Raven's Desires (Night Hunters) (25 page)

Her mother, Mary Anne, told them that their father had been killed by some bad people. Jessica didn’t feel that someone killed her father. From the dreams she had, she felt that her father’s portals got out of control and he had to sacrifice himself in order to close them. It was him or the entire world. Jessica sighed at the thought of never meeting her father—if this magical mumbo jumbo was true. From the little things she could do, she believed that some of what was in the book was true. She could move objects with her mind, start fires when she got mad, and even create little unknown creatures, like minions or something. They always disappeared once her concentration broke. Joseph had experienced the same things as she had and they practiced a lot until about a year ago. He suddenly stopped believing in magic and start thinking about sex. Every time she would bring up anything dealing with her father or magic, he blew her off and would not talk about it.

“What’s my sis thinking about so hard?”

Jessica looked into her twin brother’s blue eyes. Everyone said that her and her brother looked so much alike. They both had long blonde hair with brown streaks and similar blue eyes that people said could look into someone’s soul.

“Just reading dad’s book.”

“I’m out,” Joseph said then turned to walk away.

Jessica grabbed his arm, pulling him back to the bench.

“All right, I’ll put the book up. Just stay and chat. We live in the same home but I feel that I haven’t talked to you in months.”

Joseph sighed then sat beside her.

“That’s because you always have your nose in this book.” Joseph pointed at the old book. “It was fun and all, sis, but I don’t think we should be playing with things like that. I want to live a normal life.”

“Normal? Do you think we can live a normal life? This power is growing inside us. I feel it and I know you do, too.”

Joseph shook his head. “I will not run myself crazy thinking that I have some special powers. I will not get myself killed over this. Our father was killed and I’m sure it had something to do with magic. It’s not normal for us to have this gift.”

“Why not? It’s a gift, as you said.”

Joseph frowned at her. “Because if we were intended to have it, then everyone in this world would, not just us…”

“Hello there.”

Raven’s voice stopped Joseph from talking.

Jessica jumped a little, not hearing her walk up to them. They were sitting in the middle of the eating area and with the heels Raven had on, she should have made some noise.

Joseph smiled as he stood from his seat.

“Hi,” Jessica said.

“Hi, I’m Joseph and this is my sister, Jessica.”

“Joseph and Jessica. I like those names.” Raven placed her hands in her pockets. “You mind if I sit?”

“Not at all, Please,” Joseph answered quickly, motioning towards the bench.

Raven sat down, the sun on her skin so bright, it glowed with perfection.

“I forgot how beautiful this place could be,” Raven said.

“When did you leave Meadville? You had to be very young, since I don’t remember you,” Joseph asked.

“I was three when my parents died. My friend took lots of pictures of this place for me, so I would never forget where I came from.”

“That’s sweet of him,” Jessica said.

Raven smiled. Beautiful.

“But I’m back and want to be as if I never left. I know I have to make new friends and get to know everyone, but I know if I take it one day at a time, it will be all right.”

“That’s true,” Joseph agreed.

“So, what do kids…we…do for fun here?”

“Not much to do besides going to the movies, skating rink or hanging out at the café. A good hang out for Friday nights.”

“Sounds fun. Are you two up to anything tonight? Maybe I can tag along.”

Raven tilted her head, looking into Jessica’s eyes. If she wasn’t going to go out today, she couldn’t say no to Raven.

“I was thinking about going to the Dark Corner Café and just hanging out.”

“Wow, it’s still named that?”

“Yeah, still have the same old benches in it and grill. The owner said that when he brought it years ago he had to fix it up, but it holds a lot of business.”

“Nice. How about I meet you guys there at eight?”

“Sure,” Jessica answered.

“That’s fine.”

“Raven,” a dark voice spoke from behind Jessica.

Jessica trembled at the feel of darkness surrounding them. She turned to look into the eyes of a tall man with black eyes and jet black hair.

“Oh hi, Alec,” Raven greeted.

“I wanted to see how your first day back in your hometown was going.” Alec gazed at her for a moment then to Joseph. “I see you are fitting in just fine here.”

“Yes.”

“Well, introduce me to your friends, kitten.”

“I have forgotten my manners.”

Jessica had a little spark of jealousy when Alec walked around and placed his hands on Raven’s shoulders. Not that she had any right to be jealous, it was that she was hoping maybe she and Raven could get to know each other better. If Raven had a boyfriend, then that could mean trouble and she didn’t want to cause trouble with any relationship.

“This is Joseph and Jessica Nolan. You guys this is my friend Alec Sullivan.”

“So nice to meet you both,” Alec said.

“Likewise,” Joseph said.

“It’s nice to meet you also.”

Alec released Raven.

“I will leave you three be, you don’t need an old man around.”

“Old man?” Jessica said. “You can’t be
—
what
—
twenty at the oldest.”

“You are so sweet. I will take that as a compliment. But I’m a lot older than that.”

“How much?” Joseph asked.

“I care not to say. I will take twenty because now I feel so much younger just thinking that someone thought I was twenty. I’m off. Raven, make sure you come home after class. We need to talk about some things.”

Raven was paying attention to her nails instead of Alec.

“Raven?”

“Yeah yeah, I heard you, old man. And FYI he’s in his thirties, guys.”

Jessica watched to see if Alec would get upset or not. Instead, he tapped her on the shoulder and walked off.

Raven watched him until he was out of sight.

“Boyfriend?” Joseph growled.

“Joseph? How rude!”

Jessica slapped her brother on the wrist. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to ask, but she would have worked the question in tonight while they were hanging out, the usual things you asked when you’d just met someone.
What’s your age? Where are you from? What’s your parent’s name? Do you have a boy or girl friend? If not, would you like one?

Jessica smiled to herself at that thought.

“Well, he’s not my boyfriend.”

Joseph didn’t turn away from Raven. “Oh, he’s just a fuck partner.”

“Joseph! What the hell is wrong with you?”

Joseph turned to her and frowned.

“Nothing. I’m just trying to find out about Raven just as you are. I’m just more open with it.”

“That’s fucking rude, and you know it.”

Raven reached across the table and touched her hand. Jessica trembled at the sensation that traveled through her from the touch. Raven had so much power inside her that she could actually feed off that power.

“It’s all right, Jessica, Joseph is just curious.” Raven released her to trace Joseph’s face with her fingers. “If you want to know if I have fucked him, no I have not. Look at him, he’s extremely handsome, yes, but does he do it for me? Not one damn bit. He takes care of me and that’s it. Last guy I fucked was, well I’ll just say he ruined me for a lot of others.”

“I’m out,” Joseph said before standing.

Raven was behind Joseph before he made it to the door. Her brother must be already falling for Raven and didn’t know it. He’d never acted that way before. Raven must have put some type of spell on him. If she had, she’d put it on both of them, because she wanted Raven all to herself. She wanted to please her in more ways than one.

Jessica watched as Raven turned Joseph around. They were talking to each other. She could tell from the look on Joseph’s face that he was still upset. Raven said something to Joseph then leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips.

Jessica’s eyes widened. It looked like Joseph got the girl before she did. Hell, it was still fair game until one of them got Raven naked.

Joseph smiled at Raven,, then walked away. Raven came back and sat down on the bench beside her.

“Looks like my brother is happy.”

Raven grabbed her hand, forcing her to turn to look at her. “I can make you both happy.” Raven brought her hand up to her mouth, kissing the back of it. “I know you like females also and so do I. It could make things difficult with brother and sister though. But I can swing it if you can. I think your brother will be fine with it. For now.”

Jessica looked into Raven’s eyes
—
her pupils seem to expand as she looked at her.

“I…I don’t know. It’s something about you, Raven. What are you?”

Raven frowned. “I’m Raven Nowles, and I would like to get to know you better. Wouldn’t you like that?”

Jessica nodded.

“Good. Now let’s get to class. Meet you at Dark Corner at eight. Right?”

“Sure. I will be there.”

“Can’t wait. It’s been a while, but I don’t think I would forget how to…entertain.”

Jessica trembled at the word entertain. She was sure that Raven did not mean their time at the club.

Raven released her hand and stood. “See you later.”

As Raven walked in the opposite direction of the entrance Jessica asked. “Where are you going?”

Raven stopped and turned to look at her. “Going to go get ready for tonight.”

Jessica looked at her watch. “But it’s only one. You have eight hours before we meet.”

Raven shrugged. “Let’s say I take a long time to get dressed. Anyhow, I’m not in the mood for school. I have other
things
on my mind at the moment.”

Raven winked and walked past the parking lot. Jessica didn’t move until Raven was out of sight.

* * * *

Kristian sat on the floor beside Shane in the cell. At the prison they gave them an hour of free time just like a normal jail. Most of the vampires were too weak to move when they got free time.

His friend still had burn marks all over his body. The right side of his face was burned the worst. Kristian bit down into his wrist then pressed it to Shane’s mouth. His blood wouldn’t sustain him like a human’s, but it would help him heal faster. And he could always beg Jasmine for more. Shane didn’t fight him and drank heavily. He only took about four gulps before pushing his wrist away from him.

“You need more.”

“It is enough,” Shane’s voice cracked when he spoke.

“Shane, don’t be brave. You know I can get more. Jasmine will be here all night.”

Shane drew his knees up and laid his head on them.

“We have been here for ten years and have learned that I don’t need as much blood as before.” Shane sighed. “I can’t believe I haven’t had pussy in over ten years.”

Kristian laughed at his friend. Shane was in pain and very weak, but he still kept his spirits up.

“I can’t believe that either.”

Shane snorted and lifted his head. “You were used to going without it. I need—well, thought I needed it like blood. I guess I was wrong.”

Etan walked by their cell, snarling as he looked at them.

“I guess Etan will never like you,” Shane told him.

“I have this gut feeling that he works for Alec. Oh, Jasmine just told me that Alec and Raven moved back into the house.”

“Really? Why would he do something like that?”

Kristian scratched his head. “I have no idea what Alec is up to. Maybe he has perfected that mind wiping drug. I got to Raven earlier. She spoke to me and just when I had her, Alec wiped her memory again. I guess that’s what happened, anyway.”

“We need to get out of here,” Shane stated.

“I know. I tried to get Jasmine to help out, but she would not help me out at all. I will escape here and get back to Raven.”

Shane stared at him. “You know that she will bring you back here probably. Then you will get double your time for escaping. If you succeed.”

“I know, but I have to take the chance to see her again. You know around two the field gets weaker. The control panel room is right next to Jasmine’s room. When she thinks I’m sleeping I’m going to sneak in there and lower one side of that force field. They will not notice I’m gone until the next morning’s roll call.”

“How are you going to get out of your cell?”

“You know this place is old and a lot of things don’t work properly. I will place steel in the latch of my door. When it closes, it will not click. They don’t usually lock the door to the courtyard because they assume that everyone is sleeping. After that, it’s clear sailing.”