Authors: Karice Bolton
“
We think they are building a legion. We won’t know until we figure out if that’s what happened.” Cyril turned around to face me. “Whatever is going on isn’t typical. We definitely have to keep a pulse on it. That being said, let’s try to ensure that you have the best holiday season and get back into the swing of things. Shall we?”
I nodded completely exhausted again. As we turned onto the Sea to Sky highway, I fell asleep almost instantly.
******
We crossed the border into the U.S. fairly seamlessly. The wait was almost non-existent, probably because it was early in the week and in the early afternoon. I rearranged my pillow, trying not to bump into Arie who had immediately fallen back asleep after handing over her passport. I was excited to be heading back to Seattle. It had been a year since I had last been there and next to Whistler it was my favorite place. Arie was in dire need of a shopping fix, and I had to admit there were a few stores I wanted to venture into as well. I wanted to make sure to hit Karen’s favorite handmade knits boutique.
Athen was glancing at me in the rear view mirror, my eyes catching his. My heart began to sing. There was something so captivating about him. I didn’t know if it was the amused expression in his eyes or the ever-constant smirk but I loved it. I had never experienced so much love before off of one look. I smiled back at him realizing this was what life was about. I couldn’t wait to see the house on the water. My body filled with great joy right before falling asleep, dreaming about the wonderful possibilities that were waiting for Athen and I.
I awoke to Cyril teasing Athen about his driving ability in the city, and Arie scowling at the back of Cyril’s head. Matilda looked amused at the whole situation, her tongue hanging out and panting up a storm. Even though I had only been awake a few moments, I quickly figured out that they missed the turn into the Westin Hotel’s driveway. In this city getting lost in the maze of one-way streets meant doing circles for about 15 minutes. I met Athen’s eyes in the rearview mirror, and for the first time ever, I saw a flash of embarrassment bounce off of him.
“
It happens to the best of us,” I interjected into Cyril’s constant stream of jabs, “I think if we turn right at the next light, we should be good and can get into the parking garage.”
I looked around the city in awe with how cheerful Seattle was despite the constant grey cloud cover. All of the trees had been decorated with lights and most of the main buildings had Christmas wreaths and decorations up. There was a mist in the air, but it helped Seattle maintain the ever-present coziness that surrounded the city year round. I was looking forward to walking down to the pier, possibly even squeezing in a holiday boat ride. It would be so fun to experience that with Athen. My plan was to treat this city as if I was a tourist, enjoying everything through the eyes of my newfound family. We pulled into the garage and immediately found a parking spot near the elevator. Perfect luck I thought to myself. Hopefully the change of scenery would allow me to forget my nightmares and the heaviness of what I am and should be. It was still hard to believe.
The guys grabbed our bags, and we piled into the elevator that led to the lobby. Matilda sat like a perfect little angel. As we moved up each floor, my excitement built more and more. I couldn’t fathom what was in store for me this week. I looked forward to spending the beginning of the holiday season with Athen, Arie, and Cyril regardless of location. The elevator doors spilled us into a magnificent lobby that already had holiday décor tucked in every crevice. To the right of the elevator were the banquet rooms and the entire hallway leading to each door was covered with poinsettias and sparkly gold ribbon. To the left, was the concierge and front desk with garlands and white lights hung on the cherry wood desk. The most spectacular sight was the large Christmas tree in the sitting area. It was completely blanketed in silver balls, icicles, and streaming silver ribbon woven throughout. Indeed, I would be enjoying the holidays this year. My emotional drought was finally over.
Arie and I went over to sit on the overstuffed couches near the tree to wait for Athen and Cyril to check in. I got very comfy as we heard the Christmas music rolling off of the grand piano in the corner. I was thoroughly enjoying the music and moment completely, absorbed in my own world, when I saw everyone staring at me - waiting for something. I came back to earth, remembering that I was the one who made the reservations. I hopped up as Athen and Cyril started laughing at me.
“
I’ve got the confirmation number, guys.” My voice echoed through the lobby, “Sorry about that.”
The staff was wonderfully patient as I dug it out of my purse and slapped it on the counter along with my credit card and id. I noticed the woman who was at the far end of the counter coming down behind the desk pretty fast, which I thought was odd. I looked at her eyes once she was close enough, and I saw the darkness in them, realizing at that moment she was a poser, not a human. She must have been recently changed. Selfishly, I was thankful she wasn’t the woman with the serpent eyes waiting to prey on Athen.
Arie told me that the evil ones had an inherent ability to detect when we were around. Often when I was in the village and sensed the uneasy feeling I asked Athen about my assumptions, and he would affirm my observations. I was shocked to find out that the evil was lurking almost everywhere. I wondered why, back in Whistler, we would go to a coffee shop where apparently there was a presence, and that was when I was told their presence was everywhere. There was no avoiding it, but with that, our kind exists everywhere as well. I simply can’t sense them yet. In the beginning of the reintroduction process, it was more important to be aware of the evil, more for self-preservation than anything. Athen assured me that in time I would be able to sense our kind. I hoped sooner rather than later for at least some sense of security. That certainly would make me feel better about things. I don’t want to think the world is purely evil because right now that is what it feels like, even partly with myself.
We got the three keys for our suite and dispersed back towards the elevator as Athen squeezed my hand and whispered something I almost didn’t hear as we climbed in the elevator.
“
You were right, Ana. She was a tricky one too. Good job.”
I wasn’t sure why she would be considered tricky, but I was relieved to hear that maybe I was catching onto things a bit.
“
Thanks,” I exclaimed, “That makes me feel better. Our eye color certainly is more pretty than theirs isn’t it?”
“
That’s for sure.” Arie chimed in.
For some reason with the protection of my family, I was not worried. I was beginning to understand the different threats that were lurking. Yet, I was pretty confident that with my family’s presence I would be safe. They seemed overly confident, even though there was a strong presence. I knew I needed to trust their judgment otherwise I would go completely crazy. As each day went by since the first night of the reintroduction process my confidence grew exponentially. I was beginning to enjoy my new-old self.
As the elevator let us out onto to the 46th floor, I secretly hoped that maybe we wouldn’t be using all three bedrooms in the suite. Arie swung open the door to our room welcoming us to a beautiful granite entry hall. The room was overlooking Seattle with the lights twinkling brightly to welcome us all into our home for the next couple days. Athen flipped on the lights, and I looked around thrilled that the hotel room was as grand as the lobby. Arie and Cyril claimed their bedroom before I could even find them all, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable as I looked at Athen hoping to judge his next move. I knew that he was probably listening to my thoughts, and I didn’t even care at this point. I wanted him to know that I wanted to share a room with him. I could feel myself getting warm, and thankfully Arie recognized the awkwardness that was radiating from me.
“
Come on Athen. Don’t make her stand there.” She said giggling as Cyril carted the last bag into their bedroom. Matilda ran and jumped on the couch and made herself at home for the evening. It never took her long.
Athen grabbed my hand and led me around the sitting area to the two back bedrooms. He had my bag in his other hand, and I was anxiously awaiting to see where I landed. There was a door on each side of the flat screen, and I followed Athen into the room on the left. It was an elegant setting with a large goose down comforter spread on the bed with an orange coverlet. The room was very spacious and welcoming. The walls were a soft taupe. Athen placed my bag down at the end of the bed and pulled me closer. I was hoping this is where he would say it, but he didn’t. He only shook his head.
“
Athen, why not? I know you know what I’m thinking. You make it unbearably hard on me. I don’t understand why we can’t at least share the room?” I found myself pleading with him and couldn’t understand his reaction.
Could it be her? The serpent-eyed demon flashing through me creating a self-consciousness I couldn’t understand. From the short time working at the bar, I knew most guys would be falling over themselves to get into this situation. With Athen, however, who is supposed to be my soul mate, I can’t even get him near me. It was hard not to take personally.
“
Believe me, sweetie, I want to be with you. It’s not the right time. It will all make sense for you when it happens. We can’t jeopardize anything. There are a few more memories that need to occur. When those surface it will be the right time. You may not believe it, but this is probably harder on me. I still remember what it was like with you. I have been the one waiting for decades.” His green eyes sparkled mischievously. I was instantly calmed. Serpent eyes had no chance. It was only a nightmare.
“
Well, I doubt that. Now get out of my room.” I threw a pillow at him - proud that I nailed him on his back as he was exiting.
“
Get ready for dinner. Arie made reservations at one of her favorite spots. We won’t want to keep her waiting.” Athen yelled out from his room and then I heard a tapping on the wall between us.
“
Tapping the wall doesn’t make you seem closer Athen.” I chirped back laughing.
I began unpacking some of my things, relieved that I had packed an assortment. I knew I had better grab the nicest outfit I put in my bag. Knowing Arie’s taste, the place would be at the top of most people’s lists. I looked in the mirror over the dresser, still startled at the image staring back at me. I wasn’t sure if it was the green eyes that I wasn’t used to seeing or my overall appearance. I was beginning to like this aspect of the change. It was hard to remember that I had looked so different. I picked out a simple black dress and a silver scarf to wrap around the top and felt as good as new. I was happy to get the evening started.
The car picked us up for dinner, which made me grateful that everyone was in the mood for a good time. That put me at ease knowing the seriousness of the week before might have been the worst of it, or at least I hoped it was. We piled into the back and Arie began eagerly filling me in on the place we were headed, Canlis - a Seattle landmark. However, the conversation quickly turned serious.
“
After losing you, Athen was so distraught. We couldn’t come up with anything to distract him. The only thing that he looked forward to was the weekly dinner we had at Canlis because you two had been there together right before the incident. He vowed that as soon as you came back to us, we would start the tradition up again.”
“
Arie, you are making me sound insane,” Athen was finally beginning to look a little embarrassed, a sight I didn’t think I would see often, “Could you cool it a little bit, sis? We don’t need to air out everything do we?”
“
I kind of like it.” I said feeling a little in control of Athen’s emotions finally. I could feel the blood running through my veins at a pace that was quickened only by the thought of our first encounter. I could hear Arie going on, but I couldn’t concentrate on what she was talking about. I was getting a set of new images that I knew were a part of my past, and all I wanted to do was eat up every second. I saw Athen walk by me heading toward a lake. He didn’t seem to recognize me. I got up from where I was sitting and followed him. I could feel the same excitement level that I feel now from being around him. He stopped on the trail to the lake, turning around only to smile at me, which stopped me in my tracks – exactly like at the pub. Another image flashed in my head of us together wrapped together in a blanket. I could feel the warmth of his skin and the electricity coming from him. If only I could remember what led us to be in that position. His lips gliding down my neck towards my breast.
“
Ana, are you okay?” Arie tapped me on my arm.
“
Oh, yeah. Fine…Beginning to remember things.” I said feeling a bit sheepish.
“
She sure is.” Athen couldn’t contain himself. He, of course, had to rub it in. His smile was so enduring that I let him get away with it. As long as he had that smile it didn’t matter what he said or that he kept eavesdropping into my thoughts. I was thankful it was only him who knew what I was thinking of though.
“
Hey was that good enough for you, Athen?” I whispered jokingly to Athen.
“
You know it. We are getting closer, sweetheart. Not quite there yet.” His grin was huge now. I knew what he was waiting for. I hoped it would happen sooner rather than later.
Our car pulled up to Valet to let us out, and we hurried inside to meet the roaring fire that awaited us. The restaurant was filled with a warm glow throughout. The lobby had a huge stone entryway and an imposing fireplace with people sitting and chatting as they awaited their seats, poinsettias lurking in every corner. There were stairs leading up to what I was guessing was private dining. I saw the lounge a few steps down. Familiar Christmas music was rolling through the air from the pianist. Arie was right. I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for our first Seattle meal.