Promise Me Anthology

by Tara Fox Hall

  “We have to move on,” Casey said finally one night, as Theo devoured the burgers she had brought him. “You’ve been seen by a few people now. There’s talk of the local sportsman’s group organizing a mountain lion hunt.”

  “That won’t happen,” Theo placated, hoping he was right. “No one takes the sightings seriously.”

  “They’ve found your tracks,” Casey replied, morose.

  “That can’t be,” Theo argued. “I’ve been careful.”

  “There’s nothing for us here anymore,” Casey said, sudden tears in her eyes. “I can’t do this, Theo. We need to find someone to help us.”

  “Who?” Theo retorted, even as his heart sank with a lead weight of despair.

  “There must be others like you,” Casey said hesitantly. “That man, Ed, said that he’d been infected in Colorado. The were-cougar that infected him had cubs. Even if she’s dead, her children must still be here. We could try to find them. You can’t be the only one.”

  “Say I’m not the only one,” Theo whispered worriedly, taking her hand. “I never believed in the paranormal. But if were-cougars are real, why not werewolves? Vampires? Ghosts? Something tells me if I go looking for others like me, I’m not going to be able to hold onto you.”

  Casey looked away and didn’t answer.

  Terrified of the answer, Theo still made himself utter the question. “Are you done with me?”

  “I don’t know if I can be what you are,” Casey whispered. “I need to know that I could be myself. I see a look sometimes in your eyes—”

  There was a scream of rage from above. Theo and Casey looked up. On the rocks above, a cougar snarled.

  It was a female. It had been attracted by his scent and by the meat Casey had brought. The animal’s scent was livid, hungry...ready to lunge.

  “Run!” Theo shouted, giving Casey a push that instead knocked her sprawling. Then he turned, his eyes already yellowing as the cougar hurled itself into him. Knocking him off his feet, the two rolled over and over, Theo’s bellows of anger becoming animal screams as his form twisted and sprouted fur, his claws slashing. The forms landed at the cusp of the outcropping, the cougars wrestling and clawing each other as first one then the other came close to toppling over, then pulled back.

  “Help!” Casey screamed. “Help please!”

  The cougars were fighting, each one screaming again and again furiously as the other landed blows, ripping open muscle and skin, the scent of blood filling the air.

  A shotgun blast ripped the air, silencing the screams in the space of a heartbeat. There was a scream of pain, and the two cougars went over the outcropping, disappearing from sight.

  An older hunter ran up. “Knew that I’d get lucky if I stayed here after sunset,” he said with glee. “Where did it go?”

  “Over the outcrop,” Casey stammered. She ran after the man, who was already climbing down the steep embankment to claim his prize.

  The crumpled body of the cougar rested at the bottom, a bullet hole in its chest. Casey went to her knees and began to sob.

  “Keep back,” the man cautioned, pulling her back from the body. “You don’t know that it’s dead, though my shot was true. Just wait a moment.”

  Casey continued sobbing, all the stress and frustration of the ordeal pouring out of her in a loud cry of anguish.

  * * * *

  Theo watched as Casey cried, wanting to go to her, blinking back tears of his own. But there was no other choice. He had to let her go. She could never live his new life with him, unless he turned her like Ed had turned him. More and more, he had been tempted to, knowing if she was a were-cougar too, she wouldn’t leave him. And if that cougar hadn’t attacked them when it had, he might have done it right then.

  He needed to get away from her, far away, where he wouldn’t be tempted. Once he was gone, Casey could get on with her life. She had stuck by him when a lot of other girls would have walked away, if not run. The very least she deserved was to be cut loose before he hurt her.

  Theo turned and padded away westward. There was a quarry over the rise. A large construction site was nearby. With his new strength, maybe he could get a job there. At the least, he could hide there a few days while he figured out what to do. Ed’s disappearance had to be recorded somewhere. He would find out where the scientist had been working and go there, by foot if he had to. Casey was right, there had to be more were-cougars out there. He just had to find them.

  Total Eclipse of the Heart

  (Also published in the Vampires for Charity Anthology 2013)

  “Forever’s gonna start tonight...forever’s gonna start tonight!” The words rolled off Heather’s lips, her joy in each melodic phrase obvious to her audience.

  And why not? Heather thought. Tonight might very well be the night she joined her vampire lover in his world of darkness. God knows, he’d kept stringing her along close to a year now. But Dev had promised to turn her, once she was sure being a vampire was what she wanted. The only problem left was convincing her prince of darkness that she was ready to take her rightful place at his side.

  She knew that Dev loved to hear her sing. He often told her that it had been her voice he’d noticed first in the bar called Eclipse that warm April night they first met.

  “Your longing brought me to you,” a seductive voice had whispered in her ear as she stood at the bar after loud applause, triumphantly ordering a drink. When she’d turned with her hand ready to slap the offender, Heather’s words had caught in her throat. This wasn’t some old letch trying to take liberties. This was a dream man come to life complete with shoulder length shimmering blond hair, wickedly gleaming honey-colored eyes, and a body to die for. He was dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt, but his jacket was butter soft leather of an unusual light grey color.

  “Devlin,” he’d said in an amused tone, paying for her drink. He handed it to her. “Now tell me your name, so we won’t be strangers.”

  Heather had swallowed back her words. How had he known I was going to say my mother told me not to talk to strange handsome men? “Heather.”

  “Join me for a drink. Heather.” Devlin had walked into the crowd without a backward glance.

  I followed, just as he was certain I would.

  At first, Heather had been too starstruck to say much. Devlin had appeared completely at ease in comparison, asking Heather about her choice of song. “You’re a little young to be a Benetar fan.”

  “That’s Taylor, not Benetar,” she corrected.

  “Very good, Heather. But you didn’t answer my question.”

  “I like power ballads,” Heather had answered sheepishly. “My older brother was always listening to music when I was little.”

  “This is even more interesting,” Devlin chuckled. “Your brother liked power ballads?”

  “No,” Heather laughed, losing some of her unease. “But he had a lot of girlfriends, and a few of them did. I must have heard this song a hundred times the summer it came out.”

  “I noticed,” Devlin said with a touch of appreciation. “Most karaoke singers tend to stumble over lyrics, because they don’t know them. The rhythm of the song is lost. But you barely looked at the screen.”

  “The version that they play as background music rarely matches the song,” Heather replied with a frown. “I mean, the song as I listened to it. There are shorter parts with no lyrics, and some lyrics get edited out. So I have to check every now and then to make sure that I’m in the right place.”

  “I think we’re both in the right place,” Devlin teased, his implication clear. Then he sang, “I need you now, tonight. And I need you more than ever.” He paused, his faint smile more than a little inviting.

  Devlin’s voice...it’s like pure sensation. He’s singing my song to me. How romantic is that? Inspired, Heather sang back,” If you only hold me tight, we’ll be holding on forever.”

  Devlin burst out laughing.

  Embarrassed, a flush colored her cheeks quickly. Grateful of
the darkness, Heather moved to get up.

  Devlin grabbed her wrist. “Please, don’t go.” His tone was serious. “I wasn’t laughing in jest, but out of surprise.”

  Heather stood unmoving, still not sure she should trust Devlin. She watched him, expectant yet wary.

  “Turn around, Bright Eyes,” Devlin sang to her. He released her wrist, then held out his hand to her. “I just am happy to have someone sing to me for a change.”

  “Are you a professional?” Heather said, shifting from foot to foot, still wondering if she should ditch him.

  “I was at one time,” Devlin said wearily, his expression becoming pained. “And if you’re looking to be a performer, I can assure you it’s overrated.”

  Did he think she was a groupie? “No,” Heather said coolly, glad she could prove him wrong. “I’m actually training to be a nurse. I’ve only got another year of college before I can get my Associate’s degree and apply for a job, hopefully one that will reimburse my costs to get a Bachelor’s degree. With my GPA, my advisor said I’m a good candidate.”

  “Commendable,” Devlin said with approval. “But I understand how with the pressure you must be under, that every now and then you want to slip away.”

  Heather nodded. “I’m taking a lot of pre-med courses. I thought that college was supposed to be spring breaks and partying and all these social activities. But all I do is study all the time. I don’t have time to socialize much, not if I want to maintain my GPA for my scholarship.”

  “You must have friends?” Devlin persisted. “Classmates to cut loose with? A boyfriend?”

  “Lots of friends,” Heather admitted, hoping he wouldn’t detect the lie. “But no one special, not since high school.”

  “I know how lonely that can get,” Devlin said softly. His hand closed over hers. Heather was surprised at its coolness. “But you don’t have to be alone now, Heather.”

  Heather drew her hand away. “You’re moving a little fast for me.”

  “My apologies,” Devlin said. He stood. “I just meant that I’m usually around, if you want someone to talk to.” He offered her a card. “Here’s my cell. If you want some company some night, just call.”

  Heather took it, then drew herself up to face him. “Devlin, you’re sexy as hell, but something’s off here. Your jacket likely cost more than my textbooks this semester, not to mention that you haven’t said one word about yourself.” She glared at him, then handed the card back. “Are you married?”

  Devlin burst out laughing again. “God, you are just what I needed tonight,” he said happily. He took her hand and kissed the top of it gently with cool lips. When his gaze met hers, his eyes that had seemed golden before now had a reddish tint. “No, I’m not married.” He stepped closer, his hands resting on her shoulders then sliding down to enfold her. “You have a plan for your life, Heather. I’m not going to hinder that. But I’d like to spend some nights with you, if you’d like my company.”

  He’s offering friends with benefits, Heather thought. There was nothing to consider. All she’d had to do was feel his arms around her once and she wanted him. “When?”

  “Tomorrow at dusk,” Devlin whispered in her ear. “I’ll send a car for you. Write your dorm address on this.” He passed her a pen and blank white index card. “That way it won’t get lost.”

  If he wasn’t so hot, this would be too weird. Heather did as he asked, then hesitantly gave it back. Devlin pocketed it, then handed her another card with his name on it in silver lettering and his cell number. “Adieu.” He kissed her, the sudden sensation making her heart race. Then he was gone, slipping away into the crowd.

  * * * *

  That next night Heather had been apprehensive as she waited, sure that Dev had been a dream and that no car would show up. But a black SUV truck of some kind was waiting for her as she made her way to her dorm from her last class. She ran inside, dumped her knapsack on a chair, changed clothes, took a few minutes to freshen up, then hurried outside to the SUV. The driver asked her name, and then got out and opened the door for her to get in the backseat. He didn’t offer his name, though Heather thought he had an Italian accent. She got in, eager to see Devlin but also apprehensive. I’ve never done anything like this. What if something bad happens? She pushed the thought away. Everyone else on this campus probably does risky stuff a lot worse than this every weekend. This is my chance to have an adventure, something just for me.

  The car took her to a Hilton, the fanciest hotel in town. She was shown up to a suite. Devlin opened the door when she was still a few steps away from it, attired in a business suit. “Come in,” he said. “Make yourself comfortable.’

  Heather set down her purse, then cast her eyes over the room with its couches and chairs, vases of fresh flowers, and several TVs. “Very nice.” She flushed immediately at how dumb that sounded. “That’s kind of an understatement,” she added quickly. “It’s gorgeous.”

  “I wanted privacy for us,” Devlin said, locking the door. He strode to the table, shutting the laptop that rested on it with a soft click. “I have something to ask of you, Heather.”

  Was he going to ask her point blank for sex? This was too weird. “Yes?”

  “I want you to be a donor,” Devlin said hesitantly. “A blood donor.”

  Heather stared at him, blinking in incomprehension. “What?”

  “I’m a vampire,” Devlin said. He smiled at her, pulling back his lips to reveal large canines, both upper and lower.

  Heather let out a shriek, then darted for the door. Devlin had hold of her before she had taken a second step. “Stop,” he urged, even as she struggled in his grip. “I’m not going to hurt you, Heather. Please trust me. You are in no danger.”

  Heather sank to the floor, her knees giving out. “I thought...I thought that you wanted me.”

  “I do want you,” Devlin said with desire, crouching before her. He put his hand on her shoulder. “I already have other donors, Heather. But not a one of the current group likes music, not as I do.” He scowled. “I want someone to talk to.”

  “Why?” Heather asked, trying to make sense of the fact that vampires were not only real, they also appreciated music and got lonely.

  “Every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears,” Devlin said bitterly, standing smoothly. He turned away from her. “The words you sang last night moved me, Heather. Do you know what it is to have lived hundreds of years and feel like the best of them is past? To feel old, empty, and irrelevant?”

  “You’re not irrelevant,” Heather murmured. “And you don’t look old.”

  “So many humans worry about looking old when they feel young inside,” Devlin said passionately. “But there is no surgery for looking young and feeling ancient.” His expression was sardonic. “And even if there were, it likely wouldn’t be of any use to me.”

  Heather went to him, her arms going around his waist. “Do you want me to sing you some Benetar?” she offered, laying her head against his strong back.

  “No,” Devlin said in a gentle tone. “Sing me something happy.” He turned in her arms, sinking to his knees in front of her. “And let me lose myself in you.”

  Heather ruffled his hair with her fingers, then began singing the same song she’d began at the club. Before she was halfway, Devlin stood, effortlessly picking her up in his arms and carrying her to the bed.

  “I thought you wanted to hear me sing?” she teased.

  “I adore your voice, but that song is not altogether happy,” Devlin said, his sad tone at odds with his lustful smile. “And the truth is I can’t wait, Bright Eyes. I want you now more than ever.”

  He pulled off their clothes, Heather helping him eagerly. Then he pressed his naked body to hers, parting her legs. Heather froze, then pushed him away. “Let me get my purse.”

  “There is no risk of any condition a condom could prevent,” Devlin murmured. Yet he took the proffered packet from her and slipped one on without argum
ent. Then Heather was in his arms, Devlin’s kisses inflaming her tingling skin as he again parted her legs. When she felt him try to enter, she froze up.

  “You’re huge,” she said in surprise.

  Devlin bent up her left leg at the knee, groaning as he eased inside a few inches. Heather let out a sharp cry as she stretched to accommodate him.

  “I’ll be gentle,” Devlin murmured, pausing to thrust very slowly in and out. “In time you’ll let me enter easily.” He resumed his kissing, trailing from her cheek to her breasts, each touch making her groan in pleasure, her lust for him building higher with each passing moment. Heather’s body’s grip on Devlin’s manhood slowly loosened. Gently he stroked her clit, teasing and probing. Heather responded at once, arching her back, want and need flooding her senses. Sudden moistness caressed Devlin’s erection, spurring him to action. Devlin pushed in further, sliding most of the way inside. Heather again let out a sharp cry at the overly full feeling.

  “As soon as I heard your voice I couldn’t wait for this,” Devlin murmured, kissing her throat, her face, her lips. His left hand cupped her right breast, his right arm bracing his body as he began to thrust in long strokes.

  Heather’s body loosened again, lubrication allowing Devlin’s stiff organ to penetrate deeper. She began moving in tandem with Devlin’s thrusts, sweat beading on her naked breasts.

  Devlin paused, then rolled onto his back with practiced ease, his body not leaving Heather’s. His hands cupped Heather’s buttocks, pressing down forcefully. The last inches of his penis slid inside, the sharp pain making Heather cry out yet again.

  “I don’t care how many lovers you’ve had before me,” Devlin said feverishly, working her hips back and forward on him as he thrust again and again. “I possess every inch of you. You’re mine.”

  Heather panted, her eyes drowning in the sight of him below her, his golden eyes riveted on her, matching her body thrust for thrust. She was his. All she was had become one single powerful desire: to climax.