Ciara tipped onto the bed as exhaustion kicked in.
She was miles from Jon and instead of feeling elation she felt...empty.
Her eyelids shuttered closed.
Her night was filled with swirls of fear and darkness, nightmarish vampires hunting her down, drinking her blood forcing themselves on her. Jon would appear in the haze in the recesses of her mind calling out to her, reaching for her but he never managed to save her as she falls into the bottomless darkness. She would awake in cold sweat, her body burning, her stomach twisting as her craving slam into her.
Ciara spend her days walking the streets, watching tv and forcing Jon’s incessant invasion from her mind.
She had given up on ignoring Ksenia’s phone calls and spend a good hour a day on listening to her pitiful requests of going back to where it would be safe.
It had been a week now and she was still safe was her only response. No vampires were stalking her and she was ok although she didn’t mention her body’s painful tremors and sometimes eye tearing spasms as her body begged for Jon’s blood.
After another marathon of explaining and listening to Ksenia, Ciara slipped from her room. She was restless, she wanted to go home but she knew that Jon would find her there in a heartbeat.
Deciding on a movie she bought a huge box of popcorn and a soda, slipping into her chair she snuggled in her chair waiting for the movie to start.
The movie didn’t seem too popluar and here and there a few people sauntered in.
“Mind if I sit here?” A low rumble coaxed her head up.
“No please do.”
Her eyes turned towards the huge screen.
The movie was scary as hell but captivating.
Ciara squirmed in her seat, pphheewwww, the cinema was stuffy as hell!
“You ok?” A soft drawl drifted towards her.
“Sorry am I bothering you? Its just so hot in here.”
“I feel it too.” His dark eyes shone into hers. The light of the screen flickered across his features, strong face.
As credits roll across the screen , Ciara stood up. She was felt like choking, the air was too thin and she was sweating.
Making her way out to the light she rushed for the cool night air.
“Ooohh maaannn!” She took a deep breath, rubbing her stomach she willed the ache away.
“Are you ok?”
The man was towering over her.
“Yeah...thanks.” She smiled.”I’m sorry if I bothered you in there.”
“No please don’t apologise. It was stuffy in there. I think they need to service their air conditioners.”
“So it wasn’t just me?”
He shook his head, a handsome smile softened his aristocratic features. What a beautiful man!
Ciara took a step backwards.
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I’m not too hungry. I think I’ll get something light and head to the hotel.”
“Do you want to share a taxi? I’m on my way to my hotel. Its not good for ladies to be travelling alone at night.”
“I...eehh rather not thank you.”
“I understand. I hope I didn’t scare you it wasn’t my intention.”
Ciara smiled and bid him goodnight.
Unlocking the door to her room an hour later, she made her way to the bathroom. She was in serious need of painkillers, her body was throbbing painfully and she was burning up!
Swigging the pills down, she took a cool shower. Eyeing the nightgown she decided against it and slipped naked in between the sheets, her Chinese resting on her thighs.
The peal of her phone drew a groan from her lips and she snatched it, pushing the answer button.
“Ksenia its late...”
“Hey baby.”
Ciara felt a sizzle shot through her veins as his voice reached her ears.
“Jon. This is Ksenia’s phone.”
“I know, would you have answered if you saw my number?”
“No.”
“Thought so, how are you holding up? “
His voice was deceivingly calm.
“I’m just fine. No vampires chasing me down yet.”
“Thats not fucking funny Ciara. You don’t want them hunting you down, getting their claws and fangs all over you...But don’t be fooled. They might be on you already. Let me come and get you.”
“No. I don’t want you near me.”
“Not craving something yet sweetheart? “
Her intake of breath was enough for Jon and he gritted his teeth. He had a yearning of his own, thirst and a pulsing hunger between his thighs.
His groan melted her core, pooling the heat between her thighs.
“You feel it too don’t you, I miss you baby. Let me come to you. I’ll take care of your hurt...”
“Good bye Jon.”
Ciara pressed the red button with a trembling finger. She didn’t know how much more she would be able to stand.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Chapter 132
Jon gazed over at Ciara were she stood in the shadows. He had an unexplained feeling of dread pressing on his chest. The voices of thousands of fans crashed into his ears and he turned towards the mass again, making his way down the opposite side of the stage.
Ciara watched as he turned from her, she felt his dread, knowing exactly what is was, she forced her mind to go blank. She couldn’t afford to let him know.
She waited a few moments longer and blend into the shadows, inching her way from the stage. If he should realise what she was up to he won’t be able to leave the stage, that was the only comfort she had. After the show she wasn’t sure, as long as she could get as far away as possible ...she shivered.
Jon felt a shift in the air, she was gone.
Richie’s head came up and locked with Jon’s. He looked over at the empty spot where she had been only moments before.
Jon’s frustration sent a sizzle through the band. His eyes kept going back towards the post, hoping to see her but somehow knowing that she wasn’t coming back. She had planned this so damned carefully!
The taxi driver stared suspiciously at the woman tumbling clumsily into his taxi, a single suitcase crashing onto his seat.
“Go please!”
“Lady, I don’t want any trouble.”
Her pitiful eyes locked with his in the rearview mirror.
“Please sir. I have an abusive husband and I need to get away from him as quick as possible.”
“The asshole! If I could get my hands on him!”
“Ciara slumped against the back rest as the car drove off.
The car slowed to a stop.
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?”
Ciara opened her eyes, bodies surged to and from the busy airport.
“Yes, Yes I’ll be ok.”
“Are you going to family or something?”
“Uuhh..yes I am. Thanks.” She held her hand out.
“You be safe now, you hear and don’t take the bastard back no matter what he says.”
“I wont. Bye.”
~~
Richie cringed as he heard windows crashing, furniture banged against the walls. Vicious snarls and a string of curses accompanied the vandalism.
“Bro’ you trashing the hotel room wont bring her back. Why don’t you calm down and start looking for her?”
“She is blanking me out, fuck knows how but she does. I cant feel her Richie, she must be far, airport, train...she is fucking gone and her life is in danger.”
He paced across the room, kicking at a piece of broken chair laying in his way.
“Do you think she went home?“
“She wont be that stupid. She doesn’t want me to find her, she just has no fucking idea! What if her paths cross with a vampire? What then?”
Images of Ciara and the vampire of the other night send a shiver down his back and he snarled as violence tore at his guts.
“Shit I dunno where to look but I cant stay here I’m going to go out of my fucking mind.”
“Go look for her, just lemme know when you find something.”
~~
Ciara’s vibrating phone made her jump.
“A message.”
Ogling the tiny gadget in her hand she was too scared to open it, too afraid of what she might read.
Ciara, you have to come back. You’re in danger if you don’t. Please. Ksenia.
“Sorry my friend. I cant do that.”
The announcement that she should board vibrated through the air and she switched the phone off, heading towards her escape.
Perusing her surroundings she quickly made her way towards the waiting plane, relieved when she didn’t see any familiar faces in the crowd.
~~
Ksenia threw her phone on the bed, watching it as it bounced a few times.
“Her phone is off! She is in danger Richie. What in the hell was she thinking?”
“Dunno babe and I know this sound crazy but hell can we blame the poor girl? I feel like I’m living some screwed up nightmare. Just imagine how she must feel. Vampires, bonding, ripening...Jesus its crazy just hearing it coming from my lips!”
“I guess you’re right but we need to find her Richie and soon before...”
He pulled her into his broad chest.
“I know honey...I know.”
~~
Jon sniffed the air, closing his eyes, he forced his tumultuous emotions aside, focusing on any sign of his Ciara.
Yeah, she definitely was here. That’s why their connection was severed. She was on a plane on her way to some unknown Godforsaken place, heading for more shit than she can handle.
Walking towards the helpdesk, he forced a flashing smile onto his lips.
“Evening.”
By the blush on her cheeks and the sudden trip of her heartbeat he knew that she had recognised him.
“Good evening ...uuuhhh.”
“Jon will do just fine sweetheart.”
“Jon..how can I assist you?”
“I need a favour from you. My lady friend and I has a bit of tussle earlier tonight and as much as I love her impulsive nature , it can be quite bothersome at times, just like tonight. She jumped on a plane and I just need to know where she went so I know she is ok.”
“I’m not at liberty to give you that kind of details.”
Jon leaned closer, tracing his index finger slowly across the flustered women’s jaw line he murmered, “ You’re not going to deny me the love of my life now are you sweetheart. No one will know.”
Her fingers flew across the keys.
“And her name is?”
“Ciara....”
“Wilson?”
“That’s the one.”
“She is on flight 232, Chicago.”
The woman focused on his eyes. Did they just change colour?
“I thank you honey.” Pushing his fingers on his lips, he puckered lightly, gently pressing it onto her lips in turn.
“My pleasure.” A giggle slip from her parted lips.
His lips tightened in a grim line as he spun on his heel.
If I get my hands on her...
Ciara watched as he turned from her, she felt his dread, knowing exactly what is was, she forced her mind to go blank. She couldn’t afford to let him know.
She waited a few moments longer and blend into the shadows, inching her way from the stage. If he should realise what she was up to he won’t be able to leave the stage, that was the only comfort she had. After the show she wasn’t sure, as long as she could get as far away as possible ...she shivered.
Jon felt a shift in the air, she was gone.
Richie’s head came up and locked with Jon’s. He looked over at the empty spot where she had been only moments before.
Jon’s frustration sent a sizzle through the band. His eyes kept going back towards the post, hoping to see her but somehow knowing that she wasn’t coming back. She had planned this so damned carefully!
The taxi driver stared suspiciously at the woman tumbling clumsily into his taxi, a single suitcase crashing onto his seat.
“Go please!”
“Lady, I don’t want any trouble.”
Her pitiful eyes locked with his in the rearview mirror.
“Please sir. I have an abusive husband and I need to get away from him as quick as possible.”
“The asshole! If I could get my hands on him!”
“Ciara slumped against the back rest as the car drove off.
The car slowed to a stop.
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?”
Ciara opened her eyes, bodies surged to and from the busy airport.
“Yes, Yes I’ll be ok.”
“Are you going to family or something?”
“Uuhh..yes I am. Thanks.” She held her hand out.
“You be safe now, you hear and don’t take the bastard back no matter what he says.”
“I wont. Bye.”
~~
Richie cringed as he heard windows crashing, furniture banged against the walls. Vicious snarls and a string of curses accompanied the vandalism.
“Bro’ you trashing the hotel room wont bring her back. Why don’t you calm down and start looking for her?”
“She is blanking me out, fuck knows how but she does. I cant feel her Richie, she must be far, airport, train...she is fucking gone and her life is in danger.”
He paced across the room, kicking at a piece of broken chair laying in his way.
“Do you think she went home?“
“She wont be that stupid. She doesn’t want me to find her, she just has no fucking idea! What if her paths cross with a vampire? What then?”
Images of Ciara and the vampire of the other night send a shiver down his back and he snarled as violence tore at his guts.
“Shit I dunno where to look but I cant stay here I’m going to go out of my fucking mind.”
“Go look for her, just lemme know when you find something.”
~~
Ciara’s vibrating phone made her jump.
“A message.”
Ogling the tiny gadget in her hand she was too scared to open it, too afraid of what she might read.
Ciara, you have to come back. You’re in danger if you don’t. Please. Ksenia.
“Sorry my friend. I cant do that.”
The announcement that she should board vibrated through the air and she switched the phone off, heading towards her escape.
Perusing her surroundings she quickly made her way towards the waiting plane, relieved when she didn’t see any familiar faces in the crowd.
~~
Ksenia threw her phone on the bed, watching it as it bounced a few times.
“Her phone is off! She is in danger Richie. What in the hell was she thinking?”
“Dunno babe and I know this sound crazy but hell can we blame the poor girl? I feel like I’m living some screwed up nightmare. Just imagine how she must feel. Vampires, bonding, ripening...Jesus its crazy just hearing it coming from my lips!”
“I guess you’re right but we need to find her Richie and soon before...”
He pulled her into his broad chest.
“I know honey...I know.”
~~
Jon sniffed the air, closing his eyes, he forced his tumultuous emotions aside, focusing on any sign of his Ciara.
Yeah, she definitely was here. That’s why their connection was severed. She was on a plane on her way to some unknown Godforsaken place, heading for more shit than she can handle.
Walking towards the helpdesk, he forced a flashing smile onto his lips.
“Evening.”
By the blush on her cheeks and the sudden trip of her heartbeat he knew that she had recognised him.
“Good evening ...uuuhhh.”
“Jon will do just fine sweetheart.”
“Jon..how can I assist you?”
“I need a favour from you. My lady friend and I has a bit of tussle earlier tonight and as much as I love her impulsive nature , it can be quite bothersome at times, just like tonight. She jumped on a plane and I just need to know where she went so I know she is ok.”
“I’m not at liberty to give you that kind of details.”
Jon leaned closer, tracing his index finger slowly across the flustered women’s jaw line he murmered, “ You’re not going to deny me the love of my life now are you sweetheart. No one will know.”
Her fingers flew across the keys.
“And her name is?”
“Ciara....”
“Wilson?”
“That’s the one.”
“She is on flight 232, Chicago.”
The woman focused on his eyes. Did they just change colour?
“I thank you honey.” Pushing his fingers on his lips, he puckered lightly, gently pressing it onto her lips in turn.
“My pleasure.” A giggle slip from her parted lips.
His lips tightened in a grim line as he spun on his heel.
If I get my hands on her...
Chapter 131
Ciara’s feet took her towards the patio. Everything seemed too much too take in, so damn surreal!
“Are you ok baby? I’m not sure what it does to you when I move so quickly...”
“I’m fine...Jon please tell me what’s going on? I’m scared shirtless, just tell me the truth whatever it may be.”
He was silent behind her but she could sense him behind her. Her skin pricked.
“You’re in danger ....”
She swung around.
“...of what? “
“Other vampires and eventually yourself.”
She kept on staring.
“You are...Jesus, how am I going to put this?” His hand tangled through his hair. “Your body is ripening, getting ready to accept a vampire’s seed inside you. When are you turning 28?”
“A few week’s time.” She managed to whisper.
“You’ll be fertile for the very first time in your life. If you have sex with a vampire you will fall pregnant.”
“With a vampire? I thought I bonded to you?”
“Yes you are but baby every vampire crossing your path during this time will try to...”
“Oh...my God. Is that why the other vampire attacked me? I though he wanted to feed...Oh shit! But why am I a danger to myself?”
“As soon as you ripen you will crave sex and you will look for it everywhere you can. Human...vampire...”
Ciara gaped at him.
“I am NOT a cheap whore and nothing can make me one!” Her body stiffened at the thought.
“You cant help it, your instincts will kick in and your body will listen, that’s why you have to let me keep you safe. ”
“Looking after your assets? That’s what I am, right? A breeding machine...a vampire breeding machine.” A hysterical giggle passed her lips. “ That’s the only reason why you are attracted to me, my baby making potential. What kind of a man like you will go for a girl like me? You poor bastard.” She stumbled past him.
“Ciara don’t cheapen this, this is not the reason and you damn well know it. We were meant to be together. Haven’t I told you? We cannot bond if it isn’t meant to be. Cant you see Ciara, we are soulmates..we need each other.”
“We need each other’s blood you mean. Well I do anyway. You can take it from wherever you want. I was the stupid one that bit you. I wished it never happened but then again, you messed with my mind and now I crave it..”
“I don’t want it from anybody else. I want yours....only yours.” His eyes lingered on the wild tick in her neck.
“When am I going to wake up from this nightmare?”
“I doesn’t have to be a nightmare Ciara.” His touch chased some of the hysteria away, but the shadows remained in her soulful eyes. His thumb pressed into her lips, stroking gently across the width of them. “You’re warm to the touch again.”
“Maybe its an infection or something..”
“It’s your body getting closer...”
“I don’t want to hear about it.” Her face leaned into his touch.
“You’ll have to accept it.”
“No! I don’t and I’m not going to!” She stomped past him.
“Its inevitable. Embrace it.”
“No.”
She stared him head on. Her mind...blank.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
Her mind was made up.
“Ciara don’t do something you might regret.”
“I’m going to bed. I’m tired.”
“Are you ok baby? I’m not sure what it does to you when I move so quickly...”
“I’m fine...Jon please tell me what’s going on? I’m scared shirtless, just tell me the truth whatever it may be.”
He was silent behind her but she could sense him behind her. Her skin pricked.
“You’re in danger ....”
She swung around.
“...of what? “
“Other vampires and eventually yourself.”
She kept on staring.
“You are...Jesus, how am I going to put this?” His hand tangled through his hair. “Your body is ripening, getting ready to accept a vampire’s seed inside you. When are you turning 28?”
“A few week’s time.” She managed to whisper.
“You’ll be fertile for the very first time in your life. If you have sex with a vampire you will fall pregnant.”
“With a vampire? I thought I bonded to you?”
“Yes you are but baby every vampire crossing your path during this time will try to...”
“Oh...my God. Is that why the other vampire attacked me? I though he wanted to feed...Oh shit! But why am I a danger to myself?”
“As soon as you ripen you will crave sex and you will look for it everywhere you can. Human...vampire...”
Ciara gaped at him.
“I am NOT a cheap whore and nothing can make me one!” Her body stiffened at the thought.
“You cant help it, your instincts will kick in and your body will listen, that’s why you have to let me keep you safe. ”
“Looking after your assets? That’s what I am, right? A breeding machine...a vampire breeding machine.” A hysterical giggle passed her lips. “ That’s the only reason why you are attracted to me, my baby making potential. What kind of a man like you will go for a girl like me? You poor bastard.” She stumbled past him.
“Ciara don’t cheapen this, this is not the reason and you damn well know it. We were meant to be together. Haven’t I told you? We cannot bond if it isn’t meant to be. Cant you see Ciara, we are soulmates..we need each other.”
“We need each other’s blood you mean. Well I do anyway. You can take it from wherever you want. I was the stupid one that bit you. I wished it never happened but then again, you messed with my mind and now I crave it..”
“I don’t want it from anybody else. I want yours....only yours.” His eyes lingered on the wild tick in her neck.
“When am I going to wake up from this nightmare?”
“I doesn’t have to be a nightmare Ciara.” His touch chased some of the hysteria away, but the shadows remained in her soulful eyes. His thumb pressed into her lips, stroking gently across the width of them. “You’re warm to the touch again.”
“Maybe its an infection or something..”
“It’s your body getting closer...”
“I don’t want to hear about it.” Her face leaned into his touch.
“You’ll have to accept it.”
“No! I don’t and I’m not going to!” She stomped past him.
“Its inevitable. Embrace it.”
“No.”
She stared him head on. Her mind...blank.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
Her mind was made up.
“Ciara don’t do something you might regret.”
“I’m going to bed. I’m tired.”
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Chapter 130
By the time they reached the park, Ciara’s arm felt like lead. His hand left her skin and she rubbed at the spot.
“Sit down.” He nodded towards a bench, turning from her he scanned his environment.
“We’re alone.” He paced slowly, obviously searching for the words and the right approach.
Ciara watched and waited her instincts told her that what ever he had to stay was going to tip her world upside down...again.
“There is a reason why I felt attracted to you. I didn’t know why until recently.” He sighed heavily.
Was he regretting his attraction?
“No I’m not. I just wish I could make this all easier on you. My ignorance had put you in grave danger and its not going to get better soon.”
Ciara’s wide eyes glistened in the moonlight.
“I’m just a woman who by coincidence caught your...eeeh...attention. Why can’t I just leave and we can walk away from this? I’m sure there are lots more out there?”
The fierceness in his eyes pushed her back against the bench.
“Because you are mine, you are my responsibility.”
“I don’t have to be...”
He sucked at his breath.
“Don’t pretend. I can hear your heartbeat whenever I come near you. You want me just as damn much as I want you..” Her eyelids fluttered towards her wringing hands.
His hand untangled one, lifting it towards his mouth, his lips brushed intimately.
“There is goes again. Can you feel it bounce in your chest? Can you feel the heat as your blood rush through your veins?”
“You can hear all that?”
“All that and so much more.” His nose tipped heavenwards, sniffing the air. “I can sense your arousal, I can feel your emotions...I can feel, hear, see and taste everything about you.”
“Oh my God.” She watched his face in wonder, a breeze tugged at his bangs, the moon lit his handsome features. “But why? Why me?”
“You are...how do I put this. You are special. You are much more than a human. You might not like it but your connection with vampires run very deep. Thats maybe why you’ve always felt an attraction to vampire movies.” She blushed prettily.
“So what am I then? What makes me so special?”
“You are the only species of your kind that can carry a vampire’s baby, a rare breed of vampire, a full blood vampire.”
She shot from the bench.
“What are you talking about? This is insane?!”
He blocked her way, ceasing her pacing.
“Unbeknownst to me my senses had locked on to you and that’s why I couldn’t let you go. My instincts kept you from others, keeping you for myself.”
“I’m no ones possession! No ones! “, Jon’s hand closed around hers tugging her closer to his moonlit face.
“If you don’t like that idea, your going to be fucking pissed about what I’m about to tell you now.”
Ciara’d breath snagged in her throat. Her eyes pleaded with him.
Just tell me.
“Do you remember the night you dreamt of biting me?”
Ciara just kept staring, her blush just riding higher.
“It wasn’t a dream. We did make love and you did bite me.”
“Oh God.”
“In the process we bonded.”
“We what?! Are you playing the damn fool with me Jon?”
“No I’m not. I didn’t realise it either. Chimala was kind enough to explain it to me when...”
“When what Jon?” Her voice was a whisper.
His free hand cupped her chin.
“When you started having cravings, you craved my blood baby. You need it.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore! I don’t want this! What is happening to me?” Ciara shuddered in fear, she jerked from his touch.
“Don’t run. I’m going to get you anyway, don’t make me run after you, it turns me into the thing you hate most.” His voice was husky.
She didn’t heed his warning and rushed onto the path. Jon gave her some headway, feeling his body readying himself for the chase, he felt the perverse enjoyment as his fangs sliced through his gums.
It was time he made her see that he was her destiny.
She shrieked when he appeared right in from of her, her hands shot up to steady herself against his chest. His hands clamped down on her hands, keeping them tightly against his chest.
“It’s about time you accept what you are, what I am. We are bonded for life. You need me, you cant go without my blood. Can’t you feel it building inside you? You haven’t had blood for a couple of days, I can sense your craving, its gnawing at your gut.”
“No! Don’t say that! I don’t need blood, I’m human. You are crazy...I’m going fucking crazy!” Her voice pitched higher.
“Maybe this will explain it better.” He brought his finger to his mouth, biting down he growled.
Ciara caught the whiff of his blood oozing through his skin. She grabbed at her mouth, pinching her nose.
Her craving flamed in her intestines, twisting her stomach painfully.
“Do it, you want to. You are in pain, ease that pain baby.”
She shook her head vehemently.
His hand pried her fingers from her mouth, inching his bleeding finger closer, a panicked cry bubbled from her stiff lips.
“Take it baby...taste it. You know you want it...that’s it...yeeaahhhhhh.” A flash of light lit behind his eyes.
Her tongue twirled around the bleeding tip, diamond tears wiggled down her cheeks. A choke rushed from her lips right before her fingers closed around his hand, pushing his finger deeper into the warmth of her mouth. Her sucking was strong around his fingers, pumping the blood from the tiny puncture.
Jon’s body swayed closer, his face pressing into her neck, licking at the throbbing vein. Ciara’s body answered the age old tug and she melted into him, her neck arching to the side, giving him her silent permission.
The scrape of his fangs ignited the fire in her core and she whimpered softly, her hands tightening on his hand even more.
A snarl snapped her eyes open.
“We need to go.” His voice was low, vibrating with aggression.
“Wha...?”
“We’re not alone. There’s another vampire heading our way. He has picked up on your scent.” His hands pulled her into his frame. She closed her eyes instinctively.
“My scent? But Jon?!”
“Shhhh...I’ll explain at the hotel.”
The sharp light of the streetlamp shone through her eyelids moments later. They were at the entrance of the hotel.
“Sit down.” He nodded towards a bench, turning from her he scanned his environment.
“We’re alone.” He paced slowly, obviously searching for the words and the right approach.
Ciara watched and waited her instincts told her that what ever he had to stay was going to tip her world upside down...again.
“There is a reason why I felt attracted to you. I didn’t know why until recently.” He sighed heavily.
Was he regretting his attraction?
“No I’m not. I just wish I could make this all easier on you. My ignorance had put you in grave danger and its not going to get better soon.”
Ciara’s wide eyes glistened in the moonlight.
“I’m just a woman who by coincidence caught your...eeeh...attention. Why can’t I just leave and we can walk away from this? I’m sure there are lots more out there?”
The fierceness in his eyes pushed her back against the bench.
“Because you are mine, you are my responsibility.”
“I don’t have to be...”
He sucked at his breath.
“Don’t pretend. I can hear your heartbeat whenever I come near you. You want me just as damn much as I want you..” Her eyelids fluttered towards her wringing hands.
His hand untangled one, lifting it towards his mouth, his lips brushed intimately.
“There is goes again. Can you feel it bounce in your chest? Can you feel the heat as your blood rush through your veins?”
“You can hear all that?”
“All that and so much more.” His nose tipped heavenwards, sniffing the air. “I can sense your arousal, I can feel your emotions...I can feel, hear, see and taste everything about you.”
“Oh my God.” She watched his face in wonder, a breeze tugged at his bangs, the moon lit his handsome features. “But why? Why me?”
“You are...how do I put this. You are special. You are much more than a human. You might not like it but your connection with vampires run very deep. Thats maybe why you’ve always felt an attraction to vampire movies.” She blushed prettily.
“So what am I then? What makes me so special?”
“You are the only species of your kind that can carry a vampire’s baby, a rare breed of vampire, a full blood vampire.”
She shot from the bench.
“What are you talking about? This is insane?!”
He blocked her way, ceasing her pacing.
“Unbeknownst to me my senses had locked on to you and that’s why I couldn’t let you go. My instincts kept you from others, keeping you for myself.”
“I’m no ones possession! No ones! “, Jon’s hand closed around hers tugging her closer to his moonlit face.
“If you don’t like that idea, your going to be fucking pissed about what I’m about to tell you now.”
Ciara’d breath snagged in her throat. Her eyes pleaded with him.
Just tell me.
“Do you remember the night you dreamt of biting me?”
Ciara just kept staring, her blush just riding higher.
“It wasn’t a dream. We did make love and you did bite me.”
“Oh God.”
“In the process we bonded.”
“We what?! Are you playing the damn fool with me Jon?”
“No I’m not. I didn’t realise it either. Chimala was kind enough to explain it to me when...”
“When what Jon?” Her voice was a whisper.
His free hand cupped her chin.
“When you started having cravings, you craved my blood baby. You need it.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore! I don’t want this! What is happening to me?” Ciara shuddered in fear, she jerked from his touch.
“Don’t run. I’m going to get you anyway, don’t make me run after you, it turns me into the thing you hate most.” His voice was husky.
She didn’t heed his warning and rushed onto the path. Jon gave her some headway, feeling his body readying himself for the chase, he felt the perverse enjoyment as his fangs sliced through his gums.
It was time he made her see that he was her destiny.
She shrieked when he appeared right in from of her, her hands shot up to steady herself against his chest. His hands clamped down on her hands, keeping them tightly against his chest.
“It’s about time you accept what you are, what I am. We are bonded for life. You need me, you cant go without my blood. Can’t you feel it building inside you? You haven’t had blood for a couple of days, I can sense your craving, its gnawing at your gut.”
“No! Don’t say that! I don’t need blood, I’m human. You are crazy...I’m going fucking crazy!” Her voice pitched higher.
“Maybe this will explain it better.” He brought his finger to his mouth, biting down he growled.
Ciara caught the whiff of his blood oozing through his skin. She grabbed at her mouth, pinching her nose.
Her craving flamed in her intestines, twisting her stomach painfully.
“Do it, you want to. You are in pain, ease that pain baby.”
She shook her head vehemently.
His hand pried her fingers from her mouth, inching his bleeding finger closer, a panicked cry bubbled from her stiff lips.
“Take it baby...taste it. You know you want it...that’s it...yeeaahhhhhh.” A flash of light lit behind his eyes.
Her tongue twirled around the bleeding tip, diamond tears wiggled down her cheeks. A choke rushed from her lips right before her fingers closed around his hand, pushing his finger deeper into the warmth of her mouth. Her sucking was strong around his fingers, pumping the blood from the tiny puncture.
Jon’s body swayed closer, his face pressing into her neck, licking at the throbbing vein. Ciara’s body answered the age old tug and she melted into him, her neck arching to the side, giving him her silent permission.
The scrape of his fangs ignited the fire in her core and she whimpered softly, her hands tightening on his hand even more.
A snarl snapped her eyes open.
“We need to go.” His voice was low, vibrating with aggression.
“Wha...?”
“We’re not alone. There’s another vampire heading our way. He has picked up on your scent.” His hands pulled her into his frame. She closed her eyes instinctively.
“My scent? But Jon?!”
“Shhhh...I’ll explain at the hotel.”
The sharp light of the streetlamp shone through her eyelids moments later. They were at the entrance of the hotel.
Chapter 129
“NO!!!!” They were all on their feet, startling her even more.
Jon was right behind her. She was caught between two male walls. Their eyes locked fiercely on her.
“Tell him not to touch me. I don’t want him touching me.” Her body was stiff in his arms.
Richie met Jon’s eyes. A battle ensued and Jon cursed under his breath, moving back.
“We need you to stay here with us. Its the only way you will...” Jon’s eyes stilled him.
“Its just safer.”
“I don’t feel safe. I feel threatened, exposed. Everyone I know here lied to me. I can’t trust anyone.”
“You can trust me.” Ksenia’s tiny voice twirled her around.
“You knew about Jon?”
“I’m sorry...but yes.”
Ciara was unsteady on her feet again.
“I cant believe this! You! What do you have to do with this?”
“You remember I told you about my past? The professor and you know...the scars?”
Ciara felt her stomach dip.
“Jon and Richie saved my life. The professor was researching vampires. And he used me to...to feed them.”
“Oh my God! I don’t want to hear anymore! This is crazy!”
“I think you need to sit down.”
“ I need to get my suitcase and get out of here! I don’t want to deal with this! This is not normal! Vampires don’t exist!”
Ciara’s eyes rested on Jon’s mouth, she shivered visibly.
“It as real as it gets baby.”
She flopped onto a couch, she looked so frail at the moment Jon wished he could pull her into his arms, promising her everything will be ok.
As the words spilled from Jon’s mouth, Ciara listened wide eyed at his incredulous story. The night he was turned into a vampire and the years following after, his struggles, his victories...could all this be true?!
“So the woman that was with you the other night...”
“Yeah its her.”
“And she killed your little brother?” Her eyes swung her way.
“Yes.”
“How can you still sympathize with them?” she didn’t dare look Jon’s way.
“Jon isn’t the same. He is different. He still has humanity inside him.”
Ciara didn’t look convinced.
“Now where do I fit in all of this.”
Everyone fell silent, their eyes turned towards Jon.
“We think we need to go now.” David stood up.
“Yeah I think we should.”
Oh God! They’re gonna lea...
Jon was focused on her.
Ksenia stood before her.” I know this all seem crazy and I can understand if you hate me right now. But I love you. You’re a dear friend and everything I did I meant to protect you. We were wrong in keeping it from you but Jon will explain it all to you.”
For a moment she thought the girl might reach out and hug her but she only reached for her hand, squeezing it for a moment.
As they all left, the room became gravely quiet.
“Sit down Ciara. We need to talk.”
“I’m thirsty.”
...and hungry.
“Lets get you some food.”
“Will you stop reading my mind! Haven’t you invaded enough of me?!” His eyes morphed into lazy slumbering cobalt.
“I wouldn’t call it invasion...”
“Jon not now. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Her tired request ripped the sensuality right out of the moment.
~~~
Two days later...
Ciara watched in silence as the show drew to a close. She would have preferred to be alone at the hotel with a good book and a warm bed but she was forced to be in close proximity with Jon at all times.
Jon walked down the stage, a towel in his hands he wiped his sweaty face but lingered long enough to nod her way.
Yes your majesty.
She saw his smile before it disappeared into the towel.
Damn you!
She waited in his dressing room like a cat on hot coals, she hated to be bossed around but she would hate it even more if she had to see him in his vampire state. It scared the living daylights out of her and although they haven’t discussed it they came to a sort of truce between them. She listens and he will not turn.
He walked through the door without acknowledging her at all, throwing the towel on the dressing table he whipped his shirt over his head, sending it towards the towel. Ciara turned her head as his hand closed on his belt...
“I wish you wouldn’t insist on me being here when you have to undress and shower. A half an hour without your presence...”
“will be disastrous. Accept it Ciara. I will have it no other way.” She looked towards the moving voice and received an eyeful of butt cheeks as he strutted towards the shower.
“Like what you see?” She could hear his arrogant smile in his voice.
“I didn’t...”
“...yes you did.”
“Do you have eyes in the back of your head now too?”
His throaty laugh could be heard above the streaming water.
Waiting a few minutes, Ciara slipped out the door.
Forcing herself not to think what she was doing, she eased her steps, not wanting to raise her heartbeat.
She needed a breather, some cool air to soothe the heat on her skin. She was hot and sweaty, uncomfortable to say the least. It was like she had a constant furnace burning inside her, chasing her, causing her body to yearn for another. Warm gentle male hands, soothing her skin, hard muscles pressed into her, moving against her, making her feel wanton.
“Ciara...Ciara...Ciara....” The female voice ripped the breath right out of her lungs. The wild, red curls shimmered in the electric light, the breeze lifted and played with it but when Ciara met her eyes, her heart tripped. Crimson coals shone from the feminine face.
She took a step back.
“I take it Jon has told you about himself and my role in all this drama, seeing that you’re not running and screaming bloody murder.” Her voice purred.
“Yes he did. What do you want?”
“Ooohhh nothing in particular.” She sniffed at the dark mahogany curls.”Your scent it getting stronger. You shouldn’t be alone unless you like the idea of vampires abducting you, having their wicked way with you. Is that what you like?”
“What are you talking about?” Fear joined the dark scent drifting from her.
“Aaahh so loverboy hasn’t told you that part yet. How about you feeding from him, needing his blood?”
“Chimala! Thats enough!” Jon spat at the woman and she retreated quickly.
“You cannot keep it from her Jon. She needs to know.”
“Not from you! Not like this for fuck’s sake!”
Ciara stared dumfounded at the snarling vampire. His fangs protruded past his lips, the anger in his flashing eyes turned her blood to ice.
“If I ever see you close to her again, I’ll rip your fucking heart out. Do you understand?”
“You cant keep her to yourself for ever but calm down pretty boy, I’ll leave you to your precious little plaything. Taking her home to ease that burning? We can always do it three ways, imagine all the fun we’ll have...” His warning growl pulled her lips into a fanged smile. “Okay, okay.. I know when I’m not wanted. Toodles...”
She vanished just as quickly as she appeared. Jon stared into the darkness, paused for moment. He turned so quickly towards her, she gasped.
His face was void of any violence, yet the white flashing fangs and shimmering irises raised a fear inside her, threatening to choke her.
He closed the space between them, brushing the back of his hand over her cheek, he leaned closer, breathing deep, he exhaled, a deep rumble vibrated from his lips.
“You’re hot to the touch and....hhmmmmmmm....I could just eat you.”
Her silence forced his eyelids to pull back. Their lips almost touched, their breaths mingled. His eyes were clouded with unbridled passion, hers alert with fear.
“Jon...” her eyes fell on his lips.
“Does it bother you that much? Can’t get passed the fact that I am what I am can you?“ He licked the sharp edges. Slowly but surely they inched higher. His hand closed around her arm and this time there was nothing romantic about it.
“Let’s get back. We need to have this talk and get the hell over with it.”
Jon was right behind her. She was caught between two male walls. Their eyes locked fiercely on her.
“Tell him not to touch me. I don’t want him touching me.” Her body was stiff in his arms.
Richie met Jon’s eyes. A battle ensued and Jon cursed under his breath, moving back.
“We need you to stay here with us. Its the only way you will...” Jon’s eyes stilled him.
“Its just safer.”
“I don’t feel safe. I feel threatened, exposed. Everyone I know here lied to me. I can’t trust anyone.”
“You can trust me.” Ksenia’s tiny voice twirled her around.
“You knew about Jon?”
“I’m sorry...but yes.”
Ciara was unsteady on her feet again.
“I cant believe this! You! What do you have to do with this?”
“You remember I told you about my past? The professor and you know...the scars?”
Ciara felt her stomach dip.
“Jon and Richie saved my life. The professor was researching vampires. And he used me to...to feed them.”
“Oh my God! I don’t want to hear anymore! This is crazy!”
“I think you need to sit down.”
“ I need to get my suitcase and get out of here! I don’t want to deal with this! This is not normal! Vampires don’t exist!”
Ciara’s eyes rested on Jon’s mouth, she shivered visibly.
“It as real as it gets baby.”
She flopped onto a couch, she looked so frail at the moment Jon wished he could pull her into his arms, promising her everything will be ok.
As the words spilled from Jon’s mouth, Ciara listened wide eyed at his incredulous story. The night he was turned into a vampire and the years following after, his struggles, his victories...could all this be true?!
“So the woman that was with you the other night...”
“Yeah its her.”
“And she killed your little brother?” Her eyes swung her way.
“Yes.”
“How can you still sympathize with them?” she didn’t dare look Jon’s way.
“Jon isn’t the same. He is different. He still has humanity inside him.”
Ciara didn’t look convinced.
“Now where do I fit in all of this.”
Everyone fell silent, their eyes turned towards Jon.
“We think we need to go now.” David stood up.
“Yeah I think we should.”
Oh God! They’re gonna lea...
Jon was focused on her.
Ksenia stood before her.” I know this all seem crazy and I can understand if you hate me right now. But I love you. You’re a dear friend and everything I did I meant to protect you. We were wrong in keeping it from you but Jon will explain it all to you.”
For a moment she thought the girl might reach out and hug her but she only reached for her hand, squeezing it for a moment.
As they all left, the room became gravely quiet.
“Sit down Ciara. We need to talk.”
“I’m thirsty.”
...and hungry.
“Lets get you some food.”
“Will you stop reading my mind! Haven’t you invaded enough of me?!” His eyes morphed into lazy slumbering cobalt.
“I wouldn’t call it invasion...”
“Jon not now. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Her tired request ripped the sensuality right out of the moment.
~~~
Two days later...
Ciara watched in silence as the show drew to a close. She would have preferred to be alone at the hotel with a good book and a warm bed but she was forced to be in close proximity with Jon at all times.
Jon walked down the stage, a towel in his hands he wiped his sweaty face but lingered long enough to nod her way.
Yes your majesty.
She saw his smile before it disappeared into the towel.
Damn you!
She waited in his dressing room like a cat on hot coals, she hated to be bossed around but she would hate it even more if she had to see him in his vampire state. It scared the living daylights out of her and although they haven’t discussed it they came to a sort of truce between them. She listens and he will not turn.
He walked through the door without acknowledging her at all, throwing the towel on the dressing table he whipped his shirt over his head, sending it towards the towel. Ciara turned her head as his hand closed on his belt...
“I wish you wouldn’t insist on me being here when you have to undress and shower. A half an hour without your presence...”
“will be disastrous. Accept it Ciara. I will have it no other way.” She looked towards the moving voice and received an eyeful of butt cheeks as he strutted towards the shower.
“Like what you see?” She could hear his arrogant smile in his voice.
“I didn’t...”
“...yes you did.”
“Do you have eyes in the back of your head now too?”
His throaty laugh could be heard above the streaming water.
Waiting a few minutes, Ciara slipped out the door.
Forcing herself not to think what she was doing, she eased her steps, not wanting to raise her heartbeat.
She needed a breather, some cool air to soothe the heat on her skin. She was hot and sweaty, uncomfortable to say the least. It was like she had a constant furnace burning inside her, chasing her, causing her body to yearn for another. Warm gentle male hands, soothing her skin, hard muscles pressed into her, moving against her, making her feel wanton.
“Ciara...Ciara...Ciara....” The female voice ripped the breath right out of her lungs. The wild, red curls shimmered in the electric light, the breeze lifted and played with it but when Ciara met her eyes, her heart tripped. Crimson coals shone from the feminine face.
She took a step back.
“I take it Jon has told you about himself and my role in all this drama, seeing that you’re not running and screaming bloody murder.” Her voice purred.
“Yes he did. What do you want?”
“Ooohhh nothing in particular.” She sniffed at the dark mahogany curls.”Your scent it getting stronger. You shouldn’t be alone unless you like the idea of vampires abducting you, having their wicked way with you. Is that what you like?”
“What are you talking about?” Fear joined the dark scent drifting from her.
“Aaahh so loverboy hasn’t told you that part yet. How about you feeding from him, needing his blood?”
“Chimala! Thats enough!” Jon spat at the woman and she retreated quickly.
“You cannot keep it from her Jon. She needs to know.”
“Not from you! Not like this for fuck’s sake!”
Ciara stared dumfounded at the snarling vampire. His fangs protruded past his lips, the anger in his flashing eyes turned her blood to ice.
“If I ever see you close to her again, I’ll rip your fucking heart out. Do you understand?”
“You cant keep her to yourself for ever but calm down pretty boy, I’ll leave you to your precious little plaything. Taking her home to ease that burning? We can always do it three ways, imagine all the fun we’ll have...” His warning growl pulled her lips into a fanged smile. “Okay, okay.. I know when I’m not wanted. Toodles...”
She vanished just as quickly as she appeared. Jon stared into the darkness, paused for moment. He turned so quickly towards her, she gasped.
His face was void of any violence, yet the white flashing fangs and shimmering irises raised a fear inside her, threatening to choke her.
He closed the space between them, brushing the back of his hand over her cheek, he leaned closer, breathing deep, he exhaled, a deep rumble vibrated from his lips.
“You’re hot to the touch and....hhmmmmmmm....I could just eat you.”
Her silence forced his eyelids to pull back. Their lips almost touched, their breaths mingled. His eyes were clouded with unbridled passion, hers alert with fear.
“Jon...” her eyes fell on his lips.
“Does it bother you that much? Can’t get passed the fact that I am what I am can you?“ He licked the sharp edges. Slowly but surely they inched higher. His hand closed around her arm and this time there was nothing romantic about it.
“Let’s get back. We need to have this talk and get the hell over with it.”
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Chapter 128
Ciara’s blood curling screams woke her from her terror filled dreams. She shot up from the bed, cradling her throat.
“Its ok...you are ok baby. Sshhh...I’m here.”
Ciara’s pliant body coiled like a spring as she realised in whose arms she was.
“No! Don’t touch me!” She shoved at his chest, gasping as she stared into the blue shining orbs in the dark. She scuttled away from him.
Jon blinked, realising what he had just done, he turned his face. He looked back and the glare was gone.
“I’m sorry honey.”
He flicked the lamp switch.
“Are you ok?”
“I had some nightmares. I’m ok.”
Please don’t touch me.
“I won’t touch you.” He groaned.
She frowned.
”Yeah, that’s something else you didn’t know, I read minds. There’s much you don’t know about me.”
“I know you are a liar, a cheat, a killer. Frankly, that’s more than enough for me.”
His hand brushed through his hair.
“Fair enough.”
He turned on his heel. He had to get away from her right that minute before...
“I hate you.”
His steps silenced. He didn’t turn around and she was so glad he didn’t.
“No, you don’t. Go to sleep.”
“Or else you’ll make me?”
“Ciara, don’t say things you will regret later.”
“There’s nothing to say that I will regret. You are a vile, despicable....”
“Why don’t you say it? You are thinking it.” He snapped.
“...vampire.” It rushed from her lips hastily.
“There. See? Was it so difficult?” He disappeared from the room. A cold breeze chased her underneath the covers.
~~
Ciaira woke with the soothing rays of the morning sun filtering in from the window. She stretched slowly and winced as her body bemoaned its injured state, bringing the evening’s previous incident immediately to mind.
Her eyes shot open, she sighed, sagging back into the covers. She was alone. Staring at the ceiling she tried to make sense of it all. How was it possible that she never realised who or what he was? He had haunted her dreams and unbeknownst to her he was her employer, staring her in the face everyday, enjoying every damn moment, savouring her terror, her confusion! Reading her damn thoughts!! What kind of a man was he?
“Vampire remember? Evil beast, demon, devils’s spawn...”
Her gasp whipped in the air.
He was walking closer to the bed. Ciara didn’t want to feel like a caged animal and she shot from the bed, almost tripping over the trail of her remaining clothes of the previous night.
He didn’t let up and Ciara swallowed as hysteria build.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed. You have a concussion.” She locked her arms in defence across her chest, backing up slowly.
Her pain pounded through him and he reached for her backing her successfully into a corner.
“You need to trust me Ciara. I’m not here to hurt you. I wanna help. C’mon honey.”
“NO! You don’t get to touch me...EVER!” She whipped her finger in the air, her hair tumbling wildly down her shoulders.
“Ciara...listen to me.”
“I’m done listening to you! Why are you doing this to me? First you accosted me in my own home, crashing my Halloween party. Then you send your friends to persuade me to tour with you. I thought I was losing my mind! All the nightmares...your unwanted nightly visitations, scaring me out of my damn mind. I’m not even sure what was real! Why cant you just leave me alone, what do you want from me?!”
Her screaming sent a painful jab through her skull and she felt herself sag onto the carpet.
“You’re only making things worse. Let me help you.”
“No!”
He swept her into his arms.
“Yes.”
She lay back on the mattress. His fingers brushed her temples, circling slowly, she felt warmth radiating from the tips of his fingers.
“Relax...this is gonna help you rest.”
“I don’t need your help.”
Her eyelids flickered, a calm feeling soaked into her dropping her on a fluffy cloud of...nothingness.
Jon’s fingers lingered on her face. The deep burrow between her eyes eased slowly, leaving in its place a sleeping angel.
He leaned closer, brushing his lips over hers, he took a deep breath. Her scent was overwhelming, her sweetness was drenched by the dark heady scent only he and the vampire of the previous night could smell. The vampire and probably any other vampire in the vicinity that is!
She had to stay with him if she was to stay safe. He would have to watch her 24/7 keeping her safe from other vampires, keeping her satisfied in his bed....
He snarled at the thought, shooting from the bed. His body tightened in awareness, yearning for the luscious curves slumbering in his bed.
He punched violently at the phone he snapped from his pocket.
“Rich get the guys together, we need to talk. “
The men filed in one after the other, their faces grave as they felt Jon’s mood cooling the air in the hotelroom.
“How is she bro’?”
“She hates my guts, her head is giving her hell but she’ll live.”
“You can’t blame her for hating you Jon, you haven’t been Mr honesty with her. This is all kinda of fucked up for her. Have you told her anything yet?” Tico wasn’t happy.
He shook his head.
“Not yet. She is too freaked out to listen to anything I had to say and besides she has a concussion, she needs to rest.”
“True.” Richie agreed.
“We have a bigger problem heading for us dead on. Her scent is getting stronger. You see what happens when another vampire picks up on it. She could have been...” Jon couldn’t utter the words.
He could feel his fury build just by the mere thought of it.
“So what’s the plan.”
“We need to keep her safe. She will just have to stay with me. I can watch her all night, I’m just not sure what we’re going to do when we are busy with a show...”
“You are discussing my life. Don’t you think I have some say in it?”
All heads whipped towards the girl clutching the doorframe.
“Ciara..”
“NO! You are all sick! What do you all get out of this? Are you vampires too?” Her thrill voice shot towards them.
“No Ciara. I’m the only vampire. You cant blame them, they were only protecting me.”
“And what about me? Did you see me as a comfortable meal for him? A little standby when he was too lazy to hunt for himself? What did I do to you? Why do I deserve this?”
Richie closed the space between them.
“Honey please its not what you think. We didn’t...”
A hard slap resounded in the air. His head jerked sideways.
“Oooook... I guess I deserved that.” He folded her into his arms nonetheless.
“Please honey calm down. We...I am so sorry for doing this. This was a selfish thing to do but there is more to all of this. “
Her heartbreaking sobs soaked his shirt, the men squirmed in their seats. Women and tears were terrible to deal with and if you were the cause of it...much worse!
Her tearstained face looked up at him.
“All this doesn’t matter. I’m going home and I’m going to forget that you all ever existed.”
“Its ok...you are ok baby. Sshhh...I’m here.”
Ciara’s pliant body coiled like a spring as she realised in whose arms she was.
“No! Don’t touch me!” She shoved at his chest, gasping as she stared into the blue shining orbs in the dark. She scuttled away from him.
Jon blinked, realising what he had just done, he turned his face. He looked back and the glare was gone.
“I’m sorry honey.”
He flicked the lamp switch.
“Are you ok?”
“I had some nightmares. I’m ok.”
Please don’t touch me.
“I won’t touch you.” He groaned.
She frowned.
”Yeah, that’s something else you didn’t know, I read minds. There’s much you don’t know about me.”
“I know you are a liar, a cheat, a killer. Frankly, that’s more than enough for me.”
His hand brushed through his hair.
“Fair enough.”
He turned on his heel. He had to get away from her right that minute before...
“I hate you.”
His steps silenced. He didn’t turn around and she was so glad he didn’t.
“No, you don’t. Go to sleep.”
“Or else you’ll make me?”
“Ciara, don’t say things you will regret later.”
“There’s nothing to say that I will regret. You are a vile, despicable....”
“Why don’t you say it? You are thinking it.” He snapped.
“...vampire.” It rushed from her lips hastily.
“There. See? Was it so difficult?” He disappeared from the room. A cold breeze chased her underneath the covers.
~~
Ciaira woke with the soothing rays of the morning sun filtering in from the window. She stretched slowly and winced as her body bemoaned its injured state, bringing the evening’s previous incident immediately to mind.
Her eyes shot open, she sighed, sagging back into the covers. She was alone. Staring at the ceiling she tried to make sense of it all. How was it possible that she never realised who or what he was? He had haunted her dreams and unbeknownst to her he was her employer, staring her in the face everyday, enjoying every damn moment, savouring her terror, her confusion! Reading her damn thoughts!! What kind of a man was he?
“Vampire remember? Evil beast, demon, devils’s spawn...”
Her gasp whipped in the air.
He was walking closer to the bed. Ciara didn’t want to feel like a caged animal and she shot from the bed, almost tripping over the trail of her remaining clothes of the previous night.
He didn’t let up and Ciara swallowed as hysteria build.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed. You have a concussion.” She locked her arms in defence across her chest, backing up slowly.
Her pain pounded through him and he reached for her backing her successfully into a corner.
“You need to trust me Ciara. I’m not here to hurt you. I wanna help. C’mon honey.”
“NO! You don’t get to touch me...EVER!” She whipped her finger in the air, her hair tumbling wildly down her shoulders.
“Ciara...listen to me.”
“I’m done listening to you! Why are you doing this to me? First you accosted me in my own home, crashing my Halloween party. Then you send your friends to persuade me to tour with you. I thought I was losing my mind! All the nightmares...your unwanted nightly visitations, scaring me out of my damn mind. I’m not even sure what was real! Why cant you just leave me alone, what do you want from me?!”
Her screaming sent a painful jab through her skull and she felt herself sag onto the carpet.
“You’re only making things worse. Let me help you.”
“No!”
He swept her into his arms.
“Yes.”
She lay back on the mattress. His fingers brushed her temples, circling slowly, she felt warmth radiating from the tips of his fingers.
“Relax...this is gonna help you rest.”
“I don’t need your help.”
Her eyelids flickered, a calm feeling soaked into her dropping her on a fluffy cloud of...nothingness.
Jon’s fingers lingered on her face. The deep burrow between her eyes eased slowly, leaving in its place a sleeping angel.
He leaned closer, brushing his lips over hers, he took a deep breath. Her scent was overwhelming, her sweetness was drenched by the dark heady scent only he and the vampire of the previous night could smell. The vampire and probably any other vampire in the vicinity that is!
She had to stay with him if she was to stay safe. He would have to watch her 24/7 keeping her safe from other vampires, keeping her satisfied in his bed....
He snarled at the thought, shooting from the bed. His body tightened in awareness, yearning for the luscious curves slumbering in his bed.
He punched violently at the phone he snapped from his pocket.
“Rich get the guys together, we need to talk. “
The men filed in one after the other, their faces grave as they felt Jon’s mood cooling the air in the hotelroom.
“How is she bro’?”
“She hates my guts, her head is giving her hell but she’ll live.”
“You can’t blame her for hating you Jon, you haven’t been Mr honesty with her. This is all kinda of fucked up for her. Have you told her anything yet?” Tico wasn’t happy.
He shook his head.
“Not yet. She is too freaked out to listen to anything I had to say and besides she has a concussion, she needs to rest.”
“True.” Richie agreed.
“We have a bigger problem heading for us dead on. Her scent is getting stronger. You see what happens when another vampire picks up on it. She could have been...” Jon couldn’t utter the words.
He could feel his fury build just by the mere thought of it.
“So what’s the plan.”
“We need to keep her safe. She will just have to stay with me. I can watch her all night, I’m just not sure what we’re going to do when we are busy with a show...”
“You are discussing my life. Don’t you think I have some say in it?”
All heads whipped towards the girl clutching the doorframe.
“Ciara..”
“NO! You are all sick! What do you all get out of this? Are you vampires too?” Her thrill voice shot towards them.
“No Ciara. I’m the only vampire. You cant blame them, they were only protecting me.”
“And what about me? Did you see me as a comfortable meal for him? A little standby when he was too lazy to hunt for himself? What did I do to you? Why do I deserve this?”
Richie closed the space between them.
“Honey please its not what you think. We didn’t...”
A hard slap resounded in the air. His head jerked sideways.
“Oooook... I guess I deserved that.” He folded her into his arms nonetheless.
“Please honey calm down. We...I am so sorry for doing this. This was a selfish thing to do but there is more to all of this. “
Her heartbreaking sobs soaked his shirt, the men squirmed in their seats. Women and tears were terrible to deal with and if you were the cause of it...much worse!
Her tearstained face looked up at him.
“All this doesn’t matter. I’m going home and I’m going to forget that you all ever existed.”
Chapter 127
Richie open the door!
Richie ripped the door open, his eyes huge black pools in his face.
“Oh Jesus! Is she dead?”
Jon moved past him.
Ksenia cried out as she took in their condition. Jon’s white shirt was stained with blood. The smell stung every nose in the room. Ciara’s ripped dress predicted nothing good and Jon snarled as Richie’s eyes lingered for too long on Ciara exposed, bloody skin.
“We need to clean her up.” Ksenia rushed towards the bedroom.
“I’ll take it from here.”
“Let me...”
“I’ll take it from here.” His eyes flashed.
“Honey, let Jon clean her up.” Richie’s hand held her back.
“Is she hurt? Did he...?” Ksenia shook his hand off, following Jon into the bedroom.
“No he didn’t ...I should have killed the fucking bastard.” Ciara’s hair fell from her face and the gasps whipped through the air.
“Oh my God! Look at her face!” Richie’s fists bulged. She was bruised all over!
“She saw my face tonight. She knows what I am.” Jon’s admission came as a second shock. His hand brushed gently over the angry bruise. “It’s all too much for her. She couldn’t take much more.”
Ksenia’s hand squeezed his shoulder sympathetically.
“I’m sorry she had to find out this way but its all for the best. She needed to know. Her time was running out.”
“Yeah...but I was supposed to protect her. She didn’t need to go through this but it will never happen again. Never.” He brushed her collar bone splattered with dried blood.
“I need to clean her..” His haunting eyes tugged at their heartstrings. He seemed so vulnerable, tension pulled at his mouth, turning it into a tight line.
“We’ll go but if you need anything...”
“Yeah...yeah I know. Thanks.”
He waited to for the click of the door before he turned to rid her of what’s left of the dress.
Ciara floated back to consciousness as warmth enveloped her. A movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention and she flinched as she stared into the human face of the vampire she had feared for so long. A shriek escaped her lips, water sloshed over the rim of the bath and she groaned as she cradled her head in her hands
“Ssshh baby. Take it easy, you have a concussion.” Jon sighed as she cowered in the bath, closing his outstretched hand he retracted it. “You needed to get clean so...”
“I can do it..” She grabbed at the slippery soap bar.
“Are you sure? Do you want me to go?”
She nodded, not meeting his eyes.
Ciara cleaned herself, feeling as if she was playing in a horror movie as she saw the water darkened with her own blood and that of the vampire’s.
Steadying herself she stepped out of the bath, covering her wet hair, she twisted the towel around her body. Realising that she was in Jon’s hotelroom she faced another complication, no clothes.
She opened the door, listening carefully she didn’t know exactly what she was expecting. Jon pouncing on her, fangs displayed?
Her feet patted into the empty bedroom. Not sure what to do, she sat on the bed, fighting another wave of dizziness. Taking the towel from her hair, she gasped as her hand banged on the wound on the top of her head. Touching it tentatively, she winced.
“Ouch! Dammit!”
“You ok?”
Another cry slipped from her mouth.
He was standing with her suitcase in his hands.
“I thought you needed something to wear.”
She didn’t answer but her mistrust was clear in her eyes.
He threw the case on the bed, opening it, he dug through it, tossing her nighties towards her unceremoniously.
She took it from him, clutching it to her breasts.
“I’m not going to bite you, you know. Ok, I’ll go, you get dressed.”
Ciara snapped the nighties over her head, digging through her suitcase she found a fresh pair of panties and slipped it on just in time before Jon entered, a tray balanced on one hand.
“Get in bed.”
She scooted in between the sheets, her eyes huge, her face pale as death.
He sat next to her on the bed, holding a steamy cup of hot chocolate in his hands.
“Drink it, you need something warm in your veins.”
“I don’t want it.”
“Ciara, please. I know this is difficult to understand, but I need to explain myself. And I will do that, when you feel better. Drink it, here are two painkillers...”
She took it silently, tipping it on her tongue she took a few quick gulps, pulling her face as it suddenly tasted bitter. Did he forget to put sugar in?
His eyes shone on her.
He stood up and returned with disinfectant and cotton wool.
“Lets get your cuts cleaned. I don’t want you to get infected.” He dipped the cotton wool into the warm mixture, bringing it to her face, he patted gently. Ciara was too scared to breath but when her lungs started to burn she exhaled.
“Breathe...” His stormy eyes were glued to his task at hand.
Standing up, he brushed her hair aside, searching for the wound.
Her hiss set his teeth on edge.
“I’m sorry for doing this to you...I’m sorry...about every damn thing.”
His hand moved from her and he touched her bare shoulder, his eyes apologetic as his fingers brushed her naked skin above her breasts.
“Is it ok if I clean the wound here?”
She didn’t say a word, just nodded slightly, her heart a wild thud in his ears.
His eyes hardened as he stroked the angry scratches along her chest. Such beautiful skin marred so terribly!
Ciara leaned back, signalling that she had had enough of his touch.
“You need to rest now. We can talk tomorrow.” His hand brushed the bruise. Ciara pulled from his touch, sagging backwards, she pulled the sheets towards her chin.
“I’ll be right outside if you need me.” He didn’t stay long enough to see the mistrust in her eyes.
Richie ripped the door open, his eyes huge black pools in his face.
“Oh Jesus! Is she dead?”
Jon moved past him.
Ksenia cried out as she took in their condition. Jon’s white shirt was stained with blood. The smell stung every nose in the room. Ciara’s ripped dress predicted nothing good and Jon snarled as Richie’s eyes lingered for too long on Ciara exposed, bloody skin.
“We need to clean her up.” Ksenia rushed towards the bedroom.
“I’ll take it from here.”
“Let me...”
“I’ll take it from here.” His eyes flashed.
“Honey, let Jon clean her up.” Richie’s hand held her back.
“Is she hurt? Did he...?” Ksenia shook his hand off, following Jon into the bedroom.
“No he didn’t ...I should have killed the fucking bastard.” Ciara’s hair fell from her face and the gasps whipped through the air.
“Oh my God! Look at her face!” Richie’s fists bulged. She was bruised all over!
“She saw my face tonight. She knows what I am.” Jon’s admission came as a second shock. His hand brushed gently over the angry bruise. “It’s all too much for her. She couldn’t take much more.”
Ksenia’s hand squeezed his shoulder sympathetically.
“I’m sorry she had to find out this way but its all for the best. She needed to know. Her time was running out.”
“Yeah...but I was supposed to protect her. She didn’t need to go through this but it will never happen again. Never.” He brushed her collar bone splattered with dried blood.
“I need to clean her..” His haunting eyes tugged at their heartstrings. He seemed so vulnerable, tension pulled at his mouth, turning it into a tight line.
“We’ll go but if you need anything...”
“Yeah...yeah I know. Thanks.”
He waited to for the click of the door before he turned to rid her of what’s left of the dress.
Ciara floated back to consciousness as warmth enveloped her. A movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention and she flinched as she stared into the human face of the vampire she had feared for so long. A shriek escaped her lips, water sloshed over the rim of the bath and she groaned as she cradled her head in her hands
“Ssshh baby. Take it easy, you have a concussion.” Jon sighed as she cowered in the bath, closing his outstretched hand he retracted it. “You needed to get clean so...”
“I can do it..” She grabbed at the slippery soap bar.
“Are you sure? Do you want me to go?”
She nodded, not meeting his eyes.
Ciara cleaned herself, feeling as if she was playing in a horror movie as she saw the water darkened with her own blood and that of the vampire’s.
Steadying herself she stepped out of the bath, covering her wet hair, she twisted the towel around her body. Realising that she was in Jon’s hotelroom she faced another complication, no clothes.
She opened the door, listening carefully she didn’t know exactly what she was expecting. Jon pouncing on her, fangs displayed?
Her feet patted into the empty bedroom. Not sure what to do, she sat on the bed, fighting another wave of dizziness. Taking the towel from her hair, she gasped as her hand banged on the wound on the top of her head. Touching it tentatively, she winced.
“Ouch! Dammit!”
“You ok?”
Another cry slipped from her mouth.
He was standing with her suitcase in his hands.
“I thought you needed something to wear.”
She didn’t answer but her mistrust was clear in her eyes.
He threw the case on the bed, opening it, he dug through it, tossing her nighties towards her unceremoniously.
She took it from him, clutching it to her breasts.
“I’m not going to bite you, you know. Ok, I’ll go, you get dressed.”
Ciara snapped the nighties over her head, digging through her suitcase she found a fresh pair of panties and slipped it on just in time before Jon entered, a tray balanced on one hand.
“Get in bed.”
She scooted in between the sheets, her eyes huge, her face pale as death.
He sat next to her on the bed, holding a steamy cup of hot chocolate in his hands.
“Drink it, you need something warm in your veins.”
“I don’t want it.”
“Ciara, please. I know this is difficult to understand, but I need to explain myself. And I will do that, when you feel better. Drink it, here are two painkillers...”
She took it silently, tipping it on her tongue she took a few quick gulps, pulling her face as it suddenly tasted bitter. Did he forget to put sugar in?
His eyes shone on her.
He stood up and returned with disinfectant and cotton wool.
“Lets get your cuts cleaned. I don’t want you to get infected.” He dipped the cotton wool into the warm mixture, bringing it to her face, he patted gently. Ciara was too scared to breath but when her lungs started to burn she exhaled.
“Breathe...” His stormy eyes were glued to his task at hand.
Standing up, he brushed her hair aside, searching for the wound.
Her hiss set his teeth on edge.
“I’m sorry for doing this to you...I’m sorry...about every damn thing.”
His hand moved from her and he touched her bare shoulder, his eyes apologetic as his fingers brushed her naked skin above her breasts.
“Is it ok if I clean the wound here?”
She didn’t say a word, just nodded slightly, her heart a wild thud in his ears.
His eyes hardened as he stroked the angry scratches along her chest. Such beautiful skin marred so terribly!
Ciara leaned back, signalling that she had had enough of his touch.
“You need to rest now. We can talk tomorrow.” His hand brushed the bruise. Ciara pulled from his touch, sagging backwards, she pulled the sheets towards her chin.
“I’ll be right outside if you need me.” He didn’t stay long enough to see the mistrust in her eyes.
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