New Roots (Fate's Intent Book 8) (21 page)

Chapter 45

Ruby

I woke with heavy eyes from an almost sleepless night. I was up every couple hours with Dirk but he wasn’t the one to wake me up this time. It was morning from seeing the light from the windows and I looked around the room. It wasn’t the one I fell asleep in and I was alone.

My curiosity overwhelmed me until a baby cried and I looked over. The same bassinet was sitting next to the bed and I slowly got up with my eyes on it, afraid of what I might see. Something was moving around under the blankets and I reached for it, carefully pulling it off.

I sighed a bit in relief when I saw it was Dirk with our red hair and I picked him up. I smiled as I held him up but then he opened his eyes.

All I saw was green.

I sprung up in bed, panting heavily with my eyes shifting all around the room. I didn’t know what happened but I was back in Darius’s room and he was next to me with Dirk still sleeping. It was just a dream or more of a nightmare really and I tried to calm my breaths.

Dirk cried and I didn’t hesitate to get out of bed and go over to him. I picked him right up and had my eyes focused on his. When he began to calm down from being held, he batted his eyes open and I smiled to see a light amber and brought him into my body. “There you are. Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

“What happened?”

I turned around quickly and Darius was awake. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just a bad dream.”

“Yours?”

I was hesitant as I sat back down on the bed with Dirk cradled in my arms to feed him again. “Yeah, mine. You wouldn’t care to hear it though.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because you’d overreact even if it was just a dream.”

“You know, saying that is only going to make me want to know more.”

I sighed. “If I tell you, you have to keep in mind that it was just a dream. I’m not Adele. They don’t mean anything.”

“Okay.”

I took a long breath and kept my eyes down on Dirk. “I remember waking up, not from him but on my own then he woke up. I went to him and he opened his eyes. They were—green.” I turned my head for some kind of immediate response out of Darius but he sat still. He wasn’t even blinking. “Darius, say something.”

He laughed, breaking his straight face. “Your fantasies are amusing! We should tell Troy.”

I was confused at first but understood what he thought I was suggesting. “Oh, no. Darius, not that green. They were—brighter.”

His smile faded. “Brighter? As in—”

“Jaylyn’s.” I said, not wanting to say his name.

“Trever, you mean.”

“It was only a dream.”

“But it scared you.”

“Only because it seemed so real.”

“Are you worried that they lied to you and you’re holding his child, not mine?” I looked down at Dirk for a moment but couldn’t come to say anything. “Ruby?”

“Of course not!” I snatched. “How could you say that?”

“Well, don’t you find it weird at all that he happens to show up the day you have him?”

“Why would it be weird?”

“It’s like he had to check for himself that the baby didn’t turn out blonde.”

There was a knock at the door.

I looked towards the door then to Darius. “You’re wrong.”

He got up and went towards the door. He opened it and greeted whoever it was with an amused laugh. “You just can’t stay out of my life, can you?”

That’s when I knew it was Trever. Perfect timing.

“Excuse me?”

He said nothing but I was fearing it because I knew Trever was probably reading his mind about the things we just talked about.

I was right. Trever walked right in passed him and fixed his eyes on me. “Please tell me you’re not even considering it?”

“It was just a stupid dream. I’m not the one that is.”

Trever looked back and Darius had already closed the door and was right behind him. “Your doubts are typical of you and the size of your jealous rage but I can assure you that it was not me. You have to realize that over the years we were resourceful not to let that happen.”

“We?” I asked.

“Well, we—you were involved in depth whether you knew about it or not. It was Kole—stopping you from getting pregnant by me.”

My mouth dropped with a huff. “Thanks for telling me about this now.”

“Well, what did you expect? Recall how long we were together?”

“Thanks.” I said, shifting my eyes towards Darius, knowing he wasn’t liking the conversation. “Best not to mention it.”

“Who cares? It’s not like you were the only one. I made sure he did it to Jay too.”

“What about Adele?”

Trever laughed and started to take small steps around where he was standing, acting unusually vague. “Yeah. See, we were going to but then—she was already—and he was—but I couldn’t—so I had him—and they just thought—so we—yeah. That’s the gist of it.”

I sat there with the most dumbfounded look on my face. “I didn’t get a word you just said.”

“I can’t tell you exactly.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t waste your breath, Ruby.” Darius said. “I speak stupid.”

“Yes.” Trever smiled. “I believe you’re quite fluent.”

Darius took a step towards him in anger but I just help up my free hand. “Wait! Not now. Go on. I want to hear what you think.”

“All right.” Darius turned and sat down on the bed at an angle so he could see us both. “He was saying, they were going to make it so Adele couldn’t get pregnant by Ryon but when they tried, she already was.” My eyes widened and I moved them to Trever. “The bad part was, Ryon already knew but Trever wasn’t going to let it happen so he had Kole do it anyway which killed the child, making Adele and Ryon think she lost it naturally. It seemed to work in their favor and everyone got on with their lives.”

I was still staring at Trever while I was listening. “Is any of that even true?”

“Well, I must admit, Darius. I’m impressed.”

“Is it true?” I asked again.

“It’s the gist of it.”

“She never told me about that.”

“She never told anyone. Only Ryon. Neither of them ever knew what we did. That’s why it worked out so well.”

“So, she’s really been pregnant before and you just killed it?”

“Red, come on. A child with Ryon? What do you really think that would have done when she met Zayden?”

“Oh, no! Zayden! Does he know?”

“Of course. She told him the same time he found out about the one she’s having now.”

I sighed in relief. “Don’t scare me like that. I’d hate to have to keep something like that from him.”

“Not something that has to burn a hole in your conscious and neither does that dream. I mean, look at him. How could he possibly be mine? He doesn’t look anything like me.”

“I’m over it. It wasn’t a big deal.”

I looked at Darius and he sat without a word.

“He’s over it too.” Trever smiled. “But he still thinks it’s a big deal that you could even possibly think that.”

“Get out of my head.”

“She deserves to know what goes on in there. Protective yet jealousy seems to arrive whenever I’m around and you’re really just—”

Darius got up and started walking towards him. “What is it going to take to get you out of my life?”

“Not much, actually. I only really came up here to say good-bye.”

“Well, good-bye! There’s the door.”

“Stop it, Darius.” I said. “Trever, you can’t leave already. I only just woke up.”

He smiled and stepped closer to the bed without the slightest glance at Darius’s hateful stare. “I know but I have to. You won’t even notice, remember?”

I sighed and closed the front of my shirt with my free hand and carried Dirk over to him. “Fine but you have to come see us when you get back.”

He laughed and hugged me gently. “I will as long as you don’t count the days. A year is a long time.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“So, I guess that’s how long it’ll be till I see you again.” Trever had this cute playful tone while he took Dirk in his hands. “By then you’ll probably be running all over the place.”

“Don’t say that.”

He laughed. “Babies grow up you know, Red. It’d be wise of you to not fight it.”

“I will as long as I can.”

“Think that’s bad then just wait until he’s taller than you.”

“Okay! I think I’ll have him back now.” I took Dirk back and kept my eyes down on him while I pulled him close. “I don’t even want to think about that.”

“Well, I better get going. They’re probably wondering where I am.”

“Okay. See you in a year, I guess.”

Trever smiled and kissed my cheek then turned, taking notice to Darius’s continuous glare. “Darius. I do hope you take better care of her this time. I’ve heard some pretty naughty things.”

“Just leave.”

Trever kept his smile. “Bye, Red.”

Chapter 46

Darius

I was glad he was gone and would be for a year. I’d enjoy it.

“Could you relax, please?”

“I am relaxed.”

Ruby sighed and came to me, touching my arm. “I know you’re not but I told you it wasn’t a big deal. Dirk is your son and I don’t doubt it. I’d like for you to not too.”

My eyes moved down to the baby in her hands and I slowly began to take him. “Of course I don’t. He was at least right about that. He doesn’t look like him at all.”

“No. I think he looks like you. I see it more every time I look at him.”

“I’m sorry about how I reacted.”

“It’s okay. I knew you would. I know how much you hate him but he’ll be gone for a while. It’ll be just us.”

“You say that like he’ll be joining us when he gets back.”

“Not joining us but he’ll be around. Not a great deal more because by then we’ll be back home and he’ll be needed in Dorlin.”

“Let’s just hope father calls me away during those visits.”

Ruby smiled and leaned into me with a sarcastic tone. “You mean you’re going to let him be alone with me?”

“You know what I mean. Let’s just forget about it. How long do you think we have before Jaylyn comes knocking?”

“Not long if Trever told them we’re awake. I know we said we’d come down but she’s been pretty impatient with us.”

I smiled and looked down at Dirk. “Sorry, pal. There’s just nowhere to hide you.”

“Stop. He’s going to love his Aunty Jaylyn. He won’t remember what she’s like now. As soon as Bryce is born, she’ll calm down. Wow, that sounds weird to say, doesn’t it?”

“What? Bryce?”

“Yeah. You probably don’t think so but I do. I guess it’s just different when I knew him.”

“I’m sure you’ll get used to it. Come on. We should get dressed and get down there before they all come barging in here.”

“That’s a good idea. Keep him for a bit while I do it first?”

“Take all the time you want. I don’t care about going down like this. I’m used to it.”

“Okay, I just want to see if I can sneak into Zayden’s bathhouse. I need to shower.”

“You sure you’ll be all right alone?”

Ruby smiled and lifted herself on her tiptoes to kiss me. “I’m in full health, Muscles. I’ll be fine.”

“I somehow can’t stop smiling when you call me that.”

“Mmm. Because you like it.”

“You know I do. It’s just rare that you use it these days.”

“I guess but these days haven’t exactly been easy or happy for us, now have they?”

“That’s all going to change.”

I looked down at Dirk and Ruby did too, gently placing her hand on his head. “Yeah. It is. Well, let’s get going. I’m already starting to miss him.”

I smiled as we walked towards the door. “All right. Hurry then. We’ll be waiting for you.”

We parted ways out in the hall and I brought my son downstairs into the dining hall. It was quiet while I walked in but everyone was sitting around the table.

“There you are.” Zayden said.

I looked right at Jaylyn and noticed her still mood. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What do you think?” Troy answered. “Trever left again.”

“Oh, well, I know I’m not the right person to try and comfort you about that but I brought someone else that might be able to.”

Jaylyn looked up, seeing Dirk in my arm and immediately smiled. “Okay but I have to hold him.”

“Of course.”

I handed him off and Jaylyn’s smile stayed while she held him in her arms. “This is better.”

“Don’t waste your time worrying about what Trever’s doing. He’ll be back before you know it and you’ll have a baby of your own by then to share your time.”

“Thanks, Darius. That’s sweet.”

I smiled back and kissed her cheek as an instant reaction then sat in the chair next to her. “You’re welcome.”

“Hey!” Troy cut in. “Keep your lips off my wife.”

“Relax.” Jaylyn replied. “He’s just being nice.”

“That’s what you need to watch out for.”

I laughed. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

“So, where’s Ruby?” Adele asked.

I knew she was just trying to cut into the conversation but I answered her. “She’s showering. She should be down in a few minutes.”

“How was the first night?”

I paused for a moment, taking a bite of food. “She was up with him a few times. He had a nice awake period just before dawn.”

“And you were coherent to all of this?” Zayden asked sarcastically.

I laughed to his tone. “I was surprised myself but I do actually wake up from him.”

“You’ll probably regret that soon.” Jaylyn said.

“Why would I?”

“He wakes up at night for one reason, to eat. You couldn’t help.”

“I do, actually. I change him before he eats.”

“Really?” Jaylyn expressed extreme surprise.

“Don’t sound so amazed.”

“I didn’t mean to. It’s just weird. Normal men don’t usually get involved with that kind of stuff as it is and then there’s you.”

“Can everyone jump onboard at the same time here and get used to it? I’ve changed and he—” I looked down at Dirk still being peaceful in Jaylyn’s arms. “He’s my future and I don’t want to mess this up.”

“You won’t.” Adele said. “And we like this new you. It’s refreshing and hopefully, they’ll learn a thing or two before they’re sons are born.”

“Hey!” Zayden and Troy bellowed at the same time.

“Shh!” Jaylyn whispered. “You’ll scare the baby.”

I laughed. “We still have a little while but we could schedule something when you’re busy with a meditation session.”

“Great idea!” Adele smiled, moving her eyes towards Zayden. “They’d love to!”

“Okay.” Zayden sighed, getting up to his feet. “But right now, I think I could go for a workout. You coming?”

“I will.” Troy said while he got up after him. “Darius will probably be busy.”

“I can go. I trust Jaylyn to be completely responsible with Dirk for a few minutes until Ruby comes down.”

“Well, all right then.” Zayden said. “Come on.”

“Maybe you can work on some manners first.” Adele whispered as I stood up to follow.

I laughed. “I’ll try that. You’re in charge.”

“Always.”

I walked away with my smile and joined Zayden and Troy outside on this sunny winter’s morning.

“Maybe I should get more clothes on.” I said, feeling the cold air on my bare skin.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Zayden laughed. “You get sick and Jaylyn can just heal you. Besides, it’s nice out today. Soon you won’t even notice the chill.”

“Fine. Let’s start quick then.”

Zayden smiled and used his speed to grab a stick and attacked me without warning.

“Hey!” I put up my hand to grab it from him.

“Well, you said quick!” Troy laughed. “About time you learned!”

“I’d much rather teach something to you instead!” I pulled the stick fully from Zayden and spun it around towards Troy.

“Troy!” Zayden quickly tossed him a stick and he caught it just in time to block my coming hit.

“Oh, I see how it is.” I said. “Two against one? All right. I can take both of you.”

Zayden smiled and immediately appeared inches in front of me. “Really want to test that?”

“Well, it wasn’t a threat.”

I shoved him back and Zayden slid on the ground a couple of feet from the sudden force.

“I guess it’s on then.” Troy smiled. He spun around and swung his stick at me, starting the morning.

I spun myself around as well and held up my stick to block. Zayden effortlessly jumped back to his feet, eager to get into the game.

They were now both attacking me but I was doing well, dodging and blocking dual sticks from each side. Zayden used his speed only when it was necessary to get out of the way from the occasional swing and Troy had his natural agility to try and run me tired.

It wasn’t working and I had to laugh from their effort. “You know, ever since I’ve been with Ruby my endurance is limitless.”

“And I seriously doubt that’s the only reason.” Troy replied, continuing with his attacks.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I said casually, not showing an ounce of tiredness at all. “My strength might have something to do with it. Nothing seems to phase me anymore.”

“Would you please at least fight back?!” Zayden asked, aggravated by my confidence.

I smiled and swung my stick towards both of them. Zayden and Troy acted naturally and swiftly. They used their sticks as one and was able to spin mine out of my hands, holding theirs both out to me like they won.

“I don’t think so.” I grabbed the ends that were just inches from touching me and swung them around to my left.

They failed to let go and were swung several feet up in the air and came crashing down after slamming into the side of the palace wall.

“Ooh!” I muttered. “That had to hurt.” I started walking over to them, hearing the groaning signs of pain.

“Shit, Darius.” Troy mumbled while rotating his left shoulder. “Was that necessary?”

“You’re the one that held on.”

Troy got up to his feet but Zayden was still on the ground seeming quiet and still. “Hey, Zayden, are you all right?” He rolled him over and he coughed out a breath of blood. “Oh no.” I looked lower to where Zayden’s hands were and saw more blood pouring out of a large laceration just under his left ribs. “Darius, go get Jaylyn!” Troy tried to keep Zayden’s hands out of the way so he could put pressure on it.

“Shit.”

“Run!”

I quickly turned and ran inside. Jaylyn was still in the dining hall where we left her with Dirk in her arms.

“Jaylyn, hand off the baby!” I said, taking deep panting breaths.

“But why? It hasn’t been that long.”

“Just do it! We need your help!”

“What happened?” Ruby asked, slowly taking Dirk back from Jaylyn.

“Zayden’s hurt!”

Adele’s eyes widened and she immediately got up. “What?!”

“Just come on!”

Ruby and Jaylyn got up too and they came as fast as they could behind me back outside.

“Zayden!” Adele saw him on the ground with Troy and quickly went over, seeing all the blood. “What happened?!”

“Darius tried to kill us.” Troy sighed.

“I did not!”

“You threw us into a wall!”

“Accidentally!”

“All right!” Jaylyn cut in. “It’s okay. I can fix it. Zayden, can you hear me?” His eyes moved to her but he couldn’t say anything. “Stay with us. You won’t feel it in a minute.” Her eyes started to glow while her hands were both on him tightly and the blood from around his mouth started to disappear.

Adele sat with Zayden’s head in her lap, anxiously watching, hoping he’d be all right. We all were.

Zayden’s eyes moved to hers and I noticed she didn’t blink like she didn’t want to miss a second of not seeing his eyes. Zayden brought his hand up and stroked her cheek.

Adele smiled to seeing more movement out of him and brought his hand into her lips, kissing them and the blood that covered his skin. Then she looked down and everything changed. She had his blood on her lips from kissing him and pressed them together, probably tasting it.

Her eyes blackened and it scared her enough that she moved back.

“Love?” Zayden was able to keep his own head up and Jaylyn pulled her hands away.

My eyes were still on Adele. She sat on the ground, her eyes still black with visible signs of blood on her lips.

“Adele, are you okay?” Ruby asked.

We couldn’t have been sure what or who she was looking at but I’m sure Adele knew and I think Zayden did too.

“Love?” Zayden reached his hand out towards her but she kept close to herself and backed away.

“What’s wrong with her?” I asked.

Zayden sighed and tried wiping the blood off his hand on his pants. “This.”

Adele backed away even more to the point that she was able to stand up and started to rush back inside.

“Love, wait!” Zayden got up to his feet after her. “Thanks, Jaylyn!”

“No need to thank me. We wouldn’t have let you die.”

Zayden didn’t respond. He started running after Adele and that’s when I realized it. She wanted his blood and it probably wasn’t going to go away until she got some.