Entangled Souls

by Waits, Kimber

  “Whitney…”

  He took the serum. I watched him put the vile in his pocket.”

  “Why are you so concerned about this particular girl? What do you know?”

  “Nothing. I don’t know anything. She’s…different…can’t you fee it?”

  Kieran shook his head. “Uh, no. I know absolutely nothing about her. You’re not making any sense.”

  Whitney nervously wiped her hands on her apron. “There’s no time to explain. You’ve got to leave now!”

  “Fine. Dammit,” he conceded. “I’ll do my best, but I can’t promise you that I can stop Armando from dosing the girl.”

  “Promise me you’ll try, that’s all I can ask.”

  “Lyric stood by the porch rail twirling her hair between her fingers. “You sent him after that little skank, didn’t you?”

  Whitney lifted her head in defiance. “Yes I sent him to find Halen…and I’d do it again. In a heartbeat.”

  Lyric stomped her foot on the wooden porch and screamed at the top of her lungs, sounding more like a spoiled child than a grown woman. “You’d better be glad my daddy likes you.”

  Whitney laughed at her outburst, walking back into the house. She was still worried about Halen’s safety, but knowing Kieran would be there to protect her from Armando and the Hive made her feel much better.

  Eighteen

  Halen continued walking toward town. The woods grew denser by the minute and she quickly lost sight of the main road. She wandered deeper into the heavy thicket of pine and oak trees. She struggled, trying to find her way back to the road, but fatigue overwhelmed her.

  The air was cool and refreshing within the shade of the billowing oak trees. Sitting down on the damp pine needles, she removed the lace shawl from her shoulders and placed it on the ground to use as a pillow. All so needed was a few minutes to catch her breath. She laid down and stared up at the sky through a veil of feathery leaves.

  Despite the fear of being caught, Halen found herself enjoying her new freedom. For the first time since Percy informed her of her future as the Chosen One, she truly felt alive. The sound of car engines and people screaming in the distance forced her to sit up with a start, her green eyes wide and glazed over with terror.

  Armando! Her mind screamed. He’s found me!

  Halen jumped to her feet, the futility of her escape striking her hard. She was a fool to think she could ever get away from Armando and his cronies. She was as good as dead at this point. The tattered shawl forgotten, she turned and ran, allowing her fear to carry her deeper into the forest. The abundant vegetation slowed her progress, the low-hanging tree branches conspiring to block her escape.

  For one brief fleeting moment she considered giving up and just waiting for Armando to find her. The only thing stopping her was a deeply embedded foreboding that Mitchell would find her first.

  **

  Kieran was not a happy camper. Running down scared little girls was not his idea of a good time. Although he didn’t doubt that Armando and Mitchell were having a grand time participating in this barbaric game of cat and mouse.

  He knew the girl’s escape enraged Armando to the point of violence and Kieran felt a twinge of pity for the poor escapee. He prayed Armando’s punishment was limited to beating the girl — Heaven help her if he chose the alternative. Kieran doubted he had the power to calm Armando’s rage, but for Whitney’s sake, as well as the girl’s, he had to give it a try.

  The pack of canines worked themselves into a frenzy, ripping the abandoned shawl to shreds. Kieran stared at Armando, horror written across his face. “Dude, I thought you said those animals weren’t vicious.”

  “They are not…normally.” Concern washed over Armando. He had paid a substantial amount of money for the girl and the opportunity to keep her away from the Grove, and he was not going to lose out on his investment. Reigning in the dogs, he yelled to Mitchell. “Stay with them. Whatever you do, do not allow them to hurt her before I return.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  Armando’s concern for the girl surprised Kieran. “I’m happy you aren’t planning to do away with the girl.”

  “Dammit! Of course I do not plan to harm her,” Armando spat. “I paid good money for her. I have big plans for that one.”

  Kieran’s worries quickly resurfaced. “Are you honestly going to put your hands on a woman, Armando, or do you plan to use a whip to make your point?”

  Armando answered sharply. “Do not be insane. A whip leaves far too many scars, rendering her useless to me. No. I need this specimen to remain perfect in every conceivable way. Mitchell is due for a good time — I will allow him to take the board to her pretty little ass.”

  Armando turned to one of the workers. “Did you remember to bring the paddle?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Splendid! A good old fashioned paddling is what this runaway deserves.”

  **

  Halen continued running blindly through the woods. Unable to see the large stump blocking her path, her flimsy sneaker wedged itself between the dead wood and the moss-covered boulder, causing her to lose her balance. Her arms flailed wildly as she tumbled to the ground.

  Before she could gather he bearings, the blood-thirsty animals were nipping at her ankles. She rolled over on her stomach, praying for a quick and painless death. The snarling animals zeroed in on their prey, anxious for a kill. They circled her, daring her to make the slightest move.

  Halen’s heart pounded against her chest. She dared not breath for fear the beasts would pounce, ripping her to shreds. Relieved, she sighed when she heard the sound of people approaching. Maxx called off the dogs and rushed to her side. He sat down next to her and gently lifted her up, placing her on his lap. “Are you okay?” he asked, tenderly stroking her hair.

  Happy to see a friendly face, Halen rested her head on his shoulder, allowing the tears to flow. “I’m cool” she managed to say between sobs.

  Maxx smiled. “Running away was a pretty stupid thing to do. You had to know Mr. Rayne would come after you.”

  “What will he do to me?” Halen asked, her voice shaky.

  Maxx could find no reason to give her false hope. “At the very least Armando will have you beaten.”

  Gripped by terror, she clung to Max sobbing.

  Kieran froze, staring at the girl wrapped securely in Maxx’s embrace. Her face was turned to the side, but he instantly recognized her. He could hardly believe his eyes. What was she doing here?

  “Maxx! Get away from her!” Armando ordered.

  Halen bowed her head and stared at her hands. Despite her uneasiness pride surged through her core. Lifting her face, she looked Armando square in the eye. She quickly glanced away from the hate being reflected back at her. Seeing Kieran among the shocked onlookers, she cried out in despair.

  “Okay, Maxx!” Armando shouted. “Strip her down!”

  Halen trembled on the cold ground. Kieran moved to stand by her side. He lifted her up with ease, placing her on the front seat of his car. “No one is touching her — that goes double for you, Max.”

  Outraged by Kieran’s interference, Armando stepped forward to confront him. “Damn you, boy! This girl belongs to me — I will be the one to decide her punishment.”

  Halen frowned, unsure as to why Kieran wanted to help her after all the lies she’d told him. She looked him in the eye, praying she would find some sign of encouragement staring back at her, but she found herself faced with deep-rooted hatred and anger.

  Kieran ripped his heated stare from Halen long enough to face Armando. If he couldn’t reason with the man, he would resort to violence to protect her. “I’m willing to pay any price for her safety.”

  Halen gasped. If he could pay for another human being, he was no better than Armando and his family.

  “It is time to stop this foolish game. You cannot save her, Kieran. Your name holds no authority on Rayne land,” Armando shouted.

  “That’s right. You heard Daddy. You m
ight as well give it up. You lost and we won. This one belongs to me,” Mitchell bragged.

  Kieran ignored Mitchell’s childish outburst. “Why don’t we all take a breather, Armando? We can discuss the days events after we’ve all had a hot meal. Tempers are running high — it’s time to take it down a notch.”

  Armando had every intention of getting rid of Halen, but to pacify Kieran and keep the peace with the Bourdon family, he agreed. Lucien Bourdon was a powerful man and he did not want this incident to interfere with his plans. After dinner he would simply listen to the boy’s pleading and then politely refuse to release Halen. With any luck he could soften the blow with a written agreement not to mistreat her.

  Armando shot a glance in Halen’s direction. The very idea of her wearing Lyric’s dress only served to fuel his anger. The sneaky little bitch would pay dearly for stealing from his precious daughter.

  “Well?” Kieran said.

  “Allow me to think it over. We will resume this discussion after dinner.”

  “But father!” Mitchell whined.

  Armando stared at his son, wishing the boy would shut up for once in his life. “We will discuss the matter back at the compound,” he said through gritted teeth.

  “I’ll see you both back at the compound,” Kieran said as he slid into the seat net to Halen. He placed his lips close to her ear. “Do the lies ever stop?” he whispered.

  “The lies stop here, all right!” she snapped. “My loving sister and her lover slash crone drugged me. Nickelson was taking me to Magnolia Grove. There. That’s the truth and nothing but the truth.”

  Kieran’s blood ran cold. “The Grove? Why?”

  “Some nonsense about being the Chosen One. Armando made a deal with Percy — managed to escape — that’s why you found me in your room.”

  “Do you honestly expect me to believe such a crazy story?”

  Halen Brushed her sun-streaked curls away from her face. “I don’t give a rat’s ass what you believe.”

  “I’m intrigued,” he replied sarcastically. “Tell me more.”

  “Too damn bad. I’m not telling you crap. I mean, what’s the point? You’ll just go off on a rant and accuse me of lying again.”

  “Really? I wonder why?” he said with a smirk.

  “I’m not lying! My sister really did drug me and there is a voodoo priestess named Callie. I’m telling you the truth!”

  “My patience is done. Maybe Armando’s willing to share the truth with me.” Kieran ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. “Do not push me, or I swear I’ll leave you out here with Armando and his perverted son.”

  “If you don’t like my answers, stop interrogating me already.”

  “Fine.”

  “Fine.”

  They rode in silence, giving Halen’s anger time to subside. She understood his reluctance to believe her. After all, she did lie to him on more than one occasion. “Thank you for helping me back there,” she said softly.

  “Don’t be so quick to thank me,” he snapped.

  Ugh, what was she thinking trying to be nice to him. He was a monster, just like Armando. “I want to ride with Maxx!”

  Her request took him by surprise. Jealously was an unknown emotion to him and he had absolutely no idea how to process it. “Get out!” he snapped, pulling the car to an abrupt stop. “If you want to ride with that freak, be my guest.” With a smirk he drove away, leaving Halen staring at his vanishing tail lights.

  Nineteen

  The sun had made its decent behind the trees by the time Armando and the others returned to the compound. “Take the dogs to the kennel,” he snapped.

  Armando and Kieran stood poised at the bottom of the steps watching Halen. “You get over here, girl,” Armando ordered. “Go up to your room and stay there. If you attempt to run away again, I will have no choice but to…” His words halted. During the commotion he had failed to notice Lyric’s diamond ring glistening on Halen’s delicate finger. Now, as he stared at it, his eyes bulged with anger.

  Following his heated gaze, Halen jumped. Damn. Why hadn’t she remembered to take off the freakin’ ring? Stealing Lyric’s jewelry was far worse than trying to run away. She was in deep trouble.

  Armando’s hand shot out, ripping the expensive ring from her finger. “Not only are you a runaway, you are a rotten little thief, as well.” His face turned beet-red as he spoke. “You stealing, lying, little bitch!” he bellowed. “I am going to teach you a lesson you will never forget.”

  He glared at Maxx, spittle forming at the corners of his mouth. “Take her out to the feeding shed and chain her to the wall. We will deal with the crook after dinner.”

  Every muscle in Kieran’s body grew taut. “Armando, seriously? You would kill her? Over a stupid ring?”

  “Dammit, Bourdon. Stay out of this! You dare question me?”

  “You can’t…”

  “I said to stay out of this.”

  “Father,” Mitchell whined. “If you kill the girl what will happen to our plans?”

  Armando struggled to control his temper. “I regret the loss of the girl. I will do my best to move forward with out plan — we must make an example of her. No one gets away with stealing from our family.”

  Mitchell knew his father was right, but realizing that he would never have his way with Halen caused him deep regret.

  Kieran struggled to gather his thoughts. There was no point in trying to get Armando to change his mind, but he refused to stand by and do nothing to help Halen.

  “Kieran, I understand your feelings…but she deserves to be punished. Surely even you must realize my words are the truth.”

  “I get it — protect your family’s honor at all cost — but with her life — over a piece of jewelry. This is not the way to solve this problem.”

  Armando shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows, perhaps she will prove to be tougher than any of us realize.”

  Fear rendered Halen motionless. She stared at Kieran with wide eyes, frantically waiting for him to jump to her defense once again. When he made no obvious attempt to help her, she gave up all hope, crumbling to the floor, sobbing.

  **

  Exhausted, cranky and anxious to feed, Armando prepared to put an end to the incident once and for all.

  “I demand you let Halen go,” Kieran said following him into the office.

  Armando lowered his body onto the plush sofa and removed a thick cigar from a small wooden box. “I cannot.”

  “I’ll do whatever you want — whatever it takes.”

  Armando lit the tip of his cigar and studied Kieran thoughtfully. “Son, what is your obsession with this Breeder really about? If you went home where you belong you could have ant woman you desire — Breeders you could use and dispose of at will.”

  “She is my choice…my one and only choice.”

  “How far are you willing to go for the girl?” Armando took a long puff of his cigar, purposely blowing the smoke in Kieran’s direction.

  “Your choice of Breeders from my family’s compound,” Kieran blurted out.

  Shocked by the offer, Armando stared at him in disbelief. “Surely you are not serious. This is about far more than her freedom.”

  “I’m dead serious.”

  Armando stroked his chin, contemplating his offer. He was definitely tempted, but Kieran possessed something far more valuable — the boy held great power and influence within the Hive — though he chose not to use it. Disposing of Halen would leave the door wide open for Lyric to step in and rule by Kieran’s side. “I cannot let her go.”

  “I will up the offer.”

  Armando shook his head. Perhaps he could devise a plan to get rid of the girl and still accept Kieran’s offer. “Very well,” he extended his hand to Kieran. “I’m sure we can come to a mutual agreement.”

  “Awesome,” Kieran said with a smile. “I’ll have Whitney bring her back to the main house.”

  “I am afraid that is unacceptable. The girl is no longer
welcome in my house. She stole from my daughter. Shew ill not be afforded that opportunity again.”

  “She can stay on my room until I leave the compound.” He wasn’t about to give Mitchell a chance to get her alone. He wouldn’t put it past the creep to force himself on Halen. He saw the way Mitchell looked at her when he thought no one was around to notice.

  **

  Bijoux sat at the kitchen table along with Camden and Whitney, desperately fighting back her tears. Everyone knew by know about Halen’s punishment and the compound was buzzing with excitement.

  “Well, I for one can’t just sit back and do nothing to help her,” Whitney snapped. “I’m going to talk to Armando.”

  Camden placed a hand on Whitney’s shoulder to stop her. “Not now. Kieran is with him.”

  “Discussing Halen, I hope.”

  “If I know my friend, he’s pleading for her freedom as we speak.”

  Whitney exhaled. “That’s all well and good, but Armando has his mind set on disposing of Halen. I doubt even Kieran can change his mind.”

  Bijoux, unable to keep her emotions in check, broke down in heavy sobs. “Someone has to do something.” At that moment Kieran walked into the room and wearily plopped down in one of the chairs. “Hey Bijoux, how about you go down and get Halen for me.”

  Bijoux jumped to her feet, overjoyed. “Absolutely!” She walked over to Kieran and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “Thank you for helping my friend.”

  He flashed her a shy smile, embarrassed by her show of gratitude. “Just bring Halen inside so she can bathe.”

  “I’ll tag along,” Whitney offered, following Bijoux out the door.”

  After the women were out of earshot, Camden wasted no time in confronting his friend. “Spill it — how much did this little fiasco cost you?”

  “Not much. A few Breeders from Lucien’s compound — of Armando’s choosing.”

  “Oh man, Kieran. Your dad is going to be beyond pissed. That is an awful lot to give up for a girl you know next to nothing about.”