by Shaw, Jaidis
“Of course! Who wouldn’t remember the great Julian and his lovely wife Sofia.”
“Dominic, so good to see you again.” Sofia stepped forward to give her friend a hug.
“Unfortunately I can’t stay,” Dominic replied, “I just wanted to come out and make sure Alayna was alright. That was the worst case of the flu I’ve ever seen. I‘ll call in a few days to check back in.” Without another word, he turned and headed back towards his car.
“Thanks again!” I shouted as he began to drive away.
“That sure was a short visit. He acted a little weird didn’t he?” Sofia asked Julian with a questioning look in her eyes.
“Dominic always acts weird and you can never trust the man.”
“He seems trustworthy. He was so great in finding this house for me. Why do you say you can’t trust him?” I asked.
“You can’t trust him because he is a weasel,” Julian said with a smile.
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Chapter Five
The next morning came very quickly. Julian and Sofia had decided to stay a few nights until we figured out how we were going to handle my current predicament. Being full of emotions, I went upstairs to bed hours before everyone else, leaving Sofia to mediate the conversation between Jayden and Julian as it became increasingly argumentative. The idea of his son not returning to the clan was leaving a bad taste in Julian’s mouth, no matter how much Sofia tried to rationalize with him. I suppose I could understand where Julian was coming from. In his mind he was losing another child, instead of his son setting out and starting a new clan. Creeping out of the bed so that I would not disturb Jayden, I walked to the window and gazed out. There were thick, black clouds drifting towards the house, bringing the promise of a good rain. Smiling, I went to the bathroom to take a quick shower, hoping that Jayden would wake up soon so that I wouldn’t have to be alone with his parents. As I shut the water off, I heard Jayden tapping on the door.
“Just a minute,” I announced and began wrapping myself in the nearby towel. I opened the door to see what Jayden needed.
“Good morning,” he said with a smile.
“Morning. So what time did you and Julian quit fighting?” I said as I walked to the closet to find something to wear.
He smirked. “We weren’t fighting, we just had a difference of opinion.”
“Either way, we need to figure something out. Goodness, I don’t know what I want to wear today,” I said, pushing yet another outfit out of the way. Jayden walked over to me and put his arms around me.
“You will be beautiful no matter what you wear.” I could feel the heat begin to rise in my cheeks as the rush of butterflies swirled about in my stomach.
“You sure know how to make a girl blush,” I said as I turned to face him. His earthy aroma filled my nostrils and warmed my core. The beating of his heart brought my attention to the thick vein in his neck, pulsing as blood rushed just under the surface.
“Alayna, look at me,” Jayden breathed as he raised my chin with a tentative touch. I yanked my eyes from his neck and looked into his eyes.
“I don’t want to ruin this moment, but your eyes have changed.”
“What?” I shrieked as I ran to the bathroom and glanced in the mirror. Sure enough they had changed. The outer edges of my irises were still the icy pale color that they had always been but the inside was a dark sapphire.
“Like I needed another reason for people to stare at my eyes,” I sighed in disbelief. Before I knew it, Jayden was beside me again, looking into my eyes.
“People don’t stare at you because of the color of your eyes. They stare because you mesmerize and captivate them by just being yourself,” Jayden said as he leaned in and gently kissed me. I became lost in his gentle embrace. I couldn’t tell which way was up but I did know one thing, and it was that I wanted Jayden in my life more than ever. I felt a completeness which I hadn’t felt in a long time. So long as I was with Jayden, everything would work out and I could face anything that came my way.
“I’m sorry but I just couldn’t help myself anymore. I’ve wanted to do that for awhile,” Jayden said with a sly smile. I opened my eyes, just now becoming aware that the kiss had ended.
“There is no need to argue with your father later,” I said.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m staying here and based on that kiss I’d say that you’d like to stay here with me. Plus, there is no way I’m going to let you go back now, especially to be with another woman,” I grinned. “Julian is just going to have to deal with it.”
Jayden scooped me up in his strong arms and twirled me around. “I was hoping you would say that,” he sighed in relief. Smiling, I walked to the closet and grabbed the first outfit I came too. Stressing over finding the perfect outfit no longer mattered. After getting dressed, Jayden and I walked hand in hand, to face whatever challenges came our way.
“Hey there,” Julian said as we walked into the kitchen. Sofia acknowledged our presence with a smile as she bustled about cooking breakfast.
“Have you given any more thought to our discussion Jayden?” Julian said with defiance.
“Alayna has decided that we are going to stay here...and who am I to try and change a woman's mind,” he said grinning at me.
“Damn it Jayden! You know...”
“Julian.” Sofia whispered in warning. At that one word Julian stopped talking and looked out the window. I could tell right then that Julian knew there was no changing the situation.
“I’m going to go outside for a bit and get some air,” I said with a smile as I headed for the door.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Jayden asked.
“I’ll be fine but thanks for the offer. I‘ll be back in a minute.” Pulling the door open I stepped out on the porch, tripping over a package.
“What the...” I gasped as I tried to catch myself before falling to the ground. Steadying myself, I leaned down and picked up the package. It was neatly wrapped up in a blood red bow. I sat down on the steps and examined the box. Seeing no indication as to whom it was meant for, I tugged at the bow and opened the box. Inside was a black rose attached to a note that read, ‘I Will Have You.’ Dread washed over me just as rain began to fall from the sky. I knew it was from Gavin and the thought of him coming for me was terrifying. Cold shivers made their way down my spine as I glanced around the yard. No longer wanting to be alone, I grabbed the box and headed back inside to Jayden.
“He knows I’m still alive,” I whispered upon entering the kitchen. “Look,” I said handing the flower and note to Jayden. “He will come back for me. What am I supposed to do?” Jayden rushed over to me and wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m not going to let him take you away from me Alayna,” Jayden said protectively. Feeling the solidness of his arms I did feel a little better, but there was still a nervous shudder running through me that couldn’t be stilled.
“I think it’s time we called in the clan,” Julian said as he reached for the note. “We need the strength that comes with our numbers.”
Jayden moved to stand by Julian. “I can protect her. We don’t need the clan. Gavin doesn’t have any followers so he is on his own.”
“A little over confident, aren’t you son? Where were you before Alayna got attacked? I think we need to have the clan here just in case. What if he has followers that we don’t know about? It remains to be seen how this is all going to play out. You have to face the fact that Alayna needs more protection than you can offer.”
“Okay boys, I think you’ve said enough for now,” Sofia said and moved between the two, the tension tangible in the air. “I do think your father is right though Jayden. We could benefit by having extra hands around. Don’t you want what is best for Alayna?”
Jayden glanced at his mother. “Of course I do mother. I just don’t want everyone finding out about this because it will put us all in more danger.”
> I coughed to clear my trembling voice. “Maybe we could select a few trusted clan members to come here. Like Darren since he already knows about me. That way we wouldn’t have to tell everyone and have more control over the issue.”
Sofia nodded her head in approval. “I think that is a great idea Alayna. Will that work for you Julian?”
“It looks like I don’t have a say in the matter,” Julian spat as he turned his back and stalked out of the kitchen.
“Don’t worry about him Alayna. His tantrums never last very long.” Sofia’s eyes sparkled with laughter. “No doubt he is already on the phone calling in some recruits. He may not be showing it but he does understand the importance of keeping this issue contained.”
“If Gavin knows I’m still alive it is only a matter of time before this gets out anyways,” I said, trying my best to hide my fear.
Sofia patted my arms in comfort. “I’m afraid you are right Alayna. That is why we need to make haste and seal your protection with the clan.”
“How can we do that Mother?” Jayden asked. “The only way to guarantee she has clan protection is for us to be part of the pack. I refuse to do that unless it is Alayna by my side.”
“I’m not leaving my home. I thought we settled this,” I reaffirmed.
“We know that dear. We do have clan members all over that still are protected. Geography isn’t that important. The snag we have hit is that you must face the challenge that has been issued and win Jayden according to our laws. Only then will you have earned the clan’s protection,” Sofia said, flinching at the thought.
I froze at the memory of the exotic woman from my vision. That is why she was attacking me. My vision suddenly made sense and I sighed as a wave of relief washed over me. I didn’t know if I would win the battle but at least I knew that it would be taking place. All I had to do was figure out a way to win.
“What is it Alayna?” Jayden asked.
“The woman who put in the bid, Olivia, she has black hair doesn’t she? Beautiful and has an exotic look with amber eyes?” I asked.
“Yeah, she does, but how did you know that?” Jayden asked, confusion written on his face.
“Lucky guess?” I smiled hoping to avoid the topic of my visions.
“This really isn’t a time to be sarcastic Alayna. How did you know?” Jayden tensed as the confusion began to morph into anger.
“I’d rather not talk about it. I don’t need to give you any more reasons to think I’m a freak.” I walked to the nearby kitchen chair and sat down preparing for the inevitable discussion.
“I would never think that about you Alayna. Look at everything that has happened to you lately? Up until a few days ago, you never knew unexplainable things existed. Shifters, vampires, magic…it was all just fantasy for you. But here we are and under the circumstances you are handling it quite well.” Jayden flashed me a reassuring smile.
Letting out a sigh, I glanced between Jayden and Sofia as I summoned the courage to tell them about my visions. “That isn’t completely true,” I whispered.
“What isn’t true?” Jayden asked.
“This isn’t the first time I have dealt with unexplainable things. I know that I will duel Olivia because I’ve already seen it. I don’t know how it plays out but I know it will take place.”
“Isn’t that something? That certainly explains how you knew,” Sofia mused.
“Explains what? I’m so lost,” Jayden said as he looked at his mother and then focused back on me.
Sofia laughed. “Stop over thinking it Jayden. Sometimes you are just like your father.”
“Don’t you see son. Alayna is a Seer,” she said, smiling with pride.
“So you don’t think that is weird?” I asked Sofia. My eyes began to moisten with tears.
“Of course not dear. I’ve met a couple of Seers in my time; although, I’ve never met a human Seer before.”
Jayden squeezed my hand tenderly. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Have you always been able to see things or is it recent?”
“As long as I can remember I’ve been able to see things but it doesn’t always happen and I can’t control it. The visions only appear to me in pools of water. Sometimes they are just flashes of my past and other times they are glimpses into the future. That is how I knew about Olivia. I’m not sure where it takes place but she does challenge me. One minute she was standing in front of me and the next she was a panther and attacking me.”
“Did you see anything else? Something that will let us know how it turns out?” Jayden asked.
“Not really. She claws my face and I wiped away the blood. There were several people around which I assume means the clan will be watching. The vision ended at that point, and you were in the garden letting me know your parents had arrived.”
“I need to fill Julian in on this. Please excuse me,” Sofia said as she gracefully exited the kitchen.
Jayden stood in front of me and grabbed my hands, pulling me up in front of him. “Did you really believe that I would think you were a freak because you have visions?” I heard him ask, barely audible over the quick beating of my heart.
“I thought I was all alone, that nobody could possibly understand and would think I was crazy. I didn’t want you to know because I didn’t want you to look at me like everyone else does and they didn’t even know about the visions.” Tears pooled in my eyes, threatening to spill over. Trying to force back the tears I inhaled deeply and Jayden’s scent filled my lungs. His earthy aroma wrapped around me and my stomach began twisting in knots. Sensing the tension Jayden slipped a strong arm around my waist and pulled me close. The pounding in my chest matched the beat of his heart in harmony as they quickened in pace. Jayden brought his other hand up and pushed a stray tendril of hair behind my ear.
“You’re amazing,” Jayden whispered and kissed my right cheek, “and you’re beautiful.” He placed another tender kiss on my left cheek. “Please say that you will always be mine.”
My breath caught in my throat, strangling any words that I tried to say in response. With a slight nod of my head to show my answer, Jayden pressed his lips to mine. Our surroundings melted away as a flame burst to life within my core. The taste of Jayden upon my lips caused a hunger to spring to life and I pushed away from Jayden, breaking the electric current passing between us.
“What is it Alayna? I thought you wanted this?” Hurt flashed briefly in Jayden’s eyes.
“I do, but I think we should slow down.” I leaned in and inhaled his sweet masculine scent. “God you smell so good.” The blood pulsating in Jayden's neck called to me like a Siren’s song. I pressed my lips to the soft flesh of his neck; my tongue flicking his salty skin in eager anticipation. Jayden tossed his head back, a low moan escaping his lips. The hunger inside of me was growing stronger with each beat of Jayden’s heart. Just one taste; a small sip is all I need, I thought to myself. A muffled sound to my left distracted me. What was that?
Julian stood in the kitchen doorway clearing his throat. I yanked my eyes away from Jayden’s neck and tried to focus on what Julian had said.
“What? Did you say something?” I asked. The sudden realization that I wanted to bite Jayden sunk like a rock in my stomach. “I’m so sorry! I have to get some air.” I ran from the kitchen and headed for the front door. I had to get away, clear my mind of the desire to taste Jayden like he was a succulent dessert. I heard Jayden calling my name behind me and the firm voice of Julian commanding him to let me go.
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Chapter Six
Pacing back and forth in the garden I allowed the sweet scent of roses to envelope me as I struggled to lock away the hunger that was now raging within me. Confusion crept over me, strangling any progress I was making. Where was this hunger coming from? I could only assume it was a result of the foreign blood pumping through my veins. Unable to support my weight, my legs buckled and I slumped to the hard ground as tears began to s
lide down my cheeks. Pulling my knees to my chest, I buried my face in my arms and rocked myself back and forth hoping to gain some sort of composure. The concrete wall I built around myself for protection began to crumble. My only desire in the world was to find someone to share my life with and end my loneliness. Jayden was willing to fill that spot for me and now these urges to taste his blood were threatening to take him away. How could I ever be with him if I wanted to rip his throat out at a moment’s notice?
“Alayna?” I brought my head up and looked towards the sound of my name. Sofia was kneeling next to me with eyes full of worry. “Are you okay dear?”
“Of course,” I said, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “Ugh…who am I kidding? No, I’m not okay.” I let my head fall back into my arms, trying to hide the shame on my face.
Sofia wrapped her arms around me and pulled me close, rubbing my back as she held me tight. A new stream of tears began to fall as I sobbed into her comforting embrace. Without saying anything she just held me, letting the pain run its course. As my grief began to subside, I pulled away and wiped my face.
I managed a small smile to show my appreciation. “Thank you. I’m sorry you had to see me like this.”
“It’s okay. Do you want to talk about it? I know you really don’t know me yet but I’m a good listener. Maybe I can help?” Her smile was warm and genuine.
“I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’ve been alone for so long and then Jayden swooped in and a part of me feels like there is hope for me after all. I am so thankful that he saved my life but I just don’t understand how I’m supposed to make it through this. Let’s face it…the odds are against me.” I inhaled a deep breath in an attempt to remain calm. The hunger seemed to have subsided for now, being over shadowed by the intense emotions that I was experiencing. “And I have this feeling…this hunger…that rises up sometimes. It is so hard to explain.”