Original Sin

by Lydia Michaels

  “It was difficult at first, letting go of so many comforts and customs. Saying farewell to family. Samuel was very patient. He allowed me to write to them as often as I wanted. I sent letters for a long time. After a while, it was easier to simply let go. I couldn’t explain my situation, and nothing would have changed my mind. I belong here with the others.”

  “No regrets?”

  The woman smiled and shook her head. “No regrets. I feared I might grow to resent Samuel, but there is no resentment between us. Only love. And the love of bonded mates is greater than any human emotion I’d ever known.” She laughed. “Of course, he’s very handsome. My fear was never if I could love him. My distress stemmed from culture shock. I mean ... they’re Amish.”

  “Yes!” Her eyes widened with excitement. “That’s my thing, too! I don’t know if I can do it. The women here are...” She leaned close and lowered her voice, “So different.” She avoided words like repressed. “And I love my modern comforts.”

  “I miss television.”

  “Right? And what about other stuff? Shopping, going to the movies, social media, having parties.”

  “Samuel takes me on a trip once a year and we do those things. He prefers I behave as a good Amish wife, but he never objects to my modern traits either. And I don’t mind giving him his way most days.”

  “You don’t?”

  “No. Samuel gives me so much in return. I’d be lost without him. He’s the other half of my soul. Who cares what we wear or where we live? So long as I’m with him and we’re safe to live openly without fear, I’m happy. Living anywhere else would put so much unnecessary stress on a couple. Here, we can feed when we want. We can live without shame or judgment. No one notices that we don’t age. And our men are virile, Annalise. Pregnancy is inevitable. Our children are safe here as well.”

  Grace had also mentioned pregnancy. “What if I don’t want to get pregnant?”

  She cocked her head. “How would you do that? Can you resist your mate? I couldn’t.”

  Anna bit her lip. “I...” The thought of abstaining refused to enter her head. “What about birth control?”

  Rachel shook her head. “It won’t work. Their seed’s too strong for any barrier, medicinal or otherwise. Do you not want children?”

  “Eventually. But I had other plans.”

  She chuckled. “Looks like your plans weren’t God’s.”

  She ignored the God comment. “Was the transition hard? I don’t know how I feel about the whole blood and vampire thing.”

  Her eyes flashed and she glanced at the door. “We prefer the term immortal. Vampires are ... unruly.”

  Annalise leveled her with a skeptical look. “But they’re pretty much the same. The night vision. The speed. The ... diet.”

  “Blood’s only unappealing to you because you’re not reliant on it for survival. As soon as that changes, you won’t mind it at all. Your body will need the additional iron.”

  She was probably right. Besides, she loved when Adam drank her blood. “I believe that. And honestly, it’s more the Amish thing that’s holding me up.”

  Rachel smiled and whispered, “I get it. I still have my prom dress. Sometimes I wear it around the house. Samuel rolls his eyes, but it always ends up in a pile on the floor, so I know he likes when I wear it.”

  “What about other stuff? Can you read thoughts or move things with your mind?”

  “No, but telekinesis takes time and practice. I’m still very young.”

  She glanced to the window, not seeing any sign of the men.

  Rachel leaned forward and pressed a hand to her knee. “They’re in the barn. I can hear them.” She winked and tapped a finger to her ear.

  Annalise smiled. “So cool. I wouldn’t mind the superpower stuff, but the transition scares me. Does it hurt?”

  “If it does, I do not remember any pain. When the body dies our pain receptors die with it, and the cells regenerated have such enhanced sensory, I can only recall waking in a state of awe. It was as if I’d been reborn into a brand-new world.”

  Clouds shifted, stealing the light from the moon as a breeze cut through the den. Rain spattered against the glass, the curtain lifting off the sill as the wind picked up.

  “A storm’s coming.” Rachel lowered the window as thunder rolled in the distance. “Your man is returning. We should go.”

  Annalise stood, wishing they could talk longer. “Can we do this again? I still have so many questions.”

  “Of course.” Rachel pulled her into a hug. “I think we will be wonderful friends, Annalise. I look forward to many more chats after you’ve changed.”

  “I’d like that.” She released her and followed her to the porch.

  The rain pounded on the tin roof as Grace wrestled with drenched laundry whipping on the line. The trees waved toward the east as the wind kicked up.

  “It’s really coming down. You should stay.”

  Rachel jumped off the lowest step, her bare feet landing in a puddle and her arms spreading wide. “I love the rain,” she yelled, tipping her face to the sky. “The nights are already cooling down.”

  Anna supposed she didn’t have to worry about getting struck by lightning or catching her death. While she shivered and tried to stay dry, Rachel looked to be having the time of her life.

  “Thanks again.”

  She smiled up at her. “I’ll see you soon.” In a flash of splashed puddles and soggy grass, she disappeared.

  Annalise glanced back at Grace, who also didn’t seem to mind the rain. Then glanced at the darkening sky. Adam was staring at her from the front walk and she smiled. “There you are.”

  He held out a hand. “Come play in the rain.”

  She shook her head. “No way. You’re soaked to the bone. Aren’t you freezing?”

  He shrugged and tipped his head back. More thunder rolled and the sky flashed white. When he looked at her again, he asked, “You don’t like the rain?”

  “Not particularly.”

  He nodded as if this somehow disappointed him.

  “You’re soaked. Come in.”

  Holding her stare, he climbed the porch steps and followed her in the house. He lifted his face and sniffed the air. “Celery.”

  His feet left puddles on the floor. Anna reached for a towel. “They’ve been at it all day. It’s all I can smell.”

  She mopped up his tracks. He watched her with a peculiar set to his eyes.

  Wondering why he was staring at her like that, she said, “Your dripping all over your mother’s clean floor.”

  “Celery’s a main ingredient in Amish wedding dishes, Annalise.”

  She stilled from wiping the floor and glanced up at him. Rising to her full height, she glanced toward the kitchen and noted the stalks covering every surface. She swallowed. “Who’s getting married?”

  His brow creased then smoothed. “No wedding?”

  He was playing with her. “Ha ha. You’re very funny. Come on. Get out of those wet clothes before you flood the kitchen.” She reached for the top button of his shirt and stilled, her fingers turning to ice. “Where’s Adam?”

  His hand closed tightly over hers, holding her close. “Don’t scream.”

  She jerked her arm, but his grip tightened. Her gaze shifted to the empty kitchen. “Let go of me.”

  His eyes investigated hers, intense and strangely hypnotic. If Adam found him here, he’d kill him. “You’re not allowed to touch me.”

  His jaw ticked. “I want to talk.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest. “Your mom and sister are right outside.”

  He glanced over her shoulder. “I want something from you.”

  “What?” She didn’t trust him. “Adam will be back any second.”

  He shook his head. “Adam’s still in the barn.”

  “What do you want?”

  His thumb dragged over her knuckles and she jerked in panic. “Tell me a secret, something my brother doesn’t know about you.”

/>   “Why should I?”

  “Because I asked nicely.”

  “Let go of my hand.”

  “Does my touch sicken you?” He lifted a brow. “I’m not as evil as I seem. Give me a secret, sweet Annalise. Something that’s just ours.”

  “Adam knows all my secrets.”

  “Liar.” His hand tightened, not painfully so, but enough to make her breath catch. “He doesn’t know a fraction of them. Surely you could spare one. A little piece of you that could be mine first.”

  She didn’t want to give him anything. “If I tell you a secret, will you leave?”

  He nodded. “You have my word.”

  She scoffed. “Like that means anything to me.”

  His brows lifted. “Such sass. Your secret, please.”

  She searched her memories for something she hadn’t mentioned to Adam. “I can write my name with my toes.”

  When he smiled, he looked so much like Adam it disarmed her. “How incredibly charming. I’d love to see that.”

  “You said you’d leave now.”

  Thunder cracked close to the house and she flinched. In a blink, she could swear he shifted closer.

  His finger lifted the seam of her cape. “Do you like it here, Annalise?”

  “I’d like it better if you let go of my hand.”

  He took a step back, and her stomach pinched when his eyes glanced away. Only because he looked so much like Adam did the rejection on his face bother her. She reminded herself this man was not worthy of her sympathy. “It was you, in the carriage in my dream last night, wasn’t it?”

  He met her stare. “Does it make you wonder how I got there?”

  “No. It makes me wonder what I ever did to you to be treated in such a way.”

  “You mistook me for him the last time we met.”

  “Only for a minute. I can tell you apart.”

  “Can you, now?”

  She nodded, her jaw tight and eyes narrow. “Adam’s nice to me.”

  Again, he broke eye contact. And damn her for suffering another twinge of guilt. “I can be nice, too,” he rasped.

  She shrugged. “Fooled me.”

  “Keep your disdain.”

  “Would you rather my pity? I don’t know what you’re after, but Adam will kill you if he finds you here.” And if he didn’t, he’d kill him eventually anyway. “Why are you doing this to him? He’s your brother.”

  He glared at her. “All I’ve ever wanted is what’s rightfully mine.”

  What was keeping Adam and the others? Though she stood straight and didn’t flinch under his hard stare, she was freaking out on the inside. Her mind reached for Adam, but she didn’t know how to make him feel her panic, especially when she was pretending to be calm on the outside.

  Trying to draw Adam’s attention, she decided to use Cain’s emotions if hers weren’t working. “I belong to Adam.”

  His head lifted sharply, his eyes flashing and boring holes through her. “Is that what you think? You forget that I’ve been in your dreams.” He took a step forward and she mirrored it with a step back, her gaze cutting to the window. “I don’t think you're the sort of female to give yourself to a man without holding something back.”

  Her legs bumped the kitchen table and her hand closed around the rung of a chair. It was becoming harder to remain calm.

  “I’m right, aren’t I?” He reached over her and she held her breath. He lifted a stalk of celery and tossed it aside. “You didn’t even agree to a wedding.”

  How did he know that? “I’m marrying, Adam.”

  “Don’t lie to me,” he hissed, crowding her until her back arched over the chair. “Even if there’s only ever hate between us, let it be honest.”

  Her breath labored. “Fine. I might not marry Adam, but I’ll never belong to you.”

  The side of his mouth lifted in a half smirk. “You’ll never fully belong to him either.”

  He lifted his hand and she flinched away.

  “Be still.” With slow, gradual motions, he pulled a strand of hair free from her bonnet. His head turned as he studied it.

  Her shallow breathing gave away her panic. “You said you’d leave.”

  His eyes cut to her. “I could take you right now. Adam’s a fool for leaving you unguarded.”

  “He’d catch you.”

  Cain lifted a brow. “You think he has me beat in every measure of a man?”

  “You’re not a man.”

  “Careful. You don’t want to unleash my temper.”

  “I told you my secret, now leave. No one wants you here.”

  His head turned. “You really have quite the mouth on you.” He released her hair, letting the strand fall down her shoulder. “You still don’t get it. I have as much right to be here as him. This is my home. We’ve always shared everything, even.” He dragged a finger down the center of her face. “Right down the middle.” His finger traced her lips and she jerked her head away.

  He chuckled. “Well, you know how the story ends.”

  “No. Tell me. How does it end?”

  He stepped back, and she nearly lost her balance. “Adam wins as usual. Why do you think they’re preparing for a wedding you haven’t agreed to? He’ll do exactly as the Elders say. That’s why they favor him.”

  “They can’t force me to marry him.”

  He grinned. “You’d be amazed by the things they can force.”

  “Adam wouldn’t force me. I trust him.”

  “How charming. But Adam’s always wanted an obedient wife. Do you truly trust him not to try to change you? If you did, why not marry him? Or are you too afraid your authority will vanish?”

  “Adam doesn’t want to change me,” she argued.

  He laughed. “Silly girl. He absolutely wants to change you. He wants to change everything about you, from the way you survive, to the place you live. He even wants to choose the God you trust. I’m the only one offering you another option. I’m offering you a chance to leave and still enjoy all the perks of immortality.”

  “Go away.” She took a step closer, set on shoving out the door if she must. “You betray him by even being here.”

  He took a step back but continued to smile as if her anger were comical.

  “The next time I see you, I’ll be immortal. And I won’t be so calm. How dare you come here and try to change my mind. I’m his only chance of survival. Does his life mean nothing to you?”

  He leaned forward, catching the back of her neck and forcing her head to the side. His mouth pressed close to her ear. “Your adrenaline’s making your blood pump faster, sweet. I’d not take another step if I were you.”

  She pulled at his arm, but he wouldn’t budge. “Get off of me.”

  “Rest assured, this will be the last time you see me.”

  “Why should I trust you?”

  “Because once I walk out that door, I’m as good as dead.”

  The door blew open as rain poured onto the porch. Wind hit her face and she squinted at him. “You think I’m the cruel one, Annalise, but I’m the only one actually giving you a choice. I’m the only one willing to sacrifice my life for your happiness. His shadow’s a cold place to spend eternity. Unless you truly believe you’ll stand as his equal.”

  She shoved him toward the threshold. “Even on his absolute worst day, he’s a better man than you!”

  The den lanterns flickered as a gust of wind whistled through the house. Cain’s eyes flashed as he bared his fangs. She covered her face and screamed as a deafening boom crashed outside. Squalls screeched along the house, growing until the wind roared like a freight train.

  And then ... silence.

  Her arms uncovered her head and she blinked at the empty kitchen. Her heart raced as she ran to the door. Wide puddles flooded the yard as water dripped from the trees. Nothing but stars filled the sky.

  “Anna?”

  She spun and saw Adam running through the side yard. She held up her hands as he hopped the railing of the porc
h. “Stop!”

  He stilled, his eyes wide with concern. “What is it?”

  “Adam?”

  He frowned. “You’re shaken.”

  “Oh, God.” She rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He caught her against his drenched clothes. “He was here. Cain was here.”

  “Cain was at the house?” He set her down, his eyes searching the dark fields.

  “Listen to me, Adam. Something’s not right. He said things—”

  “Do not trust anything he says.”

  “Why would he lie to me?”

  “Why would he do any of this? He’s not well, Annalise. I forbid you to speak to him.”

  Her face hardened and she stomped her foot. “You forbid me?”

  “He’s dangerous.”

  She scoffed. “You act like I invited him here! If everyone could stop marking their territory around me for one minute and listen to me, you all might actually figure this out! Adam, your brother thinks I was called to him.”

  He growled. “You were called to me. This is why I don’t want you speaking to him.”

  “What if I was called to both of you?”

  “He’s feeding you lies!”

  “Put your anger away for a second and think about it. He envies you so deeply. I don’t think he’s doing this to hurt you. I think he loves you, Adam.”

  “No. He’s trying to end me.”

  “Then why is he leaving?”

  Adam pulled her close and stared into her eyes. “Listen to me, Annalise. My brother’s mind is poisoned. He’s dangerous and confused. If you were truly called to him, he’d never be able to walk away.”

  “What if the stories are wrong? I saw him in my dreams, Adam. How come none of the Elders can explain that?”

  “They’re not the same dreams.”

  “He was there! He shared them with me. Why won’t you believe me?”

  “The Elders—”

  “Fuck The Elders! I’m telling you—”

  His hand closed over her mouth. “Hush. You mustn’t say such things, ainsicht.”

  She pulled his hand away and scowled. “Cain said you would do this. He said you would trust them over me.”

  “He’s poisoning your thoughts against me.” His fingers forked through his hair. “I must catch my grandfather before he leaves.”