Cult of the Hexad (Afterlife saga Book 6) (26 page)

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“But it’s true isn’t it? That’s why you called me ‘Your Demon’ when you first saw me…right?” I nodded not able to speak the shameful words.

“Do you often see demons, Katie?” The question caught me so off guard I faltered when trying to find my answer. I instantly thought back to that night when seeing all the Fathers drinking the blood of that poor girl. I had been convinced in what I had seen, what both Ari and I had seen. And then in Lucy’s house and that day at the fair, that gypsy hadn’t been human…but had it all been in my head? I just didn’t know any more so I gave him the answer I believed.

“Only when I am asleep.”

“Tell me then, why did you come here?” He asked and I so wanted to tell him what he wanted to hear. I wanted to say that I was his wife and I escaped that terrible place with the sole purpose of us being together again but I couldn’t.

Because it was a lie.

“I came here to find Dominic Draven to ask him to help me save my sister. I didn’t know it was you as I never heard her speak your name before and when one of my dreams led me to the name Afterlife all I could find out was…”

“That I owned the place.” He finished off for me.

“Yes and the last thing Ari told me was to listen to what my dreams were trying to tell me. She said it was the only way to save her and to save…” I stopped myself before I sounded even crazier than what he must already be thinking of me.

“Continue, what did she say?”

“Uh, and that was it.” I said turning away so he wouldn’t see the lie but he was too smart for that. He was at me in a heartbeat and now stood in front of me demanding what he wanted to know.

“Katie.”
All he needed to say was my name in that warning tone and I caved.

“She must have been confused because she told me it was the only way to save the world.” He took a step back in shock and that’s when I knew that I had blown it! I started to think of any way I could pull it back or any second now he would be throwing me out of here and calling the men in white coats!

“Look she was upset, confused, I don’t know she just was acting…”

“I need to know exactly what she said to you word for word.” He said surprising me with how serious he looked. Okay, so much for thinking I was crazy!

“Well I don’t remember it all…Why?” I asked warily.

“Then, I’m afraid that I have no choice.” This scared me as I didn’t know what it meant but it sounded way too much like a threat for my liking.

“I don’t understand what all this is about and what do you mean ‘you don’t have a choice’ a choice in what?” I asked looking up into his stern face and trying to find my answers there as well. He didn’t look happy but surprisingly it had been what I had said about Ari that had disturbed him the most.

He didn’t answer me, instead he disappeared into the dressing room only to reappear a moment later with some clothes in his hand. He threw them on the bed and instructed,

“Get dressed.”

“Why, where are we going?” I asked in a small worried voice, one that seemed to finally get his attention. He released a sigh before walking over to me and enveloping me in his arms.

“It will be alright but you have to trust me.” I nodded knowing that now I did trust him and not because I had little option to do much else but because I wanted too.

“Good girl.” Whenever I heard him calling me this I couldn’t help but dig deep and find what felt like the last shreds of my bravery.

“Now get dressed as I must leave you a moment. I will have someone come to get you and bring you to me. Have no fear Katie as everyone you’re about to meet knows you well but more importantly they care for you deeply and…you care equally for them.” I knew why he had paused before saying this last part and I bit my lip against the pain it brought me. What he was saying was that in my old life, the one he was convinced was mine, I had once loved these people. People I could no longer remember.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Draven.” I admitted looking up at him with wide eyes that clearly displayed my distress.

“They understand the situation, no one will push themselves on you and as long as you are yourself around them then everything else will slot into place.” He seemed so sure, which is what I told him.

“Of course I am sure.” He told me confidently.

“Why?” I asked wondering how he could be so sure. A cocky grin appeared before he said,

“Because it’s you.” And with that he kissed me softly and left.

I slumped down on the bed and threw myself back dramatically.

“What have you gotten yourself into this time Kay bear?” Hearing my sister’s nickname for me aloud again brought me the comfort I needed to do this, even if it had come from my own lips.

This was enough to get my behind in gear, so I dropped the comforter back on the bed and started to get dressed. I couldn’t help but go red when I picked up the matching underwear set that was a deep purple colour and it reminded me of Draven’s eyes. I still couldn’t understand how they changed colour like that and had wanted to ask a few times but it was never really the right opportunity.

After putting these on and being surprised that he knew my bra size I picked up a soft pair of indigo coloured jeans. They were tight and stretchy on the leg but still incredibly comfy to wear. The last items of clothing were a black strappy vest and a light grey sweater that had faded black wings on the back. It was cute and I loved it. But I had to wonder how he had picked the exact same thing that I would have picked if given the option.

I had to ask myself if this had been one of his wife’s favourite things to wear but then if that was the case then why were the tags still on the clothes? I gave up wondering and went into the bathroom to see what I could do with my hair. Most of it was dry now and I quickly realised after brushing the knots out that it was clean. I bit my lip, smiling in the knowledge that he must have washed it for me before carrying me out of the bath. I was so astounded at the kindness of this man that no wonder this Keira had fallen so in love with him, I was beginning to think I was already there myself!

I looked around but I couldn’t find anything to tie my hair back with so decided to do something I never did and that was leave it loose. I would have been shunned in the Colony for this, which is why the threat of having it shaved off in a public display was enough for me to hide it away at all times.

I walked back into the bedroom and the instant my eyes spotted the food spread out on the tables my stomach sounded its approval. There was everything there, from a selection of sandwiches, cheese burgers and fries, chocolate muffins
,
croissants an
d
Danish pastries, even…was that Chilli Con Carne and rice? I think everything and anything I would have picked off a menu if I had the choice was here!

I actually didn’t know what to pick, so was completely greedy and had a bit of everything. I washed it all down with diet soda and was pulling at the waistband of my jeans laughing to see there wasn’t much room there anymore. I knew there would come a point where I would regret eating that much as I felt stuffed to the brim but boy had it all felt good! I was still giggling to myself when the door suddenly opened. I quickly shot out of the chair, as the last thing I wanted was someone to walk in on me and see me poking at my full belly that now folded over my waistline.

“Hello Katie.” I heard that same voice I thought I recognised earlier and pushed all my hair back to see who it was. I gasped at the sight and as I had done with Draven, said the first thing that popped into my head without thinking…

“Ari’s Angel!”     

Chapter 24

Okay, so this is Awkward!

“Excuse me?” He asked in one of the calmest voices I had ever heard spoken. In fact, I found the only reaction to this was to repeat my obvious blunder,

“You’re Ari’s Angel.” As soon as I said it I wanted to smack myself. He gave me a confused look, which I had to admit wasn’t as frowny as it could have been considering what I had just blurted out at him for the second time.

“Am I?” He asked obviously trying to contain the smirk that we both knew was lingering there on the surface.

“I’m sorry, let me try that again…I’m Katie.” I said after shaking my head and walking over to him to shake his hand.

“I know who you are, darling.” He said taking my hand in his and this time letting that smirk show. Once again the urge to smack myself reared its punishing head. Of course he knew who I was, for a start he had already said my name and after all he was here right now no doubt sent by Draven to fetch me.

“Of course you do.” I rolled my eyes at myself and he laughed.

“It’s good to see you again.” I knew he said this only because he felt like he needed to say it for his own benefit, as he must have known I had no memory of him. Well of course apart from dreaming of him in that shameful way with Ari that one time, but I definitely think that was better left unsaid…
for like all of eternity!

He raised an eyebrow at me as if he was trying to figure something out and I realised it was probably why I was just stood here not saying anything.

“So I take it Draven is ready for me?” I said trying to prompt something from him as the way he looked at me now was starting to freak me out.

“Yes, my brother is waiting for us.” He informed me after coming out of his dazed state…but wait, did he just say what I think he did?

“Your brother!? Draven’s your brother?” I asked again in obvious surprise.

“Dominic is my brother, yes. I am Vincent Draven and I believe you have met our sister Sophia.” He told me smiling and I don’t know what it was about it but there was something so calming about him. The soft way he spoke and the reassuring way in which he said everything was so bewitching. He drew you in to feeling safe and trusting.

“But you don’t look anything alike!”  I found once again my brain and mouth weren’t working together as I blurted this out. Thankfully he just chuckled and said,

“Yes, we are different in many ways. I have been told that I favour my mother’s side of the family.”

“Ah, like me and Ari, we take after our dad…thankfully.” I added thinking back bitterly to the wicked witch of the Colony!

“And this Ari…she is your sister?” He asked and I couldn’t help blush knowing what I had shouted out when he first entered the room. Of course this wasn’t the only reason I blushed as I really didn’t need to think of these two being in the same room as each other, not considering what my dreams had shown me. No wonder Ari hadn’t gone into detail when telling me about him, not if that was what she dreamed of!

“Are you okay?” I asked because he got that confused look again and I couldn’t understand why…unless I was talking out loud again, but no, then surely he would have asked me about it.

“If you are finished here, then should we go?” He asked me, looking to the mass of food I had barely made a dent in.

“Oh yeah, I am stuffed! That chilli was amazing.” I said and the smile he gave me was one of the things I could relate him to his brother for. He was so handsome but in a different way to Draven, which reminded me, why I had got into the habit of calling him by his last name I didn’t know. Looking at Vincent in the flesh, it was strange how I could actually picture him and Ari together. He was gentle and serene which would calm Ari’s wild streak. Although thinking how gentle he looked I had to try hard not to think how he had been in the dream and nothing about what he had done to her looked gentle.  

Vincent coughed once as if needing to suddenly clear his throat and then said,

“I am happy to hear that.” He said referring back to me enjoying the food. I smiled back at him and managed to take in more of his appearance without openly staring, which is really what I wanted to do. I couldn’t help it, a man that handsome and Angelic looking just needed to be stared at by any girl with a pulse. He had a halo of tight golden curls and a pair of the most striking, crystal blue eyes I had ever seen. Actually I think I had only ever come across one other man, other than Vincent, that I would have classed as being ‘beautiful’ and that was his brother.  I looked sideways to catch another smirk and decided now would be a good time to say something before I did blurt out how attractive he was.   

“Did you know that in Latin your name means ‘To Conquer’” I told him remembering this from my tedious lessons at the Colony and one of the Fathers being a fan of the writer Vincent O'Sullivan.

“I did and I believe it was the very reason I was granted the name.” He answered me, this time seeming surprised for the right reasons.

“I wonder what Dominic means.” I asked myself out loud.

“Of the Lord.”

“Sorry?”

“Dominicus, which is Dominic in late Latin, means ‘Of the Lord’ and quite fitting I think.” Well I couldn’t argue with him there as he did seem to fit the ‘Lord of the Manor’ title quite well.

“So how about your sister Sophia?” I asked as I let him lead me down the grand looking hallway.

“Ah, now that’s where I think our parents must have got it wrong as her name means ‘Holy Wisdom’ in Ancient Greek but don’t tell her I said that.” I laughed at his teasing and could tell from the way he said it that he and his brother obviously adored their sister.

I followed him down the endless corridors, quickly realising this place was huge! I knew that if I ever had to walk this mansion alone that I would easily get lost in its maze of stone walls.

“It’s not as daunting after you have done it a few times.” Vincent said as if reading my thoughts.

“Seriously, do you guys have like mad observation skills or something, or do I just have one of the most expressive faces this side of the US?” I said not adding on the part where I thought they might all be physic.

“Just blessed I guess.” He said grinning and if he hadn’t have been looking I would have rolled my eyes as I thought ‘yeah, they were certainly blessed alright!’ I quickly felt colour invade my cheeks as I then thought back to what his brother had done to me only moments before he’d left and had to agree that
he
was most certainly blessed in the downstairs department.

“Are you alright?” I asked Vincent as once again he started coughing.

“Yeah, it’s just the dry air.” He said and with where my naughty thoughts were I knew I had the opposite problem in between my thighs.

“Oh, by the Gods, woman.”
I heard him mutter something under his breath but I could barely make out what.

“Excuse me, did you say something?”

“I said that I think we should hurry, don’t you? Dom will be waiting.” He ground this out and it was the first time since meeting him that he seemed to have lost some of his steely calm.

“Yes and no wonder.”
He walked ahead muttering something more and I had to jog to catch up.

“Something I said?”
I muttered back before we approached the door at the end.

“Is he in there?” I asked almost panting with the speed he had been walking.

“Yes he is….
thank the Gods.”

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that last…part…
oh my.”
I said as he opened the door to a magnificent, long room that was surrounded by marble. Table tops and plinths that held carved marble figures I couldn’t quite make out framed the room along the walls and a grand fireplace I could have lived in was at the centre of the room. Multiple chairs and sofas were situated around the fireplace, where most of the heat could be appreciated and rich reds and golds stood out against all the pale stone coming from the soft furnishings.

But this wasn’t the most striking feature in the room, or the most terrifying for me right now, it was the biggest wooden table I had ever seen. But, it wasn’t the fact that it seemed like the focal point of the room or the fact that it was big enough to hold forty people around it… it was however, the twelve people it did hold around it that I found most terrifying and they were all currently staring at me in awe. Every single person stood up at the same time, creating an echo in the vast room of the sound of wooden chairs being pushed against the stone floor.

“Uh…I don’t think I can do this.”
I whispered to Vincent, feeling that same strange sense of déjà vu creep over me again.

“You will be fine.” Vincent said closing the door behind me and standing at my only exit, no doubt in case I decided to bolt.

“Come to me, Sweetheart.” I looked to the top of the table and I released a pent up breath of anxiety when I saw Draven stood there waiting for me. I did as I was told and walked slowly past everyone sitting around, watching me as if they too had been waiting for me.

“Uh…sorry if we are late.” I said nervously, as if I needed to make my apologies. Most of them gave me warm looks and respectful head nods but looking at them all, one by one and I don’t think I had ever seen so many diverse people all in one place in my entire life, which, I grant you wasn’t hard considering I grew up at the Colony.

When I finally made it round to Draven I felt instantly better when he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me to him. I was surprised he was displaying such affection in front of what must have been all of his employees or something. I gathered as much considering he had been sat at the top of the grand table in what was an even grander chair.

Actually from where I now stood I looked down to see it was in fact a solid stone throne made from pure white marble that had blood red veins branching out all around it. It was an incredible work of art in its own right, including the tall arched back that held a fiery coloured glass, featuring a strange symbol at its centre.

“Be seated.” Draven commanded the room and I looked around to find enough spare chairs, so I took a step away from him and said,

“I will just grab a…” I was quickly cut off as Draven’s hands gripped my waist, pulled me back and sat down. I had nowhere else to go other than to follow him down, which meant his lap became my seat.

“You will stay right where you should always be.” Draven said running his hand down my loose hair in affection. Vincent then walked over to the empty chair on his brother’s right and before sitting down he informed him,

“Never again, Brother.” Draven placed a hand on Vincent’s shoulder and after a moment of what seemed like great concentration Draven burst out laughing.

“Don’t worry, I will send Sophia next time.” He replied and I frowned, hoping this ‘never again’ wasn’t referring to me. I thought back to everything that was said since Vincent walked through Draven’s door up until this point and I knew I was just being paranoid. It wasn’t like I had dropped my foot in it at any point or made the brief journey unpleasant for him.

“Miss me, did you?”
Draven whispered in my ear and I blushed when his hand squeezed the top of my thigh, making it obvious what he meant with that question. I was shocked at his behaviour in front of everyone, wondering what type of business he was into anyway, as this didn’t look like your typical boardroom meeting.

Or maybe I had got it all wrong and he was part of some elite, special forces group that helped get out and save hostages or prevent world domination from terrorist groups with bombs. Thinking about it now with the easy way he had talked about murdering those responsible, it would make sense if that was the type of thing he was used to. It was this or he was some billionaire Bruce Wayne type that had one, two, three…
a lot
of sidekicks.

“See what I mean.”
Vincent muttered to Draven and I heard him chuckle behind me as he pulled me closer to him.

“I think it’s cool and I am half tempted to set it up.” Sophia said who was sat on Draven’s left and I had no clue as to what any of them were talking about…had I missed half of the conversation?

“Katie, I would like to introduce you to my council.” Draven said ignoring his sister and starting the meeting. I looked around to each chair and tried not to react badly at how much they intimidated me. I think it was only Sophia, the oriental dude and one other woman with lovely but mad orange hair, that didn’t frighten me. The rest of them I could split between two groups and that was either biker bad boy scary and just plain wet my pants scary!

I heard Draven sigh at my back and say,

“Please, if everyone could introduce yourselves, then I think that may help.”

“Well you know by now I am Sophia, and this hunk on my left is my husband Zagan but don’t let his pale complexionfool you, he’s actually blushing right now.” She sai
d
mischievously. I looked to the man that was clearly an Albino and was surprised to find this was her husband. Although she was right, his ghostly skin didn’t detract from his handsome features and the tattoo that snaked through the scar on his face only gave him a sexy edge.