by Yana Guleva
“Lunch is on the table kids, enjoy. I will be right back. Me and your father have something to talk to you about.” My mother said as she walked away.
“Tae, thank you for the necklace, it’s made with such love.” I said.
“Anything for your my Amabel, anything.” He said. I believed him, but just don’t understand why he didn’t kiss me when he had the chance.
“I didn’t kiss you because you love Kierce. I cannot do such a thing even though I have such hate towards him.” He said as if he read my mind.
“Wait… how did you..” I’m a little lost right now.
“I can sometimes hear your thoughts as well as you can hear mine. Of course you need to practice that ability though, and I promise soon I will help you. I’m the only one that can.” He answered my question before I asked.
“Is it because you are bonded to me?” I asked.
“Yes, that is exactly why.” He answered, smirking a little.
“Well, can you please not do that. I like my privacy.” I snapped back. I don’t think he expected me to, but I was too aggravated with everything. So many questions still left with no answers, and so much information in such little time. It was overwhelming.
“Amabel, we have decided something.” My mother said. She was now in the kitchen with my father, Richard. “Now that Kierce knows you are the last watcher, you need extra protection. We would like Tae to move in with us.” She said.
“Move in with us? What will Kierce think? Mother you know he’s not going to hurt me!” I understand why she’s making these arrangements.
“Yes, he won’t hurt you, but his father will. For now, this is what’s going to happen.” She stated. “And no, Tae has no choice in this right now, he is needed here and he knows it. He does not dare have you in any dangerous.” She finished. I guess she was right. Still, thinking about Tae living here was kind of strange. This means I will feel everything he does at full force without knowing how to control it.
“That’s fine mother. I need a break right now though. I’m going to call Zayley, she needs some explanation.” I said. Hoping no one will make a comment. No one did. I got up from the table and headed up the stairs.
In a way, it was nice knowing Tae will be here whenever I need him. I’m not sure when I’ll need him though. I picked up my phone and dialed Zayley’s number.
“Amabel, you’re still alive?” Zayley answered.
“Ha ha, very funny. How have you been?” I asked. I feel like I haven’t seen her or talked to her in ages.
“So what’s up? Are you coming to school tomorrow?” She asked. Kind of a silly question, but I understood her. I haven’t really been there, or was planning on it.
“Uhh, yeah. When’s the dance again?” I asked.
“I can’t believe you forgot, that’s all I’ve been talking about lately. Well, to everyone but you I guess.” She answered me laughing. She was right. “It’s coming up in a few weeks, we’re going shopping soon right?” She asked.
“Yes, soon I promise.” I said. “I have to tell you something Zay.” I added before I could really think it through.
“Yeah what’s up?” She asked.
“Well, me and Kierce kissed.” I said, hearing her gasp. “Also, I found out his father did something bad to our family when I was a child. Which isn’t good at this point, and uhh.. a long lost childhood friend is visiting us. His name is Tae. He’s a few years older but he’s going to be staying with us for a little while.” I told her. I couldn’t possibly tell her the truth. Not yet, and definitely not over the phone.
“Well good shit on the kiss! And for the long lost friend, hope Kierce doesn’t get jealous. Is he cute?” She asked giggling. I knew why she was asking, and no way it was happening.
“Yes, but he’s not your type.” I said quickly. “I have to go, I’ll see you soon.” I added, and hung up. Did I get jealous? I knew I was attracted to him, but I didn’t know I had feelings. This isn’t good.
Out of a sudden, I hear banging at the front door downstairs. I stepped outside of the room to see if I can hear who it is.
“Where’s Amabel, where is she?” It was Kierce, asking for me. I ran downstairs quickly and threw my arms around him. “Oh Amabel, I am so sorry, you have no idea. My aunt told my father that I found the last watcher.. that I found you.” He said, getting tears in his eyes. “I knew you shouldn’t have met her. I was hoping she wouldn’t find out, but she smelled you as soon as you came in. As a hunter, she has special powers, and one of them is smelling out a watcher. Oh Amabel.” He said, hugging me tighter.
“It’s okay Kierce, it’s not your fault. She would have found out either way.: I tried to comfort him, when suddenly, Tae pulled me away from him.
“You hunter, you brought nothing but bad. Leave this instant you blood sucker!” Tae yells. He’s getting more and more defensive.
“Tae, it’s okay. It wasn’t his fault. His father sent him here, you now that.” I said to Tae, trying to calm him down. It worked. “Kierce, Tae will be living here with us to make sure no one comes for me.” I said.
“Ohh.. well, I’m not sure if my father plans to come right away. He might think that I will lure you in first. If he comes, I don’t know what he will do.” Kierce spoke. This is just great. I’m going to have a horde of hunters trying to either kill me or turn me. Either one was not an option for me.
“Kierce, this is not your fault.” I told him once more. “I am going to head up to my room now. I feel kind of drowsy now and might take a nap before dinner.” I told not only Kierce, but everyone. Before I was going to turn away, Kierce grabbed me and kissed me. The electrifying kiss filled my body once more. All I see is him and I together. My legs tingled and I fell deeply in his kiss.
“Amabel.” Tae said, softly, and with pain. I suddenly stood back from Kierce, and felt all of Tae’s pain. This was incredible.
“Kierce, I have to tell you something.” I said. Knowing I needed to tell him about Tae. “As you may know already, Tae is bonded to me and loves me greatly. Well.. I might have love for him back.” I told him honestly. Both him and Tae looked surprised. Tae filled with thrill and Kierce now filled with pain.
“I understand.” Kierce answered. “But I will not give you up, for anything.” He added, feeling strong about what he just said. I shook my head, and headed towards my room. Again, I collapsed on my bed, and soon after, fell into sleep.
Chapter Six – Connected
I wake up the next morning, and Tae is right beside me. It doesn’t feel awkward, but comforting. As much as I want to push the thoughts away from feeling so much for someone I just met, I can’t. It feels like he is stamped in my heart. Love is not the word anymore. It is the pain of losing him and the horrifying sights of him fighting with the hunter in my dreams. I feel like I can’t breathe because of the overwhelming thoughts I have. Kierce though, he’s still in my mind looking so beautiful and fierce. He can’t possibly hurt me. He wants my love and he wants me to be like him. I’m guessing so he can love me for eternity.
“Tae, are you awake?” I asked softly, just in case he was still asleep.
“Yes my love.” He answered right back.
“The pain I am feeling from you, is it what I caused by feeling such love for Kierce?” I asked, already knowing the answer. He cringed at my question.
“Yes Amabel, I waited too long. I should have come to you sooner. I just didn’t want you to see the beast that I am.” He answered, looking away, taking deep breaths.
“Tae, you are not a beast, you are no such thing.” I said, getting out of bed and coming closer to him. “You are beautiful in so many ways. I feel what you feel, and no beast can feel such things. I can see the life inside of you, and how much of human you are.” I put my hand on his heart. “This right here is beating with love and fury. I feel protection. There is no such thing as a beast inside you.” I now can’t stop but look into his eyes. He grabbed my hand, and pushed it harder against his heart.
“I don’t want to be the reason for your pain. When you cry, it feels like a piece of me dies. Please always know that I am yours to keep forever, my beautiful, Amabel.” He said softly, which was more of a whisper. It sent chills down my spine. I put my hand on his face lightly, and felt the heat in my palms. As I leaned towards him, he was already half way there. His lips touched mine and I swear I feel like my mind will go black again. With such power, I felt his lips. Yet they are so soft and gentle, like a warm sunny morning. There is nothing more I want than to stay in his arms, feeling his lips against mine. My attraction for Tae was stronger than Kierce’s. At this moment anyways. I wanted to link my body with his and fill the lust I had for him, but I knew I couldn’t. How could I love someone so wrong for me as Kierce and someone I don’t even know as Tae. Both hearts filled with pain that tore me apart. I knew I had to deal with it. I could not choose, not with hunters wanting me to as theirs.
My mother suggested we decorate Tae’s bedroom, since he’s officially moved in. As I was changing around the room, Tae decided to go to his house and grab a few things that he wanted to bring. When he came back, he had only a single bag.
“Don’t you have more things to bring?” I asked.
“No, this is all that I own.” He answered. I felt horrible in a way. Knowing that he dedicated his whole life to me which means he must have moved when we did. Without any money, he can’t owe much.
“Don’t worry, I’ll buy plenty for you Tae.” I said. Hoping I’d stop by a few stores later to get him some new clothes. When he unpacked his bag, he only had a few raggedy shirts and pants. There was one thing I noticed that wasn’t clothes though. It was a picture, painted of a man and a woman holding a baby. “Did you paint that?” I asked curiously.
“Yes, I painted this a while back. It’s my parents and I. I drew it from my memory, but it looks just like them.” He answered. The woman in the painting was beautiful. She had long blonde hair and a little on the tan side, while the man had rich brown hair just like Tae, but also a little pale. I wonder why that is, if I knew any better, his father was a hunter just like Kierce.
“Tae, I know this is stupid to ask, but what were your parents?” I asked. He looked at me dreadfully.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t ask.” He said. “My father was a hunter, and my mother was the daughter of a lycan. When I was just a little boy, she has told me that her father did not approve of her being with a hunter, and he abandoned her. She then married my father, and had me. He did not stay part of Kierce’s father’s clan. He was pretty much banded from the face of the Earth. They hid for many years until they knew that Kierce’s father has stopped looking. One day though, they found them, as well as you. They took advantage of it and killed my family as well as your father. I remember Richard being there, he was your father’s friend. I’m guessing your mother fell in love with him not soon after. He’s a really good man. He helped me for years to settle down by myself, and soon after, left me be.” He spoke. I couldn’t believe it. Besides that there was so much that my parents haven’t told me, it was the fact that Tae’s father was a hunter. Does this mean he’s half hunter as well? I don’t want to think about it, because it’s probably not the case.
“I’m sorry Tae.” I said, feeling his pain come back. Now, it was for the loss of his parents. “You have us now. You have a family.” I said. I came closer to Tae, and threw my arms around him. He needed comfort now more than ever.
“Get your hands off of her!” It was Kierce. He must have come to visit.
“Kierce!” I gasped. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I came to stop by and tell you that I still haven’t heard from my father, but you two look kind of busy.” He said angrily.
“Hey, you know that I love Tae, as well as I love you. I cannot choose between you. Please, I know this is hard, but you have a choice, and you have made to stay by my side anyways.” I said. Clearly knowing that I’m right. He looked at him, and back to Tae.
“Listen lycan, I will win her over, and you will be left in the dust!” Kierce screamed.
“In your dreams you blood sucking asshole!” Tae yelled in return. Suddenly, they both launched at each other, and went into a brawl. This was no lycan to hunter fight, it was man to man fighting for love.
“Mother!” I screamed, not knowing what to do. I see Kierce punching Tae in the face, and Tae punching him back. As of now it was even, but I didn’t want it getting any worse. “Stop it! Now!” I screamed, they wouldn’t listen. I see my mother through the doors looking in amazement.
“Tae McCulley! Kierce Pence! Stop it this instant!” My mother screamed, and her voice echoed. They stopped rapidly. “Tae, if you stay under my roof, you listen to my rules and Kierce, if you want to see my daughter, you two need to deal with each other somewhere else. I am not having this in my house.” She said with such determination. They both nodded in understanding. Kierce came up to me, hugged me and kissed me real quick.
“I will see you soon my love.” He said, now relaxed that he has me in his arms.
“Kierce, you need to know something.” Tae was now speaking to him. “Amabel makes her own choices on what she does, and who she picks.” He said. Kierce agreed.
“Okay Kierce, please be good.” I spoke to him and he walked off, my mother following him. Tae looked furious still. Probably that he kissed me. There wasn’t much he could say or do. He didn’t look like he was going to let it go through. He needed the last touch.
He shut his door and walked towards me with such urge to do more than just talk. He grabbed my arms and threw them around him. With such passion, he kissed me. I felt his sweet mouth kissing me deep with mine. His hands were wondering all over my body, and all I felt is that tingle, all down my legs. I wanted more. I tore his shirt off as well as he tore mine. His hands were now focused only on my chest, and his mouth now kissed from my neck, down. He threw me on the bed, and all of our clothes were now off.
“Are you sure about this?” He asked. I took a deep breath. I wasn’t.
“Maybe some other day.” I answered. He again kissed me everywhere, filling me with thrill, but did not proceed anymore. In a split moment, I felt such closer to him, without anything essentially happening. He knew I wasn’t going anywhere though. “Amabel, I have been waiting for you way too long.” He said, as we laid there silently now, knowing it was not the same for me and fell asleep.
Everyone fears the last watcher, as she may do whatever she pleases. If she unleashes her powers, no hunter can possibly harm her. Until then, the lycan will watch her, as he chants to his change, and protects her from the harm that is coming.
“Tae!” I woke up screaming. It looked nearly the middle of the night.
“What, what’s the matter?” Tae answered back.
“I heard my father, I know it was him. I could feel his love towards me.” I said.
“How is that possible?” He asked. I didn’t know. All I knew is it was him. The familiar voice I remembered as a little girl.
“I don’t know what it means, maybe he’s trying to warn me.” I said. My father has passed away though. How could I possibly hear his voice?
“Amabel, I believe more of your memory is coming back.” Tae said. Which made perfect sense since I had dreams of Tae as a little girl as well. It was different this time though. This wasn’t a dream, just a voice that spoke in my mind.
“I suppose you’re right.” I told Tae. I kept trying to analyze what my father said.
“What did he say?” Tae asked.
“He said danger is coming, and you will protect me as a lycan.” I told him. He looked at me a little worried.
“I haven’t encountered any
danger in many years, I hope I’m prepared.” He said. I know he is though. He’s been preparing all my life.
“I know everything will be okay.” I said trying to comfort him. It seemed like it worked. “You know that I still love Kierce.” I added looking away.
“I know.” He said. “But I also know you love me as well.” He added.
“I do.” I answered, as we laid back down, and fell back asleep.
I woke up the next morning in my room. I’m thinking Tae brought me back before my mother had a heart attack.
“Amabel, can I come in?” It was my mother.
“Yes, uhh, come in.” I told her, getting out of bed quickly and putting on a sweatshirt.
“How are you feeling today?” She asked.
“I feel fine, I guess.” I answered her back.
“Kierce is here to walk to school with you, so get ready, breakfast will be on the table.” She said.
“Thanks mom, really, thank you.” I said with a smile on my face. I think she needed that. Her face was now filled with warmth.
“Don’t thank me honey.” She said as she walked out. I hurried to get dressed. I didn’t know how to tell Kierce about anything, so I decided not to. I walked downstairs and he was already sitting at the breakfast table, as well as Tae.
“Good morning Kierce.” I said to him.
“Good morning my love.” He said back. He looked a little upset for some reason. I tried not to pay attention right now. I didn’t want to feel his feelings. We ate breakfast real quick and were ready to head out to school. I needed some major catching up to do.
“I’ll see you after Tae.” I told him. All he did was nod. I got up to put my coat on, and left with Kierce. He didn’t have his car today, and I was happy of that. I needed some fresh air.
“Kierce, I didn’t want to tell you this, but I think I should.” I said forcefully.