Chased By The Light: Scion Series Book One

by L. P. Dillon

  "Okay," I replied shortly, not wanting to waste my breath with needless talking.

  My eyes followed him as he sped up and ran in front of me. Turning to face me, in one swift motion, he picked me up around my waist and threw me over his shoulder. Spinning around, and faster than I'd ever seen, he sprinted to the car. I was astounded by how fast the guy could run and couldn't believe he kept up his speed with me on his shoulder. I bounced around as he ran, and my hair fell into my face, making it so I couldn't see a thing. I swept my hair out of my face, using my arm to hold it above my head as I looked behind us. Chase was still chasing us, but he was further away now.

  Jesse held on firmly to the backs of my legs, using his other hand to get his keys out of his pocket. He pressed the button and then skidded to a stop next to the car. Lowering me to the ground, he smiled and bowed as he opened the car door for me. I shook my head at his adorable theatrics. Once I'd gotten into the car, he slammed the door, slid across the hood, and quickly opened the driver's door, before hopping in.

  He started up the engine just as Chase reached the car. I expected him to reverse straight away, but he didn't. I stared at him, angling my head, and he just grinned at me. My eyes went to a very angry Chase, then back to Jesse, widening.

  Pointing at Chase, I shouted, "What are you waiting for? He's going to catch us!"

  "Seatbelt," he said calmly.

  "What?" I snapped, unsure why he was worried about something so trivial at a time like this.

  He leaned over and pulled the seatbelt over me, clicking it in place. Sitting back, not bothering to put on his own seatbelt, he put the car into reverse.

  Staring out the window, he said, "Your safety is very important to me. I need to keep you safe. You're a very special woman, Aubrey."

  Confused and with no clue what he was talking about, I stared at the side of his face, trying to figure it out.

  Chase slammed his hands down on the hood of the car, making me jump out of my skin. "Let her go, Jesse!"

  Jesse looked at me and asked loud enough for Chase to hear, "Do you want me to let you out of the car, Darlin'?"

  I shook my head as I stared nervously at Chase. His face was contorted into a scowl, aimed right at Jesse.

  "No can-do Chase. I'm afraid the lady doesn't want to," he said firmly.

  Chase turned to me and his scowl melted away.

  "Please, Brie. Get out of the car!"

  Jesse placed his arm around my chair and looked over his shoulder.

  "No Chase! I'm fed up with your shit!" I told him, finding my courage.

  And with that, Jesse reversed the car, spun it around, and sped off, leaving Chase standing there screaming,

  "Aubrey!"

  We drove in silence for a little bit, just making sure we got far enough away from Chase as quickly as possible. After maybe ten minutes, Jesse slowed the car down.

  "So where to, Darlin’?" he asked.

  That accent of his caught me off guard every time he spoke. It mixed perfectly with his husky voice, and I was surprised that I wasn't slipping off the leather seats because it turned me on that much.

  Turning to him, I said, "I have no idea. All I know is that I don't want to go back there tonight."

  "Okay, are you hungry?" His eyes stayed glued to the road.

  "I'm always hungry," I replied honestly.

  He laughed. "Okay then, I know the perfect place."

  He picked up speed and I decided to open the window to let the breeze flow through my hair. Although I wasn't getting much, so I stuck my head completely out the window, and for some unknown reason, I howled into the wind. I thought Jesse would think that I was a complete freak, so I quickly pulled my head back in the car. I cleared my throat and placed my hands in my lap as I sat back with embarrassment.

  He gave me a sideways glance. "If you wanted the wind in your hair, you only had to say, Darlin’," he said in that sexy southern accent.

  Pressing a button, the roof began to move. I gasped as it lifted then shifted with the car. My hair flew into my face as I turned to watch the roof slip away into a hole in the back of the car, then a top closed onto it. I faced forward again and enjoyed the cool wind blowing through my hair. It shocked me when Jesse tilted his head back and howled into the air. His howl was so much more impressive than mine and sounded almost like it was coming from an actual wolf. I wondered if it was his deep, husky voice that made it so realistic.

  He dropped his head back down and glanced at me. I smiled widely at him, letting him know that I appreciated the gesture. Putting his hand on my thigh, he tilted his head back and howled again. This time, I joined him, and it felt no different than screaming into the air, which I had done a million times. But it was nice to be doing it in a fun way, rather than screaming because of anger or frustration. We both lowered our heads and the howling was replaced by laughter. It wasn't long before we turned off the main road and made our way towards the water.

  "Where are we going?" I asked him.

  He squeezed my thigh and replied, "It's a surprise, be patient."

  Patience was never one of my strong suits. I was the type of kid that always sniffed out Christmas presents and opened the corners gently to see what they were and then closed them back up. Or opened the bottom up of an advent calendar, ate the little Christmas chocolates, and then put it all back together. But I knew we would be there in a few minutes, so it didn't bug me too much.

  We drove down a small, winding path that led to the water, and I gasped as soon as I saw it.

  "Are we going on there?" I asked him while pointing to a beautiful two-story boat. It was spectacular and lit up with cute little fairy lights, and I couldn't believe how pretty it was.

  "Yeah. It's my restaurant," he replied.

  Jesse got out of the car and made his way to my door, opening it and holding his hand out for me to take. As soon as I got out of the car, I tugged my dress down, and then nervously folded my arms across my exposed boobs.

  "Are you cold, Darlin’? Would you like my jacket?" Jesse asked me, starting to remove his tuxedo jacket.

  "Huh? Oh, no, I'm fine. It's just..." I paused, not really wanting to tell him the real reason.

  "It's just what?" He leaned forward, and then jokingly scanned the area, looking for people that could be watching. I slapped his arm, and he chuckled.

  Lowering my head, I stared at the ground. "I think I'm a little underdressed for a fancy restaurant like that."

  I pointed towards the boat, and he ducked so his gaze met mine. With the brighter lights shining onto his face, I could see his eyes were a lighter emerald green. I gasped, my eyes moving down to find two very slight dimples.

  Shocked, my eyes followed him as he straightened. "You look stunning Darlin’, and besides, I own the place. We can go to my private dining room if you'd prefer. Although, I would like to show you off a little," he said with a sexy smile.

  I couldn't hold it in anymore, I had to ask. I pursed my lips together while snatching the jacket off him. When I pulled it on.

  Folding my arms across my chest, I asked, "Are you Chase’s brother?"

  "Oh God no! Although, I can't deny that, sadly, we are related. I'm his cousin. Our dads are brothers. But please don't hold that against me. I promise I'm nothing like him," he replied honestly.

  I thought I’d have stayed mad at him for not telling me right away, but in all honesty, he didn't really have a chance to. My posture relaxed, right along with my expression.

  I let the jacket open as I unfolded my arms and held my hand towards the boat. "Shall we go eat?"

  "Of course. Thank you for giving me a chance. You won't regret it," he said as he held out his hand.

  I placed my hand in his, and he instantly linked fingers with me. I smiled at him and let him lead the way to the boat. We walked up the ramp and onto the boat, and I was shocked at how big it was inside. It was absolutely gorgeous and filled to the brim with posh people eating.

  I felt self-consciou
s straight away when I saw all of the beautiful dresses and suits that people were wearing. Jesse looked the part, but I felt like a cheap hooker. I quickly covered up my body with his oversized jacket, and then just stood there embarrassed while he spoke to the hostess.

  She touched his arm, laughing too damn much for my liking. Anything he was saying was not that funny. She liked him for sure, but I wasn't close enough to him to care right now. And I was more worried about the rich people giving me the stink eye.

  Jesse placed his hands on my shoulders and removed the jacket from me. "Let me take that for you, Darlin’."

  "Uh, no. It's fine, honestly." I whispered back.

  He turned me around to face him, and with a huge smile, said, "Trust me, you are the most beautiful woman in this place. Heck, probably in this entire state. If anyone is judging you, it's because they are jealous of your magnificence. Now, don't be embarrassed. Tonight, you are a queen. My queen."

  I relaxed and let him remove the jacket, but I still crossed my arm over my tummy and held on to my other arm. I was nervous as hell, but I chuckled a little when Jesse bowed to me like I was royalty. A few older women gasped, but I've had worse. Jesse took my hand again, linking our fingers. He walked me through the dining hall and towards the back of the boat. I could hear people whispering as we walked past, saying things like, “I wonder who she is?” and “Is she the one?” I was confused and didn't know why everyone was on about “the one.” What was that anyway? Did they care a lot about soul mates here?

  We finally left the main dining hall and ended up at a locked door. Jesse pulled out a set of keys and opened it up. He stood back and let me go first, and as I walked up the first few steps, I turned my head around to glance at him. I was surprised to find him biting his lip while staring at my ass.

  "Hey, you pervert! So that's why you wanted me to go first?" I said with a chuckle.

  He raised his gaze to meet mine, but he took his time, and that cheeky grin of his almost had me melting into the floor.

  Shrugging, he told me, "Sorry Darlin,’ I couldn't resist. Have you seen that thing?" He pointed at my ass, then bit his lip again and growled. "It's like it has been carved by the gods. Like Adam and Eve, and that damn apple. One bite of that delicious ass, and I'm for sure going straight to hell!"

  I couldn't help but laugh. Usually, a comment that forward would have made me nervous, and frankly a little creeped out. Though for some strange reason, with Jesse, I felt safe and comfortable, so his comment just made me feel flattered. I continued to move up the stairs and entered a gorgeous room that was encased in glass, so it looked like we were completely outside. The views across the water were stunning, and the night sky was so clear I could have counted every star. To the left was a private bar, and to the front of us was a huge, brown leather couch. To our right was a dining table all set and ready to go. It was an intimate space, but open enough that you didn't feel trapped.

  I stood there in awe as Jesse walked up behind me, taking my hand as he led me to the table. He pulled my chair out and I sat down.

  We spent the night talking and sharing embarrassing stories from high school, and I hadn't laughed so much in my life. We just clicked and it was nice not to have to worry about other women, mind games, or jealousy. It was just easy and calm, and exactly what I needed.

  We sat on the couch after dinner and he had the waitress bring coffee for us. I sat on the leather couch, and kind of wished I wasn't wearing a short dress because my legs kept getting stuck to the leather.

  Slumping back, I wrapped my arms around my stomach, realizing how full I was. How content. Jesse and I just laid our heads on the back of the couch and stared out at the stars, and it was stunning.

  "Aubrey?" he asked in a hushed whisper, turning his head towards me.

  "Uh-huh??" I replied, my gaze meeting his.

  "Do you want me to take you back to Zeta Beta Chi?" he asked quietly.

  I sat up and turned my body to face him. With worry on my face and panic in my voice, I replied, "No, I don't want to face all that tonight. Can't we stay here?"

  He sat up and held my hands in his. "It's okay, you don't have to go back. But we won't both fit on this couch. I know it's a bit forward, but my family has a house near here. You could have your own room and a shower in the morning. Oh, and I'm sure my sister won't mind you borrowing a set of PJs’."

  I sat there and thought about it for a few seconds, and my body made the decision for me, I placed my hand over my mouth as I let out a huge yawn.

  Jesse chuckled and then said, "I guess that's a yes then?"

  I laughed and nodded my head. He got up and retrieved his jacket for me. Then we left the boat and headed to the car. After a short drive, we arrived at a giant house that had iron gates on the front. We went through the gates and up a large drive to the stunning house. I didn't know how all these people had so much money.

  The house looked beautiful, and I would have taken more of it in if I hadn’t been so damn tired. The clock on the dash said it was two in the morning, which meant we’d spent five hours together. I couldn’t believe so much time had gone by so fast.

  Jesse got out of the car and opened my door. After he helped me out of the car, I pulled my dress down, wishing I hadn’t let Arabella and Payton talk me into getting this one. Intertwining our fingers, Jesse led me towards the house, stepping up the stairs. As soon as we reached the top step, two men who looked a lot like Chase and Jesse flung the door open, and judging by the expressions on their faces, they were not happy.

  I placed my other hand on Jesse's arm and squeezed it nervously. He handed me the car keys and said in a low voice, "It's okay, Darlin’. Just give me a minute to see what they want. Go and wait in the car, and I'll be over soon.”

  I peered over at the two annoyed-looking men, and I guessed that one was his dad, and I hoped the other wasn't Chase and Arabella's dad.

  Letting my gaze fall on Jesse, I waited for him to look my way. It was strange looking into his eyes since they were virtually the same as Chase's, just a little brighter, although his face was older looking and more rugged.

  He smiled, his smaller dimples getting more prominent. "Trust me. I'll be over in a minute, I swear."

  I smiled back at him and slowly let go of his hand as I headed towards the car. Once inside, I watched as Jesse approached the two guys. They stepped aside, one on each side of the doorway as they waited for him to enter. Walking into the house, he slammed the door behind him.

  With nothing else to do while I waited, I decided to take a look at my phone, but then I realized I didn't pick up my purse when I ran out of the party. I sighed and sat back in the chair, and instantly my eyes began to close.

  I startled and sat up in my seat as I heard raised voices, then the front door slam. Looking around, I didn't know how I hadn't spotted it before, but Chase's car was parked at the side of the house.

  What the fuck is he doing here? I thought angrily to myself while I watched Jesse storm towards me. He got in the car, slammed the door, hit the steering wheel with both hands, and gripped it tightly. I stayed silent and just stared at him, and I could tell he was fuming by his deep breathing and the way his nostrils flared. He leaned over me and I quickly sat back as he silently put my seatbelt on. Starting up the engine, he had a death grip on the steering wheel again.

  Through gritted teeth, Jesse said, "I've got to take you back, Aubrey. I'm sorry."

  "What? No. Can't we go somewhere else? Please don't take me back there tonight." I begged him as I held onto his arm.

  He put the car in reverse and put his arm around my seat to look out the back window. Speeding up, he backed up and spun the car, making me jolt to the side. I glared at him, but as he turned his head to the front, I could see that he had a cut to his lip, and a black eye.

  I gasped and asked, "Shit, what happened?"

  I reached a hand to his face, but he turned his head away and said, "Don't. I'm fine." He gently set my hand back in my l
ap.

  "No Jesse! You are clearly not fine. I am fed up with everyone lying to me and keeping things from me, so please tell me what happened," I said in a raised voice.

  The car swerved to the side, taking us onto the dirt beside the road. He slammed on the breaks and I jerked forwards, then smashed back into the seat.

  "Shit, I'm sorry Darlin’, are you okay?" he asked as he reached his hands to my face, and then retracted them, before lowering his head.

  "Yeah, I'm fine, but can you please tell me what the hell is going on? I'm fed up to here with liars!" I held my hand just above my head.

  He tilted his head slightly at me, then sighed and slumped back into his seat.

  After one deep breath, Jesse said, "Chase and his father wanted me to stay away from you, and they would kill me for telling you this, but you have a right to know. Chase has claimed you!"

  He's done what? What the hell does that mean? I'm not something Chase can claim ownership of. Drive me back there right now. His balls have an important meeting with my foot!"

  Boisterous laughter erupted from Jesse. I frowned at him. "Why are you laughing? Do you think I'm joking? Because I can assure you, I'm not!"

  He shook his head and replied, "I'm sure you're very serious, and that's why I laughed. Chase is really going to have his hands full with you, isn’t he?"

  "No! Why do people keep deciding who I should be with? I don't want Chase! Especially not now," I replied as I sat back in my chair and folded my arms.

  "Look, I shouldn't have told you. There is so much more going on than you realize, and I guess everyone doesn't want you to know just yet. Although I don't understand why," he said with a puzzled look.

  He started up the engine, and I placed my hand onto his arm. "Who doesn't want me to know? Who's everyone? Do you mean the Sorority or just your family? What the hell is going on?"

  He stared at me wide-eyed and replied, "Shit, I've already said too much. Please don't make me say any more, Darlin’. They'll string me up. Just trust me, you need to go back, forget you ever met me, and enjoy your life."