A gay story: Trinity: Origins Ch. 04-08 “Vanessa Romane.” Vanessa quietly replied after a few minutes. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She mentally scolded herself for having such a reaction to Reyhen’s adopted brother. “I’d say it was a pleasure to meet you, but this is kinda embarrassing.”
“It’s all your brother’s fault.” Remi grinned and gently lifted Vanessa back up to her feet. “He was the one that pushed me out of the way while we were watching you…uh…clean?”
“Our brother.” Vanessa corrected him as she groaned in discomfort. “You saw that?”
Vanessa gave Reyhen a look that clearly said ‘I’m going to kill you at the first opportunity that no one will catch me.’ Remi was oblivious to the look, his mind was still wrapping around Vanessa’s correcting him. He was feeling more at ease, seeing how true RJ’s words from earlier were. Remi was still very nervous, but he knew that he immediately liked Vanessa. If he was honest with himself, he knew that he was more concerned about Alec.
RJ had never had a sister before, so Vanessa was a welcome addition. Remi had always been the older brother, and he couldn’t stop the slight jealousy he felt towards Alec. He knew that he was being silly, and that RJ wouldn’t even cast him aside, but emotions were a difficult thing to stop. Remi could only hope that over time his insecurities would go away.
“I’m going to go get changed.” Vanessa shot another evil look at RJ. “Peanut, why don’t you show Remi around the downstairs.”
“Peanut?” RJ gasped. “You can’t call me Peanut.”
“Sure I can.” Vanessa smiled sweetly at him. “I just did…Peanut.”
Remi held back his laughter at the outraged looked on Reyhen’s face. He wasn’t sure what he enjoyed more, the fact that Vanessa could tease RJ so easily or the way she said his name. It just flowed from her mouth, like she was meant to say it. Remi quickly shook his head, clearing any such thoughts. He had other things to concentrate on, and the reddening face of his younger brother was one of them.
“She…I…. URGH.” Reyhen wasn’t able to complete a thought as he watched Vanessa laugh and run up the stairs. “She can not call me PEANUT!”
“I don’t see how you’re gonna stop her.” Remi grinned and muttered quietly under his breath. “Peanut.”
“TRAITOR!” RJ yelled and lunged at him.
“Who’s a traitor?” Alec’s voice echoed down to them as he made his way down the stairs. He had changed into a pair of old blue jeans and a plain tight gray T-shirt.
“He is!” Reyhen glared at Remi. “Vanessa called me something, which I totally didn’t appreciate, and then he had the nerve to mutter it!”
“Settle down, Peanut.” Alec used the nickname since he overheard Vanessa saying it. He reached out a hand to Remi. “You must be Remi. I’m Alec.”
“Good to meet you, Alec.” Remi gave him a small smile, not wanting to be rude but not wanting to be completely open either.
“Since our dear brother hasn’t done it already,” Alec ignored RJ’s curses and muttering. “Why don’t I show you around the house?”
Remi nodded and pulled RJ with him as he followed Alec. He was just as impressed with the inside of the Manor as he was with the outside. Everything was tastefully decorated, but it had a comfortable homey feel to it. Remi couldn’t stop himself from relaxing and enjoying Alec’s company, not that he really wanted to at that point. He could see that RJ’s comparison of the two was fairly accurate.
“Peanut, where are you, Peanut?” Vanessa’s voice called from the foyer.
“She is MINE!” RJ snarled and took off, leaving Remi and Alec standing alone in the kitchen.
Alec nervously lit a cigarette as the sounds of scuffling could be heard from the front of the house. The two men glanced at each other from time to time. Neither one of them really knew how to start a conversation. Remi took a deep breath and figured that the truth would be a good way to begin.
“I didn’t want to like you.” His soft voice could barely be heard over Vanessa and Reyhen’s fighting in the foyer.
“That’s what I was afraid of.” Alec replied just as softly. “I was worried that you would hate us for our sudden appearance and think we were taking RJ away from your family.”
“Away from me.” Remi looked at the pack of smokes on the table, his silent question obvious on his face. Alec nodded and pushed them towards him. “We’re the only ones left of the family.”
“I know that feeling.” Alec gently tapped his cigarette into an ashtray. “It’s that way with us too. It’s only me and Vanessa now.”
“I’m sorry.” Remi’s words were heartfelt and sincere. The pain of losing a family was one that he didn’t wish on anyone. He looked at Alec curiously. “You’re not going to ask how?”
“That’s your place, and RJ’s, to share when you’re ready.” Alec smiled softly. “I don’t know you well enough to feel comfortable asking that question.”
“You’re making it really tough to dislike you.” Remi laughed as he heard RJ yelling out ‘Uncle!’. He smiled at Alec. “Not that I really wanted to.”
“Even if you did, I’d understand.” Alec laughed along with him. “I can’t make you believe this, but, neither of us want to take RJ away from you. We just want to get to know him and you too. You’re both welcome here. Please think of it as your home.”
“Thanks, I’ll try and do that.” Remi finally allowed a full smile to grace his lips. Alec was amazed at how open the man’s face became as his dimples showed.
“Ride’em cowgirl!” Vanessa whooped as she rode into the kitchen on Reyhen’s back. “Whoa, boy!”
Alec clutched his stomach as he laughed at his brother and sister. Vanessa had changed into a pair of soft, faded black jeans and a green tank top. Her hair was pulled back in a simple braid. She was riding on Reyhen’s back, her legs wrapped around his waist. RJ looked really pissed off as Vanessa slid off his back and patted his ass.
“Thatta boy.” Vanessa grinned. She pinched RJ’s cheeks as she kissed his forehead. “You’re just so cute! Peanut, my little pony.”
“Vanessa…” Alec tried to warn her.
RJ snarled and swung his foot behind Vanessa and gave her a light shove on the shoulders. Vanessa stepped back, her leg knocking against RJ’s foot. She tilted backwards for a second time that night. She allowed her legs to bend at the knee, throwing her right hand back to catch herself. After catching her balance she pushed off the ground and back up into a standing position.
“Smooth move there, Sis.” Alec laughed.
“Well, I have been dealing with you long enough to pick a few things up.” She winked at the guys before turning towards RJ. “You fight the same way Alec does.”
“That should make for some interesting sparring then.” RJ grinned at Alec.
“We’ll see.” Alec chuckled and ground the butt of his cigarette out in the ashtray. He noticed that Remi was being quiet and was sneaking covert glances at Vanessa. “So, Remi, did you bring your luggage with you?”
“I, uh, no.” Remi glanced up at Alec being caught a little off guard. “I just thought that I would be going back to the hotel tonight.”
“No way, mister.” Vanessa shook her finger at him. “You’ll be staying here. There’s another room right next to Reyhen’s that you can stay in.”
“We can get your clothes tomorrow.” Alec smiled. “You look like you’re about the same size as me, so my clothes should fit you.”
“You have your own room?” Remi raised an eyebrow in question at RJ. “You didn’t mention that.”
“Correction, you both have your own rooms.” Vanessa smiled brightly. “That is, if you’d like one. Our home is your home now.” Alec nodded in agreement to his sister’s statement.
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” Remi stuttered. He had never felt so off balance before.
“You don’t have to say anything.” Alec grabbed a bottle of champagne out of the fridge. “The room is your is you want it, no pressure at all. How about we have a drink to celebrate?”
Vanessa moved over to a cabinet and was reaching up to grab some glasses. They were just barely out of her reach. Before she could say anything Remi was on his feet and taking the glasses down for her. She smiled gratefully at him before taking the glasses from him and sitting them on the table. Alec and RJ shared an amused look as Alec uncorked the bottle of champagne. Alec filled the glasses and handed one to everyone.
“A toast?” Alec asked as he raised his glass.
“To family, old and new.” Reyhen said after a moment.
The rest of the group echoed his words before clinking their glasses together. They stayed up late into the evening talking and getting to know one another. All of them felt at ease and were looking forward to the days to come. If only they knew what strange things were looming on the horizon.
The sound of thunder woke RJ up as it echoed through the sky. He sat up quickly in bed covered in a cold sweat. It had been a long time since he had the nightmares, but for some reason they had returned that night with a vengeance. His body trembled as images and feelings lingered in his still sleepy mind. Reyhen swung his legs out of bed and stood shakily on his feet. He felt a chill in the air and pulled the t-shirt off of the floor he had discarded as he got ready for bed.
He retied the strings at the waist of his pajama pants before stumbling through the darkened bedroom and into the hallway. A flash of lightning illuminated the empty hallway, causing a chill to run down his spine. He moved quickly to the door of Remi’s bedroom and quietly moved inside. RJ was barely able to make out where the bed was in the dark room. He quietly sat down on the edge of the bed, shaking the sleeping form that was lying in the center.
“Bro. Wake up.” He whispered. “The nightmares are back.”
“Nightmares?” A sleepy voice asked from the bed. “Reyhen, is that you?”
“Alec?” RJ wanted to smack himself. “I’m sorry. I thought Remi was in here. I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“S’ok.” Alec sat up in bed. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s…I…” RJ’s voice trembled.
“Hey, are you okay?” Alec slid closer to the young man. He reached out and gently squeezed the back of RJ’s neck.
“I don’t know.” RJ sighed as a sense of calm rushed through him from Alec’s touch. “I used to have nightmares all the time, but they went away. They came back tonight though.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Alec gently asked, not wanting to push the subject.
“I…yeah.” RJ nodded. “If you don’t mind.”
“Course I don’t.” Alec slid back towards the center of the bed and lifted the covers. “Wanna climb in? It’s a bit chilly tonight.”
RJ smiled softly and climbed under the covers. He lay down on his back as Alec lay on his side next to him. It was warm under the covers and RJ felt safe for the first time since waking up. He looked over and tried to make out Alec’s face in the dark.
“I’m not sure where to start.” His voice was quiet.
“Start wherever you feel most comfortable, bro.” Alec’s voice was soothing.
“Okay.” RJ smiled to himself as he heard Alec call him bro. It sounded, and felt, right. “My parents died three years ago.”
“I’m sorry.” Alec whispered.
“Thanks. They had taken a vacation to Europe, a second honeymoon.” RJ closed his eyes as memories rushed through his mind. “They were supposed to be gone for only two weeks, but they were having such a good time they decided to stay for a bit longer.”
“What happened?” Alec reached over and grabbed RJ’s hand, offering as much comfort as he could.
“It was their last day and they decided to exchange their money back into American dollars.” RJ held back the tears that filled his eyes. “There was a holdup at the bank. One of the robbers had a bomb and threatened to blow the place apart if they didn’t get all of the money in the safe.”
Alec heard the tremble in RJ’s voice and he shifted closer to his brother. Alec had a bad feeling where the story was going, but he didn’t want to interrupt. He knew that it had to be difficult enough talking about it let alone having someone asking a bunch of questions.
“For whatever reason an argument broke out between the robbers.” RJ let out a shaky sigh. “Before the police or anyone could do anything, the bomb somehow had been detonated. It had taken out the entire bank and parts of the building on either side of it. There…there weren’t any survivors.”
“Oh my God” Alec breathed out quietly.
“It was after we found out what happened that the nightmares started.” Tears slid slowly over RJ’s cheeks. “They are never the exact same thing, but the overall idea of it always is. Whatever the situation, I’m always alone and no one can hear me or see me. I’m always left alone…”
RJ had begun to quietly sob, and Alec wasn’t sure what to do. Hearing RJ crying broke his heart and he finally reached out and pulled his brother to him. He wrapped his arms around the younger man and stroked the back of his head. Reyhen grabbed onto Alec and cried quietly against his chest. After a little while RJ’s tears subsided and he became quiet.
“You’ll never be alone.” Alec’s strong voice rumbled in his chest. “You have Remi, and you also have me and Nessa now. We’ll make sure you’re never alone.”
“Thanks.” RJ felt himself drifting off to sleep, his body feeling secure next to Alec. “Can I…stay here for the night?”
“Course.” Alec simply replied. He pulled the covers tightly around them. Alec had expected RJ to move, but was surprised when the man snuggled closer to him. Alec smiled and kissed the top of his brother’s head. “You get some sleep.”
“G’night.” RJ mumbled. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Alec whispered back as sleep overtook them both.
The next time RJ woke up the sun was streaming in through the windows. He had slept the rest of the night peacefully, none of his nightmares returning. As Reyhen stretched he realized there was a strong arm wrapped around his waist. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Alec’s sleeping face. His brother was snoring gently in his sleep.
RJ relaxed for a moment, enjoying the peaceful feeling that filled his body. He had been initially embarrassed the night before when he realized he had stumbled into Alec’s room and not Remi’s. Before he knew it though, he was spilling some of his darkest problems to Alec without even a second thought. Reyhen thought he would have been more uncomfortable about it, but that wasn’t the case at all. He felt like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders and a bright smile appeared on his face.
RJ carefully got out of bed, making sure not to wake Alec up. He padded softly back into his room and went into his private bathroom. After going through his morning routine he could smell the scent of cooking bacon. His stomach rumbled loudly and he chuckled. Reyhen quickly made his way down to kitchen where he found Vanessa standing in her pajamas at the stove.
“Morning.” RJ said as he entered the kitchen.
“Hey there!” Vanessa turned and grinned at him. “I knew the smell of food would wake someone up! How’d you sleep last night?”
“Like a baby.” RJ responded with a grin.
“Good.” Vanessa removed some sizzling hot bacon from the pan, placing it on a plate before adding more to the hot grease. “That was a wicked storm last night.”
“Yeah, it was.” RJ poured himself a glass of orange juice. He sat down at the kitchen table and watched Vanessa as she cooked.
“You want anything special for breakfast?” She asked.
“Would some pancakes be okay?” RJ’s belly rumbled loudly.
“Pancakes sound great!” She laughed as she heard his belly rumble. “Would you mind starting them while I finish frying up this bacon?”
“Don’t mind at all.” RJ stood and moved towards one of the lower cabinets. He reached inside, barely even looking, and grabbed the pancake mix. Vanessa had turned to tell him where the mix was and shrugged to herself as she saw RJ had already found it.
A few minutes later Remi was standing silently in the doorway. He watched as Vanessa and RJ worked side by side, occasionally teasing or joking with each other. He couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on his face as he saw how happy his brother was. Remi had to admit that the Romanes were a very easy family to get along with. He was already feeling very much at home.
“Something smells delicious.” Remi announced his presence as he walked into the kitchen.
“Morning Remi.” Vanessa and RJ said at the same time before turning to each other and laughing.
“Morning.” Remi moved towards them and leaned over to grab a piece of bacon. Vanessa moved faster than he did and lightly smacked the back of his hand with the spatula. “Ow!”
“No eating until everyone is up!” She watched as Remi nursed his hurt hand. “I didn’t hit you that hard.” She grabbed his hand and gently kissed the spot she had hit, her thumb rubbing gentle circles over it. “There all better.”
“I forgot to warn you that she hits hard.” RJ chuckled, but went quiet as Vanessa turned to him, spatula in hand. “I was just warning him!”
Remi laughed as he watched the two of them continue their lighthearted bickering. His fingers trailing over the spot Vanessa had kissed absently. Remi shook his head and moved to pour himself some coffee. Vanessa told him where the sugar could be found before he even had a chance to fill his cup.
“Do the two of you need any help?” He asked.
“The bread is on top of the microwave.” Vanessa pointed in that direction as she prepared the griddle for the pancakes. “You could start making some toast.”
RJ was just finishing up the pancake batter as Vanessa grabbed something out of one of the cabinets. She handed the small bag to RJ, and he looked at her curiously. Vanessa grinned and motioned to the batter. He shrugged and poured the bag of chocolate chips into the thick batter.
“Who says you can’t have chocolate with breakfast?” Vanessa laughed as she mixed the chips into the batter before pouring some onto the hot griddle.
“Chocolate chip pancakes?” Alec asked as he strolled into the kitchen. “Yummy! I’m starving!”
“Who are you and what did you do with Alec?” Vanessa glanced over at him.
“What?” Alec asked defensively.
“Don’t what me.” Vanessa laughed as she flipped the pancakes. “You’ve NEVER been a morning person. So what’s so different about today?”
“I don’t know.” Alec glanced quickly at RJ and smiled. “I must have had a good night of sleep I guess.”
Reyhen was thankful that his brother didn’t bring up the previous night’s events. He wasn’t really sure he had the energy to talk about it again so soon, and he was having a great time so far that morning. He helped Vanessa finish up making the pancakes and started moving them over to the table. The four of them made quiet conversation as they enjoyed their breakfast.
“That was wonderful!” Remi leaned back in his chair when he was done eating. “I’m stuffed.”
“I always knew you were full of it.” RJ joked. Vanessa laughed heartily along with RJ.
“I’m glad that someone finally thinks your funny, Sport.” Remi sighed and rolled his eyes. “Seriously, I’m going to have to add in a few work outs to get rid of all this food.”
“You look fine to me.” Vanessa smiled as her eyes roamed over what she could see of Remi’s body.
“Can someone take me back over to the hotel to get my stuff?” Remi asked, quickly changing the subject.
“I’ll take you!” Vanessa said as she started clearing off the table. “I haven’t driven Alec’s baby in a while.”
“You better be careful!” Alec warned his sister.
“Aren’t I always dear brother?” Vanessa blew him a kiss.
“That poor old lady’s mailbox wouldn’t agree with you.” Alec snickered.
“As long as she drives better than RJ, I’ll be fine.” Remi laughed at the glare RJ shot him.
“Did you have a good time driving last night?” Alec asked RJ. “That car practically begs to fly.”
“That’s what I said!” RJ grinned.
“Okay, I’m going to get dressed.” Vanessa grinned. “Alec, RJ, you two can finish cleaning up. Remi, I’ll met you outside in ten minutes!”
“Does she really drive crazy?” Remi asked after Vanessa had left the kitchen.
“Nah. I just like to tease her.” Alec stood up and took his plates to the sink. He looked over his shoulder and caught RJ’s eye and winked. He knew that poor Remi had no idea what was in store for him.
Chapter Five
The radio blared loudly as Alec’s car flew down the side streets. Vanessa’s hair whipped in the wind of her open window as she flicked her cigarette ash out it. Her fingers tapped merrily on the steering wheel as she sang along to the music. She was completely oblivious to Remi’s pale face as he tried to keep his breathing even. He berated himself for being so damn scared in the car, especially since he had been a part of high-speed chases before without even blinking an eye.
If Remi had been honest with himself, he would know that he wasn’t scared of the high speeds of the car, but nervous around its beautiful driver. There was just something about Vanessa Romane that seemed to draw him to her. He had never been so effected by a woman before, and the woman being his adoptive brother’s sister was very disconcerting.
“My driving isn’t that bad.” Vanessa’s eyes twinkled merrily as she glanced over at Remi. A blush nearly appeared on his face as she winked at him, but he was able to just barely stop it.
“I’m probably just still feeling off from jet-lag.” Remi forced himself to relax under her gaze. He noticed they had almost passed the entrance to the hotel’s parking lot. “Here’s the turn!”
“Roger!” Vanessa flipped on her turn signal and spun the wheel to the left. The car immediately slid sideways for a moment before the back tires caught the pavement again, sending the car screeching into the lot. “Man, this thing really does turn on a dime.”
Remi stepped out of the car as soon as Vanessa had put it in park, resisting the urge to kiss the ground. Vanessa locked the car and moved around to the side Remi was on. She laughed at the relieved expression on his face. Her fingers reached out as she brushed some stray locks of hair off of his forehead.
“You ready to get your shit?” Vanessa grinned.
Remi simply nodded in response, not trusting his voice to function properly after feeling her touch against his skin. He took slow, deep breaths as they walked through the parking lot. His reaction to being around Vanessa was something he hoped would stop. Not only was he not looking for any type of romantic involvement, but also there was no way he could date his brother’s sister. Just thinking about it in those terms was enough to give him a headache.
“So you haven’t heard anything at all since that night?” RJ asked as they finished stretching.
The two brothers were in the training area of the Dungeon, both of them wearing only black jogging pants. Their bare chests glistened slightly under the light. Alec was surprised to see that they had the same warm up routine. The two men flowing from pose to pose in perfect unison.
“Not a thing.” Alec turned and smiled at his brother. “I can’t even be sure that Joshua was the one to leave my pendant there.”
“It had to be him.” Reyhen ran a hand through his hair. “Who else could it have been?”
“Very true.” Alec shook his head. “I can’t even believe I told you about all of that. I haven’t even talked to Nessa about it that much.”
“Some things you can only share with your brother.” RJ smiled at him. “Though it’s still hard to believe that you’re gay.”
“Why?” Alec grinned at RJ’s comment. “Not all gay guys are feminine.”
“I know that.” RJ stuck his tongue out. “I just think it’s odd for two out of the three of us to be gay.”
“Nessa’s not gay, she may act pretty butch sometimes but…” Alec’s voice trailed off for a moment as he looked at RJ’s smirking face. “Okay, so I was a little slow on the uptake. How did your family react?”
“A little slow?” RJ laughed as he gently shoved Alec. “My adoptive parents were really cool about it, so is Remi. They all just want me to be happy.”
“That’s good.” Alec stepped back falling into a defensive stance. “Let’s see what ya got.”
“Just remember you asked for it.” RJ took a deep breath before attacking.
For the next hour the two brothers sparred, moving with incredible speed and accuracy. Frustration set into both of them as their practicing continued. Neither one of them had been able to secure a hit on each other. Just when they thought they had found an opening, the other would quickly block. Alec finally held his hand up, panting heavily.
“I can’t believe I haven’t been able to tag you at least once.” He breathed.
“You and me both.” RJ bent over, placing his hands on his knees. “You were throwing out some moves I’ve never seen before.”
“Then how the hell were you blocking me, Bro?” Alec shook his head and wiped the sweat off of his brow.
“I have no fucking clue.” RJ stretched. “It was like my brain just shut off and my body just moved on its own. Or maybe we just have the same gay fighting style?”
“That could be.” Alec laughed and slung his arm over RJ’s shoulders. “Let’s grab some lunch. Nessa and Remi should be back soon. I hope he lived through her driving.”
“Is she really that bad?” RJ walked with Alec out of the Dungeon, grabbing their previously discarded shirts.
“She always has control of the car, she just likes to drive really fast.” Alec grinned.
“Oh, and just so you know, when we find Joshua, I’ll kick his ass for not contacting you.” Reyhen quietly said as they walked towards the kitchen.
“I appreciate that.” Alec ruffled his brother’s hair. “I think you’ll have to beat Nessa to it, though. She wants to rip his head off.”
“Why do I have a feeling it won’t be the head on his shoulders she goes after?” RJ winked at his brother.
“You and me both.” Alec smiled.
Vanessa looked around the nicely furnished hotel room. Remi was quickly moving around and grabbing all of his things. He was a bit embarrassed that Nessa had followed him up into the hotel. The previous night he nearly ripped apart his suitcase trying to find something appropriate to wear and because of that most of his clothes ended up strewn about the room.
“It looks like a tornado ripped through here.” Vanessa chuckled as she flopped down on the bed. “You’re as messy as Alec.”
“I’m not messy, thank you very much.” Remi huffed. “I was just in a rush to find something to wear to your house last night.”
“Awww, were you trying to impress us?” Vanessa grinned and winked at him.
“No.” Remi turned from her, hiding his blush.
“Someone’s lying.” Nessa’s voice was light and teasing.
“Ok, well, maybe.” Remi glared at her.
“Definitely.” She laughed and stood up, grabbing his suitcase. “Are you done yet? My gram could pack faster, and she hasn’t been on this Earth for some time now.”
“You’ve got a mouth on you.” Remi laughed and grabbed his duffel bag.
“I know.” Vanessa shrugged and headed towards the door. “It’s a gift.”
“Well that depends on how you look at it.” Remi muttered under his breath, though he shrugged apologetically as he noticed Vanessa was looking at him. “Sorry?”
“Yeah, you look it.” She shook her head and fixed a fake glare on her face. “Since I’ve given Peanut a nickname, maybe you need one too.”
“No, really, that’s ok, Nessa.” Remi was quick to respond. “There isn’t any need for that.”
“Let’s just finish getting you packed. I’m sure Alec and RJ are beating the hell out of each other by now.” A jealous sigh slipped past her lips.
“Why would they be doing that?” Remi dropped the shirt he was about to put into his duffel bag.
“Training.” Vanessa gave him an odd look. “Ya know, the thing we all do at least once a day.”
“Right.” Remi nervously laughed. “I guess my brain is just fried.”
“That depends on how you look at it.” She smirked as she threw his words back at him. “Ya know what you need?”
“I told you that I don’t want a nickname.” Remi grabbed his suitcase from her.
“You’ll get one whether you want one or not.” Vanessa grabbed his duffel bag and headed towards the door. “You move to slow. Now, as I was saying, you need a night out.”
“I’m not big on going out.” Remi followed behind Vanessa and almost walked into her as she stopped dead in her tracks.
“I didn’t ask if you wanted to go out. I said you needed a night out. So grab your gun from under your pillow and let’s go. You’re really lucky housekeeping didn’t find that.” Vanessa looked over her shoulder and saw the incredulous look Remi was giving her. “What? Doesn’t everyone keep a gun under their pillow?” She shrugged and walked out of the room.
“No.” Remi’s voice was quiet in the silent room. “Not everyone keeps a gun under their pillow.”
“Left foot green.” Vanessa called out after looking at the board in front of her.
“I swear to all that’s holy you’re not even spinning that thing!” Reyhen spat. His body tightened as he slid his leg under Alec to place his foot on the green circle. “You’re just trying to get us into the most fucked up positions you can think of!”
“She’s a kinky bitch.” Alec grunted under his breath. His body was nearly bent in a pretzel as he tried to keep his body balanced.
“When you said a night of fun, this never entered my mind.” Remi laughed.
“Well you were so damn adamant that you didn’t want to go out, so I figured I’d bust out some old games.” Vanessa smiled and flicked the spinner again. She glanced down and saw that it was pointing to ‘right hand blue’. “Left hand yellow!”
“You’re lying!” Alec growled at her. “You barely even glanced at that thing! It was probably something easy like right hand on blue!”
“What are you reading my mind?” Vanessa laughed. “This way is more difficult, besides, it will help you in the field.”
“How is a kid’s game gonna help out?” RJ sighed as he felt the muscles in his lower back tighten from holding the position so long.
“It’s a game of balance and concentration.” Remi nodded at him and Alec. “And dealing with outside influences.”
“How very astute of you.” Vanessa gave him a bright smile. “Intelligence is a very sexy quality for a man to have!”
Alec noticed the slight color on Remi’s face and gently nudged RJ as he nodded in the man’s direction. RJ looked over at his brother before winking back at Alec.
“Besides that,” A bright twinkle appeared in Nessa’s eyes. “This is helpful for Alec and RJ.” She winked at Remi. “Cause you know those gays get into all kinds of fucked up, kinky sexual positions.”
Her brothers were so shocked by her comment it caused them to fall down on top of each other. Remi’s laughter rang out through the living room as he watched the evil looks the two men were shooting at Vanessa.
“Looks like I win.” Remi brushed a lock of hair off of his face as he stood up.
“No way! She cheated!” RJ whined.
“Shut it, Peanut. Not my fault you’re so easy to psyche out.” Vanessa smirked.
“Bitch!” He snarled and lunged off the floor towards her. Vanessa yelped and took off into the kitchen.
“Those two are too much.” Remi offered a hand to Alec to help him up.
“Tell me about it.” Alec smiled. “I thought roughhousing was normally between brothers, not a brother and sister.”
“Very true.” Remi laughed and shoved Alec backward, causing him to fall onto the couch. “Catch me if you can.”
Alec growled and raced after Remi. As he headed up the stairs in pursuit he saw Reyhen leapt through the air and tackle Vanessa to the ground. Though it was only a second later he was flying through the air as she tossed him off.
“Gotta do better than that, Peanut!” Vanessa laughed as RJ yelled a sting of curses at her. The night was turning out to be a fun evening after all.
Almost an hour later the four of them collapsed on the couches in the living room, exhausted from running all over the house.
“Vanessa, Alec, Remington, and Reyhen.” Muse’s voice got their attention. “Please report to the Dungeon immediately.”
“What do you think is going on?” Remi asked as Vanessa and Alec led them down into the Dungeon.
“I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s bad.” Alec answered. “If it was something like a mission she would have requested us by our codenames.”
“Speaking of codenames, what are your names?” Vanessa looked at Remi and Reyhen.
“Mine is Maelstrom.” Reyhen rolled his eyes.
“How’d ya get a name like that, Bro?” Alec asked.
“Because of his temper.” Remi laughed and threw an arm around RJ’s shoulders. “It can get pretty violent.”
“Shut up, Silverwolf.” RJ smirked at Remi.
“And your name is Silverwolf because?” Vanessa grinned.
“Cause he’s a total animal and shits in the woods.” Reyhen responded before Remi had a chance. He ducked at the hand that flew towards the back of his head.
“Because of my courage and my loyalty.” Remi explained. “I’m very protective of the people I care about, almost like a wolf caring for his pack.”
“What about you two?” Reyhen questioned his siblings.
“I would be Trinity because of my strength in mind, body, and soul.” Vanessa replied. “And Alec here is Phoenix because he tends to always rise from the ashes, so to speak.”
“Wait a minute.” Remi stopped and stared at them. “You’re THE Trinity and Phoenix?”
“Huh?” Alec looked at Remi and Reyhen’s look of shock in confusion.
“I’ve heard about the two of you before.” Remi shook his head. “On my last couple of missions I heard some of the scum we were chasing talking about the two of you. You’re like the best of the best of us.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Alec waved away the comments. “We do what we need to do, end of story.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us!” RJ looked back and forth at Vanessa and Alec.
“You didn’t ask.” Alec sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Besides, I didn’t think that was important. We were more concerned with getting to know you, instead of talking about the family business.”
“Look, we can talk this out more later, but for now we need to see what Muse wanted.” Vanessa turned and continued walking into the Dungeon.
“Thank you for coming.” Muse’s voice echoed through the cavernous space. “You must all pack your bags right away.”
“Oh, come on, Muse. We can’t go on another mission now.” Alec sighed. “We’re still getting to know Reyhen and Remi.”
“You are not going on a mission, Alec.” They could almost hear laughter in his rich voice. “Reyhen’s birthday is soon approaching. Your parents had requested a special gift for the occasion.”
“Our parents?” Reyhen’s voice was thick with emotion. His siblings moved closer to him, giving him strength.
“The reason of your adoption will soon be fully realized. Destinies will be fulfilled.” Muse’s message was cryptic enough that the four of them looked at each other questioningly. “You’re presence is requested at Covenant Headquarters. You will leave first thing in the morning.”
“What do you mean headquarters?” Reyhen asked. “No one knows where that is.”
“The plane will be prepared for take off at eight o’clock in the morning.” Muse continued, ignoring RJ’s question. “Make sure to get plenty of rest tonight.”
“Muse, could you tell us where we are going please?” Alec requested.
“To Stonehenge.”
The moonlight permeated the room, illuminating the angular angles of the man’s face that stared up at the night sky. A long, deep sigh slipped past his lips as he gazed out at the seemingly hundreds of stars that filled the night.
“I knew I would find you here.” The man ignored the woman that appeared in the doorway. “Braeden, you can’t keep doing this to yourself.”
“Leave me alone, Riona.” Braeden didn’t even look in her direction. “You know damn well I don’t want to be here.”
“You know that we had no choice.” Riona crossed the room and knelt down next to him. The moonlight made it look like her blonde hair was glowing, almost giving her an ethereal appearance. “You may not value your life, cousin, but we do.”
“Dying doesn’t scare me, Rio.” The man’s voice softened a fraction. “I’m scared about what’s going on out there. I can’t stay here forever.”
“And you won’t, Brae.” She reached out and ran her fingers through his hair. “You have no patience whatsoever.”
“That’s not the point!” Brae finally turned and stared at Riona. “I can’t just sit here while…”
“Shhh.” She laid her fingers gently against his lips, quieting him. “I know, but something more important has come up, and we don’t have time to go through this again.”
“What the fuck could be more important?” Braeden jerked up into a standing position and leaned against the window.
“The Triad.” Riona’s voice was soft and breathless.
“Rio, I don’t really feel like talking about fairytales and legends, okay?” Braeden rolled his eyes. “Please, just leave me alone.”
“It’s not a fairytale, cousin.” Her Irish brogue was thick with fear. “The legend will soon be a reality.”
“What?” Braeden turned to look at his cousin. He knew that she occasionally was gifted with a vision of things to come, which was one of the reasons why he was there. “What have you seen?”
“I saw lights dancing through the night sky.” Her eyes almost glazed over as she remembered the things that she saw. “The air full of…something. Something so tangible I could feel it in my bones. It’s begun, Brae.”
“Are you shitting me?” Braeden’s forced himself to take a few deep breaths. “The Trinity has been formed?”
“The pieces are all there, but they haven’t been put together yet.” Riona shrugged. “I can’t really say much more than that. This vision wasn’t all that detailed.”
“That’s impossible. Your sight has always been crystal clear.” He shook his head.
“Unfortunately, it was pretty foggy this time.” Riona sighed and sat down on his bed. “I don’t think I’m meant to know what exactly is coming, Brae. The heavens just want me to know that it is almost here, nothing more. We both know that too much information about the Trinity is dangerous.”
“Can you please ask the Elders again if I can leave?” Braeden refused to meet her gaze.
“I’ll ask, but we both know the answer to that question already.” She moved towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I know you don’t believe this, but they are worried about you. And now with this new development…”
“I know.” He rested his forehead against the cool glass. “It’s probably too late anyway.”
“What will be, will be, Brae.” She squeezed the solid muscle that lay under her fingers. “There is much work to do. I’ll need your help in the library tomorrow.” Riona laughed as her cousin groaned. “Don’t be like that, it will get you out of the house.”
“Good point. I’ll help.” Braeden wished his cousin a good night as she left. As the door clicked closed behind her his eyes scanned the night sky again, his voice whispering into the darkness. “Forgive me.”
Chapter Six
“When I asked you to help, Brae, I didn’t expect you to sit there with an open book and stare out the window all day.” Riona sighed and shook her head in exasperation. She had thought getting her cousin out of her house would have picked his spirits up, but Riona realized that that wasn’t going to happen. “We need to find any more information we can. Time is running out.”
“I know, Rio, I’m sorry.” Braeden ran a hand through his hair. “My mind just isn’t focusing at all this morning.”
“You need to be focusing all the time, dear cousin.” Riona glared at him. “You’re going to need that focus when you become bonded.”
“Can we not start on that bullshit again, Rio?” Brae pushed a lock of hair from his face and frowned. “I find it difficult to believe that the Triad will be as powerful the legends claim, and if they were, then why would they need outside help?”
“You know very well what the legends say.” Rio’s tone had taken on a lecturing tone. “The bonding isn’t just about the magic, it also involves the souls…”
“Enough!” Braeden quickly stood up, his chair falling backwards to the floor. “You know very well that THAT isn’t possible!”
Riona’s eyes focused on her angry cousin as she muttered under her breath. After a moment a pale blue light shimmered around him. Within a blink of an eye the light faded away, leaving one to even question if it was there to begin with. Braeden breathed deeply as a wave of calmness settled over him. He quietly picked up his chair and sat back down.
“Thanks.” Braeden murmured.
“No need to thank me.” Riona reached over and squeezed his hand. “I know that your heart lies elsewhere, but we both know what the scrolls say. Whether you like it or not, it is your destiny.”
“I know.” Braeden’s hand rubbed across his face. “I just wish things were different.”
“Life has dealt you a hand to play, Brae. What you make of it is up to you.” Riona opened another ancient book. “I’d suggest keeping an open mind. You never know what may happen.”
“I’m going to go meditate.” Braeden smiled at her before moving to sit under the open window.
Riona watched as her cousin sat down on the floor and closed his eyes. A soft smile appeared on her face as she observed him. Braeden never saw the small balls of silver light that floated around him when he was able to deeply meditate. Riona knew that even if he did see them he would never believe it. Her cousin had a way of believing only the things he wanted to, even if proof was staring him right in the face.
Riona had hoped she was doing the right thing. Her visions of the Trinity were more detailed than what she told anyone. She knew that secrets had to be kept. The prophecies were finally coming true, and there was no way that she would endanger any of them. Her smile grew larger as she thought of some of the things she had seen. Life would definitely never be the same.
“What exactly does being an Animus mean?” Braeden’s eyes remained closed as he asked his question. He strengthened his mind to continue the conversation while he meditated. “If I’m going to be one, you should probably tell me more about it.”
“There isn’t much I can tell you.” Rio sighed. It wasn’t the first time her cousin had asked the question. “You know the Council…”
“Fuck the Council, Rio!” The silver orbs vanished a mere second before Brae’s eyes snapped open. “I’ve been kept in the dark too long.”
“You’re right.” Rio kept her smile hidden. She knew the only way to get her cousin to listen was to pique his curiosity. Rio had been dropping hints for weeks, and she was glad to see her work finally pay off. “Being an Animus isn’t something that a person chooses to do, it’s something they are born to do.”
“Obviously. I certainly don’t want any part of this, but I really don’t have a choice.” Braeden stood and stretched his body.
“A loose definition of an Animus would be guiding spirit.” Rio pushed a strand of hair back behind her ear. “It is the Animus’s responsibility to help their partner learn and control their powers.”
“How would I be able to help anyone if I have no clue what to do?” Braeden growled. “We don’t even know what these powers are the legends refer to. That’s if it is even true!”
“You’ll know what to do because it is your destiny.” Rio stood and moved to place her hand on her cousin’s shoulder. “You’ll be much more than a teacher, Brae. An Animus is a soul mate, two halves of a whole. Whether you like it or not, your partner will mean a great deal to you.”
“You KNOW that there is no way that can happen!” Braeden’s eyes narrowed. “My heart is my own, and I will not just give it away to some stranger!”
“Just like your destiny, you’ll have no choice in the matter, Braeden.” Rio gave her cousin a sad smile. “What shall be will be.” Braeden turned and started to walk away. “There is one other thing that you should know.”
“What’s that?” Braeden glanced over his shoulder at her.
“Since you will be bonded to one of the Trinity, you do receive a gift.” Rio paused for a moment. “As an Animus your souls are connected, so part of their power will carry over.”
“This is too much.” Braeden sighed. “I’m leaving, Rio. I can’t stay here anymore.”
“Time’s up, Braeden.” Rio’s eyes closed for a moment as she felt something shift in her mind. “They have arrived.”
“The wings on the plane dip left and right, left and right, left and right.” Vanessa sang as their plane streaked through the air. “The wings on the plane dip left and right all through the sky.”
“If you don’t make her stop, I’m going to kill her.” RJ growled as he glared at the back of his sister’s head. “Whose idea was it to sing songs anyway?”
“That would have been your idea.” Alec glanced back at his brother from his co-pilot seat.
“Fuck.” RJ sighed and sunk back against his seat.
“What’s with the grouchiness?” Vanessa paused in her singing for a moment. “Did someone not get much sleep last night?”
“He would have got more sleep if he didn’t spend half the night sitting up and talking with Alec.” Remi smirked at the younger men.
“Hey! That’s not my fault. He was the one that kept me up!” Alec laughed.
“I’m sorry to have wasted your time with my chatter!” Reyhen snapped. He unbuckled his seat belt and moved back to the small galley to get something to drink.
Remi, Alec, and Vanessa exchanged a look before Alec unbuckled his seatbelt and moved towards the back of the plane. Remi nodded and moved up into the abandoned co-pilot’s seat. Alec’s body shivered as he moved towards Reyhen, the back of the plane had a definite chill in the air.
“Bro, what’s wrong?” Alec kept his voice smooth and easy.
“Nothing.” Reyhen sighed and sat down on the small sofa that was back there.
“Sure doesn’t sound like nothing.” Alec’s stomach felt queasy as he sat down in a chair. He could tell that something was wrong with his younger brother, and his body knew that for certain.
“I said it was nothing.” RJ opened the soda and took a long swallow from it. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”
“Because I’m worried about you.” Alec reached out to his brother, but he sighed as RJ pulled away from his hand. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.”
“Stop treating me like a child.” RJ’s eyes burned with anger. “Since day one you and Vanessa have been coddling me. I’m tired of it.”
“Are you pissed off because she wouldn’t let you fly the plane?” Alec shook his head. “I don’t even get to fly the damn thing. It’s her baby.”
“Just leave me alone, Alec.” RJ’s eyes focused on the wall in front of him.
“I just don’t understand.” Worry and confusion flowed through Alec as he moved back to the front of the plane.
‘I can’t let you get any closer…if I do, something will happen to you, just like Mom and Dad.’ RJ thought to himself. He was so engrossed in his thoughts he never noticed the sharp look Alec gave him.
“Did you two hear that?” Alec leaned forward and whispered to Remi and Vanessa.
“Hear what?” Vanessa glanced back at him for a moment before returning her eyes back to the controls.
“RJ.” Alec looked back to make sure their brother wasn’t paying attention. “He muttered something about not getting close to us because he’s afraid of losing us, like his parents.”
“I didn’t hear anything.” Remi said as Vanessa shook her head. “Just give him some space, I’ll talk to him after we land.” He poked Vanessa in the arm. “And when, oh mighty pilot, do you think we’ll be landing?”
“In about an hour.” Vanessa slapped his hand away.
Reyhen’s fingers toyed with the tab on the top of his can of soda as he tried to clear out his muddled brain. He had been trying to keep his emotions under control, but there were things that had been happening to him, things he couldn’t talk to anyone about, not even Remi.
For the past two nights RJ’s dreams had been plagued with nightmares. Dark, menacing dreams that made his bones chill with fear. No matter how the dreams began, they always ended the same way, Vanessa and Alec dying. At first he just put the dreams off as relapses of his old nightmares, but the new dreams were different. He would wake up in the morning and his body would feel the things that had happened.
The connection that had sprung up between himself and his siblings had surprised Reyhen, but it had felt so right he never questioned it. The thought of losing the two of them made him feel sick to his stomach, in fact, the thought of losing his brother and sister hurt more than losing his parents. That was something that confused him even more. How could it be that losing people he had just met would hurt more than the loss of the people he grew up with.
Reyhen knew that he was going to have to talk to all three of them about it. Besides the fact that he had to apologize for being such an asshole that day. He dropped his empty can of soda into a small trashcan and moved back to the front of the plane. He returned the small smile Alec gave him and tried to relax back into his seat. RJ dozed off and before he knew it the plan was making its landing approach. They had arrived.
Rio forced the smile to stay on her face as she led the quartet into the guest home that had been arranged for their visit. Her stomach felt like a pit of snakes as she came face to face with the Triad, the prophesized Trinity. Besides the fact that her cousin had somehow given her the slip. She had asked Braeden to come with her, but he adamantly refused, and Rio had turned just for a second to grab her purse and he had disappeared.
“There are three bedrooms.” Rio advised them as they sat down in the living room. She turned to look at Remi. “I apologize that you will have to share. We were unaware that you would be coming.” She hurried on as a she felt a shift in his aura. “Not that we are unpleased, it is a pleasant surprise. There just isn’t anywhere else for us to move all of you to. Well, anywhere that’s…”
“Safe.” Vanessa, Alec, and Reyhen finished for her. They hadn’t even realized that they had spoken in unison. It wasn’t the first time that word had been used since Riona picked them up.
“This is where Covenant Headquarters is right?” Reyhen asked. He continued after Rio nodded. “So how could we not be safe here?”
“Yeah.” Alec added. “You told us on the ride over here that everyone in this little village is ‘family’. So how could there be any threat to us?”
“Not everyone in our little family believes the ancient legends.” Rio sighed and blew a strand of hair off of her face.
“I’m not sure that we even believe it.” Vanessa shrugged. “It is kinda hard to take in, ya know?” She glanced at her siblings while flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Ancient powers? I don’t think there’s anything behind all this mumbo jumbo.”
Rio watched in curiosity as Vanessa and RJ argued with Alec and Remi. She noticed that the two pairs were on opposite sides of the argument. The two redheads both felt that there wasn’t anything to the prophecy, while Alec and Remi were hesitant but they did believe.
“Maybe I can help.” Rio broke in. Four pairs of eyes were suddenly focused on her. “A demonstration?”
“How can you demonstrate?” Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. “I thought the prophecy talked about the three of us?” She motioned to Alec and Reyhen. “How would you come into play?”
“Because I’m the Gatekeeper.” Rio answered. She held up her hands to stop the bombardment of questions that came at her. “I can explain that in a moment, as well as answer your other questions, but first…a demonstration.”
They all watched as Rio moved over and sat down cross-legged on top of the coffee table. The silence in the living room became thicker as nearly fifteen minutes passed and nothing happened. Just as Reyhen open his mouth to say something a cool breeze floated through the room. Which couldn’t be possible since all the windows were closed.
As Riona’s blond hair began to shift from the wind that circled around her three balls of crimson colored light appeared around her. Four identical gasps of shock echoed through the room. The balls of light hovered in place for a few moments before they began to slowly circle her.
They watched in suspense as the trio of lights began to increase their speed. Within in minutes three blurred strands of light seemed to spin and circle around Riona. The wind increased slightly as Rio started to levitate off of the table. As her body rose into the air her legs stretched out into a standing position. It appeared at first that Rio was simply standing up, but her body continued to rise until her toes dangled nearly a foot above the coffee table.
Rio’s body floated back over to the armchair she had been sitting in before. The lights slowed in their pace circling her as she slowly was lowered back into the chair. With a small flash of light each crimson ball disappeared as the unnatural wind faded away. Riona blinked and focused her eyes on the four people across from her.
“Does that answer your question on whether or not these powers exist?” Riona asked with a small smile.
“Fuck me.” Vanessa breathed. She gave Remi a threatening look after he elbowed her in the side. “Scuse me, Remi, but after seeing someone float around the room with little balls of light spinning around them, I think fuck me is a good response.”
“She does have a point, bro.” RJ laughed at his brother’s scowl.
“So what exactly does the Gatekeeper mean?” Alec asked before an argument could erupt between his two hot-tempered siblings.
“It means that I will be the one to open the doorway when the time is right.” Riona tried to explain as best as she should. “The archives we have are very old, and some of our records that have survived are practically unreadable. When it’s time for you to receive your birthright there needed to be someone there to keep any evil at bay because all of you will be very vulnerable.” Rio watched the different range of emotions that appeared on all of their faces. “I will also guard that gateway that will open to ensure that nothing evil crosses over to the other side.”
“Talk about responsibility.” Alec commented. “How can you be so calm about all of this?”
“Because the talent of being a Gatekeeper is one that has been passed down through my family since the beginning.” Riona smiled. “I have been training my entire life for this moment.”
“Glad one of us has been.” RJ grumbled. “So all that will stand between us and any trouble will be you?”
“No.” Riona laughed. “Not even I am that powerful. We will have assistance, but I think that’s something we can get into later. You must be tired from your trip. I’ll explain more after dinner.”
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I could definitely use a nap.” Remi’s comment was accented by a fairly large yawn.
“So what should we do about sleeping arrangements?” Vanessa asked. “Obviously I’ll get my own room, being the only girl and all.”
“Alec can be kinda girly when he wants to be.” RJ snickered. “With all the time he spends in front of the mirror sometimes I think he just may be a girl.”
“I’m not the one that wears the designer underwear, bro.” Alec shot back.
“I think the two of them can share a room.” Remi sighed. “This way their arguing can be contained better.”
“Hey!” Alec and RJ shouted indignantly.
“Riona, I do have a question for you.” Alec glanced at Vanessa for a moment. “Since this is Headquarters, you’d have files on all the operatives, and their whereabouts?”
“Yes.” Riona kept her face as smooth as glass. The moment she suddenly found herself in felt very familiar, and she realized she had already foreseen what was about to happen.
“Is there anyway that I could get some information on someone?” Alec rushed through his question. As soon as he found out where they were going Alec knew he had an opportunity to find out where Joshua was. There were so many questions he needed answers to.
“Who?” Rio asked as she pulled out her cell phone.
“Joshua Finnegan, codename Backdraft.” Alec breathed out.
Rio nodded and punched a series of numbers into her cell phone. She flipped on the speaker function.
“Please request your function.” A warm automated voice came out of the phone’s tiny speaker.
“Status.” Riona replied.
“Function confirmed. Please stated the agent’s name.” The computer requested.
“Joshua Finnegan, codename Backdraft.” Riona spoke into her phone.
“Status information being reviewed.” There were a series of beeps before the voice continued. “Backdraft is not an active agent.”
“How is that possible?” Alec demanded.
“Please enter your security clearance code.” The computer responded to Alec’s question. Rio frowned and punched in another set of numbers. Again there was a pause as a series of beeps from the phone. “Please restate your request.”
“Explain the reason of Backdraft’s inactive status.” Riona spoke into the phone.
Whatever reasoning they had expected to receive in no way prepared them for the answer that they got.
“Backdraft was killed in the line of duty six months ago while on assignment in Southern Africa.”
Chapter Seven
Alec sat in silence, not sure whether to scream in frustration or bang his head against the wall. He didn’t believe the computer’s report. His time with Joshua may have been short but he knew that somehow deep down he’d know if something had happened. Alec felt a gentle pressure on his shoulders and he realized that Vanessa and Reyhen had put their hands on him in comfort.
“No.” Alec’s hands trembled as he forced the words from his mouth. “That’s not true.”
“I’m sorry, Alec.” Rio hung up her phone. “This has to be very hard on you.”
“He’s NOT dead!” Alec tried to keep himself calm. “There’s no way he could have been killed on assignment. They’re lying.”
“Alec, maybe she’s right.” Vanessa hated to admit Backdraft’s death because she knew it was killing her brother, but she couldn’t allow him to keep his hopes up.
“NO!” Alec screamed as he jerked up from his seat.
Riona felt a wave of energy pulse through the room. The force of it nearly knocked the breath from her chest. She saw that everyone else in the room had a similar reaction, and Riona knew that she had to calm Alec down before anything happened. Riona suddenly knew that she had been lied to because there was only one way that Alec could tap into his powers. Before she had the chance to do anything the fireplace roared to life in an explosion of fire.
“You have to calm down.” Riona slowly moved over to stand behind Alec. She noticed the glazed look in his eyes as he stared into the flames. “You need to release the fire.”
“What?” Alec blinked and turned to look at her. He noticed that his siblings and Remi have moved to the other side of the room when the fire erupted. “I did this?” He glanced back at the fire burning strongly in the fireplace. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Damn it, this shouldn’t be happening.” Riona muttered to herself. She wished Braeden were there because he would have been able to assist Alec in ways that she couldn’t. “You need to reach out the to fire with your mind. Feel the heat of the flames inside of you.”
“Ok.” Alec closed his eyes and attempted to do as Riona asked, but it was turning out to be more difficult than he thought.
“Why can’t we just put the fire out?” Remi asked.
“Because Alec called it.” She explained. “It will continue to burn until he tells it not to. It responded to his emotions, and until he controls them, the fire will burn.”
Sweat beaded on Alec’s forehead as he concentrated. He wasn’t able to feel anything at first, but then his mind was suddenly engulfed in a tender warmth. A gasp shuddered through him.
“It feels…” Alec’s breath left his lungs. “Alive.”
“Welcome, young master.” A soothing voice slipped through Alec’s mind.
They watched as a smile appeared on Alec’s face. After a few moments the flames began to grow smaller and smaller. As the last flame finally disappeared the fireplace looked as it had before, like nothing had happened.
“Wow.” Alec turned and smiled at them.
“Impressive.” Riona patted Alec’s shoulder. “Shit!” She muttered as she watched Alec’s eyes roll up into the top of his head. Remi rushed over and caught Alec as he passed out. “I was afraid this would happen.”
“What’s going on?” Remi asked as he felt a burst of shivers spread through Alec’s body.
“He’s not grounded.” Rio muttered a string of curses under her breath. “Part of his powers opened before he was bonded.”
“Bonded?” Vanessa’s eyes narrowed as she glanced between her unconscious brother and Riona. “To who? What are you talking about?” She demanded.
“Let’s get him into bed, and then I’ll answer all of your questions.” Rio sighed as Remi carried Alec upstairs.
“It’s begun, Brae.” Rio contacted her cousin mentally. “I need you here.”
“What happened?” Brae’s voice echoed in her mind.
“I don’t have time to discuss it. You need to get here NOW.” Rio glanced at the worried faces in front of her. “Help is on its way.” She said to the siblings left in front of her to try and call them down.
They all watched as Remi made his way back downstairs and sat down next to Vanessa.
“How is he?” Vanessa tried to keep the worry out of her voice, but it was a losing battle. Remi placed an arm around her shoulders.
“I don’t know.” Remi shook his head with a sigh. “He broke out into a sweat, I think he’s running a fever, and he’s mumbling a lot to himself.”
“It’s to be expected.” Rio scrubbed a hand over her face. Why didn’t anything work out the easy way? “His powers are manifesting inside of him. Things will get better once his Animus gets here.”
“Huh?” Reyhen looked at her curiously. “His what?”
“All of your powers will be very overwhelming at first, and you will need help in controlling them and learning how to use them.” Rio explained. “That’s where your bondmate comes in. The connection between the two of you will help you control your powers while you learn about them.”
“And we don’t get to choose our bondmates?” Vanessa asked the moment the thought entered her head. “You already know who Alec’s Animus is. So, obviously, Alec didn’t choose him.”
“There isn’t any choice. Everything has been predestined, chosen by fate.” Riona gave them a small smile. “Left to your own devices you might not choose the right person to bond with. There are groups out there that know of the Trinity Prophecy, and they would try to use the powers for evil. Fate has determined who should be bonded to ensure that the gifts you receive are used to protect the world, not destroy it.”
Vanessa watched Riona carefully and knew that there was more to what the woman was saying.
“What aren’t you telling us?” She asked.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Riona sighed. “Some things can only be found out when it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Are you going to tell us who are mates are?” Reyhen asked. “Since you already know how they are.”
“The only thing I can tell you is that my cousin Braeden is Alec’s Animus.” Rio stood up as she sensed him approaching the house. “He’s here.”
The front door slammed shut and the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway.
“Rio!” Braeden’s voice entered the room before he did. “What’s going on?”
“Manners, cousin.” Riona admonished him as he stepped into the room. “You have to meet our guests.”
“Let’s just get this over with so I can…” His voice trailed off as he looked at the three people sitting on the couch. “Vanessa?” His eyes bulged.
“Joshua?” Vanessa stood up in shock. “Oh my God, you’re supposed to be dead.”
“Why did you tell them that?” He spun towards his cousin and glared. His scanned the room as a realization dawned on him. “Alec’s the one the upstairs?”
As soon as Riona nodded her head, he turned and ran up the stairs without wasting any time. Vanessa turned to Riona, her eyes and shot the woman a cold, hard stare.
“You have a lot of explaining to do.” Vanessa growled.
“I know.” Riona said as she sat back down.
Alec wandered through the darkness that surrounded him. He had no clue where he was, but he didn’t want to leave any time soon. All of his emotions, all of the pain, were non existent wherever he was, and Alec was in no rush to return back to the pain. He couldn’t believe that Joshua was gone. There was no earthly way that could be possible.
Suddenly, the darkness was broken as a single flame appeared at his feet. Alec crouched down so he could get a better view of the fire. It seemed to sparkle in the darkness and he couldn’t stop the overwhelming urge to touch it. As his fingers brushed through it, the flame expanded before his eyes. It curved out and snaked into a shape before him.
He stepped back to see what image the line of fire had created and was surprised to see it had formed the shape of Vanessa Trinity pendant.
“I have waited a long time for you, young master.”
The same voice he had heard downstairs in his head echoed through the darkness. The fiery symbol collapsed before his eyes into the shape of a man.
“Who are you?” Alec asked.
“Any name I have has long been forgotten.” The mysterious voice answered. “I am your guardian, your power.”
“My power is fire?” Alec looked at the fiery man curiously.
“One of them.” The figure nodded. “You were angered before, and the flames jumped to your unconscious call.” The figure paused and Alec thought he saw a smile. “Your bonded has come for you.”
“Bonded?” Alec stood in silence as his guardian explained to him what Riona had told the others downstairs. “The only person I would want close to me is gone. I don’t care who is here.”
“Joshua is only dead in name, young master.” His guardian answered.
“What do you mean?” Alec paused for a moment. “You need a name.”
“Then you may give me one.” The figure laughed. “It has been a long time since a mortal could call upon me for help. It is only fitting you provide me with a name.”
“Apollo.” Alec said after thinking for a few minutes.
“Greek God of the sun.” Apollo nodded. “I am honored.”
“What did you mean about Joshua, Apollo?” Alec asked.
“Your love is only dead in name.” Apollo explained. “The Eternal Council that has been watching over all of you saw some disturbing things. The woman you killed on the island had contacted some very evil people about Joshua before she died.”
“Paige.” Alec growled at the mention of the woman.
“Correct.” Apollo nodded. “There were many people after your mate, and it was necessary to allow people to believe him to be dead. Otherwise his life would have remained in danger, and you would not be able to harness your powers without him.”
“He’s alive?” For the first time since he had awakened in the darkness an ache filled his heart.
“Not only alive, but he is there with you.” Apollo stepped closer to Alec. “You just need to wake up.”
“How do I get out of here?” Alec glanced around at the darkness.
“I shall help you, young one.” Apollo reached out to touch Alec.
“Will I see you again?” Alec looked at his fiery guardian.
“You need just call upon me, and I shall be there for you.” With that said Apollo reached out and grabbed onto Alec’s hand.
It felt like his body was going to explode with heat as Apollo’s fingers closed around his. The darkness exploded with light, and Alec closed his eyes from the surge of light. He could feel the hand holding his tighten, and a voice he never thought he would hear again reached his ears.
“Alec, come back to me.” Joshua’s voice pleaded with him.
Alec’s eyes fluttered open and he realized he was lying on a bed. He turned and looked at the man holding his hand.
“Joshua?” His voice broke as the man sitting on the bed next to him smiled.
“I’m here.”
Chapter Eight
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you, Bitch.” Vanessa had Riona by the throat and pinned up against a wall. “Do you have any idea what your little game has done to my brother?”
“I…did…what…was…necessary.” Riona managed to gasp out. Her hands clawing at Vanessa’s.
“So am I.” Vanessa pulled back a fist, preparing to launch it directly into Riona’s face, but a hand stopped her. Her head spun around to confront whoever was trying to stop her. “Let go, Remi.”
“No.” Remi shook his head. “Let her go.”
“Didn’t you hear what she just said?” Vanessa’s eyes seemed to blaze with light. “She KNEW who we were. She KNEW about what happened between Alec and Joshua…or Braeden or whatever the hell they are calling him now. She needs to pay for the pain she put him through.”
“That may be,” Remi nodded. “but what gives you the right to make that decision. Shouldn’t you let Alec handle this?”
Riona seized the moment of distraction and pulled her legs up, effectively planting her feet against Vanessa’s stomach. With a quick shove she pushed the woman off of her and slumped to the floor gasping for breath.
“You don’t understand.” Riona looked up at them. “There was no other way for this to play out. It had to happen this way. If anyone knew that my cousin was alive his life, and yours, would be in danger.”
“That’s what you keep saying, but I don’t believe you.” Vanessa took a step towards her, but Reyhen jumped over to help Remi restrain her.
“I wasn’t kidding about Braeden’s life being in danger.” Riona stood up, her legs still a bit shaky. “You can ask him for yourself when he comes back down. There were two attempts made on his life. We HAD to protect him.”
“Because of Alec’s powers?” Vanessa shook the men off and walked over to sit back down on the couch.
“What happened tonight with Alec could have been extremely worse.” Riona rubbed at her sore throat. “What if you were at home, or on a mission, and his powers manifested like that? He could have burned your house down or killed hundreds of people before he realized he could put the flames out. How would that effect him?”
“He’d be devastated,” Vanessa mumbled.
“Exactly.” Riona held eye contact with Vanessa. “I’m sorry for upsetting your brother, but I honestly did what needed to be done.”
“Fine.” Vanessa stood and slowly offered a hand to Riona. “I’m sorry for trying to kill you.”
“I have to admit I might have done the same if our roles were reversed.” Riona shook the woman’s hand without a moment of fear. She could sense the truthfulness behind Vanessa’s words.
“What do we do now?” Reyhen dropped down into a chair.
“For now…” Riona glanced up at the ceiling. “We wait.”
***
“Joshua?” Alec’s voice was hoarse, his throat dry. “Is that really you?”
“It’s me.” His thumb absently stroked over the back of Alec’s hand. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“That feeling is mutual.”
Alec’s heart nearly melted at seeing the smile that he had been dreaming of for so long.
“I thought you were dead, Joshua.” A thousand different thoughts were running through Alec’s head in an incoherent jumble.
“It’s Braeden, Alec.” Braeden’s smile faded a bit. “Joshua is dead, but it was only a name.”
“Braeden.” Alec tried out the new name. He liked the sound of it. There was a question that burned in his mind, one that he had to ask. “Why did you leave my pendant for me? Why didn’t you stay to I could see you?”
“I didn’t put it there.” Brae used his free hand to tuck his hair behind his ear. “Paige had sold me out. I had trusted her, and she turned on me. She had given my name and location to a couple of the more powerful groups that I had pissed off.”
“Who put it there?” Alec started to sit up in bed.
“Riona.” Braeden knew Alec wasn’t going to like the answer, and he wasn’t surprised when Alec pulled his hand away.
“She’s known everything the entire time.” A growl rumbled in the back of Alec’s throat.
“She’s one of the seers for the Elders.” Braeden tried to explain. “When she had a vision of the Trinity and its protectors, she had to do whatever was necessary to protect all of us. I didn’t understand that at first, but I think I’m starting to now.”
“Why didn’t you try to contact me?” Alec pulled back a bit from the man sitting on the edge of the bed.
Once he comprehended the situation he had been thrown into, there were many holes of information that needed to be filled. He understood the need for Braeden to remain hidden, but did that mean he couldn’t contact Alec? The happiness of finding out the man he cared about, maybe even loved, was alive, was starting to be eclipsed by anger.
“They didn’t let me have contact with anyone outside of here.” He reached out for Alec, and it hurt when Alec shied away from him. “I would have if I could-”
“You could have if you really wanted to.” Alec pushed his himself off of the bed.
“I didn’t have a choice, Alec, you’ve got to believe me.” Braeden stood and started to move towards him.
“Don’t.” Alec raised his hand. “You want me to believe that you escaped from that damn tunnel, AND two attempts on your life, besides all of the other dangerous shit we deal with, and you couldn’t even get a message to me?”
“I tried, God damn it!” Braeden’s voice got loud. “I wasn’t given access to any computer. I was under constant surveillance. Riona knew that I wanted to get in touch with you, but she was my watcher. I could barely get out of her sight.”
“Oh, really?” Alec ground his teeth as he had his way to the door. He brushed off the hand Braeden tried to lay on his shoulder. “Don’t touch me.”
“Where are you going?” Braeden called after him.
Alec was practically snarling as he fled down the steps. He swiftly moved into the living room, and all eyes were on him instantly.
“You’re okay!” Vanessa leapt up.
“We need to talk.” Alec focused only on Riona.
Reyhen and Remi stayed in their seats as a wave of heat rolled off of Alec. They both noticed the way Alec’s eyes seemed to blaze with light. Riona stood with a calm expression and faced Alec. It was yet another moment she knew would come.
“Alec, wait!” Braeden appeared in the doorway of the living room. “Don’t do this.” He started towards the blonde and his cousin.
“Stop.” Alec turned and gave Braeden a look that was cold enough to stop him in his tracks. He turned back to the woman that stood in front of him. “Why?”
“If you knew where he was you would have come for him.” Riona answered the question without asking for clarification. “You couldn’t be together until you knew about your brother.”
“Why?” Alec took a slow step towards her.
“If the two of you would have reunited, before Reyhen entered your life, the bond would have slid into place. What you went through before is nothing compared to what a premature bond would have done to you.” Riona stood her ground. “Without your brother your powers wouldn’t be able to unlock, but they would be trying to break through. It could have killed you, both of you.”
“You couldn’t even let him send me a message to know he was okay?” Alec glared at her.
“I thought the pendant would have been enough.” Riona glanced over his shoulder at Braeden. “Though I must admit, if I had realized just how far the bond between the two of you had progressed, I might have tried to allow the Elders to let a message through.”
“You had no reason to know about my sex life.” Braeden crossed his arms over his chest.
“You are an Animus!” Riona’s façade of calm started to crack. “You knew you were a guardian, and yet you didn’t feel the need to tell me the full extent of what happened between the two of you!”
“Maybe I would have if I had known Alec was the one I would be protecting.” He shot back at her. “You wouldn’t tell me anything about the Trinity, though I should have been able to put two and two together. It’s Vanessa’s codename for God’s sake.”
“I don’t take you as a bright one.” Reyhen finally spoke up. “Since you couldn’t even find a way to get in touch with my brother.”
“Excuse me?” Braeden turned and started towards the younger man.
“Try it and see what happens.” Vanessa moved in front of Braeden. “Please, give me any reason to knock you into next week.”
“And when next week rolls around, I’ll kick your ass.” Remi stood behind Vanessa.
“I’m not the bad guy here.” Braeden looked at all of them, especially at Alec. “I didn’t have any choice.”
“He’s right.” Riona tried to help Braeden out. “He was watched very closely. We couldn’t risk anything.”
“I’m sick of the excuses.” Alec sunk down into the closest chair. “Besides fire, what other powers should I expect?”
“Due tell, Rio.” Braeden moved as close to Alec as he could without upsetting the man even further.
“Well,” Riona shrugged. “we’re really not sure.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Vanessa shook her head.
“I didn’t say my visions were totally detailed.” A sigh slipped past Rio’s lips. “I know that each of you will have some type of elemental guardian. Alec is obviously fire.”
“How are you feeling?” Reyhen looked over his brother carefully.
“Better after talking to Apollo.” Alec gave his brother a smile.
“Apollo?” Remi wasn’t quite sure whom Alec meant.
“My guardian.” Alec couldn’t help but laugh. “Apollo. Can you hear me?”
A column of fire appeared in the middle of the group. After a moment it collapsed down into a form of a man.
“You called, Young One?” Apollo stood facing Alec.
“Fuck.” Vanessa dropped into a seat on the sofa, her eyes widening at the sight in front of her.
“I want you to meet my brother and sister, Vanessa and Reyhen.” He motioned to them. “This is another member of our family Remington. Finally, Riona and her cousin, Braeden.”
“It is a pleasure to finally get to speak with all of you.” Apollo nodded at each of them in turn. His gaze returned to Braeden. “Time will heal.” Apollo glanced over his fiery shoulder to Riona. “It is time, Rio. After the setting of the sun, they must be taken to their destiny.” With a flash of light Apollo disappeared.
“Where are we off to now?” Vanessa looked at Rio and smirked. “Or don’t you know all the details?”
“All of you should rest.” Riona choose to ignore the barb. “Tonight will be draining.”
“Our destination?” Alec repeated his sister’s question.
“Where else?” Riona started towards the front door. “Stonehenge.”
***
In the shadows of Stonehenge six cloaked figures walked into the center of the structure. They could almost feel the waves of power that seemed to float through the air.
“Is there a reason why we’re naked under these damn things?” Reyhen tugged at the collar of his robe.
“It’s symbolic.” Riona positioned the siblings in a large triangle. “You entered this world in the beginning stage of your life, and you are now entering a new stage. It’s only fitting that you revisit your entrance to this world.”
“So, now what?” Vanessa glanced around. “We wait for our guardians?”
“Are you kidding me?” Alec shook his head. “I think it’s quite obvious who your guardian is, especially with the looks flying between the two of you.”
“I’m sure I have no clue what you’re talking about.” Vanessa crossed her arms over her chest.
Everyone except Vanessa turned and looked at Remi. The man thanked the darkening sky for hiding his blush as he moved to stand behind Vanessa. Riona motioned to her cousin and he stood behind Alec.
“That would leave you as Reyhen’s guardian.” Alec looked over to try to see his brother’s reaction.
“No way!” Reyhen shook his head.
“We don’t have time to discuss this right now.” Rio moved into the center of the triangle. “I need the three of you reach out towards each other when I tell you to.” She commanded the siblings. “Remi, follow Braeden’s lead.”
Alec tensed as he felt Braeden’s hands on his shoulders. How could something that felt so good feel so awkward at the same time? Remi followed suit and laid his hands on Vanessa’s shoulders, though she was more welcoming to the touch.
They watched in silence as Riona pulled a ceremonial dagger from the sleeve of her robe. With exact precision she made a shallow cut in the palm of each hand. Riona gripped the dagger’s hilt with both hands and squeezed. Her blood running down onto the blade and dripping to the ground.
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A clap of thunder rumbled in the sky as the group kept a careful eye on what the woman was doing. Vanessa could barely hear the mumbled words coming from Riona as a strong wind gusted around them.
“Reach out towards each other, NOW!” Riona bent down and plunged the blood-covered dagger into the ground.
Bands of light shot from the siblings hands creating a perfect triangle around Riona. The wind that had surrounded them seemed contained within them wrapping around Riona causing her robe to billow.
“Powers from beyond the sky, hear my call, hear my cry!” Riona’s voice carried on the wind. “On this night, I ask of thee, unlock the power that has masked me.”
Thunder exploded through the sky again as lightning rained down around them. Three bolts of the energy combined and struck Riona with full force. Her scream pierced the night. Everyone else tried to rush to her aid, but they were all locked into place by the magic that hummed in the air.
A flash of light exploded from the center of the triangle blinding them all. Once their eyes adjusted they looked to see if Riona was okay. Vanessa was the first to speak.
“What the fuck?”
In place of Riona stood a man nearly as tall as Alec, his shaggy blonde hair stood out at odd angles. He took a few gasping breaths before he regained his balance and looked directly at her.
“Now you know my secret.” Rio’s voice had deepened and had a warm tone to it. “Now, it’s truly time to begin.”
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