The Guardians (The Tempest Isle Series Book 1)

by S. C. Storm

  Unfortunately, that promise was not only hers to keep.

  “Reading again?” Richard asked as he walked into the room.

  Snapping back to reality, Tessa looked up and nodded her head. “Yes, sir. If you wish me to go back upstairs, I shall.”

  “No, I will not be staying long,” he told her as he stepped over and collected some things off his desk in the far corner. Turning back toward her, he noticed the pink of her skin. She had scrubbed herself almost raw once again. With a smirk, he made his way over and sat down on the arm of the chair she was seated in. “Last night went well, I assume?”

  “Yes, sir. Your friend was entertained.” She spoke, not daring to look in his face. Each time she did, thoughts of how to end his miserable existence crept into her mind.

  “Good. I knew he would be,” he said as his finger ran over the still sensitive flesh of her arm. “I taught you well, did I not.” He smirked as her head nodded. “It was clear to me once Edmund died what the two of you were good for. Deacon would be the one I molded into my image,” he told her as he got to his feet. Making his way over to the door, he locked it before turning back to face her. “He will never question me. Nor will he defy me. You, being female, were worth nothing. At least until you were older. Do you recall the first time I taught you what you were, Tessa?”

  “Yes, sir,” she whispered as she tried to keep the images out of her mind.

  It was of no use. The night of Edmund’s funeral came rushing back, the anger in Richard’s face as he’d staggered into her room. His words echoed in her mind.

  “They all love you. Even those murderous bastards. I do not see why. You are nothing compared to the son that was taken from me. Nothing but a whore.” He spat his drink, and spit ran down his chin.

  She had tried to help him. She had tried to do what any daughter would have done. Instead, he grasped her dressing gown and tore it open. Her shock took her for only a moment. Then she opened her mouth to scream. His fist caught her instead.

  “If you scream, I will kill you and Deacon. I will end this entire family.”

  Knowing him as she did, she knew it was the truth. She did not struggle as he threw her to the bed. She held in the sobs as he beat her, then took her innocence. The night seemed never ending. Finally, morning came.

  Without a word, he stepped to her, bit into his wrist, and forced it against her mouth. He knew the aftermath of his actions would be easily visible to anyone who saw her. Once he felt she had been given enough, he pushed her away. “A whore just like your mother,” he growled as he turned for the door. “Clean yourself and this room up. If Deacon or anyone else hears of this, I will kill everyone you care anything about.” He walked out, leaving her there alone.

  Richard reached out, grasping her breast hard. “Stand, Tessa.”

  Closing her book slowly, she got to her feet. “Yes, sir.”

  “What do you say to me now?” He growled, feeling himself growing hard. He needed a release. It had been too long.

  “I am yours to do with as you wish, sir,” Tessa answered meekly.

  He smiled. “Yes, yes you are.” He growled as he lunged for her.

  In an instant, he had her pinned against the wall. He pushed her face against the wood for good measure as he used his free hand to work his pants down. He started lifting her dress when he heard a sound. Freezing, he realized Deacon was still in the house. Shoving her away from him, he paid no mind to the fact that she fell against the mantle, then to the floor. He straightened his clothes, giving her a scathing look as he did.

  “Get up and fix yourself!” he snarled. Walking to the bar, he poured a drink.

  Richard watched Tessa slowly get to her feet, her hands hurriedly righting her clothing. He killed his drink and poured another.

  “You know, it is a shame neither of those Athertons wanted to fuck you, Tessa. That would have amused me, and I could have used you to kill them. It would have given you some use besides house whore. Still, I will end them. Ryden will pay for killing Edmund. Murder upon the king’s order is still murder,” he said, looking out the window. “What I did to their parents will be nothing compared to what I do to them. I will single-handedly destroy every Atherton in existence for what they have done to my family.”

  “Yes, father,” she said.

  “Father? You are no daughter of mine. Whores are not Winthrops, Tessa. As I said, you are merely the house whore I have for appearances and to keep your brother in line,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Go to your room and stay there. Deacon will be leaving soon. You will be healed by the time he returns.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said as she took her book and headed for the door. Stopping, she turned to him once more. “Why do you not love me as a father should a daughter?”

  He looked at her. “There is so much you do not know, Tessa. But the easy answer is, you took your mother from me. She may have been a whore like you, but she was still mine, and I loved her. I take vengeance on anyone who takes someone I love. But it is oh so much sweeter to see the benefits of that vengeance daily.”

  Staring at him, she shook her head. Without another word, she turned and made her way upstairs to her room. Once inside, she shut the door, locked it, and let herself slip to the floor against it. As she sat, thoughts of ending the cycle crept into her mind. Her life, her very existence seemed so much of a hindrance to everyone around her. She held Deacon back. He would be the perfect son in Richard’s eyes if he did not love her so much. Richard couldn’t care less what happened to her, but her being gone would be easier for him. He would not have to put on a show and act as if he cared whether she lived or died.

  Then there was Sebastian. He would not have to avoid her at the council meetings. Other than the three of them, she had no others in her life. At one point, she had been the dearest of friends with Cassandra, Deacon’s intended and Sebastian’s younger sister. The tragedy that had taken Cassandra from them all had severed many ties, including those of Deacon and his best mate, Ryder Atherton. It had also taken the last remaining friends she had, the Atherton brothers.

  They had all been so close. Ryder and Deacon, Ryden and Sebastian, dear Rian, she and Cassandra. Of course, as the females, they were expected to stay out of the way and be good. It never happened that way. No, they had been right out there with the boys, having fun, playing, laughing. Unfortunately, the twin’s training for their guardianship had taken them away from the others for quite a while. They had been able to visit every couple of weeks, which had excited all of them, but it was not like before. The responsibility had been building in them, even in young Rian. It hadn’t yet been his turn to go off for training, but he wanted it quite badly. It was during one of the twin’s home visits that Edmund had been killed. In the days following his death, many questions were asked about who the king had sought out to do such a thing. It was Ryden himself who had told both Tessa and Deacon it had been him. He’d refused to hide behind the secrecy of what had been bestowed upon him. No, he’d wanted to be honest with his friends and had hoped eventually they could forgive him.

  Deacon of course, had needed to hear the evidence. He’d needed to be convinced his brother had been in the wrong. Tessa, all she’d wanted was for Deacon to tell her the truth of it all. And that he had. Once Ryden and Ryder had explained everything, he’d been given specific documents showing that the rumor was true. Edmund had, indeed, been a traitor to the crown. Although he was still hurt, Deacon had realized what had truly transpired. Edmund had gone against the King and lost his life. It was to be expected. Things were a bit rocky for a while, but slowly, the group of them had begun to get along with one another once again. Unfortunately, Edmund had not been the only thing to come between them.

  Getting to her feet, Tessa made her way over to the bureau. She opened the bottom drawer and dug through the clothes until she found a small box. Opening it, she reached inside and took out the grand engagement ring. It had been the one Deacon had bought for Cassandra when her f
ather had said he approved his request to marry her. He had been ecstatic when she said yes. Tessa could still see the smile on Deacon’s face.

  Never had she seen him so happy. He was in love. He had his friends. He intended on leaving Richard’s home and having a life for himself and Cassandra. It was a wonderful time, until a drunken night brought it all down around them.

  Cassandra had always had feelings for Deacon, but as Tessa knew, she also thought quite a bit of Deacon’s best mate, Ryder Atherton. As she and Deacon grew closer and began to fall in love, the infatuation with Ryder did not end; it merely hid itself. Then one night while Deacon was away on an errand for their father, Tessa pleaded that she stay at Cassandra’s house for the night. Richard finally said yes. Little did he know that Cassandra was doing the exact same thing at her house. The two of them planned on sneaking into a pub in a neighboring town to have a private bachelorette celebration. Things would have gone off without a hitch, but people they knew were there, the Atherton boys and Sebastian to be exact. Sebastian’s anger at them for sneaking out was upstaged by his near impossible ability to walk. They were drunk off their asses. Tessa began tending to her then boyfriend, leaving Cassandra mostly on her own.

  After a while, Tessa convinced Sebastian to go back to the room he had rented. With a promise to stay with him, she went in search of her best friend, only to find her at a table drinking and chatting with Ryder. Knowing she would be safe with him, she bid them farewell and left to take Sebastian back.

  Tessa woke the following morning and went in search of her friend. Not finding her where they were due to meet, she went back to the Inn. Finding Ryder’s room, she knocked on the door and heard the scrambling inside. With a sigh, she opened the door. It was a sight that broke her own heart as well as many others. Cassandra and Ryder had found their way into one another’s arms, despite both their feelings for her brother Deacon.

  Over the next couple of days, while Deacon was away, things were strained between them all. Tessa barely knew what to say to either Ryder or Cassandra. They acted just as confused. Finally, the day came of Deacon’s return. Tessa chose to stay at home as he learned of what had happened. She knew he would be angry and suspected he might need her. When he came crashing into the house, it was obvious that he and Ryder had fought. None of them had wanted it to come to that. They had always been the best of friends.

  “It’s over. All of it. I do not ever want to hear the Atherton name again!” Deacon roared as he tossed the ring on the table. “I’ve lost them both.” He stormed up the stairs.

  Richard came into the room, asking what happened. Reluctantly, she told him, knowing he would find out somehow. Angrily, he left. It had been he, Richard, who had found the body and the note Cassandra had left. She had spoken of how much she truly loved Deacon and how sorry she was for causing him such pain. She even blamed herself for coming between him and his best mate.

  The letter, which Tessa also had, was quite touching. But the result was still so painful. Cassandra had taken her own life. She had chosen to leave them all instead of dealing with the aftermath of what had transpired.

  Placing the ring back into the box, she sat on the bed and smiled. The memories of the last times they had all spent together flooded her. That had been the last time she felt as though she were with family. Her life had changed so much since then. Now, here she was having the same thoughts that had gone through Cassandra’s mind that fateful night. Sighing, she knew it was for naught. She would not put Deacon or anyone else through that kind of pain again. No, she would endure whatever she must for her brother, just as she would for her friends. She wanted them all happy.

  ***

  Obsidian Island, Atherton Estate

  Appearing alongside his sister, Draven took a deep breath. Both he and Giana had decided it was time to come meet their father. Neither of them wanted to wait until the Gathering when they would be surrounded by others. No, they wanted to do it on their own terms. If the Athertons did not like him and his sister, at least it would happen in private. Straightening himself up to his full height, he took in the grounds before them. Exploring the islands with their friends, both he and Giana had seen the Atherton mansion, but neither of them had ventured near enough to realize the true enormity. The grounds went on for what seemed like miles. The dense forest surrounding the property enhanced the beauty as well as the mystery. Perfectly manicured gardens ran along both sides of the home. It was one of the most beautiful places they had ever seen.

  Unable to hide her nervousness, Giana looked up at her brother. She knew he felt the same as her, but he was far better at hiding it. “It’s so beautiful here. Why would they choose to stay gone for so long?”

  “That’s something we have to ask them, I guess,” Draven answered as he glanced her way. “Mom always said our father had reasons for not ascending. Now that we know who they are, it kind of makes sense. We’ve all heard the stories of their issues with the council and other vampires.”

  “True.” Giana nodded as she reached over and took her brother’s hand. Without another word, the two of them began walking down the long stretch from the entrance of the grounds to the house. Reaching the door, Draven lifted his hand, hesitated, then knocked sharply. Almost instantly, the door flew open, taking them both by surprise.

  “May I help you?” a thin vampire with long dark hair asked. He was young-looking, but both children knew instantly he was quite old. He was dressed in what they could only describe as butler’s attire.

  “Yes…” Draven began, then felt unsure of what to say.

  Giana stepped in, rescuing her brother. “We would like to speak with Ryden Atherton please.” Seeing how the man at the door watched them, she knew he wanted a reason for their visit. Instead, he stepped back, allowing them into the foyer.

  “Please wait here while I announce you to Lord Atherton. May I ask who is calling?” he finally asked as he stopped just short of exiting the room.

  “Draven and Giana,” Draven answered. Seeing the expectant look on the butler’s face, he smiled slightly. “He will know who we are.”

  “Very well,” the man said as he made to exit the room. Before he could leave, however, he stopped abruptly. “My lord, two children are here wishing to see you,” he said to someone in the hallway.

  Both Gia and Draven tried to look and see the man they now knew to be their father. Not once did he come into view.

  “I shall take them into the library to wait your arrival,” the butler said as he turned back into the room where the children waited. “Come with me. Lord Atherton wishes to receive you in the library. He will join us shortly.”

  With a nod, both children followed the man without question. Entering a room filled with books, Giana could not help herself. “Wow.” She gasped.

  Hearing the little lady’s reaction, Rafael chuckled. “It is one of the most extensive collections in history. Feel free to browse. I am quite proud of it,” he told them as a smile lit his face. “I have procured titles for the Athertons for quite some time. Now, may I get you something to drink?”

  “No, we’re fine,” Draven answered as he watched Giana make her way to the shelves.

  “Very well,” Rafael said with a slight bow before leaving the children alone.

  Seeing Rafael making his way through the hallway, Ryden stepped over to him. “How do they seem?”

  Taken aback, Rafael shook his head. “They seem like any other children, my lord. The little miss was quite taken by the library, and the young sir stood watch over her as she explored.”

  “Thank you,” Ryden answered as he looked toward the room.

  “There is nothing to be nervous of, my lord. Now go, your children await,” Rafael told his master with a bow before hurrying down the hall.

  With a nod of his head, Ryden made his way to the door. He took hold of the knob and hesitated. The fear of his children not wanting to be part of his life washed over him. Steeling himself, he opened the door and walked in. Wh
at stood before him caught him off guard. A young man, tall for his age⸻as was normal for male vampires⸻stood arms folded as he watched his sister. His appearance was that of his own. He shared the same facial features as he and his twin, as well as the same hair. The only difference was his mother’s eyes that stared back at him. This was Draven. This was his son. The swell of pride in his chest was all-consuming. Slowly, he turned his gaze from Draven and met the eyes of his daughter, Giana. For the briefest of moments, words left him. She was smaller than her brother, of course, but their similarities were undeniable. Their hair was the same, the facial features were so similar, yet the delicate traces of her mother were there, as were Rayne’s dimples and the same eyes her brother had inherited. To say she was anything less than a perfect beauty would be blasphemous.

  “Hello,” Ryden said softly as he stepped farther into the room. “I am glad the both of you came.”

  Seeing that Giana was at a loss for words, Draven stepped forward. He debated on how to proceed, then slowly reached out his hand. “I’m Draven. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  Ryden took his hand and shook it, holding on for a moment longer than was normal. Letting go, he smiled. “And it is wonderful to meet both of you,” he said, glancing toward his daughter. He watched as she squared her shoulders and made her way across the room. Her smile brightened the closer she came. He took her hand, then leaned down, kissing it gently. “Hello, little one.”

  “Hi, I’m Giana or Gia,” she said a bit nervously. “We know you and mom talked about us meeting at the Gathering, but Draven and I didn’t want to wait. We hope that’s all right.”

  “It is quite fine. Actually, I think this is better.” Ryden agreed as he offered the two of them seats. “I must admit I don’t know what to say or even ask to be honest. I want to hear everything about the two of you, but I do not want to seem as if I am pressing for information.”