Smoldering (Suppressed Saga Book 3)

By Elliett Earhart

Cam's life goes spiraling out of control. As if she doesn't have enough to deal with while planning Lance and Amy's wedding, Seth starts to pull away from everyone. Going missing for weeks at a time with Xander, Cam believes that Seth is starting to turn on her. But because of Seth's constant absence, Eric had stepped up permanently to look after her. In search to find out more about being a Savior, Cam finds out some very life changing facts. In the end though, she must make the most life changing decision she'll ever have

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elliett Earhart
• Release date: Oct 13, 2013

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Smoldering

Elliett Earhart

Copyright © 2013 Elliett Earhart

Smashwords Edition

Smoldering is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author.

Never giving in is worse

Than giving in and it all falling apart.

Sometimes you have to fall apart

For it to all make sense.

Eventually, it will all get put back together…

But maybe not the way you expect it to.

Chapter 1

The past few weeks of my life were hell. I used to think that dealing with demons and the underworld was the worst thing that I’ve had to live through. I just recently found out that I was dead wrong. Not only that, I came to a very adamant conclusion: I was never, ever, ever getting married.

It had only been a little over a month since Lance and Amy announced their surprise engagement. Apparently there was a new trend going around that involved couples getting married as soon as they got engaged.

It was the middle of September. The wedding was only two weeks away and things were starting to get hectic. I might not have minded their rush in get married if it was under normal circumstances. But when were they ever?

Lance was back in school and Amy was constantly working at the hospital. They didn’t have much time to plan the wedding except for the essentials so they needed someone to be able to do the things they couldn’t.

And who was that someone might you ask?

Me.

And Eric.

It was awful. Not only because we didn’t know what the hell we were doing, but because weddings were my kryptonite. I absolutely hated them.

Although Lance and Amy (mainly Amy) made all the decisions, we were the ones who made sure that the florist got everything right, attended the cake tastings, and sat through four different bands to decide who would play at the reception. There were a lot more horrifying things but they were just too painful to mention.

So that’s what brought me to this moment, dreadfully sitting in the living room floor drawing up the seating arrangement for the reception.

"I never would have agreed to be his best man if I would have known this is what I’d be doing."

I sighed thinking the exact same thing. There were a million other things I could think of that I’d rather be doing. None of them involved sitting here doing this – especially with Eric.

Eric slung his notebook across the floor causing it smack me in the thigh. With a huff I chunked it back at him before going back to the R.S.V.P cards.

This was how it usually went. I would try my best to keep things copasetic even though I secretly wanted to pull my hair out, while Eric threw a hissy fit, flinging shit across the room when it pissed him off.

I’m supposed to be in charge of the bachelor party, not seating arrangements and place settings.

I kept with ignoring him. His ranting was only making this more unbearable.

Let’s boycott.

I cut my eyes at him, clearly annoyed. Seriously, do you ever shut up?

Not when I’m sitting here doing this awful shit.

Arguing with him was only going to make him rant more.

Ignoring him further, I started checking off names of my list making sure I didn’t forget anyone.

This whole experience has made me never want to get married.

Well that’s something we can agree on, I mumbled.

It was silent for a couple minutes while Eric sifted through his stack of cards.

You think they’ll move out before they start to add on to their ‘family’?

I sure hope so – wait, I momentarily forgot what I was doing and looked up at him with worry etched across my forehead. You don’t think that’s why they decided to get married so fast, do you? You don’t think she’s…

No, he laughed off my question. Lance would have told me if she was pregnant.

I let out a breath of relief.

Just because they’re rushing it doesn’t mean she’s knocked up. They’re in love, give them a break.

I held up my hands in defense. "I didn’t say anything. I just think it’s a little soon to be rushing into marriage. But if they’re in love then more power to them. I accidently wrote the same name twice on the name card and stabbed it with my felt tip pen in frustration. Although, you would think if they were so much in love then they would plan their own damn wedding!"

Give me that, he snatched the pen out of my hand and attempted to write on the card. Before he got a chance to do anything I snatched it back. Oh no, I’ve seen your hand writing and dogs could write better than you.

He looked dejected as I started write the name over again.

You ever think about having kids?

My hand froze halfway across the card. I wasn’t sure I heard him right. Did he really just ask me that?

No, I shook my head. I can’t say I’ve ever thought about having kids. Hell, I’ve never even thought about getting married.

He nodded.

What about you? I asked.

I’ve thought about the idea of it, but no, I don’t ever think I’ll have kids.

I smiled smugly, trying to lighten the mood. For all you know you could have a little Eric Jr. out there right now and you don’t even know it.

He shook his head like he was seriously appalled at the idea. Yeah right. I’ve never had unprotected sex so there’s no way possible that I have a bastard child out there somewhere.

My smug smile vanished and I eyed him disbelievingly. I hardly believe you’ve never had unprotected sex.

Believe it. I’m not stupid when it come to stuff like that. His voice was stone hard and it sounded like he was telling the truth.

No, you’re just stupid in general, I quipped.

Right now, he scowled while looking down at the stack of cards in his hand. I’ll have to agree with you on that.

We spent the better part of an hour working on the guest list and seating chart. I was getting the names into groups and Eric was drawing out the chart. I’ll have to admit one thing: the day went by quicker when you were immersed in wedding planning.

After another half hour I decided it was time for a break.

So, I stretched out with my back resting against the recliner. To tell the truth, there was a hidden meaning behind my little break. There was something that had been on my mind the past few days and I could only get answers from Eric. Has Seth said anything else about Xander?

He glanced up at me with an expectant look on his face. It was like he knew I was going to ask sooner or later.

"No, he says he doesn’t know why he’s here. Xander’s been keeping a pretty tight leash on him though. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t know anything."

My mouth went dry. You don’t – you don’t think Seth knows something and just isn’t telling us, do you?

He took in my second worried look of the day and ran a hand through his dark hair. I don’t think so. I’m sure if Seth knew anything we would be able to tell.

I couldn’t help but still be a little worried. Worry was my middle name these days.

You said it’s just Declan, you, and Stephan that know what you are?

I felt sort of bad that I hadn’t told Eric everything that was happening. Half of it had to do with him and he deserved to know. I just couldn’t bring myself to tell him. Yeah, Declan said that Xander had his suspicions about what I was but didn’t have proof.

To tell the truth, Xander didn’t care if there was proof I was a Savior or not. He was the one who told Eric to kill me eight months ago, which happened to be a mistake because Eric couldn’t kill me. I wasn’t exactly sure why he couldn’t, he had no problem killing Lauren Steinman in my place and she was a human.

As long as Xander stays in the dark about you, we’ll be okay. He finished with a reassuring smile but it didn’t reach his green eyes.

After a few more minutes he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He barely gave it a glance before looking back at me grimly. It’s quarter after two. We’re going to be late if we don’t go now.

I groaned as Eric stood up and reached for my hand to pull me from the floor.

Fifteen minutes later we were dreadfully sitting in the lobby of Adam’s Ribs waiting for the manager to join us. My phone suddenly started buzzing inside my purse. I fished it out and scowled at the name flashing across the screen.

What now? I answered.

Are you meeting with the caterer? You didn’t forget did you? Amy’s voice was full of nerves.

Oh shit, we forgot, I answered. We went to the beach instead.

Eric let out a chuckle.

What!? Amy shouted.

At hearing her shriek I pulled the phone away from my ear. I’m just kidding, I put the phone back. We’re here.

Even before she said anything I knew she was fuming. Don’t do that to me! You two aren’t taking this seriously!

I rolled my eyes and replied in a dull voice, Yeah we are. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I wasn’t sorry at all. She was acting like a maniac.

I heard her let out a long breath, obviously trying to calm herself. No, I’m sorry. I know you all are doing a lot and it’s taking up a lot of your time.

It’s okay, we don’t mind. I stole a glance at Eric who was looking at me like I had three heads. He leaned in close to the receiver and said, "I mind."

I pushed him away and switched the phone to my other ear. Don’t listen to him, he’s being an ass.

At that moment a tall string bean looking man walked through the door wearing a black polo with the words Adam’s Ribs scrawled on the left breast in red writing. I’m guessing he was the manager.

The string bean smiled showing a chipped front tooth. Hi, I’m Davey. You two must be the lucky couple.

Eric let out a short laugh while I shut my eyes in horror. We’re having a family meeting tonight.

Amy started to protest but I hung up before she got out a word.

Later that evening, I was sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Amy and Lance to get home. This wedding stuff was becoming ridiculous and I had had enough. My foot was permanently down and wasn’t going to be lifted for nothing, not even tears.

Eric stood across the kitchen leaning against the counter. I could tell he was deep in thought. A part of me wanted to know what he was thinking but at the same time I wasn’t sure if I did. Sometimes his mind was a scary thing.

The front door opened and we both looked up expectantly. Seconds later the revolving kitchen door swung open and both Lance and Amy walked in looking tired. Tired or not we were still having this conversation.

Well, Lance looked between me and Eric. This has to be bad if you two are agreeing on something.

Oh it’s bad. Eric’s eyes were narrowed on them both.

Amy suddenly looked worried. The wedding’s okay though, right? You got the caterer?

My irritation went sky high. She was worried about her stupid catering more than she was anything else.

I scowled for about the hundredth time today. Yes, your precious ribs will be at the funeral.

Amy’s eyes went down to slits. If you call my wedding a funeral one more time you won’t be in it.

My mood suddenly perked up and I smiled, Really?

No.

And now my mood was sour again.

Eric cut in, Look, we don’t mind being in the wedding, but we didn’t sign up for place settings and cake tastings. I, for one, am not going to give a damn if the cake has Fondue or butterscotch icing.

I couldn’t help but laugh and apparently neither could Lance. Amy, on the other hand, looked like she wanted to pummel him.

She crossed her arms and seethed, Fondant and buttercream, ass.

See! Eric threw his hands up in the air and I could tell his temper was rising. For all you know you’re getting a cheese covered cake. I don’t know anything about this shit.

Me neither, I agreed.

Look, Lance stepped up with a now serious expression on face. It’s not like you all are making all the decisions, you’re just passing along the information because we can’t be there.

Eric rubbed the back of his head looking pained. Are you really sure you want to go through with this whole wedding thing? If you were doing half the shit we’ve been doing you would say the hell with it.

I silently agreed with him but didn’t voice my opinion because Amy looked like she was at her breaking point. At any minute I was expecting smoke to steam out of her ears.

I got up from my chair and went to stand in front of Eric. "We don’t mind helping out, we just can’t do everything. The seating chart alone is enough to drive us insane. If you all could just take over some of the stuff we would be okay."

Lance looked to Amy for an answer. Apparently it was up to her on what to do. Boy was he was whipped.

Fine, Amy huffed.

I smiled and knew Eric was beside me doing the same. This was almost as exciting as hearing that Declan was going to let me go from his compound when he had Eric kidnap me.

What’s left? Amy asked.

I started going through the mental checklist I had drawn up in my head. We’ve already handled the caterer, band, flowers, and venue. The final dress fitting is next week along with the guys being fitted for their tuxes. We’ll pick up your rings since we’re going to be carrying them anyway. And all that’s left after that is the seating chart, place settings, and party favors.

We’ll do the place settings, but you guys are stuck with the seating chart. We can do the party favors too but you have to go get the stuff for us.

We can do that, Eric said quickly. I knew he didn’t want to do the party favors any more than I did. That was almost as bad as the seating chart.

Not long after that Amy and Lance went to bed. We both watched them leave the kitchen as Eric came up beside me, leaning his arm on my shoulder. I’m glad that went well. If it didn’t I was going to have to resort to Stephan.

Ohhh, I didn’t that of that. You think he would have helped? This was sad. We were sitting here plotting to do magic on my brother and his soon to be wife if they didn’t relinquish some of our wedding duties.

I know he would. I went to him the other day to ask him about using Lilies or Daisies in the place settings. He mentioned that he could put some kind of spell on them if I wanted out.

I snorted in laughter. "You went to Stephan about flowers?"

He cut his eyes at me defensively. Shut up. You weren’t here and I needed an opinion. Stephan’s in to all that nature stuff so I figured he could help.

The laughter just kept coming. Aw, I patted him on the cheek. I think this wedding is causing your manly points to drop.

You have no idea, he muttered, obviously disgusted with himself.

There was still the seating chart to finish so I headed into the living room where we had left all the stuff earlier. Eric reluctantly followed, letting out a disgruntled groan as he sat down beside me.

So who are you taking to the wedding? I asked randomly. The answer would probably piss me off but I wanted to know ahead of time so I could prepare myself for the bimbo I would have to put up with all night.

He looked up, slightly confused. I thought we were going together.

We are? I was completely dumbfounded as I quickly looked up at him showing the same confusion that was on his face.

Well I thought we were, but if you don’t want to –

No, I cut him off rather quickly. We can go together.

He looked back down at the chart. Well, that’s settled.

What’s settled?

We both looked up to see Seth walk in. It had been days since we last saw him. It wasn’t unusual anymore for him to go missing for days on end. Ever since Xander came into town he’s been disappearing more and more. At first I was worried but now I was so used to it that I rarely ever worried about his safety. Though I was worried about what Xander might be telling him…

I had asked a few times what Xander had him doing that made him disappear for days on end but all I got was vague answers. I could tell it was taking a toll on him. His dirty blonde hair was starting to flip up around the sides and he hadn’t shaved in about a week. He must not be sleeping well either because there were small bags under his eyes and their normally vibrant blue was dulled out.

Just wedding stuff, Eric told him.

Oh yeah, Seth took a seat in the recliner, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. How’s that going?

We both groaned.

Seth chuckled, That well, huh?

Eric and Seth started talking about the bachelor party which I wasn’t interested in at all. But it did remind me that I needed to start planning Amy’s bachelorette party. Krystal, Amy’s sister, was supposed to help.

Oh yeah, I just remembered something else. Seth, you’re walking down the aisle with Krystal.

Who the hell –

The rest of his sentence was drowned out by a large crashing noise that came from the front of the house. It sounded like a fifty pound wrecking ball had come through the front door.

I went to stand up but Eric snatched me up by my waist and slung me around so I was behind him.

I grabbed his arm and peered from behind him to see what was going on. Seth had started towards the front door to get a closer look. He rounded the corner but stopped dead in his tracks with his eyes trained on something neither Eric or I couldn’t see.

Oh shit, get her –

His words were cut off as he was thrown back by something invisible that sent him flying into the wall. His head bounced and he crumpled to the floor unconscious.

That wasn’t good. If something was strong enough to knock Seth out than we were in for something bad.

I started forwards to where he was lying but Eric stopped me. My mouth opened to say something but immediately shut when I saw someone walk into the room.

An extremely tall dark skinned woman with big brown eyes strutted into the living room. She had wild curly brown hair and high cheek bones that could have cut through glass.

Don’t let her touch you, Eric whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

How the hell was I not going to let that happen? She looked like the Amazon woman from Hell, which she probably was.

Hi Eric, her voice had an accent that sounded Irish, something I had heard a lot in the past few months.

Her mouth turned up with a smile as her eyes traveled my way. This must be Cameron.

Eric shoved me behind him again. You stay the hell away from her.

She tilted her head to the side with another deathly sweet smile. I just want to take a peek. I won’t hurt her.

Eric’s voice turned deadly. It was a tone I had heard a few times before and, like then, it had enough venom to cause the hair on my arm to stand on end. You’re damn right you won’t, because you’re not touching her!

Her eyes turned just as venomous as she directed her gaze at Eric. You don’t have a choice.

Two men, who I had never seen before, walked in to stand behind the woman. One had shoulder length blond hair while the other had spiky black hair. Both of their skin was pale and waxy like they hadn’t been allowed in the sun for about a month. Their eyes were both trained on Eric.

Remember what I said, Eric whispered again. Don’t let her touch you.

I had a feeling that was better said than done.

The men hard started towards Eric. The blond one had his mouth turned up in a sneer. Eric hesitated for a couple seconds, not sure whether or not he wanted to leave my side. But once they got close enough he met them head on. Fists were flying, pummeling each other down to the floor.

I removed my eyes from the fight and looked back to Seth, who was still knocked out.

Don’t worry, I would never hurt him.

I looked back to the woman who was closer now than she was before.

Why? I asked. That was probably a stupid question to ask a woman who could probably turn me to stone with just one touch. No, she couldn’t do that, could she? That was Medusa. Then again, with the way this woman’s hair looked she could probably be Medusa.

I’m not supposed to hurt Seth. He’ll be fine. I’m Bree by the way. About halfway through her sentence she started to lift her hand towards my face.

I remembered what Eric said about not touching her and immediately tried to back away from her hand. The moment I attempted to move my legs, a searing pain went up my spine. I whimpered in pain and bit my lip to hold back from screaming.

Don’t try to move again, it will only hurt worse. Her hand was closer now. I shut my eyes expecting whatever pain was about to come with her touch. But the moment her cold, clammy hand touched my forehead…I felt nothing. It was just like letting any normal person touch me. There was no pain, no convulsions, nothing.

I opened my eyes to see what was happening, if anything even was.

Bree’s eyes were closed, almost as if she was in a deep sleep. Several seconds went by where she didn’t move at all. I wasn’t sure what was happening but I took the silence as a chance to try and move again. Before I got the chance to try her once brown eyes snapped open showing piercing grey ones and a look of horror.

No! Her eyes started to slowly go back to brown and refocus on me.

What did you see? I asked wearily. I wasn’t sure where the words came from, but somehow I knew that when she touched me she saw the future, and she didn’t like what she saw.

She didn’t answer my question but turned away to look at Eric, who was now pinned against the wall by the two men. His chest was heaving up and down heavily as he watched me and Bree anxiously.

Kill him, Bree said to the two men.

No! I rushed forward and was surprised to see that I could move again. I only got about two steps before Bree