Forever Young (4 page)

"That's delicious." I took several more sips and set the glass back down.

Sebastian looked at Ben. "How about giving us some privacy? We do have a lot of things to talk about. I'm sure you'll have time later to get to know Charlie."

"No problem." Ben placed his hand lightly on my shoulder before walking away. "It was nice meeting you. I hope you feel better."

I looked up and gave him a weak smile, nodding my head. I felt terrible that I had hurt his feelings. I looked down at my hands that were clasped in my lap. I wasn't sure that my sanity was built to take much more calamity today.

"Charlie," Sebastian said gently. I looked up at him. "I'm not going to ask what you saw or thought you saw when looking at Ben, because I have a good idea. You saw Ben's true self, didn't you?"

I didn't say anything but swallowed hard.

"He had green skin...sharp teeth..." Sebastian mimed with his hands by his ears. "Pointy ears...?"

"Yes," I whispered, afraid to admit it too loudly. I watched him fearfully.

Sebastian clapped his hands in delight. "My dear girl! That is absolutely amazing. You have a natural gift. And you haven't even had any training." Sebastian took a long pull on the straw protruding from his Pina Colada as if in celebration and beamed at me.

"A gift? That I can see monsters?"

Sebastian chuckled. "Ben is no monster. He is a very nice, young man who just happens to be a bit different looking than you. That's all."

"But..what is he?"

"He's a daimon. That's spelled D-A-I-M-O-N. You probably are aware of the modern term ‘demon’?"

I nodded my head. I had been forced to church every weekend as a ward of the state. I had read about demons in the bible. "Then he's evil?"

"Not at all. As I said, Ben is a very nice man. He just happens to have different colored skin than you."

And sharp teeth
, but I wouldn't point that out right now. "So, he's of a different race?"

"It's not that easy. Daimons have existed for thousands of years. The common belief is that they originated between the union of a god and a human."

"But I thought demons were evil?"

Sebastian nodded sagely. "Yes, some are evil...the dark daimons. Truly evil, and bent on death and destruction. But some are no different than you and I. They just want to be accepted members of a society. Think of it this way. They are just like the human race. Some are good, some are evil, and some are hanging on the edge, not sure which way to fall."

I glanced over my head and looked at Ben back behind the bar. He gave me a quick smile and I returned it. Watching Ben polish glasses, it wasn't that hard to see him as just a regular guy, regardless of the face he wore beneath. I tried to force my will on him so his face would change again. So I could look at his daimon face and see the good in him. Nothing happened.
Oh well.

"And to think...all these years I've been seeing them..." I trailed off. I had doubted my own sanity over the last four years, and here Sebastian was offering me a fully logical explanation. Not that I was buying that any of this was real, mind you.

"What do you mean 'all these years'?" Sebastian was looking at me with wariness, which in turn made me wary.

"I've been seeing daimons since I was...since my parents were killed."

Sebastian wore a look of pure astonishment on his face. "That's impossible."

"Yeah," I said sarcastically. "And you want me to believe I'm in an alternate universe. Don't talk to me about impossibility."

Sebastian was shaking his head back and forth. "No. It's just not possible. You should only be able to see daimons while you are here in Semper Terra. While you are harnessing the magic that is in the very air we breathe here."

I am not a liar. I may have many faults, but lying isn't one of them. And while I would usually take high offense to someone doubting my word, I found the conversation to be tiresome.

"Believe me or not, I really don't care."

Sebastian didn't respond at first but took his iPhone back out again. His fingers flew across the screen and I assume he sent someone an email or text. Putting it away, he looked up at me.

"I'm sorry I doubted you. It's not that I don't believe you. It's just—frankly—it's incredible. I've never heard of anyone being able to do that before. But I'm going to meet with someone after Caiden gets here and see if I can find out something more about this. Phenomenal," he mumbled to himself. "Truly phenomenal."

I was about to ask him who he would talk to when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. A side door by the bar opened up, and in walked the most amazing and incredible looking man I had ever laid eyes on.

He was tall. Really tall. I'd guess about 6'5". He was packed solidly with muscle...an NFL defensive line dream. I knew there was muscle there because it was outlined by the tight, black t-shirt he wore. He had on khaki cargo pants, and yup... there were the flip flops. His casual dress could not hide a subtle air of menace that he carried when he walked.

My breath caught short as he walked straight toward us. Dark hair—almost black—hung in shaggy layers around his face. I couldn't see his eyes, as he had on a pair of dark aviator sunglasses. But even though I couldn't see his eyes, I knew they were staring right at me as he walked—no stalked—toward our table. My heart was pounding and frankly, I was a little wigged out over the reaction I was having to this guy. The boys in my high school never held much interest for me. Probably because I could beat most of them up.

In an effort to focus my attention elsewhere, I reached for my water to take another drink and embarrassingly missed my mouth by about an inch. Cold water spilled out over my chin, dripping down onto my dark t-shirt. I watched mortified as his lips curved upwards in a smirk.
Real smooth, Charlie.

The man came to a stop, right before me, and just stared down at me as I wiped my mouth. Even without seeing his eyes, it was the most intense look anyone had ever given me. I couldn't tear my gaze away, or make any other coherent thought form in my head.

Sebastian broke the spell by standing up from the table. "Caiden...good to see you."

So, this was Caiden? I watched as he and Sebastian shook hands. Then Caiden kicked out the chair beside me with his foot and sat down. He leaned back, regarding me behind those dark frames. I had not realized I was holding my breath until he took off his sunglasses, and I was staring into the most brilliant sea green eyes I had ever seen. They were lasered onto me with such intensity, I finally let my breath out in a soft whoosh.

"So, this is her?" Caiden asked as he looked over at Sebastian. He had a faint accent I detected. It was light and lilting. Irish, maybe?

"Yes. This is Charlie Wright. Charlie...this is Caiden Gallagher." Definitely Irish.

"Hi," I managed to squeak out.
Could you really be any more of a dork?

Caiden sat up in his chair then leaned toward me, resting his elbows on his knees. He peered into my eyes for a few seconds and I felt the way a gazelle must feel as the lion is stalking her. Still looking at me, but clearly talking to Sebastian, he said, "I don't know if she has what it takes. Those eyes of hers look way too angelic."

"Yes, so I've been told," Sebastian said drily.

Caiden then reached out and grabbed a lock of my hair that hung over my shoulder. My whole body stiffened. He looked at my hair intently as he rubbed it between his fingers. I had the impression this man didn't do anything without purpose, and I think his sole purpose was to put me on edge.

Not even releasing my hair, his gaze traveled back up to my eyes. Still talking to Sebastian, he murmured, "Well, let's see what I can do to scare her off."

Those last words seemed to bring me out of my Caiden-induced-coma and I knocked his hand away from my hair.

"Don't talk as if I'm not sitting here right in front of you. And keep your hands to yourself," I gritted out.

Caiden sat back in his chair and actually burst into laughter. "Maybe she's not so sweet after all, huh, Sebastian?"

"Every rose has its thorns...." Sebastian replied.

I glared at Caiden and dared him to make another comment about my personality and character. He had no right to form judgments. He didn't even know me.

Despite the awkward exchange that had just happened, Caiden and Sebastian seemed at ease. I, on the other hand, was filled with tension. I felt like a snake ready to strike at the slightest provocation. Luckily, my fangs remained sheathed as Ben arrived with our food and sat the burgers on the table before us. They looked delicious but my appetite was still non-existent and I'm thinking it was now because of the anger burning in my stomach.

I pushed my plate away from me. "I'm sorry, but I'm just not very hungry."

Sebastian looked at me with worry. "Charlie, you need to eat to keep your strength up. And trust me, Ben makes the best burgers in any dimension."

"Yeah, little princess," Caiden taunted. "You'll need strength if you’re going to join our Alliance."

I didn't like the way he called me "little princess" but if he thought a few jabs at me would get me to eat, he had another thing coming.

I shot a glare at Caiden. "No, thank you. I think you'll find I'm quite strong already. Just not hungry. And what are you, like twelve? Resorting to name calling?"

Caiden snorted. I wanted to punch him in the face. "Oh...I'm way older than twelve, little girl. And most women would think being called a princess was a compliment."

Little girl? Okay, those were just fightin' words now.
"Well, I'm not most women, ass-hat. And that was not a compliment, by the way."

Sebastian shot me a chastising look and I at least had the grace to be slightly embarrassed because I felt my cheeks heat up a bit. What in the world had gotten in to me? I was normally a very polite girl but something about Caiden set all of my defenses in to play. I wasn't sure at this point that he could say anything to me now that I wouldn't deem an insult. I hoped I could maintain some control of myself so the evening wouldn't end with my fist in his face.

Caiden was smirking at me when he stood up from the table. He glanced over at Sebastian.

"I like this girl, Sebastian. You might have actually picked a winner here." Turning his eyes to me, he said, "Let's go, Charlie."

"But she hasn't eaten yet. And I'm sure she has a ton of questions that need to be answered before you take her off," Sebastian implored. I think Sebastian's worry had more to do with the sudden antagonism between Caiden and me rather than an actual concern that I would perish from hunger.

"I can answer all of her questions. Besides, I can see the doubt is just rolling off of her. She needs a quick introduction into our life and what we're about. It's kinda like taking a Band-aid off... best way is just to rip it off. It might be painful at first, but then it's over."

I so did not like that analogy. But I wasn't about to let him scare me. Besides, there was a good chance that this was just a really, freaky dream and I would let it play out.

I stood up from the table and stuck my chin out. "No prob, Sebastian. I'm ready for whatever he has for me."

I risked a quick glance at Caiden and I swear I saw a brief moment of respect flit through his eyes. Then it was gone and he eyed me shrewdly for a few moments before putting his sunglasses back on. Turning on his heel, he walked out the front double doors without a goodbye to Sebastian. I assumed I was to follow.

"Bye, Charlie. You'll be fine with Caiden. I'll see you soon."

"Thanks, Sebastian. See you soon." I glanced back at Ben who was watching me. I gave him a wave and headed out the door.

Stepping out onto the porch, I found myself captivated again by the gorgeous turquoise waters in front of me. The sun was hanging very low now, just on the horizon of the water. Orange sparkles were reflected back at me. I took a deep breath and sighed. This really was heaven. Too bad I had the devil to contend with right now.

I walked off the porch steps and came to stand beside Caiden, who was also looking out over the horizon. I noted that the top of my head barely came to his shoulder and standing next to him I had a new appreciation of how solidly built he was. He looked down at me and then grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's go."

Caiden started walking toward the north end of the lagoon, with the water to our left, pulling me along. His hand was so big, it completely engulfed mine. I was shocked he was holding it. There was no reason for him to be leading me by the hand but I never thought to protest. His hand was warm and dry, and I realized that this was the first time a man had ever held my hand. Not that it was a romantic gesture, by any means. In fact, outside of his movie star good looks, I had only found Caiden to be scary, sarcastic and menacing. I seriously doubted he had a romantic bone in his body.

At the edge of the beach, there was a white wooden staircase that led up and we started our climb. After about fifty feet up, an opening appeared in the foliage, with a dirt path leading off the staircase. Caiden turned onto the path, pulling me along by the hand. I thought briefly about pulling my hand away but I'd be lying if I didn't say there was something a little thrilling about his touch. And like I said, I'm not a liar.

Within just a few steps, the path and foliage opened up to a verdant grassy yard with a small wooden cottage. I looked over to where the lagoon would be and noted that the trees were cropped down low enough that there was a gorgeous view of the water. I must have sighed loudly because Caiden stopped.

"Pretty view, huh?"

"That's an understatement," I said with awe. "I don't know how you ever get used to it."

He looked at me quizzically. "Who says you have to get used to it? It's always a treasure."

Giving a tug on my hand, he pulled me away from the scenic overlook toward the cottage. It was built in the same style as the other buildings down on the beach but was painted entirely in white. It had a wrap-around porch with white rocking chairs that faced the phenomenal view. The entire wall facing the lagoon was made of glass panels, framed by white wood. I couldn't see a door but Caiden released my hand and walked up to one of the panels. Grasping the edge, he slid it open and walked inside. I followed and watched as he then proceeded to slide open all of the panels, so the entire wall was now open to the outside
. Now that was cool!
I immediately felt a refreshing breeze from the lagoon drift in.

"Is this your house?"

"Yup."

I looked around. It was small but lovely. The floors were the same, dark mahogany wood I saw in Café Syreni. Ceiling fans above made their lazy twirls. I then noticed that the cottage was nothing more than one large room. In the middle at the far wall was a huge canopy bed with mosquito netting draped over it. To the left was a small kitchen with a table and two chairs. To the right, a couch faced the lagoon with a solid, wooden coffee table in front of it.

"It's pretty awesome," I commented.

And I meant it. I didn't like him—much—but his house was to die for. Caiden didn't respond and I watched as he opened his refrigerator and leaned in.
Whoa, nice butt!

I mentally slapped myself in the head. I seriously cannot believe my brain just went there. That was so un-Charlie like and apparently the heat or insanity of this entire day was getting to me. I had spent my entire young adult existence with my mind focused on my end game. I never had time to moon over boys, or worry about how my hair looked. I needed to get my head back on straight and focus on this opportunity, not on Caiden's hind end.

Caiden pulled back from the fridge and had two brown bottles in his hand. "Come on. Let's sit outside and talk a bit."

Out on the porch, Caiden sat down in a rocker. I chose the one beside him. Twisting the cap off one of the bottles, he handed it to me and then opened the other.

Looking down at the bottle, I asked, "What is it?"

"Beer."

"But...I'm only seventeen...well, soon to be eighteen..."

Caiden took a sip of his beer and removed his sunglasses. He laid them on the porch at his feet and turned in his chair to look at me.

"First thing to know about Semper Terra... there are no age rules." He grinned wickedly at me. "But we are not here to get drunk...just one beer while we talk."

I looked down at the beer dubiously. I'd never had alcohol in my life. Not that I didn't have opportunity. I had been to a few parties where the alcohol flowed freely. I just didn't like the way alcohol made people do stupid things and for someone that lived much of her life out of control, I didn't want alcohol influencing my decisions.

I took a cautious sip.
Eewww! That was gross!
I set the beer down on the porch and wiped the back of my mouth.

Caiden gave a bark of laughter. "Would you like something else?"

"No thanks. I'm good. But I can definitely mark beer of my list of 'must try but will never try again'."

"It's an acquired taste, no doubt." He took another healthy sip and I tried not to focus on the way his throat flexed when he swallowed. He seemed to enjoy the taste though.
To each his own.

"So, what did you mean that there are no age rules here in Semper Terra?"

"You know that Semper Terra means Forever Land, right?"

I nodded.

"Well, it doesn't get more literal than that. When you are in Semper Terra, you don't age. Time stands still. You never get old. You live forever."

"That's impossible," I scoffed.

"Second thing to know...nothing is impossible in Semper Terra. Write that down. Memorize it. It's the truth and will be the answer to many of your questions."

I looked at him skeptically. Surely he was pulling my leg. "What about Sebastian. He's like really old."

"Indeed he is. But he lives in The First Dimension now and aging takes its normal course there."

Freaky.
A thought suddenly struck me. "How old are you?"

"I was twenty when I came to live here. Of course, I spend time in and out of The First Dimension, but nothing that has significantly aged me. By Semper Terra standards, I supposed I've been in existence close to four hundred years now, give or take. You tend to skip birthdays around here after a while."

My jaw dropped and at the rate they kept dropping surprises on me, I was afraid my mouth would lock perpetually in that position. I couldn't help it though. After everything I had seen today, that seemed the most ridiculous thing yet. There was no way this gorgeous man sitting beside me was over four hundred years old.

"Wow," I said with awe. "You've been around the block a time or two, huh?"

"You have no idea, Charlie."

Caiden took another sip of his beer. I lost focus and watched again as he swallowed. I couldn't help but admire the strong line of his jaw, covered with stubble. How had I not ever noticed details about other people like this before? Maybe I had not been paying attention. Or maybe Caiden was just so visually stunning that I couldn't help but zero in on these things.

"So, I guess I should fill you in on The Alliance. What has Sebastian told you so far?"

Okay, enough ogling. Back to work.
"Not much really. I know there are daimons in the world. Some good, some bad. He told me how Semper Terra, and other dimensions, came to be. But that's about it."

"There's not a whole lot more than that. Daimons exist. Good and bad...dark and light. Alliance members hunt down and destroy the dark daimons."

"How do you know which daimons are good and which ones are bad?" The question sounded ridiculous, which told me I still had not fully invested my mind into what I was being told.

"Semper Terra is imbued with magic. That magic is gifted to you when you live here. The magic lets you see beneath a daimon's glamour. It shows you what they really look like. But more than that, it lets you see its true essence. You know a daimon is dark if you see a black aura around its body. If they are good, you only see their true self. The type of daimon they are."

Imbued with magic? But I could already see a daimon's true self before I had ever come to Semper Terra. Did that mean I had magic in me already? And all the ones I had seen so far, none of them had a black aura around them. In fact, the one this afternoon was surely evil, as he was beating up and torturing a young girl. But there was no black around him. I pulled my lower lip in between my teeth and chewed. It's what I did when I was deep in thought, or nervous. Better than chewing your nails.

"You should stop doing that, Charlie," Caiden said softly.

My eyes swung to his in surprise. He was staring at me intently...very, very intently. I swear...his eyes seemed to glow and I swallowed hard.

"Stop what?" I cringed when I heard my voice squeak from nervousness.

"Chewing your bottom lip." He then grinned at me mischievously. "It's kinda sexy and makes it difficult to have a conversation with you."

My eyes widened in astonishment. I thought this man had nothing but disdain for me. And now he was calling me sexy? Surely not. He was trying to throw me off my game and I had to toughen up if I was to survive being around him.
I have your number, Mr. Gallagher. And your tactics will not bring me down!

"Sorry," I said with chagrin. I knew my cheeks were pink with embarrassment, but that couldn't be helped. Maybe I would have to take up nail biting. Nothing sexy about that.

"You said imbued with magic. Do I already have magic in me? I can see a daimon for its true self already."

Caiden choked on the beer he had been sipping and started coughing. Then he was hacking. I refrained from pounding on his back and he eventually was able to take in a deep breath.

"You can,” he rasped?