Dark Secrets

by P. L. Midnight

  Confident much?

  I’ll just have to show you.

  Is that a threat or a promise?

  A bit of both, love. Later.

  I was tingling all over by the time he left the room. What was wrong with me? Did I have feelings for all seven of these males? In truth, I really believed I did, but I just didn’t want to dwell on it, afraid that Victor would hear my thoughts. I didn’t think Miles or my other guys could hear my private thoughts, just telepathic conversations. However, Victor and I could hear everyone’s thoughts, which could get sticky at times. I’d have to make sure to keep my mind closed and my barriers erected. Some thoughts were private and should be kept that way, especially my thoughts of them lately. I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about Miles without his shirt, or Victor’s kiss not to mention special things about the others. Yep, better keep those thoughts private.

  Chapter Five

  I was right about Miles not being able to hear my private thoughts, by his next comment, “What was that between Victor and you just then?”

  “He was teasing me telepathically as he seems to enjoy doing today. You couldn’t read his thoughts or mine?”

  “Come back over here and let me hold you. Then I’ll answer your questions and you can answer a few of mine.”

  I slid back down towards him and onto his outstretched arm. I nuzzled against his side almost drooling as I studied his magnificent muscular chest. He pulled me tighter against him and our bodies were flesh against one another. I almost sighed with pleasure. Mhmm, he was amazing to cuddle with, I realized. I loved all the fine dark hairs that were sprinkled across his golden skin. They were fuzzy soft against me.

  “That’s better. I’ve never had the chance to hold you like this.”

  “You’re the first to ever hold me like this, Miles. I just never thought you’d be like this. You were always kind of distant before.”

  “I’m the first one to hold you. I like that.” I didn’t tell him I’d straddled Victor’s lap or a few of the other little intimate things that had happened with the others. I still didn’t understand why I felt such a strong attraction to any of them. “About that moody shit of mine, that’s just for Alex’s benefit. He hates it. It irritates him, so I do it. It also keeps Vince from talking to me. Sorry, but I was getting tired of hearing about you, even though he was right about you. You were all he would talk about, well that and some Science crap. Anyway, in answer to your earlier question I cannot hear any random thoughts from anyone. The only thoughts most of us can hear are those projected specifically to us or telepathic conversations near us. Victor is the exception. He is so damn ancient that…”

  I heard that.

  It’s the truth. Stop listening with your supernatural hearing, too. Privacy is requested and expected, old friend.

  Sorry, bro.

  “As I was saying, Victor has this gift for reading minds. He can read anyone’s thoughts and he can almost hear a damn pin drop from a mile away. Raven can read human thoughts, also, but he cannot read yours. Therefore, your private thoughts are safe from everyone, but Victor and the guy has no morals at all. At times, he’ll listen just because he can.”

  That’s just rude.

  Isn’t it though, Victor. I don’t hear any cooking going on down there.

  “I don’t understand him at all. He acted like he hated me, well, most of the time, until today. He’s different since you’ve arrived.”

  “It’s because I’m here. I guess he’s marking his territory or some such male nonsense, but he never really hated you. I don’t know if you know this, but there is a property in your blood that calls to all seven of us. We seem to want to live to love and protect you. Don’t look at me like that, you’re right that we want your body, too, but it’s much more than that. Victor is a vampire and the call of your blood is much stronger for him, but don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. He’s just trying to distance you from himself.

  Really, I thought. It hadn’t seemed like that right before Miles arrived.

  “You know I can’t choose between you. I don’t understand why I feel the way I do about all of you. I don’t even know some of you guys that well, but I think I love all of you, too, even Victor.” I whispered that last part, hoping the vain vampire wouldn’t hear me.

  “We understand your feelings. Some of us don’t know you that well either. We only know what Vincent has told anyone that would listen and what we’ve seen. You understand that we’d never ask you to choose between us. Babe, we all love and want you, but we can’t always be with you. When we can’t, we want one of our brothers to take care of you and make sure you’re safe. Your safety and happiness is all that matters to us. We’ve discussed this, in a manner of speaking, we are willing to share you. We know what we’re asking is not going to be easy. Hell, we don’t even know how many others could be affected by your blood. It could get crowded, but the six of us will share. Victor will, too, if it comes down to your happiness. I promise we’re all willing to make it work somehow.”

  “Vince is even willing to make it work?”

  “Well, he’s willing to try. He knows it’s the only way.”

  “What if he kills Alex for touching me?”

  “I don’t think it will come to that, but kissing or anything intimate should remain private between the participants. Besides, he can’t kill Alex. Alex is stronger than he looks. I think that like Victor and I, they like to argue. Vince has only frozen Alex once. It was pretty cool, too, until he melted and went after Vince with those melting eyes of his. He damn near started a fire in Raven’s living room. We all had to run laps for that shit.”

  “Frozen Alex, what do you mean by that and the fire thing?”

  “None of us are human, as you know, except Sebastian. He’s human, but he’s different. His life span is much longer than a human’s, because, besides being a healer, he’s an extremely powerful warlock. There are rumors about the Order that he’s the most powerful warlock in existence.”

  “Wow, I hope he never gets mad at me.”

  “He’d never hurt you, but he’ll be a damn good protector.”

  “At first when I heard your thoughts about each other and realized you weren’t human, I didn’t believe you. I thought you were all crazy, but now I know I was wrong. I didn’t even know beings such as you existed.”

  “We try to keep our presence in your world a secret. We know mass hysteria would ensue should humans learn that their worst nightmares existed and actually worked to protect them from even darker forces. It’s complicated, but you’re one of a very select few that knows about us.”

  “So, you believe I’m human then.”

  “I’m not sure, to be completely truthful. I agree with Raven and Sebastian. I believe that the answer to that question lies with your father and mother. Maybe the letter Victor found will give us some answers. We haven’t been able to locate either of your parents yet. We think that they’re now together, which means they’re safe for the time being.”

  “It would stand to reason that they know whether I’m human or not, but why do you believe that they are safer together?”

  “Your father is skilled at staying under Dark Hearts radar and will obviously protect your mother. Believe me when I say anyone that can elude them for as long as he has is more than a little experienced at hiding. I just found out last night that they are likely together, which is why I came over. One of us needed to let you know that your parents are safe. It was not something we wanted to discuss over the phone. It’s still imperative that we find them for the sake of your safety and that of the entire planet, but we don’t need Dark Hearts finding out they’re together.”

  “So the Order is still searching for them.”

  “Yes, we are and I assume, since you read our thoughts that you know about the Order.”

  “Yes, and Raven told me a little about them.”

  “Dark Heart has also ramped up their search for you. That is why you must stay a while longer with Vict
or.”

  “I’m not sure if I want to, now that I’ve seen his fangs.”

  “You’re safe here, babe. I promise. Victor won’t hurt you. He’d die to protect you just as any of us would.”

  “You’re more certain of that than I am. Besides, he doesn’t want me here.”

  “Believe me, the problem is that he wants you here too much, which he doesn’t like. Victor has become somewhat of a recluse in the last few years. He bought this rather obscure place and made it even more elusive with all the trees. He did that to keep people out and yet you are here. For years, Victor was one of the most ruthless agents that ever worked for the Order, but that is his story to tell. Victor is a worthy opponent as you saw late last night. He’ll take good care of you, even if he does crab about it.”

  “Why were you fighting if you are such good friends?”

  This should be good. Anyway, I already told her why. You bit me first.

  Go outside for a walk in the sun, Victor.

  That was a rather harsh thing to say to a vampire. Anyway, the sun doesn’t bother me that much. It’s just annoying like a certain beastie boy sometimes.

  I decided to insert my thoughts into their discussion. I know the sun doesn’t bother you, or so you said. Besides, it’s not that bright outside yet.

  Emma, how sweet to hear your thoughts, I’m glad you’re concerned for my welfare. You’re welcome to hear my thoughts anytime you’d like, especially the ones about us.

  There is no us, Victor.

  Ah, but there could be. You just need to get to know me. Then, they’ll be no resisting my charms.

  Vain much? I’m not in the least bit interested.

  Just like you’re not interested in kissing me.

  Go away, Victor. You’re being a pain in the ass as usual.

  It’s my house.

  You realize that he has to stay here. Now go outside like a good little vampire and get a tan.

  How vulgar, beast. Ok, ok, I’m out of here. I can’t tolerate any more sun humor, save that for the sun seraph.

  “Is he always like that?”

  “Most of the time, but he’s really a good friend. You’re safer here than anywhere else in the universe, at least, for the time being.”

  “Miles, I really don’t want to stay here. I know him even less than I know you. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’m having a hard time being around him without wanting to touch him.” That was so embarrassing, I thought as I blushed to the roots of my hair.

  “You’ll just have to exercise restraint like we’re all learning to do.” Miles smirked before getting serious. “You trust me, don’t you, Emma?”

  “Yes, I suppose, but you lied to me just like the rest of them. That really hurt me, Miles. Can I trust you not to tell me any more lies?”

  “I’ve never lied to you. Your mother was safe, babe. I sensed it. I knew it was the truth. I just didn’t know how to prove it, but now we know she’s secure for the time being. We’ll find her, I promise. The Order has commissioned some of the finest trackers in the universe. If your parents are anywhere near here, they’ll find them. That is another reason you must stay here. It is better for you to stay out of this mess for now.”

  “I wasn’t talking about that. You wanted to share me and you deliberately withheld that information and the fact that you’re not human. It was kind of important stuff to keep from me.” After a minute, I thought of something else. “Won’t those trackers be able to find me, too?”

  “They will, but if they get close Victor will cloak you. As far as withholding the information about not being human, if we had told you, would you have believed us?”

  “Probably not, I guess.”

  “As far as all of us wanting you, I would’ve thought it was obvious since we usually acted like love sick puppies around you.”

  “You wanted to share me. Doesn’t that seem kind of weird to you?”

  “None of us would ever hurt you and, of course, the final decision to accept our courtships or reject them is and always will be yours.”

  Courtships, really, Miles?

  Well, what the hell would you have said?

  Well at least you didn’t say wooing. Hurry up or I’ll eat your steaks.

  We’re almost finished. This would be faster if you’d stop interrupting.

  I’ll keep breakfast warm. Good luck with Emma. It sounds like you may need it. You should have told her the truth, Miles. You know better than that, lying to a woman is like committing relationship suicide.

  Thanks for reminding me, now go keep breakfast warm.

  “I know it’s my decision, but it would’ve been nice to be asked. It wasn’t fun finding out by hearing your mind communications.”

  He grinned at me, which made it difficult to be aggravated at him, “Babe, you invaded our privacy and kept that from us. I know you don’t know me very well yet, but don’t you trust Vince and Raven? You know in your heart that they’d have told you when they thought you were ready. Would you really have wanted to know that we all wanted to court you, when your mother was in immediate danger?”

  “When you put it like that I guess it’s my fault, too, but I didn’t listen to your thoughts on purpose. I didn’t even know why I could hear you. Then I just started hearing all your thoughts, not just your projected ones. This happened as the date of my eighteenth birthday got closer. Now, I’ve learned to control my telepathy almost completely.”

  “I’m just sorry you were hurt trying to leave us. Let us come and spend some time with you while you’re here. Give us a chance to prove how much we care and that we’ll never keep anything from you again. You can get to know us and decide for yourself what you want to do. There’ll be no pressure that way. You can set the pace, babe.”

  “I’ll think about it. It might be nice to have some company while I’m here, in case Victor starts getting grumpy again when you leave. One more thing, you still haven’t answered my question about why you two were fighting.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that, we weren’t actually fighting.”

  “Really, you could’ve fooled me.”

  “Victor’s right, though. I bit him first. I guess that’s what started our little brawl.”

  “You call that a little brawl. It looked like you were trying to kill each other.”

  “You should see us when we really get wound up.”

  “Are you insane? The man is a vampire.”

  “Did you forget I’m a shifter? Your lack of faith in my fighting skills is a little insulting. I’m quite strong and pretty damn fast, too. Perhaps you missed the gigantic panther I shifted into. Victor pissed me off, which is why I bit him in the first place. I thought he was going to bite your neck with those big ass fangs of his.”

  “Maybe he was going to bite me. I don’t know, but that fight was awful. I saw the panther, but that changes nothing. I saw Victor move from place to place like a flash of lightning.”

  “Yeah, he’s pretty quick, but I could’ve taken him if you hadn’t interrupted.”

  You think so, beastie boy. Double or nothing.

  Go aw….

  I know, go away, Victor. I got bored. Anyway, need I remind you that I’m waiting for breakfast and you both should read this letter. You don’t want cold, rare steak, do you?

  You didn’t. I hope it’s good and bloody.

  I thought I heard it mooing earlier, brother.

  Thanks, Victor. You’re the best vampire I’ve ever known.

  I’m the only vampire you’ve ever known.

  We’ll be down shortly. Don’t eat my steaks.

  Wouldn’t dream of it. I prefer my blood directly from a living supplier.

  Later.

  This should be interesting. I know, I know I’m gone. I promise. Anyway, someone has to clean up this kitchen. I gave Mrs. McClain some time off.

  “I hope my steak is well done. I don’t want any cow parts ready to dance on my plate.”

  “Oh, it won’t be on my plate long enoug
h to do anything. I hope he made me three of them like he normally does.”

  “I’ve noticed you do eat a lot, even for your size.” I quickly amended thinking of his hard body, “not that you’re fat. You, um, look good, really good.” Breathe Emma, I thought, remembering Miles at Thanksgiving. He’d really put away the turkey. It was a good thing that Raven had five of them prepared. Miles had managed to eat an entire turkey and part of another one by himself.

  “I’m glad you think I look good. I think you look amazing. I’m eating for about ten beasts, besides myself and they’re getting hungry. We’d better get going or Victor will get even more temperamental than usual.”

  There was no comment from Victor’s mind so I assumed he’d finally gotten bored listening to us.

  “Listen before we go down you need to understand that there is no other option for your safety. You must stay here. Sebastian can magically transport any of us here to see you. He hasn’t told the others yet, but I know he’s checked on you a few times while you were sleeping to make sure you were healing properly. We’ve all been worried about you since you disappeared.”

  “I guess, I don’t have a choice, but I could have gotten away last night, so Victor isn’t exactly watching me closely.”

  “On the contrary, he knew exactly where you were. That’s the main reason I came over when I did. Of course, I’m not sure my timing was too good. He’d telepathically called me. I came to convince you to stay put before Sebastian has to come and put wards on the house to keep you safe inside. Victor does sleep occasionally and has several businesses he still oversees. I want your word that you’ll stop trying to leave. If you get out there, it will be much worse for you than it is here. If you need us or want to see any of us all you have to do is call on the special phone Victor now has for you. We can no longer use the long distance telepathic communication as Dark Hearts may be listening. Some of them have telepathic skills, too. Victor didn’t realize how they’d infiltrated the area when he telepathically contacted me.”

  “Promise you’ll come.”

  “I promise on my honor as a wolf. Babe, as strong as your thought projections are becoming, you probably won’t even need to use the phone as your thoughts seem to be on a different wavelength than the others, we just won’t be able to reply. However, if you want to talk to us, use the phone Alexander developed for you. It is untraceable; besides I like the sound of your voice.”