It was a mantle I was proud to take up. And it wasn’t exactly like I could go back and pretend that I couldn’t play now, could I?
As O’Shea and I played through the next song, which came as effortlessly to me as the first had, I wondered if I would have been any good at the game as a human. I’d always been artistic, and musicians and artists have a lot of things in common, so I settled for deciding that I would have been able to rock out either way, even if not to the extent that I was now.
When a particularly crazy guitar solo came up, I pretended to struggle through it a little bit, missing a few notes here and there but never enough not to be believable. I kept an eye on O’Shea’s score and made sure that his was above mine just barely when the song came to an end.
“You got me,” I said in a defeated tone.
O’Shea looked at me in disbelief.
“That’s the hardest song in the game and I barely managed to take you.” He stretched out his left hand like it was sore and cramping up.
“Just barely,” I said. “I’ll get you one day.”
Then I insisted on taking a break to rest my ‘tired hands’ and took a seat on the couch. Chase and Jonas took the guitars and O’Shea took a seat at the little drums for the next one. Trey, who was holding the little microphone now, sat next to me, a big grin on his face. He covered the mic and leaned in close to my ear before whispering, “You let him win, didn’t you?”
I smiled and put a piece of popcorn into my mouth. “A girl doesn’t cheat and tell.”
He shook his head, smiling. “I knew it.”
“Hey songboy,” Chase called out. “You’re falling behind.”
Trey chuckled again and then sobered up, lifting the mic to his lips. He sang the words, although not very seriously. He was goofing off more than anything, and even though he wasn’t trying it was hard for him not to sound good. I sat back and enjoyed the entire scene: the relaxed and silly atmosphere (not something I’m exactly used to), and the popcorn (again, not something I cook up at home). But most of all, it felt good to belong to a group. And not a forced one built on vamp politics, which is really all my Brood is. Trey and his band mates were really accepting of me, even when I was stomping them in a game of Guitar Hero. I hadn’t felt that kind of acceptance in a group… well … ever.
Chapter 27
The clock on the wall in the loft of The Waking Moon read ten after midnight. I was standing at the easel, a brush in my hand, while Trey worked out a new song on his acoustic guitar. He sat on the floor with his back against the half-wall while his voice echoed around the loft.
“I lie awake
These sleepless nights can last forever
I try to take you in.
“I can’t believe …
You’re in my arms- and here with me
I pinch myself again.
“Cause I know … it’s worth it
You’re worth- whatever it takes
To make you stay.
“And I’ll show … you over and over
Every day- as long as you’ll stay
With me….”
I’d been painting him for half an hour, although of course, he had no idea that’s what I was doing. He just looked so incredible sitting there barefoot in his jeans and t-shirt cradling his guitar that I couldn’t help myself. The song was getting to me, too. It was poetic, the way words flowed from him effortlessly. Who knew I was a sucker for musicians? I’d already finished painting Trey, capturing every aspect of him from the carefree spirit in his azure eyes to the fashionably worn holes in his jeans. As I switched to a silver metallic paint to work on the details of Trey’s instrument, I struggled to shake off memories of the night before.
After hours of playing Guitar Hero two nights ago, I’d spent all day yesterday sleeping and had gone hunting after dark. Finding someone to feed from had been the easy part, but when I got close enough to get a good look at his face, I’d been surprised to discover that he had a remarkable resemblance to Trey. It wasn’t as if I’d thought it was Trey at any point. I could definitely tell the difference. But the similarities were shocking. He’d had hair just like Trey’s, and his eyes … they were the same crystal clear blue. Instead of using whatever lie of a story I had in my mind to distract him like I’d planned, I’d found myself staring at him in astonishment until he was asking if I was okay. In the end I’d mumbled something about how he might consider a career as a celebrity impersonator as I walked away.
Not exactly the ending I’d had in mind. I’d gone out for drinks with Mark afterward, trying to forget about the incident. He’d known something was bothering me, but I hadn’t explained myself and he’d been smart enough not to push the issue.
Even if Mark had been clued in to just how much time I’d been spending with Trey, which he wasn’t, I could never have explained what was running through my mind. It wasn’t the lack of feeding that was bothering me. It was the fact that I’d been so repulsed by the idea of feeding from someone who could have been Trey’s double. I’d clearly been in denial about my feelings for Trey. I just hadn’t expected those feelings to manifest in a way that would literally stop me in my tracks and cost me a meal.
The vampire in me could point out with ease all of the logical reasons why I should never see Trey again. He was only human, after all. What did he really have to offer me? The answer to that was simple, if I looked deep enough.
Freedom.
Trey was all of the things I liked to pretend I was, but could never be again. Admittedly I was getting good at going through the motions of being free spirited and adventurous but in my moonlit reality I felt trapped. A spirit like Trey’s was something I’d admired as a human, envied even. I’d tried to live like that myself, never quite managing to do it. Aden had been the free spirited one. I’d loved that about him, too. As an immortal creature, I’d hoped to finally grasp the independence I’d always strived for. I’d made the age-old mistake many of my kind make, assuming that being free from age and free of death would give me freedom in life. I’d since learned that things didn’t exactly work out that way.
The only taste of that freedom I experienced was with Trey. It was as if his innate ability to live so carefree was contagious and rubbed off on me more and more with each second we spent together. It was a powerful feeling, and not one I was ready to give up.
The blood-laced drinks Mark and I consumed had curbed my appetite but only temporarily. I’d gone out tonight and managed to feed from someone who in no way resembled Trey, or anyone else I know for that matter. One thing was certain; I seriously needed to get a grip.
Trey set his guitar down on the ground and gave an exaggerated old man groan as he got to his feet, stretching his limbs. With a few tiny strokes of a brush I finished adding the metallic paint to the likeness of Trey’s guitar on my canvas. I stepped back to admire my work as Trey sauntered over and stood next to me. I watched his face out of the corner of my eye, anxious to see his reaction.
“Wow,” he said in astonishment. “This is incredible. I didn’t realize what you were – that I was the subject.”
“It was your idea,” I responded.
He stared, open-mouthed at the painting. “Yeah, but I had no idea you would come up with something like this. You even used the metallic paints. It’s insane!”
“I’m glad you like it,” I said.
“Like it? I can’t wait to show it to the guys,” he professed. “Do you have any others, you know, from the studio?”
I gestured with a hand to my giant sketchpad. Trey picked it up and flipped through the first few pages, taking a few seconds to admire the random drawings I’d done there, including the sketch I’d done of him and O’Shea playing their guitars in the studio. I might have started to worry that he didn’t like it, but the lopsided grin on his face when he glanced up at me was answer enough.
“Let’s show the rest of the guys tomorrow,” he suggested. “Then if they’re on board we can get Wes to take your sketc
hes to the label.”
“If you say so.” I smiled back at him.
“Definitely,” he added. “Then, I’ll help you sell this on eBay so it doesn’t waste space in here,” he joked.
“And deprive some loyal, pubescent fan of the joy that would come from winning this through your fan club?” I said incredulously. “I don’t think so.”
He gave me a smile that reached his eyes and set my sketchbook down without looking away from me. He took a step forward and smiled again, that half-smile that was so full of boyish charm and sincerity. With all my inhuman advantages, I was still powerless against it. His calloused fingers gently gripped my hand as he pulled my palm to his chest where I felt every beat of his heart. It was a bold move on Trey’s part in ways he couldn’t even understand. I recognized the gesture as one of openness without needing to search his mind. Even though I was aware of the delicious blood pumping through his veins, my mouth didn’t so much as water. I gazed back at him, his blue eyes blazing, and I had to resist the intense urge not to look away for the ridiculous fear that he’d see right through me. See the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Then his lips were on mine and I lost myself, overwhelmed by the surge of Trey’s emotions as they flooded through me. I kissed him back wanting to forget my fear of being discovered, of putting him in danger, and focus only on how good it felt to be in his arms. After all, relinquishing some control was a sacrifice worth making if it meant I could continue to live in this fantasy with Trey. But the dreaded tingling in my teeth started up again and I reluctantly pulled away. Trey closed his eyes and let out a slow breath, resting his forehead against mine. It was obvious he was trying to be patient with me.
“Trey, I…” I wanted to apologize but what could I say? I’m sorry but I’m afraid my fangs might freak you out. Oh, and by the way, my eyes sort of glow in the dark when I get excited. I hope you’re cool with that?
“It’s okay,” he breathed, resting his hand on mine over his heart. I wondered how long he would put up with me pulling away like this. It was selfish of me and dangerous for us both, but I wasn’t willing to give him up. I didn’t want to lose him, or the effect he had on my spirit.
Chapter 28
I had just finished playing “Mirage” (the song I’d written at The Waking Moon) for O’Shea when I looked up and saw Aurora standing in the doorway of the sound room.
“Hey,” I said, getting to my feet.
“I think that song sounds even better today than it did last night,” she said with a smile. “If that’s even possible.”
“Probably all the paint fumes I was breathing in,” I teased.
“So that’s your secret,” O’Shea joked.
I punched his shoulder lightly and turned my attention back to Aurora. “Well, what are we waiting for? Why don’t we all head into the lounge so we can show the guys your amazing work,” I said.
She nodded, letting me take the large black art portfolio she was carrying out of her hands. O’Shea followed us to the lounge where Jonas and Chase were having a lighthearted disagreement over who had won the most medals playing Halo the night before. I managed to get their attention by clearing my throat.
“We have a matter of business to take care of here, fellas.” I pulled the painting Aurora had done of me with my guitar out of the cardboard folder. “I’m thinking ahead about the art for the new album cover and booklet.” I turned the painting around in my hands to present it to them. They eyed it thoughtfully.
“Where did this come from?” Chase raised his eyes from the painting to me.
I put my arm around Aurora’s shoulders and pulled her toward me, forcing her to step forward. She smiled and I thought I glimpsed some hesitation in her eyes. Jonas was the next to speak.
“You did this,” he stated, rather than asked. “Impressive.”
Aurora nodded. “That’s not all I have,” she added. I held up the portfolio for her and she reached into it, pulling out her sketch book. She opened it to the drawing she’d done of me and O’Shea in the studio.
“I didn’t even know you were doing this.” O’Shea took the sketch from her to look at it more closely. “That’s insanely accurate,” he observed.
“Look at this.” Jonas pointed at the larger painting I was still holding in front of me. “You even nailed the way Trey bites his lip when he plays.”
I grinned at Aurora and saw a smile stretch across her lips. “I told you they’d love your work.”
“They haven’t said they love it,” she muttered, still smiling.
“We do,” O’Shea stated. “We love it, right guys?” He jabbed Chase lightly in the ribs, causing the drummer to nod his head quickly in agreement.
“It’s actually pretty cool the way you used the metal paints and stuff,” Jonas added. “Could you do more of these for the album booklet then?”
“I don’t see why not,” Aurora said agreeably. “I was thinking individual pieces of all of you and a few group ones.”
“What about the cover?” Chase questioned.
“I’ll have to think about that a while but I know I can come up with something to suit your style. The more music I hear you guys doing from the album, the easier it will be for me to paint something representative of it for the cover.”
“Having the artist actually hear the record while they work?” Jonas scratched his chin. “Who’d have thought?”
“Sounds good to me,” O’Shea said. “So, how do we go about this?”
“Let me worry about that.” I was just satisfied that we were all in agreement. “I’ll talk to Wes.” I winked at Aurora and she smiled, nodding her head slightly. I helped Aurora put the painting back into her portfolio and we set it safely aside. I set up a chair in the live room for Aurora to sit on while the guys, Ken, and I worked out the new song. She sat, sketchbook in her lap, and continued to draw for the next two hours while we improved on the song I’d written in her loft just the night before.
A cool breeze was blowing outside when Aurora and I walked out of the studio into Karatz’s picture-perfect backyard. She followed me to my car where I put the art portfolio, containing the pieces we’d shown the guys earlier, and two new sketches she’d done tonight.
“What are you going to say to Wes?” she asked.
“That he doesn’t need to bother finding someone to do the art work. We’ve got it covered.” I gave her my best confident smile; after all, I was pretty sure Wes would go for it. “I’ll call him and let you know how it goes. I’m sure he’ll want to meet you right away.” Aurora nodded and I bit my bottom lip, trying to measure my level of courage. “There’s something I want to ask you,” I blurted out before I lost my nerve.
She pursed her lips together and gazed at me thoughtfully. “What is it?” she asked.
It was too late to turn back now. I dug the toe of my shoe into the pavement and shoved my hands in my pockets. “Well, it’s like this. The MTV Video Music Awards are coming up soon and our video for “Filtered Ache” was nominated for Best Rock Video. I hate to bore you with all the rock star stuff, but I’m hoping you’ll come with me to the awards show.” There. I’d said it. Her green eyes widened and she looked shocked. For a second I thought she was going to laugh in my face. I wouldn’t have blamed her. “I know it’s just a bunch of stuffy celebrities, but-”
“You’re asking me to go to the VMA’s with you?” There was something hesitantly optimistic in her tone. I realized I had completely misinterpreted her surprise.
I smiled. “Why not?”
“You mean red carpets and stuff?”
“It’s just one night,” I added. “And the photogs aren’t that bad when there’s a velvet rope and security to keep them at bay.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you,” she stated rather than asked.
“Of course I am. I think we even get to present an award. It’s usually a good time, and if its not, it’ll be more bearable with you by my side.” I took her hands in mine. “Just say you’ll com
e.”
She cocked her head a little to the side and gazed up at me, her piercing eyes locking with mine. She squeezed my hands gently and a soft smile spread across her perfect lips.
“I wouldn’t do this for just anybody, you know,” she teased, and I knew that I had her.
“I’ll owe you one,” I said, grinning.
“I hope I don’t regret this.” She gave me a sarcastic smile.
“Regret spending an evening with me?” I feigned shock. “Never going to happen.”
She laughed softly and I felt my heart skip a beat at the sound. I walked her to her car and opened the driver’s side door for her. She turned around, gazing up at me with questioning eyes. I bent low and brushed her lips with mine. She smiled against me and I wrapped my arms around her, not wanting to let her go just yet.
She kissed me for a moment longer than I expected, and then in her usual fashion, she pulled back. There was no mistaking that she liked it when I kissed her, but for some reason she always pulled away from me. Best I could guess was that someone had hurt her pretty bad, but she never talked about any past relationships to clue me in to what might have happened. The only plan I had was to be patient and let her learn to trust me, hoping it would all work itself out in time.
“I’ll call you,” I finally said.
She nodded and I watched as she climbed into the driver’s seat. She smiled at me as she put the car in reverse and backed out of the parking space. I waved and waited until she was out of sight before I walked back inside to confirm plans with the rest of the guys for tomorrow night’s recording session.
Blood and Guitars Page 15