I held her close as I guided her to my truck. It wasn’t the newest model, but it was my baby. After getting her settled in the passenger’s seat, I slipped in the driver’s and looked at her nervously twirling her thumbs. “Livvie? Is there something wrong?” I asked, worry clutching my heart.
“Um…I’m just…you know our dreams? How you would visit me?”
“Yes…”
“Well…I’m not really that experienced! I’m nervous about what’s going to happen,” she exclaimed, her rosy cheeks turning bright red.
I stifled a laugh and reached for her hand. I squeezed it and said, “Hey, no worries. I’m not expecting anything tonight, or ever. I just want to spend time with you.”
She smiled and her shoulders relaxed, “Ooook.”
She didn’t seem to be completely calm, though. I saw her out of the corner of my eye as I drove, clutching her hands until her knuckles turned white. I reached over and grasped her hand. The softness of her skin melted in mine. She sighed as my thumb caressed her palm. I didn’t want her to worry about whether or not we would act out our dreamwalking. Sex was close to the last thing on my mind. I wanted her to feel safe and get her cleaned up. Besides, after all of the power usage, I needed to eat to energize myself. Since she was new to her powers, she would need restoring, too.
We drove down the deserted road. At 1 a.m., I wouldn’t expect there to be many people out in this town. Livvie sat reclined in the seat, though she seemed a million miles away. I couldn’t help but worry.
A lot had happened, and I wouldn’t blame her a bit if she was overwhelmed. She found out her wannabe date was an ancient, evil sorcerer. As if that wasn’t enough, she also found out she had powers no one could explain, and she watched her best friend die and be brought back to life. I was surprised she wasn’t crying in a corner somewhere all night, but no, not my Livvie. She was being strong and taking things as they came. I admired her strength.
I turned onto my street. The houses were all multiple stories, taller than they were wide with large, well-kept yards. My parents’ home was older, like something out of a movie. It was a huge white house with green shutters and a screened in wrap-around porch. The shutters were precisely the shade of green as our family’s sorcerer color. Of course, there were flowers adorning the front yard as well as a few garden statues. The garage held two cars, and my apartment was located above it. I pulled into it and released her hand.
I turned to Livvie, looking for her reaction. Her eyes were wide and she looked amazed. Even with a blood splattered dress and black matted hair, she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever laid eyes on. She looked surprised when I jumped out and ran around to open her door, and she lifted her delicate hand to mine. I led her to the stairs and told her about my living situation.
“This is my apartment up here. It’s small, just a bedroom, bath, and a kitchen/living area. I do most of my dining and hanging out in my parents’ house anyway, so it works out for me.” I opened the door and placed my hand on the small of her back, nudging her in first.
“Oh, wow…I really like it, Scott. And this…this is the place where we met in some of my dreams.” She turned to me.
“Yes it is,” I agreed with a smile.
She looked around, taking it all in. The mirror on the wall showed her reflection, earning a horrified reaction. However, I thought she looked as gorgeous as ever.
“I’m awful! I can’t believe this night turned out this way. I must be a dreadful sight for you,” she cried out. She truly seemed devastated by her appearance.
“Livvie…you’re gorgeous to me as you are, but I understand your feelings. Would you like to take a shower? I can find something for you to put on.”
“Oh, yes, please!” she exclaimed, her eyes growing bright with excitement.
“It’s right through that door.” I pointed to my left, “There are towels on the shelf, and I’ll send some clothes in.”
“Send clothes in…? What...How?”
Her head cocked to the side in confusion.
“I’m a sorcerer, remember?”
“Oh, yeah.” She giggled and turned to the bathroom.
Her hips moved in a tantalizing way, and my mind drifted. The fear of losing her was gone, and my mind was full of kissing, loving, and holding her. Just having her here with me in the flesh was amazing. I rid my mind of the thoughts as I rummaged through my clothing. Livvie was tiny, so anything I had was going to be too big, but she couldn’t walk around in a blood and ooze splattered dress. Finally, I found an old pair of sweats from when I was younger, and a smaller shirt for a tighter fit. Hopefully these would work.
I supposed I could conjure her some clothing, but there was something intriguing about the thought of her wearing mine. It seemed sexy. So I stuck with that.
OLIVIA
The hot shower did wonders for my exhaustion. The night had been awful. I was still a little shell shocked. So much happened, and Aiden still wanting me was heavy on my mind. But I didn’t want to think about that now. I was in Scott’s apartment, and I would not let anything ruin that for me.
I put on the sweats and tank top he sent in. They were both a few sizes too big. I had no bra with me because I couldn’t wear one with the dress. Oh, well, I suppose this was better than being covered in Juniper’s blood and Aiden’s…well, goo. My hair was wet, giving it a wild look. If Scott really loved me…well, this would be the test. If he could find me attractive now, he was definitely a keeper.
I took one last, quick glance in the mirror and stepped out of the bathroom. I looked in the bedroom, my stomach tightening with nervousness. Scott wasn’t there. I walked to the living area and saw he was in the kitchen. He’d changed into jeans and another buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark hair was messy, and he looked amazing. My breath caught in my throat, and I could barely move. I wanted him so badly. I knew I loved him. Just being around him had proven it to me. My heart fluttered as I stepped toward him. “Hey. I’m all clean now,” I said with a timid smile.
His eyes took me in, a hunger in them that I imagined my own had. “You clean up very nicely.”
“Oh, come on! I look awful. These are way too big,” I said as I pulled the clothes out from me, to emphasize the big.
“You look great,” he said and he put his hands around my waist.
I couldn’t help but giggle when he said that. I knew I looked far from great. He pulled me closer, his hands under the bottom of my shirt. I gasped. My whole body was raging from the intimate contact. His soft lips took mine, and a moan started deep in my throat. My hands went up to his hair, running through it and tugging at the ends. I wanted him, no, needed him, to be closer to me. Our kissing was intense, with our lips moving in unison and our tongues taking turns exploring the other’s mouth. The kissing in the dreams was passionate, but this was out of this world. My head was foggy from kissing, and my body was lit on fire. I pulled way, my hands running down his chest. “Scott.”
His eyes were full of desire for me. He looked at me with an intensity I’d never seen before. “Livvie.”
“I’m not ready,” I said softly, biting my bottom lip.
He pulled me closer, one arm around my waist and the other caressing my head. “I just want to be with you, Livvie. I don’t care in what way.”
I leaned my face back from his chest, looking up into his deep eyes. “Really?” I asked quietly.
He nodded with a slight smile. The longing was still in his eyes, but the fire had subdued a tiny bit. I squeezed his waist tightly, breathing in his scent. I knew I had to ask the questions burning in my mind, but I didn’t know how to get started. “Scott…I…I have questions.”
“Ok,” he said, smiling and eager.
“Did you ever…when you watched me…was it ever in awkward situations? Like the bathroom or shower or anything?”
“What? Gosh, no, Livvie! That would be an invasion of privacy. I care for you. I wouldn’t do that.”
; Sighing, I could feel the weight of the worry lifting. While I cared for Scott, I had worried about what all he had seen when he watched me.
“Were you really concerned about that, baby?” he asked, his voice low.
I nodded, biting my lip again. He moved away from me. He walked to the living area, slumping in a seat in a defeated way. My heart was breaking, seeing how upset he was. I carefully made my way to him, crouching on my knees in front of him. “Scott, I’ve fallen in love with you in my dreams, but this is all new to me. I want to know everything. I’m sorry if I upset you.” I reached out to his hand, grasping it in mine. He squeezed back, and his other hand played with my hair. I closed my eyes, sighing as his fingers massaged my scalp and relaxed my body. I leaned my head in, almost snuggling his hand, and giggled softly.
“What is it, my love?” he whispered gently.
I lifted my body until I was face to face with him. I leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. “I just can’t believe I’m really here with you. I really thought I was going crazy there for a while,” I said with a laugh.
He leaned his forehead into mine, our eyes level. “You aren’t crazy. Well…you may be crazy about me, but that’s it,” he said with a wink.
I smiled and thought about how true that statement was. I was definitely crazy about him. “I want to know everything about you. I feel like you know so much about me, but I’m still in the dark.”
He smiled and said, “Ask me anything.”
I scrunched my lips up and put on my best thinking face. “Hmm…let’s start with simple. What’s your full name?”
“Scott Andrew Tabors. S-A-T. My grandma used to say I was so lazy because my parents gave me S-A-T as initials.”
I laughed at that because I could see Anna saying it. “I can’t believe Anna is your grandmother. I’ve been going to her boutique for years.”
“If only we’d known…”
“Yeah…” I smiled wistfully. “Ok, what are all your favorites? Color, holiday, animal, anything and everything.”
He groaned and thought about the question. “That’s loaded. Ok…green, your birthday, horses, food is pancakes and chicken. You know I love art.” He paused to think. “I don’t know what else you want to know,” he said with a magnificent grin.
I climbed up into his lap. The chair was small but perfect for a cozy conversation. I snuggled in closer to his chest and said, “I told you…I want to know everything.”
“Everything is so vague. Be specific. We have forever for everything. What do you want to know right this second?”
Forever. And he said my words were loaded. “Do you have any pets? Tell me about your brothers. Are they as awesome as Sadie?”
“No pets. Santos is awesome…Sebastian, however…he’s…I’m not sure how to describe him. He doesn’t really like family time. He’s not close to any of us.” Sadness passed over his face, and I felt bad for bringing it up.
“Oh. I’m sorry,” I said as my fingers slid over his cheek bones. I traced the outline of his jaw, and he closed his eyes. A soft smile spread on his face, and he sighed happily. “I like your face. It’s so strong and masculine, but comforting at the same time.”
His eyes opened and peered at me. “You are too much, love. I’m so glad you’re here. I have to shower, though.”
I nodded and reluctantly got off his lap. I held on to his hand until he slipped away, then I sat in bliss until he returned.
SCOTT
As much as I didn’t want to leave Livvie for one minute, I set off for a shower. I needed to wash the stench of the night away from me so I could enjoy my time with my love. The shower revitalized me. My body was achy from the fighting, but the hot water helped. I hurried through it, though, not really enjoying it like I normally would have. My heart was happy to have Livvie here with me, and I wanted to cherish every second after this horrid night.
Livvie and I stayed up half the night talking and getting to know each other. After our difficult conversation about espying and my quick shower, we had curled up on the couch. I started the conversation and told her everything about me; information ranged from my other family members to what color my favorite socks were. She listened intently, her beautiful face studying mine while I spoke.
After that, we moved to the kitchen. At 2:30a.m., we mixed pancakes after we both realized it had been awhile since we’d eaten anything. Making breakfast with her in my kitchen felt natural and right. She told me about her family while we prepared our food, her soft lips detailing and describing every important person in her life. Jealousy coursed through me as I realized they all had such a long history with her, while I only possessed a few sweet moments in her dreams.
Shaking the thoughts, I watched intently as her soft body glided through my kitchen. Her delicate hands whipped the batter while her hair bounced in unison. The pants I gave her were too big and her hip bones kept peeking out, driving me crazy.
“Scott,” she asked, her voice pulling me from her hips. She looked at me curiously, a smirk on her lips. “Are you listening? I need a skillet to cook these in.”
“Oh, ok. They’re right here,” I said. I opened the cabinet above her head.
“What were you thinking about?” she asked and poked me in the ribs.
I smiled and shook my head. That, I wasn’t going to tell her.
“Scott!” She attacked me, trying her best to tickle me. She soon realized that I wasn’t ticklish though, so all of her effort was for nothing.
I held her in a bear hug off the floor, kissing her nose when it was level with my mouth. “I like cooking with you.”
She giggled. “I like cooking with you, too. Even if it is after two in the morning.”
We finished flipping our pancakes, though we burned a few in the process. After a dual effort on clean-up, we stood awkwardly, realizing it was time to sleep.
“Sco—“
“Liv—“
We both spoke at the same time. Looking at each other, we laughed. I gestured for her to go first.
“Scott, I’d really like to sleep in the room with you tonight. I want you to hold me. I think I would feel safer that way.”
My heart was beating faster and faster. I nodded. I was thinking the same thing. “I want you to. I promise I won’t try anything.”
“I know that,” she said as she reached to touch my face. She stared into my eyes intensely, the green glowing with desire. “I just don’t want it to be too tempting for either of us, that’s all. If it is, I can sleep somewhere else.”
“No,” I said firmly, “you are not sleeping somewhere else. I need you with me so I can know you’re safe.”
She looked worried and kept biting her lip. She was nervous, and I got the feeling there was more on her mind.
“What is it?” I asked quietly.
“When will Aiden come back for me?” she asked in a deathly whisper.
I pulled her closer. “I don’t know, love. But know that nothing will happen to you. I’ll protect you.”
She glanced up with a smirk on her face. “You’re going to protect me?” she asked.
I laughed. She made a point. She did pretty well for herself tonight once she had tapped into her powers. “Ok, let me rephrase. I want to protect you, but I know you can protect yourself. Is that better?” I asked as I kissed her forehead.
“Yes. Thank you,” she said with a laugh. She squinted and turned her head to the side, like she had just realized something.
“What is it now?”
“Do you know what other powers I may have?” she asked, pulling away from me a little. She stared down at her hands, inspecting them with a great intensity. She looked up at me, a little mesmerized. “I shot fire out of my hands, and it didn’t burn me. Why?”
“Because it was coming from you. It won’t burn you if you create it.”
“And the visions…they only work on humans?”
I shrugged. “I don’t have that power, so I’m not sure. It seems that
way, though.”
“I didn’t get one when I touched either of my parents …” she thought aloud. “I wonder what else I can do?” she asked quietly.
I locked my forehead with hers. I looked into her eyes and saw the burning desire to know about herself. “We’ll figure it out, all right? We do have suspicions that you’re a mix of beings…meaning your parents are from the paranormal world, Livvie.”
She nodded, her face conveying panic she didn’t voice. I reached my hand out to her, palm up, so she could put hers in it. Locking fingers we walked down the hall to the bedroom. I fluffed the pillows and got an extra one from the closet. I knew from our dreams that she liked to sleep on two pillows.
“So which side do you sleep on?” she asked.
“I usually sleep in the middle,” I said with a laugh, “but I’ll take the left. I know you like the right.”
She smiled and crawled in on her side. She looked small in my king sized bed. Her red hair seemed to darken against the whiteness of my pillows. I turned off the light and crossed back to the bed. When I slipped in, I could hear her breathing quicken. I lay facing her. I reached out to hold her in my arms. She slid her body over and rested her head in the crook of my arm. Her hand caressed my chest and a flutter went through my heart. I inhaled sharply, and she took the hint, moving her hand back.
I touched her face, and she lifted her head onto my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her in a big hug.
She giggled and pulled away. “I like this,” she sighed.
“Me too.”
Her eyes were drooping as she looked at me, a soft smile crossing her face every so often.
“You look exhausted, my darling. Perhaps you should rest,” I said. I kissed her forehead.
“I know. I probably should. I called my parents and left a message saying I was with Juniper. Isn’t that awful?”
“Nah. We’re going to them tomorrow. We need answers about what exactly you are and where your powers come from. We can tell them the truth then.”
The White Aura Page 17