Pure Illusion (Web Of Deception #1)

by Michelle Watson

  The golden egg was so smooth and shiny she could see her reflection in it like a mirror.

  Because of her status in Seaberia, Zel had no friends. She spent most of her days playing in the forest and singing to wild animals. Her parents with the rest of her family were slaughtered by a rival kingdom named Attuqius. Attuqius enslaved her people and allowed Zel limited liberty, but freedom all in the same. Little Zel truly had no one. So throughout time the princess would talk to the egg and sing to it. Zel told the egg all her dreams and wishes and all her secrets. The golden egg was her only friend.

  On her sixteenth birthday, Zel woke and found fragments of golden shell sprinkled across her bed. Right at the foot of her bed stood a baby dragon. Zel was told that dragons were just a folktale, a myth that only existed to entertain. The princess was astonished to take in the sight of a fire-breathing dragon.

  In time Zel and her dragon grew close and formed a powerful bond not even fire could destroy. Her dragon developed and matured rather quickly. Zel concealed the dragon until she could no longer. The dragon grew to be just as big as her castle.

  Word spread quickly to the royal family of Attuqius. The little heir of Seaberia was no longer harmless. Zel was a threat. She was an enormous hazard that could destroy their entire empire. The army of Attuqius wanted to terminate Zel along with the rest of her people. Seaberia would be no longer.

  Before the night of the war, Dailah, the princes of Attuqius came to warn Zel. He was fond of the princess and never wanted to cause her harm. He informed Zel about everything and that she needed to flee while her heart was still beating. But Zel wanted to stay. She wanted to protect her people. She wanted to save her kingdom. She wanted to make them see reason.

  On the day of the battle, Zel faced the ocean of soldiers with Dailah strong at her side and her dragon on the other. She tried to make the royals see reason. But how can they reason with something as destructive as death? But the royals did devise a plan. Zel and her people were allowed to live in their kingdom. Seaberia would burn to ash and Dailah would be killed for treason. The only thing she had to do was relinquish her beloved dragon.

  Zel commanded the dragon to move to the opposing side. Dailah appeared ill but he would just have to trust her. The scene was misinterpreted. This was all pure illusion. Though Zel trained her Dragon very well, she had no control over what it did. Therefore, she could not offer aid when the soldiers went up in walls scolding flames.

  The royal family of Attuqius was finally defeated. Together, Zel and Dailah restored the balance of both kingdoms. Her people no longer suffered or lived in fear.

  The lonely girl with a golden egg, no family, no friends and little freedom became a queen of the most powerful kingdom of all. Zel and Dailah wed and had an army of children of their own. Her dragon lived happily along with them.

  Every day was filled with laughter and love.

  Zel never craved for more than what she already had.

  The End.

  My father finishes and kisses us all goodnight; he even kisses Hunter and Hero on the forehead. They are both eager for the kisses. Hunter told me once that his mother never hugged and kissed them and he never wanted hugs and kisses from his father.

  “Night kids. Hunter, you’re in charge. Take care of my babies.”

  Hunter gives my father a solemn salute. “Yes, sir.”

  “What about me,” Hero whines. “I want to protect them, too.”

  “Of course. Hero, you are next in line.” My father smiles at us and then gives his head a slight shake before closing my door.

  Tyler and Hero tussle with the blankets and Hunter can’t stop staring at me. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

  “I’m just making sure your breathing.”

  “I can take care of myself, Hunter.”

  “A princess always needs a knight to look after her, even if she’s stronger than he will ever be.”

  Chapter forty-two

  Mr. Knight

  “I’m taking you out,” Max states. “Are you up for a burger?”

  “You don’t need to. The ball is only a day away.”

  “Please?”

  “Max—”

  He drops to his knees, wrapping his arms around my middle and stuffing his face in the fabric of my shirt, pressing his lips into my belly. Then he whispers in Arabic, begging me. My heart instantly melts and I turn into a spineless creature. I love when Max speaks to me in Arabic. Though the language is foreign, I feel a close connection to it. Sometimes, I whisper to Max in Spanish. My dad taught Tyler and I Spanish as soon as we were old enough to comprehend it. I was sort of rusty at first. I haven’t conversed in Spanish in so long. It’s been years now.

  I run my hands through his thick, curly hair and tug lightly. “That’s so not fair, you found my weak spot.”

  Max smiles up at me. “You have many spots, but none are weak.” He kisses my above my bellybutton and I gasp, legs still feeling a little shaky.

  He grabs Birthday and her pink leash and we head out the door. Dread fills me as Max pulls into the lot at Roxy’s. My eyes instantaneously find Hunter’s red truck parked a few spaces away. My stomach is infested with drunken butterflies that threaten to batter and tear each other apart.

  “Max,” I murmur in an unsteady voice, “I can’t go inside.”

  His brows snap together, then he jerks his head up. “What’s the matter? You were fine a moment ago?”

  “It’s,” I clear my throat but the fear won’t fade. “I can’t stomach seeing…Hunter. Just order and take it to go.”

  I guess he agrees, but I can’t hear what he says over the thundering beat in my ears. Max smiles and touches my face. His eyes thoroughly take in mine and his smile instantly vanishes. I don’t know what Max found within them, but I can tell he doesn’t approve. I sigh when he leaves to get the food.

  Refusing to wait a second longer, I grab Birthday and her leash. She needs to relieve herself and I need some air. We stroll along the sidewalk and trimmed brushes. Though we live in a small southern town, a large portion of the Cherry Creek population is seriously wealthy. It’s not uncommon to see several luxury cars parked in a lot of a Shop & Go. Most of Bayham County is pristine and orderly. We still carry on apple-pies-cooling-on-the-windowsill-and-bible-study-on-every-Tuesday-and-Thursday-nights tradition. The town of Cherry Creek reminds me of those model towns. Everything looks immaculate and synthetic.

  Loud giggling brings me from my reverie. I involuntary turn my head in the direction, instantly wanting to crumble into nothing. Candy, dressed in her Roxy uniform, covers Hunter’s face in red kisses. His eyes are screwed shut but he’s smiling, and his hands are below her waist, cupping her ass. She embraces him. The muscles in his arms flex as he squeezes her back. Hunter whispers something in her ear and she nuzzles deeper into him, playfully slapping his arm and laughing softly. Just then Max saunters out the glass door with a plastic takeout bag hanging from his hand. He stops by Hunter’s truck and taps Candy on the shoulder. Her long ruby-colored ponytail smacks Max in the face as she swirls around, her smile and eyes get wider as she embraces Max, even lifting both feet off the ground. Max hugs her back and then quickly releases her. He says something to Hunter and, to my surprise, they both shake hands. It was brief but they did it. Hunter tells Max something. Max’s eyes dart to his SUV, quickly scanning the lot. Candy finds me before Max does. She jumps excitedly and points directly at me. Max gives me an easy smile and waves me over. Candy clasps her hands and once my gaze shifts to Hunter’s, he holds my eyes captive as I make my way over to them.

  Why does it feel like I’m walking over scolding coals?

  “…she’s been doing well. I wish I knew what those nightmares were about, though. She wakes up every morning with a sudden jolt and breathlessness. Her whole body is bathed in sweat. It’s like she’s drowning and she can’t get air fast enough.” I have to talk to Max about divulging personal information. He should know better. He is a cop. “Pumpki
n!” Max throws a heavy arm over my shoulders, pulling me close to him.

  Hunter eyes narrow and he is clenching his jaw. He intensely stares at me, it’s like he’s looking past all the physical and peering into the core of my being.

  “Hey,” I say in a strained voice. “Candy, Hunter.”

  I’m startled when Candy wraps her arms around me. “I’m so sorry you haven’t been sleeping well. Mama makes this sleepy time tea for me when I come on my period. I get cranky and can’t rest for nothing in the world. The tea knocks me right on out. I can have her make you a batch and drop it off at Max’s.”

  “No. That’s okay. It’s not worth the trouble,” I mumble.

  “You sure? ’Cause it’ll solve all your sleeping problems. I’m sure you can use a goodnight’s rest.”

  “I—”

  “She would love that,” Hunter interjects. His turbulent eyes hold mine. “Isabel, what do you say?”

  “T-thank you,” I stammer, responding automatically.

  Hunter grins, smugly.

  Max gives me a strange look.

  Damn!

  She holds me at arm’s length before releasing me. “I’m so glad. Well, I’ll call Mama tonight and drop it off later if you want.”

  Hunter’s grin turns into a full-blown smile. He gives me a slight nod.

  “Yes, that’s fine. Thank you again, Candy.”

  She turns her attention to Birthday. “She’s growing. She’s a pretty little somethin’ too.”

  “Birthday is like our own baby. We take turns walking and feeding her. Isabel and I make a great team,” Max declares.

  I can’t even look Hunter in the face right now, but I can feel the fury emitting off his body in lethal doses. Letting my gaze fall, I tug on Max’s sleeve. “Max, let’s go. Later, Hunter.”

  “See ya’ll at the ball,” Max says over his shoulder.

  “Later,” Hunter whispers so lowly I almost didn’t catch it. The problem is that I feel Hunter’s whisper all over my skin.

  When we get back to the house, Max and I eat our burgers while watching Titanic. “Why did you tell them about my nightmares?”

  “I wanted to see Hunter’s reaction,” Max says through mouthfuls of food.

  I study him a moment. “You think he tried to kill me.”

  He takes a huge chunk from his burger, eyes still on the TV screen. “It wouldn’t surprise me. He has a motive. He’s been stalking you for years. I don’t trust him, Pumpkin. Something isn’t right with Hunter. The way he looks at you…it’s strange.”

  “We’ve been best friends since we were little, Max. Hunter would never harm me. You don’t know him like I do.”

  He sighs, slinking his half-eaten burger in the box. Max runs his hands irately through his hair, squeezing as he does. “I don’t think we should discuss this anymore. You bite my head off every time I mention his name.” He brings his hands to his forehand and presses them in.

  I have been making this more difficult for Max. It’s like I’m having Hunter withdraws. I can’t help but lash out at Max when he only is trying to help me.

  Feeling guilty, I crawl into Max’s lap, laying my head on his chest. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to think clearly with everything that’s happening.”

  Max strokes my hair and then kisses the top of my head. “It has to be very difficult for you to let him go, but I’m looking out for your well-being. I don’t think you get that much.”

  I fight down the urge to protest and simply nestle into him.

  Waking with a sharp jolt, I sit up on the couch disorientated, choking, and sweaty. My dark blue T-shirt clings to me like a second skin. I’m alone again. The TV is muted and everything is just too quiet. Max probably got called into duty because I notice his cruiser is gone once I peer out the window into the pitch-black night. My car is parked next to his Suburban. I’m limited to the places Max said I could go, but I need to talk to Mr. Knight. He’s the only one with the answers I need.

  Hero said Caleb lived in one of his condos in town. I know (and the entire population of Bayham County knows) exactly where his properties are. The ride to the center of town is a brief one. The glistening buildings in a rainbow of hues seem to expand every year. Mr. Knight does have an eye for beauty and luxury.

  Taking in a deep breath, I push through the glass doors. An attractive man in a black suit greets me at the front desk. “Welcome to Home Bay. How may I help you?” He has smooth, faint accent that I can’t quite place. He looks like a freaking editorial model.

  “Umm…” I flip my long hair from my face and shift nervously from foot to foot. “Can I speak with Mr. Knight please?”

  The man gives me a critical once-over, taking in my loose casual clothing and my red Converse sneakers. My stomach flutters. I hate being looked at like that. It’s like I’m being appraised.

  He smiles, blinding me with straight white teeth. “What’s your name?”

  “Isabel Waters.”

  His smile broadens. “Isabel Waters. Pretty. I like your country accent.”

  “I don’t have a country accent.” I really don’t…well, if I do, it’s not a strong one or like those annoying ones you see on TV.”

  “Yes you do.” He winks. “It’s as country as cornbread.”

  “I do not,” I mutter, sort of irritated.

  “Calm down, Isabel Waters. I’m only teasing. You don’t have a thick country accent, it’s very, very faint but it’s there.”

  “May talk to Mr. Knight now?”

  “I’m afraid he isn’t feeling very well at the moment.”

  I lean forward, gripping the edge of the polished wood. “Please…it’s imperative.”

  “Mmm. Big words for a small girl.”

  Bastard!

  “Small brain for a big boy,” I counter.

  His cheeks lift and he tosses his head to laugh. “I like you.”

  I glance at the slim silver badge on his suit jacket. Harry is engraved into it. “I can’t say the same Harry. Where are you from?”

  “London.”

  “Well, are all London boys this idiotic?”

  He smirks, smoothing his dark hair in place. “Most. Are all southern girls this feisty?”

  “Most,” I mimic. I get the feeling that Hank enjoys toying with people, but I don’t have time to fool around with him. “Hank, I really, seriously need to chat with Mr. Knight. I’m a family friend.”

  “I don’t know I—”

  “Please just give him a call and tell him I’m down here.”

  Hank grabs the phone from the hook and presses it to his ear. He dials a number and manages to scowl at me the entire time he whispers into it. He waves a dismissive hand towards the bank of elevators, placing the phone down on its elegant cradle. “The very top floor.”

  “Thank you, Hank.”

  “You’re welcome, Miss Waters.”

  I press the “up” button and step into the mirrored elevator. “Maybe I can take you out for Lucky Charms sometime.”

  Hank makes a face in distaste right before the doors slide together. The twentieth floor is already lit. I take a step back and sag against the cool mirrored wall as I begin to ascend. I mentally prepare myself to interrogate Mr. Knight, so it’s all too soon when the doors slide apart.

  Once through the massive double wooden doors, I stand in the marble foyer feeling out of place in all this stylish lavishness. My mouth is agape as I step forward. Everything is sheer magnificence and wealth from the ultra soft snow-white carpet that sinks with each step beneath my feet, to the dark and extravagant furniture and fixtures.

  It doesn’t take me long to find Mr. Knight. He is dressed in a button-up shirt and loose fitting slacks and is reclined in an armchair with a short but wide glass in his hand, fingers curling around the gleaming dark liquid. His eyes are shut and his expression is indecipherable in the moonlight.

  “Mr. Knight?”

  His brows lift but his eyes stay close. “Take seat, Isabel.”

&nb
sp; My throat constricts. I swallow loudly and sit on the leather sectional opposite of him.

  He gestures to the coffee table lined with an array of crystal flasks that glint with different rich liquids. “Please, help yourself to a drink.”

  “No, thank you. I’m driving.” And underage.

  His brows lift again “Humph,” he mutters, bringing the glass to his lips that are a little too full like Hunter’s and Hero’s. If Hunter and Hero is the definition of handsome, Mr. Knight is the origin of it. His longish blond hair and beard is streaked with a bit of silver gray that only adds to his beauty. His face and long body is a sculpted statue of pure perfection. My eyes drop to his white dress shirt that’s mostly undone. Tanned skin and tone muscle peek through the sliver of space. Mr. Knight is nothing short of those powerful, absurdly handsome men that women fantasize about. Seeing him makes me eager for Hunter to start ageing. Like right away.

  “Isabel.” His gravelly voice breaks my trance.

  My eyes snap to his that twinkle like dark sapphires.

  Damn!

  I’ve been caught gawking at Mr. Knight.

  I’m going to die a million deaths.

  My entire face heats and I’m thankful that’s mostly dark inside.

  He gazes back with open curiosity. “Did you come all this way to stare at me?”

  “I came to…I come…” I trail off, stuttering like an idiot.

  Damn him and his good looks.

  His gorgeousness is scrambling my mind.

  “I’m thrilled to know you came, but you look rather flustered. Are you sure I can’t offer you a drink? I have juice in the fridge.”