The Conception (The Descendant Series Book 2)

by L. J. Amodeo

  “Freddie, go away!” I howled, splashing water at him.

  His adorable smile melted my heart. “As much as I don’t like admitting this, you’re pretty hot when you’re sopping wet.”

  The embarrassment involuntarily caused me to submerge my entire body under water, yet again. As I resurfaced, Freddie was removing his shirt. His muscular chest had grown in size over the last couple of months, exposing smooth, hard, tanned abs and muscular biceps. He flashed his boyish smile before he cannonballed into the water. My laughter echoed through the center of the mountain peaks, beyond its forbidden depths. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed so hard it hurt my belly.

  “You liked that, didn’t you, Bethy?” he laughed, shaking the water vigorously from his hair. I clapped excitedly.

  “Oh, yes!” I laughed.

  “Remember how we used to compete over who made the biggest splash in Castile? Fun times, huh Beth?” Freddie recalled as he treaded through the water toward me.

  “I sure do miss those days, Freddie. I miss us,” I said, staring at him as he made his way toward me.

  Freddie swam the last remaining distance between us with ease. My frame dwarfed in comparison to his as he stood up in front of me. Droplets of water glistened on his tanned chest. He stepped closer, closing the gap between us a bit more. Our breathing grew deeper. The faint sounds of our heartbeats were in sync. I wanted so badly to put my arms around his waist and hold him, but stammered a bit. His hand broke my concentration as he stroked away the wet strands of hair that stuck to my face. I looked into his eyes—they were a deeper metallic than I had ever remembered them to be.

  “Beth, how are you feeling—your headaches?” he whispered, massaging my temple.

  “They come and go, but not like before.”

  “I'm sorry about leaving so abruptly last night. But it is hard for me to be close to you without feeling . . .” He sucked in a deep breath.

  “Is it hard for you to be close to me now?” I murmured stroking my fingertips down his chest with a sudden desire to taste his full lips again, like I had back home.

  “It’s the most difficult thing for me to do, trust me.” He leaned his face even closer to my lips.

  “Freddie, what is happening . . . why am I feeling like this?”

  “I’m not sure what’s happening Beth, but I’m feeling it even more than before.” He tapped his forehead on top of my head, like he had done for years.

  “What about Kali?” I whispered just inches away from his mouth, slowly caressing the tops of his palms.

  “What about Michael?” he murmured, licking his lips and stroking my shoulders.

  “Freddie . . .” I couldn't control myself as an overwhelming sensation washed over my body. His exquisite scent of sweet jasmine and the desire to taste his mouth forced me to press my lips to his.

  The kiss aroused a quiver of emotions that riveted in my chest as he caressed my back, kissing my neck and again, consuming my swollen lips before forcing them apart. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling his body closer to mine, feeling the beating of his heart and the pulsing of his blood rushing through the veins of his neck. I’ve never craved for anything more than I did Freddie; not even Michael could match the powerful control Freddie had over me. What I shared with Michael was immense, but this feeling with Freddie was different; it was pressing and dominant. I knew I had loved him, but I never realized how much I desired him. I couldn't contain myself; I ingested his supple lips with all my vehemence to seduce him, tasting his warm, sweet mouth. Forcefully, engulfed in emotions, I bit down on his lip and punctured the skin with my bare teeth. Something I didn’t expect to do.

  “Ouch!” he groaned, backing away.

  I licked the droplet of blood from my lips, tasting his sweet flavor.

  “Freddie?” a voice called out from the wooded path.

  Freddie quickly took another step back, wiping the small amount of blood from his lips. I remained stationary, touching my pulsating lips and watching Freddie's facial expression go from a confused state to a crafty smile.

  “Hey, Kali . . . we were just—going for a swim. You wanna join us?” He smiled nervously at her.

  Kali was no fool. She was much smarter than Freddie gave her credit for. She immediately caught on to our façade. Her eyes peered at me first, then at him, abruptly turning and briskly walking back to the estate before fading into the woods. Freddie turned to me, almost apologetic, and ran off after her. “Kali, wait!” he yelled out behind her.

  Confounded by our behavior, I watched Freddie run off after Kali. My lips still throbbing from his kiss. Closing my eyes, I pictured my best friend’s gorgeous face in front of me, touching my lips with his fingertips. I sank my body under water for several seconds, feeling the silkiness of the lake swaddling every part of me. Voices chanted in angelic song all around me as I walked toward the house, glancing back at the lake as Freddie’s face vanished with the ripples of the water.

  The sun began to set by the time I showered, and Faith entered my room.

  “Miss Beth, would you like me to bring your meal up to your room?”

  “No Faith, I’ll come down for dinner. Would you mind setting the table on the terrace? It’s such a beautiful evening, and I want to enjoy the sunset.”

  “Of course. I’ll tell Deborah.”

  My life at Eden was very different compared to the simple life I lived in Caneadea. My room here was large enough to fit my small Allegany home in, and then some. My closets were stacked with simple and modest sundresses to compliment my thin figure. For dinner, I chose a pale sage, knee-length sundress and a cream half-sleeved knit sweater. I pinned my hair back, letting the curls fall loosely down my back and accessorized my hair with a small ruby hairpin and pendant necklace that once belonged to Grandma Anne. Freddie and Kali were already seated at the table, in deep conversation with each other. Kali stroked his face with the back of her hand, staring sweetly into his eyes. Unnoticed by either, I scraped the chair against the slate terrace floor, catching their attention, and sat myself beside Freddie. Kali casually clasped Freddie’s hand in hers. He briefly looked at her, but smiled nervously at me.

  Freddie’s attempt to pull the seat out for me proved useless as Kali’s grip held him down in his seat. I looked at her inquisitively and gave her a courteous smile. She, in return, moved her seat closer to Freddie’s, wrapping her arms snugly around his, as if she were afraid he’d blow away in the light evening breeze. She kept her eyes on me, watching me fidget awkwardly in my seat. I grinned falsely at her.

  “Mmmmmm . . . whatever Deborah is making smells delicious, doesn’t it?” Freddie said, trying to break the uncomfortable edge around us.

  “It smells real good. I'm starving!” I replied. “You look cute, Kali.” I observed the brunette’s bright-pink strapless dress. Her hair was pulled tightly to one side across her forehead in a fashionable ponytail.

  “Thanks, Freddie picked it out for me. He loves it when I wear pink. He says it really shows off my tan, right sweetie?” She batted her lashes obnoxiously at my friend. She was a different girl around him. Freddie hardly looked at her when she spoke. He kept his eyes on me, gently prying the brunette’s hands off his arms.

  “It’s more like magenta,” I corrected her. “Regardless, he’s right for once! It looks great with your hair and skin color,” I continued commenting.

  Freddie finally glanced at Kali and nodded his impassive approval. Kali was obviously bothered by his inattentive behavior, yet it amused me entirely. The need to keep Freddie focused on me had become an obsession this evening. During dinner, we joked and laughed at the memories we shared in Caneadea. We reminisced about our annual trips to Middle Falls, and Freddie’s failed attempt to kiss me during our dance lesson. Kali sat quietly, every so often rolling her big eyes as she was forced to listen to our recollection of childhood memories.

  I purposely brought up the night Freddie and I spent together in his room before he left for Mon
tana in search of the girl who now clung to his arm. As I antagonized her with memories of our childhood, her face grew flushed, catching her rolling her eyes every so often. I in turn, enjoyed watching her take extra-long breaths to keep her sweet side from exploding in front of Freddie.

  “Yes, I remember that night clearly, Bethy—but nothing happened, we just talked and fell asleep, that’s all.” He strived to convince Kali.

  “Sounds like you have a few good memories together. So do we, isn’t that right, babe?” Kali forced Freddie’s face to look directly at her.

  “Um—yeah, I guess we've had some fun.” He smiled hesitantly, kissing the tip of her nose. Kali wasted no time finding his lips and encompassing them with hers. Obviously, our little game had become an obvious challenge.

  “All right ladies, this is my cue to excuse myself. I’m going to bed and I will see you both in the morning." Freddie kissed the top of Kali's head, walked around the table and placed a long, gentle kiss on my cheek. I felt a sense of accomplishment, grinning from ear to ear. Once Freddie was out of sight, Kali’s stare became hard and cold.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed at me through a tense smile, watching Freddie as he disappeared inside.

  “I have no idea what you mean.” I smiled and batted my lashes.

  “You know exactly what I mean! Why the sudden interest in Freddie? You said you weren’t interested in him that way. Why now? Isn’t Michael your one and only love of a lifetime?” Her harsh words sounded defeated.

  I didn’t have a response for her. I didn’t know what to call these new feelings I had for Freddie. Do I love him? Is it jealousy or is sharing his attention with another something I’m not used to? I thought about my rash behavior. It wasn’t like me to behave this way, but I honestly didn’t understand my recent conduct and why I acted the way I did. In my heart, I felt ashamed, but in the back of my mind I would not let Freddie go without a fight.

  I held my hand out as a gesture of peace. She responded by giving it a light squeeze. “Sorry,” I said.

  “It’s fine. I’m sure from one sister to another, you wouldn’t hurt my relationship with Freddie, intentionally.” She gave me a forgiving smile.

  She embraced me momentarily. “I think I’m going to call it an early night. I’m a bit tired myself and I’d like to read a couple of chapters before going to bed,” I said, stepping back from her hug.

  “Seriously? You’re going to bed? Well, I’m not tired. I may go for a ride. Perfect night for a drive, don’t ya think?” she said, dangling Freddie's car keys in her hand.

  “Where are you going?” I asked curiously.

  “For a drive.”

  “I know that! But do you think it’s safe for you to drive alone? There’s nothing around for miles, and the roads are dark,” I replied.

  “Then come with me. Let’s explore this place together. It’ll be fun! I’ll have you back before the warden even knows we’re gone! Please.” She bounced her brows excitedly. I thought about it for a fleeting moment, but felt an uncomfortable rush of concern. Vos es vetuerat, I shook my head at the voices, clasping my hands over my ears. The voices were suddenly awakened. Vos defendi non posit. The thought of leaving the property jolted a sea of bad intuitions; a guilt that I’d be defying Freddie and the Order, whom protected me, along with a feeling something terrible might happen. It wasn’t worth the risk, so I pushed the thought aside and ignored the voices.

  “Hey Beth, you all right? Are the voices back?”

  “No, they’re not. I’m just extremely tired, that’s all. I think I'll pass on tonight’s joyride. Perhaps another time. Heaven knows I could really use a change in scenery. Night, Kali! See you tomorrow,” I hollered as I walked into the house, happy to be rid of her.

  “See you in the morn!” she sang playfully and walked down the terrace steps.

  I could hear the faint sound of Freddie’s car driving away from the house. A scenic car ride was definitely on my to-do list, but not with Kali. The boredom of my repetitive daily routine started to irritate me as the days grew longer and more tiresome. When the sound of Freddie’s car finally faded, I decided to do something that would stir up the heat between me and the skinny brunette.

  I reached the second floor landing. The silence in the bastion only magnified my heavy breathing. Quietly removing my sandals, I tiptoed toward the last door in the long, dim hall. An intense fire burned in my chest and belly. Unsure of why this sensation flooded over me so suddenly, but the need to be with Freddie intensified with every advancing step toward his bedroom door. Gently, I turned the knob. The door was unlocked. I closed the door behind me, locking it. Freddie slept peacefully under a thin layer of satin sheets; his silky chest glistening with droplets of sweat illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the open window. Slowly, I walked to the foot of the bed. I slithered carefully onto it, trying not to stir his sleep; straddling my legs over his. Kneeling over him, I removed my sweater and dropped it to the floor. I leaned forward as my hair fell loosely over my shoulders, ruffling his sleep as I crouched down to kiss his neck. My passion to have him ached deep inside me with such hunger, that without hindrance, I cupped his mouth with mine, lustfully forcing his lips apart, savoring his mouth.

  Freddie looked up at me, surprised and daunted by my appearance. He tried to speak, but my restraints kept his body pinned to the mattress as my lips continued to smother his.

  “Beth! What are you doing?” he finally whispered, escaping my lips for some air.

  “Isn’t it obvious? I want you, Freddie.”

  “This is wrong. Not like this, Beth.” He gently pushed my hair away from my face.

  “Then how? When? It all makes sense now. I’ve always wanted you. It’s always been you, Freddie. I just never knew it until––tonight.” I felt my stomach knot. I wanted him badly.

  “Stop! Listen to yourself. This isn’t like you,” he whispered, concerning himself about waking the others in the house.

  “We’re not kids anymore, and how special would it be to do this with you? Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted—me and you?” I asked innocently. Freddie caressed my shoulders with his fingers, springing chills on my bare arms. I began to remove the strap of my dress, one at a time.

  “No! I mean yes, but not like this. Look at yourself—would the Beth I grew up to love ever seduce anyone, especially me?”

  The sensation in my body erupted yet again, making me quiver all over. I leaned forward to take in his delicious scent and kissed his neck, then chest as I held his wrists in place with my forceful grip. Freddie did not fight my advances; he lay still as a deep, low groan escaped his throat. I kissed his lips gently at first. My desire for him trembled throughout my body. For a brief moment, I thought about the excitement of seeing Kali’s face if she walked in on us. It strangely amused me to know this could possibly be her defeat or perhaps a way to be rid of her. I smiled to myself.

  “Freddie, take me?”

  In one brisk movement, Freddie had me on my back, pinning my hands down onto the mattress above my head. He straddled his strong legs over mine, restricting any movements. This only intensified my desire for him as I tried to arch my back toward him.

  “You have no idea how much I want you, Beth. I’ve always wanted you, but not in this way. Don’t make this a game between you and Kali. She’s a cool girl and all, but you don’t have to worry about her. You know how I feel about you,” he whispered, returning my kisses. “But you distract me. I have to stay focused and vigilant for your safety, and I . . . I can’t every time I’m around you.”

  I stared into his eyes for a while, watching Freddie’s thoughts seeming a little disoriented.

  “A penny for your thoughts,” I said after a moment’s silence. Freddie sat back on his heels; his head hung low in deep concentration.

  “Beth.” He looked me in the eyes. “What happens to us once Michael comes back?” Michael had become a distant memory. What he and I shared seemed an inky
haze, especially knowing the kind of relationship I could have with Freddie, would never be possible with an archangel.

  “It’s not Michael I want now, it’s you,” I responded with sincerity, yet my head pounded with confusion.

  Freddie stared into my eyes. There was something he wanted to tell me, but didn’t. I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, but for reasons beyond my control, my mind insisted on retreating to thoughts of Michael. What if Freddie was right and Michael returned? Would I feel remorse for having loved Freddie? Would I want to be with Michael again and hurt my best friend? I wasn’t sure of what I wanted from either of them. But, I knew at this moment, I wanted to lay by Freddie’s side with his arms holding me, protecting me, loving me.

  I sat up with all these thoughts scraping against my mind. Freddie had a point. What would I do if Michael returned? With the turmoil walloping in my head, I could only stare at my friend, feeling like a fool, with nothing more to say. It was as if someone had shut down the furnace. Simmered the heat.

  “I hope when you realize the truth, it won’t be too late for us,” Freddie whispered before getting off the bed.

  Truth about us? The Trinity’s true intention and mission? I’ve searched high and low for it and continue to come up empty. What truth was he referring to?

  “Truth, Freddie? Have you been totally honest with me about the Trinity and what they’ve instructed you to do?” There it was, on cue; my dark and negative thoughts pushing their way through, like a nasty and spoiled diva. If what Kali said was true, then it was possible I was going to be destroyed by the very people who protected me.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Freddie snapped to attention.

  “Oh, come on, Freddie. You and I both know if Luca succeeds, the Trinity gave detailed instructions on how to hunt me down and finish me off. How much is the price for my head, huh? Must be pretty hefty.What have they promised you, mega, arsenal wings?” I arched my brow challengingly.