“Ummm, Tova. You ok?” Pierce asks, stroking my arm.
Stunned, I stammer, “Uh, honestly? I have no clue.”
“Come here, baby.” He tugs me into his lap. “Has anything like that ever happened before?”
“Anything like what exactly? What did you see? What did I do?” I ask, not understanding what he witnessed.
Tucking a small strand of hair behind my ear, he exposes my face. “I was getting the promise ring out of my pants pocket when I saw your eyes go from their normal bluish-green flecked with gold to a solid blue cat-eyes.”
Snapping my head, I survey his face. “Hold your horses! Did you just tell me that my pupils went from round to slits and changed color?”
“It was hard to miss, Tova. You were searching all around like you were trying to figure out what was going on. After knocking the shit out of yourself, you snapped out of your trance, and your eyes turned back to normal.” He brushes his knuckles delicately down my cheek.
“I’m sorry you had to watch that. I’ve never had that happen before.” I bashfully tuck my chin.
Pierce tips my jaw up with his fingers, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Don’t be embarrassed by it, Tova. A lot of us have differences from that damn Dust. That’s totally beyond our control. Now, you just have to learn how to connect with it, utilize it when necessary. It’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re still the most beautiful woman in the world. Okay?”
“If you say so.” Pausing for a minute, I reflect, “You know, come to think of it… I’ve always felt like I’ve had this sixth sense, so to speak. Like when I saw you on the track for the first time. I somehow knew that you were good, and that I didn’t need to be afraid of you.”
Pierce squeezes me in a tight hug as I continue, “But I’m kinda freaked out by the whole ‘new vision’ thing. I mean, how will I know when it’s coming again? How do I make it go away? Will I be able to just manipulate it on my own when I need to? I have a million questions, and I’m worried. What if it happens when I least expect it, like just now? You know how clumsy I am. I do frequent gravity checks against my will, all the time.”
I laugh heartily. “Yes, I’m aware of you frequently attacking the ground. But think about it this way, if your eyes revert to feline vision, then you shouldn’t trip as much. Cats are able to judge distance accurately, are better at detecting motion, have a wider periphery, and have excellent night vision. When we go on hunts, you can tune into your inner sense and detect prey faster. Our hunt time could be cut in half, lessening exposure in the woods with all the wild beasts.” He sounds excited as he rattles all that off.
“Always looking through rose-colored glasses, aren’t you?” I smirk.
“When I’m with you, that’s all I do.” With exaggeratedly puckered lips, he leans in and gives me a smacking peck on the cheek.
“So, what’s with the ring?” I change the subject and bounce on his lap.
Twirling the twine in his fingers, he laughs, “Yeah, killjoy, about that… This was supposed to be romantic, you know?”
Arching my left eyebrow, I cup his cheeks in my palms. “It is romantic. We’re at the most picturesque waterfall ever. Yeah, I freaked out, going all ‘cat eyes’ seeing the ring, but now I’m back to normal, so…”
He takes my left hand, and I begin to quiver. I feel intense warmth emit from his palms
“Tova, I love you with every part of my being. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Yes, shit is gonna happen. Things will get complicated. We’ll be weak at times, and we’ll be strong at times. We’re gonna lose our shit and yell. We’ll break down and cry. We’ll be on cloud nine some days, and some days we’ll feel nothing at all. We’ll get on each other's nerves. One day we’ll know for sure exactly what we want, and other days we’ll have no fucking clue. Love isn’t always a bed of rose petals. Roses have thorns, sometimes we’ll get stabbed by them and be wounded, but we’ll mend those wounds, and no matter how hard life gets, we won’t leave. We’ll be there for each other, striving for the same purposes and goals.”
I pause for a moment, then continue, “When you fall, I’ll be right there to pick you up. And I hope you’ll do the same for me because nobody’s perfect and we all fall sometimes. I can’t spend another day without you, Tova. I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want you to be only in my dreams. I want to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life. I want to go to bed with you every night, whispering I love you and sweet nothings in your ear. I promise you I’m yours forever, but I need to know, will you be mine?”
Water pools in the bottom of my eyelids, and I’m rendered speechless. I’ve never felt so loved in my entire life, nor did I ever think I was worthy of such love. I’m afraid if I speak I’ll burst into sobs; so, I bobble my head up and down in a nod, careful not to blink.
“I need to hear the words, Tova.” Pierce looks deeply into my eyes.
Unable to force the burning tears back, they escape down the sides of my face. “Yes, Pierce. I love you more than words can say. I promise to be yours forever.”
He places the twine on my left ring finger, and I spring from his lap and into his arms, devouring his mouth enthusiastically. Enfolding his arms around me, he clenches me ever so tightly, reminding me, “You’re mine.”
I repeat, “And you’re mine.”
20
Pierce
Dinner with Tova and her mama was delicious. There’s nothing like a good ol’ home-cooked meal. It’s a heck of a lot better than the dehydrated, prepackaged food we take on our hunting trips and barter excursions. The food in the cafeteria is okay but often lacks seasoning…or any flavor, really. Supper tonight was anything but bland.
“Ms. Campbell, I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve had a meal that scrumptious,” I praise, resting back in my chair.
“Thank you for the compliment, but Pierce, please call me Shenan,” she demurs, wiping her mouth with the cloth napkin. “I chalk all the savory tastes up to homegrown spices. The chicken was basted in butter and marinated in rosemary, cloves, and sage.” Pointing outside to a small herb garden, she explains, “I grew them myself.”
Tova pushes away from the table, her chair skidding across the hardwood floor. “Mama, you sure know how to show off your culinary skills. I can only pray that one day I can cook half as good as you.” Pecking Shenan on the top of the head she says, “If you two don’t mind, I’m going to shower and get cleaned up.”
Shenan pats her on the cheek. “We don’t mind at all, darlin’.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say with a slight smile and a wink.
As she waltzes out of the kitchen toward the bathroom, I turn my attention to her mom. “Actually, I’m glad to have you alone, Shenan. Can I speak to you about a few things?”
“Why certainly, Pierce. Want to help me clear the table, and you can tell me what’s on your mind while we wash the dishes?” she asks, placing her napkin on the table.
I place my fork on my empty plate as I stand. “Yes, ma’am.”
Having cleared the table and now washing the dishes, I can’t seem to find the words I need to say.
“Just spit it out, Pierce, no need to be anxious around me,” Shenan urges.
“Oh… ahh… of course. I just don’t want to come across the wrong way. It’s not a secret that I’m head over heels for Tova. No denying, this is soon, but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life loving and cherishing her. I declared my intentions at the falls today and asked her if she’d promise to be mine forever, and she accepted. I hope to God you're okay with it. I know I should have asked your permission first, but you were gone this morning, and I wanted to ask her at the waterfalls, hoping for a romantic setting. Please forgive my impulsiveness.” The words tumble from my mouth in a jumbled string, but at least they are out.
“Son, it didn’t escape my attention that Tova had that ring on her left finger. I might
not have said anything, but don’t mistake my silence for stupidity.”
Almost dropping the plate in my hand that I’m rinsing off, I clarify, “Oh God; no. I would never in a million years think that.”
Cackling, Shenan says, “Good to know.” Contemplating the gravity of my confession, she lingers in silence for a few seconds, then professes, “You know, you have made her smile more than I think she’s smiled her entire life.” She points at me while lifting a butter knife out of the soapy water. “But I also know that you hurt her, deliberate or not.”
I focus on the silver, and explain, “Yes, I know, but I never intended to. The girl I kissed in the cafeteria was my cousin I hadn’t seen in a while; it was on the top of the head. I swear, I don’t have a habit of kissing girls, nor do I ever want to kiss another girl the way I kiss Tova.”
Taking a rag to the silverware, she admits, “Okay, okay. Too much information. You make her happy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. But let me tell you she’s endured more than any person should ever have to in a lifetime.”
“She’s not opened up to me about what’s happened in her past, but I can see the hurt she’s hiding behind her eyes clearly.” I glance at her from the corner of my eye.
“But the fact that she’s agreeing to spend the rest of her life with you should tell you everything you need to know. She doesn’t trust easily. She’s got a lot of inner healing to do, so be patient with her.”
“Yes, ma’am, I promise I will.” I place a plate in the drying rack.
“She’s a closed book, Pierce. She tends to sweep things under the rug and not address the elephant in the room. She was raised to act tough and have thick skin.”
I slouch my shoulders. “Please don’t feel obligated, but I think if I understand a little of her past, I may be able to help with the healing process.”
Resuming washing the other dishes, she warns, “I’ll tell you a little of what she went through, so you’re not too alarmed when she opens up. But be forewarned, it’s not going to be easy to hear.”
Resolving the fact that this information is going to be a hard pill to swallow, I ultimately determine, “I can handle it.”
“Her father was an extremely abusive man. He wasn’t always like that. He lost his own father on a hunting trip, helplessly witnessing as a Sunclouded Leopard ripped the man apart. He finally snapped, when his mom developed an an acute illness and passed away from it. Cladec changed into another person altogether after that.
“He began drinking, and turned into a brutal monster. When Tova was just an infant, her dad beat me so badly, I ended up in a coma. I came out of it thankfully, but it took months for me to recover. The more he drank, the worse he became. He turned his beatings onto Tova at a young age. I think she was trying to protect me by not telling me.
“When I’d ask where she got a bruise, she’d say she tripped and fell, which was easy to believe because that girl could trip on air. Other times, she’d blame it on the horses or bumping into random things in the barn. She had every excuse under the sun, but deep down, I knew better. I hate myself for not doing anything about it sooner, but I’ll die trying to make it up to her. Unfortunately, the older she got, the worse the beatings got, and she couldn’t hide the injuries well enough any longer.
“When she was twelve years old, a Senior noticed her bruises and reported it. It was decided that he would be banished to the outskirts of our protection wall. But Pierce, I feel like there’s more that happened than she’s let on.”
I’m sure my face is blood-red because my hands are on fire, not visibly, but if I touched anything right now, I would singe it. For now, I just hold them under the cold running water for a minute as I process all I’ve been told. “Shenan, I’m not going to lie. I’d like to get my hands on him right now.”
“He’s away from her, and she has you now. So, I have peace knowing that you’ll do everything in your power to keep her from harm. But please promise me you’ll not go searching for trouble. She needs to do the best she can to get beyond the hurt he’s caused. If you’re bound and determined to hunt him down and torture him, then you’ll only bring back terrible memories for her. She’ll continue to question whether every man is the Devil. Remember, an eye for an eye only leads to blindness.”
“Alright, I’ll simmer down, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to hunt him down and tear him apart. I won’t seek him out, but if he ever reappears, then all bets are off, and I can’t be held accountable for my actions.” Seething anger seeps from my voice.
“Fair enough.”
Placing the last plate in the drying rack, I continue, “I have another question if that’s okay.”
“Ask away.” Shenan nods toward the living room and I follow before continuing.
We settle onto the couch, and I resume my questions. “The loft in the barn: do you mind if I stay with Tova there until we make our vows official? I can transform it into a dwelling if you allow me. I’ll build a woodshed near the barn for hay storage, so you won’t lose anything. I don’t want this to be a long-term situation. Tova took me to the lake on the edge of your property. I wondered if I could purchase a few acres from you on one side and build us a lake house. Eventually, I’d like to have a barn, horses, and a small farm.”
She smiles from ear to ear. “Oh, that sounds divine, Pierce. Does she know?”
“No, ma’am, I’d like it to be a surprise.” I glance toward the bathroom door.
“Your secret is safe with me.” Shenan winks.
The sound of running water in the bathroom subsides, indicating that Tova is done showering. “When she’s finished, do you mind if I get cleaned up, too?”
“Not at all. There are towels in the closet, shampoo and soap in the shower. Help yourself.”
Tova emerges with fresh clean clothes on and a towel wrapped on top of her head. Standing from my spot on the couch, I stroll in the direction of the bathroom. Giving her a quick kiss as I pass, I say, “I’m going to shower. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
She pats my backside with an affirming smile, giving me the go-ahead.
21
Tova
Rushing to mama’s side, I plop down on the couch, eager to know if Pierce spilled the beans, “Soooo?”
“Yes, dear?” she laughs.
“Ah, mama staaaaap! Did he tell you or not?”
“Young’un, you know I saw that ring as soon as you came through the door, right?”
Tucking one leg underneath me, I fold my hands and slide them in between my legs. “I figured as much. Mama, I know it’s soon, but…” Before I can finish, mama interrupts me.
“No need to try to convince me. I’ve known since the first day you came home, yammering on and on about him. I just hoped you’d realize it and not push him away like you have all of your other boyfriends.”
“Mama, all those other guys were just guys. I never felt for any of them the way I feel about Pierce.”
“I know, love. I can see it in your eyes. That twinkle is coming back. You’re smiling more than I’ve seen you smile your entire life. I’m so glad you’ve opened yourself up to love.”
“It kinda whacked me right in the face. I didn’t have an option to open up to it or not. Mama, I was so excited to see the ring that my vision went all weird. I thought I was going crazy.”
Slack-jawed and bug-eyed, she leans in closer to me. “Tell me more.”
“Well, we‘d just jumped off the cliff into the pool below the waterfall. It was around lunchtime, and we worked up an appetite hiking to the falls. So, we were getting ready to eat. When I saw him pull out the promise ring, I guess my emotions got the best of me and made my vision go wild. It was like everything was near-sighted. Pierce, having witnessed the entire spectacle, said my eyes turned cat-like. After I got myself together, my vision went back to normal. I wasn’t scared, but it felt bizarre.”
“That’s some experience. I’m glad you’re not afraid of it. I always knew you had som
ething special about you. You have always been drawn to animals, but little did I know how close the connection lay.” Chagrined, I frisk over the couch fabric to pick at some nonexistent loose thread as mama drawls, “Learn to channel that gift and never be ashamed of who you are.”
“I’ll do my best, mama,” I assure her quietly.
“That’s my girl.” She massages my hand. “Now, tell me, when is the vow ceremony going to take place? Have you thought about what you’d like to wear and where you want it to be?”
Sitting up straight, I now fix both legs up underneath me as I turn to face her. “You know me like the back of your hand, don’t you? I couldn’t stop thinking about it the entire hike home and in the shower,” I say with a smile. I place my hand on mama’s and continue, “I want to have the ceremony close to the lake, with just a few people. Do you think you can make me a simple off-white lace gown that flows ever so slightly behind me? I don’t want anything big or bulky. Also, I want to do it soon, like as soon as you can make the dress.”
Mama’s eyes sparkle. “Okay, love. If I work non-stop over the next six weeks, I can have it completed for you. That’ll be the middle of September and still be warm out. Do you want long sleeves, short sleeves, strapless? And who all do you want to come? If we have it at the lake, then we can just come back here afterward and have refreshments, if you want. I just need to know how much food to prepare.”
“I think I want to go with a strapless dress, a heart-shaped neckline, tapered waist flowing out as it goes down to a short train. I’ll compile a list of people so we can have a generalized headcount. I know I want it to be relatively small, though. Honestly, I just want it to be a close, intimate setting. Just off the top of my head, I want you, obviously, and Adi, Dani-Jo, Cora, a few of the Protectors, Pierce’s family, and that’ll be pretty much it. We shouldn’t have to prepare too much food then.”
Protecting Tova (Iron Mountain Book 1) Page 11
