Jaden's Heart

by Melanie Jackson

  When the sadness turned to sympathy, it was too much, so I looked away.

  Her gloved hand on my shoulder sent fiery waves through my body and I relished it. “You’re not that person anymore.” Her fingers tangled with mine and I smiled at her.

  “Sorry, I meant for this to be fun and here I am carrying on,” I said. “Come on, there's more to see.”

  A brick walkway connected the red two-story barn to the main house. “I built a barn in this very spot in sixteen eleven but it burned down while I was attending one of the first performance of Shakespeare's Cymbeline. So in the summer of eighteen seventy, I commissioned this barn to be built. It has had several upgrades since then.”

  “What took you so long to rebuild it?” Alexis asked.

  “I was in Venice with Desiree. We were chasing rumors of ancient Immortal artifacts,” I explained as we stopped outside a stall. “During our civil war, we lost so many of our people's relics.”

  A curious brown mare came up to greet us. “What happened to them?” Alexis asked, patting the horse's nose.

  I frowned. “After the fires died out, looters raided the Immortal City, taking what ever they could carry. So when rumors pop up, the council has them investigated.”

  “And when they call, you go.”

  I brushed the horse's mane and replied, “They are my people, after all.”

  A voice rose from the other side of the barn. “Would you like to go riding, My Ladies?” a man asked.

  We turned and Alexis gave the aging stable hand a kind smile. “No, but thank you. We are just out for a walk,” she said.

  “Very well, my lady. Just let us know if we can assist you in any way,” he said, bowing deeply.

  Alexis attempted a curtsy, nearly falling in the process. I steadied her, trying not to laugh. “Thank you, we will.” Her cheeks were flaming red.

  Grinning widely, I led her from the stables and down the long driveway lined with cherry trees. We stopped at the sixteen-foot wrought iron driveway gate. She ran her hand over the old English letter H displayed in calligraphy within it.

  “This wall and gate are the newest addition. I had it installed twenty years ago when the town began to encroach upon my property line,” I said.

  She looked up at the two four-foot stone hawks with glowing red eyes. “They look like they're staring at us. Creepy!”

  I laughed. “They’re cameras. The red hue is from their infrared and night vision capabilities.”

  Alexis shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. “They're still super creepy.”

  I took her hand. “Come on, let's get you warm.”

  The walk back was impressively and unintentionally romantic, with snow covering the driveway under our feet and dusting the tops of the cherry trees. It was a picture pulled right from a book. She snuggled close to me as we walked. A black crow landed on the holly hedges and called out into the bright winter day.

  “So what's with all the hawks?” she asked when we reached the large fountain.

  “It's my family's crest,” I replied.

  “Your human family?”

  I nodded.

  She looked up at the large stone hawk. “So it’s like a monument to them.”

  “I suppose in a way, but I also like them.”

  Alexis laughed. “You are so weird.”

  I laughed, pulling her into my arms. “You forgot beautiful, charming—”

  She cut my words off with a warm kiss.

  A man cleared his throat; Alexis broke the kiss and her blush returned. In his Armani suit, Mr. Whitmore was a black stain against the white landscape.

  “Mr. Whitmore,” I said, extending my hand to him.

  I was thrilled to see our little adventure together had not chased him away. I was further relieved when he took my hand and shook it firmly. I exchanged an introduction between him and Alexis.

  “I'm glad that you're safe, my dear,” he said.

  “Thank you for everything,” Alexis said, surprising the man with a quick, shy hug.

  Mr. Whitmore returned the hug and bowed slightly, embarrassed. “Anytime.”

  “I suppose you've come with work for me to do,” I sighed.

  “I just need you look over and authorize next year's spending budget,” Mr. Whitmore replied.

  “All right, let's head in. We can work in my office,” I said.

  We climbed the stairs and entered the mansion. “How did things work out with the FBI?”

  “Good for now,” he replied.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  Mr. Whitmore shrugged. “It's probably nothing, but they weren't only looking into Jaden's financial activities, but her personal ones as well. I have a feeling they were looking for something specific. Something they didn’t find,” he said as they handed their coats to the butler.

  “What do you think they were looking for?” Alexis asked, concerned.

  “It's hard to tell, but I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of them,” he replied.

  I frowned. “Let’s hope you’re wrong.”

  “So this is the human female!” Lady Marianna declared as she descended the stairs. Her long, light blue dress was open, displaying her toned back. Her ears glittered with diamonds.

  Alexis looked her over with uncertain eyes as she practically floated from the last step to join us.

  “Alexis, this is Lady Marianna. The Lady of the First, which I belong to,” I explained. “She is also the head of the Immortal Council.”

  Alexis managed not to tumble over as she made a stiff, cautious bow. Lady Marianna's laugh radiated through the hall as she fell into a deep, elaborate curtsy and winked at her.

  “She is very lovely,” Lady Marianna commented, sending Alexis into another round of blushing.

  Mr. Whitmore kissed her hand. “My lady, I am a curious man. So tell me, how many Immortals are there?”

  “It is hard to know for sure. Not everyone recognizes the council's laws. Those who are under our rule number five thousand,” she replied.

  “That many?” Mr. Whitmore asked, surprised.

  “Yes, but many are still very young. We only have about a hundred and ten above the age of four hundred. Unfortunately, most of our elders have passed from their second life.”

  Mr. Whitmore's eyebrows rose. “Four hundred is considered young?”

  “You are still considered a youngster until your six hundredth year,” I replied.

  “Speaking of, Jaden, your birthday is fast approaching. Have you decided on a party?” Lady Marianna asked as we removed our dripping boots and outerwear.

  “Not this year, Lady,” I replied.

  Alexis settled into soft suede flats then thanked the butler several times before he carried away our wet clothes.

  “Your birthday? But I thought you were born in November,” she asked, confused.

  I laughed. “I was, but we celebrate the day we become Immortal. I was turned on the twentieth of February in eleven nineteen.”

  Mr. Whitmore whistled as he held the library door open for us. “Nine hundred and eighteen years old.”

  I squinted at him and wagged a finger under his nose. “Didn't anyone ever tell you not to talk about a woman's age?”

  “I'll have to think of something to get you!” Alexis furrowed her eyebrows as she ran her hands over the antiquated leather-bound encyclopedia collection. “Are you sure about the party?”

  “I'm sure,” I said. “With the way things have been going, I would rather just enjoy my time with you.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “Mr. Whitmore and I should work on the budget.”

  Lady Marianna took Alexis's hand. “While you two work, Alexis and I can have a little chat.”

  “Jade?” Alexis asked, slightly nervous as the older woman clasped her by the forearm.

  “It's okay, I'll see you in a few hours,” I called after her as Lady Marianna swept her down the hallway.

  I knew Lady Marianna wanted to hear Alexis's version of the e
vents leading up to and after her rescue. She wanted to judge our relationship herself. Perhaps Alexis would succeed where I failed. If she could get into Lady Marianna's good graces, it might help our cause.

  I smiled, if anyone can convince the council we are no threat, it’s Alexis.

  Mr. Whitmore followed me into my office and I settled on the leather couch with a heavy sigh. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.

  “Something wrong?” he asked, setting his briefcase down on the coffee table.

  “I know I’ve already asked much of our friendship these last few days. But, I need to ask you to do me one more favor.”

  He settled into the chair across from me. “I'm not participating in bloodlettings, pagan rituals, or any other inhuman activities.”

  I laughed, the tension easing from my body.

  “This is the first time I've seen you truly happy,” he commented.

  “Perhaps love can do that to a person.”

  “I suppose you're right.” Mr. Whitmore smiled. “So what is it you need?” he asked, opening his briefcase.

  I was silent for a long moment then leaned forward. “Before you agree to help me, you deserve to know everything.”

  He raised his brows. “Well that would be a first.”

  “What I'm about to disclose to you can never leave this room, it must remain confidential.”

  “I understand,” he said, giving me his undivided attention.

  “The Houses are on the verge of war. A war with one or several unknown instigators.”

  “War?” Mr. Whitmore’s eyes widened.

  I nodded.

  “Good Heavens! Who would want to start a bloody war?”

  “We don't know. It could be anyone, even someone within our own Houses. With the attack on the summit foiled they are sure to escalate their plans—whatever they may be.”

  “There's no peaceful way to work things out?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “Immortals have been grappling for power over one another since our creation. And seeing how we don’t die naturally, killing is the preferred method of obtaining such power.”

  “Humans have been known to use such means to obtain things as well,” Mr. Whitmore commented. “So what do you know about this enemy?”

  “Very little. However, there is one other thing I find disturbing. They are breading sicariorim.” I replied, leaning back against the sofa.

  “What?”

  “Humans either taken as children and taught to kill or recruited criminals. The ‘master’ asserts dominance over them through torture then he turns them into Immortals and unleashes them to do as they’re bid. They are extremely dangerous and it is forbidden to create such monsters,” I explained.

  Mr. Whitmore leaned back, fingered his cufflink, and asked, “and what does your council say about what has happened?”

  I shrugged. “Officially, the council is still investigating. However, I’m sure they have discussed the attacks among themselves at great length.”

  “You suspect one of them is involved,” he guessed.

  I sighed and rubbed my temples. “I hope not, but anything is possible. The houses have always maintained an arduous and fragile peace among themselves. Thus, it would not take much to set them against each other.”

  Mr. Whitmore rubbed his grizzled chin. “I see.”

  “It gets worse.”

  “Of course it does,” Mr. Whitmore replied sarcastically.

  “My place in the houses is about to change drastically and it is going to make things complicated, very quickly,” I said, my stomach is churning. “I’m to undergo a test. If I pass, I will replace a recently deceased member of the council and take control of her House. Meaning I will suddenly be given a significant amount of power.”

  “I'm assuming others will not be happy with this development,” Mr. Whitmore said.

  “Unhappy is an understatement. But no one, not even a council member, would directly challenge me for my position. Instead, they will act friendly and bide their time as they plot my assassination behind closed doors.”

  “How can I help?” he asked.

  “If I survive this test—”

  “If you survive? Jaden—” he tried to interrupt.

  “The test I will undergo is a life or death ordeal,” I explained.

  “Is there no way out of it?”

  “No. To disobey them would mean a certain death for me. At least by taking the test, I have a chance to make this right by Alexis.” I took a deep breath and continued, “The council is going to compel Alexis to forget every moment since she met me. It's my fault for making such a spectacle of myself. I want to make sure she's taken care of, regardless of what happens to me.”

  “Would you like me to draw up your last will and testament?”

  “Considerably more. Brian, I want you to become her legal guardian. I don’t want her to want for anything. I want her to live here, at Hawk Manor. To have a long, happy, fulfilled life.”

  “Here? Where will you live?” He paused. “If you live,” he amended.

  “If I pass the test, Seers have always held a place of power and influence among my people. I will have no choice but to become a council member. In that case, I'll have to move to Ivy's estate in Ireland, as custom dictates. Besides, they’re going to need me to find this enemy,” I replied.

  “So what can I do?”

  “I'm going to strike a deal with the council to serve them, in exchange for Alexis being allow to remain in your care. You just have to keep her safe. You're the only one I can trust. But, know there could be great danger in this task. If I have to pick a side in whatever war is brewing, my enemies will mount quickly.”

  “They may come after Alexis,” Mr. Whitmore said, his voice low.

  I nodded. “I’m going to ask some of my Immortal friends to look in on her, occasionally.”

  “You won't, yourself?”

  “The deal I will strike will forbid me from seeing her for some time,” I paused to swallow the large lump of pain that formed with my words. “If there is a war, the separate could be indefinite.”

  “You understand if you do this, the Alexis you have come to love will be gone,” he said.

  “She will still be Alexis. Nothing can change that,” I replied. “Just keep her safe.”

  “I promise.” Mr. Whitmore reached into his briefcase and pulled out the yearly spending reports. “These might seem a tad boring in light of recent topics, but we might as well brush up on the housekeeping.”

  “Thank you, Brian,” I said, resting my hand on his.

  His big, warm hand enveloped mine as he met my eyes and nodded solemnly.

  Thirty-One

  “you don't think this is a bit excessive?” Alexis asked.

  We stood in the large five-car garage surrounded by my stunning collection of classic and luxury cars. “Not really,” I said, watching her survey the vehicles.

  “Jaden, your home is so large you can get lost on your way to the bathroom. I should know, I've done it.” I ginned, as she continued, “That doesn't take into account the ten purebred horses, tennis courts, thirteen-foot swimming pool, the colossus telescope and now this!” she waved her hand at the well-polished vehicles.

  “I did tell you I own several vehicles,” I said, looking about the garage.

  “Yeah! Like two, not five. I mean, there has to be at least a million dollars worth of cars in here.”

  “Really? I didn't pay anywhere near that for them.”

  Alexis sighed as she ran her hand over the hood of a red Ferrari.

  “That's my favorite,” I said, strolling over to the passenger side door. “Bright red two thousand sixteen f-twelve Berlinetta with a slightly modified v-twelve engine.” I opened the door.

  “Oh, only slightly?” she teased.

  “With my modifications, this baby can reach seventy miles-per-hour within three seconds,” I said proudly.

  “Isn't that dangerous?”

  I grinned. “I
took my two thousand fifteen out for a nighttime drive and wrapped it around a tree. Luckily no one was around to see me walk away.”

  “I guess there are advantages to being Immortal,” she said.

  I laughed. “A few. So should we take her for a spin?”

  Alexis's eyes widened. “Really?”

  “You can even drive,” I said and she gaped at me. “Here,” I tossed her the keys.

  She missed them by a few inches and had to pick them up off the floor.

  “Not on the baseball team, I take it,” I teased, making up for her earlier zing.

  Her blush was nearly the color of the Ferrari. “What if I crash?”

  “I have very good insurance. If you're worried about bodily injury, don't. I process information quicker than you, so I can easily protect you.”

  “Not quickly enough. You did crash!” Alexis pointed out, scowling.

  “I was going nearly two hundred miles an hour and...” I went silent, realizing I had insulted her. “I didn't mean—” I started.

  “Don't put your foot in any deeper,” she warned.

  “Sorry.”

  She examined the car with delicate fingers. “Let's go!” she said excitedly.

  I watched her skillfully navigate the winding streets through the corner of my eye. It had taken Alexis only a few minutes to get the hang of driving on the left side of the road. She drove slower than I would have preferred, but it was nice just being beside her. I set the GPS's destination for London. I wanted to show her the local cuisine, bookstores, and clothing boutiques.

  She entertained me through the long drive with questions and we took turns selecting songs. Alexis giggled at my choices but kept her opinions to herself. Between the two of us, the music went from Sia to Mozart. When we had nearly reached our destination, she demanded that I drive, stating that she didn't want to run over any pedestrians.

  “Are you hungry?” I inquired as I navigated London's busy streets.

  “I could eat,” she said casually, taking in the sights.

  The welcoming scent of coffee, tea, and fresh baked goods greeted us as we entered the café. It was a small establishment with comfortable furnishings. Alexis pulled her gloves off and tucked them into her coat pockets. The sun shone through the large picture windows, filling the single room cafe with warm and natural light. People stood in line to order and more filled various tables about the room. We took a place in the line behind a woman and her young son. The child stared at me with suspicion then turned his attention to Alexis, who crossed her eyes and bulged her cheeks. I choked back a laugh.