Forever Black (Nightwalkers 2)

by H. N. Sieverding

  "Maybe now he'll understand how I feel about all this damn groupie rumor crap."

  "You know Caleb doesn't do that, Ashleigh. He's never cheated on you. Just because Kris is drunk enough to get blown in the limo doesn't mean Caleb will. He loves you. He wouldn't do something like that."

  "I don't believe you."

  "Don't then."

  She quickly hung up and called Natalie, who was in the process of getting up for work.

  "Ash?" Natalie's voice was upbeat, the soft sound of the faucet running in the background. "What's up?"

  "I just got into a fight with Caleb." She wiped her eyes. Sniffling, she crossed one of her legs over her knee. "I broke up with him."

  "What happened this time?" Natalie let out a tired sigh, but her voice still remained friendly. "You're fighting about this Krest thing?"

  "He's cheating on me, I know it."

  "Didn't I tell you that?" Ashleigh could hear Natalie pouring some liquid into a glass. "I warned you…I said, Ash he's a rock star—"

  "I know. I shouldn't expect to change him."

  "So, how do you know he's cheating?"

  "Well…I don't really. I just think he would."

  "I can see your point. Caleb's gorgeous, and there's tons of girls out there that would love to hop in his bed. A guy like that isn't husband material. What was that he told you? When you get pregnant, he's going to go on tour with you and your baby? Is that what you want? To be Caleb's groupie for the rest of your life?"

  "No."

  "He comes to one thing that's important to you and you get all love-struck again and go off with him. He took advantage of your fragile emotional state about your grandpa dying. I don't trust him and neither should you."

  "Maybe."

  "Well, maybe you need to use this time in Krest to get all this figured out. Caleb needs to, too. If he gets all stupid like that, then you know he's not worth it."

  "But I love him."

  "I know you do." The sound of a car engine appeared in the background and a second of loud music that was quickly hushed. "But he's just your fantasy. Relationships like that don't work in real life."

  "Are you making fun of me?"

  "No. I'm just saying you see Caleb as a saint, and he's not."

  "I guess I need to stop…" She sighed in annoyance when another call coming in made a steady beeping sound in her ear. "Trying anymore. I just don't know what to do." She looked down and saw Caleb's number.

  "How's this guy in Krest? I mean, what's he like?"

  "He's not bad, but I don't know him very well."

  "Maybe you should give him a chance. Take some time away from Caleb for a while. See that he's not the only man in the world for you. I know you, Ash. As soon as Caleb sobers up, he'll butter you up, and you'll go back with him. You always do."

  "I don't always." Ashleigh made a sour face as she stood. Rubbing her arm, she started to pace around the room.

  "Just give this new guy a try. I'd die to have some guy wait centuries for me to be reborn. That gesture is way more romantic than being a fan of your books and dating you to win a bet."

  "Did you have to rub that in?" She let out a very stressed laugh, followed by a few quick sniffles. "Aren't they kind of the same, though? Both falling in love with people who aren't really me?"

  "This guy is different. Maybe you really are his wife reincarnated. Just give it a shot. Aren't you just the least bit curious?"

  "A little." She stopped by the mirror and studied her reflection.

  "Take few months off from Caleb. If you're both still in love, then go back to him."

  "So, you're saying I should cheat on him."

  "No—come on, now. I wouldn't say that. I'm saying you should date another guy. You can't cheat on Caleb if you're not dating him anymore."

  "You're right." Ashleigh nodded. Her fingers went up to her cheek and wiped away a few of her tears.

  "You'll try it?"

  "I guess."

  "And please promise me you won't let Caleb off the hook this time. He either changes for you, or that's it. Don't put up with him drinking and partying all the time."

  "He got my name tattooed on—"

  "Who cares?" Natalie laughed. "He can get that covered up. Guys do stuff like that all the time. Just because he scribbles your name on himself doesn't mean it's true love."

  "Yeah."

  "Well, I gotta go open up the shop. I hired a new guy yesterday. His name is Ken." A giggle escaped Natalie’s lips as she slammed her car door shut. "Not the brightest guy, but he's cute. Young, but cute."

  "I hope it works out for you." Ashleigh grabbed her shoes out of the box and took them over to the bed. She gradually began putting them on one by one.

  "I miss you, Ash. I wish we could go back to the old days when we thought vampires weren't real. Now, it'll never be like that again. I just wish things could've worked out differently."

  "Me too." Her fingers pulled out the tongue of her sneaker. "Take care of the bookstore for me and Gramps."

  "I will. I'll be stuck here the rest of my life. Talk to you later, Ash."

  "Bye, Nat."

  Chapter Seven

  Speaking to Natalie helped her calm down, but she couldn't stand being alone right now. She needed a change of scenery. It was about ten thirty, and it was the first time she had left her room since she had arrived. Her slow, cautious steps showed she wasn't comfortable here, and it felt more like exploring an old haunted house than the place that would be her home for the next few months.

  She now wore her own clothes. She donned a pair of trendy jeans with diamond-embellished pockets and a tight, blue tank under a cargo jacket. It looked very different from the disguise the Count had seen her in, and the conservative dress that the Count had tried to push on her.

  Her hands were delved in her pockets, one of them wrapped around her cell phone. She could hear voices downstairs and passed a few people in the halls. They didn't stop to look at her, which she didn't mind. She liked being ignored, and because she was an introvert, being the girlfriend of a high profile rock star had never been easy for her. She hated the cameras and the fans screaming at Caleb wherever he went.

  She roamed the halls, her slender fingers reaching up to her ear and slipping in a small bud earphone. Taking out her phone, she connected to her playlist. Soon, the sound of Caleb's angry voice filled her ears and drowned out the rest of the world.

  She had just fed, curtsey of Neal filling her thermos. It was something she hadn't done since the Count's donation a few days ago. Because of that, she couldn't sit still. She was restless. Her mind raced, and her fingers couldn’t type another word.

  All she could think about were the Count's words about Caleb. "Do you honestly believe he has always been faithful to you?" The words infuriated her, yet they cut deep. She knew what rock stars were like and what kind of a man Caleb had been before she had met him. He could easy cheat on her. And what would happen when she grew older and Caleb had millions of young, beautiful girls who would do anything to get with him?

  The thoughts turned her stomach, her steps getting faster as she descended the stairs. Her fingers tapped on the thick wooden railing, her eyes distant as she got lost in her own mind. She passed a few people, who regarded her strangely. She didn't acknowledge them though, and walked past.

  "And look who it is." Neal stepped in front of her and forced her to stop. "The little hermit's left her shell."

  She sent him a small smile. "I'm not a hermit. I'm a writer."

  "If you're coming down, you should've changed your—"

  "If I go back upstairs, I'm staying up there." She started to turn around.

  Neal grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "It's fine."

  "I'm bored. I thought you'd all be doing something exciting down here, but I guess not."

  "That's because you don't know anyone yet." He opened a door at the end of the hallway and turned toward a woman standing against the wall texting someone. "Hey, June Bug
." He motioned for her to come over. "Come be this little brat's mentor."

  Wrinkling her nose angrily, Ashleigh shoved his shoulder. "Don't call me that." She went to turn around, but he grabbed her arm. Her eyes narrowed on him venomously as her voice deepened, "Let me go."

  "Why?"

  "I said—let me go." She spoke through gritted teeth.

  "Fine. Go." He released her motioned for her to leave.

  Ashleigh turned her back. She stopped a few steps from him when a soft beep signaled she had a new text. Her hand reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. It was a message from Caleb.

  I'm sorry.

  Ashleigh quickly typed a reply.

  You're not, and we're done. I don't want you or anyone else. I'll take care of myself.

  I love you.

  I'll talk to you in a few months and see if you still feel that way. I'm not your girlfriend anymore.

  My fiancé?

  Ashleigh closed her eyes for a few seconds before answering.

  No.

  When she saw a woman appear at her side, Ashleigh regarded her strangely. "Yeah?"

  "Hi." The woman spoke, her voice as upbeat as her rosy cheeks. A few freckles dotted her cheeks. She was thin and had a body like a runway model. "My name's June."

  "I'm Ashleigh." She tried to ignore her phone when it began ringing. Instead of starting a conversation with Caleb, she shut it off.

  "You're new?" She re-directed Ashleigh’s path. Her voice was as soft as her light touch. "I'm Neal's girlfriend."

  "I figured."

  "Are you all right? You seem upset."

  "Just homesick." Ashleigh peered down the empty hallway. Her eyes scanned the pictures hanging on the wall. Most of them were hand painted masterpieces, oversized and intimidating.

  "You're from Morgan, right?" June pushed a strand of stray blonde hair behind her ear. "Those vamps are a little different than the ones here."

  "How?" Ashleigh tried to get interested in the conversation, but her mind was on her fight with Caleb.

  "You live in pairs there, but all the vampires in Krest live near the castle. We don't isolate ourselves like you do. We're more of a family here."

  "Do you live with the Count?" She watched June open a door.

  "Neal and I do, yes." June motioned for Ashleigh to go inside. "Neal told me you’re a friend of the Count?"

  Ashleigh was surprised by June's words, but she took them gladly. "Yeah." Her eyes settled on the people sitting around the room. Most of them were playing a game, but a few were sitting on the far side.

  "Do you want to join the game?" June accompanied Ashleigh over to the table.

  "I don't want to play. I'm not good at games." Ashleigh nervously scratched her arm. Her shoulders were hunched inward slightly as she studied the others. They were all dressed in cocktail attire, something that made her feel out of place. She took a few steps backward, her voice softening. "I'm going back up—"

  "I just partner up with someone who is." She pointed to Neal and ignored Ashleigh's attempt at escape. "I never choose Neal because he's terrible at this trivia stuff."

  Ashleigh's voice was low, "Can I be your partner?" She scanned the others cautiously.

  "They already have a game underway, so we'll have to partner up with some of the people playing." June spoke louder as she addressed the group, "Does anyone want to partner up with Ashleigh?"

  Motioning with his finger for her to come to him, the Count didn't look up.

  "There you go." June laughed. "Partner with the Count." She whispered in Ashleigh's ear, "He's a good choice. He's great at this game."

  Ashleigh spoke under her breath, "I'm sure he's good at cheating."

  "What?"

  "Nothing." Ashleigh mustered a fake smile and moved over to the Count.

  A chair slid across the floor, almost clipping her toes. Ashleigh let out a small gasp, and her hands went to cover her agape expression. It stopped next to the Count. She tried to hide her smile, but couldn't. Grabbing the back, she pulled it out. The person next to her scooted over a little so she could have more room.

  The Count leaned over and whispered, "I can smell the salt of your tears. Is everything all right?"

  "No." Her large blue eyes fell on his. Her lips pushed together tightly as she tried not to cry. Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before she turned from him.

  He didn't look at her as he spoke, his gaze on the man answering one of the trivia questions. "Would you like my help?"

  Her words were soft, but they weren't said in anger. "You can't help me."

  "The kiss of the vampire you crave does not only exist in your imagination." His voice was so smooth each word melted when it entered her ear. "Ask for my bite, and I can make any sadness disappear."

  She looked down as a shiver ran down her spine and traveled all the way to her toes. His words excited her, and although she wasn't intending to act on her attraction to him, she couldn't ignore the desire within her.

  A vampire's kiss. The thought made her lips turn up into a soft smile as she glanced over at the person answering the question. "I'll think about it."

  "Your grace." Neal held a card in his hand. His face was red from laughing at one of his friend's previous answers. "Who wrote The Night Meadow?"

  "Caroline Falcon." Ashleigh answered before the Count could open his mouth to speak. She sent him a cheeky grin then looked back at Neal.

  "Correct." Neal turned toward the scorekeeper. "Ten points to the Count." He then picked up another card. "This is a hard one." He laughed as he scratched his head. "Umm." He glanced at June then back at the card. "What famous composer was once the head of King James' Council of the Arts?"

  "Martin Able," Ashleigh answered. "He composed the score for the ballet Sleeping Willows."

  "Correct. Twenty points to the Count." Neal sent a sly look in the Count's direction, which the Count returned. "Next time, you're going to be on my team, Ashleigh."

  "Sure." Ashleigh laughed as she looked around at all the friendly faces staring back at her. She loved this calm environment. It was much more relaxing than partying with Caleb and the band.

  "Next question." Neal picked up another card. "Name the four men who wrote the declaration of peace during the Heartford War."

  Ashleigh placed her hands neatly in her lap and glanced over at the Count. Her shoulders hunched as she sighed. She frowned.

  "Five men," the Count answered, his eyes settling on Neal's.

  "It says four, your grace." Neal chuckled as he waved the card a few times casually.

  "Vincent Halburg, Newton Albright, Harold Malard, Joseph Carlson and Mark Sands."

  "Thirty points to the Count," Neal grinned.

  "The Count wins this round," The scorekeeper announced.

  Some of the people at the table got up, and others stayed to play another game. The Count stood and held his hand out to Ashleigh. "Can we speak?"

  "Sure." She looped her arm in his. "So…" Ashleigh wore a sly expression, her small fang capturing her bottom lip. He smiled as he gazed forward, his slow, smooth gait not as bouncy as hers. "About what you said before." She glanced down nervously, her words quick as she spoke softly, "It doesn’t hurt or anything?"

  "No." He led her to a couch and sat down. She didn't sit. Instead, she stood in front of him, a childish fear on her face. "Sit." He motioned toward the spot next to him, and she obeyed.

  The Count leaned close to her. His hand gently moved her hair away from her neck. His eyes were glued on her bare skin, and his arms wrapped around her waist. He bent his head, his nose brushing against the curve of her neck.

  His breath was hot against her skin, and she could feel the moisture inside of his mouth. The sensations made her shiver. Her mind raced as she tried to close her eyes and block out the pain she knew was coming. When she felt the prick of his fangs, her hands shot up to his shoulders and gripped them tightly.

  Then, it came. That rush of pure pleasure. Her whole ce
nter went off balance. The world disappeared. Her fingers lost all their strength and slipped down his chest. She could feel his taut lips—that slow, deliberate kiss that sent a steady pulse to her bottom.

  It was greater than any orgasm she had ever felt. Her whole body erupted in intense shivers as his grip around her back tightened. Everything melted away. All she wanted was to be suspended in this magical place, this intense feeling making her feel helpless, but completely at ease.

  He pulled away and held her at arm’s length, studying her curiously. “Did that help?”

  "Umm…" Licking her lips, she looked around quickly. She was extremely embarrassed. Now that the pleasure had faded, all she was left with was a shaky feeling. A great tingling sensation pulsed with her every heartbeat. "A little." Her lips filled with a huge grin, but she couldn't face him. She gazed at her firmly clasped hands and felt incredibly tired, as if she were drunk. She couldn't focus, her mind still reeling.

  "May I inquire as to what has soured your mood?" He sat back, his eyes glued on hers. His demeanor was calm as he licked her blood from his lips.

  "I…" She took the handkerchief the Count handed her. She put it to her neck and let it soak up some of the blood. "Umm…" She laughed as she tried to keep her thoughts straight. "I just had a fight with a friend." She scooted closer to him, her shoulders pushing against his and denting his suit jacket slightly. "A close friend." She pressed her lips together tightly as she tried to halt her tears, but a few fell anyway.

  His arm slid behind her back, and he pulled her to him gently. She didn't pull away from him this time. Her body melted into his as she lay her head on his chest. It felt good here—the smell of his cologne, the cold, comforting kiss of his silky dress shirt. Her head was fuzzy, and she still couldn't concentrate. As if by habit, she adjusted her position and cuddled closer to him.

  "Would you like to hear a story?" He smiled as he watched her nod, her grip around his waist tightening. His voice was soft, his chin nestling into her soft, black curls. "A dreamer wanders in a field of tall, blowing grasses, the soft scent of lilacs filling her nostrils."