by Mela Zen
My thoughts scattered when I feel a blow to my stomach, but I somehow dodge the piercing sharp knife. I returned Aldean’s punch, then grab his shirt tossing him to one of the tables. It too, broke, leaving the books to fall.
“Just fucking die!” Aldean screams at me.
“Ne libros volant,” I say looking at all of the books on the shelf.
{Translate: Let the books fly}
The books pick themselves up and begin circling around the room, crashing into everything. My three thousand dollar chandelier, the one I had customized in Italy, the diamonds begin falling off due to the books hitting them.
“Awe is she scared of me,” he mocks.
“Nah,” I said behind him, “Just needed a distraction,” I whisper in his ears, biting down into his neck.
“FUCK!” He grabs my hair and throws me into the kitchen, passing through a small wall. Soon I was kicked in the stomach, hard too, sending flying through the kitchen and into the back yard.
“Cure me,” he breathes heavily.
“Nope,” I lick my lips seductively, “You’re going to have to kill me first. That is, if you can.”
“I need your blood to cure me. Die you loneyl bitch.”
He comes to me, staggering as the poison fills up in his veins, I took this opportunity to turn him around, clinging his arms to his waist, gripping it tight. He tries to escape my grasp, but thanks to me being old as dust and nearly three times as strong, he could not escape.
“I would ask to give your brother’s a message, but you’ll be too dead. Instead, wait for them in hell, I will make sure that they’ll come visit you. And when I’m dead, I’ll be sure I will visit all three of you, so we can finish it,” I growl into his ears.
Before he could say a word, I put my hands through his chest, grabbing his heart and tearing his bones apart, while he screams. I squeeze the heart hard, disposing its last remaining blood and yanking my arm back to my side.
As his body falls, I see my potential mate standing there, baffled and shocked at what just happened. My chest falls, I was hoping he would not see that side of me, yet he did. For the first time in a long time, since my husband, I felt embarrassed at my actions.
“Um, please tell me he’s an enemy,” he struggles to say.
“Was,” I reply tossing his heart to the side.
“Who was he?”
“My ex boyfriend’s brother.”
“So you were married and had an ex boyfriend? Who else don’t I know about?”
Was that jealousy? “I had two ex boyfriends.”
“Am I going to meet him anytime soon?”
“Why? We are not together,” I whisper a spell towards Aldean’s dead body; it lifting from the ground and hovering.
“Ignis,” I whisper and it flames up.
“Annabelle, I know it’s only been weeks since we met but you know that there is something between us.”
I gulp at the notion, “Taking it slow, I guess.”
“Well then, go on a date with me.”
“What?”
“I am asking you out on a date. I like you a lot, I want to get to know you better before shit happens. Please.”
“Date?”
“Yeah, dinner or something, I don’t know I will make one up.”
“No need, Jax, a vampire, is holding a ball of some sort. I’m invited, that can be our date.”
“Why a ball?”
“Because that is where all my enemies will gather. I intend on finding them out.”
Chapter 12
Annabelle
Everyone gather in the private jet that Jax flew out for us. He was beyond excited that I agreed to go to this ball, I have been invited before, but never gone. So here we are, Danni, Zeke, Elijah, Kenzie, and a broken hearted Anna boarding the plane.
Anna has been awfully quiet for the past four days, since she told Freddie about what exactly is going on and who she is. That didn’t go so hot so she went to talk to him again and well...he meant what he said.
“He doesn’t deserve you,” I say holding her as we ascend the stairs.
“Why...just because of this?” She holds back tears, to be honest I didn’t think she had any left.
“Probably, it’s an adjustment that’s for sure. You just gotta find someone who is not afraid of things not being normal. How long were you guys together?”
“A year and a half. Should I just...move on?”
“Maybe. Right now you still feel the sting, I know I would mope for a few weeks. Eventually everything will get better and who knows, if you do move on, you’ll find somebody better.”
“I hope you are right.”
***
The plane lands after a quick two hour flight to San Francisco. Jax and Jacqueline used to live in New York but thought that every vampire lived in New York, and I agree. New York is like the breeding ground for unwanted vampires, something that should never happen but it does.
So they moved out to San Francisco, almost like New York, but just a bit more...casual. I don’t know, all I know is I love coming out here to San Francisco.
“So who is this Jax?” Danni asks as we get into the black SUV.
“Jax is the first vampire ever created. He and his sister Jacqueline are known as primmortals. Essentially the first immortals to be walking this earth. They are considered vampire royalty if there was such a thing,” I explain.
“Also Annabelle’s first love,” Zeke chimes in. I slap him on the shoulder earning a small whimper.
“First love?” Kenzie tilts her head.
“I loved him a lot...for years, eventually it didn’t lead anywhere. He is still a great friend,” I look at Kenzie then back to Elijah, who tightens his jaw.
“You kissed him?”
“Haha, yes I did. Not anymore.”
“Kenzie, stop asking personal questions,” Elijah scowls.
“Oh it’s fine, Elijah.”
“It’s not,” he whispers so quietly that both Zeke and I look at each other. I roll my eyes and look out the window.
After a few hours of awkward driving in silence and a few pit stops, we reach the beautiful mansion that is close by the sea. It is just a couple miles away from the inner city of San Francisco, something I enjoy quite often.
Normally I am cool when it comes to seeing Jax, however my heart flutters knowing that I brought my mate….my potential mate. I wonder how he will act when he sees my real mate in the flesh.
“The Knights have arrived!” I see Jac coming out the white french doors followed by her husband Francis. She runs up giving both Zeke and I a breathtaking hug.
“We get it, Jack, you miss us,” Zeke struggles to breath out. From behind I hear Danni let out a protective growl.
“Oops, is he your mate?” Her Italian accent comes out of her tongue, looking at Danni.
“Umm….I don’t know?” She stutters.
“Yes she is,” Zeke proudly smiles at her.
“Since when! Annabelle , why didn’t you tell me?” Jac puts her hands on her hips, scowling me like a mother would.
“It is not my story to tell,” I replied back.
“Well, come on in. Jax is out right now but he will be at the ball. Knowing my wife, she will need the rest of the day to get ready, as do all of you,” Francis then looks at Kenzie, “And who is this young one here?”
“That is my sister. I think I may have to skip this ball, since I have no one to care for her,” Elijah grabs Kenzie’s shoulders.
“Nonsense, we have the best nannies here. Besides, we have other kids we are taking care of, she will fit in just fine,” Francis holds out his hands for Kenzie to reach. She was hesitant at first, however she eventually followed Francis into the big mansion.
Soon we followed as well, going to our rooms. I, since I have been here way too many times, know where my room is at. My room has always been close to Jax, no matter if we are in a relationship or not, I was always close to him.
“Why is your room so fa
r away?” Elijah asks.
“Um, its next to Jax. It has been that way for decades,” I say feeling guilty.
“Well, I am staying with you.”
“What about Kenzie?”
“She’s in love with her princess themed room, and she is close to Jacqueline who gave me her word that she is always being watched and protected. Besides, you and me need to figure us out.”
“Fine, but we change in seperate. I have a ball to get too.”
“We have a ball to get to, I am your date as you are mine. I see you out there, Annabelle,” he makes the sudden move to kiss me on my cheeks. I didn’t think it were possible but I flushed in embarrassment, thinking about his lips on my skin. That thoughts causes insensible things to my body, making me think about his lips on my-
“He is definitely your mate,” Jac says scaring the shit out of me.
“He has to be,” I say reminiscing his lips.
“Oh he is, I know you just thought a dirty thought, Flor. Don’t play. And don’t worry about my brother, he overheard us talking, he will...he has to be fine with it.”
“I am worried about me,” I say softly.
“Why?”
“I can’t control myself, my anger and you know that Jac. What if he sees...the ripper side of me? He is bound to be afraid.”
“Your ripper side will never come out, we made sure of it. And if it does, he is going to have to accept it, help it and you. Don’t worry Annabelle, it’s not like Henry or Aldridge.”
“Any word from Aldridge?”
“Why?”
“I killed his brother.”
“What!?”
“Here, let me tell you while we get ready.”
***
“Fucking hell, and we invited everybody too,” she sighs zipping up her tight red dress that shines at each light it hits.
“Why did you invite everybody?” I say looking at my dress. I have never felt more beautiful in my life.
“Because we wanted to see who would stake you out that’s why we practically begged you to come.”
“No shit, I was going to do the same thing.”
“No drama though, I can’t handle another bill for five broken windows.”
“It most likely will happen again but I will try.”
“And I be damned, Annabelle you look fucking hot. Elijah will crawl all over you and maybe my brother!”
“That...will...not...happen.”
“We will see.”
***
Elijah
I fix up my tux, moving the bow tie into its proper place. I examine myself in the long frame mirror, looking sharp and thanking myself for remembering to get a haircut. Just when I was about to sit down and call it a day, a knock on my door forces me to get up.
“Come in,” I say putting on the cologne.
Here comes this tall, blonde man with demanding blue eyes. Never in my life I felt inferior to someone, especially a man. But this man is like a model, a Greek god. I begin to feel nervous, worrying about what he’ll do to me.
“Its okay, my name is Jax. Jacqueline’s older brother and Annabelle’s...friend,” he says extending out his hands, “You must be Elijah. Annabelle’s potential mate?”
“Yes I am...I still don’t understand this mate thing?”
“It’s something that she should explain, she will once she grows some balls. She can be childish when it comes to her feelings, she has been hard on herself for years. Give her time.”
“I will, I know she knows something is there.”
“Hmph, you get the girl I ever dreamed of. Take care of her, comfort her even when she says she doesn’t need comforting, be there for her when she kicks you out. She may be stubborn and hard, but deep down she is just one big emotional brat.”
“I will take your words to heart. I should it looks like you want to kill me,” I chuckle.
“Only if you break her.”
“Noted.”
“Come on, the party is starting. Knowing my sister, she is going to make a big entrance.”
I simply nodded, following him through his big mansion. I heard he was hosting this party at his home for the very first time, it usually is at some hotel or convention which is not odd considering he looks like he is made out of money.
We went into the ballroom that is beautiful decorated with the finest decor one could find. I mingle my way to the bar, meeting some witches and vampires and surprisingly werewolves that tolerate all of us. None of them, however, looks like to be working with or for Daryl, so that is a start.
“Is that...the tribrid. Since when does she come to parties like these,” I hear one of the witches whisper.
Jacqueline is there in her red dress, looking gorgeous at Francis’ side, smiling as the head down the steps from the hall. Anna appears in her infamous violet dress, forcing a smile on her face but it soon turns into a small gasp as she looks at Jax’s direction.
After Anna steps down, Annabelle appears, stunning as ever. Her hair is tied up into a high ponytail, her long curls fading down to her clothless back, turning as she fixes her dress. It is skin tight, hugging her body at all the right parts exposing her curves I knew that were hidden underneath all the baggy clothing she normally wears.
Her eyes meet mine and she smiles causing my knees to give out. I set down my drink and made my way to her, enjoying her figure as she moves closer. Once I reach her, her smiles turns into a frown, her eyes flicker in hate.
“Annabelle, what’s wrong,” I say holding her hand.
Her reaction breaks my heart when she pulls away, walking towards a different man. I follow her, hoping to get an explanation, and she stops turning around her lips dangerously close to my lips.
“I’m sorry, we are on a date. It’s just that the guy over there by the trays of food is my ex boyfriend, Aldridge. I knew he was coming and I was going to scrape his eyes out for sending Aldean to attack us at the house but then I remembered you and I…”
“Annabelle, its okay. How about we get away from the crowd and go outside where you can explain more to me. And I admire your body.”
“Stop it,” she blushes a bit.
“You’re cute when you’re embarrassed.”
She scoffs heading out to the balcony in which I follow her. It was hard for me to not stare at her round butt, however the way it was swaying caught my attention.
“Stop staring, it’s creepy,” she says pushing the door open.
“Hmm, but it looks so good.”
“Elijah.”
“Annabelle,” I grab her, turning her around where lips are dangerously close to mine, “I don’t think I can hold it any longer. I can’t wait anymore, I am going to kiss you and don’t try to stop me.”
“Elijah, I don’t think that is a-”
I shut her up with my lips, feeling the smoothness of her pink puffy lips. At first she tried pulling away, but her body sank, allowing me to hold her, bringing her more in for the kiss. My hands reach down to her waist, pulling her in more as I possibly can, feeling her hands around my neck.
My tongue skims her lips and she lets out as soft moan; I take the opportunity to quickly dart my tongue in, expecting rejection. But she didn’t and I am grateful.
“Well, love, it seems you confirmed that he is your mate. I can smell the arousal from here,” Aldridge walks up to us.
Chapter 13
Annabelle
I let out a small growl, “Aldridge, I assume you got my message from Aldean correct?”
I turn to face the stiffen Aldridge, who looks to be not amused by my remark. I can feel the tension risen in his body as well as questions skimming his face, waiting for a response. I smirk, filled with joy knowing that poor baby Aldean is in hell and that Aldridge has no clue where he is.
“Is that a no?”
“Where is he Annabelle?”
“Aldean? I send him back to you,” I let go of Elijah and walk up to Aldridge, confidence brooding from my shoulders, “Has he not retur
ned? It was a pretty important message.”
“Annabelle, I know that look. You better tell me what you did to him or else,” he clenches his jaws.
“Or else what?”
“I will bring the ripper out of you, and trust me we don’t want that happening.”
“You wouldn’t dare. You and I both know that my alter ego does not hold any loyalties. So if you expect me to be under your control, well, expect to meet your brother’s fate.”
“Where is he Annabelle? Where is my brother? And you know I don’t even falter on my promises, especially ones design to hurt you.”
“I. Dare. You.”
“Don’t play Annabelle, it’s a dangerous game, love.”
“Try me.”
“Very well. Ma-”
“If you dare to bring her out, I swear to you I will rip your heart out Aldridge,” Jax grabs his shoulders, pulling it down causing Aldridge to wince in pain.
“Of course not, Jax. Excuse me while I go check on Alavarian, he...he likes to pounce on poor human souls,” Aldridge whisps away leaving nothing but his scent in the air.
“Annabelle I admired your boldness but you really have to stop pushing buttons. Especially those out to get you,” he scowls at me.
“Oh I am sorry, dad I didn’t mean to ruin your night. Tell me why you look so, so...oh my god you found your mate,” I examine his body. He already looks worn out. Eyes are heavy, sweat beading on his forehead, heavy breathing. Just like me.
“Shut it.”
“Please, do tell.”
“What about Elijah,” I wince at his name and turn to face Elijah who is still standing there looking at me with confusion.
“I’ll meet you at the bar,” I look at Jax.
“Yeah,” he walks away.
I walk back to Elijah, taking his hand and going further away from the party. We stay there in silence, looking out to the beautiful sky. I hear his heart beating at a steady but fast pace, trying to calm himself down.
“Annabelle, that kiss....,” he starts off.
“Magical,” I say without hesitation and a smile on my face.
