The Chosen One

Chapter One-2

ELISE ENJOYED A FEW stolen moments of peace before Matt finished his video game. After swallowing the last of her coffee, she set the cup in the stainless-steel sink then looked around for something to do. Dinner was still an hour away, so she decided to change Spike’s water.

She smiled at the name her son had given the fat, black goldfish. Matt had wanted a dog for his birthday, but since they lived in an apartment she had gotten him the fish instead. He had been slightly disappointed at the time, but had grown to love the bulgy-eyed creature, talking to it daily.

Reaching across the dining room table to grab the fish bowl, she saw that Spike was unusually still. He floated atop the water, one protruding eye gazing blankly at the ceiling as he lay on his left side.

“Damn,” she muttered. That’s all she needed now. How would Matt take the news? He had folded in on himself so much over the past six months she was afraid to say or do anything that might have him caving in completely.

She breathed out a frustrated sigh. “Oh well.” She didn’t want him walking out here to find his small friend dead.

After going to the kitchen to grab the net, she walked back to the dining room and stopped, her breath catching in her throat. She was too late. Matt stood at the table. He had scooted the bowl over to the edge and was peering intently into the water. Elise saw a pulsing light that seemed to come from the bowl itself, but realized it must be the late afternoon sunlight from the window causing the odd effect.

She walked slowly over to his side, placing the net on the table before laying a hand on his shoulder. Ignoring the sting of electricity that shot through her hand when she touched him, she gave him a squeeze, offering her physical, as well as emotional, support.

“Hi Matt.” She smiled tentatively.

“Hi Mom.” He looked up at her and grinned. Everything about her son mutely said he was Elise Colby’s child. From his thick lashes and green eyes, to his square jaw and one dimple in his left cheek. Except for his blond, baby-fine hair that he had inherited from his father. “Maybe we should get Spike a girlfriend.” He turned his attention back to the clear bowl he held between his palms. “He looks kinda lonely sometimes.”

Elise couldn’t bear to look. “Honey, about Spike.” Her voice came out a bit quivery.

“What about him?” Matt bent a little, peering into the side of the glass. “Hey, Spike.” He tapped on the bowl with a finger and made little kissing noises to get the fish’s attention.

Elise stifled a moan. “Oh, Matt, I’m so sorry.” She wrapped her arms around him, wanting to comfort him as much as herself.

He wriggled free from her crushing embrace. “About what?” He frowned up at her. She noticed the violet smudges beneath his eyes. This thing, whatever it was, was taking its toll on them both.

“About Spike.”

“What about him?”

“Well...” She took a deep breath, finally glancing over at the bowl. Her eyes grew wide and the breath she had been holding came out quick and surprised. There was Spike swimming in and out through the gray toy castle that took up most of the glass bowl, looking energetic as ever.

“What did you want to tell me about Spike?” His eyes were on her as she held on to the side of the table to steady her suddenly weak legs.

Elise couldn’t tear her eyes from the frisky fish. He had been dead just moments ago. Hadn’t he? A sudden chill ran up her spine and an eerie feeling seeped into her soul.

“Spike?” She directed her attention back to her son who waited for an answer. “I...uh...” Shoving the strange feeling aside, she smiled weakly. “Spike will have to wait until Friday for a playmate. I don’t get paid until then.”

Matt shrugged. “That’s okay. I guess he can be alone for a few more days.”

Elise ruffled his hair. “Why don’t you go read, color, draw, or clean your room while I finish up some work then we’ll have dinner?”

“Clean my room?” Matt balked, looking as if he had just chewed on a grapefruit peel.

Elise laughed. “Putting your things away won't kill you, I promise.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek and watched as he tramped off in the direction of his bedroom.

When Elise was alone once more she took another look at the chubby fish swimming around. “I could have sworn you were dead.”

With a shrug, thinking perhaps she was making a big deal over nothing, she walked to the kitchen then back over to the bowl. Removing the plastic lid from the small can she had retrieved, she fed the fish a pinch of dried food flakes.

“Here, boy.” She added an extra pinch. “A little treat for you. It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to be brought back from the dead.” The fish zoomed up to the surface, gobbling the multicolored bits in the blink of an eye. Elise laughed. “Well, your appetite sure hasn’t suffered any.” Snapping the lid back on the can, she put it back in the cupboard.

A knock on the door startled her. Since moving to Eureka from San Diego after her husband’s death, she hadn’t had the time or the energy to pursue many friendships. In fact, Mrs. Holden who lived downstairs was the only person she talked to on a regular basis and that was only because she babysat Matt.

With these thoughts flitting through her mind, Elise opened the door, leaving the safety chain on, and peered out into the dimly lit hallway. She gave a small gasp and her hand leaped to her chest when she saw the towering man standing stiffly on the other side of the door. He looked down right back at her through the small crack the brass chain allowed. Something about him intimidated her on the spot.

“May I help you?” Elise aimed for a strong voice.

His eyes narrowed for a moment and a spark of recognition seemed to ignite briefly in them before quickly dying out. “Mrs. Colby?” His voice was deep and raspy, as if he had just woken from a deep sleep.

“Ms. Colby,” she automatically corrected. “I’m a widow.” Elise cringed inwardly. Now why the hell had she blurted out that bit of information? It was practically a verbal billboard letting this stranger know she was alone. An invitation for him to bust the door down with one of those powerful looking shoulders of his, come right on in and r**e her, then make off with her...her what? Five-year-old TV? Cheapo computer? Wal-Mart Jewelry?

No, she quickly decided. This man was no burglar or r****t. But the hard look in his dark-blue eyes told her he was definitely on a mission.

“The mother of Matthew Colby?” The words were heavily coated with an accent Elise guessed to be Spanish. His brows bent in impatience, obviously frustrated at having to talk through a two-inch crack in her door.

Without answering right away Elise studied what she could see of him. He was part Native, as his dark skin and telltale nose attested. He must have some Anglo in him too, she mused, staring into eyes the color of a clear night sky.

“Are you?”

Elise jumped at his harsh tone. Though he was intimidating as anything, she felt an urge to reply. “Yes, I’m Matthew Colby’s mother.” She heard the stranger let out a deep sigh. “Are you from the school?”

“I think my business would be best discussed on the other side of the door and not out here in the hall, señora.” He glanced around as if somebody was hiding around the corner eavesdropping.

Her feelings fluctuated with every shallow breath she took. Should she let a stranger in her home or close the door in his handsome face and lock it tightly behind her?

As indecision warred in her, but his next words stopped her wary mind in an instant.

“I can help your son.”

With only slight hesitation, Elise closed the door, slid the chain from its locked position and opened it again, allowing him to enter.

He walked over the threshold, giving her a small nod. Elise closed the door and turned to see him standing tensely in the middle of her suddenly tiny living room. He certainly was a sexy package, wearing a pair of jeans that tightly hugged his lean hips and powerful thighs. His black T-shirt was baggy at the waist though snug across his arms and shoulders.

“I am Noel Posas.” He gave a deep bow, his cool, blue eyes never leaving hers. His long hair was held back with an elastic band, and Elise watched with fascination as the raven ponytail spilled over his right shoulder with the motion.

Good lord! This man’s very presence seemed to fill up every corner of her home, but for some odd reason Elise couldn’t drum up any feelings of fear. Curiosity? Yes. An insane, instant attraction? Definitely. Wariness? Perhaps a little. But fear simply wasn’t there.

“Please, make yourself comfortable, Mr. Posas.” She walked over to the flower print sofa and sat down in one corner, feeling a little more protected with cushioning at her side and back. Mentally she gave a derisive snort. What was her problem? Hadn’t she talked to enough strangers over the past half year? Why should this guy be any different?

“Noel,” he corrected, taking a seat across from her. “Call me Noel.” He sat on the edge of the overstuffed chair.

Elise heard Matt's video game and knew he was in his own world, oblivious to all around him. Though it usually bothered her, right now it would give her some time alone with Mr. Posas. Questions battled for first place in her mind. She chose the easiest one to grab. “What brings you here, Mr. Posas?”

He frowned, his thick brows meeting in the middle as he looked her up and down with a familiarity that made her feel naked. Elise fought the urge to cover herself with a throw pillow, wishing she had put on a bra this morning. In the next breath his smoldering look was gone and a more guarded one took its place as his gaze met hers.

“Your son has been exhibiting strange behavior lately.” It was a statement, not a question.

Trying very hard not hyperventilate, Elise nodded. “How—?”

“Señora.” Now he settled back, hands folded in his lap, his wide shoulders touching either side of the chair. “What I am about to tell you will most likely sound like a man who has lost all touch with reality, but I assure you every word I am about to say is the truth.” One palm turned upward briefly. “If you doubt me when I am finished, I have proof to back my story.”

“Okay.” Elise wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. Part of her wanted to throw this man out, yet knowing she may finally have answers to her son’s odd behavior had her sitting still. “What does this have to do with my son?”

He leaned forward, his voice low. “Elise, it has everything to do with your son...as well as the future of my people.”

How did he know her name! Now it was Elise who sat perched on the edge of her seat. She felt a sudden sense of doom and thought about telling him to leave. Instead, all she could do was murmur a soft, “Go ahead.” If he had answers, she would listen, no matter how quivery he made her insides feel.

Noel Posas shot to his feet. Elise pressed herself back against the sofa, her heart shooting up into her throat. When he tucked a lock of stray hair behind his ear and started pacing the small room, she relaxed a little. Damn, he made her nervous!

He turned his back to her for a moment and she noticed his jet-black hair reached the middle of his back. Her gaze wandered a little lower, admiring his firm ass clad in those ancient jeans.

He must have felt her eyes on him because he quickly faced her once again, a small smile tugging at his full lips. A hot blush heated her cheeks. What was the matter with her? It must be all the stress, she reassured herself. And the fact that I haven’t had s*x in over two years. She cringed at her totally hormonal thoughts.

When they stayed there like that, gazes locked and Elise’s heart threatening to bolt out of her chest while a languorous heat pooled between her thighs, she somehow found the strength to break his hypnotizing stare. She gave a little cough, hoping it would clear her mind more than her throat. “You said you had a story to tell me.”

*