Selene dropped onto the counter stool. “Latte. Double shot.” She crossed her arms on the counter and let her head fall. It rose a second later, “please,” then fell once more.
“Damn, girl. Again?”
A thumbs up was all she managed in response. Her latte landing on the counter, however, was another matter. She grasped the cup with her left hand, using her right to prop up her head. “Thanks.” Rather than move away, Ana continued to watch her. “What?”
Ana shook her head. “I see your lips move, but I can’t believe it’s you talking. It’s kinda creepy.”
Selene’s laugh cut in and out. Meh, it was a work in progress.
“So, same dream? Or something different this time?”
A groan escaped Selene’s lips. “It’s the same every night. Wolves and vampires chase me. I trip, what a surprise and the vampire bites me. Then I am floating in the air watching myself die, white light is coming to get me, and then BAM, I’m hurtling to the ground and when I hit, I wake up, drenched in sweat, and breathing way too hard. It’s the third time this week I’ve had to change the sheets.”
This time Ana laughed. “And the red-headed bitch? Did she get hauled off by the gargoyle?”
“Arabella?” Selene frowned. “Yeah, Gabriel flew off with the wicked witch of the north who is never seen or heard from again.”
Ana pressed a hand to her heart. “You know, I think that’s my favourite part.”
“Mine too.” Selene grinned as she sipped her latte. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Is everything good with you? When you called me at the shack, I got the impression something was bothering you.”
The tiniest hint of colour was visible on Ana’s cheeks. “Nothing worth mentioning. Past tense.”
If not for her fatigued state, Selene might have argued the point, but for now, she let it go.
Behind the counter, Ana continued to work, while Selene took up space and sipped her latte. “I get that the whole dream freaks you out, but you should write it down. Make an awesome story. Add in some of your fabulous drawings, you’d make a fortune.”
She screwed up her nose. “Yeah, nah.”
Ana shrugged. “Your loss.” Behind her, something crashed in the kitchen and she rolled her eyes. “Be right back.”
When the door closed, Selene reached into her bag and drew out her sketchpad. So she might not have been completely honest with her bestie. While she wasn’t interested in committing her nightmare to print, she hadn’t been able to resist bringing the creatures to life. Part of her hoped it might help bring an end to her sleepless nights. Arabella, Silas, Gabriel, the wolves, even Julius, the vampire who’d bitten her, ended her life, she’d drawn them all.
In the middle of flipping a page, she paused. The urge to turn around taunting her like a siren call, but she didn’t need to. Her eyes drifted closed, and she saw him. Hands shoved in his pockets, head down, shoulders tight with tension, as he ambled past, never once looking her way. With every cell in her body, she felt the love he had for her, weighed down with feelings sadness and guilt she didn’t understand. But they stood between them, keeping them apart.
Kyler had tracked her down at the beach and they’d talked. He’d explained, apologised, and she’d forgiven him, then they’d talked again. She was sure they’d gotten back on track until he’d pulled away, deeming his world too dangerous for Selene to be part of without giving her any say in the matter. The gesture might have been a noble one, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. Though maybe that’s where her nightmare stemmed from. Kyler’s stories.
“If those two can’t make it, what hope is there any of us?”
Startled, Selene blinked back her tears. “What did you say?”
“Me? Nothing?” Ana turned to the next customer. “Hi. What can I get you?”
She swore—Selene buried her face in her hands. Great. A week without sleep and she was losing her mind. “Argh, I have to go. I need a nap.”
“You okay to drive?” Ana followed her to the door.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s not—” An angry car horn cut her off and Selene’s stomach churned. “What’s Victoria doing back here?”
Ana scowled. “Back in town for the weekend, according to Bryan. We’ll have the misfortune of her company for the egg hunt on Sunday. I was kinda hoping she’d be too embarrassed to show her face, but I guess I should have known better. This is Victoria, we’re talking about.”
“Well, at least the cafe’s off limits. That’s something, right?” Selene’s arms wrapped around her for a quick hug. “You still good for tonight?”
“Yeah, I can’t believe it’s Good Friday already. This year is just flying by. Meet you at the hall say, six?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then. Bye.” Distracted, Selene collided with an oncoming pedestrian. She turned to find a familiar face. “Kyan, I’m so sorry.”
“No harm, no foul, pretty lady. How are you?” A second pair of arms wrapped her up in as many minutes.
How could Arabella have thought them interchangeable?
Kyan tightened his hold as she jerked. “Hey, are you okay?” Concern radiated over his face he scanned her.
Selene shook her head. Where the hell did that come from? She extracted herself from Kyan’s arms. “Yeah, sorry I’m fine. Actually, no I’m not. I’m not sleeping great. I’ve been having these weird dreams all week. You wouldn’t have a magick potion to help with that?” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “What? What is it with everyone giving me strange looks today?”
He laughed. “You might have trouble sleeping, but that tongue of yours is on fire. Congratulations.”
Heat blazed on her cheeks. “Thanks. I can’t explain it. I struggled for a month unable to string more than two words together, and then a week ago it clicked. Scared the crap out of me. Ana called, and I just started talking to her. Not sure who was more freaked out, her or me. But thank you, for everything.”
Kyan smiled. “That was all you, pretty lady, but if I helped in some small part, then you’re welcome.” He reached for her hand and tucked it in his arm. “Now, these dreams you’re having, tell me about them.”
Across the road, Kyler scowled as he watched his brother walk off arm in arm with Selene. Sure he’d asked his brother to check on her, make sure she was okay, but touching her had not been part of those instructions.
“Does it hurt arsehole?”
Kyler’s fists clenched at his side. Of all the days—”Fuck off, Troy.”
The other man laughed. “Touch a nerve did I? Good. It’s nothing less than you deserve after what you did.”
Fists on his hips, he faced Troy. “What are you accusing me of exactly?”
Troy didn’t back away. “You mean besides costing me my job and any future job with that trumped-up assault charge you and your little girlfriend... oh, my bad... ex-girlfriend are trying to pin on me? How about Victoria ditching me after you ran her father out of town?”
The idiot was getting on his nerves. Kyler turned away in time to see Selene and his brother enter the clinic. His heart ratcheted several notches. Was something wrong? A hand on his arm prevented him leaving.
“Hey. Don’t you walk away from me.”
Kyler flung off Troy’s hand and bent close to his face. “Don’t you ever touch me.” This time Troy stepped back, but Kyler followed. “You lost your job all on your own Troy, and the police chief thought we were generous not pushing for a stronger charge. And as for Victoria, not my fault if she came to her senses and grabbed the first ride out of town to get away from you.” He eyed Troy from head to toe. “I would have.” He turned on his heel.
“Yeah, ‘cos that’s what you Everwoods do, isn’t it? Run.”
The blood in his veins turned to ice, freezing him in place. “What did you say?”
“Yeah, I know about the mighty Everwoods. You ran when this town found out what you really are. You think you can just come back? Even after all this time? I suggest you run again before I tell everybody the truth.”
There was a satisfying crack as Troy’s back hit the wall. Almost as rewarding as the terror filling his eyes. Hands fisted in Troy’s shirt front, Kyler held him several inches above the ground. “Listen here, you pathetic little worm, you want to go poking in family trees? Then let’s poke. I wonder how folks in town will feel to learn their most prominent and successful members, descend from liars, murderers and thieves, and others from cowards who stood by and let some terrible things happen? Whose truth do you think they’re going to believe? Yours? Or mine?” The blood drained from Troy’s face and he had his answer. “Oh, and your precious Victoria, ever wonder why you both have the exact same nose? There are laws about screwing family members these days. Might wanna look that up.”
Kyler released his hold, and Troy crumpled on the ground. If he didn’t leave now, he’d do something he’d regret.
“You’re a fucking monster, Kyler Everwood. You know that?”
Without turning around, he raised his hand in acknowledgement. “Takes one to know one, Troy.”
A string of colourful curses followed him down the street. Kyler slammed the door of his SUV and gunned the engine. Troy Peterson was turning out to be a serious pain in his arse. One they’d need to deal with. Soon.
“Bother.”
“Everything all right, Michelle?” Ana stood atop a ladder, stringing fake flowers and greenery through the hall rafters while Selene held the ladder steady.
The other woman glanced at her watch before answering. “Yes. No. The damn alarm is going off at the shop again, and there’s still another half hour till parents will be here to collect their kids.”
Ana backed down the ladder. “Selene and I can watch the kids. Right, Sel?”
Selene had zero experience with kids but she nodded. “Sure.”
Michelle glanced between them and the kids and then back down at her phone. “Well, if you’re sure, I’ll only be a few minutes. I’m sure someone just left the air-conditioning on again, but I better check.” Michelle held out her hand. “Jenna honey, come on. I have to check the alarm.”
A girl of about five, with dark pigtails, skidded to a stop. “But Mum, I wanna stay. We’re playing.”
“Jenna.” Michelle’s phone pinged again. “Oh, all right, fine.” Michelle clapped her hands and everyone stopped. “Okay, listen up. I have to run out for a few minutes, but I’m putting Miss Ana and Miss Selene in charge while I am gone. You listen to them and do as you’re told. Is that clear?” A few kids mumbled. “I said, is that clear?”
A dozen voices rang in unison. “Yes, Miss Michelle.”
“That’s better. All right, you may go back to your game.”
The responding squeals made Selene want to cover her ears.
Michelle offered them both a sympathetic glance. “Sorry. Early Easter eggs seem like a bad idea now. I had no idea they’d get so hyper. I’m hoping they burn it off before their parents get here. Are you sure it’s all right?”
Hands on her shoulders, Ana steered Michelle towards the door. “It’s fine. We’ll lock the doors and keep them in this room. Now, go. I promise there’ll be the same number of little hellions when you return.”
“Jenna, honey,” Michelle called over Ana’s shoulder. “Mummy will be back soon. Love you.”
Over the group ruckus, it was difficult to determine if Jenna did, or did not, reply.
Michelle slipped out and Ana engaged the lock, leaning back against the door. Judging it to be the safest place in the room, Selene joined her.
“So Sel, what do we do now?”
Panic spiked in her chest. “Me? This was your idea.”
“Yeah, well I was just trying to help out a friend. I didn’t think she’d actually bail.” Ana gave the room a once-over. “Though, I guess I don’t blame her.”
“Ana, I don’t have a clue about taking care of kids. Call Michelle, tell her to come back.”
“Come on, Sel, they’re just kids. We guard the doors and make sure none of them escapes. It’s five minutes. How hard can it be?”
Twenty minutes later they had their answer. Ridiculously.
Ana slammed her phone on the table. “Michelle is still not answering her phone. She said five minutes. Five minutes my ass. Where the hell is she?”
Something wasn’t right.
For the past twenty minutes, it had been one thing after another. Trips to the bathroom, mediating squabbles, and endless glasses of water. The whole experience had exhausted her, mentally and physically, but now—now something else was going on. Selene just couldn’t put her finger on it.
Oblivious to the chaos going on around her, Selene stood up and surveyed the room. A dozen little faces raced back and forth, still riding their chocolate buzz. She counted. Yep, all still there. So what was it? Halfway across the room, she stopped and sniffed. It smelled—it smelled like—
“Ana, do you smell smoke?”
“I’m telling you, she’s gonna figure it out. Not only has she regained complete use of her voice, but the bond must have somehow negated the forget-me-not potion. Selene remembers everything. For now, she thinks it’s just some kind of bizarre dream, but eventually, she’ll figure out the truth. Right or wrong, you did what you did to save her life, so fess up. Yes, she might get pissed, at least in the beginning, but she’ll get over it. Leave her to work things out on her own—I don’t like your chances.”
“Kyan’s right.”
Great. Just what he needed. It had been hard enough to ignore Kyan without Kyllian adding his two cents worth. Given the single status of both his brothers, taking relationship advice from either of them seemed a moot point.
Kyllian hand on his shoulder caught him by surprise. His older brother wasn’t the touchy-feely type. “She owes you her life, but you owe her your honesty.”
Kyler ignored them both and stared out the window. He’d figure out a way to tell Selene after he dealt with Troy.
Kyler. Help me.
The hand on his shoulder tightened. “Did you hear that?”
“Ana?” Selene shook her harder. “Ana, come back. I need you.”
“I wasn’t there, Sel. They died, and I lived. I lived, cos I wasn’t there.”
The pain in Ana’s voice sliced through Selene. She could only imagine what Ana was suffering. Or maybe wasn’t that impossible.
Trapped in the hall surrounded by fire, every door locked from the outside. This wasn’t an accident. Bad enough things were killing her in dreams, did they have to drag it into real life as well?
Selene stood in the centre of the room. Even with her hands over her ears, she heard it all. Every scream, every cry, even Ana’s mantra of guilt, every sound pounding her. “ENOUGH.”
The room fell quiet, but it wouldn’t last, she needed to act quickly. “Right, I get you’re scared, but guess what? I am too. We need to work together, okay?” None of the tear-stained faces answered her. Think, Sel. Think like a kid. “Simon says, everyone put your hands on your head.” She threw her hands on her head and hoped for the best. Only a few copied her movements. She raised her voice. “Simon says, put your hands on your head.”
Twelve pairs of hands landed on their heads.
“Excellent. Simon says, everybody needs to hide in the space under the stage.” They looked around, but nobody moved. “Simon says, NOW.”
Tiny bodies leapt into action.
Momentary relief surged through her. She returned her attention to Ana once more. The same glazed look blanked her eyes. Selene bit her lower her lip. “Forgive me.”
The sound echoed around the room as her hand connected with Ana’s cheek.
Several children screamed, and Ana half fell out of the chair. She pulled herself back up, her hand flying to her cheek.
“What the hell?” Ana’s outraged cry filled the room.
Tears spilled from Selene’s eyes. “I’m so sorry, but I needed you to snap out of it.” Several of the children were watching her. “Simon says, everybody keep moving.”
“Shit, Sel. What’s going on? Why’s it so hot in here?”
Not wanting to incite further panic, she leaned in to whisper. “There’s a fire and we’re trapped because all the doors are locked on the outside for some reason. Protective screens cover every window and those that aren’t, are too high, or too small to access. There are twelve small children looking to me, to us, to take care of them, and so far the guise of ‘Simon says’ is working, but I don’t know how much longer I can keep going. The entire is building is stone except for the roof, so aside from the smoke, that’s our greatest threat. The plan is to herd everyone into the storage area beneath the stage. It’s the only place I can think of that offers any protection should the roof come crashing in before we’re rescued. Between trying to rouse you, and keep twelve little kids under control, I don’t know what else to do. If you have a better idea, then please, I’m listening.”
As her words sunk in, Selene watched Ana’s eyes glaze over once more. She gripped Ana’s shirt and shook her hard, no longer bothering to be gentle, she didn’t have that luxury. “Simon says, don’t you dare pike out on me Ana Collins. That’s an order, you hear me?”
Relief shook her entire body as Ana’s eyes cleared once more. “Aye, aye, Simon.”
Several of the children managed nervous laughs.
Ana pressed her forehead to Selene’s, her hands on either side of her face. “I’m here, I promise. Your plan makes sense. No matter where we go, we risk being trapped or exposed. Low to the ground and covered on every side, we’ll have protection.”
As they followed the children into the space beneath the stage, Selene ran the options over and over in her mind. There was nowhere else to go. Her hands shook as she slid the doors closed, sealing them in, trying to ignore how the spaced resembled a tomb. Had she doomed them all? Right or wrong, this was the plan. Now they could only pray for rescue before it was too late. She squeezed her eyes tight, fighting back tears. There’d be time to cry later. Through her shirt, Selene wrapped the pendant in her fist. “Kyler, help me.”
The park was on fire. Every tree and bush was alight, surrounding the community hall that stood in the middle, on all sides. Flames rose high into the air as frightened voices filled the night. The entire town was present. Half were doing what little they could while the other half stood frozen with fear. With everyone watching the fire, no one noticed the brothers arrived.
This couldn’t happen. Not again.
Kyllian grabbed Kyler as he surged forward. “Let me go.”
“You can’t go in there.”
“The hell I can’t.” He fought against Kyllian’s hold, his panic rising.
“There are at least a dozen people in there.”
“But only one that matters. Now let go.”
Kyan moved blocked his way. “You don’t mean that.”
Anger filled his veins. “Move.”
“No.” Kyan shoved him backwards. “Nobody in that building is responsible for what happened. You’ve carried the guilt of what happened to our family for too long, we all have. But if you rescue Selene and leave the rest to die, you’re no better than the founders. You’ll prove yourself the monster they condemned us to be.”
“And even if you decide you can live with what you did, can Selene?”
Kyllian’s quiet question stopped him cold. She’d never forgive him for not saving more of them. And the guilt of being the only one to survive would consume her, as it had when her parents died, only worse. He couldn’t do her. Kyler watched the scene before him as memories assaulted him. For a century he’d blamed this town, these people, for what they’d taken from him, but Kyan was right. None of them had betrayed his family; none of them deserved his anger or his judgement. It was time to forgive them, and himself.
“I need to get to the river.”
Unnoticed, the three of them skirted the edge of the fire till they reached the bank. Flanked on three sides by the town, the other side of the park ran along the bank of the river. Kyler stepped into the shallows and closed his eyes.
Blessed Goddess, grant me the courage to let go of the past, of my anger and guilt. Give me your strength to undo the sins of the fathers and bring peace.
The water swirled as Kyler reached for his magick. Initially, it rose freely as he drew it in from both upstream and down but then it rebelled and fought against him. The blood of his ancestors, still flowing within it, was refusing to give aid to those who’d wronged them. His eyes flew open as his magick drained away. No, don’t do this.
Through the sea of flames, he saw the hall, its roof burning. Even coming at it from the three sides, the fire trucks would never cut a path before it was too late. He had to do this, he had to.
Kyler pulled back his magick, fighting the ancestors as they tried to take it once more, but he wasn’t strong enough. Not alone.
One hand on each shoulder, Kyan and Kyllian joined him, to lend him their power
Magick flooded through him, releasing the ancestors hold. No longer fighting him, the water rushed to do his bidding. Behind him, it rose like a tsunami wave. He quelled the urge to cover the entire park, fearing the questions it would raise. Instead, he threw forward enough to blanket the space between the hall and the river.
Not a flicker remained as Kyler raced across the blackened earth towards the hall. A padlock secured the first door he reached, another secured the main door. Everywhere the stench of petrol filled his nose.
Sonofabitch.
Smoke billowed from the door as it swung open under his boot. He ducked beneath it, his eyes searching amongst the dark and debris. Panic threatened to overwhelm him as he called out. “Selene?” The smallest of sounds reached his ears.
Debris flew as he cleared a path towards the stage. Heart pounding in his chest he slid back the doors. Tiny frightened squeals flew at him, but he couldn’t see a thing. “Selene?” He scooted back as a figure crawled towards him.
Wide eyes met his face. “Kyler?” He toppled backwards as she threw herself at him.
Tears burst from her as several of his own escaped. “Hey sweetheart, I’m here, I’ve got you, but we need to go.”
Ana’s tear-stained face emerged, followed by several smaller ones. “Is it over, Miss Selene?”
Light flooded the room before she answered.
Frightened, the children cried out, several bursting into tears as fire-fighters barrelled through the now open door. They stopped, as their lights fell over the group. “Is everyone all right?”
Selene gulped back her tears and lifted her hand to shield her eyes. “I—I think so.”
The leader dipped his light. “We need to get everybody out. We’ve cleared a path, but we need to hurry.” He reached out a hand towards Jenna, but she shrank away, pressing tight to Selene.
The display of trust threatened to release her tears once more, but she forced them back. “It’s okay, Jenna. Simon says it’s time to find your mummies and daddies.”
With the fire-fighters lighting their way, Selene led the children from the hall, her hand clasped in Kyler’s. Water rained over them as the group raced along the makeshift path between the walls of fire.
Kyler reached for this magick, strengthening the flow of water gushing from the fire hoses. He pushed it further and wider, turning the tide of control from the fire to those fighting it.
Anxious faces, held back by emergency workers, hovered at the edge of the scene. They pushed through the barricade as the children came into view, and Selene’s small charges did the same. In moments each smoky, wet child, got swept into the arms of their relieved parents.
Paramedics swarmed to assess the children, tussling with parents who refused to let them go.
Ana went without protest, but Selene refused.
“I’ll see my own doctor, thank you.” One look at Kyler standing beside her and the paramedic didn’t insist. When he’d gone, she turned and buried her face in Kyler’s chest. “You came for me.”
His arms tightened around her. “I couldn’t lose you. Not today, not—”
“I knew it. I knew you’d be here.” Selene tensed in his arms as Troy approached. “This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?”
“Back away, Troy.”
Troy didn’t move. “No. I should have listened to Victoria. I should have stopped you.”
“Stop me from what? Saving them?”
Heads turned towards their raised voices.
“From trying to kill them.”
Silence fell over the crowd. Kyler tucked Selene behind him as he faced Troy. “You think I did this? That I’m somehow capable of murdering innocent women and children?”
The cold fury in Kyler’s voice forced Troy a step back. “I—I know the history. I know what today is. You’re here for payback.”
If not for Selene’s presence behind him, Kyler might have pummelled Troy in that second. “Payback? Now there’s an interesting phrase. Just this afternoon you were blaming me for a bunch of things. If anyone wanted payback, it’s you and you’d try to frame me for it.”
Troy paled, stumbling backwards as Kyler advanced. “No. No, I couldn’t. I would never—”
“Leave him alone... witch.”
A collective gasp went up as Victoria stepped from the crowd.
Kyler schooled all emotion from his face. “What did you call me?”
“You heard me, witch. Troy’s right. He knows it, I know it, now everybody else will too.”
Audible whispers rippled through the crowd. Parents stepped between their children while others turned their eyes away. Kyler’s hands fisted at his sides. One hundred years and nothing had changed. It didn’t matter he’d saved their children only moments ago, they would turn on him in an instant. He was tired of being judged.
“If I was a witch, I wouldn’t have needed to lock the doors from the outside, nor would I have had to drown the entire place in fuel to set it alight. I’d just snap my fingers and make it happen, right?” Everyone cowered when he lifted his hand, snapping his fingers. Hard to tell if it was relief or disappointment that trickled through the crowd when nothing happened.
Victoria recovered quickest. “Well, of course, you wouldn’t, but how else would you make it look like one of us set the fire? You blame the founders for the fire that killed your family. They died, trapped inside the hall and you’ve come back to get your revenge.”
The faces of the townsfolk wavered between who to believe, at least until Kyler’s brothers revealed themselves. No one could mask their surprise, least of all Troy and Victoria, as first Kyan and then Kyllian stepped from the shadows to stand at his side.
“Fuck, there’s three of them.” Troy’s sentiments echoed those of the crowd who now appeared to be siding with Victoria’s version of events.
One, alleged, Everwood witch they might have handled, but three?
Ana moved to Kyan’s side while Selene positioned herself between Kyler and Kyllian.
“Your revenge theory has a major flaw, Victoria.”
The mute girl talking caught everyone by surprise. For a moment, Selene deflected attention from the brothers.
Everyone except Victoria. “Well, shocker. The freak speaks. I knew you were faking.”
Selene shook her head in denial. “I wasn’t faking. I stopped speaking the day my parents died. Until a few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if it was possible to start again.”
“Oh, please. You expect anyone here to believe that? You played us, just like the witch—the witches are playing us now. I heard the song same as you. That’s exactly how it happened.”
“You’re wrong, Victoria. The hall didn’t burn, it was a boat.”
Victoria laughed. “That’s your story? There was no boat, freak—”
“Yes, there was.”
Cane in hand, Penelope Peterson abandoned her gopher and made her way across the soddened ground.
“Ms Peterson, I heard the song. You said—”
“Oh, do shut up.”
Victoria jerked in surprise.
“Grandmother, have you lost your mind? Apologise.”
Penelope smacked Troy with her cane. “Don’t you ever tell me I’ve lost my mind, nor to apologise to that idiot.”
“Now look here, you old bat.” The crowd gasped, but Penelope didn’t react. “It’s in the song. ‘…Locked up tight inside the hall, we’ve set a trap to catch them all. Light the fire, watch it burn…’, they burned the hall—Ow,” Victoria clutched her arm where Penelope’s cane connected.
“You are as stupid as your great-grandfather. The song mentions a fire, but it wasn’t the hall that burned, it was a boat, just as Selene said.”
“Grandmother, you weren’t there, you—”
“But my father was.” Penelope’s raised voice silenced any further interruptions. “My father was the town minister when it happened. He recorded it all.” She waved her cane at Victoria. “Your great-great-grandfather, Richard Hughes, was a greedy man. It wasn’t enough he was mayor, he wanted the land Everwood estate sat on. He pushed his son Byron into a relationship with young Celeste Everwood in the hope he’d figure out how to take it from them.
“Besotted with Celeste, one night Byron crossed the bridge, hoping to spend a few stolen moments with her. When he arrived, he heard the music and from amongst the trees, he saw them, dancing and singing, activities frowned upon if they took place on the Sabbath. Idiot son he was, he ran home and told his father. The mayor seized on the information, declaring the Everwoods to be witches, for who else would defy the Lord’s teachings in such a way.
“Under the guise of an engagement party, Richard lured the Everwoods to the community hall where he and his posse ambushed them. He had them bound and gagged and taken to an old boat moored on the bank. Every tale said you had to burn a witch to kill it, and the mayor wasn’t about to risk his precious town, so he tossed them on the boat and set it alight. A spark burned through the mooring rope, setting the boat adrift. It floated downstream until it got caught on the bridge that separated the town. The fire destroyed the wooden bridge.
“Many of those involved, took it a sign they’d wronged God, and fled, never to return, but Richard felt no such remorse. A few days later, eager to stake his claim, he tried to cross the river in his boat, but it capsized, and he drowned. That was when my father realised he’d made a grave mistake in not warning the Everwoods ahead of time. He’d known what the mayor planned to do, but Richard had threatened my life and that my mother, should he interfere. Now God was punishing them all for their sins.”
Nobody uttered a sound as Penelope’s story ended, but many shuffled in place in place, uncomfortable having the town’s and their own disturbing history revealed in public.
“So the only question remaining is: why? Why did you set the fire, Victoria?”
Chatter flew through the crowd once more, Penelope’s accusation stirring them to life.
Victoria blanched. “Me?” She gestured wildly. “It was those freaks over there.”
“No. If this was revenge, a re-enactment, then I doubt they’d have screwed up something as important as the location. So if it wasn’t them, and it wasn’t Selene, that leaves only one other person, besides myself, who knew the story who could have acted on the information. So, I’ll ask again, Victoria, why?”
Every eye rested on Victoria. “It wasn’t me. Anyone could have found the song. It’s called the internet.”
Penelope shook her head. “The depth of your ignorance knows no bounds, does it? It’s not online because I’ve checked. Those who took part buried the story deep, desperate to forget what they’d done. My father only wrote the journals to purge himself of his guilt, but he never let it go. It ate at him and was the reason he took his own life.” She turned to face Kyler and his brothers. “For what little it’s worth, I am sorry for my part in this. I’m sorry your family has once more had to suffer at the hands of this town.”
Victoria threw up her hands. “Halle-bloody-lujah, someone who gets it.” She faced the crowd. “The guys aren’t witches, um hello, they’re guys. Any idiot knows there’s no such thing as a guy witch. No, they’re innocent victims, like the rest of us.”
Nobody reacted, Victoria’s complete one-eighty on her accusations confusing everyone.
She eyed the crowd again. “How can you all be so blind?” She whipped back around pointing to Selene. “It’s the freaks who are the witches.”
“Don’t.” Only Kyllian’s quiet whisper prevented Kyler surging forward.
She pointed to Ana. “That freak put a spell on my brother and I know that because my brother doesn’t go for fuglies.” Kyan reached for Ana as the barb hit. “It didn’t matter how often I begged him to fire her, he never did. Thank fuck she’s useless at being a witch or she might have convinced him to date her or some shit. But that one,” she levelled a hateful gaze at Selene.
“She’s got you all fooled. First, she pretends she can’t speak to make you all feel sorry for her, then she miraculously starts dating the hottest guy in town when he could be with me? Please, like that wasn’t some kind of spell. Then she convinces him to get rid of Troy by pretending he attacked her, and to steal the cafe from my father to keep her freak friend in a job. Who else but a witch could do any of that? She’s out to get us all. I was doing this town a favour. I was protecting all of you.”
Faces that had earlier regarded Kyler with fear now gaped in horror at Victoria’s admission.
Troy included. “You, set the fire? But Vicky, there were children in there. Innocent children.”
The first sign of discomfort showed on her face. “Well, that was unfortunate. I hadn’t realised they’d be there until it was too late.”
The police chief and several other officers moved in to surround Victoria. “Victoria Hughes, I’m arresting you on the charge of attempted murder. You have the right to remain—”
Victoria’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“—silent. Anything you do say—”
She struggled against the officer who grabbed her from behind. “What’s the matter with you people? Did you hear what I said? They’re witches.”
“—can and may be used against you—”
“Let me go. You can’t do this.” The crowd drew back as the officers led her away, her protests swallowed by the dark, Troy hurrying after her.
Kyler surveyed the crowd. No one had moved. Confusion and disbelief filled many of their faces as they tried to come to terms with the events of the past hour. First the fire, the false accusations, and then the disturbing betrayal of one of their own, it was 1918 all over again. History seemed determined to repeat itself, but Kyler wasn’t about to let that happen. He hoped his brothers would be on board with what he was about to do.
“Folks, might I say something?” When no one turned and ran in the other direction, he took it as a sign to continue. “Most of you have never met me. My name is Kyler Everwood, and these are my brothers, Kyan and Kyllian. The story you heard tonight about our family is true. One hundred years ago, the founders branded them as witches which back then was a crime punishable by death. But rather than a humane ending, they bound and burned alive. If I’m honest, the knowledge of what happened to them has made me distrusting of this town and of people in general. For the hatred and violence caused when they act out of fear of people or things, they don’t understand.
“For one hundred years, bad blood has existed between my family and the people of Red River. In my books that’s long enough. Given what’s happened here tonight, I imagine plenty of you are questioning why we’re here, and what our intentions are. Me, I run the animal reserve on the far north side of the Everwood Estate. It’s a place where formerly captive and also endangered animals, from all over the world, are brought to recover and repopulate.
“My brother, Kyan, has a clinic in town specialising in alternative medicine. Meditation, aromatherapy, acupuncture, that sort of stuff. Kyllian runs the Everwood Estate. While we might not have lived here until a few months ago, dedicated staff have continued to maintain Everwood in our family’s absence. The Estate produces much of the fresh produce available in the local market and produces three varieties of wine sold both here and around the world.
“We’re three brothers who want to reclaim their family home, and put the past to rest, nothing more, so I’d like to make an offer. I understand the town holds the annual Easter egg hunt in this park.” Murmurs rippled the crowd as the further reaching implications of the fire occurred to them. “If it’s all right with Madam Mayor, my brothers and I would like to offer the Everwood Estate for this year’s event.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Penelope’s voice cut through the heightened voices, several whom appeared to disagree. “And for any of you thinking of avoiding this year’s event before any of you don your airs of self-righteousness and judge these boys on hearsay and innuendo, might I remind you... nobody is innocent. None of us are the people we portray ourselves to be. All of us are hiding secrets, and the fear of having them revealed is the reason you elect me mayor repeatedly because I know them all. If any of you can claim to be innocent of any sin then by all means, stay home. As for the rest of you, innocent victims suffer hatred and violence every day through ignorance and fear. Consider the lesson you are teaching your children, and then picture them being subjected to that same ignorant persecution.” Penelope turned take Kyler’s hand. “Thank you for your most gracious offer, it’s far more than this town deserves. Personally, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to glimpse the mysterious Everwood. It feels I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.”
Kyler bowed his head. “Everwood welcomes you, all of you.”
Selene looped her arm through his. “I’ll be there.” She looked back to Ana.
“Well, I’ll be there. Someone’s gotta bring the coffee.”
“Mummy, are we going too?”
Michelle Andrews glanced between her daughter’s face and the blackened building in the distance. She crossed the space to stand in front of Selene. “You were there for my daughter when I couldn’t be, both of you.” She hugged Selene and Ana then turned to Kyler and held out her hand. “Michelle Andrews. I don’t know if the stories are true, but if you had anything to do with saving my daughter tonight, then for me that’s all that matters. We’d love to accept your invitation.”
“Kyler Everwood, glad to have you join us.”
Kyan leaned in when Michelle moved away. “Bro, do you have any idea what you’ve signed us up for?”
At that moment Kyler didn’t care. No one had come at them with pitchforks and he had Selene tucked tight against him, nothing else mattered. He shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. Right now I vote we all go home.”
Selene held out her free hand to Ana. “Come on.”
Ana protested. “No, you go. I’ll be fine—”
“Simon says, shut up and get your butt over here, Miss Ana.”
Only the women laughed at the inside joke. “Well, if Simon says, who am I to argue.” Ana put her hand in Selene’s and whispered. “Thank you.”
She squeezed Ana’s hand. “Anytime.”
Neither woman protested when Kyllian steered the SUV back to the Everwood Estate. He uttered ‘Welcome to Everwood’ and disappeared into the manor.
“Man of few words, your brother. Are you sure being here is okay?”
Kyan offered Ana his hand to help her from the SUV. “It’s fine. Kyllian doesn’t do well with crowds. I imagine he needs a timeout. Nothing personal, I promise.”
Ana jumped and looked around as she passed through the protective wards at the front door.
For Selene, the sensation seemed somehow… familiar. She glanced sideways at Kyler who sighed. “We should talk.”
“Why don’t I show Ana, somewhere she can clean up while you do that? But don’t keep her too long, brother. I still need to check her out.”
With Ana trailing after Kyan, Kyler led Selene out through the side door into the garden. She let go of his hand assessing everything she saw. “I’ve been here before, haven’t I?” Kyler nodded and a chill raced along her spine. “So it wasn’t a dream?”
Kyler held her gaze as he shook his head. “No.”
She’d already known the answer but hearing him admit aloud sent her mind spinning. “The wolves, Julius, they chased me and I fell, and—” her eyes widened. “Holy shit—I died, I—”
Her distress propelled Kyler forward. “Yes. No. Almost.”
“Which one was it, Kyler?”
“When you wandered beyond the wards unescorted, and unprotected, Julius’ bloodlust went into overdrive. He’d drained you to the point of death, but in his frenzy, he’d also given you his venom. If you had died, you would have awakened as a vampire.” He gathered Selene into his arms as her knees threatened to collapse beneath her. “But I couldn’t let that happen. Losing you would have been bad enough, but for someone so pure to come back as one of them, would have been wrong, so I sucked his venom from your blood.”
Selene put her hand on her neck. “I remember. But I also remember dying. The white light appeared and everything, so how is it I’m still here?”
Kyler released her from his embrace. “You were on the brink of death and I couldn’t lose you. I made a selfish choice, and I can only hope one day you will forgive me.”
Memories flashed through her mind.
“You can’t do this. Not with her.”
“It will never be anyone, but her. I’ve waited one hundred years to find her, and I’ll wait for one hundred more if I have to. I will never love another but her.”
“Liar. You said it was me, you promised, me.”
“No, you chose me because you thought I would be the easiest to manipulate, but it will never happen. Never. I will never bond with you.”
“We… bonded? I don’t understand. What does that mean?”
“I bound your life, hoping to bring you back.”
“Well, that explains the memory of plummeting back to Earth. You saved me.“
Kyler shook his head. “I saved your life, yes, but in doing so, I’ve also cursed you and in that respect, I am no better than Julius.”
“You saved my life. How is that possibly a curse?”
“You don’t understand. A blood bond isn’t like your human marriages. There is no undoing a blood bond, no option for divorce. A blood bond is for life. It ties your life, your soul to another person. For the rest of your life, you’re always aware of them, even when they aren’t around. You will share their emotions, good and bad, know their thoughts, sometimes even share their skills, which is fine for a bond made between two consenting parties, but even then many never make the choice. Only those who believe beyond a shadow of a doubt they’re destined to spend eternity together ever go through with it.
“We’ve known each other a few months, yet we can’t go two weeks without something wanting to tear us apart, and now I’ve taken away any chance of you ever being free to seek a relationship with anyone else. My bonding with you was a selfish choice. I did it knowing I could lose you once you learned the truth because I couldn’t live in a world without you in it. But if I had to, I’d make the same choice, every time.”
Selene took her time responding. “Believe it or not, I’m not mad at you, Kyler, I’m grateful. First, that you didn’t let Julius turn me into a vampire, and second for saving my life. In these past few months, you’ve shown me how much my fears have held me back from actually living my life. It would have sucked to realise that only to die before doing anything about it.”
“But the bond—”
“The bonding thing will take more time. I understand one doesn’t exist without the other, so I can’t thank you for saving my life and then get pissed about how you did it.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “That makes three times you’ve saved my life now, and as grateful as I am, I need to stop landing myself in situations where you need to do that.”
“No matter how many times I have to do it, I’ll save you, Selene. Every time.”
Unable to resist, Selene reached up on tiptoes and brushed a gentle kiss against his lips. “And on that note, I need to go. Any second now, the adrenalin will wear off and everything will come crashing down on me. There’s every chance I’ll fall apart and I’d rather not be out here when that happens. Tonight was bad enough for me, I can only imagine what Ana went through. I need to be there for her.”
He offered no protest. “Let me show you the way.”
Kyan waylaid them on the stairs. He placed a hand on her back to assess her airways. Satisfied she’d suffered no serious damage, he handed something to help her sleep, and let them pass.
Outside Ana’s room, Kyler kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” He disappeared before she could respond.
Inside, she found Ana standing in front of the mirror. “That’s pretty.”
Ana wore a floor-length nightgown of pale pink silk, with a ruched bodice, delicate spaghetti straps and an empire waistline. Sewn across the waistline, a row of tiny pearls. A similar style gown, in ivory, lay on the bed.
“Isn’t it?” Ana twisted back and forth, admiring it from every angle. “Kyan said they belonged to Celeste Everwood, the one that died? Anyhow, I thought it’d be weird wearing her stuff, but when I saw it, all I could think of was how sad to keep something so beautiful hidden away for so long.”
Selene left Ana admiring her reflection and headed for the bathroom. When she returned, she found Ana curled up on one side of the king-sized bed.
“Will it be weird for you if we share? I get that friends do this sometimes, but I’ve never done that before, so I get if that’s weird for you, and I’m sure—” she yawned. “Damn it. I thought the tea tasted funny. I told him--” Ana’s eyes drifted closed.
Guess Ana wouldn’t need her after all.
Fatigue swamped her the moment she climbed under the covers. As an extra precaution, Selene downed the vial Kyan had handed to her on the stairs. She needed to face what happened at some point, but not tonight. Tonight all she wanted… was sleep.