A man forces a kiss and it brings Cassandra thinking of kissing Elissa. The vampire shook her head. While she had felt the jealously and didn’t want Cassandra with anyone else, she hadn’t thought she would have to deal with these kinds of emotions.
Just the thought of kissing Cassandra had Elissa’s soul on fire. She allowed herself to momentarily compare Andrea to Cassandra.
There were numerous ways they were so much alike. The one way they differed was Cassandra’s strength. Andrea hadn’t been able to stand up to her father or anyone else.
And when it had come time for her to die, Andrea had begged Elissa to make it so they could live eternity together. When Elissa had refused for the fifth time, Andrea had given up.
Cassandra, when she wanted something, she wouldn’t give up. And that’s what was terrifying Elissa at the moment. Events of today had set in motion something she had never thought she would ever be gifted with again.
The scary thing? Elissa wanted it just as much as Cassandra did. Maybe even more. It meant it was their destiny. And destiny was nearly impossible not to have come to fruition.
Chapter 19
The first day of school for the fourteen-year-old had Cassandra nervous. While she wanted to continue learning, she didn’t want to run into Joseph.
It also marked a month and half since Cassandra had had her discussion with Elissa about her first significant other. It had been an eye-opening experience. It had given her a great deal to think about.
Things, for the most part, had returned to normal. Cassandra knew there were a few reasons not to pursue a romantic relationship with Elissa at the moment.
One of them was her age. While Cassandra wasn’t much younger than Elissa and Andrea had been, she knew times were a little different. And she knew Elissa would feel as if she was taking advantage of her.
One was life itself. They had a good routine that would be forever changed once they elevated their relationship. Cassandra had decided to finish reading her friend’s book and realized just how things could change by a simple kiss.
For now, Cassandra would ride Winnie to school. Afterwards, she would make a stop at the general store before making her way home.
“Morning.” Elissa’s smile was beaming. Unusual for the vampire. Normally her smiles were more reserved. Cassandra couldn’t help her comment. “You look like you’re up to no good.”
Elissa laughed. “I’m always up to no good.” While Cassandra had been contemplating elevating their relationship, so had the vampire.
While Elissa remained reluctant, she also wasn’t opposed to it. She would wait until Cassandra made the first move. Hopefully the vampire would realize when her friend made the first move.
“That’s very true.” Cassandra winked at her friend as she made her way to the kitchen. She was grateful when the plate of griddle cakes was placed before her. “Not just scrambled eggs anymore. I’m impressed.”
Banter. Elissa had missed this. For the first few days after they had spoken of Andrea, things had been uncomfortable. They hadn’t had the easygoing nature that had developed living together for three plus years.
“Wait until you taste them.” Elissa placed the coffee next to the plate of griddle cakes. “It’s my first attempt. We both remember what happened with Glory’s cake recipe.”
“Don’t remind me.” Both women laughed. Cassandra took a tentative first bite. She chewed thoughtfully for a few moments. “You can possibly add it to your repertoire.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.” Elissa didn’t want to turn things serious, but she knew what today meant. “I want you to come straight home should things become strained.”
“I will.” Cassandra smiled. Love. She already felt it from Elissa, even if her mentor never said the word. She hoped Elissa knew how much she loved her. “I better get going. The sun is just on the horizon.”
“Be safe.” Elissa almost kissed Cassandra on the lips. Her aim changed at the last second and her lips landed on a soft cheek.
“You too.” Cassandra was out the door before either could say more. It didn’t take long for her to saddle Winnie. Without even having to say a word, Raven was by the horse’s side as soon as they were out of the barn.
The ride gave Cassandra time to think once again. This time her thoughts were solely on Joseph. After what her teacher had informed her at the picnic, she was afraid Joseph and his father would somehow attempt to force a marriage upon her.
No, today was the first day of the last year Cassandra would enjoy school. She would have to go to college if she wanted to continue her education. For that to happen, they would have to move.
So many thoughts. Cassandra allowed Winnie’s rhythm to relax her body. She loved to ride. Sometimes she wondered if she and Elissa shouldn’t become ranchers. They both loved horses and were good with them. More thoughts, only this was a little more pleasant.
Joseph was outside the schoolhouse. His eyes remained upon her the entire time Cassandra rode up the road. When she stopped at the hitching post, he took the reins from her and tied them to the post.
“Haven’t seen you all summer.” Joseph’s voice was tender. “I was hoping we could have spent more time together. After all, I’d still like to think we have a chance.”
Cassandra had to keep her mouth from hanging open. “Joseph, I’m going to tell you this only once. I don’t even want to be friends after what you did to me. I suggest we just maintain our distance.”
“But…” Joseph could hear his father’s harsh voice. Worse, he could hear the belt as it made contact with his back repeatedly.
“I said no. Have a good day.” Cassandra managed to pass Joseph without more incident. She settled in her row with the other girls her age ready to learn.
The entire day Cassandra could feel eyes upon her. She knew they belonged to Joseph. If he didn’t take the hint soon, she would enlist Elissa to remind him just how much he had to lose should he not heed her warnings.
Cassandra made it through lunch and the rest of the day without actually speaking with Joseph. For this, she was grateful. Now it was time to stop at the general store before gratefully making her way back to Elissa.
The transactions didn’t take long. Cassandra and Mr. Pipps had it down to a science. The only difference was his informing her she had a letter. She thanked him before making her way home. As curious about the contents as she was, she was more interested in seeing Elissa.
It wasn’t long until Cassandra had her wish. She, of course, took good care of Winnie and the other animals before making her way inside the cabin.
Delectable scents assaulted her as she entered the cabin. Raven normally went for a run after following her home from school but decided to follow her master inside.
“You are going to spoil me making something so mouthwatering during the week.” Normally their meals during the week were basic. That’s because normally it was Cassandra making something for herself.
“I thought today would be a good day to celebrate. After all, you survived your first day back.” Elissa was sitting at the table waiting for Cassandra to join her.
“I appreciate it. Let me wash up and change.” Cassandra remembered the letter in her pocket. It could wait until after the amazing meal Elissa had prepared for her.
Once again in her comfortable clothing, Cassandra took her seat across from her mentor. She took her time savoring the fresh pork, mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.
After cleaning up the dishes, Cassandra returned to the table to work on her homework. First day and homework. Not that she was complaining. Unlike her fellow students, she enjoyed nearly all forms of learning.
Elissa had made her way to her new pastime. Not only was she making leathers to order, she was making leather gloves that would be insulated for winter.
Cassandra stretched. As she did, the envelope fell from the table. “I almost forgot.” She retrieved the letter and tore it open. “I was surprised to receive this general delivery post.”
The vampire’s head whipped up. For some reason, Cassandra receiving a letter had Elissa on edge. There was only one person who would be looking for her charge. True, there were those in Seneca that might want to remain in touch, but she doubted it was any of them.
Elissa watched as Cassandra’s face paled. Instantly, she was by her charge’s side. “What is it?” She wanted to take the letter from her, but wanted her friend to have time to process whatever was inside it.
“It’s a letter from Yohan.” Cassandra slumped in her chair. “He’s learned where we are. He’s sent paperwork. If I sign it and send it back, he’ll leave us alone. If I don’t, he will be here with a court order to take me back East with him.”
“That son of a bitch.” Elissa was livid. “Don’t repeat what I said.” She hoped the normal banter would help ease the tension she felt in Cassandra’s body.
“I won’t. But I agree. He and my father are a piece of work.” Cassandra read through the paperwork her uncle wanted her to sign. “I can’t sign this. He wants everything. I know money isn’t everything to us, but this gives him all he wants. Besides, I was thinking we could maybe open a horse ranch together.”
“No son of a bitch should get his way.” Elissa decided to focus on the second part of Cassandra’s statement. “A horse ranch? I’ve never even thought of that before.”
“It hit me as I was riding Winnie into school.” Cassandra shrugged. “It gives us something to think about. We couldn’t remain here, which might not be a bad thing.”
Elissa was once again on edge. She didn’t like the implication. “This isn’t just about your uncle, is it?” Cassandra shook her head. “Let me guess, Joseph?”
“He once again proposed to me.” Elissa growled. “My reaction. I told him to stay away from me. I’d like to finish out my last year of school, but if I can’t a horse ranch would give us something to strive for.”
“I like the thought of it.” Elissa was pacing. There were two fronts they had to battle. One was only a few miles away. The other was supposedly on the other side of the country.
The nearness of the trouble didn’t play a factor. True, Joseph and his father could physically strike sooner. But the deadliest one would be Yohan. After all, he was after money. Money made people do dangerous things.
“I’m wondering if there was a way you could receive your benefits from afar.” Elissa momentarily halted her pacing. “I wouldn’t trust the bank here with Joseph’s father owning it. And you’d need to speak with a lawyer to see your options. We’ll need to make a trip to a larger city. And soon.”
“I wish you could come with me.” Cassandra knew she could handle nearly any situation. But having Elissa at her side would make all the difference in the world.
Elissa had finally stopped pacing. She was leaning against the window. Somehow, the curtain covering the window fell from the wall. The sun began pouring into the room, directly upon the vampire.
A hand was held up to shield Elissa’s eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. It took her a moment to realize she was not feeling the normal burning sensation.
“What the…?” Elissa lowered her hand. She didn’t hesitate in making her way out the front door. Cassandra was right on her heels.
The two women stood in the sun. It felt foreign on Elissa’ face. “I haven’t felt the sun since I was turned without burning instantly. It’s been a millennium. How?”
Cassandra was delighted with how childlike Elissa was acting as the sun continued to beat down on the vampire. “Could it have been my blood?”
Elissa paused for a moment. She looked into emerald eyes. “Many vampires, unfortunately, have fed on mortals over the centuries. Never once has there been an instance that led the vampire to be able to stand the sun.”
“Were any of those mortals willing?” Cassandra could see the wheels turning in Elissa’s head. “Were any of those mortals left with any blood?”
“No.” The one word answered both questions. “The only ones I ever heard about were intentionally drained to be turned or fed upon and left for dead. And most don’t ask to be turned into a vampire.”
Cassandra knew she was the exception. And she had been since she was ten-years-old. “I think that’s your answer. You barely had any of my blood. I gave it more than willingly. And you’ve always said I’m pure of heart.”
Elissa nodded. She closed the distance between them. She wrapped Cassandra in her arms. “Thank you. This is a gift I can never repay. No matter how hard I attempt to repay it.”
Chapter 20
It was a week later that they finally left for Bloomfield. The city wasn’t much larger than Keosauqua, but Joseph Miller’s father wasn’t lawyer there.
It would take four days to complete the round trip, depending on the answers they received from the lawyer they hopefully could trust.
“Feels like old times.” Cassandra hated missing any school, but this was important. Not only so they could finally be free of her uncle, but also one day start a horse ranch.
“Only I don’t have to be stuck in the back during the day or travel only at night.” Elissa couldn’t keep the grin from her face. It was still an oddity to feel the sun upon her skin.
“I like this much better.” Cassandra was leaning against her vampire. A blanket was wrapped around the petite woman. Fall was upon them and with that came cooler temperatures.
Elissa’s smile faded, but only slightly. The only reason her smile faded was being seen this close to Cassandra. Once they arrived at the larger city, this kind of contact would have to be minimalized or even stopped altogether.
“Cassandra?” Elissa didn’t know how to proceed. Feelings were so foreign to her. Since her charge had said she would one day want something romantic, the vampire had been remembering.
Not only had Elissa been remembering Andrea, she had been remembering Sarah as well. What she had with the vampire paled in comparison to Andrea. Still, it was the last time she had felt anything before Cassandra had entered her life.
Emerald eyes were sparkling in the sunlight. Or was that with mischief? Elissa couldn’t decipher the look in her friend’s eyes.
“What is it?” Cassandra was in the best mood she’d been in since…Well actually her mood was a continuance of when they’d discovered Elissa could tolerate the sunlight once again.
“We’re going to have to be careful when we get to Bloomfield.” Elissa didn’t want to say what she was about to. Already she was becoming accustomed to the touching between them.
“I know we’re going to have to be careful who we trust.” Cassandra tilted her head. Elissa was no longer looking her in the eyes. “It’s not that, is it?”
Elissa expelled a breath. Habit from her mortal days she had never rid herself of. “No.” The vampire swallowed. She placed the reins in one hand. “The closeness we share. The little touches that have become natural since…”
“Since I had to say I wanted more.” Cassandra felt the gentle touch on her cheek. Elissa was cupping her face and rubbing her thumb across it. “I’m sorry if that sounded…I can’t say the word I want to use. I was told not to repeat it.”
The comment caused Elissa to laugh. She reluctantly held the reins in both hands. The sun was nearly at its zenith. Soon, they would be stopping briefly for their noon day meal.
“I don’t regret my words.” Cassandra once again was leaning against her mentor. “I still want more between us. When, I don’t know. But I won’t stop touching you. At least not while we are alone.”
“Good.” Elissa was grateful Cassandra had understood. How had the vampire who didn’t want anything to do with anyone come to rely on little touches and glances in only four plus years?
Their first break came near a campsite. It seemed much used by the travelers along this route. There was no need for a fire, but there was a small stream they could refill their water supply.
Cassandra was once again leaning against Elissa as they resumed their voyage. The c
loud cover was beginning to hide the sun. The temperatures were slowly dropping. The first hints of winter were in the air. There was the possibility of skipping autumn and winter deciding it was time.
The first drops of rain began just after they had stopped for the night. They had pulled off the trail. Cassandra had eaten a light meal, the horses were taken care of and Raven was in the back of the wagon.
The pair were also in the back of the wagon. Elissa was leaning against the side, an old blanket used for support. Cassandra was settled between the vampire’s legs covered by a thick blanket.
Elissa felt content. She wrapped her arms around Cassandra. While there was a part of her that missed the intimacy that came with making love, this was enough.
Holding Cassandra settled her soul like it had never been settled before. Even holding Andrea had never felt this good. Elissa was thanking her lucky stars she had stumbled upon the orphanage nearly six years ago.
The soft snores emanating from Cassandra only caused Elissa to love her more. Love? The vampire couldn’t continue to deny just how much in love she was with her charge.
Barely above a whisper, Elissa spoke. “I love you, Cassandra. Not just as a friend. I love you like I’ve never loved another. And when you are ready, I will show you just how much. If you are never ready, I’ll make certain my actions show how much I love you.”
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Bloomfield may only have a couple hundred more people than Keosauqua, it bustled even more. After riding up and down main street, they had seen three motels, two stables and four saloons.
Elissa had been to some of the larger cities on the east coast, but even she had not seen anything like this. She hoped it would only take a day to find a lawyer and discover the answers they craved.
“I think the inn next to the general store looked the nicest.” Cassandra was in awe. She had never seen such bustling. Not even back in Keosauqua. Her mind was having issues absorbing everything. She was thankful she wasn’t alone and that Elissa was by her side.
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