“I hate to tell ya this beautiful it would have happened one way or another.”
“What do ya mean?” I said after I have drink most of my drink in one large gulp.
“Umm excuse me.’ Trish said in her sarcastic tone that she normally talked with. ‘But can someone please enlighten us on what the hell is going on?” Both Jaryn and Blake let out a deep breath but stopped when they saw me looking up at them. Neither one of them seemed to be able to tell me no.
“She’s my best friend, they all are. I don’t want to lie to them anymore.” I told them, even if Ashwin had to erase everything later on for the moment I wanted everyone to know what was going on in my life because overall this problem might involve them and put their lives in danger. I couldn’t stand to lose one of them over this so knowing would be better than being left in the dark.
Once everything was explained to them they proceeded to tell me about the Twilight and what Emmalee was talking about. “Emmalee wasn’t turned by The Keepers like we were. She’s with the others…the Ambrosian Immortals.” Jaryn explained.
“The Ambrosian Immortals?” I asked unsure of what the difference was.
“There are two kind of immortals. There is us; the kind that were turn by The Keepers and the others were turned by drinking from the Fountain of Ambrosia.” Jaryn continued.
“Wasn’t Ambrosia was said to be the drink or food of the Gods?” I questioned the root of the myth.
“It is, those Gods are the leaders of the Ambrosian Immortals. They are to Emmalee as Ozlem, Lieka and Cade are to us. They pick and choose who they change but their immortals are a bit more temperamental. Out of control, we don’t have anything on them.” Blake said.
“More than you all?” I asked snidely knowing they both had a bloody past. Both guys looked at each other and smiled widely, teeth shining. All of the Hollings had blood on their hands in one way or another whether it was by accident or on purpose.
“We’ve come in contact with some Ambrosians in the past and they’ve always been bad news. They’re nothing but trouble with powers as well, every immortal has a power and their responsible for a lot of things in the world’s history but no one knows other than us…and them.” Jaryn said with a dull tone in his voice. I wasn’t going to even question if this was true or not because I could tell just by the look on his face. Rather than questioning anything that they were saying I turned to the other thing that Emmalee had talked about.
“And the Twilight?”
“The Twilight is a story that has been told about a war between the Immortals of The Keepers and the Ambrosia Immortals. Within the war will be the one who can destroy one group or another by bringing forth the Twilight. Whatever side that person is with shall overcome. That’s what she was talking about.” Blake finished looking towards the floor as if he was ashamed.
“That’s why I have the katana isn’t it? I’m that one?” I asked already knowing the answer. They said that they didn’t know but that was what the others were finding out at that moment. Suddenly Charlie spoke up.
“Wait you have a katana?”
“Yeah, I’ve hidden it where no one will find it though.” I advised.
“Oh you’ve got to be bloody kiddin’ me?” Blake snapped. I knew what he was thinking. He thought history was going to repeat itself.
“No one is gonna murder me before I have a chance to use it but I might use it on you if you don’t watch your tone.” I said as I stepped up to him. I was close enough to smell his scent and the warmth of his breath.
“Go on and try, I’d see ya comin’ remember?” he barked back.
“Only if ya can. You don’t see everything or don’t you remember that?”
“Enough for fuck shake!” Jaryn barked. The others looked on at the three of us without words to express what they were witnessing.
“And you, you don’t get to talk to me.” Blake snapped to his youngest brother suddenly remembering what Emmalee has informed him of; the fact that she was cheating on Blake with his own brother.
“You can’t be mad at me for that. It was ages ago!” Jaryn said standing up from himself.
“Bullshit, I can be mad all I want. I’m beyond mad brother, I’m furious! You were sleepin’ with me wife!” Blake yelled. The word wife made me more uncomfortable than if probably should have but it did, twisting like a knife in my heart.
“You didn’t love her, I did! We all know that you had countless affairs on the side as well.” Jaryn said, finally admitting his secret out loud. I finally knew his own demon that he had to live with. He hadn’t been married but he did give his heart to someone.
“I was forced into a marriage I didn’t want to be in.” Blake roared.
“But stealing you’re brother’s girl, that’s fine now isn’t it?” Jaryn said back. Blake suddenly stopped and asked what Jaryn was talking about. “I’m talkin’ about you bein’ a hypocrite. You act like we don’t see what is goin’ on between you and Nora. I think the only one who hasn’t seen is Reid because he doesn’t want to.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I finally felt the words form in my head, then as they moved up my throat and out my mouth.
“Stop it! Both of you stop it! Jaryn there isn’t anything going on with us, nothing more than friendship. I think you’re looking for something more so that you can cover up your own shame and I will not be dragged into this. You’re both hypocrites in many ways and I will not stand here and take this.” I said as I stormed out of the room and up the stairs. I would have normally gone outside but I didn’t feel that that would have been the wisest idea at the moment due to the current situation. I headed to the farthest door I could find - a bedroom and fell onto the bed. I was upset at everything that was happening, upset that my life was becoming turned upside down again after it had been calm for so many months. I had always known in the back of my mind that it wouldn’t last though but I had only hoped it would have lasted a little longer than it did. I hid my face in my arms, not wanting to face the world but then I heard a knock at the door.
From the other side I heard a voice that was neither Hollings brother that was in the house thankfully. I told Adam to come in. He sat on the edge of the bed and only looked at me. “I know you probably think all of this is nuts but…”
“Nor…I don’t fully understand anything that’s happening, none of us do but just know that we’re always here for you. You’re one of my best friends and I hope you still feel the same about me. I mean I hope you’ve put our past fully behind us and you’ll let me help if I can?” He said in a kind voice. His embarrassing shy boy act made me smile. He was so different than bother Reid or Blake. He was the boy next door with bright blue eyes, blond hair and killer smile while wearing a lettermen jacket for football. All of the Hollings men were dark haired, dark eyes and darker souls. They all smiled beautifully to hide the monsters they thought they were. Thinking about Blake alone caused me to be weak in the knees but having him as close as he was – it was killing me.
“Of course, I’m way over how we broke up.”
“So what’s up with the tension with that taller one?” He asked meaning Blake. I explained he was a thorn in my side but that was all. Even Adam seemed to think that I was lying about that. I could tell by the way he looked at me. I only smiled and slapped his shoulders. We sat there joking for a while longer when I heard another knock at the door. Adam stood to open the door, finding Blake on the other side.
“Can I come in?” He asked politely. I nodded that he could and Adam allowed him by before turning back to me.
“Are you gonna be okay Nor?” he asked.
“I’m fine Adam, thanks.” I said with a smile on my face, hiding the fact that I was scared to death of what was going to happen between myself and Blake once we were alone.
Fifteen
Just as Adam was leaving he paused in the doorway where he and Blake were starring each other down like wild dogs ready to fight. Although Adam and I had broken up our friendshi
p healed and he had once again become increasingly protective over me, not that he had ever stopped. After the awkward stare down Blake slammed the door behind him and gave me a questioning look. “Nor?” he asked.
“Don’t do that.” I announced.
“Don’t do what?”
“Act like a jealous boyfriend.’ I fell back onto the bed as I let out a deep breath. ‘Adam and I have been friends for a long time. We had a bad break up but were better now, were friends again but that’s all. Just like you and I are…just friends.” Blake sat beside me, leaning towards me. I knew what he wanted but I wasn’t going to allow it to happen. He also knew that I missed him and he didn’t have to see the future to know that. It was written all over my face. I wanted him near me, I wanted him to touch me. Even with all those feeling swirling around within me I still could help but to feel guilty for having them while I knew Reid still cared so much for me. I didn’t know if he had caught on like everyone else seemed to and was denying it or he was truly oblivious to the fact.
“You missed me yeah?” he said with a smirk.
“I’m not justifying that with an answer. How about we talk about Emmalee?” I said. That was a statement that made him back down.
“I would prefer if we didn’t.”
“Well you don’t have a choice. Answer me honestly - did you really not know that she was alive?” I asked. He shook his head with a sullen look on his face. I couldn’t help but to go to him, pulling him close to me as I comforted him. I knew that he was upset even though he put on a mask for the world. Maybe it was natural instinct to wrap my arms around his head as he held my body, his head on my lap but it felt right holding him. After he pulled himself away he looked up at me with swollen eyes and told me that he didn’t. He thought that she had died centuries ago of the fever, and illness that killed many throughout Europe. “And Jaryn?”
“I don’t want to talk about that either.” He snapped with his eyes glistening, tears wanting to fall but he wouldn’t allow them to.
“You need to talk about it, it’s just me. I’m not gonna judge you and think ill of you in any way. You know that.” He looked up at me and my words must have worked because he finally let his guard down.
“I forced to marry a woman I didn’t love, I never loved or cared for her but what hurts the most is that my younger brother betrayed me. Had an affair with her and above all else lied to me about it all these years.”
“But you never loved her.” I stated hoping to ease his pain even if it was slightly.
“Never.” He stated firmly as if he was trying to convince me thought I didn’t need convincing. I could see that he was telling the truth.
“And you slept with others too?” I brought up.
“Aye, I did and I’m sorry that you know that.”
“That you’re a man-whore.” I said with a smile. It was infectious to a point because he gave me a hint of a smile but it soon faded.
“I have the woman I loathed back in my life and the woman I’ve loved longer than she’s been alive wants out but is being forced to stay.” He said with sadness in his voice. I could literally feel my heart breaking, his words stinging my heart. I was trying to stay away from Blake not only for myself but for Reid as well but the closer I was to him the more I felt myself itching to be with him.
“Stop that!’ I barked. ‘Emmalee won’t be here forever and as for me…” My words trailed, knowing what I wanted to say but worried if I actually said the words out loud.
“As for you?” I looked into his dark blue eyes and suddenly I was overcome with emotion, every emotion that a person could feel for someone that they cared so much for. I suddenly jumped from him with rage in my eyes.
“Damn you Blake, you know what I want because it’s the same thing that you want but it can’t be. We both agreed on that because it was the best for all parties involved, mainly Reid.” As if my words didn’t affect him at all he stood from where he hunched over and looked square into my eyes. I felt them piercing my soul.
“To hell with Reid!” He roared. I told him that he didn’t mean those words. He and Reid had taken months to repair their relationship. It was far from perfect but loving me was a step backwards for him. He knew it he too, he just didn’t want to admit it to himself.
“Jaryn took Emmalee from me so why can’t I take you from Reid? I mean already have so why not make it known to the world…haven’t I?” He asked. I looked up at him, drowning in his eyes.
“You know you have but Reid didn’t do anything to you other than leave you all. That doesn’t justify this act.” I explained. I felt horrible about the whole situation, guilty.
“So what are you just gonna stay with him?”
“I’m not with him! When Reid and I parted ways last time I told him I needed space, for us to just be friends but this would still kill him if he knew.”
“But you’re also stringin’ him along, making him think that there might be chance. You know he still thinks of you as do I.’ He inched closer to me still, finally able to grab me by the shoulders; pulling me into him. He smiled bashfully. ‘But I won’t let him get a chance. I’ve loved you for a long time Nora and I’m not one to give up easily. You should know that.” He said with a wink. I did know. He was stubborn when it came to getting something that he wanted and apparently he wanted me.
“You’re in love with a girl who might not be such a big deal. I’m not a big deal, I’m just me.”
“Just you is all I’ll ever need. I’ve waited for you for so long…I’m not gonna just let you slip away. You’re a huge deal not just to me but to every immortal on this planet but to me you’re more important than being a part of some old story. I love you Nora Dawn.”
“Don’t use my middle name, I hate my mid…’ I stopped mid thought. I didn’t stop because he said that he loved me, he had said that before while in Spain. I was taken by what he had called me. I could feel my chest raising and falling with my heavy breath. My heart was beating a mile a minute, the closer I got to him the fast it pounded. I felt like my whole body was going to explode. ‘I’ve never told you my middle name?” I questioned him.
“Your mum named you after your aunt Dawn on your father’s side. He was very close to her when they were children but she was died after she was struck by a car when she was fourteen. Nora is a name your mother fell in love with after she had read a book with a character that had that name. After she had your brother she found out that she couldn’t have any more children, she almost died having him so she wanted to adopt one; a little girl. You and she named you Nora Dawn Langdon. You’re first day of school you wore a purple tee shirt that had a butterfly on it and a pair of jeans, you always were a bit of a tomboy. You met Trish that day and she wore a blue dress that she hated and complained about all day. Need I go on?” He asked as I felt tears roll down my face.
“How do you know all of that?” I asked a rather stupid question as I wiped my face clean.
“I’ve always seen you, always dreamt of you. I never had to be right next to you, although I always felt as if I were. You never knew it but you were always in my life. I was always looking at you, watching you grow and turn into the woman I first saw so long ago.”
“You knew that I was adopted all this time?” I asked.
“I did but I didn’t know you were from a womb that was connected to my sister. I never knew if you knew or not – about being adopted so I never brought it up.” I couldn’t help myself any longer. I practically dove towards him, flattening my lips against his. I felt his arms around my body, pulling into his. His kisses were passionate and warm. I felt like my whole body was going to suddenly burst into flame. I couldn’t get close enough to him then without warning he picked me up and placing me on the bed. Lying beside me he looked so innocent, so gentle and new. The atmosphere seemed to change in the room. The light grew soft making everything seem so delicate. His hand wrapped around the back of my neck then stopped at my cheek, forcing me to look at him not that
I needed to be force. I was completely lost within him. He kissed me again this time with a gentle touch rather than being a bit forceful like he normally was.
Our lips parted and we stared into each other’s eyes for a moment. Just before he was going to kiss me again he stopped, grabbed his head and closed his eyes as if he were in a great deal of pain. He was having a vision. “What is it?” I asked him. Without opening his eyes he told me that Jaryn has just gotten off the phone with Sebastian and that he was headed upstairs to explain the situation to us. We threw ourselves up from the bed, patted down our hair and attempted not to look flushed. The next thing we knew there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” I said with a sullen tone to my voice.
“Hey I just got off the phone with Sebastian, I told them what happened with Emmalee and they’re gonna turn the plane around to head this way. We’ve got some time to kill before they get here but it seems as if you were killing it already.” He said with a smirk. Blake lent forward and slapped his youngest brother on the back of the head just hard enough to advise him to shut his mouth.
“We were just talking about everything that has happened.” I explained.
“Yeah sure, whatever.” Jaryn said as he rubbed the back of his head as he tried to comfort his hurt pride. I watched them and couldn’t help but to miss my own family, my own brother even though he and I would never share a relationship. Forcing my thoughts of my brother out of my head I turned my focus back on the situation at hand. I asked Jaryn when he thought they would be there. “They were about an hour or two out of Medina so they should be here in about twelve or thirteen hours.” He explained.
“What are we gonna do about the others; Trish, Charlie and Adam. I won’t leave them because who knows what Emmalee will do to get the katana.” I stated. Jaryn asked where I had hidden it. I advised that I would get it after the others there for I didn’t want it known to anyone other than myself. Understanding my reasoning’s I told them that I was going to head to the lower level of the house to explain things in a bit more detail to the others thus leaving them alone together in hopes they would work out some of the tension between them.
Immortalis - Book 1 (The Keeper's Immortals) Page 15
