Okay, here is a new chapter! I'm sorry for the delay, it's just life has been very hectic. But I have a lot more spare time now, and I am going to dedicate myself to updating my stories. Just hound me a little to get my ass going! ;) But really, I hope you like this chapter. A lot of you wanted some Caleb time, so here it is! Please comment and message me, it really does inspire me and I WILL get things out quicker! And let met know who you're feeling: Jace or Caleb. I love them both!Thanks, and enjoy the chapter!
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“She’s not safe here anymore. For god sakes she was shot because of you!” A rather angry voice slowly awakened me from my deep slumber, yet I didn’t have the strength to open my eyes.
Everything seemed fuzzy, as I tried to remember where I was and what was going on. The party. Cameron and his vampire hunters. A gun.
Oh my god. I was shot.
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Gently I tried to move my body, as a slight pain in my abdomen caused me to stop. “You best remember who you are speaking to, Caleb. Or perhaps you would like me to remind you?” I could distinctively make out Caleb and Jace’s voices.
My damn eyes wouldn’t open; they felt so heavy as I attempted to awaken fully.
“Awe, can’t we all just get along?” There was a third voice, which belonged to none-other than Nick.
“Shut up Nickolas!” Jace and Caleb snapped in unison. That almost made me laugh, because Nick was never serious in any situation.
There was a pause. “All I’m saying is that Melinda is not safe here. She needs to be hidden, because those hunters will come back. And if they can’t hurt you, they damn sure will hurt her. And next time, she won’t be so lucky.”
A loud scowl was emitted, as I finally forced my eyes open. It was dim in the room, as I blinked a few times in an attempt to gain my focus. I was lying down in my bed, as I let out a gentle cough.
Within an instant, all three had their eyes glued to me. “You’re awake.” I heard Caleb mutter, as he appeared right in front of me. I smiled a little, happy to see the relief on his face. “We didn’t know when you’d come to.”
I swallowed, my throat feeling dry. “How long have I been asleep?” I questioned slowly, though it couldn’t have been too long. They were still in their tuxedos, and thankfully I was not in my dress.
Wow, that beautiful dress that Jace had obviously spent time choosing for me, was ruined. By…my blood.
“12 hours.” Jace answered for Caleb, which caused him to glare back at Jace. He moved beside me, creating wedge between Caleb and I. “You had lost a lot of blood, so it we were paranoid wondering when you’d wake up.”
I raised my eyebrows. “How did I…I mean what did you guys do to save me?” I asked them, my question directed at no one in particular.
Caleb had a look of pure resentment and anger on his face as I spoke. I looked around, confused. “Well, we sort of had to give you a…transfusion so to speak.” Jace answered slowly.
“Which means what, exactly?” I pried gently.
Caleb jumped in first, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone. “It means that Caleb fed you his blood in order to save you.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “You did what?” My voice came out as a squeak, my shock very evident.
Jace’s eyes flickered in Caleb’s direction, obviously not pleased by the announcement. “Look Melinda, I fed you my blood so that you would live. And Caleb here is just upset because I did it, and not him.”
I furrowed my brows in confusion. “That is not true, but I could have just as easily given her some of…” Caleb began to object, but Jace interrupted him.
“No. I am much older and far more powerful, and my blood almost healed her completely, aside from a few cuts and some tenderness.” He stated briskly, to which Caleb gritted his teeth.
I was quiet for a moment. “So you…saved my life?” I asked him softly.
His dark eyes dug into my fiercely. “You saved mine.”
I was speechless. I wasn’t sure how I should respond, or even react. I mean yes, I did get shot protecting him. But Jace came to my rescue. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to think of something to say. Nick beat me to it.
“Look guys, this is all cute and all. But I got to take a piss and I’m craving something very…juicy. So can we speed this process up and get going?”
I looked from him to Jace and Caleb, wondering what he meant. “Get what going?” I questioned aloud.
Caleb stepped in. “We think it would be best if you come and stay with us.” His eyes flickered in Jace’s direction, who was glowering in annoyance.
“Just until I catch those hunters, and then you’ll return…back to me.” He quickly added in, his words intended to get a rile out of Caleb.
“Yeah, that’s a great idea…seeing as you got her shot!” He spat in anger, and I watched in shock as Jace’s eyes flashed dangerously dark.
“You will hold your tongue Caleb or I will gladly cut it out for you.” Jace retorted icily. “Are you forgetting who you’re speaking to?”
Nick decided to jump in. “Now now boys, let’s all play nice. Melinda is exhausted, and I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear your guys’ bitching…” Jace glared in a warning manner. “…I mean debating.” He corrected, flashing his pearly whites. Jace rolled his eyes.
“I would like to have a word with Melinda, before she leaves.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Why do you need a word? We need to get out of here before the hunters return to finish the job.”
“Get out. Now.” He ordered, clearly not entertaining the idea of them being equals anymore. I gulped, uncomfortable with the atmosphere.
“Fine.” Caleb responded through gritted teeth. “But make it quick, we don’t have much time.” His eyes rested on me for a few moments, clearly showing that he didn’t want to leave.
Nick followed close behind. “Can I pee yet? I got to piss like a racehorse.” Caleb shoved him forward, as he grinned back.
I stifled a laugh, as the door closed behind them. I didn’t realize how close Jace was to me until I glanced up. “So I have to leave.” It sounded more like a statement than a question.
Jace opened his mouth, and then closed it. “Yes. Temporarily that is.” It was really nice to be able to see Caleb again, but I had grown so used to seeing Jace every day. It will be strange not to. My eyes dropped for a moment. “Hey…this is for the best. If anything ever happened to you again like it did…I don’t know what I’d do. I can’t risk that again. I can’t risk losing you.”
Wow. That was quite a…confession. I couldn’t help what I did next. I reached out and placed both hands on the side of his face, and closed the space between us.
He seemed slightly caught off guard by my gesture, but quickly pulled me towards him. I winced slightly from the pain in my abdomen, but ignored it, Jace’s kisses becoming too intoxicating.
To my dismay, he pulled away for a moment. “Melinda…you don’t even know what you do to me.” His voice was husky, which sent pleasant tingles up and down my spine.
I smiled mysteriously. “Right back at you.”
He chuckled, reaching forward and twirling one of my curls around his finger. I imagine I looked like a mess right now, but the way he looked at me made me feel…beautiful.
“I guess I should pack you a bag, so Caleb does throw another fit.” He stated, dropping the curl. I frowned slightly, realizing I was indeed leaving Jace.
“Jace? Can I ask you something?” I said hesitantly, as he was about to stand up from the bed.
His dark eyes fell on me once more, a look of curiosity in his eyes. “Of course. What would you like to ask me?”
I stared down at my hands suddenly, as if they were the most interesting thing I’d ever seen. “It’s just…I guess what I’m wondering is…” I began to fidget a little, to which Jace immediately noticed.
I was surprised when I felt him take my hand, his other gently tilting my chin up in his direction. “Melinda, relax.”
I exhaled loudly. “I know, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to say...we are going to see each other again, right?” The words sounded extremely stupid coming out of my mouth, and I immediately regretted them. Damn I sound needy.
I thought Jace would laugh at me, or maybe even roll his eyes at my ignorance. But instead, he leaned forward, his face centimeters away from mine. “Well I sure hope so, because I’m in love with you.”
My heart fluttered as he said this. Jace just confessed that he loved me. He really does. I felt my cheeks grow warm, as a pleasant feeling washed over me.
I gazed at him deeply, time seeming to stand still.
A part of me was ecstatic by his words. Quite honestly, I was falling in love with him too. I know that it’s wrong, and he…did horrible things. But sometimes you can’t help who you fall in love with. Even if Jace is the worst person I could have fallen for. There’s still also the subject of Caleb.
Just because he rejected me, doesn’t mean I can just turn my feelings off. I mean, I falling in love with Jace…was that any better?
Caring for two vampires, let alone one?
But Jace telling me he loved me, made me feel…alive.
And yet, there was a part of me that wondered: was this too good to be true?
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“Melinda, are you alright?” I blinked a few times, Caleb’s voice shaking me from my thoughts. Glancing up, I realized both Nick and Caleb were staring at me expectantly.
“What? What’s wrong?” I questioned, moving in the backseat of the car.
Caleb raised his eyebrows. “I said we’re here, but you seemed to be someplace else. We both were talking to you. Are you okay?”
I blushed a little, embarrassed at my blondness. Nodding my head, I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “Sorry, I guess I’m just a little tired from everything that’s happened.”
Caleb looked skeptical, but nonetheless got out of the car, Nick following suit. I opened my door, my knees feeling a little wobbly.
Well, I had been shot. Side effects come with it.
Within an instant, Caleb was beside me, gently holding onto my elbow to support me. “Be careful, you’re still going to be weak.” He reminded me, as he led me towards his house.
It still looked rustic and inviting, with a warm feel to it. As we moved up the steps, I stopped, inhaling sharply. A harsh pain struck my abdomen, as I held back a cry.
“Are you okay?” Caleb asked, immediately becoming worried. “Here, let me help.” Before I knew what was happening, he swept me up into his arms and hurriedly moved inside.
I was surprised by the gesture, but greatly appreciated it. Moving towards his couch, he set me down carefully, concern still on his face. “Thank you.” I said with a grateful smile.
“You’re welcome.” Nick interrupted, batting his eye lashes mockingly. “I just wanted to rescue you so we can keep up this sexual tension that we have going for us where I want to jump your bones and you want my big....” He started, to which Caleb socked him in the arm.
I bit my lip, feeling slightly awkward. “Shut up Nick. Isn’t it time you go feed or something? Or maybe go…just go?” Caleb retorted, to which I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
Nick clutched his chest, mocking hurt. “Now that hurts. But fine, I can see when I’m not wanted. I’m going to go out and find a snack.” My face paled slightly, as Nick winked.
“Kidding…of course.” He stated, but I knew he wasn’t. Although it was nice he made the effort to lie and pretend he was. Caleb just stared icily, obviously waiting for him to shut his mouth and leave. “Alright, alright. I’m going. Damn, tough crowd.” He muttered, as he walked out the front door.
I could hear Caleb let out a sigh. “I’m sorry about that; Nick doesn’t really know when to shut up.”
I shrugged, pretending it was no big deal. “It’s okay. I’m just glad to be safe and healthy. And…” I glanced at myself in a mirror hanging up, my eyes going huge. “Disgusting! Ew I need a shower!” I exclaimed, appalled by my appearance. I was in dire need of soap and water.
Caleb chuckled at my dramatic response. “I think you look great.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Of course you do, you wouldn’t dare say otherwise.” He flashed me one of his boyish grins, the one that always made me turn to mush. “But if you don’t mind, I’d love to take a shower. Mind helping me up the stairs?”
“Aye aye, captain.” He responded cutely, helping me up from the couch. We cautiously moved up the stairs, as I held back a curse word due to the pain in my gut.
Once we reached the top, everything got better. “Help yourself to the shower, I’ll cook you up something to eat down stairs. How does chili sound?”
My mouth watered at the very thought. “Heavenly.” I responded hungrily, my stomach growling lightly. Caleb smiled, handing me a towel.
“Alright then, coming right up. I’ll leave your bag outside the door.” I moved inside the bathroom, stripping my clothes off and turning the faucet on. The warm water felt amazing, as the tension in my body subsided. I glanced down at my stomach, and saw only a small bruise where I was shot.
Huh, Jace’s blood must be damn powerful.
I took my time in the shower, enjoying the relaxing effect it had on me. When I felt like my body was about to turn into a prune, I got out and wrapped a towel around me. Opening the bathroom door, I found my bag.
Pulling out a t-shirt and pair of shorts, I quickly slipped them on, running a brush through my damp hair.
Feeling invigorated, I headed down the stairs, and was greeted by a wondrous smell. My eyes grew big as I moved around the corner to the kitchen. Caleb was standing by the stove, mixing what I could only guess was the chili.
I couldn’t help but smile, seeing him cooking. It was a view that was so…normal. I hadn’t seen normal in a very long time.
“Smells wonderful.” I said, coming up and sitting on a stool. Caleb grinned.
“Good, let me get you a bowl.” Setting it down before me, I nearly annihilated it in one bite. It tasted like the best thing I’d ever eaten.
Caleb sat beside me with his own bowl, eyeing me in surprise as I finished my last bite. “What?” I asked, my mouth slightly full.
Caleb chuckled, shaking his head. “Nothing…you just have some chili right…” He extended his arm, brushing at the corner of my mouth softly.
I stared up in surprise, his warm eyes grabbing my attention instantly. Swallowing, I licked my lips. “Thanks.” I almost whispered.
Slowly he dropped his hand back to his side. “Melinda I…” His voice trailed off, as he stared forward instead of at me. “Nevermind.”
I furrowed my brows in confusion. “No Caleb, what is it?” I asked, hating that he did that all the time.
He sighed heavily. “It’s nothing; you won’t want to hear it.”
I pursed my lips at his response. “No, tell me. I want you to talk to me.”I stated, wanting to be able to open up with him.
He all but groaned. “Fine, okay. Look…do you love him?” He nearly burst, obviously not being able to contain his words any longer.
I raised my eyebrows in response. “What? Love who?” Although I knew exactly who he was talking about. Jace.
He shot me a look of frustration. “You know who, Melinda. Do you love him?” I was quiet for a minute, which caused him even more annoyance. “It’s a simple question: do you love him?”
I clenched my jaw; this time I was annoyed. “How is that any of your business Caleb? Why do you care?” I demanded, as I found myself challenging him.
He let out a dry laugh. “Are you kidding me? Why do I care? Are you really asking me that Melinda?” He exclaimed, standing from his chair.
I narrowed my eyes. “Yeah, I am! Why do you care if I love him, or who I love for that matter?” I was heated, and Caleb knew it.
Caleb ran a hand through his hair roughly. “Just answer my question Melinda, do you love him?” He asked gruffly.
“No you know what…” I stood as well, not liking him hovering over me like he was superior. “You answer my question.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “Do you love me?”
Everything grew quiet as I spoke, and Caleb seemed caught-off-guard by my words. But if he was nervous, he sure as hell didn’t show it. “What the hell does that have to do with anything?” He retorted hotly.
“It has to do with everything!” I all but yelled at him. “Dammit Caleb, it’s a simple question! Do you love me?” I demanded, using his own words against him.
He didn’t say anything for a moment, as if debating what to say next. My chest was heaving up and down quickly, frustration engulfing me. His silence only fueled my fire. “What, you can’t speak all of a sudden? It’s an easy question, do you love me?” I exclaimed loudly, and what he did next shocked the hell out of me.
Before I knew it, my back was pinned against the wall, with Caleb’s arms guarding both sides of my head. His eyes were fiery, and I could tell he was just as riled up as I was. “Yes! Are you happy? I’m in love with you Melinda.” He almost shouted, his face close to mine. “I love you.”
I could feel my chest tighten, shock and reality setting in. Caleb just said he loved me. He actually admitted his feelings. In the exact same day Jace did. What the hell is going on?
“There, I said it. I’m in love with you Melinda.” He muttered, a little more calmly. I was very aware that his body was nearly pressed against my own in a fit of passion and rage.
I gazed up at him, a whirlwind of emotions fighting within me. It took him this long to admit it? When he knows how I feel? He now, of all day, professes his love to me?
“You are.” I said, my voice coming out a bit shakier than I would have wanted.
“I am.” He murmured, his lips dangerously close to my own.
Instinctively I licked them, and I watched as his gaze fell upon them as I did so. “You love me.” I had to say it to make sure it really set in.
“I’m in love with you Melinda, and you know what? I don’t care. And if you don’t want me to kiss you, well you’re just going to have to stop me then.”
My heart was beating madly in my chest, as I watched in desire as he leaned forward to close the space between our lips. But before he could, I beat him to the punch.
I stood on my tip toes, pressing my lips tightly against his. He seemed shocked, but almost instantly wrapped his arms around my west, his body glued to me and the wall.
And once that happened, all bets were off.