Deep in her own head, Reagan was startled to hear the doorbell ring. Rafe. She ran downstairs to greet him, but her dad was already opening the door.
“Hi, I’m Mr. Cooper, Reagan’s dad.” Her dad extended his hand.
Rafe shook it and stepped inside. “Hi, I’m Rafe. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Cooper. And you’re Reagan’s mom,” he said, walking over to her mom. “Nice to see you again.”
“Yes, I am. Nice to meet you,” Mom said.
Nanook crept into the room and stood beside Reagan. Rafe reached down to touch the dog, and Nanook lunged with teeth bared. Reagan grabbed his collar. “Sorry, Rafe, I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” She bent down and wrapped her arms around Nanook. A streak of hair going down his back stood on end.
Trying to get past the awkwardness of Nanook’s response, Reagan pointed Rafe to Nana. “And this is Nana.” Rafe and Nana shook hands. Nana pulled away and shuddered.
“Are you okay, Nana?”
“Yes, dear, just got a chill. That happens to us old people; even in August.” Nana added a slight chuckle.
“Where are you two going?” Dad asked.
Reagan still didn’t know the plans, so she was interested in Rafe’s answer on that one, too. “Yeah, where are we going?”
“I’m taking Reagan to meet my family. We’re driving up to Silverthorne; we have an apartment there.”
“I didn’t know you were going that far,” Dad said. Mom said essentially the same thing on top of him, so it was an eerie echo of disapproval and concern.
“I really want Reagan to meet my parents. If you’re worried about us being on the road too late, I can bring her back in the morning.”
Reagan looked at him with wide eyes, not believing he’d actually suggested such a thing.
“I don’t know,” Mom stuttered.
“My parents will be there. You’re welcome to call them. Reagan could stay in my younger sister’s room. It would be easier than traveling back tonight; but I understand if you would prefer I do.” He was quite smooth.
“Okay,” Mom said. She turned to Reagan, “I want you to call us as soon as you get there, and call us again tomorrow morning when you leave so we know when to expect you home.”
Reagan was speechless. These were not her parents. She looked to Nana for any sign of what she was thinking. Nana was staring at Rafe, a look of concern on her face. But she said nothing.
“Guess you should run upstairs and pack an overnight bag.” Mom tapped Reagan on the shoulder as if to hurry her along.
Reagan realized nobody, including Rafe, asked her if she wanted to go. It was like everyone was compelled to do his bidding or something. Every step propelling her to her room was slow moving. She felt like she was walking through fast-drying cement. Once there, she threw some pajamas, a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, a brush, and a few other essentials into a bag. She started to throw in her candle, but thought his sister might think that was too strange. Instead, the necklace would have to get Reagan through the night. She did not need to have a nightmare while staying there.
Rafe and Reagan said their goodbyes and headed out to his Jeep. His car fit right in with Colorado teenagers. Taking her bag, he opened the door for her.
When he got in, she finally asked him what was going on. “Are we really going to Silverthorne to meet your family?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you mention that before you were standing in front of my parents? A little warning might have helped.”
“Sorry, I thought it was best.”
Reagan’s eyes narrowed. “You sound like my father. I don’t need you being my protector.”
Rafe didn’t respond. Instead, he turned on the radio. After a few minutes, he reached over and took her hand. “I’m not trying to be your dad. Far from it.” With that statement, he moved his hand to her thigh. “You can meet Mom, Dad, and Dana. Then we’ll go out and have some fun. Maybe we’ll head to Frisco or Breckinridge for dinner.”
“Do your parents care how late you’re out?”
“No.”
Reagan accepted Rafe wasn’t much of a talker and leaned her head back against the headrest. She listened to the music and enjoyed the scenery. The beauty made her think of Yellowstone and all that happened there.
“Tell me about your brother,” Rafe said.
Was he reading her mind? Maybe he was just curious. After all, they really didn’t know that much about each other. “He was cute, told jokes all the time, loved to play sports, and he would do anything to make my dad happy.”
“My brother died five years ago,” Rafe said. “He was two years older than me.”
“What happened?” Reagan asked, but she didn’t want to push too much. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“It’s a long story. One for another time.”
Conversation came in short spells and the radio filled the void. Finally, Reagan saw the exit for Silverthorne. A few miles off the road they pulled into a condominium complex. He pulled into a spot and turned off the engine. She opened the door to get out, and he came around to help.
They walked up to a corner unit, and he opened the door and led her inside. “Hello,” he said; the sound echoing throughout the small space.
An older woman came barreling around the corner, a huge smile on her face. “So glad you’re here. Reagan, I’m Cindy and this is my husband, Carl.” Reagan shook hands with Carl and was pulled into a bear hug by Cindy. “Oh, and this is our daughter, Dana.”
Each one of them looked like they spent hours sunbathing. Their dark skin was definitely something that stood out in Superior. Looking around the room, Reagan felt tiny. Rafe’s dad was quite a bit over six feet tall, and Cindy wasn’t much shorter. Dana was only twelve and already taller than Reagan.
“Come on in and sit for a bit.” Cindy grabbed Reagan’s hand and pulled her into the living room. “So, tell us something about yourself, dear.”
Reagan’s head was spinning trying to keep up with Cindy’s energy. “I’m a senior like Rafe, and I’m planning to go to CU in the fall. Maybe CSU.” Cindy was looking at Reagan with excited eyes, imploring her to keep sharing. “I’ve lived in Colorado all my life, and I can’t leave after everything that’s happened. Maybe after graduation.” Reagan realized she had no clue where Rafe and his family moved from. “Where are you guys from?”
“We’ve lived all over, but most recently from the Wyoming area,” Carl said.
Hearing mention of Wyoming sent a shiver down Reagan’s spine.
Dana chimed in. “I was born in San Diego. But we left when I was really little, so I don’t remember much about it.”
They spent the next thirty minutes exchanging fun facts, when Cindy asked about Sam. “We’re so sorry about your brother. We lost our son several years ago, so we know how hard it is.” Cindy turned to Carl and threw and arm around him.
Reagan nodded; afraid saying any words would cause her to choke up.
Rafe broke the moment. “Okay, we’re heading out before it gets dark. I want Reagan to see Frisco, maybe even a quick hike in our favorite area.”
They didn’t have long before dark, and Reagan wasn’t sure about being in the woods once the sun went down—especially after everything she’d been through. Thankful she threw a pair of jeans in her overnight bag, she excused herself to change.
“Come up with me. We’ll share a room tonight,” Dana said. Reagan followed.
Dana’s bedroom had bunk beds. “Do you care which one I sleep on?” Reagan asked.
“Nope. I love your necklace, by the way.” Dana reached up to feel it. “So cool. Wait, it has a huge knot in it. I’ll fix it while you’re gone.”
Reagan tried to protest, disturbed by seeing her necklace dangling in Dana’s hands, and stopped dead. On the wall was a painting of a huge dark wolf with enchanting golden eyes.
“I love that one, too.” Dana reached up to feel the edges of paint inside the frame.
Shaking off the eerie similarity of the wolf in the image to the one in the dreams, Reagan took her stuff into the bathroom to change. She threw on her jeans and came out, determined to leave the room—the dark wolf seemed alive, staring at her. “I better get back down to Rafe. I don’t really want to be in the woods at night.”
“He’ll keep you safe. Don’t worry,” Dana said.
Something in the sound of her voice made Reagan more worried. She headed downstairs, with Dana close behind, and walked into the living room. Carl and Cindy told them to have a good time, and Dana waved as the couple headed out the door. Reagan caught Rafe’s wink at his sister. Confused by the gesture, Reagan figured it was some sort of inside joke.
“Nice family,” Reagan said.
Rafe laced his fingers with hers and gave her a quick kiss. “Glad you like them. We want you to feel comfortable.”
Heat from Rafe’s hand overcame the weirdness of his statement. Too often, he sounded formal—not at all like a typical teenager. Rafe opened the car door for her. She got in and reached up to touch her necklace, a ritual she’d become accustomed to doing. A quick panic spread through her when she remembered Dana had it. A gasp escaped.
“What’s wrong?”
“My necklace. I left it upstairs.” Something told Reagan to run back in and get it, but Rafe placed his hand on her thigh.
“You know where it is, right?” Rafe asked. She nodded. He gave her a grin. “You can get it later, okay? Let’s go! I wanna hit the grocery store for some sandwiches and drinks to bring on our hike. I can’t wait to show you this amazing clearing. One of the coolest spots around here.”
They pulled into a grocery store. Rafe ran in to get supplies and came back out with two bags. Reagan looked into them as he got in; the smells coming out of them were quite enticing. Then she noticed the alcohol.
“I didn’t realize we were drinking again.” Why does Rafe want to liquor me up? Does he think I’m not as fun without it? Or is he just nervous? Remembering their last night together, she realized she’d never asked him any questions about what happened. Whenever she was with him, she was too distracted to get into the details. “Seems like alcohol didn’t work so well for our last date.” She thought the indirect approach might be a good way to start.
“It worked out just fine. You have to trust me. We both know we’re different. We’ve suffered loss most don’t understand.”
She considered his reasoning. He was definitely right about loss, but the best form of coping couldn’t be alcohol. Then again, she was seventeen and deserved to have some fun. Images of Carl and Cindy flooded her mind, followed by questions. “What about your parents? We’re going back there tonight, right? Aren’t they going to ask questions if we’ve both been drinking?”
“My parents are cool, and they trust me,” Rafe said. The last three words hung in the air. He needed her to trust him—that much was obvious. She really had no reason not to at this point. While she was contemplating the options, they pulled into a parking lot with a few port-a-potties and a trailhead marker.
“Here we are.” Rafe jumped out of the car, grabbed something from the back, and walked around to Reagan’s side. He opened her door and reached in to grab the grocery bags. As he did, he looked her in the eyes and pulled her into a long, hard kiss. When he slowly released her after, she’d lost all reason and words.
As if under his spell, she got out of the car and followed him onto the path. They walked through the woods for a long while, holding hands. Very few words were exchanged. Reagan had to admit it was one of the most beautiful hikes she’d ever taken. The only hike that was more beautiful was a memory she couldn’t bear to bring forward. It caused too much pain.
“What are you thinking about?” Rafe asked.
“How beautiful it is out here.” Just as the words tumbled from her mouth, they entered a clearing. Rafe pulled her over to an open spot, spread out the picnic blanket he’d grabbed earlier, and set up the food. He poured the alcohol, some kind of dark liquid, into paper cups and handed her one.
When she smelled it, her nose hairs burned. She shook off the sensation, closed her eyes, and threw back the liquid in one gulp. An uncontrollable shake racked her body. Rafe took the cup and refilled it. She repeated the process and grabbed a sandwich. The roast beef was piled high. Famished, she scarfed it down in a very unladylike fashion. Rafe smiled and reached over to stop some meat drippings as they dribbled down her chin. Clinging to his skin, the juice looked like blood drops. He put his finger in his mouth and sucked it clean.
Turned on but nervous, Reagan noticed the fading light of day. “Shouldn’t we be heading back soon?” Reagan looked up to see a gorgeous full moon in the distance, fighting to take over the departing sun. She shivered.
“Are you cold?” Rafe asked.
Reagan shook her head, trying to control the increasing vibrations taking over her body.
Rafe came closer, staring intently into her eyes. “I think you know what’s happening here. Down deep, you know. The more you fight it, the longer it’ll take to embrace it.”
Cocky, are we? Reagan thought. Her head was starting to get foggy from the alcohol. She couldn’t deny the heat between them, but there was also a fear she couldn’t put her finger on. Still, he seemed to understand more about her than anybody else lately.
“My family and I want to help you,” Rafe said, continuing his sales pitch. “We want you to be a part of us.”
“Whoa,” Reagan said, starting to slur. “It’s not like we are getting married.” She stood up to start walking, but fell right back down to the blanket. Her head started pounding and streaks of pain ran up and down her body. Rafe never moved, watching her like nothing out of the ordinary was happening. “I don’t feel so good.”
“You’re fighting it. It’s always harder that way. Give in.”
“Don’t. Not yet.” Sam’s voice assaulted her senses.
Reagan looked over to Rafe to see if he heard it, too. His expression hadn’t changed in the last two hours. She’d never seen such an intense and focused determination in her life. Actually, she had—her dad always looked that way when he was hunting. She’d only gone with him once, and it freaked her out. Not because of the animals, but because of the mask that came over her dad’s face when he aimed the gun at his prey.
“Don’t. Not yet.” This time it was Nana’s voice. Or so it seemed. The face of Dr. Ableman infiltrated Reagan’s mind. Am I crazy? She was hearing voices, that much was certain, but were they real?
The desire to run became overwhelming. She harnessed all her strength to stand and lurched forward with everything in her. She began to run back toward where she thought the car was. Not knowing if Rafe was behind her, or whether he was trying to help or not, she ran as fast as she could. The night was taking over, and the moon’s glow was all that broke through the darkness.
A howl stopped her dead in her tracks. It couldn’t be. She spun around three hundred and sixty degrees, trying to see if anything was following her. All her instincts told her to run, so she took off. Several feet later her body hit something hard, slamming her to the ground. It was dark and unmoving. She tried to focus, to see what was holding her down. But all she could hear was the pounding of her heart and heavy breathing. She couldn’t tell if it was hers. Panic spread, making it hard to take in air. Lifting her head to get a better angle, she heard several popping sounds.
Darkness consumed her, while one thought screamed in her head: Oh God, not again!
Her head was pounding and someone was shaking her.
“Reagan, wake up.” A voice filtered through the pain. More shaking. “Please, it’s Dana. You’re okay. You’re here with us.”
Reagan opened her eyes. Nothing but blurred images filled her vision. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried again. Standing over her was Dana, with Cindy right behind.
Reagan tried to sit up. Oh God. What happened? she wondered, trying to conjure up any images after she starte
d running. No luck. Great. Rafe’s family is gonna think I’m a freak. What if they called my parents?
“Everything’s okay,” Cindy said. She took a seat next to Reagan on the bed. “Rafe said you got a bit spooked in the woods. By the time he caught up to you, you’d passed out.”
“I’m so embarrassed, and sorry.” Reagan wanted to say more, but that’s all she had.
“Honey, we understand. We all deal with these things differently,” Cindy said. “Don’t be embarrassed.”
Dana stood nearby, nodding.
“Did you call my parents?” Reagan knew she wouldn’t be able to stand hearing more judgment about her mental stability from her mom.
“No, sweetie. We want you to feel safe with us. But you do need to get changed, so Dana and I can take you home. Rafe needed to handle a family matter.” Cindy stood up and walked over to the bedroom door. “I’ll leave you two girls to get ready.”
Reagan sat up, almost bumping her head on the bed above her. She was in her pajamas. She felt the heat rise to her face as questions bombarded her brain.
“Don’t worry; I changed you into your pjs last night. Don’t you remember anything?” Dana asked.
“No, actually I don’t. I wish Rafe was here to fill in the blanks.” That was a lie, Reagan was kind of glad he wasn’t around. She wasn’t sure she’d believe his side of things.
“I’m sure he’ll tell you when you’re ready to hear it,” Dana said, cryptically.
Reagan was done with all the questions nobody answered. “Talking in riddles obviously runs in your family.”
Dana chuckled and walked over to get Reagan’s things. Clothes were proffered, as was a hand. “Come on, I need to get you home.”
Giving up, at least for the time being, Reagan took the clothes and headed for the bathroom. She avoided the mirror. Seeing her reflection was not what she needed right now. Her necklace glistened from the counter. A sense of relief washed over her as she slipped it back on. “Maybe I should get the symbol tattooed on my body, that way I’d never be without it,” she mumbled. She made a mental note to mention it to Nana. Actually, there was a whole lot Reagan wanted to discuss with Nana.
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 10
