The Awakening (The Elders Trilogy Book 1)

by TL Travis

  “I love you too, Dad.”

  He sniffles and leaves.

  While we are talking, my phone is vibrating like mad, I know it is David, so I call him to fill him in on what has transpired. He tells me to load up my dogs, pack my bags and get to his house. It is time for the Vampire/dog intro and as nervous as that makes me, it has to be done because it’s the only place I want to be. So I pack as much as my suitcases can hold, grab my dogs and their shit, and high tail it out of this twisted, toxic environment.

  My nerves go into overdrive as we arrive, worrying I won’t be able to control the dogs. I sit in my car for a few minutes devising a plan to thwart potential issues. It is still too light outside for David to come out and help, so I gather our things, making sure I have a death grip on their leashes before going inside.

  Dash walks a few paces ahead of Vi, sniffing around. Vi is glued to me in protector mode. Within seconds, their hackles stand upright and they both begin to growl, a low menacing growl which I’ve never heard from them before. Dash immediately retreats to my side so I now have a dog poised at guard on both sides of me thinking this is not gonna go well.

  David meets us in the foyer standing still as though he is a piece of art on display. His stance is hypnotic, drawing me in, stirring my desire in ways I never thought possible. The dogs growl, releasing me from my erotic trance. I bend down trying to calm them.

  David’s voice manifestes, “Move slowly toward me, but keep a firm grip on their leashes so they know you are in control.”

  Gradually, we migrate toward David, hackles still up and low growls present in warning.

  We reach the middle of the foyer cutting the distance in half, but the dogs are still guarding. I look to David as if asking now what? He bends down to their level, no longer appearing to be a threat. He extends his hand, palm side up waving it slowly to call them to him. Although reluctant, they proceed forward, but still growling. Once they are about a foot from him, they come to a dead stop and sit. He holds out his hand for them to sniff, but they only extend their heads. The growling stops, but trust is still not given.

  David and I looked at one another, “It’s a start, but I don’t want to make any sudden movements that would spook them. I’ll let them come to me when they’re ready.” Whew, that was a little hairy but at least I don’t have to execute any evasive maneuvers. It is the first time I’ve seen them this alarmed.

  I remove their leashes while David is still kneeling and stand beside him striking the same pose as he does. They look from me to him then back to me as if saying, ‘We’re here if you need us’ then they step back and begin sniffing around the area.

  David rises. “Let them familiarize themselves with the house. They have to decide whether or not it’s a safe place. Don’t worry, there isn’t anything here that can’t be replaced.”

  That makes me nervous as I flash back to the infamous Coach Bag incident, but honor his request.

  We sit in the living room, but keep a watchful eye out. They seem to be enjoying sleuthing about. ‘Dash and Violet, the great dog detectives’ pops into my head and I giggle. David’s brow rises before he kisses me. I don’t want to think about my problems right now, emotionally I am spent.

  “What if the dogs have to go to the bathroom?” I ask.

  “Then you take them outside,” he says.

  God, I feel like such a dumbass for asking that.

  “It’s still too light for me to go out, but you can wander around the yard with them. It’s important to me that you see this house as yours.”

  That piques my interest having never seen his backyard.

  “Did you say you rent this house?” I ask him.

  “I was, but when we decided to go to school here I bought it.”

  He bought it, just like that?

  “I have a trust fund that was given to me when I turned eighteen,” he informs me.

  Oh shit, I don’t even know when his birthday is. As a girlfriend I truly suck. “Um, when is your birthday?”

  “April tenth.”

  I grab my phone adding that tidbit to his contact info. He busts me, shaking his head laughing. I walk over to the arcadia door that leads to the backyard and take the dogs out to nose around. Carefully, I draw the drapes back that cover the doors, just enough for us to slip outside. His backyard is nice. Palm trees, bushes under the windows, and a swimming pool with water so blue it looks like the Caribbean, oooh and it has an attached Jacuzzi.

  “I didn’t know you had a pool,” I comment as we come back in.

  “Feel free to use it anytime. I haven’t been in it or the Jacuzzi.”

  Hmm, that stirs some wickedly delicious thoughts. Oh snap, he’s still watching me. Embarrassed, I grin, but my face must have already given away my lewd thoughts as he knowingly winks at me.

  I grab a soda from the fridge before retreating to my comfort zone on the couch, curling up in his arms while I continue on with my Jacuzzi fantasy.

  “Jess, I hate to open a can of worms, but have you decided what you want to do about your living arrangements?”

  Damnit, he killed a wet dream. “Honestly, I don’t know. But I can’t go back there and deal with her anymore.”

  “Agreed. The introduction with the dogs went well, don’t you think?”

  Yes, but where’s he going with this?

  “You spend most of your time here — which you know I love. The only reason you’ve given for going home is to take care of your dogs. I don’t want you to feel rushed or pushed into doing something you aren’t comfortable with, but I would like for you and the dogs to move in here, with me. I want to make it our home.”

  I know the look on my face screams ‘deer in the headlights.’ Am I ready for living together? Am I ready to give up my freedom? What freedom? I don’t do anything without him as it is. He’s never shown me a possessive or jealous side, so maybe things will stay status quo. Observing my parents over the years, I’ve watched my father dwindle down into the spineless sap I came face to face with today. I refuse to allow myself to become a controlling bitch and I refuse to treat David with the disrespect my mother does my father. Consumed by my thoughts, I lay down in his lap contemplating the situation at hand. At this point, he drops the subject.

  Over the next couple weeks, I find myself running over to my parents’ house to retrieve more of my stuff. I haven’t broached the living together subject with David again, but it appears as though I am moving in without having to think about it. David is elated each time I return with more of my things. I keep telling myself I’m not ready to live together, not ready for the commitment, but come to the conclusion that those are foolish thoughts. In all actuality, I’m very content with the life we are building. All that’s holding me back is my own insecurities.

  Christmas is a few days away, and I have no idea what to get David. Obviously, he has plenty of money and doesn’t need anything, which only makes it more difficult to find anything for him.

  Feeling the pressure to get my shopping done and over with, I decide to head to the mall while he is sleeping, but I leave him a note:

  David, went shopping. Be back in a couple hours.

  Love, Jess

  Aimlessly, I wander the mall, hoping the ideal gift will jump out at me, but all I can find are clothes. Creative soul, I do not possess.

  I leave his presents in the trunk of my car and head upstairs to wake my sleepy prince. When I lean over to kiss him, he whisks me off my feet and onto the bed. In the same sweep, I find my clothes hitting the wall with a thud. He surprises me by sliding a blindfold over my eyes, and then hand cuffing my wrists and placing my arms above my head.

  “Leave your arms there, don’t move them.”

  Seems as though our playful bantering is being taken up a notch. I’m loving this controlling side of David, and I can’t deny how wet I’m getting, so I’ll do as I’m told and see how this scene unfolds.

  “Intro to bondage 101, Mi Amor,” he whispers while peppering m
y neck with kisses.

  The chill in the room makes my nipples tighten. He clips something to one of them.

  “Amor, is that too tight?”

  “No, it’s uh, causing some um, throbbing.” I blush at that realization. “What did you do?”

  “Nipple clamps. I thought I’d introduce some toys into our foreplay.”

  “For a man who claims I’m his first, you sure do seem to know a lot more than you’ve let on.”

  “I’ve had a lot of time to think and research.” He sucks and stretches the other nipple before clamping it.

  “Mmm, I think I like this side of you,” I purr.

  He spreads my legs, massaging my folds with a cream that heats up and makes me even wetter. So very, very wet, as I thirstily await his next move.

  “How does that feel, Amor?”

  “Between the nipple clamps and whatever you applied down there, I’m ready to explode,” I squirm.

  “No squirming, Amor. Hold tight and don’t come until I tell you to. There’s more and I want you to come harder than you ever have.”

  Moving his attention back to my breasts, he kneads them with the nipple clamps still in place. The pressure increases the throbbing and thunderous quakes radiate between my thighs. Control is gone as I buck my hips like a horse, spreading my legs further apart. The desperation to have him fill me is overwhelming. He grabs my hips, lifting me off the bed as he drives his primed erection inside. Having my hands above my head limits my actions. I want to grab him and ride him hard. David holds me midair, pulling back so just the tip is in before plunging in deep. The friction causes the heat from the cream to intensify.

  I scream as I come, “Holy fuck, David. Ah..Ah..” The more I scream the deeper he surges. It is electrifying. “David, oh God, David.” I am out of breath, gasping for air after coming with every inch of my being.

  “I’m right there with you, baby. Oh God, oh, Jess. Fuck,” he bellows as he releases.

  Winding down, he releases my hands, massaging my wrists before taking me into his arms, “Did you enjoy class today, Amor?”

  “Un-fucking-believable. I grant you full permission to enslave me anytime, Master.”

  He chuckles as his lips hungrily meet mine.

  While we are dressing, the dogs start tearing down the stairs freaking out. David beats them to the front door and as I reach the landing, our eyes meet when David says, “Oh shit.”

  Chapter 11

  “Take the dogs and go upstairs, NOW!”

  The grave look on his face and the fact that the dogs are going nuts is enough for me to hightail it upstairs. Pacing non-stop, I wait for the all clear, which finally comes about fifteen minutes later. David asks me to join him downstairs, but insists we leave the dogs in our room, which makes me very uneasy.

  As we approach the foyer, I notice two people in the living room, a male and a female dressed in black. Based upon their ivory appearances and unnatural beauty, I know they are Vampires.

  David takes me by the hand. “My parents are here.”

  I skid to an immediate halt. “You said they never come unannounced!”

  His look is grim as he leads me to them. David feels me quivering. “Don’t worry, Jess, it’ll be fine.”

  I wish I had his confidence.

  “Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Jessica. Jess, these are my parents Aurelio and Lourdes Cordova.”

  His father extends his hand, which I accept shakily. “It’s very nice to meet you, Jessica,” his father says.

  “Nice to meet you too, sir.”

  “Please, call me Aurelio.”

  With a nod and a smile, I turn to face his mother.

  She looks from me to David then back to me. The contempt on her face is crystal clear. “David, que has hecho?” What have you done?

  “Mother, Jess is fluent in Spanish.”

  Wow, if looks could kill I’d be dead.

  His parents’ beauty renders me speechless. I can’t decide which of them is more majestic. His father stands about the same height as David, around six feet two with a strong muscular physique. He has thick, shoulder length dark brown hair with a hint of a wave just like David’s. His eyes are dark, almost black while his outward appearance is that of a twenty something, his mannerisms lead you to believe otherwise.

  David’s mother is a regal creature, standing around five-foot ten with long billowy chestnut hair pouring around her waist and natural curls that fall in ringlets. Her features scream goddess and I feel as though I should be kneeling in her presence. Her dark brown eyes are accentuated by high cheek bones reminiscent of a European beauty. She too appears twenty-ish, but her clothing speaks of an era long gone. She catches me gawking and furls her lips baring her fangs to me. I gasp as David protectively draws me near him.

  His father motions for us to sit which we oblige. His parents sit on the couch so David and I perch ourselves on the loveseat. David will not let go of my hand and to tell you the truth that is the only thing calming my nerves.

  His father is first to break the awkward silence. “How’s school, David?”

  “It’s going well. What brings you to the desert, unannounced?”

  That’s my man, straight to the point.

  “We thought a holiday visit was in order, it was your mother’s idea not to call first.” He shoots his wife a contemptuous leer that clearly states, we should have called.

  She ignores him, continuing to shoot daggers our way.

  “Mom, Dad, would you like a drink?”

  Both accept. He heads to the kitchen and I follow like a lost puppy. There is no way in hell I am going to be left alone with them.

  “David, this is not going well. I think I should leave.”

  Sliding his arm around my waist pulling me close, he tells me, “Jess, when I asked you to move in with me, I opened my home and my world to you. Even though you’ve not officially accepted my offer, I consider the fact that you stay here nightly as a yes which makes this your home and no one will force you from it.” He finishes making their drinks (blood bags poured into crystal wine goblets).

  David hands them their drinks, they take a sip and place them on the table. “Jessica, will you be joining us for dinner,” his mother asks.

  I look to David for guidance. “David, this is a peasant’s feast.” She slams her glass down. “Join us for a hunt.” She flashes her blackened, dilated pupils at me. It feels as though I amwere the meal of choice.

  “Mother, Jessica and I live together, here in this house. Out of respect for her, I choose not to hunt.”

  Well if she wasn’t pissed before she sure as hell s now.

  His father places his hand on his mother’s forearm. She takes a few moments before speaking again. When she does it is through clinched teeth. “That’s so thoughtful of you, David.” No more is said.

  Great, not only have I pissed off a mother, but a Vampire mother at that. How much worse can this truly get?

  “How long will you be in town?” David asks them.

  “Until New Year’s Eve,” his mother replies.

  Fabulous, that’s over a week away and I’m sure to be her meal by then.

  David’s father chimes in, “We assumed you had a guest room, but I think it’s best if we go to a hotel.”

  “We do have a guest room and you’re more than welcome to stay here,” David tells them.

  His parents nod their acceptance then David and I walk out to their car to get their luggage. Once we are outside, I reiterate that I should stay elsewhere during their visit.

  “No, I don’t want you driven from your home because she doesn’t agree with my choices. End of discussion, Jessica.”

  He must be pissed, he never uses my full name.

  “Will she even give me a chance?” I question.

  “No, not only are you not a Vampire, but you don’t even come from a pure Vampiric bloodline. My mother is old fashioned and as I told you, my parents come from long lines of pure bloods. A legacy I’m exp
ected to carry on. One that cannot continue with a human or a human that’s been turned.”

  Entering the house, I can feel his mother’s watchful gaze on me. Studying me, reading me, and making my freaking skin crawl. “Jessica, why do I get the feeling we’ve met before?” Lourdes finally asks.

  “I used to live in Royal Oaks. David and I were friends there in grade school.”

  Her lethal eyes shift to David. His father squeezes her arm again.

  Maybe I should stop talking now, because I seem to piss her off no matter what I say or do.

  She changes the subject. “Did I hear dogs barking when we pulled up?”

  “Yes, Mother, Jess has two boxers that are upstairs.”

  I swear she growled while staring up at the ceiling toward our room. David and I exchange concerned looks. I wonder if he is thinking the same thing I am.

  His father seems to be the voice of reason. “I’ve always wanted a dog.”

  That is so random that David and I can’t help but laugh. His father smiles, but his mother is seething.

  “How long have you two been dating?” Her question is directed at David.

  “Six months,” David responds.

  “This house is an investment then?”

  “Yes, and a home for us while we go to school.”

  Why does he keep answering so nonchalantly when he knows she isn’t happy about us?

  “What are your plans after college, or have you thought that far ahead?” she continues.

  “Right now, we’re enjoying getting reacquainted. Only time will tell where it will lead, Mother.”

  That doesn’t seem to please her.

  “You have a lot of choices to make, my son, none of which will be easy.”

  David holds her stare.

  “What do your parents do for a living, Jessica?” his father asks.

  “My father is an engineer and my mother’s a housewife.”

  “What do your parents think about your current living arrangements?”

  Boy she’s really not happy about this.

  “My mother and I don’t speak. My father wants me to be happy and David makes me happy.” I glance to David and squeeze his hand. I’m uncertain how that comment is perceived as her stance never wavers, but his father smiles.