Drift (Drift Series) (18 page)

“You keep his stuff in your trunk?”

“Yeah. In case you haven’t noticed, where else am I supposed to keep it around here? A tree with a built-in, spacious pantry?”

“I was meaning to talk to you about that. Why don’t you get some plastic furniture to sit on instead of that old oak? Add a smidgen of class around here.”

“Very funny. I’m supposed to be alone, remember?”

“I know, I know. But I’m just sayin…some red, maybe some blue plastic chairs and tables, it screams, date me.”

“Why would I do that when you would just tumble over it?”

“You’re lucky I’m holding kitty or I would knock you on your keister, demon boy.”

I was enjoying our playful exchange as I carried Shadow’s jug of water and bag of food to our tree. Shadow jumped out of Shade’s hands and scampered up the tree where he looked down from our branch and meowed at us to hurry. I whipped out my wings and was about to grab Shade when she stopped me.

“Nuh-uh. Put those things away. We’re going to do this the old-fashioned way. We’re gonna climb up. C’mon.”

Once she reached our branch
, she signaled for me to toss up his food and water. For the average human, this would have been a near impossible throw, but of course, those rules don’t apply to me.

“I was wondering how you wanted me to get this up there. You better catch it all. Do me a favor…don’t fall. I’m not in the mood to clean up,” I shouted.

I lofted the jug of water first. Shade caught it with no problem, followed by the small bag of cat food. After two successful catches, it was my turn to climb up without help from my wings.

“Now it’s your turn, smart-mouth, hurry up!” She
urged.

“I see how it is. You forget I still don’t have to go up the conventional way.”

Before she could set new rules, I scurried up with the speed and agility of a squirrel and stood before her in mere seconds.

“You suck, dude.”

“Yes, I do,” I boasted.

Shade started to feed the pacing Shadow.

“Yeeesss, kitty. You have a silly owner. We don’t need him, do we?”

I just laughed and sat with my back against the tree trunk while resting my forearms on bent knees. I watched Shade pet and play with Shadow, almost forgetting I was there as she gave the
other
stray some attention. Her good heart remained on display. Another quality of hers.

After a few minutes, she slid over to me and parted my legs, took out the extra hoodie she had stuffed in her jacket, wadded it up and placed it on my stomach. Then, without
any invitation, of course, she put her head on the sweatshirt and used it like a pillow. I placed one arm around her and ran the other through her hair as we admired the view. Shadow stopped eating and joined us, cuddling between Shade and my leg. She slowly petted him as the three of us held steady in blissful peace.

“Do you think Heaven makes mistakes?” she asked out of nowhere.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Well, do you think that sometimes someone who doesn’t deserve to go to Hell still goes? Look at you
—I know you’re a demon, but that’s it. You don’t feel evil at all to me. At least not like we humans are led to believe about your kind. You aren’t cruel…at least you don’t act that way. I mean, you saved my life and, well, you just don’t seem like a beast to me.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond, but I knew exactly what she was trying to say, and she was right, I didn’t act like a demon at all.

“Well, thank you for that. I don’t know if Heaven makes mistakes, but I wish they gave second chances to something like me.”

She flipped her head up to me in sincerity and added, “I think they did make a mistake, at least when it comes to you. And you never know, sometimes even a demon may get a second chance.”

I knew personally there was no chance, but for her benefit I showed a glimmer of hope. “Maybe they did, and maybe I will.”

“I think they did. And I think you will. So, are we official?”

“Official?”

“Yeah, you know, boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“I certainly hope so,” I added, tickled to death that she chose me for such an honor.

“Good, then we are.” Just as suddenly as she brought up the new level of our relationship, she was finished and moved on. “Hey, you really kicked those vampires
’ butts.”

I snickered at her observation, which caused her to chuckle under her breath. We didn’t say much after that. We were content holding each other and keeping her warm on the brisk Colorado night. I did most of the talking, if there was any, as Shade listened. I came to realize the reason she had grown so quiet; she had fallen asleep in my arms. I wished her goodnight and waited out another
evening. This time, I felt much more at peace with someone to share it with. I didn’t want the night to end. But like every other time I spent with her, trying to stop it from concluding was useless. Eventually dawn broke, telling me that I had to get her back home before her parents realized she was gone.

Very, very gingerly, I stood up and cradled the snoozing girl in my arms in one motion, much like I did when I saved her from her fall. The only thing I disturbed was Shadow
, who yawned and stretched out his paws while arching his back. I whispered to my furry pal that I would be back in a flash. I floated up into the air.

I kept her flight home at a moderate pace so I wouldn’t wake her. I landed outside her window and quietly opened it, then took a look inside the still-dark room. The coast was clear. I levitated through the window, dematerializing, and placed her limp body on the bed. A little black booklet, maybe a diary or something, slid out of one of her jacket pockets. I picked it up and flipped the pages. I could see it was indeed a diary. I placed it back in her pocket. I guess my fumbling around woke her; she moaned and moved around a little only to fully wake up to see me lurking over her.

“Hey, baby.” She rubbed her sleepy face.

“Hey.” Her words would have melted my heart if I had one. “Go back to sleep, I’ll be back to get you later, al
l right?”

“Okay. Leo…I love you.”

I grinned at her warm words, said, “I love you too, baby girl,” and kissed her once more.

This time I
stepped
out her window and hopped down, closing it behind me. I elevated skyward and took in the picture-perfect sunrise while flying over town. I didn’t feel like returning home yet, despite what I told Shadow, and continued to hover and think. I even soared over the highest point on the thinly snow-laced Eagle Peak mountain range, where the big meeting would be on this day. I knew one thing for sure, what Christian planned wouldn’t be good. I had a feeling my first
real
test was coming and it would be a lot tougher than just roughing up some low-level vampires.

CHAPTER 15

REUNITED

I returned home just before the sun crested over the mountain range so I wouldn’t be seen out flying in the day by someone and be reported as a Moth-man sighting or something. As usual, Shadow was hanging around waiting for me. I greeted him and decided to take a walk through the beautiful, dense forest.

“C’mon, bud.”

We strolled among the trees in our makeshift home, casually passing the time. It was a breathtaking, but briskly chilled morning. The warming sun pushed rays of light past the many tall trees. Shadow dashed from here to there, pouncing on leaves like they were bugs, then dashed off and did it again somewhere else. He was hyper today, more so than usual. He was thoroughly enjoying his surroundings.

This was probably the last time I could let go of the stress of my situation, so I took advantage of it. All at once I realized the sun had drifted into position directly overhead. The day was cruising by in a flash. Off in the distance, I heard the sound of an approaching car. It sounded like it was winding up my grass-patched driveway.

I took to the air amongst the trees. Shadow was used to our home and its solitude so I was sure he would stay away from any strangers. I hopped from treetop to treetop to get a better look at who was coming into our secret area. I hunched down and waited.

I was relieved to see a familiar car roll up and over the hill, parking next to my ride. It was Shade. I figured I would play a little joke on the unsuspecting girl. She got out and shyly called out for me. Shadow came out of hiding and ran up to her. I took this as my chance and jumped out of the top of the tree
, landing right smack in front her with a thud, kicking dirt up everywhere.

She screamed, stepping
back. “Oh jeez, Leo. Damn it!” Shadow didn’t even flinch in her arms, I guess he was used to my shenanigans. “You scared the heck out of me, ya jerk!”

“That was kinda the point. What are you doing here so early? I was going to come and get you.”

“Oh thanks, master, glad to know I can be of service whenever you call. Did you forget I’m in this mess just as much as you?” she hissed through a half-cocked grin.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know. I’m just giving you a hard time.” She set Shadow back on the ground. “The news said it was supposed to snow tonight on Eagle Peak.”

“Yeah, I feel it in the air.” I walked up to her.

“That doesn’t bother you? Won’t it make things that much harder tonight?”

“Not really.” I shrugged. “Did you forget I’m freezing cold all the time?”

Shade huffed a laugh. “I meant if sheets of snow start to fall, it will be hard to see.”

“Nah. Snow isn’t the problem I’m worried about.”

“What are you worried about?”

“What they want with you.”

Shade pretended to be distracted by looking down at Shadow rubbing against her legs.

“Well, that’s tonight. Today, I want to go to the riverside with you and enjoy a picnic. How does that sound?” She playfully swung her arms while snapping her fingers as if not having a care in the world.

“That sounds perfect.”

“Good. Let’s go then.”

“Shadow…you know the drill. See you in a little while.”

Shade escorted me to her car and told me to get in. “I’m the chauffeur this time, demon boy.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I climbed into the car. We waved at Shadow who stood watching us leave.

“We should take him with us,” she said, feeling sorry for our friend.

“Nah…he loves it here. He’ll be fine, he’s always fine.”

After Shade got over some slight separation anxiety, and I use that term to be humorous, we took off for the destination she had picked out for us. In the backseat sat a cooler, a blanket
, and few recycled hemp bags stuffed full of food.

“You know I
’m not gonna be able to taste a single bit of that grub back there, right?”

“Shut up. I know. You still have to eat to maintain strength in your body and I want to make sure you have all you need for tonight.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Very clever.”

“I usually am.”

The spot Shade picked out was a few miles out of town. It was at a place along the Gold Rock River. This river twists and turns for countless miles throughout the base of the Eagle Peak mountain range. It gets the name from the many rocks among the riverbed that glow from the fool’s gold trapped in them. That water that rushes over them heightens the reflection during the day when the sun hits the rocks just right. It reflects glimmering rays of light, making the river sparkle like it’s almost supernatural. Even on nights with a full moon you can see the golden rocks on display, reflecting the moonlight and lighting up the river in patches. Truly magical is the nature we are surrounded by here. This is where I took Shade for her joy ride on our first date.

Shade parked near a beautiful spot overlooking a breathtaking green valley. We walked close to the river’s edge and put down a blanket. The water surged by like a breeze. The hypnotizing sounds of the water breaking across the golden rocks filled the air around us. I popped open the cooler and found some bottled water and soda while Shade reached into the reusable bags and pulled out some sandwiches and condiments.

“I made you whatever I was having since you can’t taste it anyway.” Shade giggled.

“Thanks.”

We munched away, small talking for hours. Clouds started to roll in and block out the sun. A mild wind pushed through in front of them and drastically dropped the temperature in the air in seconds.

“This must be the start of that front they were talking about on the news.”

“Looks like it.”

“How odd is it that on a night like tonight, the first real snowstorm of the season is blowing in on the range? At least at the higher altitudes where we will be, it is.” Shade hinted at the irony.

“It is strange. It’s as if the wind of change is blowing in, telling us that the switch of seasons is on the horizon, and a changing of the times.”

“Maybe that
’s a good thing.” She sounded hopeful.

“Maybe.”

Taking my gaze off the sky, I asked, “By the way, what did you tell your parents so you could come out and hang with me today?”

She smiled. “I told them I was gonna chill with Sandra and then stay the night with her. She said she would cover for me even though her and Mark were planning something.”

I laughed and shook my head.

“What?”
She nudged me.

“Now I know why I like you so much.”

“Why is that?”

“You’re sneaky. That
’s a quality you and demons both share.”

We both laughed and looked back up
at the hovering clouds that had now shadowed the landscape entirely.

“It’s getting cold. Let’s go.” Shade took one last sip of her water.

As we packed our picnic and got back into the car, a few snowflakes began to fall. Once inside the warmth of the vehicle, we discussed going ahead and getting to our destination a little early. Not because we were in a hurry, but because I wanted to give her some kind of an escape plan should something happen to me. I also needed to fully evaluate the area. I needed any kind of tactical advantage I could get in case things went south. The chances for escape were remote, for both of us. I had to at least
try
to give us an edge on something.

We drove as far as we could up Eagle Peak and parked directly below the meeting point, which wasn’t very far up. I quickly realized that once I flew her up to the very top of the range
, there was no way, especially with the oncoming storm, she could come down to her vehicle without some kind of help. She would be trapped if I was taken out of the equation.

“Forget it. You can’t go with me.”

“What do you mean? I have to.” She was obviously confused by my sudden change of heart.

“Look around
. If something happens to me, there’s no escape for you. You’ll be trapped.” I felt hopeless and rubbed my face in stress.

“But Christian said I have to. I fear he’ll hurt you even more if I don’t show up.”

“You can’t go, Shade.”

Gently, she reached over and pulled the hand off my face and held it within hers. “We
’re in this together…together…so whether or not you want me to go, I am. That’s it.”

I remained silent, not knowing what to do. For now, I hesitantly agreed on going through with the original plan. She smiled and let my hand go and we got out of the car. She started pulling extra clothes out of the trunk. When she was finished, I walked around and grabbed her from behind and whispered in her ear.

“Thank you for being here with me. I love you. Do everything you can to escape if I fall. Promise me.”

She rested her head on my shoulder. “I will. I love you
, too.”

Then she gave me one last passionate kiss before we took to the air. The further up we went, the colder it got and the thicker the snow became. It wasn’t coming down in droves yet, but it was already getting a little tough to navigate to the top of the peak.

We eventually landed on a flat area at the extreme highest point of the mountain. It was a perfect circle fit right in the center of a dense patch of trees that cloaked the mountain. No one other than Shade and I had shown yet, as expected. This gave us time to survey the area. Neither of us had ever been on this point of the mountain. I’d flown above it a few times, but never landed there, so I knew what it looked like from up this high.

“This is spectacular! The way the mountains carve around as far as the eye can see like gigantic, jagged snakes. The trees all over the mountains…the town from here…they all look so tiny. It
’s so cool.” Her eyes glazed over as she sported a mysterious smirk.

“The world is truly a beautiful place.”

She agreed with me by not speaking and widening her smile.

“There
’s nowhere to go, Shade; it’s impossible to leave, as you can see. Are you sure you still want to go through with this?”

“No, but I want to be by your side through whatever.”

“Whatever?”

“Yes.”

We waited patiently, but tensely, unable to watch the sunset because of the ominous blanket of cloud cover that had swallowed the countryside. The snow was falling thicker now as the night crept in. The environment seemed to turn from gorgeous and enlightening to dark and thick with malice.

Everything was deathly silent, including Shade and I as we scanned the area. Only the sound of falling snow hitting the
trees, rocks, and foliage around us filled the night. Shade edged close to my side and hugged my arm as we stood motionless, our vision obscured by the increasing snow. The tension was almost unbearable.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps compacting snow came from somewhere among the outl
ying forest. We were no longer alone.

Shade began to shake violently. Her jaw shimmied into a chatter. I patted her arms that clung to mine and strained my eyes through the wall of snow to see a figure casually strut out of the woods.

At first I thought it was Christian, but when the figure spoke. I knew it wasn’t my direct overlord; it was another I feared almost as much. The deliberate, calming voice of Shimmer, lord of all vampires, had arrived to greet us first.

“Aaaaahhhhh…” He held his arms in front of him as if we were some kind of presentation he was showing off to himself. “If it isn’t the little demon that could. I think I can…I think I can.”

I stood silent, watching him gloat. His fangs were on full display. This told me I worried him to some degree, as he was on guard. He sported his usual silver neck chain from which swung a black Celtic cross. The usual black rag covered the top of his head and most of his long, black, curly hair. Not so strange for him in this cold weather, due to him being undead like myself and constantly cold, he wore a skin tight, short sleeved black shirt that exposed his very well-muscled torso. He clasped his ring-filled hands together and rubbed them like he was awaiting a meal.

“And thissssss must be Shade. The human girl who likes to dabble with trouble. My, my, my, you are a stunning piece of art, aren’t you? Maybe I can put you into my…gallery, as it were, sometime?
I hear you’re quite…spicy.”

Shade, to her benefit, and my admiration, remained still and quiet.

“So finally. I get to meet the boy who cried Diccitidel. Stupid, stupid boy.” He hissed, opening his mouth and showing his fangs as he got right in my face. “There is no turning back now.” He twirled his finger in front of my face before pointing to Shade. “How lovely. So noble. So much courage.” He balled his fist. “But still…so stupid. You have no chance. You will lose, Leo.” He chuckled as he turned his back and slowly walked a few feet away.