Conflicted: Keegan's Chronicles

by Julia Crane

  “Maybe a little bit.” He gave her a slight smile.

  “Ok, let’s go Keegan,” her mother said. “I’m excited to get there and get your apartment set up. We have a lot of shopping to do.”

  Keegan smiled—shopping was the magic word. “I really want my place to be cool. I was thinking to go for the retro look. I hope they have good stores there.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t count on that but we’ll make do.” Her mother put her arm around her as they walked towards the gate.

  “Thanks for coming with me mom.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  ***

  Keegan had settled into a routine. Thankfully, her earliest class was at 9:00 am so she got to sleep in. She had started volunteering at the fish and wildlife service where she made a few friends, but nothing that came close to her friends from Tennessee. Donald had already come to visit twice. She loved showing him around. They had fun going hiking, fishing, and whale watching. She couldn’t believe how cold it got so quickly there.

  She kept in constant contact with Anna and Lauren by text and Skype. They seem to be adjusting well to their new schools, but they were all looking forward to returning to Tennessee for Keegan’s birthday party.

  Chapter 28

  Rourk boarded the plane, nervous anticipation racing through his body.

  Soon, he would see Keegan again. It had been almost a year since he had laid eyes on her. He had no idea what her reaction would be when she saw him.

  Leaning his head against the seat, he closed his eyes and thought of her. Of course, all he could see was darkness. He longed for the days when he could close his eyes and see her face clearly. That seemed like a lifetime ago.

  He was trying to mentally brace himself for her rejection. He hoped he would be able to hold himself together. Noticing that he was gripping the seat tightly, he released his fingers. Thankfully, it was a short flight home.

  When he got off the plane, his father was there to meet him. It was nice to see a familiar face in the sea of strangers.

  “Rourk, you look great,” his father said, shaking his hand.

  “Thanks, Dad. How have you been?”

  “I’ve been well. Let’s get you home so you can cook me something to eat. I’m surprised I haven’t wasted away without your cooking skills.”

  Rourk laughed. “That sounds good. I’m so sick of the mess hall food.”

  He tossed his bag in the back of his father’s truck and settled into the passenger seat for the drive home. The familiar highway felt good. To Rourk, Tennessee would always be home no matter where he lived.

  “So you still want to give Keegan the ring?” his father asked, never taking his eyes off the road.

  “Yes, I am going to give it to her.” Rourk paused, then gave a wry grin. “Well, I’m going to try to give it to her. She might turn me down.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it and I’m glad you are going to try. You are right. You are an elf and that is what chosens do.”

  Rourk was slightly surprised by his fathers change in opinion, but he let it slide.

  “I will know soon enough.” Rourk relaxed his posture and leaned his head back on the seat.

  “How is training going?”

  “It’s going good. There are some good guys there. I’ve noticed a few other creatures of the light. The training is actually fun now that it’s mostly just weapons and less of the mind games.”

  “How’s Tommy?”

  Rourk smiled. “He is doing good. He has really taken to the engineer program. He’s actually a very intelligent man. We’re both going to 1st Group.”

  “That is great. Some of my best friends I met as a team guy. I should probably look some of them up now that I think of it,” his father mused, his eyes far away.

  At home, Rourk cooked steaks and potatoes. It was nice to navigate his kitchen again and he couldn’t wait to sleep in his own bed.

  It took all of his self control not to go over to Keegan’s house. He knew he had to wait till tomorrow. His pulse quickened at the thought.

  Rourk went for a run in his woods and enjoyed the crisp fall air against his skin. Once he got home, he jumped in the shower let the hot water wash away the tension. He wondered if he should call Thaddeus and find out what Keegan’s plans were so he knew when the best time to visit would be.

  Wrapping a towel around his waist Rourk walked down the hall to the kitchen and pulled out a soda from the fridge.

  Greg had the newspaper open on the table in front of him. “Thaddeus called while you were in the shower. He wanted to let you know you were invited to Keegan’s party tomorrow at three.”

  Rourk grinned and shook his head. Why was he not surprised? Thaddeus was something else.

  ***

  Rourk woke up tense knowing that today, he would find out, for good or worse. He walked into the kitchen, where his father was sitting down with a cup of coffee.

  “Dad, can I see the ring?”

  “Of course, let me go grab it. It’s in my room.”

  “Your room? I thought you always kept it in the safe.”

  Greg paused, then smoothly said, “Oh, well I got it out when I knew you were coming home.”

  Rourk poured himself a glass of orange juice while he waited, and sat down at the table, stealing his dad’s newspaper. His father came back in, holding a small green velvet box.

  “Your mom would be happy to know you were passing it on.”

  “Hopefully passing it on. You are more positive than I am, Father.”

  Rourk took the box and slowly opened it. It had been years since he had looked at the ring. It was beautiful; it had been in their family for generations. He picked it up and inspected it in the light. The ruby was large and oval set flush within the antique etchings and diamonds. It almost seemed to be glowing.

  He wondered if Keegan would like it. “It is beautiful.”

  Greg nodded. “Yes, it is. Your mother loved that ring. I don’t think she ever took it off.”

  Rourk glanced over and noticed his father was still wearing his simple gold wedding band. Rourk placed the ruby ring back in the box and snapped it closed. “I’m going to go for a long hike. I need to clear my mind.”

  ***

  Rourk looked at his watch for the hundredth time. It was now 2:30; he needed to head over to Keegan’s. Taking a deep breath, he put the ring in his pocket and yelled out to his father, “I’m leaving.”

  “I hope it works, Rourk.” His dad came to the door. “I’m proud of you, son. I know this is not easy.”

  Rourk grimaced and walked out the door. He climbed into his old truck and closed his eyes as he turned the key. Please, let this work.

  He entered the long driveway at Richard’s house. There were several cars parked out in front of the house. Great. He hadn’t thought about having an audience. Pull yourself together.

  One last deep breath and he opened the door. Stepping out of the truck, he felt his pocket to make sure the ring was still there. Head held high, he marched up to the door. He didn’t even have to ring the doorbell. Thaddeus opened the door as he approached.

  “So good to see you, Rourk.” Thaddeus grasped his hand and smacked him on the shoulder.

  “Thanks.” Rourk stepped into the house and glanced around looking for Keegan, but she was not there.

  “Everyone is down in the den.”

  Rourk’s stomach was in knots as Thad led him to the den. There were a few of Keegan’s friend’s sitting around watching TV. The shapeshifter had his arm around Keegan and she was smiling.

  Rourk wanted to rip his throat out.

  “Keegan!” Thaddeus yelled.

  She turned, startled, and jumped to her feet, staring wide-eyed at Rourk. “Oh.”

  The tiger had slithered to his feet beside her, his body tense.

  Everyone’s eyes were on Rourk. He was so full of conflicting emotions about seeing Keegan that he was letting their stares get to him. The faces in the room no longer lo
oked happy. Rourk must have crashed the party.

  “Hello, Keegan. I told you I would be back for you on your birthday. Here I am.”

  Donald stood taller and moved closer to Keegan, his arm around her shoulders. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. The movie was playing in the background but it might as well have been complete silence.

  “Rourk, I don’t know what to say.” Keegan shifted uncomfortably. “I thought you were still in training.”

  “I am. I took a weekend pass. I don’t break my word.” He pulled the ring out of his pocket and opened the box.

  Keegan’s hand flew over her mouth. She shrugged away Donald’s arm and walked towards Rourk as if she was in a trance, her eyes on the ring. Once she reached him, she reached out for it, quickly pulling her hand back as if it were on fire. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen.

  “It’s beautiful, just like I’ve always imagined it would be,” she said wistfully.

  Rourk’s heart was in his throat. “It’s yours, Keegan.”

  “It’s so pretty. The lights are dancing all around it. Why are there sparkles coming off it?” Keegan reached up above the ring and pinched at the air, giggling.

  No one in the room said a word, watching the exchange.

  “Maybe I could just try it on?”

  “Of course you can.” Rourk pulled it from the box and Keegan started giggling like a little kid, bouncing on her toes.

  “It’s calling me. It’s telling me to just put it on. How can a ring talk?” Keegan laughed. She sounded as if she were drunk.

  Rourk took her hand in his and slid the ring on her finger.

  Keegan gasped, jerking her hand away from Rourk and staring wide-eyed at the ring.

  “How could you? You tricked me!” Keegan yelled at Rourk, glancing back at Donald before she wrinkled her nose at the ring as if it were diseased.

  Rourk stared at her confused. “Tricked you? What do you mean?”

  Keegan reached up and grabbed the back of Rourk’s head, pulling him to her and kissing him greedily. Almost as quickly, she shoved him away. “What did you do?”

  Rourk started at her, and touched his lips.

  “How could you do this to me? You didn’t even give me a choice?” Keegan was freezing, goose bumps racing across her skin. She looked around the room and everyone was frozen in place except her and Rourk.

  Rourk looked around the room. “Keegan, are you okay? I didn’t trick you. I am your chosen. I am supposed to give you this ring on your birthday. It’s tradition, you know that. I’m pretty confused myself. Why is everyone frozen?”

  “A side effect of the black magic. When I get angry, I freeze things. They will be okay once I calm down.” She stared down at the ring and whispered, “It’s back.”

  “What is back?” Rourks heart was racing.

  She lifted her eyes to his. “The bond. I’m so angry at you I can’t see straight. But, I want to wrap myself in you and never let you go. I have never felt so conflicted before.” She glanced back at Donald, frozen in place. “I care about him.”

  “I can see that.” Rourk glared over at Donald, his jaw clenched. He pulled her close, staring down into her blue-green eyes. “Keegan, I love you. I am your chosen. We are meant to be.” He slowly traced his finger down the side of her face and outlined her full lips with his finger before he bent down to kiss her.

  Keegan did not resist. She heard the crackling, but she didn’t care. She continued to kiss him as if no one else were there. She gently pulled away and whispered his name. He groaned and tangled his hands in her hair. Their eyes met for an instant and she leaned in to kiss him again when she heard Thaddeus clear his throat.

  Keegan pulled away, her cheeks flaming. Donald was standing closer than he had been, his shoulders slumped and his eyes wounded. Keegan lifted her hand towards him, then let it drop. “I’m so sorry. It’s just too strong, I can’t fight it.”

  “Can’t or won’t?” he said, his voice dangerously soft.

  Keegan opened her mouth to reply, but noticed her brother giving Anna a high five. She jerked towards them with a glare, momentarily forgetting Donald. “You did this, didn’t you?”

  Anna smiled. Thaddeus just stared.

  “You didn’t even think of Donald’s feelings.” Keegan motioned to her boyfriend where he still stood, his hands limp at his sides as he glared at Thaddeus and Anna. “Or bother asking me if this is what I wanted.”

  “It’s what was meant to be, Keegan,” Thaddeus said, leaning against the wall.

  “Who are you to say what is meant to be and what is not?”

  “Keegan, chill out. We didn’t do anything. The rings have always cemented the bond. All we did was make you want to try on the ring.” Thaddeus glanced over at Anna. She was still smiling.

  “Were you in on this?” Keegan crossed her arms and looked up at Rourk.

  “No, I had no idea. However, if they had asked me I would have willingly been involved. I would have done anything to get our bond back.” Rourk met her eyes.

  Keegan reached for him without even thinking, her hand cupping his cheek.

  Donald hung his head, taking a deep breath and letting it out. He bolted from the room, morphing into a tiger before them, knocking over furniture as he took off at full speed.

  Startled, Keegan stared after him into the dim evening beyond the door. She looked back at Rourk, her heart aching.

  “I’m going after Donald.”

  About the Author

  Julia Crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan's Chronicles. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

  Find Julia online at http://juliacraneauthor.com/index.html

  Sneak Peak

  Secret Bloodline

  By Talia Jager

  Chapter One

  The sun was beating down on me as I sat on the stoop waiting for Mrs. Armstrong to pick me up. I adjusted my hat to keep more of the sun out of my face. It was bright and I was tired.

  A silver Honda Accord pulled up and the window rolled down. “C’mon Kairi, hop in,” a familiar voice called. I stood up, picked up my backpack, and walked to the car. As soon as I was buckled, Mrs. Armstrong took off down the road. “How are you doing?” she asked.

  “Fine,” I responded, not really in a sharing mood. “Where am I going?”

  She sighed. “It’s hard to find a good place for teenagers to go. There aren’t many homes available.”

  “Does that mean I have to go to another group home?”

  “No, I was able to get you in at the Thompson’s. But, if this one doesn’t work out, I’m sorry Kairi, you’ll have to go to a group home.” Stopping at a red light, she looked over at me. She had short brown hair and kind hazel eyes.

  I just nodded. “Okay.”

  “Did something specific happen at the last place?” She turned back to the road.

  “No.” I never knew why foster parents didn’t like me. I wasn’t a troublemaker. I just didn’t fit in. The longest I had lasted in one foster home was six months. The shortest, a week. Mrs. Armstrong always got a call that ‘it just wasn’t working out’ and could she please find another place for me to go? Now, after twelve years of being in the system, foster homes were scarce. I had been to almost all of them.

  The group homes were harder because there were a lot of kids living there and the kids were meaner than the adults. None of them ever liked me. One even told me I was too pretty to be there. I didn’t agree with that. I wasn’t ugly, but I didn’t consider myself beautiful.

  I remembered it like it was yesterday. It was two years ago and one of my roommates yanked my long, golden blonde hair. “Hey!” I yelled.

  “What?” she yelled back.
“You won’t fight me, pretty girl. You wouldn’t want to get dirty. I should punch you. Then you wouldn’t be so pretty, but I’d get in trouble. Can’t have that.”

  I glared at her wishing that I had it in me to just knock her out. But, she was right; I’d get in trouble for throwing the first punch. “Just leave me alone.”

  “Look at you, you can’t even look angry at someone. You and those stupid brown, puppy dog eyes of yours. Pathetic!” she snapped before she stormed away.

  “Kairi?” Mrs. Armstrong said.

  I realized I had missed something. “Sorry. What?”

  “I asked if anyone had made you uncomfortable.”

  “No. It was fine.”

  “Hmmm. Somehow I doubt that.” She pulled up in front of a brownstone. “Here we are. You’ll have to switch schools again.”

  “I know.” Being the new kid at school wasn’t new to me. I had done it so many times. Sometimes I left a school, went to another, and then went back to the old school. “Do I need to go to school? It’ll be out for the summer in a few weeks. Can’t I just…skip?”

  “No, you can’t skip. You need to finish it out.”

  “Bummer,” I muttered.

  “Do you need anything?” Mrs. Armstrong asked.

  I needed a lot of things. Parents would be nice. Friends. Maybe a boyfriend. A house to call home. Some nice clothes. All things I’d probably never have. “No,” I answered.

  Sighing again, she opened her door. “Okay.”

  I opened my door, grabbed my bag, and got out. We walked up the stairs together. She rang the doorbell and we waited for someone to answer. Who would it be this time? An older couple? An infertile couple? A single person? I could hear footsteps and then the door swung open. A middle-aged couple had won the prize – me! I rolled my eyes at myself. “Good evening.” The balding man nodded. “I’m Mr. Thompson. You must be Kairi.”

  I sighed. He had said my name like Carrie. “It’s Ky-ree,” I pronounced it correctly.