The Forbidden Chapters Part 1: Afterlife Saga

by Stephanie Hudson

“Just let it go…trust me Keira, I have you.” The second he said this I realised that he must have known all along. He must have known what his actions would cause and as he gripped me closer towards him, it felt like he would never let me go. He sucked harder, taking in my blood and feeding on me like some wild beast. This thought alone was enough to trigger something inside of me and my body responded to the possessive act by doing as he commanded…by…

  Letting go.

  I suddenly threw my head back and screamed out my release into the night, my body unable to contain itself bucked and jerked in his hold. My core tensed and convulsed over and over as the rest of my body continued to shake in his arms.

  “Ssshh, calm…calm now.” He cooed into my hair, holding my head to his chest as I hadn’t realised but he had left my neck and had shifted me, so that he could hold me close in his lap. I was panting into his wet t shirt trying to catch my breath and he took deep breaths, prompting me to do the same.

  “Deep breaths, that’s it, good girl,” he whispered, gently stroking back my hair and I had to admit, that in all my life I had never experienced such a moment as this before.

  I had never felt so safe.

  So, treasured…so...

  So, wanted.

  AUTHOR’S INSIGHTS

  Chapter 33 – Book 1

  Now in this next part I must point out that it doesn’t follow on from the first part of the chapters given to you in this book. The reason for this is that I cut a huge chunk of the book out, (twice) as I decided to change the direction as to where it was heading. So, I rewrote it from the point of where Keira is working the VIP for the first time. This means that the following chapters for you to read, lead on from the original book, the one you all have read.

  This is one of those chapters that carried me away to a place in the book I was desperate to get to, which was Keira in Draven’s arms sooner, rather than the later it became. But unfortunately, I decided to rewrite the chapter as I found it hard to follow on from this point the way I wanted to. I did however want Keira and Draven to have their first argument, as by this point they both needed to release the mounting tension and get out some of that frustration they both felt towards each other.

  So instead, I wrote Keira leaving the club with Malphas and being followed by Vincent. This way he could issue his warning and inform her that her presence was demanded the next day by Draven.

  This also meant she could still have her heart to heart with Jack, where she finds out about his ‘Missing Girlfriend’. And of course, have even more to throw in Draven’s face when they finally get their explosive moment.

  This version goes a little differently though but I do hope you enjoy it all the same, I know I did when writing it, wink, wink…

  (Jack has just been kicked out of Afterlife and Keira is going upstairs to demand why from Draven...fuelled by a little too much liquid courage that is.)

  Chapter 33

  Halloween Heartbreak.

  Book 1

  “Draven wants to see me,” I said with such confidence that they both looked at each other then back at me, so I continued,

  “You can go and ask him if you like, but I can tell you now, he doesn't like to be kept waiting.”

  This was enough to achieve my goal as they parted to let me through the doors. Once inside, I took a moment to think about what I was going to do. Was I really going to walk straight up to his table and demand a reason from him as to why he would give an order for Jack to be taken away?

  “Shit! Yes, I am!” I said aloud. It just didn't make any sense and there was absolutely no way I believed any of the accusations against Jack were true. No, this had to stop and it would stop tonight!

  The liquid courage helped me get through the doors and walk straight over to his table. I barely noticed anything else as I could feel my blood boil, I was so angry. I was shaking at the thought. I reached the front of the table standing directly in his view and stood there fuming.

  Oh, and didn’t he know about it. Draven's face was controlled well but I could see the underlying surprise in his dark terrifying eyes. There was also something more there, but it was a look I had never seen before. However, this just added fuel to the fire that was scorching inside my belly. I was burning hot at the very sight of him. I walked straight up to the table but was stopped by the giant Ragnar. Even then my courage didn't fade. No, if anything it had the opposite effect. I folded my arms across my chest and looked up at the brute.

  “Excuse me!” I said through my teeth when what I really wanted to say was ‘Get the hell out of my way, you big oaf!’

  He didn't move but he did turn his head towards Draven waiting for a command, like a dog did from his master! I, on the other hand still hadn't taken my hateful eyes from Draven's. I was standing there getting ready to be escorted downstairs, thinking how much this would make me snap. I knew how Draven would not like a scene. But what he did next surprised me.

  “Let her through.” At this his dog backed down letting me pass. I ran a frustrated hand through my hair as I walked by and I could swear I heard him growl at me. Draven and the rest of the table came into full view and my heart missed a beat at the sight. I tried to control the pounding in my chest but I knew that I couldn't falter now I had come this far.

  Draven was wearing all black, which enhanced his terrifying beauty. The rest of the table were also dressed very grand, as though they were celebrating something of their own. My eyes scanned the table and I realised there was another man present who I had never seen before.

  He had long straight hair that looked almost like ice as it was whiter than white. His face was long with a thin straight nose to match that reminded me of a crow's beak. He looked older than Draven or anyone else on the table, for that matter. This gave him a very wise and knowledgeable looking face. I scanned his frame and saw he was wearing an unusual suit that looked like half a robe with a long hood at the back and a cape that came across to one side.

  He looked as if he could have been royalty or someone very important. He even had his own bodyguards, who looked equally as terrifying as Draven's men. They stood behind his chair on their guard as I approached. He must have sensed their unease as he held up one long white hand at them without turning his head. There was something strange about him as I found myself drawn to him but couldn't understand why.

  I got to the edge of the table and all eyes stared at me like the intruder I was. Sophia’s eyes were the only kind ones I found, but I couldn't let this influence my objective.

  “You have something to say?” Draven's voice was the first to slice through the silence. Okay, so now I was here I was going to have to find the words. So, with that in mind I took a deep breath and came out with it in the strongest voice I had in me.

  “Yes, I would very much like to know why you had my date removed under false accusations.” The pale man to the side of me eyed me curiously and held on to his amused grin.

  “Well, I think even I can answer that, my dear.” The man said in a very hoarse voice, sounding more than happy about this new turn of events. I turned to face him and Draven looked beyond furious.

  “With a beauty like yours, you are more fitting for a king than a mere servant boy, wouldn't you agree Dominic?” he said and I was surprised to find him calling him by his first name, as if making it clear that these two were equals in power.

  “Keira is just a waitress who works for me downstairs,” Draven said in the coldest manner, twisting the arrow he had once again shot into my heart. I couldn't believe the audacity of this man! This was slowly pushing me over the edge with fury.

  “Really, just a waitress… umm, all right, if you say so. My dear, I am very pleased to meet you, a rare creature you are indeed,” he said standing to take my hand in his, lifting it to his lips. I let him do so freely as the look in Draven's eyes filled with hate at the sight, so I happily complied as if this was my little bit of revenge.

  “Malphas!” Draven hissed what I assumed was h
is name. Malphas however, didn't seem anything but happy about Draven’s reaction. His eyes met mine over the hand that he still held in an icy grip.

  “No...I didn't think so,” he said smirking, as he finally let go of my hand.

  “Keira, I think it's time for you to be getting home,” Draven said, glaring at me as though I was made from dirt.

  “Well, that would be a great idea but unfortunately someone unjustly kicked out my date therefore leaving me stranded and without a ride home...so you see my predicament!” I snapped folding my arms again showing him my bravery, which was now mixed with fiery passion.

  “Well, I think I have seen enough to satisfy my curiosity. My Lord, I will now take my leave, but my dear please allow me to escort you home, for it would be my great pleasure.” Malphas’ very deep, gravelly voice offered.

  “Thank you that would be very kind,” I said looking at Draven, who now looked as if he wanted to shake me to death.

  “That won't be necessary. Zagan, take Miss Johnson home, now!” He ordered to one of the men who sat at his table. He was the one who always wore the hooded jacket and had the scar and tattoos upon his face. He stood at this command but stopped when Malphas’ men got closer to me. I didn't really understand what was going on but Draven's voice ended it quickly before things got out of hand.

  “Malphas, you DO NOT want to push me on this!” He said his name with a clear warning behind it and in return Malphas' hand went up again as it had done before.

  “But of course.” He stood and came closer to me once again saying,

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, my dear Keira.” He stepped forward, close to my ear and whispered so no one else could hear,

  “I will be at the front of the building waiting to drive you home...meet me.” He then kissed my cheek as if that was what he was planning to do, for everyone watching.

  But I jumped back at the sound of Draven's fist going down on the stone table with such mighty power it not only shook but also cracked under his hammer-like hand. His voice roared out making everyone look on in fear, including me.

  “ENOUGH! Keira, go and wait for me on the balcony! Now girl!” he demanded on a bellow when I hadn’t moved quickly enough for him. His black eyes flickered with the same purple I had seen before, as he stared at Malphas as though he would soon rip his throat out. This was one order that I would not disobey and I left, but not before I could just hear Malphas saying,

  “Fear not my Lord, I would not hurt the girl, not after what I have seen with my own eyes...After all, she is…” But his voice trailed off and I didn't hear the rest as I was heading towards the balcony.

  NEW

  I found myself stood by the glass doors unable to walk through them freely. I felt the angry tears fall down my face and I swiped at them as though they burned. He said I was ‘just a waitress’ as though I was nothing to him but hired help. But if that were true then why did he care about Malphas speaking to me? Why would he care about him driving me home? None of it made any sense. So now, instead of being angry about Jack, it quickly morphed back into the real reason I was extremely angry…Draven had hurt me…again.

  “Walk through the door, Keira.” The sound of Draven’s voice behind me made me flinch. I turned around to find him stood too close for comfort so I swallowed my sadness and replaced it with well-appointed fury. I sidestepped away from him and snapped,

  “After you.” I held my arm out for him to go first and the look he gave me told me all I needed to know…I was in trouble. But the look I gave him back told him that I no longer cared. We were both well past the point of no return. So, in the end I won the staring contest when he nodded his head and said,

  “Very well.” He walked past me as the doors opened granting him entrance. This also allowed me the view of Malphas being escorted through the back doors that I now knew led into Draven’s manor. He turned back to look at me over his shoulder and tapped on his watch, telling me silently that he would see me soon. I shivered at the creepy smile he added to it, suddenly wondering what I had been thinking, wanting to go with that dangerous looking guy.

  “I am waiting, Keira.” The sound of Draven’s voice brought me out of my inner turmoil and brought it all back to the frontline, one I had no choice but to step up to.

  “And we can’t have that now, can we?” I muttered under my breath before I turned to face him on the balcony. I walked through the doors and this time when I shivered it was from the cold. Although which affected me more, the temperature or Draven’s glacial stare was yet to be answered. He stood there, all six feet four of him looking fit to burst with pent up anger. Intimidation wasn’t even a strong enough word to describe how he looked right now, in his black tailored suit and dark eyes searching for answers. I knew this when he snapped,

  “What you hoped to accomplish out there tonight I do not know, but you have no idea what you just started.”

  “I started?” I said getting high pitched and pointing at myself with obvious disbelief.

  “I believe there was only one foolish girl out there tonight making demands of me.” Hearing this I nearly choked on my breath.

  “Yes, and I believe there was only one arrogant club owner who had my date removed under false accusations….so you see my problem with being blamed here,” I said trying to keep my voice calm and not let him see how much his words affected me.

  “Maybe what you see as arrogance is actually knowledge and experience of such things, so believe me when I say, that boy you call a date had no business being in my club!” Draven snapped and my hands turned into fists as my anger hit new heights. But instead of hitting back with the insult I had in mind, I responded with gritted teeth.

  “That boy was my date and therefore his business, was being there with me!” The second I said this something further in Draven visually snapped. I could swear his eyes flashed purple for a second but even if that was just my imagination, that tick in his jaw wasn’t. It looked like he was grinding his teeth in frustration.

  “Yes, I think the entirety of the club saw who he was there with, thanks to the flaunted display you were obviously putting on for my benefit.” Okay so there went my calm!

  “How dare you! Who the Hell do you think you are anyway? You’re my boss at work Draven, not my boss in life and besides, what do you care anyway…it’s not like you didn’t make your feelings perfectly clear the last time we were here?” I snapped back and he growled in frustration, tearing his eyes from mine.

  “My personal feelings for you should not be considered at this time, when my actions are only driven by my concern in trying to keep you safe.” I frowned wondering what on earth that was supposed to mean?

  “Personal feelings? I’m sorry Draven but I was under the distinct impression that you didn’t have any.”

  “Don’t be foolish, Keira!” he said slicing a dismissive hand through the air.

  “Oh, well I guess this means I am just on a roll tonight then, as according to you ‘foolish’ should become my new middle name.”

  “No, I think that should be reckless and stubborn,” he retorted and I shook my head and said,

  “Ha! Your idea of me being reckless is me standing outside a club full of people waiting for Frank.”

  “If I do recall the only reason those cretins left you alone was thanks to me and my men.” I knew he was going to say this, in fact, I was counting on it, so I could catch him in his lie.

  “Yes, and what were you doing there in the first place if you didn’t care?” Draven frowned and looked as though he was caught between two lines he didn’t want to cross.

  “I never said I didn’t care,” he replied, softer this time and I swallowed hard.

  “No, you just blamed my…how did you put it… young, overactive imagination twisting the truth and being foolish enough to believe you actually gave a shit!”

  “Keira, please be reasonable here. Everything I have done has been to keep you from harm’s way.”

  “Oh, and how
is that going for you Draven, because ever since I met you I haven’t felt safe! The second I set foot in this damn town I have been followed, seen things I can’t explain, had your staff attack me and push me around and all of it seems to be centred solely around you and this bloody club!”

  “That never…”

  “Don’t! Don’t you dare lie to me! I am not crazy and I did not imagine a damn thing and you know it!” I shouted threatening him with a shaking hand pointed at him.

  “I never called you crazy.”

  “No, I just twist the truth, eh Draven. So, tell me, should I just get my ass back on a flight now and save myself all the heartache?” I said as an empty threat, knowing I would never go home, no not when this right here was my home…my true home. But I needed to seize my opportunity to push him and it worked, only not in the way I had hoped for.

  “Maybe that is the wisest choice.” Draven said after swallowing hard himself. I gasped in a startled breath and took a step back as though this time he had just shot me in the chest. I was even sure my heart felt the impact his brutal honesty just inflicted.

  “Keira, I…” I stopped him by shaking my head and holding a hand out, silently begging him not to say another word. He sighed heavily as his shoulders slumped and for the first time, I was tempted by the empty threat I just made. Should I go home? Would it just save me future heartache? After all, he was engaged to be married and who knows where that marriage would take him in the world. I didn’t know but I was sure it wouldn’t ever be a place I could follow. Because getting to the root of the matter was simple. I was in love with a man who wasn’t in love with me. Maybe he was right and I had just twisted the truth?

  Maybe all those moments shared were just a kindness shown to someone his sister cared for. Had I really manifested the whole thing? I had to know…I had to prove it once and for all.