Shadows of Shattered Souls Read online

  Shadows of Shattered Souls

  Pieces of Us Series - Book 2

  By Kerry Taylor

  CHAPTER 1

  “Welcome home, Honey!” Keira cried as I walked into the house which had, over the last few weeks I spent there, really become home to me.

  It had been a week since I woke fully in the hospital with my four guys surrounding me; a long week of pain, stress, police statements, and a lot of worried watching from the guys who refused to leave me alone for even a moment.

  Finally, that morning I had been discharged and allowed to go home, and we all heaved a huge sigh of relief to be getting out of there.

  It had been tough for me, being in a place that I did not feel secure in, with strangers constantly in and out of the room. I came to handle the nurses and female staff coming in, managing my panic at them being close, but the men were a different story. In a way, being taken by the Time Travel Killer - or TTK, as the press had dubbed him - and surviving had made me feel braver and stronger, but it had also reignited all of my previous anxieties. Every time a man, be it nurse, doctor, police or even just a cleaner, came near me, I lost it, usually descending into full blown anxiety attacks. The safety I had built at having the guys at my side before the latest incident, seemed to have gone, and I was just terrified regardless. The hospital did what they could, sending female staff where possible, and also sending counselors to talk to me, but I pushed the counselors away, not ready to talk to a stranger about how fucked up I felt.

  So the guys took the brunt of my anxiety, doing what they could to keep me calm, and constantly watching the door for anyone entering who they feared could trigger me. They had stayed with me throughout, taking it in turns to run home for showers, and sleeping in a small waiting room closeby, never once leaving me on my own for even a minute. They had all been amazing, and I knew I would never have lasted a week in the hospital without them, and Xander, who had also been there for me as much as possible, and had taken on as much of my care as he could to stop me having to deal with strangers. It had been a very long, exhausting week for everyone, and I was just glad to have gotten out of there.

  My kidneys had recovered from severe dehydration, and the brain swelling was no longer an issue, though regular head splitting headaches seemed to be a leftover side effect of what had happened. I would be closely monitored with regular appointments for a while to follow up, but I had been assured they didn’t expect complications. My left ankle was in a cast, going halfway up my calf and I had a few bruises from the car accident, from which I had been kidnapped, and from Howard Gill, AKA TTK, the crazy who took me, slapping and dragging me around. Overall, considering a madman almost killed me by letting almost all of my blood from my body, I had gotten off pretty lightly in the end.

  “Come and sit down, Love. You look tired again.” Kade fussed as he led me further into the lounge and over to the sofa. I was tired, but I wasn’t about to drop, as all of the guys seemed to think. I knew they were being particularly over the top with me, because they had almost lost me, and that was why I had allowed them to fuss constantly for the last week, and put up with their completely over the top protectiveness. Well that, and the fact I had been in melt down regularly for the last week, but now that we were home I hoped they would settle down, and things could get back to where they had been before all of the drama. I hoped I could learn to be stronger, as I had over the weeks I had lived there before. I hoped I could feel safe and brave enough to find myself once again, with my four guys at my side and my new family at my back.

  “I’m ok,” I assured him as we both sat, followed by my other three guys, who also sat, surrounding me.

  “Can I get you anything Olivia? I made some pasta for lunch for everyone if you’re hungry?” Keira offered as she stood watching me with concern. She and Grant had both spent long hours with me in the hospital too, and I had gotten to know them so much more. They were so good and kind to me, and I had begun to realise they really did love me as a part of their family.

  “Thanks, but the guys refused to let me leave the hospital until I ate, so I’m good for now.” I replied with a smile.

  “Maybe we should get you up to bed, Cariña? Let you get some rest?” Matt suggested from where he sat on my right hand side.

  “I just spent a week resting Matt. I’m fine.”

  “Xander said you would still tire easily, and likely need to take naps for a while,” Kyle reminded me, and I fought hard not to roll my eyes in frustration.

  “Guys! I’m fine. I want to see Keira for a while, and just get used to being home. When I’m tired, I’ll make sure I get some rest, but I’m ok for now.” I said firmly, needing them to just take a breath. It was hurting all of them, the way they were constantly stressing over me. They likely needed to rest more than I did, having spent almost two weeks in that damned hospital with me, the first week of which they had been terrified I would die on them, the whole time getting very little sleep in hard chairs or on a tiny sofa.

  “Why don’t you all go and clean up? You’re all looking a little rough around the edges. Olivia and I will be fine down here for a while.” Keira suggested, her tone daring her sons to argue with her. They looked across to me with concern. I smiled, realising she was right; rough around the edges was an understatement. They all had thick stubble, Kyle’s usual stubble having almost grown into a full mountain man beard, and they all needed haircuts, and a long shower. I knew they had been taking it in turns to rush home and shower when they could, but they had literally rushed through as fast as they could, and definitely not done it everyday as they usually would. They had been changing clothes from a huge bag full they had brought, and kept in my hospital room, so everything they wore was crumpled. They definitely did not look like their usual, well groomed selves, and I was eager to get them, and me, as close to our normal as we could.

  “Keira’s right guys, go. Take your time. We’ll be fine.” I agreed eagerly.

  “Ok fine, but we won’t be far, so just call if you need anything.” Cole said, as he stood, then the others all got up too, but none of them moved. They all just stood over me, hesitant to leave.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake boys, you’re only going to your rooms. Stop being dramatic!” Keira cried, making me smile.

  “We’re going.” Kyle all but growled. “Just make sure you stay with her.”

  “Watch your tone Kyle Roberts! You’re not too old to be grounded, young man!” Keira snapped, and I had to slap my hand over my mouth to stifle my giggle when Kyle actually looked contrite.

  “Come on guys. Livy will be fine.” Kade started out of the lounge, beckoning the others to follow.

  “Jees Olivia. You need to tell them all to back off, Honey, or you’ll never get any peace.” Keira sighed once we had heard them head upstairs.

  “I know, but I can’t. They were so scared they lost me, and then I haven’t exactly let them see me being strong since I woke up. I can’t blame them for being a little OTT after all of that. If it had been the other way around and I almost lost any of them, I’d be worse. They’ll calm down once things start getting back to normal, and I stop freaking out on them on a regular basis.” I hoped.

  “I’m sure you’re right.” She agreed with a nod. “Grant should be back soon. He went to collect Evie from school. I’ll warn you now, she is going to be really excited to see you. We kept her from the hospital because we knew it would scare her, but she’s been desperate to see you.”

  “I’ve missed her too. I can’t wait to see her.” I had become pretty attached to the little 5 year old cutie in the weeks I had lived there, and it had been way too long since I got to hold her.

  “I’m just so glad to have you home,
where you belong.” Keira sighed as she looked across to me with so much love and warmth. She had such a big heart, and I was so grateful I got to be part of her family.

  “LIVIA!” The scream came through the house as the front door smashed hard against a wall, having been thrown open violently. I flinched at the loud noise, but managed to stop myself from covering my ears. I was learning to adapt to Evie’s excited screams and squeals.

  “Brace yourself.” Keira uttered, as Evie came flying into the lounge, still dressed in her thick red winter coat, hat and gloves.

  “You’re here! You’re really here!” She squealed as she literally threw herself at me. I hurried to catch her, but still reeled a little at the impact of her smashing into me.

  “Hey munchkin. I missed you.” I told her as I wrapped her in my arms and held her tight.

  “I missed you too. Are you all better now?” She asked as she squeezed me back hard.

  “Go easy, Honey. Olivia might still be a little sore.” Keira cautioned, but I didn’t mind. A few of my bruises were tender, especially across my chest where the seat belt had impacted when the car wrecked, but the pain was worth it to feel Evie close.

  When she pulled away from me, she looked up and all around the room.

  “Where are the boys?” She asked, confused.

  “They just went to shower and change, sweetie. They’ll be here soon.” Keira replied, then she turned to me and smiled. “She’s been missing them too. She’s barely seen any of them for weeks.”

  “Evie? Come and take off your coat!” Grant called from the hall, and Evie hurried off.

  “I’m sorry I’ve caused so much disruption for all of you.” I whispered, realising with everything that had happened, the whole house had been turned upside down.

  “Don’t you dare, Olivia. None of what happened was your fault. You’re home and safe now, that’s all any of us care about. We love you, Honey. You’re a huge part of this family now.” I felt overwhelmed by her kind words, and not knowing how to reply to such kindness, I decided it best just to show her, so I leant forward and hugged her hard. It was the first time I had hugged her and it felt good when she held me back. The smell of her sweet perfume, and her dainty arms around me reminded me of my Mom, and I found it so unexpectedly comforting.

  “Thank you.” I whispered before I pulled back and took a deep breath to hold in the emotions bubbling up within me.

  Footsteps approaching had us both turning on the sofa to watch as Grant strode in. He was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, neither him nor Keira having worked a day since the night I was taken. I had tried to assure them they could get back to their jobs, that I would be fine, but they refused, just wanting to be with me and the guys as much as possible.

  “Hey sweetheart. It’s so good to have you home.” He smiled as he paused in the doorway.

  “It’s good to be home.” I agreed.

  “How are you feeling?” He asked. He started moving again, and sat in the armchair opposite Keira and I. I appreciated the way he always gave me space, never approaching me, but instead leaving it up to me to choose. In the hospital, when I would get scared he would occasionally hold my hand, or brush my forehead comfortingly, but never without making his intention clear before he actually touched me, always allowing me the choice. He was a good man and I found his paternal presence reassuring.

  “Pretty good. A little banged up, but nothing much.”

  “That’s good. Just make sure you take things easy for a while, get back to fighting fit.”

  “The boys aren’t going to let her do anything else.” Keira laughed. “I practically had to shove them up the stairs to leave her long enough to take showers.”

  “You can’t blame them. If something like that had happened to you, I’d never let you out of my sight again.” Grant looked to Keira with such intensity and devotion. I felt awkward being in the middle of it.

  Thankfully Evie came blustering in and broke up the love fest.

  “Livia! I got a new doll house! Can you come see? Pleeease?” She pleaded, as she danced up and down in front of me.

  “Honey, maybe give Olivia some time to rest. She's only just got home.” Keira sighed, but I couldn’t stand the disappointment on Evie’s little face.

  “It’s ok. I can come and see it Evie. You gonna lead the way?” I asked with an encouraging smile. She beamed as she nodded, then she shot off again.

  “You don’t have to, Sweetheart.” Grant offered as I started to push up from the sofa.

  “I want to. I’ve missed her.”

  “Then can I at least help you up there?” He asked as he stood too.

  “I have crutches...somewhere. The guys brought them in. They would help.” The guys hadn’t let me use them yet, instead carrying me everywhere, or holding me up between them, but I knew I needed to learn to use them for the next few weeks, until the cast was off, if things were ever to get back to normal.

  “I’ve seen them. Just a second.” Grant ran off, then returned a moment later with the metal crutches.

  He handed them to me one at a time, and helped me work out how to get my balance between them.

  “Come on Livia!” Evie yelled, as I began to move into the hallway, toward the stairs.

  “Coming now!” I called back. The stairs looked daunting, so I let out a sigh of relief when Grant insisted on following me up in case I stumbled.

  I managed to make it to the top uneventfully, but I was completely exhausted from the exertion, and I knew Xander had been right about me wearing out quickly for a while. I could barely catch my breath.

  “Are you ok?” Grant asked as he stood at the top studying me.

  “Winded is all. I really need to start hitting that gym.” I joked, hoping it would make him look less worried.

  “I’ll happily help you work out a regime when you’re feeling stronger, Olivia. For now though, just take things easy, ok?”

  “I will.” I agreed. Knowing he was right. “I’ll be ok now. Thank you for helping me.”

  “Anytime, Sweetheart. Just yell if you need anything.” I nodded my agreement, and he hurried off back downstairs. I took another deep breath, then headed for Evie’s room before she started calling for me again.

  “Took you long enough!” She sassed as I walked in. She stood before me, at the foot of her pink fairytale, canopy bed, hands on her hips and pouting. Her attitude was unrivaled and I found it hard not to laugh when she started.

  “Oh I am sorry Miss Evie. It is kinda hard getting upstairs with these, you know?” I replied, a smirk on my face as I shook the crutches at her.

  “You shoulda shouted for one of the guys to carry you.” She declared, like I was a complete idiot for not thinking of it myself.

  “I don’t want the guys to have to carry me around Evie. They have better things to do.” I sighed. “Now come on. Show me this doll’s house. I can’t wait to see it!”

  Finally her grin returned, and she hurried over to the back corner of her completely pink room and plonked down on the floor.

  It was an effort to lower myself down to sit beside her, and I knew I wasn’t getting back up without help, but once I was down, it felt so good to just relax. Evie showed me her huge three storey doll’s house, introduced me to the family of dolls who lived there, and then we were playing, lost to her wild imagination and the peace of nothing but innocent play.

  For a while I was able to block out everything, my fears about The Shadow still being out there somewhere, my anxieties about everything I had been through and the state it had left me in, my worries about the guys and how exhausted and stressed they all were, just everything. I shut it all down and just focused on giving Evie my full attention.

  She rewarded me by loving every minute of the time we played together, laughing and smiling throughout, and then cuddling up beside me asking me to read to her, when she became tired.

  “I’m so happy you’re here again Livia.” She whispered when I finished reading her f
avourite story. She was in my lap, curled into my front with her head on my chest. “Me too, munchkin.” I agreed. It all just felt so right, and once again I thanked the powers that be, that I didn’t die in that room just over two weeks before. I had so much to live for now.

  “Evie! Come wash up for dinner!” Keira yelled from downstairs.

  “Yes! Dinner!” She declared, as she instantly filled with energy again, and leapt up. “Come on!” She laughed as she looked down at me.

  “I’m kinda stuck down here. Think you can send one of the guys up here to help me up?”

  “You’re so silly Livia!” She laughed as she ran out. I hoped that meant she would send one of the guys up, and not just mock me.

  “Brains? You ok?” Cole asked as he walked in a few minutes later. He was dressed in jeans and a black Henley, his face clean shaven and his hair styled as usual. It was so good to see him looking so much like the Cole I knew.

  “Just stuck. I got down here, but I can’t get back up.” I laughed as I held out my hands for his help.

  “How are you feeling? Did Evie wear you out?” He asked, as he bypassed my hands and slid a hand beneath my knees, and beneath my back, then lifted me up bridal style.

  “I’m ok, a little tired. I’ll head to bed after dinner. You gonna put me down?” I asked with a smile.

  “Nope.”

  “What do you mean no? Put me down Cole. I can manage with the crutches!”

  “No way you’re risking crutches on the stairs when I can just carry you down.” He said flatly.

  “Cole! I’m gonna be in this cast for weeks. I need to get used to the crutches. You guys are not carrying me around like this all of the time.”

  “Yes we are, Beautiful. Deal with it.”

  I wanted to argue further, but knew he wouldn’t listen to me when I was curled up in his arms, so instead I just settled into him and let him carry me down to the kitchen where everyone was carrying food to the dining table and chatting loudly.

  “Liv, you ok, Princess? How are you feeling?” Kyle asked as he dropped the basket of rolls he was carrying on the counter, and dashed toward me.