Falcondell: The Devil's Son (6 page)

Chapter 12

I race back up the beach and then I see him, a shadowy figure in the moonlight. As I approach him he smiles and holding out his hand I grab hold of it, the feeling as I touch him sends shockwaves through my body. “Come on, I know just the place.” I wonder where we are going and he soon leads me to his motorbike. Grabbing his jacket he places it around my shoulders. As he sits astride the powerful machine he pulls me behind him. Hold on Angel, you’ll be perfectly safe. Nervously I sit behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. I can feel him tense underneath my touch and I bury my face in his back. He starts the engine and the bike pulls away. I have never ridden a motorbike before and the feeling is of pure exhilaration. As I cling on to him the wind whips through my hair and the feeling of speed lifts my spirits. The fact that I am with Ash intensifies the experience and closing my eyes against his broad back I lose myself in the sensation.

It doesn’t take long and soon the bike stops and once more there is silence. Opening my eyes I can see that we are in the mountains, back at the lake, our special place. Turning to face me, Ash’s eyes glitter in the moonlight and touching my face he says darkly, “You belong with me Grace; I felt it when you held me. We were meant to be together, you are my destiny.” He leans towards me and kisses me, his tongue gently probing and claiming mine. We join together in our special place once more and I know that he is right. Somehow this feels right, as if it was always meant to happen.

Pulling away Ash smiles sweetly and lifts me gently off the bike. “Come on, you need to be free.”

Leading me to the lake he takes off the jacket. As I feel his touch it is as though I am on fire. The feelings are so intense and I shiver as the jacket falls to the ground. As he looks at me I see him frown and then he reaches towards me and takes the locket in his hands. “Take it off Angel, you don’t need it here.” Seeing my expression he laughs. “You think that I don’t know a suppressor when I see it?” Holding his eyes with mine I reach behind me, undo the clasp and remove the locket, laying it gently on the ground with his jacket. I watch the wonder on his face as I feel the release from my makeshift prison. I can feel the sensation rushing through me as my soul escapes.

Lifting my eyes I know they burn brightly as he can see all of me in them. I stare at him as I remove my dress and see his eyes darken as he watches me, then tearing my gaze from his I walk into to the cool calm water of the lake and lay back, stretching in contentment as I feel cleansed by the moon’s rays. I know that he is watching me and I don’t care. It feels right that he sees me like this; he has to know who I am. Hearing a splash I know that he has joined me. Turning to face him he takes me in his arms. “You have nothing to fear from me Grace,” he says seriously. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise. We will find a way to be together, I just want you to feel safe with me.” Lifting my hand I run my fingers through his hair. “I do feel safe with you Ash, here in this special place, but I can’t be with you down there. If anyone discovers who I am I will be moved away and I will never see you again. If my Guardians knew that we were together they would take me away forever. It’s impossible; there is no way for us.” I can tell that he doesn’t like it and his eyes glitter dangerously. “I will find a way; I am not going to lose you now that I have found you.” Reaching up I kiss him gently on the lips. For now we must just enjoy the time that we do have. As we kiss it feels so right. The perfect puzzle complete. Nothing else matters at this moment in time. The rest will have to wait.

We lay side by side once again, our bodies drying in the heat of the night, my head resting on Ash’s lap as he strokes my hair. Looking down at me he says in a whisper,

“
How very lovable her face was to him. Yet there was nothing ethereal about it; all was real vitality, real warmth, real incarnation. And it was in her mouth that this culminated. Eyes almost as deep and speaking he had seen before, and cheeks perhaps as fair; brows as arched, a chin and throat almost as shapely; her mouth he had seen nothing to equal on the face of the earth.

Smiling softly I say, “Quoting Tess at me Ash. If only Miss Peter’s could see us now.” Laughing he says, “You bring out the romantic in me Grace. You may have several names but you will always be my little Tess.” Sitting up I move to face him and say gently, “
Thus, neither having the clue to the other’s secret, they were respectively puzzled at what each revealed, and awaited new knowledge of each other’s character and moods without attempting to pry into each other’s history.”

Ash’s eyes darken and he pulls me to meet him. His kiss sends powerful feelings through me of longing and this time the kiss is deeper and more passionate. I know that if he asked I would give myself willingly to him.” As if reading my thoughts he pulls away and I can see the fire in his eyes. With emotion in his voice he says, “I want to make you mine more than I have ever wanted anything in my life before, but I can’t bring myself to take what is not yet mine.” Puzzled I look at him and he smiles bitterly. “I am not worthy of you yet Grace. I need to protect you from me, I said that before and I meant it. You are not ready yet and when I have proved myself to you then it will be your decision to make.”

I pull him against me and stroke his hair as he did mine. He is right; we have a long road to travel first if we ever stand a chance to be together. We will just have to be happy with the time that we do manage to steal.

Chapter 13

Ash and I fall asleep, my head on his chest as he cradles me against him. The first rays of the sun touch our sleeping bodies and with a start I realise that we have been here all night. Sitting up in alarm I look down in wonder at the beautiful man beside me. As he looks at me I can see his eyes flash with excitement. Reaching towards me he takes a piece of my hair in his hands and says in wonder. “You are beyond beautiful in the moonlight, but the sun against your face is breathtaking. It is as though you are nature itself.” Laughing I say, “Careful, your reputation will be in tatters if you say any more.” Laughing he jumps up and grabs hold of me and dips me to the ground. He kisses me with raw passion, a hard unyielding kiss that lights the fire within me and as he pulls away he laughs at my flushed cheeks. “That good enough for you?” He smirks and reaching up I touch my lips that he has just ravaged. Looking at him with what I know must be a wanton expression he gasps. “Put your locket back on Grace before I lose my resolve.” Laughing I get dressed and we are soon back to the motorbike. Looking subdued he pulls me behind him again. “We will find a way you know, leave it to me.” I look at him in alarm. “You must ignore me down there Ash. Nobody can know about us, especially not Skylar and her friends. You must keep away from me.” I can tell that he is angry and he looks at me petulantly. “I don’t want to. It will be difficult as I want you to be with me all of the time.” Shrugging I say, “It’s that or nothing. I will tell Cally that I left you on the beach and nothing happened. You get on with your life and I mine. This will be the only place that we can meet. Promise me.” Ash nods but then says urgently. “Meet me here again tonight, please Grace.” Touching his face I say softly, “I’ll try.” He kisses me gently and then starts up the motorbike. As we speed back to reality I wonder what the future will hold.

Ash drops me off some way from the house and I manage to sneak in before anyone gets up. I quickly change and jump into bed, hugging my knees to my chest as I re live every moment from the night before. I drift off to sleep and am woken up about 10am by Aunt Sarah who brings me a drink. Sitting on my bed she says, “It must have been a good night because I was fast asleep when you and Gabe got in. In fact where is he? I just took him a drink but his bed hasn’t been slept in.” In surprise I wonder what Gabe has been up to and then remember Piper. Goodness what a lot must have happened to us all last night. Looking at her I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. I made my own way back. When Cally and I left he was dancing with Piper.” Thankfully I don’t need to lie as that was the truth and luckily my Aunt doesn’t push it.

When she leaves I grab the phone. I must know what happened to them. Punching in Cally’s number I am relieved when she answers, albeit in a sleepy voice. “Cally, thank goodness, are you ok?” “Hmm Grace hi…….Oh my God Grace are you ok?” Laughing I reply, “Yes I’m fine but I’m not sure about Piper. Why don’t you call her and we can meet up at Violet’s for a de brief.”

“Great, oh Grace I have so much to tell you.” Smiling I wish that I could tell her what had happened to me, but I know that I can’t. It’s our secret and no one must ever know.

When I get to Violet’s I can see Cally already sitting there waiting. She looks trashed and I smile as I see the flush in her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. Grinning at her I raise my eyes. “Good night?” Pulling me down beside her she says dreamily. “Oh Grace, you can only imagine.”

“Then tell me!” I say in desperation. Laughing she whispers. “Well, Jacob carried me up the beach and I couldn’t believe it. He put me on the back of his motorbike and drove us to the other side of town, to a beautiful place where there was nobody but us. He took me in his arms and told me that he had always loved me and had ignored me to protect me from Skylar and her gang. He didn’t want me involved with that crowd and the fact that he sees me every day has been killing him. Then he kissed me Grace and it was everything that I have ever imagined it would be. He kissed me all night long and then we spoke like we never had before. It was the best night of my life.” Thoughtfully I say, “But what now? I mean won’t Teagan find out and then you’ll be in trouble.” She shakes her head sadly. “No, we have to go back to how it was before. He told me that once school has finished we can be together properly. He did say though that he would find a way for us to meet where it would be safe.”

Lowering my eyes I feel sympathy for their predicament as mine is the same. Before she can question me Piper walks in a dreamy look on her face. Sliding into the seat opposite us she looks at us both with utter contentment on her face. “I’m in love with your cousin Grace. I’m just putting it out there, ok.” Laughing Cally and I exchange excited looks. “Come on, spill everything.” Cally shouts. Dreamily Piper says, “Gabe and I spent the whole entire night together, talking, dancing, kissing and cuddling. We fell asleep on the beach and when we woke up he asked if I would be his girlfriend.” We stare at her in amazement and I think how lucky she is that she can be open about her relationship.

We are interrupted by our server and all order huge breakfasts. Violet stops by and throws us all a knowing look. “Looks like you all had a good night. Oh to be young again.” Winking she walks away and we all grin at each other. The others look at me expectantly. “Well, your turn Grace. What happened to you?” Feeling myself grow hotter I say matter of factly. “Nothing. I told Ash to leave me alone and then I went home.” Once again I miss out most of what did happen and I hope that they will buy it. Cally’s eyes widen and she says, “I was worried about you Grace. He had the look of a predator and I was afraid for you. It was like Jessica Parker all over again.” Piper looks confused. “What did I miss?” As I look at Cally she says quickly, “Nothing much. Ash and Jacob showed up and Grace put Ash in his place. Hopefully he will leave her alone now.” Piper looks worried. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry girls. I was so wrapped up in Gabe I sort of ditched you didn’t I?” Laughing we do our best to lighten the atmosphere. It’s best that nobody ever finds out what we were really up to last night.

Chapter 14

When I get home I find Gabe lying on the settee watching the football. Sinking down beside him I tease him saying, “What did you get up to last night?” Groaning he holds his head in his hands. “Quiet Grace you’re shouting.” Not giving up I say, “What about Piper. She says she’s your girlfriend now?” His eyes swivel round and he grins at me. “Sorry about that Grace. I know she’s your friend but when I saw what you had done to her I saw her in a whole new light. I never realised what a stunner she really is. I’m sorry but she’s mine now.” Laughing I push him saying, “She’s still my friend, what do you mean?” He throws me a wicked look. “She’s not invisible anymore and will have to hang out with me. I’m not having her grab the attention of Ash and his bunch of goons. I need her with me to protect her.” Snorting I push him playfully. “Some protector you are.” He jumps up in alarm. “Why what happened?” Feeling cross with myself I try to smooth it over. “Oh, Ash and Jacob turned up at the beach but I told him to leave me alone, that’s all no harm done.” He looks at me and I will myself not to blush. Then with a thoughtful expression he sits back down. “That explains it then.” In alarm I say, “Explains what?” He shrugs. “I heard that Skylar was pissed last night because he never showed up to her party. Her and Teagan were out of control and hooked up with more than one guy there, probably in revenge. Apparently they are on the war path though and if they find out that they were with anyone else, then God help those girls.” His eyes narrow as he looks at me. “They weren’t were they?” Shaking my head I try to look normal. “Why are you asking me, ask them if you want to know.” Gabe settles back to watch the football but I feel unnerved by what he says. I am not sure that Ash can protect me from Skylar and I can definitely feel a storm brewing.

I spend the rest of the day lounging around indoors. I know that Ash wants me to meet up with him and I feel excited but worried at the same time.

After dinner I grab my bag and tell my Aunt that I am going out to meet my friends. Once again this is a variation on the truth as I am only meeting one person, although he is much more than just a friend. Grabbing my bike I use the time that it takes me to get to the ridge to think about all that has happened. Despite my misgivings about my new found situation I ignore the warnings going off inside my head. My heart is well and truly winning this battle and I push away the warning bells that are ringing loudly inside of me.

As soon as I get there I see him waiting and my heart does a somersault as he looks over. As he approaches I see his eyes glittering and drawing me in. Reaching me he takes my hand and pulls me against him. “I’ve missed you Grace,” he says softly and then kisses me gently, blowing my mind in the process. Pulling me down next to him he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a little black box. In surprise I watch as he offers it to me and when I open it I see a little silver heart on a chain. Looking up at him my eyes shining I say, “It’s beautiful Ash.” Reaching up he puts it around my neck and kisses me. “Now you have my heart Grace and all that comes with it. You have nothing to fear and my heart will work with your locket to protect you. Never take it off and then nothing can harm you.”

Looking puzzled I hold the heart in my fingers and immediately feel a sense of calm as I hold it. He smiles at me softly. “You’re not the only one who has magical powers.” Reaching up to him I whisper, “Thank you.” Then I kiss him gently. He crushes me to him and we just kiss enjoying the feeling of being together again.

Later on I say. “What did you do today?” Suddenly he looks annoyed. “Well after I got some sleep I was woken up by a visitor.” Seeing my worried expression he grabs my hands and looks reassuringly at me. “Skylar came to the house, pissed that I never showed up to her stupid party. I told her that she didn’t interest me anymore and that I had heard that she had put it about last night. She got angry and blamed me but I told her that we were finished and that she had better stay away from me in the future. She didn’t like it and told me to watch out and if she heard that I had been seeing anyone else they wouldn’t be safe.” I look at him in alarm and his face contorts with hatred. He hisses, “I told her that if she ever hurt anybody close to me then I would come after her. She wouldn’t be safe from me and I would destroy her.” Chuckling evilly he says, “I think she got the message. I can be very intimidating when I want to be.” I grow quiet. I know that he can and that worries me. We are poles apart, opposite ends of the spectrum, and I worry what he is capable of. Looking at me sadly once again he quotes from Tess.

“
I was born bad, and I have lived bad, and I shall die bad in all probability.”

Squeezing his hand I look at him steadily. “I too can quote with the best of them -
You, and those like you, take your fill of pleasure on earth by making the life of such as me bitter and black with sorrow; and then it is a fine thing, when you have had enough of that, to think of securing your pleasure in heaven by becoming converted!”

Thoughtfully he says, “Is that what you think, that I could be converted?” He laughs sadly saying, “Like that would ever happen.” Then he grins. “Maybe we should read a different book.” Grinning I reply, “Why, don’t you like the ending of this one?” He shakes his head, “No I do not. It’s a tragedy and I for once want a happy ending. Anyway enough of all this, let’s not waste time talking about such things. I want to get to know everything about you. I need to lose myself in you to forget my own sorry existence.