by Unknown
I gave him my best ‘I’m sorry and I pity you’ face. He was breathing heavily with deep breaths that occasionally came out as a sigh. He closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and scrunched his forehead. I glanced down to see his legs crossed and hand carefully placed. He obviously was frustrated and possibly in a bit of pain. I felt bad, but parents do tend to have impeccable timing…
“I’ll be back. I’ve got to include them in my plans,” I announced. “I love you.” I gave him a quick kiss on his lips; he remained in the same controlled position.
I ran downstairs and right into my dad’s arms. Forgetting my own strength, I knocked him over. I didn’t care though; I was just happy to be in my father’s arms.
“A… Alex… Lex… I can’t… breathe…” he huffed breathlessly.
“Oh! Sorry.” I was off him and helped him to his feet within two seconds.
“Okay. Now let’s sit down and discuss this as adults,” he prompted.
My mother had taken their luggage to the bedroom and returned to sit beside my dad on the sectional. I took a deep breath and followed.
“Is Kellan going to join us?” my mother asked as though I was trying to hide him.
“Probably not. He already knows,” I replied. Somehow I thought she knew what we almost did upstairs but she didn’t say anything. That’s almost worse at times because it leaves you with a guilty conscience. If I’d asked if she heard or knew, then I’d have had to tell her even if she didn’t. And if I didn’t ask, every odd or scolding or parental look period would send me into paranoid mode.
“So tell us how this is going to work. I assume Auggy gave you a mission and a plan,” she said crossing her legs in a reserved manner. She’s in business mode. I guess it’s easier for her to deal with things that way.
I explained my assignment to them. I advised of my precautions: act as if I was always bugged because I probably would be and all calls were monitored and recorded.
“I can’t say I like this or even approve of it, but I will support you because you’re my little girl and I love you,” my dad said peering at my mother. He had sat relatively motionless the entire time I spoke. He listened intently.
“What sort of back up is he providing? Surely he’s not sending a new vampeen like you in alone,” my mother asked, crossing her arms.
“There are two officers in already. They will be there and this ring is a tracker and a panic button,” I revealed as I extended my hand for inspection. My mother glanced at it. Her face was hard; she visibly was angry and upset.
After a minute of awkward silence she spoke. “Alexa, I need to be alone with your father. I do not want to lose control in front of you,” she calmly stated as if I hadn’t told her I was risking my life.
“I’ll, uh, I’ll go somewhere for a few hours,” I stated. My dad nodded and quickly began soothing my mother. I’d never seen her like that. She reminded me of the Hulk before he lost control; the calm before the storm. I was seeing a lot of firsts from my mother in the form of reactions. Kellan met me outside. I didn’t bother telling him because I knew he’d heard everything.
“Can I go to your house?” I asked as we got in the car.
“I already planned to,” he winked from the driver’s seat. He revved the engine on cue.
“Uh huh… Did I unleash a monster?” I smirked.
“Maybe. You’ll have to wait and find out.”
“Is your mom home?”
“Nope. It’ll be just you and me,” he grinned from ear to ear with vivid excitement and anticipation. As we pulled around the corner to his house his smile quickly disappeared. I looked straight ahead to his driveway and saw the car.
“I really need to get my own place,” he sulked.
“Stop. It’s not that bad. We can still spend time together,” I said.
“Hey Kellan. Hey Lexi,” Beth greeted as we pulled in.
“Hi,” I replied with a wave of my hand.
“I’m going to Gretchen’s. Call me if you need me,” she advised with a nod to Kellan.
The moment she pulled out onto the street I was whisked over Kellan’s shoulder and traveling at the speed of light. He threw me down onto his bed with such force that the rails broke. I burst into laughter.
“Chill Romeo!” I exclaimed.
“Romeo doth not wait by the window for a kiss,” he joked. He was on top of me before I realized it. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he kissed me with force. Within moments he switched from playful to sensual; I felt a chill sprinkled over my body.
”We’re really doing this…”
“Are you having second thoughts?”
“No, just nervous…”
“Stop me if you don’t feel comfortable.”
He trailed his lips from my ear down to my neck and down to my stomach he bared by lifting my shirt. He was gentle and soft. His lips touched my skin enough to feel good but light enough to tickle slightly too.
“Wait a sec,” he stopped abruptly as he sprung off the mattress. He pulled out the iPod he had given me and plugged it into his TV. I heard him scroll to the song he wanted. I anxiously waited to hear what he chose. “This is my song for you,” he said. He tossed his shirt on the floor and pulled me onto my feet and into his arms.
The music started… a smile grew.
“This is my favorite song off your list,” I announced, swaying with him to Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ Your Guardian Angel.
Midway through he scooped me up and laid me back on the bed. He pressed his lips to mine again, this time in a way that melted my fears. It felt right; this all felt right in the moment. I ran my fingers through his hair and trailed down towards his chest. His hands slid under my shirt and upwards to my bra. And as if right on cue I heard the truck pull into the driveway. He froze his hands and lifted back onto his knees. He sighed and closed his eyes as if to calm himself. I heard Al come in the door.
“Hello Lexi. Kellan I hope you’re not compromising Alexa,” he greeted from downstairs.
Kellan rolled over to lie beside me. “Of course not Dad,” he sighed yet again; he sounded like he finally surrendered defeat.
“Want to watch a movie?” I offered, remote in hand. I was trying to cut his tension. I was upset too. He’d set it up beautifully this time; played the perfect song and danced with me. He was playful and fun in the beginning but loving and attentive. I felt at ease with him to a degree I’d never experienced before. I knew if anything happened, I could trust him before, during and after.
Chapter 10
Twenty-four hours passed by fast. I was happy that I got to spend time with everyone I wanted at some point. The hardest to say good-bye to was Kellan. Sure I’d see him at school, but we weren’t allowed near each other. It, no doubt, would be torture. I’d spent almost every moment with him. I was definitely using him as motivation to complete my mission as soon as possible. The sooner I finished, the sooner I got to embrace him again and maybe finally share all of me with him, or at least let him claim me.
I knew my first step, part one of my plan. I had to call him; would probably even have to kiss him. GAG! I pulled my phone out and scrolled down to his name and hit send.
“The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service. Please check the number and try your call again.”
I felt a ton of bricks smash down on me. I never thought his number would be disconnected. I hadn’t even started my mission truly and I was already behind. There’s only two things I could do. I could go by his house or go into the forest alone. If I was caught in the forest, I had to pray that Mike would vouch for me.
I left on foot. I was smart in my attire; practical with stretch jeans that hugged my curves to attract but were dark to blend in with the forest. They were also comfortable and pliable for quick movement. I wore a green tank top below with a brown zip-up hoodie over. The cleavage would entice Mike, if I found him, and the hoodie covered me in the conditions.
When I arrived at Mike’s house, I inst
antly knew he wasn’t there despite his car in the driveway. That’s it. Now I had to enter the woods unprotected. I looked down at my ring and made the mental correction: not directly protected.
Now I had one problem: How do I get to the South Forest?
I had to call someone, but thinking in soldier mode, who could I call that wouldn’t raise brows should they search my phone? I already erased all my contacts, messages, and call history, not that they probably couldn’t restore it somehow. There was only one person I could call who would know and wouldn’t be questioned: my mom. So I dialed.
“Alexa? What’s wrong?” she answered hastily.
“Nothing. Just a new curve in my plan. I need you to tell me how to get to the South Forest…”
I heard felt her hesitation in the silence that followed my request. She’s not stupid. If I needed directions, that meant I was going in alone and without an alibi.
“Mom? Are you going to tell me or should I call someone else?” I prompted hoping she would cave. She knew I’d get the information somehow.
“Travel south twenty miles towards the lake house we rented two years back. The forest on the other side is South Forest,” she detailed. Her tone carried no inflection; she bared no emotion in her response.
“Thanks. I love you.”
“Alexa?”
“Yeah?”
“Please be careful.”
“I will.”
I put my phone on silent and took off. I stayed on the back roads and in the woods parallel to the highway as much as possible. Twenty five minutes later I was looking at the lake. On my left side it was lined with gorgeous houses and docks and a few cabins. On the other, the forest. Looking at it like this, I realized why the Bladangs chose this location: the food came to them.
I took a deep breath, though I didn’t need much air, it helped to calm me. I made my way towards the center of the forest to the small cabin shack Auggy had shown me. The sun peaked through the tree tops as I ran between the pine trees and the occasional spruce and heavy old oaks. There were others mixed in but I wasn’t good with tree types aside from the common ones.
I heard a rustle of leaves that didn’t come from me. I abruptly stopped and looked over head in the limbs and branches remembering what I saw on the 4D image. Nothing. I walked slowly on the forest floor listening intently for another brush. Strangely I heard birds far off but no other animals in the woods with me.
Treading lightly I suddenly felt a gust of wind rush past me. I froze glaring in the direction the breeze carried, but saw nothing. Regardless of what I saw or didn’t see, someone knew I was here. I needed to be on high alert.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement overhead. Now I had confirmation I wasn’t alone. I had two choices, admit it and call them out or play ignorant and innocent. The choice was made for me when one jumped in front of me.
“Can I help you little lady?” he asked with a mix of charm and sarcasm. He stood about 5’10” with dirty blonde hair and green eyes that pierced me. He crossed his buff arms and stood legs shoulder width apart.
“I was looking for a guy named Mike. He’s a new vamp that your group changed,” I replied directly. I took the tone my mother did in business mode. Another guy dropped down beside him taking the same stance though this one was actually pudgy.
“What’s he to you?”
“How is that your business?” I shot back. Maybe not the smartest move... Another vamp dropped down. This time a stringy girl with fiery red hair and freckles.
The second male answered my question. “Anyone on our turf is our business. You’re on our turf and this Mike is too. So talk little lady.”
“Fine. He’s my ex-boyfriend,” I offered.
“Not good enough,” the blonde said.
“What more is there?” I asked.
He turned to the girl, “Glenda, go,” he ordered.
Within two seconds I had three vamps running around me and wrapping me in a net. I rapidly broke through the first few layers but my strength was no match for their speed. My feet were bound; arms glued to my side. The only free part of me was my head.
“Thanks guys. Get back to your spots and I’ll take her in,” the blonde advised.
“Sure thing Connor,” the other guy replied.
Connor carried me tucked under his arm like a football. I suppose I did look like one the way I was tied up.
“You don’t have to treat me like a hoodlum you know,” I spewed. Regardless of how I fidgeted, kicked or fought I couldn’t break free.
“Actually I do if I want to keep my job,” he said. He sped up and within moments we were in front of my destination: the Palace. A funny name considering it was more like a shack than a palace.
It was larger in person but gave no hint at its contents. I scanned the area. I noticed several cameras hidden within wooden planks on the roof and the stacked log corners.
Connor pressed the railing and the stairs that led up to the door dropped down and made a path to the cellar or basement below. He carried me down. At the bottom it looked like an abandoned basement, spider webs, dust and all. He opened a door and walked into the cedar wine cellar. He closed the door behind us and stood there. Though in the dark, I noticed tiny red stains on the wood.
“It’s a pity I have to turn you in. You’re actually cute,” he commented.
“Then don’t. We can run away together,” I optioned.
“Nice try,” he smirked.
“Well can you at least turn me upright?” I asked grumpily. I was tired of seeing everything sideways.
“Sure. But only because I like you.” He shifted me.
“Thanks. Any chance you can undo me? Obviously I can’t go anywhere…”
“Not a chance.”
“Figures,” I groaned. I looked up but saw nothing but the floor to ceiling wine racks that mysteriously were filled with red wine. I inhaled the scent much to my dislike of it.
I heard a quick beep.
“Finally,” he sighed. “We’ve been cleared.”
The cellar started moving. We turned until the door frame was on the opposite wall revealing a pocket door with a scanner. Connor placed his hand in the center of the door; a red light flashed and the door slid open.
“Don’t talk,” he warned. He carried me down a long hall lined with spears.
“Why?” I whispered. As quick as I spoke a spear jolted down and shot at me on my left. Connor pulled me to the floor in time to avoid the hit.
“That’s why. Only I can talk in here unless you want to be injured and then fried,” he scolded.
There was something about Connor that attracted me to him, and not in a sexual way. I could tell he had a good heart. He didn’t want vamps to die; otherwise he wouldn’t have saved me a second ago. Of course I guessed he could also be telling the truth that he thought I was cute and that’s why he saved me. In that case he’s a typical guy.
“They’re hearing your thoughts,” he announced as he picked me up off the floor. “The spear heads are receptors. And I saved you because I think Kai will like you,” he explained.
“Who?” I thought.
“He’s one of our leaders.” I nodded in recognition. At the end of the hall, Connor scanned his hand again. Beyond the door was a large green marble floored room that had curved walls. The one piece that stood out here was the room had stone statue lion’s feet all around the room about a foot apart along the floor. He set me in the center of the floor and backed away.
“You’re seriously leaving me here?” I scoffed.
“No, he’s giving you over to me,” a voice said. A second later I was able to put a face to the male’s voice. In walked a tall, tanned male with large tribal tattoos on his arms. He wore board shorts, no shoes and a tank top. His thick, dark brown, wavy hair lay a little past his shoulders but was pulled into a low pony tail. He walked around me for a minute looking me up and down, no expression on his face.
“Listen, I don’t know who you are but I
would love you nonetheless if you could at least cut half this stuff of me so I can sit rather than lay,” I pleaded. Patience escaped me at the worst times. And I was beginning to feel claustrophobic within this cocoon.
“I suppose,” he sighed. “Cut her loose,” he ordered. Connor took out a solid gold dagger and rather than ripping or slicing the material, the knife melted it.
“Thank you,” I stated as I stood to my feet.
“Connor, return to your post,” he commanded.
“Yes Kai,” he replied. I knew he spoke his name so I would know who I was being left with.
“How adorable. I believe our Con-man has a crush on you,” he chuckled amused by the idea. He swiftly moved to stand in front of me. He stared for a solid minute before he began pacing.
The door charged open and slapped the wall with a boom. All the lion’s feet shot out tiny darts with a purple liquid on the tips. I sprung to a gap on the floor. Kai landed a few feet over.
Standing in the doorway was a very plump young woman with curly dark brown hair. Judging by the measurements, she looked to be at least a size twenty. She had a pretty face despite her weight.
“What the heck were you thinking Gabi?! You could have killed us!” Kai yelled.
“Well I didn’t. Now will you please hurry up! Are you keeping her, dumping her, or humping her?!”
“I was trying to decide before you almost killed us!”
“Whatever. Get on with the show will you?!” she stomped out, slamming the door again on her way.
“Testy isn’t she?” I commented.
“I heard that pale rail!” she screamed from down the hall.
Kai laughed. “She really is. But back to business. Why are you here Alexa Lorrayne Jackson?”
“How…” I began.
“I just do. Now talk,” he cut in.
“I was looking for my ex-boyfriend. I heard that your group changed him,” I explained.
“Name?”
“Mike Hawthorne.”
“Doesn’t ring a bell. This ex, are you really attached to him?”
“Not really. I just wanted to talk to him.”
“You’ve come a long way and have gotten into a lot of trouble just to talk.”