House of Darken (Secret Keepers #1)

When we reached a set of huge, ornately detailed wooden front doors, Lexen turned to Jero. “Bring the car in. We don’t need any questions from the other houses.”

Jero took off then, disappearing into the darkness. I wondered why they hadn’t brought the car up when we first passed. Were they worried about separating from me? Because I was such a danger to them? With my ten dollar shoes and threadbare jeans?

I knew the girl had her eyes on me again, but this time I didn’t look in her direction. I was not making friends with them, none of them. Lexen moved to the side after he opened the door. Marsil and I stepped into the mansion first, and as the lights flickered on all around me I found myself standing in the most beautiful house I had ever seen. Ever. Including movies and magazines.

Wide, dark oak floorboards spanned out across the open expanse of the entrance, an entrance which continued on into a living and dining room. I even caught glimpses of the large white kitchen bench. The far wall, which was like miles from the door, showcased the dark world beyond with floor-to-ceiling windows. The ocean would be crashing out there, hidden in the night.

Marsil let me go then, the front door closing ominously behind us. I knew there was no way I could escape; I had seen how fast they moved. Even if I did somehow manage to escape, where would I go? My shack was across the street and it had no security. The front gate guards were owned by them. Maybe even the police. Everything Michael had ever told me was hitting with full force now. I might have laughed at the time, but he had been right. I had no power, no ability to fight them. It was the worst kind of feeling, and yet my instincts didn’t seem to be picking up on any imminent danger. I decided to see if I could get some answers before panicking too hard.

The three crossed the floor, leaving me near the door. I eyed it for a beat, before Lexen said, “Don’t bother. You won’t be able to leave until we let you out.”

Shocker.

My shoes squelched as I followed their path, water dripping off me. Small shivers brushed across my body as the cold sank in deeper. Their house was styled in a “beach Hamptons, I’m richer than God” look. Expensive, but still seemingly comfortable. Wide, plump-cushioned, striped couches were scattered around a large ornately-manteled fireplace, facing toward the windowed view. Everything was done in cream and tan colors, and I wanted nothing more than to jump into the soft depths of one of those armchairs and snuggle deep.

Marsil sat, waving at the girl. “Star, sit down, sweetheart.”

She practically fell in next to him, the pair slumping together in a familiar way. “I have barely slept for days,” she said, her voice low and melodic. “Fighting with Father about me leaving was really frustrating.” She shook back her long, thick, shiny hair. “He’s still upset, so don’t be surprised if he contacts one of you.”

Lexen was standing near the window, his back to the view. He swiveled to face her. “We can handle Father,” he said. “But I still don’t understand why you came at all. We’re fulfilling the terms of the treaty.”

Star crossed her arms. I was getting a sense of stubbornness from her. “Where my brothers go, I go. Besides, it’s no fun on…” She quickly glanced at me. “At home without you.”

She was their sister. And they were all brothers. So how the hell were they all in the same year at school? Were they quads? Or … I had no idea. This family was too weird to try wrapping my brain around. Part of me wanted to remain quiet in the hope I could learn something from their idle chatter, but another part of me needed specific questions answered, and needed them now.

I was about to ask about Michael and Sara when Lexen locked me in his dark gaze. “Why did you follow us? The rules are explained to all who live on this street.”

I swallowed hard, his mere presence scary enough to have all saliva disappearing from my mouth. “My…” I had to clear my throat. “My guardians have vanished. They were searching for supernatural activity in this area, and … something weird is going on in this street!” Somehow I was shouting, so I tried to calm myself. Why was I acting so weird? It was like my emotions had no middle ground. One minute I was calm and collected, the next a raving mess of nerves and anger.

I sensed Star and Marsil staring at me, but I couldn’t tear my gaze from Lexen. He was everything I would normally avoid in a man – too tall, too broad, too strong – the shaved side of his hair flashing those symbols at me, and no doubt there were matching tattoos hidden under his sleeves and jeans. He had bad boy written all over him, and unlike a lot of girls I’d known I was not interested in trying to tame myself an attitude problem.

But I couldn’t look away.

“There is no such thing as supernaturals,” Lexen said, his tone dismissive. “Your guardians are idiots, and are probably lost in the forest somewhere.”

He wasn’t completely wrong, they definitely could just be lost, but I was almost entirely sure he was lying about the supernaturals part. I was putting all the pieces together now, everything I had ever overheard from Sara and Michael: the strange things in this town; Cara’s information; the odd happenings since I was discovered by these Darkens – that ball of light that had spat out a girl. How were they going to explain that away? Even if they could, I had made up my mind. Supernaturals were very much real, and I was in their house. Since it seemed Lexen wanted to pretend this was all a big misunderstanding, I would play along.

“No doubt you’re right.” I stared at my nails, acting nonchalant. “I’ve always thought they were a little on the crazy side, but I still love them.” Lifting my gaze, I met his unflinchingly. “Do you know for sure they’re lost? Do you have any information on them?”

He just shook his head at me, before his attention was captured by something behind me. I turned to find Jero sauntering along, his dark gray suit fitting in perfectly with the beautiful surroundings of their home. “No problems?” Lexen asked.

His brother shook his head. “Nope. It’s all quiet out there.”

“Sit.”

I realized that command from Lexen was aimed at me, but since I wasn’t a dog I chose to cross my arms over my chilled body and stare him down.

Screw you, asshole.

His jaw was rigid; I could see a small tic in one corner. “Someone dry her off, and don’t let her out of your sight. I will be back once I contact the council.”

“And Father,” Star piped up.

He nodded at his sister, before turning and striding off.

Jero, who had been heading for the couch with his sister, quickly changed paths. “I volunteer to dry you off,” he said, flashing me a wide grin.

I snorted, so elegant as always. “Wipe that smirk off your face, Romeo. This girl is not interested.”

It almost looked like he was pouting, even though he flashed a wink at me. “I’m devastated.”

Star, who must have moved without me seeing, since she was standing right behind him, let out a little chuckle. “He’s never been told no before. You really have devastated him.”

She held out a hand to me, not like you would to shake, but sort of like she wanted me to kiss it. I just stared down at it, and she hastily pulled it back. “Oh, sorry,” she murmured, sounding a little breathless. “I’m Star. It’s really nice to meet you.”

I just gave her a nod. “I’m Emma.”

Star didn’t seem taken aback by my unfriendliness. If anything she got even more animated. “You can borrow some of my clothes. We’re almost the same size.”

Well, sure, if you discounted me being shorter and fatter than her. Even with my recent weight loss I couldn’t compare to her slender figure. I was naturally curvy.

Star turned to Jero and he shook his head. “Lexen won’t like it.”

She started to plead with him in a low voice. I caught bits and pieces before Jero finally threw his hands up. “Okay, fine. I’m sure Emma won’t try anything.” He faced me. “We’re very protective of our sister. Keep that in mind.”