Larissa surprised herself by how much she had revealed and to someone she had only known for such a short period of time. Usually she preferred to remain guarded and aloof. Sharing wasn’t something she readily did.
“I meant what I said. You truly are an amazing creature Larissa. You must feel very lucky to be able to transform the way you do.”
Larissa froze at Darla’s unfortunate choice of words. A flicker of pain and suffering crossed her face before it was quickly buried and replaced by anger.
“Lucky!” She hissed, snatching her jacket from the tree almost snapping the branch off in the act. Striding across to the startled woman she glared into Darla’s face, her eyes flashing with a barely contained fury. “Lucky? You think that’s what I am? You have no idea how much I suffer living each day with this damned curse. No idea!”
Larissa’s pain was raw and dark, something Darla could easily recognise. “I’m sorry Larissa. I didn’t mean to offend.”
Her genuine remorse left Larissa feeling like a total bitch for reacting the way she had. Darla knew nothing of her past and the path that had led her to living with her curse. How could she know of the pain and guilt that she harboured? Exhaling deeply she forced a slight and tenuous smile. “No it’s okay, I just overreacted. Hey look the guys are back, let’s just forget this okay?”
Darla nodded refusing to pry. Larissa’s pain was her own to carry until she was ready for it to be otherwise.
Quinn’s stone faced expression was completely unreadable as he and the others re-joined them. His refusal to meet her eyes led her to thinking that Larissa wasn’t the only one she had upset and the day had just barely begun. Wow, surely that had to be a record!
“If you women have quite finished, you might wanna remember we’ve got somewhere we need to be.” His sharp bark confirmed what Darla had already figured.
“Gallion you’ve got point, Larissa the rear. Let’s move out. Hopefully we should reach the glen by midday,” he commanded.
Gallion lead the group across the clearing with Quinn hot on his heels, setting the pace for the day’s journey.
Raising a curious brow at Darla with the hope of her shedding some light on Quinn’s angry behaviour, Valmont was met with nothing but silence. Nonchalantly shrugging, confident in the fact that he could gain the juicy details at a latter point in the day when her energies had waned along with her defences, he decided he could wait. Living as many centuries as he had had taught him that patience was something he was very good at.
Dragging along behind the others Darla annoyingly noticed how not one of them showed the slightest effects from the previous day’s journey. Aching and stiff with her muscles protesting at yet further punishment she couldn’t help but feel that what had begun as a wonderful start to the day was now rapidly descending into a day from hell, and from where she was standing it seemed as if it could only get worse.
Quinn’s anger drove him head long into the dense interior of the forest, his thoughts in turmoil at what had almost happened between him and Darla. If Larissa hadn’t signalled her return when she did…
Jeez what was I thinking?
The problem was whenever he was around her he didn’t think. All reason and sanity disappeared leaving him with an animalistic need that only she could tame. And yet everything about the woman was so wrong for him.
Her being a breather in itself should have been enough to repulse him. Throw into the mix that she was a goddamn jumper… and yet, the feel of her skin, the taste of her mouth, even the innocent way in which she’d arched her body in response to his touch. All those things had only made him want her more, if that was even a possibility.
“Quinn!” Valmont’s irritated bark snapped him from his thoughts. “Finally!” Having come alongside him the vampire lowered his voice so that only the two of them could hear what he said. “I don’t know what’s bothering you mon ami, but I think I can pretty much guess.”
“And what Goddamn business would that be of yours?” Quinn snapped annoyed at the insinuation.
“You’re right of course; it is none of my business. However, I cannot help but like the woman. She’s strong, feisty-”
“Get to the point.” Quinn growled growing more irritable by Valmont’s interest in Darla’s attributes; attributes that he was all so readily aware of.
“You’re pushing her too hard. You need to slow up. She does not have the capabilities that we do.”
“She can handle it,” he argued, not liking the Frenchman stating what was best for her.
“Are you so sure of that?” Valmont glanced across his shoulder.
Quinn followed his direction only to find Darla dragging her tired feet. Her infectious joy at the beauty of her surroundings was completely gone. All that she seemed interested in right now was the simple function of placing one foot in front of the other which he knew was purely due to her steely determination to not hold them back.
Quinn felt guilty at the strenuous pace he’d set, driven by his own selfish anger. Too wrapped up in his own thoughts he’d unconsciously caused her over worked muscles undue suffering. And now seeing her weary body fighting its own personal war it made it all the more harder for him to not to lift her in his arms and carry her the rest of the way. The only thing that stopped him was knowing that she would hate it, seeing it as a sign of weakness and defeat.
He had no other option but to slow the pace. It was the only viable way which he could help her. Doing just that he ignored his friend he slipped back into his brooding thoughts.
Knowing he would get no further conversation out of his friend Valmont left Quinn to his musings and dropped back to join Darla, touched by the warmth of a welcoming yet weary smile.
“You are doing amazingly well… for a human that is,” he whispered inclining his head in a conspiratorial manor.
Darla played along copying his action. “That’s a really nice compliment...,” she whispered. “for a vampire of course.”
They both laughed playfully.
Studying her interesting new friend Darla couldn’t resist broaching the subject that had been on her mind for much of the trek. “Valmont, I upset Larissa today. Not intentionally just through my own stupid ignorance. Would you mind if I asked you some questions? I feel that the more I learn, the less likely I am to offend.”
“You may ask. It does not necessarily mean that I will answer.” His mischievous smile revealed a teasing hint of fang. “So what is it you wish to know?”
Darla thought where to begin. “Yesterday you mentioned that although safe here, Earth’s sun was harmful to you. Does that mean you would burn up instantly in my world?”
“No not exactly, but Earth’s sun is more harmful to me. If I were to walk in the daylight there I would require much more blood to regenerate. I suppose it would be like being young again.”
“How do you mean? Why does age make a difference?”
“When a vampire is young they need to feed more frequently, almost every night in the beginning. The older one gets, the less demanding the need becomes, therefore less feeding. Next question!” Valmont found that he was enjoying her interest; it was like a breath of fresh air, not that he could remember what a breath of fresh air actually felt like
“Okay, so how old are you exactly?”
Blinding her with one of his enigmatic smiles he replied, “That depends on whether you are referring to my body’s age or the many centuries I have lived since I became a Vampire.”
“Ooo! How intriguing. Give me both,” she giggled, warming to him more with each moment spent in his company.
“Well... I was 31 years of age when I was sired and so that is the age my body will forever remain. But I have been 31 since the 14th century.”
“Oh Valmont, so long?” She gasped.
Valmont laughed. “You say that as if it was a bad thing, ma chère.”
“Isn’t it?” Her tone took a serious down turn as did the expression on her face. “How many people have you
loved and lost in all that time.”
He found her concern touching. “Some of us have no choice in the path we travel mon trésor.” His mind wandered to fractured memories of his past.
“Were you made a vampire against your will?”
Speculating at the unexpected question Valmont’s brows furrowed. “Non, not exactly, but perhaps had I known then where my choice would take me I may have chosen differently.” His serious expression suddenly vanished. “But then again perhaps not, after all what would this world be like without Valmont du Mort in it?” His roguish smile instantly lightened the mood.
“Valmont you are incorrigible.” She slapped his arm playfully. “Don’t you ever take anything seriously?”
“Only one thing mon chère and I’m afraid and we would have to ditch your guard dog for me to show you,” he whispered indicating Quinn with a flick of his eyes.
Seeing her cheeks flush with understanding he added, “I can think of a more pleasant way to add colour to your cheeks, but we would require less of audience.
“Valmont… please stop.”
Valmont groaned. “You would not say those words if I had you alone.”
“Enough,” she admonished using a firm but friendly tone.
Whilst knowing this to be Valmont’s idea of friendly banter she wasn’t naïve enough not to know that given the slightest inclination he would have no qualms at seducing even the most saintly of females. It was simply a part of his nature. And yet even armed with that knowledge or maybe because of it, Darla couldn’t help but like him. His carefree and playful manner was a refreshing change to the dark brooding mood swings of his friend.
Reminded of the person in question her eyes sought Quinn out a small way ahead of them. The stealth like manner in which he moved reminded her of a lion stalking its prey. All coiled tension and controlled muscle, a deadly hunter. So why was it that her heart jumped a beat and her pulse raced every time she looked at him?
“Valmont.”
“Yes mon amie?”
“I have another question. What is Quinn?”
The unexpected change of subject caught him by surprised. Stopping mid-stride he fixed her with a piercing stare contemplating the implications of answering such a question.
“That is a question I cannot answer. You should ask him,” he finally said resuming their course.
“I want to, but I don’t know how.” Her gaze returned to Quinn. “I know for certain he isn’t human. He insults me often by referring to me a ‘breather’, clearly meant in a derogatory way, yet he has never once mentioned what he is.” “Perhaps there is a reason for that. You have to remember, everything is not always as it seems down here.”
“I keep hearing that… which by the way H-E-L-L-O.” She swung her arms around emphasizing her surroundings. “It’s kinda stating the obvious. I’m walking in a forest in an alternate dimension – shooting the breeze with a vampire; it really doesn’t get much weirder than that. Does he seriously think that anything he could say would surprise me?”
Valmont wanted to smile at her dramatic display. “Darla – mon chère – The only thing you can be sure of down here is that everyone you meet has a story, a past, and a reason for being here. But you have to realise that it is not mine or anyone else’s place to tell you that story. It belongs solely to the individual. Try talking to him.”
“But he’s always so angry.” She groaned in frustration.
“Quinn? Really? No!” His mock indignation made her laugh.
“Valmont I do so enjoy your company.” Casually linking her arm through his, they trudged onwards.
“Oh! mon chère, you could enjoy me so much more if you would but say the word,” he teased.
“Behave yourself.” Darla said chastising him playfully.
The day wore on but the time past much more pleasantly for Darla. With Valmont’s company and his light-hearted banter she was both amused and entertained which distracted her mind from her body’s pain.
Later in the morning it was Valmont that noticed Quinn waiting a short distance ahead, a dark scowl on his face. Signalling Darla they both curbed their laughter, feeling somewhat like naughty children waiting for a reprimand.
“Are we stopping for a break?” she asked having finally caught up, not daring to chance a glance at Valmont for fear of laughing once more.
“No.” His reply was forced, sterner than was necessary. “We’ve arrived.” He stepped aside indicating for Darla to take the lead.
Cautiously stepping around him Darla swept aside the large foliage blocking her path and gasped at what she found. A knowing smile passed between Quinn and Gallion.
Following her lead, the small group entered the glen they had been seeking finding it packed with row upon row of beautiful flowering cherry trees. Soft muted lilac’s blended with deepest mauve’s and rich dusky pinks, all of which enhanced the simple elegant white’s that grew in amongst them. The lush carpet of thick green moss covering the forest floor was awash with an assortment of fallen petals creating a stunning array of colour.
Awed by the beauty of the tiny glen Darla searched for Mama Grace’s dwelling. “I thought this was where Mama Grace lived?”
“It is. Gallion would you like to do the honours?” Quinn asked motioning the pixie forward.
Gallion quickly searched until he found what it was he needed. Lifting a large fallen branch he made his way towards a small clearing at the centre of the trees. Using the fallen branch the pixie thumped three times on the solid ground. Several seconds passed and the pixie repeated the process once more. Tilting his head he closed his eyes and listen. A few minutes passed after which he re-joined the group nodding to Quinn in what looked to be a silent message.
“Now what?” Darla asked intrigued by what she had seen.
“Now we wait. You may as well make yourself comfortable it could take a while.”
Not waiting for a second offer Darla picked the nearest tree and seated herself beneath it. Once more Gallion was at hand to provide them with water -which Darla drank greedily, the crystal clear liquid tasting divine against her parched lips. Ignoring the others she unclasped her boots and slipped her warm, tired feet free from their restriction. Closing her eyes she slowly sunk them into the rich cool moss, revelling in the deep cushioning softness that engulfed her toes. It was a decadent sensation of ultimate pleasure on her tired and weary feet.”
“That looks like fun.” Valmont dropped down beside her on the soft mossy ground.
“Hmm, you have no idea,” she smiled lost in the enjoyment of the moment.
Leaning to the side she cushioned her head against his shoulder making herself more comfortable in the process. Their strengthening friendship brought with it an atmosphere of calm serenity that she found irresistible. With Valmont she could just be herself and not worry about what he thought of her.
“This place is so beautiful,” she sighed. “I think I could stay here forever.”
The trees sheading petals fell like snow giving the place a magical feel to it. Darla’s eyes became heavy and with the full intention of only closing them for a moment she quickly drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Quinn approached the couple languishing beneath the tree and Valmont could clearly see the consternation on his face. “She must have been exhausted to have fallen asleep so suddenly.”
“Maybe she just feels more comfortable around you.” Quinn’s feeble attempt at disguising his feelings didn’t quite work with Valmont.
“No mon ami, I do not believe that was the case. I was simply the cushion she needed. I would like to perform a quick sweep of the perimeter if you would be so kind as to relieve me.” Hopefully the excuse would be enough to tempt his friend.
Quinn nodded. Valmont gently cradled Darla’s head while his friend slipped into place. Lowering her head onto Quinn’s shoulder the vampire felt a slight twinge of regret as the sleeping woman burrowed closer curling her body towards the warmth.
Feigning indiff
erence Quinn rested his head back against the tree and closed his eyes in a bid for them to be left undisturbed. Content just to be holding her once more, he hoped the others would be satisfied in finding their own space.
* * * *
Darla stirred, an unfamiliar sound pulling her out from the depths of a peaceful dream. Unravelling her body she stretched her tired muscles, the movement causing a pleasant kind of pain. Opening her eyes she looked up into Quinn’s silent stare. Frowning slightly she realised the cushion beneath her was his thigh and her head was resting intimately in the cradle of his lap.
“Hi sleepy.” His face broke into a smile that left her almost breathless. His entire countenance changed by the one simple act.
“Sorry, I must have fallen asleep. You should have woken me.”
“No worries. You looked peaceful; I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Her cheeks burned at the idea of him watching her while she slept.
“Besides Mama Grace has only just this minute arrived. I think that’s what woke you”
Darla looked around curious about the elusive woman she had all but killed herself to reach. “Oh my God! You have got to be kidding me.”
Set in amongst the colourful tree’s – nestled into the space where Gallion had beat the ground – stood a large French colonial style house, complete with gardens and surrounding white picket fence.
“What…? How…?” Surely she was still dreaming?
“It’s where Mama Grace lives.” Quinn helped her to her feet. “Perhaps I should have explained earlier. Mama Grace keeps the house slightly outside our dimension in a form of temporal flux; hence the necessity to summon her.”
“But it’s a whole house! How is that even possible?” Darla asked still in shock.
“We’re not entirely sure; she has a fair amount of mystery surrounding her. What we do know is that she is extremely powerful. Come on, I’ll introduce you, I’ve got a feeling she’s gonna like you.” Quinn guided her towards the picket fence.
Redemption - A Darla Gray Novel Page 15