Lily quickly stood up and grabbed her tray. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner. I had a really nice time.” She forced herself to turn away, throw her trash in the garbage, and go to her room.
Lily unlocked the door and quickly shut it behind her. She sank to her knees and leaned against the door. Her heart was racing and she couldn’t stop thinking about Jake. “You can’t be with him. You’d kill him,” she told herself.
Touching her necklace, she took deep breaths and calmed her body down. After a while, she was able to concentrate on her project until she went to bed.
Jake walked slowly back to his room once he made sure Lily made it to hers. He didn’t understand why he felt so protective. He hadn’t felt this way towards anyone in a very long time. Why now? What was so special about this girl? She seemed to make him feel again. Like his body was turned back on. He wanted nothing but to be with her and he didn’t even know her. How insane was that?
Matt had left for Thanksgiving break, so it was just Jake in the room. When he was finally able to fall asleep, he dreamt of Lily in that long, white dress. As always, she would giggle and tease him. He would try to catch her and kiss her, but he never could.
***
On Wednesday, Lily’s phone rang. “Hello?”
“Hi Honey! Our plane just landed. We should be there in about an hour,” her mom’s cheerful voice announced.
“Okay.” Lily hung up and tidied up her room so her parents didn’t freak out. Her mother thought everything should be neat and orderly and had no patience for messes.
Soon after, there was a knock at her door. Lily opened the door to the smiling faces of her parents. Her mother threw her arms around her and squeezed her tightly. "I missed you so much."
Lily endured the hug, and then hugged her father.
Her mother whipped off her black leather gloves and looked around the room. "This is quaint. You would think for the amount of money this place costs, they would give you a larger room."
"It's fine, Mom."
She watched her mother slowly unbutton her long wool coat. Everything her mother did was seductive, even if there was no one in the room to watch her. She draped it over the chair and put her hand on her hip. She was wearing a dark red dress that hugged her curves and black stilettos. Fashion over comfort was her mother’s motto.
"So tell us, honey, how do you like it here?" her father asked. He looked concerned. "I hope it's not too horrible."
"At first I hated it, but I've made a friend and that makes it bearable."
"A friend?" She could hear the doubt in her mom's voice.
"Yes, mother, a friend. My roommate, Hannah. She's really nice." Lily pointed to a picture of Hannah with her siblings.
Her mom stared at the picture for a moment. "That's nice dear. You've always wanted a friend.”
After they chatted for a few more minutes, her mother suggested, “Why don't you show us around the campus?"
"There's not much to see, but sure if you want." Lily shrugged and grabbed a coat. Thankfully the place was practically deserted because of the holiday.
"We can eat in the cafeteria if you guys are hungry?"
"That sounds like fun doesn't it, Gregory?" Her mother beamed and laced her arm through Lily’s father’s arm.
"Yes, I'd like to see what kind of food they've been feeding our daughter." He patted his wife’s hand and smiled lovingly at her.
Her parents made a striking couple. They could drive her crazy at times, but at least they obviously loved each other. She really didn't know how her dad could put up with her mother’s behavior at times, but that was their business.
When they got to the cafeteria, Lily's heart dropped. Jake was there, sitting by himself at a table in the corner. There were only a handful of kids in the dinning area. Jake waved, and Lily smiled slightly and waved back.
Her mother glanced at the boy and back at her daughter. "Who is that? He's cute, but you know you can't be friends with boys."
"He's just a kid I have classes with. He's nice to me, and not in the creepy way most guys are."
"Please, be careful. Just because he looks like a nice boy, doesn’t mean he’ll act like it around you, and you don’t want to hurt him.”
Lily pouted. "I know, Mom! Don't worry, you don't have to keep reminding me."
Lily was almost glad to have her mom as a distraction. Her mother seemed to thrive on attention of the opposite sex. Lily rolled her eyes as her mom walked seductively making eye contact with all the male teachers. She was surprised none of them had a heart attack on the spot. When her mother was around, Lily could fade into the background.
Finally, they made it to the line for dinner. Lily watched her mother and shook her head. She flirted with the cooks, and had them making her a special dish in no time. Lily rolled her eyes when her mom reached across to grab a strawberry—her breasts prominently on display—and slowly bit into it, closing her eyes and letting out a soft moan. "Oh Tony, these strawberries are amazing." She licked her lips and smiled at the poor guy. He was too dumbstruck to say anything. When her father went to pay, he just waved them off, not taking his eyes off her mom.
Lily looked up at her father. He just shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
During dinner Lily had to force herself not to sneak peeks at Jake. She didn't want her mother on her case even more than she already was. Not that her mom would have noticed, she was too busy enjoying the attention.
Chapter Six
The three of them walked into a popular restaurant at five o’clock on Thanksgiving evening. “Welcome to Charlie’s. What is the name the reservation is under?” the host asked.
“My name is Sandra, but we don’t have a reservation,” Lily’s mother responded. She lightly touched the button on her plunging black shirt, and then slowly ran her hand across the crease of her breast and up her neck.
The host visibly swallowed.
“Maybe you could check the list again?” her mother suggested, making eye contact with the young man.
He looked back at the list and then said, “We can fit you in right away. We have a special table in the back reserved for VIPs like you, Miss Sandra."
She gave her throaty, sexy laugh and entwined her arm in the crook of the hosts arm. His face turned bright red, and he broke into a goofy smile. Lily and her father followed behind.
"Thank you James. This table is lovely." Her mother crossed her long legs and bit her lip.
"Anytime. I hope you come back again soon."
Dinner was the traditional turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and pies. Lily thought it was delicious—much better than cafeteria food. She ate ‘til she couldn’t eat anymore. She felt like she was going to pop. Waiters kept coming over every few minutes to cater to her mother and her mom loved it.
Lily leaned over and whispered to her father, “Seriously, Dad, doesn’t that bother you at least a little bit?”
He laughed. “Not at all. She needs the attention like flowers need water. I know she’s not going anywhere.”
Lily sat back and picked at a roll. She could see the logic in his statement. Watching her mother, she wondered if she’d turn into her someday. She really hoped she wouldn’t. She didn’t like how superficial her mother acted. There was more to life than looks and attraction. Lily wanted boys to like her for her, not for how she looked or what kind of pheromones her body gave off.
The next day, her mom took her shopping. Lily bought some warmer clothes, boots, and an umbrella. Her mom tried to get her to buy tight-fitting, revealing sweaters.
“Isn’t that counterproductive? I thought I wanted to avoid attention.” Lily shoved the short, tight sweater dress back on the rack.
“I guess you’re right. I just love to shop.” Her mother sighed and handed her a cardigan.
They shopped for hours until Lily’s feet were killing her. Her father had a much better idea. He was sitting at the bookstore relaxing. She would much rather be with him than shopping with her mom.
<
br /> On Saturday, her mom and dad said goodbye. As much as she missed them, she was glad they were gone.
Lily was out for a stroll later that day when the other students began returning to school. Bundled in her fall jacket and new boots, she enjoyed the time alone. “Hey Lily!” a voice called.
She whirled around and came face to face with Ben. Sheesh! Couldn’t this kid take a hint? “Hi Ben.”
“Let me walk with you.”
“Actually, I’d rather be alone.” Lily wrapped her arms around herself.
“Aw, c’mon, don’t be like that.” He grabbed her arm.
“Let go, Ben,” she said sternly.
“Just one more kiss,” he pleaded.
“No!” she glared at him.
Surprising her, Ben grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her up against a tree. She screamed, “Don't!” as he pressed his lips against hers, which allowed him to shove his tongue in her mouth. Lily’s eyes widened as he continued to kiss her. She struggled and tried to break free of his grasp. Using her fists, she pounded on his chest. He kept his lips on hers and she could feel the life leaving his body.
His body relaxed. His hands let go of her, and his eyes rolled back in his head. He dropped to the ground. Oh no, oh no, not again! This can’t be happening. She leaned down to check his pulse. It was there, but very light. Something told Lily this was more serious than last time.
She ran off to look for help. As if he knew she needed him, Jake walked out of a building. “Oh thank God! Come quick! I really think I did something bad this time,” her voice was quivering. She grabbed Jake’s hand and led him to Ben.
Jake kneeled down and checked his pulse. “Lily, tell me the truth. What did you do to him?”
“Nothing. He tried to kiss me again. Next thing I knew he was on the ground.”
Jake knew there must be more to the story than that. He stood up and grasped the sides of her arms. “Lily, this is serious. I know there is something different about you. The way men react to you is not normal. I’m not new to the paranormal world, I know there are all kinds of crazy things out there.”
Lily shook her head no. “I can’t.”
Looking from Lily to Ben, Jake asked, “Is he going to be okay? Should I call the ambulance or will he wake up on his own?” He was sure that Lily would know.
“I don’t know. It felt different this time. I think we should get him to the hospital.”
Jake pulled out his phone and dialed 911. “I just found my friend passed out at Emerson Academy. Please get here right away,” Jake paused for a moment. “I don’t know what happened. I was walking and just saw him like this. No, I don’t think he’s been drinking.”
When Jake hung up the phone, Lily looked up and quietly said, “Thank you.”
A few minutes later, they heard sirens. Jake turned to Lily and told her, “You better get out of here.”
“You sure?”
He nodded. Lily turned to leave.
“Lily,” Jake stopped her. “We will talk later.”
Lily knew he meant it; although, she had no idea what to say. She hurried back to her room and threw herself on the bed, sobbing.
Hours later, there was a knock at her door. Slowly, she walked to the door. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. “Who is it?”
“Jake.”
Lily hesitated and then opened the door. Jake stood there with his hands shoved in his pockets. “You’re not supposed to be on this floor.”
“Nobody’s watching.”
She moved aside to let him into the room, and closed the door behind him. “Thanks again…for earlier.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Is he going to be okay?”
“They took him to the hospital. I haven’t heard anything else.” He walked to the window and looked outside. “What are you, Lily?”
“Excuse me?”
“What you did earlier to Ben…it wasn’t self-defense. You didn’t touch him. There wasn’t a mark on him. It was something else…” his voice trailed off. He spun around and looked her straight in the eyes. “You’re not human. I’ve been around long enough to know that.”
She never felt less human than standing there close to him. Images of what she wanted to do with him filled her mind. She saw herself kissing him, holding his hand, caressing his body. But, none of that could happen. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lily looked away. She couldn’t tell him. She couldn’t tell anyone. Being alone with him like this was dangerous.
“Damn it, Lily! Look at me!”
She couldn’t resist. She looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. They stared at each other for a minute. Slowly, she lifted her arm and carefully brushed the stray hair out of his eyes so she could see them clearly. Oh how she wanted to melt into him right then and there.
He stepped closer, not taking his eyes away from hers. Inhaling her scent, a mixture of vanilla and chamomile, he placed his hand against her cheek. She rested her face in his warm hands and closed her eyes. Then his lips were upon hers, and her eyes popped open. “No,” she mumbled, but she couldn’t stop her lips from responding to his. Her body tingled and she reached up and grabbed the back of his head, knotting her fingers in his hair. She had never felt this good before.
NO! Something inside her screamed. As she pushed him away, she realized he was still standing. After a kiss like that, he should have been on the ground. Maybe even dead? “Why are you still standing?” she wondered aloud.
“What?”
Lily shook her head. She had to get out of there. “Sorry,” she muttered and took off out of her room down the dark hallway.
He followed after her. "Lily, wait!" He grabbed her hand. In a hushed tone, he said, "You can't hurt me. Whatever you are, I promise you can’t affect me."
She looked up at him.
He brushed her hair behind her ear and looked into her eyes. "You can trust me."
Lily closed her eyes and tried to think. Could she really trust him? She hardly knew him. Her mother had obviously trusted her father at some point. "Okay, come back to my room and I'll tell you everything. But you’re wrong, Jake. I can kill you."
Jake laughed. "Not possible."
Lily opened her door and wondered why he was so sure of himself. Probably just normal macho bravado. "You might want to sit down for this."
He gave her a weird look, but sat on the bed.
Taking a deep breath, she began, "You’re right. I’m not human. I still can't believe it myself most of the time. I feel human, at least I did until I met you." She looked away.
"What do you mean?"
"It's hard to explain. I've always seen the way others have reacted to me because of what I am, but I've never felt the pull in the other direction,” she paused. "I'm sorry this was a bad idea. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"It can't be that bad."
"You saw what I did to Ben. He could be dead for all we know." Lily wrapped her arms tightly across her chest and paced around the room.
"Earlier you asked why I was still standing after we kissed," he encouraged her to go on. "Lily, you don't have to tell me. I've figured it out on my own."
"Oh really? What do you think I am? An alien or a vampire?”
“Guys making fools of themselves and the girls hating you. A boy kisses you and he ends up in the hospital.” Jake turned Lily to face him. “Kiss me, Lily. We both know you want to.”
Jake placed his hands on hers sending an electrifying feeling through her body.
Lily shuddered. “I'm scared. I like you, Jake. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Jake pulled her close. “Let me prove you wrong. Give me three seconds, and if I feel weird I'll stop.”
Lily knew this was not a conversation she could win. "I warned you."
"Yes, you did.” He ran his fingers down the side of her face and gazed into her eyes.
Lily’s heart was beating fast. She wanted to kiss him more than she had ever wanted anything.
But, she didn’t want to kill him.
Lily bit her lip. "Please forgive me if I hurt you."
Jake stared down at her beautiful face. He ran his hand behind her neck. Lily shivered under his touch. He ran his thumb along her jawbone. Her mouth fell open and Jake leaned in for the kiss. She didn't try to resist him. They kissed deeply and much longer than three seconds.
He pulled away leaving her breathless and wanting more.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
''I'm fine. I told you. I'm different too.”
“First, you have to tell me what you think I am?”
Jake grinned. “That was an easy one. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve heard all kinds of things, met all kinds of people. I thought I knew what you were, but I wanted to be sure. All I had to do was look up dreams and men acting crazy. Typed it into Google and got hundreds of hits on the same thing. You’re a succubus.”
Startled, Lily looked up. She didn’t know what surprised her more. The fact that he knew what she was, or that he had been dreaming of her. "You’ve been having dreams about me?”
"Yes, since before you moved here.”
"I'm sorry. That has never happened before. In fact, I didn’t think it was supposed to happen. My parents gave me this necklace to prevent that sort of thing. I’m not sure why it doesn’t seem to work with you.” Her head snapped up. “Wait…you said you’re different too. What are you?”
“Oh, I’m human,” he said with a smile. “But, I’m cursed.”
Chapter Seven
“Cursed?” Her eyes widened. There had to be a story behind that one.
“I’ll give you the short version. My father did something stupid. He had an affair with a woman who happened to be a powerful witch. When he refused to leave my mother for her, she put a curse on him. Which was really a curse on me. She cursed his firstborn son with immortality and I was lucky enough to be the firstborn son,” he explained looking into her olive-green eyes. "Thankfully I was seventeen at the time. I can't imagine if I had been stuck in the body of a child."
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