James shares the incident with Tanner when he gets back to the office and they break into another uncontrollable bout of laughter. The station has become lighter again, the darkness of the case nearly forgotten. When the FBI takes over there is nothing left for them to contribute, so they tend to push it out of their minds and hope for the best. Often they are never even told whether a case has been solved or not and it simply vanishes off the radar screen. The sister's case is a thing of their past. James is not done with it yet, but the others have no reason to know. Their small town is back to being a safe place for kids to roam the streets and women to walk alone at night. It is always surprising to him how short-term people's memories are when it comes to things they would rather not think about. Out of sight, out of mind is not joke when it comes to getting on with life.
James and Tanner have no intentions of letting this one disappear, they intend to find their own answers on their own time, following their own rules. This is not a game that can be won with the regulations and expectations of the force. The enemy in this story makes up his own rules to play by and now his challengers have the opportunity to learn them, and break them without reservation. They are no longer bound by the rules of the case, there is no case, they are merely students of the world, curious and desperate. They can use self-defense where necessary, and they are willing to make the first move when it makes their play stronger. When this situation opens doors into mysteries deeper than humanity they can search for answers in unregulated and unbelievable places. They will do whatever it takes to solve this thing, or they will die trying.
If his enemy is truly not of this world, then the rules of this world no longer apply. The laws of man only influence the acts of man. James is ready for the battle to come and will hold nothing back when the time comes. He is at full strength with Tanner by his side, and nothing can stop them when they work together. Amber is powerful and for some reason they feel threatened by her, that must mean she has the ability to beat them. The idea sneaks in slowly and as its true impact is revealed with each thought, he begins to feel confidence wash over him. The four of them will find the answers, destroy the bad guy and set the world back to the way it is supposed to be. He knows it will not likely button up so cleanly or completely but in his cop-super hero mind this is how he likes to see it.
James stops on his way home purchasing a bouquet of white lilies for Amber. He doesn't know what kind of flowers she likes the best, but these are beautiful and they remind him of her. The silky smooth texture and the graceful curving petals. He hopes she will smile when she sees their pristine elegance, they make him think of ballet slippers for some reason. Though he knows she is a dancer, James realizes he hasn't seen her dance other than that night at the club. He will have to take her out again, spend some time watching her move under the swirling lights of the dance floor. He likes the thought of that. It is not difficult for him to remember the sights and sounds of that night.
When he gets home, kissing her he hands her the flowers. She begins crying uncontrollably. She has finally lost the ability to be strong. The stress, the uncertainty and the fear have finally broken through her tough exterior. She needs him, needs his strength, his will to survive. Her body is giving in to the tremendous shock of everything that is happening. She wants nothing more than to forget, to lose herself in the peace that she feels only with him. She needs her hero standing strong beside her to hold her up. She needs him to carry her out of the flames. She comes out of the vision in an instant pretending nothing is wrong. The wispy tails of flames still lingering on the edges of her sight, she pushes them away holding him tight.
Ravenously she unbuttons his shirt, touching him like he is the last bit of remaining sanity in this world. His flesh her salvation from whatever darkness is out to get her. She digs her hands into his hair pulling him close to her, pressing her body against him. He tries to calm her with his kiss, but she only grows more desperate. He tries to speak words of comfort and she silences him with kisses, deep and hungry. She unbuttons his pants tearing them loose getting on her knees to take off his shoes before leaving him standing there completely unclad.
She takes him in her mouth, hard and smooth. Touching every part of him, her fingertips taking in the textures of his musculature. He feels so strong, so masculine beneath her exploration. He groans at her attentions, her tongue stroking the underside of him, taking him deeply and with a skill that most women never master. She plays the role of the harlot when what she really wants to be is his lady. She wants him to treasure her, but she doesn't know how to love that way yet. She can seduce and entice, but she is afraid to release the gentle side of herself. She desperately wants to be free of the expectations of the past. She longs to let go of the woman she used to be and embrace the woman she can only be for him.
She breaks down crying again slipping down on the floor beside his fallen clothing. Her body trembling with the emotions that are spilling out of her. She is a fallen angel, her wings bent and bleeding, she needs to know he is going to take her for who she is, and be patient enough to let her heal. He kneels down beside her, with only gentleness he lifts her into his arms, walking her to the bedroom. He lays her gently on the silky covers brushing her beautiful hair off her face. Kissing her sweetly on the forehead, the cheeks, and then her slightly parted lips. She kissed him back, this time much more gently. The panic and desperation have passed, she allows herself to sink into the moment, into his arms where she is safe.
He runs his fingertips over every curve of her body, brushing the panic and stress away from her, his lips breaking the spell of her fear as they caress her. He takes her slowly and gently, becoming one with her, giving himself to her, showing her how truly he loves her with every inch of his body. He reassures her in the way that she understands the best. When it is over he holds her close, remaining entwined with her and unwilling to pull away. He holds her until she falls asleep in his arms and then he lays her head on the pillow pulling the covers over her. She only moves a little as he situates her comfortably and safely in bed. He crawls into the covers beside her and signals for Allie to take her place in bed beside them. He feels as if something important has happened in her world, he hopes he has given her what she needs from him, but he feels a little confused.
He loves her with all that he is, will do anything for her, and wants her to know. He wants her to feel the extent of his dedication, his commitment and his promise. He decides then and there, he will make her his forever. Someday Amber will be his wife. He has no intention of rushing into things, he knows she will not give herself over completely so easily, but somehow deep inside he knows it will happen. He knows she has a past, knows it is ugly and full of men she could not trust, he has to make her understand that he will make her happy, no matter what he has to do, every day of her life, he will make her happy.
The flowers hadn't exactly elicited the response he expected, but he knows she needs such gestures. Getting up, feeling restless he cleans the kitchen, washing the dishes they neglected over the past couple of days. He opens the door to the back bedroom, which she has been talking about turning into a studio, and decides this is how he is going to make her smile today. There is very little in the room to begin with, only a few boxes, a bed and a dresser. The things belong to her grandmother so she is not going to want to see them gone. He settles on putting them in storage in the back room of his apartment. He has long ago ceased to need a roommate to cover his expenses and just leaves the room empty. Calling Tanner to help him with his master plan he explains he needs to borrow a pair of hands and his pickup truck this morning before work. Tanner agrees and the men quickly and quietly clear out the bedroom before it is even six am. They take off to put things away and James leaves Amber a note by her pillow in case she happens to wake while he is gone.
Thankfully, she is still asleep when he sneaks back in, so he makes breakfast and works up a parts list for the studio. She has very specific desires which she once described to him
in detail while she was having one of her if I could do anything in the world hopes and dreams conversations. Her exuberant description has made it easy for him to choose the items she needs. He measures out the walls and floor specs, calling his favorite building supply store. They prepare the entire package for him and agree to have it delivered early afternoon. "Perfect! he says; that's before she is gets home. I may just pull this whole thing off." Calling in a couple of huge favors with a contractor friend, James arranges for the floors and mirrors to go in while they are both out of the house for work.
The more complex equipment will have to go in tomorrow. James hopes he can keep her from finding out what he's up to before he gets it finished. He has ordered some wonderful extra goodies for her, among them are cameras for both corners and a flat screen for playing back rehearsal footage. No one will ever be able to say he isn't an extraordinary listener. He is creating her vision of a dream studio. The ease with which the plan is coming together make him feel relaxed and in control.
James loses himself for a moment thinking about how wonderful it will be to belong in her home with her because she is ready for that level in their relationship, not because someone is messing with their heads. He is by no means short on money, he has inherited a decent chunk of land and a sizable inheritance from his grandparents and then again from his father when each had passed. James is a bit of a planner though, and never touches the money that he doesn't need to survive. He long ago purchased the flat he lives in and has no worries when it comes to paying for a home he isn't using. He might; however, decide in the near future to lease it out if he continues staying with Amber.
His ancestral home is being run as a bed and breakfast, and doing quite well, he will have to take her there someday to get away from the hectic life they are living. It may be a good place to keep secret for now, as they may eventually need another place to go if things got too hot around here. A beautiful image of Amber in a spring wedding dress cross his mind and he smiles broadly. His parents would approve he is sure and the gardens and vineyards are stunning in the spring.
His daydream is broken by a sleepy and somewhat grumpy Amber stumbling into the kitchen. Her face brightens instantly when she sees he has already cut up some fruit and scrambled some eggs for them. She is hungry, having skipped dinner last night and really needs something to eat. She kisses him and sits down. "What are you grinning like that for," she asks. James can't help himself, he has a secret that's going to make her jump out of her skin with happiness.
Nothing.. beautiful, you just make me so happy, I love you. He kisses her on the nose. She looks at him with skepticism but gives up, he is stubborn and isn't going to tell her what he's up to no matter what she says or does. They get ready for work and nothing unusual happens. James lets Allie out for her morning backyard time, watching her play with all sorts of tiny enemies. She chases frogs and crickets pouncing on any tiny beetle that catches her eye. She is the "Terminator" of the yard, and she is going to make herself known. He is glad the incident with the snake has not dulled her protective nature. She is going to be an amazing animal. James is happy she will be there to protect Amber when he can't be. He is also thankful she is cooperating with his having people in the house working on Amber's room without making a peep. She watches with eagle eyes but is working just as hard as James to keep their little secret. She is growing fast and it is apparent that in time she is going to be huge, and dangerous to anyone who might want to hurt her family.
They enjoy a shower together and for a while nothing exists outside of their little steamy paradise. There is something about the way the water hits her curves and streams down her body that is going to be the death of him. She is so amazingly sexy. Even when her hair is tangled and her eyes smudged from yesterday’s make-up. He takes his time caring for her, helping her to feel secure, loving her in his way. She responds well to even the smallest gestures of affection, she truly must have had it rough. He feels how desperately she craves his touch, not just sexually, but as reassurance, as balance, as hope. She needs his touch to feel alive, to break through the cold numbness she has fallen into. He hopes to spend every day of his life giving her what she needs and believes completely that he will never regret a moment of it.
The day is looking like a hot one, and she dresses in a white sundress and tan sandals. She feels like a new woman, fresh and clean, the rain having washed away her past. There is nothing dirty and broken inside her that can chase James away. He knows her down to her deepest hiding places, he doesn't judge her, doesn't think her less valuable, he wants her just the way she is. She can be weak and vulnerable or she can be strong but most importantly she can be herself and he will be there right beside her.
She has a moment of excited inspiration, and she runs over to the wall by the refrigerator pulling down the keys to the Galaxy. She subtly tosses them at him, and laughs, "Hey baby I think you might like this, I have no use for it, so it's yours"!
What are you talking about? he asks her, looking at the set of keys as if they might come to life and bite him.
"Come with me," she leads him to the garage door pushing the button and enjoying the slow revelation of it's precious contents.
"Wow"! He says in disbelief as he walks around the pristine hot rod. "This is yours? "
"Yup, but it's a stick and I can't drive it. Thought you might want to take it..although its a bit hotter than your sedan so don't get yourself into trouble, mister"!
He opens the door and admires the fully restored interior. The blue metallic flake paint glistens where the sun hits it through the window. James just might be in love.
His hands are shaking as he puts the key in the ignition, he has never known himself to be overly enthralled with cars, but this is beautiful. The engine roars to life with the deep purr that every man dreams of. The engine an exquisitely elegant classic. Amber opens the roll up door as he pulls the car out into the driveway. He turns off the ignition and walks around and around running his hands along her as if she is a woman that he is touching for the first time.
"Be careful now," Amber says, you might get me jealous if you keep touching it like that."
He laughs, "Get in"!
"I have to grab Allie, and my stuff, and you are still barefoot, mister. Lets go in and get ready and you can take me to work in it. Just leave your car here, you can even put it in the garage if you want."
James is vibrating with excitement. He kisses Amber lovingly and passionately and his enthusiasm over the car is catching. She can tell he can't wait to get behind the wheel. Allie has a whole different reaction, she doesn't like the noisy car and cowers in the back seat. James shifts as if he is on a racetrack, pushing the speed limits and muttering about responsiveness and play and other things that sound like sex talk coming out of his mouth. Amber is glad she thought to pull out the beast today. It has completely brightened his world, she has to admit it is tremendous fun. She has never seen him so vibrant and full of joy.
He pulls into the gas station and proudly stands beside the car; he realizes he is going to be the envy of every man alive. A beautiful woman, an awesome dog and a beautiful car, nothing is better than that combination to stroke a man's ego. He must truly be in heaven. Staring at Amber as she relaxes against the back of the car, he wishes he had a way to take a picture of this moment, her back arched letting the breeze blow through her hair, her white dress the perfect contrast against the striking blue. Now all he needs is a hose... He pulls himself out of the thought laughing at himself. She would probably slap him if she knew where his mind is wandering. She can sense the depth of his happiness and is overwhelmed with joy. The perfect start to a bright new day.
Neither one of them is quite ready to head to work and they still have some time on their hands so they take a morning drive. It's his turn to let off some steam and the road is open and calling. He heads for the outskirts of town where the perfect long straight stretch of highway is begging for him to find out just what this baby ha
s to offer. He takes her over a hundred, and Amber feels exhilarated, she loves the adrenaline rush coursing through her veins. A hundred and ten and the car hasn't even begun to shake or stress. The engine begs for more, and James pushes into her. A hundred and twenty and he knows he's really asking for trouble, so he lets the car slow down at its own pace. The two of them tasting the addictive freedom and power that the perfect car has to offer. He's going to have to be careful, this is the kind of car that causes tragic love stories and really bad days at the office.
They are both laughing and chatting as they pull up at the store. Rissa is there, looking stunning in a pair of denim shorts and a teal halter top. The bright blue of her eyes is shocking in the sunlight. She has taken on a bit of a tan, and looks like the epitome of summer. Rissa purchased a spray tan to offset the lack of color in her cheeks. She feels beautiful again and this vanity purchase will keep people from asking too many questions. She has bought an unlimited package with regular appointments each week to keep up appearances. Rissa has actually used makeup, which she usually avoids and the effect is amazing. She looks like a model with her perfect skin, eyes of sapphire and that shining hair that has grown to her lower back. Had her hair been that long before? Amber wonders but can't quite remember. Rissa looks happy.
Everything about her friend seems too perfect, too pristine, something is different but nothing is out of place. Amber smiles and pushes the subtle warnings out of her head. This is Rissa, they are friends and she is not willing to lose that over something so trivial as her suddenly seeming too pretty. Maybe she is just feeling jealousy or insecurity around James, perhaps she feels Rissa might be a threat, even perfect men are liable to trip over their tongues when the temptation is too much. She has only recently begun to feel such strong feelings for him, and the timing is just about right. Besides there is so much strangeness around them. She doesn't need to add mystery where there isn't any.
Awakening - Book of Fire (Blood Heritage) Page 22