Abby felt her heart wrench painfully in her chest and looked back out the window, concentrating on the road zooming by. Telling herself that he was happy only because he thought that he had hit the mother lode in the blood department.
She chewed her lower lip anxiously - wondering with a sense of dread if he had discovered that she was gone yet.
Desmond watched as the workers replaced the window frame with impatience. He wanted nothing more at the moment then to be lying in bed with his mate in his arms. He smiled, his mate – damn but that sounded good.
Abby was everything and more than he ever thought possible and he couldn’t wait for the moment when he could tell her exactly how he felt. There was that part of him that didn’t believe that he should be as fortunate as he was in finding her, but he wasn’t about to question it. She was his – and if he could just survive his inevitable encounter with Argramon, he planned on spending the rest of eternity proving it to her. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her - or too her he thought wickedly.
He fidgeted slightly, his body responding to the thought of showing her how much he loved her, and glared at the workers – willing them to finish. One night not spent with her had been enough to drive him to the brink of madness and sitting here now, knowing she was just down the hall was pure unadulterated torture. He growled low in his throat then choked on a laugh at his behavior. He was behaving like a rutting beast!
“Mr. LaGrange?” one of the men said - pulling him from his thoughts. Desmond looked up to see the elderly man – he believed his name was Marty -standing in front of him. “We’re almost finished up here,” he said, looking at Desmond curiously. He had done work for Desmond LaGrange in the past, but his entire demeanor seemed completely different somehow this time.
First, he had always insisted that he and his men work at night, but after an early call from him this morning, he had insisted that they come out as quickly as possible. Second - and most telling was –the man seemed relaxed and happy – whereas he had always been cool and controlled in the past. “We just need to put the glass in and we’ll be out of your way.”
“Thank you, Martin,” Desmond replied with a smile, his body tightening at the thought of being with Abby. “I appreciate you pulling some favors to get the treated glass here so quickly.”
“Not a problem, sir.”
Not twenty minutes later, Desmond closed the door behind the men and grinned- but only a moment later, the smile left his lips as he realized that he could no longer sense any humans in the house. The heartbeats he had been picking up on disappeared as soon as the workers left- leaving nothing but a foreboding silence that caused a chill to run up his spine. Desmond’s body stiffened as he turned and made a blinding dash up the stairs and to the guestroom. When he threw open the door, his worst fears were realized - Abby definitely was not in the house!
Chapter 9
“So, where do you want to go?” Caleb asked, turning down Main Street and shooting her a grin.
“The Mug & Grind,” she said, pointing to the coffee house across from Echo’s. Caleb pulled up in front of the small shop and gave her a warm smile. “Would you like me to wait for you?” He asked, but Abby shook her head.
“No, that’s not necessary - my friend can give me a ride back,” she lied, and silently wondered how she could deceive him so easily, and her heart tightened in her chest. “Caleb, um… do you have a cell phone?” she asked - hoping to cover all her bases.
“Sure, why?”
She cringed slightly, hating herself for doing this. “May I borrow it in case need to call Des? I can’t find mine, and I completely forgot to ask him for his.”
“Sure,” he said digging into his jeans pocket and handing her the phone. “Des’s number is programmed into the phone...number one,” he explained. Of course he was number one, Abby thought sadly as she nodded her head.
“Thank you,” she whispered, fighting back tears once again. She was finding it difficult to let any of these people that she had just met, go. For the first time in Abby’s life, she felt as if she had a family, and now they were all slipping through her fingers in the blink of an eye.
She hugged him tightly, her voice thick. “You are such a wonderful man,” she whispered in his ear.
“Geez, Abby,” he laughed, his face turning red. “You’re acting like I’m never going to see you again.”
Abby smiled sadly at the thought that he wouldn’t, and opened the door and got out. She leaned back through the window and blew him a kiss. “You be careful driving back,” she warned, her eyes shining.
“Your friend will have you back by dusk, won’t she?” He asked and she nodded. She waited until she saw him drive away before turning - dropping the cell into the trash can out front, and going into the shop.
Lexie, the pretty blond owner of the coffee house looked up as Abby walked in and visibly paled. “Abby?” she breathed, coming out from behind the counter and practically running up to her. “My, God – where have you been? Kat has been absolutely frantic!”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Come and sit down,” Lexie urged, leading her over to one of the small tables. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Oh, yes… please.”
She quickly poured them each a cup and sat down across from her. “What on earth happened? Kat came in here a few days ago ranting and raving about how you were gone, and that there had been a demon bothering you at the bar on the night that you disappeared and…”
“What?” Abby gasped, choking on the sip of coffee she had just taken.
“Demon, sweetie,” Lexie said it so casually that Abby’s mouth fell open – her eyes wide and disbelieving.
“How does she...I mean…how do you…” she stammered, at a total loss. How the hell did Kat know? And if she knew about demons, did she also know what Desmond was? What she was for that matter!
“You mean to tell me that she never told you that she and I are witches?” Lexie asked, incredulous – as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “I mean, we’re from different coven’s of course – but witches all the same.” She said conversationally, her voice taking on a note of pride. Abby shook her head numbly, her face visibly paling. Oh, Lord. This was all beginning to become too much!
Fae’s and Vampires, werewolves and now witches! Holy Hell, she thought miserably, when the supernatural world reared its ugly head, it did so with a vengeance. What the hell was next – the Devil himself?
“I had no idea,” she croaked out, at a total loss. How had her world turned upside down so quickly?
Lexie placed her hand on top of hers and smiled, although Abby noticed that it didn’t quite reach her eyes and seemed somewhat forced - and she silently wondered if she had somehow offended her. “Not to worry,” she said reassuringly as she grabbed a cell from the pocket of her green apron and pressed a button. “Kat, its Lex. Guess who is sitting across from me? No… no, she’s fine.” Lexie looked at Abby and gave her a wink. “Not a problem. Ok, we’ll see you then.” She flipped the phone closed and smiled at Abby once again. “She’ll be here in an hour.”
Abby glanced at the coffee cup shaped clock hanging on the far wall and sighed. It was already four thirty -by the time Kat got here, she’d be cutting it close – being winter, the days were much shorter and it wasn’t giving her a very large window time wise - but she would have to make due. She had too! If she could just get on a bus out of here and go…anywhere – she thought sadly. She would get a ticket on the first bus that was leaving this God-forsaken town. Who cared where she ended up? Without Desmond in her life, she was just a ghost anyway. “
So,” Lexie said, glancing at Abby’s neck intently. “Tell me - has the vamp bitten you yet?”
Chapter 10
Desmond paced the study like a caged animal - his eyes glowing silver. Marcus sat there silently, watching his brother, knowing that it was taking every ounce of willpower that he had not to barge out into
the sunlight and go after her .
After Desmond had woken him and told him that she was missing, they had called Luke, who had just gotten back from his council meeting -who in turn informed them that Caleb and his truck were gone as well.
Knowing that Caleb wouldn’t leave his post unless he had a good reason, Luke began to try and track the boy down - and the fact that he wasn’t answering his cell phone did nothing to ease any of their minds. Something was definitely wrong - he could feel it.
Meanwhile, Desmond paced – waiting for dusk.
Abby stared at Lexie – speechless. “What are you talking about?” she finally whispered – her face going pale.
“Among being a witch, my dear,” she explained, “I also have some physic abilities, so when Kat came in all bent out of shape that something awful had happened to you, I did a channeling and saw that you were with the vampire.” Her brows knit together, a slight look of annoyance crossing her features. “I also saw that he would drink from you.” She glanced again to Abby, the annoyed look leaving her face - only to be replaced with one of remorse as she studied her throat. “And I’m afraid that I see extreme danger for you,” she said, almost in a whisper.
Abby swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. Would Desmond find her and kill her? A bead of sweat broke out on her brow and she wiped it away absently. “From…from Desmond?” she stammered, although there was a large part of her that wouldn’t believe that he would ever hurt her. Unfortunately, that part was her heart, and she knew that because she had fallen completely in love with the vampire – it could no longer be trusted. No matter how much she wanted to.
Lexie shook her head and pointed a long red nail at Abby. “The two of you are really hard to read,” she explained, her frustration palpable. “It’s as if there is this wall around the both of you that keeps you from everyone’s thoughts but each other’s. It’s very strange.” She eyed her critically a moment, her mouth set in a thin line of grim determination. “And you say he hasn’t drunk from you?”
“No. We…I…” she was at a loss for words. Should she tell Lexie that they had been intimate? Could that explain this barrier she was talking about? She decided that it didn’t matter. She just needed to get as far away as possible – as fast as possible. As impossible as she knew it was going to be, she had to get Desmond out of her mind as well as her heart. “What you saw…” she asked hesitantly, “about him drinking from me, can your visions change?”
Lexie smiled at her, taking her hand in hers. “No future is set in stone,” she said. “Things can change – and they often do.” She stood and grabbed the pot of coffee, holding it out to her, Abby nodded, feeling as if she needed something much more strong.
Desmond was still pacing angrily when Luke walked through the door – followed by a very pale and shaken Caleb -his eyes downcast. Luke took the boy by the arm and pushed him towards Desmond, his face set in a tight, furious line. “Tell him,” he said - his tone ice, and his amber eyes glowing slightly.
Desmond looked at Caleb and saw the boy struggling with his emotions. He placed his hand on his shoulder trying to keep his panic at bay. “Caleb, where is she?” He questioned as calmly as possible- but the thought of Abby out there had his body in panic mode. He had never been so scared in all of his existence.
“I took her into town,” he breathed, looking as though he were about to burst into tears. “She told me you knew! She said she had to pick something up from a friend and that they would bring her back before dusk. I swear Des - she said you knew all about it and that she couldn’t take one of your cars because she couldn’t drive stick…and…” he trailed off, having the good sense to realize that he was rambling and lowered his head, his shoulders sagging with shame. He had failed Desmond and it was more than obviously crushing him.
Desmond couldn’t fault the boy for falling under Abby’s charms and believing the lies she was telling him. The woman could charm the fangs from a Cobra – he thought with a pang of sadness as the realization hit him that she had left willingly – and he cursed. Why? He felt a painful twist in his chest at the thought of her running from him – and it hurt worse than anything he ever thought possibly could.
“Des, I’m so sorry…” he heard Caleb mumble, his lower lip trembling. “I should have known you would never let her go anywhere alone!”
Desmond shook his head, squeezing the boys shoulder reassuringly. “It’s not your fault, Caleb.” He said softly and saw the boy’s body relax slightly. “Where did you drop her off?”
“A coffee shop, um…I don’t remember the name, but it was right on Main.”
Desmond nodded and turned to Marcus. “There was a coffee house across from where she worked.” He turned and stormed towards the door.
“Des, what are you doing?” Luke called after him. “It isn’t dark yet.”
“It is close enough – besides the Benz’s windows are tinted,” he answered. “I’m going to bring her home.”
That is - if she wants to come back, he thought with another painful stab to his heart. Could he force her to return with him - to love him. But the main question hanging in the air was why she felt the need to leave him in the first place – and it was a question that he feared the answer to. Had she finally come to her senses and realized that he was a monster?
“I’m going with you,” Luke said, following after him. He glanced back at the distraught Caleb. “Stay here in case she calls or comes back,” he ordered, and the boy nodded slowly. “If there is any word from her, you are to contact us immediately. Do you understand?” He finished - his eyes boring into the boys as Caleb slowly nodded his head, acknowledging his understanding.
“You’re stuck with me too,” Marcus added, following suit.
Desmond didn’t argue – he was much too worried about being too late, and that thought was like a vise squeezing his heart. He had a very bad feeling.
“Abby!” Kat cried as she burst through the door. The red-head ran over to her and hugged her fiercely. “I have been worried sick! What in the hell happened?”
Abby broke their embrace and glared at her friend - her already strung tight temper flaring. “You’re a witch?” she bit out. “A witch! For God’s sake Kat - why didn’t you tell me? Did you know Desmond was a vampire too?” She barked, her heart doing a painful twist in her chest at the mention of his name.
“I had an idea,” she answered quietly – wincing slightly at the admission. “But, honest to God Abby, I only got really good vibes from him – and I thought a little adventure would do you good. You needed some excitement! And he was just so…” she stopped, looking guiltily toward her friend.
“Really?” she bit out, her eyes narrowing. “Well, did your vibes tell you that I am half freaking Fey? Or that the vampire you got such warm, fuzzy feelings from only wants to keep me around to use as his own personal blood bank?” There it was again, that damnable twist of her heart.
Kat’s jaw dropped, her mouth forming a perfect O. “What?” she breathed, shaking her head as if trying to clear it. “No,” she stammered, completely stunned. “No, way! That’s just not possible.”
“Oh, it’s very possible!” She bit out. “That bastard makes me fall in love with him only to find out that it’s my blood he wants – not me!” Tears sprang to Abby’s eyes and slid down her cheeks. She brushed them away, refusing to let her emotions get the best of her. She still needed to get out of town.
She glanced out of the window of the coffee house and realized with a start that the sun had begun it’s decent – yes, she needed to get out of town fast. She would have to wallow in her sorrow later. “Kat, I need your help. I need to get as far away as possible, right now – but I’ll need some cash. I have no idea what happened to my purse, or id or…anything,” she finished, trying hard not to let her emotions break free. She needed to be strong now more than she ever had been before.
“I have some money at Echo’s,” she replied, still not wanting to believe what sh
e was hearing – this was just all too surreal - and had Abby actually told her that she was a Fey?
She grabbed her hand and headed toward the door. “Lexie, thanks!” she called as she pulled Abby along. They ran across the street and to the door of the bar. Kat unlocked it quickly and pushed her inside ahead of her. “I’ve got to get you out of here fast,” she said, running behind the bar and disappearing. She reemerged a moment later holding a wad of cash. “That asshole’s been back trying to find out whatever he could about you,” she explained and Abby felt herself shiver. Well, at least now she knew if Desmond had killed him or not.
Kat reached into her purse and pulled out a small silver medallion. “Here,” she said, placing it in Abby’s hand. “Keep this with you and I’ll be able to find you.”
Abby turned the small disk over - fascinated by the intricate scrolling along its surface. “It’s beautiful, but I don’t understand how will it help you to find me?”
“It was given to me by my mother when I entered the coven,” she explained, leading her toward the back room. “Because I have such a strong connection to it, if I need to find you I can scry for its location. So, if you keep it with you at all times - ta da, a little witchy GPS!” She finished with a smile that couldn’t hide the worry in her eyes.
Abby half-heartedly returned the gesture and nodded, shoving the medallion into the pocket of her jeans along with the cash she had given her.
“Thank you, Kat.” She whispered, hugging her friend tightly. “I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been a sister to me,” she finished roughly, her throat constricting with emotion.
“Where are you planning to go?” She asked, returning her embrace full force as tears sprang to her eyes.