What the Heart Needs

by Kelli McCracken

  But he couldn’t deal with her. Or the thought of never seeing her again. So why did he struggle to keep his distance from her? Why did he feel the need to bare every part of his soul to her and ask her to do the same?

  Giving in to the thought, his eyes fell down to the couch, trailing up the curve of her hips, past her bare shoulder until they landed on her face. He sucked in a breath, wishing he could see her eyes. Instead, he studied her face, noting the serenity it contained. Her dark lashes resting against her skin. The slight part of her lips. The dark ringlets draping across her cheek.

  God, she was beautiful. Yet he couldn’t help but see Faith in those features he adored. Maybe that’s why he felt the pull toward Heaven. Because she and Faith…

  No. More like the opposite. He’d been attracted to Faith because she reminded him of Heaven. The one woman who’d captured his heart. The one woman he could never have.

  CHAPTER 20

  Dylan tore his eyes from the approaching runway, prepping for the plane to touch down. A throb of anxiety quickened his heart. He’d see Heaven soon. Get to run his fingers over her body instead of the stupid phone in his hands. He lost count of how many times had he read her last message. Twenty times. Or Thirty. No, more like two hundred. Each time made the ache in his heart grow worse. No matter how much he tried to protect her, he kept failing. Knowing Layne let him down didn’t help matters.

  But blaming his friend didn’t seem right. Layne had his own problems. Asking him to help protect Heaven hadn’t been fair. Not with all the junk Faith kept putting him through.

  Maybe he should be blaming Faith instead. She’s the one that deterred Layne from his goal. According to Heaven’s text, whatever happened between them left his friend in a drunken stupor.

  He’s a mess. Whiskey, I think. Got him camping out on the recliner.

  As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t blame Faith either. He left Heaven on his own accord. It didn’t matter if he’d had a purpose or succeeded at it. He should have insisted she go with him or waited until she wanted to go. Rushing out the way he did…

  “You okay, Dylan?”

  He met his mother’s gaze, giving her a curt nod before focusing on the airline safety manual in front of him. No matter how many times she apologized or defended her reasons, she kept important facts from him. As well as Heaven. Why wait until her life was in danger to explain all of this? If they’d known sooner, maybe they could have done something to prevent it.

  Of course, most of this had to do with his dad’s hatred for Heaven’s parents. Another secret Dylan had yet to uncover. When would all the secrets stop?

  “My gut says otherwise, son. What’s wrong with you?”

  She had audacity to ask him that everything that happened in Brightsville. “I’m trying to figure out why you kept this from me, Mom. I need something more than the protection theory you keep feeding me.”

  “It’s the truth, Dylan, not a theory. Anna and I made a pact before you and Heaven were born. We knew you’d be together. My cards showed me you would. But your father was hell bent on stopping it. Swore you’d never be together even if it meant taking Heaven’s life.”

  It always led back to his father. Damn him. He’d missed out on growing up with Heaven, missed being her first friend, her first date, her first kiss. He missed a lot of firsts. Except the one that mattered most.

  As the plane taxied the runway, he pushed back the anger with his father to concentrate on Heaven. The gentle flutter of her energy resurfaced in his soul. He enjoyed every pulse of it, allowing the vibrations to wrap around him as he refocused on his mother.

  “Did you know who Heaven was when I brought her to visit you?” When she nodded, he closed his eyes. Damn it. She should have confessed to him right then. Instead, she’d given him a partial story. If the story still held true. After everything he found out yesterday, he questioned his mother’s honesty. “Is all the stuff you told me true? About our birth. How I saved her life. How we couldn’t stand to be separated from each other.”

  “All of that is true, Dylan. You did save Heaven’s life. I don’t know why she died that night, but you brought her back. The part about you two not wanting to be separated is true, too. But the nurses aren’t the ones who tried the experiment.” She folded her hands over his arms, twisting in her seat until they looked at each other, eye-to-eye. “It was Anna and I who did it. Nicholas found out I was in the hospital, so he came to visit when your dad left. After I found out about Anna, I took you to her room.”

  “Is that when you did the experiment?”

  “No. We didn’t notice until our second visit.” Her eyes went past his to the window. But she wasn’t looking at the airport. Not when memories danced in her vision. “When you and I were in their room, you and Heaven were fine. You both whimpered a lot. But when we’d leave, the crying would commence.” She refocused on him, offering him a smile. “Anna’s the one that came up with the idea to put you in the same bed.”

  “I don’t see how we survived the separation if we needed to be around each other.”

  “It wasn’t easy, son. We kept the doctor’s office and the hospital busy. They couldn’t find anything wrong with you. I knew they wouldn’t, but your father didn’t.”

  As passengers began filling the aisle, collecting their carry-on bags, he remained in his seat, hanging on to her every word. Hard to believe his dad cared enough about him to take him to the doctor. Or worry about his well-being.

  “So I was sick a lot?”

  “In a way, yes, but not with common viruses. Your soul was sick. Being apart from her broke your spirit.”

  Had it been the same for Heaven? He’d have to ask Anna the next time he saw her. “I take it I got better.”

  “Not until you turned three. It’s the same time you started talking about the angel in your dreams. That’s when I knew you and Heaven found a way to be together.”

  He gazed past her to the passersby, trying to process the new information. While some of what she said made sense, he still had many questions. “Heaven used to keep a dream journal. Most of her dreams of us are in there. The last entry she made said that I left her. Why would I do that?”

  When her eyes fell from his to their joined hands, he knew her answer wouldn’t be good. It would piss him off, even more than anything else he’d learned.

  “Your dad caught on to what was happening. That’s when he bought you the guitar. He knew music had a way of spellbinding people. Thought he could use it to make you forget Heaven.”

  Son of a— “Guess he got his wish.” He leaned back against the window, fighting the urge to hit the seat in front of him. He’d rather hit his dad. “God, I hate him.”

  “He did get his wish. To a point, Dylan. While the dreams and memories stopped, Heaven never left your mind. Your dad didn’t realize that music has it’s own protective energies. It shields against negative influence. So instead of forgetting her—”

  “She became my muse.” He didn’t have to see her nod to confirm his comment. His gut already answered.

  “We better get going, son. The last passenger just exited and the flight attendants are giving us the eye.”

  He nodded, slowly rising to his feet. It wouldn’t be much longer until he could see Heaven. Could wrap his arms around her and tell her the news. About everything he’d discovered at her parents’ house. And their change in wedding plans.

  * * *

  Dylan shut the door to the taxi, breathing a sigh of relief as he stared at the front door. He wanted to see Heaven. Needed to feel her arms wrapped around him. He dreaded their upcoming conversation. Not so much in revealing the truth, but trying to make sense of it.

  He couldn’t help her understand. Not when he couldn’t understand it himself. But his mother could. And she would as soon as he had a moment alone with Heaven. This was his last chance to see the admiration in her eyes. His last chance to feel like he could be all she needed. Because he wasn’t. She needed a Keeper.
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  “I though for sure that you’d rush inside as soon as we arrived. Why are you standing here?”

  “I feel like I’ve failed her somehow. Like I’m not good enough to protect her.”

  “No one said you couldn’t protect her.”

  Dropping his bag to the ground, he closed his eyes, stretching the muscles in his neck. “I know about Seekers and Keepers, Mom. Heaven needs a Keeper. Because I’m a Seeker. So imagine how I feel knowing I can’t even protect my soulmate.”

  “Look at me.” Her fingers spread around his chin, jerking it upward. “I don’t want to hear you talk like that. You are the reason Heaven breathes. Not just because your breath is in her body. You’ve saved her life on more than one occasion.” Even with the overcast sky, the light illuminated the moisture in her eyes. “Don’t ever think otherwise. If something happened to you, she’d be catatonic, if it didn’t kill her. No Keeper in the world could protect her from that.”

  He wanted to believe her. Wanted to believe Heaven needed him to survive. God knows he needed her. “I’ll fight for her. You know I will. But it doesn’t change the fact that she needs a Keeper.”

  “Maybe not, but you’ll always be the most important part of keeping her alive. Don’t stress over this Keeper. When you find him, you’ll be surprised at how well you get along.”

  Grabbing the overnight bag, he slung it over his shoulder before tossing her one more look. “What about Nicholas and Anna? I know Dad was her Keeper, or was supposed to be until something happened. I need to know what that is, Mom.”

  “Damn it, Nicholas.” She pressed her fingers to her forehead, blowing out a long sigh. “Let’s save that for a later time. Once you and Heaven adjust to this news, we’ll revisit this topic. Because that story…it’s heartbreaking.”

  * * *

  The morning light broke through the blinds, spreading rays about the living room. Dylan followed one of the paths until it brought him to the recliner. Layne laid there, arms sprawled above his head, feet dangling over the footrest. Part of Dylan wanted to kick his ass. For getting drunk, disregarding his promise to watch over Heaven. Yet sympathy overruled the anger. Only God knew what Faith put him through, last night.

  Twisting on his heel, he moved toward Heaven instead. He couldn’t wait to touch her. Couldn’t wait to give in to the pull overpowering him. His eyes trailed over her face, hesitating on her long lashes first, lips second.

  A surge of relief quivered their bond as he kneeled beside her. She’d be awake any second. Then he could stare inside those beautiful eyes.

  And they did open. Locked onto his the second her lids parted. A rush of sandalwood filled his nose as he buried it against her neck. The soothing scent erased the tension in his body. Had him crushing her to his chest when she wrapped her arms around him.

  “You’re here.”

  He loved feeling her need in their connection, but the sadness in her voice tugged his heart. This would never happen again. Leaving her. Not for more than an errand. Maybe not even then.

  “I’m sorry for putting you through this. I promise, it won’t happen again. You’ll be asking me to give you space, first.”

  She didn’t respond with words, but with actions. Pulling him tighter, her body jostled from silent sobs. Each shake pinched his heart. He hadn’t expected an apology to make up for the pain he’d caused her, but he hated knowing those sobs were for him.

  Molding his energy with hers, he held her in silence, waiting for the ache to subside. Even though he knew he didn’t have much time. But she didn’t know that. Didn’t know that the next few days would be filled with craziness. Most of it good.

  She must have sensed the change in his energy. Pulling back from his embrace, she wiped a few tears from her face as her brows knitted. “You’re up to something. I can feel it.”

  “Maybe I am.” His eyes darted to Layne once more before returning to hers. “But we can’t talk about it yet. How is he?”

  Heaven turned her attention to Layne. The crease in her forehead deepened as she released a sigh. “He’s a hot mess, Dylan. All because of my sister. She’s stooped to an all time low.”

  “So are they over? Did she get her stuff?”

  She nodded, pressing her hands against the cushion as she pushed into a sitting position. “It’s definitely over. He found out that she—”

  “Is the biggest bitch alive.” Layne grumbled from behind them.

  Following Heaven’s gaze, Dylan’s eyes fell on Layne. He hadn’t moved much from his earlier position. Just his arms, which were now covering his eyes from the daylight. Layne with a hangover. It wasn’t a pretty sight. The whiskey did it to him every time. Which is why he never drank it, unless he wanted to forget.

  “Dude, go take a shower. There’s aspirin in the cabinet. I need you awake and ready to roll. We have a lot to discuss.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” Layne’s arm fell to his side as his eyes went to Heaven. They lingered a moment, like he wanted to say something to her. But he didn’t. He focused on the floor, rubbing his forehead with his hand. “I need to talk to you, too.”

  * * *

  Between the spinning room and the beads of sweat forming across her skin, Heaven gripped the cushion on the couch, hoping she wouldn’t pass out again. This new ability was weakening her. It had to be. Maybe Delia would know. And she would ask her, at another time.

  Right now, she he had to stay awake. Had to prevent Layne from confessing about the kiss. At least until she told the first part of the story.

  He was hell bent on ruining his friendship with Dylan. Though she didn’t know why. Unless he thought taking the blame would remove his guilt. Absolve him from his actions.

  Idiot. It would cost them both a world of heartache. And him a trip to the E.R.

  Swinging her legs off the couch, she pushed off the cushions, coming to stand beside Dylan’s kneeling body. Then the cushion greeted her butt again. But not before she noticed Layne jerk into an upright position. What did he think he was going to do, sweep in and save the day?

  He’d have to get in line. Dylan had already gripped her arm. His face stopped just a few inches from hers. “Are you okay?”

  Giving him a quick nod, she tried ignoring Layne as he stood up from the recliner, walking their way. “Yes, I’m all right. I just stood up too fast.”

  She hated this. Hated seeing both their faces pinching. Hated how they would drop everything in a heartbeat to make sure she was okay. She didn’t want them fawning over her like some damsel in distress. She would be fine. Once they discussed the kiss…and she stopped getting text messages…and Nate McBride dropped off the face of the earth.

  “Don’t let her lie to you. She’s not okay,” Layne said, stopping just shy of the coffee table. “Did she tell you that she passed out last night?”

  Sweet mother of God! Layne couldn’t keep his mouth shut today.

  Dylan pressed his palm to her head. Just what she wanted. Him checking her temperature like a child. “You passed out? Are you sick?”

  “I didn’t pass out. I knocked myself out.”

  Sitting back on his heels, Dylan’s brows gathered as he pursed his lips. She couldn’t tell if he wanted to laugh or chide her for being careless.

  But Layne didn’t give him a chance.

  “She didn’t do it to herself. It’s my fault. I was trying to leave. She tried stopping me. I lost my balance and then knocked her off hers.” The more he talked, the more she wished she could tape his mouth shut. And he didn’t look to be finished. “I made an ass out of myself last night, Dylan. I need to tell you—”

  “It’s okay, Layne. We all do stupid stuff.” Dylan met her gaze once more as he rubbed her leg. “If I had to deal with Faith, I’d stay drunk. But we can talk about this later. Heaven and I—”

  “This can’t wait, Dylan. We need to talk now.”

  “Layne, trust me, whatever it is, it can’t be as important as what I have to tell her. Please, give us a few min
utes. I need to talk to you, too, but she comes first.”

  The whoosh of the front door had Heaven’s eyes darting from both men and into the foyer. They landed on Delia the moment she stepped inside. “Dylan, why is your mom here?”

  Enamel ground behind his lips as his jaw tightened. “Heaven, we have a lot to discuss, and a very short amount of time to cover everything. That’s why Mom came with me. She wants to be here for any questions you might have.”

  Questions? About what? She didn’t need to hear this right now. Not when she needed to tell him about her sister. And Layne.

  * * *

  Heaven gazed out the bedroom window, watching the willow tree branches brush the grass. She didn’t remember at what point she’d tuned out Dylan and Delia. Or what point Delia had left. The words pouring from their mouths sloshed inside her brain, inebriating it from reality.

  If only their lives could be normal. Maybe not one hundred percent normal. The paparazzi would make sure of that, but dealing with them would be better than the craziness surrounding them now.

  Warm arms circled her waist as Dylan pressed his chest to her back. He pulled her against him, placed his lips on her shoulder, but even his touch couldn’t settle her stomach.

  “I know this is a lot to take in with everything else going on. Please, talk to me. Tell me what’s going through your mind.”

  It was hard to put in to words what her brain couldn’t process.

  Touching her temple to the corner of the wall, she pressed her lids together, concentrating on the strong pulse of Dylan’s energy. While fear and confusion lingered in their bond, the protectiveness pounding through his soul is what she focused on most.

  “I can’t believe my parents hid this from me. I never knew they had powers. Never knew about their history with your parents. Do you know how many times I dusted the chest that held the scrapbook?”

  “Trust me, I’m not happy with my mother either. Even if I believe they did it for the right reasons. I just wish they would have said something sooner.”