Dangerous Secrets
By Melanie Paige
Genre: Young Adult Romance, Action, Supernatural, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches
© All rights reserved. This book, created by Melanie Paige and published on 28/03/2017, is automatically protected under Australian law, and cannot be copied, changed or re-published without authors consent.
Please Note: All people, buildings and workplaces are of my own imagination, as is how they are operated, and any similarity to those in real life are purely coincidental. Real places that exist in South Australia are mentioned, however the houses I described, that I am aware of, are not.
About the Author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniepaige321/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie_paige_author/?hl=en
Illustrator
Cover design done by Joshua Jadon - https://joshuajadon.com/
Spiel:
Getting to Martin’s, was about to knock when yelling and something smashing came from inside. Taking her phone from her pocket, called Jen regardless of what just occurred, knowing Martin’s life was in danger. It went straight to voicemail so she left a hurried message then entered, seeing Martin on the lounge room floor and bleeding from a gash above his right eye and a broken lamp by the wall behind him, so she raced over and knelt at his side.
“Martin, are you ok?”
“Get out of here,” he groaned, holding his left ribs, clearly in pain.
“I’m not leaving you alone with him. Come on, let’s go. Can you stand?”
“I’ll be fine. I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“It’s really bad this time isn’t it?”
He met her gaze and nodded.
Isaac alighted from the small corridor, obviously drunk and holding a gun – not a good combination at all then slurred, “You’re just like your mother. You never want to be around me. You’re always gone. Well now you’re gunna be stuck with me here once I make sure you can’t leave again.”
Their eyes widened as he aimed his gun at them.
Chapter One
Netherlands, 500 Years Ago
Gunfire, growls and yelling filled the air as the war between supernatural beings and hunters raged on under the full moon in the forest, fighting in a war that would not make the history books – at least none written by ordinary humans.
He watched as a hunter bolted from the witches cavern, carefully though hurriedly descending the slope, a large book wrapped in cloth under his left arm. With brown eyes turning yellow, his fangs emerging, he waited until the hunter was mere feet from him then alighted from the tree. The man didn’t even know what hit him before his neck was snapped and he fell to the dirt. The cloth-covered book, however, never made it to the ground before he caught it, checking to make sure it was the right one. Satisfied, ran off into the woods in a blur, not stopping until he saw his wife and best friend.
“I got it,” Henryk said, his Belgium baritone echoing through the mossy valley where they stood at the front. “We have to move before the hunters find us and this book.”
“Go,” Xavier ordered with a French accent. “I’ll hold them off.”
“We can’t leave you,” Annika exclaimed, her grey eyes holding apprehension of what could happen to him.
“You must. The book is too valuable to risk it ending up in the hands of hunters. If witches weren’t able to protect it, then we must, for the sake of all supernatural beings.”
Henryk held out his hand to his best friend who shook it in a silent acknowledgement of their friendship and sacrifices. Annika wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug that expressed her fear then pulled away.
“Now go, before they get here.”
“We will never forget you, my friend,” Henryk stated, then grabbing his wife’s hand, they bolted down the valley of rocks and moss of Annika’s home land, vanishing into the night.
Xavier turned just as a dozen hunters with torches and weapons raced from the tree-line, some appearing fearful at confronting a vampire who obviously had nothing to lose, while others were furious at the thought of their kind roaming the world and would do anything to rid them of it.
“Where’s the book,” one of them spat with obvious hatred.
“You will never find it,” Xavier claimed calmly.
“Then you will die!”
He only sneered as he brought his vampire side to the surface, ready to fight with everything he had.
South Australia, Present Day
“Back to that house, huh?”
Aiden nodded at his younger brothers’ question, not moving from the desk and continued looking at the laptop screen at the 2 story, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house in Enfield with a small yard, and about 30 minutes from the city via bus – so the description on the website said.
It was a lot more to them though.
Ryan paused next to him, arms folded, with a thoughtful expression. “Interesting choice. You couldn’t find a much bigger place miles away from that particular one?”
“We can’t continue buying mansions. It’s only the 3 of us, and large houses are unnecessary. Besides, we have unfinished business there.”
“I don’t know why you want to drudge up the past when we’ve been able to keep it buried for so long, but whatever. As long as I have plenty of room to entertain my…guests, I’m happy.”
“We all know what you mean by ‘guests’,” came Elliot’s voice as he entered the library/office with a heap of folded boxes which he placed by the entrance then went over to his older brothers.
“Hey, don’t hate just because I’m not afraid to get some action around here.”
“All I’m saying, is you could be more discreet in your affairs. Do you even care if the women find out what you are?”
“Of course I care, and I go to great lengths to keep it a secret.”
Elliot raised an eyebrow. “Then why do you allow them to wander freely around the place when they could easily stumble upon evidence that we’re vampires?”
“Maybe the evidence shouldn’t be easily stumbled upon.”
“We shouldn’t have to hide who we are in our own home.”
“So you expect me to just take them straight to my room then kick them out when we’re done? Use the ‘wham-bam thank you ma’am’ attitude?”
“It’s no different than what you already do; only last time, Aiden barely stopped one of them from opening the fridge.”
“She slipped away without me noticing.”
“How could you not sense her leaving your room?”
“Mate, she knew things that I had no idea existed, and I’ve been doing this going on 83 years and thought I knew it all, so I was a bit scatter-brained.”
“Scatter-brained or not, you almost got us exposed. You have to be more careful.”
“I don’t take orders from you.”
“No, you take orders from me,” Aiden interrupted calmly, gaining his feet then turned to him, dangerously passive. However, his steel-grey eyes – which they all shared, along with black hair – held an unwavering gleam that made it perfectly clear that he would not tolerate any more arguing. “Ryan, from now on, you go to the woman’s place. There will be no more guests at the new house. It’s time we stayed under the radar and kept our heads down. Is that understood?”
Ryan clenched his jaw, barely able to ground out the word, “Yes.”
“Then let’s pack everything up. The sooner we get out of this Roxby heat, the better.”
“We’re really returning to Adelaide?” Elliot asked, a little worried.
He wasn’t as powerfully built as the other two. His strength was his brain and knowledge with technology, as opposed to the physical strength Aiden and Ryan possessed. They all stood at 6’1, and, though sensitive to sunlight, they could still go out during the day so long as it wasn’t overly hot, and got slightly tanned complexions.
“I made sure the threat was no longer there before purchasing the house. It’s safe.”
“How can you be 100% sure?” Ryan countered, clearly challenging him.
Aiden met his gaze. Ryan was always the disobedient one, constantly rebelling and doing his own thing, regardless of the risks. “Because I went there and staked it out last week, and found no evidence of them in the Adelaide area.”
“You know how well they can hide.”
“I’ve looked after you since I was 18, and in that time, I haven’t let them find us. Do you honestly think I would knowingly put either of you in danger?” When the only reply he got was their thoughtful yet cautious expressions, added, “We have 5 days to move out, so I suggest we quit fighting and start packing.” Without another word, he left.
His brothers stood there, recalling their father using a similar tone with them growing up, only more aggressive. It was scary how alike they were at times. They hoped the voice and sternness were the only parts of their dad’s personality he had.
With an exhausted roll of her neck and big yawn, Jennifer opened her locker, grabbing her small brown bag then slung it over her shoulder so it hung loosely at her hip. Work was done for one more day. Job-wise, anyway. She had lots of work at home as well. It seemed like she was surviving each day just by shear will. If exhaustion wasn’t going to be the death of her, then she had no idea what would be.
As she left the back room and entered the main part of the medium sized gift shop, her boss, Margaret, ducked out of her office on the left and waved her in. Why did Jen suddenly have a bad feeling? She needed this job to pay, well, everything. Swallowing the trepidation that threatened to choke her, followed the older woman into her office.
“Please, close the door and take a seat,” she said kindly with a hint of regret from behind her desk.
Jen did as asked, attempting to calm her racing heart that was beating a million miles an hour with fear.
“Listen, Jennifer,” she began slowly.
Uh-oh, not a good tone!
“I’ve noticed that you have been very tired and distracted lately. As you know, this shop is very busy, and I can’t afford to have my employees falling asleep on the job.”
Jen sighed and rubbed her head. “You’re right; I’m sorry. Please, just give me one more chance. I won’t let you down again, I promise.”
Sorrow clouded Margaret’s dark olive expression as she leaned forward, clasping her hands on the polished wooden surface. “I realise you have a lot going on at the moment with raising Hayley, study, and working here, plus keeping your house running. It’s a lot for a 19 year old to handle. I’m surprised you’ve lasted 3 months without giving up.”
“I can’t; Hayley needs me, and I have to do whatever it takes to ensure that she has a good future.”
“Even if that means drowning yourself in responsibilities?”
Jen heard something else in her tone now. It sounded like sympathy, however, she knew it was a form of accusation; a round-about way to guilt her into rethinking her decisions. Social Workers spoke to her like that 3 months ago in hospital.
As tears glazed over her deep blue eyes, stared into her bosses brown ones and replied huskily due to overwhelming emotions, “I don’t know what family means to you, but to me, it means sticking together. I refuse to give up on Hayley no matter what happens, and if that means finding a different job where I won’t be accused of basically destroying her life, then so be it.”
“You don’t have to do that. I just meant that both of you deserve better.”
“How is that a possibility if I don’t have a stable income?”
“There are options. Maybe someone else could raise Hayley, at least until you’re financially secure?”
“I won’t put her through that.”
“I’m sure she’ll come to understand-”
“I said no!” Jen almost screamed. “Giving up is not an option.”
“It isn’t giving up.”
“Allowing a stranger to raise her is saying that I don’t want to, and I won’t let her think that. I won’t abandon her.” Wiping her cheeks and sniffling, continued, “I’ll find a way. If I have to quit TAFE to take on another job, then that’s what I’ll do.”
“Would she really want you to sacrifice your dreams for her?”
“She doesn’t have to know.”
“What would that really achieve aside from more stress and heartache? You’re unable to do this all on your own. You need help.”
“What I need, is work. Do I still have a job, or do I start handing my resumes out?”
Margaret sighed regretfully. “There’s no need for your resume. You still have a job. I’m just worried that you’ll end up burring yourself under the weight of everything. I am here for you, Jennifer. Never forget that.”
Jen nodded, mustering up a shaky smile. “Thank you. I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Standing, turned and walked out, trying to regain her composure before catching the bus. Staying awake on the way home would be a battle within itself.
Staring into the boiling bolognaise sauce, Jen vaguely heard the front door open, followed by the usual voices of friendly arguing. She was way too tired to pay much attention, and her eyes drifted closed on their own accord.
“Hey, Jen, can Martin stay for tea?”
Startled back to reality, glanced at the archway leading to the adjoined dining/lounge room where Hayley stood in her school uniform, her peaches and cream face holding a guarded expression.
“Of course. He’s always welcome here.”
“Thanks.” She turned away, her long red hair bouncing in the pony tail and she disappeared around the corner.
Jen raised her hand, running it through her chocolate brown locks that fell passed her shoulders then her gaze rested on the calendar on the fridge next to her that had a blue circle around number 31. Was it March already? That meant it was just under 4 weeks until Hayley turned 16. The first birthday they’d celebrate without their parents.
Against their strict orders for her to stay at home to look after her sister, she went to a house party, getting drunk with her friends like she did every weekend, which was when she received the devastating call. Needless to say, she sobered up pretty fast. They spent the beginning of the New Year in hospital, agitatedly awaiting their parents’ conditions.
If it weren’t for her mums’ best friend, Margaret, who was like an aunt to her, she would have lost, not only the house and everything in it, but also Hayley, which she couldn’t allow. Thankfully, Margaret gave her a job. She had no clue as to where they would be without her, especially because their parents’ savings went to hospital bills since they weren’t in any health benefit and the first 2 months of keeping the house running smoothly.
She felt bad about speaking to Margaret the way she did. She was only looking out for them, as always, however emotions and exhaustion took over once again. She’d apologise next time she saw her boss who seemed to constantly forgive her. She knew, though, that even Margaret had her limits.
When the hot sauce spat at her, realised it was almost bubbling over, so quickly turned the stove off and stirred it. Straining the pasta, grabbed the serving utensils then put the lids on to keep them warm. She went to Hayley’s room where music was drifting quietly from the laptop on her desk, and softly knocked on the open door.
Hayley was laying on her stomach on the single bed, drawing in her sketch pad, while Martin sat on the beanbag in the corner writing.
“Tea’s ready when you’re hungry.”
“Thanks,” Hayley muttered, not looking up at her.
Martin frowned a bit at her dismissive attitude then faced Jen, smiling kindly. “Thank you, Jennifer. I really appreciate this.”
“You’re welcome. You know the couch is yours when you need it as well. Alright, I’m going to take a nap. Don’t forget to do your dishes when you’re done.”
“Whatever,” Hayley murmured half-heartedly.
Jen shut her eyes briefly and shook her head then left, going straight to her own room. Not even having the strength to change, collapsed on her double bed, falling into oblivion before her head even touched the pillow.
“The least you can do is respect her enough to look at her when she talks to you.”
“The way she respected our parents?” Hayley bit back, her bright blue eyes sharp as they bored into his. “You saw the way she used to act, how she treated them. She’s lucky I’m not rebelling against her to show her what it feels like to worry if I’m coming home or not.”
“She deserves appreciation for what she’s doing, especially given her past and grieving-”
“She’s not the only one who lost them,” she snapped, and before letting her emotions take hold, returned to her sketch of a large full moon above a chaotic ocean.
“But she is the only one trying to keep this family together. Her working this hard is the one thing stopping you from having to live elsewhere. Haven’t you seen how tired she is?” When silence was the only response he received, added, “Don’t take her for granted. You might regret it.”
She pretended not to be bothered by what he said, though knew it was the truth. She had to admit that she was being rude, and Martin was right; Jen did deserve better for keeping them together. However, Hayley adored her parents, and to see them heartbroken all the time because of Jen’s rebellious behaviour made it hard for her to forgive. But even she knew she would have to eventually. After all, if counsellors at school suspected that she was upset at Jen, they could look into their lives, and if they didn’t like the situation, they could take her away. No matter how angry she was at Jen, she would choose to live with her over being forced to live with strangers.
“Have you decided what to do for your sweet sixteen?” he inquired gently, changing the subject and bringing her back to reality.
Neither liked fighting with each other, so when a disagreement came up, they tended to wait a minute then discuss something else. Their relationship was too valuable to risk over a few words said out of frustration. They’d been through way too much, and pulled each other through the darkest days they’d ever seen. Best friends to the end.
She shrugged. “Just a movie night with you and maybe Jen, unless she’s too busy.”
“You’ve been waiting for this birthday for 2 years. What happened to the scrap book you made with every single detail of how you wanted it to be?”
“I threw it out.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, making his olive green eyes even bigger. “What? Why? You spent hours at a time working on that. It had everything from the theme and decorations to the cake, even some present ideas.”
“I doubt we can afford the cake, let alone everything else. It’s pointless hanging onto something that’s never going to happen.”
He watched as she continued drawing, pain tugging at his heartstrings. He could tell that the brave face she wore was just for show. He knew her too well for her to fool him. Maybe one day she would no longer feel the need to hide her true emotions from him. Realising she didn’t want to talk anymore, returned to his writing, the only noise being the soft music traipsing through the small room.
The moving van was parked in the driveway when Aiden pulled up in front of their new house as 3 men wearing overalls were moving boxes inside from the truck. Aiden had agreed to come down early to finalise some things while his brothers stayed behind to make sure everything was in order before they left. He hoped it wasn’t too much for them to handle.
He wasn’t worried about Elliot – he’s the responsible one. Ryan, on the other hand, hated anything to do with obligations. In fact, Aiden’s shocked that he’s lasted a few years in the self-employed illustrating business without throwing in the towel.
Getting out of his bright red sports car, locked it then walked along the footpath with grass on one side and a thin garden strip with roses separating it from the driveway, and entered the house. Memories of his parents and growing up flashed through his mind; his brothers arguing about miniscule stuff and their dad telling them – very harshly – to quit it, otherwise he would make them.
And he meant it.
Their father was a bully. Aiden was the only one who ever stood up to him, more so when he began beating on their mum or them, even though his dad could have easily killed him, being older and much stronger. Aiden didn’t care. His protective instinct was too powerful to ignore, not that he ever would. He’d defend anyone in danger, regardless of the consequences, or the one inflicting the harm. Sometimes it went too far, leaving him with the weight of taking a life.
He crossed the lobby and strolled upstairs, recollecting the amount of times he’d caught his brothers sitting a few steps down, listening to their parents arguing, followed by something smashing. That’s when Aiden interfered, and almost died as a result.
He wandered down the hall until he reached the end where his parent’s old bedroom was. In his mind, it reverted back to the way it used to be 85 years ago before they left.
His mum sat at a vanity by the door and covered up a nasty bruise on her pale cheek. At 18, he asked why she allowed his dad to treat her that way.
With a kind smile, she replied softly, "He never used to be like this. He used to be sweet and caring, but the weight of living for so long must have changed him, and now the only way out of a marriage with him is death, because he wouldn’t let me or any of us go easily."
“Don't make excuses for him. He chooses the way he behaves, and I for one won't tolerate it any longer. We can run away and disappear while he’s out,” he suggested pleadingly, wanting his family to be safe from that monster.
Regret clouded her face. “He will always find me, no matter how far underground I go, and I don’t want you boys taking the blame. Please promise me you’ll stop getting in the way when we argue,” she whispered, her gentle grey eyes begging him.
He shook his head. “I can’t agree to that. He’s nothing but a coward by picking on those weaker than himself. It’s pathetic.”
“You have almost died at his hands too many times. Do you have any idea how frightening that is?”
“Someone has to teach him a lesson, and if it isn’t going to be anyone else, then I will.”
“He’ll kill you.”
“Not if I kill him first.”
Her eyes widened in fear and shock then gasped, “You can’t.”
“I can try.”
“Just go, Aiden. I want the best life for you boys. Take your brothers and run as far as you can. Leave your father to me.”
“You haven’t had the guts to stand up to him before. What makes you think you can now?”
“I’m your mother; I should be protecting you, not the other way around. I won’t let him harm you, Ryan or Elliot again.”
“He won’t be able to hurt anyone else once I take care of him.”
Aiden faced the way he came as the 18 year old version of him disappeared down the stairs.
The memories were so real, as though he was reliving them all over again. Maybe it was a mistake to buy this house. Too much history lingered between the walls like a thick fog ready to suffocate them with the buried ghosts he thought they’d outgrown years ago.
Then again, they had been ignoring their dark past for way too long. It was time to confront it and finally move on – after he tracked down those who destroyed their family once and for all.
The smartphone on the dark oak desk beeped when a message came through. A black leather gloved hand unlocked it and revealed the text.
“Aiden has arrived at their old family home by himself just as you suspected. Ryan and Elliot will be arriving within the week then we can finish what was started 85 years ago. I will keep you updated. –C.C.”
The person deleted the message, shutting the screen off. A moment later, a slight click echoed through the room as they closed the door on their way out.