by Last, K. A.
Copyright © 2013 K. A. Last
All rights reserved.
First published in Australia 2013 by
K. A. Last
The right of K. A. Last to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
K. A. Last
PO Box 457
Berowra
NSW, Australia 2081
[email protected]
http://www.kalastbooks.com.au
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry (ebook)
Last, K. A.
Fall For Me [electronic resource]/K. A. Last.
ISBN: 9780987384911 (ebook: kindle)
For young adults
Young adult fiction
Fantasy fiction
A823.4
Book and cover design by KILA Designs
http://www.facebook.com/KILAdesigns
Cover images: iStockphoto® ©johnnorth ©vtorous
For Katrina; because you were there from the start.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
THIRTY
THIRTY-ONE
THIRTY-TWO
THRITY-THREE
THIRTY-FOUR
THIRTY-FIVE
THIRTY-SIX
THIRTY-SEVEN
THIRTY-EIGHT
THIRTY-NINE
FORTY
FIGHT FOR ME
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!
Prodigious birth of love it is to me,
That I must love a loathed enemy.
William Shakespeare – Romeo & Juliet, Act I, Scene V
PROLOGUE
England, 1642
The stars twinkled above them as they raced through the castle. They were not permitted to stay long, only until their task was complete.
On earth everything was tangible and unique, but back home the realm was an endless white void where everyone existed in unison. They both loved their home, but once the magnificence of this world had been experienced, it was hard to go back.
Over the years they’d been sent on many missions, and it saddened him as he knew this would be their last. Coming to earth was the only way he could spend time with her, because back in their world falling in love was forbidden.
The sound of her giggle as she ran ahead brought a smile to his face. It was like a beautiful melodic bell chiming inside his head. He followed close behind, taking note of the way her dark hair flicked out behind her and caressed the nape of her neck. He imprinted in his memory every line and every curve of her body; because after that night he wasn’t sure if he’d ever see her again. She turned to glance over her shoulder and he caught a glimpse of her radiant face, her sparkling blue sapphire eyes and perfect porcelain skin. She was beautiful, and heavenly, and he loved her.
Keeping his feelings from her was the hardest thing he’d ever had to do, but making the decision to leave was harder still. She couldn’t know his intentions as he knew she’d want to go with him. He wouldn’t allow it; he couldn’t let her make that sacrifice. They were best friends and he was closer to her than any angel he’d known. Where he was going there was no turning back and she didn’t deserve that life. It would be better to live without her than to stay and live with her just beyond reach. He couldn’t do it anymore. He couldn’t risk her existence to satisfy his own, and he couldn’t let himself love her.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him into a small stone alcove. Her touch was warm and spread happiness through him, consuming him like a burning fire. Touching her always made him feel like he was home.
“We have to go back now,” she whispered.
He knew it was true, but he didn’t want to leave. Not yet. This would be the last time he saw her this way, possibly the last time he would see her at all, and he wanted the moment to stretch on forever.
“Just a few more minutes,” he said. “I’m sure they won’t mind.”
“They see everything, we should be back already.”
She was right, she was always right. For a moment they stood gazing into each other’s eyes, and he wanted what he couldn’t have, wanted it so much it hurt. He almost told her there and then exactly how he felt, but instead he hardened his heart.
“Fly with me first?” he asked.
She hesitated, then smiled and nodded.
He slid his hands around her waist and she rested her head on his chest. He closed his eyes and sent his orbs of light around them. The tiny glowing spheres swirled until they joined together as one and they left earth, bound for the outer realm. There they could fly freely, without the risk of being seen. He thought it was the most amazing feeling in the world.
They flew side by side, twisting and turning in unison, so in tune with each other no words were needed. He knew exactly what she would do before she did it. A gentle breeze made by the flutter of her wings caressed his arm and sent a shiver through him. She was magnificent, and even more so with wings spread wide. Beautiful and silvery white, she shimmered in the night sky and it took all his strength not to reach out and touch her. He longed to feel the silky smoothness of her feathers beneath his fingertips, to hold her, and it broke his heart knowing that when she arrived home he would not be with her.
They danced and twirled. Her giggle floated among the stars which twinkled brighter as she neared. He wished they could stay like that for eternity, happy and free, but he’d made his decision and the time had come to let her go.
He knew they should have been back already, so he reached for her and took her into his arms. For a moment he savoured her touch, drew in the fresh scent of her hair which smelt like summer rain, and made sure he’d remember the way her body seemed to fit perfectly with his.
Together for the last time, she lifted her head and he looked deep into her eyes. She pulled back and he could tell she was about to ask what was wrong, she always knew when something wasn’t quite right. Struggling to hold it in, struggling to hide his emotion, he lost the battle and a tear trickled down his cheek. She reached up and caught it in the palm of her hand where it sat glistening, then solidified into a diamond. Before she could speak, he said the words he’d been waiting a long time to say.
“I renounce you and all your ways.”
The expressio
n she held was one that would haunt him for the rest of his life, and he hated that he made her look that way. She shook her head and tried to grab for him, but he was already slipping away. He had no way of telling what was in store for him, or what his fall would be like. Her angelic face was fading into the distance, she was becoming a blur at the end of a long black tunnel, and he could see her calling his name but he couldn’t hear her. Before long she was a distant memory, and he was surrounded by a cold, heavy blanket of darkness.
ONE
GRACE
Late Sunday Night
Crouched in the scrub, rocks digging into my knees and bracken fern tickling my nose, I could think of much better ways to spend my Sunday night. Then again, it was how we spent most nights.
“Get your head down,” I whispered, “have you forgotten everything Pa taught you?”
Meet my brother Archer, sixth generation hunter extraordinaire. He’s a bit too cocky sometimes but all members of the Tate family are, especially the boys.
“Chill out, Grace. This one’s not too bright,” he said.
I rolled my eyes in the darkness knowing he could see me. Excellent eye sight was a genetic inheritance and came with the job description. Our target was standing with his back to us about twenty metres away, striking a defensive pose. He was alone—they usually travelled in pairs or more—which was why my brother was being so careless.
“Easy, Arch, he’ll find us if you’re not careful,” I said, putting my hand on his arm.
Our subject knew we were there but couldn’t quite pinpoint our location. He’d be able to hear Archer’s heartbeat and smell him, too, but not enough to accurately follow his trail. In-built defences also came with the job description. Archer was human but had the ability to suppress normal human functions, a bit of a necessity when you needed to go undetected around someone with super hearing and smell. I had no particular odour. I could give off a scent if I wanted to but I found it much easier not to be smelly. If I did I opted for summer rain or freshly cut grass.
“Come out, come out wherever you are,” he mocked us. “I can hear your little hearts beating, there’s no use trying to hide.”
Archer scoffed under his breath. I parted the ferns and looked at the figure through the darkness. The moon was bright, but its light was blocked by the dense canopy above. The guy we were up against was hunched over ready to strike. He flicked around in one swift motion and I stared into a pair of deep black eyes, as black as death itself.
“I think he’s seen us, Arch,” I whispered.
“Really? You don’t say.”
The man sped towards us, his dark figure a blur between the trees, and in less than a second he closed the gap. Now would be when you’re thinking, oh well, they’re dead, but I have a little something up my sleeve for moments like this. My hand was on Archer’s arm so I couldn’t grab his neck to throttle him; that I could do later. Instead, I used my own gift and took us to where the guy had been standing a second before. Orbing was fun, and came in quite handy. It was also pretty cool—not to mention fast—travelling by a ball of light.
Our target looked angry he’d been outsmarted. Archer and I stood side by side smiling in the darkness. A breeze wafted through the tallowwoods and rustled their branches allowing a little more moonlight to shine through.
“You,” he said vehemently.
“Yes, us,” Archer laughed.
“There were rumours your lineage died out. I didn’t think it was true.”
“Yep, unfortunately for you, we’re still here.”
In a flash the man came at us again. I gave him top marks for bravery, or was it stupidity? Archer spun on his heel and I watched with a smile as he drew his weapon from his belt, stabbing our victim in the chest. Archer was right, this one wasn’t too bright, pretty much running into his own stake. He turned to dust and fell to the ground in a heap.
“Fancy that, thinking he could take us on,” Archer said, shaking his head.
“You’re getting too big for your boots, you know?” I said, as I turned to walk back towards the shed.
We lived in the middle of nowhere. Ok, not quite, but close enough. Our parents died when we were young, and Pa passed away almost a year ago. It was just the two of us, the last in the Tate line.
“Dad would’ve been proud of you,” I said, playfully punching Archer’s arm as we walked. “Maybe not the attitude, but your skill is second to none.”
He smiled slyly and pushed me hard. Did I mention he was strong? Before I hit the ground I orbed and came round to land in front of him. I pushed his chest with both hands and sent him flying backwards. Did I mention I was strong, too?
“You don’t take compliments very well, do you?” I said, hands on my hips. “And you know I’d kick your butt in a fight.”
Archer laughed, jumped to his feet and brushed himself off. It had been hard after Mum and Dad died. We were only five but I could remember everything, another part of being me. Archer only had fragments of memories, but I wasn’t so lucky. Every memory has been filed and locked away right from the very beginning. Archer was my sixth brother and twin in the Tate family. Every generation bears a son, the Hunter, and a daughter, the Protection Angel. After all, Archer was human and could get himself killed. He may possess strength, speed and heightened senses but like I said, still human.
As the daughter I’ve never had a family of my own. I couldn’t if I wanted to anyway, it’s forbidden. After I help train and protect one generation, I’m born into the next, usually a short time before we hit twenty-five, and the cycle goes on … and on. I knew what I was getting myself into when I agreed to take on this mission, so I couldn’t complain. With the first convicts came the first vampires, the fleet ships were the perfect place for them to hide. When things started to get out of hand I was sent to Hopetown Valley; my first indefinite assignment and the first away from England. Over a hundred and fifty years later it gets a little repetitive, especially since I can’t die. I can be wounded and hurt but my healing abilities kick in pretty quickly. I’m like a guardian angel but more—solid.
“Are you looking forward to tomorrow?” I asked as we walked down the rocky path towards home.
“Let me see, school. That would be a no,” Archer said, rubbing his chin.
“Come on, Arch, it’s our final year, then we’re out in the big wide world.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, Gracie, we’re already in the big wide world.”
That was true, and I hated being called Gracie.
I stopped in my tracks and grabbed Archer’s wrist. Something was wrong, I could feel it. To avoid making a sound, I spoke in his head. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, our thoughts are connected. It’s something I’ve been able to do with every one of my brothers, but it can get a little complicated. I can hear other people’s thoughts but it’s not a constant stream, I have to actually be listening, which makes it easy to block things out. It’s sort of like a light switch I can turn on and off in my head. On the flip side, obviously people can’t read my mind. Generally speaking, humans aren’t mind readers, but they could hear my thoughts if I let them by forcing my way in. This, along with reading feelings and pretty much knowing everything about someone just by looking in their eyes, comes in handy. I said it’s complicated, and sometimes being an angel isn’t easy. There are a lot of things I don’t actually want to know.
Truck, now, I said to Archer.
He nodded and we scurried over to the old Bedford farm truck that was rusting away in our carport. The rickety structure sat on the edge of a clearing that made up the centre of our property. It had enough space for five cars, but only three were in use. The far one was occupied with various pieces of farm junk that had accumulated over the years, another housed our black Defender. The big truck in the end space hid us in its shadow.
Moonlight streamed into the clearing. From our vantage point I could see three figures on the far side standing in the shadows, and their voices travelled to us e
asily on the breeze. I listened carefully but couldn’t hear any names floating around in their thoughts. I didn’t know who they were; I did however know what they were talking about.
“She’s close,” one voice said.
“Good, I’m getting sick of chasing her. Is she really worth all this?” said another.
“Of course she is,” the third one snapped. “She’s the key to everything. Just think how powerful we’ll be.”
Key? Archer asked. I shrugged. All I could get was they were after a pretty blonde girl. We watched as the three figures sped away in a blur of motion.
“More vamps,” I said, getting to my feet. “I haven’t seen them around before.”
“Well, they won’t last long,” Archer replied, standing up as well. “We’ll take care of them.”
I wasn’t in a hurry to chase them; I knew we’d catch up with them sooner or later. Besides, we’d done enough hunting for one night and we needed some rest.
After I took a few steps, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Archer froze, sensing something, too. I whipped around to face the way we’d come, then flung my right hand in front of my chest and caught a wooden stake before it could pierce through my skin and reach my heart. Its sharp point tore a hole in my black T-shirt, but the cut it made on my skin healed almost instantly. There went another top though; I was getting tired of having to replace my clothes.
Crouching just off the path, shielded by the ferns and undergrowth, was a slender figure dressed in black. Her face was perfectly pale and surrounded by wavy strawberry gold hair. The girl’s black eyes glistened in the moonlight and I gasped at what they revealed. Before I could gather my thoughts and even think about delving into hers, she was gone, another blur through the trees.
“What was that about?” Archer said, letting out a long breath.
“She thought I was a vampire?”
“Obviously, duh!” Archer gestured at the stake in my hand.
