by Jenna Bernel
"Hey, thanks for the accommodations man," Bennet said, holding up his hand as Alec high-fived him when he approached.
"No prob," he replied, walking over to the drink cart. He unscrewed the cap of the vodka and started pouring, obviously purely for show. "Yeah, the limo will be here in two hours, if anyone wants a ride home, but I'm crashing here," Dale added. He chugged his drink for emphasis as if he planned on getting so blitzed, he couldn't even find his way back downstairs.
"Anyone's welcome to stay. There are three bedrooms and the couches all convert to beds," Alec added.
"But stay out of the master, that's our room,” said Harper, adding, “besides, I already locked it." She cut through the center of the circle and Alec held out the drink that I guessed he was mixing for her. She took it from his hands, and turned to face the circle. I could see her satisfied smile after throwing that information into the mix as she brought the drink to her mouth. I couldn't help looking at Alec, and waiting for him to shake his head like she was mistaken, or roll his eyes like it wasn't going to happen; but there was none of that, and my shoulders consequently slumped.
"Hey, where's the restroom?" Kate asked, scanning the suite, but there were people everywhere in the main room so it was hard to make out the details.
"Don't bother, I passed the line on my way in and it was nearly a mile long," Sienna informed her. Alec looked at his watch and dipped his mouth to Harper's ear, whispering something too quiet for me to make out over the music and chatter. She nodded into his words and he started to cross the circle to leave.
"Here, toward the front on the right," Alec said, tossing Kate a key as he exited the area. She caught the key easily, like her ex-pro bowl dad must’ve taught her a few things over the years.
"Thanks," Kate said, but he was already gone.
"Dani, come with me," she continued, grabbing my arm as she passed and I looked back at Evan, shrugging. I flashed him a big smile that said “I'll hurry back” and he winked at me.
"Stay away from my stuff," Harper called out to our backs, sounding pissy that Alec would offer up their private master bath.
"I don’t really have to go," Kate said as she shut the door of the master suite, muffling the party on the other side.
"Then why are we in here?" I asked, noticing Harper's tote on the bed, which really made my skin crawl. It only further reminded me of what might take place here later tonight.
"What was that at the dance?" Kate asked, looking at me like she couldn't believe she had to wait so long to get me alone.
"What was what?" I asked, having no clue what she was talking about.
"Your dance with Alec?" Kate said, and her eyes bugged out, waiting for the light bulb to flash, but I still didn't get it.
"What about it?" I squinted at her, confused. “What's the big deal? It's not like we had a choice.”
"You seriously don't know, do you? Look!" Kate announced, pulling out her phone. She held it in front of us where I saw a frozen screen of Alec and me as she waited to press “play.”
"You taped us?" I asked, dumbfounded.
"I wasn't the only one," she warned as I made an irritated sound in my throat and she brought the film to life.
It must have been fifteen or so seconds into the song when Kate began filming what was taking place, and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was like watching our entire relationship play out in the dance Alec and I shared. When I arched my back, he leaned into it looked like a purposefully slow dip. When I stepped out to walk away, it seemed like it was intentional tension in order to spin under his arm. It was like watching two professional ballroom dancers turn and move in a fluid, give-and-take that looked unimaginably effortless. Clearly,that was because I didn't even realize the choreography was taking place.
When we both stopped abruptly, and were just staring at each other, even through the phone’s images, you could feel the tension growing. I remembered that was when we spoke of my black hole Cloud Crash. And also when Evan appeared, cutting in, and I almost visibly shook like I really was temporarily enchanted. I felt a pang of guilt when I saw Evan's face, now understanding what spurred his jealous comment. He looked as though I just metaphorically punched him in the gut, knocking the wind out of his natural confidence, which I adored.
You could see Evan soften to me easily, as I reassured him and we snuggled closer, swaying to the music before the film cut to a stop. I couldn't find the words; I mean, really, what could I say? It was always the same dance ever since the moment Alec first found me in the clothing store and handed me a token to enter The Basement. I couldn’t explain it, since even I didn't understand it. All I knew was that I was addicted to it and had to find a way to stop. It was for the best. It was too messy, too complicated and worst of all, I couldn't control it. Ulla was right. That was the one thing I needed now more than ever.
There was a rap at the door before Evan poked his head in. I smiled and sighed at the sight of him. He was like a relief valve, unlocking the vise that was latched onto my heart and allowing me to breathe. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he walked in.
"Hey, am I interrupting? I needed a break for a minute," he said. I could hear the party getting rowdier.
"No, come on in," I said as he walked over and stood next to me. Kate dropped her hand that was holding the phone to the side when he approached.
"I'm going to head back out," she said, but not without first flashing me a quick look that promised, we were so talking about this later.
"Here, lock the door on your way out, or Harper will flip," she said as she handed Evan the key and exited the room. He stuffed it into his pocket.
We both finally relaxed as soon as she left, like we could be normal again. It was still new, for us to be so open with each other in public, and letting people see our unique friendship, not to mention how close we really were. I wondered why we kept it to ourselves for so long.
"I had a good time tonight," I reiterated because I really did. The stupid dance with Alec didn't distract from me wanting to be there with my best friend.
"I did too. I wish we would have figured out a long time ago that we'd have more fun at these things if we went together," Evan said, taking off his mask. He tossed it onto the bed and I smiled, noticing his boutonniere was still well intact on his lapel. My black and ruby mask remained tied over my eyes. When I turned toward the floor-to-ceiling window that framed the magnificent view, it sparkled brilliantly against the glass. I walked over to the window and observed the Chicago skyline. It felt like I was on top of the world from this angle, and I couldn't believe that all those tiny lights illuminating the skyscrapers represented people, out there, living their lives and probably with a completely different viewpoint on this world from my own. Evan came and stood beside me, resting his hand on my shoulder and I turned to face him.
"What do you believe in, Evan?" I asked wistfully, thinking about angels and demons, light and dark realms, and wondering where I fit into the Balance. He slowly lifted my mask until it rested on my head, and holding my face in his hands, bent down, brushing his lips along the ridge of my cheekbone before lightly kissing my temple and making me shiver with pleasure.
"I believe in conquering my fears." He hummed out the words, which vibrated over my lips, leaving me breathless. His mouth melted onto mine and my heart pounded in my ears before dropping to my toes. He moved his hands from my face, weaving his fingers through my hair, and pressing our pillowed lips even tighter as the passion washed over us. I stepped closer to him and our bodies molded together from head-to-toe as I sank even further into his kiss.
"Ahem!" Someone sharply cleared his throat to gain our attention. Evan and I forcibly separated, both of us gasping for breath from the intensity of our first romantic kiss. I couldn't believe how easy and natural it came to us. It seemed as if the years spent together as friends were just some slow, long prelude to this very moment. I turned my head to see who rained on our parade and my stomach bottomed out to find Alec stan
ding in the doorway. He didn't look hurt, pained, or betrayed. He looked like a vampire. The light was completely stamped out and there was nothing, but pure, unadulterated instinct controlling him. The power he emanated last night at the club paled in comparison to what I saw radiating off him right now.
"Do you mind?" Evan practically growled at him for interrupting our amazing kiss. He wasn't the one, however, who had the bite to back his bark. I actually found myself moving in front of Evan to shield him because, for the first time ever, I truly didn't believe that Alec was in complete control of his vamp.
Right then, a person stepped out from behind Alec whom I didn't notice before. I was too focused on the dark power seeping from his pores, and the rose water scent filling my nose.
All I saw were the short blonde curls, "Henry?" I said his name like a question because I couldn't believe my eyes. "Henry!" I exclaimed, running over to him, and almost knocking him over when we hugged. "What are you doing here?" I asked, pulling away and clutching his arms, now worried.
"Who’s this?" Evan asked, walking up to us and looking confused by what was happening, so was I.
"Evan, this is my friend, Henry, um… he used to bus tables at the restaurant, but I haven't seen him in what seems like years." It had really only been a week, but it felt like years without ever knowing where my Reborns were, or getting any confirmation that they were okay.
"Nice to meet you," Evan said, trying to be polite, but I could tell he wished it could wait until later.
"Likewise," Henry said, shaking Evan's hand. I could still feel Alec and his power, the vamp in him growing; and every second that passed, I feared drew us closer to witnessing him snap.
"Evan, I'm going to stay in here and catch up with Henry for a few minutes if that's all right?" I asked, but really, it was just a polite way of telling him to go back to the party.
"You sure?" he asked, like he was reluctant to leave my side, and I looked up at him just as a sapphire haze washed over his face.
"Leave now," Alec commanded in a Trance before the glow fell away. Evan blinked several times before coming to; then he smiled at me before he began to walk out. I ran after him before he exited.
"I'll be right there," I assured him, popping up on my toes to kiss him on the cheek and letting it linger just long enough so he'd know there were plenty more in store. He nodded, grinning at the gesture like he understood, but continued to walk out, feeling compelled to obey Alec’s command.
I clicked the door shut and whipped around, kicking Alec squarely between the shoulder blades as he went flying forward, toppling onto the bed. Just as he flipped over to sit up, I made a running leap, knocking my knees into his chest and pinning his hands at either side, so he lay flat on his back, trapped between the mattress and me.
"You didn't have to do that; I was handling it," I heaved. I was hovering over him and the material of my dress spilled over us like a blanket.
"Yes, I did," he growled. The black in his eyes almost started to flicker again as he recalled witnessing our kiss. But it wasn't gold surfacing in his eyes; it was red, and I realized he Tranced Evan in order to save him before he lost it completely.
I took a deep breath before relaxing my grip as I sat upright. Alec sat up with me and something in his eyes seemed like a cry for help. Then it hit me: how cold he felt. I was suddenly scared for him. I put my hands on his shoulders and took some deep breaths, like I did with the Reborns when they first rediscovered their heartbeats.
Alec breathed with me, even though his heart wouldn't start. I think it helped him stay connected to the Nephilim and reminded him of where he came from. I pulled the ruby mask from his face and searched his eyes, waiting for a sign of the light. He looked at me, fiercely at first, but after holding his gaze and slowly breathing more regularly, I felt him return. The rays of sun rose over the ocean’s blue and the warmth pulsated over us.
"You two good?" Henry said almost sarcastically, like he'd suddenly become the third wheel. He bent over the side of the bed until he was at our eye level, reminding us he was there. Truthfully, I almost forgot he was. I scrambled off Alec's lap, standing up and wrapping Henry in another hug.
"I still can't believe this; what are you doing here?" I asked smiling from ear-to-ear.
"Roman sent me to get you," Henry said, and I looked at him like I didn't understand his language.
"Roman sent you?" I asked, turning to Alec, who nodded once, but didn't look up at me.
"You were sent to Caliontre? That's where Eli told you to go?" I couldn't believe it! What was going on? How could Eli know about Caliontre?
"I sent them there," Alec said, standing up like he had suddenly recovered from his little episode.
"You? But you said…"
"Eli gave me all the information about the Reborns and I took care of the rest," Alec explained and I slumped, feeling duped again.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked in a little, wounded voice.
"You were so furious with me, but I still needed your help. I was afraid if I told you where they were going, or that I was a part of it in any way, you would refuse," Alec explained. I didn't respond because that's exactly what would have happened.
"I don't want to go to Caliontre," I said firmly.
"Dani… it's time," Henry said, taking my hand.
"What about my friends? What should I tell them? I can't just disappear," I said, gesturing with my free hand to the party on the other side of the wall. I didn't know what excuse Evan would believe, and I didn’t want to Trance him, or any of them.
"Don't worry, it'll all be taken care of. I trusted you, Dani. Now it's your turn to trust me," Henry said, thoughtfully looking at me with a soft smile, like I was his innocent, little sister. That's the way I should have been looking at him. I was the one who should have known how to help him, and bring him back to his family. I'd hate to think I was the reason he couldn't go home, because I didn't want to face reality and hear the truth, once and for all.
I gulped down a sandpaper lump lodged in my throat before nodding that I was ready. I was finally going to Caliontre, apparently the place where all my answers lay. Henry smiled at me proudly, like I was taking the right path, and I felt there was something different about him, something enlightened, almost.
He gripped my hand and walked us to the window as I once again admired the illuminated skyline that twinkled like stars. Releasing my hand, Henry stood in front of the window, closing his eyes, and I wondered what the delay was. I thought, Let's get out of here before I change my mind. I watched Henry who seemed like he was about to say something when Alec touched my shoulder. I looked at him and he shook his head, putting his index finger to his mouth as if to say "leave him be."
I returned my attention to Henry, and saw his hands clasped in front of him. I could see a glow starting to form within them. His eyes were squeezed shut as he tumbled deeper into his concentrated state and I watched, spellbound until it looked like a ball of fire was consuming his hands.
He snapped his eyes open, bringing his flaming hand to the window. He dragged it along the glass in a tall arc shape. The outline glowed to life, like the sun was trying to erupt through the arch, and Henry rested both his palms in the center of it. Pushing in a single sharp movement, like he was resuscitating a heart, a pulsating light burst forth, radiating from beneath the window, which went opaque within the arch, as if it were a tunnel to nowhere.
His arms fell through, vanishing from sight, and he looked at me, smiling, before stepping in. A scream caught in my throat because he was stepping off a twenty-story ledge, but when I smacked my hands on the glass and looked down, expecting to see him, if not already on the ground, surely plummeting, there was nothing to look for. He had completely disappeared.
I moved in front of the pitch-black doorway that blocked the city views. I felt awed by it and my eyes widened in astonishment at the glowing halo now beaming from the rim. The energy that sizzled off it was like nothing I had ever seen or
felt. I slowly stuck my fingers into the obscurity, quickly retracting them, and feeling surprised by the heat it created. I looked back at Alec, unsure of what to do; but he nodded for me to continue, silently assuring me he’d be right behind me the whole time. I swallowed down my anxiety and nerves as I stepped forward, thinking of Evan's words before I walked into the oblivion.
I believe in conquering my fears, I whispered under my breath. Closing my eyes, I put one foot in front of the other before falling into the darkness. When I came out the other side, I knew my life would never be the same and that I would be…
Forever Changed.
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TASTE FOR BLOOD: SAVOR (Nephil-Vamp Series, Book 4)
Coming Christmas 2016!
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Jenna Bernel Books Available on Amazon!
Taste for Blood: Stir (Nephil-Vamp, 1)
Taste for Blood: Pour (Nephil-Vamp, 2)
Taste for Blood: Simmer (Nephil-Vamp, 3)
The Secret Trinity: Unearth (Fae-Witch Trilogy,1)
The Secret Trinity: Ignite (Fae-Witch Trilogy, 2)
The Secret Trinity: Reign (Fae-Witch Trilogy, 3)
The Secret Trinity: Glass Castles (Fae-Witch Trilogy, Prequel Novella)
Thank you to my amazing fans for following my work. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon here.
I hope you enjoyed the second book of my new Nephil-Vamp Series, and I can't wait to share what happens next in Dani Madison's world as she discovers Caliontre and the truth about the Balance.