Blood's Voice

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Blood's Voice Page 20

by Aine Massie


  Hearing them pulling into the drive, I said, “Your parents are home. I really do not want to discuss this in front of them.”

  Looking meaningfully at Kayla and Sky, Declán shooed them out of his room quietly.

  “Just one thing before they get inside,” he whispered. “That’s not an issue, please don’t worry. I understood that back when you first told me.” He paused clearing his throat, “I love you. Now, what can I do to put a smile on that beautiful face of yours? We can talk about the other issues when we’re alone again.”

  Taking a deep breath to settle my nerves and carefully putting on a smile, I turned to him, “A ghrá, you are far too good to me. I’ll be fine, let’s go down before your parents start in like the girls.”

  He chuckled as he grinned mischievously. “Too late, my da won’t believe me that we are not . . .”

  “Ugh, silly hormonal humans, I swear,” I muttered.

  “Anya,” Liam called up the stairs, “there’s a delivery for you.” He sounded confused, but then I felt confused. Why would I get a delivery here?

  “Be right there,” I called down. Declán took my hand, but said nothing, as we walked down the stairs. At least he isn’t going to let anyone’s curiosities interfere with us, I thought happily.

  There, in the doorway, was a young man in his late twenties dressed in brown, waiting on me. UPS is delivering something for me here? How odd. “Mrs. Anya Millar? Sign here, please.”

  “Um, I’m Anya, but I am no Mrs.,” I replied.

  He just shrugged. “You’re Anya, right? Sigh here.”

  Not very talkative, okay. “Yes, I am. Thank you,” I said as I signed. After handing me a small package, he turned and left.

  “What’s all that about?” Declán asked. I could see his parents standing behind him, eyeing me oddly. The Mrs. comment hadn’t escaped their notice it seemed.

  “No clue.” Carefully looking it over I saw the return address – a simple infinity symbol stamp – and nearly screamed. Without thinking, I dropped the package, my face twisted in horror. “It’s a – it’s from Gabriel,” I nearly cried. Declán bent down and scooped it up for me. I couldn’t wrap my brain around the idea that he would send me anything, much less here!

  “Who is Gabriel?” Liam demanded, coming towards us now. “And why are you shaking?”

  “Da, I’ll explain later. I-I need to get Anya home now,” he said pulling me to the truck as his father stood in the doorway, confused.

  “Star,” Declán called as we entered the house. “Are you here?” I hadn’t spoken the entire trip; I couldn’t seem to find my voice.

  “Yes,” she called gaily, having no idea what had happened.

  “We have a problem, could you come here?” He walked me to the couch and sat just as Nicholas had last night. This was just too much all at once. I can’t deal with him again, not right now.

  After a few minutes, she came joined us. “Um, why are you talking but she’s not?

  “Oh no! What happened?” she shrieked. “What’s wrong?” She ran the rest of the way over to me.

  “A package was delivered to her at my house. She completely freaked when she saw who it was from. She never even opened it,” he explained handing it to her. “She said it was from Gabriel, but she’s not spoken again since.”

  “From Gabriel? Call Nicholas for me while I find out what’s in it, please.” She looked over the outside as Declán stepped away to call. He had to hate being told to call like that. I didn’t want him thinking he wasn’t good enough to help me too.

  Star opened it and inside was a small ring box and a note.

  Anya,

  Please accept the return of your most valued human trinket. I hope that, in light of your strange memory loss, this might serve to help you find your way back.

  I have no love of what you have become, but one of our own should never be in the dark.

  Sincerely,

  ∞

  She handed the note to Declán, but neither of them made any move to open the box. They sat with me until Nicholas arrived. After reading it, twice, he picked up the little box. “Anya, you need to do this,” Nicholas murmured. “We’ll stay with you, but this is yours.”

  I stared at the box as he placed it in my hands carefully. I was terrified to open it. A human trinket that would be in a ring box? Something he thinks will jog my memory? I tried, unsuccessfully, to open the little box. I knew it would be physically simple to open but fear froze me. After a few more failed attempts, I finally gathered my strength, deciding that it was silly to be scared of a little box and opened it. What I found inside caused immediate blood tears to begin streaming. It was a simple yet beautiful Claddagh ring.

  Poor Declán panicked at the sight of my tears. I tried to hide my face, but he had already seen. “Declán,” Nicholas interjected, “it’s just tears. We cry a little differently than you. Don’t be afraid.”

  At that moment, Geoff and Peony came inside. They both took in the strange spectacle before coming over. Geoff, bless him, pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to me. “I always carry one, just in case,” he explained. “What’s wrong?” Nicholas handed him the note, but his eyes did not move from me, nor did Declán’s. “I don’t–”

  “It was my wedding ring,” I whispered. I couldn’t seem to speak any louder. “Braden gave it to me.” I traced the design carefully with my index finger. How could he have known? Why now?

  Only Nicholas really understood, though Declán at least knew who Braden was. Geoff, of course, turned to Nicholas, and asked, “Who? Why is she crying over a ring?”

  Nicholas explained everything from last night with Declán adding bits and pieces from today into the explanation. By the end, they all had a clear picture of what was wrong, though only Nicholas and Declán seemed to understand why I was so distraught.

  Peony thought for a moment before she flitted up the stairs so fast she startled poor Declán. In just a fraction of time, she was back with a simple chain in her hands that she unclasped and threaded through the ring, not actually removing it from the box in my hand. “You can wear it around your neck like a pendant, as a memorial of sorts this way.” She smiled gently, I could tell she was trying to help but was worried at the same time.

  “Thank you,” I managed with a little more voice. “I didn’t mean to frighten any of you, I just . . .” How do you explain the reality of having had a husband you did not remember come crashing in on you, with the pain and barrenness of his death, all at the same time?

  “No worries,” Nicholas said.

  “Let me,” Declán whispered. Lifting the ring – now on the necklace – from the box, he fixed it around my neck. “Now you can carry him with you always.” Leaning in, he kissed my forehead.

  “Thank you Declán, thank you all.” It was oddly soothing having the ring around my neck. “But you’re going to be in trouble if you stay any longer. Your father was unhappy you left with me as it is. I do not want . . .”

  “I know; it’ll be fine. Promise,” he countered. “Nicholas, you’ll stay with her for now?” he asked, turning to Nicholas, hopeful.

  “Of course, you go and deal with your family. We shouldn’t be a reason for burden. Go.” Nicholas gently nudged Declán toward to the door. “I’ll stay.”

  “Okay, I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he called as he headed out.

  “Anya, are you sure you really want to do this now?” Declán murmured. “You don’t have to talk yet.”

  “No, it’s fine. We cannot allow my sordid past to derail our future. Now, what is it that you want to know?”

  Pulling me down, so I was sitting on his lap, facing him, he smiled. “Well, I did want to ask you a couple of things, but I was also hoping to finally give you what was in the bag the night your new brother and sister arrived.”

  “You can ask me anything thing, you know. Wait,” I paused leaning back a little to see his face better, “what do you mean ‘what was in the bag’?” What was he up
to?

  “First, let’s talk.” He had a determined though slightly nervous look on his face. Interesting.

  “Okay.”

  “We’re moving soon and, oddly enough, it’s to be a mass move.”

  “Yes, something Kayla and Skye have been asking me about, as well. They want to know where you’re planning on living and, admittedly, I’m a little curious about that as well.”

  “I know. I have a dorm room assignment. I wouldn’t ask to move in with you, don’t worry. Your space is yours. I am just hoping I’ll be allowed over,” – wink – “a lot.”

  “You are so goofy, Declán. Of course, you have open access to my home even now. But, if you want your own room that could be arranged too, a ghrá.”

  “My own room? I don’t understand,” he said, looking confused.

  “The houses I’m looking at would give plenty of space if you wanted your own room, with me. I could even have the area soundproofed so we, who only sleep when hurt, won’t bother you. However, that is entirely up to you. I don't know that you’d feel secure living in a vamp house.” I couldn't help but giggle at the idea.

  “You’d do that for me? Really?”

  “Declán, love, it is entirely up to you if you really want to be that involved in my world, but yes, I would do that. As if we won’t be around each other enough for it to seem like we were living together anyway? Only if you’re sure though.”

  “I’d love to!” he crowed, kissing me recklessly. “Your world isn’t what frightens me, not being with you is.”

  Giggling, I attempted to reply between his kisses, “Careful, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

  “Don’t care,” he mumbled as his kisses became more intense.

  I couldn't help but be caught up in his passions. Declán's kisses were so urgent as his hands began to grip me closer. His shirt hit the floor in mere seconds as I ripped it in my haste to explore his body faster. “Oops . . .” I murmured as I kissed down his chest, tasting his sweet scent. His heat driving me mad in the process.

  “Don’t care,” he groaned, shivering at my touch.

  Panting between words, I groaned, “Slow . . . down . . . please.” I hate being the responsible one.

  “No!” he growled as he fervently kissed me again.

  Taking a hold of Declán's shoulders and leaning back, I begged, “Be good, please.” The look in his eyes again nearly undid my resolve. “Gods give me strength.”

  Snapping his teeth together and exhaling sharply, he huffed, “Mad, you are going to drive me completely insane one of these days.” He closed his eyes as I moved to sit on one of my cushions. We sat for a while as I listened to his heart calm, him not moving.

  “If I promise to be good can I sit with you?” Declán asked quietly. He didn’t look completely calm but was probably as good as he was going to get, considering.

  “Of course,” I replied patting the cushion next to me. “You needn’t ask, a ghrá. Now, what were we doing before I murdered your poor shirt?” He had picked it up as he walked over. There was no hope for the poor thing; it was shredded. “Sorry about your shirt. I’ll find you something to wear home.”

  He grabbed my wrist as he spoke, “Not now, later, please. Before I lose what mind I have, I want to try to finish the talk we were working on.” He still had that look, as if he might pounce me any second.

  “Before you tried to devour me?”

  “Yeah, something like that.” He worked for a minute to centre himself before speaking again. “I had also wanted to talk to you about some of your fears and past issues. Seems kinda inappropriate now though.”

  “It should help to keep the mood in check, though,” I said with a slight grimace on my face. Neither topic sounded like happy ones. “What do you want to know?”

  He gingerly touched the necklace that I always wore now. “He was your husband. And you loved him very much.” Not a question, a statement. “I can tell.”

  “Yes, he was. I don’t remember much about him, but I do feel the love and loss relentlessly. I truly appreciate you not being upset that night, even to the point of you putting it on me.”

  He took my right hand into his warm, strong hands not quite meeting my eyes for a moment. “I know you offered for me to live in your home when we move, but are you sure? You’re still grieving; even though it was ages ago, it's new to you. Can you really move forward with me, now?”

  “I will always grieve his loss, but that doesn’t lessen my love for you. I told you before; we don’t stop loving just because someone is no longer with us. Once we love, it is a permanent state of being. That doesn’t mean we cannot have falling outs, or fights, and not be near each other for long times either though.

  “This is part of why Nicholas was so worried about you and me, he worries about when you outgrow me or pass on. I do as well honestly, but I’m determined to love you while I may.” Would this make any sense to him?

  “You’ve said that before, yes. But, this pain is still fresh for you. I just worry.”

  “You don’t have a problem with my relationship with Nicholas but are worried about my past relationships? You’re confusing.”

  “I only worry about whether you are really ready for ‘us.’” Always worrying about the wrong things. My past is not my future, he is.

  “Declán, grá mo chroí, I am fine with ‘us.’ I just worry about the dangers for you; that’s all.”

  Letting go of my hand, he got up and walked over to the backpack he’d brought – which was a weird to begin with – and opened it. He came back over with a long, flat box in his hands and a nervous smile playing on his lips. “I had planned to give you this on our outing the night of my birthday, but we were . . . interrupted.” He looked nervous as he extended the box to me. He is too cute. He did fine with me giving him a necklace, but he’s holding his breath over returning the idea?

  I carefully took the box and, unlike the last time I had a box to open, opened it happily. Inside I found a beautiful, white gold bracelet that had as its centrepiece an utterly lovely Claddagh charm connecting the two sides of the bracelet. “It’s – it’s beautiful, Declán. Thank you!”

  “Your smile is precious, Anya. Do you mind if I put it on you?” He was absolutely beaming as he took the bracelet and carefully placed it on my right wrist, “heart pointed in of course.”

  “Me? You should see your face.” I giggled. He was practically glowing as I twisted my wrist, looking at the bracelet.

  “What?” he asked, touching his necklace. “You’re not the only one that can give tokens ya know,” he said with a wink. He reached out and caressed my face gently, the sensation causing me to shiver again.

  Holding his hand there with mine – mmm . . . his scent – and looking into his eyes, I spoke again, “Thank you. I love you too.”

  We stayed curled up together in the cushions until late in the evening. “Declán, not that I don’t love your company but if you don’t get home soon . . .”

  “Mmm, true. My da is still being a little weird about you as it is; I suppose I should play nice. They’re just going to love that I’m moving in with you,” he said with a laugh.

  “Your da is upset with me? Why?” What had I done now?

  “Um, he’s still tweaky about the Mrs. comment the UPS guy made and your reaction that day. I’ve tried to get him to chill about it but, well, he’s a dad.” He shrugged, but I could see the slight tension as he explained.

  “Hmm, I hadn’t thought much about it actually. I thought you’d explained it away already.” How to explain without causing other issues?

  “Oh, I did. He still finds it odd that you would get a delivery at our house instead of your own and then there was your reaction. I told him that it had to do with something from just before your accident and that you’ve recently started having violent memory flashes. Not to worry about it; that your Mom was working with you.

  “He isn’t letting it go yet. He’s just overprotective, I think. Don’t worry,
Mom’s on board with the reasons and she likes you so relax, okay. The real problem now is I can’t go home in a shredded shirt. I am not going to attempt an explanation for its condition to my Mom.” He was so cute when nervous.

  “Ah yes, the shirt. Let me see . . . You aren’t that different in size from Geoff. I’ll take you shopping soon to make up for it, promise. Stay!” I said with a giggle, flitting out the door to find a shirt.

  As I reached the door to Geoff and Peony’s room, it opened. “Come in,” Geoff said with a laugh.

  “Sorry, I just need a shirt for Declán real quick. I’ll replace it.”

  “No problem. I think it’s amusing, you rummaging through my closet to dress your human.” With a wicked grin plastered on his face, he continued, “Can I go tease him while you look?”

  “Um, let me think . . . No!” I said shoving him playfully. “Be nice. It was my fault he needs the shirt.”

  “Oh, I know,” he said with a wink. “This family stuff is fun. I’ll be good though. Oh, can we talk after he leaves? I need to catch up with you a little and discuss the move. Nothing too major.”

  “Sure, be back in a few. I need to get this to Declán as even though he’s now eighteen, he still has a curfew,” I said heading back up to my room with the shirt – it was close enough no one should notice.

  “I find it odd that you always choose silvery jewellery, considering,” Geoff murmured motioning toward my new bracelet. “It is nice; just it’s an interesting choice.”

  “I just like silver; it’s pretty.”

  “It is. Now, are you really going to move your human boyfriend into a house of all vampires?” he asked quietly.

  “You were listening? Of course, you were. Yes, I will be setting up a room for Declán in our new home. Is that a problem?” I hadn’t actually thought to ask either him or Peony about this, hmm.

  “I tune it out mostly, just as you must at times, so no, I was not listening in exactly. However, I did pay more attention when I heard that topic. Peony and I had assumed you would be keeping him close, but we weren’t sure you would actually move him in.” He had a smile playing across his lips, so he wasn’t upset about the news.

 

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