Summoned (The Brazil Werewolf Series)

by Dudley-Penn, Amanda K.

  My mother backed away from her and Sophia smiled as she reached out with a check pinched between her fingers. Her eyes were still narrowed over the smile as she raised her chin, “Take it and go,” she said, shaking her head, “You aren’t needed here anymore.”

  My mother reached forward and grabbed it and then, she breezed by me without saying a word. My mouth opened but I quickly closed it. It would do no good to say good-bye to her when she would never think of me again.

  I blinked back the heat as tears sprang up in my eyes. I watched as she closed the door. A few moments later, the motor home pulled away.

  Only then did I stop blinking. Tears fell down my cheeks unbidden as the woman who had given birth to me drove out of my life forever.

  **********

  I followed silently as Sophia and Ion helped me carry my possessions to a motor home on the opposite side of the park. I stared down at the box I carried, terrified though I realized I shouldn’t be. No one would hurt me. That was obvious with the way everyone defended me against my mother. Still, I didn’t know what to expect especially since everything which had been familiar to me had changed. Within a day I found out I had a sister, met the man I would marry and lost my home. Though no one else would understand why the loss of my mother was a bad thing, I couldn’t help but see it as just that…bad.

  “We’re here,” Sophia said, causing me to gaze up at the large white motor home before me. The coach was newer and cleaner than my home had been and stretched at least forty five feet with tinted windows decorating the sides. For a moment, I wondered if this home would be like the one Marco and I would share. I couldn’t be sure. My future still seemed so clouded.

  I shifted as Sophia stepped up and knocked on the door. I lifted my head and looked at her, biting my bottom lip. My stomach began to churn again and I wondered whether I would be sick.

  “It’s alright, Lilly,” Sophia said, looking back at me and giving me an encouraging smile, “Aurora has been waiting for you. She‘s excited to have a sister.”

  I nodded but I still trembled in fear of possible rejection. I swallowed and then, glanced at the door as I heard someone moving on the other side. The lock clicked and the door knob turned, swinging open a moment later.

  My eyes widened as my mouth opened in awe. The girl from my dream stood in front of me. On some level, I had convinced myself I’d had a normal nightmare but as I studied Aurora, I found no difference from her appearance and the Aurora in my dreams. A chill slid down my spine as I realized my father had the power to invade every aspect of our lives. There was nowhere we could hide and that frightened me.

  Aurora’s silver eyes met mine and she smiled, “Lilly,” she breathed and then, stepped down to the ground to stand in front of me. She tilted her head as she studied me, causing her long black hair to slide over one shoulder and down her back, “I’m so glad you’re here and you’re safe. I worried after the dream Emilian sent us.”

  “The dream last night really happened?” I asked and another tremble slid through me. I had still hoped to find an explanation that did not involve our father stalking us.

  “Unfortunately,” she said with a shrug and grinned widely as if our father‘s visit didn‘t bother her, “But don’t worry. He didn’t hurt me. He made it seem like he bit me because he wanted to frighten you.”

  “He succeeded,” I said through gritted teeth.

  “What are you talking about?” A man asked from the doorway of the motor home. His eyes were narrowed and there was a protective air about him. Instinctively, I knew he was Andre.

  His eyes swept over each of us. He smiled at me before turning to my sister. I studied him as he gazed at her looking for similarities between him and Marco. He had the same tall, muscled build as Marco but the similarities ended there. Instead of black hair, he possessed hair with locks of blonde, black and brown. He shared the same hazel eyes and olive toned skin with Sophia. His lips were not as full. I sighed. Though I could not deny Andre’s attractive features, I found him not as handsome as his brother. However, the expression on his face made my heart clench because it held so much worry and love as he stared at Aurora that I experienced a bit of jealousy. I would never be gazed at with that type of adoration.

  “My father came to me and Lilly in a dream last night,” Aurora said, motioning toward me. He turned as he studied me.

  “Lilly?” He asked and smiled in surprise, “You’re Aurora’s sister?”

  I nodded still feeling strange being introduced as someone’s sister, “I am,” I whispered, “And you’re Andre, right?”

  He nodded, “Yes,” He said, smiling kindly, “I’m glad to see you’ve made it here safely.”

  “Thank you,” I said, shifting.

  He turned back to Aurora, “You said you weren’t bitten,” Andre said, “Did he attack you?”

  Aurora shrugged and then, rolled her eyes, “In the dream,” she said and gave Andre a calming, sweet smile as she explained, “It was his way of showing his annoyance with me and of course, he was trying to frighten Lilly.”

  Anger flooded Andre face, “If he was not blood bonded with your mother, I’d kill him,” he said and turned back to me, “Are you okay?”

  “Yes,” I whispered unaccustomed to people asking about me. He nodded as I shifted the box in my arms.

  He frowned as his eyes moved to Sophia, “Where is her mother?”

  “That’s why we’re here,” Sophia said, smiling sweetly, “Staying with her mother is unacceptable. I was hoping she would be able stay with you and Aurora until the wedding.”

  Aurora grinned obviously excited by the concept, “Of course she can,” she said before Andre had even opened his mouth to answer. I couldn’t help but to suppress a laugh.

  He shook his head, grinning as he peered at me, “You are welcome to stay here,” he laughed, “Welcome to the family.”

  I blushed and lowered my head. Sophia stepped in front of me, “Something you should be aware of in this family,” she said, tilting my chin up with the tips of her fingers. I met her kind eyes as she continued, “You aren’t allowed to look down. You are to be proud. You are a beautiful woman who is part of a very noble family.”

  I blushed further and nodded, trying to keep my head up. Sophia grinned, “That’s better,” she said, “I will see you tonight at your engagement party.”

  I inhaled sharply but Aurora stepped beside me and put her arm around me, “Don’t worry,” she whispered, “The engagement party is only a bonfire. It will be okay. I‘ll be with you. I promise.”

  I swallowed as a tremble shuttered through me. I had just met my fiancé and now, I was expected to go to my engagement party. It was all happening too fast.

  **********

  It was pleasant to realize that Aurora wasn’t one to hover. Instead, she helped me unpack, gave me a tour of the motor home and told me I could help myself. When I searched her out to ask permission to read outside, she grinned.

  “You don’t have to ask,” she said amused, “You might want to let me know where you are in case Emilian shows up but other than that, you are free to do as you want.”

  “Alright,” I said, smiling at her. For the first time, I took a deep breath, finally experiencing the freedom of my situation.

  She gave me a wide smile as if sensing the turn in my mood, “I understand it’s different than what you are used to but it‘s a good difference. I think that’s become obvious to you. Give yourself some time to get used to it,” she said as her grin widened, “And just so you know, I am really happy you are here,” she said, stepping forward and stunning me by giving me a hug. For a moment, my eyes clouded with tears. No one but Ion had ever hugged me. Slowly, I hugged her back, sighing in contentment and relief. Unfortunately, it was over too quickly. She pulled away from me and a moment later, she was gone.

  I looked at the door she had exited stunned that she was so accepting of me and shook my head as I found a book and went outside. I found a group of trees nea
r Aurora and Andre’s home and sat down, reading a romance set in the Elizabethan era. I had begun to relax for the first time since my arrival and I found myself engrossed in the story. An hour had passed when the hair on the nape of my neck rose telling me that I was being watched.

  “Lilly,” my name floated to me and I stiffened as I realized that my intuition was right and I wasn’t alone. I looked up to find Marco staring at me intently. He was leaning against the tree opposite from the one I sat under. His gray gaze swept over me, causing me to shift. Warmth settled in my stomach as my heart picked up speed.

  “You really shouldn’t be out here by yourself,” he said, still studying my face.

  I bit my bottom lip and forced myself to speak, “Aurora said that it was okay.”

  He rolled his eyes and gave a lopsided grin, “Aurora doesn’t do everything she should either,” he said, sitting down across from me, “She’s put herself in danger before so you really shouldn‘t follow her example.”

  I pursed my lips as I watched him. He seemed perfectly relaxed around me, “So, you’re worried about me being in danger?” I asked, frowning “Is there a reason to be worried?”

  “Yes,” he said as he searched my face again. His eyes darkened and I could see the concern there. I tilted my head trying to understand this man and found it difficult. Still, his apprehension seemed genuine. “Just please don’t go anywhere alone right now. Your father wouldn’t hesitate to take you. He‘s ruthless that way. I don’t want you to think that because you‘re his daughter you‘re safe. Actually, because you are his daughter, you‘re more in danger.”

  I frowned as I took in what he said, “You‘ve met my father?” I asked, suddenly curious.

  His eyes darkened and his face reddened slightly, “Unfortunately, I have,” he said, coolly, “I am acquainted with everyone in his family…even the one he chose to be your husband.”

  My mouth fell open as I stared at him with my eyes widened, “My father has a husband chosen for me too?” I asked, as my stomach twisted. I could only imagine who he would choose.

  Marco nodded as his eyes darkened, “Eli,” he said, “The one he chose for you is named Eli.”

  I swallowed hard as I fought the sudden panic. My hands began to shake and I clasped them in front of me as I tried to control the fear.

  “Is he like my father?” I asked, blinking rapidly, “I mean…will he try to hurt me?”

  “Not if he wants to live,” Marco said, causing me to shiver with the force of the threat. He looked into my eyes and sighed calming himself. His tone was softer when he spoke next, “But if you’re asking if he’s dangerous, the answer is yes. He’s very dangerous.”

  I frowned as I studied him. My mouth was suddenly dry and I crossed my arms over my stomach, “And you aren’t like my father?”

  For a moment he looked angry but then, his eyes became gentle, “Lilly, I realize your mother hurt you for most of your life and I also have no doubt that your father would hurt you but I never will. I swear to you that no one will while you are with me.”

  I had only met him hours before but somehow, his words calmed me. I had no doubt that he was telling the truth. After all, he had protected me from my mother and he was obviously concerned about my father kidnapping me.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, relieved and he frowned.

  “You shouldn’t thank someone for being kind to you,” he said, disturbed, “It should be expected.”

  I nodded but I didn’t know what to say. Ion had been the only person who had shown me kindness before arriving in Timbly Mountain. Marco narrowed his eyes as he studied my face, “If someone is mean to you, tell me,” he said.

  I nodded and then, shifted again, “I will,” I whispered as I realized that he was waiting for me agree.

  He nodded satisfied and shrugged as he relaxed, “Now, about the engagement,” he said, biting his bottom lip, “We’ve only just met and I realize how hard this is for both of us. I wanted to make it a bit easier. I would like to start off our relationship as friends.”

  My lips parted and I nodded, “I would like that.”

  He grinned and I couldn’t help but to grin back.

  “Now, I have to go and work with my dad and Andre. Can I please ask you to go inside?” he asked with a raised brow, “Your father worries me and I don‘t feel comfortable ordering you around. So, I am asking.”

  I rolled my eyes and nodded as I closed my book. He stood and reached out his hand to me. I swallowed. The action was simple but somehow it was intimate too. I took a deep breath as I stared at his hand before I looked up at him. His smile had faded. The air crackled with intensity as his eyes darkened waiting for me to make a move. I gazed back at his hand and I slowly reached forward until my hand rested in his. I gasped as a jolt of awareness slammed through me. I looked up at him as I noticed him swallow.

  He opened his mouth to say something but instead, of speaking he pulled me up to stand in front of him. His closeness caused my stomach to flip. I peeked up at him and quickly looked down suddenly afraid of the dark look in his eyes. My stomach twisted, causing my heart to seize. Finally, he moved beside me and we walked toward Aurora and Andre’s home in silence.

  He didn’t let go of my hand until we reached the door of the motor home. I could feel his eyes on me as he stepped in front of me. I tilted my face up to look into his eyes. He bit his lip again and then, sighed.

  “Please don’t go out without someone with you,” he whispered, causing his breath to fan over my face.

  I nodded too nervous to speak, “Thank you,” he said and then, he backed away. He looked at me once more and then, he was gone, leaving me feeling oddly hollow.

  Chapter Four

  Bloodlines and Bonfires

  Aurora narrowed her eyes at my clothes. I didn’t own many and the ones I did, came from thrift shops or yard sales. I knew most were threadbare and the ones that weren‘t were out of fashion. Finally, she found my one good dress and handed it to me while shaking her head.

  “I’m taking you shopping,” she said curling her lip, disgusted, “I’m guessing that your mother only spent a small amount of the money Sophia sent on you.”

  I blushed, “Ion bought my clothes.”

  Aurora narrowed her eyes. It didn‘t take a genius to realize that there were dangerous thoughts running through her head, “Maybe she’ll run off the road and I won’t need to hunt her down and kill her,” she hissed, confirming the darkness in her eyes.

  I blanched, “You wouldn’t do that would you?”

  She looked straight into my eyes, “Yes, I would,” she said but a grin split her face before she rolled her eyes, “Don’t worry. Andre wouldn’t let me. It’s too dangerous.”

  I laughed nervous, “Well, I guess it will be nice to go shopping,” I said, shifting, “I’ve never really been.”

  She gave another disgusted look, “I hate it,” Aurora said with a shrug, “But I’ll bring Mirella. She loves to shop. Who knows? You may save me from having to go so much.”

  “Who’s Mirella?” I asked, confused.

  Aurora tilted her head as she studied me, “They didn’t tell you everything but they still told you more than me,” she said with a shrug, “Mirella is Andre and Marco’s sister. By the way, they have five more brothers.”

  My mouth opened in shock, “Five?”

  “Yeah,” Aurora said, grinning, “You’ve went from having a small family to a large one and you will be meeting them all tonight.”

  My eyes widened, “All of them?”

  “Don’t worry,” Aurora said with a laugh, “They don’t bite. Well…they won’t bite you.”

  I bit my lip and shifted. Aurora’s grin faded, “I’m just joking,” she said with a frown, “Lilly, I realize there hasn’t been a lot of fun in your life but you are able to have fun here. No one is going to get mad at you for it.”

  I looked into her eyes and slowly, I shook my head. I took a deep breath. Finally, a slow grin stretched acr
oss my face.

  Aurora grinned back, “That’s better,” she said, “You have such a pretty smile. Now, let’s see what we can do to make Marco‘s jaw drop open in awe.”

  I nodded as she led me to her bedroom in the back of the mobile home to get ready for my engagement party.

  *********

  Aurora walked beside me as we entered the field where the bonfire pit blazed. The flames reached upwards as the people from the park talked or danced around the field. Laughter filled the air. The scene was jovial and somehow, that made me relax.

  The first person we met was a girl of about fifteen who joined us at the entrance to the field. She hugged Aurora with so much energy that she nearly knocked her over. When she turned to me, I found that her resemblance to Sophia was remarkable with long black hair which seemed wild and untamed in the wind. She possessed the same hazel eyes as Sophia but the green in them shined brighter. There was no question about who she was. She had to be Sophia’s daughter.

  “This is Mirella,” Aurora said, waving her hand toward her and confirming what I already thought, “She’s Andre and Marco’s sister.”

  I nodded and the girl gave me a wicked grin in response, “I’m so happy to have more females around,” Mirella said, laughing, “As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to being your favorite sister-in-law.”

  “Hey!” Aurora said, slapping her on the shoulder playfully.

  Mirella made a face, “You don’t count because you’re her sister,” she said, grinning and then, surprised me by hugging me. I inhaled sharply. I was not used to this type of affection but it seemed that everyone in this family was comfortable with embracing each other. She pulled away quickly, still grinning. Her name was called and she sighed, “Well, I better get back to my adoring public,” she said, rolling her eyes before laughing, “By the way; Marco was looking for you, Lilly.”