“Uh, okay. Umm, while you were, gone did you think about me? I mean, you never called or anything. I just wondered if I ever crossed your mind because you crossed mine everyday.” He said.
His words hit me deep. Everything moved so fast lately, I hadn’t even had the time to really talk to my best friend.
“Simon, I missed you like crazy! But I admit, I forced myself not to think of you. I always felt I was the reason you didn’t have any other friends; that it was your friendship with me that held you back. So when I left, I assumed your life was better without me.” I told him sadly.
“You were so wrong, Ana,” he said to me, slightly disappointed
“I know. I’m sorry for abandoning you.” My apology reached him easily and he engulfed me into a hug.
I felt so much better getting that out. But now, it was on to that other important issue.
“So, about your neck…”
“Wait! I have another question,” Simon said, breaking the hug and jumping away from me.
I laughed at him through my glossy eyes.
“Uh, Uh, ummm…” He trailed off, fishing for something to stall me with “Um, Oh! Lily! Yeah, why is she here? What does she have to do with anything?” He finally found a question.
I thought about it for a second before speaking.
“Well, I saved her, and she followed me, but it’s more than that. I see myself in her…” I stopped, and thought about the chubby girl and her wild antics. I knew there was something special about her, but I didn’t know what exactly. “It’s hard to explain, but I have a feeling that she is meant to be here, and she does have a weird way of breaking the tension.”
I ended laughing, thinking of all her crazy comments.
“Yes, I could see that.” Simon added, laughing too. Once our laughter died down, I gave him my serious face. He knew exactly what I was thinking.
“Wait!”
“No more questions, Sy. I want to see that neck.”
He gave me one look and took off sprinting away.
“Really? I’m a vampire, Sy!” I yelled after him. I watched him for a few seconds, entertained by how funny he runs with his arms flailing about.
Using my immortal speed, I literally appeared right in front of him in just a second. He screamed and fell back, but that didn’t stop him. He got right back up and took off running in the opposite direction.
I was not an idiot, I was aware he didn’t want to have my mark because he was crushing on Marie. I hoped he didn’t have it either, but I needed to know for sure. Once again, I ran so fast I blocked him before he could make his fifth step.
Simon fell to the ground again. When he tried to get up, I grabbed his ankle and knocked him back down. Before he could stand, I sat on his back.
“Sorry buddy. I have to do this.” I tried to reason with my struggling friend.
Geez, he must really like her. Or maybe he really didn’t want to be mated to me. I hope it was the first one.
“Ana, this could change everything.” He mumbled into the earth. I knew that, but it didn’t matter.
We had to know.
Slowly, I lifted the curly hair off the back of his neck.
“Oh my god…”
Chapter 28
Unexpected
Ana
“Oh my god.” I cried out, staring at the back of his neck.
“What?! What is it? Do I have the mark?” Simon asked, panicked.
“Oh my god, Sy! You really need to shave the back of your neck. It's gross,” I said, getting off of his back slowly.
Simon hurriedly got to his feet.
“What?! Ana! I don't care about my hairy neck! Do I have the mark?!” Simon’s fearful expression almost had me laughing. It was hard to believe this was the thing that had him freaking him out; not having to give his best friend blood to revive her or any other situation that we happened to be in since we embarked on this journey.
“Simon, you can relax. You don’t have my mark.” I told him with a small smile.
He let out a huge sigh of relief that had me feeling a little offended.
“Gee, thanks for the confidence booster there, Sy,” I said with a mock pout.
Simon only chuckled and swung an arm over my shoulder.
“No offense, Ana. Trust me, you’re great! But we’re friends, and that’s how it was meant to be.”
I playfully pushed him and laughed. He was right. What was I thinking?! Of course he wasn’t my mate! This was Simon! My nerdy, cool, fun-loving best friend. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. I was about to talk to him about his Marie situation when I noticed the others walking back from the forest. They all looked a little out of it, except Lily. She was gesturing animatedly with her hands while trying to keep up with Seb’s fast pace. Seb, on the other hand, was ignoring her. I tuned my ears in to pick up what they were saying, but Lily wasn’t making sense to me. She kept saying Seb was cool and wanted to know how he did whatever he did in the forest. I stopped eavesdropping as they drew closer. I figured, one way or another, I would find out what happened; probably from Lily.
“ANA!” She screamed and engulfed me in a bear hug.
If I was human, she probably would have taken me down.
“Oh my gosh! I have so much to tell you! First…” She began too excitedly until Seb cut her off.
“You’re awake?” He was looking between Simon and me.
“Oh, uh, yea Sy helped me out.” I replied, slightly embarrassed.
What embarrassed me? I was not too sure. But it was probably a cross between drinking from Simon and not drinking from Seb.
“Hey! I was telling a story here!” Lily jumped in, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at Seb.
“Continue Lily. What happened?” I said to her calmly.
Her expression turned back into excitement as she launched back to her tale.
“WE WERE ATTACKED!” She yelled, gesturing wildly.
Both Simon and I looked at her, confused. The others didn’t seem to share her enthusiasm about the situation.
“Seriously?” Simon asked, disbelieving. I understood exactly why he was doubtful.
“YES! We were attacked by the biggest fiercest creatures of all time! I mean, they were so huge, I nearly pissed myself!” She exclaimed
“What attacked you?” I asked.
“Wolves.” Marie answered, beating her to the punch.
Lily huffed, annoyed her big moment was spoiled.
Wait, did she say wolves?
“No way!” Simon said, just as stunned as I was.
I couldn’t believe they were attacked by wolves.
“So how did you guys get away?” Simon asked.
“That’s all thanks to Seb. He came in like some crazy wolf whisperer and had all those wolves scared like puppies,” Lily explained, laughing, “while Jace just stood frozen like a wuss!”
“Shut up, Lily!” Jace snapped at her but she kept on laughing.
I ignored them as they continued to argue, and I made eye contact with Seb. Something was different about him. It was almost like he was larger and stronger. The difference was subtle, but I still noticed it. As I looked deep into his eyes, I saw a faded yellow glow there. If you didn’t have vampire vision, you wouldn’t be able to see it. But it was there, almost pulsing with life. My mind flashed back to the last time I saw his eyes completely glow. I was in Helia’s kitchen. Something was changing him, and we had to find out what it was. Helia better hoped it was not harming him or she would have one very pissed off Ana on her hands. I broke the eye lock, and brought myself back to the present.
“I should scout the area and make sure they are gone,” I said, breaking the ongoing dispute between Jace and Lily.
But they simply kept fighting, not even hearing me. Simon and Marie nodded that they heard me.
Once I started walking to the forest, I smelled Seb approaching from behind. His scent still made my mouth water, even more now for some reason. We didn’t talk as we made
our way deeper to the woods. I let him walk ahead, but I was using my nose, ears and vision to lead me. There were so many new scents here that I had to keep my A.D.D. in check to keep me from investigating all of them.
“The wolves are gone.” Seb said, turning back to me. His nostrils were a little wide like he had been sniffing the air too.
But humans have a terrible sense of smell. Trust me, I used to be one. His eyes also had more of a glow to them; still very minimal but noticeable to me.
“Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.
He crossed is arms in a defensive way.
“Yes.” He gave me a very curt reply.
Here we go with moody Seb again. I hoped one day he would learn to express himself better.
“Okay, do you want to this easy way and just tell me what your problem is with me now or should I wait while you put your big boy pants on?” I snapped with loads of sarcasm attached.
He raised a brow. “Funny.”
That was his only respond? I took purposeful steps forward until there was barely any space between us. I had to fight my fangs from coming out because his scent had me wanting to taste him. And I meant more than just his blood.
“Fighting something, red eyes?” He asked with a smirk on his face.
I instantly calmed myself and hoped my eyes changed back. At least now I knew anger wasn’t the only emotion that turned them red but strong lust as well. Since he was being a jerk right now, I decided it was the best time to push his buttons.
“I bet I could find a guy who likes it.” I responded casually with a smirk of my own.
I probably went too far with that comment because Seb’s whole demeanor hardened. His eyes lit up like bulbs and he growled low and deep, enough for me to feel it in the stomach. The expression on his face was deadly, but it didn’t scare me. It only sparked my curiosity. Something was definitely changing in him. He must have realized what he was doing because he stopped, and looked slightly confused for a second as if he didn’t know he was doing such a thing.
“What’s happening to you?” I asked reaching my hand out.
When I touched his arm, I was shocked by how hot he was. Seb immediately pulled back from me. I did my best to hide the hurt that small moved caused me.
“Nothing. I’m fine. The portal is about 200 yards to the left. We should get the others and go,” he said, changing the topic.
He must have forgotten who I was if he thought I would let him off that easy.
“Don’t you dare blow me off like that!” I shouted when he began to turn away. He slowly turned back to face me.
“I just don’t want to keep you from your mate,” he said like he was challenging me to announce that he was still the one that I wanted. I didn’t respond because I didn’t know what to say. How did he find out? Did I slip and shared it to him? I was such an idiot for not telling him about the whole three-mates thing. But in my defense, we had been pretty busy. I thought I had more time. It was not like I told Jace about Seb being one of my mates either.
“Seb…” I started.
“Save it. I know vampires always choose their mate,” he said, cutting me off.
“But…” I tried again
“I’m sure you and Jace will be happy together.” He added, interrupting me for the second time.
I was going to try again, but the look on his face stopped me. It was the look he used to give me when he thought I was just like every other vampire.
And it angered me to my core!
I worked so hard to keep my humanity these past two years, and I won’t let him demean me over having a mate. He must not know that I have three since he was so quick to assume I’d end up with Jace. I lifted my hand and slapped him hard across the face. His head snapped back to me angrily.
So what did I do? I slapped him again. This time, when he turned his head back, his eyes had fully transformed. The eerie yellow glow wasn’t pale anymore. It glowed, and it more than proved that something within him was not human.
I was so upset that I didn’t even care. It was a fight he wanted. That was exactly what I’d give him. I tried to hit him a third time, but his reflexes caught my hand midair. No worries. I was trained; quickly using my other hand to punch him in the face.
“Come on, Seb! This is what you want right? A fight with me? Because talking isn’t working anymore!” I screamed, throwing a leg out to kick him. He snagged it easily and used my own leg to toss me away. I flew and hit the ground hard. He was a lot stronger than I remembered.
“I don’t want to fight with you, but if you insist…” He trailed off as he charged towards me.
There was something animalistic in his eyes, and it connected to the primal nature in me. It was dangerous and yet thrilling. I jumped to my feet, just in time to knee him in the gut. I knew he was human, but something told me I couldn’t hurt him so easily anymore. That turned me on even more. Seb football-tackled me to the ground. We rolled over shrubs and dirt while taking jabs at each other. It may seem crazy, but it felt good to get this out! When we came to a stop, Seb was on top of me. His bright yellow eyes peered deep into mine. I could see my own bright reds that reflected in his eyes. We were panting heavily, and his hot breath on my face stirred my desire. I could see the same lust in him. My lips felt dry, so I licked them. Seb followed my every movement.
“Ana…” He whispered, looking at me tenderly. Before I knew it, he crashed his lips to mine.
It was heaven. I eagerly kissed him back with everything I had in me. The kiss wasn’t soft and sweet. It was hard and desperate. Our tongues found each other and danced together like long-time lovers on their last time together. My hands found their way into his silky hair and gripped it hard. He groaned, or growled, sexily into my mouth. The sound made my core pulse with need. I needed him right now more than I needed blood.
My fangs shot out, and I bit into his lip. He stopped kissing me just to watch me nip at the small drops of blood before desire took over again and he pressed himself back to me. This was insane, but it felt so damn good. I wouldn’t stop it if I could. Only Seb could make me feel every emotion all at once and like it. I used my strength to roll us over so I could be in control. Once on top of him, I rolled my hips seductively and moaned at the feel of his desire between my legs.
“Seb…” I whispered back, looking into his inhuman eyes. It was strange, but for some reason, it felt natural to see him like that. He reached up and grabbed the back of my head, bringing my lips back to his in a kiss that told me all the secrets of his heart.
We were so caught up in the moment that we didn’t hear a thing.
We were so caught in the lust that we didn’t smell a thing.
We were so caught up in each other that we didn’t see a thing.
I was so focused on him, and he was so focused on me.
We didn’t know the blade was coming until the searing burning pain shot through my back.
I was so caught up with Seb that I didn’t realize I had been stabbed until I looked down and saw the tip of the blade jutting from the center of my abdomen covered in my blood.
Chapter 29
This is What Happens When You Make A Vampire Angry
Ana
“Look who’s the slut now.” Kim whispered in my ear as she pushed the blade further inside me. She may have gotten the jump on me because of my distraction, but my reflexes were still good. I ignored the pain and reached behind me to lock onto her neck before flipping her to my front. She flung hard into a nearby tree. Seb quickly sat up and ripped the blade from my back. Luckily, it was an ordinary weapon, so as soon as it was removed, the wound healed like a zipper. We both crouched ourselves ready just as Kim did.
“That wasn’t very nice,” she said, dusting off her very short leather shorts. Excluding her promiscuous clothing, everything was different about her. Kim’s hair was cut short, almost in a pixie that made her look dangerous instead of cute. Her body also changed. It was well-toned and athletic. The gut she had fr
om the alcohol was gone. I sniffed the air for her scent but found a new one instead. My mind refused to believe what my eyes were telling me. Even so, I focused hard on her heartbeat, but the only one I could hear was Seb’s.
The three of us continued toassess each other in a circle; waiting for one to make a move. Kim watched me as I studied her; like she was waiting for me to say the last words I never wanted to speak.
“You’re a vampire.” I finally said
“Congratulations! You’re smarter than you look.” She taunted sarcastically.
I couldn’t hide my shock. We didn’t have a great relationship, especially with her trying to kill me, but this wasn’t the life I wanted for her.
“Why Kim?” I asked, concerned.
“Oh, shove it, Ana! You think you’re the only one who can be a vampire?! You think you can have it all?! You took Jace, mom, this guy,” she said, pointing at Seb, “And now you want to be the only vampire too?! Talon was right about you. You do deserve to die.” She spat.
Her last words had Seb growling. Kim’s eyes darted to him for a second, and she actually looked scared at him before she shook it off.
“I don’t know what lies Talon has told you. But listen to me. He’s playing you. Let me help,” I said trying to reason with her.
Kim only laughed.
“Do you hear yourself?! You’re such an idiot! I just stabbed you, and here you are, trying to be all reasonable and shit.” She ended with a chuckle.
From the way she was acting, I knew there was no reasoning with her. She seemed a bit mad in the crazy sense. Maybe she was hyped out.
But a small part me didn’t want to give up. She was, after all, my sister. Whether we were blood related or not, I didn’t care.
“Kim, please. There is so much about being a vampire you don’t know yet.” I pleadeded.
“Talon has taught me things, and he’ll teach me everything else I need to know. He’s my soulmate,” she said, romanced by the thought of Talon and the vampire life.
Pure: A Paranormal Romance Page 30