Darkest Hours

by S. K. Yule

  Avril plopped on the bed and eyed Ebony suspiciously. “So, what’s going on, Ebony? I don’t understand why you’re staying here instead of calling the police to handle this matter. I mean, why is Ashe protecting you, is he an ex-cop or something, and how did you meet him in the first place?”

  Ebony knew this would come up as her explanation to Avril days before on the phone was fast, scant and incomplete. She was trying to avoid the whole vampire ordeal but wasn’t sure how to do it. She still didn’t want to lie to her best friend, but she was going to think she was nuts if she told her the truth. She had discussed the possibility of telling Avril that Ashe and his family were vampires with him and he told her that it was up to her and he trusted her judgment. It was a huge decision to make. Should she, or shouldn’t she?

  “I know it’s a little weird, but Ashe is in the, uh, business of protecting people.” Yeah, from shadow drifters and drudges. “Fortunately for me he happened to be in the area the night I was attacked and saved me.” She knew Avril wouldn’t let it go and thought maybe she should just tell her the truth.

  “You know I can always tell when you aren’t telling the whole truth? I mean you have to be the most horrible liar on the planet. I’m just worried about you and want you to be safe.”

  Ebony sighed and sat beside Avril on the bed. “I know. You’re my best friend and I love you, but it’s kind of complicated and I didn’t lie to you. I just omitted a few details. Besides, if I told you, you wouldn’t believe me anyway. You have to trust me when I say Ashe is truly protecting me and he would never hurt me, ever.”

  Avril stared at Ebony for a few seconds. “You know I trust you and you also know you can talk to me about anything, right? I mean whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”

  Ebony shook her head. “You have no idea.”

  “Come on, you always think things are worse than they are. Just spill it.”

  Before she could stop the words blurted out. “They are all vampires!”

  Avril sat up slowly and stared at her as if she was an alien from Mars. “What do you mean they’re vampires? Do you mean like blood-sucking creature vampires?”

  “Well, yeah, I guess that is what I mean.” Ebony watched Avril eyeing her as if she had totally lost her marbles.

  “You honestly believe they are vampires? Come on, give me a break. Did they actually tell you this?” Avril began laughing.

  “Yeah, and yes I do believe it.” This was not going well, but she expected that. Avril obviously thought she was pulling a prank on her.

  Avril finally stopped laughing when Ebony stood staring, straight faced. Avril put her hand up. “Okay. Wait a minute. Let me get this straight, they told you they were vampires?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “They obviously just think they are vampires. You know like those Goth people that dress all in black and have their canines filed into fangs and claim they drink blood. That must be it. I mean come on, there aren’t such things as real vampires.”

  Ebony didn’t want to push the issue because she had a feeling they would be arguing about it for hours. “Well, I don’t know. I just know what I was told.” And what I’ve seen. “Let’s just forget it, okay? I don’t want to spend your first night here talking about this.”

  “Okay, but I’ll say one more thing then we’ll forget it. You know, they probably honestly believe they really are vampires. I just hope they aren’t lunatics and try to actually suck my blood. Oh my God! They didn’t try that on you did they.”

  Ebony couldn’t help herself and cracked up. If Avril only knew, but maybe it was better to let her believe what she would at this point. She could have a clear conscience because she didn’t lie to her friend. She just hoped Avril didn’t freak out when she realized she had told the truth.

  She held her hand up. “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s move on to the next subject, shall we?”

  “Fine, what’s up with you and Ashe?”

  Ebony eyed her friend hoping she wouldn’t push the subject too far. “What do you mean?”

  “You know exactly what I mean. The way the man looked at you downstairs practically set the room on fire.

  She really didn’t want to discuss what was going on between her and Ashe as she still wasn’t quite sure herself. Other than she had finally admitted to herself that she loved him, but she still didn’t have a clue about how he felt about her. Oh she knew he desired her and would protect her with his life, but that was the extent of her knowledge of his feelings. It didn’t really matter anyway as her illness was still a problem and she couldn’t foresee a happy ending for them one way or the other. “Please Avril, I really don’t want to talk about this right now, okay?”

  Avril begrudgingly gave in. “Okay. But I have been you’re friend for a long time and I know you well enough to see that you have some kind of feelings for him. I just don’t want you to get hurt. So on that note, I’m here when you want to talk about it.”

  “You are the best friend ever! Thank you.”

  “Flattery will get you nowhere.” Avril chuckled along with Ebony for a moment before asking, “So what are the big plans for girls’ night?”

  Ebony filled Avril in and then they chatted a little more about what was happening at home and who was doing what with whom. Avril worked at their town’s small City Hall in the Record Department during the week and the local bar on the weekends and heard all kinds of juicy gossip and kept Ebony up-to-date. She had worked half a day today and took Friday and Saturday off to spend an extended weekend with Ebony. After a few more laughs and “no, she didn’t do that” or “you’re kidding me, that didn’t happen,” Ebony decided to give Avril some time to freshen up and unpack. Before leaving, she gave her another quick hug and told her about McKayla, the general layout of the house and when breakfast was each morning. She then closed the door and made her way downstairs.

  She went to the family room to pick a few movies out for girls’ night. She was surprised to see Ashe sitting on the oversized couch, head back, eyes closed, wine glass in hand and classical music flowing through the air. She loved classical music. A small smile touched his lips when she walked in. She knew he was aware of her presence, he always knew. Must be those vampire super senses kicking in.

  Ashe didn’t move. “How was your visit with Avril?”

  Shivers ran down her spine as his deep voice caressed her and memories of what they had done on that couch a few days ago made her face flame hot. She had no self control where he was concerned. The man could turn her to mush by merely talking to her. “It was good. Thank you for letting her visit.” Ebony sat beside him and told him of her plans to keep the fact that Avril and Ebony would actually be attending the ball and not working it a secret until Saturday morning when the dresses arrived.

  His deep chuckle floated through the room. “I’m sure she’ll love you even more for your deception. I think this might provide an opportunity for me to get one over on Aiston.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, if I’m not mistaken, which I’m not, I believe Avril had immediate dislike for my brother. And, I know for a fact Aiston knew it which means he was snooping around in your friend’s head. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, my brother thinks he is irresistible to all women. Case in point, he was not happy about Avril’s reaction.”

  Ebony raised a brow in interest. “Yeah, I did kind of get the feeling that Avril didn’t like Aiston too much, but I kind of boiled it down to her little men-are-pigs crusade.”

  “Well, I think this is a perfect opportunity to pay my little bro back for some of the pranks he has pulled on me. I think it would be a marvelous idea for him to escort Avril to the ball Saturday night, for her protection of course. Because if it’s for her protection, how can he refuse? Ashe wiggled his brows and grinned.

  When Ashe told her his idea, she thought it was perfect. Avril would keep Aiston miserable and in-line all night. Maybe he would actually learn that not all women were at his be
ck and call. She agreed to persuade her friend that it would be a good idea to let Aiston escort her. She only hoped Avril could be persuaded. “Ooh. That is such a good idea.” She giggled.

  Ashe stood and held his hand out to Ebony. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

  She took his hand and admired his wide shoulders as she followed him to the kitchen. He led her to the counter where at least ten boxes of imported chocolates lay. Her eyes widened and her jaw went slack. There were chocolate covered caramels, nougats, crèmes and several other flavors she didn’t even know existed.

  “Oh my.” She wanted to try every single one of them. She turned to Ashe. “I can’t believe this. How did you get all of these in such a short time?”

  He reached out and stroked his knuckles down her soft cheek, “You’d be surprised at what I can accomplish.”

  Ebony was dumfounded. She stood on tiptoe to place a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” Her lips had barely left his cheek when he pulled her to him and kissed her aggressively, stroking her tongue with his. She didn’t mind in the least, gave back as good as she got and wrapped her arms around his neck. If he would just keep making that wonderful growling noise, she would kiss him all day. The sound was primitive, possessive and made her want more than kissing.

  He lifted her and set her on the edge of the counter, stepping between her legs, never breaking their kiss. His hands were all over her, caressing and stoking a fire wherever they touched. Her desire built, burned out of control, his hardness pressed against her through their clothes. She boldly rubbed his chest, searing a path to his erection where she stroked him. He broke the kiss, put his forehead against hers and gritted his teeth while she continued her exploration. Just as she started unbuttoning his jeans someone cleared their throat behind them.

  Ebony’s eyes flew wide, her cheeks turned bright red and her hand dropped from Ashe as if scalded.

  “You two kids having fun?” Aiston choked off his laugh when Ashe shot him a murderous glare.

  Ashe helped Ebony off the counter and held her at his side. “Aiston, just the person I was looking for.” A grin spread over Ashe’s face.

  Uh oh. That evil grin tells me I’m in deep shit. “Oh, yeah? I didn’t get the impression you were looking for anyone from where I’m standing. What do you need, bro?”

  Ashe walked Ebony to the stairs, kissed her on the cheek and whispered to her. “Don’t be embarrassed, Ebony. I’m going to put our plan in action.” He winked at her and she smiled. She mouthed, “Good luck,” to him and sprinted up the stairs.

  * * * *

  Ashe turned to Aiston, “Please brother, we have some business to discuss regarding Saturday night.” He motioned for Aiston to follow him to the study.

  Ten minutes later Aiston stood arguing with his brother. “No fucking way. I’m not doing it.”

  Ashe laced his fingers behind his head and watched Aiston’s face turn red. “I think you are. You know that Avril could be in danger since she’s Ebony’s friend. She needs protection and I’m going to be escorting Ebony so I can’t do it.”

  “Then let Aldin do it.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think so. While I’d trust anyone’s life with Aldin, he’d likely scare the hell out of her. Besides, what’s the big deal?” Ashe barely contained a chuckle as Aiston paced the room.

  “You fucking know what the big deal is. She can’t stand me and I have no clue as to why. Hell I don’t even know her.”

  “Well, maybe she’s a smart one after all then if she can sniff out that you like to play around with women within seconds of meeting you. And, maybe this is a good lesson for you to stay out of people’s minds.”

  “Are you seriously going to make me do this bro?”

  “Yeah, I think so.” He was finding goading the hell out of his brother amusing.

  Aiston glared at his brother’s smirk. “I’m going to get you back for this one.”

  “Yeah, probably, but I figure I owe you a few.”

  “Fine, I’ll do it, but mark my words. I’ll have her eating out of my hand before this is all over with.”

  Ashe’s laughter could be heard throughout the house and so could Aiston’s stomping retreat.

  Ashe decided to go out and patrol the area while the girls had their little get together. He was surprised and pleased when Estril came down with Ebony and Avril. While his sister was beautiful and charming and everyone loved her, she was a little on the shy side. He was happy to see that she joined them. The girls had collected all of the chocolate boxes, some bottles of wine and closed the door behind them in the family room. He wondered if they were going to hang a hand written sign on the door that said ‘No Boys Allowed!’ With a light heart, he let himself out the front door and melted into the shadows of the night.

  * * * *

  The girls were having a grand blast. They put in a happily-ever-after chick flick and had spread the boxes of chocolate all over the coffee table with all the lids off. They had devoured at least two boxes, a bottle of wine and when the first movie ended, they ordered a pizza.

  “So Ebony, you never told me what’s up between you and Ashe.” Ebony and Estril laughed at the wicked grin Avril gave Ebony, bobbing her eyebrows up and down.

  “I never told you, because nothing’s up between us. What would make you think such a thing anyway?” She should have known her friend wouldn’t just let the subject drop that easy.

  “I told you I saw the way he looked at you, like he wanted to eat you up, Little Red Riding Hood. And, I’m pretty sure ‘something’s’ up between you two. ” Avril burst out laughing.

  “Whatever.” Smiling, she thought two could play this game. “How about the way Aiston was looking at you like he wanted to throttle you? What did you do to him?” Ebony didn’t think Avril had probably done anything to him except ‘think’ a lot of stuff that he invaded her mind to read. If he had indeed done so, he deserved everything he got. Maybe next time he would respect someone’s privacy.

  “Me? Now, come on, would I do anything to annoy him?” Avril giggled. “He is very good looking, but so is Ashe. Unfortunately, looks tend to make a man an even bigger pig.” Ebony and Estril laughed at that remark and Avril joined in shortly.

  “You know, he is a bit of a pig now and again with the ladies. I mean he does think they all live just to fawn over him. It can be quite sickening at times.” Estril blushed.

  The doorbell interrupted and Ebony jumped up. “Saved by the pizza.” A few minutes later she brought the steaming pie back with her, set it on the table along with the chocolates and opened the lid. Everyone groaned as the delicious aroma of melted cheese, mushrooms, pepperoni, onions and peppers filled the room. They all took a slice and started eating. The room was silent for awhile, which was a testament to how good the pizza was.

  The rest of the evening was filled with talking, eating more chocolate and speculation over things to come. They called it a night around midnight and Ebony and Avril dragged themselves up to their rooms with Estril following. Of course, Estril didn’t show any weariness and seemed just as wide awake as she was at the start of their little pow wow. Ebony wished she had even an ounce of Estril’s stamina. Lately, she noticed she was getting worn out easier than usual. She knew this wasn’t a good sign. Although she tried to ignore it, a niggling voice constantly whispered that her time was running out.

  Why did she have to find a wonderful man such as Ashe and his extraordinary family now? It made her angry and just a little bitter to have this discovery now only to look forward to having it ripped from her. She tamped the negative thoughts down and decided she would try harder from now on to be thankful for what she had instead of feeling sorry for herself and vowed to enjoy every moment she had left with Ashe, his family and her best friend. She wished Avril and Estril goodnight at the top of the stairs and went to bed.

  She was asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow. She found she could ease her restless mind and sleep decently if she allowed he
rself to think of Ashe. His gorgeous turquoise eyes, his mouth, his touch, his . . . everything. He was the last thing she thought of at the end of the day and the first thing she thought of at the beginning of each. If only she could keep him forever.

  Chapter Ten

  The next morning everyone ate breakfast together. Aldin had been absent the past few mornings and Ebony was glad to see him back and safe. She wasn’t sure where he had been, but had a feeling it probably had something to do with her, and if not, then she probably didn’t want to know. McKayla provided a huge and delicious abundance of food, as usual, and conversation flowed easily. Although, come to think of it, Aiston seemed a little out of sorts as he was unusually quiet as he cast thoughtful looks at Avril, ones that made Ebony aware that he was definitely up to something.

  After breakfast Ashe pulled her aside, away from everyone and had given her a kiss that curled her toes. Even now, lounging with Avril in the family room, they had still not uncurled completely. All in all everything seemed normal until later that afternoon.