Mortal Obligation (19 page)

“Alright guys! Let’s run!” She bounced in place for a moment and then jogged to the door. Ree guessed she was going to be doing some physical stuff today, too. She tried to not grimace, wishing she hadn’t eaten such a large breakfast. She wasn’t athletically gifted like the others were, and it was going to be tough to keep up with them. Well, except for maybe Weylin. The only sport he participated in was flirting.

“But we ran five miles just last night,” Weylin groaned.

“And you didn't break a sweat,” Roland said entering the room. He shoved Weylin on the shoulder as he passed him and smiled. Ree thought it was a good sign Weylin didn't flinch or look upset at the contact. She glanced at Sophie and saw she had a small smile on her face as she looked away. If Ree had to guess, she figured having the Guardians train with Roland wasn't just so they could learn from the best, but to help them learn to trust this particular Dark One.

“Don't worry though; this morning will be an easy run. Ree is coming with us, so we won't be pushing as hard as we did yesterday.” He stepped close to her right side and smiled down at her. “I was told you aren't a big runner?”

“Uh, no. I'm more of a make-the-banner-for-the-team kind of girl. Painting is much more my sport.”

Paden gave her a small smile as he positioned himself on her other side. They hadn't spoken much since last night, and she was trying her best to not let it bother her.

“Well, we will take it easy this morning, but we’ll whip you into shape in no time.” He smirked when Ree cringed.

Weylin laughed and pointed at her face. “If only you could see your expression!” He chortled as he followed Sophie outside to stretch.

Melanie gave her a thumbs up, and Jules threw her an encouraging smile. Roland slung an arm over her shoulders and steered her out the door toward the others. Ree could almost hear Paden grinding his teeth behind her, and instead of pushing Roland away she smiled up at him.

“So, what did you guys do last night? You ran five miles? I hope we aren't doing that today!” She knew it was a pathetic attempt at flirting, but it just didn't come to her easily. Thankfully, Roland didn't seem to mind. In fact, she had the impression that he was enjoying it.

“I'm sure we will have you running five miles in no time. With those lovely long legs you should be a natural.” Ree smiled and looked down to hide her blush. She wasn't used to compliments, and it was weird to have such an attractive guy paying her any attention. Paden walked away from them and joined Bryce to stretch. Roland leaned down, his breath warm on his ear.

“Well played, little Ree. Do you think you made your point?”  She looked up at him, not sure if he was bothered by what had transpired. He didn't move away so their noses were almost touching. She was struck by the sapphire color of his eyes. He gave her a slow, lazy smile and winked. “I think with a little more work, he may actually admit he is jealous.”

For a moment her thoughts were jumbled; his words not making sense. His eyes dipped to her lips and her pulse quickened. Was he just playing the part, or was it possible he was really tempted?

“Time to stretch, Ree. You don't want to get a nasty cramp.” That broke the odd connection stretching between her and Roland. His mouth twitched into its usual smirk.

She stepped away from him and went to stretch with Melanie. Her friend raised her eyebrows and tilted her head toward the Dark One. Ree shrugged slightly and went about trying to stretch. She knew this was going to be terrible, but nothing prepared her for just how difficult it would be to keep up with everyone else.

They started at the end of a stone path that led to a trail in the woods. Right away, she knew she was in trouble. The others took off at a sprint and left her behind without realizing it. They hadn't been told how far they were going, so she decided to pace herself if they were going to leave her, anyway. From the back of the group she watched as they gracefully loped away from her. Even Weylin was keeping up with everyone. He didn't seem to be straining or frustrated. In fact, he was laughing with Bryce and Jules. So much for commiserating with him.

Instead of focusing on running, she let her mind wander over how different they seemed to be now that they were immortal. It was almost eerie to watch them move. It was like they were dancing along the trail. At one point Bryce darted off the trail and then jumped on Weylin’s back from out of nowhere. They all laughed and kept running, with Bryce clinging to Weylin’s back.

She stumbled on a root, and a hand caught her elbow. Once she gained her footing again she looked up to thank whoever had helped her and met Padens' green eyes.  His hand stayed on her elbow for a moment, and his expression clouded. She could sense his turmoil, but she wasn't sure what was causing it.

“Thanks.” She started jogging after the others, and he matched his pace to hers.

“No problem. We shouldn't have run ahead of you.”

“Nah, I don't mind. Besides, I have all of this beautiful scenery to keep me company.” She waved a hand at the giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss. Even in the cold of winter there was a great deal of greenery on the south Georgian island.

He didn't say anything in response; instead, he stared at the path ahead of them. She decided to let the silence rest between them. It had always been easy to be around Paden. Words weren't really needed. They fell into an easy jog, the sound of their breathing keeping time between them.

She really had meant what she said about the scenery. The trees were so large, their heavy branches swooping over the path like a canopy. Spanish moss hung down like thick tufts of gray hair. If it was a little warmer the wooded area would be overrun with green vines and palmetto plants.

“I shouldn't have said I only spent time with you because of Tristan.” Paden’s voice was quiet. “That was a lie, and I don’t want to lie to you.”

“I shouldn't have forced you to,” she replied. She slowed her pace because she was beginning to tire. Even though the temperature was very cold for south Georgia, she was sweating. They had to have covered at least a mile at this point, and she wasn’t really sure how long she would be able to keep running. It was sad, really – she was supposed to be in the prime of her life.

Paden again slowed his pace to match hers, but didn't say anything else. When they rounded the bend Ree stopped in amazement. The largest tree she had ever seen was just off the path, its branches reaching up as if to touch the sky. She stepped off the path and walked over to it; she wanted, needed to touch this beautiful old tree. She climbed up and over the massive roots and ran her hand over the bark. When she pressed her fingers against the rough bark, something in her chest warmed. Her power recognized this mother tree, and was responding to her close presence. It was a happy feeling, and she let herself bask in the warm glow as she crawled and climbed around the tree. She grabbed hold of a large, low-hanging branch and pulled herself up to sit on its curved length. The leaves of the giant oak seemed to turn in her direction, and a breeze ruffled her hair. For the first time in days, she was content to just be herself.

“I think it might take ten people holding hands to reach around this trunk. She’s massive,” Paden said quietly, leaning against the trunk beneath her.

The content feeling in her chest grew a little, and Ree was pretty sure the tree was amused by Paden.

Running her hand along the rough bark, Ree smiled to herself. She would have to remember this tree when she felt stressed. This place felt very comforting and restful.

Paden didn't say anything, just leaned against the tree in thoughtful silence. His attention seemed to be elsewhere, focused on something she couldn't see or hear. Suddenly the others appeared from the brush, their steps quiet and careful. They all stopped several yards away to look at the tree. Roland smiled at them, but there was something strained in his expression. Sophie was nowhere to be seen, which made Ree nervous. Before she could say anything, she felt like the world had shifted beneath her and she grabbed on to the branch to stay upright. The glowing spot in her chest grew in intensity, almost burning. It stopped suddenly, leaving her breathless.

She looked at everyone else to see if they had felt it, too. Everyone but Paden and Roland looked as if nothing had changed. Paden was grasping the tree and looking in the direction of the house, while Roland stared at her in curiosity.

Ree felt a surge of panic. “Did you feel that too, Pay?”

Paden held up a hand to help her climb down, and they both started running in the direction of the house.

“What’s going on? Where are you guys going?” Juliette hollered as everyone followed them.

“Something is going on at the house!” Paden answered.

Ree was irritated she wasn't able to move as fast as the others could. She kept stumbling on roots and sticks. Her breath was coming in short, shallow gasps, and the others looked like they were holding back for her sake.

“Weylin, Bryce, go ahead and see what’s happening.” Paden kept his spot next to Ree, and the other two boys flew ahead of the group.

“Where’s Sophie?” Ree asked between breaths. “Is she hurt? I think she’s in the house.”

“Sophie had an appointment this morning. Her guest must have arrived early.” Roland didn't look concerned in the least.

“Guest?” Paden repeated, confused.

“Yes, I believe the 'disturbance in the force' was the guest’s arrival.”

“You should save the Star Wars jokes for when Weylin is around,” Ree snorted.

Just through the plants of the last bend she could make out the others standing on the edge of the stone path. She came to a stop behind them and tried to look over their shoulders. The warm glow in her chest was radiating out, and the others seemed to sense it because they moved out of her way. She stepped forward to see what they were all staring at, but stopped in awe. Someone nudged her back gently, and she took a few more steps forward.

The red-haired woman turned and looked at Ree in interest. She was wearing jeans tucked into tall, tan leather boots, a cream knit sweater, and a green silk scarf. She looked like a model until you met her eyes. There was so much wisdom and power that Ree felt the urge to kneel under her gaze. This woman radiated strength and intelligence in spades. The glow in Ree's chest became a burning sensation, bubbling up out of her in a green light that ran the length of her body. The others stood where they were, unaffected, but in just as much awe as she was experiencing.

“Alastriana, I would like to introduce you to Brigid.” Roland bowed in the goddess’s direction and, tilting his head, he smiled at Ree.

Not sure what to do or what to say, Ree merely stared at the beautiful woman. The power was still washing out and around her body, but there was no way to control it. It was almost as if it was responding to being in the goddess’s presence. There was no reining in the energy, because she wasn't the one directing it.

The red-haired beauty walked toward the teenagers. Her steps were purposeful and steady, with Sophie following behind her. She stopped in front of Ree and smiled a small smile. She seemed to be searching Ree for something, looking deep into her eyes. Gently she cupped her cheek and her smile grew. She brushed some of the blond hair out of Ree's eyes and then let go, moving her attention to Paden. Ree realized with a start that Paden was Brigid’s descendant, part of her family. The goddess’s eyes were warm as she looked at him. He watched her curiously; suddenly he smiled and looked down at the ground. Ree had the impressionsomething had passed between them.  The goddess stepped back, looked over her shoulder at Sophie, and disappeared. Just like that, she was gone.