Enraptured: Immortal Chronicles Book IV Read online

  She stilled when she took in her friend’s bewildered face. His blue eyes were locked onto her wrist, focusing on her birthday present. “Alex?”

  His head snapped up. “Yes?”

  Her lips turned down. “Are you alright?”

  He swung his head to the side, shaking away his thoughts. “Of course, I believe I am just tired. Perhaps I will retire for the evening.”

  Not waiting for a reply, Alex stood up from his seat. He nodded towards father and daughter. “Thank you for dinner. Have a nice evening.”

  Darcie was stunned. She had no idea what caused her friend’s odd behavior, but she forced the thoughts away. She did not want her dad to think something was going on.

  She rose from the table and offered to clean up the dinner plates. Her father immediately moved to help her. Together, they cleared the dining room in no time.

  Once the leftovers were put away and the dishwasher started, the father and daughter watched television before her father decided to call it a night.

  Now that she was out of her father’s sight, Darcie decided to go check on Alex. Walking quietly through the colonial-style home, she arrived outside of the guest bedroom. She tapped lightly on the door.

  No response.

  She tapped again. This time, she said, “Alex?”

  Normally, she would not have been able to hear the subtle shift of fabric on the other side of the door, but that was before she became an immortal. Darcie heard Alex as he quietly moved towards the door and turned the metal knob.

  He opened the door and filled the doorframe, causing Darcie to take an involuntary step back. “Yes?” His posture was stiff. Darcie watched him cross his arms. She did not know what caused his current mood.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Perfectly so,” he replied.

  “Oh.” She shifted her feet. She did not know how to proceed. Should she persist and ask him about his sudden departure after dinner?

  After a moment’s pause, Darcie decided against it. Instead, she addressed a different subject. “I think we need to leave.”

  Instantly, Alex’s arms fell. “Indeed?”

  She nodded. “I am happy I got the chance to see Dad, but I can’t continue to be here and lie to him.” She revealed her inner turmoil and guilt. “If I stay, I will need to tell him the truth about me… my mom… Des… everything that has happened. And I do not think I want to do that. At least, not until things quiet down.”

  If that ever happens.

  Throughout her speech, Alex remained silent. Rather than questioning her, Alex dipped his head and said, “Alright. We can leave as early as tomorrow morning.”

  She had not anticipated that. “Are you sure? Don’t you need to arrange another place or something?”

  “It is already taken care of,” he revealed. “Whenever you are ready, we will go.”

  A mixture of appreciation and sadness swirled in her chest. She wanted to keep the truth from her dad until things settled, but she would miss him when she left. She did not know when she would be able to see him again.

  That thought sent Darcie’s mind down a different path. It only took her a moment to realize it, but there was something else she needed to do before she left.

  There was no avoiding it. Darcie needed to have the conversation before she left, or else she would regret it.

  Inhaling deeply, Darcie hoped she proved brave enough for the task.

  * * *

  The evening air chilled her as she walked across the front lawn. Tucking her hands underneath her arm, she tried to warm her fingers. The walk to her neighbor’s house was short, but Darcie wasn’t used to the cooler temperatures anymore. Staying in Greece for the spring had spoiled her.

  Climbing the driveway, she followed the cement path up to the front door. She halted just before the welcome mat and took a deep breath. She did not know what to expect once she knocked. She hoped for the best as she lifted her numb hand and tapped the wooden door.

  She picked up movement on the other side of the door and shifted on her feet as the person approached. The iron knob turned and moved inward, revealing a pair of familiar brown eyes.

  At first, Marie’s expression filled with surprise. She almost looked happy. But as soon as she had time to process who stood in the doorway, Marie’s face fell into a frown. It was painful to see, but Darcie had braced herself for the negative reaction. She would not be invited inside.

  “Hi, Marie.”

  Her best friend crossed her arms. “Hi.”

  Darcie did not let the short reply deter her. “How are you? How’s school?” She defaulted to the safe topics.

  Marie’s head tilted slightly. “Fine... I didn’t know you were back.” The last part was added after a brief pause.

  “It was a surprise visit. I leave tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” Marie glanced past her for a second. “Cool.”

  “Yeah,” Darcie returned lamely. It was the most uncomfortable conversation the friends ever had. They had spent two years apart before being reunited last fall, and even that reunion had been less stilted.

  Again, it is not like Darcie had not expected as much. Still, it was disappointing to experience. She looked over her shoulder at the Jameson’s driveway. She had waited for Kevin to leave before walking over to see Marie. He left in his car about ten minutes ago, and she wasn’t sure if he would be returning soon.

  Marie noticed. “He’s going to a movie with a friend,” she informed Darcie.

  She looked back, sheepish. “Oh. Cool.” Neither of them were particularly verbose at the moment.

  Marie eyed her and released a sigh, letting her arms fall to her sides. “What is it, Darcie? What are you really doing here?”

  Darcie’s eyes snapped back to her best friend. She swallowed. “I-I just wanted to say hello. Before I left again.” She didn’t know where to look. All she wanted was to reconcile with her best friend. Finally, she decided to just say that.

  “Look.” Darcie met Marie’s gaze. “I wanted to say I’m sorry. I hate how things ended between us. I understand Kevin is your brother and you care about him, but I just hope that one day you will forgive me for breaking up with him. I hope you know I never wanted to hurt him, and I am sad that it has cost me your friendship.”

  Throughout her speech, Marie did not react. She was careful to keep her response hidden. Finally, she said, “I’m sorry, too.”

  Darcie had to replay the words before they registered. “You’re sorry?” That was the last thing she expected to hear.

  Marie nodded. “I know you would never intentionally hurt Kevin. I overreacted when I saw how upset he was. So… I’m sorry.”

  An awkward, but hopeful, silence filled the space between them. Darcie felt the need to apologize for one more thing. “I am sorry for what I said about you and Josh. It was none of my business.” Josh was Marie’s boyfriend, but the pretty brunette was less than enthralled with the popular jock.

  Normally, Darcie never commented on their lack-luster relationship, but she had taken the low road during the friends’ argument after Darcie had broken up with Kevin. Essentially, she’d accused Marie of using Josh. As one might imagine, that did nothing to end their fight.

  “We broke up,” Marie said with little emphasis.

  Darcie’s jaw popped open. “What?”

  “We broke up a few weeks ago,” Marie repeated.

  “Wow.” Darcie could hardly believe her ears. “I’m so sorry.”

  Marie waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not. We weren’t good together. I was just prolonging the inevitable by staying with him.”

  Darcie kept her “I-told-you-so” comment to herself. Instead, she said, “I’m happy you are doing so well.”

  Her friend’s expression softened. “Thanks. What about you?” she asked, gesturing towards Darcie. “You look… good.”

  Darcie tried not to react. She knew her friend was commenting on her enhanced features. Ever since she changed into an immortal, her
features had adopted an other-worldly glow. She felt fortunate no one seemed too suspicious about the physical changes.

  “Thanks.” Darcie smiled.

  Marie returned the gesture. Then, she took a step back. “Do you want to come inside? My parents should be home soon. They’d love to see you.”

  Darcie let her face show her disappointment. “I wish I could, but my dad is waiting for me to watch a movie.” It was a small lie, but one she felt compelled to say. Darcie wasn’t sure she could spend a significant amount of time with Marie and not tell her about all the changes in her life. She wanted to catch up, but it would need to wait.

  Thankfully, Marie did not question her excuse. “Another one of his sci-fi films?” she asked, knowing the professor’s taste in movies.

  Both girls laughed. “Most likely,” Darcie admitted.

  Marie shook her head, still chuckling. “Be sure to tell him hello for me.”

  “I will,” Darcie promised.

  “And,” Marie added just as Darcie opened her mouth to say goodbye. “If you are around in May, you should try and come to my graduation party… A lot of our classmates will be there.”

  Graduation.

  How did something that used to sound so normal become something so surreal? Darcie had already graduated high school. Though it was only months ago, it felt like years.

  “Sure,” Darcie nodded. “I’ll try and make it.”

  “Perfect,” Marie replied. Then, before Darcie knew what was happening, Marie stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.

  Darcie squeezed her eyes shut and returned the hug. She’d missed her friend more than she could ever say. She prayed it was not the last time she’d see her.

  Marie pulled back, and Darcie quickly finished their goodbye before her emotions got the best of her.

  With a wave, she ran across their connecting lawn. Climbing her patio steps, she made sure to wipe away the stray tears before she entered her home.

  Now, on to face Adir.

  9

  The streets of central London were chaotic. Cars sat stuck in traffic despite the green light ahead. Motorcycles and scooters wove through the stopped vehicles. Periodic honks and shouts penetrated the air. Darcie groaned and leaned back against the headrest in the rental car.

  When will I get use to all this noise?

  The sleek Mercedes hummed beneath her as they began progressing forward. Peeking an eye open, she watched Alex calmly maneuver the car. He was undisturbed by the traffic, seeming more than content to be in the busy capital. She closed her eyes and sighed.

  When the vampire first told her of their destination, Darcie was stunned. Returning to Europe seemed like a bad idea. After all, it was where Adir tended to reside. Alex allayed her fears by reminding her of their inconspicuous travel. No one knew where they were, and no one had been able to detect their movements since they did not utilize magic or any other immortal ability. It made the trip tedious, but it was worth it if they remained under the rebellion’s radar.

  “We are almost there.”

  “Hmm.” She kept her eyes closed to try and alleviate some of her discomfort. The assault on her enhanced eyes was almost just as bad as that on her eardrums.

  “I think you will like the flat,” Alex said in attempts to distract her. “Des enjoys visiting.”

  Darcie straightened and opened her eyes to look at her friend. “Des has been here? Is he going to join us?” Her pulse started the race at the thought.

  Alex shook his head. “No, he will not be traveling to London. It would be too risky. Though, I did tell him where we were going, and he approved.”

  Darcie’s disappointment was sincere. “You both believe Adir is still watching Des?”

  “Most definitely.” He did not hesitate. “Adir has waited millennia for the opportunity to rise in power. He will not give up on surveilling Des after only a couple of days with no lead on your whereabouts.”

  She wished he would if only so she might see Des. “Did he ask you to tell me anything?” She tried to sound indifferent but knew she failed.

  Alex spared her a quick glance before returning his gaze to the busy road. “He expressed relief to know you are safe.”

  The building anticipation fell flat. “Oh.”

  That’s all?

  “We’re here.” Alex’s reveal prevented her mind from traveling down a dark, insecure path. He turned the sleek vehicle into an underground parking facility. The vampire lifted a hand to the security officer. The portly man tilted his head in greeting and promptly opened the gate. They parked and retrieved their luggage from the back of the car. Darcie had managed to fit all necessities into one standard carry-on and still had room to spare.

  “Allow me.” Alex reached over and took the flower-patterned bag from her. He jerked his head to the left stairway. “It’s that way.”

  Darcie moved and assisted Alex by holding the door open. They climbed three flights of stairs until he directed her to enter the interior hallway. Only, it wasn’t a hallway. Moving from the stairway indoors put them right in front of two immense doors. The number on the door read “3”. Alex placed their bags at his feet and retrieved an older-looking set of keys.

  Her eyes widened. “You own the entire floor?”

  “Yes.” He inserted the iron key. Pushing the right door open, he gestured for her to enter. Slowly, she stepped inside.

  The flat was the epitome of luxury.

  Dark black tile covered the entryway floor. Cream-colored pillars were placed in the corners of the small area, and the crown-molding lining the room was carved with intricate patterns. Darcie believed the sight screamed of wealth, and she had only seen the foyer.

  “The reception room is to the left.”

  She did not know what kind of room he mentioned, but Darcie used the information and walked that direction. She entered a long space filled with elegant antique furniture. A gold embroidered couch was pressed against the main wall, facing wide bay-windows. Darcie moved closer and observed the well-kept park located across the street. It was full of families and singles enjoying the pretty spring day.

  “That is The Regent’s Park,” Alex offered.

  “It looks nice.” She rotated and looked at her friend. “All of this looks really nice.”

  “I’m happy you approve.”

  An oil painting caught her eye. She observed the piece of art over his shoulder and said, “I’m guessing you’re loaded.”

  Alex laughed. “I do well for myself. Having centuries to build one’s financial portfolio can do that.”

  Darcie shook her head. She wasn’t sure she would have the insight and smarts to make enough money to afford such a luxurious vacation home, no matter how much time she had. It had to be worth a few million dollars.

  “Would you like to see your room and settle in?”

  She bobbed her head. “Sure.”

  Picking up her bag again, Alex led her through the reception room and past a study, second living room, and the formal dining room. It took all of Darcie’s self-awareness to not let her jaw continually land on the floor. There was so much space filled with so many nice things. It would take days to explore and catalogue all of the fine objects surrounding her.

  Finally, they stopped outside a beige door. Alex turned the antique knob and moved inside. Darcie followed, and she was equally impressed by the finery in the bedroom. It rivaled the exquisite fabrics and furnishings of her room at the brothers’ mansion in Greece.

  “Will it do?”

  Darcie turned to her friend with an incredulous expression. “Of course,” she said emphatically. “It’s beautiful.”

  Alex’s shoulders straightened. “I am pleased you like it. I will return to the main rooms for refreshment. Feel free to settle in and relax. Join me whenever you are ready.”

  “Sounds good.” She waited for Alex to disappear through the door before flopping down onto the bed. The mattress was soft as a bag full of feathers, yet firm enough
to support her frame. She sighed heavily and willed the tension to seep out of her muscles. The position was soothing after a long day of travel.

  Darcie allowed herself several minutes of relaxation before she rolled over onto her stomach, reaching for the bag Alex placed there. Digging in the side pocket, she retrieved the untraceable cell phone Alex obtained for her. Glancing at her screen, she read the message from her dad:

  I miss you already. Have fun on your trip. Love, Dad.

  Following their discussion regarding their departure, Alex had followed through with his offer to alter her dad’s memories. He made sure that Darcie’s departure would not be surprising to the middle-aged man. Instead, Professor Abernathy was ecstatic to hear of Darcie’s spontaneous vacation overseas. Though, that had not been his first reaction.

  When she first mentioned leaving to travel before she resumed classes in the fall, her father rebelled against the idea. She’d never seen him so worked up. He had been adamant that Darcie should not leave Maine. He said it was too dangerous. Though, when she asked why, he had been unable to verbalize his reasoning. It took a few minutes for Alex to coax her father into a submissive state where he could alter his mind, but the vampire eventually succeeded.

  Re-reading the well-wishing message, Darcie marveled at the power of Alex’s skill. He’d changed her father’s tune completely. The ability was astonishing, as well as a little frightening.

  Will I be able to do that?

  Quickly, Darcie pushed the thought away. She needed to get ahold of her witch abilities before she started playing around with any immortal ones.

  She allowed herself another ten minutes of relaxation before she decided it was time to venture back out into the luxurious flat. She released her hair from its tight ponytail and brushed out the long waves. After glancing at herself in the body-length mirror leaning against the wall, she deemed her appearance acceptable and walked out of the room.

  Despite the home’s immense size, its long rectangular shape was easy to navigate. There was only one major hallway with rooms branching off of it. She followed it back the way she came until she arrived outside of the reception room.