Ashes

by Erica Stevens

  “It was my mother’s wedding ring and was meant for your mother.”

  Cassie glanced up at her, tears welling in her eyes. “Grandma, I don’t think I should take this.”

  Her grandmother’s hands enfolded hers, her sky colored eyes were intense. “Of course you should. Your mother would want you to have it. She would be so proud of you dear, just as I am.”

  A single tear slipped down Cassie’s cheek, but her grandma quickly wiped it away. “I’m not giving it to you to make you cry,” she said happily, although a strange sadness still clung to her. “You are a woman now; you should have the things that mark you as such.”

  Cassie could only nod as her grandmother took the ring from her and slipped it onto her right hand. “Perfect fit!”

  Cassie stared silently down at the beautiful, delicate ring. Rapidly blinking back tears, she threw her arms around her grandmother, hugging her tight. Her grandmother’s slight frame shook slightly as she patted Cassie’s back gently. “I’ll always be proud of you, always love you dear.”

  Cassie pulled slightly away, staring questioningly into her grandmother’s sky colored eyes. It seemed like such an odd thing to say, but then again it was a big night, for most people at least. “I’ll always love you,” she whispered, dropping a kiss on her grandmother’s soft cheek.

  Her eyes were sad as Cassie pulled away, but she was smiling brightly. “Go on now; I’ve held you up long enough.”

  She patted Cassie’s shoulder as she all but shoved them out the door. Cassie flashed a bright grin over her shoulder as they made their way to Devon’s sleek Challenger. He held the door open for them, Chris and Melissa piled into the back. Taking hold of her hand he helped her slide into the passenger seat, his hand lingered on hers before he shut the door and hurried to the driver’s side.

  Arriving at the school, they piled out into the crush of students making their way through the doors. Cassie handed her coat over to the parent running the coat check. Without the material, she felt more exposed and vulnerable. Sensing her distress, Devon slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her tight against his side.

  “It will be ok,” he said gently.

  Swallowing heavily, she nodded. She kept her shoulders straight as she allowed him to lead her into the heavily decorated gym. Marcy and company had decided to make the theme of the party Cape Cod in the fall. Though it was neither creative nor original (as it had been done three years ago) it was pretty.

  The walls were decorated with a vast array of leaves in every color of the rainbow. Play box sand was spread across the dance floor, there were already groups dancing without their shoes on. Scattered amongst the sand were leaves that had been sorted through and brought in from outside. Hurricane lanterns, with long white candles, had been set out on the tables. Sand, seashells, starfish, and sand dollars were spread out around them. Banners hung from the ceiling in the school colors of blue and gold, and the annoying disco ball was in place, bright lights already bounced blindingly off of it.

  Cassie winced as she shaded her eyes, trying to block out the sparkling light. At the back of the large gymnasium the band was playing. She recognized John Parks and Lyle White playing bass and drums. They had graduated last year, and their band was one of the few in town that was actually decent. The slow song they were playing switched, and one of their own, heavier songs blasted from the large speakers set up beside the stage.

  Cassie winced again as the noise pounded into her ears. She had forgotten how uncomfortable dances could be for her. Forgotten about the noise and the lights, or at least she had wanted to forget anyway. Digging into the black clutch purse she had brought, she pulled out her sunglasses. Slipping them on, she was able to ease at least one of the annoyances, grateful for the dark glasses that placed the room into mellower shades and hues.

  Devon was studying her with concern, but she shook her head as she smiled reassuringly at him. With the pain in her eyes eased, she was able to take in more of the students milling around, greeting their friends as they talked eagerly. Dresses sparkled in an array of colors in the light of the ball. Everyone looked beautiful, happy, and bright.

  Cassie couldn’t help but smile. These people may not like her anymore, but she had grown up with them, had once been a big part of their worlds, and she was happy that they had been given this night. Happy that she had helped to give them this night, even if it hadn’t been all that much help. Devon’s hand on her elbow was gentle as he led her over to one of the tables tucked against the back wall. Relief filled her; it was one of the tables farthest from the disco ball, and speakers.

  Though the gym was packed, he parted the crowd easily. Either that or they parted away from her. Pulling a chair out, he waited till she was seated before pushing it in. Bending low, he kissed her cheek gently, sending a shiver through her. Cassie smiled up at him, slipping her glasses off as the table was far enough away for the light not to hurt as much anymore.

  “It looks nice in here Cass,” Chris said, his eyes raking over the decorations.

  “I didn’t have much to do with it.”

  He shrugged absently, his attention mostly on the crowd. “Damn, I was hoping there would be some new girls here,” he muttered.

  Cassie lifted an eyebrow. “If there were any, they would probably be here with their boyfriends.”

  He grinned at her as he shrugged again. “Like they’d be any competition,” he replied with a cocky smile.

  Cassie laughed softly, shaking her head at him in disbelief. “There are other girls here.”

  “Yeah but they’re all from our school, and I’m not that fond of them anymore.”

  His eyes were hard as they met hers, his jaw clenched. Cassie ducked her head, knowing that his dislike was because of the way they treated her now. She wanted to apologize, wishing that she could change things, but knowing that he would not appreciate her apology, or want it.

  Melissa appeared at his side, shaking her head as she dropped three drinks on the table. The sleek black dress she wore highlighted her caramel colored skin and onyx eyes. It clung to her slender body, showing off her curves. Her black hair had been pulled into a twist at the nape of her neck; her long hair flowed from it in curls. She looked stunning.

  “To bad the people weren’t as nice as the décor,” she muttered.

  “No kidding.” Chris grabbed one of the drinks, sipping it as he continued to survey the crowd. Cassie settled back in her seat, leaning into the arm that Devon had draped around the back of her chair. He rubbed her shoulder gently, his touch soothing the aching tension that had settled inside of her.

  They sat for an hour, watching the people milling about, mingling and dancing. Melissa and Chris strayed away once in awhile, but for the most part they stayed close. Though they were not as disliked as Cassie, their close association with her had definitely lessened their popularity. Devon leaned close to her, his nose brushing against her cheek as he gently caressed the nape of her neck.

  She studied him with wide eyes, he studied her as if he were about to devour her. Shivering in delight, she leaned closer to him. “Want to dance?” he asked quietly.

  Excitement blazed forth as she nodded eagerly. She couldn’t imagine anything better than being wrapped in his arms, held tight against him. Helping her from her chair, he led her out to the dance floor, ignoring the whispered comments that followed. Reaching the edge of the dance space, Cassie kicked off her heels, allowing her toes to dig into the fresh sand.

  Wrapping his arms around her, Devon lifted her briefly off the ground as he pulled her close. Cassie forgot all about the decorations and the catty whispers as she lost herself to the wonderful feel of him. Resting her hands against his chest, she traced lightly over the hard muscles beneath the thin cotton shirt he wore. His eyes sparked with desire, his nostrils flared slightly.

  Cassie’s breath escaped her; she was unable to look away from the burning intensity of his emerald gaze as he moved her slowly. Even the lights of the ba
ll did not bother her as every ounce of her was focused upon him. She could see nothing else, feel nothing else. Slowly, tantalizingly he bent his head, his lips gently brushed over hers. Cassie’s hands clenched on his shirt, she stood on tiptoe as she met his butterfly caress eagerly.

  Heat flared through her, her toes curled as her eyes closed. Bliss spread over her, heat pooled through her whole body. His hand wrapped around the back of her neck, pulling her tighter, the kiss deepened as his tongue flickered lightly against her lips. Opening her mouth, Cassie eagerly accepted his invasion; the fierce need burning through her built rapidly as his tongue ravaged her mouth.

  She wanted more of him, she wanted all of him, and for the moment she didn’t care what had to happen in order to have him. Pulling her tighter against him, she gasped in delighted surprise as their bodies were pushed firmly against each other, fitting as seamlessly as two puzzle pieces. Her fingers dug into his skin, fighting the urge to rip his shirt from him, and ridding him of the annoying hindrance of clothes that separated them.

  He pulled away suddenly, his smoky gaze dark and stunned. Loss consumed her, she wanted more than his kisses, she needed more. She needed all of him, forever. Ducking her head, she knew that there was only one way that could happen, but for the first time the idea of it did not petrify her. It did not disgust her, and it did not make her want to flee screaming.

  Devon was not a monster; she did not have to be one either. She would have to drink blood, which was repulsive to her, but she was sure that she could eventually get over that. And maybe, after a few centuries, she would even be able to go out in the sun again. Sighing softly, she rested her head against his chest.

  For the first time she realized that she would give up anything for him, rather than lose him. Even her mortality. But was it such a bad thing to lose?

  Suddenly a floodgate opened inside her. Hopes and dreams bubbled rapidly forth, shooting out like a geyser erupting. No, they were not normal dreams as there would be no college, and no children. Or at least she didn’t think there would be children; she wasn’t entirely sure how that worked. But she and Devon would be a family; she would be loved and cherished, for eternity.

  They could share so much together, and though she would have to lose some things, she would be gaining so much more. Besides she hadn’t had any dreams of college, and a home or a family, for the past four years. She had given them up when she’d learned about her Hunter heritage. But Devon was returning some of her other dreams to her, giving her more than she had ever dared to hope for.

  A lump formed in her throat, tears burned her eyes. His hand wrapped gently around the back of her neck, cradling her softly as his thumb stroked her skin. Desire did not pool through her this time. Instead, she was enshrouded in a cocoon of love and warmth. A glow spread throughout, her world became one of peaceful bliss as all of her worries, insecurities, and doubts were brushed away by his tender touch.

  His lips were gentle as they brushed over her hair, touched her cheek, before lightly caressing her neck. Her hands tightened on the hard muscle of his arms, curling into his skin. She could stay like this forever. She knew it in every one of her cells. She could be with him forever. She had no fear that their love would dissipate. In fact, she knew that it would grow stronger every day, every minute.

  She would tell him tonight that as soon as school was over, she would join him. Though she had no need for high school, she felt that she had to finish it. She had come this far already, and it would mean a lot to her grandmother. She also needed to stay human until Julian was taken care of. She could not disappear from town during the day, only to be seen lurking through the shadows at night. That would open up a lot of trouble for all of them. Far more trouble than they needed right now.

  She hoped that Devon could wait that long, and that it wouldn’t be too much stress on him. But, maybe once he knew her decision, things would be easier for him. She hoped they would anyway. The last thing she wanted was to cause him anymore distress.

  She was so wrapped up in the touch and feel of him that she hadn’t realized the music had stopped until the loud tapping of the microphone pierced her lovely haze. Lifting her head she blinked blearily at the stage. The band was standing in the background; Mrs. Dickson had taken the microphone.

  “Excuse me everyone, it is time to announce the homecoming king and queen!”

  Cassie groaned inwardly as she rolled her eyes. She may be a nominee, but she was fairly certain that they probably wouldn’t even read her name. She had no prayer of making queen, and no matter how much she told herself she didn’t care, she did. Especially since Devon had a good chance of being king, and Marcy queen. The idea of Marcy getting to share even one dance with Devon was enough to make her blood boil.

  Reluctantly pulling away from Devon, she kept her arm wrapped around his waist as they made their way to the edge of the dance floor. Wiping her feet on one of the soft mats at the edge of the sand, she slipped her heels back on. Devon led her through the crowd, winding their way toward the table as he kept a firm hold on her.

  The buzz about the upcoming election had quieted the buzz about her, and for the first time people did not scatter to get out of her way. Chris was still standing by the table, and off to the left Cassie spotted Melissa’s dark head coming through the crowd. Chris grinned at her, folding his arms over his chest as they approached.

  “I thought I was going to have to get a fire extinguisher for you two.”

  Cassie’s face flamed red, Devon shot him a warning glance that only caused Chris’s smile to grow as he chuckled softly. “Just what I’ve been waiting for all night,” Melissa muttered sarcastically as she arrived at their side.

  “Do you already know who’s going to win?” Cassie inquired, unable to stop herself.

  Melissa grinned as she shook her head. “Nope, only had a vision about the nominees, this one is a complete surprise to me. Well, as much as it could be anyway. I think we all know who’s going to win.”

  Devon frowned at her. “Who?” The three of them just stared at him until he got the point. “Me?”

  “Yes you,” Chris replied, laughing softly as his tone took on that of the childhood song.

  Devon looked even more confused as he glanced over the three of them. “Humans,” he muttered, causing the three of them to laugh. “What is this thing anyway?”

  “A tradition, I suppose,” Melissa answered.

  “Hmm,” he grunted, clearly still not getting it. Cassie didn’t try to explain further, for she wasn’t entirely certain she even understood it. Not anymore anyway.

  The gymnasium grew quiet as Kara made her way onto the stage, taking the envelopes from Mrs. Dickinson. Kara grinned brightly as she stepped up to the microphone. “Hi everyone,” she greeted. “As Vice President of the student body I have been chosen to announce the winners.” She unfolded a piece of paper, reading off the names of the male nominees. Chris and Devon stiffened beside her as their names were called.

  “And the winner is…” Kara paused for dramatic effect as her eyes happily scanned the crowd. Melissa sighed heavily, rolling her eyes in annoyance. Turning her attention back to the envelopes, Kara eagerly tore one open. “Devon Knight!” she announced happily.

  Cassie closed her eyes as pain bloomed in her chest. She had no reason to feel wounded, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t want him up there, dancing with some other girl. “Devon, where are you Devon!?” Kara cried eagerly into the microphone as a spotlight blazed from the stage.

  Cassie blinked as the bright light flared into her eyes, burning her retinas. She turned swiftly away from it, blocking it with her hand. Devon stepped in front of her, his sleek body blocking out the light far better than her hand did. “Cassie?”

  She blinked him back into focus, admiring the masculine beauty of him highlighted by the light glowing around his edges. “Go on, get up there before they blind me with that thing.” Her tone was far brighter than she felt, but the faster he went u
p there the faster this awful experience could be over.

  He grabbed hold of her, a desperate urgency radiating from him as he drew her against him. Cassie didn’t have time to react as his mouth descended fiercely upon hers, ravaging her with an intensity that left her boneless and limp. When he pulled away from her, Cassie managed to gasp in a ragged breath that did nothing to ease the flip flopping of her heart.

  “You’ll always be my queen,” he whispered in her ear.

  A hard lump formed in her throat as she nodded. Reluctantly releasing her, Devon turned and made his way through the oddly silent crowd. Cassie glanced rapidly around, realizing that their kiss had been center stage, highlighted by the spotlight. Embarrassment did not wash through her; instead, she straightened her shoulders and glared at everyone who continued to stare at her.

  All eyes turned swiftly away from her as Devon climbed onto the stage. The silence was suddenly broken by loud clapping, shrill shrieks, and whistles from the girls. “Really?” Cassie muttered.

  “It’s like the freaking Beatles,” Chris said, shaking his head in disbelief.

  Melissa stepped closer to Cassie, draping her arm around her shoulders. Kara looked like she was going to explode with excitement as she gestured Devon down to slip the crown onto his head. Cassie bit her lip, trying not to laugh as a look of utter disbelief crossed his face. It was a look that could have been mistaken for humility, but Cassie knew it was because he simply did not understand this human customs.

  Chris started to laugh, a full bodied laugh that rumbled out of him. Despite herself, Cassie could not help but join him, shaking her head as Devon stepped back. Melissa rolled her eyes again, chuckling softly. “He looks so lost,” she said softly, her chuckles growing in intensity.

  “Yeah he does,” Chris agreed enthusiastically. “Big bad vampire taken down by a crown!”

  The three of them burst into loud laughter that drew the attention of the few students closest to them. They didn’t pay attention as they clung to each other, laughing loudly. At some point through it, Cassie realized that they were not truly laughing at the situation. They were laughing because they needed to. It had been so long since she had heard their laughter, so long since she had expressed any of her own. The release was wonderful.