33. Chapter 33
Eden
G lasses clinked behind the bar as the woman behind it finished up the glasses for the evening. Music drifted from the speakers beside the register, the pub which was mostly empty would have been silent without it. Eden’s fingers danced across the screen of her phone as she and Bastien talked about her date with Chase. He had taken her off-campus over to Crossroads Diner where they reminisced on childhood memories and his mission in Toronto, Canada where they invaded the Blue Jay Society. If she was honest with herself, she did enjoy his company however he didn’t hold a candle to the attention she had on Wyatt. Chase would be her equal, but could he push her when she needed it? Since he was also from a Matrical family, he was almost too formal and treated her like a friend rather than a partner.
The glass beside her hand slowly dripped with condensation creating a ring on the napkin it had been placed on. Thoughts of Wyatt swirled in her mind almost as fast as her head spun. With a healthy buzz, she pulled up the chat they had going. A soft smile appeared on her face as she saw a new message. He had checked in with her over the last few days but Eden had made sure to allow him space to process everything he had discovered.
She blinked a few times at his photo before she locked her phone and placed it face down on the chestnut bar. As she scooped up her glass, she put the rim to her lips and downed the rest in one shot. Her eyes went to the Victorian-style wooden arches above her and she sucked air through her teeth. She hated how much whiskey now reminded her of events from the other week. The sound of the door behind her as it opened and closed caused her to perk up a little. Eden placed her glass beside the other three empty ones, she kept her head forward. Eden resisted the urge to see who joined the handful of people inside Hellhounds Pub as she didn’t want to stick out.
“Can I get another double shot?” She asked the bartender.
“Make that two.” A deep voice asked from beside her which caused her to jump slightly.
The woman nodded and went to the wall of bottles illuminated in cool blue light. Eden peered over and smiled as she noticed Wyatt already sat beside her. His green eyes sparked as he smirked and leaned closer. Wyatt slid his arm across the back of the bar chair and got comfortable, the action sent another round of sparks through her.
“How long have you been here, Miss Miller?” Wyatt motioned at the empty glasses being taken away as two fresh whiskeys on the rocks took their place.
“Well, I think I got here... After my second class? Maybe? What time is it now?” She asked, her face twisted momentarily in confusion.
“My Gods Eden,” Wyatt’s eyes widened in surprise as he took in her face to gauge how drunk she was. “You have been here all afternoon? How are you not under the table right now?”
“I didn’t expect to see you here but I’m glad you are.” She admitted, her hand slid next to his and rested beside the drink as she waited to see his reaction to her.
His hand slipped into hers, “You know you could have called me Viper, I believe you still have my number. Unless you deleted it?”
“You know I wouldn’t have done that unless you were done with me.”
When he accepted the touch, Eden felt her body relax and a long breath escape her. Her eyes drifted to their hands. His rose tattoo had the faintest scar from Eloise’s knife. Her face fell as she noticed it and her hair fell forward as memories of him chained to the wall flashed in her mind’s eye. The bracelet he gifted her stared back as she sensed his eyes on her. That was until she felt a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze back up. The two of them locked eyes, all words spoken without a single one said aloud. His stubbornness was plain in his eyes as his fingers traced their way up the side of her face and into her hair gently. The palm of his hand rested on her cheek, his gaze never wavered.
“This is your last chance to back out, Copperhead.” She sighed and broke the silence. “I told you that day in the classroom you shouldn’t have kept pursuing me.”
He lowered his voice and frowned, “I wouldn’t have wanted to do anything differently. Don’t you understand Eden, I could hurt them. I could kill them all, but not you, never you. Hell if it were up to me, you would never see a single drop of your own blood again. Everything that happens next we can handle together and when you’re ready I will help you leave… If that’s what you want, still?”
“I do, it’s just harder than I thought it would be… I still feel like I owe them.”
“Listen to me. You do not owe them anything. You didn’t ask for any of this and if memory serves me, you didn’t want to.” His words were heavy in her mind.
She leaned her head into his hand for a moment and Eden softened. For the first time she showed the truest side of her she could. There was no pressure to stand strong, no need to hide behind her walls. It was as if she saw him clearly for the first time; the truth hit her. I’m in love and there’s nothing I can do to change it now. Wyatt lifted his right hand from hers and he brushed a piece of hair that had fallen into her face. Whether the alcohol or the man in front of her was to blame as the room spun once more she didn’t care either way.
Slowly, he leaned closer to her and stopped about a foot from her face. His eyes followed his fingers as they trailed back down the side of her face, the right rested on the back of her chair once more. His thumb traced her bottom lip for a second which sent a shiver down her spine and breath caught in her lungs as his stormy eyes met hers again.
“Wanna play truth or dare?” Wyatt smirked.
“You know what you’re doing…” Eden breathed as her heart raced.
“Do I?” His lips turned up into a half smile.
“You’re just trying to kiss me.”
Wyatt chuckled more to himself it seemed as he leaned closer, his face inches from hers. “Miss. Miller, I don’t need a silly little game as an excuse to kiss you, I just need your willing permission.”
“You have it.” The words were barely audible.
His cologne filled her senses as he finally closed the last inches between them. At first, he was gentle as he pulled her into him, their lips met and his arms moved from their previous places and now wound around her. Eden’s hand went to his shoulder and pulled herself a little closer and allowed herself to let go. Her eagerness at the moment seemed to encourage him. Within seconds his grip tightened with need and the kiss deepened in passion as sparks lit in her chest.
Finally, he pulled away and touched his forehead to hers. Eden peered at him and saw the usual storm within his eyes calm. She forced herself to pull away, the two adjusted themselves back into their seats and a blush crept into her face.
“Are you blushing, Viper?” He asked surprised as he took a sip from his drink.
“There’s no need to point it out.”
“On the contrary, it’s cute.” Wyatt winked. “I bet none of those suitors have seen this.”
Eden shifted slightly and she adjusted her sweater and cleared her throat as the avoided topic came up. Her previously racing heart now almost came to a halt. Her thumbnail brushed against the tips of her fingers for a second before she distracted herself with her glass and shot down another mouthful. She could still feel his eyes on her as she shook her head.
“I don’t want to.” She started as nerves and drinks got the better of her.
“I know-”
“Until I can get away, this is something I have to do to make my family happy. It means nothing and won’t happen.” She couldn’t stop herself.
His lips met hers again, this time only briefly and forced her to stop. “Eden, I know, I promise you don’t have to worry. I trust you. I want you to be safe when you’re home and if it means going on a few dates so be it. I know where your heart lies, just know I’ll be close by if you need me.”
Her muscles relaxed once more at the thought of him being close by when she met with the last suitor. The whole thing was already awkward enough to know they were basically fighting to win her hand. Since she had grown up within the hunter families she had only imagined one of them as a potential partner. Holden Holloway, the wild card of The Salvamari. Over the years he had been so focused on his own training to take his father’s place just as she was to take Eloise’s. Things had never gone past a mild flirting. Eventually, they had become strangers again as he went to Phantom Academy and she to SCHUni.
“I’m supposed to take him on a tour of the grounds tomorrow.”
“Well then, I’ll just so happen to be by the garages working on my bike. Just in case you and him want to swing by.” He smirked.
“As endearing as that is, the thought of bringing another hunter around my demon boyfriend sounds like a bad idea.”
“He’ll have no idea who I am, I’ll just be another face on the grounds.” His posture lifted confidently.
“Oh, Copperhead. You have no idea how these families work.” Eden shook her head. “I have no doubts in my mind that Eloise and Stacey have both sent a photo of you to Chase and Holden. There’s no way they are going to sit by and do nothing.”
Her phone buzzed demandingly on the bar followed by a flash of large letters on her watch face. Speak of the devil himself. Holden’s name vanished and showed the message just before she turned her wrist away. For a moment, guilt filled her chest. Though it was all in the plan and Wyatt was very aware of what was going on and choosing to stay by her side, it felt wrong. His eyes were on her again, his fingers lightly brushed her hand once more.
“I didn’t expect them to in the slightest. In any case, I gotta make sure this kid is going to treat my girl with respect.” Wyatt finished his drink.
The words my girl sent a rush through her and heat to return to her face. She shook her head also and also finished off the rest of her whiskey. “Holden is mostly harmless. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.”
“Ah, so mystery boy has a name. Good to know.” He gave her a shoulder bump before he offered her a hand.
Her smile faded, Eden looked back to him and he nodded his head toward the door. She raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth to retaliate but was stopped when he pulled out some money for the drinks. Before she could make a case to stay a little longer, he held out the jacket she had hung on the back of her chair. Smoothly he helped her slip it on and pulled his black leather jacket closer around him before he slipped his hand into hers. With an arm on her back he led her out and the doors opened to the small single-road town, the sky colored shades of orange, pink, and red.
“The night is young, you don’t want to spend it in a dark pub do you?”
“I can think of a few ways to spend the night.”
“Aron is on guard tonight if you want to come over.” He offered
Eden wrapped her arms around his waist, on the balls of her feet to get above his shoulders. When the world spun once again, she felt him pull her against him for balance. Completely enwrapped at the moment, it took her a few seconds to process what he said. Aron’s on guard for the night. Shit- Alaric will be going after Lennox tonight. If he thinks I have something to do with this, he’s going to hate me. Her mind circled a few times as Eden divided the best way to make it look like she wouldn’t have known.
Do you really want to lie to your conscience? The familiar voice of Xemos reverberated in her mind.
“If I tell him now, he’ll put himself at risk.” She thought back to the god and intervened.
And he’ll be angry if he finds out you knew and didn’t help him stop it.
Once again, her phone distracted her. However, this time it was Eloise who called and caused her to sober up. Her face fell as she saw her mother’s name on her watch. Eden looked up to Wyatt, he motioned for her to answer. She put her phone to her ear but wanted nothing more than to ignore her responsibilities.
“What, Mother?” She said a bit too harshly.
“I think the words you’re looking for are, Yes, Matriarch.” Eloise’s voice scolded from the other end.
Pulling the phone away for a moment, an annoyed sigh escaped her before she returned it to her ear and spoke through clenched teeth. “Yes, Matriarch. What can I do for you?”
“You’re being called for a mission with Bastien. Come to the house and prepare.”
“But-”
“Now, Heiress Miller.” The phone disconnected.
Eden turned to Wyatt with an apologetic look on her face. “Duty calls, unfortunately.”
“You’ve been drinking, are you sure you’re going to be okay with whatever they want you to do?”
“I’ll have Bastien with me. I’ll be fine.”
“Call me when you get to Omega tonight. I don’t care what time it is.” He told her in a low voice.
Eden kissed his cheek and she dropped his hand and started off down a side path that led around the gates and to the home that didn’t feel much like one anymore.
Shadows of trees flew by the window as Eden looked out into the winter night. From the passenger seat of the family SUV, she listened to Bastien drone on about Corvus and their night escapades off campus. As much as she tried to follow the conversation the blood on her silver arrow drew her full attention. Eden pulled out an old, stained rag from her go bag and wiped away the red with a pass of the fabric over the post of the arrow.
Her gaze stayed on the gray rag forever marked with years worth of blood on her hands. In the occasional light from street lamps, she noticed her hands were also colored red from the werewolf they took down. Her stomach twisted and her heart started to pound in her ears and progressively became louder. She ran the rag over the spots only helping a little as it was mostly dried already. With more force, she tried to clean the metal while her vision started to blur. All at once it was like she was seven again. New to the family. The lifestyle.
Her breath caught in her lungs and a constricted sob unwillingly left her. Bastien’s hand suddenly covered hers which made her stop. Her eyes shot over to him, seeing a much older version of the Bastien from her memories. The sight brought her back to the moment, she in fact was an adult she cleared her throat and forced herself to regain composure.
“You don’t have to pretend right now.”
“Yes, I do, If Eloise or Stacey saw that… I can’t unravel now.”
“Nothing has changed, Squeaks. You can unravel around me.” Bastien squeezed her hand.
“Can I? Your father is already plotting how to kill me and don’t act like he’s not.”
“Whatever Richard tries, I will keep you safe just as I always have.”
“He won’t stop until I’m dead and you know that.” Eden countered.
“Then it will end with him dead. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” Bastien promised.
Eden peered out the window and lost herself in her thoughts as the town outside the ground passed by. For a few moments she allowed herself to think of Wyatt and his offer to protect her if she left the family. A sad smile crossed her face as Bastein rolled up to the entrance of SCHUni. Home sweet home, for now. The metal complained as it opened for the car. Once there was enough room, the car pulled behind the iron gates.
As he parked in the school’s garage, she put the rag and arrow into her bag before she got out. The only light inside the place was a small overhead lamp that came on when they pulled in. It was just enough light to see Wyatt’s motorcycle on the other end and the memory of their date. A pained smile to her lips as Bastien came around the other side. He nudged her shoulder and motioned for her to follow.
It was ten minutes later when the two walked back into the Miller Home. Inside the lights were still on in the entranceway. They pulled off their jackets and put their bags in the front closet. Eden took careful steps forward. There’s no reason for anyone to still be awake, it’s well after four in the morning. As she glanced around her eyes met Eloise and Stacey in the front living room. Her mother paced while her grandmother sat stoic, between them one of the daggers she had made on the coffee table. Immediately she knew something had gone wrong and for a second she was almost happy about it. As strong as her distaste for Lennox was, she didn’t want to see the look on Wyatt’s face if Alaric had succeeded.
“What’s happened?” Bastien asked from behind her.
“Eden, Bastien,” Eloise turned at the question. “The mission on Miss. Cade failed. Alaric almost lost the dagger but we got it back before it was taken to the principal. Unfortunately, the demon knows of the dagger’s existence now.”
“So what’s next?” He asked and moved to place a hand on her shoulder.
She stepped forward and into the room. “It’s up to Eden.”
“As it should have been in the first place,” Stacey interjected. “We know she would have taken care of it.”
“Yes Mother, I know exactly what your opinion is.” Eloise snapped and turned back to Eden, her gaze pierced through her. “Take it, Eden. You can use it how you see fit… I believe you still have revenge and questions for Miss. Cade?”
The words caught her off guard. Eden blinked and her eyes fell to the weapon on the table. The truth in her mother’s words rang like alarm bells in her mind. The pink-haired demon’s face formed in her mind’s eye. Yes, she wanted her questions answered. Yes, a part of her still wanted her dead for abandoning her even though deep down she had seen firsthand how demons can change. Where forgiveness for even the darkest parts of someone can lead.
When Eden didn’t move, Eloise stepped over and swiped the dagger from the table. In a matter of seconds, they were standing inches from each other. The woman glared darkly down at her daughter and pressed the handle of the dagger into Eden’s diaphragm. Her hand automatically went to Eloise’s wrist where the two stayed for a moment in a standoff. All three generations of Miller women stood motionless as Bastien’s hand shifted to his weapons belt. His fingers wrapped around the handle of his gun, housed beside the peacock on his left hip.
“You will be a part of this family, so help me.”
“And if I refuse, Matriarch?” Eden hissed.
“Holden is upstairs and is ready to join the family at any moment shall you not behave. Your choice will be gone and I can make it happen tonight. By morning you will be gone to the Holloway household until you’re ready to continue your duties.” Eloise’s words were a threat, they all knew it.
“Sounds like your mind is already made up.”
“It is, though I’d prefer you were more willing.”
“I’d be more willing if you could accept my feelings for Wyatt.”
Eloise sighed and shook her head. “All I’m doing is keeping you safe…. Now, we can do this the easy or hard way… What will it be?”
Her eyes darkened as her grip on her mother’s hand tightened. Anger darted toward the surface and threatened to boil over. Eden slid the blade from her hands, she took it and put it in her weapon belt. She dropped her hand to her side and took a step back. With her chin tilted up slightly, she noticed Stacey still had her head forward and now refused to look at her.
“When I am Matriarch, The Salvamari will never be the same.”
As her hands shook, she made her way from the room and back into the entrance hall. Bastien called from behind her and she heard him take a few steps to follow, however, Eloise’s voice made him stop. Quickly, she pulled her jacket back on and without another word left the house, this time for Kappa Theta. I can’t do this anymore.