Dark Illusions: The Beginning

by Ariana Browning

  Kat dragged her attention off Julian and over to the final man sitting across the table, closest to her and facing her direction, but he wasn’t currently looking at her.

  The man was huge. Not fat, but tall and sturdy. He was built large, intimidating in size alone. All the men in the room held an intimidating quality, Julian most of all, but this man held it with size alone. Dark blonde hair, hazel eyes, sharp features. Not entirely unpleasing to look at, but she wouldn’t say he was attractive either.

  The woman saw Kat and a grin touched the corner of her mouth. In a graceful and melodic voice, she asked, “A guest, Kober?”

  The large man sitting in front of Kat regarded her the same time Julian did. His jaw dropped, and he looked at her in disbelief. Kober slowly shook his head when her attention moved back to him. Without hesitation, Kat ducked back to the other side of the door.

  Kober exited the room soon after she did. She feared he would be mad at her for looking in, but he didn’t say a word. “Julian wishes for you to wait for him in his study. Come.”

  Kat followed Kober through a doorway, and into a room. They entered a room that—like the rest of the castle—took Kat’s breath away. A grand room that was beyond beautiful.

  The room was bold and stood out. The wood bookcases stood floor-to-ceiling, made of a dark cherry, very masculine. Books filled the shelves, perhaps of all the clans, autobiographies, or of works of literature geniuses. Doubtful that a man like Julian would carry comic books up there, but then one never knew, did they? A staircase led up to a small landing at the top, leading to another level of books.

  A fire burned in a grand fireplace that stood to the left of the study as they entered the room. Across from the fireplace sat a large dark brown leather couch. Two dark brown leather chairs sat across from it.

  Between the chairs and couch sat an antique carved cherry wood table with glass on top. Underneath was a rug which had likely been passed down through generations.

  Across the room from the main door and between the two-level library of books and the seating area was Julian’s desk. The desk sat beneath a wall of windows. The desk was also a dark antique cherry wood like the rest of the study.

  A large chandelier in the center of the room cast a soft glow over the entire room. Kat stood in the center, admiring her surroundings and didn’t notice Kober slipping from the room, shutting the doors behind him.

  Nine

  Outside the room, Julian approached as Kober turned to leave.

  A man whom any woman would do anything to be in a relationship with, Julian was anything but a womanizer. He chose a life of solitude over companionship. Despite being an arrogant man, he did try to always treat people with respect.

  All women wanted him. He possessed what every woman dreamed of finding in a man. The dark hair, dark eyes, mesmerizing voice, and the body and looks of a Roman God. He was courageous to a fault and never hesitated in protecting those closest to him, even if that meant he tended to be a bit possessive of those he loved.

  Most important of all was his intelligence to go with it. If that wasn’t enough, he was also a wealthy man. Although a term like wealthy was insignificant compared with the money Julian held.

  Julian did possess a dark side which most didn’t get to see every day. He came from a dark past that he fought every day to leave there, afraid of what it would do to those around if they were faced with it. If someone was lucky enough to get close, they could see the torture he went through. Every day he lived, he worked to make up for it.

  Julian could give so much to the right person, and yet he chose to live his life alone, save for his mate, Cara, who sometimes shared his bed, but not his heart.

  “The girl is inside?” Julian asked, stopping in front of Kober.

  “Kat. Yes, she is.”

  “And you are sure this is appropriate?” His concern changed to disapproval. “Kober, this is not right. She has no business being here, being around us.”

  Kober’s face remained idle. Voice tranquil as usual, he replied, “I understand your concern and have given that much thought. It is the reason I brought her here. I ask you to keep her here. A better eye can be kept on her.”

  Julian looked annoyed, but held his normal composure. “And that is a reason?”

  “Cyrus wants her, Julian. He has tried three times to take her from her home. He is intent on having her. Alive. Unsuccessful simply because I was there to protect her—”

  Julian stopped him. Calmness held strong, the growing anger was evident. “I am only hearing of this now?” he asked, crossing his arms.

  “I apologize. I did not think he would continue to pursue her, knowing that I watched over her. That does not matter to him. I do not know why he wants her, but I intend to find out. He is always accompanied by Sean and the others. This tells that perhaps Cyrus is only there as an observer and not the entire story. I know she is not safe in her own home. He will continue to come for her. She needs protection which only you can provide her, Julian. She needs you.”

  “And you wish me to allow her to stay here.”

  Kober understood Julian asked a rhetorical question so he remained quiet, allowing Julian to work it through. Julian stared at the doors to his study. “I want to know why Cyrus, or the Raaka clan, is so interested in that girl.”

  Kober nodded. “What I have figured out so far is that he has no immediate plans to kill her. There have been many opportunities where he could have, had he wished to. There is a reason for that.”

  Julian stiffened. “You believe the clan wishes to claim her?”

  “I am unsure. As I said, there have been many opportunities for that, if it were his intention. Something about her has brought them out into the open, willing to cross boundaries. The girl is the key.”

  “So we have no idea why this one girl is so important.” Julian turned his head back toward the study again, listening to the girl inside. Kober watched Julian’s jaw clench. “Figure it out.” Kober nodded and Julian entered the room.

  Needing no extra order, Kober went to do as his prince commanded.

  Ten

  Kat faced Julian’s desk, admiring the unique antique furniture, oblivious of the conversation occurring outside. She wasn’t aware Julian entered the room once the conversation ended.

  “Do you know Vincent?”

  A voice like liquid silk penetrated Kat’s ears and glided over her body. Slow, comforting warmth enveloped her senses as she pivoted on her heel.

  Julian stood a foot away from her. She looked up into his eyes, noticing they weren’t just one color. One was black, the other brown. Locked in his penetrating gaze, it took her a second before she remembered he’d asked her a question. Still taken aback by how striking his looks were, she found it odd how at home in the moment and his presence she felt. A calm sensation settled over her, a feeling she hadn’t known for some time.

  Julian was either used to women reacting that way to him or seemed to feel the same warmth she felt, because he didn’t rush her answer. He almost seemed captivated by her.

  It felt like an eternity before she answered, when it was only a second. “Vincent? Uh . . . no, I don’t know any Vincent. Why?”

  Julian analyzed her, trying to tell whether she was lying or not. “He seemed to know you.”

  Kat scrunched her face and shook her head. “He who? Who are we talking about?”

  “The man in the conference room. The one you looked at. His name is Vincent.”

  Recognition cleared Kat’s scrunched face. “Oh. That big man’s name is Vincent? No, I don’t know him. Never seen him.” She paused before continuing. “He looked like he knew me? Really? Huh.” She chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment, lost in thought, forgetting about Julian.

  Julian watched her in confusion. He strode to his desk, perching himself on the edge.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

  Julian crossed his arms. “How would you have me look at you?�
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  Kat shrugged. “I don’t know. It seems like you’re trying to read my thoughts.”

  Julian’s eyebrows rose in amusement. “Perhaps I am. Or perhaps I am trying to figure out why there seemed recognition between you and Vincent when you tell me there is none. Why is Cyrus so interested in you?” he asked. Kat had an odd feeling of being on the chopping block, which prickled her nerves.

  “Why, you find nothing worth interest?” Kat snapped her mouth shut. Her exterior remained passive while her interior was aghast. Why the hell did I say that?

  Julian studied her for what seemed like an eternity before he answered. His gaze penetrated every one of her nerves and stripped her naked in front of him. As much as it unnerved her, she also found herself pulled in, willing to do whatever he wished. The warmth began again and she found herself unable to resist looking at his full bottom lip when he spoke.

  “I find plenty worth interest, as most men would. That is neither the point, nor the question. A man like Cyrus doesn’t find interest in someone like you, without good reason. He’s gone to great lengths to get to you, even employing Sean and the others. There is a good reason as to the why of that, and that is what I need to figure out.”

  “And I the same.” She crossed her arms, suddenly not enjoying how open she felt to him.

  Julian cocked an eyebrow. “You have no idea? There’s been no reason to suggest to you why he would want you?”

  “Why would I?” Exhausted, she yawned and covered her mouth. Glancing out the window at the night beyond, she hadn’t noticed how late it had become.

  A soft smile touched the corners of Julian’s mouth, which made his eyes sparkle and his demeanor soften. “Enough talk of this. You have been through quite enough. The best help you can give to anyone for now is if you get some rest. We will discuss this more later. I will show you to your room.”

  “You don’t mind me staying here?”

  Julian stood up and strode toward her. “No. As Kober explained, it is safer for you here than at your own place. You are safe in my castle, and with me.”

  Julian placed his hand in the small of her back to lead her out. The quick movement lasted as long as it took her to notice and he used a feather-light touch, but with that one gesture he made her feel protected from Cyrus for the first time since it began. Her entire body woke up under that touch.

  Julian escorted her upstairs to the room she would use as her own for the time being. The bedroom was as stunning as every other room in the castle Kat had encountered so far.

  A four-poster bed stood off to the right upon entering, covered in a white cotton comforter with white silk sheets underneath, a pure fantasy. A couple of white leather chairs sat in front of the fireplace across the room from the bed.

  Large double doors opened out onto the small patio beyond her room, the sheers were swaying in the night air drifting through. The floors were the same hardwood flooring as was the rest of the castle and a plush white rug lay in front of the fireplace.

  Julian headed over to the doors to close them for her. She watched the graceful movements of his body, his muscles shifting underneath the jacket, and could imagine her hand rubbing the bare skin beneath.

  Stop it! she scolded herself, giving a shake to her head, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

  Julian shut the doors and faced her. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  That soft gaze of his made her resolve fall apart within. The wall she’d built, the strength she’d struggled to hold onto, cracked. A tear slipped down her cheek.

  Her voice quivered, “I’m fine. Really.” Absently she wiped the tear away, waving him off.

  Julian closed the distance and without even asking, pulled her into his powerful chest, pressing her body against his own.

  Kat let herself go without a fight, into his arms, letting go of her inhibitions. She buried her face into his chest, the top of her head pressing against the bottom of his chin when he leaned over her, a perfect fit.

  Julian wrapped his arms around her, securing her in his embrace, and placed a hand against the back of her head. Kat nestled into his hold as he stroked her hair, sending pleasure tingling along the length of her body. She inhaled his scent and found herself unable to leave the warmth of his hold.

  Something happened between them in that moment, but Kat didn’t want to admit it. Almost as though she’d waited an entire lifetime for his arms to wrap around her. She couldn’t ever have imagined the comfort of his embrace. Even though he’d been a complete stranger not that long ago, it didn’t feel that way. It felt as though they’d known each other since time began.

  Julian let her go, but didn’t completely release her. He didn’t seem too anxious to let her go. An eternity passed despite it just being a few minutes.

  Julian’s soft gaze buried itself within, capturing her in its grip. “You can trust me, you know?”

  “I really am okay. I don’t know what happened. I guess the stress of everything kinda caught up with me there for a moment, that’s all.”

  Julian nodded and accepted her answer, but it didn’t look like he believed her. “Get some sleep.”

  Kat nodded and Julian’s mouth curved into a seductive smile when her attention settled there. He let her go and went to leave, but stopped at the door. “Don’t worry about anything, Kat. I will take care of this, I promise. I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you. You are safe here, honestly.”

  When he was sure she understood that he was being sincere, he left her alone for the night.

  She whispered toward the door, “I know.”

  Eleven

  Julian entered Kober’s cave, surprised to find he had already returned. “Have you found anything out?”

  “Not quite. I am waiting on someone to get back to me.” Kober stood with his back facing Julian, admiring one of his portraits.

  Julian’s eyebrows rose. “That is unlike you. Why are you depending on someone else?”

  “I am not. Not entirely. I wish to see what he can find out.”

  Julian nodded. “Well, I am not sure he will be of use now.”

  “Have you learned something new?”

  “In a way I have, from what happened earlier tonight. The way Vincent reacted to the girl.”

  “I remember. His interest was obvious, but he seemed shocked to see her here.”

  “You voice my thoughts. Cyrus is Vincent’s sire. The first of the Raaka clan. It leads me to wonder if they have a plan brewing between the two of them that involves her. If Cyrus is in this city, that means something. Something that I am not sure he truly wishes to engage in. Perhaps Cyrus is helping Vincent. I still do not understand why her.” Julian moved closer to Kober.

  Kober nodded his agreement. “I agree with you. It makes sense. What are you thinking? That Vincent wishes for Cyrus to make the girl a part of the Raaka clan? Only with his bite would that happen, but Cyrus would not Awaken a human without the Prince’s permission. He would not defy you.”

  Julian nodded. “Yes, but why her? That is what I am trying to understand the most. What is so special about this particular woman to them? There are so many others they can choose.”

  Kober smiled. “You have been around her. Are you not aware of the reason?”

  A look of confusion crossed Julian’s face, “What reason would that be?”

  “Julian,” Kober admonished him, “look at her and you can see one reason why. I know it is not everything, but she is enticingly beautiful. She is sweet. She is pure. She is like the sun. Being around her makes one feel alive. But I digress. There is strength in her, Julian. You must feel it? I believe that whoever Awakens her will end up with a woman equal to that of Cara—maybe stronger. I am unsure, but I feel her story is yet to be told.”

  After thinking on it for a moment, Kober added, “I do know that I have charmed that girl many a time, and every time she has come out of it on her own. Without being Awakened and being human, within her is a strength which matches our own.
We need to protect her from him if that is what he is interested in. She cannot join their clan. She is too beautiful to become a street thug like the Raaka. She deserves the best life she can have and they are not it. She belongs in a clan of beauty like the Kaunis with Cara. Or one that would match her strength and beauty, like the powerful and aristocratic Runsasi, like yourself.”

  Julian watched Kober a long while before he questioned him. “What would you have me do, Awaken her? It has not been that long, perhaps we can relocate her.” He sighed, taking a moment, knowing he answered his own question. If Cyrus and Vincent had plans to Awaken her, they would stop at nothing to have her. When the Raaka focused on something, they were not dissuaded so easily. “Kober, may I ask you a question? Will you be honest with me, my friend?”

  Confusion crossed Kober’s face. He ignored the first question, knowing his Prince hadn’t meant it. “Of course, Julian.”

  “Do you love this girl?”

  Kober turned away from Julian. “Why, because I wish to protect her and see the potential this girl has to offer?” He turned back to face Julian with a look of remorse. “A woman like that would never love a monster like me, Julian.”

  “That is not what I asked you. That woman did not seem to fear you from my perspective.”

  “Afraid and tolerant are two exceedingly different things, Julian. As you well know.” Kober ducked his head. “Perhaps. Perhaps, maybe I do love her slightly. I have had to hold her and care for her. You have been with her and noticed it too, I am sure, Julian. You cannot deny it, she is enchanting.”

  Julian looked into Kober’s solemn gaze when his friend raised his head. “You know any woman who cannot find you a great man is merely not good enough.”