by Jaymin Eve
“I do trust you. I can feel your intentions through our bond.” Say what? I didn’t know he could do that; I certainly didn’t feel his intentions or emotions coming back. But maybe that was a good thing. I was pretty new to this “feelings” thing and was barely handling my own.
“I won’t lie to you about anything,” he continued. “I hope that even when we’ve reached the point of being able to be separated for long periods of time, you’ll still always rely on me … come to me when you need someone in your corner. We’re going to be tied together forever.” He paused, and I held my breath waiting for his next words. I needed to hear them. “We’re still getting to know each other, but … I’ve been alone most of my life, never able to rely on another Daelighter. It feels a lot like fate that this bond fell in my lap.”
My chest was really tight; we had grown up so similarly. Always alone. Always searching for something. “You can rely on me, Daniel. You can trust me.”
As soon as the words left my lips, I felt the real truth behind them. Daniel had done everything to prove he was an honorable being, and I would make sure I lived up to that in my actions with him. His thumb brushed my cheek and my body trembled. He broke contact with me, almost roughly, before he turned to walk again. But he kept hold of my hand.
As we passed another beautiful mansion, I caught a glimpse of towering white turrets through gaps in the fence. “That’s where Lexen and his family live,” Daniel said. “My house is next door.”
Next door turned out to be like a block away, but technically he was right. Daniel’s fence was at least twenty feet tall, shiny and reflective, no way to see in at all. He keyed in a code to a small pad by the entrance and the gate swung silently in.
“Whoa,” I whispered, completely enthralled by my first glimpse of his home. Daniel pulled me through, because I was too busy gawking to walk.
“It’s one of my favorite places in both worlds,” he said quietly. “I had it built when Laous decreed that all overlord minors had to spend a two-year term at the school here.”
“They must have built it quick,” I said breathlessly. “Seriously, it’s amazing.”
I was catching more glimpses of his house through the trees, the full picture getting clearer as we walked closer. It was a log cabin. Well, cabin was a vast understatement, but I couldn’t think of another word. Two or three stories high, with dark timber panels and wide wraparound decks on the lower and upper levels. Surrounding it was a forest worthy of a fairy tale: tall trees and a trickling creek. It was perfect. I was instantly in love with this cabin in the woods.
“I dreamed of owning a home one day,” I told him breathlessly. “A place which was just mine. Didn’t have to be huge, as long as I could put my own touches on it. Make it feel homey.” And there I went, over-sharing again. Before he could say anything, I segued to a random question: “How many Daelighters live here on Earth?”
He paused on the front porch, just before the main huge, wood door. “A few hundred thousand live out in your world.” I was surprised; I would have expected far less. “And about a hundred live here on this street. Daelight is generally reserved for those attending the school here. Or those wanting to slowly transition to Earth within a safe, controlled environment. Overlord families have their own territories here, and the rest share all the mansions near the back of this street. Keeping to their respective houses, of course.”
He released my hand, opened the wide door with a click, and then let me step inside first. Part of me mourned the loss of his touch. It was getting harder and harder for me to remember that we were just friends. My “newness” to this emotions thing had to be the reason. Surely this was too soon to care so much?
The cabin interior did distract me nicely though; it was as opulent and stunning as outside. It held a rustic charm, but the kind of rustic charm only a billionaire could afford. There was a lot of wood, broken up with accents of slate and tile and brick – of the old red and whitewashed variety. There were wide beams across the ceiling, open rafters, and so much charm.
Everything on this floor centered around a fireplace; barn doors led to a kitchen. “Can I live here forever?” I asked, jokingly.
Daniel didn’t laugh as I expected. He nodded. “What’s mine is yours. You don’t even have to ask. We have a bonded soul. My houses and money are nothing in comparison.”
I coughed, trying to figure out which of my emotions was strongest right then. Confusion, elation, fear … and something thick and warm which was wrapping around my heart.
I decided to share something of myself with him. Because he had shared so much with me. “Until recently, I was very alone.” I didn’t look at him, because I was nervous. “I shut my emotions down and never felt anything. It just seemed easier than hoping for a different life.” My mom’s haggard face flashed across my mind, and the familiar pain I associated with her flared with it. My voice was rougher now. “Life was just about running and training. Fighting was my only escape … until we moved to NOLA.” I sucked in a deep breath. “That city … it set me alight. It made me feel. The music touched my soul. The people filled my heart. I haven’t been able to shut myself down since. And almost dying only made it worse. My world before all of this was very black and white, maybe some gray at times, but it was always dull.” My voice was shaking, and for the first time in years, I was going to cry. “You brought colors and life to my world. You made me realize that if I had died at Laous’ hands, then I would never have lived at all. I wasted the first eighteen years. I won’t waste the rest.” Hot tears slid down my cheeks, and I choked on the last words, letting my head fall forward. Gravity stole my tears, pulling them down to land on the polished wood at my feet.
Movement had me lifting my head slowly, and my breath fled in a huff when I realized Daniel was standing right in front of me. His expression was fierce but somehow tender. He raised his hand and tilted my chin up with one finger, his other palm cupping my face as our gazes remained locked. My lungs were screaming at me, but I couldn’t make myself suck in any air, lest I break this moment.
Something had changed between us, a fundamental shift. I suddenly couldn’t wait to see what he did next.
“You’ll never be alone again, Callie,” he told me. It was a promise, I felt that in every word. “Your mom didn’t deserve the bright, smart, funny girl she got. But I won’t make the same mistake with the woman who fell into my life.”
I wanted to kiss him. The urge came at me so hard that I actually rocked toward him. His arms wrapped around me and I sank into the hug. It was the perfect thing in that moment, drying up the tears and sadness in my heart. Sure, no kiss, but that was okay.
In truth, we were going to be in each other’s lives for hundreds of years … or more. There was a real chance that a romantic relationship could lead to hurt feelings and resentment. In that case, logically, we were better off staying friends.
If I kept telling myself that, maybe one day I’d believe it.
After that, things felt lighter between us. Daniel led me up to the second level of his home, explaining the artwork on the walls as we passed. He was a big fan of industrial era paintings, teamed with lots of handmade metal work. Outside of the multiple art pieces, there were three open doors on this level, each of them leading into a huge bedroom.
When we finally reached Daniel’s room, it took up almost half the entire floor. My shoes squished into the thick rugs draped over wood floors as he led me into a large walk-in closet. It took him about five seconds to pull out a sweater for me; it was thick, warm, and dark gray. I had to roll up the sleeves multiple times, but otherwise it was so comfortable I could have snuggled into it and gone to sleep.
And that had nothing to do with the fact that it smelled like dark spice and wood-fire, just like Daniel. Absolutely nothing.
Back downstairs, we stopped in the kitchen, so Daniel could grab us some food. He whipped up a few grilled cheese sandwiches. “It’s my go-to breakfast,” he said, putting the plate
in front of me.
I practically snatched it up. “My favorite,” I moaned, already anticipating the cheesy goodness melting in my mouth.
Just as I took my first bite, he placed a newly-filled mug of coffee down for me. I was starting to think I was becoming more than a little addicted to having Daniel in my life. Seriously.
“How do you know the way I like my coffee?” I asked between mouthfuls.
He took the seat next to me at the kitchen bench, his own plate full. “I remembered from New Orleans,” he said simply.
He started to eat, and I just stared at him. He remembered that? Remembered and made sure he brought it just the way I liked it. Daniel was too good to be true. I was starting to worry that one day, when my soul was strong enough to be without him, I would find that another part of me couldn’t be separated from him.
My heart.
8
After breakfast he led me down into his underground garage. This was the only section of his house, so far, which wasn’t “rustic billionaire.” Under here it was all chrome and stainless steel, every inch shiny, including the twenty or more cars he had.
“Let me guess, you’re a bit of a fan of motor vehicles?” I asked drily, staring at the gleaming machines filling the space.
Daniel grinned, running his hand across the smooth lines of a dark purple Mustang. It was one of those old school ones, ‘69 Fastback, I was pretty sure. I wasn’t a big fan of classic cars, I liked mine modern and sleek. He had a few of those scattered about too. I saw an Audi R8, a Rolls Royce, and a lime green Lamborghini Aventador … which was one of my favorite cars.
“Everyone needs a hobby, right?” He patted the car one more time. “Cars are one of the best things about Earth. We don’t have them back in Overworld, so here I indulge my love.”
Another thing we had in common. “Can I choose?” I asked, unable to hide the anticipation in my voice.
Daniel’s grin grew, and my legs got a little shaky as he crowded closer, pressing me back into the Rolls Ghost behind us. My body ached, lifting of its own accord to push against his. He was killing me here – I had just found my ultimate aphrodisiac, Daniel surrounded by expensive cars.
“You like cars?” he asked, and I swear he dipped his head low then, brushing his face close to mine, like he was breathing me in. By the time my eyes fluttered open again, though, he was back to where he had been standing before, inches of space between us.
I tried to find some oxygen, but I couldn’t seem to fill my lungs. “Yes,” I choked out. “The faster and more modern the better.”
This time I didn’t miss the movement. He cupped my face, tilting my head back so we could lock eyes. “You, Earthling, were definitely put in my path to tempt me,” he murmured, a bite to his tone as a flash of darkness turned the cinnamon of his eyes murky.
He let me go then, turning away, and I sucked in some deep breaths, filling my starving lungs. Daniel was such an enigma. There were two sides to everything he did, and I was starting to crave both of them. His kind side nurtured my soul, and when he turned hard, it made my body burn. I never feared him, mostly because there was a control he carried at all times, and he rarely directed his anger at me.
Fact of the matter: I had always liked my guys rough around the edges.
I might actually need therapy.
Recovered, I walked to where he stood in the center of the huge garage. He lifted both hands out on either side of him, palms up. “Pick your poison.”
“That one.” I pointed, no hesitation in my tone.
He briefly rested his gaze on the gun-metal gray Audi R8 and gave a nod. It wasn’t my favorite of the cars in here, but it was the one that fit my mood today. Daniel was happy enough with the choice, if the look on his face was any indication. The doors opened smoothly, and I couldn’t help but sigh as I slid in, the leather bucket seat wrapping around me. The interior was a stark white, with dark gray accents.
Growing up on a limited income, I obviously had never sat in a car like this before, but I had seen all the pictures. Pressed my face to the showroom windows. None of that compared to this moment. There was no way to truly understand the feel and smell and opulence of the car until you experienced it.
“The 5.2L V10?” I said in a rush. Daniel, now in the driver’s seat, turned his head lazily in my direction. His eyes were very dark again.
“You know your cars,” he finally said, hitting the button to start the powerful engine.
As it roared to life, vibrations ran though my body and I had to stifle the moan that wanted to escape. Best. Day. Ever!
“If you let me drive it, I will be the best soul-sharer you’ve ever been attached to. Promise.”
Daniel didn’t even hesitate. “You can take the cars out whenever you want.”
I fought against my sudden instinct to climb out of my bucket seat and into his, and not because I wanted to drive.
Daniel backed out, heading toward the triple set of garage doors that guarded his precious cargo down here. I buckled my seatbelt and sank back to enjoy the ride. I’d never actually lived in this part of the Pacific Northwest, so it was interesting for me to take in the scenery as we drove. We took a road along the ocean, and I loved that as far as I could see was water. I pressed my face to the car window, before jumping back as it started to lower. I flashed Daniel a smile and then arched my neck so I was just hanging out of the car. I breathed in the salty air, letting the coolness whip across my face, invigorating me.
Turning to Daniel, I knew there was a beaming smile on my face; my cheeks were actually hurting. “Can we drive this way home?”
“We can go any way you want. I’ve missed quite a lot of school recently, so my appearances are mandatory for some time, but once I clock in some human hours, I’ll have more freedom. I’ll take you wherever you want to go in the world.”
I had to shake my head. I’d never had a person in my life who actually cared about what I wanted, who cared enough to try to make me happy. It was messing with my brain.
Twisting in my seat, I actually turned my back on the water so I could see him better. “How does it work, you being overlord major but not being in House of Imperial to keep it running?” He was a king, of sorts. Surely he didn’t really have the time to take me anywhere in the world.
Daniel shot me glances between focusing on the road. “As long as I make frequent trips to House of Imperial, the rest of the day to day running is done by other members of my house.” He turned a corner then, away from the ocean. “At the moment we’re in a transition period. Laous caused a lot of problems, and there is anger and resentment going around. I want to be with my people as much as I can, bring us back together as a house, but I also have to make these trips to Earth. The balance is getting harder to maintain.”
“Does someone keep you updated?” I asked.
“I keep track of it via the network.”
This network thing was hard for me to comprehend, so I was mentally picturing it as a cell phone with internet access. “Will you explain this network to me one day?”
Daniel chuckled. “It’s difficult to explain without experiencing it. But one day we can try.”
Good enough for me.
We arrived at the school far too quickly for my liking. I felt comfortable, safe, in my bubble with Daniel, but the sight of hundreds of uniformed students streaming into the school was enough to jolt me right out of it. The concept of going to school was something I had accepted. I needed to be around Daniel, and he had to go to school. Made sense that I would go too. But now that we were sitting here in a parking lot, so similar to the many I’d seen in teen drama shows, the reality was hitting me hard.
Just as Daniel went to open his door, I reached out and grabbed his forearm. “I have never been to school,” I blurted out quickly. “Like … in my entire life. And I’m also … stupid or something. I can’t read. Words are a jumble. My mom said I was born stupid. I guess she wasn’t wrong, because it has never gotten easier, no
t even when I worked my ass off to get better.” I forced my words to slow down, because they were a jumble. “I … I just don’t want to embarrass you.”
Admitting that was difficult for me. But I trusted Daniel not to use my weaknesses against me. Which was never a trust I had with my mom. If she knew I was sensitive about something, that was the very thing she used to hurt me when I didn’t conform. Or just because she felt like it.
Daniel made a derisive sound before shaking his head. “You’re not stupid. I don’t need a textbook to tell me that. Nothing you do will embarrass me or House of Imperial.” His voice got low then as he leaned in closer. “You could parade through here, naked, singing the national anthem, and I wouldn’t give a shit.”
I laughed, still feeling like a moron, despite his words. “Right … naked? Really?”
He let out a rumble, before he sighed. “You got me there. But not because I’m going to be embarrassed. Human males don’t always show the respect that they should. Especially teenagers.”
“You’re not a teenager?” I asked, wondering exactly how old he was.
He wore an amused look then. “Haven’t been a teenager for a long time. In human years, I’m probably sixty years old. But in Daelighter years, I’m the equivalent of … a twenty-year-old, I would guess. Hard to tell with the way we age.”
This was too much to deal with on top of going to school, so I let that vague explanation go. Realizing I was still holding Daniel’s arm, I released it and sucked in a deep breath. You can do this, Callie. I really did want to try school. This would be the last chance I ever had. Technically, I should have graduated already. I’d turned eighteen in June, but no one here knew that.
“Let’s do this,” I said, opening the door and pulling myself up and out of the low-slung car.
Daniel was at my side in an instant. With a shake of my head, I had to wonder how these Daelighters managed to keep their secret. They shed their human façade far too often to hide their otherness. It was lucky for them that most humans didn’t notice what was going on outside of their own little worlds.
