I look up at the three ladies standing around us and they each look as confused as I. Well all but Marissa, she is wearing a knowing expression. “I knew she held something inside of her, something special, I never expected it to be this.”
“Be what?” Marissa knew more about our ancient world, about our ancestors and everything about our world than anyone else. It was almost like she knew what was going to happen and rarely is she wrong.
“Taryn isn’t hearing people talk.” Marissa knelt before us, reaching out she placed her hand on Taryn’s head and slowly traced it over her, bringing it to rest upon her shoulders. “She’s hearing their thoughts.”
For a few seconds, we all grow silent. Each of us lost in the words Marissa spoke.
“It seems that the child she is carrying is not the only gifted one. But the conception of the baby she now holds has brought to life those things hidden inside Taryn that even she has never been aware of. It’s why she was chosen not only by you but by the spirit of your ancestors.” Marissa smiles, as she continues to glide her hand over Taryn. Her palm barely touched her, moving from one side to the next. A low soothing hum, her lips moving as she is channeling all the healing she possesses.
I look up to the sound of the bell chiming above the door of Marissa’s small shop and see Jonathan step inside. Pausing, he looks to us all before settling on Taryn. I notice the way Rowan gets ridged at my side but right now my best friends and their drama are the least of my worries.
Marissa is a healer, which means Jonathan holds those abilities. Noticing his mother's movements he moves in closer and places his hand onto his mother's shoulders. Together they remain silent, offering Taryn what they feel she needs at the time. But what I need is to grab a hold of her and run. Take her someplace safe, where I can protect her, and our child.
Child. She is carrying our child. I wonder if she knew before now?
“I’m good mom,” I hear her say from outside the bedroom door where I wait in silence as I listen to her talk to her parents. First, it was her father and now her mother. Each asking her a round of questions but nowhere in there did she mention me. Or the life we are creating here.
She never told them she was living here in my home, our home. In fact, I’d heard her mention the cabin more times than I’d wanted to. Almost like she’s chosen to keep me hidden, to ignore us in the equation.
“I’m not sure when, or if I’m coming back to the city.” My pulse quickens as I lean in closer to the slightly opened door. “It’s peaceful here and I’ve actually thought of getting a job in Stone Ridge. Maybe even something based online so that I can work from home.”
There is a pause and I imagine this is the part where her mother is telling her of all the reasons why she thinks she shouldn’t stay here. I fist my hands to keep myself from barging into the room and taking the phone from Taryn to announce myself and the life she is creating here.
“I’m not hiding out in a dark cabin.” Maybe this is it, the point where she tells them about me. “I’ve met people, made friends. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming.” Instantly I feel like the weight of the world is pressing hard upon my chest.
“I’m really loving it here.” And I’ve met a man, one that I love. I wish she’d say, but she doesn’t. “I promise I’ll call again soon, but please don’t worry.”
I wait for them to end the call and take a few extra minutes before I place my palm to the door and begin to slowly push it open. Taryn looks up when I fill the doorway and I stand still hoping she says anything that will calm me. I need to hear her explain why she is keeping me a secret. I have to know.
When she looks away, focusing on her hands as she worries them in her lap a crippling fear hits me and I start walking toward her. Careful to keep my movements slow and steady I sat near her and focused on one calming breath after another.
“Do you understand? Do you realize that your safety and that of our child is not only the most important thing to me but is also now the priority of every other person in this town that understands our gifts? Not only that but anyone outside of Stone Ridge that was not aware of you before, they are now.” I speak to her with the gentlest tone. I need her to get it, I thought she did, but maybe I’ve been so wrapped up in us that I ignored what I should have seen.
As she lifts her gaze to meet my own I know that I’m right. The way she is looking at me shows me exactly how lost she feels. This is all so much, the powers, the gifts, our child.
“It’s like we’re connected somehow. Like we all feel the presence of this new life.” I want so badly to touch her, but I remain at a short distance. “When that bond is formed, when the chosen has been bound with that of her mate, it sets forth a sequence of events. Those that hold gifts, they’re awakened. Some expected, some not. This, you and I, we’ve reignited a world that has been asleep for many years.”
“It's a lot to take in,” her words are barely a whisper.
“I know,” I reach out and drag my thumb along her jaw triggering her to look up at
