Heavy Metal Heartbeat

by Ambear Shellea

  “Yes, I’m fine. Now back to your father, I’m anxious to see if he guesses correctly.” He gave her his special wink and looked back to his father.

  “No, Dad. I can’t let you wager that car. You love that car.”

  “Who says I’m going to lose?”

  “Fine!” Seeing the stubborn look upon his father’s face, he threw his hands up. “Go ahead. What is Anna?”

  “She is of Sebastian’s bloodline, which makes her vampire, but she is different. She looks human, yet she is not. She smells of strong coffee…”

  “I don’t feed off coffee,” Anna blurted out.

  She is going to screw this up for me.

  He couldn’t contain his excitement.

  “Anna! Why are you helping him? He’s about to blow his record and he is about to do it in front of me. I will have some major bragging rights.”

  “Hush, Oliver. I don’t want to see him lose that car. It’s a classic.”

  He rolled his eyes at Anna and waited to see if his father could indeed figure out the mystery that was Anna Skott. His father’s voice carried through the room.

  “Oh my dear, I like you already. You harass my son, you love coffee and I’m getting the feeling you love muscle cars as much as most men.”

  Anna returned the wide and wicked smile once again.

  “You should see my 1971 cherry red 351 Mustang. It’s in the garage.”

  “Can I take it for a drive?”

  “I’ll let you drive mine if you let me drive yours.”

  The suspense was suffocating and he had to know.

  “OK, already. We get it, you two love classic cars! Dad, you’re stalling. Do you know what she is? I think you don’t.” He returned his father’s smart-ass smirk.

  Man, he has a lot of expressions when he is working something out. I never noticed before. Ha! He doesn't know.

  Finally, the answer came, following shrugged shoulders and a glance at Anna.

  “Hmm, I’m going to wager you feed off music, rock music by the sound of what’s coming from those speakers.”

  “Damn! How did you know?” Ozzie belted out.

  His father gave him a wicked grin every bit as mischievous as Anna’s.

  “I never tell my secrets.”

  He must really like her to let her that close. One can hope…

  He watched as Anna leaned in and feigned whispering in his father’s ear.

  “That’s amazing! Really though, how did you know? You can whisper it in my ear. I would just use it to torture him.”

  “I’ll say this: All of you gave it away. Explain to me how this works, Anna, and then I shall explain how I knew.”

  “It's pretty simple. I feed off music, all music in one way or another. Rock feeds me the best. It gives me energy and vitality along with the, I guess you could call them, nutrients that I need to survive. As I said, all music feeds me, but it may take longer for some genres than others. For example, I'm not a huge fan of country music, but in a pinch, it will work. Spiritual music, I prefer Christian music if I am hurt. It helps me to heal much faster and calms my nerves. It gives me an overall feeling of love.”

  “Wow, you were right, the supernatural has changed. I am glad that I listened to you. I still have my reservations, but I’m feeling much better about the situation. As for how I knew…well, you need to work on working together as a team better. Every one of you looked at the stereo at one time or another while we were talking. Nothing too obvious, but all of you cut your eyes toward it. The only person in this room who didn’t look at it was the doctor over here, who is hiding a secret of his own.”

  Ozzie noted he wasn’t the only one staring wide-eyed at the good doctor. Dr. Phillip’s face flushed and he stuttered just a bit before he got his voice to work.

  “I assure you, I am not vampire, or werewolf, or any of that.”

  “You’re right, you’re not, but you are a hunter. I guess due to the all the craziness going on no one picked up on the fact that Sebastian didn’t compel you. Well, I noticed he picked up on it, but none of the others did.”

  “A hunter! Did you hear that Sebastian? Mr. ‘don't let the unknowing become the knowing,' he already knew,” Anna sarcastically pointed out.

  “Well, we are not here to talk about me. Besides, I have to go anyway. I came by to say what I had to say.”

  The doctor shuffled to the door.

  “I will see you later. Anna, always the perfect host, thank you.”

  “Anytime, Doc.”

  The door shut and they looked around in a daze at each other, taking in the new information.

  “Huh, I never would have expected...”

  Chapter 7

  He lay quietly in the darkened room watching the blooming autumn colors of sunrise spread through the curtains, coating the bed in hues of red, orange and violet. Egyptian cotton covered the lower half of his frame and she covered the rest. Her golden hair fanned across his chest, slightly covering the side of her sleeping face. He absent-mindedly ran his fingers up and down the arm draped over his stomach as he thought about the events of the past few days.

  So much had happened in just a short time, but it all seemed to be working in his favor. He had survived his dance with death, his father had decided to stay and see for himself his 'other' family was not a threat, plus he’d kept his relationship with his father from being ruined, and Paige... he still had her. She was all his and she had agreed to marry him.

  Gently he squeezed her closer to him. Closing his eyes, he planted a sweet kiss on her forehead, thankful just to have her.

  Everything is going so well. Why do I feel like the other shoe is about to drop? I don't care what happens, as long as she and my family are by my side, I can handle anything.

  He felt her stir under his arms, and he loosened his grip, watching her movements. It was just what he had been waiting for; her bright blue-eyed smile. He grinned back at her.

  “What are you all smiles for?” She asked.

  “I am just happy, that is all.”

  She nuzzled closer, playfully. “Why are you so happy?”

  “Because...” He rolled her onto her back, nibbling her ear. “Forever and ever I get to do this.” He pressed his mouth to her neck. “And this.” He trailed kisses along her collar bone. Her tiny frame vibrated against his touch with each loud playful giggle.

  I will never tire of hearing that sound.

  Pulling away and smiling, he looked at her.

  “I will always love you, no matter what. I meant what I said. Nothing and nobody will ever change that.”

  “I love you too, Ozzie. I was so scared when I thought I had lost you.”

  “Well, we don't have to worry about any of that. I am fine and I am not going anywhere.”

  With his thumb, he wiped the tears from her cheeks. He swallowed the cry that shook her chest when he kissed her. As the passion flowed between them, he pressed his kiss harder, as if it were the last time he would ever hold her in his arms again. He drank her in, savoring all of her. The room became a blur of movement and emotion. Clothes found themselves airborne and strewn across the floor. Sheets and blankets went in disarray.

  He held her against the wall, pressing into her, his mouth wetting her chest and neck. Her moans fueled his beast, igniting his fire. Holding her tightly, he moved them to the dresser. Pictures, clothes, make up and perfume crashed to the floor, as he swept his hand across it, making room for what he planned.

  He laid her across the top, exposing her intimates to him. He took hold and devoured her. With her hips in his tight grasp, she writhed beneath him and begged for more. Leaning forward, he kissed her cries of pleasure from her lips. They slid to the floor with her on top of him, never breaking rhythm. He reveled in the sensation of her warmth and desire as he broached the tip of explosion. Again, the world disappeared.

  ****

  He held her close to his chest as they caught their breath. He kept his eyes closed as the room spun from disorien
ting excitement. She rolled off his chest and lay beside him, smiling.

  “Wow! That never gets old,” She said.

  Leaning toward her, close to her ear, he whispered, “Nope, it only gets better.”

  He moved from her ear to her lips and his hand gripped her hip. Wild and disheveled, his wet hair stuck to her chest when he rested his head and listened to her rapid beating heart. He tightened his grip and held her, enjoying the feel of her.

  His eyes drooped and he was heading off to dreamland when a loud, unexpected noise penetrated his blissful quiet. He stirred in her arms when she shook him and told him what he already knew.

  “Ozzie, your phone.”

  Getting from the warm and soft pillow that was her chest, he ambled over to the nightstand, picked up his phone and answered it.

  “Hello?”

  His mother's frantic high-pitched voice sounded in his ear.

  “Ozzie? Oh my God, is that you?”

  “Yes, Mom, it’s me. I am fine.”

  He heard her sigh through the phone, rattling the small speaker.

  “We have been so worried. Why didn't you call us?”

  “Mom, I hadn't been awake from recovery that long when Dad showed up to investigate. A lot has happened in a short time.”

  “You promise me you are OK?”

  “I promise. I am perfect, Mom.”

  “Well, since I know that you are OK, what happened?”

  “The short version.” He sat on the bed and leaned against the wall. “Paige's friend, Anna, was sleeping and we were watching the house for her. A wolf tried to attack Anna while she slept and Paige and I killed it. Well, a few days later, his friends come to seek revenge and we kicked their butts, but one tried to attack Paige from behind and I jumped between them to save her. She is fine, we are all fine. I got a little banged up, but I am Zane, I can handle it.”

  He held Paige's hand when she snuggled close, listening and laughing at the inquisition from his mother.

  “You make it sound like just another day.”

  “Mom, in the Zane family, it is just another day.”

  “I know, but I worry so. It’s your fault. You know that I worry so much.”

  “How is that my fault?”

  “Because you don't come and visit often enough. I mean, you have been dating that Paige girl for quite a while and I haven't even met her in person.”

  I promise we will visit soon.”

  “You better.”

  “Speaking of Paige, I have some great news.”

  “Did you get that girl pregnant? Good lord, Son, you are not even married yet. Wait, you're not married yet, right? Son, I will turn you over my knee if you ran off and got married.”

  He ran his hands through his hair, laughing.

  “Mom, calm down. No one is pregnant and no I didn't run off and get married. Although, I did propose and-”

  “Well, she said yes of course!”

  “No. She refused my proposal.”

  His mother gasped on the other end of the phone.

  “She did not.”

  “No, she didn't, I'm messin' with you. She said yes. We haven't set a date yet, but as soon as we do-”

  “That settles it. The two of you will come to dinner on Sunday.”

  “Mom, I-”

  “Oliver Markus Zane, do not make me come for you. You are not too old and too big for me to turn over my knee! Let's try this again, young man. You will be here for dinner Sunday, yes?”

  He tossed the covers over Paige's laughing face and cleared his throat.

  “Sure thing, Mom. Sunday is great.”

  “That's a good lad. Give my love to Paige and I will see you both Sunday. Please let your father know that we will be having a family sit down Sunday.”

  “I will tell him, Mother. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Son.”

  “Wait, Mom?”

  “Yes, Oliver?”

  “I do apologize for not coming to see you much. I promise to visit more often.”

  “I would love that. Be sure to bring the lovely Paige with you.”

  “Will do. Bye, Mother.”

  “Bye, Son.”

  He closed the phone and turned to Paige and her laughter.

  “What is so funny?”

  “You got in trouble,” she said in a sing-song voice.

  “Nah-uh!”

  “I heard your mom use your full name in that stern 'mom' voice. Would she really turn you over her knee?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “It can't be both, Ozzie.”

  “Actually, it can. What happens is, she says bend over and we just do it. My sister and I not only have enough respect for my mother to just do it, but if we don't, my father, and his team if need be, will make sure of it. When I was fifteen, I once told my mother no and my father got a hold of me and tanned my hide pretty good. It was mainly because I disrespected my mother not for whatever it was I had done to get into trouble.”

  “That is why I love you.”

  “Why is that? Because I respect my mother?”

  “Yes. You truly are one of the good guys.”

  He sat the phone on the bedside table and rolled over toward her, plastering a smirk on his face.

  “Ya know, even villains respect their mothers. I could be a villain.”

  Her wicked smile ignited his fire, and her smooth finger tips trailing down his arm fueled his need. His beast fully awakened with the teasing words said in a sultry voice.

  “No Ozzie, that is me. I am the bad girl. I am the one in need of a spanking.”

  He raised an eye brow and asked, “Is that so?”

  He watched with wild anticipation as she crawled onto his lap, her back to him, and slid her naked body between his legs, her ass slightly lifted in the air. Her feet rested on his shoulders. She turned her lustful stare his way. His inner animal burst through its cage. The radio played “S.E.X.” by Nickelback, adding to the euphoria they created.

  His hand moved across her ass slowly, teasingly. When she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation, he swatted her. Her body tensed and she moaned. He got on his knees, hovering over her. Kissing her neck, he ran his hands down her side and smacked her again. Her cries of pleasure almost sent him over the edge. A third swat and they were in the floor as she rode him. The contents of the table were strewn across the carpet around them. With his back against the wall and his mouth over hers, he held her in place as she moved above him. The fiery inferno built momentum and force, racing to the surface. Her teeth sliding across his skin and her nails digging into his back was his undoing. The volcano erupted, sending him over the edge. He held her tightly as she writhed above him, her moans in his ear as she reached the point of no return and fell limply into his arms.

  Breathing hard, he smiled at her.

  “I will never grow tired of this.”

  “Neither will I.”

  Chapter 8

  “Well, it sounds like they are in the shower. Good lord, I thought they were never gonna stop. They have been at it off and on for hours.”

  “Anna, be patient. This may be what he craves.”

  She narrowed her eyes at Sebastian and his 'all knowing' persona.

  Ugh, I would love to smack him sometimes. Thinks he knows it all, he does.

  “So, Sebastian, you think he is vampire then?”

  “I have no idea, Anna. I have learned that with you, anything is possible. They only thing we can do is wait and see what unfolds.”

  She paced the floor between the kitchen and living room, her feet changing from warm to cold as she moved from carpet to hardwood. “Dirty Work” by Halestorm vibrated the speakers as it played through the room.

  I need more coffee.

  She detoured around Jaxson's frame, went to the coffee pot and poured herself a steaming hot cup of French vanilla. Her hands wrapped around the mug. She inhaled the sweet aroma and welcomed the few seconds of stolen bliss.

  “Anna, try not to worr
y. It will be fine. You'll see.”

  She opened her eyes and glared at Jaxson. He pressed his luck, moving closer to her. Setting the mug on the counter, she fell into his embrace when he pulled her close. His voice sounded muffled through the vibration in chest.

  “I know it is nerve-racking, but Sebastian is right. The only thing we can do is wait and see.”

  Pulling away and looking at him, she said, “I know. I am worried about both of them. I don't know what Ozzie is capable of and that makes me worry for Paige.”

  Jaxson's body bounced with the soft laugh she loved so much. She eyed his cocky smile and joined in.

  “Anna, I think the only casualties in that room are Paige's things...lamps from the sound of it. Other than that, I think the two of them are perfectly fine.”

  She pulled away and grabbed her mug once more. “Well, I'll say this: if it wasn't for the occasional moan coming from that room, I would think they were going to war with each other.”

  She drank her coffee waiting for a reply that never came. “Animals” by Nickelback played in the background and she couldn't help but laugh a t little.

  This song kind of fits the two of them right about now.

  “So, do we have any theories about Ozzie, then? We can at least discuss worse case scenarios.”

  She crossed the kitchen to the table and sat down. Jaxson and Sebastian joined her. When neither answered, she prompted them again.

  “Well? What do you think we are up against?”

  “I'm not sure we should worry, Anna. I mean, he seems perfectly fine,” Jaxson said.

  “I have to agree with Jaxson. Ozzie was a good man while he was human. According to you and Jaxson, he was all about upholding and protecting humanity, which means he had a lot of it,” Sebastian explained.

  “I get that, but he was hit by two supernatural beings within an hour. Not to mention, we have no idea about how that will affect his bloodline. You saw the tattoo.”

  “That’s exactly why we need to be patient and see what happens,” Sebastian continued.

  “I say we test him, see what he is capable of.”