What did he expect me to say? Oh Jace, I understand and I forgive you. Hell no!
“You know, I remember that first day you came. I was nine years old and then I was happy. When I saw you, my world stilled. All I wanted was to be closer to you. When I got home, I couldn't wait to share my first crush with my big sister.” I paused, thinking back to when I told Kim about Jace and the evil look that came over her face afterwards. “Kim laughed at me and said you would never choose me when you could have her. After that, everything changed. Kim started teasing me and you ignored me. I gained weight and fell into depression until Simon moved here. At least, now I know the full story. You’re the reason my sister turned on me. I don't blame you, but I can't forgive you either.”
Giving my back to Jace, I began to walk away but his hand on mine stopped me.
“Please, Ana, give me a chance to prove that I'm not that guy anymore.” He begged.
I scoffed, ripping my hand away.
“Not that guy anymore? Tell me Jace, which guy are you referring to? The guy that allows a ten-year old to blackmail him for seven years?! Or the guy that stands by while the woman that's supposed to be his everything suffers?!” I yelled, getting hysterical.
A wild wind whipped through the air around us. I was sure I was the one causing it.
“I will never forgive myself for what I did to you back then, Ana. I used to think that after high school, I would dump Kim and tell you the truth, but after you left, I realized how foolish I was. I took you for granted, and I’m sorry.” Jace hung his head, and I knew tears escaped his eyes because even though I couldn’t see them, I smelled them. A small part of me felt pain for him but larger part was just mad as hell!
“I have just one more question for you?” I said.
Jace looked up at me with a small glimmer of hope. “How long have you known I was a vampire?”
His expression changed to disappointment at the change of subject. He shook it off quickly.
“Uh, I kind of thought you were supernatural when you disappeared that day in the rain when you argued with Simon. I thought you were a vampire when I first saw you, but your blue eyes threw me off. It wasn’t until tonight when the vortex screen displayed Celeste that I knew for sure.” Jace said eagerly.
I nodded and walked away, having nothing else to say to him.
“I won’t give up! I will fight for you, Ana, until my last breath!” Jace called to me..
If my heart could beat, it would have skipped at that moment. It felt good to have him declare that, but still, I didn’t know what he could do to fix the heart he broke.
***
Seb
“We should be leaving here soon, okay? Bye.” i closed my cell phone, ending the conversation with my little sister.
Marie seemed to be okay, and there hadn’t been any signs of Talon or Marcos. I was sure they didn’t have that big of a head start on Talon, so the sooner they leave this town, the safer they would be.
While talking to Marie, I didn’t notice that I had wandered far from the cabin and was now in the woods. Slowly, I began to make my way back. I was so happy that Ana was safe and back in the right realm. Having her gone like that scared some sense into me. I vowed that tonight, when they returned to the motel, I would pull her aside and declare my love. I needed her like I needed my next breath, and I wouldn’t let my own doubts keep Ana from knowing that. I’d already screwed up twice. I wouldn’t do that the third time. I could only hope that she will forgive me and give me the chance I so desperately desired. When I reached the edge of the forest, I saw Ana and Jace standing in front of the cabin. Ana’s back was to him, but I could tell she was tense. I inched closer to hear what they were saying.
“Since the first day I saw you, when we were kids, I knew you were my mate.” Jace said.
My heart seized to beat in my chest. All the blood rushed to my ears, and I couldn’t hear anything else. I backed away into the dark recesses of the forest, not wanting to see anything else.
Jace was Ana’s mate? The image of the two of them kissing kept violently attacking my brain. Before I knew it, I was sprinting through the woods.
Ana had a mate, and it was not me. The pain that caused inside of me made me want to break down. But I wouldn’t allow it. I couldn’t believe the only girl I had ever loved was destined to be with another. It was not fair! That half witch wasn’t the best choice for her! But what could he I now? Vampires had that one soul mate, and they will always choose it over anything else. I didn’t stand a chance against him.
I stopped running, trying to catch my breath. This wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I loved her. I needed her. What was I going to do now? I couldn’t stay and watch her be with that Jace. I also knew I would never leave her side with so much danger surrounding her.
I punched the nearest tree so hard, the branches shook. I ignored the pain in my hand because it didn’t compare to the pain in my chest. I loved Ana, and even if it hurt, I would swallow my pride and still protect her until she no longer needed me. And only then would I leave her to mend my broken heart.
I stood in the center of the woods, head to the sky, and swallowed the lump in my throat. After a few minutes, I composed myself and began walking back to the cabin.
To my surprise, Ana and Jace weren’t out there kissing. Ana wasn’t even there at all, but Jace stood in the same spot, lost in thought.
“Where’s Ana?” I asked when I closed the distance.
Jace looked startled to see me at first.
“Oh, uh, she’s inside.” Jace responded.
I noticed a sadness about the witch but didn’t question it. I walked back inside and could hear Jace following behind me. We walked to the kitchen where Ana and Helia stood talking. Helia’s eyes lit up when she looked at me.
“Oh, Sebastian, I’m so glad you’re back,” Helia said, dashing over to her pot. She used a wooden spoon to pour some of the contents into a tea cup. Helia carried the cup over to me and urged me to take it.
“What’s this?” I asked, not liking the smell at all.
“It’s you keeping up your end of the deal. Now, drink up.” Helia answered.
I made the mistake of looking at Ana. Her concerned face looked adorable and, yet, it made my heart ache. I shook it off and took a huge gulp of the nasty bitter drink. Helia watched me very closely like she was waiting for something.
“How are you feeling?” Helia asked slowly.
Just as I was about to say fine, an uncomfortable burn began to form in my chest. In seconds, it increased. I clutched my chest, dropping the tea cup to the ground where it shattered. Ana rushed to my side. The burning increased further, and that was when all hell broke loose.
***
Ana.
“It’s you keeping up your end of the deal. Now drink up” Helia said to Seb after handing him some of that weird broth she’d been making all night. What deal was she talking about? I wondered.
Seb glanced over at me, but his eyes looked sad. What was bothering him? I hoped he was not being all moody again.
Seb took a huge gulp of that drink.
“How are you feeling?” Helia asked slowly.
Seb looked okay but then things started to change. His face paled, and the cup slipped from his grasp. A look of pain crossed his face as he clutched his chest. I zipped over to him as fast as I could. He started to fall down but I caught him.
“What wrong with him?!” I screamed.
Jace came up on the other side of Seb as we laid him on the kitchen floor. He began to shake, and a sheen of sweat coated his face. Helia was going through the fridge, mixing some other ingredients together.
“Grandmother, what did you do?” Jace questioned
“I only gave him a little wolfsbane. I had to test a theory.” She responded, taking a leaf stem to stir the milky-looking drink.
Wolfsbane? Wasn’t that a plant or something. Why would that cause him to react like this? I placed my hand on his chest to soothe hi
m and was shocked by what I felt.
“Is his chest rumbling?” I asked, confused, but then I listened closer “He’s growling? Why is he growling?!” I yelled, getting more scared for his health.
Seb snapped opened his eyes. Staring at me were a pair of glowing yellow eyes. I was so startled, I jumped back along with Jace. Helia shuffled in between us and poured a drink down his throat.
“There. He will be fine now,” she said, retreating from Seb.
I glanced cautiously back to Seb. He was no longer shaking, and I couldn’t hear the growls anymore. His eyes had also returned to normal color.
What the heck just happened?
“What did you do?!” I accused Helia again. She just regarded me coolly
“I simply tested a theory. One young Sebastian passed with flying colors.” Helia said proudly.
“What theory? And why were his eyes glowing like that? I demanded.
Helia gave me a once-over before turning her back to me.
“Jace, dear, I think it’s time for you kids to leave. It’s getting late,” Helia said with her back to us.
Well I’d be damned if I let her brush me off like that. She would tell me what she gave Seb and why he reacted that way. I took a step in her direction but Jace stopped me.
“Ana, don’t. She’s done talking. You won’t get anything from her when she’s like this.” Jace said pleadingly.
I narrowed my eyes at Helia’s back. How dare she shut me out like this?
“He’s right. Let’s just go,” Seb said, slowly getting up from the floor. I went over to help him, but he pushed me away. I was a little hurt he wouldn’t let me help him, but I tried to hide it.
“I’ll be back, Helia,” I said to the old woman.
She never replied, but I knew she heard me. I also knew she understood I meant what I said. Helia would tell me what she did to Seb. Nobody hurts Seb and gets away with it. Not even the crone of witches.
A few minutes later, the three of us were back in the truck on our way to my crappy motel. This night hadn’t gone remotely close to how I imagined it would.
I found out my fake mother’s story was true, and my real mother died a thousand years ago to protect me. The man she died to protect me from was coming back to kill me, unless I killed his descendants before they give him their blood and awaken him.
Oh, and his descendants were the royals of the vampire world. So they were powerful, well protected, and greatly feared. Also, because I was the thousand-year-old daughter of the creator, I had all these powers, but in order to use them to full capacity, I needed to choose a mate. Unlike anyone else, I would be connected to three men and would have to pick the best one for me to claim. Let’s not forget one of my mates was the witch that ignored me for years and now claimed that he had changed. Still not buying that yet. And, on top of everything else, I haven’t fed in hours, and I was freaking starved! I could feel my fangs pressing against my tongue. I tried desperately to pull them back. At this point, all I wanted to do was feed and sleep. For the first time since turning, I actually felt tired. Tonight answered so many questions, but it also produced just as many. What was I supposed to do next? My goal was to outrun Talon and Marcos. Now it seemed I had bigger problems.
“We’re back” Jace announced, parking the truck in the lot. I was so happy to see my crappy motel, I nearly pushed Seb out of the way to get out of the car faster. We began to walk toward the room when screeching tires came to a halt in front of us. A blue mustang blocked our path. A moment later, the driver’s door flew open. To my shock, Bobby jumped out and jogged toward us.
“Bobby, what the fuck?” Jace asked angrily.
“Chill, dude. I just came to warn this beautiful girl right here.” Bobby said, trailing his eyes up and down my body.
A low growl erupted from Seb’s lips. I glanced at him, but he only cleared his throat rather forcefully.
“Warn her from what?” Jace said, confused.
Before Bobby responded, the sound of at least twenty cars circled to a halt in the lot. Oh, this was just fantastic. The whole high school was here, and I could guess why.
Just as I thought. I watched Kim and Josie hop out from one of the cars. Multiple students began getting out of their cars too.
“What’s going on?” We all turned around to Marie’s voice coming up from behind us. Simon and Lily trailed behind her. Now that everyone was here, let the party begin!
I turned back to the mob of teens standing a few feet away from me. At the head of this army was my bitch sister.
“Bobby! Get your ass over here!” Josie screeched when she noticed her boyfriend on the opposite side. Bobby winked at me before jogging over to his whiny girlfriend. He was such a pig.
“New girl! We have unfinished business,” Kim said menacingly.
Something inside me snapped. I had had a shitty day, and I really didn’t plan to end the night with a confrontation with my sister. However, I was so over her giving me shit! It was time to bring her down, and I knew exactly how to push every one of her buttons.
“Hey Kim! Wow look at you! Have you gained weight?” I said in a fake cheery voice.
She narrowed her eyes at me.
“Fuck you!” She spat.
“Awe, it’s okay. I hear tequila has more calories than vodka. Maybe you should switch it up.” I replied with mock concern.
A couple of people tried to hide their laughter. Her eyes darkened, making her look as evil as I always thought she was. She took one step forward.
“I know you know that fat pathetic sister of mine. Now tell me, Did she hire you to come here and fuck with us?” Kim said.
I couldn’t stop the laugh that spilled from lips. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, but for some reason, I couldn’t stop it. Of course, Kim would think I hired someone. Not in her wildest dreams did she ever think I would look like this now. Well, it was time to bust the bitch’s bubble.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” I said, finally sobering up from my laughing fit. I took a step forward and stuck out my hand out.
“Hi, my name is Analise Walker.”
Chapter 23
Round 1: Ana vs. Kim
Maximus
The ironclad doors opened loudly, revealing the sentencing room. It was set up much like a court house in the human world. A judging table was up front with benches surrounding it for the witnesses. Elite guards covered in chainmail ushered Maximus forward.
I was starting to think coming back here was a mistake. As I entered the room, I saw a man I onced hoped to never see again.
“Lord Henry,” Maximus said with a stiff bow.
Lord Henry was the king’s right-hand man. It was a position that Maximus himself used to have until Marcos destroyed them all.
“Maximus, you’re a fool to have come here. You do realize showing up at the palace after banishment is punishable by death,” Lord Henry said with a devious smile.
Henry was the sly type of man to do anything to get to the top. He was all too thrilled to jump into my position after Marcos was caught. Lord Henry was the one to convince the King that I should be punished for the crimes of my brother.
And now I was back after all these years to take what was rightfully mine.
“I have come here today to report treason to my King.” Maximus stated.
Henry ran his fingers along his short beard as he studied me.
“Treason? You have no duty to the King.” Lord Henry replied.
I tried to keep my face neutral, but all I wanted to do was rip Henry's throat out.
“I may not be in the elite guard anymore, but I still feel a duty to protect my King.” Maximus bit out.
Lord Henry just laughed, as if this was all some grand joke. When he stopped, he approached me with slow purposeful strides until we were face to face.
“You know, old friend, I will enjoy watching you die tonight,” Henry said, smiling.
This time, I didn't hide the snarl on my face. Wi
th lightning fast speed, I spun around, punched the guard closest to me, and swiped his sword. Before the other guards could react, I jumped in the air, flipping over Henry and landing behind him. Henry tried to turn around, but he was too slow. I already had the sword pressed against his bobbing Adams apple.
“Don't move! Or this platinum-dipped blade will be the last thing you feel before it rips through your throat,” I said, my voice filled with venom.
Henry held his hands up in surrender and motioned the guards to stay back.
“You won't get away with this!” Lord Henry shouted while struggling to break from my hold. Too bad, I was always stronger than him.
“Call the King here. Now!” I ordered.
The command, however, didn't need to executed because, seconds later, the doors burst opened. More elite guards entered first before the vampire ruler made his entrance.
King Ferox entered and the air around the room stood still. Unlike the old-fashioned palace, the King looked completely modern in his dark blue suit and tie. His deep red eyes penetrated me, but I held my ground. If I showed weakness now, the King would kill me before I had the chance to explain myself.
King Ferox stopped a few feet away from me and surveyed the scene.
“Maximus. It's been a long time.” King Ferox stated.
“My King.” I responded with a quick bow of my head. I refused to drop to one knee and bow because, then, I would lose his hold on Henry.
“It's seems you’re in a bit of a situation right now. So please explain why you have broken the laws, stormed the kingdom, and took one of my men hostage.” The King asked in a controlled voice. Not even a dark hair was out of place on the King’s head. He was always in control.
“I'm sorry, my King, for my actions, but I still believe it is my duty to warn you of new threats,” I said, tightening my hold on the squirming Henry.
Pure: A Paranormal Romance Page 23