Enlightened
Page 13
Darcie’s hand stilled. She knew that voice.
The dog turned his head in the direction of the sound. She followed his example.
Sure enough, Des approached from the direction opposite of the house. He was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, more casual than Darcie had ever seen him. She forced her eyes away from his body, trying not to notice his muscles move as he walked.
She could tell the moment Des recognized her. As soon as he focused on her face, the immortal stopped in his tracks. She thought about calling out a greeting, but her companion beat her to it.
The friendly dog beside her let out one loud bark. Darcie held up a hand and offered Des a weak smile.
After another moment, Des resumed his approach. The dog beside her began panting in excitement, but remained sitting.
“I see you have met Argos,” Des stated once within earshot.
Darcie turned her eyes to the large dog. It was easier to look at him than the distant stranger. “Argos.”
His ears perked up. His big brown eyes alternated between Darcie and Des. She reached out and continued to pet him. “He is very sweet.”
“Yes,” Des agreed with amusement. “Not the fearful guard dog he was intended to be.”
On cue, Argos laid down and inched forward until his head rested on Darcie’s leg. Her heart melted.
“He likes you.”
Darcie turned towards Des and offered a sheepish smile. “I always wanted a dog,” she revealed. “But we traveled too much to get one.”
Des nodded. “They can be a lot of work, but nothing beats the companionship of a pet.”
“How long have you had him?”
“About forty years.”
“What?” Darcie looked back at Argos. He barely looked out of the puppy stage.
“He’s not a normal dog,” Des supplied.
Her confusion grew. “What do you mean?”
“Argos is a particular breed of animal with a rather long lifespan.”
“I’ve never heard of a dog living that long.” She was positive Des was pulling her leg. She didn’t find the joke funny.
Des looked unsure. Finally, he said, “Think of the mythical creatures mortals have come up with over the years.”
“You’re saying Argos is mythical?” Darcie did not hide her skepticism.
“I’m saying Argos is real, but humans might consider him a mythical creature. There are many rare and exotic animals humans do not know are real.”
Despite all Darcie recently learned about the world, that information might have been the most unbelievable. How could animals exist without people knowing about them? She voiced the question.
“They are rare. Some live in places uninhabited by humans. Others look like animals mortals are accustomed to seeing, like Argos.” The dog-like creature raised his head in response to his name before promptly laying back down on Darcie.
She slowly scratched his head, all the while looking for some clue he was a creature of legend. Suddenly, realization dawned.
Darcie smirked as she looked back up at Des. “Argos? Like Odysseus’ dog?”
He grinned, and the reaction nearly stole the breath from her lungs. She worked to control her expression. “You’ve read The Odyssey?” he asked, sounding impressed.
“It was actually one of my nighttime stories growing up.” Darcie remembered her father tucking her in and reading portions of the lengthy epic to lull her to sleep. It didn’t take Professor Abernathy long to realize his daughter was too interested in the stories to let herself fall asleep. Those nights reading together were actually some of her favorite childhood memories.
“Daughter of a historian,” Des stated.
“Exactly.” Darcie decided not to address she had not shared her father’s occupation with him. No doubt, one of his siblings or their wives informed him.
The two continued to look at one another without speaking.
Des’ expression appeared thoughtful. Darcie wasn’t sure how, but she knew she should not interrupt.
“I do not believe I have ever apologized.” Des finally said, surprising her. That was not what she thought he would say.
She tilted her head to the side. He seemed sincere. “For what?”
“For the upheaval to your life. It is not fair.”
No, it’s not, she thought to herself.
“It’s not your fault.” If anyone was supportive of Darcie returning to her normal life, it was Des.
In fact, his support of her leaving almost reached an insulting level. He really wanted her out of his house.
“Regardless,” Des tucked his hands into his pockets, not looking entirely sure of himself. “However misguided my siblings are, they claim to be doing this for my benefit. I am sorry you are caught up in this.”
Darcie chewed on her inner cheek, resisting the urge to ask what he meant when he said “this.”
Did he mean the mistake of assuming she was his soulmate?
Or for essentially keeping her locked up for her protection?
“Well,” she shrugged. “Thanks… I appreciate it.”
Des nodded. An awkward silence followed. Darcie wasn’t sure what to say, do, or look. She had never felt so unsure of herself.
“Argos and I go for a walk every day,” Des suddenly blurted out, crossing his arms over his chest. “Since he seems taken with you, feel free to join us anytime. I know you feel cooped up in the house.”
Argos’ tail began wagging again. Darcie watched and gave an incredulous laugh. She looked at Des with a questioning gaze.
Des gave his rare, charming grin. “He can understand us a bit more than the typical dog.”
In awe, Darcie could only shake her head. “Just when I think things can’t be any more strange…”
“Once again, I’m sorry,” Des said. Only this time, it was not as gloomy. Both he and Darcie were too amused by Argos.
“That would be great,” she accepted his offer, scratching behind Argos’ ears. “Thanks.”
“It’s the least I can do.” He lowered his head towards her, then gave a low, quick whistle. Immediately, Argos jumped to his feet and trotted to his master.
“We should be going,” Des provided. He lifted a hand. “Have a nice day.”
“You too,” she called after him.
Within moments, the pair was out of sight as they headed into a wooded area, away from the house. She briefly wondered where they could be going, but quickly told herself it was none of her business.
After double checking she was alone, Darcie laid back down in the grass. Releasing a heavy sigh, she stared up at the passing clouds.
Finally having a conversation with Des that wasn’t tense made her feel lighter. She’d been carrying around the weight of their impending interaction, fearing the worse. She was glad to be wrong.
The immortal showed his caring side again, and the change reminded Darcie of the information Bella shared regarding his past.
Just like Bella, she found herself wondering what type of guy Des would be if he hadn’t been the victim of such tragic events.
Would he be charming like Lome?
As upstanding and respectful as Thane?
It wouldn’t be hard for a girl to fall for someone like that.
Immediately, Darcie shook the silly thought away.
If Des’ past were different, he would have a wife and Darcie wouldn’t be involved in their mess.
Besides, no matter if the hypothetical Des was charming, she wouldn’t stand a chance. He made it perfectly clear she was not his soulmate.
Darcie refused to acknowledge, once again, the twinge of pain the admission caused in her chest.
17
Darcie stood completely still as Eshe continued placing pins in the fabric hanging from her body. “Remind me again why I’m letting you poke me with pins?”
“Because,” Bella stepped forward to answer for Eshe, “the event will be the first time you are on display in front of our community.”
Through the reflection in the mirror, Darcie saw Eshe remove the pins from her teeth and give her an exasperated look. “You know, I have done this before. Do not be such a chicken.”
Not wanting the immortal upset with her, Darcie said, “Sorry. I’m not used to people pushing sharp pins all around my body.”
Eshe rolled her eyes and went back to fitting the dress to her frame. Darcie might have worried she annoyed the seamstress if it weren’t for the slight grin she saw on the dark beauty’s lips.
Darcie did not spend as much time with Eshe as with Bella, so she knew very little of Lome’s wife. The oldest woman in the brothers’ family seemed content to live her own life, only interacting with her family members and Darcie when her presence was requested or required.
Of the few encounters she had with Eshe, Darcie felt confident the pair would get along if they ever had the opportunity. But she predicted it would take some time to reach that level of friendship.
You don’t plan on being here that long, she reminded herself.
“The brothers believe it will be a demonstration of good will on our part. Other immortals have heard rumors of your existence, as well as Des’ claim that you are not The One. The situation is creating confusion and distrust.”
“And parading me around a ball will fix that? I thought Thane was concerned for my safety. Isn’t that why I am still here?” Darcie knew she sounded a tad bit bratty, but she couldn’t help it. She wasn’t one to revel in attention to begin with.
Marie was always the life of the party. Telling Darcie she was about to be thrown in a ball gown and showcased in a room full of strangers was unsettling, to say the least.
Bella caught her gaze in the mirror. “I have told you everything I know. Maybe you should ask Thane?”
Despite her words, Darcie suspected the immortal knew more. Instead of pestering her for the truth, she resolved to seek out Des and get his take on the situation. She had yet to take him up on his offer to walk with Argos. Her questions would be the perfect excuse. She ignored the slight flutter of her heart once she made the decision.
On the end table closest to her, Darcie’s phone vibrated against the wood. She made a move to answer it when she felt a sharp prick in her upper thigh.
“Ow!” she cried, immediately halting her action.
“Don’t move,” Eshe commanded. “Or else we will have to start the whole process over again.”
Darcie groaned, but obliged. They had been pinning the dress for the better part of an hour. There was no way she wanted to cause Eshe to take any longer.
“I can get it for you.” Bella picked up the phone and glanced at the screen before handing it to her.
Darcie read the name of the missed call and felt herself blush.
“Who is Kevin?” Bella asked with amusement, taking note of the color on Darcie’s cheeks.
In the reflection, Darcie watched Eshe look up from her work.
She contemplated how to respond. She could tell the truth.
She could tell the young women about her childhood crush, and how her daydreams about him returning her feelings were finally coming true.
“Kevin is a friend,” Darcie decided to say. She didn’t miss the look of skepticism cross both women’s faces.
“Seems like he might be a very good friend?”
“He is. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”
“Any chance you want to be more than friends?” Bella questioned with a glint in her eye. Darcie stared at herself in the mirror, doing her best to cool her face.
After she didn’t reply, Bella let out a sigh. “Come on, Darcie,” she begged. “Tell us. What else are girlfriends for?”
“Are we girlfriends?” she asked with surprise. It earned a chuckle from Eshe.
Bella, on the other hand, pouted. She was not amused by the joke. “Of course we are friends,” she sulked. “At least, I thought we were.”
Darcie looked at Bella and thought of her time since first arriving at the house.
From day one, Thane’s wife went above and beyond to try and make her stay at the house bearable. She even managed to make it somewhat enjoyable.
“Of course we are friends,” she stated. “I was just kidding.”
Bella beamed. “Wonderful! So, tell us all about Kevin.”
Darcie rolled her eyes at the petite brunette. “I already told you. We are friends.”
“Friends with romantic feelings, perhaps?” Darcie opened her mouth to deny it, but paused.
What’s the point in lying? she wondered.
Other than her shyness regarding the subject, she couldn’t think of a reason.
“Yes,” she confessed.
The admission earned a squeal of excitement from Bella. “Are you two courting?” she asked. “Is that why you are in a rush to get home?”
“I’m in a rush to get home because that’s where my life is,” Darcie contradicted. Her desire to return to Maine was not centered around getting back to a boy, not even one as appealing as Kevin.
“I don’t belong here,” she added the last comment to drive the point home.
“You mi– ” Bella began.
“Good for you,” Eshe interrupted and made eye contact with Darcie through the reflection.
Surprised, she turned and glanced down to look at the immortal pinning her skirt. “What?”
“I’m glad you are sticking to your wish to return to your normal life. Despite everything you have seen and learned. This life might seem like a fantasy and can be appealing, but it isn’t all you might think.”
Darcie was dumbfounded. Where did that come from?
“Well…” she thought on how to say the words. “It really isn’t a hard decision for me. After all, I’m not destined for this life or anything. Des has made that clear.”
Eshe’s serious face remained. “No matter if you were destined for this existence, I would caution you to think carefully before committing to it.”
“Eshe.” Bella conveyed her disbelief and reprimand. “Try not to sound so grim.”
The women shared a silent conversation. Darcie continued to stand there, trying to figure out a way to break the sudden tension. Without another word, Eshe stood and walked out of the room, leaving Darcie gaping after her in a pin-filled dress.
“Please excuse Eshe,” Bella drew Darcie’s focus away from the door. “We all have our ups and downs with our existence.”
Darcie didn’t know what to say. She started to try and wiggle out of the dress.
“Here,” Bella moved forward with fidgeting hands. “Let me help you.”
A knock at the door halted their movements.
“Come in,” Bella called.
Des walked in, surprising both of the women. “Ladies,” he greeted.
“Des,” Darcie responded while Bella glided to his side. She gave him a quick embrace before turning toward the exit.
“I must go check on Eshe,” she stated before leaving Des and Darcie alone. She managed to thrown the teen a quick wink before gliding out of the room.
The door closed, leaving behind a loud silence as Darcie tried to figure out what exactly just happened between the immortal women.
“I think you might injure someone with that dress.”
Confused, Darcie glanced down at herself. She looked back up and saw his teasing grin.
“It’s not finished,” she smiled back, realizing he referenced the small metal pins protruding from the fabric.
“I am relieved.”
Darcie tried to step down from the platform, but the threatening pressure of a prick stopped her. She groaned. She wanted to be out of the dress.
Des seemed oblivious to her dilemma. “I haven’t seen you in a couple of days,” he stated. “How are you?”
“I’m alright,” she shrugged as much as the dangerou
s dress allowed. “Pretty much the same.”
Except for the ball…
“That reminds me,” Darcie gestured to her dress. “This ball… don’t you think it is a bad idea? I thought my job was to remain out of sight.”
Des strode further into the room. He sat on the high-back wooden chair and looked at her. “It is… complicated.”
She waited for him to elaborate. Des shifted in his seat before leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. His green eyes locked onto hers. “I originally fought Thane when he suggested inviting you to attend the ball. It is a yearly tradition with our community, and many immortals attend. I thought it would be too dangerous to have you exposed like that.”
Darcie swallowed. A yearly tradition? She hadn’t realized so many would be at the event. “And now?”
Des sighed, hanging his head for a moment. “I see the merit in Thane’s reasoning. So many believe you are The One despite my insistence you are not.” He paused to clear his throat. “Hiding you away might not have been the best way to quell the rumors surrounding you. Thane and Lome have convinced me that escorting you to the ball–letting others see us and realize there is not a bond–might enable us to safely return you home.”
She remained silent. Her mind turned over his words and tried to find reason in them.
Darcie wanted to go home; she craved her boring and predictable life in Maine. If the ball would speed up her departure, she would be all for it…
But something didn’t feel right.
Darcie observed Des. Their interactions were less tense, and she believed he and his family wanted her to remain safe. She did not think they would intentionally put her in danger.
However, the other part of the story did not make sense. Darcie spoke with Bella every day. Not one encounter would pass without the petite woman referencing she was Des’ soulmate. Each time, she would correct her.
While Bella would stop speaking of it at that moment, she did not seem to believe Darcie’s claim. It was clear Des’ family continued to believe she was his One.
So why would Thane lie and say he wanted Darcie to attend to squash the rumors?
“I think you are being manipulated,” she finally said. Darcie didn’t enjoy being someone’s pawn, and she suspected Des wouldn’t either.