Siren Calls (The Rise of Ares Book 1)

by Jade Frances

  I heard the double meaning behind his question. He wanted to know if I still felt the darkness. Looking into my mind, I couldn’t see or feel it though.

  “I’m ok, I’m sorry you were on the receiving end of it. I honestly don’t know what came over me. But hey, I’m fine, you’re fine. No harm done.” I smiled at him weakly, but I hoped it looked reassuring. He slowly reached out towards me. I didn’t move, curious what he would do. His fingers brushed down the side of my face, pushing my long hair back and gradually came to a rest on my cheek. Almost without thinking, I leant my face into the warmth of his hand.

  “I was so worried. Your screams pierced through me, I didn’t know what was happening to you, but I couldn’t do anything. I’ve never felt so helpless. When I dropped the wall you were just lying there in a heap on the floor.” His gaze was intense as he spoke. Was he admitting he cared for me a little? This was the longest conversation we have had since the moment he arrived. The first time he had ever shown me any emotion. Raising my hand, I wrapped my fingers around his, but kept them on my face. It was comforting.

  “It’s ok, I’m ok,” I whispered, hoping he would hear the sincerity in my words. With my eyes locked on his, I could see a thousand unspoken words in them.

  Evvy, dinner and meeting in the dining room, Rose sent through our bond. Snapping me out of the moment with Pearce, who had already dropped his arm and taken a step back. I hadn’t realised how close we had been until he moved away. I watched as his guardian facade made its way back. He was shutting off.

  “We have a meeting in the dining room,” I sighed.

  “I heard,” he replied bluntly. Yep, the guardian was definitely back, and he was turning to leave the room.

  “Wait, you can hear my bond?” I asked.

  “No, my brother told me.” Confused, I followed him out of the room.

  “You have a bond too?” Turning towards me, he gave me a small smile.

  “Something like that.” As we walked down the stairs to the others, my mind tried to wrap around what had just happened. Pearce had let his guardian standard slip. He had let me in, briefly. A sense of accomplishment overcame me, progress I thought. And I got a genuine smile from him. Grinning to myself, I walked into the dining room behind him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Everyone had already gathered in the room and were busy tucking into their food. We were the last to arrive. Sandra raised an eyebrow and looked towards Rose, who grinned at me. I could feel myself blushing as all eyes turned to us. God, I would get a grilling later. I noticed Adam, sitting quietly in the far corner. No one was paying him any attention, it seemed. Taking a seat, I started stacking up my plate with food. The rumbling in my stomach was loud and clear, I was starving.

  “So, now everyone is here. First on the agenda is Evangeline,” Barak announced like I wasn’t sitting among them. I liked Barak, he was firm and direct but not half as cold as what Pearce could be. Out of the three guardians, he was the first who had warmed to us. His announcement shocked me though, and I choked on the pasta I was chewing. Eye’s wide, I looked around at everyone.

  “Why me?” I asked. Rose reached across the table to take my hand.

  “We can’t just ignore this Evvy, it’s happened twice now. This time was worse than the first.”

  “This happened before?” Pearce asked. I could feel his gaze burning into me, and I didn’t need to look at him to know he wasn’t impressed that I hadn’t told him.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” I mumbled. Rose gave my hand a small squeeze and filled everyone in on what had happened the first time.

  The room erupted in conversation. All about me and what it could mean. I sat silently, twirling the food around on my plate, suddenly having lost my appetite.

  “Seems to me like she has the bond,” Adam muttered from the corner, but loud enough for everyone to hear. Everybody stopped speaking and turned towards him.

  “Of course we have a bond, that’s old news,” Sandra, with a look of disdain towards him, replied. Darryl, who was sitting next to Adam, tensed up.

  “That’s not what he means Sandra, he means a bond to the Veil.” Just like that, the attention was off of Adam and onto Darryl. Everyone looked at him questioningly.

  “What bond to the Veil?” Rose asked. This was the first she had heard of it. Sighing, Darryl looked towards Adam who gave him a nod.

  “Every high-ranking member of the Veil is given a bond, it’s tied to their soul. They use it to communicate with each other., Though from what we know it’s only one way. And they can use it to track them.” He informed the room. I already knew this from our time with Adam at the hut, but surely, I couldn’t have it.

  “I’m not a part of the Veil, nor have I ever been. So how would I have a bond with them?”

  “Your bond seems to be directly linked to Aresollo,” Adam pitched in again. “I’ve never heard of anyone having a connection directly to an elder,” he continued, not looking at anyone in particular. I sat, shocked at the thought this could even be a possibility.

  “You were a high-ranking member of the Veil. Did you do this? Are you trying to lead them straight to us?” Taylor accusingly shouted. He shot up from his seat and started stalking towards Adam.

  “He wasn’t even here when it first happened,” Darryl shouted back, jumping protectively in front of his brother. To Taylor it didn’t matter that he wasn’t here, the group didn’t trust him as it was. Chaos erupted. Sandra and Taylor were both shouting and advancing on Adam. Darryl was shouting back, though still trying to reason with them. Egan was still sitting eating, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around him. And Rose and Barak were standing close together, in the corner, whispering hurriedly to each other. I could see him stroking her hands reassuringly. Odd, I thought. I would ask her about that later.

  I drew my attention back to the others, who were now practically on top of Darryl and Adam. Taylor shoved Darryl, trying to push him out of the way.

  “Move Darryl, you can’t protect him.” Taylor’s voice had gotten dangerously low, and he shoved him again. Darryl’s eyes filled with rage and he growled as he shoved Taylor back. Adam was just sitting there silently, watching. I felt energy hum in the air. God no, I hope Darryl wasn’t about to change. I rushed forward, I had to stop it from going any further. Pearce’s muscular arms came out of nowhere, wrapping around my waist. I struggled against his hold.

  “Put me down! They will hurt each other.” I had to get to them before it happened.

  “Wait. It will end in a minute,” he whispered calmly in my ear.

  “Enough,” a voice boomed around the room. Everyone froze. Avetta had entered, and boy was her presence strong. How did she always just appear like that? “Sit down now,” she commanded. Either everyone had realized their arguing was futile, or they were too scared of Avetta to not do as they were told. Almost instantaneously, everyone dropped in the seat closest to them. I felt Pearce give my hand a quick squeeze under the table. I looked at him to ask him what that was about, but his gaze was turned to Avetta, who had taken a seat at the head of the table.

  “What in god’s name is going on?” she asked, no longer shouting, but her voice was cold and direct. “Pray tell me, what has got all of you acting like a band of hormonal nitwits?” I suppressed a laugh at that. This really wasn’t the time. Darryl, Taylor, and Sandra all spoke at the same time. Avetta held up her hand to silence them and turned her gaze to Adam. Which shocked everyone.

  “I think Evangeline has a bond to the Veil, to Aresollo directly in fact,” he articulated. He was looking at Avetta with, I’m not sure, awe, or wonder. That was odd. Since he had been back, he had no interest in talking to anyone. In fact, sometimes it seemed like it physically pained him to. But in that moment, he conversed with Avetta easily and was looking at her like he idolized her. A hint of jealousy crept its way into me. He hadn’t even given me a minute of his time, not even a word.

  “Interesting. Evangeline, Adam
, come with me,” Avetta rose from her seat. “The rest of you, eat. I will not tolerate any more fighting,” she snapped, looking at Taylor and Darryl in particular. Turning towards the door, she gave everyone one last look and walked out. Rushing to follow, I felt Pearce move behind me. Rolling my eyes. Typical guardian, I thought. Of course he would follow.

  We ended up in the living room, in front of the blazing fire.

  “Evangeline, Adam, sit next to each other, please.” I moved off of the armchair I had chosen and over to the sofa where Adam sat. I could have sworn he inched slightly away from me. Looking towards Avetta, I waited quietly for her to continue.

  “I need to reach into your minds, is that ok?” Adam nodded, and I did the same. It was eerily quiet as Avetta sat and closed her eyes. For a brief second, I wondered what was going on in the other room. Then I felt energy in the air and felt a tingle as it entered my mind. I didn’t fight it. I opened my mind for Avetta to probe. It only lasted a few minutes before I felt her presence leave. Opening her eyes, she looked at the two of us thoughtfully.

  “You are correct Adam. Evangeline has a bond to Aresollo. Very peculiar to be able to contain two bonds. However, this is different to what yours was. This was born, not created. I need time to figure this out before one breaks the other,” Avetta rose.

  “What? That’s it?, You’re not going to tell me more?” Avetta gave me a stern look and began to leave. Ignoring my questions.

  “Pearce come with me. We need to explain to the others, I cannot have any blood shed within this group.” I saw Pearce hesitate to follow her. He glanced at me and Adam.

  “Adam is not a threat; his earlier actions prove he is a protector of Evangeline. Come, now.” As she strode out of the room, I watched him glance back one more time and then turn and follow.

  That left just me and Adam. Awkwardly sitting there side by side.

  “She said what your bond was. Does that mean it’s gone?” I broke the silence. Adam’s mood seemed to lighten, just a little.

  “Avetta broke the bond, she freed me.” I noticed a small smile forming as he stared at the fire. So that explained earlier, and where his fondness for Avetta came from. She had saved him. Turning, I looked at him. Taking in all his features. He looked sad.

  “Are you ok?” I asked softly.

  “Yes, it’s taking time, but I’m getting there,” he replied, still gazing at the fire.

  “What did she mean, you’re a protector of me?” Sighing, he looked at me. I felt the full force of his sadness in that one look.

  “I’m bound to you, Evvy, to protect you. I don’t know how or why. But I am.” From the tone in his voice, I got the impression he wasn’t too happy about that. Then I remembered something.

  “Darryl, he said that your wolf had bonded to me... is that why?” I leant forward.

  “I don’t know, I just don’t know, ok Evangeline! I’m trying to adjust. Trying to figure things out.” I could feel his frustration and thought maybe it was best not to push.

  “Ok,” I mumbled. Well, this conversation wasn’t going how I imagined it would. I’ve been patient and left him alone since he arrived here, but I was sure it was time he opened up to me. I was feeling slightly spurned by him, and a small part of me wished he had just stayed away. His wolf treated me differently to his human form. I wanted him to be my friend. This person, sitting next to me, felt like the stranger he was. We sat in silence, both staring into the fire. Eventually, Adam stood up to leave.

  “Goodnight, Evvy,” he whispered before walking out of the room. Throwing myself back, I let out a gigantic sigh. As per usual, there was too much going on around me. Too much to make sense of. No wonder I kept blacking out.

  I wasn’t alone for long. Rose and Sandra walked in.

  “Girl chat,” Sandra shouted as she closed the door on someone behind her. I knew that it was Pearce.

  “I swear, he is literally by your side every waking minute. I wonder if he even sleeps!” she rolled her eyes but smiled at me.

  “It’s just his job,” I told her, forcing a small smile back.

  “Like hell it is, Barak and Egan aren’t like that! So… spill,” she said whilst getting herself comfortable in one armchair. Rose sat in the other, giving me just as questionable a look as Sandra was. I knew this had been coming. There really wasn’t much to tell. Hesitantly, I relayed mine and Pearce’s conversation.

  “I knew it! He has the hots for you, for sure,” Sandra shouted excitedly. Rose hushed her and pointed toward the door where Pearce was undeniably still standing on the other side.

  “Sorry,” she whispered, lowering her tone. “But still you can’t say I wasn’t right,” she grinned at both of us.

  “Hmm, if you say so,” I replied, and turned to Rose. I had a question, actually.

  “What about you and Barak, I saw you in the dining room?” Now it was her turn to blush.

  “What about you and Barak?” Sandra asked, confused with the sudden change in conversation.

  “It’s nothing. We were just trying to figure out a way to calm everyone down.” Sandra was staring at her sister, not believing her.

  “Sure, that’s why your cheeks have lit up like a cayenne pepper,” she retorted. Throwing her hands in the air, she gestured towards the heavens, “does everyone have something going on with their guardian but me?” I giggled at her dramatics, which also set Rose off.

  “Ladies, everyone’s heading to bed.” Pearce interrupted. None of us had even heard him come in. Looking at the other two, I shrugged. I guess conversations without interruption were scarce here. I followed them towards the door, thinking sleep sounded wonderful right now.

  “Hold on,” Pearce said, gently grasping my arm.

  “What now?” I groaned as I watched the girl’s head off to their rooms. To their big comfy beds. Turning toward him, I waited for his reply. I pretty much already knew what he would say, though.

  “Why didn’t you tell me it had happened before?” I could hear a hint of anger in his voice, but overall he seemed disappointed. I exhaled; he surely couldn’t expect us to be best buddies after one conversation. He didn’t need to know everything. I really didn’t have the energy to give him a smarmy response, though.

  “I don’t know, it didn’t cross my mind,” I settled for honesty. He stared down at me. I could see him weighing up my answer. Was he that bothered that I hadn’t told him? Was Sandra right, did he see me as more than just a job? This close together, I was very aware of the warmth of his hand that was still lightly gripping my arm. His chest was that close to mine, I could practically feel the rise and fall of it. If I moved an inch closer, if I just reached up, I could run my fingers through his muddy brown hair. My gaze flicked to his lips, and I ran my tongue over mine. For a second, I was tempted. Abruptly, he broke my gaze.

  “Being a guardian, killing, it takes a part of you that you can never get back. It hinders your ability to feel certain… things,” he whispered. Then he let go of my arm and turned so quick to walk off muttering a “goodnight.” Leaving me cold and alone. Maybe not then, I thought and dragged my weary bum to bed. I prayed for a peaceful sleep, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of change. Yet again.

  ***

  A ruckus right outside my bedroom door startled me awake. I could vaguely hear people shouting and running around. The entire house was alive with commotion. Suddenly, my bedroom door flew open. Pearce and Adam charged in, eyes wild and anxious. I jumped out of bed, alarmed by the rapid intrusion. Both of them stopped and stared at me, looking me up and down. Crap, I looked down and remembered I had only put a t-shirt on to go to bed. I could feel my cheeks heating as I took in my bare legs and underwear. Grabbing my quilt, I wrapped it around me. Searching the drawers closest to me, I picked up the first set of clothes I laid eyes on.

  “What’s going on? Can I get some privacy?” I snapped at them. Pearce looked like he would say something.

  “Answer, now,” I shouted. Neither of them left the room t
o give me the privacy I asked for, but they did both turn their backs to me. Picking up on the urgency outside the room, I quickly got changed.

  “Is someone going to tell me what is happening out there?” I asked as I pulled a tank top over my head.

  “They have breached the perimeters, they’ve found us Evvy,” Adam replied.

  “What! Why did it take you so long to say?” Both still had their backs turned. “I’m dressed,” I added. Moving round slowly, both of them had their eyes fixed to the ground. How gentlemanly. No time to think of that, though. The magnitude of the situation was weighing down on me.

  “Ok, do we have a plan?” I asked, amazed at how calm I was acting. Tying my hair back, I waited for someone to speak.

  “We need to leave, grab a couple of bits. Let’s go,” Pearce’s voice was rising with each word spoken.

  “Move Evvy,” Adam added. The panic that was so clear in them was lighting my own.

  “Ok, ok,” I grabbed a backpack and moved as fast as I could. “I’ll meet you downstairs,” I told them as I looked around. Where had I put my mums’ box? I hadn’t thought twice about it since being here, but I didn’t want to leave it behind. Neither of them had moved, I rolled my eyes and placed my hand on my hip.

  “For god’s sake, unless they are in the house, I’ll be safe for five minutes.” Reluctantly, they walked out of my room. Pearce paused in the doorway, looking back at me. Fear flashed through his eyes, and something else. I couldn’t place it. He closed the door silently behind him. Breathing a sigh of relief, I just needed a few minutes to collect myself.

  Sitting on my bed, I took a few deep breaths. My foot knocked against something that was sticking out from underneath. Bending, I picked up my mother’s box. Placing it in the backpack, I laid back on the bed. ‘Just breathe’ I told myself, blocking out the surrounding noise.

  Girls, I reached out in the bond.