Struggling to sit up, I saw Callum out of the corner of my eye. He was still sitting in the armchair. It didn't look like he'd moved since we'd begun watching TV. The remote control was in his hand, one long finger on the "off" button. I pushed myself up on my elbows and turned my head to gaze at him groggily.
He looked at me. "Go back to sleep, Dahlia," he said softly.
I blinked to clear the sleep out of my eyes. "I'm not tired," I said.
"It's going to be a long week," he replied. "You need your rest."
"It's okay. I don't need much sleep to function." It was a lie, but I didn't want to sleep with him here. He would be bored out of his mind just watching me sleep.
Callum ran a hand through his dark waves in a frustrated gesture. He sat up on the armchair, perching himself on the edge. He set the remote on the coffee table, and then rested his elbows on his knees. "Just lie down, close your eyes, and try to sleep," he said.
I lay back down, but I didn't close my eyes and try to sleep. I rolled on my side to face him, clutching the blanket close to my chin. He sighed.
"Why do you care about what happens to me?" I murmured suddenly. The question had been swirling about in my head for some time now.
A surprised look crossed his face. "What?"
"I mean, you're this legendary vampire, and I'm a simple human being. Why are you even bothering—?"
Callum knelt down on the floor in front of me. He laid one cool finger on my lips to silence me. My words faded and I closed my mouth. "You underestimate yourself, Dahlia," he said wearily. "And you overestimate me."
I smiled sleepily under his finger. "No, I don't."
His finger began tracing the outside of my lips. "Do you know what I was doing the first time I saw you?" A distant look filled his eyes at the memory.
"No."
The way he spoke was soft and lyrical, but filled with shame. "I was trying to decide whether to kill you or turn you." I stiffened. He avoided my eyes as he continued, focusing on the patterns of the blanket that lay on top of me. "It was raining that night, and I was standing outside waiting for you to come out of work. You came out with a man, I think. He said something offensive to you and you responded by kneeing him right in the stomach. Then you walked away. And it was after that I realized you might be tough, but you were also completely naïve, clueless about our world. You didn't know what you were. I couldn't possibly end the life you had worked so hard for just because I was told to make a choice."
My heart was in my throat. How many vampires would have walked away? I swallowed, and said, "I underestimate you, Callum. I don't overestimate you."
He closed his eyes and sat back on his knees, shaking his head. "I was there to kill you that night, Dahlia, don't you understand? I would have sucked the life right out of you. You wouldn't be here with me now. I wouldn't be able to touch you." He reached out a hand and cradled my cheek. His thumb stroked my skin. "I would have killed the thing that means the most to me."
The sorrow and guilt in his eyes broke my heart. I wanted to do something, anything to erase the hurt in his expression. "But…but you didn't," I whispered. "You didn't kill me. You saved me."
"I wanted to, Dahlia," he said. "I wanted to taste your blood. The desire to take you right there and then was overwhelming."
I should have been scared, but I wasn't. He was trying to warn me, to remind me that he was dangerous. The only feeling I had was admiration, and God help me, love.
I reached up to my face and laid my hand over his.
His entire body tensed. He stared at my face. "Why aren't you afraid of me?" he asked.
"I don't know," I replied, thoughtful. "I really don't know."
Callum's hand was still entwined in mine when my eyes fluttered closed. His presence was comforting, safe, and soothing. I don't remember falling asleep, but it must have been close to dawn when I woke up again. The sky outside the French windows was lightening, still dark, but morning was creeping up. My eyelids drooped back down the moment I opened them.
Callum was pulling his hand out of mine. He had stayed and watched me sleep that entire time. He tucked the blanket closer around my body. My eyes were shut. I don't think he knew I was half awake. I felt him standing above me, his eyes heavy on my skin. His cool lips kissed my forehead, resting there for a few moments.
"I love you, Dahlia," he whispered next to my ear. "I know you may not love me, but I love you for all that I am worth."
He drew back from me and walked away. I heard the door click open, and then shut behind him.
"I love you, too," I whispered back, but it was too late. He was gone.
Chapter 16
* * *
I was on edge the entire next day. I kept expecting something to jump out from around the corner. The reason for the paranoia was Lilynn's threat, as well as Damien's. Damien couldn't do anything until darkness fell, but last night he proved that he could still scare me. Lilynn, however, was the most immediate problem with her being human and not resistant to daylight and all.
My plan was to dash out of work the moment the sun began to set and head for my apartment. I had a feeling Callum would be there waiting for me. It was a nice feeling; having someone to depend on.
But I still had thirty minutes until darkness descended.
"So, what happened after I left?"
I raised my eyes to Alexander. "Hmm?"
He rolled his eyes at Veronica.
We were all sitting in his office, Veronica and I seated in the two chairs in front of his desk, Alexander in his big leather one behind his desk. We had all gathered in here to avoid Ayden, who was on a rampage. One of our clients was suing Montgomery Private Investigations for something or other. Ayden was storming in and out of the building, various lawyers with briefcases trailing behind him each time. Alexander, Veronica, and I were saving ourselves a painful encounter with him by converging here.
"Why? What am I missing?" Veronica asked Alexander with wide eyes.
Alexander grinned at me, and then said, "Well, Dahlia kicked some ass, saved me, and then ran off with Callum Knightley."
My eyes dropped to his neck. Large, purple bruises in the shape of fingers decorated his skin. I looked back up at his face. "I did not run off with him," I protested.
Veronica's exotic brown eyes turned to me, surprised. "What are you doing hanging around Callum Knightley? I thought he was just a client."
I crossed my arms over my stomach and slumped in the chair. "We've become friends, that's all."
Alexander ruffled his messy hair, grinning. "Oh, sure. I saw the way you guys looked at each other."
"How did they look at each other?" Veronica asked earnestly.
"Let's just say it was way past friendly," he replied.
"Dahlia!" she said sharply to me. "Why aren't you telling me any of this stuff?"
I glared at Alexander, and said to Veronica defensively, "You believe what he's saying? When has he ever said anything that even resembled the truth?"
"I resent that," Alexander threw in, but he was grinning.
"So what did happen?" she asked lightly. Her eyes betrayed her, though. She was trying to be sneaky.
My foot began tapping against the floor. I looked at my watch. Twenty-two minutes until I left. I wasn't sure if I'd ever be back. "Nothing, really," I said absently. "He dropped me off at my apartment and went home." I couldn't tell them the truth. If I said he had stayed for most of the night, they would assume things.
Veronica flicked her long, dark mane of hair behind her. "Now, why don't I believe that?"
I lifted a shoulder and dropped it. My stomach was filled with butterflies and dread. I wanted to curl up in my bed and stay there until the danger was over. Even though I had some unpredictable Letalis Flora power and maybe a couple vampires on my side, I was still scared. Okay, I'll admit it. I was scared shitless.
Alexander got up from his chair and walked to the front of his desk. He leaned against it, both hands holding the
edge behind him. "What's the matter with you, Dahlia?" he questioned. "You've been acting weird all day."
I took a deep breath and uncrossed my arms. The fear subsided until it became tolerable. "Sorry, guys," I sighed, "It's been a long week."
Alexander scoffed, "Long week? You're not the one pulling all-nighters."
I smiled at him. "Well, that's your fault, now isn't it? You could actually to some work during the day instead of chasing after girls."
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes at me. "I happen to have a girlfriend now," he said matter-of-factly.
Veronica laughed, a low and husky sound. "Really?" she asked incredulously.
"Uh-huh. Her name's Helen." He pronounced her name pointedly.
Veronica's eyes snaked to mine. She grinned devilishly and said, "Bet you twenty bucks they won't last a month."
I managed to smile back. "Two weeks at most," I countered.
"Deal."
Alexander huffed angrily. "Thanks. Thanks a lot, you two."
"So, where'd you meet this Helen?" Veronica asked him.
I tuned out of the conversation without really meaning to. Fear crawled through me as I thought about what could happen tonight. My thoughts kept flashing back to Damien in the parking lot, Lilynn Blaise sitting in my office, Thanatos' fingers digging into my neck, that moment on the boardwalk when I was staring up into the sky, my world collapsing. The memory of the warm blood seeping through my hands chilled me straight to the bone. I shook myself mentally. Fear has a way of bringing up the worst recollections.
I stood up abruptly. I didn't want to sit in here any longer. Veronica and Alexander stopped bickering and turned to me, surprised.
"Where're you going?" Alexander asked as I picked up my shoulder bag from the floor.
Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I replied, "Home."
Alexander pulled up his sleeve and peeked at the watch hiding underneath. "It's only five. Why are you going home?
I shrugged offhandedly in an attempt to brush it off. "There are a lot of things I need to do."
"What's with all this vague shit, Dahlia?" he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
Veronica kicked him in the shin with one pointy, crocodile skin high heel, but waited expectantly for an answer as well. As I looked at them, I fiddled with the strap of my bag. Two pairs of eyes were fixed on me, Veronica's dark ones, and Alexander's big brown ones. The direct attention was a little unnerving.
I blew out a breath. "I have things to do, Alexander. Errands to run."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"Things. Personal things."
"Oh." His eyes widened slightly. "Oh. You mean Callum Knightley things."
Gritting my teeth, I said, "No."
Alexander and Veronica exchanged looks. Veronica crossed her legs at the knee, sat back in the chair, and said, "Dahlia, honey, I don't get why your hiding him from us."
My mouth dropped open. "I'm not hiding him from you," I retorted.
"Uh-huh," she said disbelievingly. "What's going on between you two? And don't give me the 'we're just friends' crap. I want the truth."
"It's nothing," I replied, shifting to one foot. "And even if it was, it would be none of your business."
Alexander flashed a smile at us. "Denial in its finest form."
I pretended I didn't hear that. While taking a quick look around Alexander's messy office, I felt a twinge of guilt. Deliberately lying to my friends was not a good thing. Good thing that guilty feeling was short-lived.
I took another look at my watch. Eighteen minutes. I headed for the door. I might bump into Ayden, but I'd risk it.
"What are you doing?" Veronica's voice asked. She sounded like a scolding mother. "We're not done talking."
"Yeah," Alexander contributed with a grin. "We're not done here."
I turned back to them. I realized I might not be seeing them for awhile. I had no way of telling if I'd survive Damien or Lilynn's threats. Maybe I'd die. Maybe I'd become a vampire. Or maybe, just maybe, I'd get through this alive. I had some doubt about that last one, though.
A genuine, but melancholy smile spread across my face. "Bye, you guys," I said. It came out strained.
"This isn't over, Dahlia," Veronica said.
"Yeah. We still fully intend to grill you about your love life," Alexander added.
I shook my head, the smile still on my face. "I'm going now."
I stepped out and closed the door on their protests. I stood there in the dark hallway for moment, back leaning against the door. All was quiet except for the hush of the air conditioner and the low mumblings coming from Ayden's office down the hall.
It felt like I was saying goodbye. That telltale tightness in my chest grew until it smothered me. The reluctance to leave the building was strong. I was just heading home. Why was I acting like I'd never see this place again?
I knew why, but I wasn't about to admit it.
After drawing in a shaky breath, I forced myself to leave. Dwelling on the past and the future wouldn't change the present.
* * *
I sensed Callum before I saw him. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and my heartbeat raced many moments before he stepped out from the shadows of the willow tree across the street. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him. All the fears swirling about in my head receded. A goofy smile spread across my face. It was nice to know that love could conquer fear. Momentarily, at least.
Since I was sitting on the steps leading up to my apartment building, I stood up. I brushed the dirt off my favourite pair of old jeans with two hands, then straightened Callum's black leather jacket. The gun could be seen quite clearly, but tonight, I didn't mind one bit.
Callum walked up the sidewalk, his movements eerily graceful. He blended right in with the night. He was wearing all black, from the black t-shirt to the black denim jeans to the black shoes. Even his hair matched. He looked good. Better than good.
"I came as soon as I could," he said when he came to a stop in front of me.
My silly smile disappeared into a tight serious one. "Thanks."
Callum narrowed his eyes at me, mildly suspicious. "You look worried," he stated.
I hugged myself, wrapping my arms around my chest. "It's just everything with Lilynn and—" I took a deep breath "—and Damien. I hate knowing something's going to happen, but not knowing when."
"I made some arrangements before I came," he said. "Liam and Ophelia are just down the street, keeping a watch for any possible danger coming this way. Raven and Lester are near Damien's place, and Chantal stayed at the house."
I blinked, and admitted, "Okay, that sounds pretty good."
Callum's sculpted lips curved upwards. That infuriatingly adorable dimple popped up on his right cheek. Every time I saw it, I had an uncontrollable urge to touch it. I dropped my arms and gave in to the urge.
Callum pulled back slightly at my touch. His eyes widened in surprise when my warm hand met his cooler skin. His smile dropped, and he just stared at me. The dimple had faded, and my fingers were just resting on his cheek. I dropped my hand.
He caught it before it reached my side. I raised my eyes to his in question. He was smiling again, the dimple back. He wrapped his hand around mine, and said, "Sorry, you just took me by surprise."
"I've wanted to do that for awhile now," I murmured sheepishly, turning my eyes to look at the pavement.
Callum's soft laughter reached my ears. He pulled on my hand, making me look up. "Come on, let's go up to your apartment. It will be safer in there. Damien shouldn't be able to enter."
I nodded somewhat dazedly. Callum kept hold of my hand as we made our way up the stairs. I could tell he was trying to go at my pace, which must have been snail-slow for a vampire. I appreciated the attempt more than I could say.
Another Post-it note was hanging on my door. I sighed exasperatedly and took my hand out of his. Will should have gotten the message by now. I didn't want to talk to him. When I reached my door, though,
I realized this note was different.
It wasn't from Will.
It read in an unfamiliar scrawl, "I hope you have made a decision. Join us next door when you have. –D"
I snatched the Post-it off the door and read it over again and again. Panic bubbled up inside, hot and close to the surface. Damien had beaten us to it. He was already here. And he had Will. I looked at Will's door. It seemed perfectly sound, no damage done at all. Will must have let Damien in. Shit.
Breathing became difficult. I could hear my heartbeat thudding in my head. The hand holding the note was shaking. I felt sweat break out along my spine.
A hand touched me gently. I looked up at Callum with large eyes. "What is it?" he asked in a low voice.
I pressed the Post-it into his hand. He glanced at it, and then looked at me. "It's that human Will who lives next door, isn't it?"
"Yes," I replied faintly. Then I started spewing every thought that came into my head, "What do you think Damien's doing with him? He couldn't be hurting him, could he? I still have a couple hours left until I have to give him an answer. He couldn't hurt Will until he knows my answer. God, if he gets hurt, I—"
Callum grabbed my face and held it firmly between his hands. "Dahlia," he interrupted sharply. The sound of his voice brought me back to my senses. "Calm down."
I nodded. Panic would not help in this situation. I closed my eyes and took deep, steadying breaths. With each one, I felt calmer. I swallowed my fears and opened my eyes. "I have to go in there," I said.
Callum pressed his lips together tightly, but he agreed, "I know. But you have to know that this is exactly what Damien wants. It's a trap, and he knows you'll walk right into it."
"I have to," I said.
"How much are you willing to do for this human?"
I thought about it. I thought about never seeing the amusement sparkle in those ocean-blue eyes again. I thought about never having a silly meaningless fight with him. I thought about never hearing that infectious laugh again. I thought about losing someone I knew would always be there for me. "Anything," I said.
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