Twenty-One
SPRAWLED OUT ON MY BED,
I watched Iva; she was going through my closet, determined to find something for me to wear. I was feeling so lazy, and didn't want to look. She held up a couple of options but I shook my head. I wanted to go to dinner in sweat pants, actually. Iva’s dress was hanging over my chair. It was a pretty, pale blue dress with spaghetti straps. All I wanted to do was sleep and not move from the bed. I was feeling dejected about my dad and leaving Alec soon, as well as plain exhaustion from the fight.
“I’m going like this," I told her.
Iva practically yelled at me.
“You are not! You have many dresses in here and you will look beautiful when I'm done with you!" she said fiercely.
I just laid my head back on my pillow.
“How about this one?" Her Italian accent sounded stronger than ever. She held up a form-fitting knee length purple dress. Halter style top. It was pretty; I had forgotten about it.
“That will work," I said. I liked purple.
“Well, get up, we have your hair and makeup to do still."
This new Iva was annoying me. She was so determined to make things right between us, even though I told her I forgave her.
I didn't move fast enough and she threw a pillow at me.
“Okay, okay, I'm getting up!" I said, snapping at her.
Sitting on the toilet seat so she could beautify me, I was zoning in and out of trances. My mind still wondered about everything that was coming.
“Are you even listening to me?” Iva said, bringing me back to earth.
“Hmmm,” I said. I didn’t even know she was speaking to me at all.
“I said, are you going to look at your face now? Wait one more second,” she said, keeping me still to touch up something.
I didn't see what I looked like, and honestly I didn't care. I was still tired.
She examined my face before asking me to look in the mirror for the second time. Turning my head, I didn't recognize me. She had done a dark purple smoky eye and my hair was in light curls. I looked pretty; she had done a great job.
“Looks great, Iva. Thanks." I said. She was happy with her work, too. She left me to get dressed and returned, holding my purple dress. Her smile was wider than ever, showing her fangs.
She helped me slip on my black Jimmy Choos, even though I told her I could do it. But she never listens. There was a soft knock at my door, and Iva swiftly answered it. Marcus was standing there, looking handsome in his black suit. He was smiling as he looked at Iva. Wait, what did I miss? Marcus asked Iva to go with him and she said yes? I was extremely confused. Iva blushed as she looked at me.
“I asked Marcus to go to dinner with us, I mean with me." she said. Marcus just watched her with stars in his eyes. Oh lord.
We stepped into the hall and my eyes locked with Alec’s. His hair was brushed back and his soft lips were smiling at me.
“They let you out?" I asked.
He shrugged. “It’s just dinner. I'm not going hunting for Rogues anytime soon."
Marcus and I glanced at each other.
Alec studied my face for another moment then looked at what I was wearing. I knew I looked good in the dress, it was tight and it was very sexy. Alec sighed. He took my hand possessively.
As soon as we entered through the large wooden French doors to the banquet room, I was immediately summoned to the stage. My entourage escorted me toward my mother.
The room was delicately decorated, yet very elaborate. Purple seemed to be the theme, large purple flower bouquets, all shades, with gold accents. It was very beautiful, and smelled fresh.
My mother smiled at me as I walked up the steps. Her long evening gown was really elegant, long sleeves, a powder blue that hung on her perfectly. Her hair was loose around her face. I didn't know her hair was wavy. It was pretty. She immediately greeted Alec, Marcus and Iva with a kiss on the cheek.
Taking our seats, I sat in between my mother and Alec. The same little man went up to the microphone. I wondered if he was going to grovel again, like he did at the last banquet.
He cleared his voice. “Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Tonight we have the privilege to hear the leader of our community, Rosemarie Bazile." So that was my last name. I mean, I remember hearing it when my mother was introduced, but why didn't I ever ask what it was? It’s French. My mother didn't have a strong accent and I never would have guessed the French part. But seeing that my dad was living in France, it made sense.
My mother gracefully rose from her throne-like seat to stand in front of the microphone and the crowd started to clap. It was so loud as the noise echoed around me.
“Thank you. As you know, I was abducted by my ex-husband to be murdered by Rogues, in exchange for my daughter to be taken again by the Rogues. Thanks to my daughter, Aimee, and Alec and Marcus, they found me and stopped my ex-husband’s plan to corrupt our world.… My daughter was never formally introduced back to the community." My mother turned to me and Alec squeezed my hand.
“She wants you to go." Alec whispered, nudging me. I could feel my face going paler, but I rose as steadily as I could.
Walking to my mom, I took her hand. Mine were sweating. The crowd clapped as I took my place beside her. My mother watched me, so proud. Was I supposed to say something? I was hoping I didn’t have to. I wasn't much for public speaking and could throw up from anxiety.
“My daughter, Aimee Bazile.” The crowd went wild. I was so afraid to look at the faces before me. My mother continued to speak, but my ears tuned her out, Alec was by my side to bring me back to my seat. His face became blurry, I blinked a couple of times before he completely disappeared and the hazy green forest returned. Not now, I thought.
The forest was dark, and the crickets grew loud. Why was it a forest he always took me to? I glanced around, waiting for Derek to appear. This time I saw a woman. Elizabeth? She came walking out of the forest.
“Elizabeth?” I asked.
“Aimee, I don’t have much time.” She was acting weird, she was scared.
“What’s wrong?” I said, coming closer to her. She just looked around the forest.
“I thought about what you said, about … everything. I don’t want Derek to take your life away. He will kill you if you don’t choose him. I fear for you. I know you won’t change!”
“You don’t have to say anything more, Elizabeth.” I took her hands in mine. “You are risking a lot telling me this.”
The sadness was in her eyes. “I truly do care about you, no matter what you think of me. I must go now. I can hear Nathan coming into the kitchen.” She just squeezed my hands in hers; a tear escaped her eyes.
As the forest disappeared the banquet appeared. Alec was calmly by my side, waiting. My mother was anxiously watching me. Blinking a few times, I looked ahead of me. I didn’t have any more time, it was running out. I had to leave. She was warning me. This was my sign.
“Aimee?” Alec asked me. I didn’t know what expression I had on my face, but I’m sure it wasn’t a happy one.
“I’m okay. Sorry.” Was that all I said? I couldn’t say anything more.
Marcus knew what I was thinking, I could tell by the look in his eyes.
Alec reached under the table and took my hand in his, giving it a soft squeeze.
After dinner, Alec was speaking to my mother and I made eye contact with Marcus, who understood my meaning. I walked away from earshot from the people around me.
“Let me guess, you want to leave?” he said.
“Yes, Elizabeth, Derek’s mother, came to warn me basically. I have to get away from here and find him.”
“I know. When?” he asked, concerned.
“Tomorrow. Meet me in front of the coffee shop around noon.”
“Okay.” He reached out and held my shoulders. “Everything will be okay. After seeing you fight, I’m not worried.”
“I just hope I can ac
tually pull through,” I said, looking at the ground. “I still have feelings for him,” I said quietly.
“Well of course you would, six years is a long time. But you will do it.” Marcus said, full of confidence.
Alec and Iva came up to us, smiling. Iva even gave Marcus a touch on his shoulder. I couldn’t hold my smile back. And she glared at me.
“Come on Aimee, let’s get out of here,” Alec said, whispering in my ear. My heart nearly stopped beating.
Alec didn’t need to tell me twice.
“Goodnight, guys,” I said to Iva and Marcus. Marcus winked at me.
Holding hands, we took a stroll through the very elaborate court.
Hearing soft footsteps from my heels, we walked across the black granite floors.
“Are you tired?” Alec asked. Tired? Ha, if he only knew I wouldn’t be sleeping tonight, but packing.
“I’m fine.”
He stopped walking and held me in his arms, looking me straight in the eyes. “I wish I could read your thoughts,” he said. I was thankful he couldn’t.
“And what exactly did you want to hear in my head? Right now it’s just a jumble of thoughts. Messy,” I said.
“Then maybe I could understand you better.” He then began leading me to my room.
Standing outside of my room, he leaned in to kiss me. I braced myself for it, excitement; it was so warm and electric. I pulled away and looked into his grey eyes. His pale skin was so soft, mixing beautifully with his dark brown wavy hair. I couldn’t hold back any longer, I reached out and caressed his tresses. So soft and silky under my fingers. He pressed his lips to mine again.
We somehow ended up on the bed. The kissing was getting hot. Pushing himself off and taking a breath, he leaned on his arm so he could see my face. I realized his shirt was off, and his perfect muscles met my fingers as I traced them.
“I can’t.…” I felt stupid for wanting to tell him no sex, at least in modern times. Being 23 and a virgin was unheard of. But I couldn’t do it and leave tomorrow to go off to hunt my ex. It would cause us both damage.
“It’s okay, Aimee, I don’t want to push you. When you’re ready.” he said softly. It was hard for me to hold onto self-control. I wanted him so badly that it hurt.
“I love you.” I told him, shocked it came out. But I had to tell him. It built in my chest ready to burst.
“I love you too … I want to marry you!” he said. I smiled at the thought. I could see us getting married, having a life together with complete happiness. But only if I made it out alive from the trip to hunt Derek.
“Oh, yeah?” I said, snuggling into his side.
“Yes, I’m positive. If I had it my way I would marry you tonight. I know I’m not rich and don’t have anything to offer you, but I will always be here for you,” he said.
Was this a proposal?
“Are you proposing to me?” I asked, laughing a little.
He sat up and got off the bed, getting down on one knee. He looked so sexy in his black suit pants. “Aimee Bazile, I promise to love you and protect you till I breathe my last breath. Will you marry me?” He was serious. My mouth dropped open. He shifted uneasily. “You can think about it,” he said. He stood up, smiling at me. “I will always wait for you.” He kissed my forehead; I sat up and threw myself on him kissing him passionately.
His eyes were lit up as he looked at me. “Think about it,” he said. Standing up, he gave me one last kiss, putting his shirt on as he exited my room.
I couldn’t do this; I didn’t want to leave him. I couldn’t leave him. I want to marry him and forget about Derek the Rogue who was hunting me! Throwing myself onto the bed I thought, why is my life so complicated, why? Tears filled my eyes and I couldn't control them any longer, they’d built up inside for so long.
Awaken Me Page 17