Skye felt herself floating away. Her body remained in place but her mind wandered far away. His words triggered a memory that was hidden deep within herself. She could feel her spirit standing in a living room of a home she had barely remembered. She saw a younger version of herself in the floor crying.
The room looked blurry at first but once she focused she was able to see everything. She watched the night that she had blocked out in amazement. She tried to see where her father was but the memory blocked her again. She blinked her eyes, opening them to see she was lying on the bed with Maddox on top of her shaking her gently trying to wake her.
“Maddox?” she sounded as if her voice were far away.
“Skye,” He breathed happily.
“What happened?” she asked trying to sit up. He helped her sit up beside him. She gasped. “You’re touching me but there’s no light.” He released her quickly.
“I… you’re right. You scared the hell out of me when you fell over staring at the ceiling not moving, so I wasn’t thinking about the touching thing. What was that?”
“Something you said made me remember something. I felt like I was traveling back in time. I saw myself as a kid. Mom was on the floor crying, her leg was badly broken. I touched her, sending my light through her and it healed her leg. Then she told me she hated me. I always remembered the part of her hating me, but I never knew why she said it.”
“You astral projected.” he said. “It’s where you leave your body and travel. You can travel through time or just place to place.” he sighed. “It’s an elf trait.”
“Too much information. This needs to stop!” she jumped from the bed walking around her room in circles. “I thought I wanted to know, but all in one day… it’s too much.” she whined. Maddox walked over to her grabbing her hands softly. She started to jerk them back but noticed nothing happened.
“I’m keeping part of myself, the demon part, under control. I guess it’s how I’m able to touch you without the weird light trick happening.” he answered her unspoken question.
“Maddox, have you always known what you are?”
“Yes, always. My dad’s a full blooded demon and my mom was human. So I’ve been raised by demons.”
“You’ve known your whole life. I’ve known for minutes and I have no one to help me. It’s too much to handle.” She was trying hard to hold back tears, but he could see the lilac tint to her eyes.
“I’m here to help you.” He pulled her to his chest wrapping his arms around her. She put her hands on his chest and allowed the hug. It felt nice. She had forgotten what it felt like to be held by someone, anyone.
“Your kind doesn’t like “eat” elves do they?” she joked into the hug. Maddox frowned but didn’t answer. “Never mind.” she said after the awkward silence.
The front door of the house slammed shut making Skye jump out of his arms. She walked over to her door opening it to see who was home. Lucille and her step-father George stopped at her door seeing her home early, noticing Maddox standing behind her.
“Mom, I wanted you to meet my friend Maddox.” Skye said quickly before her mother could complain. Maddox extended his hand out. Lucille looked at him for a moment before shaking his hand quickly.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” he said pleasantly.
“Yeah.” She said then walked off to the kitchen. George stood in the doorway looking at them both.
“Maddox, this is my step-father George.” Skye said hoping it would make George walk away. Maddox extended his hand but George just smiled creepily at Skye then walked away. Skye closed her door and looked to Maddox.
“Well? Anything?” she asked.
“Human. Your dad must have been like you.” Maddox looked angry, confusing Skye.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing. I just need to get home.” he said looking down at her. She nodded as she licked her lips distracting him slightly by the sight of it.
“Will I see you tomorrow?” she asked. Maddox smiled at the question then carefully bent over kissing her lips softly.
Skye resisted the urge to grab onto him. She didn’t want another scene to happen like earlier. He pulled away with a smile touching her face gently. She could see he was fighting his own battle within himself.
“Yes, tomorrow.” He whispered then left.
Chapter Five
When Skye walked into her first period class Maddox was already sitting waiting for her. She smiled as she saw him. Maddox couldn’t resist smiling back at her. He knew it was wrong to be around her, but he knew he felt something real for her. It wasn’t just the electric pull that was forcing them together. He already cared for her.
“Boy, I had an interesting night after you left.” Skye said to him as she sat.
“Really, why? Did George say something?” he quickly asked. Skye shook her head wondering why he had asked that.
“No, he rarely does and when he does it’s usually from a drunken stupor. My mom asked about you. It was weird.”
“Why is your mom asking about me weird? Isn’t it natural for moms to be curious about boys that are in their daughters rooms?” he teased.
“Not my mom. I’ve had ex-boyfriends over and she didn’t care to even know their name. But with you she wanted to know where you were from, when we met, and if you scare me.” He raised his eyebrows at the last question.
“Do I?” he had to ask.
“I told her no, but yeah you kind of do.” she bit her lip.
“I promised I wouldn’t hurt you.” He sounded ashamed.
“I’m scared because of everything I’m learning. I’m scared because of… well… we are different and I’m scared because I like you.” Skye felt herself blush. She was still amazed at that. She had never blushed before he came into her life.
“I’m worried too, and I like you too.” Maddox confessed. Skye felt her stomach tighten. She smiled despite wanting to appear cool about his confession to her.
“Well, I am totally awesome.” she joked.
“That you are.” he smiled.
Two seats in front of Skye a girl named Nancy sat. She turned and looked at them both with a weird expression on her face before turning back to the front of the classroom. Skye rolled her eyes. Nancy had always been a bit of a flake, so she probably never expected Skye to have a friend. Skye glanced back at Maddox one last time before finally paying attention to the teacher.
Maddox felt like the day had dragged on slower than usual. He knew he only felt that way because he was anxious to get Skye alone to really talk to her again. Lunch came and he decided to sit with her and her friends in the cafeteria. The looks on their faces were priceless. The only one that didn’t look shocked was Kel.
“Guys, you know Maddox. Maddox, these are my friends Kel, Mike, and Evan.” Skye introduced them. Kel and Evan both nodded, but Mike just looked at Maddox unhappily.
“Hey.” Maddox said simply.
He was more excited than he wanted to admit that he was able to sit next to her at the round table, but he also didn’t like that Mike was on her other side. Mike seemed to want to stake a claim that he had no right to make. Maddox ignored it. He would deal with that when the time came.
“I noticed both of you were out sick yesterday.” Kel interjected. Skye looked at her astonished she would bring that up.
“Kel. Not the time.” Skye said quietly.
“What? I’m just worried you guys might have caught something. It’s smart to be safe these days. You know precautions and all.” Kel was holding a huge grin back but Skye was ready to just turn into a puddle of embarrassment right there.
“I agree.” Maddox said suddenly. Skye looked over to him with her mouth open. Truly they were trying to test her patience.
“So, you agree that we don’t want accidents to happen?” Kel asked. Skye put her hand over her face.
“I need new friends.” She muttered to herself.
“I agree completely, but we didn’t need to worry abou
t… getting something. So, don’t worry I haven’t given her… anything like that. I’ve kept my cooties to myself.” Maddox was smiling broadly. He admired Kel for her tenacity.
“You guys suck.” Skye said. Mike stood up taking his plate with him and left the table. Skye was shocked he had left.
“Don’t worry about him, Skye. He’s got personal stuff going on.” Kel said quickly. Maddox looked to her realizing she was covering Mike’s secret affection for Skye.
“Awe poor Mike.” Skye frowned.
Maddox instantly felt jealous that she was so worried for him, but reminded himself he wasn’t two years old, and refused to act that way. Skye wasn’t his girlfriend so she could pity whomever she pleased.
She could go out with anyone as well. Maddox looked to Skye’s face wanting to forbid it, but stopped himself. He had no claim to her so he had to stay in control of himself.
By the time the last bell rang Maddox was so thankful that he nearly thanked any deity that wanted credit for it. He stood next to Skye’s desk waiting for her to gather her things. She looked at him waiting for him to speak.
“Don’t go home.” he said quickly. “I mean, do you want to go out?” he shook his head in disbelief. He was losing his cool. That could not happen.
“Um, sure. What do you want to do?” Skye licked her lips softly. He groaned, which caught her attention. He did not want to explain to her how it drove him wild every time she licked or bit on her lips. He wanted to do that.
“My family left town yesterday. They won’t be back for at least a few weeks. Want to come over?” Skye paused realizing this was big for him.
“I’m guessing demons don’t usually have company over.” she whispered.
“Not unless they are our dinner.” He winked. She flushed then laughed.
“Sure, why not?” she shrugged.
“Ride with me and I’ll bring you back so you can get your car before going home tonight.” he said extending his hand to her.
She hesitated, not the normal way a girl would when she liked a boy, but the way an elf might in public when touching a demon. She didn’t want their light to shine. Maddox waited patiently. She slipped her hand into his and was rewarded with his smile.
They walked through the hallways and outside still holding hands. Skye was amazed at how many people did a double take to look at them. She never realized it was such a shocking event to hold someone else’s hand. She had dated before. She realized she had never been affectionate in public with them though. She also realized she really hadn’t been affectionate with them in private either.
Once in his car he took her hand again as he drove. She could feel the heat staining her cheeks with crimson, but couldn’t do anything to control it. She knew the pull between them was still there, but it wasn’t controlling her emotions any longer. She was in control of them or maybe he was.
Maddox drove up to a large three story home only blocks away from her home. He pulled into the garage closing it before getting out. He walked to her door and opened it before she had a chance to. Skye smiled at him.
“Thank you.” He loved the blush on her cheeks.
“Welcome.” he responded taking her hand again. He seemed to not be able to let go of her hand. It was as if he needed to touch her in some way.
He walked her up the stairs to the third floor. It had a small balcony to look down the stairs and a single door. He opened the door to his room bringing her inside. She had been impressed by how immaculate the house was. She was really impressed with his room.
It was huge. Maddox had a large four poster bed with black sheets, a large flat screen TV on the wall, and a few couches. She saw his bookshelf and pulled him along with her. He had more books than she could imagine being able to own. Her free hand lightly tracing over the books. She had always known she was a book nerd, but she relished that.
“I knew you were a book lover.” he said watching her with a grin.
“They have always been like magic to me. They take you to faraway lands to where you don’t have to deal with the crap of regular life. It’s the only escape I’ve ever had.” she frowned. He put his hand under her chin lifting her head up to look at him.
“What do you need to escape?” he questioned.
“Pain… I feel numb unless it’s pain. I… it’s hard to explain but I used to feel numb and sad all the time. The only way I could ever get away from that was to feel pain.” Maddox touched her lips softly with his thumb before pulling his hand back focusing on her words.
“The cuts on your inner thighs. I saw them, but my brain was a bit foggy at the time.” Skye sucked on her bottom lip then sighed.
“Yeah, I cut occasionally. And it’s the most amazing release I’ve found. I feel so much better afterwards, but I heal quickly and then only small lines are left for a few days.”
“Don’t cut yourself anymore.”
“Maddox, I can’t promise that. I’m not going to kill myself or anything. It’s not about that.”
“I know that. I know what cutters do and why. The thing is your blood is very precious. I’m a demon and I crave blood. Your blood would be…” He closed his eyes trying to get the thought out of his mind.
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Skye apologized. He opened his eyes and smiled at her.
“I love that I just told you I crave blood and you apologized to me.” He laughed.
“I’m weird what can I say?” Skye laughed with him.
“I can still feel the supernatural pull towards you, but it’s not overtaking me or anything.” he admitted.
“Me too. I feel a bit more in control of it.”
“Good. I was worried it would take over and make us lose control again or do something weird.” She raised her eyebrows at him.
“Weird? Like what?” she asked.
“With our combined powers, who knows?” he shrugged.
“Are you going to tell me what powers you have?” Maddox thought on her question.
“Come sit with me.” He pulled her to his large black leather couch.
“You sure like the color black.” she noted.
“Like you can talk? Most of your room is black and I think most of your clothes too. At least I have the excuse of being a demon. You’re an earth creature of light. You should be in yellow.” Skye busted out laughing at the idea.
“No thanks.” she said.
He pulled her onto his lap wrapping his arms around her. She tensed up immediately but slowly forced herself to relax. Once Maddox felt the tension leaving her, he raised one hand and waved it in a circular motion. Skye watched as a black mist appeared before her eyes.
“Name someone you would like to see.” he whispered into her ear. His hot breath on her ear made her shiver slightly.
“Alive or dead?” she asked, wondering how strong his powers were.
“Either works. I can’t pick what we see though, only who.” he warned.
“My dad.” she whispered. “I want to see him.” Maddox paused, then nodded. His hand moved again as he concentrated. Suddenly her father’s image was before her eyes.
She gasped and held onto his arm shocked. Gary was standing in the doctor’s office as a young Skye screamed loudly in pain. She watched the replay from the day she was sick. She had never had a full memory of it. She only remembered being sick and her mother not wanting to be near her.
She watched as her mother stomped away from the room. Her mother looked more mad than concerned which made Skye wonder why? But she was more focused on wondering why she had been screaming the way she was in the memory. Skye gasped again when she could finally hear them speaking.
“Yes, and he probably is. You need to leave. If it was a demon, then he will go back to the same place he saw her. He will try to track her scent.” Gary’s hands balled up into fists.
“Her mother Cloud once told me that demons can infect them by just a touch.”
“She spoke the truth. Skye looks fine, but she may have a side effect from the tou
ch. We may not know for days or even for years. I cannot heal her of it until I know what it is. Run away with her now. If you discover what it is then return with her and I will be ready.” Gary nodded in understanding.
He carefully picked Skye up in his arms cradling her to his chest. “Daddy’s got you baby girl, now and forever.” he whispered to her.
Her long hair spilled over her face hiding her beauty. He paused looking to the doctor one last time, then quickly made his way out of the clinic.
The image in front of them disappeared. Maddox held onto Skye quietly. He could feel her breath catching every few seconds. He knew she was crying.
He pulled her to face him and cradled her to his chest. She laid her head against his chest allowing him to stroke her gently to calm her down. It took several minutes before she was able to finally get her breathing back to normal. She looked into his eyes.
“Thank you.” she whispered.
“I feel like a total shit for showing you now. I didn’t want you to be upset.”
“I was going to cry no matter what you showed me. I miss him every day. I feel so alone without him.” She let out a small breath.
“You’re not alone anymore.” he whispered before slowly kissing her lips.
Skye slipped her arms around his neck, holding him gently. He pulled his head back with a smile.
“You still taste amazing.” Maddox said making Skye giggle.
“So, that was a weird vision. I’m confused by pretty much all of it.” she thought out loud.
“Yeah, it looked like someone had tried to hurt you when you were a kid. Your dad knew what you were but he said you got it from your mother. I touched your mother she is human.”
Both Skye and Maddox were not ready to discuss the fact that a demon was mentioned for trying to follow her. Skye was still processing that and Maddox was too upset to bring it up. Skye thought for a moment about the memory.
“He said Cloud.” Skye said. “Something like ‘her mother Cloud’. Was that supposed to be a name? Or is that a place like the mother ship kind of thing?” Maddox laughed quickly at her.
Shards of Skye (The Skye Chronicles Book 1) Page 5