Amaranthine (Willow Shadows Book 1) (19 page)

CHAPTER 21

W
alking up the driveway, Luke quickly placed his hands over her face, blocking her view from seeing anything. Grabbing his hands she tried to move them, but he whispered in her ear, “Happy Birthday, Khally I hope you like it.”

She shuffled forward as he steered her in the direction he wanted her to go, walking for what seemed like minutes until they came to a halt. Light drizzle fell upon her face as rain began to pour down. Luke removed his hands from her eyes to reveal a sleek black Range Rover Evogue with a huge crimson bow fastened to the hood of the vehicle. Shock rocked over her face and for the first time, Khalida was completely speechless.

Josephine strolled from behind the fabulous, unexpected birthday gift with a sneaky smile resting on her lips. “I think the cat got her tongue, son,” she laughed softly.

“I do believe your right, Mother. It’s a first for her. She is completely shell shocked,” he winked as Khalida’s gaze fell upon his enlightened stare.

“I can’t believe this. It’s way too much,” she spoke in disbelief.

“Nothing is too much when it comes to you. You have to take it. You have no choice. The title is in your name and you’ll soon see that it’s not really my style,” Luke spoke with pride and a glint in his eyes with the same dancing twinkle that always seemed to mesmerize and take all her senses. He could sense her unease at such a gift. “Go check it out, okay? Mom and me just wanted to make this birthday as special as we could, plus you could use a new car,” he playfully demanded.

Khalida suspected he was worried that she would not like it, but how could she not? She ran her fingertips across the hood, letting them slide over to the door. Opening the door, she climbed in, clapping her hands in excitement like a little kid at Christmas. Luke leaned against the door, propping one arm on top of the door, resting his forehead in the crook of his bent arm. “You ready to take me for a drive?” his amusement replaced with his all too enduring restless confidence. “I had them install me an ‘Oh, shit handle’ on the passenger’s side,” he said, taking a cheap shot at Khalida’s driving.

“Hey, Vampire! I got mad driving skills. Just because I don’t drive around like you, that doesn’t make me a bad driver. As matter of fact, I’m a lot better driver than you. I go the speed limit, and I’ve only had three accidents, and those were not my fault. I’ve never ran into a truck or a house, unlike someone I know, Jerkface. ”

“You make a good points, but Toot, my love, I’ve never ran a car off the cliff. You’re a magnet for disaster,” he chuckled under his breath as he walked around the car and slid next to her, instantly sending butterflies scattering through her stomach. “I had them customize the inside for you. Do you like it?” he flashed a halfcocked smile waiting for Khalida’s reply.

Khalida couldn’t believe her eyes. The interior was black with a hot pink accent color on the side doors and the seat. “You had them add the hot pink didn’t you?” she softly asked. Thinking back, she remembered one of their first conversations when she was new to this school. He wanted to know her favorite color.

“I remember everything about you,” he said slyly.

There was no doubt he had poured himself in the detail of the car, adding a GPS and DVD player and making sure even the lighting to the digital gauges was hot pink. Wetness threatened to pour down her face as she was overcome with happiness.

“I love it! I can’t believe you went all out like this for me,” she said as sadness peeked through her voice.

“Please don’t cry,” Luke grumbled while he gently scooted closer.

Overwhelming emotion of happiness and sadness swept through her mind. She was happy that Luke was so thoroughly thoughtful with her birthday and overwhelmed with sadness knowing that her mom wouldn’t be here for her birthday.

Brushing her cheek with his fingertips, he cupped her chin in his hand as he pulled her in for a kiss, tenderly placing his arm around her sagging shoulders, “Khally, we can just go in and go for a drive later when you feel up to it,” he softly murmured in her ear.

Sighing loudly, not willing to give in to her defeat, she placed her hand on his cheek with a playful slap, “Not a chance, Baby. I want to watch you squeeze that ‘oh, shit handle’!” she said, laughing harshly as a look of despair washed over his face before he burst into laughter as she put the truck in drive rolled down the driveway and into the street.

A few shops and hours later, Luke and Khalida were on their way home after a seemingly peaceful afternoon. Pulling up to the house and getting out of the car, she ran around and jumped into Luke just as planted his feet firmly on the ground before she bounced on him like a kangaroo. He twirled her through the air before both of them tumbled forward, landing on the ground. Luke positioned himself on top of Khalida, as she buried herself underneath his body, stealing a quick kiss and leaving lingering thoughts of the kiss flashing over her face before he jumped to his feet.

“We should really work on your clumsiness, girl,” Luke said as he held his arm out to help her up.

Grabbing his arm, she let him effortlessly wisp her to her feet and into his arms, “I love you,” she quietly said before burying her face deep within chest, inhaling his sexy scent and letting it warm over her body, making her desire him even more.

Like that is even possible
.

Luke exhaled; the chuckle bellowing from him only confirmed the knowledge that he was in her head, again. “I really need to work on blocking you out, again,” she said playfully with a failed attempt of pouting her lips.

“Don’t do that. It makes you look like a duck,” he snickered as he grabbed her hand, pulling her into the house, “Ducks are made for hunting.”

“Surprise!”

Khalida jumped back at the sudden noise that boomed from in front of her. Everyone that she loved and a few that she didn’t know were standing in the living room, staring at her, waiting impatiently for her shocked response.

“You threw me a surprise party?” she asked in complete and utter shock while looking around the room to see many of the wait staff and guards, her best friend Vega, Razi, Josephine, Luke’s brothers and little sister. Khalida had a somber realization as her eyes made their way around the room, noticing a big hole where her mother would be standing next to Josephine if she were still here. As sadness welled in her chest, she could feel Luke bend down to whisper something in her ear.

“You may not see her, but she is here,” he murmured.

“I know,” she replied almost on cue, “thank you all so much. I love this,” streams of wetness threatened to flow down her face, but before Khalida could wipe them away, the tears started falling as soon as Vega ran up to her, grabbing Khalida in the tightest hug she could and just left her arms around her best friend.

At that moment, she realized that even though she lost someone she loved dearly, one who was the most important person in her life; she still had people surrounding her that loved her. Khalida thought about these people that she loved and those that she had neglected and pushed away in the moment when she needed them the most….when they needed her the most.

CHAPTER 22

K
halida sat back and watched everyone at the party. She watched her best friend and new love, Razi, smiling at each other and laughing, causing Khalida’s heart to ache at the seemingly innocent gestures on the outside, but on the inside, she could tell that the two of them were just bidding their time until they could be alone. She missed having moments like that with Luke. Khalida withdrew from all those around her, and now more than ever, she wanted the closeness with Luke. She wanted his arms around her making her feel safe. She wanted his kisses and the playful way his eyes danced when he wanted more. She wanted more, and seeing him across the room wasn’t enough.

Luke entertained the guests, all while keeping a watchful eye upon Khalida. He could hear the pull of her heart racing and sensed the need that seemed to radiate from her. Not that he wanted to punish her for being so distant, but he lingered longer than he should have.

Khalida tore her eyes from Luke. She knew by the current coursing through her blood he was aware of her wants. She focused on the faces in the room, most of whom she recognized and were comfortable with but there were a few she didn’t. The vampire society was different then the world she was used to. They were secretive and most of them kept to themselves; however, on this night, it was apparent not all had come out to celebrate the birthday of the “Marked One”. They stared with their eyes ogling out of their heads as they walked by her. Khalida heard many of them whispering under their breaths.

There she is.

She isn’t what I expected.

And of course the shrewd remarks of more than a few Luke hopefuls.

That’s the one he has chosen, and to think he passed me over for that thing.

Fidgeting with her hands, Khalida tried to ignore the awkward stares and jealous comments. She tried to focus on laughing and carrying a conversation about anything but it was hard with all the noise and excitement all around her. She found herself wanting to hide in a corner, but with her friend quickly approaching, she knew that wasn’t an option. Vega wasn’t the type to let Khalida shy away and hide from prying eyes. Grabbing Khalida’s hand, Vega pulled her to her side, but she almost felt nonexistent standing next to her. She was as beautiful as she was graceful
, as she
flowed across the room, dragging Khalida unwillingly towards where Razi and Luke stood. Khalida slowly lifted her eyes from the ground until she met Luke’s glistening steel eyes. At that moment, all the doubts that circled her head dissipated, and she could actually feel herself relaxing. He placed his arm around her shoulders pulling her to him as he softly placed a kiss on the top of her head. Shudders fluttered around her stomach, and she smiled when she realized the butterflies were back in full swing. Her skin twitched with the excitement of his touch as he glided his hands up her back and then softly to her neck, gently massaging some of the tension out. Khalida could feel the stares from the others in the room watching the two of them together. Nervousness ran thick as she tried to ignore all the glares and snickering.

Whispering in her ear, “Have I told you how beautiful you look, tonight?” his thick voice instantly distracting her thoughts.

Khalida smiled softly. Just the sound of his voice made her forget those around.

“No, I do not believe you have. You’re starting to slack on your boyfriend duties,” she challenged him.

“I will have to see about making that up to you, lady,” his lowered voice was more of a harsh whisper.

“Oh, for shits sake! Will you two seriously just get a room? It’s making me sick,” Vega interrupted while giggling with Razi who playfully tried to quiet his date.

“Razi, I believe I told you to keep a muzzle handy when you two started dating?” Luke looked at Vega with a playfully smirk spread across his mouth.

“Khalida?” Vega whined.

“Hey, Babes, you started it. If you can’t finish it, then don’t start it,” Khalida beamed revealing her perfect pearly whites.

Each of them laughed as the night drew on, none of them mentioning the transformation that was about to take place. Tonight was about Khalida, and all she was concerned about was being with Luke and she felt stronger and more confident as the night wore on.

Eventually, she no longer cared who saw and decided to stand on her tippy toes to give Luke a sweet and gentle kiss, confirming to everyone in the room that he was hers. She heard the snorts and disbelieving gasps that ran throughout the room. The gasping got louder as Luke returned her gentle kiss with more need. He wanted her, and everyone in the room knew it as well.

“You had me a long time ago, Khally. You’ve always had me,” he said playfully trying to shake off the want that had suddenly overcome him.

As innocently as Khalida could project, she managed a playful smile, “Why, Lucas, I just do not know what you are talking about.”

“You are the only one I see in this room,” he grabbed her chin, softly sweeping his lips across hers, instantly sending shocks of electricity running back through her blood.

“You always know what to say, don’t you?”

“Oh, seriously! Now you two really need to get a room or at least some privacy,” Vega famously adding her two cents.

Razi decided at this point to add his as well, “Seriously, Luke. Dude, you’re making me look bad,” he laughed.

“You don’t need any help on that part, Raz, you make yourself look bad all the time. I’m just trying to make you step your game up,” a sly smile formed at the edges of Luke’s full lips.

Luke grabbed Khalida’s arm, dragging him away from the crowd. Stepping outside under the moonlight, they swayed to the subtle tunes of
Breath Me by Sia
. “This is the most amazing night I’ve had in a long time,” she whispered.

Luke just wrapped his arms around her tighter as they rocked back and forth. “I wish we could stay like this forever,” he said hoarsely.

“What’s going to happen to me?” she asked nervously.“Will it be painful?”

Sighing, he loosened the hold he had on her. “Everyone is different, Khally. Some experience pain while others do not, and some make it while others don’t. You have already started the transition and haven’t had much pain so I think it’s safe to say you’re going to be fine.”

Ignoring the rest of what he continued with, Khalida found herself mesmerized by the sound of his heart. Pushing her ear to his heart, she wrapped herself around him, not willing to let him go. Suddenly, she shifted her attention to another sound that was drawing her in and drowning out the sound of his heart beating … his blood.

The sound of his blood rushing calling her to the crease of his neck where his beat pulsated loudly, calling for her attention. Instinctively, she poised herself closer to his tall frame, placing her hand behind his neck, carefully pulling him to her. He let out a soft sexy growl as her teeth broke his skin and began to suckle what was hers
.

Mine.

A soft whimper escaped from Khalida as he pulled her wrist to his mouth and possessively began to take what was his. He didn’t take more than he needed only a few minutes passed before he pulled away licking her marks, sealing them closed. He let Khalida take her time, holding onto her tightly not daring to pull away. Sliding her tongue over the wound she mimicked the sealing of the bite that Luke had done to her. Pulling away, she buried her face to hide the redness that was now flowing through her cheeks. She was embarrassed. For the second time, she took a bite out her boyfriend with no warning.

Luke chuckled. “It’s natural, Khalida. You shouldn’t get embarrassed by doing something that comes to you by instinct.”

“Never let me go,” she said, lifting her head to look into his eyes.

“Not as long as I live,” was his only response.

A deep wave of weariness flooded over her all the sudden. Khalida could feel her knees buckling as sleep weighed heavy on her mind. Luke picked her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs to his room. Draping her arms around his neck, she yawned, struggling to stay awake. When he placed her in his bed, the last thing she remembered was Luke removing her shoes and pulling the covers over her as she drifted off to sleep.

Khalida could hear Josephine enter the room but was unable to open her eyes. “How’s she doing?” she asked with such concern in her voice that Khalida wanted to respond, but she couldn’t force her mouth to part or voice to speak.

“I think she’s doing okay, Mother,” Luke said, his voice sounded weary, “not too many signs of pain.”

Khalida drifted into a deep sleep surrounded by darkness. Like before in her past dreams, she was in the middle of nowhere surrounded by the night.

“I know you’re here!” she screamed into the darkness, “I can feel you. What do you want?” she bellowed into the night.

“You,” a low repulsive hiss echoed through the air.

“Well, that’s just not an option,” Khalida replied smugly.

Braedon stepped out of the shadows with his coal black eyes eerily staring at her. Instantly sending chills throughout her body, her arms and legs quickly covered with goose bumps.

“You took something from me,” Braedon said with grim confidence, “and now I want you. Her life for yours, and in return I won’t kill your lover.”

Anger coursed through her. “We both know you’re no match for him,” she taunted.

“I thought you might be resistant to my demands so I have a little back up. You either come to me tonight, or I kill your sister,” he snarled, snapping his fangs with a malicious smile.

Chills replaced her anger. He found her sister, and she knew from the cold blooded look on his face he wasn’t playing. He had her sister.

“She has nothing to do with this. Leave her alone,” Khalida growled loudly.

“Oh, but you see, she does. She is simply a means to an end for me. You come take her place, and I let her go. If you do not show up, I will kill the last living family member you have.”

As he turned to walk off, he looked back over his shoulder and with a snarl said, “You know where to find me,” he said simply as he slithered away into the darkness.

Coming out of her sleep, she could hear voices in the distance. “We don’t know what powers she will possess,” Josephine’s voice was soft and fragile. “She needs her rest, and so do you. I’ll keep my eye on her. Why don’t you go lay down in one of the guest rooms? You’re no good to her worn out,” she commanded.

Khalida heard the door creak open and shut quietly. She knew that Luke decided to check on her one more time before deciding to listen to his mother. She debated on what she was going to do right then. Luke was exhausted and wiped out, in no condition to fight. Neither was she. Her body hurt as pain shot through her chest making her cry out.

It was a soft cry but loud enough the bedroom door flew open as Luke rushed in. Hurting and trying to ignore the pain, Khalida didn’t know what to say. She stared at Luke’s handsome face as she contemplated her next move. Should she risk it all by keeping secrets, again or tell him? She knew by looking into his eyes if she kept this from him, she risked the chance of losing him completely. If she wanted to be with him, she knew at that moment she had to tell him…and that meant telling him everything. Khalida took a deep breath and before Luke could say anything, she began to tell him about how Braedon can enter her dreams, how when her soul left her body she could talk to her mom and the story she told about Ann Marie and her death. She kept talking, pouring her heart out about her biological mother, sister and her dreams. By the time she was finished telling Luke everything she had been keeping from him and blocking him from in her mind, tears were streaking down her face and she was sobbing.

Luke sat there on the side of the bed, his face made of stone. He said nothing as he listened and when she started to sob, he did nothing. Khalida could tell he was in deep thought as he studied her face, looking at her from eye to eye. Khalida hesitated to touch him. She knew he was angry, but she just didn’t know how angry he was. Without any warning, a wave hit her as her shields came crashing down and her mind began being explored. Luke was tearing through her memories. Khalida threw her hands up on her head, crying out in pain. She could feel the ripping going through her mind and the sharp intense pain that was traveling through her head.

“Luke, stop it! You’re hurting her!” Josephine snapped, “Her transition isn’t complete.”

“Stop it, Luke, or you’re going to kill her!” she said louder as she went behind Luke and shook him, making him come to the reality of what he just did. Sitting back, Luke turned his head so that he wasn’t facing anyone.

Khalida fell back against the pillow, unable to keep herself up. She heard the door close but didn’t even see Luke get up. Josephine softly caressed her arm with one hand with her other hand on Khalida’s forehead.

“Your still running a little fever, but don’t worry though, that will pass. The most important part is over. You should rest,” she stood to leave but stopped, “Luke will be back when he can get his head clear. He shouldn’t have entered your mind in your weakened state. A bonded male is very protective over their mate. Some can get so mad when their other half has been violated in ways they shouldn’t. Braedon should have never entered your dreams. You should have told us the first time it happened. I can see your reasoning, but to Luke, you were hiding this from him. Lying to him. Don’t worry, get some rest. I will calm him down. He’ll be back in a few minutes,” she assured, gracefully walking out of the room. Khalida closed her eyes, and once again, she was asleep.