by L. T. Kelly
“I mean, imagine if they’d managed to find out I’m underage. I’d be dead in an instant. I’ve always tried to stay off the radar. You’re the only person who’s brought me into unwanted contact with the authorities. You must promise me. No. More. Trouble.”
“I’m sorry,” I muttered like a scolded child. “Maybe, if we do get out of here we could go some place, have some fun like old times? Then you could go home, back to America, where I can’t get you into anymore hot water.” I managed a half smile turning to inspect his face.
“Where’d you fancy going?” he asked, his expression finally getting some brightness back, making him appear more like himself.
“Oh, I don’t know. Anywhere,” I shrugged. “The world’s our oyster, hey,” I said, elbowing him.
I could tell he was trying to think of a country he wanted to go to, his eyes sparkled with excitement. I began to say a little prayer in my head that we’d be saved, more as a force of habit as opposed to any belief in religion. I wasn’t an atheist or a believer of any single denomination. When I prayed, I never understood exactly whom I prayed to in the first place. I just went with what felt right.
Bruno suddenly appeared in the centre of the room.
“They are ready for you now,” he said in a monotone voice, his eyes met both of ours.
“Well, that was fast,” I said.
He shrugged his response. I searched his face for a sign of the verdict but his expression gave nothing away.
I rose to my feet, my throat constricted with nerves. I could have used a drink to take the edge off.
Bruno glowered down at Alex expectantly when he didn’t move. “You too.”
Alex and I examined each other both wide eyed as we silently considered if this was a good or bad thing.
“Come.” Bruno barked the order and turned his back on us to walk through the door.
My limbs shook as I momentarily considered trying to overpower him, or at least sprint past him and get out of here, but when I returned my gaze to Alex and the sheer terror written all over his face, I stopped in my tracks. That’s the first time in all the years I’d known him that I’d recognised just how young he was.
I took his hand reassuringly smoothing my fingers over his knuckles. I didn’t sense any bravado whatsoever, but I pulled my shoulders back and elongated my spine and made sure my head was held high.
“You heard the man, Alex,” I said with a steely resolve.
The walk down the corridor felt like the longest walk I’d ever taken. As we reached the door to the conference room my heart felt as though it would come flying out of my chest into a bloody mess on the immaculate parquet floor.
The Assembly’s eyes surveyed us coolly as we stood before them. I gripped Alex’s hand harder but he didn’t seem to notice. His mouth hung open and his eyes remained wide. I wanted to slap him and tell him how young it made him appear, but obviously I couldn’t.
Bartholomew stood to address us, but I was too busy searching the faces before me for a clue as to what our fate might be.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Teagan, Alex.” Bartholomew spoke to us in turn. “The Assembly has reached a unanimous decision.”
I sucked a deep breath and braced myself for bad news. The faces all turned towards us gave nothing away in their expressions, not even Thomas. It was obvious they enjoyed the experience of being in full control. Their breaths seemed bated, waiting for the reaction to the news about to be delivered.
Only one face showed any expression and that was Victoria’s, her face twisted into a scowl but there was nothing unusual about that.
“We have decided—” He paused for effect and I craned my neck towards him as encouragement for him to continue.
“We have listened to your statement and considered everything you told us with care, Teagan. We believe you were tricked and driven to continue your forbidden love affair.
“A member of this council has admitted, before us today, she too has tasted forbidden fruit. She too has taken the blood of a Werewolf.” He stopped talking and narrowed his eyes at the blonde lady who’d smiled at me earlier. Her head dropped as she seemed to inspect the dark wood table with great attention.
‘Ah, that explains her actions and her friendly smile.’ I thought as I stared at her along with the rest of the vampires in the room.
“She has explained that the effect of the blood is highly addictive.”
Other thoughts began to form in my head. The visions I’d had. My desire to be with Marc. Perhaps even my love for him, my infatuation even?
“Therefore, we will allow you to continue your lives.”
“Thank you, thank you, thanks,” my words gushed out.
“However,” he said sharply, cutting dead my words of gratitude. “The law still stands. You’re still forbidden to fraternise with Werewolves.” He pursed his lips and continued his glare. “You are aware of the law now, and any further incidents will be punishable as laid out.”
I didn’t quite know what that meant, but I guessed it involved my death, somehow. I didn’t care right then, I only wanted to get out of the place.
“So, we’re free to leave?”
Bartholomew nodded his head once before I turned and stalked to the door dragging Alex with me by the hand.
We exchanged face-splitting grins as soon as our backs were turned from the audience. We appreciated our mirrored smiles as we skipped down the corridor towards the exit.
Our entwined hands tensed when we sensed the rush of wind brush past us. Our heads turned slowly forward as though we were filled with dread at who might be stood in front of us. I most certainly was.
Bartholomew loomed over us a foot away, his thick muscular arms strained against the long sleeved black t-shirt he wore, as he folded his arms across his chest.
A grin grew over his rosebud mouth as he witnessed our eyes fill with terror. ‘Had they changed their minds?’
“You,” he said glaring at Alex before swiping his head in a ‘get out of here’ gesture.
Alex slowly walked past him, turning to eye me with concern as he ascended the concrete steps.
His long legs moved fluidly towards me, his emerald eyes smouldered into mine. He guided me with his hands, shrouding my shoulders against the nearby wall. My head tipped back fully to enable me to view his face, trying to gauge what was about to happen.
My butt pressed against the cool plaster as he brushed his fingers over my cheekbones and drank me in through his fevered gaze.
“Teagan,” he whispered my name like a promise. “Don’t think that this is the end. Don’t imagine I’ll let you go that easily.”
I gulped and waited to be dragged into his lair.
Instead, he dipped his face down to mine and planted an affectionate kiss on my forehead. Within a blink he’d gone, leaving me free to leave. As confusing as his words had been, I only experienced elation as I got out of the building as fast as possible.
***
Alex and I lay on my bed in silence staring up at the ceiling. The following evening had arrived and we’d woken up having gone straight to sleep when we arrived back from The Assembly’s Headquarters.
The only way to describe us was emotionally worn out. Alex appeared to have recovered after the day’s sleep but I still suffered with an ache wallowing in my chest. As if he’d read my mind, Alex started the conversation I’d been having inside my own head.
“Do you think you truly loved him, then?”
“From what they said, I’m addicted to his blood. It didn’t seem like a blood-lust thing. It felt real.”
“Then perhaps it was, Teagan.”
I realised he was trying to make me feel better, but that was impossible since my head swam with confusion.
“Shall we go out to celebrate? We can feed in the park and go to a bar,” I said, my mind formulating a plan.
Maybe if I saw him again everything would become clear?
“Yeah, a night out might pull you out
of your funk,” he said with a sense of purpose, climbing off the bed.
We got ready fast. Alex looked handsome in a tight t-shirt and skinny jeans, his slight frame suited the style, and he’d styled his sandy hair so it swept over his face. He always took care of his appearance and followed the latest fashions.
“You look gorgeous, Teagan. No, no, devastating—the guys will be drooling over you, and you know what I always say, the best way to get over one guy—”
“Is to get under another,” I finished for him and laughed.
I wouldn’t know. I’d never been in this situation before. I’d never had anyone to get over. I still didn’t. Marc loved me, and when two people love each other they find a way to be together. Don’t they?
We shared a middle-aged man in the park for dinner. He was alive when we left him but he’d passed out from the blood loss.
“Whoops,” I laughed with my hand over my mouth while Alex propped him against a tree. He tasted like he’d had a lot to drink so the chances were he’d wake up and think he’d passed out from that. He wouldn’t remember us anyhow, not with the amount of venom we’d left in his system.
We sauntered through the park and through Mayfair. The closer we got to the bar the more nervous I became, but Alex didn’t notice. He’d been too busy animatedly chatting about the countries he’d like to visit. Paris was going to be the first stop on our trip. I managed a small smile at his put-on French accent.
“So where are we going?”
“A nice little bar, we’re nearly there,” I said, smoothing my hands over my black body con dress. It didn’t leave much to the imagination, but of course that was my intention.
I turned and started towards the glass door.
“Mm, nice,” Alex said checking out the lime green and black theme.
I nodded, gulping and trying to keep my face smile plastered on my face.
We got through the entrance. “Mm mm, even nicer,” said Alex peering at the bar. At first I thought he referred to the glass shelves or maybe the illuminated counter, but no, he stared at Ryan.
“I knew it,” I exclaimed, giving him a genuine smile. “You’re gay?”
“If you knew, why do you seem so surprised,” he asked, shooting me a sideways glance before returning his attention to Ryan.
“I was just waiting for confirmation.”
Ryan came straight over to serve us, his eyes fixed on Alex.
“Alright, love?” Ryan finally addressed me, managing to tear his eyes off my friend. “Surprised to see you ‘ere,” he said nodding his head at me.
“Why?” I questioned, my brow furrowed and my shaky hands steadied on the bar top.
“You don’t know?”
“Clearly not,” I snapped and pursed my lips.
“Not my place to say. What can I get ‘ya?” He switched the conversation off.
“Red wine, and you Alex?”
“Vodka and coke please,” Alex said flashing his best dazzling smile, which Ryan returned before swaggering off down the bar. “What the fuck was that about?” Alex whispered.
I shrugged. “No clue,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. It was part truth. I figured whatever Ryan had said must concern Marc, but I had no clue what Ryan was getting at in the slightest. Of course, I’d failed to mention we were going to Marc’s bar.
I gulped down my wine, squirming uncomfortably. I felt like a gooseberry, observing Alex and Ryan as they flirted shamelessly with one another. ‘Where is he?’ I thought. It was getting late. Perhaps he hadn’t come back to work? Perhaps his sister still ran the show? I knew he owned several places, but I hadn’t recognised anyone to be his sister. I thought I’d at least smell the similarity? I ordered another glass, this time a large. While Ryan went away to collect my order, Alex eyed me suspiciously.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just bored.”
“You need to slow down with the wine, Teagan,” he warned, narrowing his eyes at me.
I shrugged and took a large mouthful out of the glass Ryan had placed in front of me. He soon forgot about me and started chatting with Ryan again, leaving Ryan’s work mate scowling in our direction as she rushed around serving customers.
Ryan finally stood up straight from his leaning position on the bar. Alex turned to me with a huge grin on his face.
“He’s invited me back to his place, do you mind?”
I snorted. “I’m a grown up.” My words came out slightly slurred.
“I think you should go home now, Tea.”
“Don’t be silly, I’ll finish this first,” I said, lifting the glass with an inch of wine left.
Ryan appeared beside Alex. “As long as you’ll be ok?”
“Yes, yes, I can take care of myself.” I shooed them away and waved goodbye when he looked back on his way to the door.
I emptied the glass and turned back to face the bar. I ordered another large glass against my better judgement. I suffered overwhelming thirst, only now I realised why I had the thirst. It was a thirst for Marc’s blood.
My head swam from the alcohol. I took a large gulp anyway and turned to look out across the room. My vision erratically focussed on people and then zoomed back out like a camera lens. I shook my head trying to regain a normal view, when the man next to me gasped.
‘Fuck, must have been too fast.’
I picked up on intimate conversations around the room against my will. Time to leave. My senses were getting out of control.
I concentrated on walking to the door at a normal human speed, trying to ignore my messed up vision and hearing when I slammed into someone.
“Teagan?” His velvet voice rang though my ears, soothing and reassuring me from the inside out. I loved the way his tongue curled around my name.
I angled my face up and stared into his chocolate eyes, darker than I’d seen them since the night we’d first met. His features seemed dark and troubled, even through my alcohol-fogged mind. I wanted to kiss his pain away and tell him all would all be ok. I’d come to get him. We could go away together. We’d be happy now.
I went to move my mouth to the hard-pressed line of his lips, but he stepped back. I wobbled, only just catching my balance because I’d been leaning on his chest for support.
Then, she came into my view and he held her hand. It had been the first time I’d seen her not wearing harshly cut clothing. She was wearing a cream dress that softened her appearance, made her look maternal somehow.
He was with Gabriella and he clung to her hand.
I hissed at her as my fangs ran out. Marc moved quickly wrapping his arm around my neck and pulling my face into his chest to hide my outburst in a bar full of people. I didn’t fight or try to pull away. I was too busy breathing in his scent, letting the aroma flood my nostrils and swallowing it down in huge gulps so it lingered in my lungs like a sweet breath of sunshine filled air.
“She’s obviously drunk, Gaby,” he bit.
“She’s not your problem, Marc. You’re with me now, you promised. No-more,” she snarled back at him.
“You wanna be responsible for a drunk vampire roaming the streets?” he snapped. “Let me take her home and I’ll come straight back. I promise I’ll never see her again.”
I sensed the sting in my heart and the hollow ache in the pit of my stomach. Surely he was lying to her? I’d been unable to watch their faces because my head remained buried in his chest and staying still worked for me, especially because I was so close to him.
I didn’t hear another word from Gabriella. He pulled me to his hip and wrapped his arm around my back, cradling me under my armpit.
I’d imagine he looked just like he was carrying a drunk out of the bar—of course he was, but I was the most dangerous drunk he’d ever have to handle.
Marc pulled me outside keeping my head nestled in his shirt and quickly hailed a cab.
“Fuck, Teagan. What happened? I thought you were dead?” His voice sounded strangled with emotion as he pulled my head ba
ck to stare into my eyes.
“Here we go again.” I kept my slurred voice level. “What, so you thought I was dead and you get with Gabriella, huh?” I cocked my head to one side and squinted at him. My vision zoomed erratically over his beautiful features.
He turned away from me squeezing his eyes closed before rubbing a hand over his face.
“The Assembly spared me,” I spat my, voice raised in anger. “You have to make a choice, Marc. We can run—” My voice softened.
“We got engaged,” he muttered, unable to meet my eyes.
“Tell me you’re fucking kidding me,” I screeched, unable to contain my rage. “You said you loved me.”
“I know, but the pressure from my parents just got to be too much.” He reached out and rested a hand on my bare leg.
I narrowed my eyes and put my face so close to his that our noses touched and tried to focus on his irises. “What are you?” I hissed. “Are you a fucking man? I don’t know how I ever loved you, because you’ve got no fucking balls!” My voice reached a crescendo, Marc moved his head away from me and slapped his huge hand over my mouth in an attempt to cease my diatribe.
Rage enveloped me. Mixed with the alcohol it was a dangerous combination. My fangs extended and pierced his palm. He winced but seemed to consider it more important to keep me quiet than to stop me.
I hungrily sucked on his hand, my mouth filling with his thick hot blood. The richness danced on and delighted my palate. I sensed myself drifting away, floating into my vision and allowing complete consummation.
I’d drifted to the woods, into the place we’d made love, dancing in the long grass, bursts of colourful flowers nestled between the bright green blades. I was naked and the sun warmed my bare flesh.
Then he appeared. Marc, naked and laughing trying to catch me. Happiness ebbed and flowed through me heightening my senses and electrifying my nerve endings. Tiny clumps of earth stuck to the soles of my feet as I ran, leaving me with a tingling sensation. The grass slapped around my legs and knees giving me a pleasurable sting before the petals of the meadow flowers kissed the sting away. Love and warmth flooded me like never before. I was dizzy with glory and joy.
