The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2)

by Noreen Harrison

“Protect me from what? The truth? Oh, just go ahead and say it, will you? You were all protecting my mother to hide her participation in killing my father!”

  She raised her hand.

  “Stop! He threatened your mother. And just so you understand, she begged for his life several times. She loved him deeply, but he was a stubborn man who didn’t want to listen to reason to save his own soul.”

  She paused for a second, composing herself.

  “Don’t be angry with your mother, Alixia. She tried everything she could to keep him safe. But your father chose his own destiny.”

  “She could have tried harder! She let him die.”

  “You are wrong.”

  I stared at her.

  “You can talk all you want, but I will never forgive her.”

  “Okay, I tried making you understand about your mother. It’s your choice not to be reasonable. Now, do you have any more questions about your father?”

  “Yes. Just one. And I hope you answer it truthfully.”

  “What is it?”

  “I have to know,” I wavered for a second, afraid of what her answer might be. Then I said: “Did you kill my father that night in the den?”

  She studied me for a second, then a contemptuous smile curled the ends of her mouth.

  “No, but if I had been there that night, I would have done so without any hesitation.”

  I shook my head at the coldness in her in voice, and her complete lack of remorse for my father.

  “So, if you didn’t, then who did?”

  “Angel.”

  The room spun. I gripped the arms of my chair to steady myself.

  “Angel?”

  “Yes, she and your mother watched over you night after night, knowing that he would eventually come for you. When he did, your mother tried to warn him, but he went for her. That’s when Angel stepped in, to save her. She ended him quickly, piercing his heart.”

  “That’s enough,” I said, standing up.” I don’t want to hear any more.”

  “I understand.”

  I closed my eyes, seeing his death. Tears streaked my face.

  “Who ordered the Pure Ones to give Marcel the instructions to turn him?”

  She shifted in her chair.

  “Alixia, it had to be done!”

  “I asked you, who ordered it?”

  She fiddled with her diamond pendant. Then she said, “Madame Correa.”

  “She’s the one who ordered it?”

  “Yes, and just as with Marcus, she will not tolerate disobedience or threats.”

  The phone rang and Anna came in.

  “You have a phone call, Alixia.”

  I answered it in the foyer.

  “Hello.”

  “Alixia, this is Robert.”

  ”Hi Robert, how are you?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Hey, the reason I’m calling is…”

  I heard a click. Was somebody else on the phone?

  “I’m sorry. What were you saying, Robert?”

  “I just wanted to ask if you want to meet this week, maybe on Wednesday? I think we should visit with each other before going out with the others on Saturday.”

  “Sure. Where?”

  “Where I first met you?”

  “I know the place. Eight o’clock, okay?”

  “That will be good. See you Wednesday.”

  “Yes, Wednesday. Bye, Robert.”

  It isn’t going to be easy meeting with him.

  When I got back to the living room, she was gone. But then I sensed her returning.

  “Where did you go?”

  “Just to the kitchen. I wanted to talk to Anna about something.”

  I stared at her crossly.

  “You were listening to my phone conversation, weren’t you?”

  ”Well, yes and no. Actually, it was Anna listening in for me.”

  “Why would you ask Anna to do that?”

  “We’re all here to protect you. If you were more forthcoming, perhaps I wouldn’t have to stoop to eavesdropping.”

  On the couch, she arranged the pillows to get comfortable.

  “Anna says you’re going to dinner with Robert. Isn’t he Marcus’s brother?”

  “You know that already, so why are you asking?”

  ” You should be warned…”

  “Warned!” I yelled, not letting her finish her sentence. “Don’t you dare go after Robert.”

  “Oh, child! I’m not going after anybody. If I were going to hurt this boy, I would have done it already. Your mother told me that he had been helping you arrange meetings with Marcus. Just be aware that we are watching him.” She paused, and her voice was quieter.

  “I just thought I should give you a warning, in case your rendezvous this Wednesday with Robert actually involves Marcus.”

  I walked over and sat down.

  “Are you helping me to save Marcus?”

  “No. I’m just warning you that his brother is being watched.”

  “Well, thank you for that anyway, I think.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, back to where we left off before your phone call. I wanted to tell you that Madame Correa and the Dominions will be here tomorrow night for a Gathering, and I expect you to return to the mansion without a fight.”

  “Okay, I will be there.”

  She looked at me in surprise.

  “What’s this? No argument?”

  “Nope”

  “Well then, good. That was easy. ”

  “Yes.”

  She stood up nervously and came to me, giving me a hug. I immediately blocked her from getting into my head. She stepped back, eyeballing me for second.

  ”What are you up to?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Alixia, I know you. What are you cogitating in that mind of yours?”

  I stood up, stretching, and walked over to the fireplace.

  “Really, there’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll be there tomorrow night, and actually I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of my lineage.”

  “You are?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I don’t know. I’m just finding it a bit hard to believe you right now.”

  “Why”

  “Alixia, really. Your sudden interest, especially after threatening us.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior. I promise. You can trust me, as I trust you.”

  I walked over and kissed her cheek.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked.

  I just smiled.

  The Visit

  I stood in front of Millie’s house, wondering if Marguerite was coming out of hiding to be at the Gathering tonight. I hated the fact that I couldn’t contact Marcus. I needed to know what was going on with him.

  “Alixia,” Millie said, opening the door. “Why are you standing out there? Come on in, we’ve been waiting for you.” She was holding baby James in her arms.

  “How is this little guy?” I asked, letting him grab hold of my finger and try to stick it in his mouth. “Are you hungry?”

  “ He is always hungry,” she said, bouncing him gently. I looked up to see Henry coming from the kitchen.

  “Alixia! Welcome.” He took my hand and kissed my cheek. “I wanted to thank you for being there for my family. If you hadn’t been, I don’t know what would have happened.”

  I looked over at Millie with a grin of gotcha.

  “So, Millie, what happened to not speaking about what you witness?”

  She looked at me anxiously.

  “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t keep it from Henry.”

  I laughed and she smiled at me, giving James a kiss.

  “Well,” Henry said, wrapping his arms around Millie. “I’m glad that Millie spilled the beans. Alixia, I’ll be in debt to you forever for saving my family. Come on, let’s go into the living room.”

  “I’ll join you in a minute,” Millie said. “It’s time to put this littl
e guy down for his nap.” She headed upstairs and Henry and I found chairs in the living room.

  “So, how is fatherhood?” I asked.

  “I can’t describe it,” he grinned. “I just know I’m very blessed right now.”

  “That’s nice. My father always said that, too.”

  He looked at me mournfully.

  “Alixia, I know you found out how your father died.”

  “Why the serious faces?” Millie asked as she came in and sat next to me. I looked over at Henry.

  Does she know? He nodded.

  “We were talking about Alixia’s father.”

  “Oh, that,” she said, angrily. ”Yes, all the Families were informed about what Charles revealed to you. That’s one of the reasons the Dominions are coming. It was unnerving to a lot of them to hear that the Dark Ones assisted in your father’s death, and now we are wondering how many more killings they were involved in.”

  “Millie!” Henry was agitated. “I explained that to you. It’s very rare that the Dark Ones are called upon to abet in punishments.”

  I sat there in silence, thinking back to when Mother and Millie were attacked.

  “Henry!” I said, interrupting. They stopped and looked at me.

  “What?”

  “That night, when my mother was attacked, was it ordered?“

  “No. The Dark Ones who were with Charlotte that night were never given the choice, so their thirst was not under control yet. And Charlotte had no idea that anyone would be harmed that night.”

  “Really? Then why did they call out Millie’s name?”

  He stood up.

  “They called out your name?”

  She nodded. He was quiet for a moment, assessing this.

  “There has to be an explanation. Maybe Charlotte was warning you?”

  I looked at him in disbelief.

  “Are you kidding?”

  “I don’t know.” He reached down, taking Millie’s hand and bringing her to her feet.

  “Millie, was it a warning call?”

  She shook her head in confusion.

  “I don’t know. Everything happened so fast. I’m not sure, now.” He hugged her tight.

  “It’s okay,” he said to me. “I’ll find out what I need to know.”

  We all turned our heads toward the door, hearing the baby cry. Millie kissed Henry and broke his embrace.

  “I’d better go check on him.”

  Henry went back to his chair.

  “Do you really think it just got out of control?” I asked.

  “I don’t know, Alixia. But I will find out.”

  ”Can you find out something else for me, too?”

  “What is that?”

  “Where Marguerite is?”

  He smiled. “Well that’s easy. She’s at the mansion.”

  “She is?”

  “Yes, she’ll be at the Gathering tonight.” I let out a sigh of relief.

  “Good, I need to see her.” The baby was crying harder.

  “Excuse me, Alixia, I’ll be right back.”

  “Yes, go.” He left.

  If Marguerite’s here, I wonder if Marcus is back too?

  “Well. that was a short nap,” Millie said, walking in with the baby.

  “Here, let me hold him.”

  “Sure.” She placed him in my arms. His little eyes were open wide, looking right up at me.

  “So, you didn’t want to take your nap, eh? And you’re giving Mom a hard time today?” Millie sat down beside me, tickling his belly.

  “He has lots of willpower, that’s for sure.”

  “Well, it’s good to be stubborn. It means that you know what you want. Right, little one?”

  Millie shook her head.

  “Oh, Alixia.”

  “So, Millie, are you going to the Gathering tonight?”

  She reached over and fixed little James’s blanket.

  “I’m planning on it.”

  “Good, I’ll need you, especially when I meet the person who ordered my Father’s death.”

  “Alixia, please don’t do anything tonight to cause trouble. They are very powerful when they’re together.”

  I looked down at James.

  “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on doing anything.”

  “Are you telling me the truth?”

  “Hey, look, he’s smiling.” She shifted nervously next to me. “Stop dodging what I asked you.”

  “I’m not. Look how cute he is!”

  “Alixia.”

  “Oh, stop worrying. I’m not going to do anything stupid.”

  Henry came into the room.

  “Alixia, I got a hold of Marguerite.” I handed the baby back to Millie.

  “You did?”

  “Yes, and she seemed very anxious to see you.”

  “I need to ask you about Marcus.”

  “I don’t know if it’s a good idea that I talk to you about him.”

  “It isn’t!” Millie blurted, making little James stir in her arms.

  “Millie, I just need to know…”

  She stood up in anger.

  “It’s been ordered that you can’t interfere. Tell her, Henry!” He looked at both of us, so I visited his thoughts.

  ”Henry, I need some answers, please.”

  “Millie, will you excuse us?”

  “No, I will not!”

  “Millie, please.”

  “I’m not leaving!”

  “Fine! Henry, I need to know where Marcus is.”

  He shook his head.

  “Millie’s right. You can’t interfere.”

  “But all I want to know is…”

  “Alixia, enough!” Millie said, glaring at Henry.

  Dominions

  Driving up to Madame Cecilia’s, I was still mad at Millie. She had better start accepting that I will be with Marcus soon.

  Getting out of the car, I saw Phillip coming down the veranda steps.

  “I’ve been waiting for you.”

  “You don’t have to worry. I promise you I won’t lose my temper.”

  He squeezed my hand and kissed me softly.

  “I hope you keep that promise.”

  “I will.”

  “Come on, let’s go in.”

  Madame Cecilia met us in the foyer.

  “Oh, Alixia. Jeans? This is a Gathering! Please go upstairs and change into something more appropriate.” I rolled my eyes and headed for the stairs. Phillip pulled me back into him, whispering.

  “Angel is going to want to talk to you, so please don’t...”

  I turned to face him, putting my fingers up to his lips.

  “Stop worrying.”

  I went through my closet, moving the hangers around as I tried to find a black dress.

  “Alixia,” Angel called my name. I came out of the closet with the dress.

  “If you’re here to lecture me about our last meeting,” I said, “I will not apologize.”

  “I’m not asking you to.”

  I could tell she was trying to get into my thoughts.

  “So, why are you here?” I said, taking off my clothes. I walked over to my dresser and pulled out the bottom drawer, looking for a half-slip.

  “I‘m here to warn you,” she said, sitting in a chair and staring at me.

  “If it’s about Marcus, I know,” I said, taking the slip from the drawer and stepping into it. “So, you can leave.”

  I walked back to the bed, taking the dress off the hanger and slipping it over my head.

  “No! You do not dismiss me!”

  “Oh, is there something else you want to threaten me about?” I asked casually, going to the closet to pick out a pair of heels. Bending down, I took a deep breath as I tried to control my temper. I walked back and sat in the chair across from her.

  “Alixia, listen. I didn’t come here about Marcus. You know now that I was the one who killed your father. I just want to talk to you about it. ”

  “Not tonight. Anyway, I’ve already h
eard the story.”

  “Fine, but I want you to know that I was just trying to protect you.”

  “I understand.” I said sarcastically. “But you didn’t do it to protect me. Be honest. You killed my father to cover up what was ordered, knowing it would cause problems.”

  Her mouth dropped. She knew I was right.

  “So, you’re not going to deny that?”

  “We protect the Family.”

  “You mean the Dominions do, since they issue the orders.”

  She shook her head. I moved to the dresser and tilted the mirror. It was time for make-up.

  “Anyway, let me just get this night over with, Angel, so I can get back home. Have you seen Marguerite yet?”

  “She’s in the ballroom, why?”

  “I just need to talk to her.”

  “About what?”

  “What do you think?”

  “Alixia, you just have no idea what you are doing, saving this Dark One.”

  “Just go, Angel.” I picked up my hairbrush. She glared at me, and then left. I brushed my hair, letting the rhythm soothe me. I have to keep my cool tonight.

  I walked downstairs. Hitting the bottom step, I saw Phillip visiting with a Family member.

  I need to talk to you. He smiled, walked over and wrapped his arm around me, taking me to the library.

  “So, what is it?”

  “I just need you to keep Angel away from me.”

  He shut the door. “Why?”

  I walked over to the bookcase, moving my fingers across the books.

  “Because I need to talk to Marguerite and I don’t want her hovering over me. Have you seen Marguerite yet?”

  “No, but why do you need to talk to her?”

  “I just need to find out something.”

  He cupped my face, tilting it so that I could see into his eyes, and smell the sweetness of his breath.

  “What are you up to?” he asked, knowing that he couldn’t get into my head. I backed away from him but he moved forward, pinning me between his arms.

  “Alixia…”

  “I’m not up to anything. Really.”

  “I know better. So, tell me!”

  “I’m not going to do something stupid, as you’re thinking right now.”

  “Stop reading me, and tell me. You’re not trying to find out who actually destroyed your father, are you?”

  “No,” I said, pushing his arms away. “I already know it was Angel. Madame Cecilia told me that she had to protect Mother and I, and evidently that part of the story slipped your mind.”