by G. K. DeRosa
“I’m sorry, okay? I wasn’t really feeling like myself.”
“Yeah no kidding, and you were making out with that Lacey girl all over the place. It was disgusting!”
“Oh right, so it’s okay for you and your boyfriend to make out, but it’s not okay for me?” He arched a light brow at her.
“That’s totally different—”
“It’s not,” Brian interrupted. “You’re the one that told me to move on, so that’s what I’m doing, and now you’re upset at me for it?”
“That’s not why I’m upset.” She huffed, clenching her fists. “I’m just mad that we didn’t get to spend any time together because you were wasted and making out with some random girl.”
“Cel, you can’t have it both ways. I can’t be in love with you forever and wait on the sidelines while you make up your mind.”
“It’s not like that. There’s just so much going on right now that you don’t know.” Tears filled her eyes.
“So tell me then.”
“I can’t!” She angrily wiped the tears away.
“Why not?”
Celeste considered all the practical reasons of why she shouldn’t tell Brian, but in the end her heart won out. She was tired of lying to her best friend. “You know what, fine, I will tell you. I hated not telling you the truth. And it’s probably a good thing that you are still drunk for this.”
“Why aren’t you picking up, Celeste?” Roman shouted at her voicemail. He sped out of the town square back toward Celeste’s house.
“She must be at home or at Brian’s house. Natalie said they left the barbecue a while ago,” said Nico.
“What if Fabian or Alek found her?” Panic flashed across his eyes.
“Just drive faster, Roman; we’ll be at her house in five minutes.”
“So Roman and Nico are vampires, your Uncle Stellan is a wizard and you’re a vampire hunter of some sort?” Brian’s eyes were wider than she’d ever seen them. “I just want to make sure I’ve got this straight.”
Celeste had repeated the story a few times, and Brian was beginning to get past his skepticism. “I’m a Guardian, a protector of the human race against all things evil.”
“So why didn’t you take out our Vice Principal when you had the chance?”
Celeste’s brows drew together. “I’m glad you think this is a laughing matter, Brian.”
“Look Cel, I don’t know how to take all of this, but at least it explains why you’ve been acting so weird the past few months.”
“I really wanted to tell you, but I just didn’t know how. I didn’t want to put you in danger. Stellan is not going to be happy with me for sharing my secret.”
“I promise I won’t say anything, not that anyone would believe me anyway. I hardly believe it myself.”
“I know what you mean. It all came as a pretty big shock to me too, especially finding out about my dad.”
“I can’t believe those guys are blood-sucking vampires like in Dracula. I always knew there was something weird about them.”
Celeste rolled her eyes at him.
“And you – I can’t believe my best friend can kick demon ass. That’s kind of hot actually.”
Celeste shoved him playfully. “I’m super strong too.”
“I was wondering how I got to the couch...”
“So now do you see why it could never work out between us?” Her expression grew serious.
“No, not really. I mean, what are the chances that things are going to work out between you and a hundred-year-old vampire?”
She huffed. “Brian, I’m not talking about that with you. And anyway my duties as a Guardian have to come first now. I don’t even know if I’m going to go away to college anymore.”
“But you have to. It’s what you’ve always wanted. You said your dad was a guardian and he still had a life. You can too. You don’t have to be the Guardian and choose to be with a vampire, you can have a normal life with me.”
There was such a hopeful look in Brian’s eyes that it broke her heart. She didn’t know what else to say. Looking down at the table, she noticed that her phone had died. She hoped Roman hadn’t been trying to reach her.
A few moments later, Roman and Nico burst through the front door of Celeste’s house, the door barely remaining on its hinges. Celeste and Brian, who had been chatting obliviously on the couch, jumped up at their sudden entrance.
“Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Roman ran to her, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “I thought something happened to you.”
“Roman, you’re crushing me,” she said trying to wriggle free. “I’m okay, what’s going on?”
Brian eyed Roman. Hearing about vampires was one thing, but being in a room with two of them had him slightly disconcerted.
Roman noticed Brian’s presence and said, “We need to talk in private.”
“It’s okay, you can talk in front of Brian. I told him everything.”
“You did what?” Roman released her abruptly.
“I told him everything, Roman. I was tired of lying to my best friend. He deserved to know the truth.”
“What were you thinking? Are you going to tell Natalie too? How about your mailman?” He began to pace the living room waving his arms in the air.
“Calm down, Roman.” Nico placed his hand on his brother’s back.
He spun at him. “No, this was a mistake. Humans aren’t supposed to know about the supernatural. It’s against the rules.”
“You of all people should not be too concerned about breaking supernatural rules considering your current situation. What’s that saying about throwing rocks at glass houses?” asked Nico.
Roman glared at his brother, pressing his lips together.
“Anyway it’s my secret, and it’s too late because I already told him.” Celeste threw her hands on her hips.
Roman stalked up to Celeste and stood inches from her face. “It’s not too late. I can easily compel him to forget everything you said.”
Celeste was not so easily intimidated. “Don’t you dare.” She poked his chest. “He’s not just some human you can manipulate. He’s my best friend, and I need him to know. I need someone to talk to about all of this.”
“So I’m not enough?” Doubt crept into Roman’s eyes.
“This isn’t about you, Roman! Keeping all of these secrets is really weighing on me. I’ve always told Brian everything, and it’s important to me that he knows.”
Brian stood speechless, watching the heated exchange. Nico had also held his tongue.
“We can discuss this further on our way back to Stellan’s,” Nico interrupted. “Fabian is here in Oak Bluffs, Celeste. That’s why we stormed into your house like the SWAT team. We’ve gotten a bit off track, but we have to leave now.”
Celeste’s face paled at the mention of Fabian.
“I want to come with you.” Brian’s eyes shot to Celeste.
“No!” said Celeste, Roman and Nico in unison.
“I’m sorry, Brian, but it’s too dangerous, and I don’t want you involved.” She slowly shook her head. “It was my fault for telling you about all of this in the first place, but I won’t let you get hurt because of me.”
“What if that wizard guy hurts you?” asked Brian, taking a step toward her.
“I won’t let that happen.” Roman stepped in front of him.
“Well that’s comforting,” he grumbled.
“I’ll be fine, Brian.” She attempted a reassuring smile. “I’ve become a pretty awesome fighter. I promise I’ll show you my moves when I get back.”
“We have to go now,” Nico implored.
Brian pulled Celeste into his arms and squeezed her tightly as Roman glared at him from the door.
“Be careful,” he said, ignoring Roman’s scowl.
“I will. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”
Brian watched worriedly as the three of them rushed into the car and sped out of the driveway. As he watched the car disappe
ar down the road, a massive vulture flew overhead.
Roman drove all the way to Stellan’s house in silence. Celeste hadn’t said a word either. Only Nico made an occasional quip from the back seat. It wasn’t the first time that she and Roman had fought, but for some reason it felt different this time. She could tell that Roman was hurt, but she didn’t understand why. Being a Guardian was her secret, and she didn’t know why he had gotten so upset that she had told Brian.
Was Brian right? Is my relationship with Roman destined to fail? Can I really be the Guardian and have a normal life?
The BMW’s tires squealed as they raced into the gravel driveway at Stellan’s and ground to a halt.
Stellan appeared at the door. “Thank goodness you made it back safely.” They rushed up the drive just as twilight set in.
“I’m so glad you guys are finally here. I’ve been so bored,” said Dani Lynn, popping up from the basement.
“I’ll grab the bags from the car,” said Nico. “It looks like it’s starting to rain.”
Without a word, Celeste went to her room to unpack her things. Roman took a bottle of vodka out to the back porch.
“Well, they’re in a mood.” Dani pouted and marched away.
“What’s the matter with them?” asked Stellan.
“Lover’s spat,” said Nico.
Stellan frowned. “This isn’t exactly an appropriate time for that.”
“Tell that to them.”
“Can we do anything to remedy the situation?”
“Doubtful. I’m pretty sure they don’t even know why they are fighting. If you want to know my opinion—Roman thinks that Brian is better for Celeste than he is. Seeing them together just makes it worse so fighting with her is easier. Celeste loves them both in different ways and is having a hard time choosing the right path given her new supernatural reality.”
“You are wise beyond your years my boy.” Stellan grinned and pinched Nico’s cheek.
“I try.”
Upstairs in her room as Celeste hung up the last of her clothes. A light tap on the door drew her attention, and her stomach clenched.
“Come in,” she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking.
Roman walked in and the faint scent of vodka emanated from his lips as he exhaled. “Do you love him?”
“What?” Celeste spun toward him.
“You know exactly what I mean. Do you love Brian?”
“Roman, I am not having this conversation with you, especially not when you’ve been drinking.”
“Please, just answer me. I need to know.”
She looked into his tormented blue eyes and it was like a punch in the stomach. She had to be honest with him.
“Of course I love him. He’s my best friend. I’ve known him since we were three years old. He’s like a brother to me.”
“And you’re sure that’s it? You only love him like a friend, a brother?” Desperation tinged his tone. “Because if it’s more than that, it’s okay, Celeste. I want you to be honest with me and be honest with yourself.”
Celeste stood there speechless.
“You could have a normal life with him. You can be the Guardian and still go to college, get married, have a family. I can’t give you those things. I wish I could. I would want nothing more in this world than to be able to.”
“Roman…” Tears ran down her face.
“You need to think about it, Celeste.” He took a step toward her and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I love you, but your future and your happiness is more important to me than mine.”
“Roman, no—”
He put a finger to her lips quieting her sobs and kissed her on the forehead. “Just promise me that you’ll think about it.” And he walked out the door.
Stellan and Nico sat in front of the fireplace anxiously watching the rain outside get stronger by the minute. It was full dark now, and the house was eerily quiet with the exception of the pitter-patter of the rain hitting the tiled roof.
“What do you think Fabian is really doing here?” asked Nico.
“I wish I knew,” Stellan answered.
“It’s odd right? He could have come after us ages ago. It’s been decades since he killed our parents, and why come after us now?”
Stellan shook his head, gazing into the crackling fireplace, deep in thought. He took a deep breath. “I’ve heard some rumblings from the underground. I can’t confirm their accuracy, but they say he is attempting a spell of some sort.”
“A spell that he needs us for?” Nico leaned forward intently.
“Yes, apparently. It’s very dark magic from the sounds of it.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“As I said, nothing has been confirmed, and I didn’t want to worry you for nothing. I was hoping I’d be able to discover his true purpose, but I haven’t as of yet.”
A loud burst of thunder and a brilliant flash of lightning cracked across the dark sky. Rushing feet pounded on the stairs and Celeste appeared in front of them, eyes wide with panic.
“Something very bad is here,” she whispered as Roman came running behind her.
The front door flung open and landed in the living room with a crash as its hinges went flying through the air. Roman ran to Celeste and placed himself as a barrier between her and the open doorway, while Nico flanked her seconds later. Outside, two dark figures slowly approached.
“Get back.” Stellan muttered a few words and a glimmering force field appeared where the door used to be.
“Oh Stellan, don’t make me laugh,” boomed Fabian’s voice from outside. He held up his hand and swiped it to the side and with a flash the force field was gone.
“What do you want?” Roman stepped forward.
“Roman Constantin, my, my how confident you’ve become – or is that just stupidity?” roared Fabian. “You’ve come a long way from that sniveling little brat I met over a century ago.”
Roman’s fangs dropped and a terrifying growl emanated from the depths of his core. Celeste had never seen that vicious look in his eyes before. An icy chill swept through her.
“You are not welcome here, Fabian,” Stellan warned. “Leave now or there will be consequences.”
“I believe he has threatened you, my liege.” Alek quipped, his small frame overshadowed by Fabian’s impressive one.
Fabian let out a wicked chuckle. “I don’t want to hurt you Stellan or that human girl. Get out of the way. This is not your fight. This is between me and the Constantins.” Fabian and Alek moved inexorably closer, two dark ominous shadows. The wind and rain whipped around them, bending to their will.
“We are right here,” said Roman. “Again I ask, what do you want from us?”
“That is something you will find out in due time. But for now, I need you both to come with me without a fight.”
Roman looked at Nico, who gave him a faint nod. “Fine. As long as you don’t hurt them.”
“No!” cried Celeste. She hurled herself in front of the brothers and unsheathed her sword, thrusting it into the air.
Roman lunged after her to hold her back, but as she pointed her sword at Fabian a blinding white light shot out of it. The surge sent both Fabian and Alek flying back onto the wet lawn. Stunned, the pair remained on the ground for a few seconds scrambling to get back to their feet.
“Stellan, get her out of here!” roared Roman.
“No, I’m not leaving you.” She reached for his hand.
“Celeste go now, please!” he begged.
Fabian and Alek were back on their feet and racing toward the open door. Nico stood in front of it, fangs bared, poised to attack. The wind was picking up and Celeste had to dig her heels into the ground to keep from getting swept away by it. She clung desperately to Roman’s hand, as he pulled her toward Stellan.
“Stellan, now!” Roman yelled.
Stellan waved his hand, and a swirling blue portal opened before them. Celeste squeezed Roman’s hand and released it with one last look at his
frantic face. Alek had reached Nico, and the two were grappling on the ground. Celeste prepared to jump into the blue abyss, Stellan right behind her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fabian lunging toward her, but Roman threw himself on top of him. Fabian dodged the assault and sent Roman sprawling through the air with a flick of his finger.
“No!” cried Celeste, pausing to look back as Stellan attempted to force her through the portal.
Fabian sprung up, faster than human or supernatural eyes could follow. He shoved Stellan out of the way and grabbed Celeste. They jumped through the portal, leaving everyone else behind.
Chapter 22
“No!” growled Roman as the portal disappeared before his eyes, and he crashed onto the cold tile floor. As he pushed himself up, he felt something familiar on the ground. Picking it up, he recognized Celeste’s key, which must have come off in the struggle. “Stellan, quick—open the portal. We have to go after them!”
“I can’t, Roman.” Stellan wrung his hands. “Fabian hijacked control of it. I have no idea where they went.”
“Where’s Alek?” asked Nico.
They looked around but it was no use, Alek had disappeared into thin air.
“This can’t be happening.” Roman threw a chair across the room and smashed it to bits. “How could we lose Celeste?”
“Roman, you must calm down.” Stellan placed a wrinkled hand on his shoulder. “Destroying my house isn’t going to help her.”
“Then what can we do?” Roman choked out.
“Give me a moment. We must think rationally. Up until a few moments ago, Fabian had no idea who Celeste was. Assuming he will soon figure it out, he will then realize how valuable she is. He dare not kill her and incur the wrath of the Council.”
“We need to tell the Council what happened,” said Nico.
“Yes, that is exactly what we have to do. And remember, Fabian doesn’t really want her; it’s the two of you that he needs. He has to know that without her he would lose his leverage.”
“So you think she is safe for now?” A glimmer of hope shone in Roman’s weary eyes.
“Yes, I truly do.”
Nico raised his hand. “Since no one else brought it up, what in the world was that burst of light that came out of Celeste’s sword?”