by Lawna Mackie
Paddy pushed out of Todd’s arms and hugged Meeka with all her might. “You have nothing to be sorry for, my girl. You and Kerrigan saved us all.” Paddy released her to hug her son, her shoulders shaking with sobs as she clung to him.
Kerrigan hadn’t said much of anything to Meeka since they had arrived back in the house. She glanced at him and noticed he was staring out the window, his face cast in shadows. Feeling more and more like an interloper, Meeka hid her sigh. She would always want him, and more importantly, she knew she would always love him. It was hopeless.
Meeka knew she could have been responsible for Paddy’s death. Would have been responsible for so many deaths. Kerrigan could have been killed because of her. They all could have. Putting those she loved at risk wasn’t something she wanted to do.
Meeka quietly turned away from the happy family, moving back toward the hallway to the bedroom to get some rest and to think about what she was going to do.
Kerrigan’s head snapped up.
“Where are you going?” he demanded.
Meeka hung her head and twisted her hands. “I just thought I’d let you guys catch up. I don’t want to interrupt, and I could use a nap.” She hesitated for a brief second, looking up at everyone. “I’m really sorry I put everyone through this ordeal. I can’t say how sorry I am.” Meeka turned to head out the door, but Kerrigan grabbed her by the arm.
“Don’t go.”
Todd circled his arm around Paddy’s waist. “I’ve got to speak to your mother in private,” he said, winking at Kerrigan. “You two take your time.”
“And I really need to check in on the Counselors and what they decided to do with our escapee,” Stryker commented as he, too, vanished.
Threeo was with the babies. Catz was the only one left. Meeka looked at her. “Catz, you don’t look very good. I almost killed you, too,” she said sullenly.
Catz stood up and walked out the door. “Don’t be silly, Meeka, it’s just this world which doesn’t agree with me.”
Well, great! Talk about breaking up a party. Now I’m alone with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.
He was still dressed in his black leather attire, and it didn’t matter how tired she was, she wanted to wrap herself around him from head to toe. She wanted to drink from his lips until she was giddy with pleasure. She wanted to feel him buried deep inside her, and she…never wanted to leave.
Even with only his eyes touching her and his hard hand on her arm, she was still drowning in desire, wanting to feel his bite again when he climaxed.
How embarrassing.
She really wanted to escape his piercing gaze. “I thought we could go for a walk,” he said.
He was killing her. Didn’t he understand? Couldn’t he see the how uncomfortable she was? “It’s been a really long day, Kerrigan. I think I should just go to bed,” Meeka replied, rubbing her hot cheeks.
“Want some company?” He smirked.
“I…” Of course she wanted his company. More than he could ever know, but what good would it do, except to increase the pain already permanently embedded in her heart?
I have to be strong.
Meeka laughed uncomfortably, not sure exactly what to say. “Might be dangerous for you; after all, I almost killed everyone.”
“I’m kidding, precious. I’m sure you’re tired. We all are. Can we just take a short walk?” he prompted as his hand sliding down her arm, capturing her hand.
The warmth of his hand engulfed her whole body. It was the kind of heat she’d longed for all her life, and one she realized was forbidden to her. Love had no place between them; she wasn’t going to drag him down with her.
“I think I’ve had enough of outside today, but thanks, anyway.”
“Meeka, don’t… You can’t… I mean, please just come with me one more time. Let me try to… We need to talk. And we’re not going outside,” he finished in a rush.
“Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise I’m sure you’re going to like. It may not be as appealing as the cave with the stream, but I’m sure you’ll like it.” He looked into her eyes.
“Kerrigan, how big is this house? Does it ever end? It’s like a theme park.” “Yes, of course it has an end. What’s a theme park?”
“Never mind.” Meeka followed obediently, silently resolving to take what she could get. Memories would be all she’d ever have. Why not shore up a few more for those cold, lonely nights she knew were coming?
They came to a door, which Kerrigan opened with a wave of his hand.
Meeka gasped in awe at the flowers, plants, and water ponds. The sweet smell of amaryllis, roses, lilies, and lilacs inundated her senses. It was breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil.
“Do you like it?” He asked hopefully. Meeka was at a loss. “It’s marvelous.”
They walked along a small path until Kerrigan stopped beside a grassy spot. Tentatively, he pulled her down beside him. Meeka bent to sit cross-legged on the blanket. Her whole body ached, but not as badly as her heart. She looked away, trying to be interested in the foliage.
“I’m sorry, Meeka. This probably isn’t the most comfortable place for you to sit. I just really need to explain some things to you.”
Meeka didn’t think she could go through this. She was mentally and physically exhausted, and already the tears were ready to flow. She didn’t need him to spell out all the reasons why she had to go.
“Kerrigan, there really isn’t anything you have to explain to me. I’m just sorry I wasn’t smart enough to realize I was being taken in by that creep Jager pretending to be your mother. I jeopardized everyone’s life today.”
God, did all of this happen in one day?
She reached over and pulled at a blade of grass, needing something to fidget with.
“None of what happened today was your fault. You must believe me. Meeka, about what you said to me this morning, I…” He stopped briefly, giving Meeka her opportunity to jump in.
“Kerrigan, I’m sorry if what I said bothered you. I just wanted you to know how I felt. I don’t expect anything in return. You’re a wonderful man…err…dragon. I could never have found anyone on Earth like you, so I guess I should thank you for what you’ve shared with me.” She moved away, but Kerrigan grabbed her hands, stopping her from getting up.
“This is all new to me, Meeka. When I discovered you were missing, I felt…something I never had before. I was angry and terrified, scared I would never get to say…thank you. I felt sick, and at the same time, I would have destroyed everything to find you. You shared your love with somebody like me. Somebody who doesn’t seem capable of returning love.” Kerrigan lowered his head.
With gentle fingertips, Meeka touched his lips, tears glistening in her eyes. “Kerrigan, it’s okay. You don’t need to explain anything. I’m a big girl. I may not be two hundred years old, but I’m not innocent. Or at least, not anymore.” She laughed, trying to ease the tension. With a sigh, she glanced behind her, the pain in her heart spreading outward. “Kerrigan, I’m really tired.”
“Of course you are. We can talk some more tomorrow.” He bent down to help her up and led her out of paradise. Meeka followed silently. Somehow, she had to find a way out. Somehow, she had to be gone before tomorrow came.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The bedroom door was closed, and she reached out to open it. Without warning, Kerrigan spun her around and brought his head to hers. Slowly, his lips touched hers, setting her soul on fire, but the grief she felt deep in her heart made her push him away.
Kerrigan looked puzzled at her resistance. He wiped a tear away from her cheek with his thumb. “You should get some sleep.”
Meeka looked up into his eyes, memorizing every inch of his beautiful face—the steel-blue eyes and how they changed when he became the dragon; the dark, soft, black hair flowing to his wide shoulders; full lips made for kissing and a smile that would melt an iceberg. She stretched up to kiss him on the cheek. “I’ll always love you, Mr
. Dragon.” Not giving him a chance to respond, she quickly opened the door and closed it behind her. The tears fell freely down her face as she sank to the floor.
Catz sat up on the bed to look at her. “What’s wrong, Meeka?”
She pushed herself away from the door and slumped down on the bed beside her dearest companion. “Nothing is wrong except I love him,” she said, sniffling.
Catz rubbed her head up against Meeka’s arm. “Well, I’m not sure it’s a bad thing. He was crazy when you disappeared, Meeka. He would have set this world on fire looking for you.”
“He doesn’t love me, Catz.” “How do you know?”
“He told me so.” She sniffled. “It’s for the best, anyway.” Catz looked puzzled. “Why is it for the best?”
Meeka stood up as a wave of nausea hit her. Covering her mouth, she took a couple small breaths. She seldom ever got sick.
I need to walk.
She wandered around the room. “Catz, I’ve decided to leave.”
Now Catz was alarmed. “What do mean leave? We don’t know how to leave.”
“It’s not safe for anybody to be associated with me. Look at what happened to Paddy today, Catz! She could have been killed just for being near me. I can’t stay here and jeopardize these people. I love them all way too much already, and I’ll just be a thorn or a mistake in Kerrigan’s eyes,” Meeka cried. “So I’m leaving, tonight. I don’t expect you to come with me, because I don’t truly know if I will make it. In fact, either way, it’s not safe for you to stay with me.”
“Meeka, listen to yourself. You aren’t making any sense. How will we leave? Why don’t you get some sleep tonight and rethink this tomorrow?” Catz begged.
She shook her head stubbornly. “No. My mind is made up, Catz. I’m leaving right now exactly the same way we got here, and, once again, I don’t actually think you should come with me. I refuse to take the chance of hurting anyone else. I won’t do it. I couldn’t live with myself. I’ve got to go.”
“You have lost your mind! Of course I’m going with you. I always have, and I always will.” Catz stood indignantly.
Meeka hesitated, considering what Catz had just said. “Okay, then, let’s go.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Meeka and Catz slipped out of the bedroom and headed for the connecting door to the Beavers’ home. They were momentarily stymied by the panel, but Meeka faced the door and concentrated on the love she felt for Kerrigan, and the reassurance she meant no harm. The door swung open the way she’d known it would.
I love this house and the man who built it.
She swiped impatiently at the ridiculous tears, which continued to fall while they made their way down the tunnel. The door at the other end stood open already.
Meeka hoped Paddy and Todd were in bed asleep. She didn’t know how she’d explain to them what she was doing. She tiptoed past the kitchen and down the hall, stricken once again by the splendor of the open rainbow-hued pool. Memories of Kerrigan’s caresses the night in the waterfall washed over her.
How can I ever forget?
Catz looked up at her. “Now what, Meeka? What’s your plan?”
“I’m sorry, Catz. I know you’ll get wet, because we’re going to have to go for a short swim. We will have to swim to the edge of the waterfall and then dive under. When we’re under the water, I’m going to encase us in one of my protective fire balls, where I’m hoping we will survive until we reach the surface.”
“I’m not sure I like your plan, but I trust you, Meeka. And I hope you’re right.” “Me, too, Catz.” Meeka shook her head.
“You’ve come a long way, Meeka—literally!” Catz put one paw in the water, and then shook her whole body.
“Sorry, Catz. Do you want me to carry you?” “No, I will swim beside you.”
Meeka looked at her beloved friend. “Catz, if I haven’t told you lately, I love you dearly.”
Catz purred loudly, even though her paws were wet. “I love you, too, Meeka. Now let’s get this over with.”
Meeka treaded water at the base of the fall, looking back, and whispered, “Good-bye, Enchantment. I’ll always love you, Kerrigan.” With Catz swimming circles around her, Meeka asked once more. “This is your last chance to change your mind, Catz. Are you sure you want to come with me?”
Catz grimaced unhappily. “Let’s do it.”
Meeka smiled and hugged Catz. “Take a big breath.” They dove.
With Catz under her arm, she swam farther down and called on her power. Slowly, the warmth spread from her stomach outward. A large globe of pink encircled the two of them as they spiraled deeper.
Meeka looked up to see the waterfall sliding away in the distance. She kept swimming, struggling not to open her mouth. She didn’t know whether the orb would sustain them. She just prayed.
The beautiful water, once clear and turquoise in color, slowly began to change to a murkier green. She didn’t even know where she was going. She was starting to feel lightheaded. She needed to breathe, and soon. Unable to resist, Meeka finally gave in and took a breath.
Water filled her lungs and panic swept through her.
No!
She forced her will on the fireball, and it grew brighter and larger. With great force and concentration, the water started disappearing from inside the orb. Meeka grabbed Catz and shoved her to the top and into the air pocket.
Catz was now breathing as Meeka gasped and coughed water out of her lungs.
It was working! The orb was half full of air, and they continued through the water. Ever so slowly, the orb began to rise. Meeka looked up. Bit by bit, the water around them was becoming brighter.
It must be the sky.
At last, they reached the surface.
The orb disappeared at Meeka’s command, and they struggled to swim to the shore beside the beaver dam—the same place where this whole thing had started. Meeka pulled herself out and reached for Catz.
Panting loudly, the two of them lay on the ground and stared out at the rushing water. A sharp slap on the surface of the water drew her attention. The pale circle of the moon shone on the water, rippling with the disturbance, but there was no other sign of life. Climbing to her feet, her body aching, her heart broken, she bent to pick up Catz and start for the trail leading to where she’d left her truck.
“Are you okay?” Meeka hugged her friend, her eyes burning. Catz was already licking her wet fur. “I’m just wet,” Catz growled. Meeka smiled and hugged her tighter.
“Meeka, I don’t think you’re going to be okay,” Catz said.
“I’ll be fine, Catz. We had better get going. We’ve got a long walk ahead of us.” She sounded certain, but Meeka knew her world would never be the same. The moon seemed so plain hanging in the black sky. No more pinks, purples, yellows, or oranges. The sky on Earth would be forever boring. So would the waterfalls. She blushed at the memory. Then she laughed to herself, and looked at Catz.
“Catz, I thought I was losing my mind when I believed this place to be magical.” She shook her head. “I was so right!”
“You were right, Meeka. You could sense the difference. It is part of who you are now. Your senses will always help lead your way. Never doubt them.”
“Oh boy, don’t I know it! If I had listened to my senses, I wouldn’t have followed the Paddy imposter.”
“Even the plot had some benefits, and you’re smarter now.” Catz shook her fur, puffing up.
Meeka was grateful for the full moon shining above them to provide light. It was also a good thing they were walking, or she’d be terribly cold. It was a long walk back to where her truck was. She was sure she could do something to make their walk shorter by using her powers, but decided against it. The walk would do her good, even though she was completely exhausted.
Carefully, Meeka made her way over fallen trees and marshy spots. With sadness, she thought about what she might find when she returned home. What would have happened with her parents?
Finall
y, she realized she’d truly had enough. No more would she spend her life worrying about them. They needed to fix themselves. She couldn’t do it for them. She wasn’t scared of her father anymore. When she got back home, she would go see them one last time, and then it would be up to them.
The sky was getting brighter as the hours went on. Meeka wondered what day it was. How much time had passed since she’d been gone? She hoped her truck was still where she had left it. Would the police be looking for her? But more than any of those worries, she wondered what Kerrigan would be doing. He’d be relieved, she supposed. His life could get back to normal. Would her life ever be normal again? No, she knew it wouldn’t. There would be others out there just like her who had powers. Would they come looking for her? Could she protect herself?
She thought of Stryker. Meeka realized with sadness she’d never gotten to say goodbye to him. He had trained her to fight, use her powers, and listen to her intuition. She was not the same Meeka anymore. She was stronger than she ever thought she could be. She wasn’t scared, but she wasn’t whole, either. A piece of her soul would always remain in Enchantment.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
In a sickening scene of déjà vu, alarms sounded throughout Kerrigan’s home with strident insistence. After scanning Enchantment to ensure the Counselors and Stryker had properly dealt with Jager, Kerrigan had been finally ready to retire for the night—or so he thought.
“Not again!” He swore as the alarm continued to ring. It almost didn’t surprise him. His dad had been with him all night, and not up above watching over Enchantment. Some poor animal must have fallen into the water just beside the beaver dam.
Even though Kerrigan had never seen the beaver dam or Upper World, his dad had described it to him in explicit detail many times. The picture in his head was so vivid, it was like he had actually been there.
Kerrigan was on edge. He’d had no sleep. He had almost lost his mom and Meeka, and now he had to deal with the alarm. Without a second thought, he headed for the door leading to his parents’ house. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
