We stepped out onto the sixteenth floor. We were deposited into a mini lobby with a few club chairs, tables, and plants. There was a hallway on the right and left that dead-ended at a narrow floor-to-ceiling window, allowing light to stream in. From what I could tell, there appeared to only be four units.
Aunt Claire opened the door on the left side of the right hall and waved us over. Drexel immediately dropped my hand at the sight of her. Kellan slung his arm around me and headed towards her.
“Come on in, guys.” Aunt Claire welcomed us into the space.
My chest constricted as we entered the space; my serum level rose just enough to make me aware of it. The condo was exactly like the pictures, though perhaps it was a little roomier, and it was exactly as Jack had shown us. I numbly browsed the rooms; my fingers skimmed every surface.
Kellan finally cornered me in the kitchen. “Knowing what we do, do you still want it?”
I bit my lower lip, searching the layout for any visible flaw. I couldn’t find one, though. In truth, I knew this was the perfect place for us, but I didn’t want it to be. Jack’s vision had tainted my dream. I understood now how knowing the future tended to ruin the present.
I locked eyes with Kellan. “What do you want?”
“I want to be with you.”
“How about a useful answer?”
“I love it, but I can tell that you’re hesitant.”
“I’m hesitant about what’s set to happen here, not about the place itself.”
“Then we won’t hold a prediction against the condo.” I caught his double meaning.
“We really shouldn’t.”
I kissed him, colliding my lips with his. We instantly connected. I hadn’t realized how tense I’d been until he pulled me into his body, secured me in his grip, and eased my fear. Every touch was of confidence, of reassurance. We knew what the future was. While it plagued our present, it also gave us an opportunity to prevent it and to change the future.
“Don’t worry, babe. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’ve learned that we don’t know the number of days we’ll be granted. Just because we have the opportunity to live for eternity doesn’t mean we actually will.”
He tilted my head back, his lips drifting over mine with an easy grace. “The future is never set in stone until it happens.” He withdrew his lips, keeping his arms around me. “What do you say? Would you like to live with me in our own home, Miss Jackson?”
I smiled up at him. “Yes, I would.”
“Do you want to look at any other places?”
I shook my head ‘no.’
He kissed me once more. “Claire, we’d like to put in an offer.”
“You don’t have to offer on the first place you see. We can take our time and look at a few others for comparison.” She closed the gap between us.
“We wouldn’t move forward if we weren’t sure about it,” Kellan stated.
She looked at me inquisitively. I nodded my head, answering her silent question. “Well, then. Let’s put together an offer.” She gathered some papers. “How low below asking did you want to offer? Remember to leave room for negotiations.”
We all turned to the door at the sound of it opening. Drexel was there in a second, greeting the intruder.
“Hello.” He brushed past Drexel. “That won’t be necessary, Claire,” Will said.
“What are you doing here?” I knew my face reflected the shock I felt. He was full of surprises.
“I’m handing you the contract to this property and the keys.” He placed a few printed pages on the island, along with four sets of keys and two key cards.
“How did you manage this?”
He grinned wide. “Easy. I own this building.”
“But — ” I began.
He held up a hand. “Lexi, your life has been my life’s work. It’s my job to ensure every detail falls into place. This just happened to be one of those details.” He slid the keys towards us. “Now I just need you and Kellan to sign here. It’ll take a few days for all the legal stuff to get done, but feel free to move in right away.”
I opened and closed my mouth several times, trying to register everything.
“When did you buy this building?” Kellan asked.
“I didn’t. I was the one who had it built. I’ve owned it since the beginning. I knew this day was coming.”
“Well, you’ve certainly made this an easy transaction.” Aunt Claire stuffed her papers back into her manila folder.
Will analyzed me for a moment, his face etching into a frown. “Lexi, I’ve always had your best interests at heart. I know the prediction better than I know myself. I also know that you’re meant to be here. Your purpose is bigger than mine. I’m merely facilitating things. I knew I had to be the one to own this building because otherwise there was a chance that someone would have occupied this unit. I’ve made sure this unit never sold. It’s been sitting here, waiting for you. And now you must move in, and you and Kellan must create what you’re supposed to here.”
I felt like his words were coded with a message, but I was too frazzled to figure it out. “Thanks, Will. We do appreciate it. I was caught off-guard, though. I thought we were coming here to look at the unit and make an offer, not come out with keys and more of your riddles.” I chuckled near the end. He would be the perfect person to think up Jeopardy answers.
“Wonderful. Please sign here.” He pointed to the spots on each page where we needed to initial or sign. Kellan did the same. “It was a pleasure doing business with you. Oh, and don’t worry about Sanders. I gave the lad a stern talking-to just now. He won’t rile you again.”
“You gave him a stern talking-to?” I smirked.
“Believe it or not, Lexi, I can be quite the demanding arse.”
I laughed. “I would pay to see that, Will.”
“Let’s hope you never have to.” He gathered the papers and stuffed the pen back in his pocket. “I’ll be checking on you from time to time to ensure you’re still on course. And, as always, I’m here if you need anything.” He turned towards the door.
“Wait. How much do we owe you for the place?”
He glanced back. “Consider it my contribution to vamp peace.”
“That’s not fair, though.”
He stopped at the door, facing us fully again. “I won’t argue, Lexi. Perhaps you don’t feel it, but what you and Kellan are doing is important. Don’t let logistics distract you.” He opened the door. “Have a wonderful day.”
“Uh.” I looked at everyone. We all seemed to be in the same confused state. “So, what do we do now?”
Kellan was the first to snap out of it. “You and Claire go shopping, and I’ll rent a truck to load up everything from the house you want and move it here.”
“Won’t you need another person?” He squared me with an amused look. “Okay, I know you don’t need one to move the stuff, but I mean with getting a truck. Won’t you need someone to drive your car or the truck?”
He shrugged. “I figured I’d call my dad since he’s back in town now.”
“Oh! Do you think your mom will want to come shopping with us?”
“The woman loves to shop, so I’m sure she will.” He watched me for a minute, his eyes twinkling with delight. “You seem happy.”
“I am.”
“Good.” He kissed my cheek. He pulled out his wallet and passed me a black credit card. “Text me what you want me to bring from the house, and put everything you buy on here. Don’t forget paint if you want the walls a different color.” He turned to Drexel. “Take care of them. Make sure they go in your car.” Drexel nodded his head in acknowledgement. “I’ll see you later. Have fun.”
Watching Kellan leave, I thought he seemed less stressed; I hadn’t realized how hard being at my parents’ place was on him. He never said anything, but compared to now, it was night and day. It was as if he was finally free, the same way I would be of my haunting memories in their home. And it would always
be their home. I would never be able to consider it mine, which was the driving factor behind this move.
“Well, let’s call Beth and go have some fun,” Aunt Claire chimed in. Her eyes lit up as she looked around the space from a designer’s point of view. “I’ll make a list of the basics so we don’t forget the essentials.”
Within the hour, Aunt Claire, Beth, Drexel and I had parked outside a local furniture store. It wasn’t until we were in there that it hit me. This was really happening. I was really going to be on my own, living as an adult. I was officially leaving behind my human, childhood years and embracing the more mature, fast-paced life of a vamp.
It was scary, and it was surreal. Yet, all the while, I felt a small surge of exhilaration rising within me. Despite my reluctance, it felt right. It was right for me.
Chapter 24
“What style furniture do you like?” Beth asked as we entered the furniture store.
“I don’t have a defined style, really.” My chest tightened. I didn’t have a defined style because it’d already been defined for me in the vision Jack showed us. I never wanted a glimpse of the future again. Knowing it had only ruined what should have been wonderful moments for me.
“Do you prefer leather or fabric?” Aunt Claire ran her hand along a suede sofa as we navigated the large showroom.
“Leather is easier to clean.” I stuck with what I knew they wouldn’t question.
“I know from my son’s current bedroom that he prefers black over brown.” Beth scanned the space.
“Hello, ladies. Is there anything in particular that you’re searching for today?” A tall male dressed in a business suit approached us, handing us each a flyer.
I took the flyer. My heart pounded at the featured sofa and love seat set on the front page of the ad. I stared at the sleek black leather upholstery. The material wasn’t baggy or overstuffed; rather, it had a streamlined design with a few tufted points. The couch had recliners on each end. My racing pulse slowed a bit, warming to a new thought. I could picture Kellan lounging in one of the recliners with me lying across the sofa, my head in his lap. I could easily cozy up with him on these. I imagined myself with a book in my hand and him either on the laptop or watching TV. A smile crept on my face as the vision grew roots.
“Lexi?” I slowly looked at Beth. “Are you okay, sweetie?” Her eyes softened as she watched me.
I smiled a little wider. “Perfect.” I held up the flyer and pointed to the set on the cover. “I want these.”
“Excellent choice. Those are just over here if you’d like to test their comfort.” The salesman led us over to the area where they were set up.
Drexel sat on the love seat. His body was massive compared to the smaller sofa. He gave me a small, timid smile as he stood.
“How is it?” I chuckled.
“You have my approval.” He nodded once.
“It’s great to have a man’s perspective.” Aunt Claire placed a hand on Drexel’s forearm, winking, before she moved to the sofa with Beth and me.
All three of us sat down on the sofa. I was stationed in the center between both women who played a maternal role in my life. It was amazing how things came together. They were supportive; they were wonderful to me and Kellan.
“What do you think?” I asked them.
“I love the modern design.” Aunt Claire pressed the button that opened the recliner.
“I think Kellan will love them.” Beth grinned as she looked at the tables stationed around the couch. “Do you like the accent tables and coffee table?”
I didn’t even have to look at them to know that they would be the ones I’d purchase. “I’d like the entire package minus the lamps.”
“Wonderful.” The salesman took out a pad of paper and started copying numbers from the tags attached to the furniture. When he was finished he grinned at us. “What else were you in need of today?”
Beth chuckled. “Oh, Gary, we’ve only just begun. My daughter-in-law needs to furnish an entire house.” She linked her arm through mine, standing with me.
My heart warmed at her sentiment. ‘Daughter-in-law’ flowed well; it felt right. As much as I dreaded things, hesitated with things, because of the vision, I couldn’t deny the serenity that seemed to meet my fear.
Aunt Claire and Beth led me throughout the store, helping me select the remaining items. Drexel lingered close behind us every step of the way. We ordered all the living room furniture, a desk and chair for an office setup, a dining room table, several barstools for the island, and a bedroom set for the master bedroom. Paintings and photos of cities around the world in all shapes and sizes with a black and white theme were purchased to hang throughout the condo; the pictures were the unifying items for the space. Regardless of any other elements, or the differences in those elements, the art created cohesion.
***
The next twenty-four hours were a whirlwind. We called and had all the utilities transferred to Kellan’s name since he was over eighteen. Kellan, Claire, Beth, Al, Drexel, and I painted the bedrooms and bathrooms of the condo, opting to leave the living room, kitchen, and bonus room the stock creamy beige color. Kellan and Al moved all of my bedroom furniture and put it in one of the spare bedrooms in the condo to be used as a guest room. We basically re-created my old bedroom; it was a scaled-down version since the new space wasn’t as large.
Aunt Claire’s new home-buyer’s checklist came in handy on our shopping trip. We purchased all the essentials for a home, including everything I would need to start my bakery business and the large grocery list that accompanied it. It was exhausting, yet gratifying. They left Saturday afternoon, leaving Kellan, Drexel, and me to finish putting everything in its new place. The furniture was set for delivery in a week. I was afraid to admit that everything was working itself out perfectly.
“I didn’t realize how expensive or time-consuming it would be to furnish a house from scratch.” I frowned, opening a new box of plates. I continued to put away all of the dishes, glasses, bakeware, and silverware I’d picked out.
I stopped and studied the cupboards, quickly filling them with domestic items. I couldn’t believe how quickly life had changed for me. At the beginning of the school year, I’d been a human student with human ambitions and desires. Now I was a vampeen, uneasy about quitting school, but feeling like there was no other workable option, and unpacking in a new home with my fiancé. My life was unrecognizable. I was unrecognizable.
I could remember being a little younger and dreaming of losing weight and becoming popular overnight. I would fantasize about some football jock asking me to prom, and then gushing over me on the night of the event, complimenting everything about me. It was easy to dream; it was much harder to make it a reality, though. Had I stayed human, it never would have become a reality. I didn’t have the strength and drive to be persistent.
What I struggled with giving up wasn’t the mundane daily grind of going to school; it was certain memories that went along with it, the biggest being prom and graduation. I was sort of looking forward to dancing with Kellan under cheesy gymnasium decorations. I wanted the thrill of walking across a stage in front of a crowd of people and being handed my diploma, the proof that I’d survived twelve grueling years of nonstop education. It was undeniable proof that I wasn’t a quitter.
I frowned. I wasn’t a quitter, not when it came to anything but my weight. Was I making a mistake in giving up on the experience of high school so easily? Worse, was I letting go of some pertinent lessons I’d yet to study? A GED was an overview; high school was detailed. I was a detail-oriented girl.
I jumped as Kellan cornered me in the kitchen, having been deep in thought. He eyed me suspiciously. “What’s going through that head of yours?”
I opened my mind to him. “I know school is important. It’s one of the few things my parents pushed, and rightly so, but it seems so obsolete right now.”
“Babe, we’re not human. It’s humans who rely on knowledge to survive. They�
�re vulnerable; we’re not.”
“Doesn’t seem that way.”
“That’s because you’re one of a handful of vamps with a bounty on their head.”
“But still, life is simpler for them. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it. I also think I might regret missing out on certain memories from those years, too.”
“The big man always has His reason, and from what I’ve seen, it’s a damn good one. You can’t deny that you’re a stronger person now than before, but that also means you’re different now than you were before.”
“That’s circumstantial.”
“Exactly. Your circumstances have changed, which means your priorities have to be reevaluated, too.”
I stared into his eyes, half annoyed that he was right and half relieved that I wasn’t impulsively blowing my future.
“For what it’s worth, Mel’s dad was right. For us, for our situation, we’re better off getting our GEDs. You’re a vamp, but you’re still not superwoman. You can’t handle assassins, the army, your grandfather, and everything else and maintain focus in school. Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to move forward.”
I curled my lips, gazing into his emerald eyes. “You are so smart, Mr. Bancroft.”
“And you are so sexy, Miss Jackson.” His voice had a husky growl to it that sent shivers down my spine.
He captured my lips, our minds and souls meshing into one. His hands caressed me as his mouth spoke confidence and peace for me regarding the decision.
He tilted my head, intensifying our connection. His touch was commanding, yet endearing. His tongue slid along my bottom lip with grace before he nipped it.
My body tingled with awareness, and my heart leapt into overdrive as I pressed my chest into his. His hands dipped to my rear, pulling me even closer, aligning us.
I gripped the lower part of his T-shirt, holding on for dear life as he kissed me senseless. I felt his muscles rippling and coiling beneath its surface.
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