“Are you going to wake her up? I mean, she hasn’t moved for like a day. What if she’s dead?” I heard a voice question faintly. “Should we like…poke her or something?”
There was a pause. “If she’s dead I say good riddance.” Another voice retorted, which caused a soft outburst among the first.
“You’re such a bitch.” Okay, that was definitely Nick. I know that for a fact. I really did want to open my eyes, but I just couldn’t. They felt so heavy, and every part of my body felt weak.
“The vile was strong, but she’s alright. It knocked her out for a while.” Caleb. I could recognize his voice no matter what. He sounded calm and collected, which was reassuring. “Let me see if I can wake her.”
I could hear shuffling. “Wait, how about me? I have many things I’d like to do to her before she wakes up. Come on Caleb, help a brother out.” I heard a snap, and then a groan from Nick.
“You didn’t have to punch me.” He whined, as I began to try and open my eyes once more. I felt something gently touch my forehead, as I was able to finally awaken. The whole room was blurry, as I vigorously blinked.
“You’re alive!” I heard Nick exclaim, as he moved in front of me. “Damn girl you’ve been sleeping for a whole day! We were beginning to think you were in a coma or something.”
“If only.” I heard Amelia mutter under her breath. I sent her a glare, which she gladly returned. “Look, all I’m saying is she’s more trouble than she’s worth.”
I rolled my eyes at her. “SHE is sitting right here. Hate to break it to you, but I’m not going anywhere. So you might as well get over it.”
I could feel the loathing and disgust radiate off her, as I shook my head. “How do you feel?” Caleb questioned, as he moved beside me. I took a deep breath, as I sat up slowly.
“I’m alright, everything’s a little fuzzy but other than that I feel fine.” I answered. “What time is it? I feel like I’ve been sleeping forever.”
“It’s 8 at night.” Nick said, as he walked towards the door. “The perfect time to go feed. I’m starving and I need a snack.” I shot him a weary look, which caused him to smirk. “Relax, I’ll hunt for little bunnies instead.”
My eyes widened. “No! Don’t hurt an innocent animal!” I exclaimed quickly, as I jerked up. That was a mistake to do, as I clutched my head.
“Calm down will you? You’re weak and we don’t need you hurting yourself even more.” Caleb stated, slightly annoyed by my behavior. Awe…he was worried about me. This made me feel good for some strange reason.
He chuckled. “Well, I either hunt Bugs Bunny or a human, your choice.” He stated with a grin. “Or if you don’t mind, I could always use you as….”
“Not. Happening.” Caleb snapped icily, which made Nick pout.
“Fine….you always ruin all of my fun. But I’m going to go out and getting something to eat, I’ll be back later.”
Amelia was next to speak up. “Yes…I need to feed as well. I’m feeling weak and need my strength. I’m tired of babysitting her too.” She added coolly, which I responded by rolling my eyes at her. “Caleb, you need to eat. You haven’t in a long time. You’ll need the energy for your journey.”
I stared up at Caleb. “She’s right. You need to go and do what you have to. I’m fine now, so go on. I don’t want to have to worry about you Caleb.”
He looked hesitant. “I know I need to, but I don’t want to leave you here alone.” Caleb replied back, as he gazed down at me gently. I couldn’t help but smile, as he worried about me. It really was cute.
“Well, I took the vile, and Jace isn’t going to be able to fine me. So go on, go….um….feed. I’m going to shower anyways.” I chose my words carefully.
Nick perked up. “Ooh, on second thought, maybe I could join her and make sure she’s….safe.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down with a perverted smirk.
“Go away Nick.” I said with a laugh, as I began to throw the covers back.
Amelia and Nick began to leave, as she stopped. “You coming Caleb?” She asked, as she glanced over at him.
His eyes were glued to me. “Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute. You guys go ahead.” I could tell this annoyed her, as she disappeared. Once she was gone, he cleared his throat. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
I laughed at this. “Yes! I’m fine Caleb, don’t worry. I just need to get cleaned up, and I’ll feel even better. So go on, I’m alright here by myself.”
He stood up as I said this. “Well, I won’t be very long. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and now that I see you are, I’ll be going.” He moved towards the door, as I attempted to stand up. My legs were extremely wobbly, as I grasped onto the nightstand.
Within an instant, Caleb was holding on to me, steadying me. “You clearly need some help.” He stated knowingly. I rolled my eyes.
“No I don’t. I’ve just been in bed for a whole day, and am a little weak. Just help me to the bathroom and that would be great.”
He smirked slightly. “Ah, so you DO need my help.”
I scoffed. “Shut up you smartass, I can do it myself then.” I retorted, which made him laugh at me.
“Oh stop, I’m just kidding. Come on.” He led me towards the bathroom, as he interlocked his hands with mine. A slight blush crept across my face, as I attempted to hide this. He got me inside, as I was finally able to stand alone.
“Thanks.” I said shyly, as he gazed down at me once more.
“Of course.” We locked our eyes, and for a second I thought he was going to kiss me….again. A huge part of me really wanted him to, and I even found myself yearning for him to do so. The way he ended our last one wasn’t fair to me, and only made me want him more.
But just as quick as the moment came, it went away. “I got to go.” He said suddenly, and without another word left me standing alone. I let out an exasperated sigh, as I plopped down on the toilet seat.
I just don’t get it. I feel like if he would just give me a chance, or us, it could maybe work. We need to explore whatever….this is. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. He has to be having these same feelings….right?
I closed the bathroom door, as I gently took off my clothes. Turning the shower nozzle, I felt the warm water hit me, as I let out a breath of relaxation. All the stress and worries that had been bothering me for what seems like forever went away, as I was able to be calm and at ease. It felt wonderful, as I took my time showering and finishing up.
I thought of Jace for a moment, and wondered if he was still looking for me. I don’t know why he’s so determined to get me.
What does he have planned? And why does he want me so damn bad? I just don’t understand any of this. I have so many questions, and yet no answers. It’s not fair. I just want to find some peace and quiet, at least for a little while.
Turning off the water, I grabbed a towel, and stepped out of the stall. I dried my hair, and made sure I looked decent as I headed back out to try and find something to change in to.
As I walked out into the dark bedroom, I saw a figure sitting on the bed, as I stopped. Caleb. Maybe he actually wants to talk to me now. Instead of acting immature and running off all the time.
“Caleb look, I think we need to discuss what’s going on between us.” I began, as I flicked on the light. “Because right now it’s way to awkward and…” As I did, I let out a gasp of surprise.
Jace.
He was on the bed, a mysterious smirk on his face as he sat casually waiting for me. I froze, unsure of what to do. I felt like I couldn’t move, as he stood up slowly. My whole body refused to function, as the realization that he was actually here hit me.
His dark hair looked tousled, as his eyes had this sexy and wild look to them. Wait--did I just say sexy? No, what am I thinking?
“Melinda.” He spoke so smoothly, as my eyes were stuck to him. “So nice to see you again.” He began with a sly smirk.
I clutched my towel tighter to my body. “Y-you can’t be h-here. Am I dreaming again?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He let out a harmonious chuckle. “No you’re not. You see, I have been searching and searching for you. And now here you are, mine for the taking. All alone.” I was frozen with fear. I couldn’t speak, even if I wanted to. “Now the question is, how will this go down? I’d really rather not fight you on this Melinda.”
I inhaled sharply. “Please….Jace….you don’t have to do this. I just don’t want any of this, none of it. I never asked for this life.”
He shook his head gently. “I’m sorry Melinda, but you’re coming with me. I have been wanting you for far too long, to just give you up. And I know that there is a part of you that has been wanting me too.”
I furrowed my brows. “How did you even find me? I…I took the vile! It was suppose to keep you from being able to track me down! How did you do it?” Panic began to spread throughout me.
A slight smirk spread. “Well, you really should be more cautious with who you go to for help.” I stared at him in confusion. “Nigel is far more loyal to me, his leader, than to Caleb and his little….helpers. That vile you took did the complete opposite of what you expected. It helped me to track your very location.”
I could feel the color drain from my face as he told me this. My mouth felt extremely dry, as I licked my lips. “You…how? This can’t be happening.” I stated, as I shook my head.
He chuckled, as he stood up. “Oh but it is Melinda. But before we leave, perhaps you would like to change into something more comfortable?” He looked down at me in just my towel, which made my stomach do flip-flops. I couldn’t decide if this was a bad feeling…or a good one.
“I’m not going with you.” I said stubbornly, as I took a deep breath. “And you can’t make me Jace.”
I was shocked when he was suddenly standing in front of me, as I let out a squeal. “Listen Melinda, I am a very patient man. Clearly. But I refuse to have you push my limits. You will be coming with me, whether you like it or not. Now are you going to come willingly, or am I going to have to force you?”
I gulped, debating on what the hell to do. Caleb and everyone won’t be back for a little while, which means I’m stuck. Maybe I could buy time before he decides to take me. “What if I said I’d go with you, as long as you promise not to hurt my friends, and tell me what I want to know.”
His dark eyes stared intensely at me, and for a moment I got lost in his gaze. He really is rather beautiful. I know I should not even think that, but I do. I can’t help but feel some strange, unexplainable pull towards him. It’s wrong, but clearly the attraction is there.
“You know Melinda, I respect your drive and desire to protect those you care about. But the truth is, they created treason against their own land, something that is highly offensive. I can’t simply turn the other way. Caleb also kept you from me for far too long, which is something I will deal with him.”
“But please…if you care about me, or having me do what you want, you’ll let him and the rest be okay. Please Jace….” I don’t know what made me do this, but I reached out and carefully touched his arm.
I could tell he was caught off by this soft gesture. “You’re a very interesting woman Melinda. I can’t quite figure you out.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Well I’m a very complex person.”
“Clearly.” He retorted, as he sighed heavily. “How about this, you come with me now, and I won’t do anything to them….for now. Is that fair? I won’t make a move, just as long as you come with me quietly and without any fight.”
My mouth felt extremely dry, as I debated this. Can I really trust him? I mean, I want to believe that he won’t hurt them, but I just don’t know. I couldn’t live with myself if anything ever happened to Caleb or Nick because of me.
“Okay.” I murmured finally. “But I’m trusting that you will keep your word, and not hurt them. I will never believe a word you say, if you do Jace.”
He smiled slyly. “I assure you Melinda, no harm will come to them tonight. Now…please put something else on so we can leave before they arrive. Unless you want them to that is.” My eyes widened slightly, as I shook my head roughly.
“No! I’ll go put something on. Just give me like 2 minutes.” I ran to the closet, and saw that there was indeed clothing hanging up. I pulled out a pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt, and quickly slipped them on, along with my underwear and bra. Before I did, I made Jace look away.
“Really? You know I have seen all of that before Melinda.” I rolled my eyes.
“I could care less. Just look away.” I ordered, as he slowly did so. Once I was done, I turned back around to face him. “So….I’m ready. I guess.”
He smirked. “Excellent. I’m glad you’re not going to fight me. This makes everything far more easy.”
I inhaled sharply. “Are…you going to kill me? I want to know. And…I think I deserve to know. Are you taking me, just so you can kill me?”
I was scared to hear the answer. I was not expecting him to laugh. “Of course not Melinda, I have very big plans for you.” I literally blinked, and he was right in front of me. I jerked back slightly.
“Yeah…you keep on telling me that. Any idea when you think you’re going to tell me these big plans?” I muttered softly, as I locked his intense gaze.
I watched as he brushed a stray hair behind my ear. His fingertips grazed my skin, as I slight shiver spread across me. The only problem was…it wasn’t a shiver of disgust, but of…pleasure.
“Tonight. We will have dinner, and I will fill you in on all you want to know. I promise you won’t be in the dark much longer Melinda.” I nodded my head slowly, waiting for him to move away from me. But he didn’t. He continued to stand before me, as I found myself getting lost in his eyes.
I only stared as he leaned forward, his face inches away from my own. For a brief moment, my eyes dropped to his lips, and then slowly back up. I have no idea what was coming over me. He moved in closer, as I closed my eyes. “We should go.” He muttered, as my eyes opened.
I shook my head, completely shocked by my actions. He had a smirk on his face slightly, as he turned his back to me and moved towards the window. What the hell just happened? Why did I want him to kiss me?
“Melinda, let’s go.” He extended his hand out to me, as I stared at it hesitantly. “Hurry up, they’ll be back soon.” With a sigh, I grabbed it, as he pulled me into him. The dark sky loomed before us, as we disappeared into the night.
I hope I’m doing the right thing.