Everlasting Bond (18 page)

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Much. Thanks.”

Cole stared at her for a second, before speaking. “I have something for you.”

He reached under the bed, but his eyes never left hers. The sound of something sliding across the floor drew her attention. She looked down to see him holding a weathered brown sketch pad. “Here,” he motioned for her to take it.

“What’s this?”

“It’s yours,” he smiled, opening the worn book. She watched, as he turned each page carefully.

“Wow, these are really good sketches.”

“I’ve always thought so.”

“Most of these are of you.” A realization hit her. “Wait, I drew these?”

“You loved to draw. You said it was relaxing.”

“And you k
ept it for me all these years?”

He nodded. “It’s on
e of the few reminders I have.”

“Hmm,” she smiled, admiring her past life’s work. She hated to boast, but the drawings were actually quite good. Each sketch was done with such beautiful elegance. Every graceful stroke emanated the passion for her subject. Staring at them, Katrina found it a bit weird. Here she was staring at her past life’s work and it made everything Cole had been saying a stunning reality. The longer she stared at the vivid images the more questions came rushing to the surface. “Cole, can I ask you something?”

“Of course. You can ask me anything.”

“Alaric is your father right?”

“Yes.”

“Uh,” Katrina hesitated searching for the right words, “How—”

“How is that possible?”

“Yeah.”

“Vampires can be born, just like humans.”

“Even vampires like—Jake?” She tripped over her words. It was hard to say what her
brother was becoming out loud.

“Yes. Our genetic strands aren’t that different from yours.”

“Oh.” That part caught her off guard and it was hard to hide her shock.

“What?”

“I’m just worried. How exactly does someone become a vampire? I mean what’s Andrew going to do to my brother?”

Cole gave her an odd look and Katrina could tell he was searching for the right words. “You need to drink our blood.”

“Is that all?” Katrina's stomach turned at the thought.

“No. There’s something that’s inside our blood that acts like a disease, slowly seeking out and killing the human blood cells. As this happens your body weakens, your organs begin to shut down, and you die. I’ve been told it’s excruciatingly painful.”

“How long does the pain last?”

“Not very.”

“But you said Jake would be fine?”

“And he will be. When he awakens he’ll have no memory of the pain. It’s like being reborn, except all of his human memories remain intact. He’ll be the same brother you’ve known, except at first he’ll have a harde
r time controlling his thirst.”

“Will he try to hurt me?”

“In the beginning,” he nodded. “The thirst will consume him. It’ll be all he can think about. He’ll feed on the nearest human he can find, no matter who it is.”

“How long will that take?” Katrina wasn’t feeling any better about Jake’s decision.

“It depends on the human and their amount of self control. I know it sounds strange, but that’s who we are.”

“Trust me. Nothing about this night has seemed normal.” Katrina shook her head. She couldn’t believe this was really happening to her. It felt more like a bad dream that she couldn’t wake up from.

“You’ve had a lot to deal with tonight, but you’re going to have to make the choice for yourself and soon.”

“I know,” Katrina sighed. She knew she was going to have to make a decision, but it wasn’t something she wanted to make tonight. Fear of what she’d become was the beginning of her reasons not to. Not to mention everything he had just said scared the hell out of her.

Distracted by her thoughts, Katrina was interrupted by a chill of pleasure. Cole’s icy hand caressed her cheek, as he pulled her face up to him. His soft lips tenderly made contact with hers, as he laid her back onto the bed in one effortless motion. With every kiss her concern grew weak and weary, until she became lost in the heat of the moment and let her assumptions falter.

Caressing his hands over her body, Cole sent glacially sizzling sensations vibrating throughout her.
Sparks off his warm moist tongue awakened Katrina’s body, as it tenderly touched hers. Katrina let out a sigh of ecstasy. Her hands grasped at his hair and his lips made their way down from her chin, pondering at the nape of her neck.

“STILL HERE!” Andrew’s loud voice intruded once again.

“GO AWAY!” Cole shouted back, catching his breath and throwing a pillow at the door in annoyance.

Breathless, Katrina blushed. Her mind finally caught up to her hormones and she realized what they were about to do. Andrew’s interruption was almost enough to stop her, but her longing for Cole was stronger than any sense of r
ational thinking at that point.

Cole looked into her eyes and caressed her cheek. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Her heart fluttered at his words and Katrina was speechless. She wanted to say something back to him, but the words wouldn’t come. Her nerves were trying to get the best of her. Looking into his sky blue gems, she blocked everything out. The warmth of her body took over and she let herself go. Cole made her body do things she never knew possible.

With every touch, she found herself wanting, craving more of him. Katrina reached around Cole and pulled him back down to her. She was going to finish what he started. Letting go of her reservations, she beckoned him to her. They were again lost in
each other, forsaking all else.

Amidst the kiss
, her mind started screaming at her. Reminding her of his words and she was torn between herself. Her body knew she wanted him without question, but her conscience screamed at her in protest. Warnings of dire consequences shouted at her to think it through. Could she become one of them? Become a vampire and leave behind everything she’d ever known for someone who made her feel like no one else ever could?

For now, she was convinced she didn’t need to make the choice. Her pulse began to rise as the stimulating tide began to overtake her body and carry her to a place she’d never been-ne
ver thought she was capable of.

Cole’s panting breaths and tense body mimicked hers with undeniable eruptions of pleasure. The two were performing an unrehearsed dance of harmony, making up the choreography as they went along. In that moment of pure elation, Katrina had found her answer. She wanted him more than anythi
ng and to be with him. Forever.

Cracking her eyes open at the sound of the birds chirping, Katrina didn’t want to move. The morning light that crept its way in through a crevice between the gray drapes was blinding. She rolled over and moaned as every muscle in her body ached. The weekend she spent with Cole went by way to fast. She didn’t want to get out of bed.

Katrina forced her head up and realized she was alone. The soft icy body that had been next to her had disappeared. In its place was a white piece of parchment. It had very elegant hand writing. She picked it up and started reading:

Caroline,

I’m sorry I had to leave so suddenly. After last night’s encounter, father and I decided it was best for me to go enlist the others for their help. Now that Farkas knows where you are, you won’t be safe until the werewolves are defeated. Andreas is staying behind to take care of Elias, if you need anything he won’t be far. It won’t be safe for me to contact you, so please be careful. I’ll come back to you as soon as I can. I love you always and forever.

Nikolas

Katrina’s finger’s traced over Cole’s letter. Reading it over and over only made her heart ache more. Without a word he was gone. Leaving her in the care of Andrew didn’t make her feel any better. Startled back into reality by a sudden beeping noise, Katrina jumped.

On the Mahogany night stand next to the oversized bed, was a small clock. Irritated, she reached over and turned it off. Cole must have set that for her sometime during the night before he left. She was still exhausted and sleep-walked to the door. At the same time she opened she let out a loud scream.

“Shh, Caroline. Do you want to wake the entire n
eighborhood?”

“Then don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“It’s not my fault you only have a human’s hearing ability.”

“Andrew, I’m tired and don’t want to deal with you right now. What do you want?”

“Good morning to you too, sweetheart.”

“Andrew!”

“Fine. I’m assuming you found your little note from Prince Charming. Until Nikolas comes back, he asked me to take you to and from school.”

“Great. I’m stuck with an annoying babysitter from hell.”

“Hey, I don’t like it anymore than you do.”

“Whatever. Is that all?
Because I need to get ready.”

“I forgot how cranky you can be in the mornings.”

“Only around you.”

“I take that as a compliment,” he grinned.

“I don’t really care how you take it. Just go away.”

“Fine.” He went to turn around, but stopped. “Before I go my Uncle did say to have you call him. He said it was urgent. Here’s his number.” Andrew dangled a piece of paper out in front of her.

She yanked it out of his hands. “Thanks.”

“Oh and Caroline, There’s human things in the bathroom. They might help wash off Nikolas’ scent.”

Katrina’s eyes grew wide in shock. Embarrassment flooded her and without another word she shut the door. She shook herself together and frantically searched for her phone. It was on the nightstand hidden underneath Cole's letter. She carefully dialed and waited. It seemed like years before Alaric answered.

“Caroline, is that you?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I don’t have much time. Please don’t speak, just listen. Your mother
's been in a car accident. The police report says she hit some type of bear, but I know better. It was Farkas, I’m sure of it. She has a few scrapes and bruises, but she’s going to be okay. I’m going to take her home with me for observation and to keep her safe. To get to you, Caroline, they will go after anyone you care about. Be careful and Andreas will be around if you need him. I have to go, but I will talk to you soon.”

Before Katrina could get a word in Alaric hung up. She set the phone down with a trembling hand. Her body was starting to go numb. If something happened to her mother she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Images of the creature she saw crushing her
mother’s car turned her stomach.

She’d only been awake a few minutes and already her day had turned to crap. Her mother was almost killed and everyone was telling her what to do. Katrina needed something to calm her nerves before she went insane. A shower never sounded more invit
ing than it did at that moment.

Katrina grabbed her things. Taking a deep breath, she entered the bathroom and set her stuff down. Cole’s bathroom was like his bedroom—oversized. There weren’t many furnishings inside. It was hollow and vacant like a hotel bathroom. Every step she took echoed behind her. Katrina took a moment to wrap up her cast and take off her amulet. She turned on the water and carefully stepped inside the large, rectangular space. There was so much room inside that she felt like she ha
d stepped into another bedroom.

The hot water helped ease some of her achy muscles. Unfortunately, the ache she felt in her heart wasn’t as easily soothed. Tear drops fell down her cheeks and her emotions flooded her.

Thoughts of what happened last night kept replaying in her head. It was her first time and she was glad it was with Cole. Her body flushed, as she remembered every single detail. She had no idea her body could have ever felt that way. Each time he touched her, his hands were gentle and warm. Tingles of excitement took over her body and she already missed him like crazy.

K
atrina was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly gasped in shock.
Holy Crap, that’s cold!

The freezing water sent her body into a shivering frenzy. In her daze, she hadn’t realized she used all of the hot water.

Katrina staggered out and wrapped herself in one of the black bath sheets nearby. Drying her face, she tried not to think about what Alaric had just told her, but that was impossible. She couldn’t think of anything else. Exhaling, she forced herself to brush away her sadness and dry off.

After what seemed like many painstaking hours, though it was only minutes, Katrina managed to finish getting ready. Dressing amongst many other ordinary tasks was even a strenuous battle for her thanks to that damn cast. It would take some time for her to get use to, but she knew she would adjust fine. Running down the stairs, she found Andrew waiting and holding the front door open for her.

“Shall we?”

“Whoa. Andrew, whose car is that?”

“Mine.”

“Of course it is.”

“You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s perfect actually. Loud and obnoxious, just like you.” Her eyes gleamed as she bit her lip to suppress her smile.

“Ah, Caroline how I’ve missed your sarcasm after all these years. Besides, having a bright yellow mustang makes a statement amongst you simple-minded humans.”

“Like you care what any human thinks.”

“True, but I do like to see the looks on their faces when I pull up in this.”

“I bet you do.”

“On that note, let’s go. Nikolas will kill me if I don’t keep my promise and get you there on time.”

“Wait. Before we go, could you give me a hand with this?” She held the amulet up to him with her good hand.

“I suppose. Give it here.” Andrew’s cold firm hands were silky smooth like Cole’s, but to Katrina they lacked his suave finesse. Before she could blink, Andrew had clasped the amulet closed and let it fall around her neck. “After you.” Giving her a forced smile, he curtsied and held the car’s door open for her.

“Thank you.” She rolled her eyes and climbed inside.

“You’re welcome, but don’t get use to it.” Andrew slammed the door shut, narrowly missing her legs. “Oops!” he grinned, as he climbed inside.

She shot him a dirty look and had to calm herself down before she could speak again. “How’s Jake doing?” Katrina attempted to be civil.

“He’s doing fine. He just needs to sleep most of it off.”

“How long before he’s—one of you?”

“Shouldn’t be long. I’m guessing a few days, give or take.”

“Will I be able to see him after?”

“Forget it. No way. I’m going to have a hard enough time teaching him the ropes, without you around to tempt him.”

“Not even a quick peek? Just so I know he’s okay?”

“Nope. If I let you anywhere near danger Nikolas will kill me.”

“Oh.”

“You know you could see him sooner, if you—” Andrew caught himself before he finished his thought.

“If I what?”

“Never mind. Forget I brought it up.” He turned his attention back to the road.

The rest of the ride to school became just as tense as the two of them. In an effort to avoid talking, Andrew cranked the stereo, drowning out any unwanted noise. Katrina stared irritated out the passenger window, but part of her was glad that it took the place of any conversation that would more than likely end up as an argument.

Pulling into the school’s parking lot, Katrina noticed Stacy pacing back and forth waiting for her. That was just the excuse she needed to escape her current prison guard’s watch.

“Hey, Andrew.”

“What?”

“I know you’re not thrilled with being stuck with me. And I’m not too pleased with the idea either.”

“What’s your point?”

“Why don’t I catch the bus
to my house with Stacy after school?”

“I don’t know.”

“Think about it. You want to spend time with Jake, not babysitting me.”

“True, but I’m under strict orders to pick you up and drop you off
at your house.”

“Come on. I won’t be far and I’m wearing this.” She held up the amulet.

“I suppose.” He seemed to be running simulations in his head.

“Great. It’s agreed and I’ll see you later.” Katrina opened the door.

“Hold it.” He grabbed the back of her shirt before she could set a foot on the ground.

She glared at him. “What now?”

“I have a few conditions for our arrangement to work.”

“Such as?”

“Keep your cell on you at all times and never take off the amulet. If one hair on your head gets scratched it’s my ass, got it?”

“I got it.” She rolled her eyes annoyed. “Where did I put my—”

“Looking for something?” He held the phone in front of her like a magician holding the right card.

“How did you get it?”

“While you were in the shower I took the liberty of programming my cell number in it. Don’t look so surprised. I can be very sneaky when I want to.”

Aggravated, Katrina snatched the phone from Andrew and shoved it into her backpack. She exited the car and slammed the door in protest behind her.

“Oh, Caroline.”

She whipped around to see Andrew had
rolled down the window. “What?”

“I won’t be far.” He gave her an over friendly wave, as she watched the car speed off. Grateful she was free from his unwanted company for a while, she made her way over to Stacy.

“Hey, Stace.”

“Hey. What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you riding to school with him?” She tilted her head in Andrew’s direction. “Where’s Cole and Jake?”

“Oh, that.”

“Yeah, that.”

“Jake stayed home because he’s—sick,” she stumbled over the word. “Cole had a family emergency, so he asked Andrew to drop me off.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, it’s been a crazy morning.” Katrina bit her lip.

“What’s wrong?”

“What?”

“I know that look. Something’s up, so spill!”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Katrina attempted to hide the grin on her face.

“Kat you’re not—
Oh my God you did! You had sex!”

“Shh, I don’t want the whole school knowing we slept together.”

“Okay, but I want details. What did it feel like?”

“It’s hard to explain. Your whole body sort of feels like it’s on fire and—when you know, your body sort of explodes. In a good way.” Katrina blushed thinking back t
o everything she did last night

“Sounds like an eruption I wouldn’t mind feeling!” Stacy winked.

“You’re so bad,” Katrina laughed.

“I may be, but let’s just hope he wasn’t?”

“I don’t know! Not like I have a lot to compare him to!” Embarrassment was consuming her. “Can we please talk about something else? Anything else?”

“Just trying to live through you.”

“Let’s hope you won’t have to.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Guess what?” Stacy smiled beaming with excitement.

“What?”

“I overheard Cynthia talking on the bus this morning about us getting another new student today.”

“Who?” Katrina’s curiosity ran wild. She wasn’t surprised that word had spread so quickly of another new addition. In this town, anyone new was always a spectacle.

“I’m not sure, but I did overhear Ms. Stevenson telling another teacher her nephew is coming to stay with her. Maybe, he’s the newest ad
dition? I wonder if he’s cute.”