There was also something else. A faint trace of… vermouth? I turned to Alex. “Is your sister fond of vermouth?”
Alex shook his head no and said, “Not that I’m aware of. I don’t think I ever saw her drink it.”
Mark surprised everyone by saying, “Vermouth is made with a spice called cascarilla which is the main export of Cat Island, and it’s only grown on the southern tip of the island.”
At everyone’s surprised looks Mark said, “What? Don’t you guys ever read a brochure?”
I laughed. “I guess we’re off to the southern tip of the island.”
We piled back into the car and headed down the coast. The natural beauty of the island took my breath away as did the heady scents that assailed my sensitive nose. I was aware that we were nearing the cascarilla crops before we saw them by the rich odor wafting into the air vents.
“Hey guys I think we may be close,” I said.
Mark replied, “There’s a village of some sort up ahead.”
It was a village in every sense of the word. There were only a few houses, a general store and a gas station. We parked and got out of the car. I sighed as the men once again surrounded me. “Alex I think you need to step away from me. Your and Annika’s scent are too similar.”
“You’re probably right, though I don’t like not being close to you.”
“I’ll survive.”
“I won’t.” Alex leered at me.
Cheve said, “You two make me sick.”
Janel said, “I think they’re cute.”
Alex walked away, and I strolled in the opposite direction with my motley crew trailing in close proximity. I tried clearing my head of everything but was finding too many distractions.
Cheve stood close to me his shoulder brushing mine. “You can do this, Sensay. Remember who you are.”
He was right. I could do this. I just needed to concentrate. I closed my eyes and reached out with all of my senses including my unique intuition. With my eyes closed I could still picture the village as it was, but I could also picture the village in another dimension, one that was filled with scents and textures and sounds on a much grander scale.
I was assaulted by pungent odors and sounds that were so amplified that I thought my ears would bleed. I quickly toned everything down as Cheve taught me to do. It was a matter now of sorting through the smells, sights and sounds as they came at me. I thought about the scent that Annika had left behind, and I smiled as I picked up the thread right behind me. She had been at the store recently.
I began to walk, following the thread that was uniquely Annika. I walked across the street and over a low sand dune. I followed the shoreline for awhile feeling the thread become thicker and stronger. I don’t know how long I walked when I stopped because I was no longer following the thread. That’s because it was now similar to a rope that was pulling me, tugging me towards it.
I opened my eyes and my knees buckled. Before I could fall, Cheve was catching me in his arms. Before I could utter a word Alex was lifting me out of Cheve’s arms and into his own.
“Baby what’s wrong?”
Cheve answered for me, “She was totally immersed in her Sensay abilities. She blocked out everything and crossed over to the spirit world. It’s very exhausting. It takes great strength to walk in both worlds. She will be fine in a little while.”
Janel said, “Give her a little breathing room.”
I tried to speak to tell Alex that his sister was very close, but I couldn’t speak yet. Alex sat down on a flat rock with me still cradled in his arms. “Shhh,” he said while smoothing my wind blown hair. He was looking at me in awe. “What you just did Wren, is beyond amazing. I can’t believe how you walked here with your eyes closed. You never once stepped on a rock or hesitated.”
I smiled at him and whispered, “You just try and get away from me handsome man.”
He chuckled. “Like I would ever try. Though, I am disappointed with one thing.”
I raised my eyebrows in question.
“Well, I’ve had some fantasies where I blindfold you and do delicious things to your body. How’s that gonna work now if you can just skip over to the spirit world and watch me?”
I laughed until I began to lose my breath. Alex kissed my forehead and I felt calm.
I recovered in a few minutes and even Cheve had to remark, “I hate to say it but I think the fucking vampire helps you recover faster.”
Janel sighed, “Yeah a little of that always makes me feel better.”
Alex didn’t get angry at Cheve. He smiled and said smugly, “Of course I do. She is my bonded. She completes me and I her. Matter of fact we can complete each other all night long.”
I laughed out loud. “You’re so bad. Now if the two of you are done baiting each other, your sister is very close.”
We walked around a bend in the beach and came upon a very nice beach house. It looked rather new and ultra modern with a balcony on the second floor that faced the ocean. I thought that Annika must get great views of the sunrise, and almost laughed out loud when I realized that she’s a vampire and would be in her death sleep at that time.
What a shame, I thought a little nastily to myself. I sighed. Annika had done nothing wrong other than be bonded and mated to the man I had once loved. Plus she was Alex’s sister. Alex was such a good person. I thought back, and in all the time I had known Alex, he was never in a bad mood. Well except for the time he thought I was sleeping with Cheve, and well, you can’t blame him for that. I looked at the guys. “What are we doing standing here?”
Cheve said, “I’m trying to figure out how to best approach the residence.”
Mark said, “Maybe one of us should flank the north end and we could station one at the rear…”
I knocked on the front door.
The guys scrambled up the steps to form my guard, and I gave them “the eyes”, but before I could say anything the door opened up and there stood Annika, the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I stuck out my hand to introduce myself when she pushed me hard to the side and flung herself towards Alex. I was beginning to doubt all of the wonderful things Alex had said about her.
They hugged hard and began to speak to each other in rapid Swedish. I looked at Janel and shrugged, “Let’s go inside. I think we’re going to be ignored for awhile. We might as well make ourselves comfortable.”
We sat down while the two continued in their native tongue. The conversation became heated and I heard Annika say bitch and I turned my head towards her.
Now speaking in English Alex said, “You will not call Wren that ever again or so help me God…”
Both Mark and Cheve stood up, but I waved them down “There’s no need to defend me. I owe Annika an apology.”
I looked her straight in the eye “I apologize for my involvement with your mate. I didn’t know he belonged to another and as soon as I found out I ended things. I have no other excuse, and I want you to know I love your brother. I won’t hurt him I promise.”
Everyone was quiet for a minute. She seemed to be taking my measure. Then she spoke, “I know they say you are a Sensay, the Sensay. The prophesized one, but I am telling you that you will not harm my family. I will kill you before I allow you to hurt them.”
Alex growled, “Annika. You will sop threatening my woman right now or I swear that I will throttle you right here and now.”
I looked around the room. Janel was watching Annika through narrowed eyes. Mark and Cheve were barely holding themselves back and Alex looked like he was ready to strike someone. Bullet on the other hand just sat back on his haunches watching us all, bored from the look of it. Shit. This wasn’t going so good. I had to take control of the situation.
“Will everyone calm down? Annika, I understand you perfectly and you can rest assured that I don’t want to harm you or your family.”
Annika’s eyes lit with triumph before I continued, “But, you will not interfere in my business or with your brother and me. I will not t
olerate any threats against my friends or bad behavior from you. As you protect your family, I protect mine and any who bring harm or hurt to them will pay the price.”
At Annika’s smirk I added, “I may not look like much, but Cheve will vouch that I’m as fast as you, as strong as you and I can move without making a sound. You will never get close enough to touch me let alone kill me.”
Annika was silent for a minute, but then nodded her head in a truce.
I smiled. “Well now that that’s out of the way, why don’t you tell Roberto to come out? I know he’s here. I smell him.”
Chapter 25
A door opened upstairs and I heard someone approaching. I took a deep breath trying to steady my rapidly beating heart. Alex came close and put his arm around me for which I was grateful. We all turned towards the stairs as he began his descent. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous to see him and maybe it wasn’t nervousness it was more likely awkwardness.
After all a few months ago we were supposedly in love and now here we were. Roberto was with his mate Annika and I was with my bonded Alex. It was all too much like a soap opera.
“No more drama in my life…”
Everyone turned to stare at me as I sang out loud. Annika was looking at me in horror, Mark and Cheve were both smirking and Alex, he was looking at me like he wanted to eat me up. I’d have to remember singing equals lust for Alex.
From the top of the stairs I heard, “What the hell was that noise?”
In a state of shock I turned, so I could watch Roberto’s brother Cristoforo descend the stairs.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted out.
“I’m doing the same thing you are though with a lot less back up dancers.” He said looking at the guys behind me.
“I’m looking for my brother. You remember the guy you were sleeping with a few months ago.”
Alex took a step forward, and Annika and I said at the same time, “Alex, no!”
Cristoforo laughed. “Man, I’d hate to be you. Not one, but two harpies ordering you around.”
I had forgotten how much I disliked Roberto’s brother. He was insensitive, rude and obnoxious.
Annika gave Cristoforo a dirty look, but just then a child cried. All heads turned toward Annika.
“Okay, yes, that is my child,” She said.
Alex said, “Anni why? Why would you run away like that? Moder and Fader have been so worried. I don’t understand.”
Annika’s face softened for the first time. “I know you don’t, my dear Broder. I wish that I can tell you, but I need to keep Gjord’s existence hidden for now.”
Alex’s eyes were bright with unshed tears. “Gjord?” Alex bowed his head. “Peace from God.”
I looked quizzically at Alex. Regaining his emotions he said, “I’m sorry. Gjord is my nephew, and his name means Peace from God. It’s very fitting.” He turned to Annika. “May I go see him?”
“Of course. I need to go change him. Why don’t you come help me, Broder?”
Alex asked me, “Do you want to come along?”
I didn’t want to interrupt a family reunion, so I said, “No, you go along and meet your nephew. I’ll catch up with Cristoforo.” Though that was the last thing on earth I wanted to do.
After they went upstairs, I turned to Cristoforo. “Do you have any idea where Roberto is?’
Cristoforo stared at me as if I was wearing a large dunce cap. “Yeah, sure I know where my bro is. I’m just here to tell him he’s got some important mail at home. His subscription to Fangs of Fury is about to expire.”
“Okay, you don’t have to be so sarcastic. I’m just worried about him.”
Cristoforo moved close to me, and looking in my eyes said, “Why? You moved on quick enough. It looks like you’ve got a bed full of men satisfying your insatiable Sensay needs.”
Cheve and Mark and even the usual docile Bullet sprung. They had Cristoforo pinned against the wall when Annika and Alex came racing down the stairs and stopped when they saw me. I stood a few feet in front of Cristoforo and was trying really hard to get my anger under control.
I wasn’t sure what was happening, but as I stood there I could feel the blood racing through my veins like it was on fire. I knew my body was throwing off heat. I could feel it surrounding me. I felt powerful. I felt larger than life.
Alex slowly walked up to me and said, “Baby…I know he can be an ass, but don’t hurt him. You will be upset afterwards with yourself if you hurt him.”
He reached up a hand to touch my cheek and Cheve yelled, “Don’t touch her. She is in the throes of transference.”
Everyone looked confused and Cheve explained, “Wren is a Sensay. She is a powerful Sensay. Her powers come from her unique evolution over millions of years. Even though she has not learned how to wield these powers as of yet, when pushed too far or with emotions running high, they can manifest on their own.”
Cheve shook his head. “We haven’t had time yet to begin to test her DNA to see what genetic attributes she can manifest, but my guess is right now, you probably wouldn’t want to mess with whatever is driving her at this moment.”
Janel, who had been unusually quiet until now, stepped close to me and through the haze I heard her say, “Okay missy, that’s enough of these shenanigans. Stop acting all Zena. I know it’s hard to ignore a jackass like Cristoforo, who still owes me a Prada handbag.”
She turned to Cristoforo who was still pinned to the wall “Oh yeah, Mr. Italiano. Don’t think that I forgot about your promise to buy me my Prada purse if I shut up on the plane ride home last spring!”
I felt the fire slow down a bit. Cristoforo looked more scared now than he had when he thought I was going to kill him. You couldn’t blame him. He’d had a taste of Janel last spring when Roberto had sent her to him in Italy to keep her safe. He hadn’t been able to keep her long because he brought her back in a few days.
The fire inside me was beginning to fade, and I almost felt sorry for Cristoforo who had to deal with Janel’s venom.
I looked around at everyone, “I apologize. As Cheve said my abilities are not always under my control yet, and sometimes I am pushed beyond my limits.”
Alex glared at Cristoforo. “What did you say to her?”
“Nothing, Alex. Don’t worry about it,” I said putting my hand on his arm.
Then Mark of all people opened his mouth, “He said Wren’s been sleeping with all three of us just to satisfy her needs.”
“Mark!” I exclaimed at the same time that Alex roared and grabbed Cristoforo by his shirt and began to drag him outside. “I am going to beat the living shit out of you for even uttering such a vile thing about Wren.”
“You can try,” Cristoforo replied as he squared off against Alex.
I looked at Annika. “Can’t you stop them?”
Annika shook her head in disgust, “There is no stopping two vampires who are determined to fight it out.” Surprisingly she gave me a sympathetic look “Besides, after what Cristoforo said about you, he deserves it. As your bonded he has also insulted Alex, and Alex must defend the both of you.”
“Oh, brother! This is archaic, all this talk of defend and honor, it’s like the freaking middle ages. Well, I’m not going to stand here and watch. I’m going back inside.” I walked up the porch stairs and into the house. Janel and Annika followed along with Bullet making up the rear.
“Would you girls like something to drink?” Annika asked.
“Can I have a beer?” I asked.
Janel piped in, “Make that two.”
Annika came back carrying two beers. “I wish I could have one with you, but with breast feeding and all.” She shrugged.
Even though I didn’t want to, I forced myself to think about the baby lying upstairs, Roberto and Annika’s son. I had never given thought to children while I was with Roberto. I wasn’t sure if it even was possible with our being different species.
As I thought about it now I wondered if I should be worried a
bout getting pregnant with Alex’s child. Not that the thought of having a child with Alex wasn’t wonderful, but now was not the best time to start a family with not one, but two groups of crazies after me. I couldn’t help asking Annika, “Can I see your son?”
Annika said proudly, “Sure. He is so handsome and I love him so much.”
Janel grabbed my arm as we walked up the stairs, “I don’t think this is such a good idea. It’s just going to hurt you.”
“No, it won’t hurt me. I don’t love Roberto anymore. He has a beautiful family and is happy. I’m glad for him.”
Janel muttered under breath, “Yeah, just keep telling yourself that.”
I laughed at her. “Janel, I’m a Sensay, for God’s sake. I heard that.”
She had the good grace to at least look chastised.
We tiptoed into the sleeping baby’s room. I went over to peer into the crib. My loud gasp woke him, and he began to cry.
“I’m sorry, Annika. May I hold him?” I said.
She looked a little worried, but then nodded her head yes. I picked the crying baby up in my arms. I held back another gasp as he opened his eyes and looked at me. He looked just like Roberto. He stopped crying instantly and stared at me. He then settled his head into the crook of my neck.
I stood there rocking him back and forth for a little when I heard a noise at the door. I turned to see Alex staring at us. His face, which had a few small bruises on it, was a mask of granite.
I faltered in my rocking stride, and Annika took the baby from my arms. I went over to Alex and traced the bruises. He grabbed my hand as if he didn’t want me touching him. He said to Annika, “Do you have somewhere private where Wren and I can go?”
Annika took one look at Alex’s face, “Um, sure, Broder, use the guest room down the hall.”
Alex still holding on to my hand pulled me down the hall.
“Alex?” I began.
“Shhh…not now.” He said.
He pulled me into the room and shut the door behind us. He stared at me long and hard, and I began to worry he was jealous over me holding Roberto’s baby. I opened my mouth to tell him he had no reason to worry, when he said, “I want to mate with you.”
Jude Stephens Page 18
