What the Heart Needs

by Kelli McCracken

  “You already are.” Spinning to face him, she took a step closer. “My God, you just went through one of the worst breakups I’ve ever heard of yet you’re here, keeping me safe.”

  “I want to keep you safe.”

  The roughness in his voice struck a spot in her heart. It spoke of sincerity. Of concern. Of deep devotion. Three things she could never ask him to give her yet he did so willingly. How could Faith have turned her back on him?

  Clicking resonated from the other side of the door, drawing both of their eyes toward it. Layne didn’t hesitate from jumping off the ottoman. Each step brought him closer to her, bringing her relief for the first time today.

  The door swung open a moment later, revealing Dylan. His eyes darted to them as he stood in the doorway, not saying a word. Did he think he’d caught them up to something? Why would he? He didn’t know about the kiss. Damn her guilty conscience. She needed to tell him what happened. She didn’t want Layne and Layne didn’t want—”

  “Good to see you’re taking this seriously,” Dylan snorted as he used his foot to close the door. “I knew I could count on you.”

  “Dude, I’m so confused on what’s going on, I’m jumping at everything. Do you think your dad’s going to show up?”

  Dylan placed the keycards on the bar, along with a brochure and what Heaven assumed to be a receipt. The hum of his energy kicked up a notch as he nodded his head at Layne. “He could. I wouldn’t put anything past him. Or he could have someone tailing us.”

  “I don’t get why he hates her so much.”

  Could Dylan answer him without telling him everything? About their past. About their parents’ past. That they belonged to a society that couldn’t possibly exist. Yet did. Were they even allowed to tell outsiders?

  “There’s a lot we don’t understand either. We just found out that our parents knew each other before we were born.”

  Tossing her a look over his shoulder, Layne made his way to the couch, falling onto it. Guess the news shocked him as much as it had them. “I get the feeling there’s a lot you haven’t told me, Dylan.”

  “Trust me, you don’t want to know everything. It’s bizarre. Heaven and I are trying to adjust to the news ourselves. When the time is right, I’ll tell you.”

  Layne didn’t like the answer. The crease in his brows was proof. “I can’t help you protect her if I don’t know what I’m up against.”

  “I said I would tell you. Right now, I can’t. Not until I have more answers.” Leaving his spot near the bar, Dylan moved across the sitting area until he reached her, wrapping his arms around hers. “You should take a nap. You’re exhausted from the flight.”

  She loved the thought. Had half a mind to take him up on the suggestion. But she couldn’t. Not with the secret she kept from him. “I can’t, Dylan. We need to talk first.”

  He parted his lips, ready to ask questions but didn’t get the chance. A knock resonated from the door. Both he and Layne went into defensive mode. Their combined energy nearly sent her to the floor.

  “Want me to get it?” Layne asked, taking a step away from the couch.

  “No. I’ll get it. Stay close to Heaven.”

  He didn’t give Layne time to argue. The heat of his arms left her body as he stepped away. It didn’t take him long to reach the door, or jerk it open. His muscles rippled under his shirt, like he was preparing to pounce on the person who stood on the other side. If need be.

  But the lighthearted voice filtering through the room diffused the tension. “Hi, sweetheart. I made it.”

  “Hey, Mom.” Dylan said, stepping away from the entrance so she could pass. “Glad to see you made it safely.”

  “Oh, I’m not alone.” She stepped to the side as Anna and Nicholas moved in front of the door.

  “We’re here.” Anna smiled. Her eyes made it past Dylan, even Layne, before they landed on Heaven. It didn’t take her long to leave her husband’s side or run into the room. Her arms crushed Heaven in an all too familiar embrace. One that whispered words of love, memories of home, and vanilla scented goodness.

  It didn’t matter if her parents kept their past a secret. She’d missed them. Didn’t know if she’d ever get to see them after her dad’s last call. Probably wouldn’t have if Dylan hadn’t gone to see them.

  “I can’t believe we’re together again. Feels like it’s been forever, Heaven.”

  “I’m glad you’re here, Mom. You and Dad.” Her mother broke the embrace to look back toward the door. But her eye landed on Layne instead. She mumbled something under her breath before smiling at him. Something about blue. Royal blue.

  Heaven wanted to ask what she’d meant, if it had something to do with her ability, but Delia’s voice chimed in first. “I tried to call you when we arrived but my cell phone is acting crazy. Are you all settled in?” Delia asked as she stepped inside the villa. Nicholas brought up the rear, closing the door behind him before shaking Dylan’s hand.

  “We haven’t been here long. I was trying to convince Heaven to take a nap.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Delia agreed, linking her arm with his as they walked inside the sitting room. “By the way. We’re following tradition. Heaven spends the night with her mother and me.”

  “How the hell can we protect her if she’s not with us?”

  “I didn’t say she wouldn’t be protected. Her father will be with us.”

  Of all times for them to show up.

  Heaven couldn’t afford to lose any more time. She and Dylan said their vows, tomorrow. Spending the night away from him would be impossible. She had to talk to him, tonight.

  She shifted her gaze to Dylan, hoping he would return the look, but her mother and Layne caught his attention. As well as Delia’s. “Anna, are you okay?”

  “I know you. From somewhere,” her mother whispered, touching Layne’s arm as she stepped closer. “Your eyes…they’re so familiar.”

  “No, ma’am.” Layne’s cheeks flushed as he lowered his eyes, shaking his head. “We’ve never met before.”

  Her mother turned to Delia. Folded brows revealed the confusion Heaven sensed in her energy. Then Delia nodded. “He’s Layla and Dane’s boy.”

  The tone of her answer struck Heaven as odd. As if her parents would know Layne’s parents by name. They couldn’t. Yet the spark in her mother’s eyes followed the announcement.

  “Oh,” she mumbled, making Heaven’s gut sink. “He looks like his mother.”

  CHAPTER 22

  Sweeping her eyes across the beach, Heaven fought the urge to run out the door and straight to Dylan. Being apart from him didn’t just increase the ache in their bond, it stole away her opportunity to talk to him. From Hope and Scott’s arrival to Delia and Anna insisting she spend the night with them, the entire night was wasted.

  At least she didn’t have to deal with Faith. Neither did anyone else at this point considering no one had heard from her since she left Layne’s. While that came as a relief, it worried her. Because of the anger that pulsed through Layne that night. How he swore he didn’t hurt her but wanted to.

  Layne hadn’t hurt her. She would have picked that up in his energy. But if something had happened to Faith, would someone suspect him? As far as she knew, he’d been the last person to speak to her sister.

  God, she couldn’t deal with all this. Enough stress tainted her life. Still, she couldn’t help but worry about Faith.

  Most of the visions she’d had a week ago came true. Like the white crested waves of the teal ocean. The same ones crashing to the shore before her. The flashing cameras turned out to be the paparazzi. She knew that. Even knew how Nate’s discouraging look had to do with her and Dylan’s engagement. And the caramel eyes staring into hers…belonged to Layne.

  As she kept her eyes on the playful waves, the ache in her heart built for her sister. Along with the niece or nephew she lost. The vision of the expectant mother replayed before her. Of the five visions she’d had, this one had not happened. Nor
would it. Faith made sure of that.

  Losing herself in the scene, Heaven followed the length of the woman’s arm. The way she cradled her round belly as a smile spread across her lips saying what words couldn’t. She didn’t just want the child. She couldn’t wait for its arrival.

  As the image shifted, the woman no longer stood alone. A man joined her, wrapping his arms about her waist. His hands glided across her swollen belly. He didn’t stop until he reached her navel, stroking the skin just above it with his thumb.

  The ache in Heaven’s heart deepened. This is what her sister could have had. This could have been Faith and Layne.

  Too bad Faith destroyed her chance. To be happy. To be loved. To have a family. Her selfishness may have caused Heaven to lose the chance, too. If Dylan couldn’t accept what happened with her and Layne, she’d lose him. Lose her opportunity to be happy. To have kids. To grow old with him.

  There had to be a way to talk to him before they took their vows. In an hour.

  Her eyes darted back to the knob on the patio door. Could she do it? Slip through before anyone saw her. Or would Hope tackle her to the ground? Wedding dress and all. Her mother and Delia would be there to help.

  Damn traditions.

  Eyeing her phone on the coffee table, she debated sending Dylan a text. She could hide out in the bathroom. Have him meet her at the window. Explain what happened with… Hopefully he would understand. If not, he’d find a way to come in and continue the conversation. Face to face. Despite what anyone said.

  Her eyes moved past her shoulder, scoping the room for her family. She spotted Hope in the kitchen. Their mother stood behind her, helping her zip her dress. Something both seemed to find challenging. The discovery brought a wave of relief. Maybe she wouldn’t have to call Dylan. As long as the zipper remained stuck. If Delia would leave her spot near the bar, Heaven could make an escape, unnoticed.

  The idea proved too good to be true. Especially when Delia’s eyes shifted from the kitchen onto her. “Is everything okay, sweetheart?”

  The soothing tone of her voice often brought relief to Heaven. But not this time. Not when her world continued to turn upside down. Facing Dylan’s mother, she shrugged her shoulders as her temples continued to pulse.

  “I’m confused, Delia. So much has happened in the last few weeks. Even the last twenty-four hours. There are hundreds of questions bouncing inside my head. I honestly don’t know what being okay is anymore.”

  Delia passed through the sitting room, making her way around the chocolate colored sectional until her slender fingers curled about Heaven’s shoulder. “Make this day about you and Dylan, not what’s going on around you. You’ve been waiting for this day for as long as he has. Enjoy it.”

  Heaven wished she could. Would be doing just that if all the craziness in her life would die down. No chance of that happening any time soon. Secrets kept unraveling each passing day. Just like the night before. With her mom and Layne. The way her mother’s eyes lit up when she looked at him. How she’d mumbled something about blue. How Delia introduced them, like her mother should know him. Or at least his family.

  She couldn’t remember what her mom said afterwards. Couldn’t concentrate on anything but the wicked vibes coming from Layne. How the heat of his energy beat around her, making her cheeks burn as much as his.

  “My abilities are getting the best of me, Delia. I can’t focus on anything but what we just found out. You and my mother kept so much from Dylan and me. I can’t wrap my head around any of it.”

  “You will in time. It’s a lot to take in, but you’ll adjust.”

  Did she have time to adjust? Not with Nate wanting her dead.

  How could marrying Dylan prevent his father from hurting her? If anything, his need to end her life would increase.

  “I know part of the reason Dylan rushed me here is to protect me from his dad. It won’t work. And you know that.”

  The smile on Delia’s faced receded. She nodded as a knock resonated from the door. “It won’t stop him, but it will make it harder. Vowing your life to Dylan and vice versa only makes your bond the strongest it can be, which makes your abilities stronger.”

  Heaven wanted more answers. Came close to pulling Delia into another room so she would keep explaining, but Hope had already made it to the door.

  The face on the other side helped diminish some of the stress throbbing through Heaven. At least for a moment. Chelsea had arrived.

  And right beside her stood Faith.

  * * *

  The sound of Chelsea’s voice droned on as Heaven faced the kitchen, twitching her leg in anticipation. Would it be rude if she left her best friend on the couch, rattling on about how amazing Heaven looked in her wedding gown? She loved that Chelsea made it. Even if Kyle hadn’t came with her, thanks to his new tour.

  All she wanted was to go to Faith. Ask her if she was okay before tearing into her about what she’d done. Not so much that she’d had the abortion, but the fact that she flaunted it in Layne’s face.

  Faith wanted to talk to her, too. The way she kept staring past their mother, studying Heaven from head to toe. Did she know that Heaven knew what had happened? That Layne had came to her to vent.

  Guess she’d find out soon enough.

  Faith stepped away from their mother, walking into the sitting room. Hope stared after her, still berating her for her disappearing act. But Faith seemed unmoved. Whatever weighed on her mind, she intended to share it with Heaven.

  “I’d like to talk to you. In private.”

  An array of emotions fluttered in Faith’s energy. Guilt. Worry. Regret. Maybe she wanted to drop the bomb on Heaven. The same bomb she dropped on Layne a few days ago. It would explain why she wanted privacy.

  Pushing off the couch, Heaven gripped the bottom of her dress, letting the hem brush her calves as she walk toward her sister. Faith turned, motioning for her to follow. They didn’t stop until they reached the master bedroom on the opposite side of the villa.

  Faith waited until she stepped inside before closing the door. Silence followed her as she passed Heaven, leaving a trail of lavender. When she made it to the bed, she patted the spot beside her.

  “Sit.”

  Heaven’s stomach churned, like she had swallowed a thousand pebbles. Conversations with Faith proved emotional. Which emotion depended on her mood. Judging the flow of her energy, this conversation would play on Heaven’s nerves. And her heart.

  As the mattress conformed to her bottom, she faced her sister, anticipation bubbling in her stomach. “What’s going on, Faith?”

  Her sister traced the stitching on the comforter, taking a few deep breaths before her eyes flashed to Heaven. “I went to the doctor a few days ago.”

  Perfect. Just the conversation Heaven wanted to discuss. “Hope mentioned it the day you went.”

  Green eyes twitched with suspicion as Faith leaned in closer. “I guess you told her everything.”

  “Relax. I didn’t say a word.”

  “Good,” Faith stood up from the bed, hesitating a moment before moving toward the window. “I’d like to keep it that way, since the baby isn’t a problem anymore.”

  The baby was never the problem. But Faith…

  Clearing the thickness in her throat, Heaven asked the one question she wanted to know. “Why did you do it?”

  Faith spun around so fast, it made Heaven’s head spin. “Are you judging me, Sis?”

  “No. I’m just curious as to why you went through with it. Is it because of who fathered the child?”

  “Telling you that is pointless. The baby is gone. Who helped create it doesn’t matter. Even if I’d kept the kid, the father wouldn’t be in my life. I don’t need anyone else’s drama but my own.” Faith crossed her arms over her chest, popping her brow with a taunting look. “You’re more than welcome to take Layne’s, though. He’s obsessed with you and Dylan.”

  The more she talked the more Heaven saw through the façade. This baby didn’t
belong to Layne. Faith would avoid confirming that at all costs. Not that it would stop Heaven from getting the truth. Or bringing about one hell of a fight.

  “I want to know who, Faith. Layne or the other guy?” Standing from the bed, she gathered her gown before making her way around the bedpost. “You brought this mess to me. At least tell me how the story ends.”

  Faith refused to make eye contact. But her energy revealed her true soul. The way it vibrated around Heaven, warning her to quit asking questions. “I already told you how the story ends. There’s no more baby problem.”

  “I’m glad to hear you solved your problems, but you created them for other people. You have no clue how bad you hurt Layne.”

  That wiped the smug look off her face. “Did he tell you what happened?”

  “Yes, Faith, he did. He cared about you! More than you knew. More than he could admit. What you did…you broke his heart. If the baby belonged to someone else, what you did to him is wrong. You did it for spite.”

  Holding her head high, Faith rolled her eyes as she stepped from the window, moving past Heaven in process. “I should have known he would run to you and Dylan. I’m so done with all this craziness. You have fun in L.A., living your insane life.”

  Grasping for her shirt, Heaven missed as her fingers brushed the fabric. But it caught Faith’s attention. “Does that mean you’re leaving L.A.?”

  “I left the day Layne and I got into it. I’ve been staying at Emma’s apartment in San Diego. In a few days, I’ll be heading to New York. I received an early offer on my portfolio.”

  Heaven wanted to yell at her for stirring up trouble then taking off, but she bit her tongue. If Faith wanted to leave, it would be the best thing for her. And Layne. He could move on. Find someone else. Or at least try.

  “As much as I hate to see you go—”

  Faith’s snort echoed about the room. “Please. You won’t miss me. Which is okay. We’ve never been close. Not like we should have. Mostly because of me, but that’s my choice. I’ll deal with it.”