by E. A. Abel
“No, we already have plans,” Chace answered and then continued, “But thanks for the offer.”
“Right, so we’re out of here. See you around Alivia, whenever that will be,” Bex said and walked toward the street. Alivia knew Bex was upset, but what could she do about it. She made a commitment to watch Vanstrauss and right now, that was more important than going to hang out.
Erica hugged Alivia and followed Bex and Devin.
“Take it easy Livy see you around,” Tucker said and nodded his head at Chace and then Demeetrie. Then he shifted his gaze to Mercy and said politely, “It was nice meeting you Mercy.” Tucker walked off.
“Well I’m off too,” Mercy said. “I need some sleep.”
“Me too,” Demeetrie said. “I will see you back at the Casa De Luca, Chace.” Demeetrie reached for Alivias’ hand and held it. He then said, “Bella, it is always a pleasure to be in your presence. I hope to see you later as well.”
Alivia nodded.
Chace reached for Alivia and brought her closer to him. “I love you,” he said and kissed her tenderly on the lips.
“I love you too,” Alivia replied.
“I need to tell you something that Demeetrie has told me.”
“Is everything okay?” Alivia asked.
“Yes, everything’s perfect. It’s just that Demeetrie said there is something about you that I have to explain.”
“Well, spit it out.”
“Demeetrie said you are a Whiteglider.”
Alivia looked at him. She didn’t quite understand what he was talking about.
“What’s a Whiteglider?”
“You know how Lawson is the guardian of the physical realm door?’
“Yes.”
“Well you have the ability to go through the spiritual realm.”
“What?”
“You can astral project out of your physical body and travel through the different realms in spirit form.”
Alivia stared at him wide eyed. “You’re messing with me.”
“No, I’m not messing with you. Demeetrie knows that you are half human and half angel,” Chace said.
“Well I guess it makes sense.” She thought for a moment and then said, “Look at Lawson. He is the freaking guardian of the physical realm. Why not continue to hurl my life into an unexpected roller coaster ride through hell and back again. But I can handle whatever life decides to throw at me as long as I have you.”
Chace stared at her and smiled.
“But wait, does this mean Jules has some sort of connection to the spiritual realm as well?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. The person you need to talk to about that would be Demeetrie.”
“Well then, do you mind if I talk to him later tonight at your house?”
“Babe, you can do whatever you want whenever you want,” Chace said wrapping his arms around her waist. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy.” He kissed her on her nose and then her lips.
“If it weren’t for you, I would have probably hid in my bedroom and never come out ever again,” Alivia said. “You gave me the chance to see life for what it is and I love you for that.”
Alivia hugged him.
“I need you to always tell me the truth no matter how hard it is for you.”
“I promise you babe, I will never lie to you again,” Chace said and pressed his lips to hers.
☼
Devin walked into the Cafe and slid into booth nine.
“This place has gone downhill since Jules and Alivia took over,” Bex said and slid into the booth. Devin slid in beside her.
“Man, you just can’t keep your mouth shut can you?” Erica stared at her in disbelief.
“Sorry, but that’s my opinion,” Bex said and waved her hand at Jules.
“Hey Erica, are you enjoying your day off?” Jules asked as she walked up to their booth with a smile on her face.
“So far, it’s been just great,” replied Erica.
“What can I get you guys?” Jules asked.
“We’ll have four orders of the fanger special, with a side order of pancakes, and four coffees’ please,”
Devin said.
Jules scribbled on her order-pad and left to fill their order.
“Good call,” Tucker said as he started to play with a sugar pack.
“What’s up with Alivia and Chace these days?” Bex asked.
“What do you mean?” Erica asked.
“Well, Chace is always with Alivia. He never leaves her side, not for one second,” Bex said.
“And what does that have to do with you?” Tucker asked eyeing her suspiciously.
Bex glanced at Devin quickly and then averted her eyes to Tucker. “I’m just saying that it seems strange that they spend so much time together.”
“Bex, Chace and Alivias’ relationship is none of your business. Besides, they’re in love,” Erica said smiling.
Bex burst into laughter. “Love, what would Alivia know about love?”
“Bex, what is your problem?” Erica asked angrily.
“Bex has a thing for Chace,” Tucker said and then continued, “Go on tell Erica, how you used to go to Ticklers just to have sex with Chace.”
“What? You did what?” Erica asked and by the sound of her voice, she was upset.
“It was only a few times. And Chace wanted me as much as I wanted him,” Bex said.
“Now, I get why you’re so upset about Alivia and Chace. I swear Bex if you try to mess up what those two have together, I’ll never talk to you again,” Erica warned.
“Relax. You can’t mess up a relationship unless it’s not a great relationship to begin with. Besides, I’m with Devin now. We have a lot of fun together,” Bex said extending her arm around Devins’ shoulder.
Devin grabbed her hand away from him and placed it into Bexs’ lap. She looked offended, but Devin didn’t care. The sound of her voice was getting on his nerves.
Erica smiled and Tucker burst out laughing. “So much for trying to replace one brother with another,” Tucker said.
Erica elbowed Tucker.
“Ouch, come on Erica, that freaking hurts.” Tucker whined rubbing his side. “But you have to admit it’s damn funny.” Tucker smiled cruelly at Bex. “Besides, Bex here probably figured she couldn’t have Chace, so why not pretend Devin is Chace.”
Tucker laughed again. “You’re creating quite the little reputation for yourself. But it appears you’ve underestimated Devin here, because he isn’t as stupid as you thought he was. He knows what you’re all about.” Tucker glanced at Erica sideways.
“But if you want my opinion the better girl won.”
Devin laughed.
“Screw you, Tucker,” Bex said and then pushed Devin out of the seat.
Devin stood up and watched Bex slide out of the booth.
“I guess Bex can dish it out, but she can’t take her own medicine,” Tucker said.
“You’re nothing but a sex craved asshole,” Bex said raising her voice.
“Well if the shoe fits, wear it sweetheart,” Tucker replied.
“Can’t you control you’re stupid ass boyfriend Erica?” Bex asked staring at her angrily.
“Sorry, I don’t speak for Tucker. He has his own opinion,” Erica said and smiled.
“I knew you weren’t my friend. You’re head is so far up Alivias’ ass that you can’t see her for what she really is, an annoying, emotional, attention seeking, little bitch,” Bex said.
“I dare you to say that to Alivias’ face. She’ll knock you on your fat ass,” Tucker said.
“What the hell is going on over here?” Jules asked with her hand on her hip.
“Nothing,” Bex said and then continued, “I was just leaving.”
Bex glared at Erica angrily, before she stormed out of the Cafe.
“Wow,” Tucker began as Devin slid back into the booth. “That girl has got some serious issues.”
☼
It was about four thirty when Erica
called Alivia on her cell phone.
“Hello,” Alivia said once she flipped open the phone.
Chace couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
“Alivia, it’s Erica. Can I speak to Chace for a second?”
“Sure, no problem, hang on a second.” Alivia passed the cell to Chace and said, “Erica wants to talk to you.”
“Walk as far away from Alivia as you can get away with,” Erica said.
“Okay,” Chace walked toward the road. “Okay I’m out of ear shot. What’s up?”
“I’ve been texting you all day. Have you been ignoring me?”
Erica asked, she sounded upset.
“No, my cell is off.”
“Okay,” Erica started and drew in a deep breath.
“So, you are well aware that Bex was with us this morning at the Cafe, right?”
Chace knew what was coming next.
“Bex, well actually Tucker, brought up the subject about you and Bex sleeping together at Ticklers.”
“Okay,” Chace said.
“How could you Chace?” Erica asked. “Does Alivia know?”
“No.”
“Well I hope you plan on telling her.” Erica said.
“Why?”
“Well if I know Bex, she’ll tell Alivia just to make her upset. I’m afraid Bex might show up at the church,” Erica said.
“Fine, I’ll tell her,” Chace said.
“Anyways, we’re almost at the church.”
“Fine,” he said as he hung up and walked back to where Alivia was sitting on the bench.
He handed her back the phone and looked at her.
“What was that all about?” she asked.
No more lies, he thought, just blurt it out.
“Well, it seems that Bex had told Erica, that well, Bex and I slept together a few times a while back.”
There he said it.
Alivia just stared at him.
He waited. She’s going to freak out.
“Okay, you and Bex slept together. Where was this?”
“We were at Ticklers,” he said in a low voice.
“What?” her face went red.
“Ticklers.”
“I freaking know what Ticklers is Chace.” Alivia stared at him hotly.
“Alivia, I need to tell you something about this player who was screwing around with us at the same time!” Bex practically yelled as she walked up to them.
Alivia drew in a deep breath.
“Player?” Alivia asked and glared at Chace.
“Yes, while he was with you he was sleeping with me,” said Bex.
“Chace?” Alivia shot him a fierce look.
“That is far from being the truth. I slept with you months ago. The last time we slept together was a month before the Creek party,” Chace explained.
“I knew you would decide to come here and cause a problem,” Erica said, once she, Tucker, and Devin had joined them.
“You knew about this?’ Alivia asked Erica.
“Hell, no. Tucker blabbed the news to us this morning at breakfast,” Erica explained.
“So, let me get this straight. You knew this entire day and that’s why you called to talk to Chace. You wanted to give him a heads up that Bex was coming here to tell me.” Alivia eyed Erica angrily.
“No, I didn’t know that Bex would show up. I was trying to make sure that Chace told you the truth, just in case she did show up,” Erica explained.
“Honestly, this is just incredible,” Alivia said and began to pace.
“What’s the matter Alivia you don’t like the fact that your boyfriend, who you apparently love so freaking much, is a player?” Bex said.
“Really Bex? What are you trying to do here?” Erica said raising her voice.
“Don’t yell at me, you lunatic,” Bex said hotly.
“Don’t yell at you. Who the hell are you?” Erica screeched.
“Who the hell am I? Look at you. You are having some sort of weird ass love affair with Alivia these days. Alivia this and Alivia that. Alivia has been through so much. She just needs me to help her out.” Bexs’ voice was full of bitterness.
“Erica, kick her ass,” Tucker said glaring at Bex angrily, “Don’t let her talk to you like that.”
Devin interrupted. “Okay there is no need for a cat fight here. It’s simple. What happened between Bex and Chace happened before he was with Alivia.”
Chace mouthed thank you to Devin.
Alivia saw him and said, “You are far from being out of trouble. You and I will discuss this later.”
Chace nodded.
“See what you caused?” Erica was really pissed off now. She looked like she was about to rip Bexs’ hair out of her head.
“Oh, shut up,” Bex said.
Erica was trembling. “I have never really liked you. You’re a selfish bitch. And what’s more, you sleep around with way too many guys.” Erica brought her finger to her lips.
“What would people call you?” she said sarcastically. “Oh, yes, that’s it, a skeezer.”
Bex pounced on Erica. She grabbed a handful of her hair and started to pull. Erica clawed at Bexs’ face.
“Beat the bitch!” Tucker shouted.
Erica lifted her knee and drove it into Bexs’ stomach hard. Astonished Bex doubled over and fell to the ground. Erica leaped on top of her and began to punch Bex wherever she could connect.
Alivia grabbed Erica from behind and lifted her off Bex. That’s when Alivia fell back and landed on the ground with Erica on top off her.
Suddenly Bex was up and heading straight for them. She kicked Alivia in the face and grabbed her by the hair.
Alivia was stunned.
Erica rolled off Alivia and tried to pull Bexs’ hand away from Alivias’ hair, but it made Bex pull even harder.
“Holy shit, a full blown, all out cat fight!” Tucker shouted excitedly.
Alivia started to get up. She didn’t feel anything but anger.
Alivia tightened up her fist and hit Bex in the stomach. Bex let go of her hair. Alivia hit her again. This time she punched Bex in the face. Bex tumbled back and fell to the ground. Alivia smiled when she saw the blood trickle out of the side of her mouth. Alivia pounced on top of her and punched her in the face again.
Chace grabbed Alivia and lifted her up off Bex, while Devin picked Bex up off the ground.
“Okay ladies that is enough,” Devin said.
“This whole thing is all your fault, Devin,” Erica said glaring at him angrily. “Why didn’t you just compel her into forgetting?” Then she turned to stare at Chace. “This is your fault too. You could have compelled her as well.”
“Compel? What the hell are you talking about Erica?” Tucker asked.
“Never mind, I’ll explain it later,” Erica said.
“Okay, I’ll give her new memories before I take her home and make her forget,” Devin said as he dragged Bex to his car.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
When Devin arrived back at the church after dropping Bex at home, everyone was still there.
“I explained to Tucker that you and Chace are vampires and that Lawson is a Shayvan.” Erica announced to Devin.
“I still can’t believe it. But Chace here showed me his fangs and that was all the convincing I needed,” Tucker said.
“So, he knows that Vanstrauss is trapped in the church?” Devin asked.
“No, I didn’t get to that bit of information just yet,” said Erica.
“Vanstrauss is another vampire, but he is the dangerous kind.”
Chace interrupted Alivia.
“Alivia we have an appointment with Demeetrie back at the Casa De Luca.”
Alivia nodded her head.
“Don’t worry Devin and I will explain everything to Tucker and make sure he is on board,” Erica said hugging Alivia.
“Once Demeetrie and Mercy show up at eleven, meet me and Chace at the Casa De Luca, okay?” Alivia whispered in Ericas’ ear.
Erica nodded.
Alivia and Chace said their goodbyes and walked off to Chaces’ car.
Alivia slid into the passenger seat and watched Chace as he walked to the driver seat.
Once he slid in beside her and started the car, Alivia stared out the window.
Ever since that night of the gas explosion, everything had changed. She lost her mother and met a guy who was a freaking vampire. But she had lost so much more than just her mother. She lost Miles. He was a good friend to her for such a long time and now Miles was her enemy. And Bex, she used to come over to the loft for sleepovers with Erica and now Bex hated her because she wanted Chace. She shook her head.
“Alivia, I’m really sorry,” Chace said, staring at her. “I know meeting me has turned your life upside down.” He cleared his throat.
“I want to take the pain away. I want to protect you from everything and everyone.” He stared at her. “Please don’t hate me.”
Alivia didn’t say a word.
“I love you more than anything in this world. I would do anything for you.”
“Does that mean you’ll leave me alone if I tell you to?” she said still staring out the window.
“I don’t think I can do that.”
“Then don’t lie and say you’ll do anything for me then,” she said hotly.
“Look, how was I to know that Bex had a thing for me?”
“I remember at the Creek party when Bex pulled you away from me. How could I have been so stupid? I should have known something was up.”
“I know that I have made some mistakes. But everything that happened with Bex was way before I fell in love with you.”
“I don’t care Chace. There was Bex and Holly, who else did you sleep with, Erica?”
“You want the truth?”
“Yes.”
“Then, yes I did.”
“You’re kidding me right?”
“No, it was at Ticklers. There’s a game that customers play in a group. We act out different sex scenes with the other players.”
“Seriously Chace, just shut up.”
The tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued to stare out the window.
“I know all of this is just too much for you to handle. But I promise you that I have not been with anyone else ever since I fell in love with you.” Chaces’ voice was low. “I have to admit that my past has caused you a lot of pain, but I can’t change what I did, or who I was before I met you.”