It had been three years since her husband John had passed away, and then she lost Malcolm and Angel only a year later. John had been an overbearing man with a heavy hand and the truth was she didnt miss him at all. But with everyone else in the family so busy with their own lives, it had left Isabel lonely in her old age.
The only ones who really paid her any attention were Tristian and the two Indian boys that he and his sister were so fond of Hunter and Ray Rawlins.
She didnt really care what the rest of the family did it was Angel and Tristian that were important to her. It didnt bother her that one of the siblings wasnt true blood it was the heart that counted. When Tristian had been adopted, she had warned the other family members that if they ever told him about the adoption, they would be cut off and kicked out of Sanctuary without a second thought. So far the threat had held.
Tristian and Angel had no way of knowing it, but Sanctuary would one day belong only to them.
Glancing up, Isabel smiled inwardly seeing Lily Hart standing stiffly out in the flower garden. She had allowed Lily to continue living here when her son Malcolm had moved across the country. The only reason she had consented to the woman staying was to keep Angel returning as much as possible, and to keep Tristian living here.
As far as Isabel was concerned it served Lily right to be unhappy. Malcolm had loved her but she acted cold and unbearable pushing Malcolm away but not telling him why. She figured Lily had only stayed here because she was stupid enough to think that one day she would own part of Sanctuary.
Malcolm had always been a playboy before they had married, sleeping with half the Indian staff that worked at the hotel before moving on to bigger game.
He stopped his roguish ways when hed married, so she knew that wasnt the reason for the divorce. Hed always loved the girls but Isabel knew he did love Lily the most because of her beauty she still was very beautiful. Cold and beautiful so emotionless that she never bothered to be a real mother to her children even when they were little.
By the pained look on Lilys face, Isabel could tell Malcolm was finally here. She had told the pilot of her helicopter in no uncertain terms, that he would be fired if he dared to return for anyone before the end of the weekend. She had also paid Ray to disable every vehicle on the property in one way or another so no one could leave.
For once the family would all be stranded here together whether they liked it or not.
*****
Ray Rawlins heard the sound of the helicopter in the distance as he closed the hood of the last car in the parking garage. He looked around at all the expensive vehicles that were now useless with a sense of satisfaction. Isabel Hunter could be just as ruthless as her dead husband when she wanted to be.
Stepping outside the brick building, he swung his long dark hair out of his eyes while watching the chopper slowly descend to the helicopter pad. His thoughts turned to Hunter, wondering if his brother would be able to keep it together now that theyd found out Angel was bringing her California boyfriend to Sanctuary for the week.
Ashton Fox didnt have a clue about the web of spiders he was about to walk into.
In his opinion, most of the people that were born on top of this mountain deserved to fall off of it. Angel and Tristian were the exceptions. When they were growing up, he and Hunter had taken them under their wings and protected them as much as possible from the wickedness they had been born into even their sweet grandmother could be treacherous when she wanted her own way.
He leaned back against the brick of the wall remembering their childhood. He and Hunter were only a couple years older than the siblings, but the four of them had always been inseparable. Together, they'd gone out into the woods of the mountain almost every day, with him and Hunter teaching them Indian survival techniques although Tristian and Angel thought it was all fun and games.
His vision of the past melted away when Angel sprinted away from the helicopter with her boyfriend in tow. He shook his head as the wind from the chopper sent her platinum hair flying as if she were standing in the middle of some unseen storm.
He glanced up at the massive estate known as Sanctuary. He knew the people inside that claimed to be her family were about to play a new game one far too dangerous for the little girl to play alone.
Ray pulled out the little flask Hunter had gifted him with and took a drink trying to clear his mind. He would need all his concentration if he was to keep Angel out of harms way.
*****
Tristian waited until everyone was out of the helicopter before leaning toward the pilot, getting his attention. Remember what Isabel Hart said, his face lost its smile as his green eyes narrowed in warning. You go have yourself a holiday and dont worry about us. We wont need you this week, understand?
Angel smiled happily as Tristian joined her and they all ran away from the wind of the propellers. She felt so much better once she turned to watch the evil machine flying away and taking its loud whop whop sound with it.
Good riddance to the tornado. Angel gave it a mock salute. If she knew no one would laugh at her, she would have placed her hands on the ground and thanked it for her safe return.
Ashton ran his fingers through her silky blonde hair, loving the feel of it. Oh, youre just mad because it messed your pretty hair up, he smirked, wondering how his fingers were running through it without hitting a single tangle. She was the closest thing to perfection he had ever found and when she said she was going home for a visit, he had been smart enough not to want her out of his sight.
Noticing her father and Felicia had already gone inside, Ashton slid his arm across her shoulders as they started up the hill toward the estate.
So, little red riding hood, are we off to see your grandmother first? he remarked, trying not to seem overwhelmed by the size of the mansion. He had listened to her father bragging about it but now that he was here, he realized it had really been understated.
Tristian winked at Angel before interrupting. I think its time to show Ashton to his room and let him get settled in, dont you? Theres no need to tempt the big bad wolf too much. Grandmothers already had one heart attack I think introducing her to your boyfriend the minute you arrive might just send her over the edge.
Angels smile wavered at the mention of her grandmothers heart attack. Shed almost flown home the second Tristian had called and told her about it, but her father had agreed they would come spend the Fourth of July week visiting, so she had waited. Tristian had told her on the phone that it was Hunter whod found their grandmother just in the nick of time and probably even saved her life.
Her own heart pounded for a second as she pictured Hunter in her mind Hunter Rawlins. Shed always thought of him as her best friend, but when shed moved to L.A., Angel had slowly realized theyd been more than just friends a lot more. Shed missed Hunter just as much as her own brother.
Oh come on, Tristian nearly growled as he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tender hug. I didnt mean it like that. He pulled back and cupped her cheeks, making her look up at him. You promised only smiles this week, he reminded her with a level stare.
I know, Angel put the smile back on her face but it didnt feel quite the same. Ill be all right once Ive seen for myself that Grandmothers okay. You take Ash and go have fun. Ill catch up with you two later.
I know, Angel put the smile back on her face but it didnt feel quite the same. Ill be all right once Ive seen for myself that Grandmothers okay. You take Ash and go have fun. Ill catch up with you two later.
She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed Ashton on the cheek before turning and heading toward a side entrance where she knew her grandmother would be.
Ashton watched Angel walk away, not liking the fact that they were being separated almost the same minute they had touched the mountain. While staying in L.A., her dad had never needed her for anything, so hed had her all to himself. He didnt share well with others.
*****
Hunter shook it off as he pushed himself away from the doorframe he had been leaning against. Seeing Angel give her boyfriend even that innocent little kiss had left a really bad taste in his mouth along with an itch to hit something preferably Ashton Fox. It took all of his self-control to prevent himself from following her as he watched her walk away from the others.
He could tell the moment Tristian noticed he was standing there because his steps quickened.
He and Tristian had been best friends for as long as he could remember, but in the last couple of years, they had both been introduced to their darker sides all because Angel had left them. He watched as Tristian closed the distance between them then schooled his features.
Lifting his lips in an all-out smile, Hunter headed toward them. Glad to see you survived the helicopter, Hunter teased as he placed a friendly hand on Tristians shoulder and squeezed, then nodded in greeting toward the other guy.
Yeah, one day Im gonna get a bazooka and blow that thing right out of the sky, Tristian shrugged as Hunter laughed. Changing the subject, he added, At least thats everyone weve been expecting for the week. The last of the guests left over an hour ago so we are now down to just family and friends. I dont think Ive ever seen this place so empty, but it feels really good.
Watching Hunters reaction closely, Tristian stepped back so he could introduce them, Hunter Rawlins meet Ashton Fox.
Ashton stuck his hand out and gave Hunter a pretty tight grip as they shook hands. He had expected Hunter to tighten his grip in return and was surprised when he didnt. The Indian kept the handshake friendly to match the smile he was wearing.
And to actually think he had been worried about meeting the Apache boy hed heard so much about from Angel. To hear her talk about Hunter and Ray one would think they walked on water plus could do everything you had ever seen an Indian do in the movies.
Welcome to Sanctuary, Hunter repeated the same thing that he would have said to any guest. Are you ready to have fun this week? The words sounded like a double-edged sword to his own ears but the other man didnt seem to have a clue.
Why not? Ashton smiled, glad he wouldnt have to open the lid on his testosterone just yet. But first, I think I could use a shower and a chance to unwind after being in the air for almost ten hours straight.
Say no more, Tristian said, leading him toward the main entrance. Hunter, what room did you put him in for the week?
Ill get the key, Hunter said, moving past them into the lobby and making a show of opening the register books as if he was checking the list of names.
He knew exactly where he had put Ashton right beside the room Ray stayed in for easy access, just not the easy access the boyfriend would have wanted. Ashton Fox had gotten one of the two rooms that seemed to angle off around the corner of the first floor hall, on the other side of the massive indoor swimming pool away from all the other rooms.
Swinging around, Hunter grabbed the right key off the wall and handed it to Tristian. Glancing at Ashton, he made it sound like a good thing. Youre lucky, the indoor pool and hotel gym are both right next to your room.
Tristian noticed the number on the key and turned away from Ashton as he hid his expression. He was glad Hunter hadnt put Ashton near Angels room, but he had thought it would at least be on the same floor not that he was going to complain. If he had his way, Ashton wouldnt be staying the whole week.
Is everything ready for the pool party? Tristian asked, knowing Angel loved to swim. He desperately wanted to remind her of all the things she had been missing since she had moved away.
Hunter nodded, Yeah, Carleys kids have several friends over for the night and theyve already opened the Tiki-bar for self-serving. Seeing Tristian give him a knowing look, he added, Jason has given their guests the rooms next to him and his sisters not that theyll be sleeping in them.
True enough, Tristian smirked knowing signing them into the extra rooms was for looks only. He hated the fact that his cousins were always trying to act like they owned the hotel when they were really just freeloaders who did nothing to earn their keep. They were known for having new boyfriends or girlfriends every month, week sometimes every day. All they were really good for was sex other than that, their dates usually didnt stick around for very long.
Well see you out there later, he called over his shoulder.
When Tristian took off with Ashton, Hunter turned and grabbed the key to the best room Sanctuary had one of the bridal suites on the fourth floor. It wasnt like anyone would be using it this week and Angel would probably get a kick out of staying in one.
Whos staying in the bridal suite?
Hunter swung around seeing Ray standing right on the other side of the counter with a box of fireworks tucked up in under his arm. He and Ray had been at odds ever since their mother had died a month ago. They had called a truce though they both knew it was only a thin line. He loved his brother but lately Ray had been acting odd enough to keep him on high alert.
So, youve decided to do the fireworks tonight? Hunter quickly changed the subject as he slipped the key into his pocket.
Rays dark eyes followed the protective movement but he let it go for now. Yeah, we wanna start the week off with a bang, dont we?
Sure. You coming to the pool party later? Hunter asked, not liking the fact that Ray was keeping an eye on him.
Yeah, Ill be around, Ray answered with a leveled gaze as he grabbed some matches out of the bowl on the desk and tossed them into the box of fireworks before turning to leave.
Hunter stayed where he was until Ray was out of sight then slowly reached into his pocket to retrieve the key. Turning around, he started to hang it back where it was supposed to be but instead he slipped it into one of the desk drawers. Turning back to the key rack, he wiggled his fingers as if thinking, then grabbed the key to the room right beside his.
He would feel safer if he could keep a close eye on Angel especially at night.
Chapter 2 Secrets
Angel stood in front of the glass doors looking in at her grandmother. She figured Isabel Hart would be in the huge sunroom overlooking the gardens this time of the day. She felt her chest tighten seeing her grandmother touch the buttons on the wheelchair as it moved closer to the terrace doors leading out into the garden.
The last time she had seen her grandmother, she had been standing tall and proud, wiping the tears from her cheeks as she told them goodbye. Placing her hand against the huge glass doors, Angel took a deep breath and opened them.