“I know it’s not right, Heaven, but at the same time, it’s right for me. You didn’t see the way Jerry looked at me. Layne never looked at me like that.”
Gripping the rail, Heaven tried to force the anger away. She didn’t have a right to judge her sister after the thoughts she had about Layne. Yet he was the reason she felt so impassioned to rip Faith to shreds.
“I’m trying hard to wrap my brain around this, Faith. Why Jerry?”
“I don’t know.” Faith took the opportunity to shout her own words, causing Heaven to jerk her head back. “He told me he feels something for me, like he’s drawn to me and needs to protect me. He cares about Brooke, but it’s not the same.”
It seemed like some psychotic conclusion an insane person would think perfectly sane. She wanted to question her sister’s sanity, but it would have to wait for another time. She still didn’t have the answer she wanted. “So let me guess. One of them is the father. Right?”
“Jerry’s the father.”
Faith’s answer was precise. She said it without any hesitation, but it wasn’t enough to convince Heaven it was the truth. “How do you know? You slept with both of them.”
Her sister met her gaze, holding it long enough for Heaven to sense a twinge of maliciousness. “Yeah, I did sleep with both of them, but only one time and one way with Matt.”
“Huh?”
Of all the times for her sister to start spouting riddles, she chose this moment. Heaven didn’t feel like playing her games. She wanted the rest of the story. At least she thought she did until she sensed Faith’s urge to make her squirm.
“I could really embarrass the shit out of you right now, but I’ll be nice and put it to you like this. Matt had a backstage pass.”
The heat in Heaven’s cheeks burned hotter as she made the connection. “I did not need to know that.”
“I tried to warn you.”
Yes, she had, and Heaven ignored the warning of her own free will. She covered her lips with her hand as she stared at the sky. “I can’t believe this.”
“Well, believe it. It’s the truth. When Matt left, Jerry didn’t. We talked for hours. He told me that he didn’t want to share me but that I seemed in to it. He wanted to please me, yet he couldn’t bring himself to let Matt have me any other way. He said it’s because he wanted to look into my eyes, wanted to see the expressions on my face when I climaxed. No man’s ever told me that before. No man’s ever cared enough.”
As much as she didn’t like hearing about Faith’s sexual escapades, she understood where Faith was coming from. Jerry’s need to please her, as well as witness the pleasure, said that he cared for her. Maybe it was love.
“So what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. If what our parents told us is true, then Jerry is my soulmate and my Keeper.”
The vibrant pulse of Faith’s energy was proof that she believed what she was saying was true. Yet Jerry’s actions left them both in a state of confusion. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I have to question why he bought an engagement ring for Brooke. You told me that he didn’t want to be with her.”
“He doesn’t,” Faith answered, motioning for Heaven to hand over her phone. When she did, Faith pulled up the picture of the ring. She stared at it and then turned the phone in Heaven’s direction. “There is a reason Brooke found this ring in Jerry’s carryon. It wasn’t meant for her. I think he bought it for me because it looks identical to the one I picked out when he and I went shopping.”
“So he’s the one who came to see you in New York.” When Faith nodded, Heaven remembered the rest of what her sister had said about his last visit. “You said the reason you didn’t tell him about the baby is because his girlfriend is pregnant. Chelsea didn’t mention anything about Brooke being pregnant.”
“Jerry told me that they weren’t telling anyone yet. He’s superstitious about stuff like that. Said it can jinx a pregnancy and cause a miscarriage. It’s some old wives tale his mother told him. I don’t know if he was being honest about it, but he had never lied to me before.”
“Why would it matter to him if he doesn’t want to be with Brooke?”
Faith jerked her head back. Her hand slapped against her side as she shook her head at Heaven. “Jerry’s not heartless. The child is still his. He wouldn’t want it to die.”
Guilt burned in Heaven. Her sister was right. Jerry might not like the situation, but it didn’t mean he was a jerk. That said a lot about his character. Of course, so did his cheating on Brooke.
“This is a huge mess,” she said, releasing a deep sigh. She balanced her weight against the rail, doing her best to wrap her head around the nightmare unfolding before her. “Not only is Brooke going to be upset, Layne will be too. You led him to believe you aborted his baby when it was you trying to hide your misdeeds.”
“Don’t worry, Heaven. Karma is paying me back. Brooke has my soulmate. She’s having a child with the man who is not only supposed to keep me safe, but love me for the rest of his life. I’m paying for my mistakes.”
Maybe Faith was paying for them, or maybe she’d been right. Maybe she and Jerry were soulmates. Unfortunate soulmates. The mess that they’d created was causing enough chaos.
Sadly enough, Heaven doubted this was the end. If anything, it was only the beginning.
CHAPTER 27
Breaks squeaked and horns blew from different directions, forming a rhythm that Dylan struggled to ignore. The rush of morning traffic did little to help distract his mind. Nor did the ten or so red lights he had the misfortune of hitting on his way across the unfamiliar town.
It was double the size of Brightsville, maybe even triple. Communities, both business and residential, spread as far as the eye could see. He couldn’t remember the name of the town, but he knew it ended in ‘ville’. The majority of towns around there did. Not that the name mattered one way or the other, because after today, he’d never set foot here again.
The GPS signaled his arrival when he reached an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. A chain link fence surrounded the place. It did little to prevent vandals from sneaking their way inside. The outside walls were sprayed with graffiti. Some images were so lifelike that he had to take a moment to appreciate another artist’s work, regardless of the canvas. Broken panes of glass were random in pattern, but clearly evident of the lack of concern the owner had for his property.
The parking lot stood vacant of any car except Dylan’s, which had him questioning the accuracy of his GPS. Had he punched in a wrong number? It wasn’t like him not to double-check for accuracy, which only left one other possibility. His father had lied. This was a setup, a well-thought-out plan to get him to leave so that someone could attack the Lewises. There was no other explanation.
He pulled out his phone, his finger poised to press Heaven’s number after he put the car in reverse. Yet before he could do either, he noticed something, or rather, someone, moving toward the main entrance. It was hard to see anything other than a silhouette thanks to the dim lighting inside the building. As the person grew closer to the opening, daylight lit up the stranger’s face.
Only it wasn’t a stranger.
His fingers tightened around the steering wheel as he locked eyes with his father. Nothing about him had changed in the last few months, not that Dylan expected something different. He couldn’t deny that a part of him still hoped his dad would come around. Judging by the lines creasing his face, that hope was about to be extinguished forever.
Dylan shifted the car into park, killing the engine soon after. The thought of getting out made him angry. Anything to do with his dad had that effect on him. Neither of them should be here. They wouldn’t be having any type of discussion if his dad were half the father Dylan planned to be.
No. He wouldn’t just plan to be, he would be. He’d be everything his father wasn’t and more, because he loved his daughter. She wasn’t even here yet and the amount of love he felt for her overwhelmed him.
He loved her mother too, would do anything for her, even stand idly by and watch her connection with another man grow into something more, something deeper.
Pulling the handle toward him, he opened the door with a firm push, slipping the key out of the ignition. He tucked it in his pocket as he stepped outside.
Now came the fun part. Dealing with his dad. He hated to call him by that name. It shouldn’t be given to a man just because he’d helped create a life. It was a name of honor, a name a man should feel privileged to have. His father had no honor, nor did he deserve the title.
Step-by-step, Dylan made his way toward his dad, keeping his eyes glued to him. There had never been any true form of trust between them, even less now. Knowing what he did about his father’s past, his descent to darkness, his high ranking within The Fallen, Dylan didn’t doubt that he had people watching them at this very moment.
Then again, maybe his father was that sure of himself and his abilities. Or maybe it was that his father knew, short of beating the hell out of him, Dylan had no abilities that would hurt him.
When he was within a few feet of his dad’s shorter, solid frame, he noticed his mouth parting. “You got here a lot quicker than I expected. Were you that excited to see me, son?”
Clamping his jaw tighter, Dylan refused to let his father bait him. He stopped just shy of the main entrance, clenching his hands into fists. “Is that why I drove here, to hear you crack jokes?”
“No. You came here because you are weak. You’d do anything to save that girl, even take a chance meeting me alone.”
“Why would I be afraid of you?”
His father sized him up. A smirk played across his face as he shifted his weight to his other foot and leaned into the doorframe. “You’ve been staying with them. I know they’ve told you our history, about who and what I am.”
“Yeah, I know our history, Dad. I know everything. It doesn’t make me afraid of you.”
“It should.”
The icy tone in his voice hit a nerve. Dylan stepped forward, just past the entrance. “If you have the balls to kill your son, then by all means, do it. Because that is what it will take to separate me and my wife.”
“Ah, yes. Your wife…the little whore that claims to love you.”
And so it began.
Dylan rushed toward his dad, forcing him further inside the building. They passed through another entrance that led into a lobby area. A few lights flickered above, which seemed unusual for a building this abandoned, but he paid it little attention. Right now, he wanted to punch his dad in the face.
“She’s not a whore. She’s known no one but me and she never will.”
A guttural laugh echoed through the building. His father stopped short of an old water cooler near the wall behind him. His chest shook as laughter continued to erupt from his mouth.
“Don’t be so sure about that. Has she found her Keeper yet?”
Ignoring the dig, Dylan focused on the fact that his dad had to ask. It meant he didn’t know about Layne, which gave Heaven an advantage against him and The Fallen, an advantage Dylan intended to keep. The less his father knew about how prepared they were, the less chance he had to hurt Heaven.
“Your games aren’t going to work, Dad. I know about the Seeker-Keeper bonds. I’m not worried in the least. I’m her soulmate.” He jabbed his finger in his chest, taking a step closer to the wall where his dad stood. “We’re a fortunate pair, which means nothing will tear us apart. Not her Keeper, not your people, not even you.”
“That girl is going to break your heart, Dylan. You don’t know what is in store for you.” His voice, as well as his retreat, stopped short when he backed into a corner where the cooler and wall met. Even with no way out, he continued sputtering his negativity. “I’m sure your mother has only told you what she thinks is important. I doubt she’s told you everything you need to know. There’s much more to our world, Dylan, much more to your abilities. You were destined to be one of the greatest Seekers of our time.”
“You mean I was destined to marry the most powerful Seeker.”
“Greatness feeds upon greatness. She would be nothing without you.”
“And I would be nothing without her.” This conversation was going nowhere, which needed to change. Now. “Why did you ask me here? If it’s to insult my wife, you shouldn’t have wasted my time or yours. I won’t stand here and listen to it. State your purpose or I’m walking out that door.”
His dad crossed his arms over his chest. One hand rose to his chin, rubbing it back and forth as though he contemplated his answer. “Let’s just say, I’m here for negotiations.”
Dylan splayed his hands up and then out. They slapped against his sides a second later. He raked his fingers through his hair, avoiding the urge to shake the answer from his father. “What type of negotiations?”
Dark eyes that mirrored his remained void of every emotion except hate. “For your wife’s life.”
A blaring horn from a passing train drowned the string of curse words that ripped from Dylan’s mouth. He waited until the sound faded in the distance and then cleared his throat. “Heaven’s life is not up for negotiation. If this is your choice of topics, we are done here.”
He started to step away until his dad shot off another question. “Even if what I have to offer keeps her safe for the rest of her life?”
Was this a joke, or did his dad think he’d actually trust him? “Like you’ll ever stop trying to kill her.”
“I will, Dylan. I’ll make sure Heaven is safe for the rest of her life.” There was a catch. There was always a catch when it came to his father, which meant he’d learn what it was any second. “All you have to do is leave her and join me.”
And there it was.
Dylan pivoted on his foot, facing his dad once more. Lights flickered above them as the passing train sent vibrations across the floor. To his father’s right, the old cooler shimmied, its metal casing creaking with each tremor the train caused. It made the water inside ripple, mimicking the frustration that rippled in Dylan’s soul.
“You’re crazy,” he grumbled. “Have you not been listening to anything I’ve said?”
“I’ve heard everything you’ve said, son, but listen to what I’m saying. If you walk away from Heaven and come with me, I’ll make sure none of The Fallen go near her again. She’ll be safe and alive.”
“She’ll be miserable.” His voice echoed through the rafters, “but then I guess that’s what you want.”
“I want my son to be with me. I want you to learn your true abilities and be the powerful Seeker you were meant to be.”
The lights returned to a dim glow as Dylan stepped forward, gritting his teeth. “I was meant to be with Heaven.”
Why couldn’t his father get that through his thick skull? Maybe because he’d completely flipped his lid. He was insane. There was no other excuse. Sane people didn’t threaten another person’s life, least of all family.
His dad didn’t see Heaven as family. He hated her because she represented the one time he didn’t get what he wanted, and what he wanted was Anna Lewis.
“I hope your silence means you’re considering my offer.” The arrogant tone of his dad’s voice matched the one shimmering in his eyes. He patted Dylan’s shoulder until Dylan brushed him off.
“Don’t touch me,” he growled, backing away.
“Relax, son. I know what’s troubling you. You’re worried about how she will deal with you leaving. Trust me when I say she’ll be fine. Her Keeper will help her forget all about you. He’ll see to her needs. All of them.”
Images flashed through Dylan’s mind—images of Heaven lying beneath Layne, her lips, as well as her body, accepting his. The gentle rocks…her soft cries…the pinch of her face as she—
The water cooler slammed into the wall once Dylan pushed it. As the plastic portion leaned against the corner, the bottom cracked enough for water to begin dripping on the floor.
Pointing hi
s finger at the crushed metal, he glared at his father and said, “The next time you talk about my wife, you’re going to look like that cooler.”
“I’m just stating facts, son. I knew your mother wasn’t setting you straight. You know she’s partial to Keepers, don’t you? She was with hers. Speaking of which,” the malevolent spark returned to his father’s eyes, “have you met him yet?”
“I know Spencer’s her Keeper, and I’m glad she has him. She deserved someone who would love her, because you sure as hell didn’t. Heaven is loved—by me. No one will change that.”
Silence claimed the dusty air as his dad stared at him. He finally grunted and shook his head. “So you’d rather see her dead than give her up? That’s not love, Dylan. That’s an obsession.”
“You should know about those, seeing as how you were obsessed with your Seeker.”
“Yes, Dylan, I was, which is how I know Heaven is going to hurt you. There’s nothing you can do about it if you stay with her.”
His dad’s attention shifted to the damaged water cooler. A smile hinted at the corner of his mouth, though Dylan didn’t see what could amuse him. Did his dad not realize that he wouldn’t think twice about smashing his fist in his face?
When he turned his dark eyes back to Dylan, he patted his chest with his hand and stepped away from the wall. “If you come with me… I could teach you so many things, things your mother would never teach you. You’ll be powerful, Dylan. You can have anything you want, any woman you want. You’d live a life of luxury.”
“I already have the woman I want. She’s the only one I’ll ever want. If keeping her means I have to be powerless or live in poverty, then so be it. You might as well give up on this twisted idea of yours. I’ll never follow your path. I’d take my last breath first.”
“You won’t be the one taking their last breath.”
Dylan lunged forward, clipping his dad in the jaw. A sense of satisfaction pulsed through him when his dad stumbled into the wall. It was the perfect time to seize the moment, as well as his father’s neck. He did both, slamming his dad back into the wall when he tried to step away.
What the Heart Takes Page 34
