She and Chris had never known that they were moving to avoid being hunted by the same monsters that had murdered their parents, until Luther arrived. They had been given six wonderful years of peace in which they hadn’t had to move, and they had actually been able to make friends outside of each other. Though she hated the fate that Luther had handed them, she did take some joy in avenging her parent’s deaths by ridding the world of the monsters that walked upon it.
Cassie rested her hands on her knees, her tears slowly subsided as the gentle ebb and flow of the sea drew her attention. A soothing calm settled over her, drying her tears. She was surprised at how much better she felt, surprised by the tranquility that settled over her. She hated the path that fate had laid out for her, but there were many people who had it far worse than she did. She may hate the path, but she would walk it, and she would stop struggling against it.
She had been given the ability to destroy some of the evil in the world, given the ability to help people; she should start to consider it a gift, not a liability. Though she had lost a lot because of what she was, to continue to fight it would only destroy her. She had to make a choice, either accept her fate, or continue to live in misery for whatever short time she had left.
Staring silently at the ocean, the strength within her began to grow. It slipped out to her limbs and dried the remaining tears on her face. Her parents had died to keep her safe, had died to protect her, and the world. She could not deny her heritage any longer; she could not deny what she was. And with the strength finally came a calming peace that she had not experienced in a very long time. For the first time in four years there was serenity inside her, a sense of true tranquility. By finally beginning to accept what she was, her path seemed to unfold swiftly, winding easily along instead of being broken and fractured.
A car door slammed, Chris and Melissa appeared at the top of a sand dune. Chris’s face was drawn tight with worry, Melissa looked aggravated. Cassie sighed softly, turning her attention back to the deep blue sea. Dark clouds had begun to roll in along the horizon, but it would be awhile before the storm hit.
“What are you doing?” Melissa demanded; her black flip flops appeared next to Cassie.
Cassie didn’t look up at her as she patted the sand at her side for Melissa to sit. “Thinking.”
“Thinking will get you in trouble,” Chris remarked, trying to sound light, but the tension in his voice betrayed him.
“Are you ok?” Melissa asked softly.
Cassie glanced at Melissa as she settled beside her, drawing her legs up Indian style. “Yes, better actually.”
“You’ve been crying.”
“I have.”
“I’ve never seen you cry.” Chris knelt beside her; his eyes were worried as he scanned her face. “Never.”
Cassie smiled reassuringly at him and squeezed his hand gently. “Once it started I couldn’t stop,” she admitted. “But I feel better now, different somehow, stronger and more peaceful. It’s weird, but it’s ok.”
He nodded, but his eyes were still troubled as he searched her face. “Tears can be soothing.” Melissa rested her hand lightly on Cassie‘s arm. “Are you sure that you’re alright?”
“Yes. You’ve had a premonition about Devon?” It was a question but came out more as a statement.
Melissa blinked in surprise, the pupils of her dark eyes dilated slightly. “Do you really want to know?” When Cassie nodded, she continued on. “Yes, I had a vision about him arriving here; I knew he would touch something within you. I just didn’t know when, or how deeply, he would touch you.”
Cassie was silent, her gaze focused on the ocean as the tide continued to roll slowly in. Her mind clicked along, recalling the night when she had first seen Devon at B’s and S’s. “When you said that it was “about time” that first night he arrived, you weren’t talking about time to leave were you?”
Melissa gave her a small smile as she shook her head. “I’ve been waiting over a year for him to arrive.”
Cassie and Chris both frowned at her, their brows furrowed in confusion. “Why were you waiting for him to arrive?” Cassie demanded.
“To wake you up of course.” She grinned at Cassie, leaning lightly against her side. “I knew that he would shake you up, make you come alive again.”
Cassie stared at her in surprise, confusion flowed through her. “Well, that he did,” Cassie whispered. “I think I have to give him up.”
“Cassie…”
She shook her head fiercely. “It’s too dangerous for all of us, for him. I cannot bring him into this life, cannot put him, or us, into that situation. I’ve been distracted, luckily only in training so far. If I’m distracted in the field I could get us all killed. This is our fate, our heritage; he can’t be a part of it.”
Melissa sighed softly, her hand tightened on Cassie’s arm. Cassie turned slowly toward her, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “There was a reason that I saw him coming Cassie, and I think that it was more than just to wake you up,” Melissa said softly.
“What then?” she whispered.
Melissa shrugged, shaking her head slowly as her black eyebrows drew tightly together. “Unfortunately I only catch glimpses of the future, not the whole plan Cass. I don’t know why it’s important for him to be here, but it is. And I believe that it is very important for him to be in your life.”
Cassie squelched the hope that bloomed momentarily in her chest. “So you think that I shouldn’t push him away?”
Melissa shook her head as she bit nervously on her bottom lip; her face was composed in thought. “He’s only been in your life for a week and already you’re happier than I’ve seen you in years. You need that, we want that for you. We’ll find a way to keep him safe Cass. The three of us can do anything together. Give it some time; you don’t need all the answers right now. You just need to focus on being happy.”
“And if something does happen to him?”
“We won’t let it,” Chris vowed.
Cassie fought back the tears of gratitude and love that filled her eyes. She was so very lucky to have two such wonderful friends in her life. “Should I tell him? Shouldn’t he know about this danger?” she whispered.
Chris stiffened; her question touched a very sore spot in him. His mother had never known about his father. She had been human, and Chris’s father had thought it best not to tell her what he was, and the danger that he faced every day. Mary had simply thought that Chris’s father was working a second job at night in order to support his wife, and young son.
The harsh truth had not been revealed to Mary until the night she’d fled with Chris and Cassie. Over the years, whether due to the fact that she had lost her husband and feared losing her son, or to the fact that she could not handle the reality of everything she knew, Mary had retreated further and further into an alcohol induced stupor. And further and further away from Chris.
“You know my feelings on that,” Chris said softly.
Yes, she knew that Chris would never keep such a secret from someone he loved; he believed it was what had destroyed his mother. Chris felt that Mary’s resentment at being lied to, and cheated of the dreams she’d possessed, were what had made her the cruel drunk she was now. And he was very likely right. But Cassie wasn’t in love, she couldn’t be in such a short time, she hardly knew Devon.
“I think that you should tell him one day. But maybe you should get to know him a little better first.” Melissa released her grip on Cassie’s arm, needing her hand to clamp back her hair as the wind began to pick up.
“But I do know him,” Cassie murmured. “I know that sounds crazy, and if it were one of you telling me this, I would be suspicious too. But I do know him. I know him in a way that I never thought I could know anyone. It’s so strange, so different…”
Cassie broke off, unable to put into words exactly what it was that she felt for him. It would be impossible to explain to them, when she couldn’t even explain it to herself.
“I understand that Cass, but I think it’s too soon. I think that you should wait for a little bit.”
“Or until you find out how the hell he can afford such a kick ass car,” Chris said softly.
Cassie rolled her eyes, but she had to admit she had wondered the same thing. As much as she felt she knew Devon, there was still a lot that she didn’t know. But she was certain she knew his heart, his soul. Melissa’s dark eyes were caring; Chris’s were turbulent as they studied her. Nodding, she took hold of both of their hands, squeezing them tightly. “When you guys are ready for me to tell him, I will.”
Their tension eased, their hands squeezed hers gently as their fears lessened. She understood their concerns about telling Devon, they didn’t know him, or how deeply she felt about him. It was their secret, and their lives too, and it would also have to be their choice.
Cassie turned back to the ocean, her questions and doubts twisted her stomach. She didn’t know what to say or do, but she doubted that all of the answers would come to her at that moment. They sat silently together until the tide washed in to their feet, and the sky was rumbling. Cassie was too comfortable to move. She found solace in their strength, in their presences.
“It’s going to pour,” Chris said softly.
“We should go,” Melissa whispered.
Cassie sighed, not wanting to move, but knowing that they had to. The sky was about ready to split open and release a torrent of rain upon them. She climbed stiffly to her feet, wiping the sand off her legs and butt. She followed silently behind as they made their way over the dunes to the parking lot.
“How did you know I was here?” she asked softly.
“I had a glimpse,” Melissa answered.
‘Of course she did,’ Cassie thought silently, trying hard not to roll her eyes. She may have discovered a new inner strength and tranquility, but she still did not like the idea of Melissa knowing her future, or her whereabouts.
Cassie reached the car as the wind picked up. She took hold of her hair, trying to keep it out of her face as she grasped the handle on the passenger side door. The hair suddenly stood up on the nape of her neck, the blood in her veins turned to ice as a chill swept down her spine.
Lifting her gaze, she scanned the empty parking lot. Sand blew across the numerous parking spaces, scraps of garbage skittered along with it. Past the parking lot wild trees, Rosa rugosa, beach grass, and sand dunes spotted with scraggly bayberry rolled forth. Though there were few places to hide, she knew that there was someone out there, something watching them. However, this feeling of being watched was not like the one she’d had last night. This feeling was something evil, something malevolent, and wrong. She could sense the hunger and bloodlust in the thing that she could not see.
Cassie glanced at Chris and Melissa. They were both frozen, their gazes locked on the wild area she had been searching. “You feel that?” she asked, pitching her voice above the rising crescendo of the wind.
They both nodded. “There is something out there,” Melissa said softly, her nostrils flaring slightly.
“And it’s not good,” Chris agreed.
“Should we go look?” Cassie inquired.
They glanced briefly at her. Thunder shook the sky and rumbled the earth. Lightning flashed brightly, blazing across the dark sky as it sizzled to the ground with a loud pop that caused goose bumps to break out on her skin. The air was heavy with the scent of ozone as the sky split open and a deluge of rain fell upon them.
Cassie ducked into the car, already soaked as she slid into the backseat. Her gaze remained riveted upon the scraggly woods, but nothing fled from the rain as it pounded loudly upon the roof of the car. Chris and Melissa slammed their doors shut, but Chris did not start the car. They sat in silence, waiting for whatever it was to reveal itself.
It did not.
***
The ringing of the doorbell was diminished by the hard rain hitting the windows. Cassie frowned at Chris and Melissa as she uncurled herself from her bed. Chris didn’t look up from the episode of Deadliest Catch he was engrossed in. “Awesome,” he muttered.
Cassie shook her head at him as Melissa rolled her eyes. “Be right back.”
Cassie hurried from her room, curious as to who could be at her door. Though she was popular at school, it had been a few years since she had invited anyone over. Plus the school day was still in progress, even though the three of them had opted not to return. Flinging the door open, she froze; her mouth went dry as her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. Devon stood upon her doorstep, his wet hair tussled and windblown. He looked heartbreakingly beautiful as drops of rain trailed over the hard contours of his face. His bright emerald eyes met hers; a small smile curved his full mouth.
“Devon,” she said softly, surprised that her voice actually worked.
His smile widened enough to reveal his perfect teeth. “Melissa said you went home sick, I wanted to see how you were feeling.”
She swallowed heavily, trying to regain control of herself but failing miserably. “I feel a lot better now.” It wasn’t entirely a lie; she did feel better than she had this morning. “Thank you.”
He continued to stare at her, leaning slightly forward as he rested his hand on the door jam. “You look well.”
Her face flared with heat as he perused her with a look that caused her toes to curl. “Who is it?” Melissa called as she pounded down the steps. She froze at the bottom of the stairs. “Devon, how are you?” She inquired as she walked over to stand beside Cassie.
“Fine. I just came to make sure Cassie was feeling better.”
“Oh, that’s really nice of you. Why don’t you come in out of the rain?”
Cassie cast a sharp, panicked look at Melissa that she chose to ignore. “Cassie?”
She turned back to Devon, knowing her fear and distress was written all over her face, but she unable to keep her expression neutral. He was staring at her expectantly, his green eyes troubled and intense. She knew that she looked like an idiot, and a cold hearted jerk for not inviting him in, but her thoughts would not form a coherent sentence in her shaken brain. She did know one thing; she could not leave him out there in the rain.
“Yes, of course, come in,” she managed in a choked voice, and somehow getting her feet to move out of his way.
Her heart hammered as he moved with easy grace into the house, his shoulder briefly brushed against hers. A tremor raced through her, causing her heart to lurch, and her body to hum with electricity once more. His powerful frame seemed to take up the entire foyer, her entire world. Fascination seized her as he ran an elegant hand through his damp hair, shaking the rain from it. Melissa nudged her, her eyes wide as she nodded slightly toward the kitchen in an attempt to make Cassie at least act somewhat normal.
“Do you want something to eat, or drink?” Cassie asked quickly, a little too quickly as she realized she sounded like a complete idiot. His close proximity was shaking her to the core though.
“No, thank you.”
She nodded, her gaze darted to Melissa. She didn’t know what to say or do. “Hey, grab me a Coke!” Chris shouted down the steps, apparently on commercial break.
“Please!” Melissa yelled back.
“Please!”
“I’ll get it.” Melissa headed for the kitchen, leaving the two of them painfully alone.
Cassie shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting nervously with the edge of her shirt. “You won’t get in trouble for leaving school will you?” she asked softly.
He shrugged absently. “It’s worth it to make sure that you’re ok.”
Cassie hated the heat that flooded her face, but she could not stop the fire that burned over her skin. “We were uh just watching TV and hanging out,” she managed to stammer out. “Do you want to join us?”
He grinned at her, his dimples flashed as his head cocked slightly to the side. “Sure.”
His gaze roamed over the house as she led him up the stairs. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, he
r throat was dry as excitement and terror tore through her in equal waves. The heat of his body was fierce in the small confines of the stairwell. It burned through her clothes, heating her to the core of her being.
Chris did not look up as she pushed the door open, his attention was still riveted on the TV. “Who was it?” he muttered, shoving a handful of chips into his mouth.
Cassie shook her head at him in disbelief. He was like a zombie when TV and food were involved. He didn’t even sense a new presence in the room. “It’s Devon.”
He turned slowly toward them, his eyes widened in startled disbelief. “Hey,” he greeted dully.
Devon nodded to him as his gaze ran over Cassie’s room. She glanced around, her eyes darting over her mahogany dresser with its assortment of jewelry boxes, knickknacks, and hair care products. The only thing decorating her cream colored walls was a picture of her parents. It hung above an overstuffed armchair next to the window that Chris climbed through. On the other side of the window were two large bookcases stuffed full of books neatly organized alphabetically. The nightstand, beside her queen sized sleigh bed, held only an alarm clock.
For the first time she noticed how sparse it was, how much it did not look like a normal teen’s room with all the cluster, posters, and chaos that were usually present. Then again, she was anything but a normal teen. She looked back at him, not at all surprised to find his steady gaze focused upon her once more. She couldn’t stop the blush burning into the roots of her hair.
“Here you go.” Melissa breezed into the room; she tossed a can of Coke to Chris, who was still staring at Devon in disbelief.
Melissa plopped onto the bed and drew her legs up beneath her. “Do you want to sit?” Cassie asked Devon softly.