LOGINShare
8. Ghosts From the Past
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56After a short while, I walk into the room Xavier told me, and sit across from him on the couch. The room is lit by a giant fireplace across from us. I grab the blanket sitting at the top of the couch, and wrap it around myself. Pulling my feet close against me. I stare into the flames. It reminds me of that night.
I continue to look at the fire, hypnotized by the flames. I no longer fear it, like I used to as a kid. But that doesn't mean I'll ever forget.
"Do you remember the fire?" I ask. Not really intending it to be a question, but more of a statement. Not allowing him to respond, I carry on.
"My parents were trapped, unable to escape their imminent deaths. That night took everything away from me. That night changed my life. My parents were trapped in that building where they burned to death. Then when I was taken into foster care, I was placed in so many horrible homes that I found my freedom by running. It was only once I was out of the homes that I felt sa
Related chapters
Rising From the Ashes 9. The Lost Lovers
"Well for starters, I own my own company now."My eyes bulge from his confession."What's your company?"Xavier looks a bit nervous before he says "Davenport Industries".I sit up alert, and stare at him."Wait.. What? As in 'The Davenport Industries? The multimillion dollar tech firm?""Billion." Xavier coughs out.My eyes go wide as I continue. "The same firm that has everyone from the around the world watching to see what will be designed next. The same Davenport Industries that has a private contract with the government?"This time Xavier cuts me off, before I can continue rambling. Xavier brushes hair from my face slowly, meeting my gaze."Yes, the one and only."I pause for a second, letting what he said register in my brain."Wait a second, how are you the CEO?" Xavier smirks once again. I don't know what it is, but I love the way he smiles. I love seein
Rising From the Ashes 10. Xavier's Army
...Xavier POV...I wake up during the middle of the night, to screams of terror. I jump out of bed, trying to figure out what's going on. I can hear Lexi screaming. Without thinking, I immediately run from my room, running through the hall, until I reach her room. I look around, trying to figure out what is happening. Only to see her asleep.She must be having a nightmare. I hear her call out for her parents. I immediately feel a tang of pain knowing that they're gone.“Please! Anybody? Help!” She screams.I come close to her, and gently try to wake her from her night terror.“No! It can’t be you!” She screams.Tears are beginning to run down her cheeks. I lie down next to her, and try to comfort her. “No! Please! Leave me alone! Why won’t you just leave me alone!” I pull her close to me, running my hand through her hair, and placing gentle kisses along the si
Rising From the Ashes 11. The Mall
Later in the afternoon, Xavier took me to the mall to go shopping. Together we spend hours going in and out of stores. I’ve never been to any of them before, because I never had money. Xavier could tell that I was uneasy being at the mall, so instead Xavier would find things for me to try on, while he would wait outside the changing rooms. It was almost like an exclusive fashion show just for Xavier. I was uneasy about letting Xavier buy everything for me, but then I realized that I would just pay him back once I started working for him.As we are enjoying going around the mall together, the hair on the back of my neck raises. Giving me the feeling that someone is watching me. I look all over, trying to find the person watching me. Only to come up short every time. I begin to think that I'm just paranoid, and instead try and focus on having fun with Xavier. Xavier however, notices my apprehension."Everything ok?""Hmm? Oh.. uh.. yes. Everythin
Rising From the Ashes 12. Xavier's POV
Lexi was very tense when we entered the mall. I knew she would be safe here, as I owned this mall. Nothing happened without my knowledge. I had arranged for a security team to keep their eyes on us. I trusted myself to be able to keep her safe, but I just wanted to make sure there weren't any surprises.Lexi has been through a lot. I just wanted her to feel like a regular girl, and enjoy the day. There was no cost, everything she wanted, she would have. I would make sure of that. What I hadn't expected was that she wouldn't even attempt to look for things for herself. I could see the unease the more we travelled through the mall. I started realizing that it was from the cost. I don't know why I thought she would immediately get used to this new life. She's come from nothing. If she wanted something, she had to fight for it. She was a bloody waitress at a strip club for fuck's sake.I feel like an idiot. Even though the Lexi standing before me today is extremely d
Rising From the Ashes 13. Xavier's POV Continued
After we arrive home, Lexi heads to her room. She tries to act ok, but I can tell she's not. No one would be after what happened. I try to help her, but she shakes her head."I just want to be alone for awhile."Her request kills me inside, but I don't let her see. Instead I nod my head, and let her walk to her room by herself. Instead I walk to my office, images of Lexi in that change room continue to haunt my thoughts.I'm unnerved after what happened today. I continue to replay the day's events in my head.'How did he get past me? Past my team? Why did I let my guard down? Why did I think he wouldn’t try to find her? I should've known something was wrong. Even she could sense it. Why didn't I act sooner? Why didn't I just try to get her out of there, immediately after she told me something was wrong? Why was I membery enough to believe he wouldn't find a way to get to her.' All these questions are swimming in my head. So many 'why's' but ne
Rising From the Ashes 14. Off To Work We Go
Monday came along faster than I expected it to. On my first day at work, Xavier introduced me to Jax, my new bodyguard. I was hesitant to meet him at first, and a bit nervous. It didn't help that when we first met I was extremely intimidated by him. He towered over Xavier's 6ft 6in frame. He was extremely well built. It looked like he could kill someone just by looking at them wrong. He was wearing a tight black t-shirt, and ripped black jeans. Arms crossed along his muscled body. From the visible skin showing, he had two full sleeve tattoos, interlaced with random scars. Just one look at him made me feel so much smaller. Predicting my discomfort, Xavier led us to a private conference room outside his office. He had some work to do, but wanted us to get to know each other, so I could feel more comfortable with him. Over the next two hours, I was lost in conversation with Jax. After I began to lower my walls, he turned out to be a really fun guy. I've never had a friend before, but J
Rising From the Ashes 15. Can I Help?
Xavier looks down at me, as I continue to be bewildered."I hope that means you like it.""Xavier, I love it.""Good, now follow me."Xavier leads me back into my office, and spends the next hour going over the computer with me. He shows me how to access my mail, send messages, check his schedule, book appointments, schedule meetings, and find reports he may need.Everything is extremely user friendly. I thought for sure that I wouldn't be able to help him in any way shape or form. But the more he continues to go over the computer system with me, the more my unease begins to wear off.After Xavier has finished showing me the computer system, I spend the next while going over everything. I take time to learn everything I can about this computer. I want to make Xavier proud of me. I don't want him to second guess hiring me.Xavier sent a message to my computer shortly after. Xavier set up an encrypted messaging system for hi
Rising From the Ashes 16. Open the Door!
"Lexi! Open this door!" I hear someone yell out.Thoughts of Craig and Gary fill my thoughts. As they would pound on my door in hopes of getting in.When I had first moved in with Craig, I had done something that made him upset with me. My instincts had taken over, and I ran in fear to my room, and locked the door. Hoping that he wouldn't be able to hurt me. I could hear him pound on the door. He continued to scream and threaten me, until I unlocked the door.The more he would pound his fist and yell at me, the last thing I wanted was to give the monster entry to my room. So instead I tried to hide. My room was basic. Only a bed, and a closet. Immediately, I ran to the closet to take cover. I pulled my legs to my body in a protective manner. I tried to make myself appear as small as possible. Hoping that if he did get in, he wouldn't find me.I remember feeling my tears hit my skin, as I continued to cower in my closet. I had hoped and prayed that h
Latest chapter
Rising From the Ashes 163. Out of the Ashes
A few hours later, I am holding our handsome son in my arms. I feel content as I look into his eyes. I smile as I see my green eyes stare back at me. He's an exact copy of Xavier except for the eyes. I couldn't be more proud. I turn to look at Xavier, smiling contentedly as he looks back at both of us. He leans forward and places a kiss on my head."What should we call him?" I ask."Are you sure? Don't you want to name him?" He questions."I've already had my chance. I want you to name him." I say smiling down at our bundle of joy.Xavier looks at the both of us, thinking for a moment."What about... Rainer?" He asks, nervously.I look down at our son."I think it's perfect. Why Rainer?" I ask."Because he's our little Warrior. Rainer means wise army or deciding warrior. Either of which I believe him to be. He beat the odds and triumphed over the darkness." Xavier explains, making me smile.I look down at our
Rising From the Ashes 162. Fired
With Ryker in England, that meant that Xavier no longer had a second in command. A role which needed to be filled as soon as possible, however not just anyone would be eligible for the role. Which is why I talked to Xavier about it."I know who we should make your second in command." I say as I sit on his lap in his office.Ever since I've been released from the hospital, Xavier has all his things from the office transferred to the house. He does everything remotely, as he doesn't want to leave my side. He spends nearly every second of the day with me. At first, I thought it would be overwhelming, or that he would grow tired of me. However, from the amount of time we have missed being together, I couldn't think of any better way to make up for the lost time. Admittedly, he doesn't always get work done, however, I try to help him, to make up for our extracurricular activities.Xavier turns my head, to place a kiss on my forehead."I know as wel
Rising From the Ashes 161. Firefly
True to her word, over the next few months, Sienna helped me gain control of the Dragons. As Jax had found out, the Serbs had no interest in their American counter parts. Rather it seems as though we did them a favour by eliminating Craig and his brothers. Shortly after I took control of the Dragons, Vlado, the leader of the Serbian Mafia reached out to us. He wanted to thank us for eliminating his troublesome family members, and offered us anything we want in return.We thought about it for awhile, when only when thing came to mind. We wanted peace. The best way to achieve that, was if we formed an alliance. This alliance would unite the Scorpions, Dragons, Serbs, along with the Knights. We would now be the most powerful organizations in the world. We had so many allies, that no one would ever dare to go against us.With Sienna and Xavier's help, I was able to transform the Dragons into an entirely new organization. The Dragons now closely resembled the Scorpions, how
Rising From the Ashes 160. New Destiny
"Wait." I say, bringing the conversation to a halt.I look as all the eyes in the room immediately look in my direction."Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. But I just had a thought." I try to explain."What' on your mind?" Xavier coos to me, kissing me on the back of my head."Craig." I say, the one word that came to mind."What about him?" Sienna asks.I stiffen in my seat, as my anxiety begins to overwhelm me. I'm waiting for them to tell me that he managed to escape once more. That I'll continue to have to look over my shoulder in fear. Instinctively, I run my hand over my stomach, as my thought now goes to my unborn child. Will they have to live a life like me? Will their lives always be in peril? The thought alone makes my body shiver. I feel my blood run cold, just at the thought.As if sensing my nervousness, Xavier is quick to respond. Pulling me closer into his embrace as he does so."I know what you're thinking
Rising From the Ashes 159. Retribution
...Lexi POV...I was discharged from the hospital a few days later. Under supervision of Dr Lawson of course. Even though I had been discharged, Xavier didn't allow me to do anything myself. Rather he had become like my personal slave. If I needed to go to the bathroom, he would take me. If I wanted to g outside, he would carry me there. He cooked anything I wanted to eat. Which I can't complain, because he's an amazing chef.Even though I found the attention to be overwhelming at times, I didn't say anything. I still don't remember everything that happened, but I knew from the way he was acting, that he was afraid that he could lose me at any moment. While he had become good at hiding his true feelings, he could never fully hide them from me. Whatever happened, must've scared him shitless. From what I do know about what happened, I can only agree that his reaction is justified. I would be acting similarly, if not the same if our roles were reversed.
Rising From the Ashes 158. Final Battle
Nurses began to run out of the room in a panic. My men followed behind me as we entered Lexi's room. My eyes went wide as I saw one of the Doctors pinned to the ground, as Lexi held onto a needle, threatening to inject the doctor beneath her."What the hell is going on?" I shout.My men seem just as confused as me. It's as thought they have no idea what to do next. They know they can't shoot her, but they also know that if they were to injure her in any way, that they would pay with their lives. So instead, they stand placid, unsure as to how to move forward."We don't know what happened. We believe that she's trying to defend herself, but she doesn't seem to realize that we're just trying to help her." One of the nurses informs me.Instantly, I begin to understand. I've seen her do this once before. She's unconsciously defending herself. Her mind must be blending her nightmares with reality. Defending itself in the only way it knows how. By attacking. As
Rising From the Ashes 157. Restless
...Xavier POV...Shortly after Sienna had left, Ryker was discharged from the hospital. He had grown restless in the time that he had been in the hospital. With Dr Lawson's help, Ryker will be staying at my place for the next couple of months. He'll be monitored the entire time, to ensure nothing bad happens. But it also allows him a sense of freedom and normalcy. Ryker and I are very similar. We both need to feel as though we are accomplishing something. Not doing anything, just makes us more irritable. That alone is one of the many reasons as to why I have an at home clinic. Dr Lawson always said that I'm one of her worst patients. As I always go against her wishes.Matteo and Catherine helped with Ryker's transition to my house. In the meantime Catherine and Matteo are also staying at my house. They might as well, since no one else has been staying there. I've barely left Lexi's side since she came into the hospital. I spend everyday and night with her. Jax br
Rising From the Ashes 156. Anguish
...Sienna POV...It's been close to two months since that horrible night. It was an absolute blood bath. We all thought that Ryker wouldn't stand a chance, considering his condition when we managed to find him. However, it seems as though we all have our parents fighting genes. Cause that's exactly what he is, a fighter. Even the doctors were amazed that he survived.Ryker was placed in a medically induced coma, once they were able to stable him. He had to undergo several blood transfusions. His body took a very bad beating. We still have no idea if he'll ever be the same again. His heart wasn't able to function properly due to the extreme blood loss. The doctors fear that he may have some life altering conditions, if he does manage to wake up.Chloe, or Dr Lawson had managed to stabilize me after I was shot. She was busy tending to Ryker at the time, but once Lexi and I took fire, she had one of Xavier's men look after Ryker, as she came for us. She
Rising From the Ashes 155. Shattered
BEEP.BEEP.BEEP.The constant beeping sound of her heart monitor, is the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. The room is silent, other than the noise of the machines in her room that are helping to keep her alive.I lean my head towards her hand, placing my forehead against the back of her hand. I'm a complete mess. I don't know what I'll do if she doesn't make it out of this.Dr Lawson comes in ten minutes later, awakening me from my thoughts."There are some results that I would like to discuss with you." She says. I can sense the apprehension in her voice.I turn to look back at my Little Bear laying unconscious on the bed in front of me. I don't want to leave her, but I can tell that whatever Dr Lawson needs to tell me is important.Before I get a chance to voice my concerns, Elena and Jax walk into the room."We'll stay with her." Elena says, walking over to the other side of Lexi's bed to hold her hand
