The Secret of Strange Waters (The Light Keeper Series Book 2) (3 page)

“Sorry, I’m an idiot. I meant it in the most loving way possible. I love your Light. I think it looks great on you. It’s truly amazing, Lily.” Laughter broke through his words. “It’ll save us a ton in battery cost alone.” I couldn’t help but let out a giggle.

Although he liked to tease me, he was right. It was pretty amazing. It led us all the way to the red reflectors, to where the safety of outdoor lighting would see us home, and then disappeared. My fear and instincts manifested it for my protection and sent it away when I no longer needed it.

We walked the rest of the way to my window, still hand in hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He turned to face me, his warm hands resting above my elbows. “Remember Lily, it’s
our
secret, just you and me. And always remember that I think you’re amazing.” He leaned in and kissed the top of my head. I put my hand to his face and searched his eyes. I was so worried about him using the Water. I hoped he was doing the right thing, but feared he wasn’t.

“Be careful, okay?” I said. He nodded and boosted me up into the window with no effort at all. I fell on my bed inside and turned around to watch as he put my screen back in place, then waved goodbye. I sat there and waited as he rounded the corner. As I shut my window, a voice came from behind me.

“Where have you been?” His voice was low and harsh. I didn’t even have to see his face to know he was mad, but I turned to look at him anyway.

Talon stood in the center of my room; his arms folded across his bare chest. I would have been swooning if it weren’t for the anger in his face which was about to get worse.

“I was with Owen,” I admitted.

“Where?” he asked. His mouth hung open, and the look on his face was like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“I can’t tell you.” The moment I said it, I knew it wasn’t helping. “I promised,” I said, as if that was any better. I should have bit my tongue to keep from talking, but the words kept coming, and his expression didn’t change. “We were only talking.”

It was just Owen,
I wanted to say again, but I think that was somehow the problem. I hated the look he was giving me. I wished he’d say something. Instead, he stood there looking at me like I’d spit on him. I felt my gut wrench as if he willed it to do so.

I hated seeing him like this. I never wanted him to be upset, especially with me. I walked to him and took his arms to pry them off of his chest and brought them around me. It was easier than I thought, so I kissed him and tried to lighten his mood. Instead he pushed me back and walked away, leaving me cold, trying to understand what I did that was so wrong.
It was just Owen!
What was going on in his mind?

I kicked off my shoes and climbed under my covers, hoping sleep would come soon and take me away. I didn’t like keeping secrets from Talon. It didn’t feel right, but I promised Owen. I thought again about Talon’s hard expression and hoped he wouldn’t still be mad come morning.

IT SEEMED
LIKE I BARELY
closed my eyes when Talon came in to wake me up for school, except the usual kiss good morning was replaced with a harsh tone telling me to hurry. My head was pounding, but I managed to get up and get dressed. By the time Hunter and Owen showed up, my stomach was in knots from the tension of the headache. Talon ignored me and Owen all the way to school, and stared out the window so he wouldn’t have to look at us.

Hunter unsuccessfully tried to make conversation, but as soon as we parked, Talon jumped out of the car and took off for his locker without me.

“What’s
his
hurry?” Owen asked on our way to class.

“He was in my room when I got home last night.” Thinking of him standing there mad, turning me away, hit me again. I was only a footstep away from Owen when he stopped in his tracks.

“You didn’t tell him anything, did you?” He pulled my arm, making me stop with him.

“No, that’s just it. He wanted answers and now he’s mad at me.”

“Don’t worry, Lily, no one can stay mad at you for long. He’ll get over it.” We started walking toward class again.

“No,
you
can’t stay mad at me. Talon could be mad at me for days,” I said, pouting.

“That’s because I love you more,” he said, holding up his index finger, as if to make a point. “Remember that.”

I pursed my lips and slapped his hand away. “That’s not the same. You’re family, so you
have
to put up with me. Bound for life, remember?”

He sighed at the reminder. “He’ll come around. Relax, okay? It’s ridiculous to be mad at you, and he will figure it out soon enough.”

I hoped he was right. And then, for old arguments sake, he added, “And besides, he
is
family, too.” I could have argued with him about how we were not related and our parents weren’t even married, but he’d never admit it made a difference.

By lunchtime, my headache was so bad I could hardly keep my eyes open. I wasn’t sure if it was lack of sleep, the Light, or if I was coming down with something, but the nurse called my mom. She couldn’t leave work so she made arrangements with Granny for Hunter to leave school long enough to bring me home.

“You’re not gonna hurl are you?” Hunter asked, teasing, as he helped me in the car.

“No, I don’t think so. I didn’t get enough sleep last night, I guess. The Light hasn’t ever given me a pain like this. It’s got my stomach in knots.”

“Are you sure you’re not just upset about Talon?” he asked. Hunter read me so well already. He’d honed some fine big brother skills from dealing with Owen over the years and he was always willing to share them with me.

“Did he tell you anything?” I hoped not. He may have gotten Owen in trouble.

“You mean about last night with Owen,” he said. My heart sank, now Owen was busted. Telling Hunter was almost as bad as telling Granny because neither would approve.

“He told you?” I sank in my seat suddenly feeling worse.

“No, I saw you walk off with him last night. I know he’s been sneaking out. Not sure what for, though. I figured that you going along wouldn’t make Talon too happy and— well, it was a little obvious he was mad at you this morning.” Hunter didn’t miss much and I should have known he knew about his brother all along.

“You’re good,” I said, nodding. “It’s ridiculous though, it’s Owen.”

Hunter laughed loudly. “He knows Owen’s still in love with you,” he said, like it was nothing. Like it was the most natural thing in the world and everyone knew it.

“What? In love?” I shook my head. “That’s ridiculous. Maybe at one time—”

“Lily, imagine if you found out today that Talon was your third cousin. Would it change the way you feel about him? Would you love him any less? Want him any less? Would you be able to turn it off and forget all about it? Forget the feelings you have?” He paused as if giving me time to answer, but I couldn’t. I didn’t need to. “He doesn’t want anyone to know, he knows it’s odd, but it is what it is. Besides, he’s still working on some theories to debunk it.”

“Debunk what, the fact that we’re cousins?” I thought about the possibility but I’d seen the proof. The family tree and Granny didn’t lie.

“I shouldn’t have said that, and if you ever mention it, I’ll deny I did. But yeah, he’s even asked me a million questions about our mom and dad. Neither of us knew them well, and he’s too scared to ask Granny. Let’s say he’s got some less than respectful ideas about our mother.” Hunter glanced my way, and I could see the embarrassment in the pink of his cheeks. I started to speak, but Hunter cut me off. “Lily, he’s grasping at straws. Don’t worry about it. And we never had this conversation. You’ve got to understand that he’s used to getting whichever girl he wants. Most are waiting in line.”

I’d never thought about it like this. Owen was still
in love
with me. I thought for sure he’d be able to turn it off, especially since I didn’t have the same feelings about him. I was sure that his hatred for Talon was only because he was a protective cousin. Sure, he’d crushed on me at one time, but love? I had no idea he was in love. I wondered if Talon hadn’t been in the picture if I would have had those same feelings. Would I have been drawn to Owen? Probably so. He’s gorgeous and sweet, and half the girls in school can’t be wrong.

“He’s stuck on you. He’s got it in his head from the first day he met you that you and he were destined somehow, like soul mates. He’s in denial and he’ll get over it. He’s already trying to. That’s why he’s working so hard at football, to take his mind off you. He knows it’s not healthy to love you, so football is his distraction. If I can see it, so can Talon.”

Now it made sense: the well, the Water. He was trying to strengthen his game to take his focus off of me. I felt like such a heel for insisting that I tag along with him. I should stay away from him. He’d be better off without me around, but the thought of it made me ache deep in my chest.

I remembered what he was saying the night before and how it would have been interpreted by Talon. Before he left, Owen reminded me of “our secret,” and said, “Just you and me, right?” And then he kissed my head. Talon had seen and heard it all, and totally misunderstood. I could see how those things might look when taken out of context. I lowered the window, realizing I might hurl. “So, do you know
why
Owen has been sneaking out?” I let the fresh air hit my face.

“I have a theory,” Hunter said. “I think he’s going to the well.” He raised his brows.

My eyes turned down, and I could tell that Hunter thought it
had
to be true. “I can’t tell you if you’re right. I promised.” Hunter nodded, he understood. I wished Talon could.

Hunter walked me into my house, and left me to settle in bed while he ate lunch with Granny. I changed back into my sleep tank and shorts and snuggled down in my bed. The house was eerily quiet with no one else home.

Before he left to return to school, Hunter brought me a bowl of soup with crackers, ice-cold sweet tea, and two pills for my headache. “Hope you like chicken noodle.” He sat the tray across my lap carefully.

“Thanks. Granny’s sweet, and you’re the best.” I smiled and took the pills. “Hunter?” I called, stopping him as he was walking out, “Do you think I should stay away from Owen?”

“Don’t worry about it, Lily. It’ll work itself out. Besides, I don’t think Owen could stay away from
you
.”

I watched as he walked out the door and then ate my soup, pondering Owen’s actions and how Talon had interpreted them. Finally, I put my tray on the nightstand and laid back for a nap. I fell asleep not long after, and woke up when Talon came in from school.

I opened my eyes in time to see him walk in. “How are you feeling?” he asked. He sat on the bed beside me and felt my forehead. His fingers were nice and cool, and his smile was warm.

“Fine. I feel better now I’ve slept.” I hated bringing up reminders from the night before, but it was the truth.

“Yeah, you had a pretty late night.” He put his head down, and I could see the smile fading. “What’s going on, Lily?”

“Nothing. Really. I saw Owen leave, so I made him take me along. I was worried about him. I’m still worried, but I can’t tell you why. I promised him.” I waited for him to get mad and storm away, but he didn’t.

“Lily, I was worried. I got up and found you
missing
and your window open. I know you’re afraid of the dark, so I couldn’t imagine you going out alone. I came
so close
to waking Dad and Cate. Then I realized your shoes were missing, so you must have
meant
to leave. I was about to climb out and look for you when I noticed you and
Owen
coming up the drive, holding hands
.
I was furious. Kissing me didn’t help at all. It made me think you weren’t taking me seriously.” He pushed the hair out of my face, tucking the loose strands behind my ear. “I was all set to stay mad at you when Hunter came back to school and told me how
terribly
sick you were.” He rolled his eyes, as if Hunter must have exaggerated the extent of my ailment. “Then I felt bad the rest of the day, worried about you.”

I couldn’t help but giggle. He sat back and scanned me up and down. “You really feel better?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Much better now.” I took his hand. It was warm in mine.

“Good. But for the record, I’m still angry.” He leaned in and kissed me, a quick peck on the lips.

“Angry? I thought you…” I was confused.

“At Owen. I swear if he wasn’t your cousin, I’d break his neck.”

“Hey, what made you come to my room last night, anyway?” I thought it best I change the subject.

He blushed when I asked. “I had a dream and I wanted to check on you.” He put his head down, embarrassed by the memory. “Imagine how I felt when the bed was empty?”

“Oh, was it a bad dream? Did something bad happen to me?” I was trying to understand. I felt even worse for making him worry.

“No, it was a very
good
dream.” He leaned in and kissed me once more. Then he pulled away suddenly. “You’re not contagious, are you?” He eyed me suspiciously before cracking a smile. I shrugged and pulled him back to me. He kissed me softly, making his way to my neck, down behind my ear, and back. I felt the heat wash over me as I urged his body in closer and tugged the covers out from between us. Then he pulled them back over our heads as I slipped off his shirt.

We didn’t hear Hunter open the front door, but luckily he announced himself before making it all the way to my bedroom. “Incoming!” he called, making his way down the hall. Talon tripped over the covers trying to get up and was sprawled out, shirtless, and tangled in a mess of sheets when Hunter walked in. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was so obvious we’d been making out, and Hunter didn’t miss a beat. “I see you two are
talking
again.” He gave us both a glance. “Granny wanted her bowl back.” He picked up the tray from lunch that was still on my bedside table and turned to leave as Talon stood and fixed my covers. “Glad to see you’re feeling better, Lily,” he said, with laughter in his voice as he walked away to leave.

“Thanks, Hunter.” I called out, red-faced, loud enough for him to hear.

Talon turned an ear to listen for the door closing. “We
really
need to reinstate the knock policy.”

“Or we could
lock
the door,” I said as I sat up in bed.

“Should I do that now?” He raised his brow and smiled. Talon and I were getting closer and closer to becoming intimate. But I couldn’t do it. I always managed to cut things off when we got too heated. I had so much to deal with, and adding one more major thing scared me. He was not a virgin, but I was, and I worried that he would grow tired of waiting. But it was not the right time.

“I think I need a shower,” I said. I stood up as he pulled at my hand.

“I could wash your hair,” he offered.

“That’s tempting, but no.” I kissed him.

“Ugh! You’re killing me, Lily!” He laid back on my bed and stared up at the ceiling.

“Sorry,” I said, shutting my bathroom door. As much as I wanted him, I wasn’t ready for many reasons. Besides, I’d been in bed sick all day and still smelled like the woods from the night before. I was surprised he even kissed me. I stood in front of the mirror to confirm my appearance.
He must love me
. My hair was frightening, and the day’s mascara was smeared into dark circles from rubbing my eyes. Definitely not how I wanted to be for my first time.

* * *

Later that evening, when Mom came home I assured her I was fine, and reminded her that Holly was coming home from school with me the next day.

“So she likes Hunter?” Mom asked. “How sweet. You and Talon should get dates, and you could make it a triple. That’s what we used to do—go in groups.”

“Really?” I shook my head like it was a good idea. Mom was either clueless or in serious denial.
She really should pay more attention to me
. If I hadn’t been so preoccupied by Talon, I might care that she didn’t.

“You got a crush on anyone?” she asked.

“Uh, no.” It wasn’t a lie. You could hardly describe the love I had for Talon as a crush. He was my first true love, and I’d never before felt the things I felt with him.

“You really should date. You need to get out more. There
has
to be someone catching your eye.” I wished I could tell her. Tell her all about him and how he made me feel. I should be able to do that. I had told her all about other boys, but not about Talon, not now. Perhaps not ever.

“I’m surprised Talon isn’t dating,” she continued. “He’s really a good-looking young man. Too bad he’s family.” She teased me with a nudge. The words offended me.

“He’s not
family
. Not really.” The words bit out of me a little too defensively, and Mom gave me a strange look. I composed myself and drew my lips in tight to keep from incriminating myself.

“You know what I mean, Lily. So does he have a
ton
of girls interested in him, or what?”