by Desiree King
"Oh I was at a tattoo shop when we were in California and he was there. We got talking and he offered me the opportunity." I answered nonchalantly.
"You got it?" Jenny laughed jumping onto the bed. I laid back on the bed and pushed down the hip of my little gym shorts to show her the fresh ink.
"That was so stupid!" Lynn snapped from her seat.
"Why?" I asked.
"Alex, you got a tattoo of a symbol that you don't even know what it means because you had it in a dream," she lectured on.
"It's easily covered. Damn, calm down." I was really getting tired of listening to Lynn’s shit.
"Are you keeping that a secret too?"
"No, I'll show Joey now if you will leave it be." I snapped back
It was almost two weeks later when I saw those pictures again, but this time it would be with one of the people I prayed to keep them from.
Jacob just walked into my room waving a guitar magazine in his fist.
"Thanks for knocking!" I snarled looking up from my book.
"Wow…you…um look so hot right now." He spoke up closing the door behind him.
"Stay away! In fact go right back out that door." I said sitting up on my bed.
"Alex come on we don't have to fight."
"You're only saying that because you think I'll give you some ass." I put my hands on my hips.
"Come on baby…I love you!" Jacob said crossing the room in slow steps.
"I don't believe you!" I shot back, getting to my feet.
"Alex…look at me!" Jacob said grabbing my face in between his hands, and making me meet his eyes.
"Jake…Please…" I begged, tears falling down my cheeks.
"Why are you still mad at me?"
"I'm not…" I sobbed.
"Then what's wrong?"
"I'm afraid okay!" I said as he took his hands away.
"Of what?" Jacob asked
"Every time we get close you break my heart."
"I won't this time it's for good…you promised to be my other half only a year ago…to live forever as my wife." Jacob wrapped his arms around my waist. "Do you take it back?"
"No…I just need some space…"
"How much? This much?" He said pulling me closer.
"Jacob you promised not to get in the way. I would have 3 years to find love and if I did, you would let me go do my own thing, but if not I'd take you back and we'd both do our best to make each other happy."
"I'm not getting in the way."
"How do you know," I asked.
"Alex you're a terrible liar. You’re not seeing anyone. You haven't gone out in almost 6 weeks, I miss you baby."
"I miss you too."
"Do you still love me?"
"Yes…"
"Kiss me," He whispered getting closer, I looked up into his face to meet his lips, a soft brush of lips like wet silk against my mouth. As his kiss grew stronger, so did his grip on my waist. I could feel the press of his fangs against my lips. His mouth opened as his tongue brushed against mine and I felt a shiver run over my skin. That shiver was his power rippling down my body. It felt like waves of heat, his skin was cool to the touch. He had not fed tonight.
"Jacob…" I said voice breathy.
"Yeah?" He asked pushing my hair behind my shoulder.
"Did you come here for blood?"
"No…" Jacob smiled backing away, "but I wouldn't say no."
"Lay down on the bed." I smiled walking away, into my bathroom.
"Okay…" He smiled and pulled his black tank top over his head and kicking his shoes off. I walked into the bathroom grabbing the robe on the back of the door. When I walked back out into the bedroom it was dark except for a few lit candles. I closed the door behind me and Jacob was nowhere to be seen but he could do that…disappear into the shadows at the blink of an eye.
"Jacob," I whispered into the darkness when I suddenly felt his hands wrap around my waist and untie the silk cord at the center.
"You sure?" He whispered against my hair.
"Yes…" I smiled as he slipped the silk off my shoulders. The waves of power coming off him were getting stronger. "Do you smell me…?" I sighed as his hands cupped my breasts.
"Did you cut yourself for me…trying to tease me?" He almost growled the words.
"No…no cuts," I answered and he froze pressed tight against my body.
"But…I can smell fresh blo…" He cut himself off and in that silence ran his hand down my stomach and slipped his hand between my legs.
It was only a few hours together but it was like we were never part. The bliss almost made us always forget that this was a huge mistake. It's not what I really wanted. Regardless of the fact that we did not have sex, blood giving was always an extremely passionate experience and left me exhausted and weak. I slipped into deep sleep in his arms like none of the unfortunate incidents of the past had ever really happened.
Chapter 4
California
The men had to meet to make some decisions about the new album. Johnny, David and Victor walked into the board room looking like the wild rock stars they were, especially as they entered the room full of suits. Victor as the director and brains of operation took the seat at the head of the table with Johnny and David on either side.
"Good morning gentlemen, let’s get started. Our new album is all in one vein so the visuals for the art, the tour and videos need to be extremely similar." Victor stood over all the men.
"What do you mean?" The art director spoke carefully.
"Well think of it as a play and I'm the director…" Victor answered as Johnny set up the slide show.
"I have every movement planned to perfection…I think." Victor laughed to himself, "I would like to use the videos as acts in a play to punctuate the album, all cover art or symbols like leaflets."
"Okay…How do you intend to make these ties?" The producer asked.
"I would like to hire one girl for everything…Poster's, video, stage…everything," Victor answered.
"Are we thinking this to save money or is this going to cost us?" The producer asked.
"I believe it will save us money." Victor answered.
"So how will we find the lucky girl?" One of the men asked.
"Yes, will we hold auditions or will you simply invite applicants?" another asked.
"I've already chosen I just have to ask her if she's interested." Victor shocked everyone in the room even his band mates.
"Who?" David spoke up.
"Alexandria…" Victor stammered.
"What are you talking about?" Johnny asked.
"I've already talked to Mike about this and he trusts me to do what I want." Victor continued.
"Wait…wait…who?" David asked again.
"I want Alexandria Summerland for the job." Victor was adamant at his end of the board room.
"Why? What does it matter?" Johnny asked confused.
"Because she is smoking hot, of everyone here I thought you would be one of the few not to argue." Victor spoke quickly.
"Wait…wait let’s talk this out." The producer spoke up.
"Okay!" The three rock stars agreed in unison.
"Victor, explain your thinking please." The producer spoke calmly.
"Okay look we need a hot young girl who needs worldwide exposure to put in our video."
"But why her in particular…We could get any sexpot in the world even a few who would take their clothes off for free." David argued.
"We would get more attention by choosing her." Victor insisted.
"Why?" Johnny asked.
"Right now she is like the America's sweet heart type, sweet and hot. Also her brother is famous for being a wholesome post boy band actor. She is an unlikely choice. That alone will make headlines."
"Vic, are you sure that the real reason you want her is not because she is a publicly single innocent white witch?" Johnny asked with a laugh.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Victor sounded offended.
"He
y guys can we have some space?" David spoke up and instantly the other men stood and left, leaving David, Johnny and Victor sitting around the board table.
"Alright let's talk about all this." David spoke smoothly.
"Okay…I think the only reason he wants this girl is for personal gain." Johnny spoke carefully.
"As future ruler of your pack my personal gain is also pack gain." Victor sat up as he spoke with almost a regal air in his voice.
"How can filling your bed be for the pack?" David was confused.
"I need to find a lupa. And rather than name a bride who could not bare my children, I would much rather find a queen like my mother, a sweet and beautiful witch to rule by my side." Victor spoke as the prince he was in secret.
"That is stretching this a bit thin. Isn't it my prince?" David answered politely.
"Okay lets drop the formality I know my father insists on it but it drives me crazy." Victor groaned obviously becoming annoyed.
"Agreed!" Johnny and David said at the same time.
"So are you just bored?" Johnny asked straight out.
"No…yes…damnit, I don't know…" Victor said and began pacing.
"Vic man, what's wrong?" David laughed watching him.
"I can't get her out of my head." Victor said slowing in front of the window.
"You've never met this girl." Johnny said a little too eloquently.
"Yes…I have." Victor answered staring out the window.
"What? When?" David was shocked.
"She came into Lisa's studio last month to get her first tattoo. I held her hand during the worst of it and talked with her for a distraction." Victor smiled out the window thinking back.
"What did she get?" Johnny asked.
"Some symbol on the inside of her hip." Victor answered still staring out the window.
"What about Lisa? She is not going to take being replaced very well." David asked.
"She'll get over it…I'll wait to tell her till I'm sure. If it works out the way I think it will than she'll get over it or get out." Victor replied finally turning to face the other two men.
"Alright let's go for it we'll get her contact info and see if she'll do the gig then go from there." David answered and looked to Johnny for approval.
"Okay." Johnny gave.
"Great, bring 'em back!" Victor smiled.
Chapter 5
Orlando
"Good morning sweetie?" Jenny smiled pulling the covers back to expose my head where I was hiding from the morning.
"Go away!" I groaned.
"Get up. you've been in this bed way too late." She laughed till I turned over.
"What time is it?" I asked before I really met her eyes.
"Alex, OH MY GOD!" Her face was shocked.
"What?" I asked watching the terrified look on her face.
"You look terrible! He did it again!" Jenny was angry.
"Jenny, I let him."
"Why? I thought the blood lust was the reason you decided you didn't trust him." She was confused.
"Jenny," I didn't know what to say so I sat up. "What time is it?" I was surprised by the sunshine coming through the windows usually I would lose a full day and wake almost exactly 24 hours after I fell asleep from the blood giving.
"3 pm Wednesday." She answered.
"Almost 40 hours and you're the first person to check on me." I was amazed.
"He cleaned his plate." She frowned.
"He was here last night that's why no one came to check on me? Everyone knew he fed on me Monday night so I was expected to sleep through to last night."
"Yes." She answered.
"I'm pissed…" I said meeting her eyes. "How do you know I didn't wake and feed him again? Did he tell you? Was he worried about me?"
"No, he wasn't worried, he told me yesterday that you seemed weak Monday night like you hadn't fed in a while but didn't say anything and that he wasn't aware of the problem before it was too late."
"What's your point?" I asked.
"He came to my room last night…well early this morning and said if you weren't up before he rose to come and make you get up." Jenny answered.
"Whatever." I groaned and got out of bed.
"Alex…You need to feed this is dangerous." Jenny cautioned.
"Oh don't worry I will." I smiled.
"Okay, um…I'll leave…" And she was gone.
I got to the window, a little shaky, but I got there and started to sing quietly. Within moments I could feel the energy of random love around me, I could feel the energy fill me, rejuvenate me. I was feeling better already. As much as I hated to admit it they were both right I had waited too long to feed, but feeding on lust and love was not very conducive to trying to live a normal life.
I showered and dressed, trying to relax enough to work on my drawings again when my cell phone started to ring.
"Hello…" I answered the phone.
"Alexandria?" The deep, smooth voice on the other end questioned.
"That's me…Who is this?"
"It's Victor Greene..."
"Oh um, hi what's up?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even and not to giggle like a little girl.
"I have a job offer for you if you're interested." Victor answered.
"Really? What kind of job?" I asked.
"Well, we have a new album coming out and I have a vision for this one. Almost like acts in a play. You would be the model for the art, 5 videos and live shows… maybe something on the tour."
"Where would all this be taking place?" I asked.
"Here in L.A." Victor answered.
"Well that's gonna be a problem." I answered.
"Why?"
"Joey sold his house in L.A. We're in Orlando. Joey would never let me stay in L.A. by myself." I answered.
"I can set you up to stay with one of us, and I'll talk to Joey about it. We'll cover all expenses while you're under contract and keep your brother in on everything." Victor explained.
"I don't know…I mean I would love to do it, but Joey will never let me." I spoke carefully.
"Is he there?" Victor asked.
"Yeah."
"Good…I want you to hang up and go tell him about it then if he says no I'll talk to him."
"Alright Victor."
"Call me Vic."
"Okay…Vic, I'll try."
"Talk to you in a few."
We both hung up and I headed for the pool where Joey sat. I walked out to see Joey sitting in the pool with Chris, Amber and Ashley.
"Hey sleepy head…What's up?" Joey asked as I walked over and sat on the edge of the deck.
"Joe…I need to talk to you." I answered carefully.
"Do I have to get out of the pool?" Joey asked.
"No…I'm cool."
"What's up?"
"I got an offer of a huge modeling job."
"That's great, what is it?" Amber asked.
"5 videos, cover art, the works." I beamed.
"Who's the band?" Joey asked.
"I'm not sure, he did not say." I avoided the question.
"Alex, what band?"
"I don't know."
"Who is he?" Joey changed the question.
"Victor Greene…" I gave finally.
"No!" Joey answered almost instantly.
"But Joe!" I argued.
"No…I've seen their videos and live footage. I know how they work."
"Joey…Victor is the only one who is not married with kids not to mention he is eight years older than me. Nothing like that is gonna happen. If you want you can talk to him." I was not giving up.
"No! Alex…"
"If you want you can talk to him."
"I still don't think it's a good idea."
"He even said he would cover all my expenses while I was in L.A." I fired back.
"L.A.! Now it's definitely a no."
"Please Joe…Just talk to Victor."
"Fine…Get him on the phone." Joey caved and I turned and ran into the house to dial.
"No, but he'll talk to you." I replied.
"Well, I guess that's something." Victor laughed, "Go ahead and give him the phone." I turned around to find Joey standing behind me.
"Here…" I handed Joey the phone.
"Hello Mr. Greene…This is Joey." He took the phone from me.
"Call me Vic…"
"Okay Vic what's the draw here?"
"Right to the point…I like that!" Victor was surprised.
"You're running your time short."
"Sorry…well we would like to hire your sister to be the image for our new album, videos, art, the whole shebang."
"Why Alex?"
"I met her before and really dug her personally and she's hot."
"So this is a case album?"
"Yeah…"
"What about where she would be staying?"
"Well that's up to you she could stay at a hotel, someone you know or even with one of us."
"Which one of you…"
"Pick one other than Mike, being ill she may not be entirely comfortable there."
"Okay, one rule keep her away from Johnny, and she can do it but I want to know everything that's going on." Joey answered, "And I want you to come get her. I want to meet you."
"Great, I'll be there in the morning." Victor answered and hung up.
I stood, waiting and Joey turned slowly to face me and seeing the tension in my body he played it out as long as he could, then handed me my phone and walked out. I was on his heels and once he got back to the pool all eyes were on him. He stopped, looked around at everyone then spoke, "He'll be here in the morning."
"Cool…" I was able to squeak out not trusting my voice to continue I ran to my room. Only an instant after I closed my bedroom door the tiny phone in my hand rang again.
"Hi…" I answered after checking the caller I.d.
"Hey…" Victor answered, "I was hoping to talk to you a little before I get there, is that okay?"
"Sure…what about?" I was grinning from ear to ear.
"Well, in the 2nd video we will be very intimate and I think it would be easier if we were friends and comfortable with each other before then." Victor spoke so matter of factly.
"Okay…What's your favorite color?" I asked without hesitation.
"What?"
"What's your favorite color? It's a very important question."
"That depends…are you gonna do something depending on my answer?"