“I wouldn’t want to distract you when so much is on the line.” She kissed him. “But, then again.” She raised his shirt, kissing his chest before concentrating kisses on his neck. “Who says that focusing on the woman you love is a bad thing?”
Ascher grabbed her up, landing her underneath his flushed body. “You wouldn’t believe how much I want you at this exact moment.”
“Yes, I would.” She wound her hand up his neck, threading his hair into her hand. “If you want me Ascher—just take me.”
He swiftly ripped her nightgown away.
Shauna gasped at the rapid disrobing, and she always felt something new each time they made love. There was something different about their lovemaking that night. Each touch magnified and each kiss burned deeper. More emotion bubbled up from a new place inside of her. That night, something amazing and unexpected happened. Their bodies joined, twisting and thrusting in sync with their beating hearts, as the world shifted around them.
The levitation of their bodies wasn’t enough to stop them. Orgasm didn’t quench the fiery passion between them. Their conscious minds were absent as they floated weightlessly, drowning in the gratification of loving another so completely.
* * * *
It must have become too quiet as the cessation of the plane’s engine woke Shauna. She glanced up to find the sun streaming into the small window. Ascher’s side of the bed was empty. A yawn escaped her lips as she stretched her hands above her head. A rumble came from her tummy. She was starving.
The plane was at a hangar and a quick glance didn’t reveal their whereabouts. She couldn’t make sense of any of it, because the signs were in French. She spotted Ascher, laughing and conversing with a rather portly and balding man.
The large envelope containing the truth of her childhood sat on the night table, glaring at her and daring her to open it. She grabbed it, weighing it in her hand. The contents of this package could alter her life. She didn’t want to open it, but knew she needed to open it.
Indecision and fear made her position waver. Open it—don’t open it. Yes…no. Maybe her life was fine the way that it was. She’d turned out well, despite her upbringing. Her hand trembled as she held what should be an inconsequential object. Shauna had to admit that she was curious. What could it hurt to look? Ascher went to so much trouble to get it for her.
She drew in a deep breath, running a nervous finger along the unglued edge. Her heart pulsated with anxiety, causing her to feel lightheaded. What’s wrong with you? It’s only a package of nothingness…it doesn’t change who you are.
Anger replaced her fear. She wouldn’t let this give her one more minute of grief. She ripped the envelope open, letting the contents fall to the bed. Her eyes focused in on a picture turned right side up, a sign that it should be looked at it first. She held the black and white photo in her anxious hand.
There was a man and a woman holding a baby. They looked young, barely out of their teens. The woman was not very tall, had a smooth, caramel coated complexion and long wavy hair. The look on her face was weird. It wasn’t a smile as much as it was a smirk. The guy was tall, Caucasian, with brown hair and dark brooding eyes.
Shauna shivered.
The back of the photo read: Lisa, Jason and Shauna, April 13, 1990. That date couldn’t be right. She would be a week old. The baby in the picture was at least six months old and who were Jason and Lisa? Summersaults of anxiety made leaps in her stomach as she picked up an old newspaper clipping, next.
OCTOBER 31, 1995
COUPLE KILLED IN ACCIDENTAL FIRE
POLICE AND THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A HOME FIRE ON KENNLY DRIVE, EARLY THIS MORNING. THE VICTIMS, LISA WILLIAMS AND JASON LASSITER, WERE FOUND INSIDE AND BELIEVED TO BE INVOLVED IN A MURDER/SUICIDE. POLICE AREN’T SURE HOW THE FIRE STARTED, BUT THE COUPLE’S DAUGHTERS, 6 YEAR OLD SHAUNA AND 3 YEAR OLD KATHERINE, WERE NOT IN THE HOME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. DSS HAS TAKEN CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN WHILE THEY SEEK RELATIVES.
Shauna’s heart felt like it might explode in her chest. She was finally getting the picture. She fumbled around the pile for the one thing she needed, the common denominator to glue the pieces of the puzzle for her.
Bingo! She found it at the bottom of the pile. Her mouth gaped as she held the piece of indisputable proof in her hand. Her eyes blurred with tears as she read the piece of paper that would change her life forever.
Twenty ~ Complications
Paris, France
Ascher walked into the bedroom of the airplane, glancing at the scattered papers on the bed. Things had changed. Her face resembled the hurt and uncertainty it’d displayed the night Ursula blew them apart. He stopped in the doorway, unsure of how to proceed.
Shauna sat on the bed with a blank stare on her face. He’d seen that look staring back at him many times—when patients learned of their cheating spouse, or when a patient had the breakthrough that revealed sexual abuse in their youth. Her mind was busy saying everything and nothing. It all could have been different. Nothing is the truth—my life is all a lie.
Her stare broke as her eyes swung over to where he stood. She managed to utter one thing before tears clouded her eyes, “Asch…” She didn’t finish his name before he securely wrapped her in his arms.
He held her to him as the sorrow spilled from her.
She alternated between low, almost calm cries and heart wrenching outbursts of angry pain. “I can’t believe this.”
“I’m here,” he whispered.
“What do I do now?”
“Whatever it takes to get you through it.”
“Who am I?”
“The woman I love.”
“My parents aren’t my parents.”
“That doesn’t change who you are to me.”
“But Ascher, this changes everything.”
“You’re still the same amazing woman I left in this room. You haven’t changed, only your origin.”
“I have to know more about my biological parents.”
“Whatever you need.”
She stared at him with suspicion. “Where have you been?”
“I went out to talk to Max. Then, I got you something to eat. Lucy is out visiting family.” He handed her a paper bag. “I hope it’s to your satisfaction. There weren’t any vegetarian restaurants at the airport. I didn’t want to leave you and go somewhere else. The others are out.”
“What do you mean by out?”
“The others are feeding.”
“Why aren’t you with them?”
“I have to stay with you. Besides, I’ve had you and there are bottles of synthetic if I get thirsty. My thirst is minimal.”
“You’ll thirst again. What will you do then?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about that. Before you, I bled young women and I don’t want to do that anymore. It’s solely for hunger, but I’d still feel guilty, almost like I was being unfaithful to you.”
“I told you that I’d be your donor. You have to feed.”
“Sweetheart, that is so generous of you but I couldn’t do that. There is still the chance that I might hurt you and I wouldn’t take that risk. I’m thinking of becoming a buveur des animaux.”
“I’m assuming that was not in English,” she muttered, giving him a dumbfounded glance.
“A drinker of the animals—animal blood.” He chuckled before his tone vibrated to serious again. “I tried it once before and it didn’t work out as well as I’d hoped.” He smiled at her. “Many vampires live off the blood of animals. Olivia and Aaris do and they are very well satiated. They’ve agreed to teach me and guide me through the change.”
“That is unnecessary. You could just feed off me.”
“I could, but that would leave you so weak you’d barely be able to function. What if I decided that I wanted to change you, your blood would no longer be available to me. This is the best way to spare my conscience and keep you safe.” He motioned his hand towards the bag. “Eat your breakfast, so we can sightsee.
”
Shauna gave him a small smile for his effort. While she ate, he sifted through the pile of documents. When he came to the birth certificate, he paused. The tearstains marked it as the document that unhinged her. It obliterated a lifetime of memories and experiences.
“You look like her around the mouth, but you definitely have his eyes. Looks like you took color in between the two.” His eyes wavered back and forth between her and the photograph.
“I guess I see it a little bit.”
“Your birthday is Halloween and not April sixth,” he noted. “I wonder why they changed your birthday.”
She shrugged. “I have no clue.”
“Your given name was Shawnette Abigail Williams, just like the young lady from the witch trials. You were born in Charlotte, North Carolina.”
She scooped up the documents, placing them back into the torn envelope and glimpsed out through the window. “That’s enough of that for one day. Now, where are we?”
“Bienvenue en France.”
Her head tilted as confusion lit her face again. “English, please.”
Ascher seized her into his arms, whispering another phrase in perfect French enunciation. “Je t’aime.”
Shauna didn’t need a dictionary or translator to know what that meant. The meaning rested in his eyes. Suddenly, she didn’t care where she was as long as she was with him. He was her home now. She leaned in to kiss him and whispered, “I love you, too.”
* * * *
Shauna enjoyed her day shopping with Olivia. She might have enjoyed it more had she felt better. Twice, she’d gotten dizzy in the boutique. Olivia finally insisted that she go and rest. By the time they reached the hotel, Shauna could barely hold her head up and the churning in her stomach was unbearable. She glowered at Ascher and Aaris, as Olivia helped her out of the car with frosty arms that secured her waist.
Ascher narrowed his eyes as if he sensed her illness.
“Did you have a good time, dearest?” Aaris asked, encircling Olivia into his arms.
“Yes, very good. Shauna is the perfect shopping buddy.” She gave her a wink.
Henri handed Ascher the bags. He pulled Shauna closer, giving her another suspicious stare. “And did you have a good time?”
“I enjoyed my time with Olivia, but I did not enjoy spending such obscene amounts of money!”
Aaris and Ascher laughed.
“I wish this one thought the way you do, Shauna.” Aaris pointed to Olivia and her six bags.
Ascher tilted her face up to his. “You did get everything that you wanted, right?”
“I did, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to all of this.”
“You are so adorable.” He kissed her forehead. “Not in the least bit selfish. That makes me want to spoil you more! Would you like a nap? You look so tired.”
“I’m not a child!”
Ascher smirked and leaned over to whisper in her ear, “True, but you are a human and you need your rest. You don’t have sleepless periods.”
“I’m sorry for snapping. I don’t feel well.”
He ran a hand across her forehead. “You don’t feel hot. What’s wrong?”
“I think your ancestral food has poisoned me.” She groaned and gripped her tummy.
They all laughed at her.
“If you aren’t well, we’ll stay in tonight.”
Dizziness swept her as she attempted a step. She stopped to center herself. Her vision blurred as the next wave of nausea crashed over her and a hot uneasiness bubbled upward from her tummy. “Ascher, I really don’t feel good.”
“Shauna?” He grabbed her waist and held her to him. “Your forehead is clammy. Sweetheart, what can I do?”
“I feel sick. I need to—” She leaned over, spewing the contents of her stomach onto the sidewalk.
Ascher stood still but rubbed her back in calming circles. “Better now?”
“A little, but I still feel bad.”
“What did you eat today?”
“Breakfast, cheesecake at a café with Olivia and I drank a cappuccino.”
Ascher gave Aaris and Olivia a quick glance. “I’m taking her upstairs to bed.”
“If she needs anything let me know,” Olivia called back as she and Aaris walked ahead.
“I will.” He scooped Shauna into his arms and carried her to the room.
* * * *
Olivia sat on the bed, next to Shauna’s sleeping body, reading Modern Obstetrics Journal. She wasn’t sure why she still read these things, considering delivering babies was self-explanatory and required the same knowledge she’d acquired over a century ago. The gadgets may have changed, but the basic principles still applied. An accomplished OB/GYN, Olivia Rousseau enjoyed worldwide prestige and privilege.
Born in 1862 to Irish peasants, Olivia seemed destined for a lifetime of misfortune and poverty, but all of that changed when she met an affluent gentleman named Paul Bentley. They fell in love, despite the disapproval and interference of his rich uncle Thaddeus. When Olivia was eighteen she and Paul married, and she became Lady Olivia Bentley—a title and lifestyle that definitely suited her.
Olivia ran her hands through her bobbed head of strawberry blonde hair, flinching as she remembered the unsettling end of that love story.
She glanced at her watch, realizing that Ascher and Aaris had been gone a while. How long did it take to get some ginger ale, crackers and soup? Running a cold hand across Shauna’s forehead, she checked to see if her temperature had fallen. Olivia knew it was absurd to feel such an attachment to her, but she strangely did. The rhythmic beating of her heart was so soothing.
She heard human hearts every day in her line of work, but Shauna’s was different. Each thrum was like adrenaline to her cold soul. She’d only felt that sort of connection one other time—when Ascher was born.
There was something odd about Shauna tonight. Her skin looked unusual, a glow touched her cheeks—more so than usual. Her skin was luminous, radiant. A thought hammered Olivia’s brain, but she dismissed it knowing that the chances of it were slim.
Quietly, Olivia observed the steady thumping of her pulse but there was something else. She grasped her wrist and began counting the thumps against her breathing. She had twice as many heartbeats as a normal human.
It was possible.
Olivia jumped up and called Aaris. “Ascher needs to come back to the hotel. I don’t think ginger ale is going to cure what ails Shauna.”
* * * *
“A child,” Ascher whispered as the shock pulsed out in waves along his body.
“Your child,” Olivia corrected him with a smile. “Feel her pulse for yourself.”
He ran his fingers along her neck, picking up the double palpitations in her pulse. His eyes widened. “I can’t believe it. She wanted this, just in case I died in Romania. I can’t believe it actually happened.” Ascher slumped down in the chair beside the bed.
“Is he all right?” Aaris questioned.
“He’s in shock. Give him some time for it to sink in,” Olivia replied.
“Guess this puts the question of your fertility to rest,” Aaris teased.
Olivia playfully shoved at him.
“Is there anything that you need me to do?” Aaris asked with more compassion in his voice.
Ascher waved him off as he continued to stare at Shauna.
“We’re going down to our room. If you need us, call down.”
“Olivia,” Ascher managed to say. “Please stay for a while. I have questions.”
Aaris kissed his mate, and then left them alone to chat. Olivia sat back down on the bed, beside Shauna’s sleeping body. She checked her pulse then ran a cool hand across her forehead. “Her temperature is coming down.”
Ascher half smiled.
“What’s bothering you?”
Ascher glanced at her, the fear pulsing in his vision, a lump residing in his throat. “This pregnancy...is she strong enough to withstand it?”
Olivia gave him
an affectionate smile. “She’s in peak physical condition to carry a baby. I’ll need to give her an internal exam to be sure she can deliver one, but I don’t foresee any problems for her.”
Ascher’s expression strained. “My mother—”
“I know. I was there.”
“How can you be sure that the same won’t—?”
“I can’t.”
“What do you think it is?”
Again, she was short with him. “Your baby.”
Ascher knew he was being ridiculous. Shauna was young and healthy. She'd never so much as had a fast food burger and not many young humans could honestly say that. If he were going to have a child with a human, she’d be the pick of the fertility litter.
“I’ll keep a close watch on her and see to her care personally. She could do worse than to have a house full of doctors at her disposal. Jonas will be thrilled. The bloodline will continue now.”
“True.”
“I’ll protect her and your child as if they were my own,” Olivia promised.
Ascher gave her a warmer smile. “You’ve become very close to her.”
“I have.”
“Shauna has had a difficult childhood. She needs consistency, people who love and care about her. I think she needs you just as much as you need her. You two are like the best of symbiotic relationships.”
“You really care for her, don’t you? I can’t say that I’ve ever seen you this happy and content.”
“I’m in love with her, Olivia. I want to spend my existence with her.”
“I’m very happy for you, Ascher. If anyone deserves a slice of happiness, it’s you.” She sprang to her feet. “She seems to be through the worst of it.”
He walked her to the door.
“If she worsens during the night, call me and I’ll come up, without hesitation.”
“Thank you for everything, Olivia. Shauna is so lucky to have you.”
She tousled his hair, as a grandmother might do to a young child, before sprinting out of the door.
It was late now and anxiety was getting the best of him. He lay still in bed, his fingers on Shauna’s neck, gauging the double beating of their hearts. Each thud of their pulse spurred his heart into nervous sprints. He was sure that the internet would not be a wealth of information on human/half-bloodling pregnancies. They’d have to feel their way along this new path, figure things out.
The Progeny (The Progeny Series) Page 24