Everlasting Bond

by Christine M. Besze

  “You cold?” Donovan asked, turning to Katrina.

  “No.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah,” Katrina answered, having a hard time speaking. She couldn’t explain it, but all of a sudden her body tensed and she felt incredibly nervous. An odd feeling crept up in the pit of her stomach. It was like heavy anticipation. Of what she had no idea. Deciding not let it ruin the evening for her or anyone else, she quickly brushed it off.

  “Here, let me get that for you,” Donovan offered, taking her jacket from her.

  “Thanks.” Katrina stared at him. “So, what are you supposed to be?”

  “Take a wild guess.”

  Eyeing him over, Katrina found it eerie how much he reminded her of Cole at that moment. “A vampire?”

  “A bit cliché,” he teased, cocking an eyebrow.

  “Maybe just a little,” Katrina laughed.

  “You two better hurry up or we’re going to be late,” Stacy interrupted.

  Without another word, Katrina followed Stacy to the passenger side. Donovan held the door for both of them and the awkwardness Katrina felt wasn’t easing up. She sat against her seat and watched Donovan climb in.

  “Ready?” Donovan asked, revving the car’s loud engine and making his way onto the hard pavement.

  “You know it,” Stacy flirted.

  Katrina figured Donovan must have had enough of Stacy’s incoherent conversations because most of their trip was drowned out with rock music. It screamed at them the entire way there. Stacy made a couple of feeble attempts to strike up a conversation, but when Donovan never lowered the stereo's volume enough for her to speak, she gave up.

  When they pulled into the school, it was flooded with cars and lights. Hoards of teenagers dressed in costumes swarmed the parking lot. Loud music from the gymnasium echoed inside the car. It was chaotic, but Stacy’s enthusiasm never let up.

  Donovan parked and Katrina suddenly felt self conscious about her costume. It made her want to stay in the car and hide. She never wore anything so revealing and it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. When Donovan got out, she quickly called to Stacy.

  “I don’t think I can get out dressed like this.”

  “Yes you can. You look hot. Just own it,” Stacy’s anxious voice urged.

  “But—”

  “Let’s go,” Stacy cut her off, as Donovan opened the door.

  Reluctantly, Katrina draped her jacket over her cast and followed Stacy out of the car. She stood there and looked around. Many of her fellow classmates were staring; just what she needed.

  She attempted to ignore them and walked carefully to the gymnasium’s entrance hiding behind Stacy. The less she saw who was staring the better for her.

  Inside the gymnasium was a whole other world. Orange and black balloons mixed with matching streamers covered the walls. A giant dance floor had been placed on top of the normally dingy gym floor. A mound of students were dancing and laughing in the center.

  “Come on, handsome!” Stacy shouted over the music to Donovan.

  “Sure thing!” he shouted back. Before he left he turned to Katrina and asked, “Want to join us?”

  “No. I’m good thanks. You two have fun.”

  “All right.” He grabbed Stacy’s hand and led her onto the dance floor.

  Katrina walked over to the refreshments table and grabbed a drink. She figured if her good hand had something to do, she’d feel less awkward.

  Bracing against the table, she watched Stacy do what she did best. There wasn’t a song in the world Stacy wouldn’t find a way to dance to. Katrina fidgeted with her cup while she pretended to be busy. She wasn’t sure how long they had been on the dance floor, but when Stacy headed towards her she was covered in sweat.

  “Thirsty?” Katrina asked, holding out her cup.

  “Thanks.” Stacy took a long sip. “It’s crazy how many people showed up.”

  “I know. It’s packed. Where’s Donovan?”

  “He was unlucky enough to get sucked into a conversation with his aunt and Principal Weber.”

  “And you didn’t want to stay for that?”

  “Nope. I excused myself to come check on you. Are you having a good time?”

  “Sure.”

  “Kat, you need to lie better than that.”

  “I just feel naked.”

  “Trust me you’re not. You look great. Besides, you’ve had some admirers in the corner.” Stacy nudged her head.

  Katrina tried to be discreet, as she looked in that direction. Her eyes made contact with a pair of hazel eyes and she cringed. “Jared Sanders!”

  “Yup and his whole group of fellow chess clubbers,” Stacy teased.

  “I don’t think I want to know what he’s thinking.”

  “I’m sure he’s wondering if you’re more fun to play with than a chess piece.” Both girls laughed.

  “That’s so gross.”

  “Look at it this way, at least you’re giving his cute little red head something to smile about later!” Stacy wriggled her eyebrows.

  “Yuck!” Katrina shivered in disgust. “Can we please talk about something else?”

  “What did I miss?” Donovan joined them.

  “Just checking out some of Kat’s fan club,” Stacy smiled. Katrina nudged her in the side. It was embarrassing enough without her telling Donovan too.

  “Looks like she has a lot,” Donovan grinned.

  “Subject change. Please!” Katrina begged.

  “Fine,” Stacy agreed.

  “I need to step out anyways,” Donovan said.

  “Where are you going?” Stacy turned to him.

  “I have to get some papers from my aunt’s classroom.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  He looked at Katrina. “You want to come too?”

  “No. I’m good.” The less walking she did in her heels the better.

  “Try not to have too much fun with your new fan club,” Donovan winked, grabbing Stacy’s hand. Katrina watched him lead her towards the inside of the school.

  Alone, Katrina tried to ignore Jared and his friends. She focused her attention to the others on the dance floor. They all looked like they were having the time of their lives. She was a little bit envious. They had no worries or cares.

  “You clean up nice!” shouted a familiar voice.

  Katrina turned and was about to fall over from shock. Dressed in black jeans and a navy button-up shirt, he blended in with the dark dance décor. “Andrew! What are you doing here?”

  “Don’t look so surprised. I couldn’t miss a good party,” he laughed.

  “Is anyone else with you?” Her excitement grew at the thought.

  His smile quickly faded. “No. Nikolas is still gone and Elias isn’t ready yet.”

  “Oh.” Katrina tried to hide the hurt in her voice. “Have you heard from Cole?”

  “I did.” His words made her hopeful, but another part of her was hurt he hadn’t contacted her.

  “And?”

  “And it’s nothing you need to be concerned with right now.”

  “Telling me not to worry is getting on my last nerve.” Katrina didn’t attempt to hide the anger in her voice. She didn’t care. She was done being told vague answers and kept in the dark. “That’s all I ever hear and it’s not enough. Not anymore.”

  “Nikolas doesn’t want to scare you.”

  “Doesn’t what I want count?”

  “And what would that be?”

  “The truth.”

  “All right,” Andrew’s voice grew cold and he stared into her eyes. “Nikolas and some of the others were ambushed by werewolves on their way back. A few of ours were lost along with some of theirs.”

  “And Cole?” Her stomach started to turn at the thought.

  Andrew didn’t answer right away. The anticipation was sending her on edge. She couldn’t breathe. After a few more agonizing seconds, he finally spoke. “He’s fine.”

  Katrina let out a de
ep sigh of relief. Her mind had started to picture the worst. Knowing Cole was out there and being hunted scared the hell out of her.

  Andrew didn’t look as happy as she thought he should, though.

  “Aren’t you relieved he’s not hurt?” she asked him.

  “I am.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  “We didn’t need to go through this.”

  Katrina’s anger flared up again. It didn’t take a genius to know what he was insinuating. “You mean it could have been avoided if I agreed and just let him change me!”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”

  “Caroline—”

  “Don’t!” She was too heated to let him finish speaking. “You think because I didn’t let him turn me into a —” Katrina stopped herself before she could finish, but it was too late.

  “Go ahead. Say it. Monster. We are who we are, Caroline. I make no apologies for it. And you’re in love with one. At this very second that ‘monster’ is risking everything, all for you.” His words stung like they slapped her in the face and Katrina stumbled back against the table. He was being honest with her like she had wanted, but it still hurt.

  “That’s not fair,” she said, fighting back tears.

  “No. Watching Nikolas suffer another lifetime isn’t fair.”

  Upset, Karina looked down at the floor. The tears couldn't stay back anymore. They fell against her face. He was right. It all could have been avoided if she had just let Cole turn her.

  “It’s all my fault,” she whispered.

  “Not entirely.” Andrew put a hand on her cheek and wiped a tear away. “All of this would have happened anyways.”

  “This sucks,” she sighed.

  “Hey.” He gently lifted up her chin. “You can still change things. History doesn’t have to repeat itself.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “On the contrary, it is.”

  She pushed his hand away. “I’m not her, Andrew!”

  “Is that what this is about?” Andrew’s voice softened.

  “What happens if I’m a huge disappointment and things don’t workout?”

  “That would never happen.”

  “It could,” Katrina shrugged.

  “You know you’re more like her than you realize. Sure the body is new, but the interior is still the same.”

  “Did you just compare me to a car?”

  Andrew grinned. “Hey, I’ll have you know the automobile is one of the greatest inventions ever.”

  Katrina laughed. “Thanks, I guess.”

  “Welcome. What you don’t realize is being reborn has its perks too. Each time we find you, Nikolas gets the chance to fall in love with you all over again. Still not sure why, but he does and that’s not going to change.”

  “I understand that, but I would just like a little time to make sure it’s the right thing to do, for me.”

  “Funny thing about time, sooner or later it runs out. We live forever, but humans don’t.”

  Katrina was letting his words sink in when the music changed to a slow paced song. She looked up and Andrew had regained his composure.

  He held out his hand. “Shall we?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t dance.”

  “I beg to differ. You used to love it.”

  “What about this?” She waved her cast at him.

  “You still have two good legs.”

  She hesitated for a moment, but she knew arguing with Andrew would be pointless. “Fine.” She took his hand and followed him onto the dance floor.

  In the middle of the crowd, Katrina’s nerves were working overtime. Her slinky dress made her self conscious enough as it was, add the attention Andrew always acquired and she wanted to crawl under a rock.

  Andrew looked down at her feet and smirked. “Nice shoes.”

  Katrina bit her lip to hide the smile she wanted to give. She was still trying to be mad at him. It was amazing to her. He could go from being an ass to charming in the blink of an eye. No wonder her brother fell for him. In that moment, she could easily see the family resemblance.

  Andrew took her hand in his and placed her cast at his side. The chill of his other hand caught her off guard, as it rested against the small of her back. When she looked up at him, the reality of how tall the heels made her hit. She was almost eye level with him.

  They gently swayed back and forth to the rhythm of the music. Despite her hesitation, Andrew was a very good dancer. She wasn’t surprised by that. Being what they were the Aldrich family, they did everything well.

  “I like the sex kitten look,” he winked.

  Katrina was trying to remain calm. She wanted to scream at him, but for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to do it. “It was Stacy’s idea.”

  “Don’t have to explain it to me.” He looked down at her and wriggled his brunette eyebrows. “I like the frisky feline outfit. It suits you.”

  Katrina tilted her head up. “Of course you would.”

  Andrew rolled his eyes. “Duh, obviously.”

  Without another word, he spun her around the room. She seemed to glide across the floor, as Andrew led her around with ease. Before she knew it all eyes were on the two of them. She should have known Andrew would attract attention. Then as swift as it began, the song was over and their dancing slowed to a stand still.

  “See. Told you you could dance.”

  “Thank you, Andrew.” Katrina looked into his blue eyes. “For everything.”

  “You’re welcome.” He gave her a funny look.

  “What?”

  “I need to go back and check on Elias.”

  “Oh.” Katrina attempted to hide the disappointment in her voice, but failed.

  Andrew put his hand to her chin and forced her to look at him. “I won’t be far.”

  “I know. I just hate this. I hate worrying what’s going to happen.”

  “When this is all over things will be back to the way they are supposed to be, you’ll see.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  She felt a little bit better. Andrew was putting her at ease. “Do me a favor? Next time you talk to Cole, tell him I miss him”

  “I will.”

  “And behave.”

  “Don’t I always,” he winked.

  She watched as he slowly backed away from her and disappeared into the crowd. Alone once more, Katrina made her way back to the side of the gym. The rest of the couples invaded where she once stood. Her attention became diverted into watching them dance to the faster tempo.

  She wasn’t sure how long she had been watching, when she heard Donovan’s voice. “You had enough fun here?”

  “Yeah. Ready to go?” Stacy added, full of excitement.

  “I was thinking we could take our party elsewhere,” Donovan suggested.

  Katrina nodded. “Yeah.”

  Donovan motioned for them to follow him. Stacy grabbed her by the arm and anxiously pulled her towards the door.

  Outside, Katrina felt the cool night air hit her face and it felt refreshing. Until that moment she hadn’t realized just how stuffy the gym had been.

  “Wow, it’s cold out here,” Stacy said.

  “Want my jacket?” Katrina offered.

  “Thanks.” Stacy shoved her hands into the sleeves and shivered. Then she jumped. “I’m vibrating!”

  “My phone.” Katrina rummaged through the pockets.

  “I’m going to go warm up the car,” Donovan said.

  “Wait up. I’ll come with you.” Stacy ran after him.

  Katrina took her phone out of the pocket and smiled as she read his text: Outfit's a keeper! Meow!

  “Feeling better?” Stacy asked.

  “Yup.” Katrina put her phone back in her jacket pocket and followed Stacy into Donovan’s car. Katrina waited for him to shut the door before she asked any details. “You guys were gone a while. Where did
you go?”

  “To get some fresh air,” Stacy winked.

  “Oh. Nice,” Katrina giggled.

  Donovan got in and hesitated a second before starting the car. To Katrina he still seemed a bit off.

  “Where to?” Stacy asked.

  “How about Dead Man’s Point?” Donovan asked.

  “Sounds good to me,” Stacy smiled. “Kat?”

  “Sure, but can we stop by the house first. It’s freezing and I want to change out of this.” She motioned down at her dress.

  “Yeah, would that be okay? I need a jacket too.”

  “Of course,” Donovan agreed.

  The drive to the house didn’t take too long. Katrina was grateful because she couldn’t wait to get out of her costume. Donovan silently followed both girls into the house.

  “We’ll be right back. You can watch some TV if you want?” Katrina offered.

  Donovan smiled. “Sure thing.”

  Katrina let Donovan find his way into the living room. She took off her heels and ran upstairs after Stacy. Inside her room, Stacy was already half way changed.

  “In a hurry?” Katrina joked.

  “The quicker we leave the faster I can get to the fun part of the night.”

  “You’re so bad,” Katrina laughed.

  She walked over to her closet and swore she heard her feet sing. They were happy to be on flat ground once again. She was in a hurry and grabbed the first thing her hand touched. Jeans in hand, she went to head in the bathroom, but stopped.

  “Wow. You’re already done?” She'd never seen Stacy change so fast.

  “Yup. I’m going to go keep Donovan company while we wait for you,” Stacy teased and headed out the door. “Take your time.”

  Katrina slid her straps down and let the dress fall to the floor. It took her a few minutes of fighting before she finally had her jeans up and buttoned. She tossed her black sweater over her head and pulled her arms through. Halfway through, her cast got stuck. She had to force it through the rest of the way.

  When her cast finally did poke through, it got caught on her amulet. She didn’t realize how hard she had been pushing her arm out until it caused the chain holding the amulet to snap. It went flying across the room and crash landed in a far corner.

  “Good riddance,” Katrina said, as she turned and headed downstairs.

  Walking into the living room, she found Stacy cuddled up next to Donovan. “Ready?”