Phoenix: Book One of The Stardust Series

by Autumn Reed

  Ethan cleared his throat. “Do you have any idea where your dad might have gone?”

  I debated the best response and finally shook my head. Ethan’s dark brown eyes met my own and intimated a hidden reserve within. “I want to help you find him.” It felt like he was trying to read my mind and simultaneously reassure me.

  I tilted my head and crossed my arms. Afraid to utter my thoughts, I settled on a question that was more vague. “Why do you want to help me?”

  Ethan sighed and pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. “Look. There’s more going on here than I can tell you right now. You’re just going to have to trust me.”

  I felt one eyebrow raise in response. That was a bold request from someone who was involved in basically kidnapping me. Yes, I knew I was being slightly dramatic, but I couldn’t help it. Even though he seemed well-meaning, I would not hand over my trust so easily. I felt my patience snap, and I let him have it.

  “Ethan, I can appreciate that there are things you can’t tell me. But, I at least need you to explain why you are involving yourself in my life. And why Chase, whoever that is, decided it was okay to bring me out here. To a one bedroom cabin. In the middle of the woods.”

  A look of surprise crossed his face during my short rant. And then he started laughing, a smooth, deep laugh that caused goosebumps to crawl up my arms. “You know, I’m happy to see that backbone of yours. You were making this too easy on me.”

  When I continued to stare at him, he relented. “Okay, here’s the deal. Chase is a colleague and friend; actually, that’s his hoodie you’re wearing. He had the best of intentions. Since he wasn’t sure what happened back at your house, he was concerned for your safety and knew that you would be fine here.”

  The sound of Ethan’s chair scraping against the wood floor signaled the end of the conversation. Ethan took my plate, gently brushing my forearm as he did so. Turning toward the sink, he quickly whispered in my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin. “We’re the good guys, I promise.”

  I felt a flutter in my stomach, and my face flushed while thoughts swirled in my mind like clothes in a washing machine. Every word from Ethan was reassuring, and yet, he had repeatedly avoided telling me why he and his friends were so eager to help me. I sighed, distracted by Ethan’s alluring touch and promises of good intentions. I still felt confused and wasn’t sure what to do next.

  The rest of the day was spent idly. Ethan was around but mostly left me to my own devices. At one point when he was outside, I rifled through the only paperwork I could find in the house, none of which named an Ethan or Chase. I discovered the address of the cabin was in Markleeville and felt a tiny glimmer of relief. Although I wasn’t very familiar with the small town of Markleeville or the landscape surrounding it, I knew it was only about a half an hour from Coleville. At least I wasn’t as far away from home as I’d feared.

  After lunch, I spent time outside on the deck reading and surveying my surroundings. Now that I knew my general location, I felt confident that I could find my way into town. But what then? I had a little money in my bag, but not enough to live off of for long. I wanted to ask Ethan more questions but doubted he would give me the answers I was looking for.

  What would Dad tell me to do in this situation? I had no doubt he would advise me not to trust the random guy who wouldn’t tell me why he was helping me and was obviously hiding things. Dad had already told me not to go to the police. The only logical conclusion was that I should run and make it on my own until I could find him. I sighed, resigned to sticking it out the rest of the day and then escaping after dark. I glanced down at my wrapped ankle, fervently hoping it could handle the long walk through the woods.

  * * *

  It had been a long day, and I felt no closer to finding my dad than I had this morning. Ethan suggested that we turn in since it was getting late. He insisted I take the bed again, stating that he was fine on the pull-out sofa bed. His kindness and generosity overwhelmed me; I was even feeling a little guilty about my plan to slip out during the night. And yet, how could I trust him when he seemed so determined to hide his motives from me?

  As I limped toward the bedroom, I heard the front door open behind me. Startled by the unexpected intrusion, I jumped. Glancing quickly at Ethan, I noticed that his eyes had darted toward the door. Turning slowly, I felt my jaw drop; the intruder was the blue-eyed stranger from the library.

  Brick Wall

  I stared at the ceiling, forcing myself to stay awake. I thought through everything I knew about my dad, the fire, and the boys, seeking answers, seeking inspiration for what to do.

  Having convinced myself that I would likely never see the blue-eyed stranger from the library again, Chase’s reappearance at the cabin was the last thing I expected. I played our latest conversation over again and again searching for clues, trying to figure out what was really going on.

  Initially surprised and excited in spite of myself, I asked, “What are you doing here?”

  I saw the corner of his lip twitch upward. “Haley, right? I’m Chase.”

  “How did you know my name?” I blurted out, not intending to say it aloud.

  He shoved both hands in his pockets. “I overhead the librarian call you by your name.” I couldn’t argue with that explanation. The librarian was one of the few people who actually knew my name and had most likely used it in front of Chase.

  I couldn’t believe that the two hottest guys I had ever seen were not only in the same room but seemed to know each other. Chase’s blond hair and blue eyes contrasted nicely with Ethan’s chestnut hair and brown eyes. Both muscular, they were equally breathtaking in their own way, and I could feel my mind wandering as I studied their impressive builds. Focus, Haley!

  I looked inquisitively between Ethan and Chase, wondering what was really going on. I seriously doubted it was a coincidence that Chase was at the library, then the fire, and now the cabin. Ethan’s face betrayed nothing, while Chase’s suggested that he was both bewildered and amused. Suddenly I remembered that I was wearing Ethan’s boxers and Chase’s over-sized sweatshirt. Being alone with Ethan in this state hadn’t bothered me as much as I thought it should, but being with Chase now, I felt slightly awkward about it.

  I crossed my arms, attempting to smother how self-conscious I felt. Silence filled the room, creating an awkward void.

  Finally, I spoke. “Thanks for rescuing me.”

  I noticed a twinge of red creep up Chase’s neck before he looked down at the floor. “Sure. I mean, you’re welcome.” He gently kicked the air with one foot.

  With my arms still crossed, I pinched some of the fabric of the sweatshirt. “What did you see yesterday? Do you know anything more about my dad?”

  Chase looked toward Ethan and I noticed the briefest nod from Ethan. Perhaps I was seeing things, but it seemed like they were silently communicating. Chase took a deep breath.

  “When I saw the house burning, I wanted to make sure no one was inside. I didn’t see or hear anyone at first. But when I got closer, I saw you laying on the ground, unconscious. When you wouldn’t wake up, I carried you to my car.” He paused. “I brought you here so Ethan could check out your injuries. I don’t know where your dad is, but I wish I did.”

  As the memory faded, I glanced at the bedroom door. I had been in bed for a few hours, biding my time. I closed my eyes, my ears focused and listening for any sound. Now’s your chance, I thought. If you’re going to do it, you need to do it now. My pulse quickened.

  I slipped out of the bed as quietly as possible and gently picked up my bag, heavier now with a few extra supplies I had surreptitiously gathered throughout the day. As I threw it over my shoulder, I heard a creak. Freezing, I held my breath, waiting to see if it was just the noise of the cabin or one of the guys moving around. After a few long seconds, I grabbed my canvas shoes and moved toward the window across the room.

  I slowly unlatched the window then lifted it as quietly as possible, fearing any sudden sou
nd or movement. Fortunately the drop from the window sill to the ground was only a foot or so, and there were no bushes on this side of the cabin. After making a space wide enough to fit through, I slid through the opening, taking care of my sprained ankle.

  The ground depressed gently beneath me as I landed on my feet, well, mostly my one foot. The soil was soft and moist but not so wet as to be muddy. The dampness from the rain the night before lingered, accentuating the scents of the forest; pine, moss, and damp earth mixed in the cool air.

  After glancing around to make sure no one was about, I hesitated, debating whether to attempt to close the window. I took a deep breath and didn’t exhale until the window rested a few inches above the sill. Crouching near the ground, I paused to reorient myself, and the pine needles shifted under my feet. The waning moon was high overhead by this point, but thanks to the dense trees, the area around the cabin remained dark.

  Keeping my body low, I made my way north to the road behind the house. My ankle was aching, but rest and painkillers had helped some; adrenaline helped even more. After putting what felt like a safe distance between myself and the cabin, I paused behind a large tree. Having made it this far, I drew a few breaths to still my beating heart before briefly closing my eyes to recall a dog-eared map of the area that I had found in the cabin earlier in the day.

  My goal was to head east to Highway 89 and then figure out my plans from there. Not wanting to get too close to the road and risk discovery, I planned to skirt the creek that ran parallel to the road until I hit the highway. If I was right, it was a little over three miles to Highway 89. Normally three miles would be no big deal, but tonight my progress would be slow, hampered by unfamiliar terrain, the dark, and my injured ankle.

  Away from the immediate threat of discovery by Ethan or Chase, I noticed for the first time how cold and dark it was. I was still wearing Ethan’s boxers and T-shirt as well as the sweatshirt he had given me that morning, but goosebumps raised on my bare legs. The night was so cool I could almost see my breath.

  Burying my nose and mouth into the sweatshirt for warmth, the scent of cedar drifted to my nose, recalling the images of Chase and Ethan. At that moment, I half considered turning around to go back to the cozy cabin. They said they wanted to help me; maybe I should have stayed.

  Tempting as the idea may be, I knew I couldn’t go back; I had no idea who they really were and I couldn’t take the risk to find out. Instead, I headed further north in the direction of the creek. Crossing the small, two-lane road, the pavement felt hard beneath my feet. This far away from town, the houses were few and far between, and with no cars in sight, the forest was quiet.

  Occasionally the trees thinned out enough for the moon to filter through, casting long shadows on the ground. When I heard the movement of water over stones, I knew the creek couldn’t be far. The air felt more humid and I was calmed by the sound of the flowing water. Once I was close enough to the creek, I turned right to head east toward Highway 89.

  Feeling simultaneously tired and on edge, I was startled when an owl hooted nearby. I rolled my eyes at my jumpiness; I had been alone outside at night countless times before. Stay calm, Haley. Telling myself to remain calm and rational was one thing; doing it was another. This was unfamiliar territory, and I felt more alone and afraid than I ever had.

  I picked up my pace, my ankle burning in fiery protest to the movement. My heart was beating faster, and I struggled with the terrain, encumbered by the small rocks, pine cones, and fallen branches that littered the ground. My limbs felt rubbery, each step forced and clumsy.

  Focused on reaching my destination, I pushed myself to keep moving despite the pain and exhaustion. Time seemed to drag on, and while I knew I was headed in the right direction, I wondered why it was taking so long.

  Suddenly I flew forward, falling to the ground. Surprised and slightly winded, I quickly pushed myself off the ground, brushing pine needles and dirt from my shins and palms. Don’t stop, Haley. You can do this, I reminded myself, forcing back tears. But the words felt hollow. My life was out of control, and I was frustrated by the situation, by my ankle. Tired and scared, I just wanted to go home to my dad.

  I decided to sit down on a log to rest. Shivering, I held myself and tried to rub my arms and bare legs. My mind and body were at war; I knew I had to keep moving, and it would help me stay warm, but I was so tired.

  A twig snapped and I practically leapt out of my skin. Clasping my hand over my heart, I took a few deep breaths. You’re just tired, stop being so jumpy. Straining my ears, I didn’t hear anything at first other than the sounds of the forest. My eyes darted around the surrounding area until something caught my attention. Not far away I could see a small light bouncing around in the dark, and my stomach dropped.

  The light was too faint to be a car and too small to be anything but a flashlight. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw a large figure approaching. Heart pounding, I ducked out of sight; in my attempt to hide, I lost sight of the light.

  I froze, struggling to hear anything that stood out from the usual sounds of the forest. Crouching near the ground, the smell of damp earth intensified. My ankle burned and my leg muscles felt tight, ready to sprint into a run.

  I looked around, attempting to see where the light had gone despite my limited viewpoint. I counted to thirty in my head, trying to wait out the figure, hoping it had turned to go a different direction. After a few long moments, I glanced around again and slowly stood up, exhaling quietly.

  Feeling lightheaded, I sat back on the log, trying to gather enough strength to continue. Seemingly out of nowhere, a hand appeared in front of me and I heard a gruff voice say, “Here, let me help you.”

  Without thinking, I reached down and grabbed a fistful of dirt before standing up to fling it at the man’s face. Surprised, he growled and reached out an arm. I was too slow to react, and his massive hand closed around my wrist. I was struck by the raw strength and power it contained.

  Instinctively, I squatted down into a strong stance then leaned forward with all my strength. I bent my elbow all the way toward him until he was forced to release my wrist. Free from his hold, I stumbled backwards, scarcely avoiding tripping as I fumbled in my bag. My fingers found what I was searching for, and I grasped the corkscrew firmly between my index and middle finger with the point out.

  Instead of pursuing me further, the stranger stopped moving and held out his hands, palms up. He sighed, sounding exasperated. “Listen to me, Haley, you can’t get anywhere on that ankle and you’re clearly worn out.” Startled at hearing my name, I stopped dead in my tracks.

  I didn’t think it was Ethan or Chase, but now I took a better look. His height was close to Chase’s, over six feet. While Chase’s body was definitely chiseled, it was the streamlined physique of a swimmer. The man before me was built like a brick wall. I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley, I thought. Too late for that, I laughed darkly to myself.

  He stepped into a clearing between trees, allowing what little light there was from the moon to shine on him. I felt my grip on the corkscrew tighten, the handle practically becoming one with my palm. I couldn’t make out much about the imposing stranger other than his dark jacket and jeans and hair just light enough to gleam in the moonlight.

  Although I didn’t know him, he clearly knew me; cold and afraid, my teeth were chattering uncontrollably. He removed his jacket and threw it on the ground near my feet. “Put it on.” His gravelly voice said it as an order, not a request. I hesitated for a second, but I was too frozen to argue.

  I grabbed the jacket and put it on quickly, grateful for the instant warmth. His body heat lingered, and I caught the scent of leather, gasoline, and spice. I sat silently, wondering what to do or say.

  He backed away and slipped his hands in his pockets, making him appear slightly less intimidating. “I’m Knox. Ethan and Chase were really worried when they realized you were gone.” I pulled my legs toward my body and wrapped my arms around my knees.
Seriously, who are these guys and what do they want with me?

  Knox paused and I let the air fill with silence. He took a breath, and I could tell he was working to maintain his patience with me. “Look. I know you don’t know us. But we do want to help you.”

  “Why?” I asked, noticing an edge to my voice.

  “What if I make you a deal?” I looked up at Knox, waiting for him to continue. “I know Ethan and you have talked, but he hasn’t shared much about why the three of us are involved in this mess. If you agree to come back with me, I promise that we will tell you the rest of the story first thing tomorrow.”

  I wanted to believe him, but I still wasn’t sure. But what choice did I have? Outrunning Knox didn’t seem like an option even on the best of days. What would he say if I told him thanks, but no thanks? Considering he was wandering the forest at night looking for me, it didn’t seem likely he would agree. And even if he did, how far was I from the road?

  He interrupted my thoughts, rapidly firing his questions in a sharp tone. “What’s your plan, Haley? Think you can make it to the highway and then hitchhike somewhere? Do you have any money? A working cell phone? Do you have any idea where your dad is or how to find him?”

  My lips tightened and I shook my head, not wanting to listen. I didn’t answer, but he was right. There were too many obstacles for me to make it on my own, at least until my ankle healed. And spending time with these guys seemed preferable to other strangers. At least they seemed to know something about my dad and what was going on, even if they may have been the ones that caused it.

  Slowly, Knox stepped closer before sitting next to me. He rubbed his brow as if trying to massage away a headache. His voice was deep, but his tone had softened slightly. “I know your dad is missing and you’re worried about him. I have a younger brother and I know what it’s like to worry about someone you love. I know what it’s like to want to protect them.”