It never said who 'he' was, but I just knew. Something buried deep within, a sort of survival instinct in me. It was talking about The Seer. How it could've been him, when this text was obviously written hundreds of years ago, I don't know. I thought perhaps the real Seer lived and haunted people when it was written, and as always, copycats followed. Regardless, anyone who would adopt a persona that could inspire such writings was someone to be feared.
We left the library shortly after, the car ride was quiet and filled with introspection. I knew that I couldn't be the reason The Seer came for my family, I was far too young, but someone willing to do the things he did wouldn't just let someone escape him, no matter how young.
The twins were kind enough to let me think without interruption. I should tell them about wolf boy, especially since I was potentially still sought after by The Seer. I decided that I'd rather tell Lex, I trusted them, but I felt more comfortable sharing it with Lex.
Shortly after leaving the library, we agreed that they'd take me to their friend to be spelled while Lex and his older brothers met with their contact about the Gypsies. We would keep it secret, find a way to sneak off without Lex knowing and hopefully it wouldn't really be needed. I hated the thought of keeping it from him. I might not have really known him long, but I still cared, and keeping secrets from people you care about always feels slightly like betrayal.
I was lost in thought, so much so, that I didn't even register my phone ringing.
"Hey..."Liam said, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Your phone is ringing."
He was staring at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes held a great deal of concern. We all knew what it might mean for me if I really am involved with a crazed serial killer who believes himself to be all powerful. It wasn't good! I know they were worried about my safety.
I looked down at my ringing phone. Wesley was flashing on the screen, the same picture I took of him when I last visited. His dirty blond hair brushed back, clean shaven, winking his hazel-green eyes, grinning like an idiot. With their mixed genes, he and Trevor adopted the beautiful mocha skin, and the blondish hair and light eyes. He had just finished playing a softball game for his department against the local fire station, which they won.
I wanted to answer, but in the privacy of my home, so I let it hit my voicemail and decided to call back when I was home. It was a little before 5pm when we pulled up to my apartment building. Lex's car was parked next to us, letting me know he's here waiting.
"Thank you guys, for today." I said as I unbuckled and reached for the door.
"I'm sorry it wasn't something... good." Logan was giving me a sad smile, sympathetic to how I must be feeling.
"Still, I think I needed to see it, to help prepare myself."
"It's just a book, and we don't even know if you're really involved. So get some rest, and don't worry yourself too much." Liam assured me.
I smiled. "I'll try."
I climbed out of the car, and stepped to the curb, waving as they pulled out. I headed toward the stairs that led to my apartment, it was slightly secluded, which gave me some relief since it would be difficult for Lex to have seen us, which means no awkward questions about why I was with them. I began to climb the stairs, taking a deep breath to steady myself for my date. Tonight, I was going to take advantage of being one on one with him. I had questions. What exactly would we be doing tomorrow, what would it mean if I was being tracked by the wolf boy, and the biggest one that had been plaguing my mind the last couple of days... who attacked us? It seemed far too organized, too planned. It could be the Ghosts, but it just didn't seem right.
I was aware of Lex talking as I climbed higher, I assumed he was on the phone. Then I heard a very familiar, very American voice answer him... Wesley.
My heart started racing, I was not ready for the onslaught of questions, and big brother glares, I was not ready to be pushed to answer questions about my mental state, which I was still sorting out. It wasn’t uncommon for them to do something like this. Usually, I welcomed the surprise, however, now was not a good time!
As I reached the top and my door came in view, my heart and mind went into a frenzy. Lex was standing there, smiling and laughing, with both of my big brothers.
I stood there frozen, watching the three of them, conversing like they'd known each other for ages. I couldn't fully hear them, I just stood and watched. Wesley was standing in front of him, arms crossed over his chest, Trevor was leaning against the door frame, arms placed just like Wesley's, and Lex had his hands in his pockets, feet slightly parted. Trevor said something and Lex chuckled, running a hand through his dark messy hair, telling me it was something that made him slightly uncomfortable or nervous. He turned to look to the stairs, I assume to look for an escape, and he saw me. A bright grin spread across his face and he turned to me.
"It's about time! Where have you been?" Lex asked teasingly. Trevor and Wesley turned and looked at me, and just as I expected, they marched right over to me without hesitation.
My feet started working and I met them halfway, Wesley pulled me into a spine crushing hug.
"There my little Livvy is!" He exclaimed, squeezing the breath out of me.
"Ow!" I snapped and pinched his ribs as he mercifully released me, causing him to chuckle.
"Hey, little one." Trevor said into my hair as he hugged me gently, lightly patting my hair down. They looked so similar. Trevor's eyes were a little more brown, Wesley's hair was a little blonder, but the real difference was their personalities. Trevor was a gentle giant, one who could become the terrifying father figure with a snap of your fingers. Wesley was wilder, a ladies man, he spoiled me rotten like I was his little princess.
After pulling away from Trevor's arms, I shot Lex a sheepish smile, he was looking at me like I was the most adorably awkward thing on the planet. It wasn’t unpleasant, but I wasn't sure I liked it. It made me feel a little like I was a strange little girl, and it made me wonder what they were talking about.
I focused my attention back on my big brothers.
"Not that I'm not glad to see you guys, but what are you doing here?" I asked with a confused smile.
"You sounded sad, and you know it makes me uncomfortable thinking about my little Livvy being sad." Wesley proclaimed. I turned a little to look at Lex. He was holding in a laugh, and mouthed out 'Little Livvy' and made an awww face. Yep, I definitely felt like a strange little girl right now.
"We missed you." Trevor put a hand on my shoulder. "Now can we go inside? It's very cold."
I heaved a sigh with a smile. Turning my keys in the lock and welcoming everyone in, I took all their coats and opened the closet to hang them up. I paused briefly, my nightmare flashing in my brain. I pushed it aside and focused on the predicament I was in. On one hand they seemed to like each other, and I knew Lex would never tell them what had been going on. On the other, if my brothers knew why he was here, Lex might not speak to me again. I was on thin ice!
They were settled in and comfortable, my brothers taking up the couch, and Lex sitting on the coffee table in front of it. I brought everyone drinks and settled on the arm of the couch next to my brothers, figuring that was the safest spot for me.
“So…” I drawled. “I assume everyone is acquainted.”
“Oh yeah, we’ve just been talking…” Lex had a mischievous smirk, one I didn’t like right now.
“About?” I shot both my brothers a sharp glare, they had innocent little smiles on their faces.
“About what an adorable child you were, and what a prankster you were.” Lex was full on grinning.
“I was not a prankster!” I defended myself.
“You once set me up on a date, and tricked me into going, saying it was an interview for your school project!” Trevor exclaimed, before taking a sip of his water.
“I did that because you were being a little chicken, and wouldn’t ask her out!”
“Do you have any idea how awkward that was? I kept talking about you and your accomplishments. The whole time!” We were arguing in a way only siblings can. Full of annoyance and love.
“Well she seemed to like hearing about me. And you should be thanking me, you married her!”
Lex had begun laughing about half way through our little tirade.
“This is fantastic.” He said through his fading chuckles.
“Don’t start with me, Alexander.” I shot him a playful glare, and he gave me a sweet smile in return.
The rest of the night didn’t go how I expected. We joked, laughed, shared memories. It was fun and relaxing, and managed to make me forget the worry and stress of my life. It was close to midnight when Lex got up to leave.
“I’ll walk you out.” I said, excusing myself along with him.
We grabbed our coats and put our shoes on. He shook Trevor and Wesley’s hands and gave the usual farewell pleasantries. The night had a crisp chill to it, but it was surprisingly nice out. There were a few stars peeking through the typical smog that covered them up, they were like little diamonds in an ocean of coal. It was like God was reminding me that even through the dark times, there were still bright, sparkling moments that would shine through. Tonight felt like one of those moments.
“Sorry that tonight’s plans changed, I didn’t know they were coming.” I said with a shy smile when we reached his car.
“It’s alright.” He laughed at my nervousness. “I actually had a wonderful time!”
“Really? My brothers don’t have you wanting to run for the hills?”
“I don’t think that moment will ever come, love.” He smiled at me, a deep heartwarming smile that makes your stomach flutter. I loved his smiles that took up his whole face, showing off his straight white teeth, full of humor. But this smile was my favorite. It was simple and sweet.
We stood there for a long time just smiling at each other. I knew now there was something, there was no denying that. How strong of a something was still to be discovered. I reluctantly pulled my eyes away, I hadn’t forgotten my questions, and I couldn’t let myself sit here distracted the whole night.
“Can I tell you something?” I ask as I cast my eyes to the ground, nervously shifting my feet.
“Anytime.” This seemed to be his go-to word to convey that you were in the clear, regardless of the subject or context.
“I think I’m being followed…” I keep my eyes down, strangely worried about his reaction. When the silence began to stretch I took a chance and looked up into his eyes.
His jaw is flexed and he looks tense. His eyes are flashing between concern and anger. I know he can’t be angry at me, I didn’t do anything, so I guessed he was angry at whoever was following me.
I sighed and rubbed a hand over my face and feathered my hair back.
“Let me explain.”

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