Blood's Voice

by Aine Massie

  “I know you’re right. I’m just being twitchy, ignore me.”

  “Ha–ha. Right and you live in what reality?”

  It did not take long to get to the school, naturally. Our favourite humans were, of course, waiting outside for us to arrive. “Anya,” Skye squealed nearly bounding into me. “Finally, we were worried you were going to miss graduation.”

  Skye still hadn’t come to terms with what I am. She would agree that I was something other than human but absolutely refused to believe I was a vampire. Oddly, She had accepted Nicholas’s compromise of my being an immortal though. I did not get why that was so easy to accept, but it made her happy, and was true enough.

  “No, of course not. I just had a lot to do before we could leave.”

  “So,” Declán murmured, taking my hand, pulling me toward the gym. “Come on girls, we need to get in line.” He paused long enough to look back at Nicholas with a grin, “See ya inside.” I was tremendously grateful that Declán and Nicholas got along so well . . .

  It seemed like we waited forever to be called, but once it started, it was over. On the other hand, I may have just felt that way because I was so worried about afterwards. Declán was a little quiet, but he had already made his displeasure with my house–hunting trip known so I figured he was just sulking. Starting a fight with his parents, who were already unhappy with his housing choice, seemed like a bad idea.

  The four of us were passed from person to person for hugs, handshakes, and congratulations, by two sets of human parents and, of course, most of my family – Jonathan and Amber didn’t feel comfortable attending for some reason. Declán, Kayla, and Skye were also dragged around to visit and congratulate their other human friends. I hadn’t seriously engaged any of the other humans, so I was able to stay with those I brought with me, thankfully. I did not like having other humans touch me, it was too risky.

  “Finally!” Declán crowed as we gathered at Nicholas’s car. “I thought they would never let us escape.”

  “I know,” chimed in Kayla. “I was starting to wonder if there was anyone that we hadn’t had to hug. I’m sure I met and was hugged by people I have never even heard of before.” We were all giggling as we slid into the car – boys up front, girls in the back. I was still nervous, but I couldn’t help but be caught up in their infectious enthusiasm.

  “I can’t believe we’re free! Party. Party. Par–tay,” Skye started chanting.

  Even Declán couldn’t help himself, laughing and joining in.

  “So, are we taking you three to eat before the party or are you just going pig out on snacks?” Nicholas asked as we pulled out of the parking lot. He seemed to find all of this entertaining. Amusing, since he hadn’t been for my wanting to hang out with humans.

  Declán turned to look at Skye and Kayla and then in unison they all crowed, “Pig out!”

  “You got it,” Nicholas said as he floored the car.

  We arrived at the club early enough that we could sneak in the back and change into our party outfits without anyone bothering us, well, except for Star and her staff. Being the owner’s daughter had its advantages.

  We spent most of the evening visiting with everyone there. I mostly seemed to be a decoration on Declán’s arm as I really didn’t know most of the humans there. I spent quite a while with Nicholas as well. At one point, the girls decided that we were all going on the dance floor together. I’m fairly sure we were the most bizarre spectacle, three females and two males all dancing as a group. What would make it more amusing was that two of us were not like the others . . .

  None of us seemed to be as reserved or careful as normal. Throughout the night, it was probably easy to see that we were not just a group of friends but that Declán and Nicholas were with me and that Kayla and Skye were together.

  The only stressful event of the evening was when Nicholas and I heard a couple of people planning to harass Kayla and Skye; the kind of bigoted jerks that had made it where they had been as they were when I first met them. Nicholas excused himself and nearly drug them outside to talk about what they were intent on doing. The two stirring up issues chose to leave early, running as all bullies do when faced with someone not willing to back down or accept abuse. I still couldn’t understand why some humans acted like that – love is love. Period.

  “Everything okay?” I whispered when Nicholas rejoined us.

  “Yeah, they just needed to have it explained in detail that some things are none of their business and that there are consequences to hate and violence. They chose to be educated,” he added calmly.

  Declán had driven us to the airport, having insisted that since I would not let him go, he should at least be able to see me off and pick me up from our acquisitions trip. I hadn’t admitted to him how hard it was leaving him behind, or the protection promises I had insisted upon, from my family, before we left.

  “Come on Anya, we both know you are worried about Declán, but you really need your head in the game here.” Nicholas was smiling gently; he knew better than anyone how hard this was. “I would be the same if it had been you left behind, but Amber, Geoff, and Peony will protect them while we are here.”

  Jonathan had chosen to drive as it would be easier if he seemed to be the father helping his son and girlfriend house hunt. We had a list of possible homes. “Hey guys, we’re here. Number three on Anya’s list,” Jonathan said, pulling me back to the point of our trip.

  “Oh, nice. This is the old bed and breakfast right?” Nicholas was looking at this one with eager eyes. I had a feeling that if the inside matched the outside we might have a winner. The last two were a little cramped for our needs, and they were nothing overly impressive – Declán wouldn’t have like them.

  “Well, well, this is the first one that’s gotten your attention at all, a mhuirnín. Guess that’s a good sign. I do love the large three seasons’ porch and the grounds are exquisite.”

  Jonathan went over to talk to – read distract – the realtor giving us the ability to look around and discuss what we found in relation to what we need.

  Ornate oak doors opened into a small foyer leading into a spacious living room with a flagstone fireplace and cooking hearth. The wrought iron tools included a quaint little pot hook that would swing out. The flooring was all in light oak with a large rug in the centre. Looking around we noticed the leaded glass upper half of the double windows and a high-vaulted ceiling, making this area inviting, to me at least. I noted a sitting room off to the side as well.

  The grand staircase caught my attention as the newel post at the bottom of the oak banister had an intricately carved lion at the top, with claws at the bottom. The stairs were hardwood with a runner down the middle, held in place by polished brass rods at the back of each step. Off the main living space was a lovely, open access area with massive windows.

  I started up the stairs, but Nicholas grabbed my shoulder. “Love, shouldn’t we check things like the dining and cooking areas? It’s important for Declán.”

  “True, it’s all just so beautiful.”

  The formal dining area held a large oval, dark maple table with ten high back chairs. The accents were two moderate wrought iron chandeliers above the table and a buffet built into one wall. The kitchen was moderate in size with a separate pantry off to the side. There was a small staircase here leading up to the second floor as well, useful. There were many other rooms including, to my joy, a library.

  “Can we go peek upstairs now?” I teased lightly. “I think we may have found what we need, a mhuirnín.”

  Upstairs was a long hall with four bedroom suites, each with a private bath. There was also a sitting room between the two smaller suites and a curving staircase up to the third floor where we found three more suites with a small common area. “This can be our area,” Nicholas suggested. “One for each of us with a group area for hanging out together or having the girls over.”

  I sighed happily. “That sounds wonderful!” Just need to check the basement and
then meet back up with Jonathan. “Oh, wait. On the way back down I want to take pictures of the different rooms and areas, so everyone can see and start planning their makeovers.” I could not help the grin that seemed permanent; things were working out nicely. A beautiful home, all three humans in college – worked out well since they’re not in the same one, but both are in the same town – and tons of beautiful natural areas for hunting.

  “Sounds perfect. Let’s go tell Jonathan.” I had to keep a hold of Nicholas when we got back down to where the human woman was as he was so excited he was moving a wee bit too fast.

  Time travelled slowly while we stayed, waiting to finalize everything we needed. Nicholas and I spent some time getting to know the forest in the area, as did Jonathan. It didn’t take long for us to find a lush area that we preferred for hunting, Nicholas trying again to convince me that hunting was meant to be fun ,but I don’t know . . . I just . . .

  Still though, things had gone extremely well, and it hadn’t taken as long as I’d feared it would. The longer I was away from Declán the more edgy he was getting about my absence and the more worried I was about not being able to make sure he was safe, personally.

  “How did you stand letting me leave before,” I grumped while Nicholas and I were curled up together one night.

  “Love, I really didn’t get a choice in the matter. You left in such a hurry and insisted that you had to go find your sire alone . . .” He wrapped me up tighter into his chest, his voice becoming thready. “Believe me; I did not want to let you go. Now, just imagine if it was thirty years instead of a week or two . . .”

  I could feel the shudder slither down my spine as he spoke. I was stressed and missing Declán. As it was, the idea of feeling him but not being with him for any real time had me aching in unexpected ways. It was painful to think about. How had Nicholas managed so well?

  “You didn’t see my reaction when I realized that you were going to move away with them – Declán, Kayla, and Skye. It wasn’t pretty. Jonathan and Amber were immediately worried considering they had seen how I was before.

  “I know I seemed calm when we met this time around, but I was terrified you’d feel nothing for me. That I might even lose our friendship. Declán has no understanding of how complete our love is once we give our hearts.”

  “You heard his fretting about if I would really be happy with him, huh?”

  “Anya, I hear more than just his words at times, but yes, I heard that too. He fears that since he isn’t like us, like me specifically, that he will not be able to make you happy. He doesn’t completely understand our shared intimacy, but he is aware enough to realize that there are things you and I can do that he could not.”

  “But it’s not the same,” I protested. “Being with him is not the same as being with you, obviously, but even were he like us, it would still be different. He is not you nor are you, he. I wish I could figure out how to make him see that. You seem to handle this aspect a bit better than he does.”

  “Not always, love,” Nicholas chuckled darkly. “I have my moments of doubt and worry as well.”

  “Why?” What could he worry about or fear?

  “Because, once you finally get over your fears and let yourself be who you truly can be . . . What if you find you like the kind of intimacy you have with him more? I know it could not have the same power in many ways, but as that is something that you and I have never shared; it does make me wonder at times.”

  “Really? Bizarre. I never thought of it like that before. You never seem to have any qualms about my being with Declán, other than fear of me hurting him or of his death.”

  “Well, my primary concern was how it might hurt you and that I might never win you back, but I knew that was wrong of me, so I tried to do my best to make you happy. But, I don’t have a problem with you and Declán. I have become rather fond of him myself.” Nicholas’s voice had a strange possessiveness to it as he finished the last sentence. Interesting.

  “However,” he murmured against my ear, pulling me out of my thoughts. “I would much rather let passion rule my heart than fear.”

  Sighing contentedly, I tilted my head exposing my neck fully, nuzzling back into him. He began kissing slowly down my ear, grazing it gently with his teeth causing me to tremble though my skin suddenly felt as if it were on fire.

  “That’s it, surrender to me,” he whispered, reaching around slowly, carefully, to unbutton the upper part of my top. Sliding it down slightly as he turned me around to face him, he continued kissing down my neck, tracing along my collarbone and descending to the genesis of my breast. His hands trembled as he suddenly pulled me tight and piercing through the flesh, letting out a euphoric moan.

  Gasping as my body arched in his firm grasp, I shuddered in pure ecstasy. I ached to join him, to share with him. I had to have him! It only took a moment before my fingers dug into him, wrenching him up enough that I could join, penetrating his flesh and, once again, pulling in his luscious, intoxicating crimson torrent. We ceased to be and in our place was the fervour of rapture.

  “Love,” Nicholas inquired, tracing his fingers up and down my side. I was curled up partially laying on his chest, just enjoying the moment.

  “Mmm . . . Yes?”

  “It’s almost time to go; we should probably be a bit more presentable beforehand. I mean, do you realize you clawed through my shirt?” he asked with a mischievous chuckle. “You really seem to have a thing for killing shirts.” The smirk would be cute if not so . . . true.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You started it,” I teased back, slowly getting to my feet.

  “True, but you more than held your own” He chuckled, picking up the strips of shirt off the floor. “I’m really glad I wasn’t overly attached to it.

  “But come, I hear Jonathan pacing. Being away from Amber has to be hard on him as well.”

  “True, I suppose we should be thoughtful,” I said as we joined Jonathan in the common area of our suite.

  “You two are funny.” Jonathan was shaking his head with an indulgent smile. “How about if we just finish things here, so we can get back to our family?”

  “Earth to Anya. We’re landing, love.” Nicholas was shaking my shoulder trying to bring me back to the present.

  My thoughts were so distracted, unfocused lately. “Sorry, I don’t think I’ll leave him for so long again. I know the others can care for him just fine but . . .”

  “Oh, I know. Being gone, this long, has made me jumpy as well. This being bonded to him thing is rather strange for me. I will be very glad to see him healthy and whole as well.”

  “I’m glad, though I still feel a little bad, at times, that you were bound against your will.” He hadn’t chosen this, neither of them had, but it did seem to make it where they could easily coexist and be friends. A small part of me was pleased for the accidental bonding.

  “I never intended this, but I do not mind. But, come . . . I can see him waiting.” He began pulling me faster through the crowd toward the baggage area where they were all waiting for us.

  Jonathan immediately went over to Amber, sighing as he entwined his fingers with hers. Seems he felt the pain of separation more than he’d let on.

  Declán nearly ran to close the distance between us. I could see the pain of our separation in his eyes as he skidded to a stop in front of me. He wrapped his warm, soft arms around me, holding me recklessly close. Nicholas stretched out his hand and lightly touched Declán’s shoulder for a moment as well.

  After a moment, he finally seemed to sober a bit. “So,” Declán began trying to sound nonchalant. “Did you find everything you needed?”

  Laughing slightly, I explained, “Yes, a ghrá, we did. But, let us head back first.” Leaning in so that the only human that could hear me was Declán, “Here is not the place.”

  “Mmm, true, let’s go.” He was beaming as we headed to the cars, neither Declán nor Nicholas letting me go.

  Once home, we all settled in the front room to
talk.

  Breaking my focus on Declán, looking towards them all for a moment, I continued from earlier. “I brought back seven sets of keys, pictures, and blueprints. We are now the proud owners of an old bed and breakfast that should suit our needs perfectly. And yes boys, it has a huge basement that will be perfect for a training area.

  Nicholas handed a thick packet of photos to Amber. “The top floor will be ours, Anya, Declán’s, and mine. There are four other suites from which to choose. Anya thought the pictures would help with choosing and with preparations. It shouldn’t take long to have our things moved and arranged. There are also three small cottages on the grounds if you would rather not be in the main house, though I thought those would be nice for visitors, if need be.”

  “Seclusion and safety,” Geoffrey inquired. “Is it secure enough for our . . . lifestyle?”

  “It has its own acreage Geoff,” Jonathan said. “We spent a while, since we had to wait for the signing and all, checking out the area, both the grounds and the forests. This is a wonderful area for all concerned. But, I would like time with Amber and I image that Anya would like more time with her, um . . . sorry, with Declán.”

  Both Declán and Nicholas looked at Jonathan with amusement at his self–correction. “Look at that, you get a name instead of designation,” Nicholas teased Declán as he mock-punched him. “Don’t you feel special now?”

  “Oh, of course,” Declán teased back sticking his tongue out like a little child. They were so cute, both of them. I am truly the luckiest creature.

  The others all seemed to enjoy themselves watching our teasing. Geoff only interrupted once he could stop laughing. “Well, yes. I cannot imagine being separated from Peony as you all have. We can get together later to discuss rooms and such. Please, go, go.”

  The three of us went upstairs to my room. It was a strange thing for Nicholas to do, but I figured he had something he wished to discuss or say to Declán. I was right.