Darkest Risings

by S. K. Yule

  She turned in the direction of the feminine voice, and smiled at a familiar face from her past. “Ebony White? You look wonderful!”

  She’d been two years behind Ebony in school. They had talked on several occasions, hung out off and on, but the age difference had kept them from running in the same circles most of the time. She’d always remembered Ebony as a kind person, and had thought about her often over the years when she’d reminisced about home.

  Wilhemina stood and hugged her. Even though Ebony was two years older, she appeared to have aged in reverse. If anything, she looked closer to twenty-five than a woman in her thirties. Her blonde hair was shiny and longer than it had been in high school, and her skin was flawless. In fact, upon closer scrutiny, everything about Ebony seemed flawless.

  “Ebony Aleksandrov, actually. I got married.” She smiled warmly.

  “Oh, that is wonderful. Did we go to school with him?”

  “No. He—we live in St. Louis. His name is Ashe. I still have my house here, though. It’s a bookstore now.”

  “Your house? The Victorian?” When Ebony nodded, Wilhemina continued. “Did your aunt move?”

  “No. She passed.” Ebony frowned.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Damn, Ebony’s parents had been killed by a drunk driver when she was young, and now the aunt that had raised her was gone as well. Bad luck. She understood all too well what it was like being without parents.

  “Thank you. It’s still hard at times, but I’m very happy. I have a baby boy too. He’s around here somewhere with his Aunt Avril.” Ebony looked around in obvious search of the pair. “Avril’s my best friend, and I consider her a sister. She’s married to my husband, Ashe’s brother, Aiston.”

  At that moment, a tall, dark-haired woman carrying a baby hurried toward them from across the street. Ebony frowned when she saw the donut in the baby’s hand.

  The woman held up her hand. “I know. I know. But it is impossible to come to town without him getting his fix from Mrs. Chatterfield’s.”

  “I’ve been there twice today already.” Wilhemina laughed.

  Ebony reached for the boy, and he gave her a gooey kiss on the cheek. “This is Marcus and Avril. Avril, this is Wilhemena. Is it still Jenkins?”

  “Yes. Still Jenkins. Haven’t found Mr. Right yet.” Unfortunately, but boy had she found Mr. Sexy.

  Marcus was a beautiful baby with thick, wavy black hair and green eyes that matched his mother’s. He had perfect golden skin and chubby cherub cheeks. She smiled when he took another bite of the donut.

  “Nice to meet you, Avril. You too, Marcus.” Wihemina tickled his arm and he squealed in delight.

  “It’s been a long time, Wilhemina. Are you visiting?”

  “Taking a break would be a more appropriate answer. I needed some time off from journalism, wanted to try my hand at writing a book. Which reminds me, you wouldn’t know of anyone renting in town, would you? Something decent, I mean? I’ve looked at three places today, but they were all a bit rougher than I’d like.”

  Ebony pursed her lips and shook her head then looked at Avril. “No. Do you happen to know of anyone?”

  “Can’t say I do. Sorry,” Avril answered.

  “I assume you are staying at the Bed and Breakfast?”

  “Yes. I had hoped to find someplace more private, but I guess that’s not going to happen.” Wilhemina sighed.

  “Mr. Clark is a wonderful man, but he is lonely and tends to overpower his guests at times. It’s hard to ignore the sweetie, though.” Ebony took the remaining piece of donut from Marcus and wrapped it in the napkin Avril handed her.

  “Why don’t you stay with us?” Ebony said to Wilhemina. “We have plenty of room. You’d have your own space and no one would bother you. You could hole up as long as you like and write to your heart’s content.”

  The quick frown that slightly pulled at the corners of Avril’s mouth was nearly unnoticeable, but the stern look she gave Ebony was harder to miss. Maybe Avril didn’t want her to stay at their place, not that Wilhemina would blame her. After all, they hadn’t seen one another for years.

  “I wouldn’t mind at all as long as Ashe is okay with it.” Ebony bounced Marcus on her hip gently.

  “Didn’t you say you live in St. Louis?” Wilhemina had wanted to stay in Plainview, but she definitely wouldn’t get any work done with Mr. Clark’s constant interruptions. Bless his old soul.

  “Mm hm. The estate is huge. We have guests in and out all of the time. Besides me, Marcus, Avril, the hubbys, and our brother-in-law live there. Right now, two other hun—um, friends—are staying there as well. Another couple of friends are coming next week. Even with all of them, there is still plenty of room. It’s like a boarding house already.”

  “It sure would be nice to have more girls in the house for awhile. Break up the fog of testosterone constantly floating around,” Avril laughed.

  Wilhemina couldn’t believe her luck was changing. The place sounded way too good to be true. A retreat at an estate? Who in their right mind would turn down an offer like that? She wanted to jump on the invitation, but Avril’s initial reaction to Ebony’s invitation made her hesitate.

  “Are you positive I wouldn’t be in the way?” Wilhemina really wanted to get started on her book, and this would provide her the opportunity to do so. Not to mention, she could catch up with an old friend in the process.

  “Honestly. There is more than enough space for you.” Avril looked at Ebony expectantly.

  “You would not be in the way, but we definitely need to run it by Ashe.” Now Ebony frowned.

  Was Ashe one of those controlling types? Maybe that was the issue here.

  “I’d love to stay with you, but if Ashe doesn’t end up wanting me there, no hard feelings. The offer is generous, but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”

  “No. It isn’t that he wouldn’t want you there, Wilhemina.” Ebony chewed the corner of her lip. “There are just a few things going on right now with, um, the family business.”

  Ebony was not a good liar in the least. Wilhemina was good at spotting fibbers, but Ebony didn’t owe her an explanation about her life, so she let it go.

  “I’m sure he won’t mind,” Ebony said.

  “We can have another girls’ night. It’s been too long since we’ve had one,” Avril suddenly burst out.

  “Girls’ night?” Wilhemina asked.

  “Yes. We watch movies, eat pizza, drink wine, and chow on chocolate,” Ebony answered.

  “Girls’ night sounds wonderful.”

  “I’m going to walk back to the bookstore. Why don’t you go with Wilhemina, Avril? I’ll call you as soon as I talk to Ashe.”

  “Sounds great.” Wilhemena barely contained her excitement at the prospect of the opportunity Ebony had presented her with.

  * * * *

  “I’m so sorry, Ashe. I wasn’t thinking when I invited Wilhemina to stay. Neither one of us were really thinking about the big picture until afterwards.”

  Ebony watched Ashe. She loved this man more than life itself and hated the thought of disappointing him in any way. She sighed when he reached for her to pull her against his chest into a warm hug. He kissed the top of head then nuzzled her hair.

  “There’s no helping it now. Things happen. I know it’s still hard for you and Avril to understand how dangerous the situation is that we are in with the drifters. I’m glad you are able to put it from your mind at times. I hate that I have to constantly worry about you and the rest of the family.”

  “I worry about you too,” she whispered against him.

  He tightened his arms a bit. “I know you do. And even though I hate for you to worry about me, I cannot deny that part of me is pleased that you do so. You and Marcus are the most important things in my life. To know that you love me as much as I love you is all I need to get through every day.”

  “I should make some reason up to tell Wilhemina she can’t stay.”


  “No.”

  Ebony leaned back and looked up into the beautiful turquoise eyes she loved so much then frowned. “Why?”

  “While the drifters are not known to wander around during the daytime, things have changed drastically. With their new leader, we cannot expect the norm. If we are being watched, the simple fact that you and Avril talked to Wilhemina may make her a target.”

  “Oh my God! I didn’t think about that. I’ve put my friend in danger.”

  “Hey.” Ashe tipped her chin up with one long finger after she rested her forehead against his chest. “This is not your fault. The best thing we can do for your friend now is to take her home with us. We will be able to assure her safety.”

  “But what if she won’t come now? Or what if she does and wants to leave? Damn it, Ashe. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because I talked to her.”

  “It will be okay. We’ll deal with that when and if the time comes. Don’t worry. I’ll keep her safe.”

  “I know you will. Thank you.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. She loved kissing him. When he touched her, kissed her, she felt safe. She was home.

  * * * *

  After Avril got a call from Ebony saying Wilhemina’s stay wasn’t a problem, they both went to get her things ready to go.

  A tinge of guilt swept through Wilhemina when she saw dismay mar Mr. Clark’s face after she told him she was leaving. His deep wrinkles were testament of the many journeys in his long life, and the frown he was bravely trying to hide at her news was evident.

  “You come back and see me again, girlie. You’re a good one. I’ve been around a long time, and I know a good one when I see her.” Mr. Clark’s voice held a hint of unsteadiness that so often came with age.

  “You’re a good one yourself, Mr. Clark.” Wilhemina meant it.

  Mr. Clark might be annoying at times, but she couldn’t fault someone for being lonely.

  “Eh. I’m an old codger, girl. All my good is worn out. All that’s left now is orneriness.” He chuckled and promptly coughed.

  She gave him a quick hug and turned to follow Avril from the Bed and Breakfast. “Are you sure me staying with you guys isn’t a problem for Ebony’s husband?” Wilhemina asked.

  “Nah. He’s just funny about the security at the place. All of the guys are. Don’t worry about it,” Avril answered.

  Outside, a black Escalade was parked at the curb. As if the vehicle wasn’t already expensive enough, it was decked out with tinted windows, oversized tires, and every other bell and whistle one could dream of. Either Ebony had come into some money, or her husband was loaded. She figured it was probably the latter since people didn’t normally make fortunes in Plainview.

  When a tall man wearing dark sunglasses stepped out of the driver’s side door and came around to get her suitcase and bag, it took every ounce of control to keep her mouth from gaping. This was the second time she’d seen a man that could grace the cover of GQ in less than twenty-four hours. Holy hell, he’s a hottie. Tall, muscled, golden-skinned, and dark-haired.

  He reached out his hand. “I’m Ashe Aleksandrov. You must be Wilhemina. Pleasure to meet you.”

  Way to go, Ebony. Her friend had snagged her a looker. A looker with money, no doubt.

  “Yes. Good to meet you as well.” She met his hand, and he shook hers firmly but gently.

  So this was Marcus’ father. Ebony was one lucky woman. If little Marcus grew up to amount to half of his daddy, Ebony and Ashe would be beating off the girls left and right.

  “Avril, I think your husband is up to something again,” Ashe said with a scowl.

  Avril rolled her eyes. “Damn Aiston and his pranks,” she muttered before looking at Wilhemina. “Aiston loves to play jokes on people. And when I say people, I mostly mean he loves to torture his brothers. I swear I’m constantly running interference to keep them from skinning him alive.”

  “I see.” Wilhemina smiled, amused by the admission.

  Ashe took her bags, and opened the back door for Avril and her.

  “Oh.” Wilhemina hesitated. “Do you mind if I run over to Mrs. Chatterfield’s before we go?” It was only half a block down so she didn’t think they’d mind. “I’d like to send a little something to Mr. Clark.”

  “Take your time.”

  Ten minutes later, she’d put in an order that would keep Mr. Clark in pastries and hot coffee for the next month, and was in the backseat of the Escalade. Marcus was strapped into his car seat in between Wilhemina and Avril. Ashe drove, and Ebony sat beside him. She couldn’t help but admire what a striking couple they made. She turned to the window to watch the passing trees as they made their way to St. Louis, hoping her stay with Ebony proved to be the quiet atmosphere she craved.

  Chapter Seven

  “Wow. Are you expecting the apocalypse or a zombie invasion? That’s some serious security.” Wilhemina gaped at the tall fence surrounding the property.

  They had pulled into the drive and were sitting in front of two huge metal gates. Ashe rolled down the window, punched in a code on the security panel, and the gates slowly swung open. After driving through, they closed behind them.

  “Ashe takes security seriously. There are a lot of burglaries and…stuff around here.” Ebony said quickly. “At least you know you’ll be safe.”

  “Or in prison,” Wilhemina mumbled under her breath.

  The estate was no less impressive. A perfectly manicured lawn surrounded the huge mansion that sat back off the road and away from prying eyes. Although she doubted prying eyes could make it over that security fence that looked strong enough to hold a T-rex. She supposed if she lived someplace like this, she’d want to feel secure as well.

  Once they parked, she stepped out of the SUV and gasped. “It’s gorgeous.”

  Up close, she could see the stone siding of the huge house. The muted gray and brown colors gave the mansion a look of old world charm while the huge windows gave it a hint of modernity. The term modern-day castle came to mind.

  “Thank you. I hope you’ll feel at home here,” Ebony said.

  Ashe retrieved her suitcases from the back while Ebony got Marcus from his seat before they all made their way inside. The view inside was no less impressive. She had been to some awesome places on the East Coast, but nothing quite this posh. The grand staircase was breathtaking, and the dark wood, marble, and rich, neutral colors in the foyer all blended to make a commanding yet welcoming entrance.

  “I’m speechless. It is absolutely stunning. You have the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen.” Wilhemina was flabbergasted. She twirled around slowly, not believing that she was getting the chance to stay in a place like this. She hadn’t been poor by any means. She’d made a decent living, but this was straight from a dream.

  Ebony handed Marcus to Ashe, and Ashe kissed her on the cheek.

  “Welcome to our home, Wilhemina. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask,” Ashe said.

  “Come. I’ll show you to your room.” Ebony took Wilhemina by the arm and led her toward the stairs.

  “I’ll see you two later. I’m going to find my husband. It was good to meet you Wilhemina,” Avril called out.

  “You too,” she answered.

  “I’ll bring the bags up on my way to take Marcus to the nursery for his nap.” Ashe got the suitcases and followed them up the stairs.

  A half hour later, Wilhemina was expecting to wake up from a dream at any moment. Her room was bigger than her whole apartment had been. And the bathroom was spectacular complete with a Jacuzzi tub big enough to swim in. The rich, deep shades of corals on the walls and in the luxurious drapes, rugs, and bed set were something she’d expect to see in Better Homes and Gardens. This whole place could be featured in the magazine for that matter.

  Before Ebony had left, she’d informed her that dinner would be served around six. With a few hours to kill, she planned to take a long soak in that fabulous tub, unpack, and jot down some ideas for her story.
r />   * * * *

  Trinidad sat in front of the blazing fire. The confrontation with Malachi and the Aleksandrovs had been disappointing and had come quicker than he’d anticipated. However, it hadn’t all been a one-sided victory. His retaliation had been swift and brutal.

  He didn’t like surprises. He had a carefully laid out, fool-proof plan in his brain. The problem was getting those inferior, no-brained drifters to carry it out.

  He’d healed from the flames Aiston had bathed him in. They thought they’d killed him, disposed of him as if he were nothing more than a bothersome gnat, but he’d taken great joy in proving them wrong. The fiery inferno that had nearly melted all of the skin from his body hadn’t come without long-term, agonizing pain. Such an encounter with fire would have decimated any other vampire, but he wasn’t just any vampyre.

  Once he’d recovered, he’d found the Aleksandrovs’ precious sister, Estril, and had delivered her head to their doorstep. He smiled as he steepled his fingers in front of him before tapping the tips together in a rhythm only he could understand, a rhythm only his brain moved to. Now the Aleksandrovs were getting a picture of who and what they were dealing with. He was an ancient, a true blood, and he would not be conquered by his half-brother’s sniveling spawn.

  He should have been king of the vampyres. He was the first born true blood, and he would not rest until he had what should have been his from the start. Ragnor was nothing, a child born to a faithless pig of a father, a father that Trinidad refused to acknowledge as his own. Nonetheless, the birthright that had been bestowed upon Ragnor should have been his. He would be king of the vampyres, and he had no problem killing Ragnor, his offspring, and any others who dared get in his way to achieve that goal.

  Soon, Ragnor would come out of hiding. He was sure of it. No one had ever seen the great Ragnor, and that was how he’d become a legend. But Trinidad knew the reason behind Ragnor’s absence. His abscondence was due to his precious Marilena’s abandonment. Trinidad had kept tabs on him until that point. After that, it was as if he’d disappeared from the face of the Earth. Not many were old enough to have been around before Ragnor’s disappearance. Those who had been were long dead…except him.