Dark Hearts

by P. L. Midnight

  When they’d all agreed that last night had been their favorite Thanksgiving because I was there, I’d gotten tears in my eyes. They were breaking my heart. I knew they were in love with me, too. I’d seen the way each of them would look at me when the others weren’t watching. I wondered if I’d ever find the kind of happiness I’d known with them. It was doubtful. My goal was just to survive without them at this point.

  My biggest heartbreak was that I was taking their affection and lying to them. I hadn’t even told them I could see. They’d saved my life and cared for me. In return, I was running from them, but I had no choice. I had to find my mother. I had decided that I was going to leave today before I couldn’t. I’d written a note explaining why I had to leave and asking them not to try to find me. I also told them my eyesight was back and thanked each of them. I’d never forget how they’d taken care of me. I wrote a special note especially for Sebastian, thanking him for his care and for healing me. I was almost certain that his magic was what had healed me in the end. I also apologized for leaving the way I was. The notes were in my pocket and the time was drawing near for me to go.

  The guys had left Raven’s house. The only one left now was Julian. I left my notes where they’d easily be found before I asked him to take me outside to the garden.

  I took the money out of my bag which had been inside the closet. I’d left it in Alex’s car the night of the fire. I also removed my bankbook and the credit card that Mom had given me for emergencies. I’d avoid using that, if possible, since it was trackable. Since the guys were probably working for an organization with resources, the card could easily be traced back to me.

  I had to make this a clean break, too, in case there really was an organization called Dark Hearts looking for me. I had a bad feeling Raven had told me the absolute truth about that one. It was too bizarre to be a made-up story. My leaving would also put the guys out of any immediate danger from them.

  I tucked the things I’d need in my sweatpants pocket. I called for Julian. He immediately came to the room.

  “Sorry, Emma, I was on my way up, but I got a telephone call. What do you need?”

  “Can we go out to the garden for a little while?”

  “It’s pretty chilly today. I’m not sure it’s a good idea, Emma.”

  I had to get him to take me outside if my plan was going to work.

  “Please, Julian, I need some fresh air. We don’t have to stay long. I promise I won’t tell Sebastian.”

  “I’m not afraid of Sebastian, honey. I just don’t want you to catch a cold.”

  “If you’ll help me, I promise I’ll bundle up.” I had to get this to work, so I said in my most pleading girl voice, “We could sit together like we use to do. I know Sebastian wouldn’t let me go outside, but I hoped you would. Please, I just really need to get out of this place for a little while, Julian. I miss sitting outside with you.”

  Before he spoke I knew I’d won. His thoughts told me he was anxious to sit next to me on one of the benches and cuddle to keep me warm. It seemed holding my hand was also his intention. He really enjoyed that. I did, too. Of course, his brain was also focusing on our thighs touching as we sat outside in the intimate setting of the garden with the gargoyle sentinels surrounding us.

  “Wow, you really know how to get to me. I’m not sure this is a good idea. There was frost on the grass this morning, but the sun is shining now. Let me help you with your coat. I’d like to put a warm scarf around your neck, too.” I intentionally flirted with him giving him the “puppy dog” eye thing.

  By the time he’d spoken, he sounded almost as anxious as I was to go outside. I wasn’t sure what I was going to wear, but figured he’d choose the heavy parka that Raven had gotten shortly after I’d been brought here. I guess he anticipated that I’d be around for a while. “I guess someone got me a hat, too,” I said, as he slid it on over my long curls.

  “Yeah, Raven had Tori help him pick out a few things you might need. I’m glad we’re going outside. You look so cute in this coat. By the way, the coat’s gray,” like the damn gargoyles that were everywhere, Julian thoughts indicated as he finished, “you’d like the fur around the hood. It feels warm and it makes you look kind of girlie.”

  “So, you think I like to look girlie?”

  “Well, you seem to wear a lot of pinks and girlie stuff.”

  “Raven must have picked out the frilly, girlie stuff, but some feminine things sound nice for a change.” It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate it, but most of my normal things were pretty basic without frills, but I didn’t want to sound ungrateful. I really wanted to please Raven. Actually, I wanted to please all of them. That was the problem. I continued, “I know I’ll like the scarf and hat that Alex got me. He said it was pink with skulls and crossbones on it. That sounds kind of cool.” Anyway, I wanted to make sure he put the scarf and hat on since it sounded like it was still cold outside. I’d just have to go without gloves. I’d pick some up later if I needed them.

  Julian was being so thoughtful and so sweet. I felt like a complete ass, but it had to be done. I’d already taken the book bag and emptied it. I’d put a few clothes in it, my sneakers and a few personal items they’d bought me. I’d also stuck my purse in there, but the money, credit card, and bankbook stayed in my pocket in case I couldn’t get to the book bag before I left.

  They’d taken a selfie with me on Thanksgiving and it was now inside the bag, too. I’d hidden the bag behind one of the gargoyles in the backyard. Julian was right about that. There were enormous gargoyles everywhere. I couldn’t imagine them coming to life though. They’d be entirely creepy.

  Julian decided to carry me to the garden. Most of the guys seemed to prefer carrying me instead of walking with me, at least part of the time. I enjoyed the closeness, too. I’d miss it. I’d miss them more than I could imagine. I was starting to wonder why they were drawn to me. I’d never had very much male attention at all until I’d come here.

  It seemed the closer it came to my eighteenth birthday the more the guys seemed to struggle to keep their hands and their thoughts to themselves. Could I be something besides human, I wondered at times? Then I’d blow off the thought as being as absurd as Alex being an angel, but deep down I knew he really was one. I don’t think he was the kind that wore a halo though.

  Julian got me situated on the bench near the fountain and tucked a blanket around me before he sat next to me. He looked so handsome today as the sun shown on his white hair, making it glow like the finest platinum. He was wearing a short leather jacket over his bleached-out jeans, which hugged his slim waist and tight bottom nicely. Julian’s long legs stretched out in front of him as he snuggled as close to me as he could get on the small bench.

  He was smiling as I covertly glanced at his face and could see the love in his brilliant eyes which were almost glowing as he looked at me. I loved his green eyes. I’d never seen an emerald green quite as magnificent as his eyes. He was truly handsome with his pale beauty and fun loving personality. Julian always seemed to be smiling or talking about some kind of nonsense or plotting a practical joke.

  His brother Vince had a taciturn personality and an almost permanent scowl, though I knew him to be a caring friend and a great listener. Although both were handsome and extreme opposites, I’d never be able to choose between them. Like the others, each was special in his own way.

  It was good I was leaving soon, I thought as I looked at my companion. Yes, I no longer found it necessary to block my thoughts. I realized that the guys could communicate telepathically with each other when they wished, however, their random thoughts and mine seemed to remain confidential from each other. I could read all their thoughts now, not just the projected ones when they were having a conversation.

  “Are you comfortable?”

  “Yes, and thanks. I would love some hot cocoa though. I hate to ask you to go back inside, but I’d really like some hot chocolate. We could sip on it while we snuggle against the cold. I�
�d still like to stay out here with you for a while longer and that would warm us. Would you mind?” He looked reluctant to leave since his arm had snaked its way behind me to rest on my shoulder, which he was stroking through my coat. I asked in my sweetest feminine voice, “I meant to ask earlier while we were still inside. I forgot. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I should’ve thought of it. It's not that I’m worried about getting in trouble with Sebastian or anything, but I don’t want you to catch cold. Perhaps I should warm you myself.” At my look of “really”, he continued in an amused tone that matched his mood. “Okay, if you insist, anything for my slightly spoiled girl.” He rolled his eyes as he faced me. It was all I could do not to laugh. “Anyway, I think it sounds good, too. Will you be okay for a few minutes or would you like to come inside with me? I can carry you and sit you on the counter while I get the cocoa ready. I might even be persuaded to share a taste or two for a kiss.”

  “As tempting as that sounds, well the sample part sounds interesting, anyway, perhaps not so much the kiss.”

  “I am wounded, Emma.”

  “You know I’m kidding, but there’s no need to carry me back inside.” At least I hoped he was kidding, but I couldn’t tell by his face. A make-out session in Raven’s kitchen felt a little weird. Although kissing Julian sounded more than a little interesting and thinking about it sent little sparks to my womanly region.

  “It’s no problem. I like carrying you, Emma.” I had no doubt he liked it. I was barely able to block any of the guys’ thoughts lately when their hormones ramped up like his were now. That’s how I heard most of the things that I tried to block. The guys were all turning into regular horn-dogs around me lately, causing their thoughts to blast at me like Julian’s were now. I was surprised that I wasn’t blushing at his current daydreams of us in Raven’s kitchen.

  “I like it when you carry me, too, but I just want to sit here with you as long as we can today. It’ll take longer if you have to carry me inside. I’ll be fine. I have the remote with me if I need you to come back for some reason. Okay?”

  “When you put it like that, you have a point. I’ll hurry. Do you want extra marshmallows as usual? I’ll use those miniature rainbow ones that you like. We have that instant stuff. It’ll only take a couple of minutes, honey.”

  I had to make it take a little longer so I asked, “Would you mind making the real cocoa that Miles keeps around? I want to make this day perfect, because I don’t know when Sebastian will let us come back outside again. Besides, that instant stuff isn’t near as good as the kind Miles has.”

  “Sure, if that’s what you want. I think I saw a big can of that stuff on the shelf in the pantry.”

  “I really do, sorry. I just never got real cocoa often at home. Mom just didn’t think we needed it when the instant was just as good, according to her.”

  “I like the real thing better, too, but it will take a little while to make it. Don’t leave the bench, okay? I don’t think I can quite see this bench from the kitchen window. Do you mind if I move you closer so I can see you while I make it?”

  “Julian, I’ll be fine right here. Anyway, I really like being able to hear the water babbling from the fountain. If you move me I won’t be able to hear it and, as I said, who knows when I’ll get to come back outside again.”

  He hesitated only a moment, “Well, I guess you should be okay, but keep that remote device in your hand in case something happens and you need me. You’re right, winter’s almost upon us. I’ll bring us another blanket, too. Stay right here, okay?”

  “Of course, besides where would I go?”

  He gave me a lingering kiss and one of his heart-melting smiles before he turned to go, giving me a nice view of his backside. I’d miss that, too, but now was not the time for regrets. It was time for me to move quickly, before the site of him in those tight pants overrode any sense I had left.

  I took the blanket, too. What can I say? It reminded me of Julian with its fresh, wintery, waterfall fragrance. It was a bit of a walk to get to the back alley where Tori was picking me up, so I had to move quickly.

  I grabbed the book bag and dodged my way through the maze of gargoyles that surrounded this weird place. It took me a few minutes to get outside the mansion yard. I made it out the gate. I still hadn’t heard Julian calling.

  As I walked a few more steps, I heard his now rather distant shouts.

  I could hear the fear in his voice when he called for me. I’d regret the sound of his panicked voice for the rest of my life. I felt bad worrying him. I hoped he’d find the note I left and forgive me for tricking him. I hoped they all would, eventually.

  I got into Tori’s car immediately. We quickly left the alleyway behind the mansion. We took backstreets until we got to a car lot in Urbana. Tori made me promise to call her when I was settled somewhere. I hugged her and thanked her for being my friend, but wouldn’t tell her where I was heading. It was best if she didn’t know.

  “I love you, girl. Be safe. I still think you’re unhinged to leave all those amazing guys, but you must do what you need to do. Just don’t forget to call when you are settled. By the way, I love that outfit on you. You know Raven picked out that coat you’re wearing. The guy has better taste than I thought, although he seems to gravitate towards the color gray. Yuck.”

  “Yes, it’s a nice coat. I promise I will call soon. Now I have to go, so get out of here. I don’t want anyone to know you helped me. It’ll be easier on you that way.”

  She gave me a final hug and left. I knew the guys would find out she helped me, but the best I could do for her was to make sure she didn’t know where I was going. I made my way into the car dealership carefully holding the bag that now contained a large enough amount of cash to purchase a decent vehicle. Our stop at the bank had been a quick, productive one through the drive thru.

  I’d gotten away without a hitch, I thought as I lay across the motel bed that night wrapped in the blanket that I’d shared earlier with Julian. My non-descript little car had gotten me this far without any issues. I hoped it remained this easy from here on out, or was it easy? I already missed the guys. My heart seemed to be suffering already. It hurt terribly when I thought of them.

  I sat up and took the towel off my hair which was now a deep shade of ebony. I began cutting at the curls, giving myself an even shorter hairstyle than I’d had at the beginning of the school year. I definitely looked different as I finished with the motel’s blow dryer. When I finished with the flat iron, a woman with short straight black hair looked back at me in the mirror. That was the strange part, I felt like a woman now. Sometime after the fire the young girl had died and being around the guys, I’d become a woman.

  The colored contacts that Tori had gotten me made my eyes look much different. They were now a deep shade of brown. The clothes Tori had given me were baggy and gave me a very different look. I’d hated leaving all the lovely things the guys had gotten me behind, but I couldn’t wear them now, anyway. I needed to look completely different, at least for the time being.

  I hoped no one recognized me. I’d have to be careful. I’d also picked up some pepper spray and a can of wasp spray. I still wasn’t sure about the Dark Hearts thing or the organization that some of the guys supposedly worked for, but I planned to be prepared. The baseball bat I’d bought sat in the corner. It might be useful, too, if the need arose.

  I was tired from all the stress of leaving and rushing around to get here. I opened a pack of the Oreos I’d stashed in my bag and got myself a glass of water from the tap. It wasn’t the healthiest food, but it would suffice for the night. Tomorrow I’d pick up a few groceries and begin my strategy for finding my mother.

  I finished my snack, as it were, and got into my pajamas. Then, I almost fell into bed. It seemed strange without any of the guys stopping in to tell me goodnight, but I fell asleep cuddling the blanket that Julian and I had shared earlier that day. It seemed so far away, but at least I felt reasonably safe fo
r the time being.

  I smiled as I looked at the locked door to the room. I’d put the trashcan in front of it and my ball bat was now beside me in bed. The wasp spray was on the nightstand. I didn't feel as safe as I’d been with the guys, but I felt decent. I was just lonely and anxious. I hadn’t allowed my thoughts to stray to my father because the heartbreak his leaving had caused still stained my soul. However, maybe when I found Mom we could look for him together. Maybe he still loved us after all.

  I finally slept. Dreams about my six special guys replaced any I’d had about my father. Guys, I knew were even now planning to retrieve me. In my dreams, however, they were more interested in seducing me than in planning. I felt hands caressing me through the thin material of the nightgown I wore. My nipples hardened in response to the soft touches they’d received. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my guys in that dream. They were all gloriously naked fulfilling all my wildest fantasies and a few others I hadn’t known existed.

  I awoke tangled in the sheets to the sound of someone pounding on the motel door. What the hell? I remained quiet and pretended I wasn’t there. The man’s voice finally spoke after he tired of pounding on the door. A deep voice said, “I have a message for a Miss Steffan.”

  I was instantly terrified. I knew that this was not the good guys, as the guy tried to jiggle the door to break the lock. I quickly grabbed my backpack that thankfully I hadn’t unpacked. I also grabbed the baseball bat, threw the wasp spray and pepper spray in my bag, and slid out the window as quietly as possible. I heard gunshots as I ran across the parking lot. Yelling and running footfalls began following me as I quickly made it to my car.