Page 13 of The Brave (Black Arrowhead #6)

I worried for my packmates. Though I feared getting word of an attack, my phone never rang. After arriving safely at her parents’ house, Hope sent a message saying her old pack was over the moon to see her. They were already planning a special feast for the next day. What a lucky girl to have two families—old and new. To have parents who loved her fiercely and a place she could always retreat to.

The next morning, Atticus made sure the woods were secure before waking me to gather my belongings. Under the cover of darkness, he carried me out of the club and shadow walked down a pathway in the woods. When we arrived at a clearing, a helicopter landed. In all my days of travel, I’d never ridden in one before, so I clutched Atticus the whole way.

His voice came in through the headset. “You’ll miss the sunrise if you keep your eyes shut.”

I bravely opened them and looked out my window.

The pastel colors of dawn painted across the Texas sky were humbling. Rolling hills dotted with trees stretched out like a carpet, and the view from this low altitude was incredible. It reminded me of what was important. Tak wouldn’t have sent me away if he didn’t care. I’d spent most of my life watching people make selfish choices, and it wasn’t until I joined the Arrowhead pack that I learned what love and devotion looked like.

Atticus didn’t live far by helicopter, and when we began our descent, I looked out my window.

“ This is where you live?”

From the air, I spotted a paved road that led up to a mansion on a hill, trees nestled all around. The white stucco walls and reddish roof made it easy to spot from above. As we circled to the back, a pool and patio came into view, as did the scope of his house.

“Not all Vampires live in caves,” he quipped.

“You ride your motorcycle to work from all the way out here?” I asked in disbelief, noticing the sharp curves on the hill. “Now I’m glad we took the helicopter.”

Once we landed, I ducked out through the door and distanced myself while Atticus spoke to the pilot. Once the chopper ascended and disappeared from sight, I relished the silence. The birds were startled out of their peaceful perches and squawked while circling overhead.

“This way.” Atticus carried my bag while escorting me toward the house.

Now I knew why he had asked if I owned sneakers. After treading across grass, we reached a set of steps that ascended through a canopy of trees. A pathway led around the house, and when we arrived at the front door, he punched in a code to unlock it.

He gestured inside. “After you.”

The marble floors were so immaculate they gleamed, and the tall windows and lofty ceilings made it spacious and inviting. The interior of his home was a combination of stone and stucco that made it feel both warm and elegant.

While he put away his black coat, I quickly removed my flats and carried them through a large room with a curved staircase. Artwork and lights were all meticulously placed, and in a central hall, I spied very old paintings.

“You have so much art. So many sculptures.”

“I enjoy them,” he said while guiding me to the back. “Not to mention Breed art with historical paperwork is a good investment.”

“Why do you keep some at the club?”

“I use my office as a retreat. It’s nice to surround yourself with things that you love. But if you want to know the real reason, it’s never wise to keep all your investments in one location. You could have your fortune stolen in one fell swoop.”

With that security wall outside his office, he likely didn’t worry about theft. The thought of someone attempting to carry one of those heavy sculptures out of the club made me smile.

He patted a wall as we entered a large kitchen. “I’ll give you the abbreviated tour.”

The large space to the right was devoid of a dining table it desperately needed, but clearly Vampires had different needs. Farther in to the left was a small round table in the corner and a sliding glass door straight ahead. The large galley kitchen in the back right was stunning. There wasn’t a kitchen island, but the right-hand counter was a backward L shape. Two tall chairs were pushed in and would allow a person to eat at the counter or watch the cook. He had a gas stove and plenty of counter space.

“Are those real?” I pointed at the small potted herbs on the left windowsill.

He walked to the sink and plucked a stem, twirling the leaves beneath his nose before offering it to me.

I inhaled deeply. “Mint.”

Atticus walked through the kitchen and peered into a few cabinets. “The refrigerator and cupboards should be fully stocked.” After searching the refrigerator, he nodded and shut the door. “Fully stocked, as I said.”

“You trust your people to enter your home when you’re not here?”

“There’s only one person I trust, but I still change the access code after he leaves. There’s always a chance someone could charm him for the code. Can’t be too careful.”

Atticus walked to the far end of the kitchen and opened what I presumed was a pantry door. Then he returned and gestured to a massive fruit bowl on the marble counter. “Apple?”

“No, thank you. My stomach is a little topsy-turvy after the trip. Maybe later.”

“There should also be some in your room. That’ll save you a long trip downstairs.”

“Maybe you should build a slide.”

He chuckled quietly.

I couldn’t get over the warm, luxurious feel of his home. His sumptuous mansion exuded an air of grandeur with its stone, granite, and marble elements. Each room had wide entryways, some arched.

Atticus gave me a tour of the wine cellar and proudly showed off his favorite bottles. He pointed out some that were too old to enjoy, but he had a story for each one, which revealed his sentimentality. The cellar floor was a nutty color, and the brick walls were various shades of brown. As he took me back to the main room with the staircase, he motioned to each bathroom we passed as if I might have to pee at every turn.

Then again, knowing their locations would be useful. My bladder was like an unpredictable sprinkler.

There were statues everywhere.

“Are these just investments?” I asked, stopping at one of a pregnant woman. “Or are they people you once knew?”

“I suppose a little of both. Art is the one true constant. I’ve watched the evolution of medicine, technology, science, fashion, and even food. Art is timeless. It’s the soul of humanity.”

“Some humans make art with machines.”

With a shake of his head, he looked up at the statue next to me. “I’m not keen on this new world humans are creating for themselves. What’s next? Replacing people with robots?”

“You wouldn’t purchase a robot to clean your home?”

He took my hand and walked me up the open staircase along the left wall of the main room. “I would never trust a robot enough to bring one into my home.”

“Because you can’t charm them?”

“I don’t abuse my power.” Atticus paused on the landing and changed my bag to his left hand. “Is this too far for you to walk? I wanted you to have the best view, but maybe having you hike up and down the stairs is dangerous. Your safety is imperative.”

“I’m certainly able to manage a staircase, Mr. Rain. Gracious. You behave as if I’m feeble.”

“I behave as a man who doesn’t want to put you in a dangerous situation.”

“Everything is dangerous,” I pointed out while ascending the steps ahead of him. “Getting out of the shower, eating, walking on a slippery floor…”

I turned when I didn’t hear Atticus following. He threw a worried gaze at me. Perhaps I’d inadvertently planted a number of fears in his mind that he hadn’t considered.

“Mr. Rain, if you really want to protect me, you can swaddle me in foam and carry me around on your back. Maybe you should put all my food in a blender just in case. After all, I might choke on a grape.” I gripped the banister. “You could always lock me in the cellar like my previous captors.”

A dark look flashed in his eyes, and his fangs punched out.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of them.

Atticus covered them with his hand and joined my side. “I’ll give you all the freedom you desire… within reason.”

“Reason?” My curiosity was piqued.

His fangs were no longer visible. “If you want to climb trees in your current condition, I might take issue with that.”

My hips swayed as I continued my ascent. “But would you forbid me?”

“If you really need to climb a tree, I’ll wrap you in foam and carry you on my back. How’s that?”

I smiled at the visual. When we reached the second floor, I admired the curvature of the walls. The fluid architecture lacked sharp corners. As elegant as it was, I couldn’t imagine living in a space this large all by myself.

“Don’t you get lonesome out here by yourself?”

Atticus turned down another wide hallway. “I deal with bullheaded customers most days. This is my respite.”

“Of course you need privacy, but I wondered if it’s necessary to have this many rooms. Isn’t the silence a constant reminder that you live alone?”

He peered at me over his shoulder in front of a door on the left. “Would I be less alone in a shack?”

“What about a pet?”

“They’re too noisy.”

“Maybe you need a goldfish.”

He barked out a laugh and opened the door. “After you.”

Upon entering the room, I was instantly enveloped by the fragrance of roses. A table near the door had a spectacular crystal vase loaded with them. Landscape paintings instilled a sense of peace, but it was the tiny details that caught my attention. Like the slippers by the bed, the pregnancy pillow, and a narrow bookshelf by the door. It was the most romantic room I’d ever laid eyes on, but I didn’t want to say that aloud.

Atticus crossed to the left and opened a giant glass door on the opposite wall. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair. He glanced at the bed on the far left wall and frowned. “Is this spot too chilly? I can switch the bed and table if you don’t want to be close to the door.”

“It’s perfect.”

“You have a private balcony.”

I drew closer to feast my eyes on the view. “Can’t Vampires shadow walk up walls? Is it safe?”

He inclined his head. “Allow me to demonstrate.”

After closing the patio door, Atticus took out his phone. He tapped the screen, and a moment later metal shutters above the doors descended from the ceiling. When they sealed shut, it drenched the room in darkness.

“Titanium,” he said, opening them up again. “They’re custom made so not even a Vampire can break through them. At night or when I’m away, the doors and windows automatically seal shut. It’ll trigger the lights to come on in the common rooms, but not the bedrooms.”

I noticed baskets of yarn by the wall. “Did you send your assistant shopping for yarn at midnight after our conversation last night?”

“Yarn was already on the list.”

“And how did you know I liked to knit?”

He slipped his phone into his pocket. “You wear knitted scarves.”

“So does half the planet. If I didn’t know better, I might think you’ve been eavesdropping on our conversations.” I brushed my fingers across the ivory bedspread.

How long does he think he’s keeping me? It’s all so beautiful, but I don’t even know where I am. I can’t believe I’m about to sleep under the same roof as a Vampire.

My stomach twisted into a knot.

Atticus approached and touched my shoulder. “Maybe this isn’t what you desire. I have rooms without windows, or would you rather have one downstairs? I’ll move the bed wherever you want.”

Tears welled in my eyes, and I sank onto the bench at the foot of the bed.

“You’re homesick.” He knelt before me. “Would you like to call them?”

“No, I’m just scared. Not only about my pack but the looming uncertainty about my future.” Stroking my belly, I added, “And the baby.”

He scratched his head. “A warm bath might do the trick. You have your own private bathroom.” He gestured to the door by the bed.

That made me laugh hysterically.

Atticus blinked in surprise. “You’ll have to fill me in on the joke.”

When my laughter settled down, I wiped away lingering tears. “Salem warned me not to take baths anymore because I might slip or get stuck in the tub. Someone would have to pull me out, so it wasn’t worth the risk. Oh, but I miss a good soak.”

“Tell you what. When you’re ready for a bath, I’ll help you.”

“Certainly not.”

“I give you my word I’ll shut my eyes.”

That made me laugh again. “If you close your eyes, we’re certain to fall.”

He crossed his arms. “I have all that you need. Rose-scented oils, salts, soaps—all at your disposal. You need only ask.”

“You’re generous, Mr. Rain. I still wonder what compels you.” I turned my gaze to the oversized chair by the wall and spotted candy dishes on the accent table next to it. “Are all your guests given VIP treatment?”

He sat beside me, a hint of yesterday’s cologne lingering. “You’re my first guest. I took the liberty of scheduling an appointment with your Relic. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be coerced into staying here indefinitely until you leave.”

“Her clients and job are more important than one person.”

He put his hand on mine. “If it would make you more comfortable to have her here, I can charm her.”

“Don’t you dare! The poor woman has patients who need her.”

Atticus peered across his shoulder at me. “If you were mine, I would hire a private, live-in Relic.”

“I’m not debilitated—I’m only pregnant.”

“Precious things should be protected. I’ll take my leave and let you settle in.” He stood and bowed. “My lady.”

Atticus marched through his house and walked onto his back patio. The sun warmed his skin but burned his eyes. Many younglings couldn’t endure daylight until they increased their pain tolerance. Sunglasses helped, but he was too furious to bother.

After selecting Yuri’s number from his contact list, he waited for an answer.

“Yes, sir? Is everything as you requested?”

“Everything but one.”

Yuri paused and drew in a sharp breath. “Have I made a mistake? I followed your list exactly.”

Atticus tuned out the noisy birds in the nearby tree and cleared his throat. “The fresh fruit wasn’t in the bedroom.”

“I am sorry. I was rushing to get everything ready last night and must have forgotten.”

“Details are important, Yuri. You’re more than a manager. I trust you above anyone, and that’s why I pay you well. The fruit isn’t the issue. It’s remembering a task. One day, it could be something crucial, and I need to be able to count on you.”

“How can I make it up?”

“Don’t let it happen again.”

“Of course.”

“The details and presentation are splendid. Thanks for coming out on short notice. I have a substantial bonus you can look forward to this week.” Atticus admired a butterfly that landed on his arm. “Keep your phone with you. I’ll need more produce soon and don’t care to leave for such a frivolous task. Can you manage the club yourself?”

“Without question.”

“Remember what I said about only allowing local Vampires inside. If you or your employees don’t recognize them, keep them out. I don’t want them on the property. Make sure the kitchen employees topside are all wearing sunglasses. You heard about the interlopers causing trouble in town. I don’t want them in or near my club.”

“How long is the ban in place?”

“Until those men are caught or dead. I’ll let you know. Talk more soon.”

Atticus ended the call and lingered on the steps a moment longer to admire his estate. Yuri knew nothing about the situation with Joy, and like a good employee, he didn’t ask questions about setting up a guest room. Atticus had learned in his three thousand years that loyal men were incredibly difficult to find. Being a Mage, Yuri didn’t have family. He lived for work and took pride in his job. Atticus had spotted his ambition early on and ran a background check before promoting him to more important roles.

The butterfly flitted around him before taking its leave to migrate south.

Once inside, Atticus assembled a bowl of fruit, meticulously washing and drying each piece. There were oranges, apples, pears, and red grapes. The refrigerator had several cantaloupes, and he hoped they were ripe.

Atticus thought of his home as an investment, but it hadn’t occurred to him how unnecessarily spacious it was until he had to walk that fruit bowl back to her room. Perhaps he should have placed her in one of the rooms near the kitchen, but he wanted to give Joy the best view each morning when she woke up.

He tapped on her door, but when she didn’t answer, his Vampire hearing picked up on her heavy breathing. After silently stepping inside, Atticus set the bowl on the table. Then he approached the oversized chair and gazed down at the radiant Shifter. Joy’s champagne curls were an elegant shade of blond, and he guessed she kept her hair cut above the shoulders because anything longer would be difficult to maintain.

He’d never seen her sleeping, so he stole the moment to admire her lovely face. Her rosy cheeks made his heart quicken. Being a Vampire, he noticed the way blood colored a person’s skin. The way capillaries and veins became more prominent when angry, excited, or lying. The way the nipples flushed when aroused. Even the tiny blood vessels in the eyes gave away a person’s emotions.

Her steady heartbeat almost drowned out the one inside her belly, which was beating abnormally fast.

It troubled him. The unnatural beat had prompted him to call the Relic. While Joy assured him that everything was fine, he wanted to hear it from the Relic’s mouth.

Atticus bent down and gently lifted her into his arms. She was incredibly light due to his Vampire strength. Instead of placing her inside the covers, he set her down on her side in the center of the enormous pregnancy pillow. Though he didn’t spend time around pregnant women, Atticus was somewhat familiar with modern comforts after one of his former employees raved over her pillow. So he put it on the list and hoped Yuri could get one on short notice. Yuri had connections and could accomplish anything in record time.

He lifted the long end of the pillow and gently placed it between her legs. While Joy snuggled into it, Atticus got a good look at her side profile.

She should be larger. Something’s not right.

Instead of lowering the noisy shutters, he closed the drapes. The silence that normally filled his house was now replaced with a rhythmic symphony of breaths, heartbeats, skin rustling against the pillow, and amusing stomach gurgles.

Atticus stood by the bed and inspected the room. As instructed, Yuri had removed the original paintings and replaced them with calming pastorals. Even the poetry books were curated. The fragrant flowers were uplifting, and he’d even bought her every color of yarn. Knowing she liked to knit, he had Yuri bring up a comfortable chair for her to sit in for extended periods.

Nothing about this preparation was carelessly thought out or superfluous. He had even ordered clothes to be delivered. The only feature her room lacked was a fireplace, and she might need one soon the way the weather kept fluctuating.

The thought of her indefinite stay made him look forward to things he could do for her. Cooking her meals, surprising her with flowers, getting to know her. He wanted Joy to feel at home.

Closing the door, he took one last look through the narrow crack. He had known countless beautiful and powerful women and yet never once felt an inkling of what he’d experienced the first time he laid eyes on Joy. Her radiant aura lit a fire within him. He still remembered the alluring fragrance of her floral perfume, the warmth of her bubbly laugh, and his disappointment when discovering that she had a mate. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, given her condition. Even if she had been single, was he presumptuous enough to believe he could’ve caught a Shifter’s eye?

Finding out that she and Salem weren’t mated didn’t fill him with hope. Instead, it pissed him off to know that someone had only pretended to love her.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Atticus had experienced love only once—long ago when he was mortal. As he sat and reflected on his feelings for a woman long gone, he wondered if they were comparable to what he felt now. Soulmates were a whimsical fantasy made up by those whose lives revolved around family, but after his recent conversations with Joy, his feelings for her were never more certain.

Then again, his heart hadn’t beat for another in over three thousand years.