3.5 The Innocence of White

by Christin Lovell

  A Vamp Chronicles Short

  THE INNOCENCE OF WHITE

  Gabi and Jack’s Story

  Christin Lovell

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  THE INNOCENCE OF WHITE

  Copyright 2012 by Christin M Lovell

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  Cover Copyright: © konradbak - Fotolia.com

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  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  ***Vamp Chronicles

  ***

  Diary of a Vampeen

  Vamp Yourself for War

  Hit the Road Jack

  The Innocence of White (short story)

  Vamp Versus Vamp

  Darkness Falls – Coming Winter 2012

  The Breaking of Dawn - Coming Spring 2013

  ***8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

  1 Peter 4:8 NIV

  ***

  THE INNOCENCE OF WHITE

  A Vamp Chronicles Short

  Gabi and Jack’s Story

  PREFACE

  Gabi

  I’ve never understood love. Why does it grab your heart tight and never let go? Why does it suffocate you, leaving you no choice but to surrender, regardless of who it’s to?

  Love is blind, blind to everything the other person has done in the past. Love is stupid, stupid to reason and common sense. Love is deaf, deaf to words that are yelled in anger. Love is infuriating; it’s frustrating to know you have no control over who your heart desires. Love exists without limitations, without stipulations on discriminatory items. Love is overwhelming; it rules your world with an iron fist.

  When you’re in love, it dominates your life. You’re no longer in control; your world revolves around the person who owns your heart. It’s an imprisoning situation, yet it’s the most exhilarating jail hop one could ever experience.

  I thought I’d known true love in the past. I thought my heart had been claimed a time or two, yet Kai and Rafi could never compete with the pitter-patter dance my dead heart does for Jack. Vampires pride themselves on being an emotionless species, yet we’re not immune to the power of love. And this is one vampire who is in love.

  Love captures you, enraptures you on a whirlwind carpet ride, just like every Disney fairytale depicts. What it doesn’t do is brace you for the reality of who you will fall in love with. Not everyone marries a prince, and not everyone lives a happily ever after.

  I’d been with Rafi for a lifetime. We met at a vampire soiree. I’d dressed in my best gown: a bright red, figure-hugging number that emphasized my female curves yet diminished all the excess stuffing around those curves. I’d worn a pair of black high heels that showed off my matching red pedicure. For a full-figured vampire who had more bad body days than good, this was one of my best days.

  Our eyes connected across the room. He held a wine glass filled halfway with blood. His dark hair was slicked back, his tan, muscular body masked in a classic black suit. His black lashes fell to half mask as he watched me danced around the room with my ex-fiancé Kai’s brother, Kalel. Kalel was being polite, but I didn’t want polite that night. I wanted to be embraced for the beautiful woman I was. I wanted a vampire who could hold my attention, not offer me his attention out of pity.

  “Would you like an introduction?” Kalel asked, pulling me from my reverie.

  I cocked my head. “You know him?”

  “Rafique DeSantos. He’s one of our top guards at the lake house compound.”

  “Why haven’t I met him before?” I frowned. I’d always pushed for a company meet and mingle; yet I’d never been granted one. I thought it would be nice to know who was working for me and with me.

  “He’s new. Just out of a ten year contract with the vamp army.”

  I chuckled. “I take it he had issues with them too?”

  “As do many.”

  Lost in conversation over the man himself, I was surprised by his presence.

  He politely placed a hand on Kalel’s shoulder, but it was still a brave move considering our cutthroat reputation. “May I cut in?” His voice was deep, his baritone rolled over me; it was his Spanish accent though that sent a shiver down my spine.

  “Watch your hands.” Kalel stepped back, passing me over to the intriguing vamp.

  He firmly gripped one of my hands, his other arm wrapped around my waist. “If I may be so bold, you’re stunning.” His dark eyes sparkled as he drank me in. He never missed a step, never lost his timing with the music despite his immediate focus.

  “You may be bold whenever you’d like.” I was caught up in the scent of him, all male, all vampire. He made my mouth water.

  His lips twisted up in the corners, his eyes revealing a devilish gleam. He slowly licked his lips. Had I still owned a beating heart, it would have pounded in my chest cavity. My breathing became unsteady as he continued to study me, the blood within my veins pulsing at an above average pace.

  He chuckled lightly. He bent at the waist placing his lips near my ear, inches from my erotic bloodline. “I would never take advantage of a lady in public. I wish to ravish you in private, senorita.”

  For the first time in nearly a century, I felt feverish.

  Rafi proved his love and adoration of me time over. He was a fierce warrior, a strong leader for the security division of the Bladang vamp guard. He made me laugh. He balanced me in a way no other vamp could. Poor Kai and Kalel, my business partners and shared owners of the Bladang vamp guard, tried to manage me, but no one seemed to tame my inner ferocity like Rafi.

  When tragedy struck and he was killed in battle, caught in the crossfire of a battle fought to defend my dear vampeen friend, Lexi, and her soul mate, Kellan, I thought my lungs would cease to operate. Rafi had been a staple in my life. It was his face I looked for and looked forward to seeing each morning. Our connection was strong. I thought our connection was the closest thing to love a vampire could achieve. I reveled in my life with him… until he passed.

  Then I ran into Jack again.

  Eighty years ago, I’d had a one-night fling with the man of mystery. He fled the second I learned of his true identity. Eighty years later, he still caused my gums to ooze, my pulse to triple and my body to ache in unmentionable places. But he’s the reason my dear Rafi was murdered. It was because of Jack that I lost a lifetime of memories and happiness in a single shot. And yet, it was because of Jack that I was able to move on.

  Like I said, love is blind, blind to everything the other person has done in the past. Love is infuriating; it’s frustrating to know you have no control over who your heart desires. And love is overwhelming; it rules your world with an iron fist. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to scream obscenities at the man who’d caused my last lover’s death, yet, with one look at the Jack, all my anger dissipated and only enchantment existed. My cold heart yearned for him.

  Love is stupid, stupid to reason and common sense. When you’re in love, it dominates your life. You’re no longer in control; your world revolves around the person who owns your heart. It’s an imprisoning situation, and my anger over Rafi’s demise was trapped in the imprisonment of an uncontrollable pull in another man’s direction. Jack was the last person I wanted to feel for, and the first person to ever truly make me feel.

  Chapter 1

  Gabi

  “Are you sure you want to do this, Gabi?” Lexi checked, her voice rising in pitch over the phone. She was worried, fearing that I was rushing into things. It was logical, but love was the opposite of rational.

  “I don’t know how to explain it so
you’ll understand, but I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

  “I’m not saying not to marry him, but don’t you want to wait, possibly give your heart a little time to heal from Rafi?” She broached the subject with ease, yet still rubbed me the wrong way.

  “Listen, Lex. I know you’re looking out for me, but I’m not a little girl. I’ve been around for well over a century and have learned a thing or two along the way. I was the vampire who thought marriage was an archaic institution. After Kai shredded my self-esteem along with my heart, I vowed never to consider marriage again. The entire time I was with Rafi, I was content to just be with him. I never had that drive to slap a ring on anyone’s finger. But this is different. Jack is different. You have to understand where I’m coming from because look at you and Kellan. You got engaged like two months after you got together.”

  “Yes, but I didn’t loose the man I’d been with for decades mere days before deciding to accept his proposal.” I knew she was speaking out of concern; she probably assumed that Jack was a hot rebound.

  “I’m doing it.” I put my foot down, literally stomping my foot on the hotel’s plush carpet floor as I spoke. “There’s nothing you nor Kai or Kalel can say or do to stop me. I’m not doing anything fancy. We’re going to the courthouse in Miami before Jack whisks me off on a fabulous honeymoon. And before you ask, Kalel already drew up a pre-nup, which Jack signed, just in case I’m off my keister.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “I was until everyone started berating me over who I’m marrying,” I huffed. Arguing my decision to everyone was exhausting.

  “I’m sorry, Gab. You know we’re only doing this because we love you. I know Rafi meant a lot to you. We all cared about him in some way. I also know just how hard it is to lose someone you love abruptly. You don’t think straight for a while, or at least I didn’t. I don’t want you to do anything you’ll regret.

  “From the sounds of it, you don’t have any doubts about Jack, and that’s a good thing. We want you to be happy, Gabi. Based off what we’ve experience of Jack though, we’re just questioning whether or not he’s the right man for the job. He’s a powerful vamp who doesn’t quite seem to know how to use his powers for good. That’s the impression I got anyways. I’m willing to look past it all if he can make you smile though. I guess I just want the confirmation from you. If he’s who you want, then I’ll support you. But if it turns out you’re merely another game to him, I’ll be the first to sell a vampire’s balls on the black market. After all, I do have access to a gold dagger.” I heard the smile in her voice at the end.

  “As much as I appreciate the gesture, I’m confidant that it won’t be necessary. I know he’s burned a lot of bridges, but deep down, he’s a great guy. He’s made some bad decisions, but you can’t deny that you didn’t learn something from him.”

  “Don’t even argue that card with me,” she snorted. “That’s a touchy subject still considering I almost lost my life during his charade. I did say I was willing to give him a chance because I love you. We all do, which is why he hasn’t been crucified. It’s your attraction to him that’s keeping him alive right now.” Lexi sighed. “I don’t want your day to be filled with negativity so let’s stop talking about it.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

  “I’m happy for you, amiga. If this is a vamp who makes you feel like you have a heart that’s actually beating, then I’m excited for you. And that’s the key. As long as you’re content, it doesn’t matter what anyone else has to say or what they think. It’s your life. Only you can define happiness for yourself, and if Jack’s in that definition, then more power to you.

  “So stop worrying about having to pacify everyone and just do you. Focus on your wedding day. Focus on the man you’re going to marry, and then focus on the wonderful honeymoon you’re going to take. Has he told you where he’s taking you yet?” She pepped up, as if she was trying to encourage me to do the same.

  “No! And it’s driving me crazy! God, I wish I could spike blood right about now, but alcohol just doesn’t taste the same to a vamp.” Nothing tastes the same to a vamp the way it does to a human; it’s upsetting to a vampire who loved food as much as she loved air as a human.

  “I’m sure it’ll be great and you’ll have fun. Now go get ready for your big day. Call me when you get a chance.”

  “I will. Thanks, Lex.”

  “That’s what friends are for. I wish you would have let me be there, but I understand your reasons for going off alone.” I knew she was a tad disappointed. It was hard not to feel guilty, but she was right, I had to do what was best for me.

  Who wants non-supporters at their big day? I knew not everyone was accepting of my union to Jack, and I didn’t want their opinions to dampen my big day. After all, a girl only gets married once… Okay, twice, or three times… or more for some, but I wanted this to be my one and only.

  “I’m glad someone does. I swear, when I get back to South Carolina, I’m going to ring those Hawaiian vampires’ necks! Kalel at least wished me all the best, but Kai was a straight ‘insert any expletive you want here.’ He really irked me the wrong way.”

  “Egh. They’ll come around. You guys are always at each other’s throats for something. I told you before that y’all shouldn’t live together. That would probably go a long way in lessening the tension.”

  “Lex, if I moved out, that house would be a pigsty. Dishes would be piled to the ceiling, clothes would never get washed, and justice wouldn’t be served for half our prisoners.”

  “You’ve got to let go of the reigns at some point, Gab. You won’t be around forever. Plus, they can hire a housekeeper, and you know I don’t mind stepping in for you from time to time at the lake house,” she said.

  “I know.” I took a deep breath, checking the clock on the nightstand. “I better let you go, Lex. I’m still sitting in my pajamas, and Jack agreed to meet me at the courthouse in two hours.”

  “Ooh! You actually followed the tradition of not letting the groom see you the night before?”

  I felt myself blush. “Yes. I may not be getting married in a church, but I at least want a tad bit of tradition.”

  She chuckled. “I love it. Now go get all glamorous and sexy so when he sees you his jaw hits the floor. Send me a pic before you walk out the door, and make sure someone at the courthouse takes at least a couple pics of you two together.”

  “Yes, mother,” I droned.

  I heard her cover the phone; mumbled voices slipped through the receiver of her phone though. She came back a couple seconds later. “Kellan says he’s happy for you and good luck.”

  “Tell him I said thanks.”

  She quickly relayed the message. “Okay. I’m really going to let you go this time so you can get ready. I love you. Have fun, and don’t worry about anyone but yourself and Jack today.”

  “I’ll try, thanks. Take care. Love you like a sis.”

  She grunted. “A sister you bar from your own wedding,” she sarcastically huffed. “But we’ll discuss that when you get back. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

  I smiled. “Bye.”

  I hung up the phone and tossed it haphazardly onto the bed. I’d only known Lexi for a short bit of time, but she was the sister I’d missed having. Being turned meant you abruptly lost your human family. I had a cousin who worked for me, but we weren’t close. He was all brains and no fun. I was all fun, all fashion and no size two. While Kai and Kalel had taken a brotherly role in my life, we didn’t have the emotional heart to hearts every sister has at some point. Lexi filled that void. Ironically, she reminded me of my blood sister from my human years. She had the same demeanor and the same firm yet loving way of handling me.

  I pushed the past down, willing myself to focus on my present. I grabbed my suitcase off the floor and began pulling out the necessities to get ready for my wedding.

  Chapter 2

  Jack

  “I can’t believe
you endangered the couple meant to save the vamp races,” my mother, Imara, fumed, her eyes locking me in place the way every mother could.

  “Nothing happened to them.” I squared off with her. I knew my actions would never be justifiable in her eyes. Truth was, I knew they weren’t justifiable at all. It was every vampire’s impulse to act on instinct, whether the action was rational or irrational.

  “Alexa almost died! I didn’t birth you so you could destroy the hope of our kind. I didn’t raise you to toy with the lives of others as if they were dispensable rats. I didn’t bring you into this world so you could shame me.” Her eyes blazed, the irises shifting to an orange-red hue. My mother was intuitive, powerful. She was connected to other worlds in ways I still didn’t comprehend. Above all though, she was honorable.

  I watched as she adjusted her sarong, the bright orange and gold hues playing off the color of her eyes at the moment. It took a lot for my mother to lose her temper. She prided herself on her control. Given the hours she spent meditating each day, patience was engrained in her.

  “I apologized. Perhaps I’m not the vampire prodigy you wanted me to be, but I have learned.”

  She gave me a small smile. “Yes. Alexa did teach you a valuable lesson on your targets. They’re as unpredictable as you. You are lucky you’re still alive considering the level of electricity she shot at you, and had Gabi not whisked you from her path, you would be dead.”

  She walked around the glass coffee table and sat beside me on the white leather sofa. She grabbed my hand, her copper skin nearly white in comparison to my coffee color. “It is only for the sake of love that I allowed you to continue. I knew this was the only chance for you to meet your soul mate again in this lifetime. I shall warn you though. Gabriella will not put up with child’s play. For existing as long as you have, Jacques, you have embellished your life with immaturity far too long. Every boy must take the step into manhood at some point. Lexi gave you the push you needed, and Gabi is the one who shall keep your maturity in check.”