by Kristie Cook
“First of all, her eyes were spooky when she opened them. Then she mumbled a few words. She said she didn’t see any reasons why Skylar would be a threat. She does have god’s blood, from which family line remains unclear. The Oracle also told me how we can get out without retracing our steps. Follow me.”
Mason was cool and collected. Not an ounce of fear was displayed through his gestures. His words were smooth and convincing, but one question continued to replay in Skylar’s mind. What were Mason’s real thoughts?
TWENTY-FOUR
Standing on the boulders at the waterfall, they waited for Mason’s instructions. Watching the soft stream of water falling from above, Skylar wanted to submerge herself under it to wash away her poison blood. Thinking she was a half-blood was bad enough, but to find out her blood could kill them was even worse—a nightmare from which she couldn’t wake up.
As they continued to follow the path, the stream became narrower until there was no water.
“Now what?” Amanda asked, looking annoyed.
Mason didn’t say a word. He gripped Skylar’s arm and stepped over to disappear from their sight. Soon after, Amanda and Everett materialized in front of them. They were near the bridge.
“That was easy. Why couldn’t we have done this instead of going through what we’ve been through?” Amanda said through her gritted teeth.
“What would be the fun in that?” Mason twitched his brows.
After they retrieved their camping backpacks, they headed to the cars. Since Nick’s car was gone, they assumed he’d found the path by the bridge to the stream. Skylar was elated Kayla was safe at home, hopefully. Though the ride back home was silent, it was soothing for Skylar. She gazed out the window: holding on to the clear blue summer sky, holding on to the warmth from the sun, holding on to the bumpy, sometimes unpaved roads, holding on to her reality. Having slept restlessly and drained from all that she had been through, she fell deeply asleep.
When she blinked her eyes, it took her a second to realize where she was—inside Mason’s car, parked in front of Kayla’s house. She twisted her neck to the left and saw his small smile and that the shirt he wore wasn’t torn.
Sitting up straight, she took note of the date and time. It was Sunday, 6 p.m. Though it felt like a second ago since she had closed her eyes, more than two hours had passed. Looking to the empty back seat, Skylar assumed Mason had dropped off Amanda and Everett.
Since Mason hadn’t said a word, she figured it was time for her to get out of the car. “Thank you.” She reached for the handle.
Mason rested his hand on her shoulder, preventing her from going out the door, and then moved his hand down to his side when she turned. “We’re not safe. The Oracle is right. They will come after you.”
For some unknown reason, whether it was his tone or his lack of reassurance, Skylar was disappointed. “Then I better get myself a revolver.”
He chuckled lightly. “Like you’d know how to use one.”
I didn’t mean to be funny. “Then what do you propose?”
“I don’t know. I don’t understand you … who you are. I don’t know—”
If words could slap her in the face, they just did. “I don’t need your help,” she snapped before he could finish his sentence. “And you should stay away from me because evidently, I can kill you.” Skylar had had enough. Feeling dirty and ashamed, she rushed out of the car.
On her way to the front door, she tripped and stumbled to the grass. Embarrassed, she didn’t look to see if Mason was watching, hoping he didn’t see what she had just done.
It was too late. In the blink of an eye, he reached for her, and effortlessly pulled her up by her shoulders. In his hold, locked to his eyes, she was speechless.
“You didn’t let me finish. You’re always too busy assuming the worst of me. I will be there for you and do whatever I have to do to protect you. The Oracle was wrong about one thing. You are not evil. I can feel only good from you. Your blood may be damned, but you are not. There is a difference.”
Skylar’s already watery eyes flooded even more, and she couldn’t keep the tears from falling. “Why? Why would you want to help me when your life would be in danger? You heard the Oracle. The danger and evil will follow me wherever I go. Why would you risk your own life knowing death may be imminent when you’re with me?”
Mason pulled Skylar closer, tighter, and then let go to run his fingers through her hair. “I don’t know. I just want to.”
Tingling sensations fluttered through her body. She wanted to hear him say that he cared for her as much as his eyes revealed. How badly she wanted to pull him in and taste his lips. Snapping out of the allure of his eyes, she spoke wearily. “It’s okay, Mason. You don’t need to protect me out of obligation, or because you feel sorry for me. You’re safer without me.”
“You don’t understand,” he said quickly.
“You’re right. I don’t understand why you would risk your life for me.” Skylar raised her voice, feeling frustrated. What was it that she didn’t understand? If only he would speak his mind instead of dancing around whatever he wanted to say.
To Skylar’s surprise, he bent lower to rest his head on hers, and tenderly cupped her face in his hands. At that moment, she was in a bubble of bliss, and nobody else existed in the world except for the two of them. Consumed by his tender embrace, she was utterly lost in Mason’s world.
“I … because … ,” he started to say.
“Why?” she whispered.
“You’re trouble, you know that?” He gripped her tighter. “Because. Just because.”
Skylar would take “because,” but not so much the “being trouble” part. With Mason, “because” had a deeper meaning. She understood. He was beginning to care for her in ways she wanted, but it was not how she imagined things would have turned out.
“Are you sure?”
He pulled away, looking bashful, shuffling his feet. “I’m sure.” His actions were adorable. “I’m sorry about Remus. I didn’t mean to—”
“We’ve already talked about this. The past is the past. You need to let it go.”
“What does Everett know about Remus?”
“He thinks what he thinks. Eventually, he’ll find out the truth. He’ll get over him soon enough. Remus deserved his punishment. Gods were not as perfect as the humans think they were. Being half-bloods, we are even further from being perfect. He was cruel. As far as I’m concerned, he was the one with evil blood. I don’t want to discuss him anymore. He’s not worth our time.”
After that, there was nothing to say. His tone said it all. It was a done deal. “So Sky,” he started to say, and paused when he saw the disconcerted look on her face. Skylar’s face was pale and long, as if life had been drained out of her. “What is it?”
“You just called me … .” She paused and blinked her eyes. “Sky.”
“Isn’t Sky short for Skylar? I’m sorry. Should I not call you by that name?”
“It’s just that my dad was the only one that ever called me by that name. He said that I was his heaven. That’s why he named me Skylar.”
Mason inhaled a deep breath. “I’m so sorry. I won’t call you that anymore.”
“It’s okay. I always loved when he called me Sky. After he left, well, I hated him for leaving us, but now I don’t know what really happened. I don’t even know who I am. I’m so confused.”
Mason embraced Skylar with everything he had. In his hold, she let go of the pain. Maybe someday soon, she would find out the truth about why her dad left, or if he was still alive. She wanted to stay in Mason’s arms as long as she could, and she knew he would hold her until she was ready to let go.
“I’m fine now.” She pulled away.
Worriedly, he cupped her wounded hand and untied the knot. “Your wound has healed quickly like the last time.” He caressed the area in a slow circular motion.
Seeing dried blood on the fabric Mason was holding, Skylar pulled her hand away from hi
m, afraid he would accidentally touch it. Not knowing if dried blood had any effect, she had to be extra careful. “I’ll hold onto it.” She shoved it into her back pocket.
Mason smiled warmly. “Are you hungry?”
“Little bit,” she fibbed. She was beyond starving, though her hunger pains had subsided.
“So, where would you like to go?”
Skylar giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
“Do you always start your sentences with the word ‘so’?”
Mason chuckled lightly. “Yes, I do.”
Suddenly, he started poking and tickling her. Mason opening up to her, and seeing his humorous side brightened Skylar’s spirits. She wanted to squeeze him and get lost in his embrace again, where she felt safe. Her laughter got louder when the sprinklers turned on.
“Let’s go before you get all wet and I have to take off my shirt again.”
I wouldn’t mind seeing you shirtless.
He interweaved his fingers through hers, guiding her to his car, and for the third time, he held her hand as if it had always belonged there.
TWENTY-FIVE
During the whole ride to dinner, Skylar’s lips curved into a smile. The sun was descending, streaking between the clouds with hues of violet. With the breathtaking view and Mason by her side, she was as giddy as a schoolgirl. Taking in the moment that she was actually on a date with him, she wanted to freeze time.
They drove up to the valet parking at an Italian bistro called Bella Amore. Situated on the other side of town, it was a decent sized restaurant, but clearly cozy and elegant. Looking at Mason and herself, Skylar wondered if they were underdressed. When they entered, the aroma jolted her hunger pangs again, making her think of nothing but food. As if he owned the place, he held Skylar’s hand and passed by the hostess.
“May I help you, sir?” the hostess asked, dressed all in black, looking stunning.
Mason stopped in his tracks and looked up.
“Oh, Mr. Grand,” the hostess said, and froze with an “oops” look on her face.
The hostess continued. “I didn’t recognize you. You’re not dressed. I mean you aren’t in your usual attire.” Her words were cautious, obviously not wanting to offend him.
Mason looked at his clothing. “Sorry. We just got back from camping and we’re very hungry,” he smiled, shrugging his shoulders.
“Oh, no need to apologize, Mr. Grand. Your table is ready.” She gestured her hand for them to proceed.
Skylar assumed they would be sitting at a regular table, but they walked into a private room instead—a table for two nestled in the center. On top of the table, plain white, classy plates and utensils were already arranged. To give it a romantic feel, light from a small candle danced to the instrumental background music.
Leading Skylar to her seat, Mason pulled out her chair. Smiling, she sat and he placed the cream-colored fabric napkin on her lap.
“Thank you,” Skylar said, gazing at the oil painting of a vineyard hanging on the wall.
With a nod and a smile, he sat across from her.
“Mr. Grand, are you ready to order?” the waitress asked sweetly.
“Yes. Please give me a second please.” He turned to Skylar. “Is there anything particular you would like to eat?”
She was starving beyond words, and so she didn’t care. “Anything is fine. I like everything.” “We’ll start with the house salad and a cup of minestrone soup. For our meal, we’ll do family style: seafood linguine, mushroom ravioli, and roasted chicken. And don’t forget, two glasses of water.”
With a smile, the waitress left. Skylar looked at Mason with wide eyes.
“I’m hungry and I know you are, too. I like girls that eat. And I know you can eat.”
Skylar giggled. “Do you own this restaurant?”
“Yes, it’s one of many Nick, Everett, Amanda, and I own. We have managers to handle the business so we can kick back and enjoy.”
“That’s great.” Skylar wanted to kick herself for giving him a stupid response. “So your cousin Amanda, too?”
“Amanda is not really our cousin. We rescued her from the vultures a couple of years ago, around the time our moms were taken from us, but we were unable to save her mom. We settled her in a home nearby. We just tell everyone she’s our cousin because she suddenly appeared in our lives, not that we have so many friends. She also stays overnight when she feels unsafe by herself. We don’t want people talking and spreading rumors, but don’t tell her I told you that. She doesn’t like people knowing her story.”
“I won’t say anything. I don’t think she likes me anyway.”
“That’s not true. She sounds and seems tough, but deep inside, underneath that wall of hers, she’s really sweet and caring. She has a big heart, but only when she wants to show it.”
Ironically, that was how Skylar would have described Mason. “I’m sure she does. So, do you come here often?”
“Not when I want to see you. And only when I want to hear you say the word ‘so’ before each of your questions.”
“Umm … okay.” She blushed and shot her eyes to the empty plate in front of her, wondering how many dates he’d brought there.
Soon after, the waitress entered. She placed the salads, the cups of soup, and glasses of water onto the table and left. As carefully and ladylike as possible, Skylar slurped her soup with the spoon.
“How’s the soup?”
“It’s delicious, thank you.” She took another sip. After the starters, the main dishes were served. While they ate, Mason asked her about her parents, about school, and about how she liked working at the diner. The conversation was mostly focused around Skylar, but when she asked questions about him, his answers were short and to the point. He would quickly redirect the questions back to her. Then the conversation became serious.
Mason leaned closer. “I know it’s difficult to accept who you are, but you have to face reality. We don’t know when these vultures will attack. We don’t even know who, or what is after you, or why they want you dead. Until we figure out the reasons, you must never go anywhere alone. It’s imperative that you listen to what I’m asking you to do, no matter how much you may disagree. I will be there for you as much as I can, but I need you to help me help you.”
“Okay,” Skylar nodded, returning to reality. But it was difficult to grasp a reality that was meant to be written in a book, or to be seen on a television show, or in a movie. “I don’t go out much. I’m usually with Kayla. We’re at home or at work, or out shopping or hanging out with you and Nick.”
“Good. Just stay low. Watch your back. Mind who is around you, and never go anywhere by yourself, especially the movie theater restroom.”
Though the incident at the theater was anything but funny, they busted out laughing. After a good round of hysteria, it got quiet.
“Eat. Your food will get cold,” Mason directed.
After taking several more bites, she realized her plate was just about empty. Dinner being almost over, she felt the need to ask as many questions as possible while he was willing to speak. “Do you miss your mom? Do you think of her often?” After she asked, she realized she’d hit a sore subject. Being around him made her so nervous, asking questions was the only way she could feel at ease.
“Yes, I do. She was the best mom anyone could ask for, but I’m sure you’d say the same thing about your mom,” he grinned. Then he grew serious. “I wish I’d known who I was and the capabilities I had sooner. Then, maybe I could have saved her.” He looked tormented, and guilt was written all over his face.
“I’m sorry,” Skylar said sympathetically. “I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost my mom.”
“Losing a loved one is torture, especially for those left behind. They say time heals all wounds. It doesn’t. It just patches a broken heart. It doesn’t get any easier over time. You just learn to live with the pain.”
Skylar breathed in a deep sigh. It was exactly how she felt about her
dad leaving her. She understood Mason’s pain and felt as if his pain were hers. Wanting to reach out and hold him in her arms to comfort him, she stood up.
Alarmed, looking perplexed, Mason stood up, too. “Why are you standing? Are you okay?”
“I … it’s just … I mean … ,” she started to explain, but words failed to escape her mouth.
Guiding her back to her seat, Mason placed his hands on her shoulders until her bottom touched the cushion. “I see how this is affecting you. Let’s change the subject.” He jiggled, tugged, and pulled a rib from his piece of chicken on the plate. “Here. It’s a wishbone. The winner gets to make a wish.”
“Really? I’ve never heard of that before.”
“Where have you been? Did you live under a rock?” He chuckled.
“Maybe. Pretty much.”
“Here,” Mason said and placed it in front of her. “Pull.”
Skylar took hold of the other side and did as instructed. Upon pulling, she broke it, but not in her favor. She frowned. “What are you going to wish for?”
“Wait. You didn’t give me time.” Mason closed his eyes. “Don’t stare at me,” he muttered with his eyes still closed.
Skylar laughed, thinking how adorable he was. “I wasn’t staring.”
Mason opened them. “Done. Oh, yes you were.”
“Fine.” She surrendered. “What did you wish for?”
“I can’t tell you. Then it won’t come true.”
“Alright, but when it comes true, you’ll have to let me know.”
“Deal,” he winked, placing the wishbone back on the plate.
The waitress came back several times asking if they needed anything. Skylar couldn’t believe how attentive she was, but then again, she would be too if she were serving her boss. After dinner, they agreed to skip dessert and headed home. The drive home was a different view. The stars were out, dotting the sky with twinkling lights while the moon cast a golden hue. Skylar stared out, thinking how wonderful dinner was, how memorable tonight’s date was, and how perfect Mason was.
TWENTY-SIX
Skylar woke up feeling as if she could float off the ground. Forgetting about what she had been through and forgetting about what danger could be ahead, her mind settled into a world of perfect bliss. Suddenly, she realized she only had one week left until she had to go back home. What would happen to their relationship? She recalled telling Kayla not to fall too deeply for Nick. Perhaps she needed to remind herself too. Her thoughts were broken by a soft knock on the door.
