Blood Ties (The Edge of Forever Book 2)

by D. C. Gambel

  “The first always is.”

  “I don’t understand. So Grayson will remain a day walker?”

  “Yes,” he stated, but when he saw the confusion on my face he elaborated. “Imagine your essence as an orb,” he made a circle with both his hands. “It’s what you share with those you create. No matter how many you turn it doesn’t deplete your personal power, but you have a certain amount you are allotted to share with those your fledgling. Every time you make a vampire your orb is cut in half.” He pulled one of his hands away showing the essence split. “The first is always the strongest. They are closest to your strength. The day walking capability is only there for the first vampire created. Grayson is your first. Even though you are my daughter, you are still a first vampire as far as strength. The essence you share may diminish with each, but at the same time it never runs completely out. It splits and splits forever.”

  “So it has nothing to do with feeding on my blood,” I mumbled to myself. It had been my second greatest worry. The first had been my fear for Grayson.

  “Absolutely not. I can understand the uncertainty you must have been feeling over that, but you needn’t worry. Your blood is not the key to day walking” He placed his hand on my shoulder in a comforting gesture before opening the door and leading me into the room.

  “Are you ready?” Maria stood in front of her makeshift altar with her concoction bubbling away.

  “We’re doing it here? Can’t we take it home?” I walked over to Grayson needing his touch to ease my anxiety along with the pull towards Sebastian I felt the moment I reentered the room.

  “It won’t maintain its properties once the blood of the fallen has been added. You have no choice but to do it now.”

  Grayson’s hand gripped my hip, pulling me against him. He turned us until his back was facing the room giving us the semblance of privacy then bent down resting his forehead against mine. Placing a gentle finger under my chin, he drew my gaze to his.

  “Hey, it’s going to be fine.”

  “You don’t know that.” I choked back my tears.

  “Yes, I do. I should be dead right now, Gabriella, but you saved me, just like you’re saving me now.” I forced a tight lipped smiled with all I could muster. I tipped my head until my lips found his. It wasn’t chaste. It was heated and heartfelt. My fingers were finding their way into Grayson’s hair when someone cleared their throat. We broke apart giving the other a small grin.

  “Jeez, you two. It’s not the end of the world.” Jade stated. “Seriously, though? Watching the two of you is better than Days of Our Lives.”

  “Jade…” Damien warned. Jade shrugged her shoulder oblivious to why Damien would warn her.

  “Shall we?” Maria suggested. Grayson nodded. Maria motioned him over to her where she was standing next to Sebastian. It was strange for me seeing the two of them so close. They were so nicely contrasted. Grayson’s dark hair to Sebastian’s light. Gray eyes to green. Grayson was a few inches taller than Sebastian, yet they were both well muscular, but Sebastian was slightly more so.

  Maria slit Sebastian’s wrist this time, mixing a good portion of his blood into the bowl. Once his wound healed and the blood stop flowing, she quickly handed the bowl to Grayson. “Drink it all,” she commanded. Grayson’s eyes locked on me as he tipped the potion back.

  “It will be alright, I assure you. Maria is exceptionally good at what she does.” Damien whispered to me. My anxiety was overpowering my senses that I hadn’t even heard him approach. I nodded trying to show that his words had offered me comfort, even though they hadn’t.

  After a few moments, Grayson dropped the bowl which clattered across the floor, before stumbling back against Damien’s desk.

  “Grayson,” I cried before speeding to his side.

  “As I said it will not be pleasant, but this is a good sign,” Maria explained.

  “A good sign?” I spat a bit more hostilely than I meant.

  “Yes. It means the potion is working. Take him home day walker and do not allow him to drink from you tonight. Tomorrow, I’m sure you will know if it worked,” she spoke as she shuffled out of the room.

  “And what if it doesn’t?” I called after her, but heard no response.

  “Gaby?” Grayson’s voice summoned me. I shifted his arm around me so I could support his weight.

  “I’m taking him home now.”

  “Of course. Jade will help you get him to your vehicle, while I attend to the witch’s payment.”

  “Thank you, Damien.”

  “You are most welcome, my daughter.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Grayson was quiet the entire trip back to our apartment. I didn’t try to engage him in casual conversation to fill the void. I wasn’t sure if he was in pain or was sleeping, but I didn’t wish to disturb him either way. I had things on my mind. Besides trying to get us home in one piece, my reaction to Sebastian was forefront.

  When Grayson came into my life it seemed like Fate had had her hand in it. I had never felt the way I did for Grayson. Even now with this strange draw towards Sebastian, it didn’t even compare with the depths of feelings I had for Grayson.

  Recently, I had been becoming more aware of supernaturals and their powers. With the exception of Damien, Sebastian was probably the most powerful being I’d ever encountered. Perhaps that explained what I was feeling, I tired rationalizing. It was reasonable that I was just being drawn to his power. I just couldn’t get past the way my blood practically hummed in his presence.

  Pushing those thoughts from my mind wandered to my father. I had spent much of my time on the hunt for him that now I wondered, since hopefully Grayson was well, would I ever see Damien again? He had mentioned talking later, but was their ever going to be another opportunity to seek him out if he didn’t make the effort?

  I pulled up outside of the apartment, stunned that I made it home without wrecking the vehicle. Driving wasn’t something I knew how to do. I understood the logistics, but this was the first time putting that knowledge to use. I was startled when Grayson’s hand found mine. I thought he would be pretty out of it while the potion did its job. When I scanned his face I saw his jaw clenched and knew the potions effects were rough. Sighing, I helped him along until we walked through the bedroom door in our apartment. I laid him down on the bed before undressing him. His body was beginning to cover itself in a nice sheen of sweat. I left him there as I went to the kitchen to get some blood bags.

  The first, I opened and prepared for myself. The second, I carried to the room in a bowl of ice and placed it on Grayson’s nightstand. He would need to feed, and not from me, to know if the potion had worked.

  “You want to tell me what that was back there?” he asked, startling me once again. I thought he had been asleep.

  “You scared me,” I held my hand to my chest.

  “I’m sorry,” he apologized while struggling to sit up.

  I helped him. “Do you need anything? I have a blood bag here.”

  He wrinkled his nose, shaking his head. It was silent for a moment. I thought maybe he had fallen back asleep. “Gaby?”

  “Yeah?”

  “What happened back there?” Unsure of what he meant, I stated the obvious.

  “You were given a potion to help you be more like a normal vampire.”

  He shook his head. “I meant you stumbling into that guy’s room and then later.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean when he couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. Do you know him?” I wasn’t sure if it was the potion, the change he was experiencing, or if this was just a new side of him that I was seeing, but I could have sworn that Grayson was jealous. I couldn’t help but smile. “Why are you smiling?”

  “You didn’t like the fact that some strange man was looking at me.”

  “Of course I didn’t, just like you wouldn’t like some strange woman looking at me.”

  “I hate to break it to you, Mr. Alexander, but women openly gawk at
you all the time. You’re a real piece of man candy.”

  He rolled his eyes at me. “So you don’t know him? He’s not some guy that you dated before me and you two just recognized each other?”

  “Absolutely not. I’ve never seen him before in my life. And you know that dating before you wasn’t really something I did,” I explained as I crawled into bed next to him.

  He sighed with relief. “Good, because I could have sworn I felt some strange tension between you.”

  “There’s nothing there,” I lied convincingly that even I believed it.

  He buried his face in my neck as his arm found its way around my waist. “I’m sorry, Gaby. I didn’t mean to act like a jealous ass.”

  “It’s alright. I know it wasn’t easy for you tonight and I’m sorry too.”

  I felt him nod against me. “I just got worried. I don’t want to lose you.”

  I adjusted to see his face. “Do you know how silly you sound? You are not going to lose me. You are my forever.”

  He nodded before tightening his grasp and burying his face back in the crevice of my neck.

  “I love you, Gaby.”

  “I love you more, Grayson.”

  Sunday felt like Christmas morning. I awoke early even though I had been up late the night before checking on Grayson. I crawled from bed and slowly pulled back the curtains until just a sliver of light was touching Grayson. I grinned to myself. That was a good first step. Even though Damien had explained that the day walking wasn’t tied to Grayson’s blood intolerance I had still wanted to be thorough.

  “What the hell, Gaby?” Grayson groaned sleepily covering his eyes with his arm as I pulled the curtains completely open, shining bright rays across his body.

  “The sun!”

  Grayson looked down at the ray of light on his chest then back at me. “I hate to point this out baby, but last night, I had some of your blood in that potion.” he pointed out before falling back down in bed.

  “Yeah, but Grayson that potion was suppose to help you remove your witch essences. The sun is something completely different!” I crawled back into bed trying to bring my face even with his. He didn’t reply as his hand found my hip and pulled me until I was flush with him.

  “What are you doing?” I breathed.

  Grayson rolled us over so we were side by side. He slipped his hand under the silky material of my nightgown, bunching the fabric up as his hand ascended up my body. My skin burned wherever he touched. “If I’m going to be woken up after a restless night’s sleep then I’m going to make it worth my while,” he whispered. His fingers stroked delicately across my sensitive nipple.

  I leaned into him capturing his mouth. With a grunt, he rolled us over shifting me on top. I broke our kiss only long enough to pull the gown from my body then my lips fell back to his. Grayson’s hands roamed over my skin. They slid up my back, my neck, until his hand fisted into my hair. With a sharp pull, he jerked me back away from his mouth. Not releasing his grip, he held me in place while his mouth tormented my breasts with gentle sucking and soft flicking. His teeth scraped across my delicate flesh until I wanted him to bite me, but I knew we needed to wait to see if the concoction worked.

  “Don’t bite me,” I managed to utter as I felt the sharp prick of his fangs. He groaned in disappointment, but continued his assault of pleasure. My body was on the verge of melting into a puddle when I felt Grayson reaching between us, freeing himself. Pushing my panties to the side, he lifted my hips before easing me down on him. He maintained his hold on my hair while he tormented my breasts and thrust into me. I could do nothing, but hold on to him and enjoy the ride.

  Later that day, Grayson and I sat on our balcony. We figured if for some reason Maria’s potion didn’t work than it would be best for us to be alone somewhere I could quickly feed him my blood and also somewhere easy to clean. Grayson had already fed from a blood bag earlier so now we just waited.

  We sat on a lounge chair together. I rested my head on his chest just enjoying the sun while Grayson read a book. The silence was so comforting and after an exhausting night, I soon drifted off to sleep.

  The moon light reflected off the waves. The silver light was broken against the ripples making the image of the moon distorted, but the glimmering effect was still breathtaking. It allowed the image to move with tide that crashed against my bare chest. I dug my toes into the moist sand beneath my feet until they were completely covered.

  Strong arms wrapped around my waist pulling me flushed against a firm chest. I sighed leaning into him.

  “It’s beautiful. Isn’t it?” I inquired as I watched the wave make the moon light dance.

  “Not as beautiful as you.” I beamed at the words. The voice was familiar but I didn’t bother looking behind me to see who it belonged to. The moment was too perfect.

  I felt his hand slide up through the water making a gentle splash softly grazing my breast.

  “Mm…” I moaned closing my eyes.

  He took my moan as consent to continue. My breast filled his palm. It felt so blissful the way his fingers rolled over my nipples making them pucker more than the cool water already had. My back arched pressing my breast further into his hands. His thumbs flickered over both my nipples simultaneously.

  “Oh god!” I groaned.

  “You want more?”

  Without even hesitating, I bobbed my head up and down. Keeping one hand kneading at my breasts the other slid down my body before coming to the junction of my thighs. I parted my legs giving him access. He faltered briefly. Those few seconds were agony.

  “Please,” I begged. If I had been in the right frame of mind I might have felt embarrassed for begging, but I wanted what he offered.

  Not needing further persuading, his fingers slid between my folds, filling me. I felt heat radiate through my body at the contact. His fingers thrust into me slowly at first then began to pick up speed. He had me racing towards an orgasm that I knew would be powerful. Just when I was on the brink, he pulled back. I cried out from the loss.

  He gripped my hips and spun my around. Not thinking, I threw my arms around his neck and pulled myself to his lips. They moved against mine. His hardness pressed into my stomach. My puckered nipples rubbed against his firm chest which only stimulated them further. His lips left mine, whispering down my neck.

  “Gaby, I want you so badly,” he mumbled against my neck. “I have since the moment I saw.”

  My eyes flew open. The sound of his voice eased me from my trance. That voice. I knew it, but… I threaded my fingers into his wet hair pulling him from my neck. My eyes scanned his features and immediately the lust faded from me replaced by cool dread. Green eyes looked back at me. The man before me wasn’t who I expected. It was Sebastian.

  “What’s the matter, Gaby?”

  I instantly became aware of our naked forms. Why was he naked? Better yet, why was I? Wrapping my arms around my chest, I shielded my exposed flesh from his penetrating stare.

  “What are you doing here, Sebastian?”

  He looked confused as his brow knitted together. “You asked me here.”

  I shook my head. “Where’s Grayson?”

  Sebastian had the audacity to smile. “You know he’s not the one for you. There’s something between us that even you can’t deny. Just give yourself over to me and I promise you won’t regret it.” He stepped forward. Hooking his arm around the small of my back, he pulled me against him. Grabbing my hands that still covered me, Sebastian peeled them from me exposing my breasts once more. Not waiting for my consent, he bent claiming one of my harden peaks with his warm mouth. Groaning, I was pulled back into the trance he caused. I lifted myself up, wrapping my legs around him. Sebastian licked and pulled my nipple until it became soft once more before switching to the other. I was enjoying his erotic technique when I felt his hard length nudge at my entrance. I knew there was a reason I shouldn’t let this happen. I knew it was important, but being wrapped around him, feeling his skin against
mine, I no longer cared why, only that I wanted this. I wanted him. Feeling me relax against him, he eased his hardness inside me.

  “Gaby?” a familiar voice whispered. That’s when it all came flashing back. Grayson. My fiancé. The man I loved, that I had mated and would do anything for. Whom I was betraying with the fallen angel buried inside me.

  “Grayson?” I turned seeing him standing on the shore just as Sebastian began rigorously rocking into me. I could see the sadness welling up in his eyes as he took in the sight of Sebastian and me together. I tried to pushing Sebastian away but he seemed unaware of what was going on. I watched as Grayson turned walking away.

  “GRAYSON!” I shouted as I watched my world fall apart.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  I heaved myself awake screaming Grayson’s name while between my thighs throbbed with arousal. It was dark, but the Manhattan skyscrapers lit up the city like a night light. I jolted when I felt a hand press against my shoulder. I would have blurred away if it weren’t for a firm arm wrapped around me. Blinking rapidly, it took me a moment to realize where I was. My vision was blurred and I realized I had tears in my eyes.

  “Gaby, baby, it’s okay. You were just having a bad dream.” Grayson whispered in my ear. His voice was comforting and reassuring. It carried none of the pain and disappointment it held on the beach.

  “Just a dream?” I begged, looking over my shoulder at him.

  He nodded. “You want to talk about it?”

  “No,” I shook my head. “Will you help me forget about it?”

  He studied me quizzically for a moment before realizing my request. Picking me up he carried me to our room where he helped me forget the shame of my betrayal and reminded me that this was what was real while the other had just been a dream; a rather disturbing dream.

  After a worrisome weekend where Grayson only fed from blood bags with no issue, Monday came quickly.