“Morgan, I don’t think you’ve realized this, but short of bringing the dead back to life, nothing is impossible for you.” With a quick glance behind him, he moved us into the right lane and prepared to enter the freeway on-ramp. The pine trees began to shoot past us in a blur and I leaned my tired head against the window.
Thayde continued. “Flynn and Gavran are about to attempt something really dangerous to defeat my sister. Despite the fact that it’s stupid, it’s also very brave of them. I wonder what’s in it for Flynn. Why did he befriend Gavran? What does he want? You could very easily find out and while I don’t think it fair to just read minds, I think you need to do us all a favor and just start doing what needs to be done now.”
“Who’s this ‘all’?”
Thayde downshifted and the car lurched forward, speeding like a bullet down the freeway. “Everyone,” he answered.
CHAPTER EIGHT
BETRAYAL
A wonderful thing about Floridian nights is the warmth that embraces you when you step outside. The irritating thing for those with sweet blood is that they are instantly bombarded by savage mosquitos set on draining their victims dry. But those fortunate enough to steer clear of the needle wielding parasites are left free of performing a one hit jig made popular back in the 1920’s to get away from them.
Lars swore, arms flailing above his head as he retreated into the safety of the house, Aletheia hot on his tail. Mom and Tammer declined to attend the picnic dinner next to the pool. As everyone else had gone home, or said goodnight for the evening, my motley gang of friends and I were left alone on the enormous white linen sheet laid upon the soft grass. Though the market fresh meal of mixed salad greens, French bread and various cheeses from around the world, lightly seared cod and chilled peach Bellini drinks had proven to be absolutely delicious, the joy of eating such a fine meal had been greatly weighed down by Naira’s passing.
The lightning bugs hovered about the lawn, setting a golden fairy-like glow between the trees, but the mood hadn’t lifted. What’s more, Tiesa’s little sister, Fallyn, had begged to stay with her and Tiesa, being more motherly than a sister, had agreed and she had spent most of the evening consoling the little girl.
Gavran and Thayde caught up on old times and what had occurred since Thayde had been away at university, leaving Flynn sitting uncomfortably across from me. The fact that he hadn’t eaten anything had caught Ezen’s eye. Compounded with his noticeable aloofness and depressing air, Ezen quickly suspected the truth about Flynn. It wasn’t until Shirley came to take Fallyn to bed that Tiesa focused on Flynn.
“Flynn,” she took a deep breath, tilting her gaze to the glowing stars forming in the midnight blue sky. “Your name means ‘son of the red-headed man’.”
Conversation ceased as all eyes turned to Flynn. He was a statue.
“Was your father a red head?” Tiesa ran a jeweled hand through her wild hair as she focused on the handsome vampire.
“Yes.” His tight lips barely parted as he spoke.
“Tiesa,” I interrupted, faking a smile. “What does that matter?”
She continued as if I hadn’t spoken at all. “And you’re clearly from Ireland – there’s no hiding your accent.”
Ezen put his arm about Tiesa’s shoulder but she shrugged him off. Her breathing quickened and tears formed in her eyes, as she continued to stare Flynn down.
“Morgan, why is a vampire from the Farasi Family – the most deplorable vampire family in history – staying here?”
I was speechless. Ezen took her by the hand as she found her footing, struggling to stand.
“Stop,” he warned, standing with her, “you don’t have any right to judge him.”
“How dare you say that! You of all people!” Tiesa wheeled on her fiancé, tears spilling down her cheeks. “How can you just sit there when you know what he has done?”
I glanced at Flynn. His head hung, dejected and low as I’d ever seen. Sadness overcame all other feelings, making me nauseous.
Thayde and Gavran pulled themselves to their feet, glancing at each other.
“That’s enough, Tiesa.” Thayde ordered and she shook her head.
“Morgan, that thing,” she pointed a thin finger at Flynn, “is precisely why Ezen has to wear these all the time! Do you know how bad his scars are?” She grabbed Ezen’s arm, holding it up so everyone, not just I, could see his cuffs. He pulled it away and took hold of her shoulders, forcing her to look directly at him.
“Tiesa, we are leaving. Right now!” His voice shook.