by Lila Rose
“Are you all right, Leila?” Gregory asked. He’d come to stand beside me as I watched the others move from the table into the living room.
“Yeah, all good. Thank you for cooking tonight.”
He smirked. “Isaac suggested it. He said you hadn’t eaten properly for a long time.”
God, why did he have to tell me that? My heart just melted at the thought of Isaac even thinking of doing something like that. No, stop those mushy thoughts.
“Yeah? Well, I’ve taken care of myself for a long time and I haven’t starved.”
Gregory looked at me, puzzled. He glanced to Jezanna who started the dishes. Only she stopped and left the room after Gregory gave her a slight nod.
“What has caused this sadness in your eyes? Is it because Isaac cares?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
Sighing, my gaze went to the floor. “No, ah, maybe. Only trouble comes when people care. I’m not used to any of this, and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed to have my house full of people. Tell me, Mr Grey—”
“Call me, Greg,” he said.
“Greg.” I smiled. “What happens when Hamish and Seraphine come back saying they couldn’t catch Freckles?”
“Isaac will probably want to leave.”
“That’s what I thought. So how can I become too attached when there could be the possibility you’ll all leave? I know what you’re going to say, I can come with you, but I won’t. Like I’ve said, it’s not in my nature to run from trouble. I’ve never ran. People run from me.”
“Ahh, now we’re getting somewhere. I think the true problem is that you’re worried about the more time you spend with us, the more you will care. Then you think we eventually won’t like what we see in you and we’ll leave you.” He paused. “Like your parents.” Tears ran down my cheeks as Greg placed his arm gently around my shoulders and continued, “Leila, I could never come up with a reason why your parents did that to you, but you have to know we’re not like them. Isaac saw something in you right from the start. He knew you were to be a part of this family. He saw it. Jezanna saw it. I have seen it, and Jeremiah eventually saw it. As you’ve said to us before, you’re now stuck with us.”
No words came to mind, so I nodded. Scared I’d break down and show how true I thought his words were.
“Leila, what’s wrong?”
Great, just what I needed.
Wiping at my face, I looked up to meet Isaac’s concerned expression. I gave him a half smile; it was all I could manage.
“Nothing, all peachy-keen in here.”
“But you…” he started until Gregory shook his head at him. “All right. I was wondering if you would like to go for a run with me?”
I could have, and maybe I should have, used the excuse of being tired from running all day. However, the night air, open woods and sounds of nature were calling to me and maybe it would help me clear my mind.
“Sure, sounds great. Are the others coming?” I pushed away from the bench and Gregory, but not before I gave his hand a squeeze in thanks.
“No. It will only be the two of us.”
My stomach dipped and my heart perked up in attention.
“Don’t forget me,” Darik said, coming to stand beside Isaac. “Only, I’ll be busy watching out for your arses.” Isaac spun his head to his friend. “Not literally, of course. Sorry, Sire, but you don’t do it for me.”
Shaking his head, Isaac smiled. “I’m pleased. Gregory, Jezanna and Jeremiah have been given a lift home by Caelen. They asked me to tell you both goodnight.”
“Ah, yes. Well, I’ll just clean up here and head off myself.” Greg nodded.
“Adan will be driving you home.” Isaac informed him.
“Thanks, son. Have fun running.”
“I’ll just go and change.” I went to step away until Isaac spoke.
“Leila, I was thinking for tonight you should stay in your human form. I would like to see how fast you are.”
Thinking nothing of his request, I teased, “Faster than you, vamp boy.” My mood was already stepping up as the adrenalin and anticipation kicked in. I took off out the back door.
I heard Darik’s laughter behind me before he said, “She cheats. I like her.”
Chapter Eleven
I knew I was fast as a human, maybe not as quick as when I was in feline form, but nearly. Though, it didn’t take long for Isaac to catch up. Within seconds, he was beside me and I could tell he was holding back. Instead of pushing, he kept pace with me.
What surrounded me was another reason I couldn’t leave my house, the woods. I’d miss it all too much. They were the only stable things in my life.
Arh, there I go again with more deep thoughts. All thoughts that played with my emotions. Usually, I never overthought things. The only time I did was… Oh, of course, it was nearly that time of the month.
Great, just what I needed.
Oh, God. Could vampires tell when it came? Could they smell it? How freaking embarrassing and gross. What about Jezanna? Did she have to deal with the same thing every month? I needed to know, because if she did, at least then she could suggest how I was going to be around vampires for a week while my twat bled.
With my brain on other matters, I wasn’t concentrating on where I was going. Next, I was flying through the air, because I was stupid enough to trip on a fallen tree branch laying on the ground. My face would have kissed the dirt floor if it wasn’t for two strong arms circling my waist. Isaac turned me in midair to take that fall for me. His back hit the rough ground and I ended up landing on top of him, my hands against his chest, my whole body flush against his. I looked down into his eyes and couldn’t stop the gasp escaping. His eyes had bled to all black.
“Sorry,” I muttered. I went to get up, only his grip tightened around my waist, pulling me closer.
“Wait, please,” he begged. Maybe I scraped myself and he could smell my blood and was finding trouble gaining control.
No. I was wrong.
Isaac’s hands let go of my waist. Instead, he placed them upon the sides of my face, drawing my head down to his. A part of my mind was screaming, Yes. Yes. Yes. Then another was yelling, Crap. Crap. Crap. Because it wouldn’t be good. I knew after one more taste of Isaac, I’d be addicted for life.
However, I didn’t have the willpower to move away.
Before our lips touched, Darik jumped out of the darkness, landing beside us. Isaac let out a low growl. I sighed and placed my forehead against Isaac’s chest, frustrated.
Damn, he smells so good.
“Sire, we have company. In the woods a few metres over are men with guns.”
Isaac had us both standing within seconds. It was as if he just floated up.
“What are they?” Isaac demanded.
“I scented humans with a tinge of vampire, so they could be minions. I didn’t want to get close to them just yet. Not until I informed the both of you. I would like to go back and assess the situation. I thought the two of you should leave, go home and I’ll take care of them.”
Isaac ground his teeth together. He didn’t like the idea, I could tell, but he nodded. “Yes, all right. Leila, let’s head back.”
“Wait, it’s probably just the Davidsons. They like to hunt in this area.”
“Let Darik find out. If it is them, we have nothing to worry about.”
Without another word, he scooped me up into his arms and started running. I’d been right before; he had been holding back. After a minute of leaving Darik to fend for himself, which I didn’t like, we stood at my back door.
Glowering up at Isaac, I noticed his eyes had changed back to his usual deep green. “We should have stayed with Darik. What happens if he gets hurt?”
“He won’t.”
“Maybe you don’t care enough and want to run, but I’m not like that. I stand my ground and fight.” Annoyed, I turned away and looked out into the woods. Only, I was pissed and ready for a fight, so I looked back to Isaac. Every
thing deflated once I saw the look of pain in Isaac’s features. His jaw clenched. He breathed deeply through his nose and his eyes held a hardness in them.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean it. I know you have to protect yourself by not getting into mindless trouble.”
He spoke with venom in his voice, “I don’t care for myself, Leila. You are nearly the last of your kind. I can presume this true from what Mervin said. He thought your kind had all been killed. So I will not have you playing around with your life and stand to fight beside Darik when I know he is more than capable of taking care of the matter on his own.”
My hands went to my hips. I was back to glaring at him. “You will not have? Really, Isaac Grey?” Flopping my arms up and down in frustration, I said, “Just go. You make me so mad sometimes.”
“Likewise,” he snapped, and with that, he grabbed me and kissed me.
My brain shut down, my body taking over. All the blood rushed to my head, making me dizzy in ecstasy. My stomach was bursting with excitement. I couldn’t get enough, so when Isaac pulled me closer, placing his hands securely around my waist, I reached up with one hand and ran my fingers through his soft, silky hair, deepening the kiss. How can a guy have such wonderful hair? So unfair. Focus, Leila, at least you’re kissing this god.
A moan escaped both of us, all of my worries evaporating. It was more than I could have dreamed of. It was definitely not a sisterly kiss; it wasn’t even a friendship kiss. It was more and I liked it. A lot.
Everything around us disappeared. Time insignificant as we stood there kissing, tasting and teasing each other.
I wanted to stay there forever, with Isaac completely surrounding me.
Still, he may not have to breathe, but I did, and regrettably, I had to pull back from his luscious lips. Resting my forehead against his shoulder, I breathed deeply. I was happy to hear he was having the same trouble. I couldn’t help but laugh.
Isaac groaned. “That is not the response I was hoping for.”
“No,” I started and looked up at him, heat suffusing my cheeks. “It was really mind-blowing,” I confessed and wished I could take it back. Mind-blowing, that’s the best you can do? How dicky.
Isaac smirked, only it fell away as he ran the back of his fingers down the side of my face. “I should have never started that game with you, Leila. Because right from the start, I never wished to pretend with you.”
I was sure he heard my heart skip a beat.
Licking my suddenly dry lips, I gulped and asked, “Really?”
“Is it so hard to believe I find you attractive and want to be with you?”
Oh, God, if he keeps talking like this, I’m going to start hyperventilating.
“Yes, it kinda is.”
“Do you not want this?”
“Heck yes, I want this,” I burst out. However, I couldn’t help saying, “But you could have any girl, why me?”
“No other has shown me so much, in such little time as you have. I find you fascinating, strong, smart, sarcastic, sweet, caring.” He grinned. “And I’m sure I’ve only seen a little part of yourself.”
“You forgot pig-headed, stubborn, distrustful, and that’s only to name a few.”
He laughed as he cupped the back of my neck. His eyes searched my face before his smile grew. “I was being kind. I know you’re all of those as well, but they’re what makes you you.” He paused. “Who I care for completely.”
Lost for words, because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The wonderful man in front of me wanted me. Cared for me. Therefore, instead of saying anything, I practically jumped him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and threw myself at him, his lips. He stumbled back a few steps, but managed to right us both, and with the same passion and desire I was feeling, he kissed me back.
Until the back door opened.
Breaking from the kiss, I glared at the person who interrupted us. Xavier. “If this keeps happening, no one can stop me from killing,” I grumbled.
Isaac smiled down at me, gave me one last peck on the lips and turned to Xavier while I stood at his side.
“What’s wrong?”
“Master, Darik called. He tried reaching you telepathically, but you’re shut tight. There were more than he thought. He needs some help.”
Isaac stiffened and asked, “Is Adan not back yet?”
“He not long left, but I called. He’s coming back.”
“You must help Darik then,” Isaac ordered.
Xavier looked torn. “Master, I can’t leave the two of you unguarded.”
“He’s right,” I said. “I’ll go.” Before Isaac could refuse, I grabbed him, kissed him quickly and took off.
“Leila!” Isaac bellowed in rage behind me. “Go after her, Xavier.”
“I can’t. I must stay with you— No, Master, you must stay here.”
“I’ll be okay,” I yelled. “Stay with Xavier. Besides, this is just another reason you care for me.” I smiled when I heard his growl of fury.
While running, I shed my clothes and started the change. I was going to be exhausted later. Two shifts in one day would wreck me.
Still, worry drove me forward, my concern for Darik real. I couldn’t deny the excitement, though, which coursed through my veins, pushing my blood hard through my system in eagerness. I was ready to play. I pumped my legs faster.
No one would die that night, not if I had anything to do with it, especially after receiving a kiss that rocked my world.
I heard the clashing of swords before reaching the area. Jumping into the trees, I silently edged my way towards the fighting bodies. Looking down, I took in what was occurring. Darik was outnumbered. There were six big, strong forms and all were having a turn at attacking Darik. He was exceptional at protecting himself from their attempts at eliminating him. However, he didn’t have the chance to attack.
Opening my shields, I searched and discovered four were vampires and two were humans. The humans must have been the ones Darik had seen earlier.
One managed to get through Darik’s defences and slashed him across the chest. It was time for me to join in the fun.
Leaping from the tree, I landed straight onto a vampire’s back and tore his throat out.
Do not swallow, Leila. Do not let one drop in your stomach or it will be the end of you. I didn’t want to risk it in case another vampire had the ability for their blood to be poisonous to me, like Freckles had.
Having bitten so deeply, my opponent’s head fell to the ground and the rest of him turned to ash before me. I didn’t have time to contemplate it. I bounded to the ground through the remains of the vampire. Surprise flicked through my mind when no one noticed my appearance. Though, I took it as an advantage and jumped onto the one who was making leeway with Darik, who had scored another gash across his chest. The vampire jolted with shock when he felt weight upon his shoulders. I didn’t give him any time to act. I unsheathed my long, sharp claws and slashed though his neck with ease. Another one down, four more to go.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Darik fumed.
I hoped from his tone he wasn’t another one who hated being helped by a ‘mere’ female.
Ignoring him, I turned my attention back to what was happening around us. One of the humans had decided to run; that only left three. There was no way I was killing a human, so I ran toward a vampire. Fear flashed through his eyes. He took a couple of steps back before he prepared himself in a fighting stance. As I lunged into the air for his face, he pulled his sword out from behind him with lightning speed. In midair, I turned my body to the left and landed on the ground, barely missing his attack. He fell upon my back before I could adjust my footing. I arched, kicking my hind legs up. His arms tightened.
Twisting and turning, so he wasn’t able to get his sword under me to stab it in, I prayed all his attention was on trying to stay alive.
The next second, I felt the weight lift from me. I turned in time to witness Adan cut off the vampire’
s head, turning the rest of him to dust. Which, might I add, fell over me. I sneezed and glared up at Adan.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled.
I felt Darik’s anger before he stalked over to us, noticing he’d taken care of his two other opponents. “Shit, Leila. What in the hell do you think you’re doing? Huh? You aren’t supposed to be here. You could have gotten yourself killed!” he screamed.
I snorted. He was overreacting.
“Why did she come? Where were you?” Darik turned his anger to Adan realising he wasn’t going to get an answer out of me. There was no way I was going to connect to his mind when he was gunning for a fight.
“Doing what I was asked. I was told to drive my master’s father home. I only just got back and came out here.” Adan sighed. “Come on, we’d better head back.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Just thank the Lord we’re bringing her back in one piece.”
We walked back in silence. Along the way, Darik picked up the clothes I’d thrown off in my hurry. I was happy I was still in my cat form, because when he picked up my underwear and smiled brashly down at me, I knew my face would’ve been glowing red.
Adan opened the back door for me. I walked through and found Isaac pacing the floor, while Xavier and Gregory waited patiently, sitting at the kitchen table.
Isaac stopped, turned to face me and zoomed over. Yes, zoomed, because I didn’t actually see him move. One minute, he was near the table, and the next, he was kneeling down in front of me. He rubbed his hands all over me, searching for any kind of injury. After finding none, he grabbed my head in his hands and forced my eyes to his.
“Leila Morgin, do not make me feel this way again—”
“Truly, sweetheart.” Gregory sighed. “He was on the verge of killing Xavier for keeping him here when we came in.”
“She fought gracefully, Sire. It was an honour to see it,” Darik solemnly said.