Midnight Rose

by Dani Hart

  “Now what?” My body was stiff, not completely forgiving him for all the lies.

  “We go to The Order.”

  My mom honked at the corner as she turned and disappeared. She was oblivious to the monsters in the dark and the liars right in front of her.

  “Isn’t it hard to lie to her?” I waved back.

  “You have no idea,” he mumbled, ducking his head shamefully and going back inside.

  Elijah was staring out the front window again, and my dad sat on the couch, staring mindlessly into the fire. If his remorse wasn’t so evident, I would probably hate him, but this was hurting him just as much as me.

  I joined him, putting my head on his shoulder. “I need to know everything, Dad. I can’t go into this blind.”

  “It’s hard to believe how much you’ve grown up. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were much older than your seventeen years.”

  “I suddenly had to grow up fast,” I replied somberly.

  “Yeah. I guess so.” He sighed deeply. “The Order isn’t all bad, Abigail, or else I wouldn’t let you go. The Order has kept humans safe for a very long time. I’m sorry for assuming that all immortals are dangerous. It’s just hard to believe otherwise after what I’ve seen.”

  “You’re referring to the Hunters?” I asked with a weak, victorious smile. I couldn’t imagine what my dad had been through.

  “Yes. I can see that Wes means a lot to you.”

  The fire crackled loudly, drawing our attention. We used to spend a lot of time right here. Mainly myself on the floor, playing or reading because my grandpa didn’t own a television. He didn’t believe in technology that stripped society of quality time with their families. It never really bothered me not having one. It was why my dad never gave me a cell phone. Not until recently, at least, and I hadn’t even used it. I had forgotten all about, leaving it on my desk at home.

  “Do you have a gift, Dad?” He smiled widely, a sparkle in his eye. “What?” My eyebrow raised curiously.

  “How do you think I was able to keep so many secrets from you?”

  It had never dawned on me. I just thought he was a really good liar. And apparently he was. Supernaturally.

  “No one can detect when I’m being dishonest. It has become invaluable in keeping your gift hidden. Until my father, that is.”

  The bitterness was fading a bit, replaced by guilt.

  “These seem like odd gifts, don’t you think? I mean, when I think of gifts, I think of flying or transporting. Something a little more spectacular.”

  He squeezed me close. “It’s the subtle things that go unnoticed and prove to be the most effective. Your intuition will save your life, Abigail. You just have to learn how to trust it.”

  “Can you teach me?”

  “I’m certainly going to try.” His voice was comforting and calm. “There are twelve of us that run The Order. The rest work for us, going on missions and upholding our decisions.”

  “Has anyone ever left The Order?”

  “No one leaves The Order, Abigail. There are too many secrets. We have kept human gifts a secret for over two hundred years. That’s why your grandfather bought this place. To hide away. He just wanted peace in his last years. They consider it a retirement, but you still have to check in, and they still keep tabs on you to make sure you keep the oath.”

  “So, it’s a lifetime commitment, and those born of Order members don’t have a choice? That’s pretty rigid.”

  “It’s no different than royalty blood, Abigail, and The Order is much more important than royalty. We have to protect The Order. No matter what the cost.”

  I stood up, uneasy now. A few weeks ago, I was worrying about my homework and avoiding dances. Now, I was talking about the fate of my future, fighting rogue immortals in a secret society. Pacing and chewing on my fingers obsessively, I tried to picture the world at war. Humans against immortals.

  “The Order wants to maintain peace, and to do that, they have to maintain control of the immortals. It’s the only thing that will keep the world from imploding with violence.”

  “If you truly believe in The Order, then why wouldn’t you gladly groom me for my rightful place within it?”

  “Because it’s dangerous. I told you that. The immortals have been trying for years to disband The Order so they can live as they please. You’re my baby, Peanut. I didn’t want to throw you in the crosshairs of a never-ending war.”

  Protection or not, I was a part of the war now.

  “We don’t have much more time like this, so I’d like to enjoy it. Want to play solitaire?” my dad asked.

  Elijah had retreated to his room and my dad dug out two decks of cards. We played double solitaire, but I was understandably distracted. I was quickly realizing that transparency was out of the question. I knew I would be asking a ton more questions and, if I was lucky, getting back a few answers.

  “Why do you go on missions if you have others to do it for you?”

  “Some missions require more attention.”

  “Will I be going on missions?”

  “You will attend training, but I will do my best to keep you from being assigned to anything too dangerous, but everyone in The Order is required to do their part.”

  I looked up from the rows of cards. The Hunters crossed my mind. “Is it like Kung Fu fighting?” I teased.

  He raised an amused smirk. “Kung Fu fighting?”

  I giggled. “Come on, Dad. I’m making a joke. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.”

  He shook his head with a smile. “No, it doesn’t.”

  “Do you think you’ll ever tell Mom?” I finished the row of clubs.

  “The only way to keep her safe is not to, but maybe one day when we are old and gray.” He winked.

  My relationship with my father was layered with deception, love, and complications, but I was confident that he would always have my back, and he would do anything to protect my mom from this madness.

  “I can’t believe you’ll be eighteen next year.”

  “Yeah,” I said, unbelieving myself. “Instead of dancing at my senior prom, I’ll be dropkicking a beast that I used to think only existed in books and movies.” I completed the row of hearts. “Better catch up, Dad. I’m beating you.”

  “It’s a relief not having to lie to you anymore, Peanut. Not that I wouldn’t trade anything to have you hidden still, but I’ve felt very alone in all this since your grandpa died.”

  I was seeing another side to my dad. A sensitive side. Exposed. It wasn’t something I was accustomed to seeing. He was always so strong and self-assured. I reached over and caught his hand before he grabbed another card. “You’re not alone, Dad. You never were. You’ve had Elijah, and now me.”

  “I’m so proud of who you have become, Abigail Rose.”

  “Me, too.” I paused for a moment. “Hey, Dad?”

  “Yeah?”

  “What makes you think we’re safe here? How did Grandpa keep it a secret?”

  “He placed the deed under your grandmother’s maiden name, and he had a small cabin in Bayview that served as his place of residence according to The Order. When the dementia started to set in, he moved here permanently, falling off the grid. I was able to convince The Order he was of no use to them anymore, and they agreed. They left him alone, and he was able to go in peace.”

  “I don’t remember him having dementia.”

  “Good. He wouldn’t want you to.”

  Grandpa Rose was always so vibrant, but he did become more forgetful near the end. He left himself reminder post-it notes all over the house. I thought it was a silly game, but now I understood.

  “I’m sorry about Wes. I know you had strong feelings for him.” He gathered up his row of spades and hearts.

  “Have, Dad. I have strong feelings for him. Present tense.” This was where things got tricky. As much as I knew tangling with an immortal was dangerous, I also knew what my heart felt. I wasn’t going to be able to just g
ive Wes up so easily, but I also wouldn’t turn my back on my dad. I would find a way to have them both in my life.

  “Elijah’s a good guy.” His eyes lowered.

  “Are you trying to set me up?”

  He feigned a cough. “Not now, of course, but maybe in a year when you’re eighteen.”

  “Dad, please do me a favor and don’t meddle in my love life. It’s just weird.”

  He smiled widely as he closed his clubs and diamonds, leaving me blindsided. “I won. Want to play again?”

  I was stupefied. I was ahead a moment ago. “You distracted me,” I whined.

  “First rule when challenging an opponent—never get distracted.” He shuffled his deck proudly.

  It was nice to see he wasn’t letting me win anymore. “I think I’ll get some fresh air.”

  The fog was drifting in, making the air thick in my throat. It was a little past nine, and the bustling of the city was still echoing down the residential streets. Seattle was lively until the bars closed. When I was younger, I had a hard time sleeping here on the weekends because downtown seemed to spill into all the surrounding neighborhoods. People were loud and drunk. My grandpa could have set up a second residence anywhere. Why would he do it here?

  Elijah joined me on the front porch. “How are you holding up?” he asked.

  I sat down on the porch step and hugged my knees to my chest. “I don’t know. Lying to my mom’s face tonight certainly didn’t help things.”

  He sat next to me. “She’ll be okay, Abby. She’ll be safe, and we’ll make sure she knows that you are, too.”

  “More lies upon lies.”

  He put his arm around my shoulders, which suddenly felt different since my dad mentioned us in a romantic way. I had felt attracted to Elijah since we first met, but had never thought of him that way. Not really, anyway.

  “Are you ready to be an official member of The Order?”

  “As ready as I can be.” I picked at my jeans. “When do we leave?”

  “Now,” my father interjected. He was standing in the doorway behind us. He was unsettled.

  “What’s wrong?” Elijah jumped up.

  “I just got off the phone with The Order. They want her there by morning. They heard about Penelope.”

  Elijah helped me to my feet. “So, this is really happening then?” My heart sputtered nervously.

  “Look at it as an adventure.” My dad smiled.

  “Kung Fu fighting,” I teased. Elijah looked at both of us, confused.

  My dad retreated to my grandpa’s room, Elijah to the guest room, and myself to my room. We were packing quickly and traveling to who knows where.

  I grabbed the duffel of clothes my dad had brought and reached under the bed for my disheveled red Chucks, my fingers not finding them, so I crouched down and peered under, but they were gone. I knew I put them there, I thought, completely confused as I sat back on my knees. My door closed quietly behind me and, when I looked over my shoulder, Wes was standing with my Chucks dangling from his fingers.

  “Looking for these?” He grinned.

  “Wes,” I nearly squealed loud enough to alert my dad and Elijah. I launched into his arms, hugging him tightly and never wanting to let him go.

  “So, this was a kidnapping?” He pushed my head into his chest gently.

  “Kind of. I mean, yes and no.” I inhaled the lemongrass scent that followed him everywhere. “How did you find me?”

  “Your mom.”

  “You shouldn’t be here.”

  He pulled me away from him, cupping my face in his hands and locking his eyes on mine. “How could I not be here? Do you know how worried I’ve been? I thought they—I thought you were—”

  I put my hands over his. “I’m fine. See? I’m in one piece.”

  “Thankfully. What happened?”

  I locked my bedroom door.

  “So much, Wes. I don’t have time to tell you everything, but Elijah saved me. I was on my way to see you yesterday afternoon when Penelope tried to kidnap me. She went rogue from The Order of the Crest. Elijah intercepted and brought me here to hide.”

  “Abby, we can protect you better than Elijah and your dad. We’re immortal, remember?”

  The deceit stung. He had no idea what was really going on, and I couldn’t tell him the whole truth.

  “You have to go, Wes.” My words were as broken as my heart, the tears threatening their own betrayal. A knock on the door was followed by Elijah’s voice.

  “Abby? Are you okay?”

  The doorknob rattled. “I just need a moment. I’ll be out in a second.” Fear flowed through my veins, my heart raced, and my throat was bone dry.

  “Sure. We’ll meet you at the car.”

  When his footsteps faded, I turned back to Wes, his stare ripping my strength apart.

  “It sounds like you’re going somewhere voluntarily.” His stance stiffened, and his fists tightened into balls.

  It was clear that we had gotten under each other’s skin, digging our nails in deeply so no one could tear us apart, but while our love was strong enough, the universe was once again working against us. I nodded my head sadly.

  “Were you even going to say goodbye?”

  “I tried yesterday, and then I left my phone at home. They haven’t let me out of their sight for more than a few minutes. Wes, you have to believe me when I say I’m doing what’s best for you. For us.”

  “How can anything be better if we aren’t together?” His body deflated in defeat as he stepped into me, wrapping me in his arms again. “Abby, I love you.”

  With so many secrets I was keeping, I had to give him one. “My father is an Order member.”

  “What?” He looked down at me. “The Order is dangerous, Abby.” Recognition filled his betrayed eyes. “So, you’re going with him? To The Order?”

  The stench of my betrayal overwhelmed even me.

  “I don’t have a choice, Wes. It’s in my blood. Order royalty. If I don’t go, they might go after my dad. And my mom. I can’t risk their lives. I was born into this life. I have to go.” I was begging for forgiveness and pleading for him to understand, but I still couldn’t tell him the main reason I was going—to find my brother.

  He bent over and kissed my lips softly, his cold mouth on mine enveloped me, the tingles lingering as he pulled away. He brushed his hand along my cheek, my body leaning into it instinctively.

  “The Order is corrupted, Abby. Be careful. Don’t trust anyone. Don’t ever let down your guard with them. Ever.”

  “I won’t.” Tears were spilling over now.

  “If you need me, you know where to find me.” He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

  “I love you, Wes.”

  “I love you, too, Abby.” He hopped out the open window.

  I was barely holding it together, and when I spun around face-to-face with the red Chucks that bound us together, I came undone. Crumbling to the floor, I latched onto my knees and rocked back and forth. I could very well be making the biggest mistake of my life, and my only salvation just jumped out of my life.

  DRIVING AWAY FROM my grandpa’s house felt like an ending to a beginning that never had a chance to flourish. I had gotten my wish to say goodbye to Wes, but I didn’t get the closure I needed, and it felt like Wes gave up on me so easily. He didn’t even try to convince me to run off with him. It made me question whether our connection could survive the separation.

  “You’re quiet.” My dad was driving, but for whatever reason, Elijah decided to sit in the back with me. We were headed to the airport, but I didn’t know exactly where we were going.

  “Still processing things,” I responded softly.

  “It’s a lot. I know.”

  “Did your father join The Order because of what happened to your mother?”

  “Yes, but The Order failed us.” His anger was palpable in this small space.

  “How so?”

  “They had been tracking the immortal who took her,
but they didn’t act fast enough. My dad joined The Order to ensure that didn’t happen again. It’s the reason I’m helping you.”

  It made sense. What bigger motivation than retribution for a loved one’s death? “The Hunters aren’t dangerous, Elijah. They’ve proven that. And Wes—”

  “You love him. I know. It just doesn’t make sense to me. Why love a monster when you can love—”

  “Elijah, don’t. Please. I can’t control my feelings any more than my place in The Order. I’m sorry.” I didn’t know how his sentence would have finished, whether he was talking about humans in general or if he was about to confess something more. I was trying to stay strong. Trying to accept my fate without tears, but it was hard. I had mourned Wes for over two years, only to have a few weeks with him, and then have him ripped from my life again. I had no idea what to expect with The Order, and that was terrifying.

  “You’re a million miles away,” Elijah acknowledged.

  “More like light years.” I leaned my head back on the headrest and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to talk anymore. I didn’t want to think anymore. If I could stop feeling, I would shut that off, too.

  It was nearly midnight when we arrived at the Tacoma International Airport. As we parked the car in the airport garage, my stomach knotted. My dad handed me my bag from the trunk and then looked down at my feet.

  “What happened to the new boots I bought you?”

  I patted my duffel. “They’re in here.”

  “Is there a reason you chose shoes with holes over brand new ones?”

  “I’m not ready to give away all the old.”

  He nodded in understanding.

  My body was stiff, and every bone felt broken. The slightest movement of my fingers released shooting pains up my arms, and opening my eyes was a challenge. When I finally succeeded, I was met with sterile brightness.

  “Peanut.” My dad’s encouraging voice penetrated the dull pounding in my head. His fingers caressed my hand soothingly.