“Are you sure you can handle all of this? I mean, our Jonathon, is very high maintenance,” said Mason pulling me into a hug.
“I think I’ll manage,” I said with a smile.
Mason grabbed my left hand. Looking at my engagement ring he whistled, “Man that is one big rock. I bet it’s even bigger than Jonathon’s dead shriveled heart.”
“Stop it,” said Jonathon swiping at Mason. Mason laughed and danced out of the way.
“Can we get back to the important matter at hand?” snapped Aleksei.
“Oh, of course,” said Patrick. He looked back at Jonathon and me and said, “We’ll celebrate later.”
Jonathon and I joined the others seated at the table. Aleksei was arguing with a man that appeared to be around the same age as Aleksei himself. From the snippets I could pick up it sounded like Aleksei wanted to send all of the Coven members against Selena while the other man was in favor of only sending a few.
“Aleksei, it’s only one bloodsucker. I don’t see why you feel the need to pit us all against her. A few should suffice.”
“Well, like you said Albirto, it’s only one vampire so it should be no problem for all of us,” said Aleksei spreading his arms wide.
The man, whom I assumed was Albirto, huffed and crossed his arms. Jonathon squeezed my hand. I looked up and smiled at him. He was holding my left hand and kept twisting my engagement ring around and around. I watched him from the corner of my eye and saw a smile tug at the soft corners of his mouth. It felt wrong to be so happy when we would soon be facing such tragedy. But I was happy. Really and truly happy and I hoped that this feeling would never go away.
The Coven members and the Pulmer’s argued back and forth for what felt like forever but I didn’t mind so much since Jonathon and I were still confined in our blissful little bubble. I kept stealing glances at Jonathon as the others talked and he did the same with me. I was able to pick up on enough of what they were saying to learn that Isaac’s dad’s name was Gregory. A tall woman with long shiny chestnut colored hair stood beside him and I could pick out bits and pieces of Isaac and Isobel in her features so I assumed she was their mother. Her name was Emmatine. She was beautiful and there was a fierce protectiveness to her stance. She reminded me of a female lion. Docile until you invaded her territory. Then she was vicious.
Soon the Coven members left the room. Patrick put his head in his hands and shook his head saying, “This has turned into such a nightmare.”
Jonathon hung his head, “I’m sorry, Patrick.”
Patrick’s head snapped up, “Jonathon Matthew Pulmer you have nothing to be sorry for. You cannot control Selena’s actions.”
“Yes, but she pitted her revenge on me, not you. You don’t have to do this, Patrick. None of you do. I can handle this by myself. I don’t need you or anyone else’s help. This is my problem after all,” said Jonathon and I could feel his anger rising.
Patrick slammed his hand on the table. I was surprised it didn’t bend from the force but all it did was shake. “Jonathon,” he said, his voice rising, “That is not what I meant and you know it.”
Jonathon shook his head, “No, I don’t know it. This isn’t your fight. It’s mine,” he said and his shoulders began to shake, “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have been there that night. If I hadn’t been there then all of this would never have happened.” I ran my hand down the length of his back in a soothing motion.
It’s okay. I said through my thoughts. This isn’t your fault.
Suddenly I felt like some outside being was taking control of my body again, “You cannot control fate,” I said once again in that strange voice that was my own but sounded deeper and huskier.
I shook my head. I looked up to see all the Pulmers staring at me opened mouthed. I put my hand to my head and said, “I wish that would stop happening.”
Jonathon and Patrick exchanged a significant glance. Jonathon put his hand on my neck and massaged it gently. I leaned in to him.
I saw Diana shake her head, “Jonathon, we’re here for you. Stop being a butt head.”
We all started laughing. I was bent over at the waist with tears running out of my eyes.
Mason said, “Did you seriously just say ‘butt head’?”
Diana blushed, “Well, he was being a butt head.”
Jonathon’s shoulders kept shaking with laughter. I hadn’t seen him laugh so hard in a long time. It was good to hear and see him laugh. He finally regained control of himself, “Sorry Diana I’ll be on my best behavior from now on.”
“Good,” she said smiling. “Now, let me see your ring,” she said sliding down to sit beside me. Jonathon relinquished my hand to her. “It’s so beautiful,” she breathed, “I hope I find my soul mate one day.”
“Thanks,” I said, “and Diana you will. One day your prince charming will come and he will be one lucky guy.” I looked up at Jonathon, “Did anyone know?”
He chuckled. “I didn’t tell a soul. After all, these people can’t keep a secret,” he said with a significant look at Diana.
She giggled, “It was one time and I was only six.”
Jonathon shook his head, “That wasn’t the only time and you know it.”
She laughed, “I’m your little sister it’s what I do.” He ruffled her hair and she shied away, “Stop it. Don’t mess up the hair!” she giggled.
“Grow up,” I said and smacked his arm. This time he ruffled my hair.
“So,” began Diana, “when’s the wedding?”
“It’s time,” I said in that funny voice again. Everyone dropped what they were doing and jumped into action. It was amazing how seriously they took what I was saying when I was overcome by whatever it was.
It was time for this all to end. After almost a year it would finally be over. Isaac’s eye caught me from across the room.
“Be safe,” I mouthed.
“I will,” he mouthed and with sadness in his eyes he looked at my ring. I saw pain flit across his face before he mouthed “Congratulations. I love you, Ky.”
I looked mournfully down at the floor. I looked back up and mouthed, “I know,” but he was no longer looking.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Battle Field
The Coven members were strapping on different weapons. I saw one weapon that looked like some sort of electronic bow and arrow. I saw that Isaac had a large sword strapped across his back. The sword was intricately beautiful. It had what looked like emeralds imbedded in the hilt. I found myself moving closer to study it. I was surprised to find that it had small intricate symbols etched into its shiny silver surface. It was so shiny that I could see my distorted reflection in it. I found myself reaching my hand out to touch it.
“Whoa, Ky, what are you doing?” Isaac asked turning around.
“Sorry,” I said stumbling back a few steps. My stumble seemed to break my trance. “I- it’s just so beautiful.
Isaac smiled and removed it. He held it in both his hands for me to see it better. I traced my hand along its smooth planes. The symbols and words, words that didn’t look like any language I had ever seen, covered the whole sword. The hilt was metal but the metal had even more carvings on it. The carvings on the hilt weren’t delicate like the others. These were large and had graphic depictions of bloodshed and war. I traced my finger along the hilt.
“You know, there’s and ancient tale about this sword,” he said.
“Really?” I asked, “What is it?”
“It was told that this sword was made by the goblins and elves of the mountains before the beginning of time. It is said that the goblins weaved their immortality into the sword with their ancient forgotten language and that the elves breathed strength, power, and invincibility into the emeralds. It is said that the bearer of this sword will survive any battle and will live forever in greatness. If only that was true,” he said with a crooked grin.
“You’re already pretty great, Isaac. I don’t think you need a sword to make you great.”
“Th
anks, Ky,” he said and took my left hand. “Wow,” he breathed, “So you’re really marrying him.”
“Yes,” I whispered looking away from his penetrating ice blue gaze.
He took a deep breath and said, “I thought I knew what it felt like to have my heart broken but I was wrong. This is what it feels like,” he looked mournfully at my ring finger.
“There never was any choice, Isaac. You are my friend. Jonathon is my soul mate.”
He laughed a harsh laugh and shook his head. “Don’t you see? He’s supposed to be dead! He isn’t even supposed to exist. If he wasn’t here, if he wasn’t the abomination that they all are, you would be with me! You would have chosen me.”
I sighed and shook my head, “That may be true but Jonathon does exist,” I looked down at my sneakers, “and Isaac even if he wasn’t my soul mate I would still choose him. I love him and I can’t live without him. I love you too, Isaac, but not in the same way. Not in the way that you want. I can’t help the way I feel and I’m sorry to have to hurt you. I want us to be friends. I want to see you find your own happiness. I’ve found mine,” I said and looked at Jonathon. Jonathon came over and took my hand.
Isaac sighed, “I told you I would always be your friend. From now on I’ll keep my mouth shut,” he smiled and hugged me. He turned to Jonathon, “I’m sorry for being such a jerk. I may have grown up learning to kill vampires but I know now that you all aren’t murderers. You’re a good guy. I may hate your guts but you are a good guy. You both deserve to be happy,” he said rather mournfully.
“Isaac,” said Jonathon, “Kylie and I are it for each other. One day you’ll find that for yourself. Everyone deserves to find happiness.”
Isaac smiled and looked at us both, “I promise that from now on I’ll be on my best behavior,” he chuckled, “And Ky, I’ll even be one of your brides maids, but I am not wearing one of those frilly dresses,” he stuck his tongue out.
I laughed. “I think the term is Man of Honor.”
He smiled, “Well, whatever it is I’ll be it if you want me to.”
“I’d like that,” I said.
“We have to go now,” said Jonathon pulling me away.
I gave Isaac a quick hug and then followed Jonathon away from the mass of people prepping for battle. Jonathon grabbed both of my hands and said, “I want you to stay here, in the house, I have place made up for you.”
“No,” I said shaking my head, “I’m going out there with you. You are not going out there without me. I have to go, Jonathon. I can’t just sit here and wait for you like some housewife from the fifties. I can’t and I won’t. I am just as much a part of this, more even, than the rest of these people. I won’t let everyone risk their lives for me if I’m not willing to risk my own.”
Jonathon shook his head exasperated, “Kylie, I just want you to be safe.”
“I’ll be safest with you and everyone else. If I stay in here I’ll be unprotected. Plus, if you leave me in here I’ll only find a way out there,” I said trying to be logical. But I didn’t really care what I said as long as it got me out of the house and onto the battle field.
“You have a point there,” he said. “Fine, you can be there, as long as you stay behind the front lines.”
“Deal,” I said and kissed him.
He smiled, “You play dirty.”
“I never said that I would play fair. It was wrong for you to assume that I would,” I teased him.
He took my hand and we joined the large group. The Coven members had all their weapons assembled and the vampires were ready with their strength and mind games. It was time for this all to end. I felt like this moment had been coming for so long and for it to be finally here it didn’t seem real. My heart began to race and my palms began to sweat in anticipation. This was it. The time had come. We were ready.
* * *
The night sky was dark. Pitch black. I could see the faint sparkle of stars in the distance, but here, where we stood in the large yard was nothing but blackness. It was all so eerily familiar. It was August but there was a faint nippy chill to the air. A slight wind ruffled the leaves of the trees and plants and the ends of my hair. The air smelled stale and sparkled with unseen electricity as if it too knew what was coming and was preparing itself against the onslaught. The ground crunched under all of our footsteps as if it was sighing under our weight. Everyone was looking around as if waiting for her to jump out from behind a tree or fall from the sky. Didn’t they know she had a flare for the dramatics? She would make her presence known in the most surprising way. That was Selena. She wanted to put on a show. I held tighter to Jonathon’s hand. I wanted to wait until the last second to let go of his hand. He squeezed my hand reassuringly before pulling away. I gripped at the air and stumbled as my hand clenched thin air. I regained my footing and stood my ground. I was not weak. I was human but that didn’t mean I was weak. I thought of everyone I loved. All of their faces flashing across my mind’s eye. My mom. My dad. My brothers. Childhood friends. Patrick. Amelia. Joseph. Danny. Mason. Diana. Isaac. And of course Jonathon. Jonathon, the love of my life, the man I was going to marry. I still couldn’t believe we were getting married. I felt a deep sense of regret that we had been torn away from our bliss. But I didn’t regret what we did. I was a grown woman now and I could make my own decisions and I didn’t need anyone’s judgment. I was free to live my life and make my own decisions. After all, I was going to be getting married. Even in the midst of all this pain and sadness I had that one thing to keep me together. Selena could fight us, and try to kill us, but she couldn’t stop us from getting married. She couldn’t take away our happiness.
I watched Jonathon as he sidled through the crowd to join the front lines. I saw him lift his head and look around. Then I saw the subtle twitching of his nose as he sniffed the air for Selena’s scent. I moved forward to join the ranks of vampire and Coven members.
“Kylie, stay back,” said Jonathon in a voice I had rarely heard. It was harsh and fiercely protective. I moved back a couple of steps. The Coven members removed their weapons and stood at the ready surrounding me. I was immensely sad that they all felt the need to risk their lives for me. I was one person and it worried me that everyone thought it would take this many people to kill only one vampire. I realized sickeningly that things must have been far worse than I thought they were.
I kept my eye on Jonathon and saw the blue flames erupt from his hands and spread to cover his whole arms. The light illuminated everyone in a sickly blue color. Jonathon looked around savagely. He opened his mouth and unleashed a purely animal sound that made the hairs on my back stand on end. His sharply pointed incisors glimmered a pearly white despite the blue gleam of his flames. “Come out, come out wherever you are! I know you’re here!” growled Jonathon into the night.
I gasped as a cold hand came around my neck.
“Tsk, tsk, Jonathon. I thought you were better than that,” she said as the line of vampires and Coven members turned, frozen in place, “You left the girl waiting for me. How nice of you. Are you ready to watch her die?” Her voice whispered into the night.
I thought if I blinked my eyes I would wake up. This was exactly like my nightmare but unlike last time I was living it. My breathing stopped. I could see the fright in Jonathon’s eyes as I looked at him. If she was going to kill me I wanted his face to be my last sight even if it was twisted with pain.
Her arm was harder than other vampires and a sickly gray color. In the light provided by Jonathon’s fire I could see that it looked like her skin was peeling as if it was ready to drop off of the bone. Selena was disintegrating. My instincts said to pull her arm away but my brain said it would be useless. She was stronger. Stronger than she looked. Stronger than the last time I had encountered her. Jonathon hadn’t been lying when he said that vampires that have lost their soul mate get stronger. He said the process was much like a star burning out. The fire rages hotter and hotter until finally it just stops and ceases to exist. Selena�
�s time was near but she was still burning brightly. All though her physical strength had grown, from the little that I could see it looked as if Selena’s body was close to falling apart. I wanted to look up and see her face to see if it matched the zombie like arm clutching me but I couldn’t move. I was frozen by her arm and frozen in terror.
“Let-go-of-her,” said Jonathon through clenched teeth.
I could see Selena’s pout in my mind, “Oh, but sweet Jonathon, you owe her to me, don’t you think? Soul mate for soul mate?” she said in a sweet feminine voice mocking him.
Jonathon growled, “I-owe-you-nothing!”
I could feel her smile sweetly, “I thought you might say that,” and then she threw me across the yard where I landed with a thud but thankfully not severely hurt. I looked to see that chaos had broken out. I scooted out of the line of fire and hid behind a bush where I would still be able to watch what was happening. I knew it was pointless to hide. If she wanted to find me she would be able to just by my smell but it still made me feel better to hide behind its green cover.
It looked like a full on war was taking place. I found myself shivering from fright. Jonathon looked like some kind of fierce avenging angel. I had never seen a look of such hatred on his normally passively beautiful face. His hands and arms pulsed with the purplish-blue fire. It looked as if the fire was breathing with him. His eyes were squinted in determination. She danced and shimmered her way around everybody. I could see the faint purple outline of her shield as she glided by people and vampires. She was smiling which made me even sicker to my stomach. This was no longer just about revenge she was just wanted to destroy and wreak havic. Balthazar swung a punch but it just bounced off of her and I could see that it had caused him pain. He cupped his injured hand and I was stunned to see that it was broken and that the bones were knitting themselves back together.
I watched in stricken horror as the Coven member with the bow and arrow cocked it and aimed. It whistled out aimed straight at Selena’s heart. It looked like it connected but it didn’t. Suddenly, the arrow was shooting straight towards the stunned Coven member. His eyes widened in horror and before he could move the arrow sliced straight through his chest and back as he fell to the ground on his knees. Blood poured out of his chest and mouth and he slumped to the ground lifeless.
Forbidden (Fallen Series Book 2) Page 23
