Haeven Read Online Free Page B

and took my hand again. It was terribly
unnerving for me and I couldn't find the courage to look at him. He
sat quietly for a minute or so while I stared at the floor
contemplating my situation.
    "Emily," he reached out his free hand and
tilted my chin so that I would meet his eye. "Emily, I am
Herrik."
    "Eric?" I wasn't sure I heard him
correctly.
    "No, Herrik, with an H," he grinned.
    It was infectious and I found myself smiling
back.
    "And this...he glanced around...everything
you see...everything you've seen, is my home. Actually, there are
many, many others who live here, too. Carah and Avery who you've
just met; some like me and some..."
    "Like me," I finished for him.
    "Yes, but only if they choose to stay...if
they come of their own free will."
    "Is that why I am here? I don't want to
stay," I said confident that I understood what he was
suggesting.
    "Perhaps, but before we talk about that and
you make any decisions," his voice sincere and solemn, "I want to
talk to you about how you are feeling right now."
    Somehow I knew he understood how desolate and
lost I felt so I didn't bother trying to hide it. My lips trembled
and my eyes flooded with tears. There was some strange emptiness
inside me, a sadness that just wouldn't go away.
    "Imagine what it would be like to feel that
way every day for the rest of your life. One of my kind has done
something to
you...something...unforgiveable...something...forbidden. It was
wrong for Daemon to take so much from you and worse to give so much
back. I want to help you, Emily; I want to right this terrible
wrong and free you from a lifetime...a lifetime of heartache. You
will never be the same, no matter what Daemon told you. You will
never be the same."
    I had no idea how he knew so much and I
certainly didn't want to believe what Herrik was telling me. I
tried to say no, the word stuttered on my tongue once or twice but
I couldn't bring myself to say it.
    "Just one day, then," he pleaded "let me try
and help you."
    "Why?" I asked completely dumbfounded by his
earnestness that I stay.
    "For the same reason you helped Daemon.
 Because it is right, Emily, because it is the right thing for
me to do."
    I shook my head then I studied his expression
for a moment; he seemed as though he was being completely honest
but despite my desire to believe him I felt that if I disagreed he
would just force me to stay anyway. I decided to take what I
thought would be the safest approach, "One day, then I can go home,
right?"
    "I promise."

Chapter 3
     
    A moment later Avery returned with Carah in
tow.
    "Emily has given us one day," Herrik began.
"Avery, do you know when Artur is expected to return?"
    "He didn't say. I can send for him though;
I'm sure he would put his errands aside under the circumstances,"
Avery cast an odd glance at me.
    "Good. Emily," Herrik held his hand out to me
and I slipped from the chaise and moved to his side. He wrapped his
fingers around mine then faced me and after giving my hand a gentle
squeeze he said goodnight. "You'll need to get some sleep and once
I've had a chance to speak with Artur and once you are rested I
will come for you." Then he kissed each of my cheeks and though I
did manage to mumble a hasty goodbye it completely overwhelmed me.
For a split second I was reminded of Daemon again; the way he
looked and the feel of his lips.
    Herrik nodded to Carah and quickly turned
away from us. It felt very dismissive and I was confused by my
sudden drop in importance. I looked longingly over my shoulder as
we neared the door and saw Herrik motion Avery to the chaise I had
so recently vacated. Herrik had his back toward me but I could see
Avery's face. It was very expressive as he listened intently to
whatever it was that Herrik was telling him. Herrik seemed to be
giving Avery instructions. He looked confused and maybe even a
little hesitant to hear them but nodded once or twice in acceptance
and understanding.
    I followed Carah as she lead us out and back
the way