Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited (18 page)

Levi inhaled deeply as the thought of not being able to serve on Earth again came rushing back to him.

“Well, I might be able to ease your concerns about that,” he said reassuringly to her. “There is a possibility that I may not be guarding on Earth anymore.”

Reece twisted in his arms. “What?”

Levi smiled at her concerned expression. “A strange event took place on our assignment. We encountered a woman who seemed very interested in you. She not only revealed to us that Michael is living in Armedias, but she found a way to read my thoughts.” Levi shuddered absently at the memory of what the woman had done to him.

Her forehead crinkled in disillusionment. “I didn’t think anyone could read your mind unless you allowed them to.”

“You are correct; however, something strange occurred with this woman, and not only was she able to read into my thoughts, she found a way to debilitate the way my mind naturally remains guarded from those who can read minds.”

Levi proceeded to inform Reece about the events that took place on Earth. Understanding his passion for guarding on Earth, she encouraged him to do the training with Queen Galleta. To have her support and reassurance meant more to Levi than she could ever understand.

As their conversation shifted back to talking about their future together, Reece grabbed the picnic basket and smiled mischievously at him.

Levi laughed in response. “I had the kitchen staff pack a few apples, as I know they’re Arrow’s favorite treat.”

Reece gave him a quick kiss, and then jumped to her feet. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Levi reclined against the saddle. “Take your time.”

When Reece approached Arrow, Levi laughed when Areion’s head darted up and he promptly trotted over to her. Levi’s forehead crinkled in disbelief as Areion rudely nudged Reece’s arm that held the basket.
Really, Areion?
he thought, while Reece tried to ignore his horse and discreetly give Arrow an apple. She glanced back at Levi and smiled innocently at him. It was obvious she wanted to give Areion a treat, but most likely out of fear for what Levi would think, she tried to ignore his horse’s begging. Instead of giving Areion an apple, she tried to appease him with a sturdy pat on his neck. Levi watched the entire scene with amusement. Areion would glance over at Arrow, and then bring his attention back to Reece, obviously devastated that she wouldn’t offer him a treat as well.

“It appears that Areion’s feelings are hurt by your lack of interest in him.”

Reece turned back to Levi and smiled innocently again. “I’m petting him; he’s fine.”

Levi chuckled. “I believe he would appreciate an apple also.”

A broad smile stretched across her face. “You won’t give me a hard time about it?”

“I will always give you a hard time about spoiling those creatures; however, at least Areion will be appreciative.”

Reece turned to the stallion, and handed him an apple. As Reece continued to appease the two horses, Levi let the serenity of the moment relax every nerve in his body. He sank back against the saddle, crossed his long, outstretched legs, and let his eyes slip closed.

After the horses lost interest in Reece, she turned back and saw that Levi had drifted off to sleep. She smiled at how handsome he was as he slept peacefully. After everything he had explained to her, she was surprised he’d had the energy to venture out with her today.

She strolled leisurely along the bank of the lake, admiring the beautiful surroundings that would soon be their home, before she returned to where he lay on the blanket. She slowly crawled onto the blanket and nestled into his side.

She gazed contentedly out where Areion and Arrow were grazing along the banks of the pond. She snuggled in closer to Levi’s side, and watched the wind whip through the long grass as the colorful birds lazily circled above their heads in the vibrant blue skies.

She had no idea how long she had lain there staring at everything, soothed by the rhythmic breathing of Levi resting at her side. The afternoon seemed to have passed rapidly, and Reece thought she should probably try waking Levi. They had been out for the entire afternoon, and she believed that preparations for dinner would soon be underway.

She reached up and lightly brushed the side of his face, and he moaned quietly in return. She carefully twisted out of his arm, which he had absently wrapped around her in his sleep, and positioned herself to place light kisses all over his face. As she did, his eyes remained closed, but she could tell he was starting to rouse when she saw his lips turn up slightly. She brought her mouth to his, and before she could calculate what had taken place, she was on her back, and Levi was pinning her down aggressively beneath him.

She gasped when she felt a sharp object pressing against her throat. She could hardly take a breath, and therefore, couldn’t call out to him. His eyes were dark and perilous, and her heart hammered against her chest as Levi glared viciously down at her. She tried to swallow, but the pain at her throat would not allow it. She feared for her life as she stared into Levi’s desolate eyes.

“How could you do this to me?” he growled.

She couldn’t answer. She couldn’t think. She closed her eyes, hoping he would snap out of whatever had come over him.

“Answer me, now!” Levi snarled.

In the darkness of her mind, with her eyes closed, Reece knew she had to remain calm and find a way out of this dangerous situation.

She was grateful when she was able to answer him in a whisper.

“Levi…it’s me. It’s Reece. Please…don’t.” She pleaded with him.

Instantly, Levi was gone. Her eyes flew open and as she sat up, she was shocked at her surroundings.

The day hadn’t passed as quickly as she had presumed. The radiant sun was still high in the sky over them. Perplexed, she looked over to where Levi had been lying next to her, and discovered he was no longer there. Panic started to grip her as she tried to figure out what just happened.
It was a dream.

She looked out toward the horses, and saw Levi saddling Areion. Arrow was next to him, and Levi seemed to be perfectly fine. The basket from their lunch had been packed up, and it was obvious Levi had been awake for a while, making preparations for them to leave.

She exhaled with relief, but was frightened about her dream. She called softly for Levi, and he turned quickly. He had a brilliant smile on his face as he walked back over to her. As he approached her, his expression changed to one of concern. “Are you okay?”

He knelt down next to where she sat, trying to pull herself together.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, rubbing her mildly aching forehead. Still trying to come to her senses, she recalled what Levi said to her in the strange dream. “This woman who read your mind; you don’t think it’s because of what happened between you and me? You know, how my mind transferred the imprint of the map to the stone into yours?”

Levi ran his fingers tenderly through her hair. “No, this woman has very strong abilities. Do not worry over this; I will find a way around it. Why would you consider such a thing?” he said, as he gazed somberly into her eyes.

She didn’t want to tell him about this dream; she had a feeling he would feel guilty about telling her what had happened to him on earth. She decided to dismiss the question with a light-hearted laugh. “Who knows…maybe just trying to over-analyze what happened. I feel pretty bad this has happened to you.”

She slowly stretched her arms out and stood to her feet, with Levi following her. “This was afternoon was really nice, we’ll have to find a way to do this more often.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Levi said as he escorted her over to the horses.

R
eece and Levi were back at the palace with a few hours to spare before dinner. After leaving the horses in Javian’s care, they made their way up to the palace. As they walked through the corridors that led to her room, Reece felt a sudden wave of exhaustion come over her.

“Ugh,” she softly groaned in frustration, forcing Levi to glance down at her.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Are you that upset that we left our home?” he asked in humor.

Reece laughed softly. “Sorry, I’m suddenly feeling really exhausted and irritable. I don’t know where that came from.”

Levi’s grip on her shoulder tightened. “We’ve been out most of the day. You’ll feel much better after you have freshened up.”

Let’s hope so,
Reece thought. Her eyes were burning, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep them open. Her head was pounding, and Levi’s arm around her was starting to annoy her. She discreetly tried to shrug it off, hoping he wouldn’t take offense.

Fortunately, Levi removed his arm from her shoulders, and took her hand instead. Reece felt compelled to get to her room; a nice, hot bath sounded so enticing. She clasped Levi’s hand tightly, forcing them into a faster pace up the steps to her room. Once at her doors, she turned to face Levi, hoping to make this farewell quick.

“Reece?” he said, as he brushed his thumb underneath her eyes. “You look exhausted. Maybe you should take this time to lie down.”

Her heavy lids closed with the soothing feeling of him tenderly caressing underneath her eyes. “That feels nice,” she said with a smile. When her eyes reopened, Levi was still watching her with concern. “I’ll be fine.”

Levi’s expression softened. “There is a tea that Jasmeen can make for you; it will help to rejuvenate you.”

“That sounds great.”

Levi bent to kiss her. “I probably won’t be at dinner this evening,” he said, as he ran a hand through her hair. “I have much to discuss with Samuel and my father about the events that occurred on Earth.”

She rubbed her forehead, as the lingering headache started throbbing again. “That’s fine.”

“Go freshen up; I’ll be sure to check on you before I retire for the night.”

After a quick hug, Reece walked into her room and called for Jasmeen. The maiden responded promptly, and quickly prepared the tea Levi mentioned. Once the hot bath was drawn, Reece entered the bathroom, and her skin tingled in its soothing environment. The room was dimmed, lit only by candles, and filled with the aroma of lavender and vanilla. Reece’s throbbing headache eased with every step she took toward the bath.

She sank into the tub up to her neck, letting the warm water relax every exhausted nerve in her body. As her exhaustion slipped away, she let her mind roam back to the wonderful day she’d spent with Levi. It was great to have him home, and she couldn’t wait to be back in his arms again.

That evening, the ladies had their dinner in the palace gardens. Allestaine discussed in more detail her plans for the engagement party. Reece was perfectly content during their meal, so she couldn’t understand why her head began aching again. Listening to Allestaine talk about the décor for the party wasn’t helping; everything was starting to weigh on her and Reece couldn’t determine why she was feeling this way. She was never so thankful as she was when dinner was finally over, and the women went back into the palace.

Elizabeth mentioned that she had been working with the palace’s orchestra, and had written her own music for Reece and Levi’s wedding ceremony. She asked Reece if she would join her in the music chambers in order to hear some of the pieces. Reece wanted nothing more than to return to her bedroom, slip into something comfortable, and curl up in bed; but for fear of hurting Elizabeth’s feelings, she pressed on.

Reece sat on the sofa with Simone at her side as Elizabeth began to play her compositions. The music was relaxing, but it didn’t take long before her headache returned. She nearly let out a growl of frustration when Elizabeth had finished her performance and Levi and Harrison entered the room.
Will this night ever end?
she thought, while she forced a smile on her face.

Levi promptly strode over to where Elizabeth had joined Reece and Simone on the sofa while Harrison busied himself pouring a glass of wine.

“Good evening, ladies.” Levi said as he leaned over to give Reece a kiss on the forehead.

Harrison came over and sat next to Levi on the sofa across from the women. Out of nowhere, Reece started to feel panicky.
What is wrong with me?
she thought, as she tried to fan herself discreetly.