I took another deep breath, unable to look at her as I admitted the truth. “Because what almost happened in that bathroom – it didn’t go the same way in my premonition the night before.”
She immediately gawked at me. “You mean?”
“Yeah,” I admitted, still not able to look at her. “It’s why I was able to stop it, because I knew exactly what was going to happen before it did. And I knew what would happen if I didn’t put a halt to it right when I did.”
Shockingly she relaxed a little, only to chuckle quietly. “Well, it’s good you blocked that kiss then. Freya would probably kill me if you hadn’t.” She then frowned. “And I’d feel horrible if Rose found out I messed her family up.”
I was honestly a little confused by her calm reaction, with her seeming almost relieved to discover we definitely would have had sex if our lips made contact, but decided not to ask why. Because the ‘obvious’ needed to be pointed out too, as much as I didn’t want to talk about it.
“But, you know, that’s kind of the point,” I continued. “I like having you around, but I don’t think it’s right for us to expect you to put your life on hold indefinitely.”
“Wait,” Heidi abruptly said, almost cutting me off. “Are you suggesting I should date?”
I felt dizzy even thinking about it, but she needed to know the truth. No way in hell did I want her to start dating – not ever – but I also couldn’t let her believe anything was ever going to happen between us, because it just wasn’t realistic.
“I’m not trying to say that exactly, but I am aware of what you initially wanted in exchange for keeping Lily young forever. And I just really don’t think Freya or Lily are ever going to be okay with that.”
Heidi’s face was immediately flushed again as she tried to hide her eyes with her hands. “Shit Sam, way to be awkward,” she mumbled in a shaky voice.
“Sorry,” I said sincerely. “But I care about you Heidi. And selfishly, no, I’m not crazy about you dating. And if you’re comfortable with how things are right now, then that’s perfectly fine with me. But I also don’t want you to stay secluded from the world – from your friends – just because you’re hoping for something that realistically is unlikely to happen.” I cleared my throat, lowering my voice. “As much as I personally wouldn’t mind it happening.”
Heidi’s ears were bright red now, so I decided to shut up so she could collect herself, and so I didn’t get myself in any more trouble. After a minute, she took a deep breath, her expression becoming more reserved.
“Well, I don’t have any friends anyway.”
“Really?” I said in surprise. “I mean, I know you haven’t been around them for almost four years now, but I would think the friends you had before all this happened would still want to hang out.”
She shook her head, her lavender eyes tight. “No, not really.” She finally met my gaze again. “Kind of hard to have real friends when your sister is one of the most popular superheroes. I couldn’t have a conversation with anyone without them bringing her up in the first couple of minutes. And I went to a private school even, so it wasn’t like there weren’t other people there who had rich and famous family.” She sighed. “It was especially bad with the guys. It was like all they could talk about.”
I shrugged. “Maybe because they were nervous, and it was an obvious subject to discuss. I mean, to be honest Heidi, I’d probably be a little intimidated to talk to you myself, if I just randomly saw you in public.”
She gawked at me, only to scoff. “Oh, stop teasing me.”
“Teasing you?” I repeated. “I’m totally serious. You’re definitely just as pretty as Lexi is, if not more so. Especially with all those piercings you have in, if I’m being honest.” Especially the snake bites in her lip, I added silently in my head. For some reason they made me want to bite her plump bottom lip so bad. I cleared my throat. “Never thought that kind of thing would look so good on you.”
“Wait, you think I’m hotter?” she asked curiously.
Shit.
“Umm, well, everyone has their own tastes, and I…” Dammit, I was really digging myself a hole, because there was no doubt Freya would find out about this conversation eventually. “I really can’t voice my opinion on that.”
“You think we’re both hot, right?” she said with a grin.
“Dammit, Heidi,” I mumbled, staring at the road while the car continued to drive itself.
She only grinned wider. “I mean, everyone knows my sister’s hot, so that’s not surprising. But you thinking I’m even hotter than her is kind of a big deal.”
“Anyway ,” I quickly continued, attempting to get the conversation back on track. “It’s up to you. If you’re fine with how things are, then that’s great. But I just want things to be fair for you, because I sincerely care about you, and asking you to put your life on hold isn’t fair.”
She nodded, finally growing serious again. “Well, I’m fine with how things are right now,” she admitted. Her expression then became somber. “B-Blaze…” She stopped, unable to continue.
“What about him?” I prompted gently.
She took a deep breath, seeming to get ahold of herself. “He was really convincing, you know? Like, he was charming and handsome, and of course famous and rich, so I felt like he was someone safe to be around. Like, I didn’t even see it coming.” She shivered in response to her memories. “Sam, it really scares me. That I could look at someone else and not even realize they are this horrible, horrible , person just waiting to take advantage of and hurt others.”
Wanting to comfort her, but knowing I had limits, I gently reached over to rub her shoulder briefly, which was definitely not an excuse to feel her extremely hot leather jacket. She gave me a warm look, before sighing heavily again as she continued.
“I know that most people aren’t like that. I know that most guys aren’t evil like that sick bastard. But still…”
“Well trust me. I am not suggesting you go out and start dating. I just want you to make decisions with your own wellbeing in mind, as well as have realistic expectations about the future. I want to be fair to you.”
Heidi nodded once, seeming pensive a second time. She then focused on me again, her lavender eyes full of affection. “Thanks Sam.” She smiled at my reaction. “You know, I’m really not interested in being in any kind of serious relationship with anyone.” Her face flushed with embarrassment, seemingly in concern for being misunderstood. “Not that I ever planned on being a slut,” she quickly clarified. “But I just mean, I don’t like the idea of having to deal with the messy stuff, like breakups. It’s kind of why I was interested in the idea of…” She couldn’t continue, her face bright red again, as she looked away.
“That’s…understandable,” I offered, unsure of how to respond.
She peeked at me from the corner of her eye. “But I’m just trying to say, knowing that nothing is ever going to happen between us, that if the stars aligned and I ever decided to end up in a serious relationship, I would totally choose you, Sam.”
I looked away, staring straight ahead at the road, finally deciding to take over the driving since we were almost to our destination, while also trying to ignore my sudden desire for the stars to align right now. I mean, it would be so easy to just keep it in autopilot, or find a secluded place to park, and make her climb into the backseat where my Mustang’s tinted windows would allow us to be alone for practically as long as we wanted.
Shit. Not the best train of thought right now.
No way in hell was I ever going to do something with her. At least, not without approval from the right couple of people first. But obviously that was never going to happen, and honestly I had no reason to be unsatisfied with how my life was currently going. Yet still…
If only having Heidi too wasn’t just a fantasy…
2: Nightmares
Rose Rosetti
April 10, 2735 – 1 Day Later – Early Morning
Cold.
&
nbsp; So cold.
Rose played quietly in her empty cold room, sitting on the concrete floor framed by gray walls. There was absolutely nothing in her room, except for the book she was reading – the only book she had, about a cute little dragon. However, unexpectedly, she watched in surprise as the tiny green dragon popped out of the page and began flying in circles around her head, growing larger and larger.
Excited, she leapt up and waved to Mr. Dragon, wishing she could fly with him.
It looked like so much fun!
Mr. Dragon looked down on her warmly, smoke and fire billowing out of his mouth, the heat brushing her cheeks with its warmth. “My dear princess, grow wings and we can fly together!” he grumbled in a deep voice.
“But I can’t grow wings!” Rose complained. “I don’t know how!”
Mr. Dragon looked upon her with a somber expression. “Then, my lovely princess, I will be your wings. I will help you fly.”
“Really?!” she said in excitement. “Okay!”
Her glee only built as the massive green dragon landed in her now enormous room, full of cute toys, plush animals, and a ton of books, along with a picture of her mommy, daddy, and auntie. Without hesitation, she began climbing up Mr. Dragon’s massive body, only to realize his beautiful emerald skin was turning gray wherever she touched it, losing its beautiful color.
A pang of fear cut through her excitement like a knife as she looked down at her gray hand, seeing tiny white claws protruding out of her fingertips.
Had she made a mistake?
Would she be punished?
However, Mr. Dragon didn’t seem to mind, turning his head around to look at her with bright crimson eyes set against a black abyss. As she met his gaze, his forehead began splitting open, revealing another red eye in the middle of his skull – this one focused sharply on her, the slitted pupil narrow and fixated.
“You’re just like me!” Rose said in excitement, her fears vanishing in an instant.
The dragon grinned widely at her, showing his dagger-like teeth, before returning his attention to the front. “Hold on, my dear princess,” he grumbled, just before leaping into the sky. Rose screamed in excitement as a thrill rushed in her chest and belly.
Flying was the best ever!
They flew and flew forever, until they reached the stars!
Rose held out her tiny gray hands to hold one of them, feeling its warmth, as the tiny ball of light illuminated the darkness around her. However, unexpectedly the light vanished, her entire body now facing a massive crimson eye larger than she was.
She stared into the endless abyss of its slitted pupil, framed by red, wondering what was wrong.
Why did the dragon make the light go away?
“You must hurry,” he said directly into her head. “For the bad man seeks to get you. Hurry! Run away!”
“What?” she said in alarm, looking behind her only to discover she was alone in a bare concrete room.
Her book was gone.
The dragon was gone.
She focused again when the door opened, revealing a tall man in a long white coat, an indistinguishable nametag attached to his breast pocket.
“Three-fifty-nine,” he said firmly. “Come with me.”
Rose did as she was told, reaching out to hold his hand when he gestured for it. But she knew what his expression meant. Another test.
One she wouldn’t like very much.
He led her down a long white hallway, and into a room with a big metal box elevated off the floor. The smells in the room were probably indistinguishable to most, but to Rose it smelt terrifying.
Because it smelt like death.
This was where they brought the children they didn’t want anymore.
Immediately, she began to panic, trying to pull away from the man holding onto her, but his grip was absolute.
“Get in,” he demanded in an empty emotionless voice.
She continued to struggle, but she was no match for his strength. He didn’t wait for a response, instead dragging her closer and lifting her up, tossing her inside. Suddenly surrounded by metal walls, she immediately rushed for the door, smashing against it as he slammed it shut.
“No! Let me out!” she begged. “Please let me out! I’ll be good! I promise I’ll be good!”
But no one listened.
A sharp blast of heat erupted behind her, making it so hot.
Too hot.
Panic clawed into her chest as she banged on the door harder.
“Please!” she pleaded. “Please let me out!”
Unexpectedly, another voice screamed, young and terrified, like she was.
“Daddy, it hurts! Please make it stop daddy! Please! Daddy!” the girl shrieked.
Rose whipped her head around to see someone else trapped in here too – a girl about her age, and a man who looked really familiar.
“ Daddy!” the girl shrieked one last time, as they both disappeared in the brilliant orange flames.
The world went black.
Rose immediately sat up in bed, her heart racing, her pulse throbbing, her mind panicked.
She looked around her room, focusing on the electronic picture of her mommy, daddy, and auntie hanging on her wall next to her nightstand. She then focused down on the plush white teddy bear, holding a small red heart, that Heidi got her for Valentine’s Day, finally registering where she was – that she was safe in her bedroom.
This wasn’t the first time she’d had a horrible nightmare of where she used to live.
This wasn’t the first time she’d woken up, feeling like her fingers had been chopped off, or that someone had put fire in her arms.
But this was the first time she’d startled awake, only to realize her nightmare wasn’t entirely her own.
She had been sharing it. With someone else.
Rose gasped, bolting out of her bed.
❖ ❖ ❖
Sam Archer
April 10, 2735 – 5 Minutes Ago – Early Morning
It was that time of the night again. The time when I used to work on my pain tolerance as an excuse to try to get through the most difficult hour of the day, usually falling just a few hours before I’d have to leave for work every morning.
But thankfully, the reason for my recurring distress was somewhat mitigated by the little baby sleeping peacefully in her crib.
Somewhat.
The memory had still been haunting me these last few weeks, especially the last couple of days, with Eden’s literal resurrection giving me both relief and anxiety.
I was thankful she was alive again – that the impossible had miraculously been made possible. But also terrified of her dying a second time.
No one wanted their kid to suffer. No one wanted their kid to die. But especially, no one wanted their little baby to suffer to death in one of the worst ways possible.
How I wish I could undo the past. How I wish I could have protected her.
If only I had tried harder. If only I had known I could do something. But I had been clueless. I’d been helpless.
And, there was something else too.
As Eden got older, would she eventually remember? And if she did remember…would she hate me for it?
Would she hate me for not protecting her? For letting her die in such a horrific way?
Taking a deep breath, I did my best to focus on my tablet again, trying to continue ironing out the questions I wanted to ask and the points I wanted to make, like I was preparing for an interview. Because, in a way, I was preparing for an interview – one in which might help me eliminate the threats in our lives.
This was really important – important enough that I was probably going to divulge some pretty personal information in order to effectively convince them that I could be trusted with the resources and information I was asking for. And I only had a few more hours to prepare for this life-altering meeting.
But in this moment, at this exact time, the guilt was eating me alive. Even as important as this meeting w
as, I couldn’t seem to focus. I stared at the wall of text on my tablet and all I could see was a terrified pair of teal eyes.
Unexpectedly, I nearly jumped out of my skin as Eden shrieked, a blood-curdling cry like someone was torturing her.
I couldn’t even react before Freya was flying out of bed, having gone from sound asleep to wide awake in less than a second.
As I urgently rushed to get out of bed myself, Freya carefully scooped the little girl up, trying to gently shush her in a soothing tone.
It didn’t help.
“Sam,” she hissed in alarm. “This isn’t normal. Something’s wrong with her.”
Lily was awake now too, looking just as panicked by the shrieking coming from our tiny daughter.
Freya was totally right. This absolutely wasn’t normal. I wasn’t sure I’d ever heard a baby scream like this. Not ever.
Without hesitation, I held out my wrist, knowing Freya would be able to see the problem with her third eye.
Suddenly, our bedroom door slammed open so violently that the walls shook, a panicked Rose rushing in, her eyes black and red, the tan skin on her face turning grey, her hands slightly larger than usual.
“I’m here, Eden!” she said urgently, rushing up to her.
Freya immediately shot out her hand, alarmed by Rose’s obviously transforming body, causing Rose to bump into it, only to finally focus on her mother.
“Mommy, she remembers!” she exclaimed. “She remembers the fire!”
Freya immediately lowered her hand as she looked at me in alarm, followed immediately by agony, all while our older daughter pressed her forehead against Eden’s temple, the shrieking so loud I was sure it was earsplitting to Rose’s sensitive ears.
She pulled away barely a few seconds later, looking at me pleadingly. “Daddy, she needs you . She needs you to save her.”
My shock finally shifted to torment, tears springing to my eyes. A part of me found it difficult to believe that what Rose was saying was true, but no way in hell was I not going to do everything in my power to wake her up from this horrible nightmare.
Freya immediately closed the gap, partially handing me our daughter so that we were both holding her in our arms simultaneously.
The Powerful Pride of an Immortal (Immortal Supers Book 4) Page 3
