“I hope so,” I breathed. He wrapped me in a hug before we got ready for breakfast.
As soon as we opened the door, we could smell Miss Lily’s cooking. On our way down the stairwell, I glanced back toward Jeremy and Lia’s rooms. Both doors were open, and I was surprised to hear laughter coming from the kitchen.
I was a bit apprehensive as we made our way down the hall. Before we entered, we were greeted with Miss Lily’s boisterous voice.
“Good morning, lovely people,” she chimed. “Go ahead and get seated, the others are already in there…except Dom and Alaine. I think they both slept in.”
She seemed to be in a great mood and had set up another buffet of breakfast food. My stomach twisted as we took the corner, and the room went silent. Every head turned, and all eyes landed on us.
“There they are,” Jeremy said. He stood and walked over to me and gave me one of his awkward hugs.
I stood there, wondering if I was in a dream, until he stepped back, pushing his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose.
“I know you probably think we hate you.” His eyes expanded, and he inhaled a deep breath. “And I’ll admit, almost dying was pretty life altering. But we didn’t die. I knew from the moment I was taken, you would come for us. And you did.”
Lia stood next to him. She slowly reached out and took hold of my hand.
“This whole immortal thing was never a choice you were given. But that day in the cafeteria, you did have a choice. You could have chosen to walk away from us weird nerds, yet you didn’t. You came and sat with us, and became our best friend. That was your choice.
“You’ve endured more than we ever could. And yes…I am still quite shaken from being kidnapped and nearly drowned to death, but it will never take away the fact you were there. When it counted, you didn’t hesitate, and you came for us. You showed us how much you love us, and we just want to let you know that we love you too.”
My eyes burned as tears filled them. Kade was right. They did surprise me.
I opened my arms and wrapped them around each of their necks. They did the same, and we stood in the dining room, in a group hug, sobbing like maniacs. Well, Lia and I were. Then, Caleb and Courtney stood and joined in.
The love and support of my family and friends were the greatest gifts I could ever possess. Measured, not in monetary wealth, but with love and loyalty, I was one of the richest girls in the world. My family and friends were priceless.
Dom stepped into the room. “Oh, crap. What the hell is going on here? Did someone die? What did I miss?”
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“It’s happened. You’ve all snapped.” His baffled eyes swept across the room.
“Yep, we’ve all gone bonkers in this mad, mad world,” Jeremy said, walking to the buffet to make himself a plate. They all followed his lead and headed for the hot food.
“Siberia is quite appealing at the moment. Except for the food. No one can come close to Miss Lily’s home cooking.”
“Thank you, Dominic,” Miss Lily hollered from the kitchen.
“At least I know she loves me,” he said, giving me a wink.
During breakfast, Alaine walked in with a cup of coffee in her hand, reading a piece of paper. She looked a lot better than she did the night before.
“What’s that?” Dom asked.
“I contacted Abigail Reed and shared everything that’s been going on with Lilith. It appears she did have some information.”
All eyes locked on her.
“Well?” Dom asked.
“It seems she knows who Lilith’s birth mother is, and…she’s alive.”
“What?” I gasped. “They said Lucian murdered her.”
“No. She is very much alive.”
“How did Abigail find out? I didn’t think there would be any record of her, especially with Lucian as her father.”
“I don’t know how she does it,” Alaine said. “She has access to things beyond our comprehension. She’s like the master sleuth between our two worlds.”
I shook my head in complete awe.
“We need to find the woman,” Kade said.
“Where is she?” I asked.
Alaine handed me the paper and pointed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I thought it was a joke until I looked back at her and she nodded.
I held in my laugh as I handed Kade the paper, and pointed to the location.
He shook his head and passed it on to Dom.
Dom glanced at the paper. His eyes darted between Alaine, Kade, and me.
“You’re kidding me right?” He nearly choked. “Psycho’s mom lives in Siberia?” As he studied the paper, his eyes expanded. “No. No way. She’s the broad I was sent to watch over. I left because I was called here.”
“You know where she is?” I asked.
“Yeah. She lives in the middle of nowhere. And I mean nowhere. Now I know why she chose that place. She was hiding from Lucian.”
“Can you take us there?” I asked.
“Yeah, but you’ll need some below-zero clothes. That place is even cold for immortals.”
“How is she?” Alaine asked.
“She’s older, but pretty. I couldn’t tell because she was wrapped in layers. But she lives an isolated life and has a few dogs with her. Someone must be taking care of her because she has everything she needs to survive. I didn’t even know why I was sent there.”
“Maybe Midway knew what was going on,” I suggested.
“They must have,” Kade added.
Dom took a sip of orange juice. “Yeah, but Siberia,” he grumbled, “and I still owe Ephraim for the Porta Potty portal.”
“I think we all do,” Alex added. “That was messed up.”
“So, when do we go?” I asked. If we could get Lilith’s mom to come and prove she wasn’t alone, maybe it would change things. It was worth a shot.
“Let me make some calls,” Alaine said, taking a muffin from the buffet and filling up her coffee cup. “I’ll let you know as soon as I get a word.”
“So who’s going?” Dom asked.
“I think it should be you, Emma, and Kade,” Alaine said.
He turned to Kade. “Are you going to be okay being the third wheel?”
“This third wheel will beat your ass if you keep it up,” Kade laughed.
“Well, ladies…be sure to bundle up tight because you haven’t experienced this kind of cold yet.”
I SEARCHED OUR CLOSET FOR a decent coat to keep me from getting frostbite, but only found a not-so-warm ski jacket. I sighed, knowing I’d have to layer and end up looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Kade entered the closet and shut the door behind him. I turned, crossing my arms over my chest.
“And what brings you to my neck of the woods, Mr. Anders?”
His bright eyes, swirled with a golden desire.
“I see you’re having trouble finding something to wear.”
“I am,” I said giving a dramatic sigh. “I’m afraid I’ll become an ice maiden.”
“You’re too hot to be an ice maiden,” he said, stepping closer, his fingers gently trailing my skin, leaving pulses of pleasure wherever they touched. “How about you try me on for size?”
“Hmmm,” I hummed as he closed the space between us. I curled my fingers gently around his arms and ran them across his chest. “I can already tell you’d be a perfect fit.”
“I want you,” he whispered in my ear. “All of you.”
“I’m completely yours.”
As he lifted me, I locked my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His lips rose on mine, becoming even hungrier. Love and passion encircled us, like ribbons tangling our hearts and bodies. Every touch was like the first, tender, yet with absolute abandon.
In the madness, our clothes were removed, and he took me on the floor, pressing his rock hard body over mine. My frenzied breath and heartbeat were answered by his. With rising demand, I arched
into him, sending us spiraling toward heaven.
With an explosion of ecstasy, we were finally raptured, swallowed whole by our love.
I lay limp in his arms. Silence surrounded us, aside from our labored breathing. I ran my fingers through his thick brown hair and down his sculpted back.
Our love was boundless and absolute. Complex, yet so simple.
“You’ve rendered me useless for the next few hours,” I breathed.
His laughter made my heart swell.
“I wish I could take you flying, somewhere magical, where the two of us could be alone.”
“Wherever you are is magical,” I whispered against his lips.
“One day, I will give you everything your heart desires,” he whispered, his fingers trailing the lines of my face.
I took hold of his hand and looked deep into his eyes. “You are and will forever be the only desire of my heart.”
He leaned over and pressed his full lips against mine. “And you are forever mine.”
DOM CAME DOWN THE STAIRS, to find us waiting for him in the foyer. He was completely decked out in winter gear. “I’m ready,” he said. “We better get moving before I roast.”
Kade and I had donned everything but our jackets and gloves, which he threw in a duffle. We figured it would be easier in case we needed to battle.
Before we stepped outside, I stepped between them. Dom took my hand, and his firm grip nearly crushed my bones. “Ouch,” I said, looking up at him.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized loosening his grip. “I can’t feel anything with these mitts on.”
“Why are you wearing them now?” I asked.
“Do you know how long it takes me to get in this gear? I’m not taking it off . . . unless you want me to.” He shot me a serious look and raised a brow.
“Nope. I’m good. You can keep it all on.”
“I’ll melt for you,” he whispered.
“We need to find you a girl,” I replied. “She’s missing out.”
“What about Lilith?” Kade chuckled. “Ooh, or maybe you’ll hit it off with her mother dearest?”
“I have enough crazy in my life. I don’t need to add a psycho bitch to the list. She’d be the end of me.” His hand swiped his brow. “Seriously, if we don’t get out of here, I’m going to burst into flames.”
His face was flustered, and a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead.
“Ready or not, here we go,” I exhaled.
Kade took my other hand, and of course, it was a perfect fit. I called my power and in no time we were invisible and in the air, headed back to the Porta Potty portal, which would take us directly to Siberia. With only three of us, we were at the portal in less than a few minutes.
The air around us seemed to be clear of Fallen and Darkling. Lilith had no idea we were going on this mission, so I didn’t think there would be a threat. The bloodstone amulet was dim, assuring us of no impending danger.
I let go while Kade handed me my jacket, and we quickly slipped our gloves on.
“You ready for this?” Dom asked.
“Nope,” Kade and I echoed.
“No one ever is,” he replied. “Let’s do this.”
As soon as we stepped through, we were standing in a field of white, as far as the eye could see. Snow crunched under our feet, and the once too hot jacket was now struggling to keep me warm.
“This way,” Dom said. “You’ll have to call your wings because it’s a few miles north.”
I was glad our wings had a magical way of going through our clothing without tearing it to shreds. Another perk of having angel’s wings.
After a few minutes in the air, I spotted a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. It must have been hers because it was just as Dom had described it. Outside was a neat pile of wood, stacked almost to the roof. Steady plumes of gray smoke twisted and danced through the cold air, until they disappeared into the sky. How could anyone survive alone out here in complete isolation? She must have been a strong woman, or she could be just as crazy as her daughter.
We set down in a patch of trees about fifty feet away.
“This part is all you, Emma,” Dom said.
Wonderful. That wasn’t the kind of plan I was expecting. I sighed, knowing I had to find a way…first, to introduce myself, and then gradually build my way up to the real reason I was there.
Kade pressed his chest against my back and even through the thick jackets, I could feel his warmth. “You can do this, Emma. If anyone is capable of pulling it off, it’s you.”
They were right. I was the one Lilith was after. I needed to find a way to convey that to her mother, and see if we could get her to help us. It was like grasping at straws because we had no idea who she was, or what her psychological profile was.
“Here goes nothing,” I finally said, gathering up enough courage to head toward the small house. I hoped she didn’t have some alarm or a loaded rifle. That would suck; to dodge death from Lilith only to be killed by her mother.
Apprehensive, I forcefully willed my legs to step toward the door. I paused, glancing back at Kade and Dom. Kade’s eyes landed on me with hope. Giving a single nod, I knew he was with me and had my back.
Dom, on the other hand, flicked his hand, waving me to go forward, mouthing the words, “Go big, or go home.”
Oh my God. What did I get myself into? What was I going to say?
Hello, ma’am. I need you to come to Alaska with me and try to talk your daughter out of killing me and everyone I love. She’s a crazy bitch.
My heart hammered against my chest as I raised my hand to the door and knocked.
On the other side, dogs were barking. I heard a voice telling them to be quiet. A loud clank of a deadbolt sounded. Shortly after, the door creaked open a few inches, and a violet eye peeked through. When she spotted me, I smiled, causing her to unlock a chain lock and pull the door all the way open.
In the doorway stood a middle-aged woman. Her face was pale, and slightly weather worn, which I expected was from living in Siberia.
I swallowed a lump in my throat, immediately noticing how much she looked like Lilith. The same blonde hair fell past her shoulders, but her eyes were much softer, analyzing me. Before she said a word, I stuck my hand out.
“Hello, my name is Emma.”
With a furrowed brow her warm hand reached out and took mine. “Hello,” she replied. “Do I know you?”
I shook my head. “No, we’ve never met. I was sent here to find you, regarding your daughter.”
“Daughter?” Her brow nearly disappeared into her hairline. “I don’t have a daughter.”
Crap. Things were getting awkward.
“Do you know a man named Lucian?” I asked, grasping at anything.
It was then realization washed over her. I could tell his name must have been a distant memory because it appeared as if she were rewinding years though her mind, right in front of me.
I shivered, feeling the cold bite to my exposed flesh.
“Would you like to come inside?” Her voice was warm and welcoming, and she stepped to the side and ushered me in. “My name is Selene.”
“I would, thank you.” I sucked in a deep breath and stepped forward.
Inside, warmth overcame me, making me peel out of my jacket.
It was a quaint home. Small, and nothing fancy. In the living room was a fireplace, loaded with wood, which offered heat to the entire cabin. It was opened to the kitchen, also small, which was inhabited by two, gigantic dogs on the ground. Growls rumbled from their chests as their sky blue eyes steeled on me.
I froze, not wanting to make any sudden movement. I never had pets, so large scary animals terrified me. Especially those baring sharp teeth, willing to sink them into me at any given moment.
“Edward, Bella! You’d better knock it off, or you’ll get no supper.”
As if they understood, they laid their heads down in between their paws.
I giggled to myself with the name reference,
noticing a stack of vampire novels sitting on her dining table.
“Would you like some coffee or tea?” she offered.
“I’ll take some coffee, please,” I replied in my nicest voice.
“Excuse my babies. We don’t get many visitors, obviously.”
“I completely understand,” I said. “What breed are they?”
“Siberian Huskies,” she said, pouring the brew from a freshly made pot.
“They’re gorgeous.” One was white with a dark gray back, and a mask that went around his eyes. The other was pure white.
“Thank you,” she said, handing me a steaming cup.
“Please have a seat.” She pointed to her couch, then sat on a chair directly across from me. “So, tell me exactly why you’re here. And how did you get here?”
My hands gripped the cup tightly. I guess the only thing I could do was offer her the truth. She could take it or leave it. I would answer the first question and hope she would forget the second.
“I know your daughter,” I started.
She shook her head, confused.
“I told you, I don’t have a daughter.”
This wasn’t going well, but I continued.
“Someone said you were her mother and told me where I could find you.”
“Why?” she asked. “Why would they tell you lies?”
“You never gave birth to a daughter?” I clarified.
Tears filled her eyes. “Many years ago, I met the man you spoke of, Lucian. He was charming and distinguished. Everything about him was perfect. I fell head over heels for him. Early in our relationship, I found out I was pregnant. But the child inside of me wasn’t normal. It grew too fast.” She shook her head, lost in memory.
“In a matter of three months, I had reached full term. Lucian was there with one other. A nurse. The pain was unbearable. I must have passed out. When I woke up, I was alone, covered in blood. Lucian, the nurse, and the baby were gone, and I was left to die.” Her sobs filled the room.
“Then a strange woman showed up and said my life was in danger; that if Lucian ever found out I was alive, he’d kill me. I didn’t want to believe it, but I was alone and weak and had never been more afraid in all my life. The woman offered me protection, and after a few nurses had fixed me up, she brought me here.”