by Tarah Knight
“Hello brother, it’s been awhile. How are you?” Deacon casually walked over and held out his hand to Haven he was grateful when she took it without question and stood beside him. Barron saw the move and respected it, but he gave Deacon a look that said this wasn’t over.
“I have been well. Traveled once more to the South Seas. Spent some time in the Amazon. How are things with you squirt?” He tried to goad Deacon by using a hated childhood nickname. Being the eldest by four minutes he held it over his head at every opportunity.
Seeing both of the men together in the same room Haven was more than freaked out over just how identical they truly were. Dress them the same and shave Barron’s face, and you would not be able to tell them apart. But upon closer inspection their expressions were as different as night and day. Barron came off as a playboy, cocky and sure of himself. Deacon had a quite strength, a calm demeanor that spoke of a chained tiger held loosely tethered just under the surface. He showed that strength now by not rising to the taunt that she knew Barron had just tossed out. “I have also been well. I see that you have met my Serah. Had I known you were coming I would have been here to welcome you.” The rebuke hung heavy in the air. Haven felt her tummy tighten into knots wondering just what Barron was going to tell Deacon. Would he tell him everything? How would Deacon react? Would he let Barren have her? Would he just walk away? Funny three hours ago the thought of Deacon walking away would have thrilled her. Now? Not so much.
“I do apologize for not calling ahead to tell you of my visit, however I wasn’t aware that I would find you here. You see I was on a mission.”
Haven actually felt every muscle in Deacons body tighten, but he remained calm. “Really? What mission would that be?” Barron smiled then nodded toward Haven. “I felt the call of my Serah.”
Haven laughed nervously. “Umm… Deacon what is he talking about? I thought you said that I was your Serah?” He tightened his fingers over her hand. “You are my Serah, clearly Barron is mistaken.”
Barron walked over and grabbed his brother’s hand slapping it on his chest to feel his pounding heart. “There’s no mistaking that now is there little bro? There was no mistaking the fated passion that was between us earlier either.” The chamber was suddenly filled with a deadly quiet. Haven felt the blood drain from her face when Deacon turned his eyes to her. “Haven?” That was all he said just her name, but she knew what he was saying what he was asking her. Shooting Barron her very best death glare she tried to explain.
“Ok, before I start let me point out that your identical twins. I was operating under the assumption that there was only one of you in this world so when he showed up why wouldn’t I think it was you? Huh? Secondly…” She suddenly trailed off not sure of what her second point was exactly. She was relying pretty heavily on her first. She could see the muscle in Deacons jaw start to jump.
“Did he touch you?” He spoke the question to her but his deadly stare was for his brother.
She squirmed under his direct stare “Well, we didn’t actually… I guess you could say… that is we…”
Barron suddenly answered the question. “Yes. I touched her, and she touched me. The bonding passion was there for both of us. So much so that she found her release while she fed from me.”
The sound of his words reverberated off the chamber walls seeming to echo and repeat. Haven suddenly felt sick. She dreaded looking up into Deacons eyes. “Haven? Is this true?” he asked her. Not able to look at him she just nodded her head staring at the floor.
“So brother here is something we never expected. Who would have thought that as twins we would have the same Serah?”
Deacon pulled Haven tighter into his side, surprising her. “We don’t. There has to be an explanation. Haven is mine and mine alone. I don’t care what transpired between you. She clearly thought she was with me. I find her guilty of nothing.”
Barron smiled his smirky little smile that Haven was quickly coming to despise, because it usually meant something nasty was about to come out of his mouth. “What do you hold me guilty of brother?”
Deacon shook his head before walking away to the other side of the chamber taking Haven with him. “I would be dishonest if I said I didn’t fear this very thing happening. We have shared so much, but I thought surely in this the fates would have a plan. I know we are not the only twins of legend. I know that Haven is my Serah, but I cannot deny the signs of your body, so I hold you guilty of nothing as well. However, let it be understood that won’t give you leave next time.”
Barron’s face grew as dark as a thundercloud. “Give me leave? Perhaps it is I who should not give you leave. I have as much right to her as you do, you saw the signs.”
Deacon stepped slightly in front of Haven. “I have given the only warning I am going to give you Barron. Heed it well.”
His twin took a step closer and fearing immediate blood shed Haven stepped between them. “Ok! Stop it both of you! You’re acting like a couple hounds fighting over a bone! Well, this bone has something to say so both of you sit down and shut up.” When they both looked at her she pointed to the chairs next to the table. “Sit!” She ordered. After they had sat down Haven walked back and forth thinking furiously. “Ok Barron you said that you heard the call of your Serah. How long ago did you hear it?”
He smiled. “Would you like that broken down into months, weeks, days or hours?” At her deadpan stare he shrugged
“About a week shy of five months.”
Haven glanced at Deacon, but he didn’t seem surprised. “Ok, so both of you felt your Serah at about the same time. Is it possible that you just haven’t found her yet? Your true, Serah, Barron? Is it possible that because of the strong ties with your twin that you can feel the same feelings about me as well?” He actually gave her question serious thought. He looked so much like Deacon with that expression that she was freaked out again.
“I honestly don’t know Haven. I only know what I feel to be true, that you are my Serah. I know that Deacon feels it just as strongly as I do.”
“Is there someone you can ask? Perhaps a leader or captain or whoever would have some authority on this? Surely this has happened before.”
Deacon shook his head. “This is the first that I have heard of it in my seven hundred of life. Barron, have you heard of this? You have traveled even more so than I. You may have come across something like this, or even similar to this.” Haven knew his answer before he gave it.
“No, I have not heard of two males claiming the same female with both showing the signs of being bonded. Haven, if I may ask you a question. What makes you so sure that Deacon is your true mate and not I? You responded to both of us and I’m guessing that you were able to fed from both as well. Does it come down to preference?”
Haven looked from one man to the other. Was it just that she preferred Deacon, if so why? He did save her life and truthfully he seemed not as annoying as Barron, but could she honestly say she knew for certain which one was her true mate? Both had fired her up easily enough. She avoided Deacons eyes once more she replied. “I wish I could say with one hundred per cent certainty that Deacon was my mate, but I’m sorry I really can’t. Part of it could be that I know nearly nothing about bonding. I have the bare basics but that’s it. Maybe if you could explain it more to me that might help.”
“No. You have been told what you need to know. I know that you are mine that is why fate allowed me to find you first. This is done. Barron I’m sorry, but you will have to continue searching for your mate.”
Both Haven and Barron looked at Deacon in surprise. He had gone from being reasonable to declaring how things were going to be in a matter of seconds. His face grew hard and he walked over and took Havens hand firmly.
“What if I don’t agree dear brother? What if I decide to challenge you for her?” Barron threw out the challenge in a voice completely void of any emotion.
“So be it.” Deacon growled.
Haven watched in horror as the men star
ted circling each other like wolves fighting over prey. What had happened to the voice of reason? It was here one second and gone the next! “Stop this! I won’t allow you two to beat each other senseless! There has to be another way. We will find another way!” Neither paid her the slightest bit of attention. Barron charged first ramming his shoulder into Deacon’s torso lifting him off the ground and slamming him into the cave wall. The rock splintered and cracked under the impact. Deacon returned the favor by slashing at his brother’s shoulders with now razor sharp talons ripping through the shirt and deep into Barron’s muscles. Haven screamed repeatedly as the blood flew for them to stop. She ran over tugging and jerking on one brother then the other begging them to stop. But they continued to tear into each other like rabid animals growling and roaring. Fighting from one side of the cave to the other trampling whatever came in their path. She had to jump out of the way several times to keep from getting steamrolled. She truly feared they were going to kill each other and then she would be left to starve to death!
Suddenly a very large man and a really tall woman appeared from out of nowhere. The man grabbed Deacon, and the woman grabbed Barron pulling them apart and holding them.
“Stop this at once!” The mans deep voice bounced around the cave like a tennis ball the power and authority in the voice alone was enough to have Haven ducking down behind the bed. They shook the men until they stopped fighting and stood sulking like scolded school children. The woman turned Barron loose with a stern look then she glared at both of them.
“What kind of foolishness is this? Frankly, I expect such childish behavior from you, Barron. You have always been a temperamental fool, but Deacon? You truly shock me. Explain yourselves now.” Neither brother said a word they just stared at each other. The woman shook her head tsking to herself then she walked over to where Haven was hiding behind the bed. “Come child, perhaps you can be the voice of reason here. Can you please explain what has these two… boys fighting like common barroom brawlers?”
Haven took the hand that was offered surprised at the strength in it. “It’s me. They are fighting over me.” She answered quietly. “I see.” The woman said. “Why would they do that?” She asked. “Because they both believe that I am their mate. They both have the bonding signs.”
The woman’s brows rose high at that statement. “Truly?” Turning with a surprised look to Deacon she asked. “Deacon is this true?” Deacon simply nodded. “How odd.” she murmured. The woman went to each brother placing her palm on their chest to feel the beating hearts. “How remarkable! Twins bonded with the same female!”
“No, she is mine. I bonded with her first.” Deacon finally focused on the woman before him.
“But I bonded with her best.” Barron returned.
“Quiet!” The woman ordered. Turning to the towering male that stood behind Deacon. “Verlon, my love, have you ever heard of such a thing happening? We have had sets of twins born into the legend, both males and females, but to my knowledge this has never happened.”
He slowly shook his head clearly surprised at Havens announcement as the woman. “Nay, never in all my years. This is the first.”
The woman turned to Haven once more. “I’m sorry child forgive my lack of manners. I am Brooklyn and this is my mate Verlon. What is your name sweetling?”
Eyeing the raven-haired beauty that had to be six foot three, if she were an inch Haven introduced herself. “I am Haven, I was turned less than five months ago so forgive me for not recognizing your names. Are you someone important?”
That had the woman covering her mouth to hide her smile. She looked at her mate with twinkling eyes. “That would probably depend upon who you asked my dear. We are the governors in this region.” The man approached Haven holding out his hand. He was massive and by the time he stood in front of her she had to crane her neck looking straight up to meet his deep brown eyes. He took her hand and bought it to his lips to kiss it softly. “Welcome to the family little sister.”
Haven wasn’t sure which brother was growling at the man’s touch until Brooklyn smacked Deacon in the chest. “Oh hush! You know he sees no other female but me. Don’t be more of an idiot than you can help, Northcross.”
Haven fought to hide her grin. She thought she might actually like this Brooklyn. She certainly didn’t take any crap from the brothers, and they showed her total respect. Of course with a mate the size of Verlon they would be really foolish not to.
Brooklyn paced the floor tapping her long fingernail against her right fang. “So both of you clearly have the bonding signs, have either of you fed her?” They both looked at each other then nodded. “Really? She was able to feed from both of you and kept it down?” Brooklyn looked to Haven who nodded slowly then sighed.
“Look, I didn’t know that Deacon was a twin. When Barron showed up I thought it was Deacon so I gave him a kiss as a reward for nursing me back to health. I want to set the record straight that I didn’t hop from one brother to the other knowingly. I really thought I was with Deacon.”
Brooklyn walked over and patted her shoulder. “Of course child, no one here thinks badly of you at all. You were not given all the facts. Although in Deacon’s defense I’m sure he felt he had no need to tell you right away about Barron. You really should not have the felt the bond with him at all. I’m assuming you did feel …the bond?” At Brooklyn’s raised eyebrow Haven knew what bond she referring to. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she nodded looking anywhere, but where the brothers stood.
“Did it perhaps feel stronger with one brother than the other?” Haven wished the floor would open up and swallow her. Did Brooklyn really just ask her if one brother did it for her more than the other? Ok, granted she asked it in a very discreet way, but still. “Umm not really. Not that I noticed I don’t think. They were both… umm… well… I met Deacon first so maybe he was. But Barron really had me amped up too. Crap! I don’t know! I really just don’t know.”
Verlon stepped forward. “I think it may be best if Haven stayed with us until this is settled.” Deacon’s head lifted slowly at that statement his eyes glowing faintly. “You are not taking her from me, Verlon. This is the only warning you will receive.” Haven thought with Deacon being the first to protest maybe that proved something, but when she looked at Verlon she saw that Barron had him backed against the wall by a dagger held to his throat so she knew both brothers had reacted, just in a different manner. Brooklyn’s voice took on a very different pitch when she warned Barron about harming her mate.
“Barron if you so much as leave a crease in his skin I will be feeding your liver to Fifi, and you know how he loves liver.” Barron slowly backed away, but he kept the dagger firmly in his hand.
“I know you both are claiming her, but you also know that’s not possible. I don’t know what is happening here it is quite unprecedented, however we must be reasonable and rational creatures. She is not a bone to be fought over. Her well being and life happiness is at stake here as well and if you are both claiming to call her Serah, then you should want that above all else. Yes?” Deacon looked at Haven and she felt that look all the way to her soul. “I would give my life for my Serah if that is what she requires to be happy.” Barron suddenly flipped the dagger into the air then threw it with blinding speed at his brother’s chest impaling him just above the heart. Haven screamed as Deacon staggered against the wall grasping the hilt of the dagger as he slid to the floor. She ran over to Deacon throwing Barron a look like he was the devil incarnate.
“Deacon? Oh, God Deacon are you ok?” He grimaced as he pulled the dagger out with a quick jerk. “I’m fine, he knows this won’t kill me. He was just showing off.”
Haven jumped to her feet then marched over to where Barron stood smirking. The crack of her palm hitting his cheek echoed across the cavern. “That was the sorriest thing I have ever seen Barron Northcross! That man is your brother you shared a womb with him! How dare you toy with his life like that!”
He slowly lif
ted his hand rubbing his cheek as his eyes smoldered to a pale yellow. “I have shared nearly everything in my life with my brother Serah, but I will not share you. If he was willing to die to ensure your happiness how could I not offer my assistance? I know where this is going. They will say that you have a choice. Perhaps you do, but I would advise that you choose wisely do not think that I will bow out gracefully if you choose Deacon. You are my Serah, my very reason for existing. I will not ever willingly give you up.” With that announcement he inclined his head to Brooklyn then vanished.
“Oh bother, I was afraid of that. Barron never was a very good team player.” Brooklyn walked over offering her wrist to Deacon. He waited for Verlon’s permission before he took what was offered taking only what he needed to heal. Within minutes his wound was closed from the powerful blood of the eldest.
“So what now?” Haven asked. She certainly didn’t feel safe staying here. It was too easy for Barron to just show up. But then again was anywhere safe?
“I think Verlon was right. You need to come stay with us, and Deacon, wipe that scowl off your face. This is only until it can be sorted out. You may still come visit and feed Haven, but I think until we have a definite answer to whom she belongs we need to keep the contact to a minimum.”
Haven thought she already knew who she would choose if she was given a choice. Barron was too violent, too demanding. Deacon was at least more of a gentleman. Both were ready to fight to keep her but Deacon gave a warning whereas Barron just went into kill mode. Although she guessed that to be fair if Barron had truly wanted to kill Deacon he would have done so. The dagger to the chest was his warning. This was really getting to be way too much! “Byron, I’ll will have your head for this.” she vowed. When the other three looked at her in confusion she just waved them off. “Long story.” And she left it at that.
