Love Among Shadows

by Smokey Moment

  Valentina headed home. The tears fell in a steady stream. It was useless to wipe them. She wasn’t done crying. And she’d had enough of the night life. Lady luck wasn’t on her side. And she would need to make major adjustments in order to stay safe. The city was changing. Gone were the days of freedom. She didn’t like feeling like a target. She was nobody’s victim. “Why me. Why are things happening to me?” she cried, as she turned onto a side street. A backway to her home. And she couldn’t wait to get there.

  Fresh Start

  “Oh come on,” Valentina said, as she grabbed for her phone. It was a tight fit, trying to squeeze her hand through the small opening between her car seat and the console. “Come on,” she said, pushing her small delicate hand through the opening. “Okay. Forget it. I don’t have time,” she said, frustrated, as she grabbed her bookbag and exited her car. Valentina had a test in her math class that she was sure had already began. This was the third week of class and there was already a test. She could predict the disgusted look on her teachers face. He’d had several talks with her about her attendance and she was late. Again.

  She felt her life was getting back to normal. She had secrets. Things had happened to her that would cause any normal woman to become a recluse. But Valentina had made strides. It had been a year since the attack outside the Crazy Horse. The man whose face she never saw. Every man was a suspect at first. But it was getting easier to move without fearing the men around her. She hadn’t been out since then. She hadn’t been bowling or roller skating. Her life had drastically changed. Replaced by a more streamlined existence. She went to work, school and nothing in-between. The only person she felt comfortable around was her sister and her sister’s husband

  “Sorry Mr. Ellis,” Valentina said, as she walked into her classroom and right up to her teacher’s desk. She tried to keep quiet. The test had started. She had missed the last two classes. Mr. Ellis had tired of his repeat student. The one who seemed too busy to care and only took the class because she effortlessly passed the exams. Mr. Ellis respected hard work and students who valued the class and his efforts. “I want to talk to you after class,” he said in a low voice, trying not to disturb anyone. “Yes sir,” Valentina whispered, as she took a test from him and headed to her seat. Great! He’s pissed off. He probably wants me to drop the class now, she thought.

  “Excuse me,” she said, as she made her way to the back of the row, past the familiar faces of the other students. Mr. Ellis looked on, then shook his head. As quiet as she was attempting to be, the noise seemed amplified. Valentina became flustered. She was having a hard time. Her book was sliding from her grasp and she could feel her teacher’s eyes on her. She held the book tighter but could feel it was slowly slipping through her grip. It was a large textbook, and she hoped it didn’t completely slide through and hit the floor. It would be disruptive and she was already on Mr. Ellis’ bad side. Valentina walked between the tight row of desks, towards her favorite seat at the back of the classroom. Legend watched as she made her way down, grinning at her effort to keep everything together, as she shuffled the bag and books.

  “Shit,” she whispered, as she stood over the desk second from last. Soon a hand reached up and took the book from her. “You need help,” Legend whispered. Valentina looked at him. She stood speechless at the sight of him. Her mouth slightly open, as she tried to gather her composure. His face was new. It was gorgeous. And it disarmed the stress that had her pinned to the wall. It was new in class but she had seen him before. Valentina wracked her brain trying to think of where she had seen him. Then suddenly a flash. It’s him. The handsome man at the club. The one with red eyes, she thought.

  “Yes. Thank you,” she said, smiling at the stranger. She looked deep in his eyes. She was confused as to why his brown eyes glowed red that night. She could never forget him. She looked for him that night. But it was also the night she was attacked. A terrible ending to an otherwise great night.

  Legend grabbed the large book, then two more books from her hands, brushing his fingers lightly against her skin. The touch sent goose bumps up her arm. Valentina blushed then sat down. She placed her bookbag beside her and removed a pencil from it. His face still in her thoughts. She wanted to turn around. Get a good look at him. Ask him questions and probe into his life. He was new to the class which had been meeting for several weeks already. How did he get into the class? she wondered.

  “Here you go,” he said, reaching over her shoulder and handing her the books. “Thank you so much,” she whispered. “My pleasure,” he replied, his voice deep and hypnotic. Valentina smiled. She became nervous all over again. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. She felt his eyes on her. The smell of musk and wildflowers aroused her. She rubbed her neck and fiddled with her hair. She had trouble concentrating. She had studied and was prepared for the exam yet found herself stuck on the very first math problem.

  Legend glanced up. Valentina seemed antsy. He grinned. She was nervous and it amused him. He liked her. She was someone he wanted to know. He worked the math problems quickly, glancing up occasionally at the woman in front of him. He could smell her perfume. A light jasmine, patchouli and vanilla scent had his keen senses heightened. He took in her scent, exhaling sharply as he continued working the problems on his test. He could smell her hair. He felt connected to her spiritually. Touching her had given him an opening. He had marked her. He could now smell her from miles away. Feel her emotions. He was surprised he did. He had never marked anyone before. But her effect on him was quick and powerful. Not since he was twenty years old, did a woman make such an introduction into his heart.

  He had to mark her. He had to have her. In a way he never felt before. It was his choice. Marking a mate was voluntary, not necessary. He could have still had his way with her, seduced her, and gone on with his life. Marking her meant there was a desire for something more. He couldn’t track her without it. A detail compounded by the fact that she was human.

  What the fuck. Hell no! Who is he? He is gorgeous. Okay Valentina…breathe, she thought, as she tried concentrating on the difficult problems. She finished the first set and turned the test over. One more page and I’m done, she thought, as the intensity of the moment continued to control her emotions. She felt warm. Something had her edgy. She took a deep breath. The test wasn’t difficult yet she couldn’t concentrate. I need to calm down. Why am I not able to relax? she thought, as she fought the urge to look back at him. Her eyes darted side to side. Her mind raced. Soon she could hear him rustling. Is he done already? she thought, as she listened to him unzip his bookbag. The test was not simple. Valentina quickly determined that if he was done, he was smart.

  Legend finished first and stood up. He grabbed his bookbag and handed the test to Mr. Ellis. “You’re finished already?” Mr. Ellis said, proud of his newest addition to the class. An entry that had to be approved by him, since class had begun. Legend’s father made calls and Mr. Ellis agreed to allow the entry if he could pass his exam. Legend took the test to prove his level of understanding and passed with a 100%. Mr. Ellis was impressed since he did not give any information as to what would be contained within it.

  Valentina glanced up. Legend smiled at her then left the classroom. She paused. Her mind racing again. The distraction made her uneasy. He was just a handsome guy. There were handsome guys in Alaska. She wasn’t sure why she felt so fascinated.

  Okay Valentina. Finish the test, she thought, as she tried to focus. She had gotten through the first page, but still had several more problems to work out. It was a test she normally sailed through. Come on, concentrate, she thought, as she looked around. College was an easy ride for Valentina. She was gifted like her father. It was a fact her mother had drilled into her head and the only information she had on him.

  Something had her stressed. She wasn’t sure it was the handsome stranger. Valentina closed her eyes. She paced her breaths. She kept them closed until her breathing returned to normal then opened her eyes. She answered
the next problem and then the one after that. Soon she was at the end. One more, she thought, as she worked it out in her head. Valentina stood up. She looked around. The other students were still working their way through the problems.

  “I’m done Mr. Ellis,” she said, as she sat the test on top of Legends. Mr. Ellis had already scored it. She smiled at his accomplishment. Only a select few students scored 100%. Valentina quickly glanced at his name. Legend Wilde, she thought, as she took note of the odd yet striking name. It sounded like the name of a movie star. He looked like one. His rugged yet handsome face would best suit the big screen. He had missed his calling. There was nothing in Anchorage but cold weather and dark or cloudy days. It seemed too small of a city for him. Valentina smirked at her thoughts of the man she didn’t know. She could only guess what life was like for him. She imagined he had plenty of lovers. She pictured him with an exciting life. And she wanted to know him.

  Mr. Ellis stood. Valentina snapped out of the daydream she was having. “Can we me speak for a moment,” he said. She looked over at her study partner Lisette. The two shook their heads. Lisette had already been on the receiving end of Mr. Ellis’ dissatisfaction. And now it was Valentina’s turn.

  “I’m truly sorry Mr. Ellis. I promise to get here on time,” she said, trying to soften the blow. But Mr. Ellis looked unmoved. Valentina looked around. She was stopped dead in her tracks by the sight of Legend leaning against the wall looking at her. His eyes piercing hers. His intense stare felt directly connected to her soul. Valentina stared back. The muffled sounds of Mr. Ellis’ now distorted sounding voice seemed far away. Valentina was in a trance. Locked into a stare with Legend. She looked at Mr. Ellis. He was talking, but she didn’t hear a word. She focused on him. Soon his voice came in clear. Valentina was confused. She had drowned out sound. And the realization had her feeling strange and disorganized.

  “Miss Ireland… Are you listening to me? Do you understand how college goes? Being late is not only a disruption to the class, but a sign of disrespect. I expected better. Your G.P.A is a solid 4.0. But this blatant disregard for others time, is unacceptable. I cannot allow your disruption of my class. Please, get here on time. I will not continue to allow the distraction. Do I make myself clear?” he said. “Yes sir. I know. I will. I promise,” Valentina replied.

  Mr. Ellis walked back inside his classroom. Valentina took a deep breath. She knew she had to get her life in order. She was working too many hours and not getting enough rest. It wasn’t an easy fix. She had responsibilities. It wouldn’t be resolved overnight.

  Valentina looked back over towards the wall. Legend was gone. She looked around. She was shocked. He was just there. She assumed he was waiting to speak to her. The look on his face said so. The gaze in his eyes spoke of a man intrigued. The grin on his face was the unmistakable look of sexual interest. But he was gone.

  “What?” she mumbled, as she looked around, surprised at his ability to be gone so swiftly. It didn’t make sense. The narrowed hall was lengthy. She wasn’t sure where he would have gone. Only a few classrooms took up residence down “C” corridor. And the other classrooms were closed. Valentina walked the hall, looking for him, turning her head in every direction. She walked towards the area he had been standing near, and looked around at the classrooms. The doors were closed and the lights were turned off. Valentina sighed. He was gone. And she was disappointed.

  She wanted to talk to him. Introduce herself. And she wanted to thank him for being kind. The truth was she had never seen anything like him. Something in his eyes that spoke to her. It was more than his looks. He was handsome and physically built. He was groomed and well dressed. She was intrigued enough to go out of her way. Which was a lot for her. Valentina had no time. She worked a job and was taking evening classes. Making time for a man was impossible and wasn’t ever considered. Not since her previous attempts at a relationship had failed. Her inability to make time seemed to plague her in all aspects of her life, including dating. But he would be considered. She would make time. She felt the need to know him. And now she would have to wait until the following week.

  Legend stood in the dark room watching Valentina. Her desperation to find him made him nervous. She was human. But deep down he had a desire for her beyond his control. He’d had it since the day he pulled her in the back seat of her car. He could feel her. He could read her. She was sexually interested in him. Made obvious by the look in her eyes. It was dangerous. Being with her would put her life at risk. She was already marked for death. And if he ignored the sprits, he still could not openly see her. His kind would kill any human they believed had infiltrated their world. Something that hadn’t happened in over two hundred years, since they did not mingle directly with humans.

  The moment was intense. Legend stood staring at her. The innocence of her, had him wanting her. The contradiction of the fire in her eyes made him want her more. But he couldn’t. And so, he waited. Valentina left the area disappointed. And Legend stood in the empty classroom waiting on the chance to exit. He leaned against the wall and exhaled. He closed his eyes.

  “I can’t go to this class. I will abandon all will and I can’t,” he said to himself. Legend waited several minutes to be sure. He opened the door and left out of the building. He looked around nervously, as he made his way to Canyon Cliff Road. He crossed the street and headed towards the mountains and forest. He looked back once, then walked between the trees.

  He didn’t notice Valentina watching from her car. She sat perplexed, as he walked into the trees and disappeared. The town was aware of a group of indigenous people living in cabins deep within the forest. Rumors had it that they didn’t like strangers and since they didn’t bother anyone, they were left alone. Valentina hoped he wasn’t one. They were known as a weird group of people living off the land like cavemen. And if they all looked like him, their life of solitude would be over. Women looking to date, would find a way to them.

  “No way does he live in that village. And even if he does… Like what… He’s going to walk five miles home. Something is weird here. Why did he just go in the woods,” she said. Valentina started her car and pulled out of the parking lot. She looked over once more. But the darkness made seeing anything impossible. She pulled off and called her sister. She needed an ear.

  “Hello,” Valentina said. “Okay, you are not that busy. We waited on you. Who misses their own birthday,” Phoebe complained, as she folded clothes from her hamper. “I know. I’m sorry. I owe you,” Valentina replied. She missed the get together her sister had pulled off at the last minute. Phoebe shook her head in frustration. Her silence, cutting Valentina straight to the bone.

  “Don’t be mad. I slept right through the day. I woke up at ten o’clock. Ten!” she said. Phoebe sighed. She understood. Valentina was an overachiever. She wasn’t her normal self if she wasn’t overextended with duties and responsibilities.

  “It’s fine. We can do something this weekend. Maybe go to Murray’s Pub. Just me and you. April and Jordan will be disappointed so we just won’t tell them. They really wanted to celebrate it with you,” Phoebe said about Valentina’ friends. “Okay. I’m free next week,” she replied. Phoebe grabbed a shirt and flip it in half slowly. The tone in her sister’s voice threw her. “What’s going on?” Phoebe asked. She knew Valentina well. She wore her heart on her sleeve but kept it hidden from everyone around her except her sister Phoebe.

  “Everything is going on. I’m just leaving class. I met someone. He’s in my math class. You have got to see him. He seems nice. He’s handsome. Smart. Sexy…And I’m mad because he left early and I didn’t get a chance to talk to him,” she said,” Valentina beamed, her mood changing almost instantly. “Handsome, smart and sexy. Wow. When will you see him again?” her sister asked. “Thursday! He’s in my math class. He’s smart too. You know how difficult finite math is. He got every question correct. And did I mention that he is handsome,” she said. “You should invite him to Murray’s. Don’t give him
the silent treatment like you usually do,” Phoebe warned.

  “I am not going to ask him out, Phoebe. Good lord! A woman has to have some dignity,” she said. “Don’t knock it. That’s how I met Griff. Besides…If he’s laid back and shy, you two will never meet. You’re not exactly open to dating these days,” she replied. Valentina thought about it. Her sister was right. She had been shunning men’s advances. But she was ready to start meeting people again. She refused t let the pain of her past, dictate her future.

  “I will meet him. I saw it in his eyes. He will say something to me first. I know it. He’s a gentleman. And he’s interested. I can feel it.”

  “Valentina darling. How are you? You’re looking beautiful as ever. That blouse…The color looks great on you,” her coworker Troy said, as he stood at her desk. “What do you want Troy. I know when your groveling,” she replied, looking at her computer. “Well, as a matter of fact I do need something. Can you move my project ahead of Davis’? He cancelled his appointment and I still need the rough draft of my PowerPoint, so I can make sure I cover my ass,” he said. Valentina smiled. “Sure. Now get,” Valentina teased. Troy was her close friend. He admired Valentina’s beauty and the fact that she didn’t play it up. Troy could only hope he looked like her. She was everything he wanted to be, if only he were born a woman.

  “I sent you the file. I made all the changes, so you’re good to go,” Valentina said, as she walked into the office lounge. “Thank you, ma’am. Tell me something good. Any gossip? How’s your love life?” Troy asked. He wondered why she never had salacious stories to tell. Valentina was beautiful. She had a body that looked built for sin. But Valentina’s life was ordinary. She had begun to simplify her life. She shied away from the extraordinary. Trouble seemed to follow and she’d had enough. She was beginning to like the simple things. But there was something. A man she took notice of. The timing was bad. She was still not ready to date. She was surprised she was even thinking of him. She had sworn off of men for a while after the brutal attack that left her bitten and badly damaged. She was left emotionally and physically scarred. She needed more time to heal. To look at people the way she used to. Through normal eyes, not through the eyes of a woman betrayed by men.