“Really?” she said, fascinated, and I nodded. “So what are we going to look at?” she asked excitedly.
“Well, I'm hoping some of Ursids meteors are still close enough to see, or maybe comet 8P Tuttle,” I said, adjusting the large mirrors.
“So were you an astronomer, too?” Alexis asked.
“No, this is just one of my hobbies.”
I looked through the eyepiece and smiled. There was a distant ball of light left over from the meteor shower. “Here, come look,” I said, stretching my hand out to her.
She looked into the telescope and gasped, “This is amazing!”
“I'm glad you like it. I like watching the stars. They're like little candles shining light into our dark world,” I said.
Alexis giggled.
“What?” I asked, feeling self-conscious.
“Sometimes the things you say are so poetic,” she replied, taking my hand.
“I might have become slightly nostalgic over the last nine hundred years,” I said.
“Just slightly?” she teased.
“I think it adds depth to my character,” I said and she laughed as I pulled her into my arms.
We left the observatory just before sunrise. By the time we pulled into free parking, Alexis was asleep. I carried her back to the apartment as the sun begun to cast its light upon the sleeping city. After undressing her, I covered her with the sheet and turned up the heat. I glanced at her one last time before slipping outside.
Mike's words replayed in my mind as I drove to the Flowing Desire. Was I evil for wanting to make her like me? I would choose this life for her—a life with me. Would she? If it came down to a choice between this or death, I would change her, but would she accept an immortal life if I did not give her an option?
The Flowing Desire was empty; Desiree was sweeping the floor in a short black dress and stilettos.
“Did you bring my car back?” she asked, not looking up from her work.
“Of course!” I replied, sinking into a chair at the bar. “Can I get some O-negative?” I asked Sam who stood behind the bar wiping up spilled beer and nutshells.
Desiree walked over and sat beside me. “Trouble in paradise?” she asked.
Sam set a full glass in front of me then left to do inventory. “No, Alexis is great,” I said, picking up the glass and drinking deeply.
“So what is with all this gloom hanging around you?” she asked.
“I want her with me for eternity. To never be alone again, I would condemn her to this life.” I placed the empty glass on the bar.
Desiree frowned. “What brought this on?”
“Mike,” I said simply.
“Jaden, don't trust a word that crazy old druid says. He's been drinking too many of his potions. It's messed with his brain.” She twirled her finger around the side of her head and crossed her eyes.
“It doesn't change the fact, Desiree,” I pointed out.
She sighed. “Maybe, but she has two years to decide if this is the life she wants. Perhaps longer. From what you told me, she's still quite young. Think about it when the time gets closer. A lot can happen in a year, let alone two!” She gave my hand a quick squeeze.
“I know, but...”
“But what?” she asked, letting her hand drop.
“I've become possessive when it concerns Alexis. It terrifies me. If I lose her...” I paused. “I think it would kill me,” my voice trembled.
“You're putting too much of yourself into this relationship too soon. I told you to go slow.”
“The moment I drank her blood, I think she possessed me.”
Once this would have been a terrifying revelation but knowing I belonged to her filled me with a comforting peace and I smiled.
“What do you mean?” Desiree asked.
“I think she may be a descendant of the Egipcion Hunters,” I whispered.
“You can't be serious. We killed them off! You were there.”
“There may be some scattered remnants who don't even know they're descendants of the Hunters.”
“Who knows about this?” she asked, looking around.
“Ivy, Maxwell, me, and now you.”
“The council?” she asked.
I shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Politics,” she scoffed and I grinned.
“But how do you know she's one of their descendants?” Desiree asked.
“I don't know for sure, but when I fed on her it was like liquid fire. It filled every part of my body with radiating warmth. It was like nothing I have experienced before. What's more is when I compelled her to forget me, she didn't completely forget. And when she was in danger, I could feel something pulling me to her, guiding me.”
“Jaden, it's forbidden!” Desiree shrieked.
“I know. I didn't plan it. It just happened,” I said.
She looked me over. “Well, you don't seem any different.”
“But that's the thing, Desiree. I feel different—a good different. I feel...” I tried to come up with the right words. “Warm and full,” I finally said, smiling.
“Her blood isn't making you feel like that,” Desiree laughed.
I looked at her, confused.
“It's love, silly.” She shoved me gently.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “It wasn't like this with Annora.”
She nodded. “I feel the same way when I'm with William. Only heaven knows why,” she said, and shook her head.
Lady Desiree and Lord William's fights were legendary but somehow they always ended up naked on their bedroom floor. I laughed.
“Will you keep this to yourself? I don't want anyone finding out about Alexis's possible origins while our future is still an unknown. I’d like a chance to discover what’s going to happen on our own and I don't think the council will approve.”
“That's an understatement,” Desiree said. “And as for turning her, our laws are very clear about this matter. She must be eighteen years of age and it must be within the first two years after discovering your origin. I would suggest you speak to her about it and give her time to think. So in two years, when the subject is formally addressed, she will have already made her decision.”
“So in the end, the choice is ultimately hers,” I said, thinking aloud.
Desiree nodded. “In the meantime, I would suggest you learn how to let her go. I would also explore the bond you think the two of you share. I am no expert on the arcane arts but if it is magical in nature, it could be very hard to get rid of. Then when the time comes you will be able to honor her wishes, whatever they may be.”
As always, Desiree was right. I needed to allow Alexis to make the decision on her own. If I did not, she would resent me as much if not more than I resented Annora for abandoning me. Two years was not a long time but I could show her how great this life could be.
I also needed to learn how to honor her wishes, even if they separated us for all time. I suspected that our bond would make it even more difficult to let her go.
Twelve
the days passed by all too quickly. At night, Alexis worked at Sal's Diner while I prepared for my trip to France. During the day, we talked and loved, each learning more about the other.
I watched her sleeping peacefully in my arms as rain pounded the city. It was the day before Christmas and I planned to surprise her with a traditional holiday.
My phone vibrated and even from the bed, I could see Desiree's name flashing on the small screen. Gently, as not to disturb Alexis, I untangled us and collected the phone. I glanced at her once more before slipping out of the apartment.
“Hey, Desiree,” I said into the receiver.
“Annora is at the Flowing Desire,” came Desiree's hasty reply.
I flinched. “When did she get here?”
“A few hours ago. She knows you're here in L.A. and she's fuming!”
“Who are you talking to?” Annora demanded in the background.
Her voice sent cold chills of fear down my spine
. “Let me speak with her,” I said.
“Are you sure?” Desiree asked.
I steeled myself. “I'm sure.”
I heard her cross the room. “It's Jaden,” Desiree said. “She wants to speak with you.”
“Elysian?” Annora shouted into the phone.
“Annora, wonderful to hear you're alive,” I said sarcastically.
“Save it, slave!” she commanded.
I gritted my teeth. “I'm no one's slave,” I growled.
“Maybe whore would be more fitting! I have heard about some of your little excursions. I have also heard about the gutter trash human you're running around with,” she spat.
“She isn't trash!”
“Of course she is. She is undoubtedly after your money or your immortality,” Annora said.
“You don't know anything. I love her,” I said.
Annora laughed. “You were fucking Max and James not even a month ago and now you're in love!”
“I don't care what you think and I don't have to answer to you!”
“Save it. I have enough problems to deal with. If you have not heard, we have a summit to prepare for. I’ve been placed in charge of security. Lady Marianna has reinstated all the Immortals' military forces so your presence is mandatory.”
Reinstated! My mind spun. Having to work security at the summit meant this was not going to be a quick drop by, show my face and leave kind of event. My heart ached; the summit was the last place I wanted to be—especially with Annora there.
“You're not even listening to me, are you?” she screamed.
“No.”
“Dammit, Elysian!” Annora swore.
“It's Jaden!” Anger once again filled my iced-over veins.
“You wipe the girl's memories and get your ass down here,” Annora ordered. “We have too much to do for you to be fucking around with a human!”
“Fuck off,” I said.
“Don't be naive, Elysian,” she said.
“Jaden!” I said one last time before ending the call.
The apartment door closed and I flinched. All my yelling must have woken Alexis. I slowly entered the apartment and closed the door behind me. She was sitting at the small table, her hands folded in her lap.
“How much did you hear?” I asked.
“Enough,” she said shortly.
I grimaced. “I'm sorry.” I sat across from her.
She bit her lip and I could see the questions even in her downward gaze.
“You can ask me anything,” I said.
She met my eyes. “Who are Max and James?”
“They work for Desiree. Before we were together, I would pay them for sex.” My gaze didn't leave hers.
“They're prostitutes?” she asked.
“They prefer to be called entertainers or companions,” I replied.
“Is Elysian your real name?”
“No, my mother named me Jaden. It will forever be my name. Elysian is the name Annora chose for me when I was her slave.” I tried to keep the harshness from my voice.
“Annora, she's the Immortal who turned you. The one you said abandoned you?” she asked.
I swallowed hard. “Yes.”
Alexis's face was unreadable. “And she has come back?”
I nodded.
“Are going to go back to her?” Her hands trembled.
“No,” I replied firmly.
“Are you sure?” Alexis whispered.
I stood, circled the table, and knelt beside her. “Listen to me,” I said, taking her hands and peering into her emerald depths. “I'm never going back to her. There is only one person in the world I love and want to be with and she is sitting in front of me. I'm yours for eternity.”
“Are you going to make me like you?” I could hear concern in her voice.
I was silent for long moments, surprised by her question. She looked away. “You want to!” Now I could tell she was scared.
“Do you remember when I promised to never do anything without your permission?” I asked, gently rubbing the soft skin on her hands with my thumbs.
Alexis nodded.
“I meant every word. I want you with me for all eternity, but I would never do anything to you unless it was your choice.” I intertwined our fingers.
“Is she going be at the summit?” she asked.
“Are you jealous?” I teased.
She looked down, embarrassed.
“Alexis,” I said softly.
She met my eyes.
“I'm only yours. By the Gods, I swear it.”
She sniffed and I pulled her into my arms, kissing her. “Be with me,” she said softly.
I carried her to our bed and laid her upon it. “I love you, Alexis,” I breathed.
“I love you too,” she replied.
“Truly?” I asked.
“Forever.”
Her reply filled my heart and soul with a beautiful warming joy.
I slid my hands beneath the t-shirt she was wearing and gently pulled it over her head, revealing her beautiful, naked body. My cool lips brushed hers then went to her nipple. She arched and gasped. My hand cupped her other breast, gently caressing. I parted my lips, took the nipple into my mouth, and sucked gently. She inhaled quickly, her body trembling. I released her breast, slid my hand down her soft, quivering stomach, pausing just above her silken curls, but only for the briefest of moments before venturing onwards.
Alexis arched and I found my goal. Her eyes closed and her breaths came quickly as I began a slow and steady thrust. She ground against my hand.
“Jade,” her voice whispered, her breathing labored.
Deepening my slow strokes, I returned to her lip. I felt her body tense, as my movements quickening.
“I... Jade!” She screamed and arched. Her body trembled as the orgasm moved through her in waves.
I kissed her lips then lay beside her on the bed, breathing hard. Alexis sat up and smiled at me, her hands beginning to work up my shirt. I let her pull it over my head then helped her remove my light blue jeggings, underwear, and bra.
She straddled me and I could feel her warm wetness against my cool skin. I trembled as she glided her hands along my naked flesh.
“You're very beautiful,” she whispered.
I traced her body with the tips of my fingers. “I pale in comparison to the goddess before me,” I replied, drawing a blush from her.
Warm hands cupped my breasts. I gasped and she smiled. Her lips brushed over mine. “Do you want me?”
I nodded. Her tongue traced my lips and they parted, allowing her access. She kissed me deeply as her hands wandered over my body.
She left my lips to take my nipple into her mouth. I shuddered and moaned softly. My hands went to her naked breasts, sides, and bottom, caressing every hill and valley.
Her hand trailed across my stomach then combed through my curls to part me and explore further.
“Alexis,” I begged, rising to meet her.
She entered me; I brought our lips together, my hands still touching her. Her movements were slow, gentle and maddening.
“Faster, harder, please,” I begged, grinding against her.
She complied, her mouth returned to my breast; she bit down and my climax erupted in waves of pleasure.
After, she fell into a peaceful sleep.
She awoke just before eight o'clock at night. We showered, dressed, and fed Sophia before stepping out into the too warm night.
It was as if we were the only two souls awake as we walked down the sleeping city's streets. “It's Christmas Eve,” Alexis said.
“I suppose it is.” My eyes traced at the many decorations adorning the buildings around us.
“Do Immortals celebrate Christmas?” she asked.
“Every year, Lady Marianna throws a giant Christmas party for all the Houses. Everyone who can attend gathers at the First House—a five thousand square foot estate in England. One year there were nearly a thousand of us,” I said, shaking my head.
“What?” Alexis smiled.
“We can get pretty rowdy. She doled out over two hundred reprimands that year, including one to me. I broke her dining room table.”
“You broke her table?” Her eyes widened.
“I got into a fight with someone over chess,” I said, grinning.
“You fought over a game?” she asked.
“It was an intense game!” I said defensively.
She laughed and then frowned.
“I'm guessing your parents weren't big on celebrating,” I said.
She shrugged.
“Well, we have an eternity of Christmas parties to make up for it,” I said, holding her close.
“I don't know about parties, but an eternity of Christmases with you sounds wonderful.” She leaned against me.
After we parted company, I met Desiree back at the apartment. She stood with five large boxes by her feet.
“I said, simple,” I eyed the boxes.
“This is simple,” Desiree defended, crossing her arms. “Trust me.” She picked up two of the boxes and headed up to the apartment.
Following, I carried the remaining boxes.
“See, simple!” Desiree said, handing me a vase of roses. “These go on the coffee table.”
I did as I was told. Desiree and I had a great number of things in common, but decorating was not one of them. I was good at dressing myself but a room for a party was not a skill I had or wanted.
She handed me a large box and I grimaced. “It's the Christmas tree. It should go beside a window,” she said and bit her lip in thought as she looked around.
She smiled. “We'll move your love seat over. Hopefully with the tree there it won't appear lopsided.”
I set the box down and moved it to the exact spot she designated; with Desiree, everything had to be exact. It took her three hours to feng shui my apartment when I first arrived in LA. I explained I was not staying, but she had insisted.
We set up the green plastic tree. “You really should have gotten a real one,” she said, hanging a pinecone.
I sighed and hung several red glass ornamental balls. “I know.”
We finished the tree and stepped back to admire our work. Desiree was right. It looked perfect, simple, and elegant in red, green, and gold. “Thanks, Dez.”
Jaden's Heart Page 10