Midnight Cove

Chapter Ten: Dear Brother

Both of them had heard my heart skip a beat. Cove lifted his eyebrow and cocked his head slightly, in my direction. Phoenix, on the other hand, grinned widely with the same debonair smile as his brother. Another family resemblance. A perfectly shaped mouth full of bone white teeth smiled at me, taking me in. I had a fleeting feeling to run, he gave the impression of what a mouse might feel when meeting a hawk.

"You didn't tell me she was still..." he trailed off.

Phoenix had a voice that flowed like water; a deep melody impossible to ignore. When he spoke, I found myself being naturally drawn toward him. He, too, had a countenance that rang with authority. His body language said he was someone who was accustomed to getting what he wanted. He continued making his way over to me, his eyes raked over my body. Suddenly, I felt I was shed bare. My heart grew tight within my chest and I hoped his brother didn't have x-ray vision.

Phoenix chuckled, the sound was light and soothing. "And she's so easy to read now."

Now? What does he mean by, now? I glanced over to Cove and felt his whole body stiffen beside me. Phoenix's gaze shifted from me, and locked eyes with his brother for one infinitesimal moment. He then turned his focus back to me, but the cocky smile had faded.

Half grimacing, Phoenix said, "She's not like most humans." He shrugged, and then I saw a devious spark in his eyes. "Maybe we should find out if she really is one?" In a blur, Phoenix was next to me, his beautiful smile suddenly elated, terrified me. His dark brown eyes turned black and hungry.

His movement was so quick all I had time for was a sudden intake of breath. Cove was there though, protecting me. His features expressionless, as he side stepped around me blocking his brother. Phoenix's face, filled with contempt, contorted in anger. My head was spinning as I tried to make sense of it all.

"You will not," was all that Cove said. His velvet voice slow and stern. Will not what? What did he plan to do? The hair on the back of my neck began to rise and my skin prickled with tension and fear.

"Watch it, Cove," Phoenix warned in a slow drawl. His eyes now locked on Cove. Like watching two large cats size each other up. "You know I always get what I want. I will not be thwarted by anyone now, especially not you."

The melody of his voice turned cold as ice and I shivered as a chill ran up my spine. The motion attracted Phoenix's attention and I glared defiantly at the handsome stranger that ruined an otherwise perfect date. The look only succeeded in humoring him though because Phoenix then threw his head back, and laughed loudly.

Cove wrapped his left arm around me and smiled softly. He held my gaze, but his words were directed at Phoenix. "You will be thwarted on this. I am your elder brother and I do not deny you anything, but this woman holds my heart. I love her." Cove then broke my gaze to look questioningly at his brother. "Would you deny me the woman I love?"

"The question insults my honor," Phoenix's attitude was suddenly flippant. He turned his head and waved his hand dismissively at me as he walked away. "You may have your pretty little mortal, for as long as you like. I wonder though, why do that? Or should I say why not? She looks absolutely delicious." He winked me and licked his lips. I turned my head away in disgust and leaned into Cove. I was no longer interested in looking at him. His face may have been attractive but his attitude certainly wasn't. "A single taste would hurt her but little. Wouldn't that be okay, Coral?"

I gasped, "How did you know my name?" Needing no other invitation, Phoenix made an involuntary step forward.

At the same time, Cove shouted, "No!" and thrust his arms out as though to push his brother away. A gust of air seemed to come from Cove's palms, knocking Phoenix back and pinning him to the trunk of one of the great trees.