Fate (The Edge of Forever), page 9
He sent the girls on their way and we watched them stumble down the street. We turned in the direction of the nest’s personal apartment building. I hadn’t even taken three steps, when I lost my balance. Anton grabbed my arm keeping me from falling.
“I’m fine,” I spat, shoving him against his chest, which caused me to almost fall as I stumbled again. “What the hell is wrong with me?” I slurred. Anton chuckled, which I didn’t like. If he found something funny it was probably bad. “You did this,” I stated accusation hanging in my words.
“No,” his voice carrying amusement, “you did this to yourself. I believe you are inebriated.”
“I’m drunk?” I asked trying to push myself away from him, with little success.
“I believe so.” Then it clicked. Those girls were drunk. I had never fed off anyone who had been drinking. I could get drunk, thanks to my half human side, but I never thought of the effects from alcohol in the blood of someone I was feeding off of. I never had to. I ate solely from blood bags.
“You did this! You picked the girls! You knew!”
He held a hand up in surrender. “How was I to know that their blood would affect you like this? As you can see, it had no effect on me. It must be your human side that is to blame for this.” I pushed harder. “Will you stop that? Let me help get you home.”
“I don’t want you touching me,” I mumbled.
“If I do not touch you, you will fall over and spend the evening lying on the street. Is that what you truly want,” he threw his hands up releasing me, “then fine.”
Glaring at him but feeling too tired to argue and not wanting to fall, I settled on him supporting my weight.
There were too many people out for us to blur. They might catch a glimpse or feel an unexplainable breeze, so we walked at human speed.
“Why do you keep trying to pull away when you know you can’t walk?”
My body stiffened. “Because you being this close to me makes my skin crawl.”
He chuckled. Yes, he actually laughed at my insult. “I could do so much more, if you only granted me the opportunity to show you.” I shoved hard against him, sending myself falling. He grabbed my upper arm yanking me up, pulling me against his chest.
“No thanks,” I hissed through my clenched teeth.
“Why ever not, Gabriella? Your mother would be pleased. Do you really want to live forever, never knowing the touch of a man?” he whispered against my ear. I felt my heart begin to race. We were treading through dangerous waters. I knew if he asked... There would be no way he would buy my lie. So I ignored him, refusing to answer his question, which he found humorous.
When we finally made it back to the apartment, Anton leaned me against the door of my room. I refused for him to take me in.
“Think about what I said, Gabriella.” Then he blurred down the hall.
I rolled my eyes and turned to the door. “Think about what, Gabriella?” I turned to see Ava standing directly behind me. She was pissed. God, this was the worse time to find myself drunk. If she attacked me I knew I’d be no match for her.
“Nothing, Ava. Anton’s just talking out his ass again.”
She nodded tightly. “Did he talk out his ass, as you said, about the incredible evening we shared?”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. I laughed so hard that I thought I was going to fall over from the lack of breath. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the fact that Ava actually thought I cared. I looked at Ava’s face and saw her anger had increased which only made me laugh harder. “I’m sorry Ava. I don’t mean to upset you. I just find it funny that you think I care.” I shook my head trying to calm myself. “Why is it that no one in this godforsaken nest understands that I want absolutely nothing to do with Anton. You want him?” I saw her glaring at me. “Have him!” I threw my hand out like I was throwing him to her.
“I am not sure what game you are playing at…”
“No game.” I confessed. “You come at me with information like you think I’m going to turn into some jealous girlfriend, but I’m not. I. Do. Not. Want. Him!” I articulated very slowly so there was no mistake between my drunkenness and her hardheadedness.
Her anger dissipated and sadness lingered. “But he wants you,” she stated.
I gave her a soft kind smile. “Yeah, he does,” I whispered.
“Why?” she barked. “Why you and not me? Do I make myself available to him too easily? Should I be like you and pretend to hate him?”
“I don’t pretend,” but it was like she didn’t hear me.
“I do everything I can to please him but yet he still seeks you. The attention of a half-breed.”
“Look,” I threw my hands up in protest. “I am not going to stand here and listen to you insult me. I have no idea why Anton wants me or why he won’t take every hint I give him to leave me the hell alone. Trust me, you being with him would be in my best interest. It would get him to leave me alone. Now if you’ll excuse me, he got my ass drunk, so I’m headed to bed.” Without waiting for a response, I spun as gracefully as I could, which wasn’t very smooth at all and went into my room.
***
The night of the club opening, I was thrilled to get away from the nest and more importantly, Anton. I met Shawn at his apartment where Grayson arrived in a town car to pick us up so we travel in style.
When we arrived at the club, there was a line wrapped around the building. Knowing we were on the list, we walked to the head of the line to the man holding the clip board. He looked up as we approached. Without even looking at the list, he unclipped the rope.
“Mr. Alexander,” he said with a nod. Paparazzi were busy snapping pictures. I was just grateful vampires didn’t care for tabloid news. I knew we would be on the covers come Monday. I could see the headlines Billionaire Grayson Alexander and Mystery Girl. Grayson put his arm around my waist as we walked in with Shawn trailing close behind us.
The club was magnificent. There were two levels. The bottom level was lined with a huge bar that ran down the longest wall across from the entrance. Behind the bar were shelves that housed the liquor. Each shelf was lit up, showing off the contents of what it held. Several gunmetal tables, some with chairs, some tall enough for you to stand at, were boxed around the dance floor. The whole room had a sort of modern feel. I looked up. I could see the second level. It was set up similarly to the first. Tables and chairs lined the wall, but where the dance floor was on the first level, the second had an balcony, where the onlookers could see the people dancing below.
Grayson led us to a table. He pulled out a chair for me, being the gentleman he was. I smiled and adjusted my sapphire blue dress before I sat. It was spaghetti-strapped and came to rest just a few inches below my hips.
“Can I get you something to drink?” He leaned into me yelling so I could hear him over the music. I smiled at him, it wasn’t necessary for him to yell, since I could hear him even if he whispered.
Helping to prove my point, Shawn yelled, “Watermelon mojito and a Cocoa Chanel.” Grayson’s eyes shot to him. He had been leaning in so close to me that a normal human wouldn’t have been able to hear what he said. He smiled crookedly, shaking his head. When his eyes drifted back to me, I returned his grin then double tapped my ear. He nodded before he left to go retrieve our drinks. I watched him as he walked away, admiring the view. He was wearing dark jeans with a gray and black button up shirt. ‘Sex on a stick’ was the term that came to mind.
“Stop checking him out and let’s dance.” I nodded to Shawn.
Shawn and I had become accustomed to dancing together. We moved together without effort. With my back to his chest, we ground together like a couple. We were having an amazing time dancing. I looked up a few minutes later and saw Grayson was back at our table with our drinks. His lips pulled up at the corner as he watched me dance. Shawn had moved so he was a few feet away.
“I’m going to go sit down for a minute. Grayson’s back with the drinks.” I spoke at normal volume. Shawn nodded, acknowledging that he heard me.
I made my way back to Grayson. He pulled me into his arms, whispering, “You looked wonderful out there.”
I beamed at him, wrapping my hands around his neck. “Why don’t you join me then?”
He grinned hugely, shaking his head. “Uh... No. I don’t dance.” I pulled back a little, raising a quizzical brow. With how good he was in the bedroom, that surprised me. You know what they say about men that can dance? He chuckled, pulling me close he whispered against my ear, “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy watching you dance.” His breath sent chills all over my body. I turned my head, pressing my lips against his. My tongue slipped past his lips, tasting the scotch in his drink. I eased back slowly, my breathing ragged. Grayson smiled before placing a chaste kiss on my forehead. I spun in his arms, grabbing my mojito. I downed half of it and then turned back towards Grayson. “Fine. Then watch me.”
I set my glass down and headed back to the dance floor. I looked over my shoulder at Grayson whose eyes were locked on me.
Shawn was closer to the middle of the floor. He looked up as I approached him. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me to him. We danced and were grinding against each other. My eyes caught Grayson, who just smiled shaking his head. I had my back to Shawn, coming face-to-face with another dancer. He was tall with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. There was nothing unusual. Not thinking anything of it, I continued dancing. The stranger got closer to me and started dancing with me. I normally didn’t mind, but with Grayson watching, I wasn’t comfortable dancing with him. Shawn was one thing. He was my friend and was gay, but this guy? I turned around to dance facing Shawn, but when I spun he was no longer there. He had been pulled into a group of girls, who I’m sure thought he was straight.
Rolling my eyes, I started to move towards him, when the guy behind me, grabbed me around my waist, pulling me against him. Now I know I could shove him across the room, or break his finger or his arm with little exertion, but a human my size couldn’t so I wanted to handle it without bloodying the guy up.
I grabbed his hand trying to peeling his fingers away, but he wasn’t budging. I rolled my eyes. I turned to face him to ask him to let go of me. When I did, his hand slid down and grabbed my ass. On instinct, I shoved him harder than I should have moving him a few feet back. So much for being subtle.
“Come on, babe. We’re just having some fun.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not looking for your kind of fun.”
He closed the distance between us. “I’m sure I could persuade you,” he whispered to me. I was reaching out to shove him, when out of nowhere a fist connected with his jaw, landing him on his ass. I turned seeing Grayson standing beside me. My eyes widened in surprise. “Come on.” He grabbed my arm, pulling me with him. We didn’t get far before some guy came up behind Grayson yanking him away from me. It wasn’t the same guy that had been dancing on me. This guy was blond. I could only assume the blond was a friend of the handsy stranger, who hadn’t taken too kindly to Grayson punching his buddy.
As Grayson was trying to pull this guy off his back, the first guy, who had been laying on the ground, stood and took a swing, hitting Grayson. I took a step forward, wanting to put a stop to this, not caring if it seemed odd that I knocked a man twice my size, out. I froze when the sweet, salty aroma invaded my senses. Someone was bleeding. I could feel my fangs trying to descend at the scent. I hadn’t fed today which made it harder to control. I tried taking deep, calming breaths but with each breath it just brought more and more of the delectable goodness into my nose.
Holding my breath, I managed to control it. All this happened in a matter of seconds. I took a step forward again but paused when I saw Shawn grab the guy that had Grayson from behind. Grayson punched the brunette then slumped over trying to catch his breath. The blond had had him in a choke hold. The brunette staggered, then seeing his opportunity, reared back to kick Grayson. I sped towards him, not a blur, just faster than I should have. I grabbed the guy by the back of the neck, using a little of my vampire strength, I shoved him down to his knees. Keeping my hand on his neck, I took a step to the side. Putting a little pressure on his neck, I forced his head down, then brought my knee up connecting with his face, and successfully breaking his nose.
I crouched beside Grayson, helping him sit up, and that’s when the smell hit me again. Grayson lifted his head and I saw the gash across his cheek. The urge to lick away the blood was overwhelming. My fangs ached and I did my best to keep them up.
“Shawn?” I whispered unsurely. He was at my side in an instant. His eyes scanned over my tense body noticing the signs of my hunger.
“Here put these on.” He handed me a pair of sunglasses. I knew it was ridiculous to wear them, inside, at night, but my fangs I could hide easier. My eyes changing a freaky greenish color, was a bit harder. I took the glasses putting them on then took a step back from Grayson.
Shawn helped him to his feet. Aside from the few punches the guy got in as his buddy choked him, Grayson was fine. Security rushed over, grabbing the two guys, who were both lying unconscious, and dragged them away, I’m not sure where to and I really didn’t care enough to ask.
Grayson tried to reach out to put his arm around me. Both Shawn and I put a hand out to stop him. Shawn knew I was struggling. Grayson’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t say anything or move towards me again.
Grayson and Shawn walked side by side towards the back exit, to avoid the paparazzi. I trailed behind them.
We stood outside while Grayson made a quick call to his driver. Once the car stopped, Shawn opened the door letting Grayson climb in. I moved to step in next but Shawn put his hand on my shoulder, stopping me.
“You sure you want to be in close quarters with him right now,” he said under his breath so only I could hear.
I took a deep breath, putting on my best reassuring face, I replied, “I’ll be fine. It’s not too long of a drive to his place,” I smiled, pulling off his sunglasses “Here.”
He shook his head looking into my eyes. “Give them back to me Monday.” His face was serious. I nodded then slid the glasses back in place before climbing into the car. Shawn shut the door just before the car pulled away. “Take us to the apartment, John,” I said barely audibly. I was too worried about taking in a breath and having the smell of Grayson’s blood fill my lungs.
“Yes, ma’am,” John replied.
I turned, feeling eyes on me. Grayson was watching, almost studying me. I smiled at him reassuringly. I could see by the look on his face that he knew the smile was forced.
We made it back to Grayson’s apartment in silence. He opened the door ushering me inside. I took a deep breath when I entered, trying to clear my senses. Walking over to the kitchen, I took off Shawn’s sunglasses, setting them on the counter. Finally, away from unknowing eyes, I relaxed letting my aching fangs drop. My back stayed to Grayson.
“Why did you step in?” I asked. “I could have handled it.” It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative, I was. No one had ever punched another person for me. It was kind of a turn on. The problem was, if he hadn’t stepped in, he wouldn’t have gotten hit. He wouldn’t be bleeding. And I wouldn’t be fantasizing about his blood on my tongue.
“I couldn’t just sit there and watch some asshole put his hands on you,” he spat. I could hear the anger in his voice.
“I understand that but I am more than capable of taking care of myself.” I heard his footsteps coming toward me. I turned as he came to stand in front of me. I didn’t want him to see. Normally when he saw my fangs out it was because he had turned me on. I didn’t like the idea of him seeing me when I was thinking of him as food.
“Gabriella, I’m sorry. I know you’re strong enough to handle yourself. You showed that when you saved my ass from taking a pounding.” He moved around to stand in front of me and I dodged him again. “Gaby? Will you please look at me? I’m trying to talk to you.” I stayed with my back to him. He grabbed my shoulder and spun me. I saw the shock spread across his face. His mouth opened, his brow crinkled. Yup, definitely shocked.
“Let go of me!” I yelled, blurring across the room.
I stood against the wall, clinging to it like I was afraid of him. In a way, I was. I was afraid he was finally going to see me for the monster I was. Who could see the person they cared for as food? Only monsters.
Realization flooded Grayson’s face. He reached his hand tentatively to his face, touching the gash that was still damp with blood. He looked down at his crimson tinted fingers, then to me. I was breathing heavy, trying my best not to bury my fingers into his wall to keep myself from him.
“You want to feed on me?” He questioned with more curiosity than accusation in his tone.
I sank to the floor, covering my face with my hands. The tears had been building since I saw the shock spread across his face. I let them go. Grayson slowly walked toward me as I sat there sobbing on his floor. The time had come. He was going to ask me to leave, and to tell me that he never wanted to see me again. But instead, he sat next to me on the floor and put his arm around me, pulling me into his side. He held me like that until I stopped crying.
He tilted my chin up forcing me to look at him. “Do you want to feed on me?” he asked softly. There was still no disdain in his voice. I looked into his gray eyes that were the color of storm clouds. A single tear escaped mine as I nodded my head, then quickly looked down as shame washed over me. He let out a long breath. Releasing my chin, he laid his head back against the wall. We sat there quietly for a moment.
“I’d be lying if I said I never thought about it.” I didn’t dare look at him. “And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about it. So…okay,” he whispered in a hushed voice. My eyes shot to his face. He turned his gray gaze on me. “I love you, Gaby. If it means every once in a while letting you take a little blood from me will make you happy, of course I’d do that for you.” I wiped the tears that had started to shed again, from my face and crawled into his lap, straddling him. Placing my hands on either side of his face, I kissed him passionately. His tongue slipped into my mouth stroking my fangs. I shoved my hands into his hair pulling him deeper. He broke from my lips running his tongue down the column of my neck. My head fell back as I gasped, lust and desire coursing through me. His hands ran up my thighs and my sides coming to rest around my back, where he effortlessly undid my zipper. He pulled back, grasping the hem he pulled the material over my head, his mouth falling to my skin immediately. I busied my fingers trying to unbutton his shirt, but the pure bliss he was causing me was making it difficult to focus. So I ripped it open instead, sending the buttons scattering across the room.
