“In the dream, the stranger, I didn’t recognize him. Do you?”
“Megan, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there, I should have been.” His eyes dropped down in guilty shame.
“It’s not your fault. You couldn’t have done anything.” His head rose up, his lips drawn into a tight, thin line. I edged back slightly, not knowing what he was reacting to, me or the dream.
“But it is, Megan.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Last night…” He hesitated. I felt something, a sensation of guilt, of unease.
What’s going on? I asked silently.
“As soon as I got off the elevator…there it was.” His voice was thick with implication.
I waited as patiently as I could. “What’s it?”
“A scent, someone else’s.” His posture became rigid as he remembered.
“Yeah, someone broke in, of course you’d pick it up.”
“It wasn’t human.” His eye color shifted, a darker hue taking over. “It was another one of us, one I didn’t recognize. We all give off a scent. The older we get, the stronger our scent becomes.”
“Oh. So…” As what he said sank in, my mind began whirling. “Oh! But why would another vampire…” I trailed off as it dawned on me just how close I’d come to a vampire of the real kind! I felt the color drain from my face.
“Whoever it was… was looking for you. I’m sure it was easy, my scent mingled with yours.” He shook his head, upset.
“Me? Why? I’m not anyone…”
“Megan, it’s because you’re the link.”
“How would they know?”
He rose slowly, making his way to the French doors, looking out into the midday sun. I grabbed the comforter and joined him, leaning against the door frame.
“I’ve noticed more of my people upstairs, working the crowds.” His words seemed stunted as he began to pace, thinking it through. “At first I didn’t think anything of it. From time to time, vamps do relocate… but a select few… I’ve watched them order their drinks specifically from you.” His serious eyes met mine. “My scent is a part of you that alone would draw them to you. But if for any reason they’d been able to pick up on our silent conversations, it would tip them off to us… to you.”
I could feel this troubled him, realizing that he’d led them to me. “How could they ‘hear’ us?” I asked as we sat back on the bed.
“Some of us have different abilities—more than the usual ones.”
“Such as?” I prodded.
He fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable discussing this with me. “Some of us can sense relationships between people or can see the future. I’ve even heard of a family with the ability to influence the elements. But it’s the news from my contact for the Inner Circle and Marco that is disturbing.”
“Inner Circle? Marco?” His reaction told me he’d said too much.
“Marco is my sire—and he’s a story for another time. My contact had said that he now has a new toy amongst his guard, one that can hear other’s thoughts.” We both sat, silently holding each other.
“Why did they trash the place then? We weren’t there.”
“To make it look like a human crime. Only we can smell our kind. The police wouldn’t know what to look for. Did they take anything that you noticed?” He stood and started pacing, thinking.
“They took Ash’s laptop, but I didn’t save anything on it.” I looked around, scanning the room quickly, suddenly realizing what I was searching for. I climbed off the bed and reached for my bag, which was draped over the chair. “This,” I said, holding up the flash drive. “This is my journal. None of it was stored on the hard drive.”
“Where was this?” he asked, his nose crinkling as he looked at it.
“Well hidden,” I smirked.
“It must have been, to throw off the vamp. Curious, since the place was turned upside-down—do you mind telling me where it was?” His own smirk reflected mine.
“Let’s just say growing up I got really good at hiding things that I didn’t want discovered.”
“Because of your stepfather?” His eyes tightened at my memory of the fool.
“Yes.” No need to bring him up. All the dark news was spoiling what little sunlight was falling on me. I sighed, running my hand through my tangled hair. I looked up and he sensed my gray, cloudy mood. Then my stomach growled. I blushed so fast it was like my entire body had turned into a tomato.
“Does someone need breakfast?” he asked, smiling and raising one eyebrow. His eyes were bright and clear today.
I raised my head up enough to see over him, eyeing the clock. Eleven in the morning? No wonder I was starving.
He brushed my hair with his fingers, sending a tiny thrill through me, but also a wave of embarrassment. I wasn’t used to being seen first thing in the morning.
A slight, scheming grin grew across his face. “Do you have plans for today, as it is your birthday?” He sat gently on the edge of the bed as I partly hid under the covers, trying to hide the stench of morning breath.
“No, not really. I didn’t know I’d have the day off. Why?” Maybe some more one-on-one time, I hoped silently—but then my own self-doubt burst that bubble.
“I have an idea if you’re up for a ride on the motorcycle,” he continued. “When was the last time you went up to Mt. Rainier? It’s a beautiful day outside. I thought we’d enjoy the fall colors on the way up.” He had a hopeful look on his face, like he truly wanted to spend more time with me. Then I remembered my place was trashed and in dire need of a deep cleaning. I dreaded going back but I had to. He eyed me, about to object, then let me rant.
“I know what you’re going to say but I can’t put it off, it’s a mess and I need to clean it up.” I didn’t look at him, already feeling the guilt of saying no to him, especially on my birthday. His gentle stroke to my cheek coerced me to glance up. A Cheshire grin met my eyes.
“Yes, about that. There’s no need, actually.” Now it was my turn to object but I held my snarky tongue, allowing him to speak.
“Pepper, Tracy, and Andrew already took care of it.” My mouth popped open awkwardly. It had been such a mess, now I was totally and hopelessly mortified that they’d seen it that way.
“And no, I didn’t ask them, quite the contrary. They didn’t want your birthday to be spent cleaning up. It is their gift to you.” I didn’t know what to say, decided to get over my embarrassment and accept his offer.
“The mountain, now that sounds like fun. I haven’t been up there in years. Not since mom…” I trailed off, trying to stop the memory before it gained full force. I tried to replace my smile. He noticed my hesitancy.
“Meg, you don’t have to talk about her if you don’t want to.”
How did he know? Had I told him? Then I remembered just how long he’d known me. It still didn’t make it any easier to talk about her, though. “Sounds great,” I said, cutting him off, not wanting to go down that road. I noticed my bag was full of clothes. I didn’t remember packing, but it dawned on me—it must have been Ashleigh.
Geoffrey caught my thought and responded, “It was. She’s a true friend if I’ve ever seen one.”
He picked up my bag and placed it next to me. Thank God she had packed some of my more decent clothes—and ironically enough, my hiking boots.
“I’ll let you wake up. The bathroom and shower are right through there.” He pointed across the huge room to an even more enormous bathroom. He gave me the lightest of kisses and left.
The room was vast compared to my apartment. I was pretty sure I could put my entire place in his master bedroom. I walked into the bathroom and my jaw dropped. Not only did it have huge custom sinks and vanity mirrors (which of course every vampire house has to have), but the shower was a dream come true. There were dual shower heads and enough room for an intimate sh
ower for two. I shook off that steamy thought, praying he hadn’t caught wind of it across the link.
I showered quickly and toweled off with the thickest terrycloth bath sheets I’d ever seen. Ash had packed my favorite worn Levi’s, a Joan Jett concert shirt, and an Abercrombie sweatshirt, the last being a gift she had insisted on giving me when the weather turned cold.
I came out into the hallway hopping, trying to shove my foot into my boot. I must’ve looked like an idiot jumping up and down.
Geoffrey gracefully got up and helped me to the couch. “Let me help you with those. Sit down, you goose,” he quipped with a smile, kneeling down to help me. He tugged once, easily sliding the boot on.
Goose. That was my mom’s nickname for me when I was little. I sat there with my mouth hanging open, my eyes wide with surprise. When he looked up, he saw my expression. “What?”
“It’s nothing. My mom used to call me that. Goose. You just caught me off guard, that’s all.” I tried to sound casual, halting the tears.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Meg. I didn’t mean—” His face was full of sympathy.
“Shh.” I closed my eyes, shook my head, and put my hand up to wave off his tenderness. I knew that if I accepted it, the water works would break open.
“You couldn’t have known. It’s okay, really. I’m fine.” I held the small ache inside, not letting it out. He was still kneeling before me, and we were eye to eye. He took my hand and started to kiss each fingertip softly, then placed it on his cheek, resting his head in my palm.
“She meant a lot to you. You whispered her name this morning.” He searched my eyes, seeing the sorrow that I wanted to bury. I turned my face away, but felt his compassion and tenderness.
With a big sigh I said, “Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s get going before the day is totally lost.” I stood up, taking his offered hand.
“Are you still hungry? I know a little mom-and-pop place on the way. They make the best home fries.” He gestured to the door. As we walked through the house, I noticed there was no sign of the others.
Geoffrey caught my thought and responded, “That’s because they wanted to give you some space. It’s a lot to take in, all at once, knowing about us.”
Concern crossed his face but I wasn’t about to have it. “Enough of that. You don’t need to be concerned. Who I know is my business, not anyone else’s. It doesn’t matter to me that you have a liquid diet. I know carnivores and vegans. So what if you have an alternative food source?”
He looked at me as though to question my sanity, then shrugged it off, and we made our way out to the garage, where a helmet and warm windproof jacket were waiting for me.
The cool fall air felt so refreshing, clearing away the dark clouds that tried to sideline my growing feelings of fun. Quickly we made our way through town, up and down the familiar hills. In no time we were heading south on I-5, passing through Federal Way to Fife, around the Tacoma Dome, then through the curves farther south to Highway 512.
There are many ways to get to Mt. Rainier: freeways, highways, and back roads. Even before we approached the exit to 94th Avenue, I knew we were taking the back roads. I’d spent my childhood growing up on South Hill. The main strip, Meridian, was just one lane headed in each direction. My street, 94th, ran parallel to it. Anyone who grew up there knew you didn’t take Meridian unless you had a death wish; by the time I was in my teens, the traffic was horrible.
He took the familiar right turn on to 94th, then he made an unexpected left. We pulled into the parking lot of a small, plain restaurant. It looked almost antique compared to the more modern buildings and latte stands around it. I flipped up my visor and took off my shades, smiling. It looked just as I remembered it and the aroma was a familiar comfort. I’d been here on those rare occasions when my mom and I could get away. How ironic that he would bring me here now.
“How do you know about this place? I thought you were a city boy.” My curiosity was getting the better of me as I pulled my helmet off.
“Oh, I’ve been out here a time or two. Why?” He took my helmet, holding the restaurant door open.
“Let’s just say I’ve been here before,” I said, unable to hide a grin. “Has Ashleigh been telling you stories?” I asked as we were seated at a table in the back. Seeing him in a restaurant made me wonder just how he would play this off. He didn’t eat regular food.
“Now what would make you think that?” He waived off the offered menu and said, “I’m good, thanks,” to the waitress.
“Just curious.” I didn’t even look at the menu, knowing what I wanted. I ordered an omelet, home fries, and a hot chocolate.
He sensed my question before I voiced it. “No, I don’t eat ‘regular food’ as you think of it. It has no flavor or scent for me, but if I was put into a position where I needed to play the part, then yes, I could technically eat.”
“But how do you—” The grossest idea crossed my mind and I chose not to finish the thought.
“Let’s just file that under TMI, shall we?” he joked. We both laughed and I felt the strangest thing on my face: a smile.
He stood up. “I’ll be right back. I left my Thermos in the saddlebag. Don’t go far,” he added, winking. He returned just as the waitress came with my order and I wondered what was in the Thermos. The fries and huge omelet disappeared quickly, but for some odd reason, the food tasted off. The aroma coming from his Thermos, however, set my mouth and stomach watering. It was the strangest thing, I was hungry but I wasn’t. Weird.
He paid the check and left the waitress a huge tip; it probably made her day. I couldn’t help but think it must be nice to drop money like that. Once we were back on the bike, we flew down my old streets. The air was cool and crisp, and even with my jacket zipped tightly I felt chilled. But the autumn sun was out, shining through the bright red and burnt orange leaves. As the breeze blew them to the ground, it was almost as though it was bleeding deep red from the sky downward.
Speeding along the roads of my childhood brought memories from long ago, which was where I wanted them to stay. I’d wipe them clean from my brain if there was a way. I’d especially just as soon forget my stepfather. What my mother ever saw in him was a mystery to me. Arrogant, obnoxious, and self-centered were just a few choice terms I assigned to him, and truth be told I could have lived with those. Unfortunately, they were the most decent traits. Physical abuse, above all else, was his dominant attribute, though belittling me was also a hobby he seemed to enjoy on a regular basis.
Whenever he seemed edgy or drunk (which was par for the course), she always placed herself between him and me. I had an ability to see it coming, though, so I would make myself scarce. I’d go out to the woods where he normally couldn’t find me, or ride my bike to Ashleigh’s house to hide out until the storm was over. I’d return home to take care of mom, who bore the brunt of his anger on her small, frail body. He didn’t deserve my thoughts anymore though; he was dead to me in more than the literal sense.
I shoved that drawer of thoughts closed. This day was ours!
We entered the rural part of the county. Soon the cars were outnumbered by cows and horses. In a short time we entered the national forest that skirted Mt. Rainier. He slowed down as I enjoyed all the beauty of the ancient forest; old stumps covered in moss and ferns dotted the banks of the road. I tapped his shoulder, pointing to the shoulder of the road; he followed my lead, pulling in.
“Hang on a sec. You don’t mind if I take my helmet off do you? Pretty please?” He eyed my girlish plea suspiciously. “What? I trust your driving.” I fluttered my eyeslashes, trying to play innocent. I knew I looked like an idiot, but I did it, anyway.
That’s a start, then. He silently grinned. It was beginning to feel natural, hearing his voice in my mind. I didn’t know if that was a sane thing or not. I told myself not to overthink it, just feel it.
“Well since you put
it that way… of course.” He smiled back at me teasingly, then pulled away from the edge, more careful now, wrapping one arm back around, hugging me.
“Hey, I’m good. Both hands, remember?” I jokingly called out, loud enough to be heard over the wind and revving engine.
We arrived at the mountain lodge, the sun hanging clear in the perfectly cloudless blue sky.
“This has been so wonderful, just the drive was so worth it. Thanks for getting me out of the house. I probably would’ve just sat around all day.” I wasn’t used to feeling so at ease with someone else.
“I enjoy coming up here, too. The silence, the fresh air washes everything away. Besides, if you haven’t noticed—I’m rather partial to being with you—maybe more than I should.”
He was holding me from behind, with his arms wrapped around me. He gently kissed the top of my head. I spied a small patch of snow just a few yards into the woods and pulled away, darting off for it. I hoped to grab a snowball before he could catch me. Even though my aim sucked I could usually at least get close. I turned and he was nowhere to be seen. I looked around toward the parking lot, the creek’s edge, and farther into the snow field. Where did he go?
“Hey, no super powers allowed.” I said aloud, realizing that if anyone else heard me, they’d think I was crazy.
There’s no one else around, trust me. I heard his words in my mind and realized just how alone we were. It was just the two of us, with no interruptions or people staring at me.
Nothing but freedom.
I walked into the forest, the tree trunks getting thicker, the moss hanging low. Off to the right, a twig broke. I spun around, too late. I scooped up another fistful of snow, closing my eyes, feeling for him. A crow squawked overhead, the chipmunks arguing farther down.
Where is he? A gust of wind caught me from behind and I dropped the snow. I turned around, once, twice quickly. Panic started to set in. Had I walked too far? Where was the path? Oh no, not now, I said silently, trying to hold the fear in.
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