Spartan Heart, Part Two

by Kristine Cheney

  Evangeline sucked in a rushed breath. Her jaw dropped in stunned surprise. Despite the shaking of her hands, they somehow found a way to cover her mouth. Tears of joy filled her eyes. There wasn’t anything she wanted more than to marry the man who had stolen her heart. The only word that screamed inside her head and soul kept dancing about like a jumping bean on steroids.

  Yes.

  His piercing green eyes glowed like the brightest emeralds. “Please say yes. I should have asked for your hand a long time ago. Every moment that passes is another reminder that I have yet to put my ring on your finger. Your value is so much higher than that of just my lover. I want you, Evangeline…all of you. I’m afraid I won’t feel any peace until the day you become my wife.”

  Evangeline nodded profusely. It felt like her head was going to pop off her shoulders. “Yes! I’ll marry you!” The weakness in her arms forced her to tremble. It couldn’t stop her from wrapping them around the bounty of his glorious neck. Dorien held her close and cradled her in his muscled arms.

  His whisper tickled her ear. “I promise I will love you until I cease to exist. I will never let you go.” He rocked her body gently.

  Evangeline’s heart raced with excitement. Noisy monitor sensors lit up. The room filled with the screams and wails of unwelcome beeps and alarms. They both laughed in their embrace. The hospital room door burst open. Eliza and a team of nurses stormed into the room like a thundering herd of wild buffalo.

  Eliza’s pale hazel-green gaze danced around the room in panic. She was quick to assess the situation. “Dorien? Evangeline? Oh, thank Heavens!” Running towards Evangeline, she kissed and hugged her goddaughter repeatedly. “My darling, how are you feeling? You gave us quite a scare young lady!” Eliza waved off the team of nurses. Her attention flew back to Evangeline. “Why are you crying, Evan? Are you all right?”

  Evangeline smiled at Dorien. “These are happy tears, Eliza. We have a wedding to plan!”

  Eliza squealed with joy. “A wedding! How delightful. Consider it done. Have you two lovebirds set a date?”

  Evangeline and Dorien exchanged blank expressions.

  “Hey, do we hear happy voices in here?” Taryn and Tommy opened the door with caution. Taryn’s kitty stare misted as she ran. Her arms wrapped tight around her best friend. “Evan, I was so scared! I am so glad you’re all right. And the twins? Are they healthy?” Taryn cast a nervous glance at Dorien.

  “The babes are fine, Taryn.” Dorien chuckled.

  “Hey, Dorien, no hard feelings about the whole “hiding the pregnancy” thing, right?” Taryn prodded.

  “No hard feelings at all. I understand your reasons for protecting Evangeline.”

  Taryn released a held breath. “Well anyways, I’m glad the cat is out of the bag! Now we can have fun preparing for the babies’ arrival!” Her nervous expression was back in an instant. She wrung her hands with worry. “Evan, there is someone in the hall who wants to meet you proper. He has been camped here at the hospital since you fell.”

  Evangeline shook her head in confusion. She searched everyone’s face. Their expressions were all cast from the same nervous palette. “Well who is it? Let him in.”

  “Okay, but please don’t be afraid. Everything is going to be all right.”

  “Afraid? Why would I be afraid?”

  Taryn stepped out of the room. The stranger returned with her. The piercing gaze of glowing ice blue eyes sent a bolt of panicked electricity coursing straight through Evangeline’s heart. The sight of him made her tremble in terror. A wail of fear escaped her lips. Clawing at Dorien, she tried to shield herself. She would never forget this rogue’s name.

  Philip!

  Dorien pulled Evangeline close and held her tight. Philip had dared to violate her bed and touch her body. But the man’s handsome sculpted face seemed sad and contrite. His stare of ice looked to the others for help. Evangeline gasped in panic. “Dorien! This is HIM! The man who tried to…he was going to…!”

  “Evangeline, please listen. Everything is all right.”

  “This is not all right! What is he doing here? Please, I just want him to leave!”

  Dorien lifted her chin. “Evan, please look at me. Allow me to explain.”

  Evangeline’s chest heaved. What was this horrid man doing in her hospital room? Had everyone lost their wits and gone crazy?

  Dorien nodded to Taryn, Eliza, and Tommy. “Will you all please excuse us for a few minutes?”

  Evangeline watched as they all shuffled towards the door. The door latched behind them. She cringed as Philip cautiously approached her.

  “As you already know, I am Philip. I’m here to ask for your forgiveness. The last thing I want is to cause you any harm or distress. If you will only listen to what I have to say, to hear the truth, you may change your mind about your feelings for me.

  “It is my wish that you and I will become trusted friends. My solemn allegiance is to you and Dorien. For my vow is to be your closest ally and your fiercest protector. I am a simple soldier, Evan, not a man of eloquent words. Please forgive me if this is not being presented to you in the right way.”

  Evangeline shook her head in disbelief. She tried to grasp the meaning of his words. “A soldier?”

  “Aye. I have fought next to Dorien for many, many years. I guess you can say we have been separated for a while, compliments of a wicked oracle.”

  Evangeline’s head jerked towards Dorien. She searched his face for the truth. Dorien’s mischievous wink confirmed Philip was being honest. Her thoughts racing wild, she pieced everything together like the squares of a heartfelt quilt. Philip…Demona…Soldiers. Her hand flew to her chest. The impact of understanding encompassed the magnitude of Philip’s words. Dorien and Philip chuckled in unison. It was obvious they both read her mind.

  “Your future bride is not only beautiful, she is also intelligent.”

  “Aye, she is, Philip. And Evan, you are correct in your assumptions. Philip is the closest thing I have to a brother. We have fought many battles together. Only once did he fail to protect a sword from slicing through my back. And then, it was only because he had taken a blade to his belly and fell before me. I assure as much as my love rages true for you, Evangeline, this man is a loyal and trustworthy friend. He is not the monster Demona would have him made out to be.”

  “Evan, I’m afraid I have only been released from my cursed prison a short time.”

  “You were a statue like Dorien?”

  “Aye! Demona freed me in an effort to use my presence against you both. I knew nothing of Dorien being alive. The witch threatened to return me to my frozen state if I didn’t accept her mission. When she ordered the invasion your house, I was foolish to think I could harm another to save my own skin. But when we met, and knowing what she expected me to do, well, I could not go through with it. I have yet to abuse a woman. I knew without a doubt I would have rather lived the rest of my existence made of stone.”

  Evangeline recalled every strained moment of their meeting with such vivid clarity. Searching her feelings, she couldn’t deny it. Philip was right. His stalled hesitation now revealed his inner struggle; a war of flesh and logic had battled from within. She had grown impatient and even begged him to make love to her. She thought he was Dorien, and she had even tried to encourage him. Philip had been presented with plenty of ample opportunity. Assaulting her would have taken him no effort. But he had found the power to resist. This man never crossed the line.

  “The moment you mentioned Dorien’s name, I knew Demona had used me. Please, Evan, say you can forgive me. Allow me the chance to prove I would never hurt you.”

  Memories of her experience with Philip made Evangeline’s cheeks flush hot with fire. She remembered the soft feel of his hair brushing across her chest. His body had pressed so intimately against her. He had told her he expected to give her his baby.

  Dorien’s head jerked towards Philip. His lip curled into a sneer. The muscles in his cheek twitched in anger.
A growl escaped the back of his throat. He hurled his solid fist into Philip’s perfect, chiseled face.

  Philip flew back several feet. He landed sprawled out on the floor. With a groan he sat up and rubbed his smarting jaw. In a single jump he was standing on his feet. His demeanor seemed completely unfazed until his raven brows came together. Remorse filled his eyes and clouded his expression. The vivid glow of his stare held a bounty of regret.

  “I deserved that, Dorien. Forgive me for touching her. I swear on my immortality that I didn’t know! Demona’s plan was to divide us. Tell me she isn’t successful. Say we have a truce. From this day forward, Evan is as good as my little sister, just as you have always been my brother.”

  Dorien searched Evangeline’s face. “Can you accept Philip as one of us? Are you able to forgive him? Whatever you decide, I will stand by you. There is no question of my devotion. If I have to choose, you will be my choice.”

  Evangeline’s gaze jumped from Dorien to Philip.

  “Dorien is right. If you decide you cannot forgive me…if you are unable to accept me as your brother, then I will leave and never return.”

  Evangeline’s heart squeezed tight with pain. The impact of her feelings forced her head to fall back against her pillow.

  They were both willing to lose each other for her!

  Philip studied her intensely. She swore she felt his thoughts cradle her heart. He held out his large, pale hand. Evangeline accepted it and enjoyed the tenderness of his squeeze. Goosebumps covered her skin at the familiar coldness of his touch. But this time, it wasn’t out of fear. She wasn’t sure exactly when it had happened. But she now felt completely safe with him.

  Philip’s stare had never looked so bright or intense. His joy was smiling back at her. “I promise you, Evangeline. Demona will pay for using me to hurt you and Dorien. Mark my words, the witch will pay.”

  Evangeline shivered. She believed him. Tears rolled down her smiling cheeks. Her family was growing so fast. A feat she never thought could happen. “You know, I’ve always wanted a big brother.”

  Philip embraced Evangeline and placed a soft, brotherly kiss on top of her head. He released her gently and turned to Dorien. In a swift deliberate motion, Philip lowered himself on one knee. His raven head dipped forward in submission. Lifting only his eyes, Philip’s ice blue stare never wavered or left Dorien’s face. He pounded his left fist against his breast. His voice trembled with a passion only a warrior could know.

  “I vowed allegiance to a mighty Prince, once. Born a son of Crotona, I chose to follow my Spartan friend and brother. That was when blood still pumped in this chest. But now my heart has fallen silent. No longer does life flow through these veins. Forever more, I reaffirm my vow; not to my Prince, but to my King. For the justice of Sparta and for the honor of the Commonwealth, I subject my authority to thee. For I am adopted; a son covered by the cloak of crimson. I will stand and I will fight. Whatever it is you want, I shall want. Whatever you love, I shall love. We are eternally bound as brothers. I shall not fail you.”

  Dorien’s fist thudded against his chest. Emotion ignited in his stare. The man she loved offered Philip his outstretched hand. Philip accepted his best friend’s grasp and rose with his usual playful grin. Philip was like a long-lost brother who had finally returned home. It was only because he was.

  Chapter Five

  Summer’s stifling heat was finally over. English Fall was always breathtaking and vivacious. Leaves turned vibrant colors of yellow, red, brown, and black, and littered the ground. The air turned crisp and invigorating. Evangeline scratched November ninth off her calendar with her red marker and contemplated her favorite time of the year. Her suitcase was almost packed. This would be the family’s first vacation getaway.

  Blackpool Sands.

  The cozy getaway on the South Devon Heritage Coast had been her parents’ favorite place to escape. A whole month of rest and relaxation was going to be a delightful retreat. Evangeline smiled to think of her new family. Tommy and Philip were already embedded deep inside her heart. Protective and attentive, they adored her as if she was kin. Philip had exceeded his promise to be a faithful and reliable friend and had become so much more. He was her brother.

  Upon release from the hospital, Dorien and Philip had moved into the main house in an effort to protect her. They were as close knit as any family. In a few more weeks their blissful home would grow again. She and Dorien would be married. Deep in thought, Evangeline suddenly cried out. Dorien’s cold arms encompassed her. His cold fingers splayed across her large, swollen belly.

  “I’m sorry, love. I didn’t mean to startle you.” he whispered hot in her ear.

  Evangeline shivered in delight and allowed her back to rest against the coolness of his chest. She hummed in sweet pleasure. Discomfort forced her hands to fly to her now active womb. Her eyes grew large with sudden awareness. “I’ll be all right, but you woke the twins.” she scolded.

  She craned her neck to look at him. How she loved to watch his face light up with wonder. The babies seemed to kick at their father in disapproval. It would seem they didn’t like their mother being startled. Sucking in an uncomfortable breath, Evangeline’s palms cupped her aching backside. Breathing through the pressure of tiny feet pushing through the thin skin of her sides wasn’t easy. “They are strong…just like their father.”

  Dorien lowered Evangeline onto the edge of the bed. His cold hands manipulated her distorted belly. Persuading the babies into a new position, he kissed her and smirked at the success of his accomplishment. But Evangeline had other things on her mind.

  “I don’t know why I packed these blasted things!”

  She knew he was reading her thoughts. His attention bolted towards the objects of her wrath; a pile of maternity clothes rested inside her open suitcase.

  “I bet I won’t fit into any of them by the time we get there! I’m only twenty weeks and I already look like I am overdue to deliver. Thank Heavens it’s too cold for swimming. Could you imagine this horrid body in a bloody bathing suit? I would look like a beached whale!”

  Dorien pursed his lips. Judging by his tight expression, it was obvious he suppressed the urge to chuckle. Her thoughts warned him to choose his words very carefully. The rogue still chuckled anyways.

  “Nay, my love. Nothing is more beautiful than a woman heavy with child.” he insisted while stroking her belly. His glowing emerald eyes became the color of dark hunter from his passion. She felt his lips brush seductively against her ear. “Only a woman can bring forth life, Evan.”

  His delicious kisses always drove her mad. He had a way of making her forget her dilemma. She moaned. Her lips pressed and lingered against his mouth. Every cell in her body wanted to taste him. “I love you, Dorien. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

  “And I love you, Evan.”

  Philip’s tease drifted from downstairs. “Are you two lovebirds finished yet? The truck is loaded and ready!”

  She closed her eyes in bliss. Dorien’s cold fingers traced the length of her neck. His smile was delightfully naughty. “Are you all packed, woman? If we don’t leave this bedroom now, I’m afraid our traveling party will be delayed at least another good hour."

  Evangeline caught the meaning of his threat and slapped at the air. “All I need is my cosmetic bag. Be a good boy and retrieve it from the bathroom. I just might reward you with another kiss.”

  In a flash Dorien retrieved the bag and zipped up her suitcase. She squealed as he picked her up off the bed and held her with his flexed muscled arm. Her suitcase dangled lazily from his looped finger. In a blurred instant they were downstairs in the living room.

  Evangeline pecked his cheek. “Show off!”

  Philip chuckled and grinned at Tommy. “You ready, Tommy?”

  Tommy sported a new pair of black Ray-Ban sunglasses. “I’m ready to roll! I’ll race you to the truck!” With a bolt he passed Philip and grunted with all of his might towards the new black
Chevrolet Suburban. The boy should have known better. Immortals always win.

  Evangeline waddled to the truck and leaned against it. She was almost breathless from her trek. Dorien had ordered the vehicle soon after learning of the twins. It was likely more for her safety than for the addition of their immortal children. The hospital incident had left a lasting impression on all of them. Dorien never failed to remind her how fragile she was.

  Tommy pulled his shades down. “Sweet ride, huh Philip?”

  Philip gazed upon his reflection in the shiny black paint. “Dorien’s great taste shows in his ride and in his woman!”

  Evangeline heard Philip’s tease. Her cheeks burned hot. In play she slapped her brother. Philip pretended to be wounded the moment her open palm met his cold, muscled biceps.

  “Sister! I pray you will attempt to restrain your brutality!”

  Evangeline screamed in laughter while shaking the throb of pain that quickly consumed her hand. Philip held her tingling limb and tried to massage the sting away. His icy blue gaze was troubled. Her thoughts reminded him she had hurt herself at her own expense.

  Dorien approached the truck and sensed her pain in an instant. With a growl he plucked her hand from the safety of Philip’s grasp. Evangeline purred like a kitten. Dorien kissed her open palm in an attempt to shoo away her ache. She couldn’t help but giggle. Dorien continued to fuss over her.

  “Dorien, I’m all right! I must remember immortal skin isn’t soft like mine. I should have known better than to strike Philip. See, I can still move my fingers!” She knew her wince didn’t escape his attention. Nothing did! But she still tried to make him feel better anyways.

  “Then I shall leave you be. Are you ready to go? Any more potty breaks before we hit the road?”