“Okay, forget it. Anyway, are you sure they’re coming for us?”
“Yes, that’s what Angel told me.”
He smiled.
“Then Marguerite was right.”
“She knew?”
“Yes. She warned us this would happen.”
I looked up at him, confused.
“But if she warned you, why would you go ahead and start your own Family?”
“All I can tell you is, she didn’t discourage us.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He turned back toward the window, pulled the curtain aside, and looked out into the night.
“It means that she wanted me to start a new Family.”
“Why would she want that? It’s against the beliefs.”
He let go of the curtain and turned back at me.
“She wants to protect us.”
“She wants to protect you? Are you all crazy? Can’t you see she’s leading you all into more danger!”
He took my hand. “It’s not what you think. We need to unify if we’re going to fight the Ambrosine.”
“What?” I pulled my hand back. “This is suicide. They’ll destroy all of you!”
“Alixia, calm down. Marguerite will help us. We just have to wait for her return.”
I stared at him, remembering what Angel said about Marguerite.
“Marcus, she can’t help you. They don’t trust her. Angel told me the Dominions thought she was too close to you.”
He didn’t react.
“Marcus, did you hear me? She can’t help you.”
“I heard you, and don’t worry about it.”
He took me in his arms and I looked into his mind. He was pleased.
“Marcus what is going on here? I tell you that she can’t help you, and you’re okay with that?”
“Alixia, please just trust me for now. All of your questions will be answered soon, I swear.”
I shook my head.
”I hope your right.”
He kissed my forehead.
“I am. Don’t worry, and remember Marguerite’s plan.”
“Yeah, the ritual. Did she say any more about it?”
“Not yet. She is still guarded.”
He was telling the truth.
He assumed a bit of a smirk and said teasingly:
“Maybe the reason she’s not willing to tell me anymore about it is because you’re always in my head.”
“Sorry.”
He looked at me lovingly.
”Alixia, I will never hide anything from you.”
“I’m getting tired of waiting for the answers. How can you stand all this secrecy?”
“It will be soon, I promise you. Marguerite has never deceived me yet.”
“Okay, but if we have to wait, I think we should rely on Phillip to keep us informed about their next moves.”
“I don’t think we should rely on him. I don’t trust him.”
“Marcus, please just listen! You have to stop being foolish about Phillip. He wants to help us.”
“I don’t know. You always talk about them tricking you. Maybe this is a trick, too.”
“No! He would never do that to me.”
“I’m not talking about you.”
“Marcus, enough with the jealousy.”
He stared at me, knowing his insecurities were starting to tick me off.
“Okay,” he said. “I’ll accept him for now.”
I melted into his arms.
“Well, you had better mean it, because if you don’t, I swear…”
His face took on a boyish grin as he grabbed me, dipped me backward and started kissing my neck, sending my body into a frenzy of emotions. Then, slowly bringing me up to him, our lips met feverishly.
”Marcus,” I said breathlessly. “We still need to talk about…”
“Later.”
His hand found the small of my back, pulling me to him so that I could feel the hardness of his body against mind. I was trying to control the urge to throw him to the floor and…
Suddenly, my thoughts of seduction evaporated as I sensed her coming, and so did Marcus. Stepping away from each other and catching our breaths, he winked at me.
“Too bad we were interrupted.”
I rolled my eyes and elbowed him.
“Hey, that hurt.”
“There you two are,” Olitha said walking in. “We have to talk.”
“About what?” Marcus asked, taking my hand.
“Have a seat,” she said, motioning to the couch. I reached for her mind as I sat beside Marcus.
“No! He’s not leaving me!”
“Alixia, it’s not for long.”
“What’s going on here, Olitha?” Marcus asked as he gripped my hand tighter.
“Well, if Alixia would have let me explain before she jumped into my head, I was going to tell you that you and the others must leave now, as we discussed the other day. It’s not safe here for you anymore until Marguerite returns, and brings what we need for the ritual. And you, Alixia, will have to return to Madame Cecilia’s.”
“I’m not doing that.”
“Alixia! You will.”
“No!” I said with loathing, thinking of what I now knew about my father’s fate.
“Alixia, you want to help Marcus, don’t you? So you must stop being foolish.”
“I’m not being foolish! They killed my father.”
She lowered her eyes, not wanting to look at me. She knew. I could sense it.
“Alixia, what are you talking about?” Marcus asked. “Who killed your father?”
“The Ambrosines killed him. Right, Olitha?” I glared at her.
“I’m not the one with whom you should discuss that.” She turned her attention back to Marcus.
“You know where to go. I expect you and the others to leave tonight.”
“Olitha, don’t ignore me. Why can’t you discuss it with me?”
“Alixia,” Marcus said “It’s okay.”
“No, it isn’t. Olitha?”
“I told you I’m not the one you should talk to.”
She headed for the door.
“Marcus, you have until midnight to say goodbye to Alixia.”
After she left, he stood up and pulled me close.
“Alixia, I don’t understand. The Ambrosine’s killed your father? Why?”
“Because he threatened to expose them. But it wasn’t only the Ambrosines. Marcel was in on it, too!”
“Marcel?”
“They worked together.” I told him about Charles’ slip, when he blurted out how my father had really died.
“So, they worked as one?”
Marcus looked baffled as he pushed his hair back nervously.
“Yes. Phillip tried to say that his uncle misspoke. But I really think Charles allowed more information to slip than any of us are supposed to know about these two realms.”
“Well, it does make sense. You did say that your father knew about your mother’s hidden world. He had to know they would be taking you soon, so he may have threatened to expose them. But, how did they get Marcel to join them?”
“I don’t know, but I will find out.”
“Yeah, that’s one thing I would like to know, too.”
“Anyway, I will never go back there.”
I moved in his arms.
“I guess I’ll go back to my home in Baton Rouge until you return. Why are we always being separated, Marcus?”
He smiled. “We’re not going to be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on.”
“Where?”
“I’ll show you.”
We went into the solarium and then Marcus stopped.
“Um, before we leave, I have to talk to the others. I’ll just be a minute.” He kissed me and left me staring at the flowers. This was all too weird. They have already discussed their strategy, and they knew what to do if the Dominions came for them. Why?
“Marista,” I said alou
d. “I know you’re here.”
She walked out of the shadows.
“I was just wondering how he could stand being around you.”
“That’s funny. I was wondering the same thing about you.”
She glared at me, and I read her thoughts.
“Don’t try it. I don’t want to hurt you.”
She backed away, stunned.
“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I have some… abilities. And there’s something else you should know: I’m aware that you care for Marcus.“
She grabbed a handful of flowers, anxiously squishing them in her hand.
“Yes I do. So, why don’t you just take yourself back to your own Family, and leave ours alone!”
“Marista!” Marcus had returned.
“I don’t care that she’s Ambrosine. All she is to us is a death sentence, and you know it!”
“Let’s go, Alixia.”
“Wait! What do you mean, I’m a death sentence to you?”
“Never mind.”
”No, Marcus! Please explain, Marista.”
I pulled my arm away from him, looking at her.
“How difficult can this be for you to understand?” she asked. “You’re an Ambrosine, so who do think they would hone in on when they’re trying to find us.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Marcus said. “We’re not going with you, so you will all be safe.”
“What?”
“You heard me. I’ve already talked to the rest, and I will meet up with you later. But for now, I just want to be with Alixia. ”
She turned to me hatefully.
“You want him dead!”
“No.”
“Well, if he stays with you, that’s exactly what’s going happen to him.”
“Marista,” Marcus said, “this is none of your business. Just go with the rest of them, and get things ready. I’ll be there in a few days.”
“If that’s what you want. But Alixia, if anything happens to him…”
“Let it go, Marista,” he said firmly.
Hideaway
The night sky was beautiful as we made our way to Baton Rouge along the back roads. I saw a shooting star and closed my eyes, wishing that he’d stay safe.
“Marcus, are you sure that you don’t want to be with your Family?”
He pulled the car off the road, parked under a huge chestnut oak, and took me in his arms.
“You must never think that I would choose any Family over you. You are my only reality, and I will never let anyone come between us.” He kissed me softly, his lips so cool on mine.
“Neither will I.”
We drove to his cabin out into the swamp, enjoying the little time we had together. It was beautiful there, almost as if we were the only ones in the world. Nothing but quiet and birdsong and an occasional rustle in the leaves. I couldn’t sense any trouble at all. Perhaps Marcus was right, and Marguerite had resolved everything. Sitting on the porch, I cuddled up with Marcus as we listened to the radio playing soulful love songs.
And then my body became rigid as visions flashed through my mind. Marcus took hold of me tightly, breaking up the images.
“Alixia, what is it! Are you all right?”
“Marcus, something is going to happen!”
He didn’t respond as we both looked into the darkness, sensing them – Ethan and the brothers Paul, Ryan and Jon – but no Marista. They called out for him.
“Wait inside the cabin.”
“No, I’m staying with you.”
They walked out of the darkness.
“Marcus, you know why we’re here.”
Ethan stared at me with cold, heartless eyes. I jumped into his mind. They’re taking him from me.
“Yes, just give me minute. Alixia, I have to go now.”
I didn’t argue with him, having seen the images. I knew something was going to happen. He did need to go someplace safe now.
“It’s all right. Go.”
“I’ll take you back to your home.”
“No, I’ll be okay.”
He kissed me.
“When I see Marguerite, we will be together again.”
Ethan looked at Marcus.
“Is she on her way?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t heard anything from her yet.”
“It was Olitha that sent us for you,” Paul said. “She thinks it’s time.”
“All right.”
He took me in his arms, looking down at me with great passion in his eyes, and kissed me as if we were never going see each other again. I wrapped myself around him tighter.
“Be careful,” I said.
“I will.”
I watched as they walked out of sight, already missing him. I turned for my car keys and suddenly Marcus was behind me.
“Alixia, I forgot to tell you one thing.”
“What?”
“Well, I don’t want you getting in my head while we’re apart, and I especially don’t want you doing that traveling thing that you do.”
“What? Why?”
“It could be dangerous right now. I will find a way to keep in contact with you, okay?”
“Okay,” I said feeling uneasy about having no contact all. “I’ll wait to hear from you, but it had better not be too long.”
He kissed me.
“Hopefully, this will be the last time we’re separated.”
“I hope so, too. It’s getting harder for me to be away from you.”
“You drive me crazy, you know?”
He kissed me long and hard. Our lips met feverously, leaving me breathless again.
“Go,” I said, “before I’m the one that takes advantage of you.”
He smirked.
“Well, if that’s what you want...”
“Marcus, go!” I laughed, and watched him disappear into the night.
I grabbed my keys, locked the cabin door and headed for the car. And then I sensed her.
Why is she here?
“Alixia.”
I rolled my eyes. “If you are looking for them, they all just left.”
“I know. I want to talk to you.”
“About what?” As if I didn’t know.
“Marcus.”
“Oh, I thought maybe you were wanting to become friends.”
“Funny, Alixia.”
“Marista, before you say anything, I know you care for Marcus. But you have to understand, he and I will always be together. So, you will just have to deal with it the best way you can.”
“Oh, no,” she said. “It’s my turn now. I will be with Marcus, so you deal with it. I just want you to know, I’m not giving up.”
It would be so easy to tear her apart right now.
I took a deep breath and felt in control again.
“I’m not worried.”
“Okay, then. Well I’d better catch up with them. I don’t want Marcus to wait too long for me. Goodbye, Alixia.”
Home
A few days after I got home, Anna mentioned that she was upset with me. She thought it was time that I forgave the Family for my father’s death.
“Well, I’m not doing that, Anna. They killed him, and I will never forget that.”
“Alixia, you’re making a big mistake.”
“It’s not your concern,” I said, going out the back screen door and slamming it. I walked toward the orchard, mad and mumbling.
What kind of woman was Mother? Why would she even bring me into the Family, knowing what they did to my father. I opened the gate and walked toward their graves. It will be a cold day in Hell before I forgive any of them.
I knelt down at their graves, looking at Mother’s name and feeling resentment build.
Why? He was the one you were supposed to love and cherish forever, and you let them kill him. I closed my eyes. I don’t think I will ever forgive you.
I sat there trying to understand why both of my parents were taken from me the same way, first by Marcel,
and then by the Ambrosines. It was just too weird.
“Alixia!”
I heard Anna calling out. I looked down at my watch and realized that I had been out there a couple of hours. It was surprising that she hadn’t sent the whole staff out looking for me. Since my return, she had started to hover over me more, watching my every move.
“I’m coming!”
Strolling back to the house, I realized that spring had arrived. The trees were starting to blossom. Soon, everything would renew itself. Even Mother’s garden with its wonderful flowery scents would perfume the air all through spring, and summer, too.
I slipped off my shoes, feeling the coolness of the ground. For a second, I sensed something back through the trees, but it faded quickly. I stood there for a moment, waiting to see if it would return.
Nothing.
I opened the garden gate and looked back one more time. Who, or what, was out there watching me?
Walking into the den, I sat down in my father’s favorite chair and curled up into a ball. I could still smell his aftershave in the leather. I looked toward the bookcase, wondering.
Did he die here that night?
“Alixia,” I looked up to see Anna.
“Yes?”
“You have a visitor.”
“Who?”
“Me, silly.”
“Libby!”
I ran into her arms, holding her tight.
“Alixia, are you okay? You’re very warm.”
I stepped back from her. “Yes I’m fine. Oh, it’s so nice to see you! How did you know I was back?”
“Robert called me.”
“Robert?”
“Yes, he told me to let you know that Marcus was doing fine, and that he might be coming home soon.”
She walked over and sat in the chair next to the desk, moving it a little to face me.
He might be home soon.…
“Alixia”
“Yes.”
“Did you hear me?
“I’m sorry, Libby. What did you say?
“I said, isn’t it going to be great that we’re all going to be together for my wedding?”
“Yes, that will be wonderful. I’ve missed our times together.”
“ So, when is your mother coming home? I thought she could help. I know how much she loves decorating and parties.”
“No, she can’t!” I blurted out, startling her.
“Alixia, what’s the matter with you?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Libby. I didn’t mean to shout like that. Mother is in France, on family business.”
The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2) Page 9
