Time After Time

Chapter 6

The next morning, Saturday, Erik woke up, rubbing his hand over his face. Why did he go to the football game last night, if only to chicken out when Lexi saw him? It is a rhetorical question, he knows why. He can't seem to stay away from her, but his conscience is nagging him. It would be better for her if he could just stay away, although Dante would never allow it. He need to see if there is any way around this. Going into the library here at the estate, he notices Dante hasn't gotten up yet, which is no surprise, so he won't have to deal with him yet this morning. Looking through the books we have amassed through the years, he decides to try to look once again for any information that will help our situation. While he knows this is probably a pointless exercise, it at least makes him feel like he is doing something and he can't bear to just sit by and do nothing. Pulling down several books from the shelves, he begin browsing through them. After a while, reading through a old volume on myths and legends through the ages, something catches Eriks eye. Just a snippet of information about immortality, witchcraft and the power of three, an old tale back from long ago. Going over to the computer and getting online, he begins searching. Eventually, after putting several different pieces of information together, he find what appears to be some information about a coven up in Nova Scotia. Tapping his fingers against the table, he make a decision and book a flight. It can't hurt to check them out and maybe getting away for the weekend can help clear his head and help him get back on track.

........

Rolling out of bed, just after noon, Dante heads downstairs to the kitchen. Scratching his bare chest, he notices a note stuck to the fridge. Reading it, he rolls his eyes. Erik is off on another wild goose chase. Nova Scotia this time. When we he ever learn? Opening the fridge, he grabs a bottle of water. Just as he is about to down it, the doorbell rings. Heading to answer, wondering who in the hell is here. We don't have visitors. Probably a salesman or something.

Dante opens the door to find a gorgeous brunette, with blue eyes that seem to pierce right through him. He is struck by her beauty, and also by a faint sense of power that is radiating off her, but he quickly recovers, leaning against the door. " Yes?" He drawls out. This must be the girl. Something about her is strangely familiar, but he is not sure what.
She looks startled, and he notices her eyes lingering on his shirtless chest, but she asks politely " Is Erik home?"
How I wish I could read minds, Dante thinks to himself. He would love to see what's going on in hers.
" He had to step out, but do feel free come in -?" He pauses, waiting for her to give her name.
" I'm Lexi, and it's okay, can you just tell him I came by?"
He ushers her into the estate, no need to be modest and say house, because this place is huge. " Nonsense, Lexi, do come in. Erik has told me about you. I'm Dante, Erik's brother."

Lexi walks in, her steps uncertain, and Dante continue to usher her in, keeping his hand in the small of her back to move her forward. As they walk, he is trying to get a sense of her power, but she is shielding like crazy. She looks around and breathes " Wow this place is gorgeous."
He smirks at her " It has its perks, it is a little stuffy for my tastes."
Eyeing him, Lexi says " I didn't know Erik had a brother."
" Oh, I'm sure I would have come up eventually." His reply is casual, complete with a shrug.
She nods and asks "Where are your parents?"
He holds back a snort, and forces himself to look grim "Sadly, they passed, it is just Erik and I now."
Lexi flushes and stammers out an apology. Cute.
"Well, how long until Erik comes back?" She asks, shuffling her feet.
Looking at her, Dante doesn't have to be able to read mind to tell he makes her nervous. Amused, he debates on what to tell her.
Finally, he arches one eyebrow and replies "Well he has taken a weekend trip, so it is safe to assume it won't be today."
She looks annoyed, probably at the fact that he didn't mention that when convincing her to come in. Tilting her head with just a touch of attitude, she stares at him evenly before saying
" Well then, no need for me to hang around. I will just talk to him at school on Monday."
He shrugs "As you wish."
As he starts to walk her to the door, opening ir for her, he run his hand down her arm and tells her "Do feel free to come by anytime." The sense of familiarity strengthens at the touch of their bare skin. She stiffens slightly and looks at him once more, clearly wanting to say something, but she just nods in return.