“Well thank you sweet heart. I needed some new night clothes.”
“You’re welcome.” I hand a small package to Tabitha. I didn't know who would be coming but I got a Scent warmer for whoever had to work today. She thanks me and smiles like she really likes it. I wish Grandma could stay here with me every day. I have been so alone this last month.
Sam and I have made it back to friend status. I feel like I broke his heart when I said I just needed more time, again. He still hasn’t started dating anyone else. Our little group still eats lunch together. Chris has kept Emily pretty well occupied so that made it easier to keep her at arm’s length. Being on winter break, I haven't seen much of either of them though. I hear the doorbell chime and I wonder who it could be. It’s too early for the center to arrive to pick grandma up. Well Sam's ears must be ringing because he is on my porch.
“Sam, what a surprise, Merry Christmas,” I wrap my arms around him, oh he smells so good I almost forget to let go. He embraces me, burying his nose in my hair. It feels so good to have him in my arms once again.
“Merry Christmas, I just wanted to stop by and give you your gift.” He holds out a small red gift bag.
“You didn't have to get me anything.” He smiles his sweet boyish smile.
“I wanted to, I hope you like it.” I invite him into the living room. He has never met Grandma.
“Grandma this is my friend Sam.” He walks over to her and hugs her, to my surprise.
“It is a pleasure to meet you ma’am.” Grandma gives me the wink of approval. Sam hands me the tiny gift bag. I pull out the tissue paper and find a small gift box inside labeled Tiffany & Co. I open it and I find the most lovely silver charm bracelet I have ever seen. I smile taking it out to examine. Several delicate charms hang from the links.
“Here let me show you.” Sam kneels down in front of me on the rug. “The dolphin is for your love of the ocean. A Harvard pennant of course, the strawberry is from our first date. The Navy's seal is for your dad. And this is what I want to give to you.” He holds up the last charm which is a tiny earth. He wants to give me the world, oh my goodness I want to kiss him a million times over right now. He is so sweet. Of course tears spring from my eyes as he fastens the bracelet around my wrist.
“I love it, thank you Sam,” I say while trying to blot my eyes. He pulls a tissue from a nearby box and hands it to me. I laugh through my tears. I hug him and whisper. “It really is perfect.” Why does he have to be so good to me?
The van arrives to take Grandma back home. “Sam can you give me a moment, I need to walk Grandma out. Help yourself to some cheesecake if you like.” His eyes light up.
I see Grandma out and hug her neck, fighting for my tears to stay back.
“Bye Grandma, I love you.”
“Goodbye, and thank you for a lovely Christmas.” I am the stranger again. Tabitha gives a reserved smile. She knows how hard this disease is on families.
“Thank you Tabitha and Merry Christmas.”
“You are quite welcome. Ann Marie is lucky to have you in her life and thank you for a wonderful Christmas.” I didn't even ask her about her family I wonder if she gets to go home now.
I find Sam in the kitchen with an empty plate.
“Oh my God, that was so good!” I smile and notice he has a drop of caramel on his bottom lip. I remove it with my finger and then my finger goes in my mouth without even thinking. His eyes change from satiate to predatory in that instant. He pins me against the counter in one swift turn. He is searching my eyes for a yes. I put my hand on his chest to stop him from getting any closer. I can't even look him in the eyes because I really do want him to close the gap.
“Sam stop,” I say just as his face softens and his body relaxes. He takes my hand and sits on the bar stool. He pulls me into an embrace and just holds me.
“I can do slow Brennen, but please just let me in. I know you’re scared. I am too, but you can’t hide your true feelings from me. I can see it all over your face.”
It feels really good just to be held again. He strokes my hair and hugs me once more before letting me go. Mm slow is good too. I wish he could spend the whole week here with me. But I know it would put him in danger. It's Christmas, there is no evil on Christmas, maybe just one night. He melts my skin with his liquid amber eyes awaiting my decision.
“It’s getting late and the roads are icy, why don't you stay a while?”
“Are you sure?” He reaches up and caresses my cheek with the back of his hand. His silky warm skin makes me ache for him to continue.
“Can you behave?” He takes my hands in his and kisses my knuckles. My chest rises and falls deeply, trying to suppress my quickened heartbeat. Can I?
“Absolutely,” he chuckles. He offers to help clean the kitchen while I change into something more comfortable. I think he just wants another slice of cheesecake. When I come down stairs the kitchen is spotless and I find he has made up the couch for sleeping. He takes my hand and pulls me to the sofa. I see a blanket and pillow on the floor. I wonder what this is all about.
“Can we just talk, here?” The house is dark, only lit by the low flame of the fireplace and the slow twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. I lay on the sofa and he on the floor. He takes my hand in his and we make sweet pillow talk.
“I think your Grandma liked me.”
“Yes she gave me the wink.” My lids feel heavy.
“I have missed you,” Sam says the words with despondency saturated syllables.
“I've missed you too. Where does your dad think you are tonight?”
“He thinks I am staying with Chris so we can go deer hunting early in the morning.”
“Oh.”
“I think you should go into the cheesecake business.” I laugh at his inane suggestion through a yawn.
“It’s been done.” Hmm baker or president, I know, Uncle Sam’s Cheesecakes- perfect!
“I love you,” Sam voices as he squeezes my hand. I know he does, I think he’s wanted to tell me those words since our first dance. Deep down I know it’s why he hasn’t even dated anyone else.
“I love you too.” With that I drift off to sleep holding the hand of the one I love but knowing without a doubt that I love them both, and I probably always will.
I awake in a panic when I feel a hand pressing over my mouth. It’s still dark out and the adrenaline pumps into my veins as I struggle and try to scream, but I can't even look around to see what is going on. A large figure puts his face in my field of vision. He puts a finger to his lips and I begin to recognize him. The giant is Will... what in the world? He sees the panic subside in my eyes and takes his hand off of my mouth. He motions for me to follow him. Sam is sound asleep on the floor. I climb over the arm of the sofa as to avoid disturbing him. Will goes to a far corner room of the house. He is dressed in a black sweater, black pants, and with his dark skin, he is almost hidden from sight.
“What is going on?”
“You tell me, what are you thinking?” He stands with his hands rigid on his hips.
“What? What is the problem?” I ask, taken aback by his tyrannical outburst. He sighs as if he is exasperated.
“Elena, told you to keep people away. Why didn’t you listen? Now you are putting him in danger. I have been fighting all night trying to keep them out of here, it is getting very heated. I have reinforcements coming, but I cannot guarantee his safety once he leaves here. I don't know what has them all riled up, but they have his scent and they will not stop until he is dead.”
“First of all, she said that a month ago. How was I supposed to know I needed to extend my stay in solitary confinement? What should I do? You have to save him.” I feel weak as if any moment my legs will collapse beneath me. I grab Will by the arms; he has a wing span that could rival an eagle. “Tell me what to do and I'll do it. I can't lose him. I'm begging you.”
“Look Brennen, I am already in the hot seat for letting things get hairy last time, I have to keep you safe.
I am no Elijah but I am doing the best that I can. All I can say is keep him under your roof until things blow over out there. I can keep my shield up over your house, you are safe in here. If you do have to leave, keep him by your side at all times. They will be waiting for any slip up.”
“Okay I think I can manage that. How long will this go on?”
“I will keep you updated.”
“Oh and Will?”
“Yes?”
“Don't ever wake me up with your hand over my mouth like that again; you almost killed me with a heart attack.” His gleaming white smile is all I see before he evaporates before my eyes. I catch a glimpse of yellow eyes peeking inside the window for just a second. It sends chills down my spine and I shudder. I scurry out of the room as quickly as I can.
Sam looks so peaceful lying on his side facing the fire. I peel back his blanket and ease my body next to his. I slide my arm under his. Oh, Sam I am so sorry I involved you in my fight. I will keep you safe if it's the last thing I do. I feel wide awake knowing that Will is outside fighting off yellow eyed freaks in a battle of epic scale. He said he is no Elijah, does that mean he is weaker or less powerful? Not as well trained maybe? I am so scared for Sam. I squeeze him gently. His skin is so smooth I run my hand over his chest slowly so that I don't rouse him. I try and match his slow breathing and finally succumb to the night.
I am awakened by tender kisses trailing down my neck. I stretch out and meet Sam's copper eyes. His hair is a wild mess; he looks like a deranged Muppet. I run my fingers through his mane and try and tame his locks. He smiles warmly and he can't hide the hunger in his eyes.
“I could wake up next to you for the rest of my life,” he murmurs in my ear before kissing my lobe and tugging on it gently with his teeth, mm.
“What about the rest of winter break?” I ask innocently. His eyes widen and his mouth drops open.
“Oh Bren, I would love to. But I don't think my dad would go for that at all.”
“Get Chris to cover for you. Say you are hanging out with him all week. Say you’re going camping,” I plead. It never occurred to me keeping him here for a week would be an issue. I guess I am just used to not having a parent to look after my moral turpitude. He puts his arm behind his head and contemplates his options. Hmm, I better make my case. I swing my leg over his waist and lift his shirt. His eyebrows tweak. I lower my head and languidly explore the washboard before me. I lick and kiss his warm skin. I run a fingernail from his clavicle to his naval. He writhes beneath me.
He reaches for his phone. “Hey dad, would it be cool if I went camping this week with Chris.” He is motioning me -where? I grab my iPhone and do a quick search while still straddling him. I show him a page. “Yeah um up in Shenandoah.” He rolls his hand for me to keep going. I find a list of activities and tilt the screen so he has access. “We are gonna hike Baldface mountain. Yes it is totally safe. Ah, we will be back New Year’s day or the day after.” He gives me a thumbs-up signal. “Yeah I will be by to pack a bag. No, it’s too cold for a tent we have a cabin.” He looks at me like he isn't sure if that was okay. Crap he wants to go grab clothes. I could go with him. But no, that would ruin the lie. Think Brennen. I could take him shopping. Yes that's it. I owe him a Christmas present anyway. He hangs up with his dad.
“Well what did he say?”
“He said yes!”
“How about we go to the mall and I buy you a few clothes, I want to get you something for Christmas. Then you won't even have to go home.”
“Bren that would be even more suspicious if I didn't go home to at least pack a bag, it won't take long. I'll be back before you know it. Besides you are the best Christmas present a man could ever want.” Crap. Okay well this was so majorly stupid.
“I am just going to go freshen up. Don't go anywhere yet okay.” He nods with a perplexed look on his brow. I dart upstairs and lock my bathroom door.
“Will! Will, please I have a problem,” I call out and I get nothing, great. I brush my teeth and hair. Maybe Dr. Kennedy can help. My phone is still downstairs, of course it is.
I hear the front door slam and Sam yell, “Shit!” I race down the stairs and see blood pouring from his scalp down over his now porcelain white features. I grab a towel from the kitchen and hold it to his head. He sits on the entryway stairs.
“What happened?” His face is snowflake white. His hand is shaking and he looks terrified. All of this is my fault.
“I...I was just going to get my toothbrush. When this huge black bird swooped out of the sky, and clawed the shit out of my head. I think it was trying to scalp me.” I peel back the towel. I can see the deep laceration on the top of his head. I think it needs stitches. He sways back like he is going to pass out.
“Stay with me Sam. Hold this, I will be right back, I'm going to get my phone.” I run to the family room and grab my phone off the ottoman. I get back to Sam and take over holding the towel. I dial Elena and she answers on the first ring.
“Dr. Kennedy, I need you at my house ASAP there's been an accident. It's Sam, he was attacked by a bird I think he needs stitches.” She sounds more than annoyed with my blatant disregard for her instructions as she tells me to drop him off at St. Mary’s and let them deal with my accident.
“No I really don't think you want him going to the hospital and telling everyone that a giant black bird with questionable features tried to behead him, now do you?” I can't believe this woman.
“Fine, but I expect you to heed my warnings and never doubt my instructions again. Fair?”
“She is on her way babe.” She arrives in less than five minutes carrying a small canvas bag. She removes the towel and examines the wound. I know she is not a medical doctor, come to think of it I wonder if she has any real degree at all. What I do know is she looks absolutely pissed. She takes out some gauze and a bottle of liquid. She squirts it all over the wound and scrubs it rather roughly. He cries out.
“This is going to hurt like a bitch I’m afraid.” She pulls out a medical staple gun and I grab Sam's hand. She puts the device right up to his head and pulls the trigger. Sam cries out and squeezes my hand for each of the ten staples. She then injects him with something for the infection and something for the pain. We help him to the bedroom downstairs and he is out cold before his head hits the pillow.
“How much did you give him?”
“Enough to keep his ass in bed til tomorrow.”
“I'm sorry Elena; I had a moment of weakness last night.” She storms out of the bedroom. I trail after her.
“Do you even know what is going on out there?” I shake my head.
“Come here.” She grabs my elbow and pulls me out the back door like a toddler by the ear.
“Look.” She puts her palm on my forehead and suddenly the world around me shifts. The sky is red, the clouds are black as night, and the ocean is littered with the disfigured corpses of yellow eyed, large winged creatures. I see a dozen men with white wings and swords engaged in the heat of battle. They are everywhere. Demons screech in the sky and attempt their assaults by torpedoing in on their target, me. I cringe at the incoming monster. Will soars into it and knocks it to the ground, ripping it apart with his bare hands. I see the ten inch razor sharp talons take one final swipe before melting into the shadows. Will glares into me before taking to the skies again. I see another fight between a white winged guy and two demons. They ambush him from behind and each one grabs an arm and pulls, when I think the worst is about to happen, the guy brings his hands together and bashes the two demons together in one scull splitting display. They are no match for the Keepers but they out number them tenfold. They’re like ants, just one can be squashed under a shoe, put a hundred of them together all striking at once and you have a real big problem on your hands. I realize now that the clouds aren't black, it's them. There are hundreds of them darkening the sky. Another one has me in his sights. There are no keepers free to stop its attack. It swoops down over the pool and looks me straight in the ey
e.
“Brennen,” It screeches my name with a hideous cacophony, like the ripping of a vinyl on a record player. I am in fight mode, I stand my ground and hold my hands in the defense position my dad taught me. The creature extends his talons ready to slice me to scraps. It hits some kind of force field like a bug on a zapper. I see its beak shatter into the invisible wall, and its large body once at full speed, now crushed by its own inertia. It drops to the ground with its head on backwards. I turn to Elena she smiles knowingly. She removes her hand and the powder blue sky and white cloud world comes back into focus.
“Not bad kid.”
“I am through playing the victim.”
“Is this all because I have someone I care about over?”
“No this just means that the time is coming near that there will be no going back. All gloves are off until that point.”
“I can't let Sam get hurt, please I'll do whatever you say and ask how high.” She has that look in her eye like I made my bed and now I have to sleep in it.
“Elena, I can't have any more blood on my hands. I will be no good to you if I am responsible for Sam's death. I am at my breaking point.” My hand shakes as I wipe the hair from my face. I really am about to crack. I can see myself at the Looney bin going on about freakishly giant yellow eyed birds with beaks the size of a Volvo.
“What do you need me to do?” She finally resigns to help me.
“He is already cleared to stay with me until after New Year's but he needs to go home and pack a bag or his dad is going to have the National Guard called out.”
“Alright I will protect him for the trip but that is it.” I nod, still afraid for them.
“Is he really going to be out until tomorrow?”
“No, he should be awake in a couple of hours.” Thank goodness. I go inside and check on him. He is lying on Grandma's bed still sleeping like a child. He looks so serene, not a care in the world. His life is at stake right now and it's my fault entirely. One moment of weakness has almost cost Sam his life. I take his hand and examine it freely. His nails are short and neat, he has long fingers and rough callouses from years of working on a ranch. I kiss his knuckles and place his hand on his chest. The room is just how she left it. A rose patterned quilt tops her bed. A soft knitted green blanket is tossed at the foot. A cedar hope chest stores her spare bedding. I wonder. I look inside, it's the one place I haven't looked for any record of who my birth mother may have been. I even unfold the blankets but there's nothing of interest. I find Elena in the kitchen helping herself to a slice of cheesecake. Wow, okay make yourself at home I want to say but decide I want to stay on her good side.
My Soul to Keep (The Soul Keeper Series - Young Adult Paranormal Romance) Page 17
