by E. A. Abel
“No, no ,no!” he screamed.
And his heart that had started to beat because of her, just stopped.
He leaned down and listened to her chest. “She’s barely breathing!” he screamed.
Chace placed both his hands carefully on her chest.
“What’s going on?” he shouted. “Why isn’t this working?”
His powers to heal her had failed him. Alivia wasn’t move.
“Devin, don’t just sit there, get over here and help me!” Chace screamed.
But Devin didn’t move.
“Please, please no, don’t you die on me,” Chace cried.
He held both hands on her chest and tried again. But once again, there was nothing.
“I can’t lose her. I just can’t. Someone, help me please.” Chace was forcing back the tears.
Demeetrie placed his hand on his shoulder. “Move aside, son.”
“No, I can’t, I have to save her,” Chace said. His voice choked as he spoke.
“I will help her Chace, you have to trust me,” Demeetrie said softly.
“Please,” Chace said staring up at him. “You have to save her. I’m nothing without her.”
The tears rolled slowly down his cheek.
Demeetrie nodded and shoved him aside gently. He bent down and motioned his hands over her leg. Chace stood up, took a few steps back, and stared at him as he managed to put her leg back in its rightful place. He did the same thing for her arm. Then he got up, walked to the side of her head, he knelt down. He circled his hands over her damaged skull.
Chace stared in complete amazement as the cells, nerves, and bones began to repair and fall back into their proper positions. Demeetrie rubbed his hands together. Tiny specks of light surfaced from his palm. He watched Demeetrie motion his hands over her head and froze when the connective tissue and the skin, layer by layer began to reconstruct.
“Chace, I have to put her under a healing trance to suppress the pain,” Demeetrie said and placed his thumbs over Alivias’ swollen eyes. “I need to regenerate the neural damage and any organ damage caused by the accident, before I can bring her back to a healthy state.”
Chace nodded.
“Is she going to be okay?” Mercy asked.
Devin rose to his feet and went to stand beside Mercy. “Demeetrie is helping her now. How are you?”
“I’m great. Not a scratch on me thanks to Demeetrie,” Mercy said.
“How did this happen?” Devin asked.
“I was pulling out my phone from my pocket and I hit a large animal. Then the car swerved off the road and hit the tree. I don’t remember anything after that.”
Chace turned and stared at her. Then he sped past her. He couldn’t believe that the woman he loved was so close to dying because of Miles and his pack of wolves. He sped up the road, grabbed the wolf by the face that was lying on the ground and lifted the wolf up to meet his gaze. He stared into its eyes as it pleaded with him to help him. He gripped his hands onto either side of the wolfs’ mouth and stretched it opened. He pulled its mouth over its own face. Then he hopped onto its back and continued to pull. He was so angry that he didn’t realize just how angry he was until he had pulled the wolfs’ entire mouth over its complete body, right down to its tail.
Chace stepped back for a second and admired his handy work.
If she dies, he thought, I will hunt every single one of you down and kill all of your kind.
Devin placed his hand on his shoulder. “I would have done that myself if you hadn’t.”
Chace nodded.
“Alivia is waking up, if you…”
Chace didn’t waste another second listening to his brother. He sped back to the ditch.
He stopped just in front of her. She was now sitting up. He knelt down and caressed her cheek with his hand.
When she smiled at him, his heart fluttered. He reached out and took her hand.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. My body is tingling all over. It feels like I’m kind of getting my own personal massage.”
Chace laughed.
“You will feel like that for a little while, Bella,”
Demeetrie said.
Alivia nodded.
Chace pulled her up to her feet gently.
“Let’s give them a few minutes,” said Demeetrie.
Demeetrie, Mercy and Devin walked toward the road.
Chace wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. He nuzzled his face in her hair and whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The image of her twisted and broken body was still fresh in his mind.
“I want to trap you in a plastic bubble and have a witch spell it so nothing or no one can ever hurt you again,” he whispered in her ear.
“Then how will you touch me?”
“I’ll make it so that only I can enter the bubble.”
She laughed.
“I’m serious babe. I never want to see you hurt or damaged in any way from this day forward or I will have no choice but to trap you in a bubble.”
Alivia pulled back a little and caressed his cheek. “How does it feel when I touch you?”
“It feels like I died and went to heaven.”
“I’m serious Chace, explain it to me.”
“It’s feels like a tickle, but much stronger. Only your touch can hypnotize me. I get lost in the gentleness of your caress. The simple warmth of your lips brushed against mine makes my heart flutter. Your breath on my skin vibrates right through me. Every touch, every kiss creates an intense almost orgasmic sensation that heightens every one of my senses to overpower my body.”
“Wow,” she said and kissed him on the nose.
“Yes, wow indeed.”
“Do you feel like that with other women?”
“I can feel other women, but it’s very light and does not last long. I can feel it when someone punches me too, but it only hurts for a few seconds.”
“Then I’m guessing that makes me special.”
“You are more than just special, you’re perfect.”
She smiled and kissed him on the lips gently.
“See beautiful, your kiss makes me feel incredible.”
“You make me feel incredibly lucky to have the honor of loving such an amazing guy.”
“Thank you, my sweet angel, for making me feel like less of a monster and more like someone who’s worth loving.”
She smiled and kissed him again.
☼
Once everyone was at the church Devin explained the story of what had happened.
When Devin got to the part about the accident, Erica and Jules hugged Alivia and cried.
Tucker grabbed Demeetries’ hand and shook it. “I’m glad you’re on our side, sir,” Tucker said.
Jules who still had tears in her eyes hugged Demeetrie and then kissed him on the cheek. “You are my hero,” she said and smiled. “You will never pay for another meal at the Cafe ever again.”
Then the weirdest thing happened. Storm clouds suddenly moved overhead and blocked out the moon. The wind began to blow vigorously. And the lightening lit up the night sky as the thunder rumbled.
“The storm has arrived,” Demeetrie said.
Everyone stared at him.
Demeetrie spoke again. “I am sorry, what I meant to say is that Vamprincessa and Vamprinceton have arrived.”
Demeetrie wasn’t lying either because when Alivia turned her gaze that’s when she saw them.
The girl was beautiful. Her brown hair was straight and hung down to the middle of her back. Her eyes were a common chocolate brown. She had a tiny structured body, but she was perfect. The boy was very handsome. His eyes were the same chocolate brown. His brows were dark and thick. His trimmed tiny mustache along his top lip matched his dark straight shaggy styled hair.
Then Alivia saw him. It was Orion. He was very pleasing to the human eye. His dark shoulder length hair was thick and slicked b
ack. The thick strands of hair hung on either side of his neck. His trimmed mustache and beard revealed his full luscious lips and made him even more desirable to look at. His eyes were hypnotizing and were the brightest blue she had ever seen. He was muscular and tall and wore a white suit.
When she shifted her gaze to Erica and then to
Jules, she realized she wasn’t the only one completely hypnotized by his looks. Jules’ jaw practically hit the ground and Erica was staring at him with a bizarre hunger in her eyes.
Orion stopped just in front of Demeetrie. “I am happy to see you up and about my friend.”
Demeetrie grinned. “I would have thought my resurrection would bother you friend.”
“Ah well many centuries have past and I no longer fear you,” Orion said.
“This I can accept,” Demeetrie said. “But remember friend, we are and forever will be sworn enemies.”
“This has not escaped me, but today we push that animosity aside and come to a satisfying agreement that everyone can accept.”
Demeetrie nodded abruptly.
“Our first course of business here is to know the whereabouts of our friend Vanstrauss,” Orion said.
“Vanstrauss is trapped inside the church. He waits for you and your clan,” Demeetrie said.
“Very well,” Orion waved his hand and
Vamprinceton strolled gracefully to the church door and disappeared inside.
Vamprincessa eyed Alivia curiously. “What is this?” she asked.
“What is what?” Demeetrie asked.
“Is this some kind of joke?” Vamprincessa asked.
“I am not quite certain of your question,”
Demeetrie said.
“She radiates light. Is there an explanation for this?” Vamprincessa asked.
“Yes indeed, there is one. An hour ago, Alivia was in a horrible car accident. I used my recongenerator powers to revive her to a healthy state,” Demeetrie said.
Vamprincessa nodded and shifted her gaze to Mercy. “This must be the witch we have heard so much about.”
Orion stared at Mercy. “You my dear should reconsider your stand in life and join our clan. Just imagine what we could accomplish if we had a Witchittin witch as powerful as you in our clan.”
Demeetrie spoke, “Mercy has not perfected her powers as of yet. She is no use to you.”
Orion nodded and averted his gaze to Chace. “I am quite impressed with your abilities. You have made me extremely proud. You, my boy, are the very first half-breed vampire, sunvamp who has ever existed. I am quite pleased with myself that I did not kill you when you were born. You continue to amaze me as you battle with the light and darkness inside of you.”
Chace stared at Orion. “Half-breed?”
“Yes, I am guessing that Zio Sandino and Demeetrie have not explained the situation to you.” Orion raised a curious brow in Demeetries’ direction.
Demeetrie stared at Orion angrily. “You have not come this far to reveal the hidden secrets of the past and create drama. Get on with the manner of business at hand. What punishment has the clan decided on?”
Vamprinceton walked out of the church door pulling Vanstrauss along with him. Vanstrauss had a thick metal shackle wrapped around his neck with a long chain attached to it.
Orion smiled as he rested his gaze on Vanstrauss. “My dear Artemis will be quite eager to torture you.”
“Demeetrie please,” Vanstrauss begged. “I will do whatever you ask of me. Just don’t let them take me away.”
“I am sorry Vanstrauss, but Devin is family and I cannot risk losing him,” Demeetrie said.
Orion stared at Demeetrie. “Very wise choice my friend. But I am afraid that a punishment will be handed down to the meddler who interfered in clan business.”
“I am fully aware of that Orion. Tell me what the punishment is?”
Orion shifted his gaze to Devin. “You are to be exiled to Hellsgrave.”
Devin nodded.
“You are in agreement?” Orion asked.
“I have been warned by Demeetrie about the cost of meddling in the clans’ affairs,” Devin said.
“And you will go peacefully?” Vamprincessa asked.
“Yes,” Devin answered.
“Orion this does not concern you in the least bit?”
Vamprincessa asked.
“No, if I know one thing about Demeetrie, it is that he prepares for the worst. He is honest and loyal. You have no reason to question him. Trickery is not one of his strong suits,” Orion said.
“So be it,” Vamprincessa said. “But there is one more matter to discuss. The witch will also join Devin in Hellsgrave.”
“Orion, what is the meaning behind this?” Demeetrie asked.
“We have information that the witch helped Devin trap the shadow in the damnation box,” Orion said.
“Why does it matter? There is no need to explain. We have decided the punishment and the punishment will be respected or there will be much bloodshed,”
Vamprinceton said.
Everyone was silent for a few minutes before Demeetrie spoke, “So be it.”
Vamprincessa nodded and waved her hand in the air. Devin and Mercy vanished.
“As always friend, it has been a pleasure doing business with you,” Orion said and walked away.
Vamprincessa stared at each one of them wickedly before she followed Orion.
Vamprinceton smiled and followed them as he dragged Vanstrauss along with him.
Alivia looked up just as the wind, lightning and thunder began to fade. She watched as the moon once again lit up the night sky.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Wow,” Tucker said. “This has been one hell of night.”
“You can say that again,” Erica said.
“Now what?” Alivia asked.
“Now we gather up Lawson and hope he knows the exact location to the door of the realm,” Demeetrie said.
“I already know where it is,” Alivia said.
Demeetrie stared at her questioningly.
“It’s where the road ends and the fog lingers,” Alivia said.
“How do you know where the realm is located?” Devin asked.
“Lawson told me,” Alivia said.
“Okay so, let’s go,” Erica said.
“I’ll take Alivia and Chace. Tucker you bring Erica and Demeetrie,” Jules said.
“I will meet you all there. I have to go get Danzanelli and bring him to the realm door. Dahlia will want him there when she comes through.” Demeetrie said.
Everyone nodded and headed to their assigned vehicles.
As Jules was driving up the hill minutes later to the end of the world road, she stared at Alivia and Chace in the back seat.
“You know I was a little concerned about the two of you getting married. But from what I’ve seen in the past couple of days, life is just too short. If you guys want to get married, you have my blessing,” Jules said.
“Relax Jules, we were talking about marriage. We haven’t even been officially engaged yet,” Alivia said.
Chace hit himself in the forehead. “That’s right how stupid of me to forget something so damn important.”
Jules laughed.
“Pull over,” Chace said.
Jules did as he asked.
Chace stared at Alivia. “Don’t you go through that realm until I get there, Okay?”
Alivia nodded.
Chace got out of the car and disappeared.
Jules started back up the hill. “Alivia, always remember that I love you no matter what you say or do, okay?”
She nodded.
“If you’re happy, then I’m happy,” Jules said.
When they reached the top of the hill, Jules parked alongside Tuckers’ moms’ minivan at the side of the road.
Alivia got out of the car and walked to stand on the edge of the cliff surrounded by tall trees. It was amazing how the fog could just fade and reappear again, she thought.
“Wher
e’s Chace?” Erica asked, once she was standing beside her.
“I’m not sure, but he did say to wait for him,” Alivia said.
Erica hugged herself. “This part of the woods is creepy. It really feels like this spot is the end of the world. There seems to be nothing beyond this cliff, it just seems to end. It gives me the chills.”
“It’s only the fog that makes it creepy.”
Erica grabbed her arm. “You know that you’re my best friend right?” Erica asked.
Alivia smiled. “Yes, I know.”
“You know that I would never do anything to hurt you right?”
“Yes, not intentionally anyway.” Alivia looked at her strangely. “What’s up with all the questions Erica?”
“It’s just that I’m real anal when it comes to our friendship. I want you to be happy, but ever since you met Chace, you’ve had a really bad stroke of luck. You’re constantly getting hurt.” Erica stared at her with a saddened expression. “I don’t want to lose my best friend in the whole wide world because of some freak accident.”
“Erica, I’m fine. And for your information, I have been hurting myself since I was little.”
“I know but it has gotten much worse. I’m afraid the worst it gets, that I will…well…that I will lose you for good.”
Alivia hugged her. “I love you Erica. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Besides, Chace won’t let me ever leave him. So really you have nothing to worry about.”
Erica nodded as she stepped back.
Alivia walked over to the right side where the fog was thicker, leaned over the edge and glanced down the jagged cliff.
“Alivia,” Chace was behind her. She turned to look at him and slipped on one of the loose stones. Chace had her in his arms in an instant.
She smiled. “You saved me. You’re my hero.”
Chace stared at her in disbelief. “I just don’t know how you manage to keep getting into accidents.” He kissed her on the nose gently. He lowered her a few feet from the edge onto the ground.
He bent down on one knee and pulled out a small black jewelry box. “Alivia Marks, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
She smiled.
“Yes,” she said.
Chace opened the box and Alivia gasped. The diamond was huge.
“I have had this ring for centuries. I had it custom made for the woman I would marry someday.” Chace wiggled the ring out of its place and slipped it on her finger. "Imagine that, it’s a perfect fit," Chace said and smiled.