Eden's Mark (11 page)

             
The small meadow was surrounded by white variegated rock that rose high into the sky, reflecting the moonlight onto the candy-colored plants that grew throughout. A stream of clear water bubbled and babbled its way through the meadow until it disappeared into the rock on the other side. The aqua grass was satiny and made the ground look like a sea. I inhaled the intoxicating aroma of strange flora around me.

             
“What do you think? I come here often when I need to clear my head, or just be alone.”              

Gregor caress
ed a small fuchsia colored bloom.

             
“It’s unreal, amazing. How did you ever find this place?” I was in awe. This was the first thing that came close to nirvana for me. My body swayed with the cool breeze and I reacted to the humming from the earth. That familiar thrumming of my birthmark eased me. I felt the healing in this place; I understood why Gregor came here so much.

             
“I was in a dark place when I found this meadow. I had decided I was no longer worthy of this life and jumped into the falls, we are not immortal such as the tales told in your world, we can drown since we breathe air. I was going to let the water take me and hoped I would never return. Fate had other plans.”

             
Gregor turned his attention to the sky. The pain was palpable. “The water pulled me under, twisting and tossing me. The pain in my air starved lungs helped me welcome my watery grave. I was tired of killing my brethren, my friends, those I cared for. I had not the heart to fight anymore. Others would take my place. Others would slay the shadows and I could finally have peace. I gave in to sweet unconsciousness, praying never to wake.”

             
I knew that feeling very well.

             
“Life has a way of changing us. In my unconsciousness, I realized that if I did not fight for the world I wanted, I was no better than the darkness, destroying what I hold dear. When I opened my eyes, I was on land, bruised and beaten, but alive. The vines over the opening shielded me from the harsh rays of the sun, allowing me to remain in the land of the living.” Gregor turned towards me now and we sat next to the brook. He took my hand in his and the glowing aura fell around us illuminating the sea of grass and the talking water.

             
“I once again fell into unconsciousness, thanking our Mother for allowing me to survive. When night fell, I went through the vines to find…this.”

             
His voice hushed, “I couldn’t speak for a long time. Mother Earth filled me with her presence and I dropped to my knees. This place gave me the peace I had longed for, rejuvenating me, telling me to keep fighting. I thanked our Mother for the gift she had blessed me with, and I have been coming back here ever since.” We gazed at each other the melody that he spoke of running through the ground swelling inside me.

             
“I can feel her. This place is so serene. Thank you for sharing this with me. I will treasure this always.” I meant it, too. Knowing what this place meant to him and trusting me with this was more than I could ask for.

             
I dipped my feet in the water and lay back on the grass, rubbing the silky blades with my free hand. My whole body felt sensitized. I soaked in all the sounds and smells, reveling in what Mother Earth had created here, a paradise. As if on cue, vines sprang up from the ground entangling around our hands. Small light green flowers bloomed on tangled vine. The aura cast around us illuminated the flowers making them seem vibrant, like a firefly tail.

             
Astonishment covered his face and he leaned over me with his upper body, still holding my hand. “You are so beautiful, Eden. Everything about you is pure and honest. You see me as more than I am. You fought for me, even though I gave you no reason too.”

             
“I don’t know about that.” With the way I felt right now, pure was not the word I would have picked. “I fought for you because no matter how you felt about me, I cared for you. That day in the woods changed what I thought of my future. You invaded my every sense, Gregor. I fell for you at that moment.”

             
He ran his hand down my cheek and my body heated under his touch. “I don’t want to ever be without you. You are the reason I am still here. I have looked in on you these last seventeen years, for your father. As the years changed, so did you, and my feelings with it. I tried to keep a distance, when you found me in the woods, I felt you, here…” Gregor pointed to his head, “and here.” His finger moved to his heart.

             
“I have tasted the grief that would come if I lost you. I need you with me, Eden; no one will ever be to me what you are. This is the first time I have felt love for anyone.”

             
“Neither have I.” Lying on my back, I squeezed his hand tighter, pushing my energy into him.

             
“I will forever keep you and yours under my protection, to lay down my life if needed, always to keep you safe. I vow this, here, in this sacred place, asking you to accept this pledge. I ask you accept me as yours.”

             
I sat up briskly, unsure of what to do or say. “Gregor, you don’t have to do this. I am not going anywhere. There is no one else I want, only you.”

             
“I want you, Eden, with me only, until our last breath leaves our bodies. I must show you how I feel, which I am not very good at, as you can see.”

             
“I think you are doing just fine.” My blush came instantly and I stared at the water, trying to compose myself.

             
Gregor moved to sit on both knees. He held our clasped hands in front of us. “Eden Lanae Arik, will you accept my pledge to be your warrior, companion, and friend, from now until our Mother Earth claims us back from which we were made? I will make your protection, happiness, and life my first and only priorities. I will spend every waking hour showing you what you mean to me. If you accept this vow, we will be pair-bonded and mated for life. Nothing will be able to remove the bond, once made. You will be my wife, my friend, my soul. The very air I breathe.”

             
Eyes wide, heart racing, breath hitching in my chest. This man was giving his whole world to me. The weight of that broke my resolve and I cried happily.

             
“Yes. Absolutely yes! I love you, Gregor. Your life is just as important to me. I promise to be all you need and more if I can. My heart is yours.”

             
I felt the thread of his essence inside me strengthen and become one with my own energy. Gregor drew me to him and kissed me deep on the lips. My mark exploded with electricity up my arm and through my body. I was sure Gregor felt it too. The current ran in both of us, fueling our desire for each other. I was not afraid of who might see our light, I knew we were well concealed in our meadow.

             
Slowly pulling away from me, “Eden, I will not deny how much I want you, right now, here, in this place that is ours.” I saw that sultry look cross his face and my stomach did back flips.

             
Oh boy. I have wanted this for months, but now that it was a reality, my palms started to sweat.

             
“I…um…you’re the first…” I turned my head in embarrassment. I had never kissed a boy, let alone
been
with one.

             
I heard a chuckle, “Do not be embarrassed. I have not been with any females either. My race mates for life. Once we choose a mate, we are forever tied to each other. This is not something we do lightly; serious repercussions can occur if we choose one we do not love with our whole being.” I looked at him them, realizing the sheer magnitude of what had happened earlier, his oath to me really was forever.

             
“Why me? Are you sure I am the one you really want? I am a mess, people trying to kill me, I’m not even sure if I can do what is expected of me. I am just…me.” That whine entered my voice and I hated it. Why did he want me? I was only going to get him hurt, or killed.

             
“From the moment I saw you as an infant, I have wanted to keep you safe. I left my world to do this thing for your father. As you have grown up, the light inside you has blossomed. You are a remarkable person, even if you do not see it. You will do unbelievable things. Powers or not, you are destined to be great among our people. I believe in you. Most of all, you have the biggest heart I have ever seen. You came to help me even though you knew you could’ve been killed. You risked everything to save us. I choose you, not because of a prophecy; I choose you because you make me want to be a better person.”

             
His smoky stare distracted me and I lost my train of thought. “I love you, Gregor.” I had no other thought in my head. All I wanted was to be in his arms kissing him.

             
“I love you, Eden.” Embracing, we kissed as we fell to the ground, bodies entwined.

Chapter Fifteen

              A small child with long jet-black curls bounced as she ran. Her melodic laughter gave me joy as I watched her play. Petals from multi-colored flowers blew through the air as she ran towards Gregor. A light shown around them when he lifted her into his arm, and as he kissed her on her head, I saw tears well up in his eyes. I looked on the scene as an outsider, wanting to see the child’s face, instead I felt the warmth of something across my face causing the wonderful vision to fade.

             
I opened my eyes to the first rays of sun. I shielded my eyes to ease the slight burning from the magnificent rays. I lay on the grass, my mind replaying the night. Gregor was mine and I was his. His thread of life inside me brightened as I rolled things over. Bliss was not enough of a description for what I felt at this moment.

             
I realized in my daydreaming, that I was covered in a blanket made from vines and flowers. My clothes had been laid neatly beside me, along with a leaf piled high with berries of buttercup yellow, sky blue, and cream. A honeycomb sat next to them glistening in the sunlight. I was relieved to see something that I was familiar with.

             
I looked around and realized I was alone. Where was Gregor?

             
I am nearby. I stayed with you until the sun began to rise. Vampires do not like daylight as much as others. I am in the cavern resting until sunset.

             
Oh, kind of forgot about that. Wait, how am I able to be in the sun?

             
That is another mystery we will figure out. Vampires can be in the sun, but we are sensitive to it. As we stay in the rays we begin to fall weak until we must seek the dark to rejuvenate. It can be painful. As it stands, enjoy the food I have left for you, the water is clean to drink and should be warm enough for a swim. Feel free to wonder around and explore our meadow. When the sun goes down, we will go meet our friends. I have sent word that you are fine and that we will meet up with them at nightfall. If you should need anything, just use your mind to reach me. We are protected here. Our Mother Earth will not let anything in that would harm us.

             
Exactly how long have I been away from everyone?

             
It took you three days to come back from your wounds.

             
It has been four days since Val has seen me?

             
Yes. Eat Eden, explore. We will go see them soon.

             
Well then, let’s see what kind of mischief I can get into!

             
I grinned at myself.

             
I suggest you behave. I said we didn’t like the daylight, not that I wouldn’t come out in the day if I had too.

             
I got the implication of a scowl followed by a flashing of teeth.

             
Yes, sir.

             
I gave him a mental salute and proceeded to eat my breakfast.

             
The berries were delicious. The pea-sized light blue berries had a citrusy taste that paired well with the honeycomb. The oblong yellow berries were mild, with more of a melon flavor that was juicy. The cream-colored berries were by far my favorite. They were the size of a grape, but tasted like pears and cream. I savored every bite until I had eaten it all. Fully satisfied, I lay back in the sun, basking in the warmth.

             
After a little bit, when I didn’t feel so full, I waded out into the water. The brook came to my calves
, I thought you said I could swim, the water isn’t deep enough.

             
If you walk down a ways, there is a deep spot perfect for a swim.

             
I walked down the brook; the white stones were smooth and made it nice to walk in the water. After ten minutes, I found the deep pool, warm and inviting.

             
Thank you. I am sorry I keep interrupting you.

             
Not at all. Just because my body is in a sleep state, does not mean my mind is asleep as well. Vampires can use their minds in many ways.

             
Just like that, I felt his arms around me and his lips on my neck.

             
What was that?

             
I got a mental image of an evil grin followed by a laugh.

             
I see, let me try.

             
I relaxed in the pool of warm water letting my mind expand. I reached out until I found Gregor’s essence in the cavern, shining brightly. I sent the sensation of kissing his mouth and running my hands through his black hair and down his back.

             
I see you aren’t playing fair.

             
I got back the image of clenched teeth.

             
I was just repaying the kindness.

             
I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this.

             
Just remember, the sun will set at some point, Eden.

             
Until it does, I am going to enjoy myself.

             
I sent one lingering kiss to him and went back to my soak. I stayed in the water for what seemed like hours, allowing the warmth to sooth me. Birds with large plumes of greens, reds, and browns flew above me, regaling me with their song. Fish swam around, tickling my feet and legs as they passed. I never wanted to leave this place. I finally felt as if I belonged somewhere, my life making sense. If I had known what lay ahead of me, I doubt I would have ever left the meadow. My night with Gregor would change everything in my future.

             
I left the pool to get dressed. I sat on the blanket made for me and ran my hands over the flowers woven throughout. At my touch, the flowers opened and grew bigger. I gave a small giggle, and lay back. This day was perfect. I closed my eyes and began replaying the evening over in my head. Gregor’s gentle touch, his kisses, and the way he made me respond to him. It had been the singularly best night of my life. I felt my body heat up at the thought of him and reached out to share my thoughts.

             
You are my heart, Eden.

             
Gregor filled me with his images. Love, admiration, sheer awe. He and I were forever, nothing was going to change that, and I couldn’t have been happier. He was the one thing in my life so far that actually made me feel normal.

             
I am not normal.

             
You are more normal than I am.

             
Eden, you are the most special person that has ever been. You were not meant to be normal, besides, what is normal, really? You have been blessed with a gift that most would kill for; it seems destiny had the right idea when choosing you.

             
I just don’t want to screw up. I came here to find my family, not be the ruler of a place I didn’t even know existed.

             
What you came here to do and what is your fate are one and the same, don’t you see that? To find your parents, you have to embrace what you are. You will need all the power you have inside you to defeat the evil that has taken over our lands.

             
I don’t know if I can do that. We haven’t even been able to find Amend, how am I to save anyone if I can’t even find him?

             
We will find him. I have a few leads we have left to follow. Maybe one will finally lead us to him and to your parents.

             
I felt frustrated. I didn’t want to be unhappy in such a wonderful place. I pushed my feelings down and listened to the calls of the various birds and animal life around me. My last thought before I dozed off was of the small dark haired child.

             
I woke to kisses on my cheek and neck. I smiled and opened my eyes. Gregor was looking down at me with that cute half grin on his perfect face. “It is sunset, we need to go, my heart.” Gregor pulled me up to a sitting position.

             
“Do we have to? Can’t we stay here?” I laid my head on his shoulder and leaned into him, snuggling close, breathing in his cool, sweet smell.

             
“We must go. Your family has not seen you for four days now, and they are getting worried.”

             
“ How is Lex doing? Is he all right?” I was sounding a bit frantic.

             
“Calm yourself, you will see in a moment. We could teleport, but I do not think you have learned how to teleport more than one person, have you?”

             
I sheepishly looked away. “Not yet.”

             
“Do not look away, you are still learning. Nothing to be ashamed of. You could always try shifting.”

             
“Um, no, absolutely not. Do you remember what happened last time I tried? I had a bird’s body and the head of a mouse.” I was not going to try that again. I ended up with a squeak for a couple of days after that.

             
Laughing at me, Gregor squeezed me tight. “All you need is more practice. This a perfect time for it.”

             
“No way! What if I drop you or don’t hold my form. We could die Gregor,
die!
”

             
“Eden, do you trust me?”

             
“You know I do.”

             
“All right then, come with me.”

             
We walked away from the brook to the middle of the meadow. “Okay, think of something that is big and can carry a person.”

             
My first thought was a dragon, but I quickly dismissed it. This was not Camelot and there was no way I was going to master a dragon when I couldn’t get a canary right.

             
“That’s brilliant; I always wanted to ride a dragon.” Gregor gave me that excited look.

             
“Are you crazy, I was kidding! I can’t do that!”

             
“You can, Eden, believe in yourself. I will merge with you and help you. Trust me, we can do it together.”

             
“I don’t know, but I will try. What do I do?”