The Progeny (The Progeny Series)

by Laynne, Ashlynne

  Eight ~ Afterglow

  Shauna woke snuggled in Ascher’s arms, and the sun was never brighter. She stretched, her arms wiggling free of his hold. It all seemed like some surreal dream, rather than the reality she was living. Never considering herself lucky or blessed, looking at his perfect features frozen in slumber, she reconsidered her fate.

  Shauna took in every aspect of his appearance, and his facial features were remarkably symmetrical. There wasn’t a wrinkle, blemish or scar on him. The only visible markings were a couple of moles along his jawline and neck, with a strange tattoo stamped on his right arm. Who goes their whole life without getting even an acne scar? She spent tons of money buying concealer to cover the scars she’d gotten when her hormones raged a holy war against her face.

  She’d cleansed, toned, exfoliated and moisturized, all in the hopes of keeping a handle on her uncooperative complexion. The cocoa butter her mother suggested, actually worked. She, luckily, only had two or three scars.

  A quick glance rendered her conflicted. She had an intense sexual attraction to a guy who looked more adolescent than manly, but he was a man, despite his youthful appearance. Their graceful curve, slight pout and lusciousness made his lips hard to resist, making him an excellent kisser. She’d never seen that color blue in anyone’s eyes, yet his whole family possessed the strange shade. She sighed. It was time to leave her fantasy and embrace reality. There was breakfast to make and a day to start.

  Besides, she’d stare at him all day.

  Ascher was awake, his pale eyes glowing with complete happiness. “Good morning.” He pulled her beside him.

  “Good morning.”

  His fingertips curved along her shoulder and down her arm, before he clasped their hands together. Kissing the pad of each finger, he burned an unmoving stare into her eyes. She snaked herself against him, nuzzling her face into his chest. Engulfing her in his arms, he cocooned her into his warm embrace. “So, what do you want to do today?”

  “We could pick up where we left off, last night,” she suggested.

  “That again. I thought we came to an understanding.”

  “Well, we didn’t set the ground rules.”

  His stare became curious. “Ground rules?”

  “Yeah, we didn’t exactly set boundaries.” Shauna meshed her lips to his. “For instance, we didn’t say if this was acceptable.” She was testing the limits, figuring out how far he was willing to go.

  “I do believe that is acceptable.” His eager lips responded to hers.

  “What about this?” She diverted her kisses to his neck.

  He groaned. “Acceptable, but coming close to crossing a line.”

  “How long are you going to keep me chaste?”

  “Until, you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure now,” she insisted.

  “You can’t be that sure after a couple of months. You hardly know me. When the time comes, you won’t second-guess it. You’ll know that it’s right, and I refuse to give in.” Ascher narrowed his eyes at her and chuckled. “No matter how much you torture and tempt me. You never answered my question.”

  Distracted by his rebuff of her latest sexual advance, she answered his question with another. “Huh?”

  “What would you like to do today?”

  It was Saturday—her day with Katy. Now seemed like a good time to introduce the two of them. “I’d like you to meet my little sister. She's managed to get away to see me today.”

  Shauna held her breath as an uncomfortable silence swept her bedroom. She hadn’t thought meeting Katy was a big deal. Maybe he did, which was ridiculous considering the fact that she’d met all his brothers.

  “I’d love to meet your sister.”

  “You would, really?”

  “You sound surprised. Of course, I want to meet her. If she’s anything like you—she must be wonderful.” He wound her in his arms, giving her the softest sampling of a kiss. “Shauna, I want you to know something.”

  Her pulse patted out a nervous rhythm as her eyes stared into his.

  “I’m falling in love with you. I didn’t expect this to happen so suddenly, and I don’t expect you to reciprocate my sentiment.”

  Her heart swelled with a mix of happiness, excitement and relief. The weight of carrying around feelings she wasn’t sure he’d ever return, finally lifted. Release came in the form of a stream of tears spilling down her face.

  “This makes you sad?”

  “No. It’s hard to explain.”

  A crease formed on his forehead. “I’m listening.”

  “I never thought that someone like you would ever say something like that to me.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m not exactly a catch.”

  “Maybe the wrong people have been looking, Shauna. You’re so lovely; anyone with clear eyesight can see that, but the source of your beauty comes from the inside. I love—” He paused with a look of contemplative reflection on his face. “I never thought the word love would ever come from my lips.”

  At his heartfelt admissions, Shauna sniffled as another wave of emotion overtook her.

  “Shauna, I love that you're so independent. You’re generous and smart, loving and patient. You have the sweetest and most open spirit of anyone I’ve ever known.” He pulled her closer. “I hate when beautiful women feel the world owes them something, just because a sperm and egg made a favorable split. A woman like you comes once in a lifetime. A love like the one I feel for you—lasts for an eternity.”

  With his wonderful speech, more relief came as tears of joy streamed down along her cheeks. “I love you, too, Ascher. I know it’s irrational and it doesn’t make any sense. I just do.”

  * * * *

  Langley, Massachusetts

  It was Ascher’s turn to look over Rousseau’s supply list. He sat in the chair, comparing the two columns against his master list. Everything checked out, just as it had the last three times he’d checked it.

  He was avoiding looking up, as Katy’s unmerciful stare burned him. He felt her eyes dissecting him, scrutinizing his every move. An attempt at channeling her did no good. Unlike her sister, Katy was a blocker with impenetrable thoughts.

  She was almost a carbon copy of Shauna, as both had the same piercing, dark eyes and deep dimples. They could pass for twins.

  “What did you say your last name was? Your accent is muddled, but I hear something,” Katy asked with suspicion.

  Shauna giggled then went back to reading her magazine.

  “Rousseau,” he answered, attempting to wipe any trace of his accent away.

  Katy twisted a strand of hair around her finger—much like her sister often did when she was deep in thought—then shot Shauna a goofy grin. “That name sounds French. Do you know any French?”

  “I know enough to function.” Ascher was too modest. Fluent in six languages, French was as familiar to him as English.

  “It would be nice to have some help. I have a killer French test next week.”

  With Katy’s quirky statement, the three of them laughed and the tension ebbed from the room.

  “If you’d like, I can help you study.” He smiled at Katy. “I need to go down to Tris for a little while. Would either of you like anything?”

  They both shook their heads.

  Ascher walked along the halls of Rousseau’s. Carrie was back for Spring Break and had taken over the bar, giving Shauna more free time. Rousseau’s continued to pay Shauna’s salary while she took a month-long leave. Working and college were tough for her. It surely didn’t help that she now had to fit a boyfriend into the mix. It was the perfect compromise. Carrie earned a paycheck and Shauna was paid, affording him more quality time with his girlfriend.

  Ascher darted into Tristan’s office. “You free to talk?”

  Tristan looked up from a pile of papers strewn across his desk and smirked. “After that talk last night, I figured you’d be coming to see me soon. You left and didn’t co
me back last night.” His eyebrow rose with suspicion. “Come on in.” He motioned for him to close the door. “What can I do you for, little bro?”

  “I really need to talk. Since you sealed to a human, I thought that—”

  “You thought I could shed some light on your dilemma. What’s bothering you?”

  “Last night, Shauna and I almost made love.”

  “Almost? Why did you stop?”

  “Her mind...she’s still reluctant. I can’t do it if she has doubt.”

  “Then you’ll be waiting forever, Ash. Humans always have doubt, because their minds never commit to a position.”

  “Were you afraid the first time you made love to Kara? You know—of biting her, losing control?”

  “You have no idea. I shredded her pillows, mattress and bedding. I had sex with humans while I fed on them, but it was so different when love entered the equation. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for you, having never been with a human.”

  “It’s more challenging than I imagined. The heat from her body alone is difficult, and the trinity makes it so much worse.”

  “I’m sure. How have you been able to abstain from biting her? Kara wasn’t a virgin when we met. I have to admit, Shauna’s scent is hard to resist. I left Kara home today, because she can't handle both of their scents together. I can smell the sister on you, too.”

  “I’m not sure. I guess my feelings for her have kept it under control. Otherwise, I don’t know. When things heated up last night, my vision reddened. I almost made love to her with my eyes closed.”

  Tristan chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “It reminds me of my first times with Kara. She knew what I was, but I wouldn’t allow her to see my red eyes. I made love to her with my eyes closed the first couple of times.”

  “I’m in love with her, Tris. I told her this morning.”

  Tristan gave him his analytical stare, but it didn’t bother Ascher. Ever the therapist, he constantly wore his problem-solving hat. Ascher was close to all of his brothers but found it easiest to discuss feelings with Tristan.

  “How did you know Kara was your true mate?”

  Tristan stood, walking the floor while he talked. “Father never wanted you to know about this, but I think you have the right to know.”

  Ascher didn’t like the grave tone in Tristan’s voice. “What are you talking about?”

  “I was sure about Kara when I quickened.”

  “Quickened? What’s that?”

  “It’s when your mind and body defy space and time, allowing you to touch someone from great distances. It’s a very powerful feeling.”

  “What does it feel like?”

  “Like no other woman in the world exists—like you’d lay down your life for hers. Suddenly, your existence is insignificant. She’s the only thing that matters—her happiness, safety and fulfillment. The sun rises and sets on her every need, want and desire. You live to love her and you’d die to protect her. Father quickened with your mother.”

  Ascher realized that he felt some of those same feelings for Shauna. “Tris, I’m beginning to wonder about much of what I’ve been taught. What do you know of the covenants’ rules about witches?”

  “It’s thought that vampires and witches don’t mix, because witches are powerful. I honestly think the elders were afraid of what might result from such a union.”

  “If a half-bloodling did seal to a witch, do you think they could make babies? If they could, what would they be?”

  “I’m not exactly sure. Why are you asking me all of this?”

  “This can’t leave the room, Tris. Father would freak out.”

  Tristan gave him a stern nod.

  “Shauna is different. Aggie believes she’s a witch, but I still don’t believe it.”

  Tristan narrowed his blue eyes, a tiny wrinkle appearing on his forehead. “Have you noticed anything that might confirm Aggie’s suspicions?”

  “No, she seems to be just a normal twenty-one year old woman. Has anyone heard from Gabe?”

  Tristan shook his head.

  “It’s been a month with no word. I hope he’s all right. I stopped channeling him, because it gives me nosebleeds,” Ascher confessed.

  “Give him a little more time. He’ll come around.”

  “How is Kara?”

  “Wonderful as ever.”

  “She’s adjusting well?”

  “Well as can be expected.” Tristan didn’t sound convinced. “The first two years are the hardest. You’re lucky you were born this way and never had to change.”

  “But am I lucky that I’ll never know what it is to be truly human?” Ascher asked in a sullen, regretful tone.

  A loud noise came from the first floor, followed by arguing.

  Tristan startled then focused his eyes on Ascher. “I wonder what that was about.”

  A woman’s piercing voice rang out demanding to see someone. Ascher visibly flinched at the shrill, shrieking voice. It was Ursula and she wasn’t happy.

  “Where is Ascher?” she demanded. “I know he’s here. Is he here with her?”

  Quinn remained cool, his voice never rising above its natural pitch. “Ascher is upstairs. If you would just calm down, I’ll get him for you.”

  Ascher ran down the stairs to the kitchen, hoping to avoid a nasty scene that the staff didn’t need to witness. He moved Ursula into the employee lounge and slammed the door.

  She removed her shades, revealing blood red eyes that softened while retaining their crimson glaze.

  “I’ve had enough of your surprise visits! What the hell is your problem?” Ascher seethed.

  “Father said you don’t want to seal to me. Is it true Ascher? Are you really calling off the sealing?”

  He paced the floor then sat down. He didn’t love her, but he cared about her feelings. He formed the words in his head before letting them slip from his lips. “Ursula, we’re too different. I don’t love you enough to tie myself down for eternity. So, to answer your question—yes, I’m calling off the sealing.”

  Her face pained. “What? Ascher, we belong together. Old Klaus says it’s our destiny.”

  “I can’t go through with it.”

  “But we’ve made love. If you don’t take me, they’ll seal me to someone else, someone beneath me.”

  It was classic Ursula to care about something so banal. She expected him to spend eternity unhappy, just to suit her. Did she believe him to be her own sacrificial martyr? Selfish bitch…Ascher slammed his fist down onto the wooden table, splinters wedging in his skin. “Is that the only thing you’re concerned about?”

  “No. I just thought that...” She stopped mid-sentence, her face morphing into a leer. “If you don’t go through with it, you know what my father will do. He won’t have a choice.”

  “I know what the covenants say. So does my family, Ursula. I do care about your feelings, but I’m not in love with you. I can’t spend eternity with you knowing how I feel. Be honest with yourself, you only want the bloodstone. Any feelings you might have for me are secondary to that desire, and I’m just a go between to get what you want.”

  “Ascher, I really do love you,” she whispered in a voice that seeped sincerity.

  Was it possible that she really did love him? He hadn’t considered that possibility.

  Her expression turned bitter, her bout of humanity brief. She glanced up, her eyes blazing at him. “It’s the human isn’t it?”

  “Would you keep your voice down?”

  “Why should I? She’s here, isn’t she?”

  He growled then spoke through clenched teeth. “If she was, it would be none of your business!”

  “What has she done to you?”

  Ascher grew impatient with her rambling. “I’ve gone through the proper channels. If Clive decides to retaliate against me, I’ll accept the consequences for my decision.”

  “She doesn’t know what you are, does she?”

  “What kind of
question is that? Of course she doesn’t know!”

  “Maybe she should know. That would surely change her mind.”

  He grabbed Ursula’s arm, twisting her back around. “Is that a threat? Are you really threatening me?” He flashed his own crimson gaze. “I wouldn’t do that unless you’re ready to accept the consequences for your actions.”

  A soft tapping of footsteps came down the hall, stopping in front of the door before the knob turned. Shauna.

  “Ascher,” Shauna called out, her voice quivering.

  “Just a second,” he shouted. Flashing Ursula with his reddened gaze, he motioned her to put her shades back on. Taking three breaths, Ascher closed his eyes to concentrate on calming down. When the mirror reflected his pale stare, he shot Ursula a blue-eyed warning glance before opening the door.

  Nine ~ Truth and Consequences

  Shauna walked in, and the thick presence of unrest made her nervous, putting her on edge. A beautiful woman—with a pale porcelain complexion, long dark hair and the most curvaceous body she’d ever seen—sat at the table.

  Ascher visibly trembled, his face an unfamiliar mask.

  Shauna spoke to Ascher while concentrating her glare on the mysterious stranger. “You never came back. I was worried.”

  Ascher pulled Shauna behind him, his stance clearly a protective one.

  Shauna couldn’t understand why. Surely, she didn’t need protection from her. His grip tightened around her arm, his knuckles straining with tension. Finally, she registered his firm hold and her heart thudded in her chest. Terrified, she wiggled away from him. “Let go of me, Ash! What’s wrong with you? Who is she?”

  “I’m fine, and she’s nobody. Ursula was just leaving.”

  “The hell I am…” The strange woman mumbled, an unsavory smirk turning up the corners of her pouty mouth. “Tell her, Ascher. Tell her who I really am!”

  “Yeah, Ascher,” Shauna spoke in a mocking tone, her eyes becoming pieces of wet coal in narrow sockets. “Why don’t you tell me who she is?”

  He froze, his youthful face chiseled with a mixture of shock, horror and anger. “There’s something you need to know.”