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  Once I was in full view, he looked at me with his copper eyes. They were the same caramel eye coloring as Ree’s, making me wonder if they were family. His features were prominent with a strong jaw and sharp nose. He was also surprisingly tall. He had to be at least six foot with a slender build. He strode toward me with his shoulders squared. Taking my hand, he led me to the couch. “La más bella, Esmerelda, sit conmigo.”

  I had no clue what he said, but walked with him anyway.

  He sat next to me on the couch, still holding my hand. Glancing around the room, I saw Jarak scowling.

  I tried averting my attention to Victor and Ree, who settled in the chairs next to the couch, but I could still feel Jarak’s stare burning in my mind.

  Ree crossed her legs over in lady-like fashion, lacing her fingers together in her lap. She glanced over at me then at the man who held my hand. “This is Trevor; he only speaks in Spanish, so you will need one of us to translate. He refuses to speak anything other than his native language. Although, we are pretty sure he could if necessary after four-hundred years.”

  Trevor grinned, but said nothing.

  Ree continued, “He has waited a long time to meet you. He is one of the oldest vampires left.”

  That’s what Victor said on the plane, his friend was a vampire. I had a hard time processing that this was real. His hand that covered mine was warm, not cold. I thought vampires were supposed to be icy and dead, well, the undead anyway. They made movies about them sleeping in coffins and hunting blood at night, they aren’t supposed to be sitting next to me, holding my hand.

  I must have taken too long to respond because Victor piped in. “Esmerelda, there is so much you don’t know, but it’s an enormous honor for him to be able to meet you. He’s heard about the Chosen One, long before you were born.”

  Meet me? The Chosen One? I was in the presence of magical and blood sucking beings, but they say it’s an honor to meet me? Why? Was I their next meal ticket or something?

  I looked at Jarak, but his body was still tense, which didn’t help me at all. His eyes were fixated on Trevor and I couldn’t help but feel he was mad at me for something.

  “I don’t understand any of this, I’m not even sure any of it is real.” My eyes never left Jarak, but I talked to everyone. I swallowed, trying to push down the rejection I felt because he return my look. He continued to glower at Trevor. I wish I knew what happened to make him so upset. I got the feeling he was not like the rest of them, except I was not sure what else he could be. He said he was a Guardian, but I wasn’t sure what that meant. We’ve already covered Witches and Vampires, all I needed to meet now was a cowardly lion to make my journey complete.

  I took back my hand from Trevor’s and folded it with my other one, resting them in my lap. Nobody talked—it was too quiet. I could feel the eerie tension building in the room.

  “Oh it’s real. Everything you grew up knowing as myths or legends, real, all of it.” Ree talked with her hands flaying all over.

  “Okay, so what did my mom mean? She said something about Nicholas wanting my powers?” I glanced at every face wondering who would be willing to divulge the truth.

  “My Sweet,” Victor spoke up. “You are in danger.”

  “How?”

  “Nicholas has been recruiting his army for hundreds of years. His plan to rule over all other worldly beings and mere mortals started when he couldn’t sate his addiction to power, and he turned them into Crossbreeds. We have fought against him since the beginning, but we’ve been able to do very little.”

  Gulp. Victor was so convincing that I played with the idea of what he said being true, but what did that have to do with me?

  “Turn them—how?” I never thought my heart could beat as fast as it was.

  Victor thrummed his fingers on the arm of the chair and gave a wicked grin. “He has slaves of vampires that have magic, or better known as Crossbreeds. The only thing is… he couldn’t create magical vampire blood until now.”

  “Crossbreeds?—Wait, what do you mean until now?” I lied to myself; my heart could indeed beat faster.

  “That’s what he needs you for.”

  “Me.” I gasped, pointing to myself in confirmation. I looked at Jarak. He stared at me with sad eyes. But, at least he was looking at me.

  “You hold an incredible power. A long time ago, a powerful Seer prophesied about you when the war first started.” Ree paused. “With your magic, you are capable of helping or destroying the world. Everyone—magical, mythical and even the mortals need your help.”

  “What makes you think it’s me,” I shrieked. That was an awful lot to place on my shoulders.

  Victor guffawed a little, and I hardly thought this was a moment to laugh, but thought better than to make him mad by pointing it out. “After you were conceived, but before you were born, each of the five great witches bestowed a gift on you. You already had something unique, something no one else ever had, your father was a Guardian." He stopped with his jaw firmly set, looking at the floor, obviously not going to speak any more on what he said.

  “Okay.” I stood up, shaking off the world that settled itself on my shoulders. “No more lies, no more secrets, just tell me the truth with no interruptions.” I dared to peek over at Jarak who still stood there, as quiet as ever.

  “Fine, I can do simple.” Ree stood up also. “Magic comes in many forms, but the most basic forms come in the five elements. Air, Earth, Water, Fire, and Spirit. More advanced magic like conjuring and telepathy is rare, but obtainable to certain witches or warlocks. You don’t need to have the elements to use that kind of magic, but every witch has the power to control at least one element.

  “The five witches worked their whole life preparing to give you their powers. You were born as a half–breed. Your father is a Guardian, and your mom is a witch. That alone is significant because it was unheard of before you.”

  I shook my head. “No, my father is not a Guardian. He works at the police station.”

  Her face softened a little as she smiled. “I’m talking about your real father. His name is Torres.”

  I couldn’t breathe.

  The room began to swim around me. I always dreamed of other people who acted as if they were my parents, but I never thought they could be real. They were dreams with laughter, a woman with hair as red as mine, and a man with gentle eyes. I sat back down and bent over, my head between my legs.

  Could they be my real parents? Were Meadow and Bry not my real parents?

  The thought of my dad not being my dad upset me more than the thought of my mom. He was always a little nicer, sneaking me ice cream at midnight and watching movies with me, or teaching me to drive while sitting on his lap in the old Ford. I swallowed and told myself that I could process this information later—when I was alone and could cry without people watching.

  Jarak mumbled a curse under his breath, but I’d heard him and glanced up to meet his gaze. He held my eyes for a moment before dashing out of the room without another word.

  “What’s with him?” I asked, completely annoyed.

  Victor gave a sly grin as he also watched him walk away. Glancing at Ree, he rolled his hand out. “Please continue.”

  I didn’t have time to go after him. Heck, I wasn’t sure he’d want me to do that. I’d just met him after all, and didn’t know him well enough to know what he’d want. I turned my attention to Ree, pushing Jarak and his attitude away for the time being.

  Ree looked back at me. “Your parents sent Bry to find you because when you were born, Meadow stole you away.”

  I sat there as she told me how Meadow was supposed to take me to Victor, and how Bry was supposed to bring me home. I didn’t know what to believe. It was as if everything in my life unraveled all around me.

  As I sank back into the couch, Trevor patted my hand in comfort, but it didn’t help. “Mi Dulce, sera bien.”

  “Why don’t you just say it in English? I have enough to worry about,” I spat at h
im as I stood up and stormed out of the room. Too many things had fallen on me in the past two days… in the last week for that matter.

  Six

  Arabeth

  I sat on the edge of Meadow’s bed and watched her as she slept. All of the lies hurt, but deep down I knew there had to be a reason she kept the secrets from me. Watching her sleep, I wondered if what Ree said was true?

  It was possible, and that scared me more than the fact that I’d been lied to. All my life I had dreams. Dreams where I talked with a couple—laughing, telling them my fears and secrets. Could it have been real? Have I talked to my real parents in my sleep?

  Ugh. Shaking my head, I stood up to pace and flung my hands out. Of course that wasn’t real. But then again… I never thought magic was real either.

  A ragged intake of breath shook her frail body, distracting me from my thoughts. Dashing back to her bed, I grabbed her hand, wishing there was another way to keep her alive. There had to be something. In a world where I learned witches and vampires existed, there must be another way. Besides, if she became a vampire, she wouldn’t actually be alive. Would she? I let myself drift off, thinking of a different time in life.

  Squawking birds circled over my head, the heat of the afternoon pelted down on my bare skin. I laid there and watched the blackbirds. The book I brought out to read rested next to me unopened.

  I wanted to escape into a world that was anywhere but there. Books were my distraction from reality. The dry grass poked at my arms and legs as if to tell me to get off, but I never moved. I hoped the earth would suck me into the ground.

  A loud voice came from the house. I jumped up to my feet as quickly as I could find my balance and dashed into the house. Mom and Dad always argued. Why would today be any different?

  I entered through the kitchen sliding door. Standing there, I strained to listen. Muffled voices came from the living room. Tip-toeing, I stepped closer so I could hear what they argued over. Every time they saw me, they would stop yelling, so I never knew what it was they were so mad about.

  My dad bellowed, “You can’t hide her forever! She should be with her mom. It’s unfair, what you’ve done.”

  “I have my orders, just like you. I can’t do that.”

  “What about her powers? You can’t conceal them forever, either. She is stronger than you are. Each year her powers grow. We can’t keep making excuses when she does something. The next time she might figure it out.”

  I pushed my ear up to the wall so I could hear better, but stubbed my toe on the edge of the bar stool. “Ouch.” I tried to whisper as I grabbed my foot, hopping around on one leg.

  “Shh…” my dad whispered. He walked into the kitchen. “Ara, what are you doing? Are you okay?” He was always so protective over me.

  “Yeah, I just stubbed my toe coming in the house. Why are you guys arguing, again?”

  “It’s not any of your business. Your mom and I just don’t always get along.”

  “I heard something about powers… what are you talking about?”

  “The power bill. Your dad forgot to pay it again.” My mom came and took my arm. “Come on. Let me look at your toe.”

  I shook my head. “No, it’s fine.”

  A knock at the door echoed around me, bringing me out of my memory. I glanced down at Meadow sleeping soundly before getting up to answer it.

  Jarak

  I couldn’t concentrate. What’s wrong with me? I couldn’t stop beating myself up over Esmerelda. Guilt plagued my conscience. How much longer could I keep my true reasons for finding her a secret?

  Never in a million years did I expect to feel connected to her as her Guardian—or a friend. That was my brother’s fate, not mine. If he found out I was with her, he’d kill me. But I couldn’t force myself to tell him and give up my time with her. She intrigued me.

  Pacing the hallway outside her mom’s room, I couldn’t shake the memory of her wide eyes as what Ree and Victor told her sunk in. I’d known just about everything concerning her and wanted to tell her on the plane, and I was a fool not to.

  My past haunted me in so many ways, but this hurt me more than I thought it would.

  Running my hands through my hair, I let out a deep breath. “I just hope she trusts me,” I whispered to myself. I stopped pacing to stand in front of the door.

  After knocking, I pushed it open a crack. She rose from the bed when I entered. “Hey, I just came to make sure you’re okay.”

  That was lame.

  I couldn’t believe I didn’t come up with anything better. Then again, why should I care? She was just supposed to be a means to an end for me. A way to bring my past to life—a way to make my heart stop grieving.

  But, she stirred something inside of me, yet I was still unsure what it was. I needed to push those feelings aside and chalk it up to the fact that she was connected with my past.

  Her expression changed as I walked into the room going from worried to angry. I took a step backward, knowing there wasn’t anything worse than an angry woman.

  “You,” she hissed as she lowered her clenched fists.

  Yeah, she was mad. And she had every right to be.

  I held my hands up in surrender. “Wait, I can explain.”

  “You knew—you all knew everything and yet no one told me anything! You let me walk in here blind.” She narrowed her eyes.

  “Esmerelda, I’m sorry. I promise.”

  Maztic’s growl echoed in my head, but he remained unseen. He wasn’t ready to back down to any threat, not even one from a girl.

  She cocked her head, and her eyes lit up. “You keep calling me that, but I’m Arabeth. If I spell it out will you get it? A-R-A-B-E-T-H.”

  That wasn’t what I wanted. I looked away, what I was supposed to say? Before I glanced back her way, she sprang from her spot and pounded her fists on my chest. I stood there letting her take out her frustrations. It would take more than a few puny pummels to my torso to hurt me. It was the least I could do for her.

  “I don’t approve of letting her beat on you,” Maztic said in my mind.

  “I know, but right now I need her to trust me. Besides, it’s not like she can hurt me,” I answered, my voice filled my head as I spoke with Maztic.

  “I don’t have to like it.” He growled again.

  No, he didn’t. Neither did I. But, a part of me sympathized with her pain. My heart thumped wildly as it connected with the emotion.

  I closed my eyes and pushed those uninvited feelings away. I didn’t have the luxury of having feelings for anyone else—especially her.

  Being her Guardian was all I should focus on and nothing more. Well, at least until Victor was done with her, then I needed her to help me.

  I raised my hand and caught her small wrist. Her eyes were wide as they pleaded with me for answers. Her fists stayed clenched within my grip, but her lips parted, trembling with unspoken words.

  Relaxing, I loosened my hold on her. “Esmerelda, I’m so sorry—for everything.”

  I couldn’t stop myself. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her in close, all the while yelling at myself internally. Her small frame fit perfectly next to mine making me feel more confused. This was not good.

  Not good at all. And even worse? My brother would find out about my betrayal. The woman he loved was pressed against me—the very same woman who was the reason for my broken heart.

  “I’m sorry,” she whimpered against my chest. “I’m just torn up inside, so much has happened. I shouldn’t take it out on you. I don’t know what to do.”

  I rested my cheek on her head. “I know.”

  I didn’t know what to do anymore, either.

  Dang it. This job was going to be harder than I anticipated.

  Seven

  Arabeth

  M eadow’s life was near an end, but it was too hard to just sit there and watch her sleep. A million and one reasons to be with her reasoned with me, but a million and two reasons to stay away won the argument.
/>   So, I hid downstairs most of the day.

  The more I thought about it, the more a tingle resonated through my body and I knew deep down that Meadow wasn’t my mom.

  I snuggled deeper into the corner of the couch, flinging a small square pillow over my lap and stared out the window to the pool. The living room, in that very spot, was the most comfortable place for me to sit. It was bright, with floor to ceiling windows. There was a fireplace tucked into the corner of the room with glass doors, allowing anyone that cared to watch, see the flames when lit.

  It also had a great view of the backyard. Roman-like pillars lined a walkway that led to the pool. At night it would be gorgeous, with solar lights adorning the edges, giving a royal feeling to the entire place.

  I inhaled the sweet scent of maple and sugar. My stomach growled in anticipation, not having eaten since I arrived that early morning.

  The sun warmed my skin as it shone through the windows. My shoulders slumped, and I wrapped my arms around my knees that I brought to my chest, curling myself into a ball. I shouldn’t be enjoying the warmth of the sun or the scent of baked food. I didn’t deserve it while Meadow lay at death’s cold feet.

  I couldn’t understand the hold up. Why hadn’t Ree and Trevor turned her before now? What were they waiting for? Why did they need me? I just wanted it over with so I could go home.

  Looking around the room, I noticed a small picture that sat on a bookshelf on the far wall. Getting up, I snatched it and brought it back to the sofa with me, setting it on my lap.

  I gazed at the happy couple in the photograph, but flinched when I realized the woman in the picture was Meadow. Squinting, I stared at the man closer. I didn’t understand how it was Victor. What other secrets did they keep from me? How well did they really know each other?