First Impressions: The Fated Wings Series Book 1

by C. R. Jane

  Damon had managed to sit by me with Eric on my other side. Damon passed me the bucket of popcorn and I dug in. I was pretty sure that movie theater popcorn was my new favorite food. As the movie started I leaned forward excitedly. I could feel eyes on me but I didn’t care if I looked stupid. During the movie Eric had moved his hand right above my knee. I moved away uncomfortably. I really didn’t want him to try and make a move in the middle of the movie around so many other people, or to even make a move at all. He seemed to get the hint. Damon was a sweetheart and made sure I had

  a steady supply of popcorn and my Sour Patch Kids throughout the movie. He whispered corny jokes to me about certain parts of the movie and laughed at all the same parts as I did. As we exited the theater after the show I was bouncing slightly. I had loved it. I overheard one of the other guys asking Damon what one of the actors was like in real life. Of course Damon would know the actors. I remember reading that he did Hollywood movies himself. He was of course way better looking than anyone that had been in the movie, and I was sure that his movies did well as I couldn’t imagine any girl or even guy not wanting to see him on a big screen.

  Once we got back to campus everyone continued to hover around me chatting among themselves and asking me questions. After a while, Damon seemed to give them a look, and they reluctantly said goodbye and wandered off. All that was left was Damon and Eric. Both were glaring at each other and not budging. Not wanting to be alone with either of them, I said goodbye and attempted to hurry off. I heard Eric swear and then he hustled up to me.

  “Can I see you for breakfast again tomorrow?” he asked. I wasn’t ready to potentially lose my only friend on campus so I reluctantly agreed. He once again grabbed my hand but this time pulled me into a long hug, kissing the top of my head. I finally pulled away and began walking again to my dorm. I heard footsteps behind me and knew that Damon had followed us. “Eva, wait,” he called out. I stopped and reluctantly turned around to face him. He was just so beautiful. And it sucked that he had been so sweet and charming at the theater. It would be much better for me if he was a jerk. “I would like to see you again, preferably as soon as possible,” he said smiling. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” I answered. “Why?” he asked, puzzled. “Well, you’re Damon Pierce,” I answered. “And I don’t think that you would be good for me.” He looked at me thoughtfully. “You’re oblivious aren’t you,” he asked. “I should be thinking the same thing. I don’t think there’s a guy on this planet who would be good enough for you Eva Taylor.” I didn’t know

  what to say to that. It had been ingrained in me that I was a horrible person, undeserving of being loved, and I didn’t see how I could compare in any way to him. “Just give me a chance,” he asked softly. Staring into his eyes I was tempted to give in. However, I mentally reminded myself of the need to stay away from guys like him and shook my head no. Without another word I ran into my dorm, leaving a shocked Damon Pierce standing behind me. I opened up my dorm door and locked it behind me. Leaning against it, I cursed my actions. I had to be the biggest idiot ever to have said no to him. Feeling depressed I got into bed and tried to fall asleep. I was restless. My mind churning with the events of the day. It was hours before I finally relaxed enough to fall asleep.

  That night I dreamed. I was walking in a strange land, a land that fulfilled all definitions of what paradise would be like if it were real. A land that seemed strangely familiar to my heart. There were rolling green hills as far as the eye could see, dotted with an abundance of trees laden with various kinds of fruit and flowers. Gurgling streams flowed here and there, flowers in colors I couldn’t even describe blooming up all around me. Music was everywhere, tickling my senses and wrapping me up in its haunting melody. The air smelled sweet and fresh, untainted and so different from real life. I meandered slowly along one of the streams for awhile, admiring the colors and enjoying the warm breeze that teased my hair. I sat down underneath a tree, closing my eyes for a moment in relaxation. When I opened my eyes I gasped in shock. The landscape now resembled the pits of hell. The air was dark and foreboding, filled with the scent of sulfur and ash. I could taste the smoke in the air. Trees had been replaced by burning piles of rubble and my soul mourned the destruction of the paradise I had just now discovered. Instead of music, screams filled the air, sending shivers down my space. I heard something behind me, turned around…

  I sat up in my bed, my body drenched in sweat, and a feeling of unease enveloping me. My dream stayed just out of my grasp, feeling both familiar and out of reach at the

  same time. Eventually any recollection of it disappeared for good. It was hours before I was able to fall asleep again.

  Chapter 16

  (Damon)

  I stood outside Eva’s dorm for several minutes, hoping that she would change her mind and come back out. What had she meant by “I wouldn’t be good for her”? I wish I knew more about her. She obviously had walls up that were going to take some time to tear down. I pulled my hat out of my pocket and once again pulled it down low over my eyes, hustling away so that Shelton could pull up the car. I was lost in thought while we drove back to the penthouse, thinking of Eva and how I could have more time with her.

  My teammates had wanted to go out after practice but I had declined. I felt forlorn. Eva had given me a taste, and the taste was quickly growing into an obsession. I stood outside on my balcony later that night, drinking my favorite scotch. It burned as it went down my throat. I thought about what she had said, about how she didn’t think she was good enough for me. I knew she wouldn’t think that after she got to know me. Unwelcome thoughts of another time, and another girl, floated across my memory. I hadn’t thought about Camilla in ages. The guilt was always there though, laying just below the surface, rising up at inopportune times to waylay my thoughts. What I had done, what I continued to do, could never be atoned. I lived my life running from my memories, doing everything I could to forget, gorging myself in an excess of sex, alcohol, and every other manner of sin to get through it.

  Wanting to shake off my dark thoughts, and get away from the temptation of the liquor in my hand and in the next room always held, I decided that I needed to stretch my wings. Making the decision, I set my drink down on the ledge, and took off my shirt. Stepping up on the balcony I sprang out

  into the night, my sprawling wings outstretched. It felt freeing

  to fly.

  One of the few things I had to complain about was the

  need to hide my true nature. The night was the only time I could truly be myself. I wonder what Eva would think of this me if she knew. I had never even thought for a moment about telling a woman what I really was, they were all too temporary for that. But I could already tell Eva was unlike anyone else I had encountered. The energy that I felt pass between us when we had touched, my dreams, and that golden glow…she was different as well. She hopefully wouldn’t be frightened when I got up the nerve to tell her. And if I was being honest with myself, the scariest part of me for Eva wouldn’t be my wings, it would be my heart.

  I found myself flying to campus. If any humans saw me I would just look like a shadow in this form so I wasn’t worried about anyone seeing me. Eva’s room was on the first floor of the dorm, so I hovered outside of it, hoping she would make an appearance. Her room was dark however and after a moment I knew she had most likely gone to sleep. Soaring away I resolved that I would win her over, no matter what I had to do.

  Chapter 17

  (Eva)

  The next morning I got up bright and early. I wanted to go for a run before Eric arrived for breakfast. I had been able to get some tennis shoes and some new workout gear with my tips. It was the first time in my life that I had proper running gear. Before the Andersons, I had loved to go running. I would run around Chicago for hours, looking at all the sights. I was hoping that I would eventually be able to do the same in New York after I got back into shape. Stepping outside the dorm I leaned against the railing, starting to stretch
. “Good morning Eva,” I heard the sexiest voice on earth say.

  Turning around I stared right into the glittering, emerald colored eyes of Damon. “What are you doing here?” I asked suspiciously. “I was just on my morning run when I saw you,” he said smiling. “Want to join me?” he asked. No, I did not want to join Damon on his run. For one thing he was most likely in the best shape of anyone on the earth and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself, and for another thing, spending more time with him would chip at my already depleted resolve to stay away from him. Unfortunately, my time with the Andersons had ingrained in me that I needed to be polite at all times. “I’ll run with you, but you are going to be disappointed,” I said reluctantly. “I haven’t been on a run in a long time.” “I don’t need to go super hard anyway because I have practice this afternoon,” he said charmingly.

  Reluctantly I walked over to where he was standing, and turned to start jogging. I expected to get tired quickly but my body surprised me when I continued to feel energized throughout the run. We had headed out into the city. I was following slightly behind Damon so that he could lead us since I didn’t know the area well. Eventually however I began to run faster, soon running side by side with Damon, and

  then pulling ahead. I felt a flood of energy hit me and I felt like I could have run forever in that moment.

  I saw him begin to run faster out of the corner of my eye. We began to move at a breakneck pace, swerving in and out of bystanders on the street. We kept this pace for what seemed like hours until finally we arrived at what appeared to be Central Park. I slowed to a walk, looking around in awe. When I turned, Damon was looking at me in wonder. “Do you realize how far we just ran?” he asked. I didn’t have a clue. “We ran 9 miles,” he said. “And you aren’t even breathing hard.” I realized he was right. I wasn’t breathing hard...I wasn’t even sweating. How strange. Three years in an attic should have made me unable to run down the block. I looked at him and noticed that he also wasn’t sweating or breathing hard. Even if he was in perfect shape, he too should have had some kind of accelerated breathing. I didn’t know what to say, and didn’t want to call further attention to the weirdness so I just smiled at him.

  “I’ve always dreamed of going to Central Park,” I told him soaking in the sunlight drifting through the leafy trees. He kindly pretended not to notice my change in the conversation and walked over to a nearby coffee stand. “How do you take your coffee,” he asked. “As sweet as I can get it,” I said with a laugh. “Just surprise me because the only actual coffee I have tried was a mocha latte.” “You’ve only tried coffee once?” he asked with a surprised laugh. I blushed and nodded. “Alright, well this coffee stand will not do then,” he said, still handing the vendor a bill despite not having ordered anything. He grabbed my hand and started to march away. “Where are we going?” I said, once again giggling despite my admonishment to myself to be cool. “Introducing you to good coffee,” he said with a wink while calling a cab.

  Ten minutes later I found myself in a charming coffee shop that also doubled as a bookstore. New and used books lined the shelves, and I savored the delicious mix of coffee and worn paper in the air. “I’ve been coming to this place since I arrived in New York. It doesn’t look like much, but there

  isn’t a better coffee in the whole city,” he explained, looking happy to be bringing me here. We went up to the counter. A friendly looking woman who looked to be in her late 60s was manning the counter. She had red hair that was streaked with gray, rosy cheeks, and a winning smile. “Damon,” she exclaimed. “Who is this angel you’ve brought with you today?” “This is Eva,” Damon announced with a smile. “She is a coffee novice so I thought I would take her to get the best coffee in town. Eva, this is Leslie. She’s run this coffee shop for 30 years. I’ve asked her to marry me several times, but she always tells me she’s too old for me,” he added with a wink. Leslie’s rosy cheeks got even rosier. “Ahh, this one is quite the charmer,” she said grinning. “This boy is too sweet to flirt with a woman my age.” Damon just grinned. This was obviously a conversation they had frequently. “What kind of coffee do you like Eva,” she asked. “I like sweet things,” I said with a laugh. “Sweet things huh?” “Let me see what I can do,” she replied.

  Damon and I watched as she began to mess with fancy silver machines on the back counter. A few minutes later she had presented me with a tall cup filled to the brim with a foamy gold liquid that had a leaf etched into the top of it. Damon and Leslie were both watching me as I brought it to my mouth and took a sip. Immediately I was overcome with a mixture of deliciousness. I could taste vanilla and caramel, with just a hint of coffee. It tasted heavenly. Leslie chuckled while watching me. “It’s called a caramel macchiato,” she said. “I have a few special things I add to it of course, so you won’t find a better one in the city.”

  “It’s wonderful,” I told her honestly. She handed Damon his order and he passed her a large bill. “Damon, you know your money isn’t good here,” she said smiling. “She always makes me play this game,” he told me, winking once more. The man needed to stop winking, it was heating up parts of me that I was trying to ignore. Slipping the bill (a large bill) into the tip jar, he took my hand and pulled me out the door. “It was nice meeting you Eva,” Leslie called after us,

  beaming. I waved in reply, continuing to sip my drink.

  Damon was smiling behind his cup. Ughh, why did he have to be so perfect. He had tipped the vendor in the park for

  no reason, and he frequented hole in the wall coffee shops where he flirted with sweet older ladies. He was going to break through my walls rather fast if he kept this up. Damon continued to hold my hand as we strolled down the sidewalk. His thumb was brushing the inside of my hand, sending tingles up my arm. We walked in comfortable silence for awhile, just looking at the sights around us. “Can I run with you again tomorrow,” he asked me suddenly. I couldn’t say no, nor did I want to say no after the amazing morning I had just experienced. “I would like that,” I replied timidly. Grinning, he squeezed my hand and we continued our walk back to campus, sipping our drinks and chatting back and forth about random topics.

  As we approached my dorm I saw Eric sitting on the steps. I had totally forgotten that I was supposed to eat breakfast with Eric and was at least an hour late. He was scowling as we approached. Realizing that Damon was still holding my hand I hurried and pulled it away. “Eva,” Eric exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting for over an hour.” “I’m so sorry, I went on a run and it ended up taking longer than it was supposed to,” I said sheepishly. “Yes, I’m sure that’s what happened,” he said sarcastically, glaring at Damon. Damon was smirking and seemed to be enjoying Eric’s frustration. I turned to Damon. “Thank you for this morning,” I said softly. He took my hand and brushed his lips against it. “Can’t wait until tomorrow,” he replied with another annoying wink. “See you at practice,” he called to Eric as he strode off, garnering stares and whispers from other students as he left.

  “I’m afraid that I don’t have time for breakfast now, I have orientation activities starting soon and I need to shower,” I said with a frown. I could tell Eric was angry and annoyed and was trying to hide it. “That’s alright, maybe I can meet you later today for lunch?” he asked hopefully. “Sure,” I agreed, not wanting to upset him further. He smiled stiffly,

  and kissed my cheek before walking away. What a morning.

  Chapter 18

  The next few days passed in similar fashion. Damon would be waiting outside for me to go running. We would run for several miles, talking about anything and everything while we ran. He would take me to get coffee at Leslie’s and then we would either grab breakfast or just chat for another hour while we walked back to campus. I would then go to orientation activities and meet Eric for lunch. I had also continued to work at Moxie’s and was able to start putting together a little savings. On one of our runs we had passed by the football field while the cheerleading team was practicing. I watch
ed them somewhat longingly as we ran past as they pulled off complicated flips. I had never had the opportunity to be apart of a team and I remembered loving to do cartwheels and flips when I was younger. We had made it back to campus and were stretching when Damon asked, “Why don’t you try out for the cheerleading team?” I looked at him puzzled. “One, I’ve never done cheerleading and wouldn’t know how to do any of the flips, and two, haven’t they already chosen their team and started practice?” He shrugged my last point aside, “We could make it happen if you really wanted to do it,” he said nonchalantly. “Why don’t you give some of the flips a try? I saw you watching them as we ran by.”

  He had to be kidding. Doing cartwheels when you were ten was one thing, but now he wanted me to try to do a backflip or one of the other crazy flips I had seen those girls doing? I would probably break my back. Plus, I was pretty sure I had read that Rothmore had one of the top cheerleading programs in the nation, and I didn’t feel like embarrassing myself in the first week of school. “Just try it,” he said, staring at me intensely. We were behind my dorm, in a secluded area so Damon wouldn’t get mobbed by adoring fans as we stretched. I wondered if I could do it. After all, my ability