Dark of kNight (35 page)

to play against them. Fate dealt her hand.” Remembering the night Daniel and I were together. I trembled.

“What about us then? Did we not challenge fate that night?” I turned to face him. “What kind of future does fate hold for us now?”

My eyes searched his for some manner of hope. Had fate planned our future? It was a question which rang out loudly in my mind.

“A beautiful one. Remember what my father said, fate shined on us that night. We survived because of our love. A type of love you would die for.” His hands went around my waist and pulled me close to him. He held me in his arms. “If there is one thing that I do know, there is a purpose for us and it is a beautiful one.”

My head rested against Daniel’s chest as my arms wrapped tightly around him. To stay like this forever was a fate I could accept. His hand brushed my hair back from the side of my face as he kissed me gently on the top of my head.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be as it should.” His voice was soft and full of assurance.

“My father was a good man. He never did any wrong to anyone.” Tears formed in my eyes again. “Look what fate served him. He lost my mother in childbirth. Now a close friend took his life. How is that fair?” I pulled back and stared at him.

Taking a moment to consider my questions, I watched as a slight frown formed on his face. He turned his head slightly to the side and stared deep into the forest.

“Julie, there are a lot of things in this world we live in which are not fair. Fate is not fair.” His eyes softened as they returned to me. “We live for a purpose. Sometimes our fate has already been decided for us. We have to believe everything happens for a reason even though we don’t know what that reason is. We have a duty. If we are to die in the line of duty, then we have served our purpose.

“Your mother’s purpose was giving birth to you. Fate brought us together. We are together for a purpose, Julie. Never forget this.” His voice was soft, as his soft brown eyes looked deep into mine.

How could I argue with something that brings so much pain and yet so much pleasure in one moment? Looking into Daniel’s eyes told me that through the burning pain I had endured, something beautiful came forth from the ashes. It was a love that could conquer all. The type of love that endures until the end of time. Still in my heart, there were the uncertainties of this life we have.

“Have faith my love
,” he whispered when his lips touched mine.

A smile crossed my lips. Yes, I could only hope the best for the future.

“You know we’re going to have to make our new friends feel welcome,” I said smiling.

“Well, I have been thinking about that. I suppose we’ll be seeing more of them.”

I nodded my head. “We really should make a good effort. I don’t think Thomas is exactly happy with Casey‘s choice.”

“Dad is a little old fashion. I’m sure Nathaniel will grow on him. He seems to be doing a pretty good job with me,” Daniel said smiling.

“I’m proud of you.” I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. “And Richard?”

“Let me take one of them at a time.” He smiled. “I promise I will try.”

Daniel was indeed everything I needed. My love for him ran deeper than I could ever imagine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tight. Feeling our hearts beat together was an incredible feeling. My heart was his as his was mine. Pulling back slightly I gently touched my lips to his.

“
I love you so very much,”
I whispered as I gently kissed him.

“
I love you, too,”
he whispered back in between kisses.

Pulling back from one another with smiles on our faces, Daniel took my hand and we went back into the house. Charlotte had already gone back upstairs to see Casey again.

Nathaniel, Thomas, Jason and Heather all were in the living room.

Thomas had a grim look on his face as he looked over at Daniel and me. He held up a document from the folder toward Daniel. “You need to read this.”

Daniel walked over and took the document from his father. Glancing over it, his eyes widened as he slowly sat down beside Thomas. Concerned, I walked over and peered over Daniel’s shoulder.

“A few weeks ago I was visited by a young man named Brendan Phillips. The same one in the folder. He had contacted me about placing a malpractice suit on Dr. Miller.

Brendan says that he and his friends were on their way home one night. A large animal crossed in front of the road. He swerved his vehicle and ended up hitting a tree head on.

He said the next thing he remembered was Dr. Miller being there and then the ambulance.” Thomas took a deep breath and continued.

“Brendan said Dr. Miller saved their lives that night. However, he had been complaining of headaches ever since. Brendan is a Navy Seal, here on leave visiting family. His medical doctors in the Navy checked him out and said there was nothing wrong with him. He said it was difficult to believe them, since he had also been having nightmares each night since the accident. The nightmares are of werewolves.”

“Miller used Brendan as an experiment,” Daniel said looking over the papers.

“I did not know this,” Thomas said shaking his head. “The young man was extremely upset. He does not know what is happening to him.”

“Dad, what if he turns?” Daniel said with a look of horror.

“We don’t know what Miller has done to him. I suspect he will contact us. Worse yet, we might get a phone call from the US Department of Defense. Miller has created a mess, and we are all tied to it,” Thomas finished.

“What if he does come looking for us? If I were him, I would be pissed,” I said looking at Thomas.

“Being pissed is just one of his problems. Werewolves have a tendency for hatred and revenge. It is a good possibility he would come after all of us,” Thomas added.

“He wouldn't know he couldn't take all of us out,” I added.

“True. Still, once he has been completely taken over, he will be filled with blood lust and rage.” Thomas had begun to worry now.

“Thomas?” Charlotte said softly as she came back down the stairs, concern and worry in her voice.

Thomas raised his wearied eyes to his wife. It was evident he searched for the words to comfort her. He held her gaze for a moment before he commented.

“Do not worry, dear. Please.” He paused. “Let me worry about this young man. If there is any threat, we will take care of it.”

“What if something happens again? I cannot bear the burden of losing one of my children, Thomas,” she pleaded.

“Mom, I will be right here.” Daniel tried to sound convincing.

“What about Casey? Where were we all when she was abducted?” she protested.

“It’s not the same, Mom. Dr. Miller could have seen her town, and offered to take her to lunch. As a lifelong family friend and doctor, Casey trusted him implicitly. We all did.

She would have gone with him without a second thought. Brendan Phillips will not have that same access or opportunity, particularly after we warn her,” Daniel said soothingly.

Charlotte nodded. The whole room went silent. We all debated our options. Jason finally spoke up.

“Well, we can’t worry over what we don’t know. If this guy does change and comes after us, we can take care of it then. Until then, I suggest we not worry about it.” Jason was right.

“Dad, if he does happen to show up, I think we could help him. With everything I found out today, there is a chance I may be able to reverse the process.”

“Son, it is very risky. However, I trust you. If this Mr. Phillips does show up to my office, I will refer him to you. Our welfare depends on this,” Thomas spoke softly.

“My brothers and I will assist you in any way we can,” Nathaniel spoke up.

Thomas and Daniel looked at one another then toward Nathaniel. Daniel and I remembered Richard’s one on one attack with the werewolf. The vampires were stronger and faster than the werewolves. The attack was absolutely ruthless and flawless. Their centuries of experience killing these creatures could benefit us all. I only hoped Thomas could put aside his narrow-minded views to see the opportunity which had presented itself.

“Well,” Thomas directed his attention to Nathaniel. “I feel this is a discussion Charlotte and I would like to have with you and Casey.”

“Sir, I can understand your apprehensions concerning our relationship. I assure you I completely respect your daughter. If there is any way I can apologize for my behavior in this situation I will gladly do it. I’m in love with Casey. She is my life now. If there is any danger to her life, I consider this a danger to mine as well. She, as well as all of you, have my brothers’ protection.” Nathaniel spoke in a way that showed an amount of authority and confidence. His words showed wisdom beyond his apparent age.

Thomas raised his eyebrows and looked to Charlotte. I was sure he was looking to the reasoning side of the family for her response. Her eyes looked into Thomas’s in a way it showed a plea.

“I want my daughter to be happy.” She spoke softly. “This needs to be a conversation we have with the both of you in private.” A warm smile crossed her face.

Nathaniel nodded as he understood. “If you will excuse me then, I hear Casey.” He turned heading up the stairs.

“Well, dear,” Thomas said looking again to Charlotte, “I believe we should return home as well.” He held his hand out for Charlotte.

“Jason, we need to take a little trip. Heather? Julie?” Daniel straightened up with excitement in his eyes.

“You all go on ahead. I am going to take a break and relax by the pool.” I said walking over to Daniel. Reaching up I gently gave him a slight kiss.

“All right, then. Try not to get a sun burn.” Daniel grinned as they followed Charlotte and Thomas out the door.

For the moment, I had a few issues I wanted to consider by myself. I headed up the stairs to change into a swimsuit. Walking past the guest room, I heard Nathaniel’s smooth voice speaking to Casey. There was so much to consider. I knew that Casey and Daniel were the only hope of carrying on the long line of Lycans. If Casey chose to stay with Nathaniel, her line would end. It would be up to Daniel and me to carry on the line.

Still, my only hope was for Casey’s happiness was that her parents could agree with her decision. Who better to protect their daughter than a mysterious vampire?

Again, I could feel the turmoil inside my own body. This thing called fate was ringing loudly in my ears. Casey had the responsibility of over a century running through her veins. The Lycan bloodline, to protect humans from the creatures of the night. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I figured. A Lycan fighting side by side with a vampire? It could happen. She would still be living her destiny. There was a slight possibility this union could work.

Daniel had said to just have faith. Putting my belief into the possibility everything would work out as it should. I inhaled deeply and exhaled as I realized he was right. Even if this Brendan Phillips reappeared in our lives as a werewolf, everything would work out as it should. Maybe Daniel and Jason could find a cure for him and reverse what Dr.

Miller did to this young man. The only thing any one of us could do at this point was to wait for Fate to play her hand. We would wait.

SEVENTEEN

The doorbell promptly rang at noon. I had forgotten the housekeepers were coming. I ran to the door. The three women came into the house half-heartedly smiling toward me. Lilly, the oldest of the women, a short slightly overweight red head, glanced down at my hand noticing the large diamond ring. She looked at her daughter Tina, the youngest, who appeared to be around eighteen. The girl was attractive with shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes. Her complexion was smooth. Tina glanced at my ring as well. Her eyes widened when she saw the large diamond. The last of the women entered the house, Leslie. Leslie was as attractive as her sister. She had long blond hair she kept in a ponytail while she was cleaning. She didn’t appear as impressed as her mother and sister over the obvious display of wealth.

Realizing I still had Nathaniel and Casey upstairs, I mentioned to the women to do the downstairs first. Taking the opportunity to warn my guests, I dashed up the stairs.

Knocking on the door slightly I heard Nathaniel’s voice. “Yes, come in, Julie.”

Opening the door, Casey sat up in the bed. Her bruises completely healed and the color had returned to her skin. She looked wonderful.

A broad smile crossed my face. “Well, don’t you look like a breath of fresh sunshine.” I walked toward her with outstretched arms.

“I can say I feel much better.” Her tan arms reached around my neck and squeezed tightly.

“You know,” I gestured toward Nathaniel, “he has stayed right here with you the entire time.”

Casey’s smile widened and her eyes sparkled when she looked into his face. Then suddenly her expression changed to one of concern. “Mom and Dad?”

“They know about Nathaniel. Casey, why didn’t you tell me? You know I would have understood.”

“I wasn’t worried about you. It was Daniel. I was afraid he would’ve noticed it. It was only a matter of time before you two bonded. Julie, I’m terribly sorry, but I just couldn’t take the chance. We needed time to figure out how to tell Mom and Dad,” Casey said softly.

“Well, they know now,” I replied.

“Nathaniel and I have decided we will stay together no matter what they say. I know they are awaiting the dreaded conversation. His brother will be here shortly to pick us up. We’re going to talk to Mom and Dad and get this over with.” Casey’s voice sounded fearful.

Charlotte and Thomas may be old fashion but I believed they were reasonable. Charlotte was the heart of the family and Thomas was the leader. I could see in Casey’s eyes she was in love with Nathaniel. They had made their choice. In any case, regardless whether her parents agreed to the union between the two, Casey would be with Nathaniel. A new destiny waited for the two of them.

“I wanted to warn you,” directing my attention to Nathaniel, “the housekeepers are here. I wasn’t sure if this would be a problem for you.”

“No, but I do need to go home for a moment and change my contacts,” he spoke softly.