Reap (The Harvest Saga Book 1) Read online

  A string of curses flew from a familiar voice and another as they counted in unison, “On three! One! Two! Three!” The weight of the large section of tree and its minions were lifted from my back. I looked up to see Kyan and Crew moving the once healthy tree half to the side. I uncurled and took note of my arms. Aside from blood pooling up from a few scratches, I was okay. Probably bruised, but I would take it. I could easily have been killed.

  Kyan rushed to me, looking me over from head to toe. “Can you get up?”

  I took his offered hand and pulled myself up. “We need to get out of here. Fast!” I nodded. The sky opened up. Rivulets of rain running into my eyes, down my face. Crew followed close behind us. The three of us crowd into the cab of the rusted out pickup with Laney. Kyan punched the gas to the floor board. Soon, we were out of the orchard, and in front of Evelyn’s cabin. Crew helped Laney into the house as Kyan came around to the passenger side where I sat.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Abs, she needs to look at you and make sure.”

  I shook my head. “I’m scraped up and will probably have a few bruises but I’m fine.” He shook his head in protest before opening his mouth to do the same. But I stopped him, “This is nothing. I have to get home and get ready. I have to be at the Preston’s for dinner. If I don’t show up, you will have to carry me back here.”

  He muttered something and looked up at me with pleading eyes. “You know I’m right. Norris is all over me. All they need is one reason. One slip up...and I’m in deep trouble. Deeper than any lashing Norris can dish out. This goes far beyond him for some reason.”

  “Why does Zander even want you?” His anger flared but his words cut me.

  “I don’t know, Kyan. Why would anyone want me?” I crossed my arms in defense.

  “That’s not what I mean, Abs.” He grabbed my elbow. “I mean, he could pretty much pick any girl in the village, and half of them swoon over him anyway. He could pick someone who wants him. You don’t but he’s still forcing you into this. I just don’t get it and I...I hate it...for you.”

  “Part of me thinks he just wants me because I don’t want him. Like it’s part of some twisted game to him. But, I can’t let him win Kyan. I won’t. I just don’t know what else to do. The Preston’s are much more powerful than I had ever imagined. They sent Lulu away. What will they do to my friends, to the people I love, if I don’t submit to their demands? Laney...” My voice broke. “Laney is scared to death. Norris has been watching us both all day. One slip up and it isn’t just my back on the line anymore. Something is going on. I don’t know what and I don’t understand, but this is beyond just me and Zander.” I shook my head and let out a pent up frustration laced breath.

  Kyan looked at me, jaw clenching for a long moment and then finally said, “Let’s get you home.”

  I checked on Laney quickly. Crew was seated at her side, waiting patiently as Evelyn taped her ankle. She whispered in my ear and I nodded, turning to leave.

  “You’ll help her get home?” I asked Crew.

  “Of course.”

  In the cab of the truck, a couple of feet between me and Kyan, tension separated us once again. “Ky, can you stop by Laney’s house for a minute. I need to pick something up.”

  LOOKING IN THE SMALL MIRROR that sat atop Lulu’s dresser, the now familiar pang of regret crept into my heart and mind. I should’ve just agreed to this marriage to begin with. It was always going to happen, regardless of protest. Zander would get his way. Now Lulu was in Olympus. I didn’t know what was happening to her there. What I did know was that my heart hurt without her.

  She would’ve helped me get ready for this night. I bathed, careful to clean the fresh abrasions. My hair had been washed with the lavender soap we kept hidden away for special occasions. It had been brushed, braided and coiled tightly at the nape of my neck. Pins held it into place. The dress Laney told me to get out of her bureau hung delicately across my curves.

  I’d never felt more like a woman than right then. The dress was exquisite. Its capped sleeves delicately skimmed my shoulders, while the beaded square neckline emphasized the swells of my breasts tastefully, revealing neither too much nor too little. The bottom layer was emerald colored silk, while the top layer was gauzy and swished over the top delicately as I walked.

  It was the single most beautiful garment I’d ever seen and I was scared to death to wear it. What if I ruined it? Split a seam or accidently spilled something on it. Laney would kill me and I would be mortified, would die of embarrassment in front of everyone. What if it was too fancy for this particular dinner? Was I overdressed? Underdressed? I couldn’t imagine being underdressed for anything in such a divine piece.

  I tilted the mirror up and down, moving back and forth in front of it. Nothing seemed bunched or pulled. Hair looked good and I pinched my cheeks for some color. Before I left her at Evelyn’s, Laney had insisted that I take her lipstick. I wasn’t even sure where or how she got all of this stuff. Makeup and fine fabric weren’t things you often saw in the village

  The black flat dress shoes that Laney let me borrow squished my toes, but I took a deep breath and started walking slowly toward the Preston’s. The storm had blown over and the dark clouds had given way to sporadic billows that punctuated a sky that faded from gray blue to gold across the horizon.

  Walking toward the sunset, I silently hoped that all would go well with dinner. I felt as though I was walking into a den of hungry wolves, fangs bared, frothing at the mouth, gnashing and snarling menacingly. The image of Mrs. Preston’s toothy, straight, white smile popped into my head.

  As I crested the last knoll before the Preston estate, the sound of music stopped me in my tracks. Beautiful classical music poured from its direction and I followed it like a sailor to a siren, blissfully ignorant to its danger.

  Before I could knock on the door and was greeted by a smiling Zander Preston, who offered his elbow and ushered me inside. He grinned and leaned down to my ear. “You look ravishing. Perhaps I will get to do some of that later.” He winked and I had to stop myself from vomiting a refusal. I was in the den and must survive.

  Scattered among the couches were Mr. and Mrs. Preston, Mr. Harrison Cole–Crew’s father, Crew, and a stunningly beautiful woman, seated between the two. Everyone stood. Mr. Preston’s suit was dark gray, as was Zander’s. They had probably been made from the same fabric. Cut from the same cloth. Most people in the village had matching things. We could not waste what we were given by the Greater cities.

  Introductions were made again, though I had met everyone but Mrs. Cole. She was dressed in a deep red gown, cut into a ‘v’ at the neckline. It was tight and silky, and clung to her like a second skin. I’d never seen anyone wear anything so revealing and yet be covered from neck to toe. I shook their hands and smiled when appropriate. Survive.

  “Abigail. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Mr. Cole extended his hand and I took it as well. “You know my son, Crew.” I nodded and accepted his formal handshake as well. “This beautiful creature is my lovely wife, Alyce. Her dark brown hair loosely curled down her back, a small piece pinned back on one side with an ornate piece of hair jewelry.

  Her face was covered in makeup which made her face look flawless and beautiful. Full lips were painted the color of a blood red rose to match her gown, which I noticed up close was covered in small glass beads and stretched to the ground, where a small train pooled behind her feet. Her eyes were mostly brown, but there is a honey colored circle surrounding the pupil, the honey pooled and spilled out further into the brown on the outsides, reminding me of a spotted butterfly. How did this family get such unique eyes? And from both parents?

  “Abigail.” Her eyes lit up excitedly. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s wonderful to meet you, my dear.” She clasped my hand inside of both of hers. I swallowed. Who had been talking about me?

  “Thank you.”

  An awkward moment of silence hung in the air until Marjorie, a village co
ok, popped her head into the room and announced dinner. I couldn’t miss how her eyes widened as she took me in and then shifted between me and Zander.

  Mr. and Mrs. Preston led the way into the dining room. This was the only house in the village that boasted a separate room housing only a long wooden table and chairs. Zander ushered me inside, his hand upon the small of my back. Crew followed directly behind us. His parents and the Preston’s claimed seats around the table. Crew’s suit was made of different material than his father’s. Small gray stripes streaked along the fabric of his, while his father’s was solid in color. The Cole’s had the finest clothes I’d ever seen.

  On the table, bowls and platters of steaming food surrounded an enormous turkey, its skin golden-brown. The aroma from the bounty on this table alone, made me salivate with anticipation. I’d never in my life eaten a meal so grand. This much food would feed a dozen families if divided right.

  Mr. Preston settled into the chair at the table’s head, with Mrs. Preston to his left. Crew settled in the seat to her left. Mr. Cole sat opposite of Councilman Preston. I sat to his left, and to my left was Zander. Crew, seated directly across the table stared unabashedly at me. Averting my eyes, I tried to get him to look away, but felt the warmth from his gaze on my anyway. He couldn’t do this. I’d pay dearly and given that they already took Lulu away, was scared of what they might do next.

  Kicking his shin, I looked at him in warning and he finally relented. No one seemed to have noticed. Not even Zander. Marjorie filled our plates, which was strange. I’d always served myself, never been served by another. She rushed around filling glasses with apple wine and water.

  Darkness crept in through the window. The candles glowed as warm as the food in my stomach. Crew didn’t stare at me anymore during dinner. The time and meal were passed in awkward silence. Awkward for me, anyway. Lulu and I, along with Kyan if he joined us, would always laugh and discuss our day during dinner. It was eerily quiet, save for the clinking of silverware upon porcelain and glass bottoms upon the wooden table.

  When all silverware was abandoned, all plates and glasses empty, Marjorie cleared the table in front of us. All of our plates, the serving bowls, even the turkey was whisked away into the kitchen. Like a whirlwind, she sat small plates and new forks in front of us and once we were all settled, brought out a beautifully decorated square cake with two layers, the bottom one larger than the top. Small flowers sculpted expertly from icing draped formally across the layers of cake. It was exquisite.

  She carefully cut and served a piece of cake to each person. Mr. Preston cleared his throat and raised his glass. The Cole’s and Mrs. Preston and Zander follow suit and so I raised my glass of sweet apple wine as well. “Thank you for attending dinner with us this evening. I do hope you have enjoyed the bounty that Orchard Village provides. This cake was made in celebration of a momentous occasion in the life of our only son. He has certainly made us proud to be his parents and even more so by picking such a lovely young lady to join with him in marriage.”

  I swallowed hard. Oh, crap. Crew’s eyes met mine and I quickly looked away. Zander glanced over at me, smirking. “I cannot imagine a better match for our son. And, so with this dinner and beautiful dessert creation, we welcome you to the Preston family, Abigail Kelley.” He took a deep sip from his glass and everyone followed suit. Crew trained his eyes on mine just as he took a small sip. I gulped the rest of my half-full glass down. I felt nearly as empty as that glass as I swallowed it down, trying to accept my fate.

  I’d never been more eager to return home in my life. Being treated like royalty wasn’t something I wanted, or something I enjoyed, apparently. So, when the Councilman suggested that the ‘young people’ retire for the evening to rest up for a hard day’s work ahead, I was quick to find the door. I accepted hugs and offered goodbyes to everyone mechanically and stepped onto the porch.

  Zander stepped across the porch to meet me. Everyone’s eyes were on us. “Until tomorrow, my love.” He leaned before I could even protest, and kissed me full on the lips. I wanted to cringe. I wanted to smack him, to hear the satisfying sound of my hand making contact with his deceitful face, but I valued my skin and the skin of those I love and so I allowed it. Bile rose in my throat. I disgusted myself.

  I broke contact first and looked over. Mr. and Mrs. Preston smiled menacingly. Mr. Cole stood back in quiet appraisal, while Mrs. Cole looked as if she’d just seen a puppy lick the cheek of a child. Crew looked off into the woods. I stepped off the porch and onto the pathway and started walking home, thinking what a big mess this situation, my life, was at the moment. Tears burned my eyes.

  Someone grabbed my elbow. I turned around to find Crew looking down at me. “Here. Wear my jacket home. You can bring it back to me tomorrow.” Without another look, he helped me shrug his dark suit jacket on, turned and walked quickly back to the porch. “Thanks,” I muttered. Not that it mattered.

  I walked into the darkness down the trail that led into the woods, through the fields of hay. The smell of wild onions surrounded me, but even they couldn’t drown out the masculine, crisp smell that was Crew, emanating from the warm jacket wrapped around me. In the woods, the chirps of crickets and scurried steps of small animals could be heard. Shivering, I tucked my hands into the pockets of Crew’s jacket. What is that? I eased the object out just enough so that I could see what it was. It was a piece of paper, folded up into a tight square. When I got home, I locked the door behind me, lit the candles and examined the paper with the firelight. It was a note from Crew.

  Meet me at the swans at midnight.

  —Yours, Crew

  BEFORE I COULD EVEN START a fire, footsteps fell heavy on the porch. The front door ricocheted off the wooden wall behind it and Kyan stepped in, his face cloaked in shadows. In four strides, he stood in front of me. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” His eyes raked over my face and then over my body. He stiffened and stepped back, still clasping my shoulders. “Wow. You look amazing.”

  “Don’t sound so shocked, Kyan. It’s a blow to my ego.”

  “No. It’s not that. I’ve never seen a dress like this before and you...-wear it well.” Suddenly, I was once again aware of the way the dress accentuated my chest and if his gaze was any indication, he was aware now, too.

  I cleared my throat. “Eyes up here, big guy,” I teased.

  He grinned and makes eye contact again. I debated whether to tell him about Crew and decide against it. He wasn’t very happy after seeing the two of us at the dock the last time. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. I was scared for you.” Ky’s eyes darted around nervously, which was unusual, for him. Is he nervous?

  “I’m fine. Actually, it was really weird. They were very nice and oh my goodness, Ky. You should have seen the amount of food they served. It was obscene. It would have fed a dozen families. There was a turkey, green beans, corn on the cob, potatoes, yeast rolls, ham. Then, for dessert, there was an enormous two-layer cake with icing roses! It was so pretty...”

  “What?”

  “The cake. Councilman Preston said the cake and dinner were held to welcome me into their family.”

  My breaths became shallow and I couldn’t catch hold of the air I needed. I needed a distraction. I threw another log into the fireplace and stuffed some kindling beneath. My hands shook so badly that I couldn’t strike the flint. Couldn’t make a spark.

  Ky crouched down next to me and took the knife and flint stone from my hand. In a couple of strikes, he has sparked the kindling cupped in his hands, coaxing a flame with gentle breath. He tucked the small bundle under the split wood awaiting its warmth. The flame grew ravenous and licked and lapped at the firewood above, seeking more of something, anything.

  Ky pressed his lips together in a sort of smile and helped me up. I glanced at the small clock on the mantle. Ten o’clock. Dinner took the entire evening. And, now I had only a couple of hours before I needed to meet Crew. The angel on my shoulder was begging me to stay home, to av
oid Norris at all costs. But, the little devil that sat opposite her won, whispering that this may be my last opportunity to talk to Crew alone before he leaves and I marry. There was no telling when they would load up the trains with our help and cart them back home. I may never again feel the softness of his lips upon mine, or his hands around my waist. And, I needed this. I needed him, even if only for one night.

  His eyes darted around again, as if searching for something to grab hold of. “You know I’ll always take care of you, right?” Kyan cleared his throat. “I need to tell you something.”

  “Ky, don’t. It’s okay. Whatever it is.”

  The look in his eyes made me weary and I stepped back from him. The soft orange light highlighted his hair softly and caressed his face, softening the hard angles that had formed recently, erasing any trace of boy from his visage.

  He growled in frustration, swallowed and scrubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know how to tell you this.” He looked at me, blinking away tears.

  Kyan did not cry. Ever. I’d been his best friend for years and have never seen it. Even when he fell from a tree when he was eight and broke his forearm. “Ky? What is it?”

  “I...” His voice broke.

  “Kyan. You’re scaring me. Please just say it. Whatever it is, spit it out.”

  He blinked and twin tears carved paths down the skin of his cheeks. And, then it hit me. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t about him or his family. He was crying for me. Dread coiled like a snake in the pit of my stomach. The only thing that would upset him this much and mattered to me was...I croaked, “Lulu?”

  He nodded and pulled me tightly into a hug. No.

  “No!” I pushed him away, but he hauled me back to him.

  “I’m so sorry, Abby.” Tears filled his words, thickening with grief. He loved her, too.

  “NO!!!” I roared. “She’s fine. She’s in Olympus! That’s what the Preston’s said! She’s there!”