What the Heart Desires

“If you’re really on the up and up, why did you wait so long to tell us?”

  “I tried back in September.” Zeke glanced at Heaven. “Didn’t you get my texts? I’m sorry for scaring you.”

  Anger rippled through Dylan as he glared at him. “So you’re the asshole who was sending the texts? Let me guess, you’re the one who sent the package too.”

  “I don’t…I don’t know about any—”

  Dylan gripped his shirt, bringing them nose-to-nose. “Don’t fucking lie to me.”

  “I swear!” Zeke’s arms rose to his sides, palms up in defense. “I know nothing about a package.

  “Liar. Who else would send a newspaper clipping of Heaven and me? Who else would write something as sick and twisted as you don’t belong to him, you are mine, you will see?”

  A gasp resonated behind him. He knew it was Heaven, even if he couldn’t sense her energy. He didn’t need to because he knew her sounds, even her breaths. There were countless nights he’d laid awake and listened to her. The breaths she took would always be his.

  But would she be?

  Not if he didn’t quit disappointing her. He hadn’t meant to keep the information about the package from her for so long, but their life was so chaotic. There never seemed to be a right time.

  Zeke’s voice cut through the fear building within him. “I still have the messages saved on my phone if you don’t believe me. It’s clipped on my side. Take it and look through them.”

  “No. I believe you.” He mumbled the words, releasing his grip on Zeke. When he faced Heaven, he saw her confusion as well as her hurt. She backed away from him toward Layne, like he could protect her from the truth. If she only knew he’d been just as guilty in keeping the information from her.

  “Heaven, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

  “About what, the package or the fact that you’ve been keeping stuff from me? You knew how worried I was over the texts. Why would you hide the package?” She scowled in Layne’s direction. “Did you know about this too?” He tried to answer, but nothing came out of his mouth. Then he peered at the ground. “Unbelievable. What else don’t I know about?”

  Just like a snitch ready to offer information in exchange for immunity, Layne wasted no time in answering her question. “The Jamaican cottage we stayed in was blown to pieces. We found out the day we arrived here, when you went to talk to Faith.”

  Asshole. All he cared about was finding a way to redeem himself for his part in keeping secrets. He didn’t bother admitting his own.

  “Don’t let him pretend to be innocent, Heaven. He was hiding how much he knew about his abilities while we were in Jamaica.”

  “You two are something else.” Disgust thickened her voice. He swore she would give them a good ass chewing, but she blew out a deep breath instead. “Is there anything else I need to know?”

  Layne shook his head. Of course he would. As pathetic as it was, he couldn’t help himself. Heaven’s approval is what he wanted. Too bad it wasn’t the only thing.

  When she turned to him, he hesitated. The block between them was still in place, which explained why she stared at him. She was searching for physical signs of dishonesty. While he didn’t know what signs would give him away, he finally shook his head.

  Garrett didn’t.

  “Actually, that isn’t everything.”

  The Water Bender crept toward Heaven and extended his hand, palm up. His fingers curled and released, motioning for her to place her hand in his. She offered it without hesitation. He drew it closer, studying her fingers, her ring finger to be exact. Then he looked up.

  “You’re wedding day was in October, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve shared a lot of intel with Captain Laveaux regarding The Fallen. Now it’s time I share something with you. Between missions we’ve operated to hearsay amongst individuals, we’ve learned valuable information. But we’ve learned unpleasant facts as well.”

  The knot in Dylan’s gut began to churn. His intuition kicked in, warning him of the message Garrett would deliver. He thought of issuing a threat for the truth, but Heaven spoke first.

  “So…are you going to tell me or do I have to guess?”

  Heaven’s voice had a hint of humor within it. He knew her well enough to know it was a sign of her nervousness, and the thought disturbed him. She was reading Garrett, which meant she was sensing the same thing his intuition was catching—the information wouldn’t be good.

  “Are you tuned in to my energy?” Garrett waited until she nodded then peeked at Dylan. By the time he cleared his throat, he was facing Heaven once more.

  “Then you can sense how sorry I am to be the bearer of bad news. I can assure you that Zeke and I investigated the information we received. We had to verify it was correct…and it was. Heaven, you and Dylan aren’t legally married.”

  It was as if every muscle in his body shook with disbelief. And anger. “What did you just say?”

  Garrett wasn’t the only one looking his way. Several family members did. He ignored all but the Water Bender. This was not happening.

  And yet, it was…

  “I said you and Heaven aren’t married.”

  “How do you know?”

  Garrett’s eyes narrowed. He released Heaven’s hand then stepped closer. “I know you think I’m lying about this, but I’m not. I have proof I’m telling the truth.”

  Thunder rumbled in the distance, startling a few of the women standing about the room. Dylan didn’t mind the sound or the way it seemed to shake not only the walls, but also his chest. He glared at Garrett, who reached inside his cloak and withdrew what appeared to be an old newspaper.

  “Your proof is right here.” The Water Bender extended his hand, offering him the paper. “It’s on the top part of this page.”

  Dylan scanned the printed letters across the top of the yellowed paper. “The obituaries?”

  “Keep reading.” Garrett answered. He walked toward the window and looked toward the sky.

  The Bender didn’t hold his attention for long. Heaven approached. She joined his side and studied the paper. Once she started reading it, he did too. It wasn’t until he reached the third name in the column when he recognized the picture attached to the name.

  “Christ…” he mumbled.

  She must have spotted the picture at the same time because her jaw dropped. “Is that—?”

  “Yeah. It’s Pastor Allen.” He read further, searching for the cause of death, but the one the paper offered was simple. “Injuries sustained in an accident? Seriously?”

  “Oh my God, Dylan,” Heaven whispered. “This paper is dated October 5th.”

  It felt as though ice were pumping through his veins when he realized what it meant, but he still wasn’t convinced. He glared at Garrett, half tempted to punch him so this conversation would end, but he needed more information.

  “How does the pastor’s death prove we aren’t legally married?”

  “Because he was murdered the same night you were married. This is why there isn’t any record of your marriage and no certificate to prove you are. The men who murdered him had one mission. Obtain the marriage license so that it wouldn’t be filed. The order came from your dad, Dylan.”

  “Son of a bitch.” He shook his head and backed away. How could his father have known about the wedding? “No one outside of family and close friends knew we were getting married. These are people who would never tell my dad anything, least of all this.”

  “Your father has spies all over God’s creation. Not just Psi either. He has ordinary people working for him. How do you think he found you here?”

  Before Dylan could answer, Adalyn’s cries distracted him. He gazed in his daughter’s direction as Heaven walked over to Hope. Once Hope placed her in Heaven’s arms, her cries softened to a whimper.

  “I think she’s hungry, sis.” Hope said.

  Heaven nodded. She kept Adalyn close, consoling her the best she could. “I uh…” Her lips
trembled. He could hear the anxiety in her voice. The way it shook was clue enough that the news hurt her. “I’m going to the cottage to feed her. Will you come with me?”

  “Me?” Hope’s eyes flashed around the room before going back to Zeke and then Garrett. She worked her lips, but her voice failed. “Wouldn’t it be better if Dylan or Layne went with you?”

  Heaven exhaled. “I’ll be okay. You should stay. There is something keeping you here, and you owe it to yourself to find out what.”

  As confusing as his wife’s words were, the slight curve of Hope’s lips said she knew the secret message her sister was sending. When her attention returned to Garrett, Heaven moved toward the back of the house.

  “Heaven,” he called, hoping she would listen to reason. “You can’t go to the cottage alone.”

  A moment later, she disappeared down the hallway. He started following her when Layne stepped in his way. “Give her time to cool off. She’ll be ready to talk after you finish questioning these two.”

  “She doesn’t need to be alone.”

  “Which is why I said after you finish questioning these two. I’ll watch over her until you’re finished.”

  He gave Layne a quick nod and watched him work his way to the back of the house. As much as he wanted to be the one to console Heaven over the latest shitstorm, Layne was right. He had to finish questioning Garrett and Zeke.

  There would be plenty of time to discuss what they’d learned. Besides, she needed time to process everything. Once she did, they would talk. She wouldn’t stay mad forever. They were soulmates. They could work through anything. Even secrets like the one he and his mom kept over the last two months.

  He found his mother sitting on the couch, shoulders slumping. Guilt weighed on her. The same guilt weighed on him. She worried how Heaven would react to the information. He had struggled with the news since he learned about it at the cabin, the same news Garrett just revealed to his wife.

  Only she wasn’t his wife. Never had been, and once she discovered he’d hidden that fact, she may never be his wife again…

  CHAPTER 23

  Heaven ran her hand across Adalyn’s back while leaning against the side of the crib. Her daughter grunted as she stretched her tiny body and nestled her cheek on the mattress. She was content, belly full, and ready for a long nap. Her breathing steadied to a normal rhythm, one that Heaven had to appreciate, if just for a moment.

  She stared at the clock between the bedroom windows. Hard to believe it was half past noon. The gray sky gave the impression of early evening, possibly seven. It might as well be. It sure as hell felt like an eternity had passed since she saw her husb—

  Her chest ached.

  Dylan needed to be here. They had many things to discuss. He knew that as much as she did, but he hadn’t left the main house. Layne had. In fact, he’d come inside the cottage not long after she did. He hadn’t bothered checking on her. There was no need when he could sense her through their connection.

  Instead, he’d hopped in the shower, where he remained.

  Though she’d already had one of her own, perhaps a hot bath would help her relax. Instead of contemplating the thought, she marched to the bathroom and shut the door. The handles on the tub squeaked to life before water rushed inside it. Her clothes hit the floor. Once she stepped inside, she drew the curtain and submersed herself.

  Hot water beat against her legs as if a million fingers were dancing on her muscles, expelling the tension. She focused on the feeling. Nothing felt as good as the heated water.…except the heat Layne produced.

  He entered her thoughts, even though she fought to keep him and Dylan off her mind. The shock over everything she’d learned made it impossible. She didn’t know how to process any of it.

  She lifted her hand and traced her wedding band with her finger. How could she and Dylan not be married? They had witnesses to the fact, plenty of witnesses. Their friends and family watched as they exchanged vows. It didn’t seem right that a piece of paper prevented it from being legal.

  As much as she wanted to accuse Garrett of telling lies, she sensed that he wasn’t. She couldn’t bear the thought of listening to anything else he had to say. Thankfully, Adalyn needed to be fed. It gave her the perfect excuse to get away from everyone, including her…

  No. She couldn’t call him that anymore.

  Despite the lack of a marriage certificate, it didn’t change the fact he was still her soulmate. Then again, so was Layne. At least, he was supposed to be—would be if they made love one more time.

  Layla should have told him the truth, probably would have if he hadn’t come to the cottage. Of course he would come to the cottage. He was still her Keeper, would always be, but he had no clue how the pull between them was more. She had to tell him their true history.

  Swiping water across her face, she exhaled, dreading the impending conversation. Layne deserved to know the truth, but she hated what the news would do to Dylan, especially now that they weren’t married.

  There was no easy solution to this because it was more than her heart at stake. The fate of the world depended on her and the love she shared with Dylan, but where did Layne fit into the equation? If he was supposed to be her soulmate, how had Dylan gained his birthright?

  The shower handles squeaked again when she turned off the water and then loosened the plug. Sulking over the situation wouldn’t fix anything. The longer she sat there, the more the steam inside the room made it hard to breathe. She stood and parted the curtain enough to feel around for her towel, grabbing it from the hook once she did. The terry cloth swept over her body and then warmed her skin as she wrapped it around her chest.

  If she were lucky enough, Layne would be in his room, keeping his distance. Then she could avoid their conversation until she talked to Dylan. But the hum of Layne’s energy said he was nowhere near his room.

  She tucked the towel between her breasts then opened the curtain. Had she not sensed his presence, seeing him would have startled her. “Layne?”

  “I’m sorry for coming in without asking, but I… I came to check on you…and apologize.”

  “Seriously?” She hissed the word, stepping out of the tub. “You couldn’t wait until I was finished?”

  “I did. You just turned off the water.”

  Touché.

  It was hard to ignore the cocky smirk on his face. She did the best she could. Her robe hung on the linen closet not far from where he stood. She worked her way toward it, realizing too late that she’d brush up against him if she reached for it.

  To her surprise, he moved out of her way, allowing her enough space to grip the cotton between her fingers. The robe dropped into her hands, but she couldn’t focus on anything but him. The heat of his body radiated in the small space between them. He kept his hands to himself, which should have given her a sense of relief.

  It did the opposite.

  Ignoring him as best as she could, she shoved her arms through the robe, fastening it by the belt. The towel fell to her feet. Layne followed the sound. When he looked back up, heat blazed within him, and the anger she felt dwindled.

  He and Dylan both had their reasons for not telling her about the package, just like she had her reason for not telling Dylan how she saved Layne’s life. Now she held another secret—the truth about the affinity.

  “You don’t owe me an apology, Layne.”

  “Yes, I do. I should have told you about the package. Dylan thought his dad sent it, so he dealt with it. He left for Brightsville right after. You remember the rest.”

  “And the cottage in Jamaica?”

  It wasn’t the fact they kept what happened with the cottage a secret. It was the fact their dream had come true, but then, she already knew that when Raphe captured them. She really didn’t have a right to be mad anymore.

  “I know there’s no excuse for what we did. All I can say is we were terrified you’d go into preterm labor. We should have told you after you had Adalyn. I’m sorry, Heave
n. I’m sorry for keeping this from you.”

  “What about the bomb Garrett dropped? Did either of you know about the marriage license not being filed?”

  He shook his head and pressed his back to the door. “I swear I knew nothing. Dylan never mentioned it. He wouldn’t keep that kind of information from you.”

  She wanted to believe he was right, that Dylan wouldn’t keep such devastating news from her. Yet he’d already proven he could. The information regarding the package and cabin were small in comparison. What would stop him from hiding the truth about their marriage?

  There was no point in thinking about it until they discussed not only what happened between her and Layne, but the fact he was her Twin Flame. God only knew when that would be. How could he still be questioning Zeke and Garrett?

  “Heaven, talk to me.” Layne’s voice cut through the thoughts spinning in her head. “Please. I can sense how confused you are.”

  “Stop it, okay?” She tried moving past him, but he cut her off.

  “No! It’s not okay.” His hands slapped against the walls, trapping her against the linen closet. “I can’t wrap my head around any of this, even what happened between us. I should be worried about Dylan wanting to kick my ass, but I’m not. I’m worried about losing you.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”

  “It’s more than that, Heaven.” His voice thickened. “I don’t want to lose the time I have with you. I swore I wouldn’t interfere with your decision to tell him. But if you do…we’ll never be alone again. Unless that’s what you want.”

  Him leaving her alone seemed the most logical answer, but then, nothing about their life was logical. The more she fought the urge to be near him, the more the urge overtook her. There was little she could do to resist.

  So she didn’t.

  Fisting his shirt, she jerked him forward. His hands slipped under her robe, heating her hips when he gripped them. Her earlier reaction to his touch returned, the reaction that said being with him was natural. It was right.

  His head dipped lower. Their energy merged until the fire within him stoked to life. She enjoyed the heat it produced, the way it tingled her skin each second he stared at her. She craved the sensation every bit as much as she craved him.