Shades of Amber

by Morgan Smith

  Was I a glutton for punishment or what?

  Mariah perched on the arm of the couch and waved in front of my face.

  “What?”

  “That guy keeps staring at you.”

  I could barely will my heart to beat as I looked in the direction she was pointing. To my relief, it wasn’t Troy. This admirer had light, almost pale brown skin, short hair, and bright green eyes.

  I felt too exposed in my black V-neck shirt and faded jeans, so I pulled on my denim Vampire Diaries jacket.

  Mariah cleared her throat “So… what do you think? Is that guy super cute or what?”

  I shrugged. “Or what is definitely one way to describe him.” I patted her arm. “If you like him, you should talk to him.”

  She adjusted her shirt and frowned. “He’s too busy drooling over you to even notice!”

  I laughed, if she only knew how much I wasn’t thinking about that guy. I shook my head and tried to shake away the thoughts of Troy.

  Adrienne fired off half a dozen questions trying to get me to open up about my “misadventure” before the other girls followed suit. After a few minutes of vague responses, we finally got on subject.

  Elizabeth held her copy in the air. “This book was so awesome!”

  I smiled. They were still on the book we started before Troy jumped back into my life. I couldn’t help but appreciate the way they had dropped the club routine in my absence.

  The cover to Lauren Kate’s Fallen was definitely enough to draw your attention. We all agreed that the solemn girl in the fancy black dress spoke volumes when compared to book covers in the past.

  “And the story was so intriguing! I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel!” Christen said as she looked up from her phone.

  After thirty minutes, we decided to call it a night. Chelsey opened the door, and we released a collective sigh. It was after dark, but I refused Amelia’s offer for a lift since my car was just down the street.The area was well-lit until I turned the corner. The street lamps flickered, reminding me of that night in the library.

  Not again.

  I took a deep breath and locked my fist around my car key, so that I could jab at their eyes and face if someone was around. My boots clicked on the pavement, but I kept a quick pace. I tried to be thankful for the full moon, but then I started thinking about werewolves. I shook my head and straightened my posture. My Beetle was less than ten feet away. It rested under a bright streetlight that beckoned me like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a freezing night.

  My relieved sigh came out before I heard a noise behind me. I walked faster, but the footsteps sped up. I was inches from the door when my poor little car disappeared.

  “What the hell?” I passed through the spot and hurried down an alley, hoping for an escape or somewhere to hide.

  It was a dead end.

  ¤¤¤¤

  Darkness

  They say in death

  You have no fear,

  Does that mean you never

  Shed a tear?

  When life flashes

  Before your eyes,

  You see the times

  It fluttered by…

  Without a thought

  Or regret

  Of all the things

  You left unsaid.

  Now,

  With darkness

  Closing in

  You see the things you

  Missed back then.

  -Jade

  Chapter 18

  …Troy…

  I should’ve been the only predator in her life, but I wasn’t. My eyesight was phenomenal, but his black clothing made him almost invisible. I considered my own black pants, shirt, and coat. To an outsider, I was no better than the shadow that matched her step for step.

  Why was he after Jade?

  “I know you’re here!” His voice echoed. “If you’re expecting your boyfriend to fly in and save you, think again! You left him, remember?” He took stock of the narrow alley. “I bet he doesn’t even know where you are!” His posture changed as he stared at the dumpster. “Will people ever learn to stop littering?” The torch hit the ground as he swung the metal bin aside.

  “It’s too bad you stepped in gum; it led me right to you.”

  Jade’s screams filled me with hate, but I had to wait for the right moment. My fists clenched as he yanked her up.

  I was going to enjoy making him pay.

  ¤¤¤¤

  Jade

  “Somebody help me!” I kicked and scratched as he pulled me up by my collar. My back hit the wall.

  It was the guy from the coffee shop.

  “Why were you following me?”

  “You’re pretty.” He pursed his lips. “It’s too bad he’ll never lay eyes on you again.”

  “Did you do something to Troy?”

  His fingers dug into my shoulder. “My fight with Troy will not end so quickly, but yours will.”

  “Why do you hate him so much?”

  “Family ties and all that. My cousin and I have some unfinished business. Troy doesn’t know it yet.” He raised a silver dagger above his head. “But he will.”

  My body wanted to slump in defeat; however, my mind forced me to stand tall. I would not give that psycho my fear.

  I said a final prayer and squared my shoulders. “Why kill me?”

  He sighed. “You’re kicking yourself for believing the note, for fleeing his protection and leaving things to Chance. That’s my name. You can scream it, if you like. I enjoy hearing it on a pretty girl’s lips—even if they are covered with blood.” He cackled. “But back to your question, Troy loves you, so I know your death will eviscerate him.”

  “Why?”

  His face twisted. “This is about vengeance for my father and his great, great, great grandfather.”

  My screams cut the air as he drove the knife toward my chest, but then he was gone, and I was falling. I tried to pick myself up but my head felt heavy. It hurt to move, but I managed to lean against the wall.

  Two shadows struggled, narrowly missing the beams of light. Chance flew into the far wall as my hero stalked through the moonlight.

  My heart swelled at the sight of Troy and deflated when he picked Chance up and sank his teeth into his flesh.

  ¤¤¤¤

  …Troy…

  “This is some reunion.” I snatched him like a ragdoll.

  “This isn’t going like I envisioned, but I’m adaptable. She can watch me torture you, and when you’re at death’s door, I’ll kill her before he answers.” Chance slashed at me with his blade, missed, and cut my bicep on the second try.

  “Not gonna happen,” I hissed. The gash healed immediately, but left my sleeve wet with blood. My neck cracked as I caught his arm and snapped it at the elbow.

  His sobs were as beautiful as a piano concerto, but I wasn’t done yet. I wanted a grand finale.

  The color drained from his face as he cradled the limb. He was retreating, but it was too late. He was a threat to Jade.

  I should’ve stopped, but the beast was too close to the surface. My fingers curled around his coat as I lifted him off his feet.

  His blood drowned my anger, but not Jade’s screams.

  Darkness Part II

  Alas,

  Hope is never lost…

  Even when you think

  You know the cost.

  Every choice

  and every dream

  Brings you

  to the beginning of the scene.

  Where life is new,

  No shadows dwell,

  Life is sweet,

  And love prevails.

  -Jade

  Chapter 19

  Jade was unconscious.

  Kneeling beside her, I removed my coat and covered her shoulders. The smell of copper filled my nose. I brushed her bangs away from the cut, and looked at my hand. My fangs ached as the scarlet liquid glistened in the moonlight. I wiped it on my pants, and pressed a handkerchief to her forehead b
efore looking over my shoulder. It was comforting to see Chance’s body on a pile of trash.

  As I texted Charles, I considered my long lost cousin’s words. He sent the note, but how long had he known about Jade? I paced between the walls.

  He was going to kill her because she meant something to me.

  I shook her gently as I forced my words into her mind. “Don’t sleep, Jade.”

  She stirred when the Cadillac’s headlights illuminated the entrance.

  “A good man would let you go, but I can’t do it. I can’t forget about you or this curse,” I whispered as I laid her on the back seat. I straightened as my driver carried Chance to the trunk and dropped him in.

  “That was close,” he said as we got in the car.

  “Too close.”

  By the time I opened my eyes, we were near the top of Lookout Mountain. The car stopped in front of a grandiose structure with the class of a 19th century manor and the safety of a secret lair since it was built into the mountain.

  I gathered Jade as Charles opened the doors.

  “Thank you. Please put the baggage in the cellar and get Marshal to find Jade’s car.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  The air held traces of wood cleaner and mothballs as I climbed the stairs.

  Jade’s arm came around my neck, snuggling close as I laid her on the canopy bed. The sweet smell of her blood had me on edge, but I wouldn’t bite her until she wanted it.

  Removing the handkerchief, I exhaled when I saw the small cut. It was about an inch long, just above her eyebrow. I dipped a white cloth into a bowl of hot water and cleaned her up. She mumbled a protest, but I calmed her by brushing my fingers against her cheek.

  Jade could’ve died.

  I put ointment on the wound and applied a rectangle bandage.

  Charles insisted we go to the hospital, but I wasn’t going to take her to a place where she could wake up and tell them to keep me away.

  Bad thoughts surfaced as I stared at the bloody cloth. My fangs itched. I took a deep breath, and called Charles to remove the tray. My trench coat was stiff with dried blood, so I grabbed clean clothes and headed for the shower. The thoughts grew darker as the red water swirled down the drain. I wanted to go downstairs and slaughter my cousin, but I wouldn’t be able to savor it right now. I rammed my fist into the wall.

  I could be patient.

  ¤¤¤¤

  Desire

  When I think of you,

  I see the truth

  And all the things

  You’d never do.

  Your desire,

  Your love….

  Your fear

  Of all the above.

  But I won’t let you

  Walk away

  From the feelings that

  You hold at bay.

  These desires

  Are too strong

  For you to hide them

  ‘Til they’re gone.

  -Troy

  Chapter 20

  Jade

  I rolled onto my side, noting the black sheets and red wall. Water was running.

  Did I leave the shower on?

  The dark colors and bird painting suggested I was in a man’s room. A lover, since I was in my T-shirt and panties. I closed my eyes, but I couldn’t recall a single thing about him or myself. I rubbed my forehead, wincing when I felt the bandage beneath my fingers.

  The longer I stared at the bird, the more my head spun. I tried to make sense of the words my mind was shouting, but there was only one that soared above the others.

  Vampire.

  With the sound of footsteps nearby, I knew my life was on the line. Not all of my memories made sense, but I figured the last thing was the most relevant. I sat up gradually, keeping my eyes closed as I prayed for my balance to return. Shoving the covers aside, I stood up, remaining as quiet as possible.

  Who undressed me?

  I tiptoed to the door as I cursed my luck. How could I have enough bad luck to wake up in a foreign place, escape, and then have it happen again somewhere else?

  I tried to think positively as I turned the doorknob and crept into the hall. This was not Troy’s house in New Orleans. Suddenly, I remembered how the alley situation ended with one of them attacking the other, but who was the vampire?

  What if Chance killed Troy and was holding me hostage?

  My heart shriveled at the thought of Troy’s demise. I hurried to the room at the end of the hallway and ducked inside. Easing the door shut as I strained to make out the dark shapes. I pictured myself tripping and alerting my kidnapper, so I decided to feel around for a closet. Once I found a door, I slipped in and closed it as slowly as I could manage.

  “Why are you playing games, Jade?” Troy’s voice was so loud that I covered my ears, but it didn’t work. I stilled my thoughts as his voice softened. “I know your head hurts. Come here so I can take care of you.”

  I was so relieved that I almost did what he wanted. It took a lot of strength, but I caught myself…barely. I sat down and crossed my legs.

  “You don’t have anything to fear now, Jade. It’s just you and me.”

  I itched to open the door and run to him, especially after what happened in the alley, but too many pieces were still missing.

  “You don’t have to come to me, cher. Just tell me where you are. I’ll come get you,” he said. His accented words drifted through my mind like a melody, but I had to remain strong until I sorted everything out.

  “I was so worried when you left, and then when I found you in the alley… I can’t bear the thought of living without you. Talk to me. Tell me where you are, cher.”

  My lips quivered, but I remained quiet.

  “I love you, Jade. Let me take care of you. I need you.”

  I opened my eyes, wondering when I’d closed them.

  I think I need you too.

  I stood up and slapped my hands over my mouth, but I’d already thought it. I gasped when the door opened.

  Troy looked more handsome and dangerous than I would have thought possible. I sank to my knees as I saw him silhouetted in the light from the hallway.

  He was only wearing pajama pants. My body shook as I tried to decipher his mood, but I couldn’t see his expression. Troy leaned against the door, peering down at me. When his eyes met mine, I got the feeling I had made a big mistake. I hadn’t meant for him to see where I was. I hadn’t even meant for him to hear me think I needed him.

  My impervious ex kneeled and pulled me into his chest. His heart pulsed beneath my hand as he smelled my neck.

  The simple action filled me with unease.

  How many times had he done that—a hundred, a thousand—so why did it bother me all of a sudden?

  I stiffened and leaned back as the rest of my memory returned.

  He pulled me closer, his breath hot on my skin as he whispered, “Shh, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  But those words terrified me.

  How could he lose his humanity?

  His eyes almost made me melt from their intensity. I tried to breathe air into my lungs.

  Troy was a vampire. A vampire. VAMPIRE. Each time I thought it, he gripped me a bit tighter.

  With a sigh, his eyes changed from hazel to amber.

  I gawked for several seconds before shoving him away. I must’ve caught him off guard because he actually fell backwards. I wouldn’t make it to the hallway in time, so I did the only thing I could. I grabbed the closet door and slid the lock into place.

  Troy was up and pounding on it in seconds. When he stopped, a wave of panic hit.

  “It’s not as bad as you think, Jade.” He waited for me to speak. “If you come out, I’ll tell you everything.”

  My heart and body wanted to believe him, but I couldn’t allow it. I smacked my forehead and swallowed hard when I felt the wetness beneath my fingers. Tired of waiting, I put my ear to the door and listened as my hand went for the knob.

  ¤¤¤¤

  Destro
yed

  I used mortality to describe

  the world.

  The thought of more was

  unconceivable.

  Now,

  I find myself with other facts,

  Bits and pieces that destroy all that.

  With darkness dwellers

  and other things…

  I find myself in a living dream.

  -Jade

  Chapter 21

  …Troy…

  I closed my eyes and concentrated on removing the glamour. Jade stared at me as if I’d sprouted horns instead of changed my eyes from hazel to amber.

  When she shoved me away and slammed the door, I knew she needed a moment to get her bearings, so I formed another plan.

  I paced the hallway.

  The monster in me wanted to take her every way possible, but the man wanted her to come willingly. It was hard to say who would win. Chance had been a decent appetizer, but I wasn’t satiated. I wanted to storm in there and kick down the door, but I enjoyed her lust more than her fear. I tried to think about something else, but she clouded my mind. The more time I spent with her, the more I wanted.

  When the door opened, I slipped into the bedroom to wait for my frightened little mouse. Her heart raced as she took every precaution, but it wasn’t enough. I pinned her against the wall as soon as she looked the other way.

  “You’re bleeding.”

  Her pulse sped up as I touched her eyebrow.

  “I won’t bite.” I kissed her cheek. “Yet.”

  “You better not bite me!”