S. L. Morgan - Ancient guardians. Book I, The legacy of the key

Ancient Guardians: The Legacy of the Key

By S. L. Morgan

Copyright 2012 S.L. MORGAN

All rights reserved.

The characters, places and events portrayed in this book are fictional and are used as such. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental and not intended by the Author.

Pasidian Press 2012

ISBN-10: 0615736742

ISBN-13: 978-0615736747

(Pasidian Press)

Contents

Chapter 1

T he fall semester of Temple Universitys medical program in Philadelphia had finally come to an end. Reece handed in her last final and walked out toward the area where her friend Jack was meeting her to drive her to the airport. She had been dreading this day, not because of the finals, but because she was flying back to San Diego. Halfway through the semester, Reece had been notified that she would have to return home to settle the last of her fathers estate.

Two years ago, the summer after she graduated from college, her father died of a massive heart attack. He left her alone, with no one she could call family.

She had planned to stay in San Diego to pursue her medical degree, but it took nearly everything she had to stay and cope with her fathers death. In the end, she could no longer bear to live in the city that reminded her so much of him and their years together.

After his passing, she fled to Philadelphia in search of a new life. She had settled in quickly, making a couple of friends who helped take her mind off what she had left behind. Her grades were excellent, and she could not have been more proud of how well she was doing on her own. She felt strong.

Now, she had to return and face the reality of it all again; the painful memories and feelings of weakness that she had so successfully suppressed.

She was determined not to let this trip tear down the strength she had found. She refused to let the past haunt her anymore. The trip would not be a long one; she would quickly handle the paperwork regarding the sale of her fathers home, and then return to her life in Philadelphia.

Hey, Reece, a familiar voice called out, pulling her out of her distant thoughts. Youre out early; I was just going to wait out at the benches for you.

Jack was getting ready to start his internship. He was an even-tempered guy and enjoyable to be around. They had developed a quick and entirely platonic rapport from the moment they met, and he always made her feel comfortable.

She smiled. Thanks for taking me to the airport, Jack. I hated to call you so late, but Loris cancellation was kind of last-minute. Lori and Reece had shared an apartment since Reeces arrival in Philadelphia.

Jack placed his arm around her shoulders as they started walking. So, when is Lori going to admit shes in love with me and get rid of that geek, Mitch?

Reece chuckled. When you get over yourself and youve shown you can stay in a relationship longer than one night.

He stared back at her. Figures. Why do women always wait for Prince Charming to come along? I could be Prince Charming, if thats what it takes. He laughed at himself.

Jack, Im sure you could. I think many of your girlfriends thought you were!

Well, whatever dork Lori wants to date is her problem, not mine. Ive never been the type to attract the brunettes anyway. Its always the blondes that seem to be attracted to men like me.

Reece stared at him incredulously. Youre unbelievable.

He laughed. Actually, come to think of it, there is one blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl that hasnt fallen for my charming sensibilities. He looked at her and smirked.

Reece shook her head. And thats not going to change either! I dont get it.

Get what?

The fact that you have to stereotype every female you come across. How shallow can one person be? Youre actually judging your relationships with women by the color of their hair? Its stupid, and its half the reason you cant stay in a relationship longer than one day.

Jack laughed. Aww, Reece, thats what I love about you, always trying to keep me in line. And you know what? Youre probably right.

Im always right.

Jack dropped her off at the airport about two hours before her flight. Airports, ugh. If there was any place that she dreaded, it was an airport full of rush and chaos. On this trip, she had enough to contend with without additional stress.

She gritted her teeth through the security inspection, then shouldered her backpack and made the rounds of the shops, hoping to keep her mind occupied. She studied what seemed to be every souvenir in the terminal, then headed over to her departure gate and found a seat. She had at least half an hour before boarding.

As she sat back, she noticed two young businessmen walking toward the gate. They were dressed immaculately, in perfectly tailored suits that gave off an air of absolute supremacy. It wasnt their magnetic and powerful presence that had her studying both of them, but there was something strangely familiar about them. Even so, she couldnt place their faces from any class shed been in. Well, its obvious they wouldnt be in college, Reece; theyre dressed like they own the airline company. Who are these guys? It was bothering her that she couldnt identify where she had seen them before.

One was dark-haired. Tall, dark, and very handsome , she thought, with an internal chuckle. He was probably in his late twenties, but he had an intimidating presence. He walked as though he commanded the entire gate, perhaps the entire airport. She frowned, trying to figure out whether it was the way he held himself or the odd sense that she knew him that caught her attention.

The blond man beside him was about the same height and equally stunning, but less intimidating. The good-humored expression on his face set him apart from the other man. He looked as though he was recalling the punch line to a good joke. The men walked through the waiting area and stood near the large windows, away from the crowd.

Without warning, the dark-haired man looked away from his friend and stared directly at Reece. Their eyes locked, and she became startled, but she tried to continue gazing casually around the room. Her eyes didnt see what was in front of them, though; she was wondering why these men seemed familiar.

She could not resist another glance back toward the window. The blond man was already staring directly at her. Busted. Perhaps she hadnt been as discreet as shed thought. He smiled vibrantly at her to confirm it.

Oh, well...

She gave him back a smile and looked past him at the sky outside. Thankfully, boarding was now announced. Reece stood and turned away.

Knowing this would be a long flight, Reece had opted to fly first class. She was one of the first to board, and she found a comfortable aisle seat.

Two uniformed pilots sat in the front row. Perhaps they were going to take over the flight after Chicago, where more passengers would board. As soon as the airplane moved away from the gate, Reece rested her head against the leather headrest, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to drift off. It seemed now that the long week was finally catching up with her.