Dark Hearts

by P. L. Midnight

  Tori interrupted my thoughts with a loud whisper, “So let me get this straight. Supernatural beings exist according to the guys. They also believe they are all some kind of creatures. Do you know how crazy this sounds? I don’t even know what the hell a wendigo is, but if Julian is a wendigo, I’ll take one.”

  “Actually, I looked it up on the internet. I found that according to folklore, it’s a creature with a heart of ice that can be violent. They all claim to be fierce warriors from what conversations I’ve heard. Alex is supposedly a sun seraph, Raven’s a gargoyle, Vince and Julian are wendigos, Miles is a shapeshifter, and the good doctor you just met is a powerful warlock and who knows what else.”

  What I still didn’t tell her was how I’d heard their non-vocal conversations. I was able to read their minds at will now, for some reason. I couldn’t read Tori’s, which I found strange, but I could read every one of their minds. As far as I knew, they couldn’t read mine. I wondered if it had something to do with the bond forming between us. There were so many questions that needed answers.

  “Do you hear yourself, Emma? This is crazy. You must have misheard them. Perhaps you heard the television and thought it was them talking. Are you sure you aren’t hallucinating or something? Should I call Sebastian?”

  “If you ever loved me as a best friend, you will not call any of them to come in here. You will also not repeat anything I’ve told you to a soul. I mean absolutely no one. Tori, I’m not hallucinating. I’m sharing what I heard. I think something is off about all of them, but I didn’t know creatures like that existed, well, besides warlocks. I’ve read about covens of witches and warlocks around the world.”

  Tori started to say something. Before she could grab my hand, I reached over and grabbed hers. “Tori, thank the heavens I can see again. I don’t believe it. I can actually see you, all of you right down to that awful pink scarf. When did you start wearing pink scarves by the way?”

  “Oh, Jake likes pink,” she answered amidst trying to keep her glee in check at the news of my sight returning, and the mention of who I presumed was her new main squeeze.

  We both got up immediately and hugged, trying not to make too much noise. We nearly jumped up and down. I quietly promised I’d call as soon as I could. I assured her that I’d explain everything before I left the place. I’d just finishing swearing her to secrecy again, when there was a knock at the door.

  She did whisper before I told whoever was at the door to come in, “There is one thing that is most strange. You do know they are keeping your whereabouts a secret. Everyone at school thinks you’re in a hospital or dead. Raven and Vince swore me to secrecy about your location before they’d let me see you. They said your life depended upon it. We do need to talk more soon. Call me.”

  I nodded to her as I said, “Come in.”

  Raven and Vince joined us, followed by Alex a short time later.

  Raven and Vince chatted with Tori as I watched them through the dark glasses that Sebastian had recently gotten for me. He said it would make me feel less conspicuous around the others. No one would be able to see my eyes that no longer focused, giving me a modicum of dignity. I’d thanked him for his thoughtfulness. They were also great because I’d be able to look around inconspicuously.

  The glasses were dark but I could see. It was so nice to see again. I just wanted to jump up and do the happy dance. As I looked at the guys, I was almost breathless at Raven’s male beauty. Never would I believe he was one of the ugly gargoyles that stood sentry in the room with their fierce expressions and long talons. There weren’t a bunch of them, just a couple of large ones that could easily pass for statues, but that was enough. They were intimidating.

  As I studied the statues, I realized how lifelike they were. It was still farfetched to believe what Julian and Sebastian had said about his father collecting them. How could anyone even transport the huge figures without being obvious? Why would anyone want to reanimate them and build an army of gargoyles anyway? It was too much to believe. It went against everything I was ever taught about the real world, but so did most of what I was beginning to believe.

  “I hope you don’t mind, Emma, but I wanted to say hello to your friend.”

  “I’m your friend, too, Alex,” Tori practically purred at him.

  “Yes, of course you are, Tori. It’s nice to see you again.” Did he just kiss her hand? That was weird. He was being excessively charming.

  I wondered if the guys had been going to school, but didn’t ask. Tori provided my answer.

  “That was a great game the football team played Friday, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, it was. I didn’t know you were a football fan, Tori,” Alex said.

  “Yeah, well everyone goes, you know. Anyway, I just go to see if the cheerleaders will fall on their asses and, of course, to watch Jake and Simon play.”

  Alex chuckled as did Vince and Raven.

  “Really, Tori, that sounded catty.”

  “You know they deserve some catty, Emma, from all of us, but I don’t want to upset you so I won’t mention the “bitch” sisters. Alex, are you ready for the science test on Friday? If you want, we could study together.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve already studied. I’ve been working with Emma so she doesn’t fall too far behind.”

  “Sure,” Tori said, looking a little put out, but at that moment the door opened and in strolled Miles. She hadn’t met him yet so all her attention became focused on him. I guess she finally decided that Alex was a lost cause.

  I could understand why she’d focus on Miles. This was the first time I really got a close look at him. To say he was intimidating was an understatement. He was at least 6-foot, 5-inches and was almost as tall as one of the gargoyles that stood sentinel in the corner of the room. He was brawny like Vince, but with even bulkier muscles. His hair was the color of a midnight fire when the light hit it just right. Miles’ most amazing feature was his eyes, which were a hazel color and had changing color flecks of gold, green and blue that seemed to shift with his thoughts. Before anything was said, I knew it was him by the woodsy almost wild smell that surrounded him.

  When Miles spoke, it was as if you were talking to a prince of England, so regal was his tone. “Hello, Emma. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “No, of course not, Miles, please sit down and join us. We’re going to order pizza later.”

  “I like that you recognized my voice, Emma. Thanks, my sweet girl.” Before I knew what he was planning, he stood before me grasping my hand to bring it to his lips for a sweet kiss that lingered a bit longer than the customary greeting.

  I motioned towards the couch as he released my hand. “This is my best friend, Tori.”

  “I thought I was your best friend?” Vince asked in a rather snarky tone.

  I ignored his usual bitterness that was probably because Miles had just kissed my hand and was still standing in front of me. “You both are, as you very well know. It’s good to see you, Tori. I’m glad you’re here.”

  Playing along, Tori touched my knee and said in a most sympathetic tone, which basically nudged Miles, who finally moved to a chair opposite Tori. “I’m so sorry about your sight, Emma. I’m sure it’ll return soon. I know that Sebastian is doing everything for you that he can here.”

  “We all are,” Vince interjected.

  “Of course, you are and thanks. I appreciate all of you guys,” I said just about tired of Vince’s whiny tone.

  Tori had emphasized the word ‘here’ as if she too thought a hospital would’ve been a better choice. If the guys noticed it, they made no comment.

  Tori was visiting with them and updating me on what was happening at school. I secretly studied Miles through my dark glasses. I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to examine his features. He certainly was a feast for the eyes. Besides his height and eyes, his other outstanding feature was that curly hair. I’d never seen hair that shiny color. It was a brilliant dark burgundy that looked almost black until h
e moved and it caught the light just right. Then it looked like a midnight fire with streaks of deep red.

  To say he was handsome was an understatement, like the rest of them, he, too, was magnificent. He reminded me of a gentle giant as he sat there entertaining the group with stories of his ancestry. Apparently, some of his kin had been royalty which came as no surprise to me, having heard a few thoughts about him from the others. He had a regal bearing about him, however, a few of his facial expressions when Alex was talking led me to believe he was actually brooding as I’d heard he could be. I decided right then that I’d hate to be on his bad side with all that brawn and height.

  While his face was handsome, his eyes could steal a girl’s heart. As I mentioned, they were hazel with unusual specs of gold, green and blue that seemed to fight for dominance depending on his thoughts. His deep British voice had been comforting, but seemed to hold a certain edge at times. The more I studied him the more I decided that the sound of it fit him. It was rather deep and dark sounding at times during his conversation.

  I just got finished checking Miles out when the door opened and in walked Julian and Sebastian. I’d know Julian anywhere with his pale complexion and white hair. He looked quite a bit like his brother Vince, but leaner with a smaller muscular frame. He too was tall at about six-feet, two- inches at least. His best feature besides his easygoing personality and easy smile was his startling green eyes. They looked even greener than they had when he was a child, like sparkling emeralds with a dancing light in them.

  Before I could look any longer, he came over to me and pulled me up into his arms, gently whirling me. He put me back into my seat at Sebastian’s insistence, but not before he placed a kiss on my cheek. “Nice to see you again, my little angel. Maybe we can get another walk in the garden tomorrow, before the cold front comes in.”

  I guess it was that time of year. Fall was over and Thanksgiving was quickly approaching. If I didn’t get out of here soon there’d be no leaving these gorgeous males that obviously cared for me as much as I did them. They all smelled wonderful, I thought, as I got a whiff of the icy fresh winter waterfall that was Julian before he sat down on the floor next to me.

  The room had been large when I’d first seen it, but now it seemed small with all the guys filling it up. If I had to choose who was the most handsome, I didn’t think I could. Apparently neither could Tori, because she hadn’t stopped turning her head and gawking since they’d all come into the room. I smiled at her. I knew she thought I was the luckiest girl in the world to be staying with all the handsome males in the room. If she only knew what we were all thinking, I wondered what her thoughts would truly be.

  I was slowly moving my head as if trying to follow the conversation. My eyes lit on the good doctor. He was studying me. I’d have to be careful around him if I planned on keeping my sight a secret. Sebastian’s eyes, as they scrutinized me, were a deep brown like a rich, luxurious chocolate, just as he’d said, but they were also very observant. I was certain he could see into my soul.

  His midnight hair was as dark as night with deep blue highlights giving him an otherworldly mysterious quality. His height was impressive, too, as Sebastian was a little taller than Julian was. He looked the part of a powerful warlock with his charmingly wicked smile. He was friendly, but now that I could really see him, something was off about him, just like the rest of them. They were all just too damned perfect.

  Now that my strength was back, I just had to formulate a plan. I could see again, but I wanted to make sure that my sight was permanently restored before I left. I decided to wait a few days which would give me time to fill Tori in on my plans that would involve hitching a ride with her just long enough to get me out of town and to a car dealership.

  I’d get to the bank, access my account, and take out enough money to last a while. I had enough to get a decent used car. I knew a small motel off the beaten path where I could stay for a few days near Bellefontaine. I didn’t think the guys would even think to look there. From there I could change my hair color, alter my appearance, and make plans to find my mother. If I could get away from these intimidating males, I could avoid Dark Hearts if they did exist. The way my luck was going, I had no doubt they existed.

  I had to focus as Alex made his way towards me. Before I could react, he’d removed my glasses and grinned down at me, “Just wanted to make sure you hadn’t dozed off. Are we boring you or is it too much excitement having us all together, honey?”

  He put the glasses back in place and I smiled at him. I couldn’t have them thinking they bothered me since they were making such an effort to be welcoming to my friend and entertain us both. I said, “No, I’m sorry, I must have been daydreaming. I’m having a great time, thanks. I appreciate you inviting Tori over. I’m getting a little hungry though.”

  “Yeah, it’s time to get that pizza ordered,” ever-the-hungry-guy, Julian spoke up immediately.

  “Did someone say we’re ordering pizza pies? Make sure we get two with anchovies,” I knew was Miles. After a few yucks, the discussion about what to order proceeded for some time before Raven called and placed an order for a massive amount of pizza, breadsticks, and a salad for Tori and Julian.

  I could tell by her voice that Tori was having the time of her life with all the male attention she was getting. I would’ve wondered about that, but I didn’t miss the constant glances that came my way from each of my six protectors. I hated to admit it, but those little glimpses made me feel special. There was no doubt I had to get away and soon before the bond between us became so strong that we ended up in a dangerous situation.

  Watching them all interact with each other, it was hard to believe they all wanted me. What was even harder to believe was that they were either creatures that are the stuff of nightmares or they were the males of my dreams. It made me a bit sad knowing I was leaving soon as I watched their easy comradery. I knew I’d miss them, but no matter how right it felt, it would never work and I didn’t want to cause jealousy problems within their team. For a moment or two, I did wonder what it would be like to be loved and cherished by all of them. Someone said something and the moment was lost.

  I had a wonderful time that night with Tori and the guys until Sebastian decided it was time for me to get some rest. Much to Tori’s delight, immediately after we’d said our goodbyes, Sebastian took me in his arms and chivalrously carried me upstairs.

  Shortly thereafter, each of the guys came upstairs to bid me goodnight. I received a few hugs, a peck or two on the cheek, a couple tender caresses down my cheek, and one daring touch from Alex that gracefully slid down the side of my arm, nearly grazing my breast and sending sparks all the way to my nether regions. I made a small noise, but no one seemed to notice except Alex who smiled as if he’d won the lottery. After they left the room, I lay back in the bed as Sebastian adjusted my pillows one final time before leaving.

  “I’ll be down the hall. I’ve left the remote with you so you can call if you need me. Remember, just press the button once and I’ll be here. Good night, my leallen, I hope you had fun tonight. Your cheeks have a nice color tonight. Perhaps we should have your friend visit more often or maybe it was all of us together that you enjoyed. Are you feeling alright?”

  “I’m fine, Sebastian. Thanks for letting her come over for a visit. You’re right. I had a wonderful time with all of you.”

  “She can come to see you anytime she wants now that you’re stronger, Emma. I just didn’t want you to tire yourself, but I see that didn’t happen. I’m glad you’re getting better. I just wish, well, you know. Just be patient. I believe your sight should return soon. You’re almost back to normal and your stamina is getting better every day. Get some sleep now. I’ll see you in the morning. Miles should be here shortly.”

  “Goodnight, Sebastian.”

  They never left me alone. Sebastian always made sure that I was all right. I knew he still worried about me. I felt guilty about not sharing that my eyesight was back, but my min
d kept going back to his conversation with Julian and a few other telepathic conversations I’d heard. I was also afraid of my own feelings towards them.

  After having seen the guys all together tonight, I realized it would be impossible to choose only one of them. Each one of them had their own special magic and appeal. How could any woman choose between them? I fell asleep as Julian sat in the seat near the bed waiting for Miles to come and take his place. Although he didn’t seem anxious to leave, he glanced at me each time I moved to make sure I was alright. I could see the love already shining in his eyes when he looked at me.

  They all watched me, I noticed…how could I not love every one of them? The more important questions surfaced in my mind…how was I going to leave them?

  Chapter Twenty

  The couple of days I’d decided to wait had been the longest of my life. I hadn’t planned to fall for all of them, but the way my heart hurt, I knew I had. Even if I did think they were crazy to want to share me, it didn’t seem to matter to my heart or my hormones. They liked the idea more with each passing hour. I was without a doubt in love with all of them. If I stayed, Vince would end up killing Alex. I didn’t want them to fight over me. I had to go. There was no choice left for me. I would love them forever and pine for the unrequited love that I knew could only come from staying with them.

  I could feel the tension at times and I knew the situation that Julian and Sebastian had discussed would never work. I’d end up causing the friends to split up, then Raven, Alex and Vince would never get to join the Order. I wouldn’t destroy their dreams by staying. I wouldn’t be the cause of their friendship being destroyed, either. I had to go. I had to find my mother, too. I couldn’t forget that. Now that I was completely healed, I had to go soon.

  The longer I stayed and the closer we became, the harder it was going to be to leave. Last night had almost been my downfall, as the guys had prepared a special Thanksgiving dinner for me. They’d all done their part and prepared the best meal I’d ever eaten. Sorry Mom, but it was amazing, then again, I’d never had a meal with six amazing guys waiting on me and smothering me with attention. Sitting around the table with them and listening to them tell stories about their most memorable Thanksgiving had been difficult knowing I’d be leaving the next day.