Shift (A Mated Love Story) *PREVIOUSLY known as "Golden Lilies"

chapter two: Deal edited

TWO

The ride from the airport took roughly forty-five minutes, but thankfully Eugene took the scenic route. Everything was so lively and beautiful herel. I have always loved Massachusetts, ever since I was a young girl. The pungent smell of the salty air, the crisp chill in the morning, all of the woods and cliffs, the beaches, and finally, the fall. All the beautiful colors. Everything, I decided. I love just about everything here, but it didn't mean I was quite ready to leave everything behind. Nor did I think I ever would be.

I stared out the window at an endless sea of green. Breezing past the trees and open meadows brought back beautiful, yet painful memories. My mother, father and I playing in the sand, a wave from the ocean liking our toes. My father and I climbing rocks as my mother yelled for us to be careful. The look of true, pure love as my parents embraced each other during our sunset lighthouse cruise. Tears came to my eyes as childhood memories bombarded me. They were in love and happy, we were all happy. A sharp turn onto a dirt road brought me back to the present. A meadow full of wild flowers stretched out in front of me. The beautiful sight calmed my nerves, allowing me to think. My mother dropped the bomb on me two weeks ago.

First: She was, rather we were, moving. I could live back home in New York, but I had to be in Massachusetts for at least three weeks. Two weeks before the wedding, and one week after.

Second, she was remarrying, and clearly, he was loaded with money. Don't get me wrong, we have a lot of money ourselves, but I never just used it to my disposal and I still kept up a part time job and volunteered at the hospital weekly. My mother on the other hand, loved having money, now that she was marrying someone who was even better off than us, she was going crazy. The money had gone to her head. I still love my mother, but I'd rather not put up with what has become of her.

Third, I was a major part of the wedding and had to be near by for at least a month, living with my soon-to-be new family. Which consisted solely of my soon-to-be step father and brother. As a young girl, I had always wanted a sibling. There were many times where I had felt lonely and sad that my friends had siblings to play with, cheer them on, and even fight. I had gotten over that a long time ago, and now didn’t want nor need a sibling, besides, I always had Nick, who acted like a brother and practically was.

A cloud passed over the sun, making it dark for a moment and I caught sight of my reflection. I looked lost. My ice blue eyes seemed dull and lifeless, my fiery red hair, that always seemed wild and out of place, appeared flat, and my usually creamy pale skin looked taught with exhaustion. If my boys saw me now, they'd freak and bring me home straight away.

I looked like I did a few weeks ago, right after the accident happened. I shuddered, remembering everything that had happened.

No! I scolded myself. That is all in the past. Don't think about it!

Regaining my self control, I looked past my reflection, back to the beautiful trees that zoomed by as we sped down the winding road. The sun came out again as the trees began to close in around us. I peered through the front. The road ahead was narrow and surrounded by trees. My heart beat faster and my breathing hitched.

Get a grip Lillian Fleur Evers! Mom warned you that it was a rather large house in the woods, Get a grip!

Taking deep, calming breaths, my heart began to beat normally again and oxygen made its way back into my system.

"Everything alright, Lily?" Eugene asked, concern evident in his tone. I caught his look of concern in the mirror briefly before he focused back on the road. Most people did not care about a stranger they just met, but Eugene was different, more kind hearted, at least he had been towards me so far.

"Yes. Thank you. Was just reminded of some... Difficult times." I said lamely, trying to put on a brave face. He looked back again and I could tell that he wasn't convinced, but thankfully, he let it go. His eyes held knowledge far beyond my reach, as if he has seen the world, faced the most troubling times, and soldiered on. Strong. Was the one word that floated through my mind. Eugene, as weak as he appeared, held a certain strength many my age could not retain in their appearance.

The sleek car slowly came to a halt and Eugene was opening my door for me, a gentle hand held out for me to take. I gripped his hand, holding on as if my life depended on it. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before grabbing my bags. As we faced the house I gasped in shock. It was huge! It looked as if it belonged next to Prince Edwards' home. It could definitely compete in size and grace. Standing before me was an impressive looming mansion, better yet, a palace. Decorated in ornate, barouch architecture, with gargoyles adoring the main peaks of the building.

"It's pretty impressive, isn't it?" Eugene chuckled, giving me a slight push towards the house.

"How many people live here?" I asked, still in awe.

"A lot." He muttered.

"Eugene?" I asked carefully.

"Yes?" He replied, curiosity evident in his eyes.

"Is this Mr. Founders home?" Eugen chuckled slightly and muttered something I couldn't quite hear.

"No, Lily. This is the, the Night's home. A lot of people live here. Mainly Mr. and Mrs. Night, their son, and daughter, and a few other important people."

"I see. And will I be living here?" Eugene began to fidget, an uncomfortable look on his face. He nodded his head tersely and began to make his way toward the house, ending the conversation. His posture was tense, while Eugene felt at home here, he clearly disagreed with some aspects of life that occurred under its roof. He obviously did not like the idea of me being here either...

"Lilly, it would be best if you stayed close by." Eugene advised. It took one look for me to obey.His eyes and tone of voice said it all. I made sure to follow his order. Standing as close as possible, without touching. Giving me a gentle smile, Eugene opened the front door.

Stepping into the front door, I was once again shocked. If I thought the outside was breath taking with its magnificence, then I was now blown away with the inside. Everything was spotless and shiny. I was afraid to even step inside any further, in fear I would break something that would cost more than even the president made a year. Gold flecked floors, broad double stairs, and an open foyer greeted ne

"Everything will be alright Lily, just stay close by, and-just be careful. I've heard you're full of spirit, just don't go around challenging anyone, alright?" He asked, a slight grin on his lips, but deep concern and possibly even, fear? in his eyes. Whatever it was, I trusted Eugene enough at this point to not question him. His look and protective stance said it all; danger lurked behind these walls, and he was my only ally, at least until my friends and brother came in two days.

"Deal." I said, smiling to show him the truth in my voice and holding out my pinky for him. He gazed at me for a long moment before a real smile graced his face. His eyes were alight and I could see true curiosity and happiness in his face. Eugene seemed too nice to always be so severe.

Eugene captured my small pinky with his, locking his eyes onto mine, a glint of wonder in his eyes. "Deal" He chuckled, with a large grin.

A/N PLEASE READ ME!!!

Okay! So I haven't updated as quickly as I said I would, but I haven't gotten any feedback. Just tell me if you like it, please?

Soon, and I mean SOON! You will all find out what happened in lillian's past that she's terrified of, plus in the next chap you'll meet some real, er, characters haha! ^.^

Comment/fan/fave/vote!