The Awakening (Wake Up #1)

by Sarah Brocious

  Raina shook her head, and bit her lip. "Well, kind of! Just takes you further out of my league," she pouted.

  He squeezed her fingers, and chuckled.

  They walked down a hall, and toward a set of wide glass doors, leading to a large glass room of sorts, windows on every side. It was bright, and botanical, and it took Raina’s breath for a moment. She didn't know so many different flowers could exist in one space. They lined the walls, hung from the ceiling, vined down the walls. And the scent? Jasmine...honeysuckle hung heavy in the air. She was too enthralled with the room to notice the man.

  "Hello friend," a deep voice resounded.

  She jumped when Nolan released his hold on her, and was taken back at the tall owner of the voice. It was a beautiful baritone...deep and rich. He stood taller than even Nolan, with warm...yes luminous brown eyes. It was a kind face, with only a touch of age, and winter white hair. He wasn't particularly handsome, but attractive none the less.

  He grasped Nolan at the shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

  Nolan embraced the man with the passion of a son greeting his father.

  She stepped back in surprise. She had not expected that response.

  "You look much the same," the booming man teased.

  Nolan chuckled. "As do you!"

  Joseph Rivers pounded Nolan’s back, and then paused as his eyes beheld Raina.

  Raina didn't know whether to rush the man, or run. She was a bit overwhelmed.

  "And what have we here? My, my Nolan...what a pretty girl." His eyes lit. "What an even prettier aura she has." He held out his hand. "Welcome to my home my dear."

  Raina couldn't help her answering smile. She accepted the hand he held out. The man lifted it to his lips.

  "Joseph, this is my...this is my Raina."

  Raina’s heart jolted at the "my".

  "Raina, Joseph."

  "I'm pleased to meet you sir," she said breathlessly. She was a little overtaken by his close study of her. It also made her tremble knowing at these hands, immortality was granted. She felt him squeeze her hand, as though he sensed her feelings.

  "Not as pleased as I am Raina...Queen of peace," he said gently.

  Raina’s eyes lit. "Yes," she laughed.

  "Hmm, a name suited well for you." He tugged her, not letting go of her hand, and led her to the breakfast table.

  A sumptuous fair of fruit was already laid out. The table was set with the finest, and Raina felt like she should have dressed better.

  Nolan grinned, and followed, sitting down beside her. Yes, Joseph was taken by her already. Why had he feared he wouldn't see Raina the way he did?

  They were served coffee right away, and told to take from the fruit before them. Also, whatever they chose they may have, at the hands of the servants that waited on them.

  Joseph watched Raina closely, as her eyes had failed to stop their wandering.

  "Do you like it? The room?"

  "I love it," she said without hesitation. "I've seen little of your place, but I can assure you this will be my favorite."

  Nolan chuckled. "For more reasons then you know."

  She turned to him...and if her stomach didn't somersault. Why did he always do that to her? How many hundreds of times had she looked at him? Would it ever change?

  "It’s not likely too," Joseph whispered to her, and Raina jumped.

  "What?" she squeaked.

  "Change," he chuckled.

  Raina shook her head.

  Joseph smiled and nodded.

  "You mean...you?"

  He nodded again. "Not every thought.....just fervent ones."

  She blushed.

  "I will not embarrass you Raina, I promise."

  She relaxed, and cleared her throat, again turning to Nolan, and controlling her emotions this time. "And why will I like it for more than the obvious?"

  Nolan’s silver eyes moved from Joseph to Raina. He was interested in knowing about that little exchange, but he wouldn't push. "You are so taken by what’s in this room...have you looked outside it?"

  Raina looked at him like he was crazy but took a moment to study the windows. They were very thick as windows went, and she found that odd. They were brilliantly clean, so that the greens from the plants outside could show through.

  Joseph dismissed the servants, seeing now that breakfast would have to wait.

  Nolan looked to Joseph, and smiled.

  "Go on up to the glass Raina," Joseph prodded. "Have a look." He was smiling from ear to ear.

  Raina nodded, and Nolan was quick to jump up to pull her chair out. She cocked her head at him, and then did as Joseph had insisted, and went to have a look.

  Nolan stood, watching her, unable to take his eyes from her. His stomach tumbled, awaiting her reaction. He really wanted her to be pleased.

  Raina leaned near the glass, and let her eyes admire the foliage in the outer yard. She was surprised how big the yard was. A large pond graced the middle of it. There were walls built up around the yard, vines also grew from these. It was quite beautiful, but she didn't see how it pleased her more...until she saw how.

  She gasped in a breath, and then waived her hand summoning Nolan. "Nolan," she cried. "Nolan there...there...there’s an alligator!! Come see," she gushed.

  Nolan shared a look with Joseph, and then came up beside her. His hand rested at the small of her back. "You are pleased?"

  Her eyes were wide, as she looked to him. "Alligators,” she corrected herself. “There’s more than one!"

  Nolan felt her hand shaking, as she grasped his fingers, and pulled him closer. She was now nearly in the circle of his arms. She seemed distracted by this for a moment, her shoulder against his chest. "Seems you and Joseph have a great similarity. Only...he has the means to have his favorite animal as a pet."

  She clutched to his hand, as she watched the actions of the scaly beings. "Aren’t they spectacular?"

  He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. "Pretty amazing huh?"

  She smiled. "I don't think I ever want to leave."

  Joseph laughed out loud. "If I thought my granddaughter could bare you, I might be tempted to keep you!" He got up and joined them. "She can't stand my pets...I like your appreciation."

  Raina gave him a millisecond of her attention to offer a smile, immediately she returned to the view. "I am jealous!"

  Nolan lifted his hand from her waist, and tugged at a strand of her hair. "Worth the whole trip for this."

  Joseph noted the action and lifted his brows to Nolan.

  Nolan cleared his throat, and stepped away from her, freeing her hand.

  "Yes," she gushed, pressing her forehead to the glass. She couldn't quite believe what she was seeing. Who lived like this?

  "Crazy eccentric immortals like me," Joseph answered.

  Raina peaked up at him. "I'm sorry."

  He smiled back. "Don't be. I like your honesty."

  Nolan frowned again, hating that he was loss on the conversation.

  "We've made Nolan jealous," Joseph chuckled. "No worries." He clapped a hand on Nolan’s broad shoulder. "The girl is utterly yours...old coot like me doesn't stand a chance."

  Raina felt her cheeks warm, but didn't stray from the sight before her. She couldn't trust herself to not allow Joseph into her thoughts. He said he felt fervent thoughts? Well, all her thoughts about Nolan were such.

  "I am stealing Nolan for a minute...just back over to the table. He and I need to talk. You enjoy my alligators." Joseph touched her shoulder gently, and then motioned with his head to Nolan.

  Nolan followed his mentor willingly, but even after seated, Joseph did not have his full attention. He could not stray long from Raina. Her joy made his day.

  "I trust you are treating her well," Joseph said softly.

  Nolan turned quickly to him. "Yes of course."

  Joseph lifted an eyebrow.

  Nolan ducked his head. "I have tried to enforce the boundaries you taught me. The ones you tried to teach Thanato
s."

  Joseph’s eyes lit. "Boundaries?"

  Nolan shrugged.

  "But you've never felt the necessity to implement boundaries. You've always just...abstained."

  "I've never needed boundaries until now," Nolan sighed. "I can’t...stay away from her. Not want to touch her...have her touch me. Its torture."

  Joseph grinned. "The best kind of torture," he chuckled.

  Nolan ran his hand down the back of his neck and shook his head. "All these years I wondered why you had given me those points. Until Raina," his voice was soft.

  Joseph sipped his coffee, and studied the younger man before him. "She is the reason behind Elenora’s anger." He looked across the big room. Raina was still stuck to the window. "She’s precious Nolan. Sweet...open...pretty. You can see why my granddaughter hates her."

  Nolan swallowed. "You know I never invited that jealousy. Now all I want is to try..."

  "Try what Nolan? She’s a mortal...you are not. How is it fair?"

  Nolan nodded. "I know. But I would like to have happiness with her," he nodded toward the object of his affection," for as long as possible." His jaw clenched. "I am selfish. I won't deny that."

  "I cannot control Elenora’s actions. I do not approve of them. But I control no one."

  "You could," Nolan sighed. "She controls people around her…. It’s just...she’s out of control with this Joseph. I fear for Raina's life!"

  "Yet you keep her at risk by keeping her," Joseph said in a low controlled voice. "Your own desires...or rather, giving into them can affect her life."

  "I just told you I'm selfish! I can't be without Raina."

  Joseph’s eyes softened. "You can…but won’t." He shook his head. "The two of you...you fit...I saw that the moment you walked in....felt it the first time you spoke her name over the phone. But it can't be Nolan."

  Nolan growled, and looked away. "It’s not fair," he whispered. "I did not choose this!"

  Joseph touched his arm to get his attention. "You protect her, you love her...but you cannot promise her more."

  "That is why I put up boundaries..."

  "Nolan, do not play with me," he softened the words with a chuckle. "You have crossed those boundaries, haven't you?" His knowing eyes revealed he knew the answer to the question.

  "It’s never gone beyond a kiss." Nolan’s cheeks flushed.

  Joseph shook his head in amusement. "I know this isn't fair. In a perfect world...you would have meet her all those years ago. You would have been so engrossed in her, making friends with Thanatos wouldn't have been an option. And you never would have met my granddaughter." He cocked his head. "But you would be dead by now."

  Nolan rubbed his neck again.

  "I know you aren't here to get my permission to be with Raina. You have already made up your mind to be with her. I only ask that you please be careful with her. Her heart is so tender....her love for you untainted...she will be hurt greatly if something happens. We both know you don't want to steal any life from her. Continue to use boundaries...let her choose to be nearer to you." Joseph patted Nolan’s hand.

  "I have," Nolan spoke truthfully.

  Joseph tipped his head. "You know...if ever it came down to it...I could gift her."

  Nolan shook his head. "I don't plan on her getting near to death any time soon. And I would never wish this curse on her...ever!"

  Josephs white brow lifted. "Curse to you Nolan. I do not find forever life an inconvenience...only when I have to move about every twenty years or so." His dark eyes narrowed. "You feel it cursed because you care for the mortals around you too much...then you lose them. Tell me this, young one....would you think this such a curse if Raina too was immortal? And you could be with her...forever, no boundaries, no rules, and no fear of losing her ever?"

  Nolan drew in a startled breath.

  "Hmm, hmmm," Joseph smiled. "I didn't think you'd ever entertained that thought."

  Raina was walking toward them now. Her cheeks flushed with excitement over her alligators. "I really could get use to this," she laughed, taking her seat. She smiled at Joseph then looked to Nolan. His gorgeous frowny face was in place.

  "Now Raina here...she would make a spectacular immortal."

  Raina glanced back in shock.

  "Joseph..." Nolan warned.

  "Now, now Nolan...I'm just pondering. I mean no harm." He patted Raina’s hand. "You see...the gifts...the personality we have as mortals is magnified so much more as an immortal. Thanatos was very persuasive...It grew after he received the gift. I have to admit he’s gotten it over on me more than once. My Elenora...she was...is beautiful and vain and selfish...more so now. She has other gifts though too...she would be a therapist in this day and age...if she were mortal. She has an uncanny way of knowing what another is feeling, and manipulating, without a word spoken."

  Raina didn't like anyone complementing the She-devil, but Joseph love for his granddaughter was apparent. "And Nolan?" She shivered, hearing his growl.

  Joseph paused for a moment. "Such fair skin you have Raina. It looks as though you've healed to a soft pink. Tell me, did you burn recently?"

  Raina gave him a strange glance, and then looked down on her arms, and half laughed. "Well, I was fire red last night."

  "Usually heal that quickly?"

  Raina frowned. "No...just lucky I guess."

  Joseph grinned. "Nolan? Is she just lucky?"

  Nolan’s eyes were somber, he didn't answer.

  "He's not happy with me," Joseph chuckled. He doesn't want me uncovering all his secrets. He wants to appear to you as normal as a mere mortal...no offense my dear to the mere mortal. He won't let me glorify the incredible gift he has been given because he’s afraid it will change how you look at him."

  Raina was confused over the whole thing. "Nothing will change my feelings toward him," she said softly.

  Nolan’s jaw clenched.

  "You want to know Nolan’s gift? Now Nolan, he was a kind, very gifted doctor. Gave everything to his practice.” Joseph paused, as if he'd heard something, and looked to Nolan.

  Nolan just shook his head once.

  Joseph nodded. "I will respect your wishes," he murmured to Nolan.

  Raina’s eyes lifted to Nolan’s, but he was only staring at Joseph...she could read nothing.

  "Thank you," Nolan breathed.

  Raina frowned.

  Joseph cleared his throat. "Now you, little Raina...you could give him a run for his money."

  "What about me?" Raina’s blue eyes twinkled at Joseph. "What kind of immortal would I be?"

  "Raina," Nolan protested.

  "A lot like me," Joseph spoke firmly. "You'd be a changer. A teacher...you are a teacher, aren’t you?"

  "Not anymore," she admitted softly.

  "You should not give that up," Joseph’s voice was commanding.

  She nodded, unable to speak with the intense brown eyes on her.

  "You would make Nolan a very acceptable mate...if you were immortal. Too bad it isn't so."

  "Enough," Nolan growled.

  "If?" Raina swallowed. "If I were immortal? I couldn't be his mate now?"

  "Not as a mortal," Joseph continued, ignoring Nolan. "We have rules about such things. You can befriend a mortal...care for a mortal...you cannot mate..."

  "JOSEPH! Have you no heart? Stop this now!"

  Joseph blinked at the explosion.

  "It’s a rule?" Raina bit her lip.

  Joseph nodded.

  "Boundaries," Raina whispered.

  "Yes," Nolan said softly.

  "But Thanatos doesn't..."

  "Some don't follow the rules," Joseph sighed. "My granddaughter included."

  "But they don't get in trouble."

  Joseph drew in a breath. "They don't consider the hurt they cause those mortals."

  Nolan stood to his feet. "This is not appropriate talk Joseph, not with the lady."

  "She should know Nolan. Does her heart not suffer every time you push her away? S
houldn't she know the reason?"

  Nolan walked away, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn't want to hear any of this. He needed to tamp down his temper.

  "As I was saying...Thanatos does not mind hurting the mortals he chooses to be with."

  "Hurting? Raina’s eyes widened.

  Joseph cleared his throat. "You are a lady, and I don't much like to speak of such things....but obviously Nolan won't tell you." He studied his hands before him. "When an immortal...is...intimate with a mortal...they steal some of the life from that mortal."

  Raina paled. "It’s that good?" Her cheeks then warmed in a pretty flush.

  Joseph roared with laughter at Raina’s words. "That’s what you get from that is it little Raina?"

  "Oh Hell," Nolan growled from across the room.

  Joseph wiped a tear and patted her hand. "It’s as good as any two beings can be together....not necessarily better. It’s just what happens...the time...the life is taken."

  Nolan shoved his hands in his pockets. "Are we done with this talk?"

  Joseph laughed again. "Nolan...this kind of talk will help reinforce boundaries."

  Raina wanted to argue, but Nolan’s scowl stopped her.

  "We're done," Joseph sighed. "Sit...we will order breakfast now."

  Nolan obeyed, not even looking Raina’s way.

  Raina bit her lip, and felt for him. He truly had her best in mind. She thought of his reaction over his passion for her this morning. He wasn't into stealing anything from her. "Thank you," she whispered. Her hand slipped into his.

  Nolan’s mouth quirked, knowing exactly what she was implying. "You're welcome, Aelan," he whispered. His thumb brushed her knuckles.

  Raina bit her lip, when the touch warmed her. His eyes watched her closely, and yes, he reacted much the same, letting her hand go quickly.

  Joseph grinned, and called for the servants.

  Chapter 14 The Others

  "Come, walk with me," Joseph invited, once the breakfast plates had been cleared. He held a hand out to Raina, and turned to Nolan. "Just Raina and I."

  Nolan frowned.

  "I bought a few new toys. They're in the garage. Why don't you go test drive?"

  "New?" Nolan’s eyes lit.

  Raina looked to Nolan, and saw the gleam...only one thing would cause that for him. "Motorcycles?" Raina lamented. "And I wore a dress!"