Forever (Immortal Vampire Series Book 1), page 20
“You lied a little too easily to her. Should I be worried?” He studied my eyes. I figured he was noticing the difference in them.
“No, now let’s get you some decent shoes,” he looked down at his shoes and shrugged.
“They’re really not that bad. I think I finally got them broken in,” he said as I pulled him along and out of the store.
“There are safety pins holding them together, sorry but you need new shoes,” I said, rolling my eyes at his reluctance.
I bought him new shoes and found a few more things for myself. I didn’t want to spend too long in the mall, yet I didn’t want my day with Cam to end. Finally, I headed to the bookstore which was a necessary stop anytime we were at the mall.
“Any good books come out lately? I’ve kinda been out of the loop.” I ran my hand along the spine of a large colorful book.
“Not that I know of, but I guess I haven’t been paying attention without you around. You’re the reader. I like the idea of reading, but when you have to do it so often for class it loses its allure.” He glanced up at me. I felt his gaze studying me. I wasn’t sure what he was still looking for.
“Someday I’m going to change your opinion of reading.” I squeezed his shoulder as I passed to look at the new releases.
“I doubt it.” he mumbled as he looked at the books with disdain.
“Hmm, how about this one? The cover is shiny and I like the hot guy on the cover. I like that you get to see his full chest.” I picked it up and admired it.
“Oh yes, looks like an intellectual read for sure. I love that you completely disregard the saying, you can’t judge a book by its cover.” He shook his head and chuckled at my selection.
“Yeah, well the cover art says a lot about a book. For example, this one says I’m so hot you want to read me and fantasize about having me” I fluttered my lashes and gripped the book to my chest.
“Seriously?” He rolled his eyes at my tactics.
I placed the book back on the shelf. “You’re right, who needs romance? Maybe I’ll go check out the horror section. It seems more fitting to my life.” I turned on my heel and began to walk out of the aisle. Cam reached out to stop me.
“Bree, that’s not funny.” He scolded.
I dropped my eyes. “Yeah, I probably should stop using humor as a coping mechanism.” I shrugged.
“Are you ever going to tell me what happened? What’s going on? Why you’re so different?” His eyes studied mine.
“Not here.” I whispered. I turned down another shelf to check out the books. “Are there any books you want?” I asked.
He was staring at me rather than the shelf. Shaking his head, he looked again to the shelf. “No, I don’t read unless it’s for school,” he said, shrugging then staring back at me. He had a hard time not looking at me under the fluorescent lights. It was as if I was luminescent.
I read his thoughts and decided it was best to leave the mall altogether. I reached out my hand to take his. “Come on, let’s go.” As they walked to the car, Cam’s stomach grumbled and he laughed.
“I guess we lost track of time,” he said, laughing again as his stomach growled.
“Yeah, I guess. I should get you some food. I kinda forget about the whole eating thing.” I opened the door and got into the car.
“Aren’t you hungry? We’ve been here for hours.” He raised a brow watching me.
“No, I’m not hungry. I haven’t needed to eat as much lately.” I sighed as I pulled into the drive through and ordered Cam’s usual. I handed the food to him as soon as it was given to me and headed back on the highway.
I wasn’t ready for this day to be over, but I knew it had to be. I already tired Cam out, so he won’t be able to work on his Paidea paper. I felt guilty for monopolizing his day and decided I would help him with it as soon as I could tomorrow. His grades shouldn’t be affected by my presence. I wasn’t sure how this whole situation was going to work out, but I knew it would somehow. I couldn’t see a life without Cam in it. I also knew it was time to go play my part with Alexander. I hated being the actress because I knew I wasn’t any good at it. I needed to be believable because if Alexander suspected me of being with Cam, he’d be irate. I wasn’t sure what he’d do to either of us.
“So, you going to tell me what’s got you so worried?” Cam asked, shaking me out of my reverie.
CHAPTER 19
Upon entering the college campus, I drove Cam right up the narrow drive that led to his dorm room. He was only a few doors down from the main door at this level. I always liked this entrance because it was enclosed. It felt like driving in a tunnel.
When I stopped the car, Cam turned to me. “When am I going to see you again?”
“I don’t know for sure. I’ll try to sneak back tomorrow.”
His face darkened. “Sneak back? Who are you sneaking away from?”
“Um, no one.” I said quickly.
“Bree, I know your lying to me. I think you forget I know you. What or should I say who are you afraid of?” He stared at me. I tightened my hands on the wheel and stared forward. I couldn’t tell Cam about Alexander.
“Okay, so you’re not going to tell me. You need to open up. I don’t like you being in danger. What can I do to get you out of it?” He reached his hand over to take mine off the wheel. He met my eyes and I dropped mine. I couldn’t be honest with him even though every part of me wanted to.
“I can’t explain anything, Cam. I don’t want to put you in any danger.” I squeezed his hand in mine.
“Bree, I will kill anyone who’s hurt you.” Cam’s eyes were fierce. I knew he was serious. In his sincerity, I saw love. I bit my lip and looked over at him. I couldn’t tell him anything. I couldn’t risk him getting hurt or killed.
“Cam, I can’t tell you. I promise, no one’s hurt me. I’m better than I was before. You just have to trust me. Can you do that?” I met his eyes. He narrowed one eye at me as if he were trying to figure out what I meant. I knew I could charm him if I needed to, but I didn’t want to do that to him.
“Fine, I don’t like it, but I trust you.” He moved his mouth toward my face slowly. My heart constricted as I thought he was going to kiss me. When I turned my head toward him, he shifted and I felt the softness of his lips on my cheek. I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. One of his eyes narrowed and he had a playful smile on his face. Shit, did he know I wanted him to kiss me, to take me right here in the car. I smiled, quickly to hide the thoughts that rushed through my head.
He opened the door, took one last look at me, and he was gone. After Cam exited the car, I put it back in gear and began the slow drive back to the cottage. I had no idea what I was going to tell Alexander. I needed to take my time because guilt was probably written all over my face. Would he be able to tell just by looking at me that I was lying? Cam could tell I was lying. Would Alexander be able to read me the same way? I dropped my eyes a second, no way, Cameron had grown up with me. Knew every single one of my quirks. He could read me like a book. Alexander had only just met me and wouldn’t be able to tell I was lying. I calmed as I got closer. I didn’t want him to notice my excitement at getting to spend time with Cam. When I parked in the garage, I grabbed my bags out of the trunk and walked casually into the house. I immediately went for the staircase, but noticed the house was different. Most of the furniture was gone. Everything seemed to have been moved around and some was packed up for moving. Wow, he works fast, I thought. I walked into the living room. The books had all been packed, but the furniture remained. Shit, we are moving soon. I thought as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. If we leave, I won’t be able to spend time with Cam. I would lose him forever. I couldn’t live without him. My heart constricted as I thought about the decision I needed to make.
I walked upstairs and put my bags on my bed. I took a quick shower and put on one of my new outfits. When I went back downstairs, Alexander still hadn’t returned. I figured I better find out what he was up to. I went out to catch his scent to see if I could track him. It was easy since he’d come and gone from here often. I thought it was weird when the trail led me back to the campus, since I was there, I decided to glance into the window to check on how Cam was doing. The trail continued right up to Cam’s window. Did Alexander know I was seeing Cam? Had Cam thought about me and Alexander caught his thoughts? Shit, this can’t be happening. I glanced into the room to see if Cam was okay. I had no idea what Alexander would do if he knew I was sneaking off to see Cam.
The room was dark, but I could still see. Cam’s roommate slept soundly, but Cam’s bed was empty. I was frozen in place. The terror at where he could be filled my thoughts. I needed to find Cam. I rushed into the dorm at what I hoped looked like human speed and searched for Cam’s scent. I followed it. Cam’s scent mingled with Alexander’s and a knot formed in my stomach. If Alexander hurt Cam, I would destroy him. I don’t know how, but I would find a way.
Cam’s scent led me to my old dorm. This was peculiar because Cam didn’t have a reason to be at my dorm. I looked into the room where I once lived and Alexander came up beside me. His eyes were bulging and he walked with purposeful strides. I knew he was pissed.
“He’s in there discussing your recent appearance with Michelle. Do you have any idea what that means and what you have done?” he said, through clenched teeth.
“No, I guess I don’t, I never thought Cam would tell anyone about seeing me since I asked him not to.” I shrugged. I should probably be angry, but I wasn’t.
“What were you thinking? I know you’ve been seeing him. What would make you jeopardize our lives? Were you even thinking about the danger you were putting us in?” His hands were clenching and unclenching at his sides. I looked from his hands to his eyes and saw the fire behind his words. He was beyond pissed which meant I was in serious trouble. I had no idea how volatile this man could be.
“I was thinking I loved him,” I said. I widened my stance and crossed my arms over my chest. I attempted to appear threatening and confident. I wasn’t going to hide my feelings any longer.
“WH...AT!” Alexander spoke slowly in a menacing tone. After a few moments, he met my eyes. “We will be leaving here tonight. You no longer have a choice. Your reckless actions have put both our lives in danger. The hunters could already be here looking for us.” He glared at me.
“What if I don’t want to leave? What if I choose to stay here?”
Alexander’s eyes darkened as he stared at me. “You do not have a choice. If you do not leave with me tonight, I will kill your precious Cam.” His gaze was sharp as his eyes fixed on mine.
My stomach clenched at his words. “What? You will kill him if I don’t go with you?” I asked. My eyes wide. I knew he was a killer, but I didn’t think he’d actually threaten Cam’s life.
“Yes, it’s quite an easy thing to do. Humans can die so easily. It’s hardly a challenge. I have killed many humans in my lifetime. One more will not hurt me.” He continued to stare me down.
I wanted to hit him. I wanted to thrash at him for even suggesting he would kill Cam. I took a deep breath to steady myself. I knew I needed to be calm when I spoke or he would be able to sense my lie. “I guess I’ll go then. I don’t seem to have a choice in the matter.” I watched him as I spoke. I needed to be certain he believed me.
“I knew you were a smart girl,” he said. “Now shall we return to the house so we can finish making preparations for our departure?” He was completely calm. I nodded; afraid my voice would crack if I spoke. I was holding back a flood of emotions as I looked at this cruel man. When I first spent time with him, I thought he genuinely cared about me. Now, I know the only person he cares about is himself.
I ran a little slowly behind Alexander. I felt as though I was being dragged by imaginary strings. I didn’t want to go back to the house. Hell, I didn’t even want to look at Alexander for a second longer. I will get through this. Alexander said I was a smart girl. I have no problem proving him right. I will be leaving him. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do it without him having a single inkling I was about to betray him.
I kept the anger off my face when we returned to the house. I need Alexander to trust I was going with him. I need my disappearance to be completely unexpected. As long as Alexander trusted I was going with him, he wouldn’t hurt Cam. At the moment, he was the only person I cared about. I’d be damned if Alexander was going to take my chance at love away again. He can live his life unhappily forever. I had other plans.
When we returned to the house, I said, “I’m going upstairs to pack my things.” I kept my voice light so Alexander wouldn’t suspect anything.
“Fine, we will be leaving tomorrow. It’s supposed to be overcast for the next several days. It will be the best time to leave without having to worry about the pesky sun interfering.”
I went up to my room and closed the door. I needed to figure out a way to leave without Alexander knowing. Once I was away from the house, I would need to get Cam from the dorm. I stuffed a hand in my pocket. I still had the car keys and the credit card. Well that was a bit of luck in my favor. If I could get to the car without being heard, I could run even faster with Cam. Now, getting out of here without Alexander hearing me start a car was going to be one hell of a challenge. The Audi was quiet, but it wasn’t that quiet. Preternatural hearing could be a bitch. It’s good my parents didn’t have it. I would’ve been caught sneaking out my window every night. Damn, I needed to focus. How was I going to get the hell out of this mess? I paced the room as I tried to focus my thoughts.
I heard the door close below. I stepped to my window and saw Alexander getting in a car to leave. The Audi was next to it in the garage. I was surprised he didn’t say anything before leaving. Maybe he figured I was sulking upstairs. Either way, it was time to move. I had no idea how long he’d be gone for, so I needed to act fast. I ran down the stairs and started the car. I raced to the campus to get Cam. I was hoping he returned to his own dorm because I would be able to get to him much faster. When I arrived, I left the car idling under the cover between the two buildings. I nearly ripped the door off its hinges in haste as I ran into the dorm and to Cam’s room. By a stroke of luck, I could hear him in the room as I approached. I took a moment to control my emotions before easily opening the door. I didn’t want to scare Cam. I also wanted to get the hell out of there and would take him by force if necessary.
“What the hell?” Cam said, completely bewildered as I stood in the doorway.
“Um, we need to go, like now.” I said. I probably looked like a crazed lunatic with wide eyes.
“Uh, hey Bree, what’s going on? What do you mean, we have to leave?”
I steadied my breathing. “I mean, we need to leave, now.” My tone was commanding and Cam’s eyes widened in response.
“Okay, should I grab anything or is this like I need to be running out of the dorm situation?” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Ah, running would be good, yeah.” I nodded, holding my hand out to him. “Do you trust me?” I asked studying his response.
“Of course.” he said.
“Good, then we need to go. Grab anything you can’t replace. Your wallet would be good too, in case you need identification. I don’t know if we’ll be coming back anytime soon.” I said. My only concern was getting the hell out of here as soon as possible.
“Alright,” Cam threw his books out of his backpack and quickly threw in some clothes, his wallet, and a small cedar box from his top drawer. I hadn’t ever seen it before and was curious. Now wasn’t the time to ask. When he slung the bag over his shoulder, I pulled him behind me out of the hall and to the car.
“Jeez Bree, you don’t have to pull me so hard. When did you get stronger than me?” He joked.
“About the same time, I died, now let’s go.” I said, putting the car into drive, and racing away from campus.
“Died? What the hell does that mean?” he asked.
“It means that I died. That’s why I’ve been gone.” I said between clenched teeth as I took the turn to leave Decorah behind.
“Um, you can’t be dead. I see you right now. Have you lost your mind or something? Bree, are you going to tell me what the hell is going on? You’ve got me all freaked out.” I could feel his eyes on me and I tightened my hands on the wheel, turning them in circles, not responding. I wasn’t ready to tell him everything just yet.
“What’s going on?” Cam demanded.
“We have to get out of here, that’s all you need to know for now,” I continued to focus on the road, refusing to look at Cam. I had him in the car and safe for now. That was all that mattered.
“Why do we have to get out of here?” He gripped the seat as I took another quick turn. “Could you slow down, I feel like I’m going to throw up?”
“No, I absolutely cannot slow down. I don’t know how much of a head start I have. We need to get to safety. If we’re caught, you’re dead. Do you understand? We have to get out of here,” I said through clenched teeth. I wasn’t going to relax until we were far away from Decorah.
“What do you mean? Who’s after us?” he asked. I glanced over at him and rolled my eyes. I understood where he was coming from, but I also wish he’d trust me.
“The man who took me, threatened your life if I don’t leave with him. He found out I’ve been sneaking off to see you. You don’t understand how strong this man is or how easy it would be for him to kill you,” I said.
“Well, based on how you dragged me out of the dorm, I would guess he’s probably as strong as you are.” I could feel his eyes on me again. I gave him a cursory glance before he continued. “So, do you have some sort of plan, other than trying to race him out of Decorah?”
“I plan to get the hell out of dodge.” I had a plan, but I wasn’t sure he was ready to hear it. I planned to make him a vampire like me. I wasn’t entirely sure how it worked, but I would try. It was the only way to ensure Cam’s safety. It would be harder to kill him if he were a vampire.
