Take My Breath Away

  Chapter 6

  "Come," Elizabeth said, "let me show you the grounds."

  Jason glanced up when we stepped out onto the porch, but he was obviously deep in thought.

  "Let the men have their game." Elizabeth said, whisking me down the steps.

  The manicured garden was remarkable. I don't think there was a single leaf out of place. And the grass, the grass was as smooth as a plush carpet. Elizabeth's enthusiasm was almost child like as she described the plantation of her time. Life was simple then, elegant in every sense of the word. Somewhere in the course of our conversation Elizabeth mentioned her father and that reminded me.

  "Can I ask you a question?"

  Elizabeth motioned to a stone bench at the edge of the garden. "What is it child?" she said as we sat down.

  "I killed one of our kind and—"

  "Izzy!" Elizabeth gasped. "We do not go around randomly killing—"

  "But he was one of the others, the red eyes, the ones that feed on humans," I explained.

  "Part of the reason we exist the way we do is because we have a deep seeded respect for life—no matter how you define it."

  "But—"

  "No, Izzy, there can be no exceptions."

  "He was Jason's father," I blurted out.

  "How in the world—" Elizabeth broke off.

  "It's a long story, but Jason's father has been missing for over a year. They thought he'd been killed in a surfing accident, but on our way home, we stopped where the accident happened."

  "The ocean?"

  "No, my accident."

  "You remembered that much?"

  "Yes, it came back in small pieces, but I'm sure it was the place. Anyway, while we were there I heard someone stalking us. I hurried Jason to the Jeep, and we raced away. It was miles later—I thought we were safe—when he suddenly attacked. I don't think he realized what I was or he probably would have been more careful. At any rate, I managed to get the advantage and I disabled him. Jason recognized him, but I knew if I let him heal he would come after Jason again. He was stronger—I was lucky the first time I couldn't count on that again."

  Elizabeth nodded. "The boy's blood."

  "I told Jason what I had to do and although he resisted at first, ultimately he told me to do what I had to. He said that his father was dead to him anyway. Do you think he can really forgive me?"

  "After tonight—"

  "There you are," Jason said, hopping over one of the perfectly manicured hedges. "Ladies." Jason bowed. "Your father said there's a beautiful view of the sunset over the river—he said I should, and I quote, 'fetch the two of you, pronto.'"

  "Fetch?" Elizabeth said with distain.

  "His exact words, Ma'am."

  "May I assume he won the game?" Elisabeth inquired.

  "He said you would know that." Jason smiled and motioned toward the path, "Shall we?"

  Jason fell in by my side and we followed Elizabeth across the grounds. Benjamin met us at a fork in the path. Elizabeth slipped in next to him without breaking stride.

  "How'd it go?" Jason whispered.

  "We're good."

  Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder.

  "Your father's really cool. Whipped my butt, but he's definitely cool."

  "Here we are," Benjamin announced as we emerged from the wooded path onto a small piece of land that jutted out above the river. We stood in a line, Elizabeth and I in the center flanked by Benjamin and Jason.

  The Alabama crimson sky was mirrored perfectly in the river's tranquil water. There was not one ripple to disturb the reflection. It was the most beautiful sunset I think I'd ever seen and sharing it with Jason and my parents made it that much more spectacular. I noticed Jason looking down with awe at our hands, locked tightly together. My skin sparked like a million ruby's. I glanced over at Elizabeth and Benjamin as Jason slowly brought my hand to his lips and kissed me. Elizabeth quickly looked away.

  "Well," Elizabeth began as the sunset faded to deepening shades of purple. "We should be getting back, Jason has a long trip ahead of him."

  I looked up at her confused. "Jason's not leaving."

  "Long goodbyes only make it more difficult," Elizabeth continued.

  "No," I said. "Jason is never leaving." I could see the anger boiling up in her eyes. "Is that what you thought?"

  "Elizabeth Faulkner," Benjamin warned.

  "I know it's difficult for you," Jason said. "I could grab a hotel room in town if you'd prefer."

  "Of course I'd go with him," I added.

  "Izzy," Elizabeth grumbled.

  "You said you wanted me. Jason is part of me. If you want me, you want Jason."

  "Elizabeth—"

  Elizabeth raised her hand, cutting Benjamin off. "This isn't proper, there's etiquette, rules to abide by, even laws."

  "There have been others," I challenged. "I know, we've met them."

  "And it nearly destroyed the entire family," Elizabeth fired back. "Would you subject our family to that risk?"

  "Ladies, ladies," Benjamin interrupted, stepping between us. "The battle won't be won tonight. Perhaps Jason would be comfortable in the guest room."

  "And you will stay in yours," Elizabeth demanded.

  I started to argue, but Jason squeezed my hand. "Fine, have it your way."

  "The proper way," Elizabeth concluded. She turned to Benjamin. "Come, we'll need to prepare the room."

  Jason turned to me when they were gone. "I'm not sure I like the sound of that. What did she mean by prepare the room?"

  "You know, fresh linens in the coffin, stuff like that."

  "Very funny. Listen, I really don't mind getting a place in town for the night."

  "No, they'll have to deal. I meant what I said."

  "You're sure? I kind of got the impression you—well I'm just a human—I'd understand if—"

  "Oh shut up and kiss me."