Strength was returning to my legs, and I was able to walk back to her sitting spot without falling. I sat beside her, and reached to hold her. “Livvie…can you tell me what’s wrong, baby?” I asked her as gently as I could.
Her red streaked face looked into mine, her nose sniffled but her tears were under control. “I…I don’t know, Scott! I mean, what has happened to me? Is Aiden really gone? Or is he going to come back after me? What does a white aura mean? Have my parents been lying to me all my life?” Her questions bombarded me like hailstones. I reached out to her, sliding her into my lap. We sat, just holding each other for a long time.
Finally, I knew what to say. “My Livvie, I fell in love with you the first time I saw you, and I had no idea you were magical then. You were only magical in your beauty at that point. I saw no aura. I still don’t, actually, because you are my heart mate. You are the woman I’m meant to be with. When a sorcerer meets his or her heart mate, auras and everything else are null and void. We see only the person we love. As for Aiden, he’s not dead, but he’s seriously wounded. We should be able to find a way to destroy him before he’s strong enough to return. I don’t know about your parents, Livvie…but I’ll go with you when you ask if you’d like.”
Her hand squeezed mine, her face turning up to look at me. “I think I love you,” she said as she leaned in to kiss me. Her lips were urgent with need this time, parting to find my tongue and sucking on it. Her teeth grabbed my lips and pulled, making me moan when she stopped. Her eyes shone with the love and lust I felt. Grasping her closer, I growled and she giggled, making my stomach dance with butterflies. “You…you are naughty, Olivia Whitehead. Why don’t we see if anyone needs anything else, and then we can go somewhere to get cleaned up,” I said, with a longing glance.
“Ok,” she said as she bit her lip.
My need grew stronger every time I looked at her.
Olivia
Being near Scott was awakening my heart. My mind was flooded with the dreams I’d had of him, making me long for his touch. We walked to Juniper and Mark, hand in hand, to see if they needed us for anything. One look at their lit up faces, and I knew they had finally admitted how they felt. I reached for Juniper’s hand, my mind still adjusting to the red rim around her dark pupils. “Come on, J. Let’s walk for a second,” I said and pulled her up. Her steps were faster, her strides longer, and it was difficult for me to keep up. We stood beside the stage where she had died, my arms covered in goose bumps and my body gave an involuntary shudder. “Tell. Me. Everything.”I said to her in my loudest whisper.
Her eyes brightened and a small smile formed on her lips. “Well…he admitted he’s in love with me. And he said he wants to spend eternity with me. And I know how weird that sounds, but, Liv, I know he means it. I can feel it. I’m so…different now. Like looking at you…every little thing about you looks HD. The green in your eyes, there’s even a little glow in them. I can see your skin pores. It’s so weird. I can hear everything. There’s a dog about a mile down the road, barking and trying to get out of his pen.”
“Wow…J…you make it sound cool,” I said and I playfully punched her arm. Then I realized something, “Ohmygosh, Juniper! I haven’t had any visions since you changed. Maybe I only get them about humans….”
“Maybe. Hey, have you been crying?” she asked. She reached her hand out to wipe my face.
I nodded.
“Liv…what is it? You have this really hot guy here who I saw you kissing. Life can’t that so bad.”
“J…I…your body landed in my lap after Aiden slit your throat. Even though you’re here now, it’s an image I doubt I’ll ever forget.” Tears started falling again at the memories. Juniper reached to hug me, her eyes welling up, too.
“I’m so sorry. I….I didn’t really believe you, Liv. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s ok. You’re here now. That’s all that matters,” I said with a smile.
We hugged a bit longer. “Juniper…what are you going to tell your parents?” I asked.
She wasn’t really paying attention to me, though. Her face concentrated on Mark across the room. He and Scott were picking up chairs and some of the mess we had made. It seemed that both men wanted to get their ladies far from here.
“Go,” I urged her as I hugged her chilled body. She didn’t have the coldness of death, but she didn’t have the warmth that I did either.
“I love you, Liv. I’ll call you tomorrow,” she said with a squeeze and bounced over to Mark.
Sadie walked up beside me, smiling as she said, “So…you gonna call him Scott or Mr. Sexy?”
I laughed and said, “Both. Scott is sexy. I know he’s your brother…but damn.”
She pushed me while laughing and said, “Shut up. Eww. Gross. Now I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”
“Thank you. For everything, Sadie. You’ve helped me so much…” I said, hugging her hard.
She hugged back, saying, “Anytime. I have a feeling you’re going to be my sister soon,” her face held a wide grin. I avoided the comment, because I was only seventeen after all. A thought occurred to me and I decided to ask her about something. “Aiden hasn’t been to my house because of the wards you put up, right? That’s why he always stops on the street and texts…”
She nodded, still grinning. I would be proud, too, if I were a young sorcerer who had held off one of the most powerful beings in her world.
“Good job,” I said and patted her on the arm.
“Olivia.” I turned when I heard Anna call my name, realizing she was still here. I bade Sadie goodbye, promising I’d see her later, and walked over to where Anna was standing near the door.
“Miss Anna, who knew you were more than you seemed?” I said. I reached out to give her a big hug. Juniper was at her other side, looking suspiciously sneaky.
“Of course, my darling. Things are never as they seem,” she said with a radiant smile.
“I’ll have to remember that,” I said with an awkward giggle. My eyes darted back and forth between her and Juniper, but I couldn’t figure out what mischief they were up to.
“Liv, Miss Anna was just telling me about how much Scott talks about you. He’s really in love with you, but why didn’t you tell me he was visiting you in your dreams?” she questioned.
My eyes widened, and I looked from Anna to Juniper and back, “Uh…you know about that Miss Anna?” I asked nervously.
“Don’t worry, my dear. I don’t know what happened. Though from your reddened cheeks, I’d guess it is best I don’t know.” She laughed and pulled me in for a hug, “You are destined to do magnificent things, Olivia. And you are destined to be with my grandson. And to think you didn’t want to meet him.”
Shocked, I just stared at her. She had tried to set me up, and I hadn’t been interested. “Oh, yeah, I forgot about that…um…I’d love to meet him Miss Anna, but see I already have…”
Anna laughed and Juniper punched my arm with a slight look of hurt on her face. “You didn’t tell that you were meeting a really hot guy in your dreams?”
I shrugged, “I didn’t think you’d believe me. I had a hard time believing it myself.”
“Still. You should have told me,” she pouted playfully.
I shook my head at them, and we collapsed into a three way hug. Never would I have imagined my best friend would die, I would meet my true love, and find out the dress maker I’d been going to for years was a powerful sorcerer all on the same night. If anyone told me all of this would happen yesterday, I would have laughed in their faces. Well, except for the best friend dying part. I looked around at our little group. We were all giggling as we tried to get up. That’s when I heard Scott’s deep voice calling for me.
Scott
I checked the room to make sure Mark and I had gotten everything cleaned up. Sadie helped us some, but the other three ladies had been busy giggling and acting like girls, so she left to join. I hated to interrupt, but it was time for Livvie and I to finally get some al
one time. We had a lot of talking to do. Jogging over to the spot where they fell into a heap, I looked around at them as the giggles got louder. “Are you ladies alright?” I asked. A grin played at my cheeks.
Livvie’s eyes shone and she said, “Yes, Scott, we’re fine.”
My heart jumped every time she said my name. I helped them all up, leaving Livvie for last. I wanted to hold her and never let go. I gave her a knowing look, and her eyes widened in surprise and excitement. Her luscious lips spread into a wide grin, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. I already told Mark and Sadie goodbye. I grabbed my grandma for a hug and told her I’d see her tomorrow. She looked like she was trying to bite her tongue about something, but I couldn’t worry about that now. All that was on my mind was Livvie.
I held her close as I guided her to my truck. It wasn’t the newest rig in the world, but it was my baby, and I liked to take care of it. After getting her settled in the passenger’s seat, I slipped in the driver’s and looked at her nervously twirling her thumbs. “Livvie? Is there something wrong?” I asked, worry clutching my heart.
“Um…I’m just…you know our dreams? How you would visit me?”
“Yes…”
“Well…I’m not really that experienced! I’m nervous about what’s going to happen,” she exclaimed, her rosy cheeks turning bright red.
I stifled a laugh and reached for her hand. I squeezed it and said, “Hey, no worries. I’m not expecting anything tonight. I just want to spend time with you.”
She smiled and her shoulders relaxed, “Ooook.”
She didn’t seem to be completely calmed though. I saw her out of the corner of my eye as I drove, clutching her hands and making her knuckles white. I reached over and grasped her hand. The softness of her skin melted in mine. She sighed as my thumb caressed her palm. I didn’t want her to worry about whether or not we would act out our dream walking. Sex was close to the last thing on my mind. I wanted her to feel safe and get her cleaned up. After all of the power usage, I needed to eat to energize myself. Since she was new to her powers, she would need restoring, too.
We drove down the deserted road. At 1 a.m., I wouldn’t expect there to be many people out in this town. Livvie sat reclined in the seat, though she seemed a million miles away. I couldn’t help but worry. A lot happened tonight, and I wouldn’t blame her a bit if she was overwhelmed. She found out her wannabe date was an ancient, evil sorcerer. And if that wasn’t enough, she also found out she had powers no one could explain, and she watched her best friend die and be brought back to life. I was surprised she wasn’t crying in a corner somewhere all night. But no, not my Livvie. She was being strong and taking things as they came. I admired her strength.
I turned onto my street. My neighborhood was small with the houses spread apart. My parents’ home was older, like something out of a movie. It was huge with a screened in wrap-around porch. It was a white house with green shutters. My parents chose green, our family’s sorcerer color. Of course, there were flowers adorning the front yard as well as a few garden statues. The garage held two-cars, and my apartment was located above it. I pulled into it and released her hand. I turned to Livvie, looking for her reaction. Her eyes were wide and she looked amazed. Even with a blood splattered dress and black matted hair, she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever laid eyes on. I jumped out and ran around to open her door. She looked surprised and lifted her delicate hand to mine. I led her to the stairs and told her about my living situation.
“This is my apartment up here. It’s small, just a bedroom, bath, and a kitchen/living area. I do most of my dining and hanging out in my parents’ house anyways, so it works out for me.” I opened the door and placed my hand on the small of her back, nudging her in first.
“Oh, wow…I really like it, Scott. And this…this is the place where we met in some of my dreams.” She turned to me.
“Yes it is,” I agreed with a smile.
She looked around, taking it all in. The mirror on the wall showed her the beautiful sight I admired. She, however, looked horrified at her reflection.
“I’m awful. I can’t believe this night turned out this way. I must be a dreadful sight for you,” she cried out. Her lips pouted, and she truly seemed devastated by her appearance.
“Livvie…you’re gorgeous to me. But I understand your feelings. Would you like to take a shower? I can find something for you to put on.”
“Oh, yes, please!” she exclaimed, her eyes growing bright with excitement.
“It’s right through that door.” I pointed to my left, “There are towels on the shelf, and I’ll send some clothes in.”
“Send clothes in…? What...How?”
Her head cocked to the side in confusion.
“I’m a sorcerer, remember?”
“Oh, yeah.” She giggled and turned to the bathroom.
Her hips moved in a tantalizing way, and my mind drifted. The fear of losing her was gone, and my mind was full of kissing, loving, and holding her. Just having her here with me in the flesh was amazing. I rid my mind of the thoughts as I rummaged through my clothing. Livvie was tiny, so anything I got her was going to be too big, but I must find something. She couldn’t walk around in a blood and ooze splattered dress. Finally, I found an old pair of sweats from when I was younger, and a smaller shirt for a tighter fit. Hopefully these would work.
I supposed I could conjure her some clothing, but there was something intriguing about the thought of her wearing mine. It seemed sexy. So I stuck with that.
Olivia
The hot shower did wonders for my exhaustion. This night had been awful. I was still a little shell shocked. So much happened, and Aiden still wanting me was heavy on my mind. But I didn’t want to think about that now. I was here in Scott’s apartment, and I would not let anything ruin that for me. I put on the sweats and tank top he sent in. They were both a few sizes too big. I had no bra with me because I couldn’t wear one with the dress. Oh, well, I suppose this was better than being covered in Juniper’s blood and Aiden’s…well, goo. My hair was wet, giving it a wild look. If Scott really loved me…well, this would be the test. If he could find me attractive now, he was definitely a keeper.
I took one last, quick glance in the mirror and stepped out of the bathroom. I looked in the bedroom, my stomach tightening with nervousness. Scott wasn’t there. I walked to the living area and saw he was in the kitchen. He changed into jeans and another buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark hair was messy, and he looked amazing. My breath caught in my throat, and I could barely move. I wanted him so badly. And I knew I loved him. Just being around him had proven it to me. My heart fluttered as I stepped towards him. “Hey. I’m all clean now,” I said with a timid smile.
His eyes took me in, a hunger in them that I imagined my own had. “You clean up very nicely.”
“Oh, come on! I look awful. These are way too big,” I said as I pulled the clothes out from me, to emphasize the big.
“You look great,” he said and he put his hands around my waist.
I couldn’t help but giggle when he said that. I knew I looked far from great. He pulled me closer, his hands under the bottom of my shirt. I gasped. My whole body was raging with thoughts of him. His soft lips took mine and a moan started deep in my throat. My hands went up to his hair, running through it and tugging at the ends. I wanted him, no, needed him, to be closer to me. Our kissing was intense with our lips moving in unison and our tongues taking turns exploring the others’ mouth. The kissing in the dreams was passionate, but this was out of this world. My head was foggy from kissing and my body was lit on fire. I pulled way, my hands running down his chest. “Scott.”
His eyes were full of desire for me. He looked at me with an intensity I’d never seen before. “Livvie.”
“I’m not ready,” I said softly, biting my bottom lip.
He pulled me closer, one arm around my waist and the other caressing my head. “I just want to be with you, Livvie.
I don’t care in what way.”
I leaned my face back from his chest, looking up into his deep eyes. “Really?” I asked quietly.
He nodded with a slight smile. The longing was still in his eyes but the fire had subdued a tiny bit. I squeezed his waist tightly, breathing his scent in deeply. I knew I had to ask the questions burning in my mind. I didn’t know how to get started. “Scott…I…I have questions.”
“Ok,” he said, smiling and eager.
“Did you ever…when you watched me…was it ever in awkward situations? Like the bathroom or shower or anything?”
“What? Gosh, no, Livvie! That would be an invasion of privacy. I care for you. I wouldn’t do that.”
Sighing, I could feel the weight of the worry lifting. While I cared for Scott, I cringed about what all he had seen when he watched me.
“Were you really concerned about that, baby?” he asked, his voice low.
I nodded, biting my lip again. He moved away from me. He walked to the living area, slumping in a seat in a defeated way. My heart was breaking seeing how upset he was. I carefully made my way to him, crouching on my knees in front of him. “Scott, I’ve fallen in love with you in my dreams. But this is all new to me. I want to know everything. I’m sorry if I upset you.”I reached out to his hand, grasping it in mine. He squeezed back and his other hand played with my hair. I closed my eyes, sighing as his fingers massaged my scalp and relaxed my body. I leaned my head in, almost snuggling his hand, and giggled softly.
“What is it my love?” he whispered gently.
I lifted my head until I was face to face with him. I leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. “I just can’t believe I’m really here with you. I really thought I was going crazy there for a while,” I said with a laugh.
He leaned his forehead into mine, our eyes level. “You aren’t crazy. Well…you may be crazy about me, but that’s it,” he said with a wink.
The White Aura (The White Aura Series) Page 14
