True Faces

by Banks, Catherine

  I swallowed. “Eric, I…”

  He put his finger over my lips. “I don’t want you to say anything. I just want you to know how I feel.” His finger was replaced by his lips as he kissed me.

  I kissed him back then whispered, “Let’s go to my house.”

  He smiled and nodded his head. “Okay.” We hurried out of the bowling alley and into his car. He drove fifty the entire way and slammed on his brakes in front of my house. I grabbed his hand and led him to my front door then stopped. The door wasn’t closed and the handle was missing. Eric looked at the door handle and pulled me behind him. “Wait here.”

  I shook my head and grabbed his arm. “No. Let’s just go.”

  Eric frowned. “Ciara, just stay here.” He pulled out of my grip and entered the house, opening the door silently. I danced from foot to foot as I waited for the scream I knew I would hear. Two minutes passed before the first growl came, but it wasn’t inside. I turned to the right slowly and tensed. Two set of glowing eyes looked at me from the forest. I started to take a step toward the front door when another growl sounded and a large rat hissed at me.

  “Oh come on. Rodents of unusual size? Why me?” I asked angrily. I backed up slowly and then saw Eric run out of the front door. He grabbed the wererat around the throat and tossed it out of the house toward the trees and his friends. Eric picked me up and started running. “Eric, you can’t outrun them!” I yelled.

  He smiled. “I can try.” He picked up a little speed, but when I looked behind us the rats were right on our tails.

  “What did they use in the fireswamp?” I asked out loud.

  Eric sighed. “Ciara, that’s just a book turned into a movie.”

  “Shows what you know. Stories stem from truth. Now find some fire and a sword. Oh, the dojo! Straight up the street five blocks and on the left.”

  Eric sighed in disbelief. “Ciara…”

  I smiled. “Oh come on Wesley.”

  He smiled at me. “As you wish.” He picked up even more speed just keeping the rats out of reach of us. They were hideous monstrosities. Rats the size of Saint Bernard’s with beady red eyes.

  Eric ran up the dojo’s steps and I yelled, “Akio! Rats!”

  Akio flung open the door to the dojo and Eric darted inside. Akio snapped, “Turn away.”

  Eric set me down and I turned him to face the back wall. “He doesn’t like an audience when he’s working.”

  Eric raised a questioning eyebrow, but stayed facing the wall with me. Bones popped and snapped and the air heated up around us as Akio changed. The rats’ nails clicked on the steps as they charged up and then they hissed in fear. A roar of rage sounded and then the oxygen was sucked from the air and fire plumed behind us. Eric started to turn his head, but I stepped between him and the wall and pulled his face down to mine. He kissed me back like he was taking his first breath of air. I wrapped my hands in his thick hair and pressed my body to his. He pressed me against the wall and the kiss intensified as he searched every part of my mouth as if to memorize me. His hands ran up and down my body and settled on my lower back and neck. The sound of dying rats and burning hair was barely noticeable in the moment of our kiss. Nothing mattered, but Eric.

  Akio cleared his throat and I released Eric’s hair. He stepped back from me with still closed eyes. “I’m sorry. That was out of line,” Erica said quietly.

  I laughed softly. “I should be the one apologizing. You just saved me and I forced the kiss.”

  Akio cleared his throat again. “Explain.”

  Eric looked down at his watch. “I hate to do this, but I have to go. Are you going to be alright?”

  I nodded my head. “I’ll stay here at the dojo with Akio. They won’t try to get me here.”

  Akio tried to get a better look at Eric, but Eric kissed my lips and jogged out of the dojo. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  I watched as his plump butt flexed and relaxed with each step. Akio scoffed. “Hormones.”

  I smiled. “Sorry. Can I have some tea before I explain?”

  Akio nodded his head then looked at the doorway. “We should dispose of the bodies first.”

  I groaned. “I hate cleanup duty.”

  ~~~~

  CHAPTER FIVE

  After we had disposed of the bodies we sat down to tea in the middle of the dojo. “Eric and I were walking up to the house and I noticed the door was broken in. Eric went inside and then I noticed the rats in the forest and then a rat came out of the front door. Eric grabbed it around the throat and tossed it to the side dazing it and then he picked me up and started running. I had him come here because it was the only place I could think to run to. If those rats had hurt him I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself.”

  Akio frowned, “Your eye is still closed I take it?”

  I nodded my head. “Yes, but I don’t need it open to see the wererats when they’re in rat form.”

  Akio shook his head. “No, but the man…”

  My cell phone rang and I interrupted Akio to answer it. “Hello?”

  Eric sighed. “You’re alright. Ciara, I need you to come to the club.”

  “But what if there are more rats?”

  Eric spoke gruffly to someone near him. “I’ve sent someone to pick you up. Jeremiah will be there in a minute.”

  I frowned. “Okay, but what do you need me at the club for?”

  Eric was silent for a moment then whispered, “I would feel better if I knew for sure that you were safe. I don’t doubt that your sensei can hold his own, but it would just make me feel better. Please.”

  I don’t know if it was the way he said please or the worry in his voice, but I agreed. “Alright.”

  Eric sighed in relief. “Thank you. Jeremiah should be there now.” Two honks from a car sounded, confirming Jeremiah’s arrival.

  I laughed. “Alright I’m on my way.” I hung up the phone and turned to Akio. “I’m going to go meet Eric. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  Akio frowned. “This man he is not what he seems.”

  I rolled my eyes. “No one is these days. I’ll work on my eye too. Thank you for your protection, Master.” I bowed to him and walked to the dojo door.

  Akio spoke softly, “Be careful who you align yourself with, Ciara. There are many dangerous things I have not shown you.”

  I bowed to Akio again then walked out of the dojo and in to the open door that Jeremiah was holding. He smiled. “Evening.”

  I smiled back. “Hello Jeremiah.”

  He drove slowly to the club and opened my door for me when we arrived. Some of the patrons standing outside to smoke watched me with wary eyes, but none made any move towards me. It probably had to do with the mountain walking beside me. Jeremiah made a path for me through the club and to a roped off area where Eric and two other men were sitting. The two men glanced at me, and then left the area. Eric held out his hand, but I ignored it and sat down in the chair across from him. Eric smiled. “How is your master doing?”

  I sighed. “Eric about what you saw. I know it must be hard to…”

  Eric smiled. “I know about the preternaturals, Ciara. I don’t think you can live in Luna Villa long without seeing them.”

  I stared at him in shock. “So, you know about the wererats?”

  Eric nodded his head and gestured toward Jeremiah. “Werebear.”

  I giggled. “Werebear? Okay, it makes sense but you have to admit that it sounds funny.”

  Eric laughed softly. “True, but I wouldn’t say that to his face. Did the rats hurt you at all?”

  I shook my head. “No, they didn’t get close enough, thanks to you.”

  Eric reached across the table and held his hand palm up. I stared at it for a moment and then placed my hand in his. Eric’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”

  I frowned. “For what?”

  He squeezed my hand. “For not refusing a public sign of affection.”

  “Eric about that. I don’t know…”

  Eric s
hook his head. “Don’t. Please just let me enjoy this night at least.”

  “Eric.”

  Eric smiled and moved to sit beside me. “So, what exactly were you planning when we got to your house?”

  I blushed and stood up. “I need something to drink.”

  Eric grabbed my arm. “Let Jeremiah get it for you. I’d rather you didn’t wander through the crowd.”

  “I’m not helpless.” I said impatiently.

  Eric raised his eyebrow. “Do you have some powers I’m not aware of?” I met his gaze, but knew I wouldn’t win. How can you argue with a lawyer? Eric smiled and motioned Jeremiah over. Eric whispered in to Jeremiah’s ear and Jeremiah left laughing loudly.

  I folded my arms across my chest and glared at Eric. “So, what now?”

  Eric shrugged then leaned back in his seat, reclining casually, but somehow looking as though he were posing for a photo shoot. “Whatever you want.”

  Jeremiah walked back through the crowd and set a glass down in front of me with whipped cream on the top. “One mudslide for the pretty Seer.”

  I frowned at him, but took a drink of the mudslide. It was amazing! “I don’t understand how you can know that I’m a Seer. It’s not the same thing as me seeing you. I don’t have a difference face.”

  Two men started fighting over a woman and Jeremiah sighed. “Duty calls.” He walked through the crowd and to the fighting men.

  Eric cleared his throat. “Would you like to see a movie? Or maybe get some dessert?”

  I shrugged. “I could go for some ice cream.”

  He smiled and stood up holding his hand out for mine. I stared at his hand and he sighed. “At least let me lead you through the dance floor.”

  I wanted to decline, but it was hard to get through the drunk dancers without getting a few elbows or stepped on toes without a man making way for you. I set my half empty glass down and took his hand. He walked down in to the throng of people towards the front door. We took a step outside and someone grabbed my arm pulling me backwards. I turned to see an angry male fairy, without any glamour on, glaring at me. “Why are you here Seer? Who sent you?”

  I stared at him in shock. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. No one sent me.”

  The fairy glared at me and his skin began glowing. Glowing fairy equals major fight. “Was it the vampires?”

  Eric pulled me backwards and stood toe to toe with the fairy. “Do not touch her ever again.”

  The fairy frowned at him. “Why are you interfering, Wolfe?”

  Eric’s lip twitched in a snarl. “I don’t like the way you’re handling my partner. It would be wise if you refrained from coming here again. I’m sure you’re aware of my close relationship with Warrior?”

  The fairy’s skin stopped glowing and he dropped my arm. “You better keep your Seer on a leash. If she rats on any of us I’ll come looking for you.”

  Eric turned to Jeremiah who had randomly appeared. “Escort him out and be sure he does not return, ever.”

  Jeremiah smiled and even with my eye closed I could picture a bear snarling. “My pleasure.”

  Eric led me from the club and down the street. It felt nice to be holding hands with him and I decided to let myself enjoy it. We walked through the downtown streets and stopped at the local ice cream shop. Eric found us an empty seat and a waiter walked over smiling cheerfully. “Hey there. folks. What can I get you?”

  Eric tapped his chin for a moment and I found myself locked on his finger. “I’ll have a sundae with three scoops of vanilla, no nuts.”

  The waiter turned to me and I smiled. “I’ll have a waffle bowl with one scoop chocolate and two scoops of strawberry. Oh and can you put a cherry on top? Thanks.” The waiter walked away and Eric sat smiling at me. “What?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Just watching your eyes light up as you ordered the ice cream.”

  “I like ice cream,” I said defensively.

  Eric reached under the table and rested his hand on my knee. “I like you.”

  I sighed. “You’re persistent.”

  Eric rubbed his thumb across my knee sending a chill up my spine. “If I see something I like I try my hardest to get it.” Two men started yelling in the front of the store and Eric sighed. “You can never have a moment of quiet in this town.”

  One of the men turned and glared at me. “You! What are you doing here?”

  I looked at Eric’s angry face to the man. “Me?”

  The man snarled. “He bring you here to catch one of us for the vamps?! Huh? You think you can take me alive?!”

  I shook my head. “I’m just eating ice cream I’m not doing anything.”

  Eric stood up slowly. “I think you both should leave.”

  The man took a step back. “You’re not my alpha. You can’t tell me what to do.”

  Eric smiled. “Would you like to settle this outside?”

  The other man screamed. “Screw this!” I rolled out of my chair as he ran towards me and rolled to my feet in a loose ready stance. He snarled. “Oh you think you’re tough?”

  I shook my head. “No, not at all. I’m just trying to protect myself.”

  Eric jumped towards the man facing me and I ran out of the shop. It was cowardly, but I knew it was what Eric wanted. I had made it to the club when the second man finally caught me. He grabbed me around the neck and I knew I was sunk. His grip was too strong for human and he had been freaked about me being there. The man whispered, “Sweet dreams, Seer.”

  I closed my eyes and then the man’s arm was gone. I opened my eyes slowly and found Jeremiah standing over the now limp body of the man. Jeremiah looked up at me and his eyes were golden bear’s eyes. “Are you alright?”

  I nodded my head. “Yes, but Eric was fighting another one at the ice cream shop.”

  Jeremiah picked me up in his arms and raced down the street much faster than a human could. We arrived at the ice cream shop to find Eric talking to a police officer who had the second man in handcuffs in the back of his car. Jeremiah set me down and Eric rushed over to me. “Are you alright?”

  I nodded my head. “The other guy caught up to me, but Jeremiah saved me.”

  Eric looked up at Jeremiah and bowed his head slightly. “I’m in your debt it seems.”

  Jeremiah shook his head. “I would have protected her anyways. No male should harm a female. It’s not natural.”

  Eric wrapped his fingers around mine. “Thank you.”

  I smiled at Jeremiah. “Yes, thank you.”

  Jeremiah smiled wide. “Anytime.”

  Eric led me back towards the club with Jeremiah walking in front of us. The man’s body was gone by the time we got there and I felt a cold wind pass over me at the realization of how close I had come to dying. Eric led me passed the club and towards my house. I stopped him. “Eric, I can’t…”

  Eric shook his head. “Ciara I won’t sleep well unless I know you’re safe. Let me walk you home. Please.”

  I shook my head. “I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say I can’t see you. It’s too dangerous.”

  Eric pulled me against him and kissed my lips hard. My hands found their way to his back and I gripped his shirt. He pulled back and looked in to my eyes. “I’m sorry I let that one get away from me. I should have protected you. I won’t let it happen again.”

  I wiped the tears that had magically appeared on my face. “I don’t want you to get hurt. If anything…”

  Eric kissed my lips softly. “If anything happens to you because I wasn’t there I won’t be able to forgive myself. Can’t you see how much I care about you?”

  I leaned my head against his chest inhaling his scent deeply through my nose. “You’re so stubborn.”

  He whispered, “It’s what makes me a great attorney. Come on, let’s get you home.”

  ~~~~

  CHAPTER SIX

  As soon as Eric left, I changed clothes, packed my backpack and walked to Akio’s. His doors were closed so I kn
ocked. I could hear him shuffling and then the door finally opened. He looked up at my face and smiled. “I told you so.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Hello to you too.” I walked in to the dojo and set my bag down. “I need you to teach me. Somehow other beings know what I am. I don’t know if one found out and told them or what, but they all keep calling me, Seer.”

  Akio shook his head. “I knew this would happen. We must train you to open it again before they come for you.”

  I frowned, “Come for me? Who’s coming for me?”

  Akio shook his head. “No time. Train.” He barked orders at me and I followed them.

  Five hours of training and then it finally opened. I gasped, “It’s open. I can see all of your faces.”

  Akio frowned. “Which ones?”

  I smiled and said. “Human, dragon and tiger.”

  He nodded his head. “Good, now close it.”

  I groaned, but focused and it worked. I nodded my head then focused and it opened. Akio sighed. “Good, now listen to me. There have been rumors that a group of vampires have come to this area in search of someone. I don’t know for sure that it is you that they are looking for, but even if it is not they may still come for you. I want you to stay home and not go out. Okay?”

  I nodded my head and bowed to him. “Thank you Master.”

  He nodded his head. “Call tomorrow and I will say if you come or not.”

  I nodded my head and grabbed my bag. I walked outside and sighed. It was four thirty and the sun would be going down around six. I jogged home ignoring the pain in my legs and head and locked the door and checked all of the other locks. I pulled out the three stakes I kept in my house and set them around the house for easy access if a vampire somehow got in without my invitation then changed and showered. As I was walking down the stairs someone knocked on the front door. I walked slowly to the door and peeked through the peephole. Eric. I unlocked the doors and he came inside carrying two bags from the local sandwich shop. I slammed the door shut behind him and locked the doors. He walked ahead of me and got to the living room before I could. He stared down at the coffee table where a stake was sitting. “Expecting someone?” he asked with a curious twinkle in his eyes.