CHAPTER TWO
Ella wiped the sparkly granite countertop one last time and stared out the large picture window that overlooked the sprawling green lawn that led to the impressive New England manor house. This was Ben Steel’s family homestead, and it nestled along the brutal Atlantic Ocean in Ogunquit, Maine. Every detail of the house was stunning. The several-story high mansion was filled with arched windows, sloping roofs, and weathered gray shingles. There was even a delightful wraparound porch. None of which hinted at the mysterious business conducted inside. The exquisite façade hid the cavernous and covert base that equaled any military facility. The house sat innocently on private and heavily guarded rugged land. There was over six acres of open space, leafy woodland, stables, and a coastline with a secluded pebbly beach.
Tranquil and idyllic with envious views.
Ella and Marcus lived in one of the brand-new guest cottages that were built as miniature replicas to the main house, complete with cedar shingles and porches. It was a gilded prison but that was what it was nonetheless.
“I need to know you’re safe when I’m not here and this is the only place to ensure that. Ben’s property has the best money has to offer with regard to security. It’s built like Fort Knox—no one is getting in or out without his knowledge. There are high-tech surveillance gadgets everywhere, discreet infrared cameras, perimeter wires to detect intruders, enough men for a small army, and an incredible arsenal of weapons. Maybe in time, we can build and secure our own home, but for now, Ella, with the baby coming, there’s no safer place.”
Marcus had said those words two days after their marriage in January. Four and a half short months ago. Wiping her mouth as she gripped the stainless-steel sink, she flicked her gaze around. The two-story house was modern inside, and full of light. She could even see the ocean from the enclosed porch. A pair of white rockers sat there, facing the ocean view. Even so, she hadn’t unpacked until a month ago, and then she had gone into overdrive with decorating and organizing the nursery. However, she still couldn’t bring herself to imagine their baby here, and setting up home terrified her because it meant putting down roots. Each time in her past lives, the moment she felt safe, something changed and disaster struck.
Would now be any different?
Staring back at the beautiful mansion in front, she knew that aside from the many bedrooms, impressive oak paneled dining room, and enormous chef’s kitchen, hidden in the basement was a labyrinth of secret rooms. She did not have access to certain areas, only the main operation room that manned over two dozen agents stationed at computer terminals, watching and tracking the identities and locations of numerous other field agents and their designated targets. Multiple overhead television terminals decorated the space and communication was via headsets and live video feeds. Marcus was right; the compound was the safest place, but she still didn’t feel at home or safe. The dreams wouldn’t stop. The professor’s voice reached into the darkness, taunting her during the dead of night and robbing her of sleep. As she strained her eyes, she watched the interaction between two men outside the main entrance at the base of the steps facing her house. One was dressed in casual clothes and held a pair of gardening shears. The other was dressed in similar fashion but as he shaded his eyes from the sun, he pointed briefly in her direction. She jumped as heavy clomping footsteps caught her by surprise and she swiveled around.
“Ella, I’ve been ringing that damn bell for ages. Didn’t you hear it? Are you okay?” Jake rushed close to her.
Jake was Marcus’s best friend, his brother from the Navy, and they shared a long history together. Now, he was her unofficial babysitter and it sucked. When Marcus traveled, Jake was stationed here. Something neither of them liked. Ella gave him the once-over. He was all light in contrast to the darkness of Marcus, but both men were equally trained and deadly if needed. Jake’s steel-gray eyes ran their sweep over Ella from head to foot and she let him take in her disheveled appearance. She knew she was a mess. She stepped away from the counter in bare feet, dressed in tight black leggings and a slouchy black T-shirt.
“Would you like a coffee?” She stared back over her shoulder at a tense-looking Jake with an unsmiling face. She hadn’t been sleeping and she wasn’t entirely sure whether his being here was real. It was hard to focus and she was having an out-of-body sensation of not quite being here but being somewhere else. It made her light-headed.
“Ella, are you allowed to drink coffee?”
She glared at him.
“Sit down before you fall. I’ll make it. More bad dreams?”
Damn Marcus to hell. Why did he have to confide in Jake? Sure, he had told him about the dreams, but she doubted little else. He would think she was acting like any typical pregnant woman. She hated this.
“I can’t sleep when he’s not here, and I can make a cup of bloody coffee, Jake. I’m not useless. Or you can simply go and report back to his high and mighty, now that you’ve seen me. That’s all he wants to know is that I’m still here and that everything is okay. Well, I’m here, but everything is not okay.” She heaved all her frustrations out.
He held his hands up in surrender. “Whoa, I’m not suggesting you are useless, Ella. I don’t have a death wish. I’m merely here to help.”
She hadn’t meant to snap at Jake. Since Marcus had left two weeks ago, Jake had been good company. No, she wasn’t being fair to him. She was exhausted and being a bitch. Not feeling herself at all, Ella grabbed the countertop with both her hands and bent her head.
“Ella, are you okay? Are you in pain?” Jake darted to her side and placed his hand on the small of her back.
She breathed out and shook her head to push her loose hair back over her shoulders. Maybe she should just cut it all off. When the baby came, it might be easier.
“Ella, if you don’t answer me, I am going to put in a call and you’ll have the flying squad in here in seconds.”
Hearing his words, she turned her head to the side and shook it. Jake towered over her like Marcus, and his solid frame was equally impressive. His muscles filled his white shirt, displaying a well-toned and powerful build. But with Jake, she wasn’t sure what it was—he didn’t have the dangerous edge that Marcus did. Maybe it was that their relationship was different.
“I’m sorry, Jake. I’m okay. I mean, I’m obviously not okay, but it’s not the baby. It’s not you either. I’m just frustrated.”
She looked down her body. She couldn’t see her feet anymore. He rubbed her back and gripped her shoulders, steering her away and leading her to the brown leather couch; he pushed her down until she had no choice but to sit. Easing her awkward body until she was comfortable, she longed for the next several weeks to pass. Her eyelids fluttered closed.
“Look, Ella, I’m no expert when it comes to pregnant women but aren’t you meant to be at the glowing stage? You look beyond tired. Now, when did you last eat?” Jake asked.
“Didn’t you just say you didn’t have a death wish?”
She pressed her hand on the couch to stand up, but he hunkered down so he was the same height. He rubbed his hand over his cleanly shaven chin and eyeballed her. He cocked his head to the side and she studied his cool stare.
“Ella, you have to rest. You also need to eat. Now, Marcus put his trust in me to make sure you and junior were okay until he’s back. Popping in every day to check you’re okay isn’t hard. But you’re fighting me every inch of the way. This isn’t just about you anymore. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. Or, I can move in if you would prefer?” He smiled broadly.
Ella knew he meant it.
Their relationship had grown to a friendly tolerance of each other over the months. She had learned to trust him and in turn, he was less suspicious and adversarial. It was born out of their mutual love for Marcus. She knew that. Looking at his perfect row of white teeth, she relaxed back and smiled.
“Okay.” She knew he was right.
“Okay, there we go. Such an easy word to say.” He stood and walked back toward the kitchen. “Now, how do you like your eggs?”
She watched as he pulled the fridge door wide open and buried his head inside.
“Jesus, Ella, there’s nothing in here—nothing edible anyway. We need to place an order right away but that won’t get here until tomorrow.” He shoved the door to the fridge closed and scratched his head.
Ella had had enough and she pushed up from the couch. She charged over to Jake and pulled his arm to gain his attention. “Jake, let’s go and get some groceries. Please? Take me shopping. I haven’t been out of Alcatraz since Marcus left and that was two weeks ago. Come on, you said I need to eat. Please.”
Ella slapped his arm, and turned away to grab her flip-flops from the side table. She also picked up her long gray cardigan and put it on. It was the end of May, but there was a cool breeze today. Turning to face Jake, she saw him squint with uncertainty.
“Look, I don’t know about this. Marcus wanted you to stay here, not go traipsing around.”
Jake ran his gaze over her and looked away to stare out the window. She knew he was debating with himself as to the logistics and safety of such an expedition into town. Swallowing down her frustration, she inhaled a deep breath.
“Jake, please, it’s a twenty-minute trip—thirty tops. I will grab some milk and bread. Some eggs. The rest, I will order online. Come on, I’ll treat you to a slice of pizza from the market.”
Jake examined her intensely before he looked back at the fridge. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward.
“Please, Jake. It’s not just rest and food I need, but a change of scene. Besides, you will be with me. My personal bodyguard, and I trust you.”
Ella wasn’t playing fair. She knew that word, trust, would open the door to her freedom. She didn’t feel guilty reeling him in; it wasn’t as if she were going to run away or disappear. A change of view would do her a world of good.
“Okay, but thirty minutes tops, and I’m driving, no arguments. Geez, I can’t wait until Marcus gets back.”
She gave her sweetest smile and lifted her purse off the counter. She couldn’t wait either. Jake was great but he didn’t compare to Marcus. Reaching the front door, she paused and asked over her shoulder, “How’s it going with Isabella? You haven’t mentioned her lately.”
Jake drew up behind her and pulled the door open to let her pass in front. “Argh, now there’s another fine woman, but just as testy and hard to figure out as you.”
She threw a thump into his chest and he pressed his hand against his ribs as if hurt. She smiled, and he grabbed her hand to lead her down the several steps to his black SUV.
“I’ll tell you all about it while I drive, but I think it’s a lost cause. I bought her roses like you suggested and asked her out for dinner, but I’m not getting the eyes.”
Ella stopped and it made him stop. “What do you mean, not getting the eyes?”
“Aw, come on, Ella. You know what I mean. A man knows when a woman is interested by the way she looks at him.”
She burst out laughing. God, the first time she laid eyes on Marcus, she, um—well yes, she thought he was mysterious and handsome, but she knew he was trouble. Had she given him the eyes? No way, but it didn’t mean she didn’t have the hots for him right from the start.
“Personally, I think you’re reading too much into it. Isabella is different than most women.”
Ella smiled. Little did Jake know, but Isabella—or Bella—was a caster. The beautiful witch was her best friend from her training days with Orion, and currently away on a mission with Marcus.
“She’s that and then some,” he said.