“Harleigh.” He grabs onto my hand and stops me, his other hand cupping my face. “I know you’re pissed and probably wondering what this is all about. I’m here, beautiful. I am always here for you, no matter what.” The emotion in his voice is unmistakable. “I care about you so much.”
I nod, the emotions he’s invoking in me have made me temporarily speechless. I’m still lost to that emotion as he opens the door and guides me into his room.
Coming face to face with his father, I’m not expecting to see the warm smile on his face. He looks like an older, more clean-cut version of Brian.
He’s dressed in a well-tailored black suit with a matching shirt and purple tie. He has no tattoos that I can see, but he does wear glasses. The resemblance is uncanny.
“Ms. Roe,” he says walking slowly to me and offering his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a great deal about you from Brian.” He gestures toward his son with a head nod, before guiding us over to the couch to sit down.
I take a breath and look around the room before meeting his eyes again. “Mr. Renald. It’s nice to meet you.” I keep my voice as steady as possible. His presence intimidating as hell.
“Call me David, please.” He extends the pleasantry, and I nod at him. “You look worried, dear. I’m sorry if you’re frightened.”
“I wouldn’t say frightened. Concerned maybe. Confused…why am I here?” I force confidence into my tone that I don’t actually feel.
“I know you’re close with Brian. You guys are friends, yes?” he states and continues before I have a chance to answer. “There really is no easy way to ease you into what I need to tell you, but before I start, I want to make sure you understand that Brian was under strict orders to not say anything to you. Now, knowing how my son cares for you, I kept information from him until I could be here to tell you both this at the same time.”
I nod, trying to follow along, but honestly, I’m completely lost as to what he’s talking about. “I can see you’re confused, but bear with me a while longer, and what I am saying now will make sense. I need to know you won’t hold this against him, though. You’re going to need him now, more than ever. Alright?”
He searches my face for understanding as I answer him. “Yes.” I take a deep breath. “Okay.”
Bry reaches for my hand and links our fingers together, squeezing to let me know he’s here for me. I’m still annoyed at him, but the tension in this room is thick, and annoyed or not, he makes me feel comforted and safe.
“How much do you know about supernatural beings?”
Uh, what? Not what I was expecting him to say.
“Ummm…like vampires and werewolves? That kinda thing?”
He nods his head at me before speaking. “Among other things, yes. Angels, demons, anything you can think of.”
I want to laugh, because really, this has to be a joke, right? This is what Bry was worried about? Maybe David is crazy and that’s why he was worried about me meeting him.
“I guess as much as anyone who reads or watches tv. Why?” I ask, uncertain I even want to entertain this topic.
“Connerton Academy isn’t a regular school. It was built for individuals that are half-bloods. Do you know what that means?” he asks.
Okay this guy is completely off his rocker. “I know what it means on tv, but this is the real world. Why are you talking like this? Of course Connerton is a normal school. I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” I state before even realizing my mouth is entertaining the idea of this being real.
Brian and David share a look, and Brian nods like he’s giving his father the okay.
“When Brian met you, he was instantly drawn to you. He felt a connection that was undeniable. How did or do you feel when you’re with him? When you met?”
Why is this important?! I look over at Bry and he’s staring at me, squeezing my hand harder.
“Beautiful,” He looks sad, “Do you trust me?”
I nod. “Of course, I trust you, Brian. I’m a bit pissed at you for bringing me here when I don’t know what the hell you’re playing at, but yeah, I trust you.” I blush a little as I hear his dad mumble under his breath.
“Of course, she swears just like you.”
I don’t think he realizes I heard him, and I’m not sure Brian actually did.
“Harleigh, please answer the question.” David is being kind and gentle, but his face is stern.
I can tell he isn’t kidding around, so I answer.
“I technically ran into him because I wasn’t paying attention. I don’t talk to many people, and especially not guys, but when he touched me, my entire being vibrated like I was shocked with an electric current.” I blush and look down at the floor because I really don’t want to talk about this.
I know Bry has feelings for me, but admitting this, and in front of his dad no less?! That’s a hard pass at my comfort zone.
Grabbing my chin, Bry pulls my face to his and gives me the softest of kisses.
“I felt it too. It’s how I knew you were important to me. Special, like I needed you in my life.”
I melt into a puddle at his words and soft touch. The emotion and truth in his eyes tell me all I need to know. I think I might actually be in love with him.
Shit, Harleigh now is not the time to go soft!
I chastise myself, and he smirks at me.
Great, I said that out loud. I look over to his father as he watches our exchange, but I don’t think he heard me. And if he did, he’s decided to ignore it which I am pleasantly happy about.
“That type of a connection doesn’t just happen at random, Harleigh.” David starts speaking again, drawing my attention back to him. “Especially not at eighteen.” I glare at him.
I hate when people don’t give me the credit to be smarter than the average ‘adult’.
“What I mean to say is, you and Brian have a supernatural, ethereal connection. It’s different than humans feel, or the way they connect.”
