Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (8 page)

“Thank you, dear. I love you even more for doing this.”

My aunt doesn’t say anything, but I can tell by the way she buries her face in Gram’s shoulder that she’s still nervous about her decision.

As they embrace, I realize that not so much as a peep has come from Dru or Dhelia about the news on pap. “You guys okay?”

Dhelia gives me her usual eye roll. So much for making progress earlier.

“Dru?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I’m just trying to keep everyone calm and tear free. Man, do I have my work cut out for me with this emotional crew. Geez.” He scans the area to admire his handy work. “But not too bad if I do say so myself. Not a single tear shed.”

After
that
conversation, I’d say Dru did a
great
job. I laugh. “Are you
okay
though, show-off?”

“Of course I am. I can feel Gram really isn’t afraid, so neither am I. Pap’s gonna be okay, Chloe. I ‘feel’ it.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.” But I’m really not convinced.

We turn our attention back to Gram as she clears her throat. “Okay, kids. Morgan and I are off to find the doctor for more information before we call Ash and Aidan. Why don’t you kids go get something to eat, or go outside for a walk or something?”

We nod like obedient toddlers.

She’s right. A walk alone to clear my head sounds perfect. “I’m going outside for a walk. Call my cell if you need me, okay?”

Dru purses his lips in annoyance. “You don’t wanna hang with us?”

“In a bit. I just need some fresh air, that’s all. I’ll be back in ten.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Ok then. I’ll just be here kickin’ Dee’s ass at Texas Holdem.”

“Game on, bee-otch!” Surprisingly chipper, Dhelia bounces her head to an imaginary beat. But I’m sure Dru has something to do with that. Or perhaps it’s because I’ll be out of sight for a while.

“Play nice, children.” I laugh, turning towards the elevator.

Outside the doors, fresh air clears the sterile stench from my sinuses. The smell of hospitals is something I’ve never gotten used to. Not that I’ve spent much time in them. The air is pungent, as much as something clean is capable of being. I know it’s psychosomatic, but it still makes my stomach queasy.

I gaze up towards the sky, admiring the gorgeous day. Not a cloud in sight, a gentle breeze, and cheerful birds singing from the expansive oaks. Hard to believe there’s another disheartening world just beyond the walls behind me.

I sit on an old-fashioned wooden bench, the warmth of the sun’s rays making my alabaster skin tingle. This is
just
what I need.

The tranquil sound of a sparrow’s song commanding the tension in my shoulders to dissipate. I tip my head back, close my eyes, relaxing under the soft breeze kissing my cheeks.

My mind relives the visit from my mother, desperate to pick up where we left off. But as I try returning to that perfect place, my twisted ability takes me to a moment in time I do
not
want to think about right now. The future.

Darkness surrounds me, then stops as flickering lights from above illuminate my surroundings.

Where am I?

The massive room is unfamiliar, its Victorian charm cold in its pristine beauty.

Everywhere I look, strange people dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos move rhythmically around the room. I can only see half of their faces from underneath elaborate masks that expose their black-as-coal eyes.

A shiver crawls up my spine, sinking one icy tendril at a time into my skin.

Something about these people is familiar, yet I don’t recognize anyone. Not a single person. But somehow, deep down I feel like I “know” them.

My world starts spinning.

A flash of light blinds me, then my vision clears.

I focus again on these strangers. One minute their eyes appear normal, but the next they turn black again. And then normal, once more.

What’s going on? Who
are
these people?

Off-balance, the pressure upon my lower back and hand startles me. I’m twirling around the room with a tall dance partner. As we spin in circles, I see the same faces over and over—like I’m riding a merry-go-round.

They smile with the warmth of a friend, but the way it chills my blood frightens me.

The dancing halts.

I look up towards the muscular man who’s holding me in his arms.

I can only see part of his face, but the anticipation now growing inside me says he must mean something to me. He makes me feel safe.

The most beautiful jade eyes with amber flecks stare back at me, his honey-golden hair curling up around the elastic at his ears. So familiar.

Who on earth is he?

I wish I could tear off the mask to see his face.

He squeezes me closer, my chest crushing into his.

My body tingles with excitement. More than anything, I don’t want the night to end. I want to savor this moment.

Haltingly, he lowers his head to kiss me.

As our lips touch, the jarring sound of gunfire and chaotic screams jolt us back to reality.

His arms fall from my waist as panic threatens to implode through my chest.

“No, don’t go,” I whisper.

Everything goes pitch black—then my eyes pop open to the blinding sun in my face.

What the hell was that?

If I don’t know who these people are, why show them to me? Again? Why bother giving me a vision that makes no sense?

“I don’t understand,” I utter under my breath.

Both times the vision stopped on its own without finishing. Is it from years of forcing my visions away? Had I subconsciously created this reflex?

I shift my weight, unable to get comfortable on the hard surface beneath me.

A day ago, I would have been relieved at the realization. Today, however, something in my gut tells me I
need
to see this vision.

The first vision was similar to the last, but I was able to glimpse a bit more this time. I could sense
more. The last one, I felt what was going on in the room around me. The foreboding danger. But this time, I could only feel what I was experiencing in that moment, between this guy and myself.

When is this supposed to happen? My guess is, not anytime in the near future considering the fact of what’s going on with Pap. Plus I have no plans to do anything, let alone something black-tie. It just doesn’t make sense.

Perhaps that’s the point.

I pull my feet up on the bench, wrapping my arms around my bent legs as I lower my head to my knees. “Focus, Chloe. Think. There must be something missing,” I say aloud.

“Chloe?”

“Geez!” I snap, almost falling off the bench as the urban-Adonis interrupts my mental debate. “Hunter? You scared the crap out of me. I didn’t realize anyone was there.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I can see that. Though, you wouldn’t have been able to see me anyway, not with your face buried in your knees.” He pauses. “Is everything okay with your pap? You seem upset.”

“Oh, yeah...I mean no, he’s not...but that’s not what...oh, never mind, it’s nothing.” I shake my head so hard I swear I hear maracas. “I fell asleep and was having a bad dream, that’s all.” I firmly plant my feet back on the ground, yanking down my clinging pant legs in one fluid motion.

A smile spreads across his stubbly face as he watches me readjust. What’s so funny?

Hunter wiggles his hands deep into the front pockets of his indigo designer jeans. “So, your pap’s okay then?”

“Well...we’re not sure yet, actually. We just found out he’s in a coma.” I can’t help but hang my head.

“Oh. That’s too bad. I’m really sorry.” He rubs the back of his head, suddenly unsure of what to do, or say. I can’t be sure which. “You mind if I sit? Or...if you’d rather be alone, I’ll understand. You just look like you could use some company.”

Only if it’s you! “Sure. Please...sit.”

He lowers himself beside me, my nerves tingle with tiny electrical pulses.

Okay Chloe, you promised you wouldn’t act like a total ass-hat if you saw him again. I speak the words in my head, but thinking it
doesn’t
make it a reality.

I’m hopeless.

He stretches his long legs out in front of him. “You wanna talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

“The bad dream you were having. You know, sometimes it helps to talk.” Still holding his keys, he glances away and fidgets with the metal ring holding them together.

Why is he being so nice to me? Most good-looking guys are so self-absorbed, they could give a care less what goes on in the ambivalent recesses of a girl’s mind. Especially one they barely know. But Hunter sounds like he genuinely
wants
to know. Not like one of those people who merely pretend to be interested for the sake of being polite—while deep down they’re really hoping you zip it and walk away.

But I wouldn’t know where to start, even if I
could
talk about it. “Thanks Hunter, but I’d rather not think about it anymore, if you don’t mind.” I cross my legs, hoping he doesn’t press the issue.

“Well, let me know if you change your mind.” A smile lights up his entire face, melting my heart on the spot.

But wait a minute. He’s at the hospital
again
? Two days in a row? “So what brings you back to North Shore? A sick family member? Wife? Girlfriend?
Boyfriend
? Or perhaps therapy?” I wink. Sometimes I crack myself up, but it’s a good way to find out the basics.

His laugh is so infectious I can’t help but giggle right along with him.

“None of the above, actually. My work keeps me safe from most relationships.” He shrugs.

“Your work?” Okay, stud, dish.

“Ah...yes, my work. I’m...a fireman with the FDNY. Most women don’t want to fall for someone with such a dangerous job. Not that I can blame them.” He shrugs again, this time with a hint of regret.

“That’s too bad.” My disingenuous tone has him eyeing me. Whoops. It’s worth it though. At least now I know he’s single
and
brave.

“Soooooo, to answer your question, I’m visiting a buddy who’d fallen on the job a few days ago. He’s in pretty bad shape. Head trauma.” Hunter purses his lips, looking towards the ground with his pained face blanketed in worry.

“Oh my god, that’s
terrible
. I’m really sorry, Hunter.” I place my hand on his knee.

“Thanks.”

His pain wrenches my heart. What can I say to that?

I sift through my mind for the right words, and then it hits me. Duh! “So
that’s
why you were talking to Dr. Gaslightwala yesterday.”

“It is....” He eyes me curiously. “Why, were you afraid I was
stalking
you or something?” Once the words roll off his tongue, a snicker bursts from his lips.

My face heats up. “Of course not! It just occurred to me after you left yesterday I had no idea why you were here...when you knew why
I
was. So now I know.”

“Now you know.” Mischief spreads across his face, his eyebrows lifting with his crooked smile. “So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re
bound
to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn’t want you worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease
before
it has a chance to run away with itself again.” He laughs almost under his breath.

Seriously? Oh, he’s
clearly
enjoying this. But I’ll play along. Why not? “Your consideration is touching.” I lift my hand to my heart. “But if you
should
happen to change your mind about stalking me, please just give me a heads up first. I’d be more than happy to provide you with my itinerary. I know how daunting your schedule must be, so I wouldn’t want to subject you to any difficulties which might further endanger your well-being.” I tilt my head, batting my baby blues for affect. “If you like, I could even leave a ladder outside my window...or binoculars in the tree across the street. You know...just in case.” Feeling just a tad cocky from my rebuttal, I return the same sideways smirk he’s now giving me.

“You see, I
knew
you were a good woman from the first moment I laid eyes on you. Most aren’t willing to be so accommodating.”

“Well, the way I see it...you risk your life to protect strangers every day. It’s merely my civic duty to repay your kindness. I’m nothing if not old-fashioned.” I re-cross my legs, trying not to seem too confident.

He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Well in that case, I promise to let you know when I decide to stalk you.”

“
When
...?” My eyes open wide.

The second he laughs, I jump in right along with him. How could I not with that amazing, smoky laugh of his? He does seem to be enjoying this just as much as I am.

“You’re a lot of fun, Miss Chloe. And a lot quicker than I expected.
Very
pleasant surprise.” He smiles. His gorgeous, mocha eyes caress my soul.

Deep breath, Chloe. “Yeah well, you caught me on an off-day yesterday. But I’ll be sure to bring my A-game from now on.” I bump my knee into his as I lift my brows flirtatiously.

“I’ll hold you to it, you know. Comic relief is in short supply around here.” He nods towards the emergency room entrance.

“Yeah, hospitals tend to have that effect on people. I can’t imagine why.”

An adorable blush lights up his cheeks. I don’t know if I ever realized just how sexy it is when a guy gets embarrassed. Though, I’m sure just about
any
look would be attractive on Hunter.

“So, what do you do for fun in this town, Miss Chloe?”

“When
you
figure that one out, you can let
me
know. I have absolutely no idea. Lived in San Diego for six years, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right. Well, perhaps some evening after I decide to
stalk
you, maybe I’ll lure you to my car with some candy. Then we can drive around and figure it out together.” He leans back, eyeing me from under half closed lids as he grins.

“Well that all depends on how long it takes you to start stalking me. I can’t wait forever you know.” I do my best to look serious, but I can’t quite tell if I succeed.

He tips his head back, belting out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”

“So would it be presumptuous of me to ask how old my perspective stalker is?”

His jaw drops. “I’m appalled! How
dare
you ask me such a personal question? You have some nerve, madam.” His acting skills are lacking, but who cares. He smiles. “I’m twenty-five. So will you bestow the same courtesy upon me, Miss Chloe?”

Suddenly uncomfortable, I re-cross my legs, again, then start bouncing my foot. “Are you sure you really want to know?” Well, it was fun while it lasted. I know I’m way too young for him, and now he’ll know too. I’m such a dumb ass for asking his age. Idiot!

“Of course I do. It can’t be
that
shocking.”

“You sure about that?”

“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.”

I hold my breath for a few seconds, then exhale. “I’m only nineteen.” My shoulders tense as I get ready for the big let-down.

“So you’re still in school then?” His head tilts to the side.

“Yup. Only two years left, thank god.”

“Hmm. I don’t know if I can stalk someone who’s underage. I could get arrested for harassing a minor, you know.” He attempts a serious tone.

“First, I’m
not
a minor...and second, I’d say that’s the
least
of your worries if you turn out to be a stalker.” Ha. Take that, Hunter Payne!

“You do have a point.” He shakes his head while looking at the sidewalk.

“Of course I do.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but you’re
very
mature for your age.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, well life has a way of doing that sometimes.” I look over towards the hospital doors.

He nods in agreement, but his now somber expression is evidence of his mood change. I took Psych 101. I know what it means when someone sits so defensively. I guess my age bothers him after all. Not that I’m surprised. I should have known this flirtation with such an amazing guy was too good to be true.

“Shouldn’t you be getting back to your family?” He looks away, rubbing his hands up and down jeaned thighs.

Well so much for that.

Wait. I totally forgot about my promise to Dru. “Crap. Where’s my head? I promised my brother I’d be back in ten minutes.” Phone in hand, I jump up while scrolling to see if I missed a text. But I didn’t.

“You mind if I walk up with you? You know, since we
are
going to the same place and all. I would have just waited to follow behind you, but I did promise to warn you
before
I start stalking you.” He winks.

“A man of your word. Commendable.”

“But of course. Shall we?” He stands, holding out his hand towards the hospital’s entrance.

As we walk through the automatic doors, he puts his hand on my lower back to guide me in ahead of him. The heat from his palm goes right through my sheer cotton shirt, goose bumps shoot for the sky on contact.

I wonder if he’s aware of the affect he has on me?

He starts to say something—but hesitates. Unable to take my eyes off his mouth, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him—or to nibble on that juicy bottom lip.

My thoughts are interrupted by the clanging doors swinging open, only to be met by my family’s curious stares. What the.... I should have known they’d be right there waiting—like they knew I’d be getting off the elevator at that exact moment.

My stomach roils from the invasion.

To my surprise, Hunter walks towards the voyeurs first. Great. This won’t be good. If someone makes smart cracks at my expense, it will
mortify
me. But it would be just like my family to embarrass me for kicks.

Gulp.

Deep breath. You can do this, Chloe.

Gram gets up to greet her new acquaintance. “Hunter...how very nice to see you again, dear.”

An instant smile blossoms across his face. “Miss Aurora, the pleasure’s all mine. You look lovely today.”

“Thank you, dear. I guess the hospital cot agrees with me after all.” She grins, just as I open my mouth to speak.

“Hunter, this is the rest of my family. My brother, Dru. My sister, Dhelia. And my Aunt Morgan. Everyone, this is Hunter Payne.” They politely greet him.

Okay, so far so good.

“Nice to meet everyone.” He runs his fingers through the back of his hair then points towards the courtyard. “I ran into Chloe outside and kept her company for a little while. I apologize if I kept her away too long, but she looked like she needed a bit of cheering up.” He turns to face me, placing his hand on the side of my arm, the heat from his palm sears my skin.

“That was
very
sweet of you, dear. So what brings you back to the hospital so soon? Or do you work here?” Gram seems even more curious than I’d been to find out that answer.

“Actually, a co-worker of mine was hurt on the job a few days ago. We’re pretty close so I’ve been coming by every day to check on him. He doesn’t really have any family.” He squeezes his hands into his pockets again. They sure seem to go there a lot.

“I see. So what sort of work do you do...if you don’t mind me asking?” Gram lifts her eyebrows, awaiting his response.

“No, not at all. I’m a fireman.”

Gram puts her hands together in delight. “Oh that’s wonderful! What a perfect job for someone so big and strong.” Beaming from ear to ear, she lays a hand on his exposed, muscular arm.

“Thank you. I definitely enjoy what I do.” He lowers his head as he starts to blush. Modesty is surprisingly sexy on him.

Everyone else is quiet, watching Gram work her usual magic on yet another unsuspecting victim. I should probably help him get out of here while it’s still safe. “Hunter, shouldn’t you be going to see your friend now?”