by Bethany Shaw
Together they made their way down the long staircase to where Eli stood waiting by the door. He regarded them with a smile as he stepped forward.
"It has been most pleasurable having the two of you this past month." He kissed Cadence's hand.
"Thank you for letting us stay with you." Cadence pulled him into a hug.
"The pleasure has been mine." Eli patted her back before peering down at her then looking to Zak.
"Thank you, Eli." Zak gave his brother a nod as he proceeded to the door.
"Take care," Eli said.
“You too,” Zak said before turning to Cadence. “Are you ready?” He wasn’t one for goodbyes and didn’t want to dwell.
“I do hope you’ll keep my brother out of trouble,” Eli said with a chuckle.
Cadence licked her lips as she met Zak’s eyes. “Of course.”
Zak guided her outside onto the front stoop. Light snow fluttered down, and their breath ghosted on the cool air. Eli followed them out to the car, opening the passenger door for Cadence while Zak put the bags in the trunk.
"Thank you again, Eli." Cadence smiled as she hopped in.
"It was my pleasure, take care." He nodded at Cadence before shutting the door. “Be sure to take care of her, Zakariah. I doubt there is another woman like her in the world.”
Zak nodded. No, there was no one else even close to Cadence. “I will.” That was one promise he would keep no matter what.
***
"You all right?" Zak asked as they finished their meal. He stood from the diner table and pulled out his wallet, leaving a few bills on the table. Eli had been more than helpful, giving them plenty of money and a car to use.
"Just." She sighed, looking around at the dreary restaurant and the people. “Everyone seems so...down."
"The country is at war. Food is rationed, money is scarce, families are cut off from one another, and enemy forces occupy a good portion of the country. The times are bad." If she thought this was bad, he was glad she hadn't seen a lot of Paris. It was much worse in the occupied parts of the country.
"Guess I’m showing my age and lack of history, huh? Does it affect you to see the world like this? Or do you become numb to the troubles of the world after so long?”
"Only if you let it, Cadence. I think for a while I was numb to everything, until I met you. The world has many beautiful things in it, but with the good also comes the bad. It's how one handles the situations they are given that defines them," he said honestly.
Zak could only hope that nothing would ever change Cadence. She was perfect just as she was – strong, beautiful, and full of compassion and love. She was truly mesmerizing.
She looked at him with a small, almost relieved smile on her angelic face. "Sometimes you show your true age."
"Well, I have been around." He chuckled as he offered his arm to her.
She slipped her arm into his as they made their way through the diner and out into the bitter winter air. "How old are you? Physically and actually?"
Zak opened the car door for her, closing it and hurrying to his side. Once in, he answered her questions, "Physically, I was turned when I was twenty-three, actually one thousand and forty one."
"Wow!" Her eyes widened. "I can't even begin to imagine living that long. Seeing the world change. I mean, I kind of saw it over the past ten months, glimpses of it, you... you’ve seen everything."
He started the car. "I’ve seen a lot of things.” But he was only just beginning to live, just beginning to enjoy his life, thanks to Cadence.
“I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like for you,” she said as the car roared to life.
Zak maneuvered the car to the road. "I’ve had to adjust my perception of time," he said, hoping he could explain it for her. "After a few centuries, you don't feel the time anymore. You just move through it."
"When is your birthday?" she asked suddenly. "I mean, we're a couple. I should probably know that."
He laughed at her rapid change of subject. "June eighteenth."
"Oh." Her face fell and she reached out to place her hand on top of his. "Was I at least nice to you on your birthday?" she asked hesitantly.
"Just being in your company is enough," he told her with a smile. Hopefully she could make it up to him on his next birthday and all the ones after that. Her love and her company were more than enough for him.
Chapter Eight
"Wow." Cadence gaped at the Statue of Liberty from the deck of the ship. Sure, she had seen pictures, but they were so different from the real thing. "This is amazing."
Zak wrapped an arm around her middle, drawing her closer. "We’ve seen far older and more fascinating things than this." He placed a kiss to her cheek.
"I know." She smiled, still awed by the sight. "This is so close to home. I've always wanted to come here, but never had the opportunity. The other stuff was far more fascinating, but I never expected to ever get to see it. I've always wanted to travel to New York. It was at least a possibility a year ago."
"Anything is a possibility. I’ll take you anywhere in the world. All you have to do is ask.”
"Can we come back to New York?" she asked, turning so she could meet his stare. New York was the first of many places she wanted to visit. She wanted to see the whole world. For the first time, it wasn’t just a dream.
"New York is one of my favorite cities. We can stay in the city for the majority of our time here, and I’ll bring you back once we settle things at home.” He picked up their bags with the hand that wasn’t grasping hers. “We can disembark now. Come on, we’ll get a hotel room and some dinner. We’ll start sightseeing first thing in the morning.” He led the way to the line of people ready to disembark.
Apprehension rolled through her as she looked toward the port. They were nearly home. In a little over six weeks, they’d be in Bedford Falls with their friends and family. Would things stay the same between them? He made promises about their future, but what would happen to Maddie? She couldn’t turn a blind eye and let one of her best friends get slaughtered.
They would figure something out. If this experience had taught her one thing, it was that together they could overcome anything.
***
Cadence grumbled as she slipped into her dream, and her conscious entered the misty haze of the dream realm. She smoothed a hand over her flannel pants and spaghetti strap tank top, wondering who had control over what she wore in this place.
“Hello?” she called out as she peeked around her surroundings. Zak wasn’t here. The last time she’d been pulled into the dream realm first had been because of Trent. Her stomach rolled at the thought. She wasn’t ready to see him again quite yet. The conversation they needed to have should be done in person and privately.
She squinted as two forms approached. One was Jamie, the other Trent. A sigh escaped her lips, but she took a step forward. Regardless of who was here, they needed to plan. Jamie likely wouldn’t make contact again.
“Cadence!” Trent rushed to her and threw his arms around her, lifting her feet from the ground and twirling her in a circle.
“Hey.” She pulled away and took a step back, trying to avoid Trent’s blue eyes. “If you give me a second, I’ll try to get Zak.” If she were getting some vampire powers, then perhaps she could get in his head. Wouldn’t that surprise him?
“Can you do that?” Jamie asked.
“Why would you get him?” Trent asked. “We don’t need him here, do we?” He turned to Jamie.
Cadence swallowed. “I can try. Wouldn’t it be easier if he were here too?” She looked from Trent to Jamie, hoping her friend would have her back.
“Actually, it probably would be better to speak with the pair of you since I won’t be able to make contact again before the full moon. I need to save my strength,” Jamie said.
“We don’t need him here,” Trent growled.
Jamie groaned and turned to the vampire. “You said you would cooperate if I let you come. Grace was more than
happy to come in your place.”
Trent grumbled under his breath.
“Let me try this real quick.” Cadence didn’t wait for a response; instead, she closed her eyes and reached out for Zak with her mind. A tingle shot down her spine, and she felt his presence next to her.
She opened her eyes and turned to her right, smiling when she saw him. “It worked.” It had actually been really easy.
“You did this?” He cocked his head to the side.
She nodded and grinned, pleased at her newfound ability.
Zak’s gaze drifted to Trent. "What is he doing here?"
Jamie looked to Trent and then to them. "There was a lot of debating about who should come. Grace and Trent drew straws, and he won. I don’t know how much time we have here, so we need to get down to business. Did the spell work? Are you in 1944?"
"Yes,” Cadence told Jamie. “We’ve made our way to New York and plan to return home in several weeks. We were hoping your grandmother would help us with the spell.”
“I’m sure she’ll sense the disruption to the timeline,” Jamie said. “She should be able to help you. At least, I hope so. Where do you think you’ll do the spell? We want everyone there to help protect you.”
Cadence turned to Zak unsure where the best place was.
“My family is still in the mansion, correct?” Zak asked.
“Yes.” Jamie nodded. “Maddie and I are staying there, along with Trent.”
“Maddie’s safe?” Cadence asked, her heart pumping faster.
Jamie nodded. “The spell worked. Eli kept his word, Maddie’s fine. We actually just returned from Europe this morning. Eli has the entire clan and then some watching the grounds around the mansion.”
Cadence let out a long breath. “Good.”
“We’ll do the spell at the mansion. That way we’ll arrive there too,” Zak said.
“Sounds smart,” Jamie said.
“I’ll feel better once you are home safe, Cadence.” Trent took a step toward her. “I can’t wait to hold you again.”
Cadence bit her lip and swallowed. It seemed like Trent had completely forgotten they had broken up. “We’ve got a lot to talk about, Trent.”
“I love you, Cadence.” Trent whooshed toward her, enveloping her in his arms, and kissing her on the lips before she could stop him.
Cadence pulled back, but his grip was ironclad. She wriggled, trying to break free, doing everything she could without harming him. Finally he released her and set her back on her feet. He tucked his finger under her chin, but before he could say anything, his form began to fade away.
She took a step back, her eyes widening as Trent disappeared entirely. “Jamie?” she called, searching for her friend. It was too late –she was already gone. Hopefully they’d communicated well enough for everything to work out when they returned home.
The fog began to dissipate. She turned, catching a glimpse of Zak’s fiery gaze before they both woke.
Her eyes blinked open. The bed shifted as Zak exited, slipping on a pair of pants and making his way to the window.
Cadence studied him, watching the light of the moon as it cast shadows onto his body. She couldn't help but appreciate the sight before her. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for her to realize by his stance that he was mad. Biting her lip, she wrapped the sheet around her and sat up.
"What's wrong?" she asked. She was pretty sure she already knew the answer. Trent’s display of affection hadn’t gone unnoticed.
"Why didn't you tell him?" Zak spun around his jaw set, his eyes glowing. Cadence opened her mouth to answer, but he spoke before her. "I told you not to lie to me, Cadence."
"Zak." She exhaled and ran a hand through her snarled hair. “I’m sorry.”
"Don't lie to me anymore, Cadence." He grabbed a shirt and pulled it on.
"He took me by surprise. I’m sorry.” She fought back the tears pricking her eyes. In her attempt to not embarrass Trent with a conversation that should be held in private, she'd inadvertently hurt Zak. Trent’s kiss was the icing on the cake. Sure, she could’ve used magic to get Trent away, but it wasn’t his fault he wasn’t in the loop. Not to mention, who knew what effect magic would have in the dream realm?
"Just don't," he said as he walked to the door. He slammed it behind him.
Hot tears trickled down her face. Don’t just stand there, go after him. Grabbing the first dress she found, she quickly put it on and rushed out after him.
Surely he couldn't have gone far. Think, think, think. Where would he have gone? Wrapping her coat tighter around her body, she decided to check out the bar that was on the next block over. That was where guys went when they needed distance, right?
The only thing she could think about was finding him and explaining her actions, or lack thereof. Tears formed in her eyes again as she thought of how hurt he probably felt right now. She was in love with him and didn't know how else to make him believe her.
Walking into the bar, she quickly scanned the crowd. He wasn't here. With a sigh, she set to work on checking all the booths. Hopefully she would find him tucked away somewhere around here. She didn't quite know what she was going to say, but finding him was her first priority. Everything else could be sorted out once they were face to face. He had to listen to her and give her a chance to explain.
Cadence let out a frustrated groan and stomped her foot as she reached the very back of the establishment. She still hadn't found him. Then again, Zak wasn't like most guys, so perhaps he had gone somewhere to be alone. Yes, that was what he had done, she was sure of it now. Too bad she hadn't realized sooner. Finding him in New York City was going to be next to impossible, especially since she didn’t know her way around. She didn’t even know the first place to look for a brooding vampire.
She leaned against the brick wall and let out a breath. Should she continue to look, or go back and wait?
Zak would come back, of that she was certain. How long would she have to wait, though? He could already be back wondering where she was, though she doubted it. It had only been a half an hour.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome for Melanie Smith," someone shouted into a microphone. Wait, what? What are the chances? Cadence spun around at the name and fought her way back through the crowd until she could clearly see the stage and the familiar woman on it. Melanie.
Chapter Nine
Guilt consumed Zak as he wandered across the Brooklyn Bridge. He clung to a bottle of scotch, his gaze drifting across the dark water below. Part of him wanted to go back to the hotel and ravage her, bite her while staking his claim. She was his, dammit. No one else was allowed to touch her. The bond they had was strong. Her body – her essence – beckoned to him. The more blood they shared, the more powerful it became. It would be so easy to go back to the hotel and claim her over and over again, but he couldn’t do that. He wouldn’t force himself on her like that.
As much as it pained him, if she were to choose the other vampire over him, he would let her go. He prayed it didn’t come to that.
Cadence had the rare opportunity to destroy him. He loved her more than anything else. She was a weakness, one who drove him mad. He needed this to be real.
Blowing out a breath, he dropped the empty bottle onto the rocks below. It shattered, splintering across the rocks. He shook his head and ran a hand over his face.
He shouldn’t have left her there alone. What if something happened? What if Malcolm found her? In his anger, he hadn’t thought of anything else but his need for solitude. He swallowed and turned to hurry back to the hotel. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to her.
Zak slowed as he approached the hotel, returning to a human pace. He ignored the concierge and made his way up to the room.
“Cadence,” he said as he twisted the knob.
The room was empty. His heart leapt into his throat as his eyes scanned the space. There was no evidence of a struggle, and he was certain his witch wouldn’t go down without
one hell of a fight. But where was she? Her bag still sat next to the dresser, all of her personal items in place aside from her jacket.
She probably went out searching for you. He sat on the bed and flopped backwards, closing his eyes. You’ve made a mess of things now.
***
Cadence scanned the crowd for Harrison. Surely if Melanie was here, he was too. The pair was inseparable – true soul mates. Perhaps one day she and Zak could have that, but she could only hope for now. Obviously they had a few things to work on.
Every couple fights. It’s healthy, right?
She shook her head as she replayed the events from earlier while keeping an eye on Melanie. Could she have done something more to stop Trent? The more she thought about it, the less sure she became. She could have been more forceful, pushed him away with magic. He’d just taken her by surprise and she’d panicked.
A robust man bumped into her, startling her out of her thoughts. She excused herself and continued to scan the crowd.
Everyone was pushing closer to the stage, some dancing while others simply talked. Still others moved closer to listen.
Melanie’s voice rang out, filling the room with her soft, melodic voice. She was never going to find Harrison in the crowd. Her best bet would be to sit it out and wait for Melanie to finish, then sneak backstage.
Cadence plopped down on a barstool and grabbed some peanuts, admiring the vampire as she sang. Melanie was as beautiful as ever. Her long locks were swept up and she wore a sultry red dress that seemed a bit risqué for the time and for Melanie.
"Cadence?"
Cadence looked up at the familiar voice. Harrison. She hadn't been able to find him because he was in the one place she hadn't looked. The bar. "Harrison." She smiled.
“It’s so good to see you. I wasn’t expecting to run into you again for another few decades,” he said as he set a tumbler in front of her. “Do you want something to drink?”
“Water’s fine, thanks.”
"Where is Zak?" His eyes darted around the room, no doubt searching for his brother.
