Mortal Defiance (16 page)

Chapter 27

Jerking backward, she gave a small shake of her head. Her heart ached to kiss him, to get lost in his arms, but her stomach churned with discomfort. She looked into his eyes and tried to understand what she was feeling. The extreme opposites wrestling in her mind were overwhelming. She wanted to comfort him, to make him feel better, but she wasn’t sure that this was the right way to do it. And there was Paden. What would he say? The thought of hurting him made her close her eyes.

“Ree.” His eyes were wide, waiting for her rejection.

Shaking her head, she took a step back and watched as he let his hands fall to his side in defeat. His face fell and the hurt washed across the room, mingling with her guilt to make her miserable.

“I’m sorry, Roland. I like you and I dreamt tonight of how much Tria loved you, but I’m not Tria. Not anymore.” Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked to try and control them. “It’s so hard to distinguish what I feel from what Tria felt that I don’t know where I begin and she ends. But I do know that I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t want to hurt Paden.”

“Maybe you can’t tell where you begin and where she ends because you feel something for me in this life as well.” Roland took a step closer to her. His eyes were soft and gentle. “Maybe you just need a little more time to figure it out. I can give you time, Ree. I have lots to spare.”

“I don’t know, Roland.” Shaking her head, she went to climb into her bed. She was taking the easy way out and putting space between them. “I feel like there’s so much I don’t know, and this is just the icing on the cake.” With sharp jerks, she straightened the wrinkles out of her bedspread.

“I’ll try to not push you, Ree. I don’t want to upset you. But I am going to do my best to win your heart.” Sitting down in the rocking chair, he turned so that he could see her face.

“That’s what scares me,” Ree whispered.

“Consider yourself warned, then.” Roland smiled at her before leaning back in the chair.

“Roland.”

“Hmm?” He cut his eyes to the side so he could see where she was sleeping.

“When did you change your name?” Twisting the blanket in her fingers she didn’t meet his eyes.

“I don’t remember the exact date, but it was somewhere in the 1800s. Why do you ask?” Curiosity filled his voice, even though his profile was relaxed.

“Dositeo was your name when you knew Tria. I just wondered when you changed it.” The steady rocking of the chair stopped, and he turned to look at Ree fully.

“How do you know that?”

“I dreamt of it tonight.” Biting her bottom lip, she looked up at him, hoping he wouldn’t ask for more details.

“Ah.” He was still for a long minute. “When I was in England with Sophie, I felt it was best to try and fit in a little better. I changed my name to Roland, while Sophie shortened hers. Her original name was Sophronia.” His voice became thoughtful. “I haven’t thought of her as Sophronia in a long while. Her name truly suits her. It means wise and sensible.”

“What does Dositeo mean?”

“God’s possession.” His voice held a bitter edge Ree wished she could erase.

“It’s a beautiful name, but I’m glad you changed it.”

“Really? Why?” A smile pulled at one side of his mouth.

“Because you’re no one’s possession. You’re Roland, the smart-aleck Dark One. You don’t take anyone’s crap. You belong to yourself. I like that about you.”

He laughed quietly, and Ree’s heart felt a little lighter for it. She hated seeing him upset. Whether that was something left over from Tria, or simply herself, she didn’t know and didn’t care.

 “Thank you, Ree. I like that about me as well.”

The room grew quiet and it wasn’t long before Ree felt herself drifting to sleep. She felt safe with Roland watching her.
Now, if only my dreams will leave me alone
, was her last thought.

“Leave.” The soft voice was insistent. “You must leave now, Alastriana.”

“Who’s there?” Ree looked over her shoulder and pulled at the white strap that had slid down her arm. Looking down, she couldn’t dispel the confusion that slithered into her foggy mind. She was wearing a long white dress that fell to the floor in pleats. There was a gold armband encircling her bicep and earrings that tinkled when she moved her head.

“Leave, youngling. You must leave this dream.”

“Dream? Who’s there? Where am I?” Ree spun to look around, but she was in a large throne room, alone. Different sized thrones filled the room, some more grandiose than others.

“You’re in the gods’ home, but you must not stay. Leave before he realizes that you have crossed the boundary.” An old woman appeared before Ree, and she stepped back in shock. The woman’s silver hair hung around her shoulders, practically glowing against her midnight blue cloak. “I’ve managed to hide you for now, but I cannot do so for long.”

“I don’t understand. Who is looking for me?” Shaking her head, Ree looked at the woman.

“I dare not say his name, dear. If he finds you here, our efforts will be for nothing. Go home. You’re needed there.” The older woman stepped toward Ree. “Take care of what is yours, Ree McKenna.”

“Who are you?”

“Hecate.” The goddess placed a graceful hand on Ree’s shoulder and guided her away from the thrones. “Be wary of the blond god. He is more dangerous than the others acknowledge. Now, go home. They need you there.”

As things started to fade, Hecate’s voice filled her ears. “Trust your heart, Ree. I have faith in you.”

* * *

“Ree, we have to get out of here.” Paden tugged on her arm as she looked around in confusion. Flames and smoke flickered along the ceiling, casting shadows across his tired face. He moved away from her to look out the tall window and Ree caught sight of the limp form on the bed. The face was blank—not blank as in expressionless, but completely featureless. As if her mind couldn’t understand exactly what she was seeing.

The door behind Ree was flung open and she found herself face-to-face with Shannon’s boyfriend, Michael. His eyes were completely black and flames outlined his muscular frame. She was paralyzed, her feet unable to move as Paden launched himself at his one-time friend. Horrified, Ree watched as Tristan appeared behind the struggling forms of Michael and Paden. Her brother’s mouth was covered in blood and he grinned, baring his fangs as he brought a sword to the back of Paden’s exposed neck.

“Take care of what is yours, Alastriana.” Hecate’s voice floated through Ree’s mind as she jolted awake. Her heart beat quickly and tears were gathered in the corners of her eyes. Reaching for the bottled water on her nightstand, she took a large swallow to ease her sore throat.

“Are you okay, Ree?” Roland’s calm voice crept through the dark. The rocking chair’s motion stopped.

“I’m fine. Just bad dreams.” Putting the water bottle back on the small table, she noticed that her phone was blinking. Paden wanted to know if she was okay. Closing her eyes tightly, Ree wished that he was with her so that she could make sure he was still alive. She told him she was fine, that nightmares had woken her up. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had sensed her anxiety even though he was all the way at his house. After he promised to see her in the morning, she set the phone back down and stared at the shadows on her ceiling. Pulling the blanket up to her chin, she found it hard to go back to sleep. What had Hecate meant about crossing a boundary and protecting what belonged to Ree? Had she meant Paden belonged with her?

“Do you need anything?” Roland had resumed the gentle rocking of the chair, but his head was cocked so he could see her. “You were talking in your sleep. Is there anything you need to tell me?”

“I’m not sure, Roland. I’m just not sure what is going on anymore.” Ree rolled over onto her side and moved her pillow so it was folded underneath her cheek. “What did I say?”

“You asked where you were and said someone was looking for you. You also called out for the godling.” Roland’s voice was calm, but she could hear the sadness that underlay his words.

“I’m sorry, Roland.” Cringing, Ree bit her lip, not sure what else she could say.

“Don’t be sorry, Ree.” Sighing, Roland leaned his head back against the chair. “Alastrianas often have dreams that are more important than other people’s dreams. If you think you need to tell me or Sophie about your dreams, don’t hesitate.”

“I won’t.”

“Then go to sleep. You only have another hour or so before your alarm is set to go off.” He shifted in his seat. “I will probably be gone before you wake up—that way we won’t have a repeat of yesterday.”

Fear clutched at Ree’s throat, but she tried to keep her calm. She had thought she would want to be alone as much as possible, but with everything that was happening, she found the others’ presences comforted her in ways she hadn’t expected.

Roland seemed to sense her discomfort. “I will stay as long as I can. Don’t forget that even if you don’t see them, Drake and Teagan are out there as well. Someone will be watching you at all times.”

Ree nodded her head but realized he couldn’t see her. “Thanks.”

“It’s never a problem, Ree.”

Chapter 28

Her mother was back in the kitchen when Ree made her way out of her room. She had pancakes and bacon waiting on the island. Ree threw her bag toward the door and snagged a slice of bacon.

“Sit down and eat, Ree. Your father said you were running late yesterday and didn’t eat a good breakfast.” Her mom poured a glass of milk and set it next to Ree.

“So, you’re feeling a little better?” Ree attempted to keep her voice neutral and upbeat, but she couldn’t help but notice there was a large change in her mother’s behavior.

“I do feel better. Ever since I had that dream of Tristan watching over me, I just feel peaceful.” Her mother hummed a little as she set the skillet in the sink. Ree almost gagged on her mouthful of milk.

“Mom.”

“No, dear. I know it sounds crazy, but it helps.” Fixing Ree with a serious stare, her mom shook her head ruefully. “I know he isn’t here anymore. But I like thinking he’s watching over us. I’m sure he keeps an eye on you as well.”

“Yeah. I’m sure he does.” Ree pushed the bacon on her plate around and tried to swallow around the bitter taste in her mouth. Thankfully, there was a honk from the driveway and she was saved from having to talk anymore about Tristan.

“Remember to come straight home today, Ree McKenna. You’re on lockdown, girly.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ree set her plate in the sink before grabbing her bag and heading out the door. “Love you!”

Melanie and Ree went straight to Sophie’s shop. Surprisingly, the others were there as well. Paden was sitting on the steps outside the back door, worry clouding his eyes despite the smile he flashed at Ree.

“I’ll see you inside,” Melanie said. She shoved Paden’s arm playfully as she ran past and pulled the door closed behind her.

“Hey.” Ree tried to smile but found her face just didn’t want to cooperate. She was itching to touch him and make sure he was really unhurt, but something in his eyes kept her at bay.

“Hey, yourself. Did you get any sleep?” They sat down on one of the parking stones. As if he couldn’t help himself, he reached out and played with a strand of her hair.

“Not really. Lots of bad dreams.” Ree looked at him closely and couldn’t help but notice the dark circles under his eyes. “What about you? Why didn’t you come over last night?”

Snorting, he shook his head and looked away. Ree could feel his embarrassment, which only piqued her interest.

“They grounded me.” Setting his arms on his knees, he looked down at the ground. “No, that’s not right. They forbid me from seeing you again.”

“What?” Ree felt her mouth fall open. “Why?”

“Ree, you have to understand that with Claire dying and my aunt staying with us, they aren’t thinking straight.” His green eyes pleaded with her to believe him. “It isn’t anything you’ve done. You have to understand that.”

“No, I
don’t
understand that. Why would they say you can’t see me anymore? Did you tell them…” They hadn’t had a chance to discuss any type of relationship status with everything else going on. In fact, it seemed silly to ask about it, but maybe he had mentioned something to his parents that made them aware of the fact.

“They’ve known for a long time how I feel about you, Ree. It’s kind of hard to hide things like that from the people that love you.” Smiling, he wrapped her hand in one of his. “Even when I was trying to hide it from myself.”

“Oh.” Ree blushed and looked down at their hands. A soft laugh slid out of his throat, warming Ree all over.

“God, I love it when you blush. Do you know what it does to a guy? To know you’re blushing for me?” Ree looked up to find him staring at her with fathomless eyes. “It makes me want to do all sorts of things, Ree. I’d do anything to make sure you keep looking at me the way you are right now.” He leaned toward her, and she tilted her head up. When his lips touched hers, she couldn’t help the soft sigh that escaped her.

After a moment, Ree pulled back and looked into Paden’s deep green eyes. “Now tell me why you’re
forbidden
to see me.”

 “I missed curfew last night.” Closing his eyes, Paden grimaced before peeking at Ree. “They think you’re a bad influence.”

“Bad influence? Me?” Ree couldn’t help the squeak in her voice.

“Well, you know. You are turning into quite the rebel: staying out to all hours, letting guys into your room at night, even carrying a concealed weapon. To be honest, I’m starting to see why they might think that way.” Scratching his chin, Paden cut his eyes toward her and smiled slyly. “Of course, I think it’s all sexy. So, win-win for me.”

“Paden! They can’t possibly know all of that!” Narrowing her eyes, Ree pushed his shoulder. “I’m sure you’ve missed curfew before.”

Something dark fluttered across his face for a moment, and the sadness in his eyes wrenched at her heart. “Actually, I haven’t missed curfew since the night Tristan died.”

Ree laced her fingers with his and leaned into his shoulder. “Well, I guess I can understand why that would upset them.”

Wrapping his arm around her, Paden pulled her closer, and Ree noticed he was wearing his school jacket instead of the leather one he’d had on last night. “I guess your coat from last night was a complete loss, huh?”

“Yeah. Apparently my healing abilities don’t apply to leather. Can’t heal something that’s already dead.”

“Good to know.” Ree couldn’t help but laugh at the mental image of him sitting in his car, trying to use his immortal gifts to heal a leather jacket. Standing up, Ree pulled Paden with her. “Let’s get inside before we freeze to death. I’d hate for you to experience another fail.”

“Hey! It wasn’t a complete fail!”

“Really? Did the bullet holes close up on the jacket?”

“Um, no.” Standing on the steps of the back porch, Ree turned around and looked at Paden.

“Did the jacket start mooing?” Raising one eyebrow, Ree crossed her arms over her chest and tried to fight the smile pulling at her mouth.

“Okay. Now you’re just being mean.” Reaching out, Paden grabbed her and pulled her against his chest. Digging his fingers into her sides, he tickled her while she squirmed. In some unspoken understanding, she didn’t use the power to escape, and he didn’t use his immortal strength to hold her. Once she managed to get loose, she was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. He looked up at her from the bottom step, a boyish smile brightening his face. Her heart thudded in her chest as she looked down at him, the memory of her dream coming to mind. She needed to push that image away and replace the nightmare with this moment, with the happy gleam in his eyes.

Pulling him back toward her, she crushed his mouth to hers. At first he stood there, shocked, but then his mind seemed to catch up and he set his hands on her hips. He never tried to take control of their kiss, instead letting her decide on the intensity. When she finally pulled back, breathing heavily, he touched her cheek softly.

“What was that all about?” He used his thumb to catch a tear that slid out of the corner of her eye. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”

“I just… needed to know you were here with me.” Sniffing gently, Ree gave him a watery smile. “Just don’t let anything happen to you, okay?”

“Happen? To me? Bah. I’m Paden, The Super Immortal! Nothing can happen to me.” Puffing out his chest, Paden made Ree laugh. “C’mon. Let’s go in before they come looking for us.”

Inside the back room of the shop, the others were lounging around the room. Everyone was wearing street clothes, which meant none of them planned on going to school that day.
I guess I’m a bad influence after all,
Ree thought to herself.

“Ree!” Juliette looked up from her book and smiled. “How’d your parents take it last night?”

“Not good. I’m officially grounded.” Ree sat down on the floor next to the sofa. “I have to be home after school lets out.”

“Kind of hard to fight vampires when you’re stuck in your bedroom.” Weylin was sitting sideways in a plush chair, casually tossing a ball from hand to hand.

“Yeah, I know, Weylin.” Leaning against Juliette’s legs, Ree threw a piece of scrap paper at her friend. “Any tips on getting out of my punishment would be greatly appreciated.”

“Um, I’m much better at getting into trouble than getting out of it.” Weylin rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe Sophie can call and say she needs you at the shop.”

“No go. They want me to quit.”

“Quit? Oh, that’s not good.” Juliette set up behind her and started pulling at Ree’s hair. “Ree, you’ve got to start wearing your hair down more often. It’s going to have a permanent ponytail hump.”

“Ugh, Jules. It gets in my face and I’ve got bigger things to worry about than my hair.”

“Okay guys, we need to talk about last night.” Sophie walked down the stairs as Jules finished braiding Ree’s hair. “Mr. Warren is going to be here in an hour to watch the shop while we go out.” Ree had met Mr. Warren once a week ago, the night Claire had been murdered. He was a professor from the local art college who had been introduced to the ‘Community’ when his wife was killed by Dark Ones.

“What are we going to do in town?” Paden leaned against the wall near the computer desk, his hands tucked into his pockets.

“There are things we need to work on. I want you guys to start functioning as group, to depend on each other as if Roland and I were never around.” Sitting down in her desk chair, Sophie looked at each of them. Ree could feel something dark and sad under the older Guardian’s smooth expression. Ree’s stomach tightened as she studied the tall Greek woman.

“We ran the gauntlet on the island.” Bryce settled back into the couch and crossed his arms. “If we’re going to do something similar to that then it would be easier at night.”

“We’re going to show you some of the places you can go if you are in trouble or if you need weaponry.” Sophie hit the power switch on her computer and quickly typed in her password. “We’re also going to talk about the gods some. And I think that is best done out and away from places they might be watching. This shop is supposed to be protected, but there are some new variables that make me cautious.”

Ree knew that the involvement of Ares and Loki had rattled Sophie’s confidence. The thought of the dark-haired god of war and the blond Norse god triggered another memory from her dreams last night. Biting her lip, Ree tried to think of a good way to bring it up without accidently attracting either of those gods’ attention. If she was right, Hecate had warned her about Loki last night, and it might help Sophie to know who to watch.