Awakening - Book of Fire (Blood Heritage #1)

by Gray-Fee, Krista

  The crackling of the radio interrupts her thoughts, looking up she sees a vaguely recognizable face. The officer rounding the corner of the yard has a slight limp and a fresh scar above his left eyebrow which completely gives away his identity.

  He’s even more attractive in person, she thinks as he approaches. Amber can’t remember his name, but he is definitely the man from the news article in the paper. Standing to meet him, she extends her hand to introduce herself. Looking concerned, he takes her in from top to bottom.

  "Are you all right? Last time I saw you, you were out cold." He says, still looking her over.

  "I’m fine," she replies with a slight blush of embarrassment.

  He takes her hand and introduces himself, "Detective James Wolfe, nice to meet you."

  Just then the gator-mobile shows up and two guys get out who could have jumped right out of the movie Crocodile Dundee. One of them asks if the gator is around back and the other comes over to chat with James.

  They’re obviously familiar with each other, and not only shake hands but do one of those pat-on-the-back, one-armed manly hug things. Amber feels like an intruder, watching these two men embrace.

  "Haven't seen you since the accident! Man, good to see you on your feet again!"

  They walk to the back of the house and Amber hears the splashing and laughing of the men wrestling with the beast, when they reappear, one is carrying what to her seems to be a huge creature.

  Though the gator is only a baby, she would have sworn it was a dragon if someone asked for her opinion. This is a not the best beginning, if the goal is for her to feel safe in this new home. She has enough monsters of her own to fear without having tiny dragons trying to move in.

  James follows the hunters to the truck and opens the tailgate for them to insert the trespasser. The guys talk for a few moments and then leave, still laughing. James returns to finish up with Amber.

  She gives him a questioning look, and he tells her the problem is taken care of. He can’t help snickering a bit and she finally asks him "what the hell is so funny?"

  "Your dead body is just a tiny baby gator."

  He tries explaining, the mental and physical stress response to a call such as this and the lightness of relief as his body begins catching up to his mind. He can't keep himself from laughing.

  She feels comfortable enough to give him a friendly smack on the arm with a pouty "that’s not nice," before breaking into laughter herself. Nothing feels better than laughter at the end of a stressful situation. "Thank you," she says as he walks to his car.

  He gives her an ‘it was nothing’ wave and disappears down the thickly tree-lined street.

  Amber decides to stay home for the afternoon and begins unpacking her things. She'll go out tomorrow and find a job. She’s not really in the mood to take on more unknowns today, having had enough excitement to last an entire week.

  Fortunes and Finances

  After a few days, Amber is beginning to feel like her new place is home. The quiet neighborhood and lush landscaping provide her a privacy and peace that she has not had the pleasure of experiencing before. She loves the warmth and even the stickiness of the heat that many people complain about.

  She spends her days wandering around the city, looking for possible employment opportunities, not having any luck. She finds the local grocery store and a variety of wonderful restaurants, bars and used clothing boutiques.

  The more time she spends wandering the area, the more she thinks this will be a fantastic place to live.

  People are extremely kind to her, and each place she inquires about employment, there is a new suggestion of possibilities given by the managers, usually with some long description along the lines of "…last I heard, my neighbors cousin's business is hiring for such and such..." So far these suggestions have not panned out, but she is enjoying meeting all of the colorful characters the random leads take her to.

  Then by chance, her luck takes a major turn in the right direction. Looking for a place to find an iced mocha, Amber walks into what looks like a bookstore. She is right to some extent, for along with a wide variety of books there are all kinds of amazing items in this charming little store.

  The aroma of incense is the first thing she notices and the dim lighting is pleasant. There are crystals and candles and wonderful handmade crafts lining beautiful wooden shelves. A peaceful and pleasant feeling engulfs her senses as she searches through some wonderful light scarf wraps.

  Choosing a deep purple with a lotus flower pattern to purchase, she spends some time smelling the oils, candles and incense sticks. Amber loves the spicy combination of cinnamon, cloves and vanilla, and picks out a candle to warm up her kitchen and make it her own.

  Taking her purchases to the counter she finds herself looking at one of the most beautiful women she has ever seen. Tall and tan, her long black hair pulled back from her face with one of the silky scarves, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief, she looks like an Indian princess.

  The striking bright teal sundress she wears has a long flowing skirt that appears to be made of the lightest fabric. She smiles a tremendously infectious kind of smile and Amber smiles back handing over her purchases. As their hands brush together, their eyes widen and a surge of energy flows between them.

  They both respond by immediately pulling back. Amber stares at the woman in silence.

  "You have the gift!" The woman says, no question in her voice.

  "What gift," Amber responds, "I’m not sure what just happened."

  "The sight, you have the sight, but you do not look like you have the blood?" This the woman says with a questioning tone.

  "I don't know anything about my blood; I am adopted." Amber replies, feeling completely out of sorts.

  "I think I have been waiting for you. Sorry, how rude of me, my name is Rissa but most people just call me the gypsy chick. People come to have their cards or palms read, or for herbal remedies for their ailments.

  I am really good with herbs and plants. I also make a great cup of coffee, would you like one?" The lightness of her tone is soothing.

  "Actually, that is what brought me into your shop in the first place, I was hoping to find an iced mocha, you are anything but rude, and my name is Amber."

  Amber and Rissa sit down to enjoy their mochas allowing the awkwardness of their meeting to fade away. Finding themselves falling easily into conversation, Rissa is back to her smiling and relaxed self, and Amber feels immediately comfortable with this charming woman. Amber asks Rissa if she knows any local businesses which might be hiring.

  Rissa, smiling even bigger, says, "well you have come to the right place. I was hoping you were looking for work, I could use a hand running the coffee shop in the mornings, and the shop for a couple hours every afternoon if you’re interested. I can only guarantee around thirty hours a week, but the pay is pretty good, since the locals are great tippers."

  "That sounds great," Amber replies. Deciding on a Monday start date, they part ways with a hug. Sometimes people just click; Amber returns home with a smile on her face and a hopeful heart. The day has flown by and she feels full of hope, and sure that this day could not possible get any better.

  While she was out for the day, the service men took care of the pool area, cleaning, inspecting and installing lights and covers to keep out any more unwelcome visitors.

  Feeling much more secure now that these measures have been taken, Amber embarks on her first venture into the spectacular garden pool. The glowing blue light under the water clearly showing her she is alone to enjoy her bowl of decadent brownie chunk ice cream and soak away any tension remaining in her body. The cool water of the pool is a sharp and invigorating contrast to the delicious warmth of the whirlpool and she fully partakes of both pleasures.

  Laying her head down on the soft feather pillow, she instantly falls into a deep sleep. The warm soothing waters have done their job. She feels safe, secure and happy for the first time in many years.

  Th
is is far better than living on the streets of Seattle, where she has been the last couple of years. Her mind falls into the rhythm of sleep and her breathing slows to a restful pace. All is well in her world, for the moment at least.

  Amber knows better than to take her comfort for granted so she savors each breath knowing that it may not last. Something about her seemingly draws trouble no matter how hard she tries to stay out of its path.

  Dark Dreams

  Amber wakes from a deep sleep in a cold sweat, her sheets wrapped around her from intense tossing and turning. Her damp hair sticking to her face, fear burns in the pit of her stomach.

  The bright light washing the room in brilliance is so different from the darkness she has just left. How can dreams feel so real? She trembles at the thought of all the blood, she can't get the rivers of blood out of her mind. She has dreamt of the dark man standing on top of the temple before.

  She is watching from the bottom as the blood runs down the steps. It washes over her, she feels the warm wetness splashing over her and tastes the saltiness she can't keep out of her mouth. The metallic smell filling her nostrils makes her gag, suffocates her. She rushes to the bathroom to purge the taste that remains in her mouth.

  Feeling ill and uncomfortable, she knows she has to shake it off. She can't succumb to the temptation to cower in her craziness. She has to find a way to be normal enough to live a somewhat sane life.

  She allows a warm shower to wash away the sticky remnants of her dream and washes her hair twice for good measure to ensure the last memories of the blood bath are out of her head. Today she will go shopping for some work clothes to keep her comfortable in this warm environment. I wish I’d asked Rissa about her dress, she thinks as she sorts through her meager wardrobe.

  The day turns out to be a good one full of shopping therapy and great finds. The bright colors and light fabrics of this climate suit her athletic body well, she is petite, only five and curvy in all the right places.

  Amber has no trouble finding new clothes for work and a couple new swimming suits for play. She has already fallen in love with her new strappy wedge sandals. This climate is going to do her some good, maybe she will even get a tan... eventually.

  Her pale skin may never have a sun-kissed glow, but she does worship it nonetheless.

  With a new wardrobe Amber is feeling confident about her new employment. Life has finally given her a fighting chance. Still getting used to people smiling at her as she walks by, Amber is a bit uncomfortable with the positive attention.

  She knows clothes make a huge difference and the luxury that no one knows where she has been makes it easy to pretend she is normal. Amber focuses on walking with confidence, smiling back and pretending to believe she belongs here.

  Feeling fantastic, Amber decides to enjoy some music and dancing in one of the local bars. This is her last weekend of freedom before becoming a working girl. Dressing in a pretty white tank with eyelet lace details, denim shorts and her new favorite shoes, she heads out for a night on the town.

  The casual environment makes her feel right at home. She orders a shot of rum and smiles at the knowledge of being only a few blocks from home. This place will probably become her favorite neighborhood hang out. She finds very little need for the car, and is in no hurry to begin exploring further than her feet can comfortably carry her.

  The blues band keeps her energized and in the mood for a good time, there is no shortage of gentlemen willing to dance with her as the night progresses. Darkness has fallen and it’s getting late.

  Just as she begins thinking about heading home she sees him sitting at the bar. She’s surprised how amazingly attractive he is. Holding a drink in his hand, he looks deep into the glass, swirling the golden fluid around and around, something must be on his mind.

  She casually walks up to him. "Hi James," she says, smiling and sitting down next to him.

  "Oh hi," he says, looking a bit startled. "Amber isn't it?"

  "Yup, that’s me."

  He gives her a bit of a smile back. "You come here often?" she asks, using the well-worn pickup line.

  He laughs and says, "well actually yes, probably more often than I should."

  She’s happy to see him, and finds it easy to talk to him. She’s never been shy around men, but something about this one practically screams, let him take the lead. She hopes he will; as she desperately wants to dance with him, to find out if his touch is as warm as his smile.

  After some small talk, he asks her to dance, and she happily takes his hand. Out on the dance floor, the two find a perfect rhythm together and the rest of the world disappears. Looking into each other's eyes they lose track of time and surrender to the excitement of the possibilities.

  Everything in her life is so new, though she isn't looking for friends and lovers, she is happy life is providing her some interesting and positive people to spend time with. The music slows and his hand is trembling as he pulls her a bit closer. Her body fits perfectly against him and his hand finds the small of her back resting there naturally.

  He has only felt this kind of desire once before and is hungry for its return. "You are so beautiful," he whispers.

  Smiling, she runs her fingers through his hair playfully. Loving his energy, and feeling free in his arms, she allows the moment to overtake her. They both feel this is the beginning of something more.

  The bartender breaks their focus shouting, "Last call, it's now or never!" They look at each other and suffer an awkward moment returning to reality. Still holding hands they walk back to their barstools.

  He buys her a shot and they toast to baby alligators and new beginnings. Closing the bar, they walk out into the night air finding it difficult to part ways.

  "You know where I'm going," she says with a smile.

  I'm in the opposite direction, he says, pointing down the road. "I can walk you home if you want?"

  "Nope, you have done enough already, saving me from that wicked beast." she giggles, "parting is such sweet sorrow."

  "Until we meet again," he says, pulling her close and kissing her unexpectedly. His tender lips against hers send shivers down her spine and a rush of exquisite energy throughout her body.

  Wrapping her arms around him she kisses him back, wanting him desperately, something in her withdraws. They need to take this slow. She turns leaving him with a slight bow, blowing him a kiss.

  Laughing and looking back repeatedly they finally go their separate ways. The last thing he sees is her tender smile.

  She’s too wired to go to sleep, so she takes a swim and a soak. The heat puts her into drowsy speculation. Still feeling his warm lips against her neck and his warm breath in her ear, she concludes this attraction is dangerous. What is it about him that is so unbelievably hot?... Eventually crawling into bed she succumbs to the sleep of the intoxicated.

  She sleeps in, and most of the morning is gone before she crawls out of bed. She has a day of weeding and nurturing her garden and flowerbeds planned. Putting on a pair of old sweats and a tank top and plaiting her hair into a tight braid to keep her hair out of the dirt she prepares for a day of exquisite hard work.

  Pulling a pair of garden gloves and some tools from the garage she sets them on the back doorstep. Though she doesn't feel like eating, she knows a glass of orange juice and a croissant will make her feel better. Eating her brunch outside helps to brighten her spirits and alleviates her headache a bit. The sun has already burned off the morning mist and the breeze is light and refreshing.

  This will be a hot one, she thinks to herself. She wonders how James is doing this morning, and if he even remembers the events of last night. It would be just her luck that he was only drunk and really has no idea how much she likes him.

  She could not possibly know how deeply he has been affected by their chemistry; he decided long ago love and desire were not for him. He feels overtaken by her beauty, her innocence and genuine warmth.

  Most of all he wants to feel the way he feels when
she is in his arms. This is not a part of his plan, he is supposed to focus on his job, never having anyone worry about whether he is going to get hurt, he is not supposed to have anything to lose.

  Falling in love is painful and distracting, and he doesn't really need any more pain in his life. He knows with love, as with so many other things in life, you really have no choice when it comes for you.

  The feeling of the dirt between her fingers and the warmth of the sun on her back is therapeutic. She feels the nurturing quality of connecting with nature and is content spending hours working the weeds out of her precious beds.

  The dark fragrance of the dirt and the sweet spiciness of the flowers mix interestingly with the sharp fragrance of the weeds to create a delicious tangy freshness. She has buckets of victim-weeds by the end of the day and feels proud of her accomplishment.