"What's taking so long?" Tyler mumbled as he paced the moonlit balcony, one hand fisted in his hair. He was on edge and itching for a fight. He glanced down over the terrace to the glowing swimming pool. He needed to calm down, right now. But the pool wouldn't cut it. He placed unsteady hands on the rail and peered over the horizon, over the distant mountains and zeroed in on the faint wavering of the ocean. He sighed and then shook his head, now wasn't the time.
He looked up at the moon and glared. If his guilt hadn't been so overwhelming he might have passed some of the blame over to it. But this was his fault. And damn, it felt like his soul was freezing over.
He looked over his shoulder toward the glass door, what the hell was taking so long? As if on cue, the door slid open and a hooded figure stepped onto the balcony. Its radiance was obscured by a billowy black robe, though a faint light trickled onto the stones below. The door slid shut. "Well?" Tyler approached in a frantic rush, "Is she gonna be okay?" The figure straightened and the glow that seeped from beneath its hood was almost blinding. Tyler fought the urge to look away even though his corneas burned.
The Light shook her head and tittered. She spoke in the language of the Gods, "Have you forgotten, Tylorian son of Svor, with whom you speak?" Her voice, usually chiming like bells, now held the sound of a cracking whip. Tyler immediately lowered his eyes. These past hours had been hectic and in his agitated state he'd forgotten to address The Light aptly. He cursed under his breath for forgetting one of their most common laws; do not speak to The Elite unless prompted to do so.
He knelt before her and replied in the same language, "Forgive me, your grace, for I meant no disrespect." She nodded nonchalantly and Tyler winced hoping that she wasn't too peeved; he needed her.
He focused on the odd glow at her feet as she slowly circled him, "Tell me, warrior, have you forgotten the laws of the separation process?" Tyler frowned, "No." She stopped in her stride and a cold chill raced up his spine. "Hmm..." she mused casually then continued her slow trek. Minutes that felt like hours passed by in silence and he tried to be patient, he really did, but he was in no state for common pleasantries; if she didn't say something soon he was going to lose his mind.
More minutes passed and he could take it no longer, "Forgive me, your grace, but I must know about the girl's health. How does she fare?" The Light paused then chuckled, "I wonder, do you know why my brother did not accompany me upon your request?"
Tyler hesitated, "I do not, your grace."
"Based upon your past... exploits, he believes you ungrateful for the honour we have bestowed upon you." What the hell is she talking about? He was not in the mood for this shit. Tyler bit his tongue, fearing his temper would get the best of him. If this was a test he wasn't falling for it.
The Light chuckled as if she read his mind and Tyler hid his annoyance. "You are a fine warrior, healthy, charismatic, and you possess great stamina. You are prince to your people," she paused before adding, "We The Elite have even blessed you with the sanctity of the Tanahya." When Tyler remained silent she cocked her head to the side, "What say you, young prince?"
How the hell does one respond to that? "I uh..." he cleared his throat, "I am aware of my rebellious past, and I make no excuses for my behaviour, but I did not choose to be born unto my father's blood, nor did I choose to be enthralled by the Tanahya."
"Hmm..." The Light continued to circle him, "It seems as though my brother was not entirely wrong. Tell me, do you wish to be free from the girl?"
"I have not kissed her—"
"That is not what I asked, young prince. If offered the chance to be free from the bonds of the Tanahya... free from the girl, would you accept?" He was dumbfounded. He had come to her for this very reason not so long ago, and she'd practically shut him down only offering to begin the separation process. Why the change of heart? "Pardon me, your grace, but I was under the impression that the separation process was already underway."
"It is," she mused innocently, "but I do take pity on the girl. She knows naught of our worlds, nor does she possess the guidance of a willing male to see her through transition."
Tyler hid his scowl, "I would make certain that she is tended to during her transition."
"And whom do you consider for such a hefty responsibility?" she asked nonchalantly, "One of your loyal soldiers perhaps?"
"No." Tyler replied a little too curtly. Was she trying to provoke him?
The Light was unaffected, "Perhaps a trusted friend?"
"Over my dead body," he grumbled more to himself than to her.
She chuckled cheerfully, "The Tanahya is powerful is it not?" He found nothing of this night to be even remotely funny. "Hmm... I shall convey a word of advice, warrior." Her head tilted, "Try not to starve your Tanahya too much. Deprivation becomes desperation."
Desperation, what was she talking about now? "I am unfamiliar with the workings of this... gift. Perhaps you could elaborate?"
He sensed her smirk, "If you do not provide sufficient sustenance for your Tanahya it will do whatever is necessary to fulfil its needs." Her voice was filled with humour, "Ignore its pleas and it will eventually take possession."
"What the fuck?" he mumbled under his breath, why did she have to be so vague?
The Light giggled, "Charming."
He'd had enough chit-chat. "Forgive me, your grace, but because you speak of her future, the girl... she subsists?"
"And a master of diversion I see." Tyler could almost hear her smile and he grew more frustrated. Why wouldn't she just give him a straight answer? He had a moment of fleeting panic, how bad was it?
"The separation process is void," she said simply and Tyler's head snapped up. "However, Tylorian son of Svor, I still offer you opportunity to be free from the girl." Would you make sense already! He shouted in his mind.
The Light gazed up at the moon then sighed, "My brother and I had high hopes that you and the girl would become one."
Tyler sensed her sadness then followed her gaze, "I am sorry. But even if she were not a Moon God, I could never mate her. My people would never allow it."
"Your people?" The Light spoke angrily. "We have bestowed upon you an ancient tradition. A law created by the very beings that created your people. Am I to believe that you act in a blasphemous manner by ignoring the ways of The Elite in order to follow the nonsensical ones of your kind?"
Tread carefully, Tyler told himself. "Forgive me, your grace. I recognize the laws of The Elite above all else. I merely point out that my people refuse the idea of their prince mating a non-virgin. Besides, I am already mated—"
"Do not lie to me, warrior." The Light interrupted harshly.
Tyler ran a hand through his hair. This day just keeps getting better. "My people would not accept the concept—"
"Your people?" The Light measured him carefully then lowered her voice to a gentle whisper, "Or yourself?" Tyler opened his mouth, closed it then lowered his head.
Past admonishments with his father started to run through his mind; lectures on responsibility and honour playing over and over until it became one giant scream in his skull. He shook his head to clear it then took a deep breath. He was tired of seeing that disappointed look on Svor's face.
The Light who had remained silent as he contemplated, shifted to face him. She and her brother wanted him to mate Alex, but his people, his father would never accept her. He'd be banished.
"And what is it that you want, Tylorian?" she said as if she were reading his mind. "The Elite does not meddle with the nature of freewill, therefore we cannot force you to choose. You must ask yourself... Whatdo you want?"
What did he want? He could no longer deny his attraction to her. She was smart and beautiful and the feelings that she aroused in him were something he'd never felt before. The state that he'd found her in, seeing her bruised and battered form... it'd done things to him; irreparable damage that would haunt him forever.
But she was a Moon God. A Moon God! ...And what about her virginity—or lack thereof? It's not like he wanted to be under the Virgin's Hold anyway, so there was that at least. But he still despised the idea that another man had held her within his arms...
"Beautiful is it not?"
Tyler followed her gaze to the moon then without thinking blurted, "No." She shot him a look that made him shiver. The moon was one of The Light's own creations and he'd clearly offended her. He rushed to amend, "Of course it would be more beautiful if it were not tarnished by the dark clouds surrounding it."
With a smooth wave of her hand, said clouds disappeared. He winced at the brightness and The Light spoke firmly, "You must learn to see past such veils, warrior." She turned to give him her full attention, "Only then will you behold the beauty that is hidden within." The silence that followed was palpable.
Tyler cleared his throat then opened his mouth but she cut him off, "Did you know that you smell of the Vaina seed?" she breathed, "And of the Leila plant?" Tyler raised an eyebrow, surprised by the change of subject. That The Light had picked up on Alex's vanilla and lilac scent was not unsurprising.
"It is the girl, your grace. Only she could possess such an invigorating aroma."
"Curious." The Light hummed, "And it is only she? You have not detected it in another?"
"I would remember if I had, for it is the most tantalising smell I have ever beheld."
"Interesting choice of words, warrior," she smiled.
"It is true"
"Oh I know" she said meaningfully then inhaled deeply, "Refreshing, is it not?"
"The combination stirs me."
She chuckled at what he suspected to be a private joke. "After this night, you have two full moons to come forward with your answer." She turned away and he panicked, "Wait!" The Light straightened and he cleared his throat, "The girl..."
She cocked her head to the side and studied him, no doubt sensing his accelerated heartbeat and slightly ragged breathing. "Alexania is healing as we speak. But I will not lie to you, warrior. She is hurt," her voice softened with pity, "both physically and spiritually." Tyler felt sick to his stomach. "She is still human. Therefore my powers with her are limited. I have done all that I can, but it is time and rest that will tell."
His next question blurted out before he could stop it, "Who did this to her?"
The Light spoke abruptly, "I have done what you begged of me, warrior. It is not often that we intervene in the matters of our creations. My brother was not wrong in supposing your ungratefulness."
Tyler winced, fucking idiot! Bowing low, he said "Your grace, I am extremely grateful for your presence and even more so for what you have provided this evening."
"Perhaps you should be more grateful to the one who swayed me to come this night. I have done this only as a favour for one with whom I hold in high esteem and reverence."
So she came here as a favour for somebody else? Tyler was shocked. Who would help them at a time like this? He dared not ask. It didn't matter anyway, as long as Alex was going to be ok, "Upon my word, I thank you and the one you hold in high reverence for this kindest of deeds. I am forever in your debt."
"And one day I shall collect on this debt, for you know there must always be a balance." He nodded and she said kindly, "Until next time, Tylorian son of Svor." He closed his eyes as warmth surrounded him in a blinding light; when he opened them she was gone.
Tyler took a deep breath then cautiously entered his bedroom. He slid the glass door shut and braced himself. Alex lay peacefully on his bed, his black comforter cloaking her, her chest rising and falling slowly. He couldn't move. He just stood there staring at her from across the large distance measuring her breathing. 'She is hurt both physically and spiritually.'
He didn't know how much time had passed but before he knew it the sun was peaking over the horizon. He finally shook himself out of his stupor, pulled the black drapes shut and slowly made his way toward the bed.
"Jesus," he muttered while looking her over. Mere hours ago Alex was a muddy, bleeding mess. Dark blue bruises on her face and neck, swollen eyelids and cheekbones, broken jawbone, giant bump on her scalp, cuts on her neck along with contusions in the shape of handprints—a sure sign of strangulation... Tyler swallowed a lump in his throat. He couldn't imagine what else had been done to her. Not even when he had gently sponged away the mud marring her skin, or when he swathed her in his robe without looking at her body and violating her privacy.
But now, as she lay in his bed without a speck of dirt marring her impeccably smooth skin, he could see remarkable improvements. Her jawbone was healed, the broken fragments mended back to perfection. Dark bruises still dominated her skin but they were slowly fading. The bump on her head was not as obvious and the markings on her neck were sealed and resembling innocent red welts. No doctors, no surgery... she wouldn't even have scars.
Awestruck, Tyler sent a prayer of gratitude to The Light. He thanked her for hearing his plea, thanked her for easing his Alexa, cleansing her, healing her. He also thanked her for allowing no physical scars to blemish her skin—he did not want Alex to have reminders of what happened every time she looked into a mirror.
Careful not to disturb her peaceful sleeping, Tyler softly swept Alex's hair from her face taking care not to touch her healing cheekbone. "I'm so sorry," he muttered behind the lump in his throat. A sweat broke out across her brow and he gently brushed his thumb over her temple, she was burning up.
He forced himself to leave her side to retrieve a wet facecloth, a glass of water and some aspirin from the bathroom. Careful not to jostle her, he inched onto the bed and positioned himself against the headboard beside her. He gently dabbed her sweat soaked skin and had a passing thought about how it was only yesterday that he'd wanted her in this very bed; hair splayed against his pillows, her aroma scenting his sheets... But not like this. Never like this. God Alex, what happened?
He whispered silently to her in his mother tongue, "I will die before I allow this to happen again. Upon my honour I vow." Her head slowly turned in his direction and he stilled. Alex's eyes remained swollen shut as she slurred in her sleep, "Tyler..." Her hand inched towards him and his heart hammered. Mine Tanahya.
"Shh..." He reached out and twined his fingers with hers, "I'm here." Her brow creased and he gently smoothed it with his finger. "You're safe now, Alexa. Sleep..." his thumb stroked the back of her hand. Alex's mouth uptilted momentarily before falling slack, sleep claiming her once again. A heavy ache swelled in his chest and he rubbed his sternum hoping to ease the pain. It didn't. So he ignored it and settled in next to her, revelling in the peacefulness of her slumber...
Two days later...
"No..." Tyler slowly opened his eyelids and the bed shifted next to him. "Get away from me!" Alex slurred. He shot out of bed in record time, reached for the blade hidden behind his headboard then assumed a protective stance over her. He surveyed the room prepared to take down the perpetrator but saw no one.
He looked over his shoulder as Alex writhed on the bed, her eyes closed as a nightmare stirred her. She had kicked the comforter off the bed and her skin looked flushed. Shit, she was burning up again.
He returned the blade to its hiding place and gently smoothed her hair. She reached out for him and he twined their fingers together. "It's ok. Shh... You're ok." He reached for the aspirin and the glass of water then urged her to sit up. He managed to get her to swallow the pills and drink the water before laying her back down again.
Tyler cursed himself for falling asleep. He hadn't meant to, but she looked so peaceful and the gentle rise and fall of her breath mixed with her sweet scent had coaxed him, lulling him to sleep. And damn it if it wasn't the best sleep he'd ever had. He looked at the time and his eyes widened; they'd been out for twelve hours.
He assessed her injuries and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Alex looked much better already. Her bruises were fading rather quickly, apart from a particularly dark one on her cheekbone. The cuts and scrapes had all but disappeared and the bump on her head was barely discernible. She was starting to look herself again.
Tyler stayed awake from then on and for the next day and a half, he never left her side. He kept her hydrated, mopped the perspiration from her forehead, whispered reassuring words... it was a first for him. He'd never had to nurse anybody before, and although the circumstances were horrid, he delighted in the idea of tending to her needs. I want to tend to her always, his Tanahya thought. Tyler paused, whoa, slow down there buddy. He had to get through this situation before he made those kinds of statements.
But how long was this going to take? Alex had been out for two days and he was starting to get restless. Was she ever going to wake up? Had The Light tricked him into thinking that she was fine when really—? He stopped that line of thought and started pacing the room looking for distraction. He paused in front of his artwork and decided to put partitions up. Alex didn't need to see his most recent obsession.
He made his way over to the glass door and peeked outside. It was light out, probably around noon. He glanced out past the forest, over the mountains towards the ocean. Did he have time for a quick dip? He glanced back towards the bed, gods; he hoped she woke up soon, but he couldn't let her see him like this. He went back to her bedside, brushed the back of his hand down her cheek and closed his eyes. When he opened them he was waist deep in the ocean...
Tyler flashed to his balcony and shook the water droplets from his hair. His "quick dip" took longer than expected and he was anxious to check on Alex, but first he needed to shower. He slid the door open and headed toward the bathroom halting mid step when he heard a gasp. He turned to see Alex sit up quickly then cringe. His heart skipped a beat, she was awake... and in pain. The contusion on her cheekbone was still evident but the red welts on her neck had faded to a dull pink and the bruises on her eyes were yellowing but no longer swollen. And her colouring was back. Her glow-force was radiant and she looked lovelier than ever.
Her face softened as she gazed at him and it felt like the sun was finally rising after the world had been deprived of its warmth for too long. She was awake. Thank The Elite she was awake.
Alex shifted and her robe parted slightly and revealed the smooth skin at her throat. Tyler's hands itched to touch the softness but when she opened her mouth to say something he immediately looked away disgusted with himself. He strode into the bathroom and closed the door before she could say anything. Could he be any more vulgar? Here she was, battered and bruised—barely even conscious yet—and he was lusting after her! He couldn't look himself in the mirror. He hurried through a cold shower ashamed.
When he emerged from the bathroom he was surprised to see Alex out of bed and leaning against his dresser for support. She was clearly headed for the door. Her shoulders were slumped and she looked exhausted.
"You need to rest," he said.
She straightened her posture, "I was just leaving."
"You need to sit down. Here let me—"
"No," she cut him off, "I have to go." He almost smiled at her stubbornness. But the feeling quickly passed when she stumbled forward. Tyler instantly flashed to her side and scooped her up into his arms. Alex winced and rubbed both her temples. Tyler kept his eyes averted so she didn't see the panic in his eyes.
When he laid her down she sighed, "I need to go back to my room—"
"You need to rest," he interjected.
"—so that I can get ready to—"
"—you need to—"
"Stop telling me what I need!" she exclaimed.
Tyler took a deep breath, "I..." want to know how you are and what the fuck happened out there. "We need to talk."
Alex shrugged, "About?" Her casual manner irritated him. She knew what he wanted to talk about.
"Shit, I don't know. How about the fact that—"
"Clothes," she interrupted.
He raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"
She crossed her arms, "If we're going to do this, then I want my clothes."
He seethed quietly and without another word, walked to the other side of the room and inspected his walk-in wardrobe. He'd already disposed of her ruined clothes and he had nothing in her size so he grabbed the first two garments that he touched and walked back into the room. Alex studied the clothes in his hand and her look of disbelief amused him. He threw the clothes on the bed, "Change."
She glowered at him, "Do people always do what you tell them to?" He fought back a smile. He was oddly pleased that she was being stubborn about this, it meant that she was still herself; and besides, he kind of liked Stubborn-Alex. "Change."
She reluctantly complied, "A button-down shirt and a pair of boxers? Are you mad?"
As a hatter, he thought then shrugged.
"Ugh! You're so irritating," Alex winced as she sat up. Tyler reached to help but she shot him a threatening look that would've stopped a moving train. Damn, the way her eyes blazed when she was angry... He cursed himself then raised his hands in surrender before turning away.
But he could still sense her unease, "Don't worry. I don't see you in that way." His inner Tanahya rolled its eyes.
The smell of rain suddenly filled his nostrils and he quirked an eyebrow. Either a storm was approaching or he was near a kind of sadness. He glanced out past his balcony but there wasn't a cloud for miles. Odd, had he hurt Alex's feelings just now? Tyler's chest panged. He felt like the worst POS asshole that ever existed. She'd already been through enough without him literally adding insult to injury. He bowed his head feeling guilt and shame.
"Don't you have any plain t-shirts? A sweater maybe?"
Was she trying to lighten the mood? That somehow made him feel even worse. He stayed silent.
"I uh... I'm decent."
He spun around and his eyes almost bugged out of their sockets. His shirt was too long on her and the boxers that she held in place with both hands were lost beneath it. Her tousled brown hair was splayed down her shoulders like a lion's mane and the buttons of his shirt were done up all wrong. He swallowed loudly. Tyler could not help but feel a strange sense of pride in seeing her wear his clothing, nor could he ignore how adorably sexy she looked.
He moved unconsciously, "You've done it up wrong."
"Well, I was in a hurry and I... couldn't... see..." Alex's voice trailed off as he approached her. Before he knew what he was doing he reached for the button at her navel then stroked it between his thumb and forefinger.
"You missed a few buttons."
Alex blushed and the colour was beautiful. "I was rushing... and you... should've— you should've given me," she took a deep breath, "What I mean is: you should've given me something more practical to wear." She pointed to the bed, "I'm better off wrapping myself in a sheet!" He couldn't help but smirk at that remark. He had dreamed of her being wrapped in his black satin sheets with nothing but that beautiful blush colouring her skin...
He shook his head to clear it. Now was not the time to be thinking such things, "You'll be fine. Here, let me..." Oh gods, her scent. It was stronger than ever and damn... it was doing things to him. He grabbed a handful of her shirt then tugged lightly. When their chests collided both of their noses flared. He cleared his throat, "Let me get that for you." He looked her up and down, there was a faint voice in the back of his mind telling him that this was a bad idea, but when Alex's breathing became heavy and her scent grew spicier, that logic disappeared.
She stepped back but he stayed with her, "Here let me..." She nodded eagerly and he contained his smile by locating the top button.
He kept his eyes locked onto her warm brown ones as he fixed her buttons one by one. When he reached her midriff he accidently—on purpose—brushed the back of his hand against her warm skin. Alex's head fell back and a lust filled shudder left her body.
"Sweet Jesus..." he muttered before continuing in his mother tongue. "I pray The Elite for strength. I fear the desperation of the Tanahya. But it coaxes me. I ask for restraint."
Her overwhelming aroma reached a new high and he yanked his hands away before he became lost in it, "I have to stop."
Alex smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. Her scent tinged with that same smell of rain. "Yeah," she shook her head to clear it, "I mean—of course you do."
Tyler cursed under his breath, "You don't get it. If I don't stop now, then I won't stop at all."
"What does that mean?"
Before Tyler knew what he was doing he brushed a finger across her lips, "It's pretty obvious."
Alex blew out a breath and stepped back. When her back pressed against the wall, Tyler unconsciously moved in and placed both hands against the wall either side of her head. He didn't know where his predator instincts were coming from, or why he was acting like a total maniac, but the thought of her fleeing from him was unthinkable, "Stop running from me."
Alex stiffened, "What, me? Run from you?! You're fucking with my head Tyler. You really are." Once again her eyes blazed and the sadist in him wanted to see more of her brazenness, "Am I." Her eyes narrowed deviously at him and his muscles tensed. Damn, she was hot.
"Yeah, you are. You make me feel... things. Then when I'm wrapped around your little finger you pull away!" she poked a finger into his bare chest, "That's you running from me. Not the other way around."
His lids lowered, "Things? What kind of...'things'?" Alex blushed and he could feel the heat radiating from her body. "You're doing it right now. You're messing with my head!"
"Am I," he teased.
Her eyes flashed hotly, "Back off, Tyler."
For reasons he didn't know, Tyler wanted to make her angry, he needed to know what was beyond the guarded Alex. He was intrigued, and she was incredibly sensual. He leaned in closer, pressed his hard chest against her soft one and whispered in her ear, "Why?"
"Why? Why!"
"Why."
"Why do you even care? You said yourself that you don't see me 'in that way'. So if anything, I'm doing you a favour by trying to distance myself." Ah, so that's what this was about. Alex tried to shoulder past him but he didn't budge. "Back off, asshole!" the growl that left her body stirred something inside him. He flashed his teeth in a wide grin; nobody had ever spoken to him like that—they feared him too much. But with her... he found that he actually liked it.
He didn't mean to upset her or anything, but he just couldn't help it. When he looked into her enraged eyes, he couldn't concentrate on anything apart from the way they narrowed on him, or how a blaze of lust flashed behind those russet irises. All of a sudden Tyler was achingly aware of his own partial undress.
He gave her a daring look and Tyler watched in slow motion as her hand rose, he could see the strike coming from a mile away but decided to oblige her. She slapped him across the cheek and he tried to keep a straight face but when he saw her confused and comical expression he couldn't contain himself. "I..." he burst into fits of laughter. Tyler had barely smiled in days so he savoured the strange moment. He clutched his abdomen and laughed at nothing and everything. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders and he could finally take a deep breath.
He probably should have stopped her slap, considering her injured state, but he wanted to see if she had it in her. And she most definitely did. The little vixen had fire in her blood.
He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. Alex stood there with a soft expression as he ogled her from head to toe. Thank the gods his shirt almost reached her knees. He placed his hands back on the wall either side of her head, "Nice slap you got there."
Her scent spiked with desire, "Tyler, don't..."
It was intoxicating and he noted with great concern that he was losing control of his actions, "You're sexy when you're mad, you know that?" His finger involuntarily trailed down her body and stopped at her navel, "That's why I was deliberately pushing your buttons..." He traced her belly button.
What the hell is happening? Tyler deliberated anxiously. 'Just a taste,' begged that inner voice—his Tanahya. Shit!
Alex's skin heated another degree and her lids lowered, "Tyler, please, no more games..."
"None of this is a game. But I do need to confess something." Tyler instinctively looked at her lips and yearned to taste them. What was wrong with him?
"W-what?"
"You know how I said that I didn't see you in that way?" She nodded and he trailed his nose up her neck to her ear, "I lied."
Alex swallowed loudly, "Hmm?"
"I said—" fisting the shirt at her navel, he pulled her into him and pressed his desire against her hip to prove his point, "I lied."
Alex closed her eyes and purred achingly into his ear, a hum of pure feminine desire. It was the most riveting sound he had ever heard. Tyler clenched his fists and fought for control over his own body. What the fuck was he doing? If he didn't restrain his lust or his Tanahya soon, he was going to savagely ravish her. Hard, fast and up against the wall.
He took a deep breath then muttered in his own language, "Gods, what is wrong with me?"
He was no longer the sexual deviant from his past, so why was he acting this way? His Uncle Marcus had worked hard to instil good morals and ethics in him, so how did this lone female, this exquisite being surpass the limits of his self-control? Tyler couldn't believe how close he was to devouring her. It made no sense!
He scrutinized her, hoping the answer would somehow materialise. Her behaviour wasn't unskilled, nor was it unsure, it was practiced proficiency. His point was proven when she arched her back and—sweet Jesus—a delicious friction transpired where they were joined.
Tyler held his breath because if he caught another whiff of her scent he was going to melt. And it was bad enough that his Tanahya was already controlling a large part of his physical being.
Alex made that purring noise again and his desire throbbed. Was she like this with all her lovers? Tyler had never been a jealous man, but the thought of another man witnessing this side of her left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Wait—wasn't this the kind of thing he despised in a woman?
'Stop thinking, damn you! Just feel...' his Tanahya demanded.
He bit back in his own language, "Stop this nonsense right now! You know naught of the consequences."
Alex closed her eyes, licked her lips and moved against him causing more of that delicious friction. Tyler exhaled loudly, vanilla and lilacs quickly pervading his nose and drowning out all other senses. That's all it took. His control snapped and he was no longer himself. "Fuck the consequences. This is worth it—"
Tyler took Alex's earlobe into his mouth and nipped at her flesh. The purring noise that she made had him growling low in his throat. She trembled with lust, "I don't even know you."
Tyler breathed into her ear, "Yeah, you do."
She closed her eyes as she shivered, "I've met you, yes. But I don't know you."
Tyler thought about the reactions that their Tanahya's were invoking between them, "You can't distinguish it yet, but you know me Alexa... You know me."
"Alexa?" she whispered.
Shit. He hadn't meant to say the endearment out loud. Alexa meant "spirited one" in their language. It was no wonder her parents decided to name her Alexania, it suited her to a tee. He pressed in closer to her, "You don't like it?"
"No, I do. I... really do," she whispered.
Tyler brushed his nose along her jugular, "Me too..."
He cupped her cheek and eyed her lips hungrily; he could only imagine the delights that that mouth could bring. He brushed his thumb over her lips and groaned at their softness.
He rested his forehead on hers, stroked his thumb back and forth and whispered to her in his language, "What is this influence that you have over me? I am not supposed to want you, and yet, here I am... Gods, you are the most tantalising creature I have ever beheld."
Alex's tongue flicked the pad of his thumb and he was unable to stifle his moan. He looked into her eyes and it was obvious that her Tanahya had taken over as well. They were both screwed.
She was pleading with her eyes and he knew exactly what she wanted. It took all his strength to hold back and analyse the situation. He was an immortal and she was not, therefore he had more control over his Tanahya than she did hers. Wouldn't this be taking advantage of her vulnerability?
'Feel... Just feel...' his Tanahya demanded. Before Tyler knew what he was doing, he led Alexa to the bed and she crawled on to it. He knelt on the mattress next to her, placed a finger under her chin and tilted it up towards him, "Are you sure?" She didn't hesitate "Undoubtedly."
Tyler leaned over and skimmed his nose along her jugular, he softly pressed his lips over her pulse and she sighed, nestling into the pillows. He stretched out beside her, resting on one elbow as his free hand smoothed up and down her arm. He inhaled at her throat where her scent was strongest, "You smell delicious, Alexa." His arousal throbbed, "Positively edible."
A beautiful smile uptilted her lips and on instinct he nuzzled her skin with his lips, "Alexa..."
She lifted her chin as he explored her neck and he felt goose bumps tickle his lips. His hand somehow found its way to her soft stomach where it smoothed along her navel and travelled up her body. His breathing became rugged and Alexa squirmed with unfulfilled desire. He captured her full bosom in his palm and they both groaned. Her body undulated and he exhaled audibly as he brushed his thumb against the taut peak of her breast. She cried out and Tyler was nearly overcome with an almost animalistic desire to take her, "Oh Alexa... you are—" he stroked his thumb teasingly in a circular motion, and then shuddered as she cried out again, "You are an infused fire..."
He smoothed his hand across her shirt to the button at the top. Alex placed both her hands on top of his and looked at him with so much insecurity in her eyes that it startled him. She was afraid he would not approve. Didn't she know how beautiful she was? Had her previous lovers not uttered words of praise toward her mind and body? He could murder them for committing such sacrilege.
Alexa averted her warm brown eyes from his and he immediately stopped what he was doing. He moved so his face was before hers and she could look nowhere else, "You are beautiful."
She blushed and tried to look away but Tyler put a finger under her chin and tilted it up to his, "You are so very beautiful."
He could see the disagreement in her eyes and it saddened him that she thought so low of herself. So instead of quarrelling with words he kissed her. It was meant to only be a peck but as soon as his lips grazed hers, there was no going back.
Alex grabbed hold of his shoulders and kissed him back with a passion reserved for a lioness. She pulled him down towards her and he sucked on her bottom lip requesting entrance. When she obliged, Tyler got his first real taste of heaven.
The kiss deepened and Alex whispered against his mouth, "Tanahya... I need you within me."
Tyler froze. Did he hear correctly? Had she truly spoken those beautiful words to him? He could contain himself no longer.
He delved frantically into the kiss and she returned it with equal urgency. She eventually came up for air and he instinctually latched on to the pulse point at her throat. She arched her back in ecstasy, "I don't know w-what's happening..."
Her body was flushed and it was clear that she had no control over what she was feeling or doing. Her Tanahya had taken possession. He wanted to reassure her; he placed his hand on her stomach and gently urged her back onto the bed, "Shh baby..." he whispered, "Shh... It's Ok..."
Alex's skin was burning up and her vanilla and lilac perfume became so pungent, that he was certain he could smell it on his own skin. Her eyes filled with feminine arousal and Tyler growled deep in his throat, unable to fight back the urge any longer. He claimed her mouth once again and she turned over to face him. She traced her hand from his temple to his collarbone and left a trail of liquid fire in its wake.
She kissed down his chin, his jaw, trailed her tongue to his earlobe then down to his pulse point below her hand. It took every ounce of his strength not to take her at that moment. She kissed him softly at first but when he felt the hot silky press of her tongue Tyler lost his sanity.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and surged his hips forward until his heat was met by hers, Alex yearned and brought her lips back to his. He could feel her desperation and was more than willing to help her find release. He ran his hand down to her hip and forcefully gripped on to it— Alex screamed painfully against his mouth and Tyler couldn't get away from her fast enough. He searched the room for danger and when he found none he looked toward her with horror.
She rolled over onto her stomach, clutching her hip, gasping with broken sobs. She was in so much pain that even he could feel it. "Oh god, what have I done?"
He was disgusted with himself for behaving the way he did. How could he think for even one second that she was up to this? His Tanahya had taken advantage of her when she was vulnerable and incapable of making sentient decisions. Alex was right, he really was an asshole. No he was worse than that; he was a vile, evil monster. He cursed in his mother tongue.
Alex didn't make eye contact as she sat up, placed her feet on the ground then looked longingly toward the boxers that he had quickly disposed her of. Bastard! He yelled to himself internally.
She slowly stood up, made her way over to the attire—still clutching her hip, and then stood over them eyes down. She looked contemplative and it became clear to him that she was physically incapable of lifting them from the ground. She was in this position because of him. Insufferable swine!
The shouting silence in the room was punishing and instead of leaving the room to give Alex her privacy, he knelt beside her in aid. She lifted one foot and he placed the cloth around it.
"You're hurt."
Alex sighed, "Just leave it."
His blood boiled, "I won't leave it Alex."
Her voice was almost sad as she lifted her other foot, "I don't know what to say."
He lifted the garment to her knees and she leaned down to pull it the rest of the way up. He caught the wince that she tried to hide. She held the too-large boxers in place with both hands and she looked defeated, helpless. His heart ached. "I'm so sorry Alex. I..." he didn't know how to end that sentence.
As if she could sense his self-hatred and guilt she spoke softly, "Listen to me. You didn't hurt me. I promise."
It did nothing to relieve him, if anything it made him feel worse that she was trying to console him when it was obvious that he should be consoling her. He took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in his throat, "Was it from the other night?"
"The other night?" she asked confused.
"You've slept for two days now..."
"Two days?! What..? Why? What?" Her eyes were wide and Tyler almost wished he'd said nothing.
"Shh it's ok." He reached out but pulled back at the last second, he was afraid to touch her in case he'd hurt her again.
He studied her rigid form and wanted to break the tension. He eyed the almost comical way she was holding the boxers in place, "You know they have a draw string right?"
She looked up at him, "Huh?"
Making sure not to startle her, he lifted her shirt to get to the waist band of the boxers, "They're right here. You just have to—"
His voice cut out the moment he saw the markings. A perfect handprint had been cut into her skin. He immediately recognised it for what it was; a warning.
One of their own kind had done this to her. "I'll kill him. I'll fucking kill him..."
Undiluted wrath surged through his entire body, raging through his bloodstream until he was sure he'd explode with it. He dimly registered Alex in the background, her tone buzzing with alarm.
"What?" He couldn't control the malevolence in his voice.
"Your eye!" she exclaimed.
He eyed her with confusion until he registered the slight warping occurring around him. Oh, his eye. "Fuck." He backed up quickly then hit the back of his knees on the bed and plonked down "I... Fuck." He stared at the ground, trying to slow his breathing when Alex's anxiety scoured his senses.
"W-what's h-happening to me?" she stuttered. Her breathing was erratic and a sweat broke out across her brow. Shit, she was losing it. Her knees shook until she slid down the wall.
He rushed to her, "Alex—"
"Stay away from me!" she shouted from behind her tousled hair. Tyler stopped short then held his hands up, "Please, just let me—"
"No." Alex wrapped her shaking arms around herself and hid her eyes from him, but Tyler sensed her emotions and they confounded him. Such... fear. He wanted to reach out and comfort her. He almost did, but she flinched and shrunk further into herself. "P-please don't hurt me."
Tyler froze. Hurt her? "Why would I hurt you? I would never hurt you."
Alex sucked in a broken breath, "Your eye—" she hissed and rubbed at her temples as if she was physically incapable of finishing that sentence.
Tyler waited, "What about it?" She said nothing. Tyler watched as she huddled into herself, pulling the fabric of his shirt down to conceal her lengthy legs while clutching the lapels together. It was a pitiful sight and his chest ached. "Alex, I'm not going to hurt you but you have to tell me what happened the other night."
She stared at her feet, "N-nothing. I did it to myself. Please let me go."
Tyler frowned, "I can't." Not until she told him who gave her that fucking mark, because she sure as shit never gave it to herself. Alex's sobs were no longer silent and a lump formed in Tyler's throat. He scolded himself; she's been through enough already, you prick. Cut her some slack.
Tyler sighed and retrieved his black robe from the floor, "I just want—I need answers, Alex. Please." He approached her slowly and she stiffened. "Here," he draped the robe around her shoulders, taking care not to make any skin contact then retreated.
She fumbled awkwardly to cloak herself then secured the sash in a tight knot before linking her shaky fingers around her knees. Her eyes were downcast and she just sat there like an obedient child waiting to be rebuffed. She was genuinely scared of him and it made him queasy. "Alex, I'm not going to hurt you. Relax." She did not, she was terrified.
"Please," he pleaded unable to contain his desperation any longer. "I need to know what happened." He glimpsed her slightly swollen lips. Tyler blamed himself for their puffiness, from the way he had kissed her, the way he had drank her in as if she were the most delicious wine...
Alex's frightened gaze met his, her eyes pleading like she was dying to tell him what happened and for a second it looked like she was going to. But then something flashed in her eyes; a blue flame that flickered for less than a second. A human's vision would not have detected it but he saw it as clear as day.
Tyler's face went blank as he dropped to his knees beside her. Why didn't he see it before? Her hazy memory, the bruises, that fucking warning mark carved into her skin... It was so obvious! Why hadn't The Light warned him? His blood boiled and a low, malicious snarl echoed throughout the room as the next epiphany hit him; somebody else knows about her. Protect! His Tanahya growled. Tyler hid his clenched fists from her view.
A shrieking scream ripped him from his thoughts as Alex thrashed and clawed at her temples until a trickle of blood dripped down her face. Tyler whipped into action, "Alex, stop!" He reached for her, "You're bleeding, stop!" He clasped both her hands within one of his own as she shoved against him. He smoothed away the blood that had accumulated by her right ear, "Calm down."
He uttered soothing words to her until she finally took a deep breath. "That's it, Alexa, breathe." He stroked her hair as she tried to collect herself. What the fuck just happened?
When her breathing still came in short gasps he gently urged her to put her head between her knees. He observed her panicked behaviour and decided that she was not ready for any of this. He did the only thing he could think of, "Alexa, look at me." When she didn't he stroked her hair then ran soft circles over her raw temple with his thumb, "Baby, look at me."
Her breathing was still erratic, but she obliged and the fear in her eyes was heartbreaking. He let his eye do its job, dilating then holding her captive. His words came out in a hypnotic, almost chant-like manner, "Everything is going to be fine. You are going to be fine. Nod your head if you understand." Her head nodded slightly. "Good. That's good, Alexa. Do you remember what happened to you two nights ago?" Her eyes widened and she whimpered, a tear escaped her eye and slid down her cheek but before she became unnerved Tyler cut her off—"You had an accident, Alex. You went hiking and had an accident." Her brow furrowed in confusion but he was quick to reassure her, "You hit your head and lost consciousness. Everything that has happened since then has just been a dream. Nod your head." She gave an unsure nod but he wanted to make sure that he was absolutely clear, "You went hiking and hit your head. Say it." Her mouth opened and she repeated in a meek monotone, "I went hiking... and hit my head."
"Good girl." Tyler would just have to get his answers elsewhere. He eyed her sadly then wiped away her tears with the back of his fingers. Tyler looked deeply into Alex's eyes and knew that he would stop at nothing to avenge her.
Well then, he thought as he rolled his neck from side to side, looks like I have some friendly visiting to do. He waved a hand in front of Alex's face and caught her body as she fell limp. ***
One week later...
"Are you sure you don't want me to kick someone's ass? Because I will," Tee spoke with her mouth full, little bits of fries falling out of her mouth.
Alex sighed, "For the last time, I'm fine."
Mel nudged Tee, "You are the most disgusting person I've ever known. Would you shut your trap while you're eating? God, Tony has better behaved animals on his farm!"
Tee scoffed and threw a fry at Mel, "Big brother must be so proud. Tell me, does he let the pigs use the good china? What about the cows, are they well behaved too? Or how about..."
Alex sat back in her chair, smiling at her two best friends who continued to squabble in the busy restaurant. She wished she had the energy to join in on the banter but she hadn't been feeling like herself lately.
It had been a week since her hiking accident. Her injuries had healed miraculously fast—apart from the yellowing bruise on her jaw, life had settled since she'd moved in at the Winslow estate. Every day was like clockwork; she'd tend to Mary—who required very little assistance making Alex wonder why she was even needed—and then she'd head to her room to work on her art project.
It had been like that since the accident. What happened to her that night was a total mystery. She tried over and over to remember what had happened but she couldn't come up with much. What she could remember though was walking through a forest, blacking out, and then waking up in her bed a few days later feeling a little achy. Everything in between was a total blur and every time she tried to remember what happened, a splitting headache would leave her incapacitated. Instead, she assumed she'd gone hiking, hit her head somewhere along the way and now suffered from a mild case of amnesia. She left it at that and tried hard not to think about it, although it was puzzling why she'd even go hiking in the first—the hum of a headache was approaching, so she stopped that thought right there.
Somebody snapped their fingers in front of Alex's face making her jump. "Earth to Alex... Ugh, am I the only one at this table who is interested in this trip or what?" Mel huffed then crossed her arms annoyed.
Alex sat up straight, "What trip?"
"Yeah, what trip?" Tee said while shoving three fries into her mouth.
Mel glared, "Seriously? I've only been talking about this trip all night!" Alex and Tee exchanged nervous looks, Mel was clearly on a mission and if you knew what was good for you, you'd stay right out of her way. She puffed loudly, "Ok, listen up bitches. I'm only gonna say this one more time. Harry wants the family together for his birthday this year. It's in a little over a week. Tony and I have been talking and we've decided to hold it at his ranch." Mel handed them each a piece of paper, "You both have jobs—" Tee whined but Mel pegged her with a look "—and before your lazy ass comes up with an excuse, may I remind you that you owe me?"
Tee feigned shock "For what?"
Mel counted off the reasons on her fingers, "For putting up with Max's late night cooking disasters, Max's late night movie sessions, oh and who could forget Max's early morning Guitar Hero concerts!"
"Hey you can't complain about the late night cooking when you're the first person to the table."
"Ok, maybe it's not all bad... but come on, guitar hero at 3am?"
Tee rolled her eyes, "That happened like what, twice?"
"It's every night! Doesn't he sleep?" Tee winked, "No." And off they went again, bantering like a couple of kindergarteners.
Alex piped in, "Wait a sec, are you and Max a thing now?"
Tee wrinkled her nose, "He knows that we're just hanging out."
Mel scoffed, "Whatever. That insomniac is totally in love with you and you know it. But as usual, the moment things get a little too serious for you, you push him away. Why he keeps coming back? I have no idea."
A flash of emotion played across Tee's face, she tried to hide it but Alex wasn't fooled. "Mel, could you go get the bill?" Mel turned to stare at the long queue of people waiting, "What? Oh come on, look at the line! Do I have to?" she pouted.
"Yes. And order three cups of hot chocolate to go." Mel moaned and stood up. Alex smiled broadly, "Oh, and could you grab me one those cookies that I love?" Mel stomped away while mumbling something unintelligible. Alex called out to her, "I love you too babe!" Mel flipped her off then stormed away.
Alex's grin faded when she turned to her other best friend. She watched in silence as Tee played with an invisible piece of lint on her sleeve, pretended to look for something in her handbag, checked her cell phone, twice, and then shifted around in her seat.
She finally met Alex's stare, "Oh for fucks sakes, Alex. Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?" Alex asked innocently.
Tee rolled her eyes, "Don't play dumb. I know what you're doing."
Alex shrugged ignorantly, "I'm not doing anything."
"You know exactly what you're doing, witch."
Alex chortled, "'Witch?'"
"Yes 'witch'. You have a freakish knack for knowing exactly what people are thinking and feeling."
An uninvited image of Tyler popped into her head. She hadn't seen him since that encounter in his front yard a week ago; the day of her accident. Damn, that felt like months ago. Mary had said that Tyler had gone out of town on business, but Alex couldn't shake the feeling that he was avoiding her. She sighed, she couldn't read him, but then again he was frustratingly cryptic. Alex shook her head, "Not exactly."
Tee scoffed, "Well, you're pretty damn good when it comes to me. I mean, you're the only one who can see right through all my..." her words trailed off, all traces of humour gone until they were just staring at each other. "Go on," Alex urged softly. Tee blinked like she had something in her eye then forced a smile, "Hey, did Mel tell you about Professor Emery? Well apparently his car got broken into..." Alex shook her head while her friend chattered away, "Tee."
"...the steering wheel! Can you believe that? I mean, who breaks into a car just to take a steering wheel—?"
"Stop," Alex said a little forcefully. She grabbed Tee's hand and spoke softly, "You've got to stop doing this to yourself."
"I'm not doing—"
"Do we have to go through this again?" Alex patted her hand, "You've found someone who makes you happy. Max makes you happy." Tee glanced at Alex with that same emotion from earlier and then quickly looked away. When she remained quiet Alex sympathised with her friend. This was a rare side to Tee and once upon a time she would have chased Alex down and force-fed her something disgusting just for bringing it up. That she wasn't retaliating now was kind of a worry, but she knew not to push it. The best thing Alex could do was to wait for Tee to come to her; it was the only way she would talk.
Alex slowly withdrew her hand and filled the silence by stacking their used dishes. Tee was complex when it came to certain subjects and her reactions were always unpredictable. Alex glanced over at Mel; she was waiting in line, talking to a blushing teenage boy who was obviously thrilled to have her attention.
A sniffling sound made Alex whip around. Tee was wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. Alex was shocked; she had only ever seen Tee cry once. And that was years ago. She shifted her chair so that they were sitting closely together and put an arm around Tee's shoulder, "Babe..." she didn't know what to say, she hadn't expected this reaction. Tee never cried.
Tee rested her head on Alex's shoulder and whispered, "He said he loves me." Alex's heart ached for her best friend as she said those words. Her goddamn childhood did this, she thought heatedly.
One way or another, all of Tee's problems derived from her childhood. Like Alex, she had grown up in an orphanage; abandoned at a young age with no one to claim her. But that was where the similarities of their pasts ended. After hearing about Tee's history, Alex was a little more appreciative of her own hell and grateful that she had not endured Tee's.
When they had first met, it had been those harsh realities that had drawn Tee and Alex together. After all, people with fucked up histories tended to gravitate toward one another.
Tee... God, she had a horrible past. After years of abuse at the orphanage, she'd gone into the foster care system where things had only gotten worse. She had lived through things that no human being should ever have to experience. The consequences were a joyride of complications. She constantly hid behind her wicked attitude and sarcastic humour, but worst of all she shied away from any and all sentiments of love and affection.
Alex squeezed her shoulder and nodded in understanding. Emotionally, she had only ever opened up to Mel and her family, and then when Alex eventually came along, Tee had opened up to her as well.
A normal girl would have been elated that a guy had admitted his love for her. But Tee wasn't normal, and because Max had said those words, Alex knew what was coming next.
"I have to get rid of him," Tee muttered.
Alex winced, "But you like him."
"I... fuck. That's why I have to end it now."
Alex shook her head, "Babe, don't get mad at me when I say this ok?" Before she could reply Alex turned so that they were facing each other, "You need to stop doing this to yourself. There are guys, good guys, who would line up around the block for the chance to be in a relationship with you. Max is one of them, and the bonus here is that you actually like him back. Those things..." she paused to gather the right words, "the things that happened to you all those years ago, don't let them ruin your future." Tee recoiled but Alex persisted, "I know you're sabotaging yourself on purpose. That you're deliberately ruining your chances at love," she gave Tee a serious look, "Your past belongs exactly where it is, in the past; you can't change that. The future however, you can change the hell out of that bitch. That's what's great about it."
Alex inhaled as though she'd spoken those words in one breath, and then silence filled the air, neither of them making a sound for what felt like days. She groaned, "Look, I know you probably hate my guts right now. I shouldn't have brought it up—" Two arms suddenly wrapped around her and pulled her in for a tight hug. She returned it moments later.
"I could never hate you," Tee sniffled. "You, Mel, the Connor's... you're the only family I have." Tee drew in a ragged breath and exhaled on a sigh, "You're right though. I do like Max. Maybe more than I think I should, but I just can't, you know... do the whole "love" thing." Alex felt sorry for her friend for feeling that way. Tee's grip tightened, "You know why I can't do it."
Alex nodded and pulled back to look at her, "I know... I just want you to be happy. And I don't mean partying until you forget your problems. I mean happy, happy. You deserve nothing less."
They released each other and Tee's smile was sad, "I just wish it didn't have to be this way, you know? I wish we could just pick and choose who we fall in love with."
Tanahya, that voice in her head yearned and Alex absently rubbed at her chest. It sounded feeble, like it was tired, she was certain it was growing weaker. Alex had a passing thought that maybe it was fading out completely; she wasn't sure how she felt about that. Tanahya, the voice whimpered again. "I know," Alex said sadly.
Tee let go of her and released a great sigh, "You always give the best advice."
Thankful for the subject change, Alex half smiled, "Uh huh, sure. –Hey Alex, wouldn't it be fan-fucking-tastic to go on a spur of the moment hike? –I don't know Alex. It's getting dark out and it seems a little extreme to go it alone. –Argh, don't sweat it, you'll be fine. –Well, ok then." She gave Tee a serious look, "Too bad I can't give myself good advice huh?" They both burst out laughing and it felt good.
After a short while Tee exhaled noisily, "Thank you."
"No problem babe."
"Oh, and just so you know my eyes are puffy because I have allergies," Tee said stubbornly.
Alex smirked, "You sure about that?"
"Of course, I can't have people thinking that I, Tina-Jay Swanson—'Ice Queen', have been crying! I have a reputation as a bitch to uphold you know."
Alex grinned, "There's my girl. Oh and about Mel... just ignore her nit-picking. Emotions are running a little high lately, what with Harry..."
"I know. She's been like that all week. But I don't mind, I prefer her to be vocal about her shit rather than bottle it up like I do," she shook her head, "Oh and that reminds me. Harry heard about your accident, he wants to see you."
"What?" Alex groaned, "I didn't want him to find out. That's why I've been avoiding him, waiting for this masterpiece" –she pointed to the bruise on her jaw—"to disappear." She threw her hands up, "What a waste of time that was!"
"Yep, and you know what he's like," Tee chuckled, "you're going to get good and lectured for not being more careful."
"Come with me!" Alex pleaded. "Help me convince him it wasn't a big deal. Please!"
Tee laughed and put her hands up in defence, "No way, José. I don't want Harry starting in on the bucket of sunshine that is my love life. You're on your own, sister, and I do not pity you."
Alex groaned, "Bitch."
"Thanks," Tee grinned and Alex rolled her eyes. While she did miss Harry and his overprotective father role, there were times where he was just too overbearing. His rebukes use to drive her insane. But in all honesty, it was kind of nice to have someone who cared enough about her to give her those lectures and castigations, even if she thought they were silly.
Alex thought back to one of the last times the whole Connor family were together...***
*** "What do you mean you don't have a boyfriend?" Harry placed a cup of tea in front of a seventeen year old Alex then sat on the couch next to her. Tony, who was 20 at the time, was lying on the floor, TV remote in hand, flipping through channel after channel before settling on a cartoon show for children half his age.
Alex shrugged, "I just don't." She sipped her English Breakfast and sighed; Harry always made the best tea.
Tony snorted, "It's because she's a pain in the ass, dad." Alex threw a cushion that narrowly missed his head. Harry waved his hand, "Nonsense. Mel! Come in here please."
Mel came striding in, "What's up?"
Harry winked at Alex, "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Mel's face paled, "No."
"That's not what I heard."
She glared at Alex, "You told him!"
Stunned, Alex replied, "I told him nothing."
Harry laughed elatedly, "Ah, so there is someone. Who is it? Danny Donavan?"
Mel scowled at him, "Donavan? Are you crazy?"
"Come on then. Out with it."
Mel went red with anger or it could have been embarrassment, "Butt out, old man. It's no one."
"You girls are no fun!"
Tony interrupted from his place on the floor, "Oh come on dad, that's not fair," he smiled slowly, his green eyes shining with amusement and mischief, "they can't help that they're hideously ugly. I feel sorry for the guys who have to put up with them. Ugh..." he shivered animatedly then turned back to the TV. Harry snorted and Mel growled, stalking out of the room mumbling something about crazy families.
Alex turned to Tony, "You know we're gonna get you back for your smart mouth, don't you?" He grinned and winked at her. She rolled her eyes and turned to Harry, "And thanks for ambushing me, now Mel thinks I've told you some big, bad secret!"
Harry shrugged and held back a laugh, "That was fun."
She shook her head in amazement, "You know, for a priest you're pretty twisted."
Harry rolled his eyes, "And for a teenager you're pretty serious." Tony snorted out loud.
Alex grinned, "Careful old man. I wouldn't want you to break a hip from all this 'fun'." Tony snorted even louder. Clearly he was paying more attention to their conversation rather than the TV.
"Touché," Harry smirked. "All humour aside though, I want you to know one thing." He leaned in with a serious expression then lowered his voice, "When you do find someone who sparks your interest, make sure he is worthy of you. You are intelligent, beautiful and a great joy to be around. Anybody who doesn't see you for what you're really worth doesn't deserve you." She could have sworn she saw Tony nod. "And if any boy, ANY boy, ever hurts my Lexy..." he took a sip from his mug, "let's just say I will find him." She definitely saw Tony nodding that time. Alex blinked away her tears.
Before she'd met the Connor's, nobody had ever believed that she was actually worth something. "Thank you."
"Welcome," he smiled, leaning back and lacing his fingers behind his head. "So tell me, any boys out there chasing my girls? Do I need to get my gun out?" Alex laughed, grateful for the mood change.
"Harry!" Karen chastised as she entered the room carrying a bowl of popcorn. "Yes wife?" he asked innocently. Karen gave Alex a look, "I swear I married a caveman."
Harry beat his chest with a fist, "Me Harry, me hungry. Food, give me now," he reached out for the bowl but Karen slapped his hands away. Alex chuckled at them, Harry was so immature sometimes. He was in his sixties but could have easily passed for someone in their early fifties—that or a 7 year old. He had a head full of dark hair peppered with grey streaks, and laugh lines that surrounded the kindest green eyes she had ever seen. Karen was in her late fifties with perfect blonde hair—not a grey in sight, and always wore a smile. She too had laugh lines, but her eyes were a dark grey. Their kids were the spitting images of their parents, Mel like her mom, Tony, his dad.
"So what are we watching?" Mel re-entered the room, grabbed a fistful of popcorn and squeezed in next to Alex.
Tee marched in next, "Better be something with a lot of blood and guts." Her blue-black hair was wrapped up in a towel. She snatched up a fistful of popcorn, shoved the whole lot in her mouth then squeezed in on Alex's other side.
Alex shifted uncomfortably, "There are millions of other places to sit in this room and you both squeeze into my one-seater?" They each gave her a cheesy smile and tossed more popcorn into their mouths.
Harry rubbed his hands together, "Ok, we're all here. Whose turn is it tonight? Mine? It's gotta be mine."
Tony sat up, "You're dreaming old man. It was your turn last movie night. It's my turn." he reached for the TV guide.
"Actually..." Tee snatched the guide off the coffee table before Tony could reach it, "It's my turn."
Tony groaned, "No fair. I've been away for weeks."
Mel pouted sarcastically, "And we definitely, definitely missed you big bro." Alex chimed in, "Like extremely, majorly big bro." Tee moped, "And we'll be sad, so, so sad when you leave us again big bro."
Harry chuckled and Tony got up, flipped them off and marched out of the room mumbling something about annoying little sisters. He returned a few minutes later with a huge, heavy-looking spring bed mattress. He pushed the coffee table aside and plonked the mattress right in the middle of the living room floor.
"Oh goodness, this'll be interesting..." Karen rolled her eyes as her and Harry left the room to get refreshments.
Alex nudged Mel and Tee and gave them a mischievous look. They immediately understood and a plan was formed in the blink of an eye. They remained silent and smiled sweetly at Tony. He glared at them, "I know what you're all thinking and you can stop that thought right now. You"—he pointed to Alex, "this is my bed, stay the fuck off it."
Alex gave him her best innocent look, "I don't know what you're talking about, big bro." His eyes narrowed and Tee piped up, "Relax Toto, we're comfortable right here." Tony huffed loudly, "Call me that again and I'll hide all your CDs." Tee raised her hands in defeat but her smile grew wider. Tony smoothed a sheet over the mattress then eyed them all suspiciously before leaving the room to get his pillows.
Alex was the first to leap up and lounge on the mattress stretching this way and that way just to make the perfectly smooth sheet uneven. Mel was next, diving next to her, rolling around on her back and kicking her legs into the air. Tee followed suit, jumping on her hands and knees, doing some sort of weird-looking breakdance. It took all they had not to bust out laughing. The sheet was across the room, the mattress was turned sideways and the living room was a mess. Their faces were red from holding back their giggles and breathing unevenly.
"Ouch!" Mel and Tee yelled in unison.
"What?" Alex asked just as a pillow went flying past her head. Before she could react, something straddled her back, Tony laughed in her ear and Mel and Tee cursed at him. "Tony, get off!" She tried to roll over but he was too heavy.
"Don't think I don't know you were behind this. Get off my bed!" he tickled her until she couldn't breathe. Alex scowled at Mel and Tee who were flipping through the TV guide, "A little help..?"
Mel giggled, "No way! You told Harry about Danny."
"So I was right," Harry beamed as he entered the room carrying a six pack of cola. "The Donovan kid, huh?" Mel's eyes widened and Alex cut in, "I told you I didn't tell him. He tricked you and you fell for it." Mel turned a bright shade of red and then turned to her father, "You jerk! I told you I don't have a boyfriend, mind your own business!" Just then Tony pulled on Alex's ponytail making her yelp long enough for him to shove a piece of cloth into her mouth. He rolled off of her in fits of laughter, Tee and Mel joined in, even Harry snorted.
Alex spat out the cloth and held it out for inspection. She shrieked in horror, "What the hell Tony! A sock! You are one sick son of a—"
"Anthony, leave your sisters alone," Karen came in carrying two bags of Doritos, three packets of M&Ms and a giant box of Oreos. She threw them on the mattress, "You haven't been home a week and the house has turned chaotic."
"Newsflash mom, the house has been chaotic since these three pests came along," he huffed and gave Karen a pleading look, "I begged for brothers. I begged!"
Alex threw the sock at him, "Suck it up, slob."
He ruffled her hair and grabbed a bag of Doritos, "Relax, it was clean."
"It's still gross! But don't worry big bro. I'll get you back a good one," she smirked. "Bring it on, Lexy," he challenged.
Mel slapped Tony on the head, "Seeing as you don't want this," she grabbed a pillow, "don't mind if I do." Tee and Alex hastily claimed the remaining two before he could.
Tony moaned, "I didn't bring my bed out here for you three troublemakers."
"I'm sooo comfortable," Tee stretched dramatically, "In fact, when you go back to the ranch I'm totally swapping beds."
"So annoying," Tony mumbled as he fisted the sheet that was now on the floor and made a cushion for his head, "Lazy pests," he tried to get comfortable. All four of them laid flat on the mattress, bickering, passing junk food around, waiting for the movie to start.
A flash of bright light caught their attention and they whipped around to see Karen standing in the doorway, Harry's arms wrapped around her waist. "Gotcha," she waved a camera at them as both she and Harry smiled contentedly at their children. ***
***That picture was currently sitting on her dresser at the Winslow Estate. She missed those times. They seemed simpler.
"You think her accident left her a little retarded?" Mel's voice brought Alex back to the present. She and Tee were sitting across the table, three cups and a brown paper bag sitting between them ready to go. They studied her as if she were a new species; heads together, arms crossed.
Tee tapped on her chin then nodded, "Absolutely. The bitch needs medication."
"I can hear you, you know," Alex snapped.
"She lives!"
"Hallelujah, it's a miracle."
She rolled her eyes and turned to Mel, "Anyway, back to Harry's birthday trip. We're in, and we'll do anything you need us to. Right, Tee?" Tee mumbled something unintelligible.
"I didn't quite catch that," Mel smirked at her.
"I said yes!"
Mel's smile widened, "Well aren't you just the kindest, most cooperative best friend in the world."
"Yeah, up yours too. Hey, who's the hottie?" Tee nodded over Alex's shoulder and they all turned.
Alex froze. A pair of piercing blue eyes penetrated her from across the room and her heart started to beat so fiercely that it deafened her ears. She fought the impulse to scream and instead, curled her nails into her palms until she drew blood. He was devilishly handsome; his rusty blonde hair swept into a messy look that cascaded down his forehead and neck. His casual attire of blue jeans, white t-shirt and black leather jacket making him look like he belonged on the cover of GQ Magazine. He was smirking at her with hooded eyes, observing her with the kind of lust that she could imagine only belonged in the bedroom.
Mel and Tee both turned to Alex, then back to him, and then back to her "Whoa, he's throwing you some serious heat. You know him?"
Alex was unable to tear her eyes from him. She said just one word "Luke."
A/N: There are literally no words on Earth that could express how sorry I am for being very, very, VERY late on this chapter. You have every right to hate me, I know I do! My life has changed drastically (mostly good) since I started this story and even though I don't deserve it, I hope you'll stay with me 'til the end. It'll be worth it I promise! Please leave your thoughts and ideas because I love to read them, good and bad! xx SeptemberTenth.