by Candis Vargo
“I can always count on you, Em.” I returned the smile.
“So,” said Ethan, “I understand you’re worried one race might get more power or ruling than the other after the union.”
Ethan always went right to the point. That was one of the things I liked most about him.
Em looked at him and gave him a stern look. “I never said she was worried about it! All I said was it would be crazy if something like that happened,” she said.
“Sweetheart, I know you all too well. I can read between the lines, especially yours. I know what you guys are worried about.”
I should have figured as much from him.
“No, not worried so much.” I cut in. As her lover he could definitely read her, and he was right; that was what I want to know. “I’m more curious. When Roland and I get married, I know both races will benefit.” I glanced over at Em as I gave her a look to let her know I am not going to marry Roland. I wanted to make sure she knew that I’m still just playing along until we figured everything out. “It’s just weird how Roland wants the union to be sooner. I mean, I understand how much we will benefit from it if the Great War happens after we get married, we need you Vamps there. But I mean, The Fallen just started moving in, won’t it take a while for them to get everyone here and get ready?”
“Not necessarily, your kind has been training since you were eight. I’m sure they have been training too. The only thing that is stopping them is getting everyone here. But with them, it doesn’t take long. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened this week. I don’t know what more us Vamps could get from the union though.
“I know Roland extremely well, it’s not like he’s an evil demon or anything. He has nothing but pure love for you. But I will be sure to stick my nose in places they don’t belong to see if I can find something out. Don’t’ worry though, I swear I won’t let Roland or anyone else for that matter, know what is going on.” He held up his fingers, showing the universal symbol for scouts honor.
“Thanks Ethan. Like I told Em, I’m sure it’s just the wedding jitters getting to me. You know cold feet. No pun intended.” We all smiled at that comment.
I knew he would keep his word, he always has. I mean so much to Em, and she means so much to him, that he wouldn’t betray our trust like that.
“It’s okay, I don’t mind. But please tell me, what does her dress look like?” he said nodding his head toward Em.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” she said. “Or, you could just skip the dress and look for what’s underneath.”
I threw my hands up, shaking my head.
“Ugh, that’s enough for me. Thanks for the coffee you guys. But on that note, I’m leaving you two love birds to do, whatever it is you love birds do. I don’t want to think about it, so I’m out! Thanks again for everything Ethan. Em, after your hormones have calmed down, you can call me.”
“Don’t you worry; I am well on my way to taking care of my hormones.” Em said, winking at Ethan.
“You better get out your battery operated boyfriend because Ethan is going to be busy playing our little private investigator.” I instantly regretted those words once they felt my lips. I knew exactly what she was going to say.
“Damn right he’s going to be investigating some privates.” She gave Ethan a look I could only assume was a ‘fuck me’ look, as she bit down on her lip.
“Okay, I give up! I’m out! See you guys later.” Standing up, I made my way out of the coffee shop.
***
I stopped in front of the large metal sign that read “Barnesville Cemetery.” So simple, yet it made my heart sink every time I saw it. The cemetery is located off of a little dirt road, hidden behind a line of trees. I took a deep breath before I put my Nitro in park and got out. The cemetery was too small for you to drive into; instead, you had to walk. There was nothing that frightened me more than an old cemetery. The way the tomb stones were covered in moss and how they were scarcely recognizable any more. The stones held words that were so damaged from the changing weather you couldn’t even read them anymore.
My Mothers stone was a tall angel with a flowing Victorian dress that draped all the way down to her bare feet. The wings were more like a Pixie than an Angel, for obvious reasons. Something about the tomb stone resembled her. Maybe it is the long curly hair that looked like it was blowing in the breath of the wind, or maybe it is just the all-around beauty of the angel. Every time I looked at it, I could swear I was looking at her.
Wishing she was here to stop everything, to make everything right again, I felt my anger inside. Taking out all of the emotions I have been keeping inside, I began to pound my fists on her grave. Hitting it over and over, hating myself for not remembering the night she died. Hating her for not being here to help me, wishing somehow things were different. After a few more minutes of pounding my whitened knuckles the ground above her grave, I stopped and started to cry.
I began crying so hard but for the life of me I didn’t know why. My chest ached, as it spoke to every desire, every dream I have ever had. I didn’t know why I came here. Maybe it was where I belonged. I was alone and crying, falling apart from the inside out. I know I shouldn’t have been pounding on my mother’s grave, but I couldn’t help myself. Now laying there in front of the statue, my tears smeared my mascara down my face. With the tears burning my eyes, I closed them, imagining what she would be like today.
With a feeling of unease running through me, I jerked my head up and looked around. I swore I could hear the sound of beating wings. Glancing over at my mother’s angel, I stared into her face. Something was different, something has changed. I don’t know what it was, but it was there. Something about the angel looked…sad. Not right.
Realizing that it was beginning to get dark, I decided to leave the cemetery. Nights were the worst for me inside of a cemetery, with all of the dead people buried underneath every step you took, it was more than creepy. Think about it, if there are Vampires; how do I know there aren’t Zombies too? If one of those things sank their teeth into you, you were as good as dead. Well, at least that’s what I learned off of the movies.
Pulling into my driveway, I saw Roland walking down the brick path to his car.
Oh great, I thought.
Getting out of my Nitro I walked over to him still pissed off.
Pointing my finger at him I said, “Just so you know, it’s going to be on the last day possible of the two weeks given.”
He looked at me as though he was confused. “Okay.”
What does he think I’m stupid?
“Father told me,” I said sternly. “So we’ll get married next Saturday. It’s within my time range.”
He continued to look at me as though he was astounded. Feeling the rage and anger rise in me I stormed away and headed straight to Molly. I did not care if he was still standing there watching me or if he was angry.
He has no right to be angry with me I wasn’t the one using blackmail. And seriously, why look at me as though he had no idea what I was talking about? Probably just to piss me off some more. Maybe he expected I’d pick sooner. Jackass.
Nearing the stable, I found Molly on the outside of the fence.
“I’m here girl. Thanks for waiting, I need the ride. But you know that don’t you?”
I closed my eyes and held onto her as she carried me away. I imagined her carrying me away to some place different, some place far away. As much as I would have loved that, I knew that the pond was the farthest I could go from home. Not that I wasn’t not allowed, but simply because I didn’t think there was a place better than that.
As we get closer to the pond, I saw Chace sitting on the usual log. I smiled and felt like all of the weight had been lifted off of me. Sometimes I wondered if Molly knew things, like if she knew Chace would be here. He looked up at me and his eyes brightened as a grin grew across his face. The way he lit up reminded me of the moon glowing above the pond, lighting up everything that could see it.
>
“Karma,” he said, letting out a deep breath.
“Hey! You have no idea how happy I am to see you,” I said relieved to be near him.
Sliding off of Molly and next to Chace, I saw the small basket with a few apples he brought just for her.
“Are you trying to get her to like you more than me? Because let me tell you, I don’t even give her that many apples in one week. You’re going to give her colic, and then you are going to pay for the vet.” I laughed.
“I don’t think she could like me more than you. That girl loves you with all her soul. And don’t worry I’ll do my best not to give her colic.” He sets the basket down in front of her and returned to me. “So, what makes you so glad to see me tonight?”
“Where do I begin?” I sighed, looking out at the reflection of the stars shimmering on the pond. “It’s been a rough day. Do you ever feel like you’re being forced to live a lie? Like you’re stuck between what you should do and what your heart tells you to do?”
“Well I definitely did not expect that, but yes. Yes I have felt like that. It’s not about listening to that little voice telling you what’s right or wrong. And the things you should do should always be the things you want to do. Do whatever you need to do to make yourself happy, and to stay true to yourself.”
“Sounds like you know a lot about this. But it also sounds a lot easier than it is. I don’t mean to get all sentimental here, but it just, it seems like I’m expected to hold everything together. Everything falls on me, what I chose in my life affects my entire family. What would you do?” I turned sideways to look at him. “Let’s say you had to choose between listening to your heart and doing what you want to do, or doing what you know you should do, to make sure your family is safe?”
“Well, that’s a tough one. However, it’s not my decision to make. I’m sorry I can’t help you with that. One thing I have learned though…is you will never be happy until you make yourself happy. After all, maybe listening to your heart will be what keeps your family safe.” He leaned in and gently took my face in his massive hands. Looking me in the eyes a few moments, I saw a smile play on his lips before he brushed them against mine.
“I’ve never thought about it that way. It doesn’t really help me either.” I said smiling at him. “Although, I do find it rather attractive the way you speak from your heart and that was a damn good kiss.”
“That wasn’t just a kiss…it was the kiss. It was the most amazing kiss of my life.”
With my face still wrapped in his masculine, callused hands he kissed me with both hunger and desire. I wondered to myself how I could find someone so amazing in this time in my life. How when everything seemed to be falling apart around me, he came along and when I’m with him the all of the broken pieces would suddenly mend back together by their self. The only thing I ever wanted in life was the ability to make choices of my own, something I’ve always been scared of, until him.
The kissing became deeper as we began to taste each other, until we were rudely interrupted by the burning pain in my head, just like last time. The only difference was this time, it came on full force. The only thing I could manage to do was scream in agony while I held my head with both hands.
“Karma! Karma are you ok?” Chace said panicked.
“No! The fire! It burns!” That was all I could manage to get out. As I fell onto the ground in pain, Chace knelt beside me and held my head in his hands. One look at his face and I could see the hurt he had inside of him for seeing me like this. My eyes slammed shut and my screams grew louder until my throat hurt too much to scream any longer. The last thing I saw before I blacked out was Molly rearing up as she neighed loudly.
Chapter 7
When I finally came to, I saw Chace. He had lit a fire in a stone fireplace and was standing next to it. It looked as though he was playing with it. He had what I assumed to be some sort of a fire poker and was jabbing at the wood. The light from the fire was the only thing that lit up the house which made it a little hard to see. At least I could still see him, and god he was sexy. I watched for a few moments as the light danced across his body.
“Wait, where am I?” I asked. As soon as he noticed I was awake, he nearly dropped the poker thing to rush over to me.
“I brought you back to my place, thought you’d be more comfortable this way. I didn’t think you’d want to wake up on the grass and rocks again. I hope you don’t mind.” He ran his fingers through his hair, looking a little shy.
“Oh, no, I don’t mind. Thank you. I don’t know what’s happening. It seems like you’re always saving me.” Rubbing my head, I looked around at his house. It was a small house just like he said, big enough for him. The only separate room was what I assumed to be the bathroom. Across from the bedroom is the living room, where the fire was lit. The only thing in there was one sofa in front of the fireplace, not even a TV. Connected to that was the kitchen, it was a small kitchen, but a nice one. Everything was log, so I assumed the outside must be log as well. When Chace sat down next to me I realized I was lying on a bed, his bed. As I attempted to sit up, he reached out for me.
“Here, let me help.” He leaned forward and held out his hand.
“Thanks.” I gave him my hand and he wrapped his empty one around my back so he could help me sit up.
“So I take it this is what happened when you went swimming the other night. It wasn’t a cramp after all was it?” He gave me a knowing look.
“No, I don’t know what it is. My head, it feels like it’s burning inside. Only this time it was worse. Then I black out. Last night was the first time it’s happened.”
“Have you seen anyone for it? Have you gone to the hospital?”
“No, I just figured it was a one-time thing.”
“Apparently not. I think you should see someone about it. I’m worried about you. Whatever it is, it’s far from normal. I’m not saying that you’re not normal. Just the pain…it’s the pain that’s not normal. Ah I’m screwing up aren’t I?”
I laughed, “No need to elaborate. I knew what you meant. And I think I will see someone because it’s starting to scare the shit out of me too.”
“How are you feeling now? Are you okay? Are you better?”
“A lot better than I was,” I said as I adjusted myself on the bed. “Thank you again for helping me. I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s just stress.”
He laughed, “I doubt that. But I’m just glad you’re awake again.” He moved my hair behind my ear again; I felt that same heat and hunger for him rise up inside of me.
“Yeah, me too,” I felt lucky I was able to even get those words out. He must have felt the same hunger for be because he leaned in to kiss me. I was more than happy to return the kiss I yearned for. As we kissed I felt the same urges as before, and apparently he did too. I needed him closer to me. I needed to feel the warmth of his body against mine. He wrapped my face in his hands and I loved the feel of it. When he held me like that it felt so intimate and sweet.
“Are you sure you’re feeling better?” he asked after he pulled back from the kiss.
“Yeah,” I said smiling. “Much better.”
The longing I had felt earlier returned full force. It almost felt intensified. All I wanted was him. I wanted him as close to me as he could get. I leaned in so we could kiss again. After what seemed like minutes of kissing, I slid down to lay on the bed never once breaking the kiss. Once I was on my back he looked at me as though he was hesitant and nervous. I thought I should be the one giving him that look, not the other way around. He leaned down on top of me, careful not to put any of his weight on me. Feeling the need for our bodies to be closer again, I grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer. The kissing became more intense and fierce; I began tasting his tongue as it touched against mine. Everything felt so right. I decide to just start to remove his shirt so our bodies could really be close. Slowly I began pulling his shirt up.
“Karma, I-” he said as he backed up a
little.
“Sh. Don’t. It’s okay.”
He let me finish taking off his shirt. Even then, with his bare chest against leaning against me, I still felt the need for more. I could tell he did too. Slowly sitting me back up, he started to pull off my shirt. I let him with no resistance. He took a moment to take in the full effect of my breasts almost completely bare in front of him. I decided to take advantage of that and I slid my hands behind my back to undo my bra, letting my breasts show. I put my hand on his chest to take in the full effect of the feeling. I felt the thumping of his heart beating faster and faster in his chest.
His mouth on mine again, he laid me back down. I couldn’t begin to describe the feelings I had once his bare chest was upon mine. They were all sensations I have never had before. I moved my hands down his back, which was oh so muscular, down to his waist. Sliding them around to the front so I could get a better grip on is belt buckle, and began undoing it.
With his mouth back on mine he nibbled at my bottom lip sending flames through my body. He slid up on his knees to take over undoing his belt for me. Once the belt was undone I helped slide them down his waist and he took them off, simultaneously kicking off his boots. I tried not to look down at his package as I lifted up my skirt and started to glide off my lace underwear. I assumed he liked being in control because he sat up and slid them down my legs, ever so slowly.
He didn’t come back to kiss me, instead, he slid his hands on my legs and started to kiss them. He started at my knees and slowly worked his way up to the line of my skirt. When he finished on one side he moved to the other repeating the same kissing pattern.
Instinctively, I spread my legs for him to start kissing the insides of them. Even though it was my first time, I knew what felt good. He understood what I wanted and moved to the inside of my legs. This time when he made his way up to the line of my skirt he simply pushed it up. Exposing myself to him in a way I’ve never been exposed before. Not feeling the least bit uncomfortable, I let him take over. The closer he got to my women hood, the more intense it felt. Feelings I have never felt before. Finally feeling the warmth of his breath on my clit, I moaned in pleasure. He looked up to me as to ask if it’s okay. I gave him a smile while biting my bottom lip in approval.
