by C. C. Wood
“They existed,” I stated. “But to my knowledge, I’m the only one left.”
Savannah’s reaction didn’t surprise me. Her eyes widened and her face paled. However, I was taken aback by her words. “I’m so sorry, Rhys.”
I expected her to recoil in disgust when she heard what I was, not express sympathy. “I’m a vampire, Savannah. A parasite. I feed off a person’s emotions. Their soul.”
Speculation entered her gaze. “Do you often kill the people you feed from?” she asked. Once again, she reminded me of the Goddess, but now it was because wisdom and power were evident in her eyes. She might be gentle and nurturing, but she was also capable of great feats and ferocity.
“No, I never kill.” I paused. That wasn’t entirely true. I had killed my brother, Cornelius. I’d had no other choice. For century after century, he hunted me and took everything he could from me until I realized that I had no other choice. If I didn’t stop him, he would kill me, then he would go on to hurt thousands, maybe even millions, of innocent people. Even now, the knowledge that I’d taken my brother’s life still weighed so heavily.
When we were younger, before Gaius purchased us at a slave market, Cornelius had been joyful and kind. Gaius’ attentions eventually hardened him and evil tainted his soul. When the experiments began, my brother was already a completely different person than the boy I’d grown up with. After Gaius succeeded in creating us, Cornelius was no longer human. Until the night I killed him, I’d often wondered if he even had a soul of his own left.
It wasn’t until I drained the life force from his body that I’d had my answer. Cornelius had a soul, but it was so dark and tortured that any shred of humanity within him was lost millennia ago.
“Then how do you feed?” she asked me, her voice gentle.
I stared blankly at her. “What do you mean?”
“You need a person’s soul to survive. That should be lethal. How do you feed without killing?”
“I don’t need their soul in its entirety. The human soul is made up of many things but it’s their emotions that I siphon. Sometimes at the deepest level.” She didn’t speak, merely met my gaze levelly, so I continued. “I choose victims who are in pain. Those who are hurting so badly that they’re irrevocably broken. I feed on their agony, their heartbreak.”
Savannah nodded. “What happens to them when you’re done?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Are they still in pain? Can they function?”
I stared at her, uncomprehending why this was important. “I remove part of their pain when I feed from them. It’s an unfortunate side effect.”
Her smile was small and sad. “Maybe, but maybe not. Did you ever stop to think that you might be helping these people by lessening their suffering?”
“That doesn’t matter,” I argued. “I’m stealing from them. Who we are is determined by what we experience in life. Pleasure, pain, joy, sorrow. Without the full range of human emotion, people never reach their potential.”
“That’s a good point,” Savannah agreed. “But you’re talking about people who are in despair. They aren’t suffering from a short-term pain that teaches them an important lesson. They’re battling demons with their bare hands, and they’re losing. By lessening their burden, you might be helping them.”
Her reasoning echoed my own justifications too closely to convince me. It was an empty reason. An excuse to make my actions seem less loathsome.
“Whether I’m helping them or hurting them doesn’t matter. I’m taking something that is not mine. Especially something so essential.”
She nodded. “I can understand why that concerns you. We’re taught not to steal and to treat others with kindness but—”
Before the conversation could continue further, the doorbell rang.
“There’s the pizza,” she said, tearing her gaze from mine and taking a step toward the living room.
I got to my feet and bent down to place Satchel on the floor. “I’ll get it.” As I walked out of the kitchen, I pulled my wallet out of my pocket.
“I’ll grab the plates and meet you in the living room,” she called behind me.
When I opened the front door, a man stood on the porch with two pizzas in his hands. He blanched when he saw me. “Uh, hey. How are you today?”
“I’m doing well,” I replied, wondering why he seemed unsettled. “How are you?”
“Um, I’m good, man.” He looked around me, digging in his pocket for a slip of paper and pen. “Is Van here? I need her to sign the receipt.”
“Receipt?”
“Yeah, she paid with her credit card so she needs to sign the receipt.”
Before I could turn to find her, Savannah’s warmth hit my side. “Hey, Tanner. How are you today?” She reached out and took the slip of paper and pen from the younger man.
He grinned at her, his eyes wandering over her face and shoulders. “I’m better now that I’ve seen you.”
Savannah scoffed then laughed lightly. “Yeah, yeah. Stop flirting with me. I’ve told you more than once I’m too old for you.”
“It’s only five years,” he argued.
“It might as well be fifty,” she shot back.
He laughed, his eyes flicking to me for a moment, before he looked back at her. Something dark rose within me, a feeling I wasn’t familiar with. I didn’t like the way he looked at her and flirted with her right in front of me. It made me angry.
I stuck my wallet back in my pocket and reached out to take the pizzas from him as Savannah signed the paper. “I’ll carry these into the living room,” I stated.
Satchel appeared between Savannah and I and sat down on the floor. She looked up at Tanner with suspicious eyes. When he glanced down toward her, she growled at him. I could sense that she didn’t like him either.
As I carried the pizzas to the coffee table, the cat followed me and I murmured to her, “Good girl.”
Her only reply was to rub against my calf.
I set the pizzas down and stood next to the couch, watching as Savannah gave the receipt back to Tanner and brushed off his attempts at further flirtation.
“Go back to work,” she admonished. “Flirt with someone your own age.”
“But none of them are as pretty as you.”
His reply had me biting back a growl of my own and tamping down on the urge to walk over and slam the door in his face.
“You’re still getting the same twenty percent tip you always do,” she retorted, putting a hand on her hip.
“I’ll take a hug and a kiss instead,” he offered.
Savannah laughed. “That hasn’t worked the last ten times you’ve tried it and it’s not going to work now. Thanks for the pizza.”
Tanner chuckled as well. “It was worth a try,” he sighed.
She shook her head. “Bye, Tanner.”
“Bye, Savannah.”
She didn’t see it, but as she closed the door his eyes came to me. I saw and felt it clearly then. He was jealous. He wanted to be in my place. Then comprehension filled me. The dark feeling that I experienced earlier was also jealousy. Somehow, I’d formed an attachment to Savannah. I didn’t want other men flirting with her or looking at her the way that Tanner did. I felt…possessive of her.
“I wanted to buy lunch,” I commented as she sat on the couch and reached for the first box of pizza. “You helped me today.”
Savannah waved a hand. “It was my pleasure.”
“I still wanted to repay you.”
She put two slices of pizza on each plate. “You can buy lunch next time then,” she relented.
Pleased that she spoke as though she intended to spend time with me again, I let it go and sat down next to her.
“Want to watch TV or a movie?” she asked.
“Sure,” I replied.
“What do you want to see?”
I shrugged and took a bite of my pizza. “I don’t know. I don’t have a TV.”
Her eyes widened. “You
don’t have a TV?”
“No.”
“I have no idea what to say to you now,” she murmured.
“Why don’t you show me your favorite television show?”
Her cheeks grew pink. “I don’t know if you’d like it.”
“I might not, but now I definitely want to see it because it’s making you blush,” I teased her.
Savannah laughed. “Fine, but no complaining if you don’t.”
I didn’t tell her that I wouldn’t complain even if I didn’t because I wanted to learn more about her and understand who she was. The more I was around Savannah Baker, the more time I wanted to spend with her.
Chapter Eight
Savannah
Two days after the car shopping expedition, Rhys texted me and asked me to help him buy a television. That particular shopping trip took longer than buying the SUV. In the end, he cooked dinner for us, which was a novelty I’d never experienced before. I enjoyed every minute of our time together and hope bloomed within me.
Then nothing. For over a week, I didn’t hear from Rhys. He didn’t call or text or even come into The Magic Bean. I never even saw a shadow in his window. Not that I took the time to look over at his house while hiding behind my curtains and blinds. That would be creepy. It was more of a casual glance from time to time. While standing behind my curtains. With all the lights off in the room. Okay, so maybe it was creepy. I was acting slightly stalker-ish.
I was beginning to wonder if the connection I felt with him was completely in my head. If the attraction that I thought he reciprocated was actually unrequited.
To combat my desire to brood, I dressed in a pair of ratty yoga pants and a ragged t-shirt and went out into my garden. Though both my front and back yards were small, I tried to make the most of them. When I started my garden, I wanted to create a whimsical fairyland and I thought I succeeded.
Lush plants and delicate flowers filled most of my front yard. A large oak tree soared over the house and cast shade across the lawn, which made it possible for me to plant flowers that grew best in the shade. Throughout the beds, I placed fantastical touches to bring fairytales and myths to life. Small stone fairies peeked around plants, wooden toadstools painted in bright colors were scattered strategically among the greenery, and other mythical creatures could be found nestled among the flowerbeds.
It took hours of work every week but I loved it. It was both relaxing and invigorating. I found that my mind was lighter after I spent a couple of hours in the garden and my body was pleasantly tired, making it easier to fall asleep after a stressful day.
Today, I decided to handle the weeding and removal of faded blooms from the plants. Settling into a rhythm that I found soothing, it was tedious work that would keep me occupied and prevent me from focusing too much on my thoughts.
Despite my confused feelings, I enjoyed spending time with Rhys. Because his emotions were so muted, I felt as though I could relax in his company. It was a strange sensation since I used so many emotional cues when I spent time with others. Instead I could focus on what he said and his actions rather than the ups and downs of his thoughts and feelings.
“Your garden is lovely.”
I yelped and whirled around, falling onto my backside. A tall, slender woman with long black hair stood a few feet away. Even in dark jeans and a gauzy purple tank top, she was terrifyingly elegant. I could tell from a quick glance that her entire outfit was probably worth as much as my car. When my eyes landed on the bag dangling from her arm, I knew that the cost of the purse alone could have paid for a brand new sedan.
I rose to my feet, keeping my eyes on her. Despite her sophisticated appearance, something about this woman made the back of my neck tingle in a way I didn’t like. Yet all I could sense emanating from her was general interest, nothing more. “Thank you. Can I help you?”
She walked toward me, her strides graceful and smooth despite the tall wedge sandals on her feet. She also managed to evade all of my flowerbeds with absolute grace. “Hi, my name is Rhiannon Temple. I’m a property developer and real estate agent. I’m interested in this area. Have you ever considered selling your home?”
As she spoke, she removed a business card from her bag. When she held it out to me, I took it automatically.
“Unfortunately, I rent this home,” I replied. A slightly painful shock jumped from her fingers to mine for the brief moment that we held the card between us, then she released it and the sensation faded. “But you can speak to my landlord. Her name is Ava Amaris and she owns The Magic Bean coffee shop on South Congress.”
Rhiannon nodded her head, her black hair falling like in a sleek sheet down her back. “Thank you. I appreciate the information.” Her eyes wandered over the plants in my garden. “You’ve made this place beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Courtesy dictated I invite her inside and maybe offer her something to drink, but my instincts were shrieking at me to keep her out of my home.
I was saved from having to make an excuse by the sound of Rhys’ voice.
“Savannah, I’m glad I caught you at home. Do you have a minute?”
Rhiannon and I turned toward him.
“Sure, Rhys,” I replied. I glanced at Rhiannon. “I’ll let Ava know you came by but if you’d like to speak with her in person, she’ll be in the shop next week.”
I tried to ignore the way that Rhiannon eyed him because I disliked the feeling it stirred within me. Jealousy. Plain and simple. I wanted to smack her as she longingly ogled Rhys from head to toe. He was my stupid hot neighbor. Mine.
“Hello,” she greeted him, holding out her hand. “I’m Rhiannon Temple.”
Rhys took her hand, but released it quickly. “Good afternoon.”
When he didn’t say anything else, the woman seemed undeterred. She reached back into her bag, coming out with another card. “I’m a property developer and real estate agent and I’m interested in homes in this area—”
Rhys lifted a hand. “Thank you, but I rent my home from the same landlord as Savannah. You’ll have to speak to her.”
With a polite nod, Rhiannon returned the card to her purse. “Thank you for the information.” She encompassed us both with a look. “I appreciate your time. Have a lovely afternoon.”
Rhys and I watched as she strode gracefully down the sidewalk and climbed into a white Range Rover that was parked several houses down.
It wasn’t until she drove away that he turned to me. “Are you okay?”
I blinked at him in confusion. “Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
He tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his heels. “You seemed uncomfortable when you were speaking to her.”
I couldn’t deny it, so I shrugged and looked down at the toes of my dirty sneakers. “There was something unsettling about her, that’s all. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
We stood in my front yard in silence for a long moment. “Your garden truly is beautiful,” he said. After he spoke, a light breeze picked up and made the wooden and metal wind chimes hanging from the oak tree sing. “It’s almost as if it belongs in a different world.”
“Thank you. That’s exactly what I want it to be.”
Once again neither of us said anything else for a few seconds. Just when I was about to excuse myself and hide inside, he focused his eyes on me. The color startled me for a moment. They were brilliantly blue and piercing, as though he could see into my soul. Which he technically could, I realized.
“Would you go somewhere with me this afternoon?” he asked.
Unable to resist, I teased, “Do you need help buying a refrigerator or a laptop?”
Rhys smiled. “No, I discovered a beautiful place and I think you would enjoy it.”
Seeing the dimples in his cheeks, I couldn’t say no, even though I was still a little upset I hadn’t heard from him in a week.
“Let me go change.”
Chapter Nine
Rhys
I had no idea what I was doing as I steered the SUV into the parking lot at Zilker Park. The botanical gardens were beautiful. I discovered them my second week in Austin and came here regularly. So regularly that the attendant, Joe, greeted me by name when I pulled up to pay the entry fee.
Savannah was watching me with open curiosity as I parked. “Do you come here often?” she asked.
I shrugged. “Once or twice a week.”
She looked around. “What is this place? I’ve lived in Austin for years and I’ve never been here.”
“It’s a botanical garden.”
“It’s so pretty,” she murmured.
As we got out of the car, I noted that clouds were gathering in the sky. I hoped the rain would hold off for a bit so I could show her my favorite spot. I wanted to reach for her hand, but I suppressed the urge. I should be keeping my distance from her, not trying to pull her closer. I shouldn’t have even brought her here, but once I spoke to her again and saw the gentle warmth in her dark eyes, I found myself inviting her to join me.
First, we walked through the Butterfly Garden, admiring the flowers and the beautiful wings of the butterflies that skimmed from bloom to bloom. Then I led her to my favorite area in the garden. Lush green trees and grasses lined the stone path that led to the koi pond.
Savannah sighed when she saw it. “This is so peaceful,” she murmured. “And beautiful.”
I knew she would see it as I did. Beauty and peace in a busy world. A place to breathe.
“I try to find peace where I can,” I replied. “There is so little of it in this world.”
Her head turned toward me. “I don’t agree with that.”
Surprised, I met her gaze. “You don’t agree?” I asked in confusion.
“That there’s very little peace in this world,” she clarified. “I think there is plenty of peace, even in the middle of a busy city. You just have to be willing to experience it.”
“How do you mean?” I asked. Savannah often said and did things that made me wonder how she saw the world. Her perception was so different than mine.
