Chapter 4
Home
"Faye dear, wake up." Whimpering, I opened my eyes to find Allister smiling down at me through a small gap in between Blaise's large furry demonic arms. I awoke with a start, and quickly turned to Blaise to find that he was unconscious, but his heart still fluttered in his chest, no matter how many holes there were in it. "Faye, you'll have to crawl out from under him, he won't budge an inch away from you."
Nodding, I tried to pry myself from his deadlock grasp, slipping my body underneath his heavy arms. He was very stubborn, even as he lay there unconscious. It was sweet that he loved me so much, but at times like this, it almost seemed like too much. Perhaps it would have been better if he wasn't on his death bed.
As I freed the upper half of my body, Allister took hold of my arms, pulling the rest of myself free. I greeted him with a hug, looking at him as he studied Blaise. "Hector, would you rather take his head or his feet?"
Turning to look around Allister, I noticed another man with him. I was fairly certain I had met this man before, his kind eyes greeting me as he shook my hand. "A pleasure to see you again Faye. I think I'd rather take the feet, when he comes to and he finds Faye gone, I want to be as far as I can possibly be from that mouth."
"He doesn't bite that hard," I giggled, trying to pick up the light hearted mood.
Allister grimaced, going to Blaise's shoulders. "Yeah, yeah, joke all you want. But if he does wake up, I'm dropping his furry ass and finding this little girl here for protection." I laughed as the two men tried to adjust the large demon between the two of them so that they could move him.
Tipping my head, I examined the odd sight. "How are you going to move him exactly? And what about me?"
Allister sighed, dropping Blaise's upper body to the ground. I flinched as his head rolled back with a thud. "That is a good question, I never thought about you Faye. Well I was thinking we'd just run Blaise to his house as fast as we could so Hector could start working on the wounds. I suppose if you sat on top of Blaise, then maybe we could carry both of you-"
"I'll do it." All three of our heads turned to where Jake emerged from the direction of the road. He was smoking casually, ruffling his hair as he looked at Blaise. He nodded at Allister, taking his time to meet us. "My father wanted me to regretfully inform you that he couldn't come, so I took it upon myself to come. I just hope he isn't mad at me now when he wakes up."
I hugged Jake as he greeted me, throwing his cigaret to the ground, rubbing it out with his food. He smiled at me, ruffling my hair like a child. "I had to bring Travis with me, he wouldn't let me come here by myself."
"You drove here?" I arched an eyebrow, wondering how he had made the trip so quickly.
Jake shrugged his shoulders, looking away. "We were kind of on our way up here for a visit anyway. Travis just had to see you again, but you guys left right away. He would have left on his own, and I could only picture the trouble he'd get into, so I decided to make a road trip out of it."
With a heavy sigh, I glanced at Blaise's limp body. "And today was suppose to be such a happy day."
Allister gave me a wry smile. "Why's that?"
"Maybe Blaise will tell you if you ever do fix him for me," I shrugged. Walking away from all the boys, I headed towards the road. I caught a glimpse of our ruined car in the distance, and I wondered what would be said of it when it was found. Would they find the hand that had fallen in the dirt as well?
The road was visible after only a short distance of walking, and I could see Jake's car parked off to the side of the deserted highway. Travis waved at me, smiling kindly as I made my way to him. I'd been more happy to see him if he hadn't have been smoking.
Flicking my hand towards the stick in his mouth, I voiced my distaste for the habit aloud. "I didn't even know you smoked, nor did I know that you liked a slow death."
"Doesn't it make me look cooler?"
I let out a grunt, shoving him off of the passenger car door. "No, you look like an idiot."
He shrugged his shoulders at me, putting his habit out on the ground and climbed into the back seat as I got into the front. "I'm just a bit stressed, don't worry, I won't make this a permanent habit. I know you don't like it."
I wish he'd stop that, it wouldn't make me feel so bad. He should hate me for being with someone else, not still fawn over me. Travis was someone I could grow old with, talk for hours on end with, and have a generally good life. He was my human life, ordinary as ordinary can get. I'm not sure why I chose to let that all go, but I guess I'm just finally ready to fly. Let me fall and I'll spread my wings and fly away.
Jake got into the car soon after us, turning it on and taking off without a word. There was so much unspoken between the three of us, and I couldn't help but feel out of place. These two were best friends, and I was the one standing in the middle of their two separate worlds.
"Maybe the two of you should stay at a hotel until," I began but quietly died off when I realized that I had no idea what Travis thought of the situation Blaise and I were in. Maybe he thought Blaise left me on the side of the road, even though he'd never do such a thing.
Jake nodded, turning the radio on. "Yeah, we'll do that. I'll just drop you off and when Blaise gets home you can just give us a call and let us know when we come over. He's probably already half way done with fixing your car." I was glad Jake picked up on my dilemma. In the back Travis just scoffed at the idea and stared out his window.
Travis shook his head, rolling his window up so that the constant howl of wind ceased. "No, how about you just turn this car around so that we can get Faye away from that prick. I'm not sending her back to her doom."
"Doom? Travis, I don't know what you're thinking, but Blaise would never harm me. And do you know how mad he'd get if you were to do something like that? Why don't you just go home? Go home and leave me alone. I'm sorry if I led you on, but I don't like you anymore than that of a friend. You'll never take Blaise's place in my heart, so go home because you are wasting your time." I watched his face carefully in the side mirror, his expression growing dark and furious as he digested my words.
Jake was trying his best to ignore the situation, driving quietly. But Travis on the other hand could not let things die. "That man is a monster! Is he threatening you? Is that why you're staying with him? Jake and I can take care of that real quick if that's the case."
"It's not the case!" I turned in my seat to glare at him. "Why can't you just understand that I love him? He would do anything for me, he would love me no matter what I did. Sometimes it's best just to let the things you love most go, because if they truly love you in return, they'll come fluttering back."
He grew deathly quiet, perhaps realizing I would not come fluttering back.
"I know what he is," Travis muttered in anger. I stared at his angry face wide eyed before I was thrown harshly back into my seat belt as Jake threw on the brakes.
A demon in blood lust is something I can spot very easily, for Blaise seems to fly off the handle at every little thing. But seeing this pure rage on Jake did not seem fitting. I had always thought of Jake as a nice boy, one who would never get mad; but here he was in a fit of rage. Leaning back against the glass window, I stared at Jake with fear. He wasn't swore to protect me at all costs, and in his state I'm not sure if he'd even remember there was a fragile human next to him.
Flaring his teeth, Jake growled lowly. "I told you to keep your fucking mouth shut. This is a very serious matter, and I can still kill you. She said that she doesn't want you, so why don't you listen? She's mated to one of the most powerful demons in the world, and if you keep walking this thin line, not even I can save you. So sit in the back seat like a good little boy and keep your god damn mouth shut."
Neither Travis nor myself dared to speak, Jake's eyes flashing between the two of us. The color in Travis' face was now gone, his flesh a sickly pale tone. Sinking into my seat, I looked out the windshield window, trying to ignore the tense situation. The car began to move shortly after Jake's outburst, and none of us spoke again until we reached our destination.
- o - O - o -
The house was beyond words, my mind barely comprehending that this way all mine now. It certainly was big, and I wondered what the point of all the space was; how much room could two people truly need? The actual drive leading up to the large white brick house was at least a mile long, a mile too long in my opinion. I didn't care for the million or so bushes or flowers that we passed, knowing very well that we had to have gardeners working daily to keep them in such a condition; nor did I care much for the large ten car garage which could be seen sitting back away from the house. Maybe I just didn't understand the reasoning behind it all; after all, Blaise was far older than me, and he was the one with all the money.
Across from the large doors of the entrance was a fountain, the water trickling quietly as it reflected the sun. On the edge sat Hector, who smiled at our approching car. Jake pulled to a stop before him, letting me jump out. Both boys got out as well, much to my displeasure. I glared at both of them before smiling at the demon I barely knew. He stood, taking my hand and kissing the soft skin. "May I be the first to say that everything is fine now; all your boy needed was a few stitches here and there. I'm sure in a few hours his body will even be able to heal itself once more!"
With a sigh, I turned to the house with a smile. It was a relief to know he'd be okay; I didn't think anything could kill Blaise, and I would rather never be proved wrong. "Is he up?"
Hector shook his head smiling, "No, and good thing too! Why, I'd hate to think of what would happen with you missing! And to tell him you went off with these two fellows, I'm sure he'd blow a few fuses. Our Blaise does have his temper you know." I nodded my head feverishly, knowing just as well that Blaise did have such a problem. We all have our faults, we just have to learn to accept them. No one would hate the Mona Lisa because she was not pretty.
Beside me Travis nudged my arm, drawing my attention to him. My lips turned into a scowl; I didn't want them here. "So, this is your house?"
Rolling my eyes, I took one step away from him. "No, I think I'd consider it more a castle. It's ginormous."
"Faye!" I turned to see Allister waving to me from the front door which was now wide open. He smiled warming at me, waving me in. "Come inside, I'll give you a proper tour while sleeping beauty is incapable of doing so. And let me tell you, I told Blaise to pick out purple curtains for the living room, to give it a more regal look of course, and he goes and picks red. Ruined the whole room in my opinion, but you'll just have to see it. Now come on."
Laughing, I shook my head. Looking at Travis and Jake, I gave them a half smile, my mood not really being soured. "Thank you very much for bringing me here, it was very helpful; however, I think it would be best if you left. As much as I adore the thought of someone trying to be my knight in shinning armor, I really don't need one. Once I would have been more than happy to be with you, but that time has come and gone, I'm sorry Travis." I walked away before I let him respond, before he had a chance to protest. He'd give up eventually, he'd meet a beautiful woman and forget all about me; and then I'd look at his life and know I could have shared it, but I don't think I'll be sad. No, not sad at all.
A year ago if someone were to ask me if I believed in soul mates, I'd laugh in their faces and tell them that they were crazy. We make our own fates. Now though, I don't know if that is so true; otherwise, how else would someone so perfect for me be so attracted to me? But I won't throw that penny away just yet.
Once the door was closed behind us, Allister gave me a disapproving look. "What in the world are those boys doing here? He won't be happy."
"He doesn't need to know, I told them to go home." Looking around, I smiled noticing that it was kept very simple in the rooms that I could see into. The living room was very modern, and the red drapes were beautiful despite the color. "Travis knows that Blaise is a demon, is he allowed to?"
He shrugged his shoulders, directing me towards a large set of stairs. "Yes, he's allowed to know. Jake most likely told him, most demons with human companions tell of their true origins so that they may remain companions. We don't exactly age like normal people."
I scrunched my nose up in distaste. "I hate it when you guys remind me that your centuries old. It's like I'm sleeping with my great great grandfather!"
Laughing to himself, Allister started to walk up the stairs; I followed closely on his heals. "Faye, you're too cute sometimes. I'll have to tell Blaise about how you really think of him. Just be happy that we get to keep our youth; it's only our minds that age." Up and up we went, two floors I counted. "He's in there, but be quiet. I don't want him to wake up yet, I'm still trying to fix the vase I accidentally broke when I was carrying him in."
Grabbing the handle, I turned around and gave Allister a quick hug. Smiling, I closed my eyes and enjoyed our soft embrace; Allister would always be a second father to me. "Thank you for everything." He smiled back, patting my head gently, telling me to go inside. I left him in the hall, knowing very well he was about to go downstairs and probably cook something.
Inside the room I found Blaise in his human form, breathing quietly as he laid on his side. Bandages covered his entire chest, stained with red. Hesitantly, I took one step into the room, closing the door behind me to leave us in dim light. I was surprised to find a large bed; not in the fact that it was large, but it happened to be far smaller than I'd have thought. He probably got the smaller size so he could just make sure I was close every night.
Walking across the soft carpeted floors, I slipped out of my shoes and pants. Leaving them in a pile on the floor, I climbed up onto the bed, carefully laying myself next to Blaise. Kissing his lips softly, I tugged the covers up over us. Closing my eyes, I snuggled closer to him, glad that I could hear his heart beat.
"Welcome home," I muttered into his warm chest. His arms wrapped around me, holding me in place. I felt as though I belonged here; and I never wanted to leave.
- o - O - o -
Waking in a cold sweat, I was relieved to find myself still in one piece. Next to me Faye was sleeping peacefully as her small body clung to me. My hands brushed over the bandages, my fingers finding that my body was finally healing itself. That cursed blade could have been my downfall, I was rather careless about the whole fight. Had I know prior to the battle that my body would be unable to heal itself, I would have never allowed myself to be hit. I sat up slowly, carefully adjusting Faye on the bed. She smiled as I kissed her on the cheek, leaving her to rest. She had a big day, moving to a new home, getting in a car crash, and then to top it all off, seeing me practically dead. There was one more thing, I smiled thinking about it; she was now engaged.
Ripping the bandages from my body, I left the room in search of Allister. The smell of edible food led me to where he was, playing cook in the large kitchen. Leaning on the counter, I looked out the window to see Hector sitting on the deck rail, watching the forest. Through the sliding door, I joined him.
We sat in silence for minutes, both of us thinking our own private thoughts. My eyes flinched as I saw him smirk. "I hope your ego wasn't knocked down a few notches."
Rolling my eyes, I jumped out of my chair, "Don't worry, I'm still a cocky bastard if that's what you wanted to know."
"She was quite worried about you."
Nodding to him, I imagined her soft face. She would be worried about me, even though she had just been through a horrific car crash. She probably deserves to worry about me, since I only worry for her safety. Tapping my fingers against the wood rail, I wondered how she'd feel if she awoke and I was missing. Walking below us on the lawn, I eyed movement. Looking to the spot, I narrowed my eyes in distaste. "Why are they here?"
Hector looked in the direction of my glare, laughing quietly. "You must tell me the back story on your situation with them! Your girl certainly gave them the cold shoulder, telling them to go home."
"I'm going to kill that little bastard," I growled, my fangs growing with my blind rage. The claws scraped against the new wood, leaving deep indents for every finger. "That human," I spat with distaste, "is after my mate. He won't leave her be, and he's getting on my nerves. The only reason he's still living is because Faye is so set against me killing."
The men on the lawn strolled leisurely across the gardens, examining the many statues and flower beds. It took almost all my will to make my demonic attributes disappear. After all, I was marrying Faye now; that boy would never get his hands on her. She was mine, the thought brought a smile to my lips, and I went inside no longer caring if the human was here or not.
Hector took his time wandering in behind me. He slammed the door shut, startling Allister from his busy mixing. They both now stared at me, watching my every move. I ran my fingers through my hair, frowning as I began to think of words to begin. "I was attacked with an enchanted sword, by two demons that I did not recognize. One is dead, the other fled with his life, and unfortunately, the sword as well."
"So it wasn't your brother?" Hector tapped his fingers against the counter, watching my every move.
I shook my head and took a seat at the counter. "No, I'm positive it wasn't him. My brother wants me on his side of this little war he's making, he wouldn't kill me before I said no. These two were just after status; killing the powerful to make themselves powerful. Without the sword they would have nothing."
Holding my head in my hands, I let out a frustrated sigh. "I just wish the day would have turned out better. This isn't how I want to remember it."
Allister laughed, passing us a plate of cookies. "Well she loved the house, if that means anything to you."
"And the red drapes?" I laughed as his eyes narrowed at me; he turned away without another word. She liked them, I smiled thinking to myself.
Hector cleared his throat, rising to his feet. "You must excuse me gentlemen, I have business to attend to." He faced me with regret, and I immediately sobered up to the serious situation he was creating. "I have to pick up Brinestone from the airport, and drive him back here." Growling, I arose to my feet; my mind was on my mate sleeping peacefully upstairs. Hector backed up slowly, knowing very well my anger was out of hand at the moment, as it should be. "Now, now, calm down Blaise. I had to call him and tell him of the new information on this matter. I was only giving information, but he insisted on visiting you himself."
Clenching my fists, I narrowed my eyes at him. "If you bring him here I'll kill you."
"You know he's going to come here, he's even going to want to have a place to stay. Don't get mad at me, both of you can kill me; I just so happen to trust you more not to carry through with the action. Really Blaise, it won't be that bad; and he'd find out about your mate eventually." Snarling in anger, I stood from the counter stool, pushing it back so that it toppled over to the ground. The others backed away, giving me space. Hector was the first one to move, shaking his head and leaving the room. My anger did not settle though, it prickled the skin on my back, urging my body to release my other half.
The only thoughts swirling in my brain were of murder; whether or not I wanted to acknowledge it, Brinestone would kill Faye. My options were scarce; I'd just have to kill him first. Part of me, the rational side, was telling myself that I was over reacting, that I was letting my brother's fair warnings get to me.
Upstairs I could hear movement, breaking me out of my blind rage. At a glance, Allister looked calmer now as well. It wouldn't be fair to hide her; she had just gotten here. "Tell the chef to prepare a large dinner for at least ten, I'm not sure how many are coming yet." Turning, I left the room quickly with trust that Allister could do such a simple task.
- o - O - o -
Awoke from sleep, I was startled to find myself all alone in the room. It was such a typical thing for Blaise to do; he always had things to do. He claims it's because that way he can spend more time with me when I'm awake, but I really don't like waking up alone anymore. At least this meant he was better now.
Getting up off the bed I wandered around the room, examining the other trinkets in the room. There was a door propped open next to the grand bathroom showing off several racks of woman's clothing. Curiosly, I stepped in and looked at what he had gotten me. It was all beautiful, silks, cotton, dresses, shirts; I didn't know where to begin. I simply tossed my old clothing to the side and picked something off the rack and slipped it over my head, a small pink dress.
"Darling," Blaise called from the other room, his voice rough. I had to wonder what had made him so upset this early in the day. Walking into the bedroom I saw him sprawled out across the bed. "Do you like it?"
Smiling, I skipped over to him, plopping myself down on his chest. "It's too much. What are the two of us going to do with all this space?" Running my hands over his rough face, I grinned as he changed our positions, placing me below him.
"I'm sure we can think of a few things." His impish grin sent goosebumps up and down my skin, and I needed him to rub them all away.
His eyes seemed to be so far away, my mind reeling with answers. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I yanked him down to my face so that I could kiss him.
He smiled as he bit my lower lip, locking eyes with me. "Such a kitten."
"Tell me what's wrong Blaise," I purred, mimicking the same tone he'd used on me many times before. Blaise sat up, pulling me up with him. "Are there really things you can't tell me still? That you have to keep secret?" My eyes began to water at the thought. What a life that would be; if he knew everything, and I only knew what he wanted.
He shook his head. "I don't keep secrets from you darling, it's just," he paused. He stood up abruptly, running his fingers through his hair. "There's a complication. I don't want to ruin your first day here, but it seems fate had other plans. If only those bastards wouldn't have attacked us." He was muttered as he began to pace before me.
Getting up, I wrapped my arms around him to hold him in place. "It's okay Blaise, things don't have to be perfect all the time."
He smiled, playing with my hair. "No, no they don't." He took my hand and pulled me away from our room, leading me towards the large stair case I had first come up. "A powerful demon is coming here, he's a bastard and we're not on the best terms. If he wished to, he could have you killed probably. I told you before of how the elders frown upon mating with humans. We really wouldn't have any problems, but he has a daughter who is unfortunately still single. If I were to change my bachelor life style, she'd be the one her father would want me to mate to."
"What's her name?" I asked, careful not to trip on any of the stairs.
He looked at me with a smile. "Olivia, and yes, she is pretty. But she'd never be my mate, she'd never be able to hold my heart; it's already yours." I wanted to ask if he'd slept with her before, but I really didn't care. Over the centuries, I think things like sex lose their meaning. Right now, he only has eyes for me anyway. It's sometimes scary how I've grown so accustomed to his odd ways of life.
Through the windows on the front wall I could see Jake's car still parked outside. I hoped Blaise didn't kill them; I may be mad at them, but they were still my friends. After exploding at Travis I would have thought he would have gone home, but maybe he's just stupid.
"I think I want a winter wedding."
Blaise paused at the bottom of the stair case, staring forward into space. "Winter, that's not long away at all."
"Half a year," I smiled, looking at him. I'd have it sooner, I wanted it sooner; but the snow would be a lovely theme to be married in. Glass window of a ballroom would show the fluttering flakes as they fell peacefully from the sky; all the while, Blaise and I would dance merrily in the middle of the golden room.
He cleared his throat, pulling me towards part of the house I had yet to venture in. "We'll start planning right away, but perhaps you should tell Allister. He'll probably want to know. Maybe you can call your friend Allegra." I smiled, hugging him. "And your parents of course, your mother will want to brag about our engagement to everyone!"
Smiling with glee, I kissed his cheek. "Thank you for being so perfect."
A/N: So I guess everyone loved the cliff hanger from last chapter! I think I'll do that again next time for everyone! This time I just gave a sweet little one line to end off. I liked this chapter for some odd reason, even though there wasn't much going on at all. Brinestone will show up next chapter, and don't say goodbye to Travis and Jake just yet. Allegra won't show up much, but she'll make a brief appearance next chapter. So now I'll leave the rest to your imaginations for now... until next time! Thanks for reviewing, they really do brighten my day.
