Forest of the Forbidden

by W. J. May

  Jesse glanced toward the shore. “There’s a legend that those who have been marked as a petal will have a guardian to keep them safe.”

  “A petal? And why would I need a guardian?” I asked.

  “Because you’ve been chosen.”

  “Besides protection, the guardians hand out blessings too,” Sam said. “You caught a twenty-pound bass back there on your first cast. We don’t usually catch any bigger than ten-pounders.”

  “What’s a petal?” I asked.

  “Six petals form the flower for the ceremony. It’s an ancient tradition, practiced every 500 years.”

  “Pssh. That sounds like something off of The X Files or one of those stupid SyFy shows. It’s just a myth, like the bogeyman, Bigfoot, and aliens being kept alive with strawberry ice cream,” I said. “But what’s this so-called ceremony about.”

  Jesse handed my fishing pole back to me and rolled his eyes at his brother and sister. “Don’t let my siblings scare you. Let’s leave myths in the books and concentrate on fishing.”

  “I didn’t mean to freak you out,” Kierra said. “I just got carried away, that’s all.”

  “You had me worried there for a minute. It was only a deer. Maybe my imagination just got carried away again.”

  We continued talking and fishing, but the mood had morphed into something depressing and somber, almost as dark as the night itself. Something was wrong, and I wondered what they were hiding. It was either that or they just felt sorry for me, the lunatic who had seen an invisible buck.

  Suddenly, a thought occurred to me: What if a curse really was placed on me when I opened the tin box? Am I really marked now? My breath hitched in my throat. What have I done? Have I really unleashed some horrible curse? But the woman said she’d protect me, and even Jesse said the myth speaks of protection. I frowned. But protection from what? I had no idea. The one thing I did know was that my mind couldn’t take much more of the freaky happenings. I wanted so badly to confide in Jesse, but I didn’t want him to think I was crazy. I was sure he had his doubts about me after the McDonald’s bathrobe escapade, and now I was seeing Bambi the friendly ghost. I feared that if I told him about the strange whisperings in the wind, it would be just enough to send him over the edge, and I didn’t want him to kick me to the curb.

  I got home around seven a.m., and Jesse searched the house and said it was clear. After telling him goodbye, I turned on the security system, then cranked up the air conditioning. I pulled the drapes and made the room as dark as I could, then jumped into bed. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

  I spent the rest of the weekend looking for that white buck, my potential protector, but I didn’t see anything. I even tried to Google myths, but I saw nothing about mortal sacrifices, petals, and white bucks. I didn’t know what to make of it.

  Fortunately, I wasn’t encumbered with no more voices or visions, and everything went smoothly while I waited for my parents to return on Sunday afternoon.

  * * *

  Chapter 16

  Fred was working on our back yard, and it was really looking nice. All the towering weeds were gone, and the place looked a whole sharper.

  “The place is looking great,” I said.

  Fred sipped his water. “Thanks. I’ve been working hard.”

  “Take a break. You deserve it.”

  “I’ve got a present for you,” he said, then held out a small box.

  I swallowed hard. He was cute—not gorgeous like Jesse but definitely cute. Still, I didn’t like him in that way, and I wasn’t sure how to handle the fact that he clearly had a crush on me. I had never been good at trampling other people’s feelings, which was why I’d stayed with that sleaze ball, Sean, as long as I had. Now, I was afraid if I accepted Fred’s gift, it might lead him to believe there was more than friendship between us. But if I refused it, it would hurt his feelings. “I-I can’t accept this, Fred,” I said softly, trying to lessen the blow.

  “Because you’re obsessed with Jesse, right?”

  “I’m crazy about him, and it wouldn’t be right to lead you on.”

  “This isn’t a romantic present.”

  “It isn’t?”

  “No.”

  “My apologies then. I just assumed—”

  “It’s just a present from one friend to another, no strings attached.”

  “In that case...” I smiled and opened the box. The sun glittered on a silver cross necklace. “Wow, Fred. It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  “Would you like me to help you put it on?”

  I lifted up my hair. “I’d love that.”

  He clasped the necklace around my neck.

  “Thanks again. It’s so pretty,” I said, looking down to admire the dainty pendant around my neck.

  His mouth became a long, thin line. “Yeah, but I didn’t get it for looks.”

  I arched a brow. “You didn’t?”

  “It’s for your protection, Taylor.”

  “Protection?”

  “Jesse’s not a witch—or maybe he is—but I now know what’s his family is hiding.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’m glad to hear you’ve dumped the witch theory.”

  “Yeah. I was completely off base,” he said, not sounding glad about that at all.

  “It was way out there. Just because we found an altar, that’s no reason to jump to crazy theories.”

  “Well, I’m not jumping to my new one. This time, I have solid evidence.”

  “You’re killing me, Fred. What is it?”

  “I’m not killing you, but they might. They’re vampires, Taylor.”

  I couldn’t stifle my laugh, because this theory was worse than the last one.

  “You shouldn’t laugh. You’re dating a bloodsucker,” he said.

  “Excuse me? Are you telling me I’m Jesse’s future ghoulfriend.”

  He rolled his eyes. “This is serious, Taylor.”

  “It’s not possible, Fred. Vampires turn to ash in sunlight. That’s a simple fact. They always have and always will.”

  “Yeah. I haven’t figured out how they bypass that.”

  “Simple. They’re not vampires.”

  “I know they are.”

  “Jesse is outside every day, and the last time I checked, Coppertone doesn’t make 5,000 SPF.”

  Fred’s gaze narrowed. “You’re in danger, Taylor. I wish you’d take me seriously.”

  “Are you listening to yourself?” I retorted.

  “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.”

  I choked my laughter back. “Is that why you got me this necklace? Because I need a crucifix for protection from vampires?”

  “Yes. Where did you meet him anyway?”

  “He was hiking...and it was love at first bite,” I joked.

  His lips pressed into a grim line. “Taylor, that’s not funny.”

  “Sorry,” I said. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”

  “Keep your day job. You’re a horrible comedienne.”

  My grin widened. “I will. I work with Jesse.”

  “You’re really playing with fire,” he said, shaking his head at me. “Even if you did believe me, you’d probably want to stay with him. What’s with chicks and vampires anyway? They’re fiends who feast on blood and kill people, yet women find them completely irresistible.”

  “I suppose they’re kind of the in thing right now,” I said. “The ultimate bad boy fantasy.”

  “I guess, but I still don’t really understand the whole glorified vampire phenomenon.”

  I didn’t really believe Jesse was a vampire, but I decided to roll with it and have some fun. “Don’t you get it? Women want to feel special, cherished, protected, and loved. Shouldn’t every girl have an Edward Cullen?”

  “If I was a girl, I’d prefer Lestat de Lioncourt from Interview with a Vampire.”

  “I’m more of Team Brad Pitt, so it’d be Louis for me,” I said.

  “Nope.
Maybe Buffy’s Angel or Bill Compton from that Dracula flick, but not sparkly Edward or whiny, emo Louis. Why are girls so hung up on corpses anyway?”

  “They’re the coolest of the paranormal,” I said.

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Dracsolutely,” I joked. “A werewolf will tear you to shreds. A zombie isn’t fun to hug when his rotting arms fall off. Mummies stink to high heaven, and ghosts are nothing but air. Really, a vampire is the only way to go.”

  “Fine, but when they make out with you, they take a little nibble on your jugular. Gimme zombies any day. Vampires just...suck.”

  “They’re both vile, evil, and undead, and they both feed on humans. One is just hotter, smarter, and smells a whole lot better. Truthfully, zombies are stupid,” I insisted. “They’ll walk straight toward a barrel of a gun, while vampires trace away in a speeding blur if they don’t kill you in one quick bite.”

  “Yeah, but the fighting is the best part.”

  “You can fight the fanged ones too,” I said.

  “Forget wooden stakes. Chainsaws are better.”

  I smiled and shook my head. “You’re sick, you know that?”

  “What!? What guy doesn’t want to fight off the walking dead with chainsaws, sledgehammers, and swords? Holding up a crucifix and sprinkling water on a bloodsucker is...well, it’s kind of sissy-ish.”

  “Is that even a word?” I chuckled. “So, when it comes to the undead, you’re saying men love zombies and women love vampires?”

  “Yeah. Zombies are way more manly, not all pretty and stylish.”

  “I hate to burst your bubble and break your stereotype, but you’re wrong. I happen to love both.”

  “Hmm. I guess you’ve proven me wrong. But what’s the deal with Jesse? Are you in love with the bloodsucker or what?”

  I shot him a look. “No. In lust maybe.”

  “Ew! I didn’t ask for those kind of details.”

  I smiled. “If you don’t want to hear the answers, don’t ask the questions.”

  He glanced down for a minute, then looked back up at me. “I’ve read that vampires can make you fall in love with them.”

  I shook my head vehemently. “Jesse hasn’t done that. He wouldn’t have to. Have you seen him? The guy is a forest fire all his own, smoking hot. All he has to do is strut his hot butt into a room and smile, and women will swarm to him like—”

  “How can you even identify with a creature who won’t ever die? You can’t. He’s immortal, and you can’t even begin to understand his deep desire for human blood. Your vamp boyfriend—”

  “He’s not my boyfriend...yet.”

  “You need to break off all communication with him as soon as possible, Taylor.”

  I met his gaze straight on. “If what you’re saying is true, maybe I want to tame him.”

  “You can’t tame a ravage beast.” Fred stood. “I don’t think I have anything more to say to you.”

  “Wait, Fred! Come back!” I yelled as he started to step off the porch in a huff. “You said you have solid proof, evidence. How did you come to this conclusion anyway?”

  Ignoring me, he went back to work.

  “Thank you for the necklace,” I said. “I won’t take it off. I promise.”

  When he continued to ignore me, I just shook my head and headed back into the house, rubbing the cross between my thumb and index finger. Fred was more than a little troubled, but I couldn’t help but be flattered by his urge to protect me.

  * * *

  Chapter 17

  A few days later, Amy, one of Julie’s friends, invited Jesse and me on a boat ride. I hadn’t given her an answer yet, so Julie wouldn’t quit calling. When I saw her name on my caller ID again, I moaned. “Hello?” I said, answering my cell.

  “Are you coming or not?”

  “I went night-fishing with Jesse a few days ago,” I said. “I kinda got freaked out on the boat.” The image of the white buck flashed across my mind.

  She blew out a long breath. “How many times do I have to tell you it’s all just some stupid myth? How can you let them scare you like that anyway?”

  “I wasn’t scared—just a little freaked out.”

  “I talked to Jesse, and he’s coming. I just hope one of those girls doesn’t ask him out.”

  “Julie!”

  “What? You know they’ll be all over him like ants on a picnic.”

  “Fine. I’ll go,” I said.

  “I knew you’d see it my way,” she said, wearing a smirk that I could hear through the phone.

  “Ha-ha! Can I bring Max?”

  “Sure. Be there in an hour.”

  “Bye,” she said.

  After I hung up the phone, I threw my bathing suit on, then slipped a pair of blue shorts with a cute lace tank-top. I brushed my teeth and left my hair down. I quickly packed some sunscreen, a towel, some bottles of water, and a few other things I thought I might need.

  Outside, I opened the car door, put my sunglasses on, and called Max. He hopped into the passenger’s side and barked, and I put the window halfway down for him.

  “Ready to have some fun, Max?” I asked.

  He barked again, and I laughed at his answer as I pulled out of the driveway.

  At the docks, Julie spotted me and squealed my name. “We’re gonna have so much fun,” she said.

  “Is Jesse here yet?” I asked.

  “Yep.” Julie reached down and petted Max. “Hi, Max.”

  He barked and wagged his tail.

  I climbed onto the boat and found Jesse sitting on the bow, surrounded by an entourage of bikini-clad, giggling girls. One was showing off her bellybutton ring, and another was asking his opinion of her tramp stamp.

  When Jesse met my gaze, he smiled.

  Max started barking at Jesse again, and I secretly hoped he’d chase away his fan club.

  Jesse left the swarm of girls and walked straight to me. “Hi. You look amazing.”

  “Thanks,” I said, almost smiling back at the girls who scowled at me and walked away.

  He embraced me in a long hug, then kissed my lips.

  “Sadly, ladies,” a brunette said, “it appears Jesse is taken by the new girl.”

  “Yep,” another said, shaking her head.

  “Not to worry. My fun boat brings all the boys to the yard,” she said with a grin, pointing in the direction of the dock.

  I turned and saw a whole herd of guys climbing onboard, some in trunks and others bravely donning Speedos.

  Julie smiled. “Whoa. Talk about precious cargo. I got dibs on the blond.”

  We all burst out in laughter.

  Jesse smiled at me, set me on his lap and wrapped his arms around me. I loved being the object of his affection, and I was beginning to feel very comfortable with him.

  “With all those animal attacks happening,” Amy said, “I thought this would be a good idea. What could be safer than hanging out in water in the middle of the lake?”

  “It’s brilliant!” Julie squealed. “Most animals can’t swim, and as far as I know, there aren’t any sharks in the lake.”

  The sun beat down on my skin, but the last thing I wanted was to look like a lobster in front of Jesse. I drizzled sunscreen from the bottle into my hands, then smeared the coconut-scented cream all over my arms and legs. “I do feel a lot safer here,” I said.

  Amy smiled. “Me too.”

  Jesse reached for the lotion with a smile. “Need some help?” he offered.

  “Sure,” I said, holding my hair up. “You’ve always got my back, huh?” I punned.

  “I have spray-on sunblock,” one of the girl’s said.

  Julie laughed. “I’m sure Jesse prefers the hands-on method.”

  “It works better to really rub it in,” Jesse said.

  “Yeah, I bet,” Julie said with a chuckle.

  My heart sped up as he rubbed the lotion slowly down my shoulders and across my back.

  “I can do your back if you want,” I said. “It’s only
fair.”

  “Nah, I’m good.”

  “What’s the matter, Jesse? You got a gorilla back or something like those apes in the zoo where you work?” Julie asked.

  “Ha-ha,” he said.

  A popular tune came on the radio, and some of the girls started dancing. Others laughed, talked, and sipped on their drinks they’d taken from the two coolers that were loaded with sandwiches and sodas.

  One of them casually said to Amy, “I heard about the breakup. What happened?”

  She frowned. “Well, he’s doing drugs and getting all possessive.”

  “Wow. It’s good you broke it off now then,” Julie said, “especially if he’s hooked on drugs.”

  Amy’s brown eyes sparkled in the sun as her long, reddish-brown hair blew in the wind. “I don’t wanna talk about my pitiful love life. Let’s jump in!” And with that, she did a cannonball into the lake.

  Jesse followed her, and I laughed.

  “Oh my gosh! It’s freezing in here!” Amy said.

  Jesse glanced up at me. “Come on in! And don’t worry. I’ll keep you warm.”

  Taking the offer I couldn’t possibly refuse, I dove in, then wiped the hair out of my eyes.

  Max barked and was next to jump into the water

  “Come on, Max!” I coaxed.

  He started dog-paddling toward us.

  I then turned to Jesse. “You left your shirt on again.”

  “Like Julie said, I’m shy.”

  “Liar, liar, trunks on fire,” I said.

  He grinned widely.

  “I don’t care about your scar, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “It’s just—”

  “You don’t have to explain.”

  “Jesse, you need to lose the shirt and put on a Speedo like some of those other guys,” Julie said, right before she jumped in, splashing us. “I think a leopard print would really bring out your eyes.”

  The whirring of a boat engine caught my attention as it approached.

  “Crap. I was also hoping my nutcase ex-boyfriend wouldn’t find me here,” Amy said.

  When the boat got closer, a guy about our age called Amy’s name. “Hey, I just wanna talk.”

  Max started barking and causing a ruckus.