by Sonya Bria
“Ian?”
He closed his eyes. “What?” he asked.
“I just wanted to…” I hesitated. Maybe I shouldn’t say it yet. I didn’t want to scare him off for good. Instead I said, “What time will you be picking me up tomorrow?”
“How about six o’clock?”
“Perfect. I’ll be ready,” I said, standing up. Ian used the front door, which was a little strange. I was growing accustomed to his leaping out my bedroom window. We touched hands as he was leaving. Little sparks were still there, humming in the background. It left me charged for lack of a better word. I really didn’t want him to leave. Conflict was written all over his face. I abruptly let go. “Sorry,” I whispered and I closed the door.
THE DANCE
The following day, I was obsessing about the dance. I didn’t really date a lot, and it had to be perfect. I couldn’t concentrate on schoolwork—my brain was totally scattered. I figured that two o’clock would be sufficient time to do everything I wanted. Em offered to come over and do my hair, but I graciously declined. Sometimes Em’s hair creations were a bit too fuzzy for my taste. Besides, she had to get ready too. Max had finally gotten a clue and asked her out. She was giddier than me, if that was at all possible. I couldn’t wait to see them and show off Ian.
I took an extra long shower, applying all sorts of creams to my skin. I had so many different fragrances going on that I smelled like a florist shop. Hopefully, it would dissipate a bit. Makeup was a total mystery to me; I didn’t wear enough to know the latest and greatest makeup trends. I decided my best feature was my eyes, so I played them up with a charcoal pencil. I loved earth tones, so warm and inviting. I had read somewhere that understated lips were back in. Good thing too seeing that I only owned lip gloss.
“What to do with my hair?” I said to my reflection in the mirror. “Up or down?” I decided on pulling up both sides with some bobby pins, and leaving a few wispy tendrils around my face. The finishing touch was the pearl earrings that my mother had given me. “Well, it could be a lot worse,” I said, as I glanced over my appearance and smoothed my dress down.
***
Ian didn’t know why he had agreed to go to a dance. He was too old for such silly traditions, but it seemed to make Sophie happy. He couldn’t deny her these rites of passage, similar to ones from his day. Teenagers! Ian never thought of Sophie as a teen. She was almost nineteen, which justified his desire for her. She had an old soul—one far beyond that of anyone’s paths he’d crossed. Ian felt confident that he could keep his appetites under control tonight. “I better,” Ian mumbled, leaning his head on the driver’s seat headrest. I hunted all night and day practically. Thoughts of Sophie were clouding his sight. Ian looked at his watch…time to fly.
***
I was so excited to see Ian that I about flew out the door when I saw him pull up in the black M3. “Grams, quick. Do I look okay?” I asked nervously, picking at some lint on my hem.
“Sophia Marie, for the tenth time, yes. I believe that Ian wouldn’t care what you are wearing,” Grams replied.
“You have to say that—you’re my grandmother,” I said, shaking my head. I swung the door open before Ian could even knock. “Hi,” I inhaled sharply. As if Ian wasn’t gorgeous before tonight. “Wow, you look amazing,” Ian said as he handed me a bouquet of flowers. “These are for you.”
They’re from the meadow, aren’t they?
“I made a little side trip on the way down,” Ian said.
I breathed in their fragrance. “They are absolutely beautiful, thank you,” I replied clearly pleased. “Shall we?” Ian said, offering his arm. I handed Grams the flowers, and we said our goodbyes. We slowly walked toward his car. Ian turned to me once we were situated and said, “Sophie, you are a vision tonight, one I don’t want to ever forget.” He brushed a kiss along my knuckles, and it sent a cold tremor down my arm.
“So where are you taking me?” I asked.
“There’s a little Italian place on Patterson that is out of the way. I was hoping for some uninterrupted time with you.” Ian winked at me.
“Sounds perfect,” I said, snuggling deeper into the soft leather seat.
We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later. It was a cute, little mom-and-pop storefront nestled amongst an antique store and a used bookseller. It looked closed. “Are we the only ones here?” I asked curiously.
“I know the owner, and let’s just say I compensated him for the time off tonight,” Ian replied off handedly.
“Sounds like a story there,” I said curiously.
“Like I said,” Ian said as he held the door open for me, “I want no distractions.”
There was a little table set in the middle of the room with candles and music playing softly in the background. It was soooo…okay…romantic! It was also very easy to simply sit and gaze across the table at Ian.
“What are you thinking?” I asked after a few minutes of silence had passed.
“That I don’t deserve you,” Ian said honestly.
“Don’t say that. Besides, it’s not up to you,” I said decisively. “I’m a big girl, and I know what I’ve gotten myself into. Let’s just enjoy the moment. Okay?”
“Okay,” Ian said, standing up. “I’ll go see what Alfonso has prepared.”
The food was delicious, but I was a bit self-conscious that I was doing all the eating. This was clearly something I would have to get over. Ian didn’t eat.
“So, I do have a couple more questions about vampires. Do you mind?” I asked in between bites of my ravioli.
Ian shrugged his shoulders, “Not at all.”
“Do you ever eat human food?” I asked.
“Does it bother you that I’m not eating?” Ian asked back.
“Um…not really,” I said lightly, “but I’m feeling like a pig right now.”
Ian laughed. “Occasionally to keep up appearances. Vampires don’t need it, and most food tastes bland.”
“Are there certain things you prefer?” I asked as I mentally prepared a list.
“Salty and spicy; strong flavors come close to what blood does for us,” Ian stated, and then paused at his faux pas. “Sorry for the comparison,” he added.
“No, that’s okay. I asked and it makes sense.”
Ian sat back in his chair, arms folded. “Is there anything else that you’re curious about?”
I laughed holding my hands up, “Nope that about covers it for now.”
***
We arrived at the dance fashionably late, and I finally convinced Ian to take the cheesy dance photo with me. I spied Max and Emily across the gym, and they waved us over. I could tell all eyes—female eyes—were on us, or on Ian I should say. He all but made the girls swoon.
You really should stop that, I projected into his mind. I think I might be the jealous type. Ian hooked his arm possessively around my shoulders. “I swear every girl is throwing fiery darts at me hoping to get a dance in with you,” I said out loud.
“Well, they’ll be waiting a long time; my dance card’s full, and I only have eyes for you.” “Soph,” Em said, hugging me. “You look amazing!”
“Thanks Em, you too! So are you having fun yet with Max?” I whispered conspiratorially. “Yes!” Emily squealed with delight.
“Good, I’m so happy for you,” I said.
“How about you?” Emily asked, elbowing me.
“Everything’s perfect.” I was so glad to be sharing this moment with my best friend.
“You better go rescue Ian. Max isn’t big on the small talk,” Emily said, pointing at the guys. “Neither is Ian,” I laughed as I headed over to him.
“I love this song. Let’s dance,” I practically had to drag Ian onto the dance floor. “Ian, the sooner you dance with me, the sooner we can bale,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Ian spun me around. “You don’t have to ask twice.”
“Wow, you do know how to dance,” I said, trying to catch my breath. “Where
did you learn that?”
“Soph, I’ve been around awhile, here and there. Perhaps a ball or two in London.”
I laughed, throwing my head back. “Then show me all your moves, big shot!”
***
Ian found it hard to concentrate on any dance steps. Sophie was absolutely breathtaking. She really didn’t know how beautiful she was. Her beauty was understated—natural. He couldn’t resist stroking her neck with her hair out of the way. He could feel her blood pulsing through her veins; it was driving him crazy. Her little caresses along his knuckles sent sparks shooting through his arms. It was as if time had stopped for both of them. The only music filtering into their joined minds was their song. That ancient melody was rich in texture and flowed through their bodies; it was as if they were floating and not dancing at all.
Do you feel it too? Sophie asked in amazement.
Yes, it’s like the air around us is charged with electric currents.
Maybe the song was trying to tell them something, they both thought simultaneously.
***
Ian’s eyes were intensely probing my face. “Do you feel it too?” I asked again.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before, Sophie,” Ian said earnestly. “I feel balanced—it’s weird. I was teetering with my blood lust tonight, and now I’m not.”
I contemplated his response. “I think we are harmonizing,” I said, trying to figure it out. “I think both of us together makes the melody richer, stronger. What do you think?”
Ian leaned down and whispered, “I think you may be right; let’s go now.” We walked out into the early night. I smiled. It was only eight o’clock. Ian had made it through an hour at the dance. He picked me up in the parking lot and held me close.
“So, what’s the plan?” I asked, snuggling into his chest.
“I thought maybe we could stroll along the beach,” Ian whispered into my hair.
“That sounds perfect, but we better hurry.”
Ian laughed. “Not a problem, I’m driving.”
THE CHASE
“Ian, this is perfect,” I said, spinning around on the beach.
Ian smiled. “I like to come here sometimes and think.” He grabbed my hand.
“You miss it, don’t you?”
Ian’s face grew sad. “I regret not being able to enjoy it like I used too.”
I tentatively delved into his past a bit more, “Do you remember much?”
“Some things more than others. It’s like…the demon inside doesn’t want me to remember the good moments of my existence.”
I squeezed his hand trying to comfort him. “Like what?” I prodded, wanting to know more about him.
“I don’t know. Places, where I’m from, sailing, fishing—things like that,” Ian stated. “Do you remember any girls?” I teased, but I really did want to know.
“None that even compare to you, Sophia Marie Flynn.” Ian squeezed my hand. It always sent a chill down my spine when he used my full name. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you, and I’ve been around awhile,” Ian said.
“Truly?” I questioned.
“Truly.”
We sat down on the beach, and I wiggled my toes in the sand. “I’ve never met anyone like you either,” I said in all honesty.
“The moon is beautiful tonight, so serene,” Ian commented, lost in the moment. “You’re shivering, here put this on.” Ian shrugged off his jacket and draped it around my shoulders. “I should have brought something out for you. I forget that the cold doesn’t bother me.”
I wrapped his jacket tightly around my frame. “I don’t want this night to end. It’s been magical,” I said, sighing.
“I know,” Ian said, pulling me in tight. “Let’s get you back where it’s warm though.”
Slowly, we made our way up the embankment, winding through the small grove of trees with clasped hands. Before meeting Ian and coming into my recent connection with nature, night in a forest would have frightened me, but oddly enough, I felt safe and at home. My mind wandered all over the place with happy thoughts of this perfect evening. I didn’t realize we’d abruptly stopped.
“Ian, what’s wrong?” I wondered with alarm. I sensed it too late. Ian pushed me—his teeth glistened as he let out a low guttural growl.
Connacher.
“Well, isn’t this a pretty picture—the beauty and the beast.” Connacher stood before us.
“What do you want?” Ian demanded.
“I think that’s obvious.”
Connacher wasn’t alone. My eyes were adjusted to the dark, and I could see two more vampires circling us from behind. “Ian,” I whispered, “what do you want me to do?”
Ian squeezed my hand. Stay still. “You can’t have her,” Ian said to Connacher. He discretely slipped me his keys. Do you know how to drive a stick? I squeezed his hand back in response. I want you to hold on tight to me, we’re going to run, Ian said quickly.
But they’re just as fast, Ian.
I need you closer to the car, Ian hurriedly replied.
I placed my hands on his shoulders, and in one fast move he hoisted me up on his back and ran. I felt myself being whipped up in a frenzy. I held on tightly and closed my eyes. Ian was tense and very cold.
“Sophie!” Ian yelled above the wind for me to hear, “when I tell you to run, run and don’t stop or look back.”
Ian, I can’t leave you here alone. They’ll kill you! I screamed in my mind.
“If you don’t, they’ll kill you first. Besides, I don’t plan on getting caught.”
I could hear the other vampires behind us in pursuit. They were like a pack of wild dogs. Intent on having me for supper or for some other nefarious reason that I didn’t want to dwell on. I could feel them reaching for my legs, trying to pry me off of Ian. I was weighing Ian down too much.
Suddenly, the vampires tackled us in the clearing by the car. Ian shoved me toward the car. RUN! he screamed in my mind.
Ian turned around and started to attack. I could hear flesh ripping and teeth gnashing. I wanted to retch as I fumbled with the keys and door handle. I felt sick from the violence and knowing Ian was out numbered. Before I could get into the car, I felt my hair being ripped back. I screamed. Connacher had found me.
“Sophie!” Ian yelled as Connacher snickered and dragged me through the woods. I tried to fight at first, but the pain in my arms and legs was excruciating. My evening attire was no match for the underbrush on the forest’s floor. I could feel blood seeping from my body, not sure where it was coming from. Connacher pulled me up; I was somewhere in and out of consciousness. I felt his snake-like hands on my body as he licked blood off my neck.
He whispered, “I can see why Ian wants you for his own. Your blood is delectable.” Connacher smacked his lips in satisfaction.
“What do you want?” I stammered, tears spilling freely.
“I want you, but at the moment, I want Ian more. You are the bait.”
I cried, “What?”
Connacher laughed, “He still hasn’t told you? Ian deceived me, and I don’t take betrayal lightly.”
I was shaking from the cold, the pain and the sickening feeling developing deep in the pit of my stomach.
“By now Ian is blood trailing,” Connacher whispered, lapping at my neck; the cold-like vapors pierced my aura. “Do you know what a vampire does when they blood trail?” I was afraid I already knew the answer. Ian was already pushed to the edge being with me. Tasting my blood would be too much.
No, I thought to myself.
“Listen!” Connacher hissed. “He’s here.”
Suddenly, Ian came crashing through the trees. He was all vampire—at his worse. I slumped to the ground and watched helplessly as Ian and Connacher squared off. They were like animals fighting over territory and prey. I didn’t recognize my Ian, but I could see his thoughts. Ian was struggling to remain. That was all I needed—hope. If we could hold onto that, we’d survive, both of us. I was angry at myself, Deird
re, the gods and fate!
“This is not what I choose!” I screamed.
Both vampires stopped in their struggle and looked at me. Connacher reached me first. He toyed with me in front of Ian. My anger fueled my aura. I wanted Ian back. I really didn’t know how I did it, but light and tiny sparks of electrical currents burst out of my fingertips. I felt stronger. Momentarily stunned, Connacher released me. His skin was burning. It was all Ian needed to attack. Confused by the turn of events, Connacher fled into the woods. He really was a coward. However, Ian was still fully vamped and circling me. He won’t touch me either, I thought sadly. The light dissipated with my changing mood, and I fell to the ground unconscious.
***
Ian didn’t dare touch her after seeing the effects of her power on Connacher. Crouching down low by Sophie, he could smell the blood caking her limbs. The demon inside of him was raging for a taste of her bloodied body. Somehow, he managed to carry Sophie back to the car and drive back to his cabin. It was a struggle. When Connacher had dragged her off, Ian could almost feel his lifeless heart being ripped from his chest. He was only fueled by the need to keep her safe. He surmised that he’d given into the rage if only temporarily to defend her. Was that justification enough? He saw that she had feared him, and that frightened Ian more. Not having Sophie lovingly look at him…that would be damnation. Ian carried her into his cabin and gently laid her on his bed. She’d probably be embarrassed if he bathed her wounds, and he didn’t know if he could manage it. That part of her hadn’t been shared yet, but he could only imagine what lie underneath her tattered dress. He retrieved a washcloth, warm water, and began to clean her up. Sophie’s eyes fluttered open.
***
Ian was washing me…beyond humiliation…so not how I wanted this night to end. I pressed my fingers gingerly to my temples, “Is he gone?” I could tell Ian wanted to grab and not let go, but he wasn’t sure if I was hurt anywhere else.