Entangled Souls

by Waits, Kimber

  “I’ll look into it,” Maven assured him. “My mother is no longer with us and that makes me the boss around here. Do you understand?”

  Albert turned on his heels and left the room. Oh, he understood her meaning all too well. The girl’s death was meaningless in her eyes.

  Twelve

  Whitney stood on the porch enjoying the early morning solitude when Armando and his entourage pulled into the compound. A slow moving truck carrying two young girls followed close behind. She shook her head in disdain. Apparently Mr. Rayne’s trip was a big success.

  Mitchell and Lyric stepped outside and stood next to Whitney. They weren’t all that anxious to see their father, but his arrival had been announced throughout the compound, forcing them to plaster on a fake smile and welcome home their meal ticket.

  Whitney did her best to hide her feelings for their father from the children — her reasons for joining the welcoming party were part of a routine that Armando demanded of her.

  Armando smiled, pleased to see his loving children awaiting his arrival. Seeing them lifted his spirits, causing his heart to swell with pride. Although he was disappointed in his son’s recent behavior and inability to control his temper, he found him to be a handsome, bright young man. And his daughter, Lyric, was the apple of his eye and more beautiful than words could ever describe. Either one of them would be the perfect choice to lead the Hive, instead of that backwoods bitch Lucien chose.

  His gaze shifted to Whitney. He couldn’t see her face, nonetheless, his heart raced at the mere sight of her. Why couldn’t he turn off this sick desire that he felt for her? To make matters worse, he now had that pesky Camden to deal with. Hell would freeze over before he released Whitney to that boy. She would remain with him until one of them moved on to another realm. If he could not possess her heart, he would continue to own her soul.

  Climbing out of his car, he took the steps two at a time, his raven-black hair flowing out behind him as he embraced his daughter. Releasing her, he turned his attention to his Mitchell.

  “Did things go as planned while I was away?”

  “Yes, Father,” Mitchell replied, lowering his head to hide his resentment. He knew his father thought he was incompetent to run the compound on his own, and he hated the older man for it.

  “I found a girl to help you run the house until she is needed for the Cause. Please begin her training immediately,” he said to Whitney.

  “Of course.”

  The two girls paused at the top of the stairs, waiting for further instructions. Cautiously, Halen regarded the group of people standing in front of her with fear and trepidation. She looked at Mitchell, unnerved to see his perverted gaze fixated on her chest. She shuddered and quickly glanced away, turning her attention to his sister. The malicious jealously she witnessed in the girl’s eyes was far creepier than Mitchell’s lustful scrutiny. She looked over at Whitney to find the woman staring back at her with worried eyes. She smiled, reassuring Halen that she had indeed found a friend amidst the madness.

  “This is Bijoux. She will be helping Whitney around the house until she is called to serve,” Armando said. “And this is Halen,” he said to Lyric. “She can help you with whatever you need. All I ask is that you do nothing to cause her any harm.”

  Lyric answered with a pout. “But, Daddy, she’s way prettier than me.”

  “Do not be ridiculous.”

  “I refuse to have someone who looks like her around me.”

  Mitchell laughed. “Why don’t you admit it, Lyric? You don’t want her in the house because she’s prettier and smarter than you’ll ever be. You feel it…don’t you, Lyric.”

  “How dare you insinuate a low-life Breeder will ever be better than me!”

  “It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

  Armando pounded his silver and ruby encrusted walking cane on the ground. “That is more than enough,” he shouted, his voice echoing through the compound. “Mitchell, I believe you owe your sister an apology. Lyric, I expect you to treat Halen with respect and some semblance of kindness. If in time you find you cannot get along with her, we can always try to find you a replacement from the group.”

  Lyric cast Halen a catty glance. “Can I enjoy her company anyway I choose?”

  “Heed my words, daughter. I want no marks left on this one,” Armando warned.

  Halen stood off to the side, her face expressionless. Lyric’s arrogance infuriated her. How dare they stand there talking about her as if she was invisible.

  Armando turned his attention back to his son. “You are to keep your distance from these girls, Mitchell…especially Halen. She is here to help your sister — she serves no other purpose. I cannot risk her being tainted in any way. She must remain untouched at all costs.”

  “I’ll keep my distance. You have my word.”

  “Very well,” Armando said. “Whitney, take the girls to the kitchen and prepare them something to eat. Afterward, you may show Halen to Lyric’s wing of the house.”

  Whitney motioned for the two girls to follow her. She walked quickly, forcing them to pick up their pace or get left behind. “Sit down and I’ll get you some food. You girls must be starving. Believe me when I tell you, you’re going to need your strength for the mess that’s ahead of you.”

  **

  Armando waited until after dinner to send word that he needed to speak with Whitney. When she arrived at his office she found him sitting behind his desk sipping a clear, sticky liquid through a straw.

  “You wanted to see me?”

  “Close the door.” Placing his glass on the desk he stood and walked over to her chair. He placed his cold, weathered hands on her shoulders, applying just enough pressure to cause his fingernails to cut into her tender flesh. “I am afraid that I have rather disturbing news to share with you. It appears Kieran and Camden have returned.”

  Whitney gasped, her alarm evident as a terrified expression played across her face. “Camden…he came home.”

  “They will arrive her in a few days. Fools, the both of them,” Armando spat, applying even more pressure to her shoulders until small droplets of blood seeped through her faded dress. “Whatever s the problem? I thought you would be pleased to see Camden once again.”

  “That boy has a lot of enemies here, including you, Armando. I can’t believe he would get within a hundred miles of the Bourdon family and their madness.”

  “As long as he remembers his place and stays below Lucien’s radar, he should be fine.”

  Bile rose up in Whitney’s throat. Eighteen years ago she’d vowed to prevent Armando from ever getting close to Camden. Her world was starting to crumble around her and she could do nothing to stop it. “I can’t stay in this room with you. I need time alone,” she whispered.

  “Very well. Make no mistake, I expect to see you later tonight.”

  **

  Lyric didn’t seem to care that Halen was past the point of exhaustion. She continued to dish out numerous chores, demanding Halen finish them before bedtime.

  Lyric proved herself to be a spoiled brat who refused to lift a finger to do anything for herself, forcing Halen to wait on her hand and foot. By the time Lyric finally released her for the night, Halen was too exhausted to walk the short distance to the kitchen to search for a light snack.

  Instead, she quietly slipped outside and breathed in the crisp night air, welcoming the cool breeze on her face. The moon shone bright, casting eerie shadows dancing across the thick grass. Feeling like she was being watched, she ran towards the small room situated on the other side of the estate and stepped inside. At least Armando provided her with a room of her own where she could escape Lyric’s domineering attitude.

  The room was dark, but the moonlight shining through the open windows provided enough light foe her to see the small cot situated on the other side of the room. She quickly slipped out of her clothes and stretched out on the narrow bed. It didn’t take long for her thoughts of escape to give way to drowsiness. Exhausted, s
he slept soundly through the night.

  Thirteen

  Halen sat in the overstuffed arm-chair attempting to mend a pair of faded jeans when Lyric entered the room. “Put that away,” she ordered. “I need you to help me undress. I’d like to take a nap. The mall exhausted me.”

  “So nap,” Halen snapped. “I’m not stopping you.”

  Lyric’s eyes roamed over Halen’s curves. “Your duties include napping with me.”

  “Uh, no. I’m not tired and I’m certainly not into chicks… not that there’s anything wrong with it — just not my scene.”

  “Oh please. Don’t play dumb. A girl as intelligent as you should know that sleep will always be the last thing on my mind. However, considering you’re new, I suppose I can allow you a smidgen of freedom. I have no doubt you’ll learn how things work around her soon enough. I really do not care how you spend you free time as long as you return in one hour to wake me. I will need… to feed.”

  Halen hesitated. “About this feeding thing… it doesn’t involve me, does it?”

  “Not today.”

  “Perfect.”

  Lyric removed her clothes before sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Come over here and comb my hair,” she said, admiring her refection in the floor-length mirror. She was proud of her looks and had no problem using them to manipulate men and women alike to do her bidding.

  “Do you think I’m beautiful, Halen?

  Halen grimaced. Armando’s daughter was as hot as she was cruel and selfish. Her coppery-red hair cascaded down her back, pooling in soft waves around her waist. Her skin was pale and blemish free. Not a pimple or imperfection to be seen. Not even on her perfectly shaped ass, Halen fumed. How could any girl be so damn perfect?

  “I think you’re a conceited little brat.” Halen said.

  “Enough,” Lyric snapped. “Get out of my room! Leave me alone!”

  Halen didn’t need to be told twice, bolting for the door and slamming it shut behind her. She’d taken a few steps down the hall when Mitchell appeared out of nowhere, a wicked smile plastered across his face. The mere sight of him made Halen freeze in her tracks.

  Mitchell stroked his chin, circling her like a lion stalking its prey. “I’ve been waiting for Lyric to dismiss you from your duties. I know you have a few hours to spare, and I’ve decided how you’re going to be spending them.”

  Halen tilted her head in defiance. “Is that so?”

  “I want you to join me in my room.” He reached out to stroke her arm with his long, black fingernails.

  Halen shuddered, sliding to the side to avoid his touch. “Your father said not to put your filthy hands on me, remember?”

  Mitchell, angered by her words, lunged forward. “What the old man doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

  “Get off of me!” Halen spat, twisting free of his grasp. “I swear, I will go straight to your father if you don’t back off.”

  Mitchell was too appalled by her outburst to prevent her from running past him. No girl had ever spoken to him that way. He considered discussing Halen’s disobedience with his father, but quickly chose to let it go. It would be in his best interest not to say anything that would cause his father to suspect his interest in the girl. He would simply bide his time until he had her right where he wanted her.

  Halen ran from the house, racing toward the small garden. The summer sun warmed her skin and a refreshing breeze caressed her face as she skipped through the dewy grass. Sitting down on the edge of the fountain, she focused her thoughts on a way to escape.

  Procrastination was not an option. Tomorrow afternoon she’d sneak away from the compound while Lyric napped, giving herself a head start before anyone discovered her missing. She needed to come up with a plan, but at the moment she was too tired to concentrate.

  **

  Kieran drove the Camaro towards the Blue Willow compound. Camden leaned against the passenger door and stared out the window at the endless forest of hideous pine trees and frowned with disgust.

  “Are we on Rayne Property yet?”

  Kieran nodded. “We’ve been on the compound for several miles.”

  They’d rode a short distance when Kieran came upon the garden where an exhausted Halen lay sleeping. Pulling the car to a stop on the side of the road, he jumped out and walked toward her. What in the world was she doing way out here on Rayne property? Did the stupid girl have any idea how much danger she was in? He’d resigned himself to the idea of never seeing her again, and finding her here had his head spinning.

  Tiptoeing through the grass, he knelt next to her. Unable to control his emotions, he bent down, softly pressing his lips to hers.

  “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

  Halen woke with a start, fearing Mitchell had found her. “Please don’t hurt me. I’ll do anything you say.”

  “I could never hurt you.”

  Halen gazed into his chocolate-brown eyes. “Am I… am I dreaming?” she whispered.

  “I think we both are.”

  Halen’s better judgment warned her to run away as fast as her legs would carry her. But as soon as Kieran pressed another tender kiss to her quivering lips, her sanity made a beeline for the border. Lacing her arms around his neck, she returned his kiss with wild abandon.

  Kieran knew he should do the right thing and end the embrace. He also knew he should be demanding an explanation as to why she felt the need to lie and then run away from him in Atlanta. But now, at this moment, her lips were so soft… so incredibly sweet. It was all he could do not to drown in her beauty.

  “One of these days I’m going to find out who you really are,” he whispered against her lips.

  Halen felt pretty confident that day would never come. If everything went as planned she would never see him again. She wasn’t born yesterday. She knew he was at the compound to see Armando, and she had every intention of keeping her distance from him for the remainder of the day.

  “Why did you lie in the first place?” Kieran asked.

  “Look, I’m really sorry I lied. I was too ashamed to tell you the truth.”

  “Why?”

  “I didn’t want you to think badly of me.”

  Kieran wasn’t sure if he believed her, but chose to go along with her story for the time being. “What are you doing here… at the Rayne compound of all places?”

  “I… I’m staying nearby… with family.”

  “Will you tell me your name? I mean your real name.”

  “Halen. My name is Halen Forester.”

  He smiled. “An unusual name for a rather unusual girl.”

  “And you are?” she asked.

  “Kieran.”

  “Unique,” she said with a smile. “I like it.”

  He smiled and ran his fingers through his hair. “When can I see you again?”

  “I… I… can’t really say… not for sure.”

  “Well, how about tomorrow? We could meet here.”

  “I dunno, maybe, but only for a few minutes.” God, she hated lying to him again, but what other choice did she have. There was no way in hell she’d ever be able tell him the truth.

  “Fantastic,” he said, flashing her a smile. “I’ll meet you here. Same time okay with you?”

  “Sure. Whatever. Hey, are you here to see the man who owns this place?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am.”

  “Crap. I was afraid of that. Please, please, please don’t say anything about seeing me here. He would freak out and have a cow if he knew I was trespassing on his property.”

  “I promise. I won’t say a word.”

  Halen hated the idea of leaving him. He held out his arms and she easily slid into his welcoming embrace. She snuggled closer, wishing she could stay like this forever.

  Kieran reluctantly stepped back and placed his thumb under her chin, lifting her face up to his. “You aren’t going to stand me up, are you?”

  “Not in a million years,” she lied.

  “I wish I believed that, bu
t I have a strange feeling you’re going to break my heart and disappear on me again.”

  Halen’s smile went straight to his heart. “Kiss me goodbye,” she whispered. She pressed her lips to his softly, then twisting out of his embrace, she ran toward the main road. The minute she was out of his line of vision, she circled around and headed back to the compound.

  Fourteen

  The quiet hanging over the compound came as no surprise to Camden — the Hive always rested after their midday feeding. During this time the Breeders and servants remained deathly quiet so as not to disturb the Rayne family. Guiding the car to the back of the house, he slowly eased to a stop, secured the emergency brake and exited the car. His heart raced with anticipation at the thought of seeing Whitney again.

  Walking up to the back door, he opened it and stepped inside. Whitney stood with her back facing him washing the lunch dishes. “Whit,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

  The sound of his voice caused her to drop the mug she was washing in the soapy water. She turned to look at him through tear-glazed eyes. A sob caught in her throat. “Camden, why in the world did you come back to this evil place?”

  He crossed the floor in two strides, pulling her into his arms. “You knew I’d come back for you.”

  Whitney sobbed, clinging to him. “You know it’s dangerous for you to be here.”

  Camden hugged her tightly. He’d missed her more than words could describe. “I’ll be okay. Nothing is going to happen to me. You have my word.”

  Whitney lovingly patted him on the back before pulling away from his embrace. She held him at arm’s length, studying her younger brother. She was pleased to see that he’d grown into a handsome young man. His body was tall and muscular, his features well-defined and his chestnut-brown hair fell in soft layers across his forehead. Sadly, his good looks only served to heighten her fears.