Welcome to the Haven

by Cate Dean

  Morning? I saw light coming through the windows, splashing across the wood floor. Yeah, it was morning. How did that happen?

  I decided to try out my voice. “Mom?”

  “I’m fine. I’ve had plenty of time to process, and since you didn’t end up in the ICU this time, I believe I’ll continue to be fine.”

  She was so far from fine it scared me. That oh-so-calm voice told me she was barely holding it together, and only because there were witnesses.

  Dad crouched next to me, taking my hand. My arm didn’t hurt. Not one inch hurt, not even my ankle. Zach definitely had improved; he wasn’t able to touch the damage to my ankle last time he healed me.

  “How’s my girl?”

  “Tired.”

  “I can imagine.” He squeezed my hand, and I knew, just like Mom, he was hanging on by his fingertips. Once everyone else left, it would be a whole different family scenario. “Why don’t we get you upstairs.”

  “I can take her, Mr. Finch.” Misty appeared behind him, looking as tired as I felt. Did they all stay up, just to watch over me? That made me feel even more guilty.

  Dad helped me stand, and I got my first glimpse of Sam. He was standing at the end of the sofa, away from everyone else, like he didn’t feel welcome.

  When Misty leaned over to help me stand, I whispered to her. “Have Sam help you.”

  Her eyes widened, but she nodded. “Sam? Can you take one side? I’d feel better if we both helped her up the stairs.”

  He stood in front of me by the time I was upright—and in a déjà vu of our first time, he lifted me in his arms and carried me up to my room. I wanted those minutes to last forever.

  Misty broke the spell, and helped him settle me to the bed. Sam kissed me, his hands warm as they cradled my face.

  “I love you, my sea nymph.”

  “I love you.”

  “That’s so sweet,” Misty said. “Now get out, Sam. You’ll have plenty of time later for that.” She shooed him out and closed the door, smiling at me. “He’s crazy about you. Lucky girl.”

  “Oliver bit Sam and Jake.” I blurted it out before I could stop myself. I had to tell someone.

  “Oh, God.” She gripped my hand, hard. “He told you?”

  “Bragged would be a better word for it.” The rage I’d felt right before I stabbed him with the runes shook me again.

  “Let me guess—you caused all that damage after he told you.”

  I took a deep breath, let go of the rage. It was useless. Besides, Oliver was going to pay. That would have to be good enough.

  “You can’t tell them, Misty.”

  “Oh, I won’t.” She raised her eyebrow at me. “I’ll let you pick the right moment.”

  “I’m not—I can’t—”

  “They have the right to know, Alex. Not only who did this to them, but that he’s getting what he deserves.”

  Misty was right.

  “I’ll tell Sam. I promise.” Once we had some distance. When I found the perfect time.

  “Okay—subject closed. How are you feeling?”

  “Like someone hit me with a truck.”

  “Zach told me that’s normal, when he’s had to pull poison out of your system.”

  “What? Poison—what are you talking about?”

  She sat next to me on the bed. “Whatever you did to finally shut Oliver down, you did it just in time. He had started the bite. Zach was able to pull the poison in his saliva out, because it was still on the surface of your skin, and not in your bloodstream.”

  I stared at her, trying to let what she said sink in. I knew he was going to do it—but part of me didn’t believe he’d actually bite me bite me. He’d be lucky if Simon managed to sneak him out of the haven before Sam got to him.

  “Do my parents know about that?”

  “God, no. Zach told them the healing wore you out, because you’d been fighting with your injuries.”

  Bless him. I owed him, big time.

  “Tell him I said thank you.”

  “Nope. You can tell him yourself, on our next double date.”

  “What?”

  She crossed her arms. “We did not get to show off our fine selves in our gorgeous dresses, so Sam and Zach agreed to a do over. A limo, a fancy restaurant in L.A., and a peaceful, no monsters allowed date. You can’t say no, Alex. I’ll have to kill you, and I really want to go on this date.”

  I let out my breath. “Okay.”

  Misty shrieked, doing a double pom pom pump. “You’re the best!” She calmed down fast, especially when footsteps pounded up the stairs. “Let me get this one.” She stood just as Mom barreled into the room. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Finch. Alex was just agreeing to our double date, and I got carried away.”

  “It’s all right, Misty. My heart may take a while to recover, but I do enjoy your enthusiasm.” While she was here, she came over and checked my forehead. No covering it with a kiss, it was a straight up “I’m checking to see if you’re dying of a fever” check. “Why don’t we let Alex rest? I’m sure your parents are eager to have you home as well.”

  “Right.” She leaned in to hug me, and whispered against my hair. “Call me later.”

  I nodded, and she let go, bounding across the room. Sometimes just watching her makes me tired.

  Mom pulled the door closed as she backed out of the room. “Get some rest, Margaret. We can discuss things once you’re feeling better.”

  Oh, boy. A wild guess—discussing things meant they were going to decide my future.

  I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be too happy with the outcome.

  14

  After a week of recuperation, I was ready to face down my parents, and whatever they thought they decided for me. I was going to fight it. They weren’t going to be happy, but I’m almost eighteen, and it’s time to stand up for what I want.

  They waited for me in the dining room, where we usually had all our family meetings.

  “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Dad stood, helped me into my chair. I was still tired, but the aches I woke up with this morning were gone. Zach told me to take it easy on my ankle, but I shouldn’t have anything more than twinges—and even those would go away, once it finished healing. He was getting a giant gift basket from me—a month’s supply of roast beef sandwiches from Lily’s takeout would be a good start. Dad waited until he was seated to start talking. “Alex, I know this attack wasn’t your fault—”

  “Dad.” My heart skipped at the serious look in his eyes.

  “But your mother and I agreed that we can’t ride this rollercoaster anymore.”

  I twisted my hands together, under the table so they wouldn’t see how scared I was. “Can you please get to the bottom line?”

  Dad smiled. “We are well aware that even if we forbid you, Alex, you would find a way to be involved. And we don’t want to take away your friends, not when you just found them.” He held Mom’s hand, and she nodded, her eyes bright with tears. “We want to be part of it. All of it.”

  I stared at them. “You—want to be . . .”

  “In the loop,” Mom said. “Privy to information, in the know. Whatever cliché you care to choose. What your father’s trying to say is we want to know before, instead of walking into the aftermath.”

  I was waiting for the but. They watched me, no sign of deceit or imminent grounding on their faces.

  “You mean it,” I whispered. Stunned didn’t even begin to cover how I felt. “You’re not going to keep me from being with Sam?”

  “Your mother’s parents weren’t exactly thrilled with her choice,” Dad said. She smiled at him. “It worked out quite well, I think.” Did I say my parents are awesome? “But.” And here it came—the conditions that would wrap me in a straitjacket of rules. “Your mother wants to see the haven, meet the—residents you’re around every day.”

  “She—what?” Just when I thought they couldn’t surprise me anymore. “Mom—”

  “This is a huge part of your life, and I
can see how important the haven is to you.” Mom squeezed Dad’s hand. Hard. “When I said I wanted to be part of your life, I did mean all of it.”

  I covered my mouth with one hand, because I was going to start crying in a minute. Dad came around the table and pulled me into his arms.

  “Let it out, Alex. I know you keep a great deal inside, to protect us.”

  The tears started, flowing hard and fast. Dad led me to the living room and wrapped his arms around me. Mom sat on my other side, her hand rubbing my back. Once I cried myself out I let them soothe me. It felt so good to be a unit again, to know I didn’t have to duck out of the house to avoid lying to them.

  “I should tell you,” I cleared my throat, wiping at my face. “I’ve been taking self-defense lessons.”

  Dad studied me. “Karate? Kung fu?”

  I shook my head. “Tai chi.”

  His laughter wrapped around me, as warm as his arms. “Tai chi caused all that damage?”

  “Dragon fan. It’s much more effective than I expected it to be.”

  Mom left while I finished mopping myself up, returning with a tray of finger foods. Trust her to think of my stomach. We all munched, the silence comfortable in a way it hadn’t been for too long.

  Dad leaned back, let out a satisfied sigh. He held out his hand, and I took it, wrapping my arms around his waist. “We’ll have to set ground rules, Alex. For all of us, I suppose. You’re almost an adult, as much as it pains me to admit that. I know once you turn eighteen, your life is your own. I hope we can always be part of it.”

  “Dad.” I held on, reached one hand to Mom. They created a parent sandwich, hugging me for a long time. “That’s a no-brainer.”

  They both laughed, and the tension that had been coiling through me for longer than I can remember finally let go. No matter what, I had them on my side. Better, I had friends who would walk through fire for me. I’d do the same, without hesitating. Those are the kind of friends worth waiting most of my life for.

  15

  The night of the double date arrived, along with Sam, Misty, and Zach, in the longest stretch limo I’d ever seen. It was a pearly white that glistened in the late afternoon sun, hundreds of tiny rainbows chasing across the surface—and I’ll stop now. Let’s just say it was an amazing way to travel to L.A., with my three best friends.

  It got better. Sam stood at the bottom of the stairs when I appeared, my hair tamed into long, loopy curls, and my blue velvet dress hugging what curves I had. His mouth dropped open, and he stared as I walked down the stairs. It gave me time to take in the gorgeous white tux that set off his blonde hair. He was six plus feet of mouth-watering beautiful.

  By the time I reached him, I was somewhat composed, and he’d picked his jaw up off the floor. He held out his hand.

  “You look—I’m speechless, Alex.”

  I smiled. Now I understood why girls did this; the power could be addicting. “I hope you find your words again. Otherwise this is going to be a long night.”

  That broke the spell. He cupped my chin, and kissed me. A quick kiss, since my parents were standing next to the front door.

  Dad stepped forward and held out his hand. “You are beautiful, sweetheart.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  He gave me a loud, smacking kiss. I laughed, and turned to Mom. She was glowing.

  “Have a wonderful time.” She pressed her cheek to mine, and whispered. “Your father and I left a gift for you. It’s in the limo. I love you so much.” She was teary when she pulled back. “My little girl, all grown up.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I would have been embarrassed, but I knew this was a huge moment for her. With a tomboy for a daughter, I’m sure she never expected to have the “daughter headed out for a fancy date” moment. I let her take full advantage. “We’re going to go.”

  Sam took my hand and led me out to the porch. I waved at my parents, knowing they’d stand in the doorway and watch until the limo was out of sight.

  Misty and Zach stood on the sidewalk—and they looked incredible.

  Misty was wearing her white gown, her blonde hair an elegant braided crown. And Zach—he was a vision in his black tux, his smile brilliant as he aimed it at me.

  Sam leaned down, whispered in my ear. “Ready to go?”

  His warm breath sent a shiver through me. I looked up at him, and nodded, afraid my voice would give away how nervous I was.

  Misty snapped me out of it. She let out a high-pitched shriek and rushed me.

  “Alex!” She hugged me, careful not to mess up anything. How did she do that? Just touching my hair set it off. Another girly girl gene I did not inherit. “You have to open it. Come on!”

  She grabbed my hand and hauled me down the sidewalk. Thank heaven for my ballet flats and my newly healed ankle. I would have ended up face first on the sidewalk from her enthusiasm.

  The back door of the limo was already open, and she pointed at a creamy, oversized envelope on the seat. “Open it, Alex. I’m dying here.”

  With a smile, I took my time, until Misty started bouncing. I ended the torture, and pulled out the folded paper.

  My eyes widened as I read it. A reservation at the most expensive hotel in L.A.—two rooms, one for the girls, and one for the boys. I turned around and looked at my parents. Dad nodded, and Mom smiled.

  I understood why when I saw the note at the bottom of the reservation.

  There is a chaperone included, Alex. He will be driving the limo. Enjoy yourself, and don’t let him regret volunteering for the job. We love you,

  Mom and Dad

  I looked over at the driver’s side—and Simon appeared, wearing a black suit, a cap, and an amused smile.

  “Your carriage awaits, my beautiful maidens.”

  Misty giggled, waiting for him to walk around. He helped her into the back of the limo, holding her hand until she was settled. Then he turned to me.

  “Thank you, Simon.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Alex. I also have a possible assignment, so I can keep myself occupied until time to drive you all to the hotel.” He bent over my hand, like a knight, brushing a soft kiss over my knuckles. “You deserve every second.”

  I wanted to know what happened in London, but it could wait. Tonight was for us, to reconnect, to enjoy.

  I couldn’t wait.

  ~ ~ ~

  The night was—magical.

  Yeah, it sounds cheesy, but that’s exactly what it was. Pure magic.

  Once we settled in our hotel rooms, I changed—much to Misty’s disappointment.

  “You looked so good, Alex. Don’t you want to show yourself off a little longer?”

  “I want to be comfortable.” I pulled on my favorite stretched out blue thermal shirt and an old pair of sweats. Misty let out a sigh. “It’s okay—Sam loves me for me, not my fancy clothes.”

  “Thank heaven for that.”

  I smiled, and slid into a scuffed pair of ballet flats. “I had an amazing time tonight. Thank you for setting it up.”

  She stared at me, obviously surprised. I surprised her more by walking over and hugging her. She held on to me, sniffling by the time she let go.

  “You deserved it. We all did, after what we went through.”

  “Got that right. Zach must be waiting for you.” A grin spread across her face. “I’ll see you later.”

  I met Sam on the top floor, in a closed lounge, with L.A. spread at our feet.

  He wrapped me in his arms, kissing the top of my head.

  “Did you have a good time tonight?”

  “Better than good.”

  We stayed that way for a while, watching the traffic snake along the freeway, the lights blink on and off in different parts of the city. Less than a year ago I would never, even in my wildest dreams, imagine myself like this with Sam Emmett. Now I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.

  He finally broke the comfortable silence, his voice quiet. “Thank you, for believing in me.”

  I lifted my head,
met his grey-blue eyes. “I’ve always believed in you, Sam.”

  He cupped my chin and kissed me. It was so tender, I felt tears sting my eyes.

  “I love you, Alex. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  “Sam.” I framed his face, my fingers brushing the scars on his right cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  He laughed, warm and deep. It sounded so good—he hadn’t laughed for quite a while. I was going to make sure he did it more often.

  “You are a constant surprise. I’ve always liked that about you.” He leaned in, brushed his lips over mine. “I’ve always liked you, my sea nymph.”

  I let out a shaky breath. He told me, last October. All those years of me pretending not to stare at him, and he knew. He saw. It was still a surprise that he chose me.

  He pulled me in, rested his chin on the top of my head. Even though I was a good bit shorter, we fit. I liked that we did.

  This would be the perfect time to tell him I knew who bit him, and Jake. To finally give him closure.

  I took the coward’s way, not wanting that to stain our perfect night. I’d tell him.

  Someday.

  A yawn snuck up on me. Sam rubbed my back, and kissed my forehead.

  “Let’s get you to bed.”

  “I don’t want to.” My body was telling me otherwise. It had been a long day—an amazing day, but a long one, and I was still coming off recovery mode.

  “I know.” He led me to the door as he said it, and chuckled when I yawned again. “We’ll see each other at breakfast. There’s a nice, soft bed waiting for you.”

  I leaned against him in the elevator, dragging my feet all the way back to my hotel room. I didn’t want tonight to end. I wanted Sam all to myself, for just a little longer. Like a week or so. When we went back, the haven would demand all his attention.

  Not that I minded sharing him—I didn’t. But sometimes, I just wanted him to myself.

  “Selfish,” I mumbled.

  “Alex.” He stopped, and I recognized the hotel room number. Mine. “You are the least selfish person I know.”

  “Want you all to myself.”

  He kissed me. “We’ll see that you get regular face time with me.”