Page 65 of Eternal

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, staring at the house. Storm starts to pull on my arm, wanting to chase the squirrel climbing up the tree.

“You can take her off the leash. The property is completely fenced in, and her collar has a GPS tracker in case she gets lost,” Soren says as he opens the truck to pull the luggage out.

I let her run free, knowing she will also have the time of her life. Storm takes off in the direction of the squirrel. Barking and jumping when she reaches it, just narrowly missing it.

Soren’s arms are packed with the luggage as he makes his way to the door. I attempt to take them from him, but he fights me on it, so I help by holding the door. As soon as the door opens, Storm comes barreling into the house, not giving a flying flip as we were walking in simultaneously.

“Crazy ass dog.” Soren mutters after he is almost taken down.

I follow him in and take in my surroundings. It’s a cozy little cottage that’s warm and inviting, with natural wood everywhere. It’s quaint, with a small kitchen and living room open to each other. The stone fireplace seems more prominent than the entire home. The stairs off to the side of the front door open up to a loft up above, overlooking the living room. Soren trails up the stairs and sets the luggage out of sight. He walks up to the railing of the loft staring down, taking everything in.

“I used to live here when I was 16. I haven’t even seen it since the decorator and designers transformed it. When I lived here, there was only one bed. Not a single other piece of furniture. Looks nice now, like a home.”

“It sat empty for that long?” I ask, watching his towering figure descend the stairs.

“No. It hasn’t. It’s been used as a home for families in need. We are between families, so I decided it’d be a good time to visit. Haven’t been back in a while.” Soren leans against the kitchen counter, looking down as though in deep thought.

I approach him and grab his face. “That’s so kind of you to help those in need.” And I mean it genuinely.

He looks away, a taint of a blush on his cheeks. “It’s nothing. Besides, as you said, it would be sitting vacant.”

I don’t respond, knowing he’s slowly breaking down his walls, and I don’t want to push him too far. Lord knows I have that same problem as well.

“Well, it’s almost night. Are you hungry?” Soren changes the subject.

I nod and follow him to the fridge full of different options. I begin to cook when Soren decides to light a fire. Storm lays down in front of the fire and soaks in its warmth. I could get used to watching the two of them as I cook dinner. Then children running up and down the stairs as Soren chases them dance across my eyes. I immediately shut those thoughts down, knowing that it could never happen. Children will never happen for us. Not with Luca looming in the background, trying to control our relationship. That should only be decided by Soren and me. We haven't discussed having kids yet. I’m sure we will at some point, but I’m not that concerned with it. Especially if our children fall victim to the same fate we lived. Well, that I lived. I know nothing about what his childhood was like. But it seems terrible, considering his teenage years were spent here.

Alone.

Poor Soren.My darling, Soren.

A few days into our trip, Soren and I are having a picnic by the pond under a tree in the backyard, enjoying the gorgeous day. I took the opportunity to get to know him deeper than we did before.

“What were you doing here when you were 16? Did you live on your own here?” I begin after Soren refills our wine glasses.

I can tell Soren is having an internal battle with himself about whether or not he should get into this tonight, but the side I’m hoping for wins.

“I moved around a lot growing up and was on my own. Living in Germany only lasted from 16 to 19 when I decided I was done with my parent’s bullshit. I was here to learn the language and to establish the Astor name again. There hadn’t been a male heir to the name between my aunts and uncles until me. It was a name that was envied at one point in time. Now, it’s just a myth around here.”

“What’s the story of your last name?” I whisper.

He gives a ghost of a smile to his glass before continuing. “To be an Astor meant power and money beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. My great-great-grandfather owned a castle not far from here, where he started the family business.”

“And what exactly does your family specialize in?” I question, sitting back with a wine glass in hand. I fully intend to get every piece of information I can from him.

“We are best for carrying out hits. Your family is best in weapons, and I am specialized in security. But not like bodyguards, it’s more like,” Soren trails off for a moment, trying to find the right words, “Like stalking. I have people on my team who have access to top-secret information and can watch from any camera anywhere in the world. Many people are willing to pay a lot of money to be able to watch over their lovers, family, enemies, whatever their heart desires.”

I swallow hard.Has he done that to me before?I’m sure he hasn’t. He would have no reason to; he’s home most of the time. I speak up again when I realize he won’t continue until I ask another question. “Surely there are darker sides to your business.” It’s more like a statement than a question.

“Uh, there are.” Soren looks down, not giving much more away.

“What would that be?” I lift my head higher. I know I can take it.

“Freya, please.” He looks over at me, pleading with me to stop.

I return the same look, begging him to continue. “Soren. I need to hear this," I speak softly, almost vulnerable.

“We offer rooms for people to purchase. They pay millions to watch people get murdered.”

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