Brazen: A Dark Paranormal Romance (The Sephlem Trials Book 2) Page 6

  Natalia straightens her spine and asserts, “Son, I’m sorry to hear that. When you get a moment, I’d like to speak with you privately about your decision.” Though her stance is strong, her eyes have become weak. All of them take the news as though they are losing Nathan instead of him moving out of the house. I make a mental note to mention, later, that this is normal for most families. Red with embarrassment and anger, Natalia pushes herself to continue. “Now that we know Nathan will help Taylor, we have to compile a plan for him, Taylor, and Tracey to defeat Roehl. Also, when we get the time, I’d like someone to explain to me why there is a Hybrid hanging in the let out.” She sits.

  “I was thinking.” Scott stands. “We let Taylor see what he wants, Nathan too. Once we understand what that is, or see what his intentions are, we’ll know what we need to do to defeat him.” He squats to sit, but stops. “Oh, and the guy in the bathroom tried to steal Tracey and kill her parents. We’re still juggling killing him and uh, not killing him.” He sits.

  Natalia nods, easily accepting of the new addition to their home that may or may not be living past tomorrow.

  All the eyes in the room shift between Nathan and Roseland, awaiting their comment. The two exchange looks in a way that seems like they’re internally speaking to each other. Our family relies on them for their input with Roseland having constructive suggestions on Nathan’s deranged, yet efficacious ideas and plans. Nathan nods, standing. I don’t like the discomforted look on his face. “Thank you, Scott.” He looks down at me from the corner of his eye, adding, “You’ll come with us. Along with Olar. Scott, you’ll sit this one out. But stay available as a plan ‘B.’”

  Scott shakes his head, not liking the idea.

  “We’ll go to Roehl, the four of us,” Nathan continues. “Taylor will turn herself in. I’ll accompany her, considering she’s surrendered me to him as well. He wants Tracey, so we’ll take her,” he says through his teeth, “to understand his intentions, but also to see what he’s willing to do to get her. Olar’s there for defense.” He looks to his cousin. “You’ll remain ready regardless of what happens.”

  “And I’m not coming for what reason?” Scott interjects.

  “He’ll know something is up if we all show up,” Roseland answers. His we throws me off because I didn’t hear his name mentioned anywhere.

  “Then let Olar stay here, and I’ll go.”

  “Olar doesn’t have any distractions. If you were to come, your distraction would be sitting at the house calling you the entire time. You wouldn’t be able to focus from trying to pay attention to her,” Nathan says, closing the subject.

  Glen is bad when Scott isn’t around. She calls him constantly on his phone and now in his head. If he didn’t ignore her and just tell her he’s busy, she might not be so bad. Scott shows his understanding with a nod as he knows Nathan’s right, but the reflection of his annoyance is written in his deep blue swirling eyes and furrowed brows.

  Nathan continues, “Justin will remain here unless something happens to Taylor that calls him to her. We don’t want Roehl to think the entire family knows about Taylor’s betrayal and assume we’re there for his defeat. Does anyone besides Scott disagree?”

  No one objects.

  “When does this happen?” Scott asks.

  Roseland stands. “Right after you have graduated.”

  “It’s not too far out?” Taylor asks.

  “No. It’ll be fine in case you all can’t come right back,” Roseland relays.

  Wait. Not come back, Nathan?

  “It’s okay, Sparks. I intend on us returning. But we have to prepare for the unexpected.” Nathan tries to comfort me in his modulated tone. It doesn’t work.

  Natalia stands. “Okay, then that’s it. I thank you for your time.” She dismisses the room.

  Nathan and I stay behind as the room empties, leaving us with Natalia. Roseland is the last one out and closes the door behind him. The abundance of everyone’s presence eases away from me, and I sigh, slumping my shoulders. I’ll have to figure out a way to control the way others affect me; it’s heavy to feel so many people at once. Rather, it’s uncomfortable to feel the presence and auras of other people, period.

  “Mom, don’t start,” Nathan kicks it off, shaking his head as he tries to keep his cool.

  “Son,” she sighs at him, lips in a perpetual frown. “We are—”

  “We are nothing.” He talks over her, eyes wide and jaw clenched. “Do you not see what’s going on here? You are forcing me into helping someone who you know doesn’t deserve to be helped.”

  “It is not up to us to judge who deserves and who does not deserve.” She shifts uncomfortably. “I know you’re upset, and I know you’re hurt. I’m sorry this all happened. Your father, Rose, and now Taylor. Then you’re constantly looking over your shoulder at your cousin and his mate with those two trying not to kill you two. I can’t relate to how you feel, son.” She takes a breath, swelling her small chest with so much air that her frame expands. “You have been dealing with this type of thing your entire life. People turn on you, including family. But you have to be the bigger person not to turn on them.” She looks for Nathan to respond, but he remains quiet. “What Taylor did is forgivable, and we’ll make it right. You know she loves you and Tracey, and she would never allow someone to take Tracey from you because she won’t lose you. Her intentions were in vain, and she may not have known what the outcome would be, but understand this, Nathan. She is in the same boat. Writhing in pain from that monster pulling her to him. It won’t be too many days before he’ll be sending out two at a time; one for Tracey and the other for Taylor.”

  She waits, and Nathan still says nothing.

  “Sometimes,” she drags persuasively, “a mother has to do and say things to get her children to behave the way they should. I understand if you feel I may have stepped beyond a point that you’ve retained for yourself. And I understand if you feel it is better for the two of you to leave and have your own home. That does not mean I want you to.” She stands and irons out the wrinkles in her blouse with her hands.

  Nathan rises with her.

  “I’m sorry.” She spreads her arms and hugs him. The moment his arms wrap around her, she weeps against his stomach.

  After she gets it all out, I stand, and she steps over to hug me. I embrace her and apologize for things taking this unexpected turn. It wasn’t my place to do so, but I felt she needed it and I truly am sorry.

  We leave her, closing the door behind us. A crash sounds against it. I place my hand on the door, but dare to open it. What sounds like furniture and glass are flying and smashing against the walls and maybe windows. Something big crashes onto the floor, and something else is ripped off the walls. My hand falls to my side when I lift my gaze to Nathan’s.

  He drops his gaze to the floor and head down the hall. “Let’s go to your house. Check on things there.”

  Mom’s cooking when we make it home, entering through our always unlocked door.

  “Under the circumstances, I think you should talk to your mom about the door being open.”

  I nod, agreeing. “Mom?”

  “I’m in the kitchen,” she returns.

  “Hello again,” Nathan greets sarcastically, taking a seat at the counter.

  “Hello, you two. How was the rest of your day?”

  “Good,” I lie, sitting next to him.

  She looks over her shoulder, asking, “What happened with the man at your school who you mistook as your father?”

  “Oh, uh, yeah. I mean, no. Um, sorry. Wasn’t him.” I shake my head, removing the babble. “Sorry I bothered you at work.”

  “It’s no bother; I was concerned. Because, no, honey, he is not here.”

  “Thanks for reiterating that, Mom. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “You probably fell asleep in class and had one of those realistic dreams you’ve been having lately. Do you think we should schedule an appointment to see Dr. Phisher?”


  “What, Mom?” I shrill. “No! I don’t need to see the doctor. I just . . . I just thought I saw him. No biggie. I was wrong, you were right. Let’s not get all doctor-drastic. I’m fine. I just need to get a little sleep.” And a lot of Nathan. “That would help.”

  “Fine, Tracey. But if you are feeling too much pressure or overly stressed, you better let me know. We don’t want them to resurface.”

  “K, Mom. Promise.” Oh my gosh, how embarrassing! “Can we drop this now?”

  Whenever you’re ready, Sparks. Nathan pressures me, insisting I must tell him about my inconvenience.

  I’ll never be ready. Drop it, please.

  Mom moves a skillet from the stove to the hot pad. She looks over her shoulder at me and quickly turns away when our eyes meet. She knows I don’t like her to bring that up. I get that she’s comfortable and knows that I’m comfortable with us discussing things around Nathan, but that’s not one of them. “So, Nathan,” she starts, swaying the conversation. “When do we get to meet your family?”

  “Err,” he stutters, surprised. “Anytime you’re ready, I suppose.”

  Considering Mom won’t talk Dad out of moving, I feel like welcoming the elephant into the room. “Why worry about meeting his family if you want me to move and not be with him?”

  Nathan nudges my arm and with a side-eye glance, gives me the ‘don’t be an asshole’ face.

  “Just saying, Mom, you shouldn’t waste your time.” I pick at an orange I don’t plan to eat.

  “Tracey, do not go there. What if you two actually end up staying together?”

  “What if?” I blurt, cutting her off.

  Her eyes narrow and lips purse, mirroring the same expression Nathan gave me. I roll my eyes. “I think it would be appropriate for us to meet. You spend some time over there, and you spend time over here, Nathan.”

  “Pay Sparks no mind, Karen. That wouldn’t be a problem at all. Let me know when you’re interested in meeting them, and we can set up dinner for a meet and greet.”

  I glance at Nathan from the corner of my eye. Now they’re your family, huh?

  Don’t, Sparky.

  I throw my head back. “Ugh!” I grump. “What can I do?”

  Nathan and Mom wear concerned glares. I think I have lost it. People trying to kill me, Nathan wanting to leave his family—which he said he’d never do, Dad wanting to move, Mom and her mixed feelings about everything, and Roehl. I think it’s all gotten to me, and I cracked. Like a chicken.

  “An egg, Sparks. You’ve cracked like an egg,” Nathan corrects.

  I crinkle my nose at him and narrow my eyes at Mom’s scrutinizing glare. “What?” I chirp, walking away.

  “I’m calling the doctor, Tracey!” Mom jokes.

  Nathan follows me into the family room. I lie on the couch, craving a nap. Nathan lifts my legs and sits, laying them across his. He slouches onto the cushions and yawns as his lids fall over his eyes.

  “You tired, Nate?”

  “You have no idea. I never realized before how much my brain has to work with two minds. If that makes any sense.” His hand slaps down on the right side of his face and roughly drags down his cheek. “My head hurts.”

  “Dinner will be ready shortly,” Mom announces, joining us. She takes a seat on the other couch and studies us. “Why are you two so quiet?”

  I almost scowl at her question.

  “Tracey?” Mom crosses her legs, not meeting my eyes. “Are you and Nathan having sex?”

  Oh. My. Wow. Staggered, I’m frozen, wide-eyed. She must have misinterpreted that look. I open my mouth to speak but snap it closed. Searching for a little help, I look to Nathan but find none as he leaves his eyes closed and head laid back on the couch. He slowly shakes it, confirming he’s not getting into this one.

  I sit up, clearing my throat. “Are you seriously asking that question?” I may be able to tell Mom anything, but this is a conversation I’m avoiding until the end of the world. She’d probably flip out if I told her the truth.

  Mom shrugs, giving me a fixated stare. “You can be honest with me, Tracey.”

  She would know.

  Eww. Why would you say that? I don’t want to think about that.

  I mumble nonsense and look from her to a silent Nathan.

  “Your silence is answer enough, Tracey.” She turns on the TV, breaking the heaviness that’s stuffed itself in the room. “I am going to say this and walk away to finish dinner. This is for you too, Nathan, so make sure you’re listening. Be smart and be careful. Never take advantage of each other. Always use protection. And do not get pregnant,” she adds, getting up and leaving the living room. “Your Dad is already on edge about you two. He’d kill all three of us if you have a child,” she mutters under her breath, way too low for me to be able to hear.

  I lie back down. “Oh gosh. That was too awkward.”

  Nathan crosses his arms, slumping further on the couch. Never opening his eyes, he says, “My life was adventurous before I met you. But now, it’s full of surprises from both of our families.”

  Clear my head, please. “I’m going to take a nap,” I tell him, throwing a pillow over my face.

  I’m addicted to Nathan’s ability to control my mind. When it’s in my favor, and he’s not using it against me, that is. He can avert my thoughts, changing my dreams, making it easy to sleep without the inconveniences of this life worrying me. Without him, Roehl creeps into my dreams or floods my subconscious in the worst way imaginable. It’s embarrassing the directions those thoughts lead. Other nights, our past knocks down my borders and memories of Rose bursting into chunks, Mr. Newcomb standing over me with the eagerness of my death etched deep in his blood-red eyes, Natalia’s plea for his resurrection, or the worst, Glen laying in my arms on her last limb. If it weren’t for Nathan, I’d relive these events every night and would probably be more cracked than he and Mom already think I am.

  Sparks. I’m kissed. Sparky. I’m kissed again. Wake up.

  “Mmm. I love that.”

  “I know.” Nathan pulls me up into a sitting position. “Let’s eat your mom’s dinner.”

  “K.”

  Mom set the table and placed food on our plates. “Did you two have a good nap?” she asks, putting down filled glasses before sitting.

  “Yes, Mommy. Thanks for asking,” I cheerfully reply.

  She gives me a peculiar stare. “Yes, Tracey. You are having mood swings.” She and Nathan laugh.

  “Not funny,” I scold, sitting down while Nathan pushes in my chair.

  Mom watches him as she spreads a napkin over her lap. “Nathan, your parents raised you well. I appreciate that. I’ll have to thank them,” she says as he sits. “Your father will be home this weekend, Tracey. I think we should meet then if that is okay.”

  “That’ll be fine, Karen. Thanks for dinner, by the way.”

  “Good. You are always welcome. Will your family come here or should we arrange to go there?”

  “There,” Nathan and I blurt.

  She awkwardly nods. “Oookay?”

  “Sorry,” Nathan starts, “I have a big family, and we’d need the space.”

  “I have heard you have quite a clan living under that roof. By the way, is that your car outside?” she asks before eating the food from her fork. “I was under the impression you drove a truck. The Chevrolet.”

  “No, ma’am. It’s my sister’s.”

  “Taylor, right?” She remembered!

  “Yes.”

  “Okay,” she chuckles. “I almost thought you drove a Mercedes.”

  “I do. It’s in the shop, same one as Taylor’s, except mine is silver.”

  Mom’s kind smile fades. She looks at me, and I look down at my plate, shoving a fork full of food in my mouth. I knew Nathan’s car would be a problem, going back to the fact that they think he’s too advanced for me. There are so many conversations about him and his endeavors I avoid. Drinking from my glass, I glance past its rim at Mom. She narrows her
soft gray eyes and sets her fork down. Before she can peep a sound, I bring up graduation, changing the subject. She knows Nathan helped me with my speech, and we’ve been practicing it at least twice a week. I’ve been trying to keep the school we’ve decided to go to under wraps as a punishment to Dad, which, because Mom will tell him, I’ve been holding it back from her, too. She hates that I am, but they’ll get over it.

  Like most nights, after dinner and clean up, the three of us land in the family room, watching a movie. Tonight’s choice is one of Mom’s and my favorite Adam Sandler flicks. I love it when the three of us hang out. Mom has warmed up to Nathan and is becoming more accepting of us. I love that she’s at least trying. Actually, she’s done more than try.

  Leaving for her room, Mom bids us good night and Nathan heads out. I jump in the shower, washing off the day. Johann was a shocker. It’s just as Taylor had said, Roehl can send someone walking right into my school. I’m forgiving of what she did, but her knowing this about Roehl makes me question what it was she wanted out of it. She may have gotten her father out of the way, but created something far worse for her and us.

  Surprised to see Nathan lying on my bed when I walk in my room, I push my door closed and turn the lock. “Hey,” I whisper. “I thought you had something to do tonight.” I cross the floor on my tiptoes and put my knee on the bed to climb up onto it.

  “Hey, beautiful.” His hand slides up my thigh as I get comfortable beside him. “Forget about that. You feeling better?”

  “Yeah.” I grab his hand and kiss his knuckles. “How are you?”

  “Fine.”

  “Good.” I shrug and lie down, snuggling up beside him.

  “Your mom’s asleep.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  Nathan leans up on his side and throws his arm around me. Dipping his head down on my chest, he inhales. “This soap smells amazing on you.”

  “Un-hun?” I hum, itching for his kiss. Memory brings the feeling to the surface of my skin, recalling the sensation of his lips placed where he hovers. He draws back and sits at the end of the bed. “Whoa, whoa. Wrong direction,” I say, knitting my brows. “I’m over here.”