
Mike sighed and reached for Xtina’s hand. “Did Mom and Dad talk to you?”
Instead of answering, Ethan leaned closer. “I would’ve liked to hear it from you first.”
Mike’s eyebrows shot up. “Why me? It’s their secret they kept from us all these years.”
Ethan tilted his head. “Maybe we’re talking about two different things.”
“What are you talking about?” Mike asked.
Ethan chuckled. “Oh no, now you have to spill first.”
The brothers looked at one another, then quickly did three quick games of rock-paper-scissors. Ethan won.
“Shoot.” He leaned back and smiled.
“We have a brother,” Mike shot out. “Jacob is two years older than us and lives in Hidden Creek. He’s a police officer and really wants to meet you, if you’re up to it.”
“Whoa.” Ethan held up his hand. “Slow down.” He stood up and walked to the fireplace, running his hands through his short hair. “A brother?”
Mike nodded as he swallowed hard. “The summer before they started their senior year of high school. Our grandparents forced them to put him up for adoption. They didn’t even get to see him.”
“And he lives here? You’ve met him?” Again, Mike answered with a nod. “Have the folks?”
“Yeah.” Mike looked like he wished he could get up and pace, but he rubbed his injured leg instead. “Yeah, they’ve met him a few times.”
“And you’re just getting around to telling me?” He glared down at his brother. “Why didn’t they tell me when they picked me up from the VA hospital? Or during the two days I spent with them?”
Mike sighed. “You’d have to ask them.”
Both brothers looked at one another for a while.
“What were you talking about?” Mike finally asked.
“Hmm?” Ethan turned his eyes away from the fire. “Oh, about her.” He nodded to Xtina. “That you’re in love.”
Mike laughed. “They told you that but not that you have a secret brother?”