The Lightest Dark (The Dark series Book 1)

by Sweet, Avery

  I narrowed my eyes at him as he started to twirl a strand of my hair around his forefinger. He started to stroke it in a soft motion bringing it to his nose and inhaling. He'd only been bold enough to do this one other time and even then he hadn't looked at me in such an animalistic way.

  At this point, it was finally starting to sink in that he was definitely not the good-looking, thoughtful, romantic eighteen-year-old boy I’d known. Instead he’d become a stranger with a familiar face. The fact that I'd known him made the shift in personality that much more pronounced.

  He was no longer predictable.

  I had to come to terms with that and stop thinking he would never hurt me. At this point as far as I knew, he very well might. The way he'd reacted earlier just reinforced the point. While that girl may have pissed him off, he could have handle it better than throwing her into a table.

  That was his first instinct and he went with it. I wasn’t sure what that said about him as a person now, but it had to mean something. So while I thought about ignoring that statement to keep the peace, I also realized I couldn’t resist a jab.

  I knew I was essentially poking a sleeping bear, but sometimes the benefit is greater than the consequences. At least from a before standpoint. “From what I remember, our relationship was mostly created out of lust. You don't share your deepest darkest secrets with someone you’re in lust with."

  Instead of getting angry like I thought he would, he laughed at me. "Yes, we were always good in that department. Still, I know I felt quite a bit more than lust. That at least warrants a few not so important details on occasion. Don't you think?"

  I could feel myself getting angry. I knew I was going to have to make a concerted effort to keep it in check lest I say something too out of line. I'd really rather not have to piece myself back together after I pissed off Dark. Still, I had to say something, or he was going to think I was okay with him disrespecting me.

  "I have news for you Dark. Had you stuck around you might have learned all my secrets. Instead you chose to keep some of your own and run from reality. You ended up turning into the very same creatures you used to despise. So how does it feel to be a hypocritical jackass?”

  Again, instead of getting angry like I thought he would, he laughed. "I was beginning to think you'd lost all your fire since I'd been gone. Good to know you still have a bit of bite. It's going to make taming you that much sweeter."

  I gave him a defiant look. "And what if I don't want to be tamed?"

  "That will just make it all the more fun. Now, as much as I'd like to show you how much in this mysterious bed, we need to get back to the house. This forest is unsafe for you." Before I could so much as blink he had me up, out of the tree and in his arms. Once again my hands were bound in rope.

  He started walking, when suddenly there was a man in our way. He stood eye to eye with Dark's 6"2 height. From his body language it felt almost like he was daring Dark to move and see what he'd do to him.

  He was wearing strange clothing, had golden skin that seemed to be glowing, a muscular body that spoke of hard work, sky blue eyes, and black hair like Dark, although slightly different.

  Where Dark's hair seemed like it had been dipped in ink, this man's hair seemed as though it had been dipped in the night sky.

  It reminded me of the strange dream I'd woken from not that long ago. He turned his eyes to me, softening them quite a bit. "It was not an ordinary dream, sweet Princess. You have in fact come home."

  I sucked in a breath, my eyes going wide, "You can hear my thoughts?"

  He smiled. "Not direct thoughts, no. It's more I can feel the impression of them. If the thought is centered on certain feelings like anger, happiness, disbelief. I get a general feel for what you might be thinking. Years of practice have made me better at interpreting."

  "Oh. I don't know if that's any better, but okay." My voice sounded small and unsure. I leaned back into Dark away from this new man. After all, they says it’s better the devil you know than the one you don’t.

  He shifted back to Dark pinning him with a glare that would have had my fight or flight instinct kicking in we're it directed at me. As it stood it had me squirming in Dark's arms. "Delano- I'm sorry, Dark Kerrigan. I believe you are taking someone who belongs to us, and we'd like her back."

  He said Dark's name as if he were mocking him.

  By the look on his face, I'm pretty sure Dark wanted to tear him part. I'm also sure, had I not been in his arms, he might have attempted it. At least I knew I was important enough to keep unharmed. I just hoped that would last long enough for me to get away from him… again.

  "She is not yours. You lie. It must be a trick for her being in the forest. You and yours always lie." He pulled me tighter to him as if this man might rip me out of his arms at any second.

  He raised a brow and gave him a look like he was speaking to a petulant child. "Do we now? Tell me when last you heard a lie fall from my lips. We may manipulate and bend the truth to suit our needs, but we never lie. If it's validation you seek ask her how she felt when she entered the forest."

  Dark looked down at me as I turned back to him. A look of anguish on his face. "What did you feel when you'd finally stopped running?"

  I furrowed my brow, confusion taking the place of shock. "Dark, I don't understand what's going on. I'm not answering anyone anything until I'm on my own two feet and someone explains what the heck is going on." I must have some kind of death wish, but I was too out of it to care at the moment.

  "Don't run again." Dark placed me on my feet, his reluctance written all over his face.

  The second he did the man stepped forward and place a finger on the rope dissolving it instantly. A look of distaste on his face as he turned to Dark. "She is royalty, not an animal to be trussed up and tossed about."

  Chapter Eight

  I wasn't normally one for fainting, but that comment almost made me wish I was. At least then I wouldn't have to deal with this right this second. Granted, I would have to deal with it when I’d woken up, but I could probably put it off until I'd had a bath, or at least a fresh change of clothes.

  I’ve never done it myself, but I’d seen plenty of girls pull that stunt in P.T. at the compound. Something about a female in distress triggers something in the male D.N.A. that makes them have to help. Not always, but usually.

  I was almost tempted to do it, but my moral compass was saying no. As it stood now, I had the same t-shirt and shorts with two days’ worth of grime on me. Oh yeah, and I was apparently some kind of Fae royalty… okay then. Being kidnapped wasn't enough. I had to add in the fact that I'm not even human.

  That was a whole can of worms I wasn’t sure I wanted to open. They might turn into snakes and bite me and then where would I be? Then again it could turn in my favor, but I sincerely doubted it.

  Bad things usually came in threes and I was due for one more. On the plus side I’d eaten and I was well rested. I guess as far as things went it could have been worse.

  I guess should be grateful for at least that much. Thinking on it now, I could be standing here starving and naked while these two fought to the death over something going on between them that I hadn’t a clue about. My mother always had told me to be grateful for the little things.

  I guess this was one of those times. Even if it’s not, I’m choosing to be all the same because I seriously did not want to be anywhere near a fight between these two.

  They both stood staring each other down to the point that I could literally feel the testosterone in the air. Like I said, I'm guessing there’s a history between the two that I’ve not had the privilege of being informed of.

  Regardless, I wasn’t about to deal with it now. Not with how confused I was. I wanted answers and I wanted them now. It didn’t matter who gave them to me… Well maybe for them, but it wasn't an issue for me. As far as I was concerned they could keep me out of whatever this was.

  "Either one of you can start explaining at any time. Do your star
e down some other day, some other place. Preferably with me nowhere near either of you while it happens. I like my limbs where they are, thank you very much."

  "Apologies, Princess." The man in front of us bowed at the waist, his hand fisted over his heart. "My name is Cillian Kerrigan. Fae Warrior of the Court of Darkness. I am at your service." My eyes widened. Suddenly that whole name mocking thing made sense.

  Delano must be Dark’s given name, or something along those lines. I’m going to assume he didn’t like it. That, or he’d been told his given name was Dark and Delano was the name they were trying to push on him. The fact that Dark grew up in the compound like I had raised all sorts of questions.

  It also appears there’s some family rivalry going on. Family that I had no idea even existed up until a few seconds ago…That might explain the hostility some, if not all of it.

  Family does have a tendency to get under your skin. Especially when you’re close. They tend to learn every single button they need to push in order to rile you up and use them when you do the same.

  "So you two are related?"

  "Unfortunately. Dark here is my half-brother on our father’s side. Though if you ask him, there is no relation and his family ties don't exist. We have respected his wishes to a point. This latest endeavor however may be an exception to the rule. We don’t take kindly to kidnapping. He could possibly be accused of treason if you are who you appear to be.”

  I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. "I am who I've always been as far as I'm concerned. So tell me, exactly who do you think I am and why? Because I have no intention of being controlled and manipulated into something that I'm not. Ever."

  I've hid part of who I am from almost everyone I knew just to avoid that ridiculousness. Now it seems I might end up in the same trap. The fact that it’s for different reasons doesn’t matter in the slightest. I'd hate to see what would happen if they both knew exactly what I was hiding.

  Cillian gave me a strange look and I had to wonder at what exactly he was reading from me. "I believe you to be a member of the Grey Court. Your hair and eye coloring would suggest you to be a member of the higher courts, though I know not which level. Perhaps your given name might give me some clue."

  "No. You will not know her name. I'm sorry, but no." Dark stepped up blocking me from Cillian's view. "Names have power, Candy. Don't give him any."

  I stepped around Dark and shrugged my shoulders. “I guess it’s good that my mother gave me seven names then.”

  Cillian turned to me, confusion written all over his face, “Your mother gave you seven names?”

  I snickered, “Oh that’s nothing. She gave my little bro ten. Dark isn’t the first person to tell me that names have power.”

  His eye took on a gleam of interest. “Who was the first?”

  “My mother. She used to tell my brother and me things like that all the time. She’d tell me to never give all of my names to anyone. She even had cute little saying for things like that. First and last to be polite, but anymore causes agony and strife. A little on the quirky side, but cute all the same.”

  Cillian seemed to perk up at this. He stepped closer and what seemed like excitement was written in his every step. “Did she teach any other quirky rhymes, or lessons?”

  I raised an eyebrow at how close he’d gotten, but nodded. It took everything in me not to shove him back a few paces. “Yes. Quite a few actually.”

  “Would you be willing to humor me and tell me a few of them?”

  “Okay, but could you maybe take a few steps back? You’re in my bubble.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  It was Dark’s turn to chuckle, as he motioned to the space- or lack of- between myself and Cillian. “She means you’re in her personal space and making her uncomfortable.” I looked at over at Dark mouthing thank you. It didn’t matter that his entire body was shaking from holding in laughter. I was appreciative all the same.

  Cillian looked down at me and seemed to realize how close he’d gotten. He took a few steps back looking penitent. “My apologies, Princess. I seem to have forgotten myself in my excitement.”

  I shrugged, raising an eyebrow at his choice of wording again. “I guess that’s okay, but I’m not so sure I like you calling me Princess. I think I prefer Dark calling me Candy and that’s saying something. I’ve hated that nickname since the day he gave it to me.”

  This got a smile. “Apologies again. It is actually because of your eyes that I address you as such.”

  I narrowed said body part at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing offensive. Those of our kind that have metallic eyes can only be found in the royal courts. You are too young to be a queen and though I know not your actual status in the court, the majority do not have eyes quite like yours. They seem to be reserved for those of an even higher stature, therefore etiquette dictates that I refer to you as a Princess.”

  My stance relaxed, if only slightly, my thoughts turning back to his original question. “I guess that’s okay for now. So, did you have anything in mind specifically with the lesson thing, or did you want me to pick one at random? Keep in mind I have a lot to choose from so it might be better if you pick a topic of some kind.” It occurred to me that I was warming up to him at an alarming rate, but I shook it off, focusing on him rather than the mixed signals my instincts kept sending.

  He appeared to think about it for a moment. “Perhaps one that seemed the strangest to you? I think that would be the most helpful in what I am trying to figure out. There are certain phrases that are passed down and I’d like to see if maybe they are similar to the ones I’ve heard.”

  I shrugged at his reasoning. After a minute I looked out into the trees lost in thought, a finger tapping at my chin. “I think the strangest thing she ever told me was about a man. She said if I ever came across a man with eyes the color of a midnight sky and hair to match to turn and run the other way or my soul would soon be snatched.”

  “She is most definitely of the Fae.” He seemed more excited at this revelation than the last. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about my mother having kept something like that from me. That was a seriously big secret. “Where is your mother?”

  A feeling of melancholy overcame me as it tends to do with that question. I turned to Dark knowing he’d understand why. “I’ll let you tell him. I need to sit for a minute anyway. I’ll be in my tree.” A strange look came over his face at my words, but I was too sad at that moment to care what it was about.

  I missed my mother something fierce. Even with all her strange behaviors she did the best she could with Ryan and me. She always made sure we had food and a nice place to sleep even at the expense of her own comfort.

  After taking a few moments to think about it, I realized I knew exactly how I felt about her keeping something like this a secret from me. The fact that she did makes me think she had good reason regardless of how I feel. Even if I found out that it wasn’t with good reason, I’m sure it was to her at the time. I’m not sure that makes it okay, but I still understand it.

  It was moments like today that I wished she was still around to give me advice as to what I needed to do next. Thinking on it as I lay in the makeshift bed staring at the strange formations on the bark in what I had been referring to as my hollow tree, she probably would have said something about that being an answer all its own. That I needed to trust my instincts regardless of what anyone else thought, or said… or how erratic they were.

  My instincts were telling me I was exactly where I needed to be. It didn’t matter how I got here, or why. The fact that I was here at all felt like a twist in fate.

  That said, there was still one question that I needed answered.

  If I was who Cillian claimed I might be, then why had my mother left this place? As comfortable and familiar as I felt with this forest, I felt I might be better off finding out just what had happened to make her run and hide with her two children.

  I suppose that it mi
ght have had something to do with whoever my father was. From the sound of it he didn’t exactly sound like he was going to be winning husband of the year if the brief mentions of him from my mother were anything to go off of.

  Still, I wasn’t about to start making assumptions with this one. I had to look at all sides of this metaphorical 3D puzzle. I knew I didn’t have enough pieces to start figuring things out. For all I knew Dark himself could have had something to do with this. I doubted it, but I wouldn’t put anything past him at this point.

  Be that as it may, I sincerely doubted he had the power to do that. I needed to get the story from someone other than Dark. I needed a different perspective from someone who was there, or should I say here with her. I had a feeling I would be chewed up spit out and stepped on before I finally had all the answers I wanted, but it was a risk I was willing to take.

  So my end question was still this. What, or should I say who, would have had the ability to drive her off?

  My thoughts now in perspective, I decided I would pose that very question to Cillian and Dark.

  Chapter Nine

  The scene in front of me was not what I expected upon leaving the tree. Both Dark and Cillian were currently sitting on the ground, a makeshift table of a tree stump between them as they played a round of cards. If I were to guess, from the matches and straights I would say they were playing Rummy.

  I stared at them for a few moments in disbelief. “Did I walk out into another dimension?”

  They both turned to me, a look of relief crossing there features. "No we're okay for now, Candy. We've got a truce going on for the moment." I didn’t realize I had them both worried enough to be civilized toward each other. Good to know I was common ground should the need ever arise.

  Cillian stood, “I apologize for my crass statements before. I was not aware of your mother’s passing and I offer my deepest sympathies. We Fae do not lose one of our own often, but when we do, the loss is always felt very strongly. Perhaps because it is such a rare occurrence.”