Chapter 8
Accepting
I walk into the school with a smile today. I feel so fresh and renewed after hunting with the boys last night. I can’t stop thinking about the amazing hiking trail they took me to. I am always grateful for our nocturnal vision; I can still see the lush trees, the wildflowers, and the streaming waterfall. This place reminds me of Alberta. I think that was the most beautiful area we have ever lived. When I see the beauty of the world, I sometimes think it’s not such a bad thing having to walk it forever. I get to see change and development and meet new people like Nathanial. I’m beginning to see what Matilda sees. Maybe he’s the one. I am getting excited about the rest of the family meeting him tonight.
“Hey sis, snap out of it. I know what you mean. I love it up there, too, but you are going to run people over if you don’t watch where you are going and stop daydreaming,” Alexander points out.
“Are my thoughts ever my own?”
“Nope. I could share them with everyone if you want to complain.” He grabs me around my waist, right in my ticklish spot, knowing he will get a reaction.
I jump and let out a giggle as I turn and smack him playfully. Danika and Matilda both chuckle as we head to our respective lockers and prepare for the day’s classes.
On my way to history class, I see Nathanial. “Hi,” I say.
“Hey gorgeous, can I take your books for you?”
“Thanks, but I can manage. Wanna walk with me though?”
“Of course. Hey, are you coming to the game tonight?”
“Sure am, my entire family’s coming too.”
“Perfect. I’ll look for you,” he says while opening the door to our class.
Class is over before I know it. Nathanial walks with me to Spanish, this time grabbing my books for me before I have a chance to stop him.
“Thanks, but isn’t that a little old fashioned? Does anyone really carry books for girls anymore? I thought chivalry was dead.”
He smirks, “Not when the right girl is involved.” He lightly brushes a loose piece of hair from my face. I turn my head inward toward his hand and wrist, enjoying the wonderful scent that emanates from his body. It feels as though an electric shock, a brightly charged lightning bolt, is shooting through my entire body as he touches me. It is like nothing I have ever felt before. I’m sure he can tell by the look on my face that something is up, and I can see the same look on his face. He feels it too. So many emotions pass through me in a single moment. I’m not sure what to do. The feelings going off within my own walls are beginning to tear them down even more. How does he do this to me? While I am elated by the feelings he brings alive in me, I am so nervous and fidgety around him. This is all so new to me, and I don’t know whether to fight it or accept it.
“Are you okay? You seem a little cold. I have an extra sweater in my bag if you would like it,” he offers.
“No, I’m fine but thank you for offering. It must be the excitement. Believe it or not, this is the first football game I’ve been to.” I laugh, knowing the real reason for my chills.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. High school sports aren’t that big in Canada.”
“Oh, you’re gonna love it. I’ll make sure of that.”
“Sweet! I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for walking me to class. It’s nice to have a friend.”
“My pleasure. Catch you later,” he replies.
I know I should stay away from him, but I just have to get to know him better. What a day this is turning into–my every dream and nightmare all wrapped up in one. Nathanial is incredible, and he has dreams and aspirations. I don’t want to cloud those or change them. I need to protect him, to keep him safe and on the road he has chosen. My road will lead away from him eventually. I just hope I can control myself with him until then.
Regardless of all this, I will not let my emotions or insecurities ruin my day. I feel great after last night. It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed myself like that and just let loose. Hunting is in our nature, but because of the way we choose to live, the way we have evolved has caused us to remove our primitive nature. Doing so leaves us vulnerable; at least this is my reasoning. I’m happy my family has chosen to live as members of society, and I hope that one day, more of our kind can do so as well. As I take my seat in class, I try to clear my thoughts and prepare for my day with a smile on my face.
Immortal Embrace Page 8