by Kira Hillins
“I’m not sure how to act now,” she said to Mac, who had closed his eyes. “I don’t want to be a child again, but I also don’t feel like growing up.”
The tip of the sun sank below the top of the nearest building. “Just be you,” he mumbled in the quiet.
“That’s not good enough,” she murmured as she scanned the lavender sky. “Night is coming fast. I’ll have to make a decision.”
“You have a half hour to figure it out.”
“Do you think he’ll come like he promised?” Anna plopped down into the cushion near Mac’s feet.
“If he promised, then he’ll be here.”
Anna cast a crooked, uncertain grin and then watched the clock. It ticked and tocked. Her eyes drooped as the room grew quieter. Then just when the sky turned black, a light knock came to the door.
She sprung from the couch and threw the door open to Tristan’s pale face. “My prince!”
“Good evening.” Tristan bowed.
His right brow rose as she fell into his arms. “I am so happy you’re here.” She gave a silly laugh and then looked up at him. “I had no doubt you would come. But I would’ve understood why you might miss out on such a childish holiday.”
Tristan cocked his head to the side. “You believe All Hallows Eve is childish?”
She shrugged. “Humans made it into a childhood tradition. And I am getting too old for this.”
“You are too old for candy?” Tristan threw Mac a rare grin.
“I think so.”
“Then you do not wish to go this year?”
“No. I mean, yes! Of course I want to go now. You are here. I wish not to turn you away after you came all this way to meet me. So are you ready, my prince?”
“I am ready, Princess Anna.”
* * * *
She ran house to house, a skip in her step and a smile across her pinkish lips. Every time she rejoined him on the sidewalk, she showed him her slowly building bag of candy.
It was so strange to be with her, conversing with her like a normal being when she was just an orphaned child with her estranged father figure. He’d never meant for her to look up to him the way she did. He’d never planned on getting this close. But here she walked beside him, occasionally taking him by the hand and curiously never minding its chill.
“Mac told me my real father passed away before my birth. But is it true my mother died in your arms with a wish you would care for me?”
“You know this story, Anna,” he replied coolly as he continued down the sidewalk.
She stopped him before the next walkway. “Yes, dad told me the story. I have never heard the words come from your mouth. Please, tell me your version.”
He stuck his hands in the pockets of his dark trench coat. “It is the same version Mac told you.”
“I don’t care. I want to hear it from your perfect mouth.”
He fixed his gaze on a passing group of children who laughed noisily as they teased each other about the costumes they wore. A teenage knight in plastic armor swung his sword, pretending to cut off the head of his friend, who happened to be stuck in a guillotine.
The other couple was dressed in similar gowns, togas with golden tassels. That seemed to be a favorite this year. If it were any other night but Halloween, he might frighten such children away with a mere glance of his purposely blazing stare.
“Your mother came to my home. She died during your birth. I promised to take care of you, and that is all.”
She puckered her lips. “Don’t be so vague.”
“Why do you ask to hear this now?”
“Well.” The corner of her mouth twitched. Her heart beat just a little faster, and she trembled. “I love Mac and Betty so very much, but…I want to be with you, Tristan. Let me come live in your house for a little while. I want to experience everything you do. I want to know how you live.”
He gave her a smug look. “You do not want to stay with me.”
“But I do.” She took him by the arm and forced him to go with her down the sidewalk, past the houses she hadn’t been to yet. She led him close to the alley with no foot traffic then faced him. “I love you more than anyone else in this world.” The serious look she gave startled him, enough he remained still, speechless. “I know who you are, Tristan. I’ll do anything you want me to do if you’ll just make me like you. I may not be able to offer you much now, but later…when I get older…I’ll love you in other ways.”
“You are but a mere child, Anna. Love is something you do not understand.”
“I understand more than you give me credit for!” She lifted his hand and held it between hers. “Please. Just think about it before you give me an answer. Mac and Betty won’t mind if I live with you.”
The warmth of her hand felt good against his. Her pulse was strong and quick. The pure blood coursing through her drew his attention in a terrible way. The thought of draining her thoroughly, here, now, made the skin of his teeth ache. He’d most likely enjoy it, for the blood of innocence invited, and hers would taste the sweetest of all.
He’d waited centuries for this opportune time to take her essence. To be able to live again looked at him pleadingly. He’d become much too impatient to let any more time pass.
He must do it now for his sanity, for his own needs. To be able to feel warmth again, to be hungry for something other than blood, that’s what he desired most. He’d do anything to get it, even kill this beautiful child beside him.
He returned his stern gaze to her, but she only stared back lovingly. He despised that look, for she cast it often, and it always made his heart sink. He shook his head. Letting himself get lost in her eyes now would ruin his plans. He could not let her torment his emotions tonight.
“Are you okay?” she asked in a soft, wavering voice. She gasped. He thought maybe he’d frightened her, but she covered her open mouth and giggled. “Oh, I must have candy on my face. You should’ve told me before I made such a fool out of myself.”
Tristan looked away, disgusted with his thoughts. The damned girl showed him more love than he’d planned, making this task excruciatingly difficult. Did his demon not possess the guts to come forward and end this?
Rubbing her face with her palm, she ran to the nearest house, leaving him alone to catch his breath. This couldn’t go on any longer. He’d force out the demon and tear her apart if he must.
She made her way back to his side, a skip in her step once more. She brushed her curls from her shoulder and looked inside the candy bag. “I love the candy necklaces with the blue hearts. It may sound strange, but they remind me of you. Your heart is cold and beautiful. I found three of them that I’m going to keep.”
He breathed in deep and then took her by the hand. “Come with me.” He pulled fast, jerking her arm when she lagged. She never fought his forceful lead, but made a few exasperated sounds when he tugged too hard. He stopped at the corner then reeled her around to face him.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered softly. “You’re acting so strange tonight.”
“I…” He knelt to meet her, palm resting on her cheek. If only she’d be quiet.
“It’s okay.” She smiled, resting her hand on his shoulder. “You can tell me what’s wrong.”
She took hold of a lock of his midnight hair and yanked lightly, sweetly, unknowing her terrible fate was about to be fulfilled. He yearned for her blood. It became ever so prominent as he leaned in close, ready to take her life and make it his.
Then a voice, close and loud, shouted in his ears. It begged him to find mercy within his cold heart, to release her from his grasp and let her live. He fought boldly, knowing this voice didn’t come from the monster within, but indeed came from his human side.
He found he’d picked her up in his arms, her head tilted to the side to expose the soft white skin of her neck. He’d already sunk his daggers into her vein, but failed to draw in her essence.
He released her from his arms and let her drop to the ground. She lay the
re unconscious, tears staining her pale cheeks. Reality punched him hard in the gut. He couldn’t hurt her. No matter how badly he wanted to be human again, nothing could ever bring him to end this girl’s life.
Somehow she’d quieted his demon, tamed him. She’d found her way into his heart.
Her fist opened, revealing the three blue hearts. They fell from her palm to the pavement, and it was then he understood. For her to understand love, she needed to be loved herself. Mac and Betty loved her. And…so did he.
Fate had planned this. Anna deserved life, and he would always be stuck in eternal death. No one would pay for his sins but him, just how it should be.
He scooped Anna up in his arms and coolly walked the path to her home. Her eyes fluttered open as he made his way up the steps to the apartment, where Mac stood, mouth agape.
“She is alive.” Tristan reassured him with the voice of the man he’d forgotten. “I assure you, I have come to my senses.”
Mac’s relieved grin wrinkled his face. With sorrow deepening the rhythm of his heart, he took the waking girl from Tristan’s arms and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Tristan?” Anna’s strangled voice broadened. “What happened?”
He gave a pleasant grin, one that even shocked himself. “You fainted, my princess.” He held out his hand, and she opened her palm. “You dropped your blue hearts.”
“They’re yours,” she replied as he placed them in her hand.
“I must go now. But know this, Anna. You will always hold my heart. I urge you to forget me. Live your life in full. Be strong and happy, healthy and vibrant. Love—and it shall find you.”
As he descended the stairs, she wriggled out of Mac’s arms. “Wait where are you going?”
He looked up at her. “Away from here.”
She practically fell down the steps and into his arms, tears streaming her face. “My heart’s breaking into a million pieces.”
“Forgive me for causing you pain. But I must go.”
“No,” she cried. “I know you’re sick. I’ll stay with you. I’ll care for you and make you better.”
Tristan stroked her curls. “I am sorry, my princess.” He leaned her back. “Maybe, if fate sees it fit, we will see each other again.”
Mac took Anna by the shoulders and held her steady. She struggled to free herself, but he held tight. Tristan gave one last bow, and then headed toward the alley.
“Please, come back!” She shouted in sobs. “I need you!”
Tristan rounded the corner. He took flight to the sky feeling sorrow and remorse for what he’d almost done and for breaking her heart.
Chapter Seven
Ten Years Later-Time Won’t Heal All Wounds
The room spun as Anna laid her head back on the old loveseat. Her dyed black hair draped over the cushions like a silk blanket. She laughed as preppy blonde bimbos jumped around drunkenly with their jock boyfriends.
The football crowd from school, how she disliked them. They danced poorly with each other as they celebrated graduation night, moshing to heavy metal music they’d never listened to in their lowly pop-music life. She should’ve shunned them when they showed up at her front door, correction—his front door.
No more school, what a lovely sentiment. It’d been long and dreary, a gloom she never wanted to face again. Death was more preferable than high school. But college—she sighed.
Just a few more years of working in the bar before that happened. She closed her eyes and listened to her favorite band on the small teal-colored stereo. The sounds of heavy guitars and obnoxious screams filled the room. God, she loved it. It fit so well with darkness and mixed perfectly with the buzz swarming through her head.
She lifted a thin, pale hand to her face and touched the tiny diamond chip in her nose. She’d spent all her graduation money on the one piercing. When she got home in the morning, lectures would commence. She’d already planned her argument, though. By letting them see the belly piercing she’d gotten for free, they’d forget all about her nose.
She lifted her shirt and inspected her sore stomach. It hurt worse than the needle through her nostril, but was oh so worth it. If she’d wussed out on the piercings altogether, she never would’ve run into Tad Muddish, star of the football team, gorgeous hunk of worthless tan flesh with emerald eyes and blond curly hair. Then again, he’d kept her from the tattoo of the grim reaper she’d wanted to purchase on tab.
Tad smiled at her and it brought out her crooked grin. Why she let the most popular guy in school talk her into throwing a party for him and his ridiculous friends here was beyond her. But damn, it was nice to have someone to look at tonight.
“How did you find this place?” he shouted over the blaring music. Before she could answer, he took her by the hands then jerked her to her feet. He caught her around the waist. His laugh sounded nice, almost as good as the way his arms felt around her body. “How many beers have you had?”
“Eight.” In her life-time, but he didn’t need to know that bit of info.
She flipped her dark hair behind her shoulder. It strung down, stopping at the middle of her back, where his hands pressed. His chest felt warm against her as he led her away from the party, turning and coaxing her down the hall as if in a dance.
Without losing his grip around her torso, he managed to get her to the kitchen without falling. “Hey,” he whispered in her ear. “Would you like another beer?”
She nodded. He reached down into the cooler next to the old, dusty stereo, tipping her in an odd sort of lean, one purposely done so she could feel the knot between his legs. “I’ve lived here most of my life and never knew this place existed. It’s great.”
He held out the beer can, and she accepted. She’d liked him throughout high school, but he never paid attention to her until he found her at the salon. He’d taken interest in her exposed midriff as the man who owned the shop, quite painfully, attached the small ring to her skin.
Tad had offered her a ride home in his red sports car. Since she had started her day on a rebellious streak, she gladly accepted his invitation. He talked about his career as captain of the high school football team and how it had paid off with a full scholarship to Oregon State. He’d just come from a photo shoot with the local newspaper when he saw her through the window. That’s when the conversation went to the cases of beer in the back of his car and the fact he didn’t have a place to celebrate, in which led the party here.
He tossed his fingers through his short blond hair and flashed a warm smile. Though he possessed the looks of a model, he lacked tact as he stuck his fingers in the back pocket of her black jeans then groped her hip.
“You’re drunk.” He popped the top off her beer as she still held it out in front of her. “So who owns this place?”
She grinned woozily. “It belongs to an old friend of my dad’s, but I haven’t seen him in years.”
“Cool.” He took a long swig off his drink. “You know, I didn’t mean for my friends to crash. They just sort of follow me.”
“It’s a little strange to see them here when I’ve barely spoken a word to them since middle school.” Even then they weren’t that interesting.
“I wish I would’ve gotten to know you better. You’re actually pretty cool for an evil goth girl.”
“Evil goth girl?” She rolled her heavily shaded eyes and puckered her black painted lips. “I wouldn’t say I’m so evil. I mean, yeah, I’m kind of dark and all, but I’m not, like, weird or anything. I don’t worship the devil.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry about it. I still like you, Anna.”
“I like you too, Tad.” She cleared her throat. “To be honest, I’ve had a crush on you since ninth grade.” Sure, she’d always thought him cute, maybe even drawn his name with hearts in a few notebooks, but she’d never thought of him as boyfriend material. Hell, she never wanted a boyfriend. Men were nothing more than a waste of flesh, a distraction she wanted nothing to do with.
&nb
sp; Then again, a kiss would be nice. By the way he looked at her body he obviously had other things in mind. “Let’s find an empty room.”
“Okay.”
Having roamed this house so many times, she knew it inside and out. Every year since the night he’d left, she came here and waited in hopes he’d return. But desperate to forget about him and get on with life, she quit torturing herself her freshman year.
As Tad led her through the kitchen, she thought of Tristan. She hated him and would never forgive him for leaving her—never.
Tad touched his lips to her ear. “You’re frowning.”
Her heart caught in her throat. The heat in her pale cheeks grew hotter as he swung her around to face him. He pushed her up against the counter then kissed her mouth.
This was her first real kiss, at least one with tongue involved, and it tasted of stale beer. Tad Muddish, the most popular guy in school, the guy considered the hottest of the hot, was unfortunately making a wet mess of her black lipstick.
Anna leaned back and wiped her lips with her fingers. The kiss wasn’t at all what she expected from a guy like him. She expected a nice, drier feel, one more experienced. Something like how couples kissed in movies.
“Didn’t you want to make out a little?”
“Yeah.” She shrugged, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “It was just…sudden.”
He pinned his body against hers then massaged her shoulders. This was a guy in love, no doubt with himself and the ability to make a girl melt like grilled cheese on a hot stove.
“We’ll start out slower.”
He kissed her again. Lips without the tongue was a little better. She relaxed the tension and kissed him back. He grasped her wrists and pulled her arms around his neck. As he breathed heavily into her mouth, he groped her breasts. The pleasant dry kiss turned into the wet mess again.
“I’ve wanted you for a long time, Anna.” He slid his hand down her front and then rubbed between her legs.
She shuddered. A guy had never touched her like this before and never told her he wanted her. The thought of going further with him seemed like a good idea, but she was hesitant.