Touched by Darkness (Young Creator Trilogy) (7 page)

I seriously
can’t believe that she knocked me out cold. I always thought the only thing Porsche
has going for her is that she’s hot, but something about her putting me in a head lock makes me
want her bad. I love a girl with a fighting spirit who goes after what she wants and sticks to her
guns. I can’t hate on that. After everything that has happened,I’m not sure if Porsche and I are
gonna be together any time soon, though. Eventually it will happen; girls always throw
themselves at me. With Porsche, I don’t really mind. I’m glad I came up with the plan to bring
her here.I needed to prove that I wasn’t with the Young Creator, like everyone was saying.

Crap, this really sucks. Where a moment ago I was all about Porsche,
now I’m cursing
her name. I stillcan’t believe the mess I’ve found myself in. I was just fine with how things
were, and then everything had to go ahead and completely come unhinged. I like the structure
and rules that the Guardians live by; you always know what’s expected. There are never any
surprises. Even when you mess up, you already know that you did because you fell short of the
expectations. You take the punishment andmake sure you don’t ever make the same mistake
again.It’s simple, straightforward.

Now this situation that I have found myself in, I have no frickin
’ idea where right and
wrong fall. I keep finding myself in scenarios where everything that I have known and believed
in my entire life gets challenged.

I don’t really understand myself sometimes
. Just when I think I have everything figured
out and it’s starting to make sense, I run into another obstacle, which completely changes my
outlook. I really do admire Porsche and how she is sticking with what she knows and believes in.
As far as things go right now,I’m not so sure about everything that we have done and are doing
in Haven. Maybe it is time for change. I guess that is why I made the decision I did. When that
Young Creator asked me if I really wanted to see Riley and my mom go through torture and the
hardship that happens to break a Young Creator,I knew I just didn’t have the heart to see those I
love put through something like that. Maybe that makes me weak, but I’m going to stick with it.
I seriously just want things to chill.

I slowly open my eyes and am relieved to notice that the tent has stopped spinning, so I
jump up, which I instantly regret. I’m just happy that none of the guys in my training class are
here to see what a pansyI’m being right now.
Man up, Keagan,
I tell myself. I start stretching
my sore muscles and am relieved to feel some of the tension leave my body. This is something
that I can control, and I like being in control. I like things neat and orderly; each and every
person has their place, their mission, and knows what they are responsible. One well-oiled
machine.

I run my hands over my recently cropped hair, feeling the large lump that must be
causing me all of my discomfort. I pull on a shirt sinceI’m only in a pair of loose shorts.
Someone must have changed me out of my gear. I wonder if it was that hot little Creator, Trish.
Stop it, Keagan, you can’t think of her like that.
However,it’s hard not to. Ever since I first laid
eyes on her, when she was leaning over me, there’s an attraction and pull that draws me to her. I
can’t explain it and it annoys the crap out of me. Like I said, I like things simple, organized.

I always know where
I’m standing with Porsche, but this chickI just don’t know. I would
never tell anyone this, especially not any of the guys, but I feel drawn to Trish, which I know is
completely wrong. Our kinds are not meant to be together and it is completely unnatural. We
were taught that in one of our first classes, and it has been ingrained in us ever since. That is why
this is all so difficult. I know that I’m probably sending Trish mixed signals, but there is the side
of me that warns against Trish, and then there is the side that wants to be close to her.I’ve seen
how my parents were treated at Haven based on my dad’s choice to be with my Mom. I have
always had to work harder to overcome the shadow that being their kid cast on me. It’s too much
to think and worry about; all I really need to do right now is find my family. I just want to make
sure that they are doing well.

Opening the flap on the tent, I step into bright sunshine. I must have been out for a while,
because last I remember I was fighting Porsche when the sun was setting, with barely any
daylight left. Wounded walk all over the place, and I’m surprised to find a lot of faces I’m
familiar with from Haven. I’m stunned at how many Haven residents chose to leave. Apparently
this proves what the rebels have been trying to make me comprehend. It seems that most of the
residents of Haven that weren’t guardians didn’t enjoy life there. Even though life was hard
there, I always loved the close bond that all of the families had. Perhaps instead of the bonds
forming over the common goal of keeping the Young Creators from the path of darkness, maybe
it was to survive the demanding life that everyone in Haven lived every day.

I receive several nods from people I recognize. Suddenly, Mrs. Dawson, our widowed
next door neighbor from Haven, approaches me. “Keagan,I’m so happy to see you here. I was
overjoyed when I heard that you had left to join the rebels because you lost your heart to that
darling Young Creator. I like her!” Before I can even come up with a response, she gives me a
hug and a quick peck on the cheek, leaving me stunned. Mrs. Dawson has never been outgoing
or even remotely nice, instead always keeping to herself unless my mom went for a visit. Now I
see her mingling and talking to everyone around her. I stand where she left me, the constant talk
of how I lost my heart to the Young Creator really beginning to bother me. The first memory I
have of her is when I opened my eyes and saw her hovering above me, which is really weird.

I continue on, wanting to make it to Maximus as soon as I can. I know he is probably
angry that I betrayed them … unless they don’t know. I wonder if Trish told them about the
choice I made. There was a point during our conversation where I came to the conclusion that I
had to decide between family or the Guardians; I could not have both. Now that I see the result
of the rebel invasion, I have to say I feel like I ultimately made the right choice. It seems like
everyone is happy and laughing, with a newfound sense of freedom.

Reaching the tent, I enter it. Not surprisingly, all of the main players are present,
including Maximus, the Fury, Tisiphone, Trish’s mom, and my parents. I also notice Eddie and
Porsche standing off in a corner, looking at the floor. Shit, they must know our involvement! I
have to say,I’m surprised to see them here. I would have thought they would of hightail it outta
here. All eyes turn to me, and a final person steps out of the shadows.It’s Trish, the Young
Creator. Almost instantly, flashes of color go off in my head and pictures of her start taking
shape. I see her smiling at something while dressed in workout clothes. This keeps happening to
me, and it’s pretty annoying because Ican’t place the pictures I keep seeing. I focus on Porsche
and give her a smile; I want to let Trish know Porsche and I are dating, and communicate to
Porsche that I understand her decision.

She’s
a Guardian and was doing her duty; I don’t hold it against her. Trish’s reaction is
clearly written on her face. At my snub, she flushes and looks away, clearly uncomfortable and
probably embarrassed. Porsche, on the other hand, gives me the cold shoulder. I’m definitely
going to have to make it up to her. I’m not done with her; I still need her.

I need her to keep me distracted from Trish, who keeps popping into my head. There
’s
this pull and craving for her that I don’t understand. Regardless,I don’t want it;it’s not right.
Guardians need to be with others like them. It’s not only embarrassing, but also shameful to stray
from the tradition that is so deeply engrained in us. I still consider myself a warrior, and even
though I may have changed some of my views about how Young Creators and the women of
Haven get treated, thatdoesn’t mean I’m not a Guardian at heart with a strong belief system. I
know what’s right and what’s wrong. Being with Trish would be wrong.I don’t have to hear it
from one of my fellow warriors; I feel it deep down in my bones that it is just not supposed to be.

Taking in the expressions on
everyone’s face, I know that this is some serious shit and
I’ve gotta deal with the consequences of my actions. Mom smiles at me supportively and it
makes my shoulders relax a little, knowing that regardless of everything she will always have my
back and still believes in me. I’m somewhat surprised at my thought. I have always looked at
Mom as just the caretaker of the family—that was her job—but with the new role she has taken
on, I have found a new respect for her. Mom is the first to speak.

“Keagan
, good to see you up and around. We were hoping you would be able to be here
for this meeting to clear up some things and make us understand what happened.”
Aw shit, here we go
.
“What would you like to know?”
“Did you, Eddie, and Porsche let Haven know that we would be coming to see them?
That we had plans to free those that didn’t want to remain in Haven?”
“Yes we did.” I stand proud, letting everyone in the room know I take responsibility for
my actions.
“Why did you decide to let them know?” she continues questioning me.
“I felt that it was my duty as a Guardian to let Haven know of a potential threat.”
“Do you feel that you made the right choice?” Everyone is intently staring at me. I look at
Trish, meeting her supportive gaze.
“No I don’t. Even thoughI’m still a Guardian and warrior meant to protect humanity
from darkness, I do feel that Haven goes about things the wrong way. I could not bear to see you
or Riley treated like some of the Young Creators that have been brought into Haven. Honestly,
I’m having a hard time figuring out how to be a Guardian and still remain true to my family and
what I consider right from wrong. Especially since some of my views have changed regarding
Haven.” I want to be honest—no excuses, just the truth—and I want them to judge me based of
off that.
“Do you believe that Porsche and Eddie will continue to endanger the people living here
now?” I look at both of them. Two of my best friends, who I have known my entire life. I know
who they are and what they believe in, and how strongly they believe those things.
“You will have to ask them that, Ican’t speak for them.” Folding my arms over my chest,
I notice that both Trish and Porsche are checking me out.I’m a guy so I smirk, flex my arms a
little more, and wink at them, letting them see that I know they like what they see. Trish turns
bright red, which is pretty cute, but Porsche… man that girl licks her lips, hunger in her eyes.
Our gazes clash, and I can tell I’ve got something good planned for today, definitely a good
distraction. I check her out;she’s wearing a tight outfit, letting everyone see everything that
she’s got, which Ican’t complain about. Every time stupid shit comes out of her mouth I just
concentrate on her positive attributes.
“I stick with my decision. Young Creators are all evil and they need to be trained to be
obedient. If they step out of line, they need to get stabbed through their nasty, black hearts.” This
is from Porsche, spoken with determination and a dark look directed in Trish’s direction. I know
that Porsche has always felt especially strong about keeping the Young Creators in line, even
more so than the rest of us. That was a reason she was chosen as a Guardian, one of the first
females to ever be honored with the position. I wonder if there is a reason for Porsche’s strong
distaste of them, and what her words means for her future.
“I agree with Porsche.” I’m surprised at Eddie’s words. Even though we have been
friends for a long time, he is not known for taking the hard route. Any chance Eddie gets, he
makes sure to find the path of least resistance. I can’t help but wonder what is bringing out this
change of behavior.
Mom looks at both Trish’s mom and Maximus, who nod in some sort of silent
acknowledgment, and she turns back to Eddie and Porsche. “We will have to detain you two for
now, until we figure out a better place for you. Things between us and Haven are still very
shaky, and wecan’t have you two giving any more insight into our operations or details about
this place. You will be well taken care of and no harm will come to you.” Before I can even
comprehend her words, both Eddie and Porsche disappear right before my eyes.
“Where ...” I turn in a circle, not really knowing what just happened to my friends.
Suddenly, I notice that Tisiphone’s eyes look really freaky. They are completely white, including
her pupils, which lets me know that she was doing some weird hocus pocus stuff that only her
and Trish can do.
“Don’t worry, Keagan, your friends are safely tucked away for now. I transported them
into one of the new units. We just have to make sure they don’t endanger any more of our
people, or leak any vital information,” Tisiphone informs me.
“New units?” I have no idea what she is talking about.
“Aunt Tisi and I have been making homes for all of the refugees that left Haven. They are
cute little condo-style homes with everything that they need. They will be just fine there,” Trish
says. I stare at her for a moment, both processing her words and caught in her gaze.
“I think I’m going to go for a walk, unless you need anything else from me?” I look at all
of them and they shake their heads, letting me know I’m free to go.
I walk out of the tent without another glance in Trish’s direction … even though I really
want to look at her again. This crap is so frustrating! Why does this Young Creator have such an
effect on me? The feelings she stirs within me are completely different than the ones I feel for
Porsche. I know Riley said something about us having a shared history, but I justcan’t even
think of that. It’s not supposed to be, it’s just wrong. Wrong for a Guardian and Young Creator
to be together. Or is it? My dad was a Guardian when he fell for my mom and they still, to this
day, are happily married, regardless of the struggles that they have had to endure.
My entire life, from the time that I was chosen to be trained as a Guardian when I was
two, I have been told that Young Creators weren’t like us … weren’t human and needed to be
treated in a way that made sure they remembered their place. They were dangerous and would
use any means necessary to achieve their goal, including using their beauty to turn men’s heads.
Arriving back at my tent, I sit down on my uncomfortable cot, which is probably partially
at fault for the kinks in my neck. Why in the world am I sleeping on an uncomfortable cot when
Trish could just think up a nice bed for me? You would think that Tisiphone and Trish would
make sure everyone here has somewhere comfortable to stay, but it just has not happened.
Sometimes I just don’t get where their priorities are.
I run my hands over my hair in frustration, deciding that I’m going to go talk to Trish
about the living conditions we are subjected to. I will make sure that I have somewhere
comfortable to sleep tonight.