Eden's Mark (4 page)

             
“Are you saying that at eight months pregnant my mom didn’t show? Most women I see would look like a beach ball was under their clothes.”

             
“Her glamor hid that. Only those of us she let see her real self saw you growing inside her.”

             
Turning from the window, I saw Val take on a very somber look as she walked to her chair beside Lex. “Marcus rushed her out of the stall and came straight to us. It was time to get them to a secluded place for the birthing. The night before we were to leave, the Gelseys came to our door, asking to see Marcus. They wanted him and Eve to come to their house to have you. If we would have known he told his parents about the child, we would have moved them sooner. As it was, we didn’t know and it put them at risk.” Val was letting silent tears flow down her cheeks. I watched Lex take her hand and give it a slight squeeze, reassuring her to continue.

             
“Your father told them that they had a place to go and that they had no business being at our home. Circenn was unaccustomed to not getting her way, she did not like her son’s answer. Despite Marcus refusing to accept their help, they still offered to supply anything they needed. Something was off; we all knew it. For almost a year, they wanted nothing to do with them, and now, now, they knew their grandchild would be special. After several refusals from Marcus, they finally left. They had to leave that night; all we could do was pray that we could get them to the safe haven in time. A friend of ours, a vampire named Skyler, was helping us with a place to stay. It wasn’t very luxurious, but it was clean, safe, and Skyler was the best mid-wife in all of Ellethny.”

Chapter Five

              I sat at the table staring at the both of them, a look of sheer confusion plastered across my face. “Vampires need blood to live. You trusted her around them?” What were the two of them thinking? Maybe it was my lack of the paranormal education, but in my tiny world, a vampire would be the last person I would want around a birth.

             
“You are right, Eden, for the most part.”  His eyes crinkled at the corners from amusement at my naivety. “They do need blood, but like most of them, they feed off only those who give their blessing to do so, people and animals alike. Vampires are a peaceful race, content to do the hunt for the villages. They have the majority of the stalls in the market. In addition, they make up the vast portion of guards due to their strength, speed, and natural heightened senses.”

             
This whole world, the people in it, reminded me of a movie. Regardless, I listened closely.

             
“Skyler, as her family before her, have always been friends of ours. We traded items, helped each other with various things, and because of this, we had a strong bond with them. I owe Skyler a great debt. I doubt Eve would have survived without her gentle hands and her speediness. Your mother had a long hard birth and she lost a lot of blood. Skyler gave her the blood she needed to replace what she lost; you came out healthy and crying. I have never seen two people so happy in all my life. Your mom and dad loved you from the first moment they knew they were having you, but when they got to see you, the mist of light swirled around you all like vines winding around a tree.” Tears dropped on the table from Val’s chin.

             
“At the time, we didn’t know we had been followed to the haven. On the third night of your birth, a month after leaving our home, Skyler heard noises coming from the woods. My mom cast a hearing charm and it amplified the noise allowing us to hear everything. Shades had been sent to take you.”

             
“What’s a shade?” So much to process, my head hurt.

             
“Shades are evil beings who crave destruction, carnage. They are made by a very powerful dark magick. Whomever wields such magick gives up their life to the darkness.”

             
“Why would someone want to do that? Did you know anyone who had that happen to them?” His expression told me he had.

             
“We set up wards around the house the first night we arrived, we thought we were safe. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Deep in the woods, we could see shades surrounding us. Their skin had a sickening pallor that looked like death had touched them. Their eyes were more disturbing, completely white and glowed as if on fire.”

             
Shivers went down my arm. A quick picture of my dream popped into my head. I felt my heart quicken at the thought of pale eyes. The birthmark, which had been relatively dormant, began to heat, adrenaline feeding my anxiety. I listened closer to the difficult words.

             
“We knew a master was there somewhere, he had a mage trying to take the wards down as we reinforced them. Marcus wanted to go out and fight, but we couldn’t risk him. We had to get you and your parents out, but there was no escape.”

             
My family was going to die. An orphan was what I was.

             
“Your father and grandfather took guard at the front door. Your grandmother, Skyler, and I tried to usher your frantic mother towards the back of the house. Your room was the most heavily warded, if the other wards were breached, this would be our only chance to get you two out. As we shut ourselves into the room, we heard the front door kicked in. Marcus shouted at us, telling us to get you out now.” Val stopped to take a deep breath, trying to hold back the heavy sobs she choked on. She seemed to shrink in Lex’s arms as he held her tightly, helping her to keep control.

             
“They broke through the wards and entered the house. All we could do was try and get you out before the next set of wards went down. Your grandmother and Eve were chanting and weaving their hands into patterns, rebuilding wards. Skyler wrapped you up, gathered items we would need, and secured the window for our escape. Eve kissed the top of your head and told me to take you, run as far away as possible, and to keep you safe. I didn’t know what to say. Since she was the strongest mage, she thought she should stay and try to protect everyone else.”

             
I silently cried. My family fought to keep me alive. Lex reached across the table and squeezed my hand. The righteous indignation I had once felt over this whole situation melted into guilt, remorse, and sorrow.

             
“I hugged Eve, not knowing if I would ever see her again. She pushed me towards the open window. Skyler handed me a bag and whispered something in my ear. Hesitantly, I looked back one last time at the family I was leaving behind. With tears running down my face, I cast a cloaking spell over us and slid out into the night. I ran as fast as I could into Morlan Forest. Skyler told me her family lived there and would know what to do if we showed up. Several hours later, I came upon a small house built into a Bobe tree. The trunk of the tree was 60 ft. tall with brilliant orange flowers the size of melons. I hoped this was the place. I was exhausted and I knew you would need to feed. I knocked on the door and the faces of two youthful vampires greeted us. I quickly told them what happened and they let me in. Dirk and Raven said they would help us get to a portal, and we landed here.” I watched Val get up from her chair and fill the kettle with water. I heard her muffled crying. Lex rose and went to her side. He kissed her cheek, then turned towards me.

             
“I happened to be in my library when your aunt appeared on the floor. I had seen her borrow books now and then from my uncle, but I had no idea who she was or why she was here. This beautiful creature, covered in blood and dirt, lay unconscious on my floor with a bundle wrapped tightly in her arms. She stirred and immediately went on the defense. I told her I wasn’t going to hurt her and that she was safe. Valora sat on my floor and wept. I walked to her and placed my hand on her arm, that’s when I knew she was mine. I felt a strong pull in my soul connecting us. I knew then that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman on my floor.” He looked at Val and I saw such love in his eyes.

             
“Valora told me what had happened in Ellethny and I shared my own history with her. We kept watch over you for days, weeks, looking for any sign of a mark. We never saw one and became content that maybe the prophecy was wrong. I made contact through scrying to Amend. He said that Val’s parents were lost and that Marcus and Eve had escaped. No one knew where the two had gone. Your father’s parents had convinced the council that the couple was evil and trying to take over the rule of Ellethny. The council decided that if they were to come back, or anyone connected to them were to be found, they would be killed on sight.”

             
The water pouring into Val’s cup was loud as she spoke. “We wanted to contact them using the same method, however, you have to know where a person might be, and they could’ve been anywhere. Now that we knew that the Gelseys were pretty much in charge, we could never take you there to find your parents.”

             
I sat in my chair for a long time, silent, trying to get a grip on things.
“You said I didn’t have a mark when I was a baby, well, it is very faint, unless I am scared or nervous. Then it is pink and sometimes red.”

             
Lex took a deep breath, “How long have you noticed the mark on your wrist?”

             
“I don’t know, a long time. I never said anything because I thought it was just a regular birthmark. I mean, it has never burned or anything until recently. My dreams make it worse.”

             
“This must be hard for you, but we never thought this day would actually come.” Val whispered. It was hard to make out her words.

             
“I didn’t want to risk the chance of you being kidnapped, or worse, killed over one family’s power-hungry tirade. You are the most important thing in our lives, Eden. This is why we never mentioned it before, we didn’t want to have to.” Her eyes were large and full of tears.

             
“All these years I have felt like my life had a big hole in it, I didn’t have a real family or belong anywhere. Maybe if you had told me sooner I would have felt better about myself. It wasn’t your choice to deny me what I had a right to know from the beginning.” I wasn’t trying to be mean, but my frustration won out.

             
My parents may or may not be alive, I was a long-lost child of a prophecy, and I came from another world. If I was a machine, smoke would be coming out of my ears.

             
“I love you both for everything you have done for me, but I should have been told about this a long time ago. These dreams that have kept me awake, you awake might have stopped if I had known all this.” The birthmark on my wrist pulsed, sending an electrical-type current through my body.

             
“I know, sweetheart. I am ashamed for keeping these things from you. Honestly, I felt I was doing the right thing. I was asked to keep you safe. This was the only way to do that. Had you known earlier, you might have done something foolish. My only sister’s child was left in my care. What would you have done?”

             
She was right; I would have done the same thing. I saw the pain she felt over this whole situation, for her mom and dad, sister and brother. How could I condemn her for doing what was asked?

             
Lex crouched in front of me, “I believe that your mark is the same one spoken in the prophecy. If I’m right, then you should have unlimited power.” He seemed so sure.

             
“If I am what you say I am, then I think it is time to go find my parents. Dead or alive, I have a right to know what has become of them. I need to sort out this whole prophecy thing and see where I come from. You can help me or I will do it alone, either way, I am going. Although I have no idea what to do or where to go.”

             
With those last words, I walked out of the kitchen. Confusion was my new name. I needed time to think on my own. I went from an ordinary seventeen-year-old to a child of a prophecy whose parents could be alive or dead in a world that was full of fairy-tale creatures that I was meant to rule and unite. I had some soul-searching to do.

Chapter Six

             
I climbed the stairs to my room and fell into my bed. The sun was glowing through my window, painting it in yellows of every shade. My head hurt like it had been hit with a ball bat and I couldn’t get my mark to stop burning. I let the lull of afternoon take me into its abyss. The emotions from the last two conversations crashed against me like a wave, weakening me with exhaustion.

             
“How are you feeling tonight?” My ears perked at the smooth male voice that filled my room. Was I dreaming? That voice sounded so familiar.

             
“Now you choose not to speak?” Again, I lay on my bed too afraid to look around for the man I knew belonged to the irresistible voice. Slowly, I sat up and focus my eyes in the dim light. There he was, the man from the woods, super hotty himself, standing in the tree by my window watching me.

             
My voice was raspy, I stuttered a little, “I…I am better, thank you. How did you know where I lived last night? That’s a bit on the stalker side, don’t you think?” I was feeling a little bit braver.

             
His chuckled was light and flawless, “I am sure it seems that way.”

             
“What are you doing here?” Not that I minded, like…at all. His scent filled my nose, causing my heart to skip a few beats and my skin to overheat…sigh.

             
“I came by only to check on you. I will leave you now.”

             
“Wait! I didn’t mean it in a bad way!” I was too late. The mystery man was gone in a second. I was left sitting in my empty room bewildered.

             
My bedside clock read 6:15, the sunset filtered into the room showering the floor and walls with the lilacs and baby pinks of the evening sky. I could hear the clanking of dishes and soft voices downstairs. I had forgotten that we were having a guest for dinner. This was definitely not a good time to have a friend over to eat. I grabbed one of my pillows and placed it over my face. My life was upside down. The strange visit I just had was enough to set my thoughts going in a whirlwind. How would I be at dinner?

             
There was a knock on my door. I opened my eyes to Val standing in my doorway.

             
“Dinner is ready, Eden. Come down and meet Gregor.” Val had cleaned her face and changed into a strappy cotton dress with a shrug, she even did her hair. This must be some guest.

             
“I’ll be down in a minute.”

             
As my door shut, I went to my dresser and found a pair of white capris, black tank, and a tan overshirt. This spring was staying cooler longer and the nights were still freezing. I set about making myself look presentable. My hair was determined to be uncooperative. I sprayed it with water and pulled it back in a knot. I dabbed my lips with my favorite cherry-flavored gloss and walked out of my room, trying to pull my Chuck’s on.

             
I was three steps from the landing, fidgeting with my converse, when I noticed clear grey eyes gazing inquisitively at me. My foot missed the next step and I fell on my bottom down to the landing. All the mixed emotions I had felt walking down the steps dissipated. They were replaced by mortification at my clumsiness.

             
His amused expression didn’t help the situation any, and I blushed apple-red. I saw him as strong, angelic, and fearsome in the woods, calm and concerned just a second ago in my tree. Now…now he seemed professional yet relaxed. I wonder how many faces this man has?

             
He bowed at the waist in his old-world style and a small grin played on his lips as he offered his hand. My wounded pride wouldn’t have it. I rose on my own as he tilted his head in response to my refusal. Lex came around the corner and embraced him in a half hug, half handshake.

             
“Thank you for coming over, Gregor. We are indebted to you.”

             
“It is nothing. Your family has done so much for me, it is the least I can do for a friend.”

             
“Gregor, this is our niece, Eden, this is our good friend, Gregor Knightly.” Mmm. Gregor was a good name. Mrs. Knightly…even better name. Gregor gave me another questioning look as blood rushed to my cheeks.

             
This time, I took his hand, the cool of his flawless skin countered the heat in mine. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Knightly.”

             
“Please, call me Gregor, Eden.” His upturned mouth looked so sexy.

             
Ugh! Stop it Eden! Get hold of yourself!

             
Gregor chuckled out of nowhere. Hmm…no, he couldn’t have heard that.

             
“If you will follow me, dinner is served.” Val interrupted our trance. I meekly placed my hands in my pockets and followed her towards the kitchen.

The sweet aroma of fresh dill bread greeted me. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I saw the food laid out on the table. My stomach growled in anticipation of the feast.

             
“We had better eat soon before Eden’s stomach eats her alive.” I turned my head enough to see the laughter on both men’s faces.

             
Everyone took their seats and Val passed a small decanter to Gregor. I watched as a crimson liquid poured out into a black wine glass. Lex poured himself some of Val’s honeysuckle wine and the orange substance made me lift my eyebrows in question.

             
I helped make the wine once; Val had told me it had the properties to give the drinker clarity, allowing them to make better decisions. It was no wonder she had brought it out tonight. Lex poured a small amount into my glass, this would be my first time tasting the special drink.

             
We passed bowls filled with buttered parsnips, fresh baby peas, new potatoes, and honeyed carrots. The roasted fowl, browned to perfection, had the aroma of citrus wafting off it. Lex cut a leg off and placed it on my plate. The leg was always my favorite part. I bit into the juicy flesh and closed my eyes savoring the flavor of oranges and thyme.

             
Conversation at the dinner table was light and generic. I watched Gregor sip his drink and push the food around on his plate. I couldn’t help watching him. Like a coward, I turned away when he glanced at me.

             
Why do you look away, Eden? I won’t bite.
I felt a smirk follow his comment.

             
I looked at Gregor, then around the table. Did no one else hear him? Gregor’s warm voice filled my mind catching me off guard.

             
No one can hear me but you, unless I so wish it. Do not fear me. I find you most interesting. You have no idea how long I have waited to simply
talk
to you.

             
Excuse me? I had to have heard him wrong. Why would this gorgeous man want to interact with me?

             
It is not polite to invade a person’s mind without asking.
I tried to sound gruff, but it came off a little snarky.

             
Is it, now? Well, thank you for enlightening me on such protocols. I will refrain from using this form of communication until you feel more comfortable.
I felt the cutoff and it startled me.

             
Gregor returned his attention to Lex.

             
I didn’t say I was uncomfortable, I just said it wasn’t polite. How would you like it if I dove into your mind without you knowing I could?

             
This time, I held his gaze as he turned his face towards me.

             
You mean, as you just did…?
What was he talking about? He is the one that started this.

             
You are mistaken, Mr. Knightly. You are the one who did this. I was merely retorting to your comment.
I smiled in spite of myself, pleased with my response.

             
I shut off my telepathic communication from you. The only way I would have been able to hear you is if you entered my mind using your own.

             
Craziness, all kinds of craziness. Telepathic communication from me…sure.

             
“Eden, dear, are you ok?” Val darted her eyes between Gregor and myself.

             
“I’m fine. I just lost my appetite. May I be excused?” I wanted to bolt to get away from the stares in my direction, but I sat still waiting for a reply.

             
“I think that’s a fine idea. We can all retire to the living room and get down to business.” Lex and Gregor rose at the same time leaving me sitting at the table with Val.

             
“Can I help you clean up?”

             
“Watch this.” She gave me a wink and flicked her wrist. To my astonishment, the food disappeared and the table was back to normal.

             
“What. Was. That?” I laughed and saw a twinkle in my aunt. If this is what my family could do, I was all about it!

             
“Remind me to teach you that one sometime.”

             
“You mean I can do that too? All these years of doing dishes and chores…you were holding out on me!” I gave a chuckle excited about the cool things I would now be able to do. I hugged Val for no reason.

             
“What was that for?” She searched me unsure.

             
“I love you.”

             
“I love you too, always have and always will.” We walked in each other’s arms to the living room.

             
“I am telling you, Gregor, she is the one. I know it seems hard to believe, but I am almost one hundred percent positive that Eden is the child.” Both men looked at me as if I was on display. I shrank back a little wanting to disappear.

             
Gregor cleared his throat, “Are you sure about that? What proofs do you possess that support this?” I was drawn to the sound of his voice like an addict. I felt the heat rise, my stomach flipping, Gregor gave a strange expression my way.

             
You might want to control your thoughts if you insist on using this pathway to communicate.

             
Was that laughter?

             
I didn’t know my personal thoughts were to be shared at all.

             
My face flushed again, I wanted to hide under a pillow on the couch.

             
You are very cute when you are embarrassed.

             
Definitely laughter. Holy crap! How was I going to be around this insufferable man and not let my thoughts seep out into his brain? I was in so much trouble.

             
I think you quite enjoy being around me. Let me assure you, I am not insufferable. I was merely pointing out that you are unconsciously connecting to me. This is not a common occurrence for me and is something we will
both
need to deal with.

             
I looked at his face and his disheveled hair fell over those stormy eyes. I drew in a breath trying to calm my raging teenage hormones. This was going to be a long evening.

             
“Show him, Eden.” Lex looked my way giving me an encouraging nod. I hesitated.

             
“Show him what, exactly?”

             
“Please honey, it’s okay. Let him see your wrist, sweetheart.” I lifted my arm, exposing my wrist.

             
“I am sorry if this sounds absurd, but what am I supposed to be seeing?”

             
Lex grabbed my wrist gently. He saw a very pale marking that was unidentifiable. Panic threatened to break on his face, but he kept it reined in.

             
“Had you been here earlier, you would have seen an unusual birthmark on her wrist. It looks like a circle half shaded and half not. Apparently it only shows up when she is scared or agitated of some kind.”

             
Lex put an arm around me and I leaned into him, thankful for the coverage.