Chapter 28: The Prom

 

 In almost no time, Prom was here.  Everyone was abuzz with excitement, and Lizzy and Cassy were no different.  I, on the other hand was stressed out than excited for prom to finally have arrived.  All the high schools were holding their proms on the same night.  Some of the students were planning on splitting their time between two proms because their date was from a different school.  I really didn’t even want to go to one prom.  I was a bundle of nerves.

“Anna, you need to lighten up, it will be fun tonight.  A masquerade is always the coolest. No one knows who’s who.  It’ll be great, now come on and start getting ready,” Lizzy pleaded.  She was looking at me so hopefully I had to laugh.

“Well, you had better put on some upbeat music, because that’s what I need.”

“I’m on it!” she crowed happily bouncing up off the chair.  Suddenly the house was blasting with upbeat pop music.  I felt my mood lightening almost immediately.

Only the girls were home.  The boys wisely thought it would be a good idea to go out while we spent most of the day getting ready.  I went to the room I shared with Alex and decided to start with a long, hot shower which always helped me to relax.  As I luxuriated under the steaming water I started day dreaming about the day Alex had asked me to the prom.  I had just come back to school after being off sick with mono for six and a half weeks.  We were standing  in the hall by my locker.

          “Anna” Alex said quietly.

          “Yes” I replied gazing into his amazing green eyes.

          “I was wondering….” he stopped and took my hand in his.  It sent shivers up my spine.

          “Since we missed our date before new year, because you were sick, would you be my date for the Prom?” He asked smiling warmly at me.

My heart had started to race and I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.  I bit my lower lip hide my reddened cheeks smiling to myself.   Alex gently raised my chin with his hand so that I had to look into his eyes.

            “I would like that very much,” I whispered.  He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling as the sun came through the window by my locker.  He lightly trailed his fingers over the curve of my hotly blushing cheek and I could feel my head starting to spin.  Then Will had appeared behind Alex. He nudged him,

“So did you finally ask her or what?” he smirked. “I hope you turned him down Anna, that way I can bug the hell out of him.” 

Alex sighed and shook his head.  “Way to kill the mood, Will! She said yes, now leave us alone.”

“Ohhh, so that’s the way it’s going to be now is it?  So are you two officially an item yet?” Will teased nudging Alex again.

I blushed deeper and turned away from both of them.

“Will, would you please stop pushing me.  I just got back to school,” I said in an angry whisper. “Alex and I are friends and I don’t want to ruin that.”

“Awww, you know that I’m just teasing, Anna,” Will complained rolling his eyes at me.  Alex looked like he was ready to punch him.  I placed my hand on Alex’s arm and looked into his eyes.

“Thank you for asking me, I’ve never been to a Prom before.  I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun,” I said warmly.  Then I turned to Will, stuck my tongue out at him and started:  “Stop being an annoying big brother type.” I then spun on my heels and walked away grinning as I listened to both of them trying to stifle their laughter.

Remembering this made me laugh.  I never would have thought that I would become so close to any one family as I was to this strange family of vampires and half humans.  I had never felt so at home and at ease as I did since coming to Huntsville.  James, the Worthingtons and the Foxworths had welcomed and protected me, no questions asked.  They knew more about me than I did and it was nice to finally just be myself without having to concoct a story. I looked in the mirror as I towel dried my hair and smiled contently.  I found a blue track suit and slipped it on, then I walked back to the bathroom and started on my hair.  I had put moose into my hair, dried it and put Velcro rollers in when Lizzy joined me in the bathroom looking fabulous with her hair piled onto her head with elaborate curls and twists.

“How are you making out?” she asked smiling me.

“Well, the hair is underway and I was going to start working on exfoliating my skin.  Since it’s only four o’clock I know we have lots of time to do a few extras,” I said winking at her.

“That’s a great idea. Cassy you should do that too,” Lizzy said in a slightly raised voice.  Cassy was in my bathroom in a flash, her hair in an elaborate array of braids and long curls. I had never seen anything like it.

“Wow. Cassy your hair is amazing! You should do movies,” I said awed.

“Thank you.  It’s my favourite style,” she replied.  “So exfoliation time.  Let’s go to my room, my bathroom is bigger and I think I have the perfect products.”

Once we finished in Cassy’s room I went back to my bathroom to put on my make up before I took the rollers out of my hair. Lizzy came in to help.  We slowly pulled out the rollers and used a special hair putty to mould the curls.  Lizzy finished my hair with a beautiful blue and white rhinestone comb, I stared into the mirror pleased with the finished product.  Long curls flowed softly half way down my back.  Lizzy spotted my mother’s necklace on the counter, picked it up and looked at it for a moment, then turned with the clasp open to help me put it on.

“Thank you,” I smiled softly.

“It’s a beautiful piece Anna, your mother had excellent taste in jewellery,” she stated matter of factly.

I smiled warmly. “Thanks, I like to wear it on special occasions.  It’s a little piece of her that I get to carry with me,” I said smiling at our reflections in the mirror.  I glanced at the clock and my eyes widened.

“We better get our dresses on, the guys will be back soon.  I hate being late,” I said looking at Lizzy.

“No problem Anna.  Now this is your first official date, so it should be a great night for you and I want you to have fun.  Please promise me you’ll enjoy tonight,” she pled.

“I promise to have fun and I’m sure you’ll do everything you can to keep me busy when I’m not with Alex.” I laughed shaking my head as I headed into the bedroom to retrieve my dress from the closet.

My dress was a light green strapless gown that reached my ankles.  The bodice was made of a crimped chiffon that hugged my body and flowed into a skirt made of long layers of chiffon that gave the impression the dress was floating on my skin.  The colour emphasized my eyes making them a deeper shade of jade green that was complimented by my peaches and cream complexion that I had inherited from my mother.  I looked in the mirror one last time pleased with the picture I made.  All I had left to do was put on my clear strappy three inch heels.  Which would make me almost as tall as Alex.  I grabbed my matching clutch and made my way to the dining room as I heard the guys come through the front door.

“We better see if the girls are ready,” Will said walking into the foyer with Alex and George.

“I’m sure Lizzy will be ready, but you know Cassy, she rushes right to the last minute,” George replied fondly.

“We better get changed or they’ll have our hides,” I heard Alex say as he went down the hall towards our room.  George walked into the dining room and stopped abruptly staring at me as I slowly turned to greet him.

He whistled softly “Anna you look amazing.  I don’t think Alex will let you out of the house looking this good,” he teased.

“Thank you.  I’m sure Cassy will knock your socks off when you see her,” I smiled delighted at the compliment.

“She always does,” he beamed. “Well, I better get dressed I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

“I’m good.  Kind of excited, but don’t tell Alex that.” I winked as George laughed and left the room.

I wondered out onto the small deck off the kitchen to wait for the others to finish getting ready.  Lizzy and Will were the first to join me.  They were the perfect couple; Will in his well tailored tux and Lizzy in a beautiful pale pink silk dress with spaghetti straps the dress showed off her curves amazingly.

“Everyone will know there’s something up with you two. You both look absolutely stunning,” I complimented.

“Thanks,” Lizzy replied. Then she winked at me, “I don’t think Alex will want to go out when he sees you I have a feeling he will want to keep you all to himself.  He doesn’t like to share, and I should know,” she teased.

I laughed and shook my head, “You’re not the only one who’s said that to me tonight.”

“Anna, promise me now that you’ll save me a dance.  That way Alex can’t object,” Will said grinning at me.

“Of course I will dance with you Will, but if and only if Lizzy is in agreement,” I teased him.  He laughed.  Cassy and George joined us a minute or two later. 

“Wow we’re ready before Alex.  That’s a first,” Cassy giggled.

“Oh! He’ll never live this down,” George said as he smiled at Will.  I could tell by their expressions the two of them were already thinking of snide remarks.  I just smiled and shook my head.  The others went into the house while Will and George went to get the cars.  George and Cassy left shortly afterwards. 

I was standing on the deck looking at the forest admiring the different shades of green.  I loved spring, it was my favourite season with everything blooming and coming to life.

“Anna” I heard Alex call my name softly from behind me and I smiled.  I hadn’t even heard him walk onto the deck. As I turned slowly to face him I was awed he was the most beautiful creature I had ever set eyes on.  His black tux fit him perfectly, he was stunning.  He looked like a renaissance painting brought to life or the handsome prince from a fairy tale.  I gazed admiringly into his amazing green eyes, completely lost in the moment.

“You look stunning Anna,” he smiled as he took in my transformation.

“Thank you. You look wonderful too,” I beamed at him; my prince charming for the night.

I walked toward him and slowly reached my hand to his cheek wanting to commit every moment of this night to memory.  He leaned down and gently brushed his lips over mine.  He gazed lovingly into my eyes again for a long moment then sighed and shook his head.

“We better get going.  Lizzy and Will are getting impatient,” he said grudgingly.

“I was told that you wouldn’t let me out of the house,” I teased.

“I might not.  I don’t want any of your other admirers to get any ideas,” he replied as he gently ran his fingers down my cheek.

“Gee and I thought it was because you were supposed to be selfish.  At least that’s what your sister told me,” I grinned at him.  He laughed and grabbed my hand leading me to the front door where the others were waiting.

We arrived at the school about fifteen minutes later and we parked beside George’s car.  He and Cassy were chatting with a group of other students.  Alex came around and opened the car door for me offering his hand to help me out.  He kept my hand in his we slowly walked towards the school.  I saw Jeff and Tisha and Christine and Joel with their usual group of friends.  I waved to Christine and her jaw dropped when she realized who I was.

“Oh my GOD!!! Anna you look amazing!  Where did you get that dress?  I’ve never seen anything like it,” Christine gushed. “You look great too Alex,” she said trying not to stare openly at him. I must admit, Alex and his family were very distracting when they dressed up.  Everyone was staring at the beautiful picture they made.

“Thank you Christine, I got it in Toronto last weekend, it was a lucky find,” I replied, “you look so beautiful too!  It’s nice to see everyone all dressed up,” I said gazing around.

She beamed at me. “We should go inside the music is starting to get good.”

We all headed into the gym after saying hello to our friends and exchanging compliments.  The gym had been transformed into masquerade ballroom with streamers and crepe paper.  There was an archway into the gym that was covered with twinkle lights and green ivy.   Everyone was either dancing or sitting at tables talking.  We found a table with the rest of our group and grabbed some snacks and drinks which we left on the table.

“Shall we?” Alex asked holding his hand out to me and looked at the dance floor.

“Sure,” I smiled placing my hand in his.

We walked onto the dance floor and Alex twirled me around to face him.  I placed my left hand on his shoulder and he put his hand on my back and pulled me close, and then we were twirling around the room.  Lizzy and Will were dancing too and she smiled as we went by.  I gazed into his eyes and I was lost yet again.  I couldn’t look away; His eyes swirled with emotion and he had a soft smile on his lips.  He looked perfectly content; I’d never seen him like this before.  I smiled to myself, glad that he was happy because I was happy too.

What bliss, another perfect memory, I thought to myself.  It was like we were the only two people in the room dancing together and gazing into each other eyes.  I didn’t want this experience to end, I felt so completely safe and loved.

Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The garden

 

“Can we get out of here?  I need to get some air,” I said looking into Alex’s eyes.  He took my hand and led me to the back yard.  As we walked slowly hand in hand towards the trees I noticed they had an interesting shape.  As we got closer I realized I wasn’t looking at trees, but at an archway of climbing roses.  They weren’t in bloom yet since it was too early in the season, and the leaves on the trees, bushes and vines had only begun blossoming a few weeks ago so the trees were just starting to look full.  As we walked through the archway we entered into the most beautiful secret garden I had ever seen.  I stopped suddenly and gazed around in wonder.  The spring flowers were a rainbow of colours, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, reds and white. It made me feel like I had just walked into a story book it was so perfect.  There was a large white classic-looking fountain in the centre with benches surrounding it and the trees in the background were draped with ivy which gave them a majestic look.

“It’s absolutely breath taking,” I said completely awed. 

“I knew you’d like it.”  Alex said smiling tenderly at me.  We walked to the other side of the water fountain and nestled under the trees was an old-fashioned swing bench that blended into the garden so well that I hadn’t even noticed it. We sat on the swing and slowly rocked back and forth. 

“This place is magical,” I breathed.  I inhaled deeply enjoying the fragrances.  It was so amazing, each scent blended into the next and I sighed happily as a cool breeze played with the loose tendrils of my hair.  Alex caught one of these in his fingers and gently tucked it behind my ear.  I could feel my heart quicken as his hand softly brushed my cheek.  I looked at our hands intertwined and noted how perfectly they fit together.  I smiled happily and looked up into his vivid emerald green eyes.  I could gaze into his eyes forever.  I felt like I was falling into their hypnotic depths; it was hypnotic, and I couldn’t seem to look away.  Alex’s eyes had never affected me like this before and mesmerized I moved closer to him and placed my free hand gently on his cheek.  Somehow I knew his temperature had increased slightly and my breathing started to quicken in response.  My fingers moved slowly from his face to play with his hair.  Alex placed his free hand gently under my chin and raised it slowly.  My heart was hammering in my chest as he slowly leaned down and brushed his lips gently over mine.  His lips were warm and soft as they moved searchingly against mine.  His breath was warm and sweet and my lips parted slightly responding to his.  My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.  His tongue traced my lower lip sending a shiver up and down my spine as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his solid chest.  His tongue searched for mine, and I responded eagerly and passionately.  My head swirled and my heart was beating so hard I wasn’t sure it would stay in my chest.   All I knew was that I didn’t want this feeling to stop.  When Alex slowly pulled away, I was breathless.  He smiled at me mischievously.

“Well, for someone who’s never dated you do that rather well,” he teased.  I blushed and buried my head into his shoulder as he chuckled softly and kissed my hair.  I squeezed closer to him.

“I feel like I’m in a dream.  The best dream ever, and I don’t want it to end,” I admitted as I inhaled deeply and sighed happily.  He tightened his arms around me pulling me closer.

“I feel the same way you know.  I want to remember this moment forever,” he whispered in my ear.  We sat on the bench for a little while longer and watched the sun set.  The sky was a beautiful orangey-red and the clouds had a pinky purple glow. It was starting to get cooler, so we finally got up and started to walk back towards the house.  It was the perfect end to a very long day.

The next day we went to school.  As expected there was an assembly held first thing in the morning.  Everyone was buzzing about Prom, so the assembly was a surprise this late in the year.

“Good morning everyone” Mr. Stevens said talking into the microphone as he stood on the stage facing the students.

“Morning,” everyone replied.

“I’ve gathered you here today for an important announcement.  I received some news yesterday that concerns all of you,” he took a breath and started again.

“I want to remind you that in order for you and your date to get into the Prom you both must be wearing a clear ID bracelet. You will not be allowed in without it, and if you are caught not wearing one it will result in you being removed from the prom and an automatic suspension,” he said sternly.  A collective groan rose from the assembled students.

“There is a reason why we are doing things this way.  We have received reports that there are strangers in town looking for someone.  We do not know who that someone is, but these men have been seen hanging around the school parking lots.  The principals of the other high schools, and myself, are concerned for your safety and we ask that if any of you see anyone that shouldn’t be here, please report it to the office immediately,” he announced.

“Mr. Stevens,” one of the students called.

“Yes Sarah,” he said looking at her.

“I saw a man with a camera in the parking lot this morning taking pictures.  Is that what you mean?” she asked.  I looked at Alex, Will, and Lizzy my eyes wide and my hands started shaking.  Alex squeezed my hand reassuringly while the others remained expressionless.

“What did this man look like Sarah?” Mr. Stevens asked.

“Tall, short dark hair, tanned skin.  He definitely didn’t look like he was from around here.” she replied.

Alex held me in place because he knew I wanted to run, but the only thing we could realistically do was wait.  After the assembly we all returned to class.  Everyone was buzzing with the news wondering aloud who these strange men could be looking for. 

Alex and Will spent our lunch break outside looking around while Lizzy and I sat at our usual table and quietly picked at our lunch.  I was so nervous and anxious I could hardly sit still. 

“Would you please calm down Anna, you’re driving me nuts!  Nothing is going to happen,” Lizzy whispered harshly to me.

“I can’t help it.  I just don’t feel safe.  I would rather be at your place, not here,” I said honestly.  Lizzy looked at me sympathetically.

“Even if they did find you, they wouldn’t dare touch you with all these witnesses,” she said confidently.

“I’m not so sure about that.  They shot Alex and my friend Paul in a public place,” I reminded her.

“You’re safe Anna.  This is the best place for you to be.  Now we had better get to class,” she said as she grabbed her bag and tray and stood up ready to leave.  I know that Lizzy was doing her best to keep me calm, but I could see the cracks in her calm demeanour.  Saying nothing, I just nodded and followed her out of the cafeteria. 

The rest of the week passed without incident.  I was able to get to and from school without any trouble, and the man with the camera had not returned.  However I was still wary of my safety.  I had to be – I couldn’t let my guard down even though I had some powerful protectors.

 

Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Phone Call

 

Arriving home Lizzy gently shook me awake.

“Anna we’re home,” I blinked and looked blearily up at her, confused at how had I fallen asleep on her lap.  She just smiled at me.

 “Well I guess I make a good pillow,” she chuckled softly.  I sat up blinking as we pulled into the driveway.  I smiled sheepishly at Lizzie,

“Sorry about that.  You could have woken me.” 

“Are you kidding?  Alex has been in my head for hours and if you think I could move you without him having a hissy fit in my head, and then again when I got home, you’re out of your mind!” she teased.  “Besides, I really didn’t mind.  You looked very peaceful and you needed the sleep.” 

“Thanks.  Don’t let your big brother boss you around.  If I fall asleep on you, you’re allowed to ask me to move,” I smiled. 

We got out of the car and collected our things, hauling our wonderful treasures inside.  I was looking forward to seeing Alex, but the house was completely empty.

“Where is everyone?” I asked looking around the empty room.

“Stephan, Will and Max are following your father, and George and Alex are hunting.  They should all be home around one this afternoon,” Katie said reading the note on the counter.  I nodded. 

“I’m going to put my stuff away and take a nap.  I’m still a bit tired,” I said as I left the kitchen.

I walked into Alex’s room, smiling because it smelled just like him.  I hadn’t realized that I missed his smell so much.  I hung up my new dress in the closet and put away my new clothes and bathing suits, then I had a quick shower and laid down on the bed we shared and fell asleep comforted by his familiar sent.  I woke up around one thirty and Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed watching me.  I smiled sleepily at him.

“Hey, did you have a good hunting trip?” I asked. 

“Not really, I was too worried about you.  I had no idea you had witnessed your mother’s murder. We all watched the video when we got back.  We sent it to a few friends of ours in the FBI and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), and they said they would start a joint investigation,” he said.

“Thanks for telling me.”  

“So, what would you like to do today?” Alex asked changing the subject. 

“Could we just go for a walk?  I haven’t really seen the property and it would be nice to get outside.” I looked at him hopefully.  He looked at me sadly so I knew something wasn’t right.

“Alex, is anything going on that I need to know about?”  He looked back at me surprised, then sighed and said,

“Your father is back in town.  He believes that you’re here in Huntsville and he’s sending his men to watch each of the schools.  That means it’s going to be difficult to get you in and out of school undetected and if they start talking to the students it’s really going to get dicey.  We’re working on contingency plans.  Plus, I think we need to let the principal know that you’re in danger, that way the teachers will be aware and will watch out for any strange men or women on the property,” he said seriously.

“Okay, if you think that’s the safest thing to do, then do it.  I don’t want to be caught by surprise and having extra eyes and ears on our side would definitely help,” I said confidently. “I’ll call James and ask him to meet us at the principal’s office in the morning or do you think we should go to his house and speak to him away from the school?” 

“We could see if he is available to come here.  Call James and see if he’s free and I’ll get Max to call the principal at home,” said Alex.  I nodded and picked up the phone.

“Hi James, it’s Anna.  No, no, everything is fine.  We were wondering if you be able to come over for a bit because we need to talk to you and principal Stevens at the same time.  No, don’t worry, we’ll explain everything when you get here.  Okay, see you in twenty minutes.” I sighed as I hung up the phone and looked sadly at Alex as he walked back into the room.  This situation was getting more dangerous each day.  I had taken the opportunity to pull on my jeans and sweater while Alex was out of the room.  He strode over to me noticing the sadness in my eyes and I fit myself against his comforting solidness, snaking my arms around his waist and placed my head on his shoulder.  He wrapped his arms around me tightly as I breathed in his familiar sent sighing happily as he gently kissed my forehead.  I inhaled deeply enjoying our closeness and the profound sense of love, safety and comfort I felt with him.

“I missed your sent. I hadn’t realized that until I walked into your room this morning” I confessed.  

“I missed you too,” He smiled into my hair.  “I missed looking at you and watching you sleep.  You look so peaceful and serene, like an angel,” he said quietly.  I turned my head so I could look at his face.

“Thanks.  Do you always watch me sleep?” I asked curiously. 

“Not all the time.  I usually work on the computer while you’re sleeping so that I don’t disturb you because I only need to sleep about three hours a night.  Sometimes I sleep longer, but that’s usually after I’ve been up for a few days in a row.” he replied.

He kissed my forehead again before breaking our embrace to take my hand in his.  We headed down the hall holding hands.  It felt like heaven, just the feel of his warm hand on mine.  It was hard to believe that he was only half human.  I had never seen his other side and I was sure it would be ferocious. The door bell rang as we walked into the family room.   James and Mr. Stevens arrived shortly after two thirty in the afternoon and Max and George filled them in on my situation while I listened quietly.  After Mr. Stevens left, James watched the video for himself.  He asked me if he could have a copy so he could try to identify all the men involved.  He told me he was planning on using his connections in the military and government to find the scum that had performed such a heinous crime.  Of course I agreed.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Beaches

 

The rest of the week passed relatively quickly, and the following week was much the same.  Every morning Alex ran me to school and every afternoon George picked us up.  Finally it was Friday and the day we were leaving for Toronto.  I could hardly wait to get going; I desperately needed some girl time.  There were some questions I wanted to ask Lizzy privately, and I really needed to have a heart to heart chat with her.  Even though we lived together we really didn’t have any private time together.

Katie showed up at school in a black Porch Cayenne SUV with deeply tinted windows.  Cassy, Lizzy and I jumped quickly into the vehicle so that we could get going.  Alex leaned into the window I was sitting beside. 

“Please be careful and have fun.  I’ll call you tonight,” he said as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

“Drive safely,” he said to Katie. 

“Don’t worry Alex she’ll be fine with us.  She’ll be back before you know it,” Katie said smiling kindly.

“Alex, don’t worry I’ll be fine.  Lizzy won’t let anything happen to me except for dressing me up in the most outrageous clothes she can find,” I said winking at him.  I knew he was worried about me but I also knew that he wouldn’t let my father or his men out of his sight.  If they did anything that would lead them even close to my location Alex would alert Lizzy and Katie.  I knew I was safe.  I touched his face gently with my hand. 

“I’ll be okay.  I’ll see you Sunday,” I whispered looking meaningfully into his eyes.  He smiled and nodded then stepped away from the car.   We drove slowly out of the school parking lot onto the main road and exited onto the highway a few minutes later, and we were officially on our way.  We arrived in Toronto about three hours later.  We stopped at a restaurant to grab some dinner, then we headed to Katie’s house in the Beaches.   Katie’s house was an old Victorian style home.  It was a modest sized with a wide wooden front porch and a completely remodelled interior.  To the right of the front door, where the front room and sitting room had once been, was a large open room that had been set up as a family room.  A matching set of furniture, which consisted of a tan coloured leather couch, luv seat, and two recliners, were placed strategically around an old fieldstone fire place.   Above the wooden mantel hung a large flat screen TV that should have looked out of place, but didn’t.  To the left was a large kitchen with a roomy, and modern food prep area, and an equally spacious eating area completed with beautiful oak table and chairs that had been obviously been hand crafted.  The décor was simple, yet tasteful.  In front of us was a beautiful wooden staircase that led to the upper level where our rooms were.  The main level also boasted a small powder room located down the narrow hallway behind the stairs.

Upstairs there were four moderately sized rooms.  The first room at the front of the house and about one third of the space.  This was Katie’s master suit which had a modest ensuite bathroom.  Beside her room was the main bathroom that had an old fashioned bath tub, the kind you see in movies with the clawed feet.  The next room was Cassy’s and on the opposite side of the hall was the room Lizzy and I would share.  As I walked into the room I noted the large window complete with a window seat and the beautiful antique walnut four poster bed with matching side tables.  The bedding was a pale silvery blue and there were lots of matching pillows artfully strewn across the duvet.  There was a small dresser to put my clothes in and a small closet in the far corner.  The room was painted white and the ceiling had intricate crown moulding.  The room was beautiful; something that you would expect to see in a magazine.

Saturday morning dawned warm and sunny.  I woke listening to the now unfamiliar sound of traffic and mused at how much had happened in such a short time.  The four of us got organized, had breakfast and headed out to shop.  Our first stop was a shop called Nina’s; it was very up town and the dresses were amazing.  Lizzy, Cassie and I all found our prom dresses there and Katie purchased a few beautiful evening gowns for future functions.

Our next stop was the Yorkdale Mall which had a variety of different shops.    We split up, Katie and Cassie went off together and Lizzy and I went searching for new bathing suits.  Lizzy bought three amazing suits and I even found exactly what I was looking for, with her help of course, I had been looking through the racks of bathing suits becoming more unsure of myself as I scrutinized each new suit.

“Lizzy what should I get? I want something Alex will like,” I asked pleadingly.  Lizzy laughed at me,

“But, he’s my brother!” she laughed, completely amused at my obvious distress. 

            “And you know him better than anyone.  He hasn’t even kissed me yet.  I could use all the help I can get.” I said pleadingly.  She smiled knowingly and nodded.

            “Wow, he really does like you.  So do you want to be a bit on the modest side or do you want to drive him and all the other guys’ crazy?” she asked with a wicked smile. 

            “Drive him crazy” I replied.  And so we went through everything in the store to find the best combination.  I left the store with two bikinis, a tankini, and a one piece suit.  I also got a couple swim suit wraps.

“Lizzy, is your brother always a gentleman?” I asked. 

“Yes, why?” she replied looking at me curiously.

“Well, we sleep in the same room and I know he won’t touch me without my consent, but I’m a bit confused to be honest.  Is not sleeping beside someone just as intimate as drinking their blood?” I searched her face with questioningly. 

“Well, yes, but he’s bending a bit.  He would rather be with you where he can watch over you.  With you staying with us he’s trying to be as honourable as possible but it’s hard for him.  He wants more, but he doesn’t think you’re ready and he won’t do more until he’s sure you’re ready, which includes kissing or sharing blood.  I know he’s being ridiculous but that’s him.  He’ll hold you while you sleep which is a big indulgence on his part, and I know he’s beating himself up for it.  But other than that, I think you’re going to have to make the first move,” Lizzy shrugged and smiled. 

“He loves you though, and I know you feel the same for him.  So don’t worry we’ll figure things out.”

I thought about what Lizzy had told me, but I still had questions.

“When did Will first bite you?” I asked quietly, not sure if I should be asking her that particular question. 

“Well, we didn’t start doing that until after we kissed.  It’s an amazing feeling.  We don’t do it very often, but when we do it’s like your whole world lights up and everything is beautiful. You can feel each other’s soul,” Lizzy replied almost dreamily.  Now I understand that to bite someone was a very intimate act; almost as intimate as sex, and very possibly more so, but at least I was able to understand Alex better now.  His sister was my also best friend and I knew she would never tell me something that was not true.

Lizzy and I continued shopping, walking around the mall, talking almost nonstop to each other and popping into stores that caught our interest.  We had a blast and at the arranged time we met Katie and Cassy by Bath and Body Works.  We had all been shopped out.  Exhausted and happy we went back to Katie’s place and ordered in food.   We showed each other our purchases and modelled some of the outfits too. I went upstairs to pack up all my new clothes, I packed my bags leaving out what I was going to wear home tomorrow on the dresser and Lizzy and I were both asleep almost as soon as our heads hit the pillow.  Of course my peaceful sleep was not to last as that night the dreams returned with a vengeance.

 

            I was standing in the clearing, the air cool on my face and the sun was just starting to rise turning the sky those soft early morning shades of purple and pink.  The birds were singing their greetings to the coming sun and the trees swayed gently in the breeze.  Suddenly, everything went silent.  The birds became still, the cool breeze faded away and I felt a growing sense of foreboding.  I looked slowly around the clearing spotting dark figures emerging one by one from the trees. 

            “So, I finally have you, my mysterious daughter.  You who were kept hidden from me,” a deep ominous sounding voice hissed. 

            “No longer will you be able to run from me.  You are mine and you will do as I say” the voice commanded.  I was paralyzed as he approached me, reaching me quickly.  His cold hand lifted my chin and all I saw were blood red eyes.

 

            I screamed jerking awake, hyperventilating and soaked in sweat.  I gasped for breath trying to calm as I realized where I was.  I wrapped my arms around my drawn in knees and began rocking back and forth trying to calm my breathing.

“Anna!! What’s wrong?” Lizzy asked as she burst through the door.  I was shaking so bad I couldn’t even speak.  I looked at her, the panic evident in my eyes as I struggled to compose myself.   Katie and Cassy were by Lizzy’s side in seconds. 

“What’s wrong with her?” Katie turned to Lizzy. 

“Nightmare,” I gasped. “So real.”

“Anna, was it the same dream as before, or is this one different?” Cassy asked.

“Different this time,” I gasped, finally catching my breath, although my thoughts were too disjointed to tell them everything. 

“Try to remember everything Anna, it is very important,” Lizzy looked at me worriedly as she sat down on the side of my bed.  She caught my fluttering hands in hers and held them, lending me her strength.  I relaxed and let the vision return, empowered by the strength and kindness from Lizzy, Cassy and Katie. 

“It was dawn, the sky was starting to change and it was glowing purple and pink.  It was cool, the birds stopped singing and the dark figures came out from the trees. One of them spoke to me, told me that I had to do what I was told and that I could not run from him anymore.  He touched me, it was so cold.  He claimed me and I was powerless to stop it,” I shook as I recalled my dream. 

“Who spoke to you?” Katie asked. 

“My father,” I whispered.  I grasped Lizzy’s hands tightly, fear evident in my eyes as I looked at her, Katie and Cassy. 

“I’m scared Lizzy, I’m really scared.  What if I really don’t have a choice?  What if I’m doomed to a life of servitude?  Forced to do things that I don’t want to do?” my voice quivered as I spoke. 

“We’ll think of something Anna,” Lizzy said reassuringly and put her arm around my shoulders.  I looked down at my hands tightly clasped in my lap and nodded as the tears finally spilled over. 

“Let’s pack up ladies, we should head home. I think Anna would feel more comfortable there,” Katie stated.  I looked at her with sad eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause such trouble.” 

“Anna, you’re like a daughter to me and I do not want to see you so sad.  I want you to be safe and happy, and right now you need to be with Alex.  I can see how much the two of you depend on one another.  You’re like an extension of each another.  I haven’t seen a bond like what you two have since the twins were born.  Also, you need to remember that you’ve let down most of your protective barriers since you saved Alex and this may be why this dream was so overwhelming for you,” she said softly looking at me with her eyes full of ancient wisdom.  She sat on the edge of the bed and placed her hand on my knee and looked at me with the love a mother would show her daughter.  I remembered that look, and the tears started flowing faster.  I leaned into Katie wanting nothing more than to be comforted by my mother.  Katie wrapped her arms around me and held me until I was finished.  She ran her fingers through my hair which was also something my mother had done.  I felt like a little girl again, comforted and safe and sound.  I knew she would never let anything bad happen to me.

“Thank you Katie, I miss her so much,” I choked emotionally.  For the first time since my mother had died I let go of all my pent up emotions.  Everything I had been hiding behind that protective wall came spilling out. 

“Let it all out dear, you’re safe.  He won’t get you tonight or any night that we’re on watch,” she whispered lovingly and fiercely.  I nodded against her shoulder as the sobs kept coming. 

“If you want to talk about it, we’ll listen,” Katie said in a soothing voice while stroking my hair with her hand.  I pulled away and curled up on the bed, placing my head in Katie’s lap.  I took three deep slow breaths and grabbed a pillow to hold.  I had never told anyone this story before and it was hard for me.  The only thing I had ever said to James was that I had seen my mother’s death and I didn’t know what to do because of my father’s extensive connections.  I closed my eyes, strengthened by Katie’s nearness and loving touch.  I began slowly.

“My mom and I were living in New Mexico in a small town called Las Cruises.  The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm every day and I was in middle school. It was a Wednesday and I was on my way home for lunch because Mom and I usually had lunch together every Wednesday.  It was our tradition, and we always had the same thing. We would go to a little restaurant in Old Mesia and have pecan encrusted chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette with strawberry shakes for dessert.  After lunch we would walk in the town square looking at silver jewellery and then she would take me back to school for fourth period,” I smiled softly at the memory.

“When I arrived at our apartment that particular Wednesday the door had been kicked in.  I took my cell phone out like my mother had instructed me to do if anything like this should happen and turned on the camera.  She told me to use the camera in video mode so that I could see around the corner and film as much as possible.  I was so scared, but followed her instructions, remembering all the warnings and information she had given me.  I used the phone and peeked around the corner.  I didn’t see anything at first, so I crept inside quietly staying close to the wall.  Then I heard hear her pleading with someone in the family room.  I moved the phone to the edge of the opening so I could see her.  She was on her knees, she had blood on her tear streaked face and her hair was all messed up.  I saw a tall man with dark hair, jade green eyes and darkly tanned skin standing in front of her.  Two other men were holding her so she couldn’t move.  The tall man in front of her had a gun pointed at her head.  He demanded to know where I was and she said she would never give me up.  She looked at him vehemently and stated that she would never let his family control her baby.  He was furious and hit the side of her face with the butt of his gun.  I heard a horrible crunching sound and noticed her jaw was now hanging at an awkward angle.  He yelled at her that he had a right to know his own daughter.  It was then I realized that the vicious man looming over my mother with the jade green eyes was my biological father.  My heart was beating so fast I could barely breath, My mom just shook her head defiantly and looked at him fiercely, I don’t know how she did it with her jaw like that, but she spoke low and evenly, ‘My daughter knows how to take care of herself.  She will survive if you kill me, make no mistake about that.  You’ll never find her. You will never be able to make your claim’ There was venom in her slurred voice as she glared defiantly up at him.  He looked like he was going to blow after that, he was so angry.  He shot her in the head, in his anger and then realized that he hadn’t gotten the information from her that he wanted.  He screamed in frustration, and kicked her inert body while his men cowered in fear.  I was able to see that the only clue he had was a current picture of me with brown hair and brown eyes.  I quietly crept back out of the apartment and hid were my mom had told me to.  She had back up plans for back up plans. You see, my mother was very thorough even though I didn’t fully understand why she was the way she was. 

That morning my mom had been acting weird.  She had gone to her room and grabbed the slouch pouch from her night stand and put it on me.  I didn’t want to go to school because she was scaring me.  She told me that if anything were to happen to her that I was to read the letter in the pouch and do what it said.  She told me where to hide and to stay there until it was safe and then get moving.  That afternoon I read the letter I found and I followed her instructions to another apartment on the other side of town.  I grabbed the bags that were waiting for me on the table and reread the first letter.  I followed all of her instructions knowing that my safety depended on it.  I ended up in New York staying with her friend Stacy whom she had known since they were kids.  My mom had told me about Stacy and how they had played together every summer in a small beach town in Canada called Sauble Beach.  But I knew my safety wouldn’t last.  My father found traces of me once again, and that’s when I saw Stacy being followed by a mysterious woman and I got into a fight in an alley with two of my father’s goons.  They managed to rough me up pretty good but I left that alley on my feet, while they were on the ground.  So, I did what I had to and erased my existence from Stacy’s life.  I did that to protect her, I don’t know if it worked but I hope it did.  My mom had left me another letter to read when I felt threatened again.  I followed her instructions to the letter, just like last time. And, well , you know the rest of the story,” I said sadly.  Lizzy and Cassy looked at me sadly as I slowly sat up.  I hugged the pillow tightly to my chest trying not to cry anymore.  I could feel that hot lump in my chest and throat which meant that the tears were there.  I sighed and closed my eyes.  Telling them everything had been mentally exhausting, but it also felt good to finally share with people who truly loved me. 

“Lizzy, can you hand me that bag?” I asked quietly. She nodded as she reached for it and handed it to me.  I opened a small side pocket and pulled out a cell phone which I immediately handed to Katie.  Her eyes widened as she realized what I was giving her.

“Will you get this to the right people for me?” I asked her sadly.  She nodded, anger and determination filling her beautiful eyes.

“He won’t get way with this,” she growled.  She sounded very scary at that moment; Katie didn’t sound human anymore, instead her voice sounded predatory.

“Ok ladies, we need to get on the road.  I have to discuss something with Max as soon as possible and I can’t do it over the phone,” Katie said, her voice normal once again.  She bounded to her feet in an instant. 

“I just have to get dressed and go to the washroom,” I told her.  She nodded and was immediately out the door of my room and heading downstairs.  Cassy hugged me tightly.

“I’m so sorry you had to witness your mother’s murder.  You are the strongest person I’ve ever met.  I want you to know that I think of you as a little sister, you’re family.  I know you’ve let your walls down and we will do everything in our power so that you don’t have to put them up again.  Believe me when I say that we will find a way to stop him,” Cassy said with such emotion I choked up and thought the tears would start again.

“Thank you Cassy.  I look at you as the sister I wish I could have had growing up,” I whispered to her smiling weakly. Lizzy enveloped me in a hug.

“Get dressed, I’ll stay with you,” she said with so much feeling I felt strangely compelled to do what I was told.  I nodded and quickly got dressed and went to the washroom to brush my hair and teeth.  My hair was a mess so I just pulled it up into a ponytail. 

Lizzy was at the top of the stairs with my bags in one hand and holding out her other hand to me. We exchanged a meaningful glance as I took her hand without a word and we descended the stairs.  Minutes later we were in the car and heading home.  The exhaustion of spilling my guts had finally caught up with me and I fell asleep to the hum of the road.