“Against whom, Armando? After everything that’s happened to your family — why can’t you let this go?”
“You and that lying bitch. Camden might be innocent, but I have proof that Halen was involved in the Breeders turning against us. I cannot and will not let her behavior go unpunished.”
“I’m telling you, Armando…if you knew Halen’s true heritage you’d tear that paperwork into a million pieces and then bury them. You would get down on your knees and beg that girl for forgiveness.”
Armando was dumbfounded. When did Kieran discover Halen’s true legacy. “Hell will freeze over, melt, and freeze over again before I get down on my knees before a lowly Breeder.”
A sudden knock on the door caused his irritability to grow. “Come in!” he shouted. The young boy took one hesitant step inside of the room. “There’s a Mr. Forester here to see you, sir.”
Armando paled. “Forester? I thought…never mind what I thought.”
“He said his name is Alexander.”
Armando rubbed his chin. “Interesting. Show him in.”
Alexander followed close behind the boy. As he moved across the carpeted floor, Armando stepped from behind the desk. Retracting his claw-like fingernails, he offered his hand.
Alexander accepted his handshake with a smile. “Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am Alana Forester’s brother.”
Armando turned his back to the man. “And what brings you to Blue Willow, Mr. Forester?”
“I’m searching for my niece. Perhaps you know of her…Halen Forester?”
Armando’s voice was filled with disapproval. “Your niece? Are you referring to that insolent little Breeder girl?”
“No, Mr. Rayne, I am not.” Alexander shuddered. He despised the term and all that it implied.
“I am referring to the daughter of Xavier Bourdon and Alana Forester. Halen is the true leader — but you knew that, didn’t you? That young girl is the one who will bring about your demise.”
Armando paled. The glass fell from his hands, sending shards of glass dancing across the room, the spilled liquid spreading into a puddle around his feet.
**
Kieran knocked softly on the bedroom door before entering. “How’s she doing?”
Rising from the chair, Halen wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “I think she’s getting worse. I’m really worried.”
“Can you leave her for a few minutes. There’s someone here that wants to see you.”
“To see me?”
Kieran smiled. “Yes, and I think you’ll be thrilled to see him.”
“Him?”
Avoiding her question, he took her by the hand. “He’s waiting for you in Armando’s office.”
He attempted to lead her to the door, but she held back. “I don’t want to leave Bijoux alone.”
“Armando is waiting in the hall. He’ll hang out here until her get back.”
She didn’t want anything to do with Armando, but he insisted on blocking her path when she tried to step out of the room.
“Halen,” he said hesitantly.
Sensing her confusion, Kieran stepped between them. “Anything you need to say can wait.”
Riveted to the spot, Armando watched them walk away. He had treated Halen like a common Breeder. He knew it was a mistake from the beginning, but his hatred for Lucien was so great that he could not stop himself. His shoulders sagged under the weight of his own guilt. He opened the bedroom door and moved closer to the side of the bed. He slumped down into the chair, gazing sadly at Bijoux. She appeared restless, her breathing ragged and shallow. Armando groaned. His only son was dead, and because of his carelessness, Bijoux teetered on death’s doorstep. His world seemed to be crumbling at his feet.
**
Alexander’s resemblance to her mother was startling and for a moment Halen was taken aback. “You must be my Uncle Alexander!”
“How did you know?”
“You…look so much…like my mom.”
Alexander took a moment to study his niece. Despite her tacky and worn clothing, she appeared amazing beautiful. Her face glowed with health and her green eyes sparkled with strength and pride. He held his arms out to her. “Do you have a hug for your long lost uncle?”
She responded immediately and his heart overflowed with love for his dead sister’s child. He led Halen to the sofa, urging her to sit down as he proceeded to tell her about the documents he received from her mother before she died and his visit with her sister.
“I have to get home! I have to stop Maven before she does something stupid…even for her.”
**
“I need to let Camden know what’s happening,” Kieran said.
Halen smiled. “I’ll go with you, but first I need to speak with Mr. Rayne for a minute.”
Armando waited for her to approach him before saying uneasily, “Halen, my dear, is there anything that I can do to make this thing right? I want to make amends…if at all possible.”
Kieran stepped forward. “You can destroy all paperwork containing Halen’s name.”
“Of course,” Armando agreed without a moment’s hesitation. Unlocking the desk drawer, he removed the papers and handed them over to Kieran. “Here…rip them to shreds.”
Kieran accepted the papers and tore them into tiny pieces before pitching them into the fireplace. Armando’s weary eyes roamed over the duo. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Yes!” Halen said.
“Name it and it shall be done.”
“Set Bijoux free.”
Armando inhaled deeply. “Ms. Forester, I would do anything within reason, but I will not release Bijoux. On this I must stand firm.”
Halen sprang to her feet. “You unfeeling, soul-stealing monster!”
Armando stood, his gaze locked with Halen’s. “I have lost my son. Someday, Lyric will marry and make a home and new Hive of her own. Bijoux is my last chance to create something magical…powerful…for our kind. Bijoux stays with me.”
“Damn you to hell!” Halen’s green eyes shot daggers at her rival. “Give Bijoux her freedom. Let her make her own decisions.”
“The choice has been made!”
Thirty-Five
Camden had been recuperating in bed for over a week when he informed Kieran that he felt well enough to make the trip to Abilene. A heavy soberness hung over everyone at Blue Willow making Kieran even more anxious to get Halen away from the compound.
Although he couldn’t wait to get on the road, he was concerned that once Halen returned home to her friends and family, she would be unwilling to turn her back on her old life to be with him, especially if it meant she would need to take her place in the Hive.
The more he pondered the situation, the more he realized his life seemed sorely lacking compared to the fun-filled life of school and parties she’d left behind. Would she expect him to give up his life to be with her? If so, could he turn his back on the life he loved? He had no desire to run a business while he waited for Halen to return home from school everyday, or heaven forbid, work a fast-food job. And there was always the boyfriend she left behind. He would have to figure out what role he would play in her life. But he adored Halen, and he would give up the world to be with her.
The night before they planned to leave the compound, Kieran knocked on Halen’s door. The idea of leaving his life behind had put him in a foul mood. He closed the door behind him, his eyes traveling appreciatively over Halen’s body. Her plain white tee-shirt and faded gray gym shorts made her appear even more endearing in his eyes. Her shiny blond-streaked curls fell softly around her shoulders. Her bangs fell across her brow and she fought to keep them brushed away from her face.
“Is something bothering you, Kieran?” she asked, puzzled by his mood.
“I was just thinking that you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
“Oh, thank you,” she replied. “You’re pretty cute yourself.”
Out of guilt, Armando had provi
ded her with one of his finest guest rooms, and as Kieran paced back and forth across the thick carpet, she watched him with concerned eyes. Regardless of what he’d told her, she knew something was up. He was definitely freaking out over something.
Timidly, she reached out and touched his arm. “Enough is enough. Tell me what’s got you so worked up.”
His strong hands went to her shoulders as he gazed down into her eyes. “We need to talk about your position as the future leader.”
“Ha! That’s a joke. I’m never going to lead your people. Not now. Not ever.”
**
Alone in his study, Armando slumped in his chair, a half-empty bottle of gin dangled precariously from his hand. Without warning the door swung open and Camden barged inside. Struggling to sit up, Armando bellowed at the intrusion. “How dare you enter my office without my permission.”
Camden crossed the room, sitting down on the large sofa. “Is that any way for a father to talk to his son?”
Armando’s face reddened, dark red blood oozing from the corners of his mouth. “I will not tolerate your tone, boy.” He waited for a reply, but Camden remained silent. “What is it you want?” he finally said wearily.
“The truth, along with an apology.”
Lifting the bottle, Armando took a long drink, coughing as the hot liquid burned the back of his throat. He wiped his mouth on his black velvet jacket, meeting Camden’s condemning stare. “You look a hell of a lot like your mother. Unfortunately, I can also see a slight resemblance between you and I. It is your smile, I think.…and the way you move. You carry Rayne blood in your veins.” Armando’s voice dripped with disappointment.
Camden smirked at his reaction. “I’m nothing like you. I do not like having your sorry ass as a father any more than you like having me as a son.”
Armando grinned. “At least we can agree on something.”
“Why did my mother lie to me?”
“If I had known you were my seed, I would have fed you to the Breeders the day you were born. She wanted to protect you.”
Camden paused for a moment. “At least one useful tidbit of information came out of this fiasco.”
“Oh?”
“I now know my true last name.”
Armando pounded his fist on the desk in outrage. “Surely you do not intend to take my name…not after all these years.”
“But, Daddy, of course I do. What’s more, I will take great pleasure in doing so. It must gall you to know that a half-blood Breeder carries the Rayne name. I’ll be sure to tell my future children everything there is to know about the Rayne empire.”
Armando laughed in his face. “If you are planning to marry Bijoux, you will never be blessed with children. The stupid girl cannot conceive a child. Why do you think she is so important to the cause?”
“How would you, of all people, know such a thing?”
“That little slut has not been a virgin for years and yet, no child.”
“You’re wrong! It’s called birth control, Father. Stop living in the past.Just because you’re five hundred years old, it doesn’t mean you have to act like it.”
Armando seethed with fury. “You little bastard. The doctor can confirm what I say is true.”
Camden’s reply was hate-filled. “No truer words have ever been spoken. I am definitely your bastard.”
Armando rose from his chair. “No filthy breeder has ever spoken to me in such a way and lived to tell about it!”
“First time for everything” Camden grinned, spitting at Armando’s feet. “Talk to you later…Dad.”
“Leave my home, boy. I never want to lay eyes on you again.”
**
Lucien arrived at Blue Willow a few days after the Breeder uprising. Now, he stood on the porch with Elizabeth and Armando preparing to say goodbye to Kieran and Halen. Kieran embraced his father with a promise to call as soon as they reached their destination. He turned to face Elizabeth, a cold stare plastered across his face. “Goodbye, Elizabeth.”
Tears slid down her cheeks as her heart filled with regret. “Goodbye, Kieran.” She knew her stepson would never forgive her for the way she treated Halen.
Lucien accompanied Kieran down the steps to the waiting car. He looked at Halen and smiled. “This young man tends to forget how a phone works. I hope you will check in and let me know where things stand with you…as soon as you reach a decision.”
“I will,” she replied. Somehow being a part of this family didn’t seem so bad after all. As Kieran started the car, Halen had the weird sensation that she was being watched. Her gaze moved along the front of the house. Lyric glared back at her. For a moment their eyes met and Halen recognized the girl’s hatred and jealously.
Kieran, witnessing the exchange, flashed her a reassuring smile. “You ready to hit the road?”
“Ohmygosh, yes! I hope I never have to set foot in this hell hole again.”
“That makes two of us,” Camden added.
Turning around in her seat, Halen looked at him. “What are you going to do about Bijoux? Are you going to just leave her here with Armando?”
“I don’t want to, but what other choice do I have? Armando has implemented the process on her soul. I’m afraid she’s lost to us. Forever.”
Thirty-Six
Feeling content, Maven smiled as she poured a glass of wine for Madame Callie and a ginger ale for herself. Crossing the living room floor, she handed Callie her drink. The woman’s eyes bore into her and Maven watched the priestess down the beverage in one long gulp.
“Callie, is there a problem I should know about?” Maven asked, brushing the imaginary lint from her dress.
The woman walked to the bar and poured herself another drink, spinning around to face her. “How much longer must we remain trapped in this prison of a house?”
“You know very well how long. We must bide our time, Callie. Stop being so damn impatient. Our time will come.”
Callie grabbed Maven by the shoulders. “You lied to me! I have wasted my time for nothing!”
Maven squealed, wrestling free of her grasp. “Have you lost your mind? How dare you put your hands on me.”
Callie bared her fingernails preparing to attack for the second time, but the sound of the front door swinging open caused her to back away.
“Oh look, uncle is back!” Maven said, thankful for the rescue. She needed time to figure out how to dispose of Callie. The woman was fast becoming an over-possessive pain in the ass whose magic was no longer needed. Halen was no longer a threat and soon she would take her rightful place as leader of her people.
Alexander walked into the room, followed by the local sheriff, Kieran and much to her dismay, her sister. Upon seeing the group, Maven’s face froze. “Halen…but I…thought you were…”
“Rotting in a ditch…dead…or maybe you thought I’d been fed to the Breeders. Seems you underestimated Percy. He had no qualms about selling me to the highest bidder.”
Maven was shocked to see her sister still alive. She was equally surprised to see the gorgeous boy standing protectively by her sister’s side. Her jealously returned and she eyed Halen with resentment.
“It appears that you’ve done quite well in your time away — for an illegitimate one.”
Maven looked at her skeptically. “Well, mother’s will says you’re a nobody — something to be given to the Breeders upon her death. And lo and behold, I don’t see our mother here, do you?” She quickly turned her attention to Kieran, nearly knocked breathless by his hotness. She loved the way his tee-shirt clung to his flat stomach and how his faded skinny jeans skimmed his narrow hips. She had to find out his name and why he was traveling with her sister.
The sheriff stepped forward, focusing his questions on the priestess. “Callie, Mr. Forester and Halen here have told me quite the story…seems you’ve stepped over the line this time. I need to see their mama’s will. Is it here, in the house?”
“No,” Callie said, hanging her head. “I put it
away for safe keeping.”
Maven’s hands were shaking as she spoke. “Now, sheriff, really. Why in the world would you need to see mama’s will?”
“Your sister seems to believe you tampered with the document. Is there any truth to her allegations?”
“Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Dammit, why can’t you people let mama rest in peace!”
“I have a copy of the will,” Alexander said. “Your mother sent a copy to me years ago. Basically, the will states you are to be sent to the compound, not Halen. She is the true queen.” He stared at Callie, fire in his eyes. “I demand you hand over the will.”
Callie lowered her head in shame. “I will give you the document, but first I must confess my sins — all of my sins.” Maven screamed and lunged for the woman. “No! Callie, you stupid bitch! Keep your mouth shut.”
Tears slid down Callie’s cheeks. “There is no more we can do.” She turned to Halen. “Please, forgive me.”
The sheriff placed a beefy hand on Callie’s shoulder. “Are you admitting to tampering with the will?”
“Yes…and for hiring Percy, among other things.” Tears poured down her cinnamon-colored cheeks and onto her white gown. “She told me she loved me, that if I helped her I could rule by her side.”
Maven slid down into a nearby chair. The was over. A cold chill ran down her spine. Would Halen actually turn her over to the Breeders? Would she allow them to drain her soul — damn her to purgatory for all eternity?
“You’re under arrest, Callie,” the sheriff said, reaching for his handcuffs.
At that moment Halen stepped forward and shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. Please, just let her go.” She turned to face the priestess. “If you leave town and take my miserable excuse for a sister with you, I will not press charges.” She wrapped her arms around Kieran’s waist. “We’ve discussed the situation — it’s obvious you dregs deserve each other.”
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