Crimson Groves

by Ashley Robertson

  I couldn’t fight it any longer. Tears trailed down my cheeks. “That’s the only way I’m going. I’m not risking putting anyone else in danger.”

  He shook me gently. “What if he overpowers you, if he gains control over your mind? Then no one will be able to stop him. He’ll force you to use your abilities for his victory over anyone who tries to stop him.” He pulled me into a caring embrace, whispering in my ear, “I don’t want that to happen to you. I care too much about you.”

  Burrowing my face in his chest, I started crying harder. There was no doubt that he was concerned for me, but I couldn’t think about that right now. Dealing with Tyler would be challenge enough. I couldn’t handle arguing with either of them over something they obviously didn’t understand. Lily was my friend, not theirs. So to ensure my own safety, it was easy for them to feel she was dispensable. But I, on the other hand, felt the polar opposite. I couldn’t just sit back and let Bronx use her. I needed to do something. Lily needed me. If I could release the full potential of my new ability, I could easily take Bronx down.

  But could I kill him if it came to it? He would never give up and just let me live without him. He’d made it very clear that I would be his eternal lover. Eternal lover…I cringed at the memory and the realization that his death was my only assurance for my afterlife. If Tyler or Stone were to help me, what would Bronx do to them? The guilt I’d feel if either of them was hurt would destroy me.

  Even though the back room was barely lit by the overhead canned lights, suddenly in my mind, brightness shot through it. I hugged Stone tighter, hoping to conceal the glimmer of my thoughts. There could be no reading of my blood tonight.

  My final decision to help Lily was made. And I’d be doing it alone.

  17

  Left

  I WATCHED TYLER’S STEADY BREATHING as he slept peacefully on the sofa, still dressed in last night’s clothes. Exhaustion had taken him as soon as we’d arrived back home, just after four-thirty this morning. His head lay comfortably on the armrest. Occasionally I’d rub his feet, which were covered by white cotton socks. An e-mail had come in while we were out, and it was now weighing heavily on my mind. With the laptop set beside me on the other armrest, I skimmed over it for the sixth time:

  Abby,

  I really need to talk to you. Have you heard of the

  donor club Ice? It’s in Lake Mary, about an hour

  away from Clermont. Bronx has already looked for

  you there so it should be a safe place for us to meet.

  It’s really important.

  I’ll be there tonight at midnight.

  Lily

  In my heart, I knew this message was written by Bronx. Frustrated, I shut the laptop, then lifted Tyler’s feet so I could get up. After gently returning them to the sofa, I flashed to his bedroom and shut the door behind me. The room was dark, but my eyes easily led me to the center of it. Dropping to the ground, I crossed my legs and sat Indian style, holding both hands out in front of me, palms up. The room around me went black as I closed my eyes and began to concentrate on my pyrokinesis.

  Slowly, as the flow of oxygen penetrated my lungs, the vibrations of my heartbeat rattled inside my chest. Inhaling deep breaths, I focused on all the energy within me, instantly creating a rush of heat. It surged toward my awaiting hands—where I purposely directed it to go. My fingertips tingled. Hot shivers danced up and down my back. I concentrated harder, thinking more intently about my power, practicing the use and dominance of it, not because of any fear of harming myself, but the towering fear that I would hurt or even kill someone I loved.

  At the moment, feeling full control over my pyrokinesis, I opened my eyes and stared at the softball-sized glowing orb inside my cupped hands. Using all the mental power I could gather, I encouraged the round orb to float above my cradling hands and then circle around the room. It did as I commanded, lighting the area around it with vibrant shades of both fire and ice, casting shadows on the walls as it passed. Consistent bright orange illuminations and flashes of dazzling white beams pulsated with the sedate movement of the orb. After making its journey around the bedroom, it returned to my awaiting hands like a good little ball of fire.

  Though my body felt weaker, my mind pushed harder, mediating, thinking, fighting to keep my focus solely on the fire. Using this gift drained me, slowly, like water emptying from a completely full bathtub. My strength was still there, just not as much as before. But there was still enough to keep practicing. I also had an incentive, a little extra motivation. I kind of liked the human traits I got while using my power. Okay, I liked it a lot. Unfortunately the reason that happened was still a mystery, but we were getting closer to uncovering it every time Stone drank from me.

  I ordered the burning ball to circle around the room a few more times. As it traveled, I inhaled enormous breaths of warm air, filling my lungs with oxygen. Beads of sweat started filling my pores. The smoldering globe returned to me. Now it was time to push a little further with my capacity to control it. I still had my strength. There was still plenty of time. My mind homed in on Lily and what I could do to save her. Reminding myself that Bronx was using his mind control on her, I felt the orb grow bigger. My cupped hands opened up to allow its larger size, which was about as big as a basketball. Dwelling on my hatred for Bronx and my concern for Lily, I forced the ball to travel once again around the room. I could feel its desire to grow bigger, hotter, but I fought back, keeping my control over it.

  I could feel the intense heat radiating about a half foot out from the ball of fire. It would disintegrate anything it touched, anything it got close to. Amazingly, I was able to forbid the heat from increasing further and also maintain its basketball size as I directed it to continue circling the room until I finally summoned it back.

  As I watched it obey me, I grew more confident I was ready to help Lily and perhaps kill Bronx while doing so. The last time he’d tried to use his persuasion on me—or “mind control” as Stone would call it—he was unsuccessful. I felt him trying to break into my mind, but I was unscathed by his attempts. How could I be immune to Bronx’s ability when Tyler and Stone had no problem using theirs on me? Was it possible that I could block someone from using their ability on me? Knowing what Bronx could do after his admitting he had a heightened persuasion, I was able to block his efforts of to use it on me again. Perhaps I could test it on Tyler or Stone to be sure. If I was right, that meant a second ability was already in motion. And I would be powerful enough not to have to worry about Bronx, the Head Council, or any Enforcers.

  I extinguished orange ball by closing my hands around it. It left behind a puff of smoke, which quickly blew away. My breathing slowed, my heartbeat halted abruptly. I stood up, a little weakened but recharging quickly, a renewed sense of confidence sifting through me as I walked out of the bedroom.

  All decisions were now made as to what I was going to do about Lily, her last e-mail to me, and Bronx. Later tonight, after a quick visit to the pub, I would be heading to Ice to meet Lily…AKA “Bronx disguised as Lily”. I could be there in a couple hours. If things went as planned, then Bronx would be dead and Lily could go on with her life without him torturing her any longer. I should be able to return to Savannah long before Tyler would even worry about my absence.

  But before I could go, I needed to swing by the pub and test my power-blocking theory on Stone. If I was wrong and I couldn’t block him from reading my blood, then he would see my plan and keep me from going. The stakes were high.

  Unfortunately, I was going to have to lie to Tyler—it was the only way to keep him safe. If he knew what I was planning, he’d kill me. Not literally, but you know what I mean. My head felt heavy, my chest felt tight. When you love someone…LOVE! Here we go again with this love crap. Anyway, it’s hard to keep secrets from people you care about unless you’re trying to prevent them from getting hurt, which I was. So that makes it okay, right? I shook my head, shoulders slumped. There was a risk of losing Tyler altog
ether by lying to him. Could he forgive me? Could he trust me again? At least he’d be safe and alive. For that, I’d pay any price. Even if it meant losing him.

  It was two minutes past six in the evening. Tyler was still asleep. I stood by the fireplace, watching him from across the room. I decided that not responding to Lily’s e-mail would be best. It indicated she’d be at Ice to meet me, and I was convinced that both she and Bronx would be there. No reason to give away the fact I’d be coming, so the surprise factor would still play out on my side of things. The instant I saw Bronx, I would surge every bit of heat into him and burn him from the inside out. His death would be quick. His remaining ashes would blow away in the wind. Lily and I would be free of him forever. We could live our lives without fear. Hopefully there wouldn’t be any Enforcers with him. That would make my efforts much easier. Confidence in my plan boomed inside me. I was so close to destroying the one who’d made me into a monster, the one who’d ruined my humanity and robbed my soul.

  Tyler stirred to life on the sofa, arms stretching over his head, eyes opening and closing, struggling to focus more clearly. “Abby,” he called out, yawning.

  I flickered across the room, standing over him, looking down at his face. “I’m here.”

  He sat up and patted the cushion beside him. I sat down.

  “So, do ya wanna try somewhere new tonight?” he asked.

  I looked away, wanting to avoid eye contact. “I really think the pub is the best place for us to go. We know it’s safe. Stone is a friend.”

  “Your friend,” he smarted back at me, “not mine.”

  I was beyond catering to that jealous crap of his. I stood up, started walking back to his bedroom.

  “I’m sorry,” he called out, “wait.” He stood up but didn’t walk after me.

  I looked at him and replied, “I can’t believe you still talk like that. After all the discussions we’ve had. I just don’t get it. Perhaps I never will.” I furiously fidgeted with my hair, twisting brown wispy strands around my finger. “I’m going to the pub alone. I’ll be leaving in an hour.” I stormed the rest of the way to his room, slamming the door shut behind me.

  The last thing I wanted to do was argue. Not tonight. Not right before I left to go battle Bronx. But I had to admit it happened at such a convenient time. My going alone to the pub wouldn’t need an explanation now. Tyler knew that his jealousy frustrated me. And now I could use that to my advantage. I guess I’m no better than any other manipulative girl out there. The only difference is I’m a badass manipulating vampire girl. That’s gotta make it a little better. Yep, keep telling yourself things, you’ll eventually believe them.

  It didn’t take long to pick out the perfect outfit. The worn and torn jeans from last night and the baby blue V-neck tee, a comfy choice for such an uncomfortable night ahead. I dressed quickly and returned to the living room only to find Tyler running back into it from the hallway.

  “Where’d you go?” I walked over by the coffee table, standing in front of him, hands on my hips.

  He chuckled. “Nowhere.” His hands were concealed behind his back, and I sensed that strange vibe I picked up before. Obviously he was hiding something.

  “Don’t lie to me.” I was starting to get aggravated. He was lying. I didn’t just sense it; I could see it on his face. Some people can’t hide lies. Their faces give them away: a smirk of the lips, twitch in the eye, sunken cheeks. Tyler’s eyes not only twitched, but he couldn’t even look straight at me.

  He stepped closer, swinging his hands in full view, revealing a small box. The kind so many girls desire receiving. The box was wrapped in baby blue paper and a glistening white ribbon was tied around it, folded into a perfect bow on top. Yep, the very box any woman would perk up to was just set in front of me. “What’s that?” I asked, feeling guilty for getting upset with him and even worse for not being honest with him about my intentions.

  “Just a little something to express my love for you.” He smiled, handing me the gift.

  Slowly, I took the blue box out of his hands. “You really shouldn’t have. When did you even have time to shop for this?”

  He leaned forward, kissed my cheek. His lips were soft, warm, and alive. They drifted away from my cheek, over to my ear. “I care about you.” His voice a faint whisper. “I love you. That’s why I had to. Just act excited and open it, will ya?”

  Tingling waves of emotion shot through me. My chest tightened. I cared so much about him too, but I couldn’t say it. Not now. The time wasn’t right. Is there ever a right time? Probably not. The swelling cloud of guilt helped extinguish any romantic emotions anyway. Staring at the blue box, then looking up at Tyler, I reluctantly decided to go ahead and open it up.

  There was a baby blue satchel inside. I picked it up and felt something hard beneath the soft cloth surface. Hesitating, I looked up at Tyler. He nodded at me, encouraging me to keep going, so I did. I pulled the strings that sealed the bag and then turned it upside down, shaking the contents into my hand. A sparkling silver chain spilled out. There was an oval pendant in the center with “Tiffany & Co.” engraved on it.

  I gasped. “Ty, it’s beautiful!”

  He smiled, took the necklace, unfastened the oversized clasp. I instinctively lifted my hair out of his way as he gently placed it around my neck. Even though the clasp was in front, he still secured it back together for me. Releasing my hair, I threw my arms around him and thanked him multiple times for my new necklace. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

  “You’re welcome, you’re welcome, you’re welcome,” he said while pulling me into a warm hug. My face sunk into his soft, cottony silk sweater. His arms squeezed tighter around me. “Don’t be long tonight, okay?”

  My throat felt swollen shut, making it impossible to respond right away. There was absolutely no way I would be quick this evening, even though my silent prayers were filled with that same request. Then out of nowhere, the strange feeling that something wasn’t right weighed down on me. I shook my head, rolled my shoulders back. This was probably my own guilt rearing up leaving me conflicted and confused. The sooner I leave, the sooner I get this over with. I pulled away from Tyler and lied right to his face. “I won’t. See ya soon.”

  I didn’t linger to see if another romantic moment would occur. I couldn’t risk that happening since my mood would be vulnerable, and then my guilt would grow far too big to conceal. A quick kiss good-bye and I was out the door, flashing purposefully toward the pub, eager to test my theory and get on with the big plan. Stone would be all too willing to drink my blood, only to discover that there was nothing to read at all. That was the result I was hoping for. Once I got that proof, and of course, my fill of delicious blood, I’d be on my way to Lily in Florida. Bronx was just hours away from death. It would be fitting for him to take my human life from me and in return, for me to take away his afterlife. An eye for eye, some call it. Soon, vengeance would be mine.

  18

  Theory

  THE PUB WAS HOPPING WITH humans and vampires. Britney and Stone were sitting at one of the square-shaped tables in the front, along with two vampires I’d never met before. One of them was an older blond female with a bob-style haircut. Her dark washed skinny jeans cuddled around her long, thin legs. A white midriff tube top and chunky black pumps completed her look. The other vampire was a younger-looking male, maybe early twenties, with short, spiky, copper-colored hair. His black cargo pants and turquoise short-sleeved button-up shirt fit loosely around his chubby body. There were no available seats at the bar. I didn’t see Britney’s friends from the other night, Mac and Sara, but I was certain they were here. Their scent was fresh; perhaps they were in the back room, either passed out from the bites of vampires or anxiously awaiting to be.

  Looking well-groomed in his favorite black jeans, and a brand new gray button-up shirt, Stone’s wandering eyes quickly found me. He got up right away and walked over. His hair was perfectly parted down the middle, sleeked down by some gloss
y oil. He embraced me, bringing his lips down toward my ear. “I’m glad you’re here alone. You are alone, aren’t you?”

  “Yes I am,” I admitted, my cheeks pulling up into a smile. “I need to meet with you privately, please.”

  “I was hoping you’d ask me that.” Giving my hand a tight squeeze, he directed me toward the table where he had been sitting. “A quick introduction with some old friends of mine and then we’ll head to the back.”

  Britney’s eyes lit up when she saw me, perhaps because she too noticed that I was alone. “Anna,” she exclaimed and then jumped up and hugged me. Her green button-up shirtdress flowed with her movement and felt soft on my skin as I returned her embrace.

  “Hansel and Mary, this is my friend Ab…Anna,” Stone said, catching himself. “Anna, these are my dear old friends, Hansel and Mary.”

  Mary got up first, her pumps crunching into the wooden floors. Her short hair looked like soft feathers framing her petite, oval face. Deep, dark eyes threatened to seduce me as she pranced over to me like a cat balancing on a ledge. “It’s very nice to meet you, Anna.” Her French accent was heavy but her words were definitely English. “I knew Stone was hiding someone from me. I could read it all over his face when I asked if he had a lady love.” She reached out and embraced me, kissing my cheeks one at a time, and then returned to her seat. When I looked over at Stone, I caught him rolling his eyes at her. I decided that the less I said the quicker this meet-and-greet would be, so I politely smiled at her and then turned toward Stone’s other friend.

  Hansel stood, thin lips curved into a smile while his pudgy fingers grabbed my hand. Then he kissed the back of my palm just like Stone had done many times in the past. “Such a pleasure to meet you,” he purred.