Spartan Heart, Part Two

by Kristine Cheney

  “No. I’m good. I’ve already gone twice in the last half hour.”

  Evangeline gasped. Dorien picked her up and placed her in the passenger seat.

  “Dorien! I can get into the truck all by my…”

  She was silenced by his kiss.

  * * * *

  The hum of tires lulled her in and out of sleep. The bantering between the guys didn’t disturb her in the least. These had become the blissful sounds of home. The tenor of their voices filled her with a deep, sated warmth. There was a feeling of safety she hadn’t felt since she had lived with her parents. She didn’t mind being the only female in the house. But a daughter would be a blessing in a house full of men. Rubbing her belly, she pondered the gender of her growing babies.

  Dorien and Eliza wouldn’t budge! How could they refuse to let her know the gender of the twins? Begging and pleading didn’t work. She had even cried real tears! But they wouldn’t give in, so Evangeline stopped asking. Half of her pregnancy had already passed. To wait was all Dorien had ever asked of her. How could she deny him? But it still drove her nuts!

  Evangeline stirred and opened her eyes. Glancing at Dorien, his grin confirmed he knew what she was thinking. His cold fingers caressed her cheek and trailed down her jaw, resting at the nape of her neck. Nothing could calm the quickening of her pulse that echoed wildly against the palm of his hand. With the flutter of her lashes, her hands cradled her belly. She slipped back into the soothing depths of slumber.

  A cool breeze danced across her skin. Wistful cries of a seagull bolted Evangeline upright. Her chest heaved as she dared to spy around her. The beats of her heart froze in half-awake panic.

  She was in an unfamiliar bed!

  In an instant Dorien was by her side. “Everything is all right, Evan! We are here at the beach house. You were deep in sleep. I didn’t want to wake you, so I carried you from the truck.”

  It was no wonder she didn’t recognize the room. This wasn’t the twin bed she slept in as a child. Now she was an adult. Of course she would be using her parents’ master bedroom. “But how did you…?”

  “I knew how to get here based on your memories of this place.”

  She couldn’t believe his skill in obtaining classified mental information! “You are getting good, Dorien!”

  He chuckled. “I can see why you enjoyed coming here with your parents. It is private, secluded, and to be honest, pretty amazing. Philip and Tommy have been frolicking on the beach since we arrived. Philip has always had a love for the ocean. Sometimes I think he would rather be a fish instead of an immortal!”

  Evangeline laughed so hard her belly hurt. She conjured an image of Philip with scales and fins. Sea World water tricks filled her mind. Dorien howled in laughter. Her stomach growled in hunger.

  “You need food. Let us feed you before my children make you starve! What are you in the mood for?”

  Evangeline scrunched up her face in hard concentration. What was she craving? Hmmm…..Oh yes, she knew. “You don’t want to know!”

  Dorien threw his head back. She loved the hearty sound of his laughter. She felt the blush of crimson spread across her skin. Philip’s chuckle drifted through the open bedroom window.

  Evangeline pouted. “Ha! Ha! It’s not funny! I can’t help what I’m hungry for!”

  Philip’s voice sounded jovial. He always had to add his two cents worth. “That’s what you get for thinking of me as an ocean pet!”

  Dorien chuckled and kissed her forehead. Philip announced he and Tommy were firing up the grill. She enjoyed the feel of his cool fingers under her chin. His green eyes sparkled in mischief. “If the lady wishes to have hot dogs with jalapenos, crushed pineapple, mustard, and sweet relish, with a large glass of iced fruit punch, then we are at your service.

  The ocean view was glorious from the patio. Deep blue waves danced and broke its frothy kiss on the sand. Freckled seagulls flew with outstretched wings. A swirling breeze caressed her face. But for now she didn’t care. She was too focused on her third loaded hot dog. Licking the mustard, sweet relish, and pineapple off her dripping fingers, she was embarrassed she had already devoured all of the jalapenos. Her audience watched in silent awe, with wide eyes and gaping mouths.

  “What?” She feigned innocence. But she wasn’t successful downplaying her appetite.

  “Wow! Can we enter you into a hot dog eating contest, Evan?” Tommy begged.

  “Um…no!”

  “Wow! Those babies make you hungry!”

  “Yes, Tommy. I’m afraid they do.”

  Evangeline froze in serious concentration. Three men looked terrified in an instant. Their breaths released in unison when she let out a loud, hearty burp.

  “Sorry guys! I know…I’m not acting much like a lady.”

  Philip’s grin was full of mischief. “On the contrary! At least now you have room for your punch.”

  Everyone laughed in hysterics. Evangeline giggled so hard, the babies jumped with the hiccups. Her hands cradled her huge jumping belly.

  Tommy smiled. “Are the babies moving?”

  “They have the hiccups, come feel.”

  Sitting in her chair, Evangeline felt like a queen. Dorien, Philip, and Tommy dropped to their knees and splayed their hands across her swollen stomach. They laughed as the babies moved and jumped with their hiccups. She saved this precious memory and locked it deep within her heart.

  Philip shook his head in obvious wonder. “It amazes me what a woman’s body can do! You are very blessed, Dorien. I envy you, my friend.”

  Dorien clapped him on the back. “Your time is coming, brother.”

  Philip’s expression fell and became a blank slate. His stare looked pained and distant. “I can only hope.”

  Dorien tried to encourage his friend. “Remember…now we have forever.”

  Philip nodded. Rising off his knees, he walked alone towards the beach. Still as a statue, he stared out into the setting horizon. Beautiful fading hues of blue melted with burgundy and orange. The clouds drifted low, kissing the yellow rays of the sun goodbye.

  Evangeline’s heart squeezed tight. Instinct told her something was wrong.

  “Dorien, I’m sorry if I’ve hurt Philip.”

  He caught a long errant strand of honey-wheat hair blowing in her face. “Nay, Evan. You have done nothing wrong. Philip and I may have lived for centuries, but our memories can be as clear and fresh as if they happened yesterday. He still mourns the loss of his beloved Tiana.”

  “Tiana?”

  “She was the princess daughter of the rival Sybarites. Philip was a royal son of Crotona. Both were given in marriage as a gesture of peace. Philip was angry to be forced into a loveless arrangement. But his mind changed upon meeting his bride. He was pleased to find her articulate and intelligent. They fell in love.

  “Soon after their vows, Tiana’s father Telys went into an unprovoked rage. He accused Philip of using his daughter against him and trying to undermine his rule over his people. He was even so bold to accuse Philip of plotting to steal his throne. The accusations against Philip only mounted, despite his proclamations of innocence. Philip was forever banished and his new bride taken from him.

  “In his grief he sailed to Cyrene, where we met and created our alliance. Philip has not looked upon another woman since he lost his wife. A year after his banishment, he learned Tiana had been forced to marry again. She had conceived quickly and later died in childbirth. Philip never got over losing her.”

  Tears flowed down Evangeline’s cheeks. “No! Poor Philip!”

  His fingers gently brushed her tears away. “It will take more time to dull the ache he carries. Now he has immortality. Love will find him again.” Dorien’s gaze drifted towards the water. Philip stood waist deep in the surf. His raven hair blew wild in the breeze.

  “He does love the ocean, doesn’t he?”

  Dorien nodded. “Aye. His homeland was by the sea. He was raised a son of the water. This place reminds him a little of hom
e.”

  Philip dove into the cold water. Evangeline never saw him come up for air.

  Dorien cupped her elbow and helped her from her chair. “Come, Evan. The sun is going down and the temperature is dropping. Let me get you inside. I shall make you a fire.”

  Evangeline didn’t argue. She lowering herself onto the sofa and waited for Dorien to return. The woe of Philip’s story made Evangeline want to snuggle deep into the safety of Dorien’s arms. The heat of the fireplace warmed her tired, aching bones. She didn’t remember falling into slumber.

  * * * *

  It had been many years since she woke to the delicious aroma of breakfast cooking. Voices were loud, sharp, and angry. Evangeline recognized the masculine exchange of heated conversation. Were Dorien and Philip arguing? In an instant, their voices fell silent. Her telepathic eavesdroppers had picked up on her thoughts!

  “No element of surprise here!” Evangeline shouted.

  Knowing chuckles drifted from down the hall. Rolling out of bed, Evangeline wrapped herself in her pink fluffy robe. Adorned with the cutest wide-eyed fuzzy lambs, they kind of reminded her of the adorable Serta sheep. Slipping on her matching character slippers, she must have looked a sore sight as she waddled into the dining room. She wouldn’t have known by the table full of mischievous smiles.

  Philip’s face showed none of his misery from last night. “Good morning, sister. I trust you slept well.”

  “I did. Thank you, Philip. Oh! What smells so good?”

  Tommy set a steaming plate of piled blueberry pancakes in front of Evangeline. Her mouth fell open in surprise. “This is so funny! I was just dreaming about eating blueberry….”

  Knowing smirks traveled around the table. It was as if everyone knew about her dream of eating blueberry pancakes. Recognition hit her. She felt the sting of crimson flood her face.

  They all knew!

  “Don’t be upset, Evan.” Philip pleaded.

  We were just trying to help.” Tommy offered.

  Evangeline searched their faces for any hint of sarcasm. She was relieved to find there was none.

  “Please, eat and enjoy, Evan. We find your pregnancy cravings rather fascinating. Allow us to indulge you.” Dorien reassured.

  She was speechless. How did these men care for her so much? Oh, how she loved them. They filled her heart with such joy…and her belly with scrumptious blueberry pancakes.

  Tommy placed tall stacks of cakes in front of Dorien and Philip before sitting down to his own plate. “Eat them while they’re hot!”

  Evangeline was shocked. Her beloved immortals were going to eat! They awkwardly filled their mouths with forks full of pancake in an effort to make her feel better. They were always a step ahead of her! Plopping another bite of Heaven into her mouth, she couldn’t help but moan in pleasure. The way the maple flavor mingled with the blueberries was enough to make her toes curl. She remembered her wake up call. Evangeline’s brows furrowed. “What were you boys arguing about earlier?”

  Dorien’s bright green eyes turned hunter. “We are sorry if we woke you, Evan. Talking about Demona sets our tempers on fire.”

  “The Oracle?”

  “You mean the witch!” Philip flared.

  Dorien’s answer seemed to address them both. “Correct.”

  Philip forced himself to swallow his bite of pancake. “Being far from home, we feel safe to talk about Demona here.”

  Evangeline’s cheek nestled into the palm of her hand. “Is this woman really that evil?”

  Philip’s anger was obvious. “Evil is too kind a word for the likes of Demona. The woman is as insane as she is treacherous. She is not to be underestimated! Her schemes cause the chaos that plagues us. I swear the witch will pay. I only pray it is by my hand.”

  “Hold on, brother. We don’t want to provoke her. We all know Evan could become the target of her wrath.”

  “Me? But what have I ever done to her?” Evangeline choked. Her hands rose high in her defense.

  Dorien cast a warning glance to Philip. She knew their conversation was now telepathic. As a mortal, she was always at a disadvantage.

  “Let’s just say that you have something Demona doesn’t have, Evangeline.” Philip offered.

  “And what is that?” Realization smarted like a slap to her face. Dropping her fork, it clanked loud against her plate. “She knew I’d have you!”

  “I’m afraid so, Evan. It doesn’t help that you carry my babes in your belly.” Dorien rose and stood behind her chair. His hands massaged her shoulders. But it failed to release the balls of tension that suddenly filled them. “So everything is all because of me?”

  Dorien’s fist crashed down hard on top of the table. Evangeline and Tommy were the only bodies who jumped.

  “Nay! I refuse to allow any of us to accept responsibility for Demona’s sick obsessions! Evan, please don’t dwell on this. I think Demona has moved on in some aspects. I don’t think we have to worry about her for a while.”

  “What makes you so sure? What if she wants to hurt our children?”

  Dorien rubbed his temples. Talking about Demona seemed to give him a throbbing headache. “Demona has no interest in children. Our babes are safe. I can promise you that.”

  Evangeline blew a sigh of relief.

  “Please trust me. We have nothing to worry about right now.”

  Dorien opened his sculpted arms. Evangeline ran into their safety. She enjoyed the feel of his fingers stroking her hair.

  “What do you say we go down to the beach? This morning is far too beautiful to waste.”

  Chapter Six

  The crisp ocean breeze felt as glorious as Heaven. Its jet-streamed whisper felt like the glorious flutter of an angel’s wings swooshing across the expanse of Evangeline’s skin. She lifted up her skirt and waded up and down the beach. A sunken trail of footsteps followed behind her in the sand.

  The cold Atlantic water swirled and lapped at her ankles. It made her bare feet burn. She was jealous of the men. They frolicked and played deep in the tumbling surf. If she tried, she would end up like a beached sea turtle wriggling helpless on its back.

  Evangeline knew Dorien and Philip wouldn’t feel the nipped sting of the salty, frigid water. But she would never get used to their ability to stay submerged for long periods of time. Their lungs didn’t require air. Her mortal heart failed to realize they weren’t in any danger of drowning.

  Poor, Tommy! He froze in the water and tried to keep up with her beloved immortals. If she were to judge by the tremble of his teenage body, Tommy’s rubbery wet suit was hardly enough protection from the elements. Evangeline smiled in relief. They were swimming towards the shore.

  Philip grinned from ear to ear. Beads of water dripped from the raven locks of his hair. “I have a surprise for you, Evan.”

  “A surprise? What is it?”

  Philip turned his back and pointed towards the deep blue sea. “Do you recall how Dorien helped me cash in my coins?”

  “I do!”

  “Do you see that little island over there?”

  Dorien saw it in an instant. Evangeline and Tommy placed their hands over their eyes. They squinted in an effort to see. Evangeline shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t see anything.”

  “Neither do I,” Tommy agreed.

  Philip snatched the telescope from the patio table and handed it to her. “Evan, look to your eleven o’clock position. Tell me what you see.”

  She turned the focus on the lens. In an instant she could see it. “An island? I had no idea one was even there. How far is it?”

  “Almost two miles. The scope is a good one, isn’t it? It also helps that it’s a clear day.” Philip boasted.

  Evangeline passed the scope to Tommy. “Why are you showing us the island?”

  Philip’s smile held a secret. “Because I bought it this morning.”

  “Philip! That’s wonderful! Isn’t this fabulous news, Dorien?”

  Dorien cast a warning glance
at Philip. “As long as he keeps his intentions honorable, then I suppose it could be wonderful. The idea has been conjured that the island would make a fitting place to build a secluded prison for the likes of Demona.”

  Philip snorted. “Don’t worry, brother. Thoughts and actions are two separate things.”

  Dorien clapped Philip on the back. “Let’s keep it that way.”

  “Tell us about the island!” Tommy begged.

  “The island is a lush paradise the size of ten square miles. There are plenty of trees and shrubs, a few fresh water ponds and a waterfall, with plenty of animals to hunt. The huge manor house is furnished and has a pretty impressive boat dock. I swam there last night and fell in love with it. As luck would have it, I managed to find a realtor in town who represents the owner. Anyways, I plan to make a few minor modifications over the next few months. The realtor said she would help me hire the contractors. Renovations should be completed by mid-March.”

  Evangeline’s chest tightened with dread.

  Philip was going to leave!

  “That is right before the twins are due. Do you plan to leave us?”

  “Don’t worry, sis! I don’t plan to leave you and Dorien just yet. I just thought it would be nice to have my own retreat. Who knows, maybe in the future I will make it more of a permanent home.”

  Evangeline placed her hand on his arm. “Of course. Just know you are always welcome to stay with us. We are your family. Our home is always your home.” She felt the coolness of Philip’s hand cover her own.