Legacy of Secrets 01-Cursed Secrets

by Lisa Logue

  “Oh, jeez. Come in!” I shrieked.

  “I wasn’t sure if you were awake. I’m sorry I scared you,” he smirked.

  “What else is new? Did you need something?” I turned away from his gorgeous gaze.

  “Actually, I have something for you. Do you mind?” he revealed a thin rectangular box wrapped with a tight crimson bow. My mouth went dry.

  “Okay?” I pressed my back to the wall.

  “Are you alright?” his brow furrowed.

  “I’m…confused,” I bit my lip.

  “Mmhmm. Well, don’t get too excited. It’s nothing too special. Here, open it,” I eyed the box curiously.

  “Do you want me to open it for you?” he sighed.

  I shook my head,” I’m sorry. No offense, but you’re the last person I’d expect to give me something. I’m just surprised.”

  Careful not to touch his fingers, I smiled and inched the box from his grasp. I pulled the ribbon free and gasped as I lifted the lid. Inside laid a white gold, braided bracelet with multicolored gems. It sparkled as the light hit it, casting a warm glow against the satin lining. It was absolutely the most gorgeous piece of jewelry I’d ever seen. I looked up at Christian, blushing. His tight smile told me this wasn’t the type of present I thought it was.

  “Christian, this is…wow. This is really beautiful, thank you,” he averted his eyes from mine. “Did…did you get this for me?”

  “I chose the design and the settings, but the gems are much older than they appear. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Where are they from?” I did my best to hide the disappointment. I knew better than to think he’d get me anything.

  “They’re ancient, from your people. Each one has a different property to help protect you. Over time, they’ll be able to read and store your energy. Austin was able to locate them, but I had them set in the bracelet. I thought you might like it better than a heavy necklace,” he almost smiled as he slid it from the box.

  “So this is from the both of you?”

  “Not exactly. This one is from me. I don’t know if he did anything with the remaining gems. May I?” he gestured toward my wrist. I slowly extended my arm and swallowed heavily as the familiar hum filled the space between us.

  “Thanks,” I stood. “It really is beautiful.”

  “You’re welcome. And yes, you…uh…it is,” he stumbled a step then disappeared.

  Once he was gone, the air came back to me in a rush. I slumped back onto the bed and examined the bracelet more closely. Part of me wanted to take off, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I sighed and went to find Austin.

  “Hey there, how’d you like the bracelet?” he beamed as I entered the kitchen.

  “It’s really something. I suppose I should also thank you for the gems,” I smiled in return.

  “I got lucky,” he stared at me with a strange expression.

  “Um, okay. So who’s coming with me today?” I changed the subject.

  “Christian. I’ve got some research to do, but I’d like to know what he says if you’re up to talking later?”

  “Sure. Where’d Christian go anyway?”

  “I think he’s checking the perimeter. It’s been a bit quiet lately.”

  “What, like, Josiah actually left?”

  “More like he wants us to think he left.”

  “Why would he think we’re that dumb?”

  “Because he doesn’t know us very well,” Christian barked, making me jump.

  “Dammit, will you stop doing that?! You’ll give me a heart attack one of these days,” he chuckled and sauntered into the kitchen looking delicious.

  “Are you ready to go?” he mused.

  “I was waiting for you. Is everything okay out there?” I asked breathlessly.

  “For now. Go on and grab your things. We’ll be taking the Jeep,” I nodded and sprinted up the stairs.

  Christian

  “Well, this should be interesting,” Austin invaded my thoughts.

  “What?”

  “You two, alone together, for an entire evening. Whew! To be a fly on that wall, brother,” he slapped me on the back and chuckled.

  “I don’t know what you’re getting at,” I shook my head.

  “One of two things will happen; either one of you will be pissed off or you’ll end up making out. Passion is a dangerous thing,” I sighed.

  “Did you give her the other talisman?”

  “I’ll give it to her tomorrow before training. I’m not quite sure what it’s supposed to do, though.”

  “Emerson said it’s important that she wears them at all times. I will try to ask him more tonight, but he may not tell me. Just make sure she gets it first thing tomorrow,” he saluted sarcastically.

  “Yes, sir! Stop acting like I’m new at this, Christian. I’ve been at this game a long time.”

  “Which game is that? The magic…or the girl?” I quipped.

  “Remember that you asked me to help the girl so if I was you, I’d sound more damn appreciative. If it was about the girl, you wouldn’t stand a chance, brother,” he growled.

  “I hope you’re right,” I answered as Lia bounded into the kitchen.

  “Right about what?” she asked, looking us both over.

  “Nothing important. Come on, we’ll be late,” I eyed Austin. He stared blankly after Lia as we left and I couldn’t help feeling that something was off.

  “Well, you’re going to have to help me up again. You haven’t put the steps on yet,” she accused.

  “I know. I’ve just been a little busy. I’ll get right on that,” I snapped. Her expression halted me.

  “I’m sorry. Look, I don’t want to argue tonight. This is about you and your grandfather, not us. Are we agreed?”

  “Yes. I don’t want to argue either.”

  “So, can I help you in?” I smiled halfheartedly. She nodded.

  I braced myself for the jolt and slowly snaked my hands around her hips. She gasped, I almost did too, when the humming came alive. It was almost impossible to pull away, but I knew I had to. Her heart sped up as I stared into her eyes and for a moment, forgetting what I was supposed to be doing. She gently moved my hands away and the haze lifted from my mind. I backed away slowly, rubbing the back of my neck.

  She exhaled a shaky breath, “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I can only control so much…”

  “I’ll just keep my distance, it will be fine.”

  “You don’t get it,” she whispered. “It doesn’t matter if you keep your distance. When you’re close, my body just reacts. If I catch myself before the sensations hit, it’s almost bearable. Once it happens, there’s no going back. I’ll just make you uncomfortable.”

  “Lia, I understand more than you think. I told you we can do this and we will. Now buckle up,” I shut her door and took my time getting in. After taking a few deep breaths, I put my game face on and climbed in for the ride.

  The trip wasn’t uncomfortable, possibly a better word is tense. Neither of us spoke much, afraid something might ignite the electricity between us. It was nice, though. I missed being alone with her. I smiled and relaxed against the seat.

  “What are you so happy about?” she grumbled.

  “I wouldn’t say I’m happy, but I’m content. What are you so unhappy about?” I glanced at her blank expression and chuckled.

  Lia

  “That’s a stupid question,” I shook my head.

  “I suppose it is. But if you go home acting miserable it may be harder to prove I’m taking care of you.”

  “I know,” I stared out the window, hoping I was a good actress.

  “Can I ask you something?” his voice sent a nervous shudder down my spine.

  “That depends on what it is.”

  “Why doesn’t me being a vampire bother you?”

  “Why would it? I knew you before you told me. It didn’t change anything,” I looked at him, wringing my hands in my shirt.

  “You aren’t a
fraid I’ll hurt you? That one day it will be too much to resist and I’d bite you?”

  “No. Honestly, I’m more afraid of hurting you,” his laughter filled the small space.

  “Now that is absurd. I’m practically immortal, Lia.”

  “But none of us know what I’m actually capable of. I don’t even know what I am, which makes sense as to why you hate me.”

  “I do not hate you.”

  “Right,” I snorted.

  “I don’t. I can’t, actually. That’s why I get so angry. None of this is your fault. It’s not right for me to blame you. But…”

  “Ah, there it is.”

  He sighed, “But it’s safer for you if our relationship is less complicated.”

  I busted out laughing, “As if it isn’t complicated already? Even if I had zero abilities, you’re still a vampire so I think that would be considered a complication, don’t you?” I smirked.

  “Maybe, but maybe not. Despite what you may believe, I have remarkable self-control,” his glanced toward me.

  The smile slid from my face and I sighed, “I know you do.” I waved off his questioning look and returned to staring out the window. We were silent the rest of the drive, lost in our own thoughts. I couldn’t shake the memories of before; when I was happy. So much happened so quickly; it seemed so long ago.

  As we pulled into the driveway, I fought against a new wave of emotions. I was so happy to see Nana and Pops, but terribly nervous at the same time. Figuring out what I needed to know was going to be difficult to say the least.

  “Do you want me to wait in the car?” he asked.

  “No. I’ll feel better with you there, I think,” I answered hesitantly.

  “Okay. Do you need a minute?” he grazed my arm with his fingertips lightly, sending a shock through my system. I grasped the door handle, trying to steady the surge that threatened to overtake me. His breath caught, but he continued brushing my arm ever so lightly.

  “Why are you torturing me?” I asked through clenched teeth.

  “Perhaps I torture myself more,” he breathed into my ear. My heart skipped a beat.

  “How do you figure?” I whispered while refusing to look at him.

  “Because I feel what we both feel. Right now, it’s very hard not to act on those feelings,” he answered and leaned even closer.

  “I thought you have remarkable self-control,” I smirked.

  ******************************************************************************

  Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella

  With a past fueled by blood, sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.

  A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame. Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his story, realizing she’s the one who revived him. She’s the fire to his ice.

  Lisa Logue has written everything from poetry and short stories to her debut novel Cursed Secrets. Originally from Long Island, NY, she now resides in Tennessee with her family including her two sons.

  At the age of seven, Lisa began writing short stories depicting dramatic scenes of abusive relationships and murder/mysteries. After several calls home from the teacher, Lisa made it clear that while the stories seemed real, her imagination created the drama. But it didn’t stop there. After the short stories came poetry, with which she received many awards and won several contests. Her earlier poems were published in coffee table books and various online websites, proving she’s no stranger to the written word.

  After a long two years, the first edition of Cursed Secrets was finally published in February 2012. Lisa is constantly working to improve and adapt her writing to intrigue and entice readers. As an avid reader herself, creating “real” characters has been an important part of the project. While Cursed Secrets encompasses a variety of supernatural characters, the human element is prominent and relate-able.

  When Lisa isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, working, or attending classes for her degree. She also loves to read and often finds herself curled up in a snuggie with a glass of wine. Spending time with her boyfriend of almost five years and their friends is another enjoyment and break from crazy daily life.

  “A successful person is a dreamer whom someone believed in…”

  Find more information about Lisa and her books at http://lloguebooks.weebly.com

  Follow Lisa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/littlelisa22

  Like Lisa’s fanpage on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lisaloguebooks

  Catch up with Lisa’s blog at http://lloguebooks.blogspot.com

  Read free samples of Lisa’s work at http://www.scribd.com/littlelisa22