Dark Haven

by Leigh Allen

  THE REST OF THE WEEK was spent preparing the lodge and the grounds for the rustic wedding the bride dreamed of. While this was a small affair compared to weddings I had been to before, I loved the intimate setting it created. Everything was perfect and with the cool October air and the changing yellow and red leaves, this was going to be a beautiful wedding.

  On the night before the wedding, I spent all of my time setting up the wooden trellis arch-way that John had built. Rows of white chairs with brown bows on the backs created an aisle that focused on the beautiful arch-way set against a breathtaking backdrop of trees with red and yellow leaves. Thankfully the trees had held onto their leaves long enough for the wedding.

  I lined the outer chairs with hanging lanterns with candles that would glow during the evening ceremony. Clearing out the guesthouse, I used the large, open main floor as the reception area. It was an open concept floor plan and I was able to fit twelve round tables for the guests and one long buffet table for the bride, groom, and wedding party. The tables lined the walls of the room and in the center was a large table which held the immaculate wedding cake. I had even found a DJ who would play all of the music requested. He was stationed outside as the ceremony area was transformed into a reception area. Davis, Will, and Sarah were all busy in the kitchen preparing the wedding cake, meal of carved turkey with vegetables, and a wide array of wines from a local winery. Everything had come together nicely, all I needed now was the bridal party.

  Cars started lining the long driveway around two in the afternoon. The wedding was scheduled for five that evening, so I knew the Bride was ready for pictures. While the wedding party was busy snapping photos to commemorate their special day, I escaped to the closet in my room to select an elegant dress to wear to the affair. While I wasn’t a guest, I still wanted to look my best as I ran around and made sure everything the bride and groom requested was fulfilled.

  I selected a floor-length gold gown that hugged my hips and showed off my back. The fabric dipped into a V neck in the front and scooped low off my shoulders in the back. I swept my hair up into a tight bun and finished my look with a pair of gold studded earrings. I made sure to stay away from white or any other gowns that looked too formal. This was perfect.

  As I descended the spiral staircase, I could see the ceremony getting ready to take place as guests began finding their seats. I stopped midway down the stairs and smiled as I watched everyone smile and talk as they piled into the space. The large window that looked over the property was in my full view. Today was a special day, a monumental event as two families became one. I sighed and for a brief moment I couldn’t help but feel a little saddened too.

  Now that I had taken the life of a werewolf, would a wedding and a happily ever after be in my future someday? I wasn’t sure, but I couldn’t focus on that now. This was the bride and groom’s fairy tale, not my twisted story.

  I heard a sound from the bottom of the stairs and my attention was quickly brought back to the here and now. As my eyes focused, I spotted Brad standing at the bottom of the staircase looking dapper in a pair of black casual pants and a button-down maroon shirt. His hair was disheveled in that sexy way I liked and a smile was brightly shining on his face.

  I took another step down the stairs and beamed at him too. “What are you smiling about?” I asked as I made my way to Brad.

  Holding out a hand for me to take, Brad kept the smile firmly in place. “You better be careful or you will upstage the bride,” he teased as he pulled me and kissed my neck. “You look stunning,” he sighed.

  Smiling, I looked down at my gown and had second thoughts that maybe I was overdressed. “Thank you. Brad, you look dashing tonight. But, do you think I am overdressed? I can change if I need to,” I said as I quickly spun around to rush back up the stairs.

  Grabbing my arm, Brad stopped me before I could take another step. “No way. You look beautiful. There is no way you are changing out of that dress tonight unless I am the one peeling it off of you,” he said seductively.

  I could feel my body heat at the thought and I silently wished I had time to take Brad up on his offer. Sadly though, I had a bride waiting to walk down the aisle

  Trying to hide our sexual tension, Brad and I made our way out to the ceremony. I checked on the bride and as she gave me the signal to alert the DJ to begin the song for the bridal party to begin walking down the aisle. Everyone smiled as the three bridesmaids in maroon floor-length gowns walked holding the arm of three groomsmen wearing dark gray tuxedos. As the bride waved to me that she was ready, I signaled one last time to the DJ to begin the wedding march. I took my place in the back and watched as a glorious bride draped in a long white mermaid gown emerged.

  The family and friends standing all began to cry and smile as they watched the young woman walk with her father toward her soon to be husband. My eyes skimmed the crowd before reaching the groom. His eyes were filled with tears as he lovingly gazed at his bride. Watching a groom at a wedding is my favorite part. The love and awe they reflect while looking at their future wife, truly melts my heart.

  As the ceremony proceeded, I rushed to the guest house to make sure all final touches had been perfected on the floral centerpieces at each table and that the dinner was ready and set up in the bar area.

  When I finally made my way back down to the ceremony, the groom was dipping the bride in a deep kiss and the crowd was jumping and cheering.

  I took a sigh of relief as I realized I was almost through my first event. My feet ached from running around in heels, but I didn’t care. The smiles on the bride and grooms faces made all the pain worthwhile.

  Soon, everyone crowded in the guesthouse for dinner while I helped Brad, John, and Ally remove the chairs from the ceremony and prepare the setting for an outdoor dance party. We strung white Christmas lights from the trees and the large white tent we set up. Everything glowed like the smiles of the bridal party and it couldn’t be more beautiful. Sure, I was bragging. But hey, I just pulled off a kick-ass wedding. I could brag if I wanted.

  As the night progressed I was complimented by the bride on the food and the cake she had requested. Once the music began to blare through the speakers stationed around the dance floor, people began to move and drink and let loose as the rustic wedding transformed into a wild and fun party celebrating the love of two people.

  I sat back in one of the folding chairs and watched as everyone enjoyed their night. I had done it. I had pulled off an amazing night and I was ready to sit back and watch the enjoyment.

  As I watched everything unfold around me, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Brad standing behind me.

  “Hey,” I mused as I was so excited to see him.

  “Hey,” he said as he rubbed my shoulder. Leaning down, he kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, “You look so tasty tonight,” he said.

  I turned to face him and I saw that naughty spark in his eyes. I sighed, realizing how happy I was to have Brad in my life. He was so unlike guys I used to go for, but that was what made him special.

  Extending his hand, Brad walked around me and stood in front of me. “Dance with me,” he demanded.

  Standing, I placed my hand in his and allowed Brad to lead me to the dance floor. A slow song began to play and as the melody filled the night air, I looked up to see the twinkling lights above me. Brad held me close as our bodies swayed back and forth together, becoming one with one another and the rhythm of the song.

  I held onto Brad like he was my lifeline. Slowly dipping me, Brad placed a soft kiss on my lips as he held me in his arms. As he brought me back to a standing position, our lips collided again and I couldn’t help but dig my nails into his arm. I wanted Brad so much in that moment that I almost couldn’t control myself.

  Ally and Davis, John and Sarah, and Nelly and Will all joined us on the dancefloor as we all danced along to the same soft song. The guests and wedding party were dancing around us but all that mattered to me was the seven other people around m
e.

  Extending his arm, Brad twirled me one last time before pulling me back to him as the song ended. “Want to get out of here?” Brad growled into my ear.

  I needed to make sure the bride and groom were satisfied. I needed to ensure everything was cleaned and put away once all the guests left. I was torn, go with my hot guy or stay and fulfill my duties.

  Seeing the conflict on my face, Nelly turned to me. “Go, I will make sure everything is cleaned up. Enjoy your night, you deserve it,” she finished with a wink.

  Hearing this, Brad began to swiftly pull me away from the dance floor and the people and the lights. Once we were out of sight of the humans, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me while he ran like a blur up to his room.

  I spent the rest of the night and early into the twilight experiencing my own happily ever after.

  CHAPTER 12

  The next morning, I was rejuvenated and feeling more alive than before. Brad and I had spent most of the night making love, but we spent a larger part talking and sharing pieces of ourselves. I had never felt more in tune with someone in my entire life. There was so much about Brad that inspired me and captivated me and I felt myself yearning to know more about who Brad really was.

  After seeing that all of the chairs and decorations from the wedding had been put in the storage, I realized I had some free time. I grabbed Brad and took off running. I had to run. I felt like my legs were going to combust if I didn’t release some of my energy and excitement. It was an indescribable feeling; like sparks of electricity were flowing through my veins and I had to move and jump and fly.

  We ran for what felt like days.

  When Brad had agreed to go with me, he told me he had something special in mind for our outing. I guess I thought he had something different in mind. We ran through the property and into the woods where I first hunted when I turned into a werewolf. We just ran, allowing our legs to lead our bodies and give our minds time to just relax.

  It was jovial to just run without any cares or thoughts. Especially when I was running next to a man I was growing more and more infatuated with. Possibly even, in love with.

  We circled around and made our way back to the pond and we slowed our pace. Brad led me into the large, white gazebo nestled over the edge of the pond. Even in the darkness of the night, the scene was tranquil and lovely.

  Taking my hands, Brad and I stepped inside the beautiful gazebo. Staring deep into my eyes, Brad leaned in and kissed me. I felt like I was floating on clouds and my spirits had never been higher as they were when Brad kissed me.

  “Amelia, I’ve never been this happy,” Brad stated tenderly as he rubbed my hands with his thumbs.

  “I understand, you make me feel alive and like I can live my life and be who I was truly meant to be,” I responded with honesty seeping from my words.

  “I know some people think I am crazy for the way I was obsessed with you,” he said with a slight smirk.

  “Crazy or not, I like that you are obsessed with me,” I teased.

  Squeezing my hands, Brad pulled me closer until there was nothing left between us. “More than anything Amelia, I am undeniably in love with you.”

  His words rang through my ears like a magical melody. My heart danced in my chest and tears swelled in my eyes. No other words had ever made me feel this delighted and joyful. I wanted to jump up and down and scream to the world that this man loved me, but I needed to tell him I felt the same way too.

  “Oh, Brad. I love you too,” I cried out as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a long and passionate kiss.

  We were deep into our kiss and the spark of lust that drove both of us came alive. Brad began to tug at my jeans as his hands explored my body. My need for him grew as did his erection that was pressed up against my belly.

  In mere seconds, both of our jeans were off and soon were his boxers and my thong. Lifting me up with his muscular arms, Brad drove himself into me with the fierceness of a wild animal. He threw my body against the wooden beam of the gazebo and I was instantly filled with a sharp pain from the impact my bare back made against the hardwood. However, I didn’t care. In fact, that pain created more delight and satisfaction in me. I called out his name as my hands went to his hair and I pulled and tugged as this thrusts deep inside me became a steady rhythm of pleasure. The cool air from the evening drifted over my bare chest and body and provided me with just the right amount of coolness I needed as our body temperatures grew from our actions.

  My body ached, begging for more of him as he rocked in and out of me. His tongue began to lick up and down my neck and I threw my head back to gain him more access to the sensitive skin he desired. I waited for him to bite him, to allow me that pleasurable pain, but instead, he moved his head to the side. He continued to move inside of me as he whispered into my ear.

  “Your turn,” he urged in a seductive voice that had my body growing hot like fire.

  I knew exactly what he meant, there was no explanation needed. My body was longing to give him that same pleasure he had given to me. I grazed my lips over his neck and took in his familiar scent of vanilla and spices. My teeth began to expose themselves as my fangs finally protruded through my skin. I took a deep breath before I dug my fangs deep into his flesh.

  I heard the terrifying sound as his skin began to tear and rip apart as my fangs delved deep into his skin. I could smell the salty blood in his body from what he had drunk earlier that day. With each suck of his neck, I took in part of his soul. My energy increased and my desire and connection with Brad grew stronger than imaginable. I had thought when he bit me I felt powerful, but that was nothing compared to how taking this piece of him made me feel like I could move mountains. The carnality of our movements and grunts created such a sensual act I thought no other form of sex could match what we had just created.

  I could sense Brad reaching his climax and as my senses honed back in on our act of lovemaking, my body began to feel another level of pleasure. I felt my own release brewing and together we both yelled out in ecstasy as we reached our moment of pleasure and release together.

  When we were both finished, Brad placed me back on the ground and we began to dress. We both had silly smiles plastered across our gratified faces. Suddenly, Brad’s cell phone began to ring. I quickly thought about how I needed to ask for a cell phone too.

  As Brad answered the phone, his smile faded and a look of concern drew on his face.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked as he quickly shut off his phone without saying a word to the person on the other line.

  “We have visitors,” he said with anger in his voice.

  I was confused, Dark Haven flourished because of visitors who came and spent their time and money here.

  “What’s wrong with visitors?” I asked.

  Sighing, Brad turned to look at me and I noticed his face had tensed and his eyes darkened. “These aren’t the type of visitors that are welcome here,” he fumed.

  I didn’t need to say or ask anything. Brad’s change in appearance and tone told me everything I needed to know.

  Oh shit, our amazing moment had just been ruined.

  CHAPTER 13

  We raced back to the lodge and as we grew closer I could fee Brad tense as he ran next to me. My eyes focused on two more large SUVs parked in the driveway.

  “Not now,” Brad whispered but I heard the way his voice shook with frustration.

  I was too afraid to ask who these visitors were, Brad was obviously upset by their unexpected arrival. I was just pissed they ruined my perfectly good evening with Brad.

  The lights were on in the house and from my view of the kitchen window, I could see several people gathered in the room. We walked into the kitchen and all voices quieted at once. I didn’t like the heaviness floating in the air or the way Ally looked at me with pity in her eyes.

  “What is going on?” Brad asked as he eyed the room.

  A man with long, dark hair slicked back stepped up out o
f the group of people. He wore a long black, leather trench-coat and matching dark clothes. His smile reminded me of a snake hissing and he instantly gave me the creeps.

  “Hello Brad, it has been way too long my friend,” he spoke.

  While his words seemed pleasant enough, the tone of his voice and the evil spark in his eyes gave him away. This was not a friendly meeting.

  “Hello Lucas. I wish you would have called before just showing up at Dark Haven,” Brad spoke with the same amount of venom lacing his voice.

  A haughty laugh escaped Lucas’s mouth. “Well, my friend it seems I didn’t have any notice of your new addition. I assumed you would have known we would be coming,” Will spoke.

  Brad’s jaw clenched and I watched as John, Will, and Davis stepped up too. It almost appeared that they were preparing for some battle.

  “Lucas, let’s stop this charade,” John spoke.

  His role as the father figure here was showing as he took control of the situation.

  “John, it seems we have a lot to discuss. We can do that here amongst everyone or privately,” Lucas said.

  “No, we need to speak in front of everyone,” John demanded.

  I watched the events unfold like I was an audience member watching a film. This was all very surreal.

  “Fine, have it your way,” Lucas spoke all friendliness gone from his voice.

  “We made an agreement over seventy years ago that to protect our clans and our lives we wouldn’t remain in one area more than twenty years. From my timeline, you all have been here at Dark Haven for twenty years this month. It is time for you to leave Dark Haven,” he stated.

  “Hell no,” Will and Davis both shouted out at the same time.

  Holding his hand up, Brad intervened. “Look, we all need to just calm down. I am sure we can discuss this civilly,” he spoke.