Asheni Zar (2) “We have more differences than likenesses actually. They are more like humans except for when they phase. Besides the pointy teeth, super senses, and agility, we don’t have much else in common. They sleep and don’t have to avoid the sunlight.” “Where are you from?” she asked. “They’re from a different world entirely!” Charlie jumped in. “They’ve never even heard of Europe!” “What did you just say?” the people in the next room were interested now. “You heard me,” Charlie answered. Three guys appeared in the doorway. “It’s the girl from your drawings,” one of them said to Tyler. He nodded. “This is Asheni, Adisa, Kitane…” Tyler hesitated, so I took over and introduced the rest. Then he continued. “That’s Alec, Malcolm, Braxton, and you’ve met Annabel.” He pointed to the guys in the doorway and then to the girl with her hands on her hips. “Chances are Trace and Libbi are upstairs,” he explained. “Nice to meet you all,” I said, but the rest of my group remained silent. “Same to you,” Braxton and Alec said as if by habit, not as if they felt that way. The room was full of tension. Chapter 3 “That is not how he said to do it,” Adisa said angrily. “I think the yellow things are supposed to go in first, then it won’t…” I was interrupted by death glares from Kitane, Adisa, and Troen. I finished softly anyway, “it won’t keep flipping over.” The boys continued struggling with the tangle of poles and fabric for another hour or so before an average-sized hut stood before us. When Tyler had offered us somewhere to sleep in order for us to get on their schedule, Kitane and Troen could not be convinced to stay inside. Kitane had a rough grip on my arm, leading me protectively toward the door as soon as Tyler suggested we sleep at all. After some convincing not to go all the way back to the cave, we “pitched a tent” as they called it, in the woods near the house. “Everyone needs to stay close. No wandering off,” Kitane announced to the entire group before focusing his attention on me. “You stay in the tent. I can’t protect you if you keep wandering off and trusting strangers. I’m not going to let you get us further into this mess.” I had been disobedient enough for one day, so I slipped inside the tent without a word. Deep breaths and a few swallows reduced the urge to cry, though I wanted to do so badly. This was a mess and it was my fault. I couldn’t argue that. I strained my ears to hear the others talking outside my colorful prison cell. The flimsy walls were not at all sound-proof, but they knew that too so they kept their voices down. I phased to make use of our sensitive hearing. “She is still very much a child,” I heard Kitane say. “She’ll grow out of it,” Adisa was assuring him. “Well she better do it soon. If she is going to cause me trouble, I will not take her no matter how many people it angers.” “She’s a good girl, Kitane. This whole situation is causing us all to be unlike ourselves. She obeyed you when you told her to go inside the tent. She’s trying. Would you like me to go talk to her?” There was a long pause after Adisa’s plea, which I’m sure my parents were going to hear about – how she saved the day and covered for her intolerable sister. “No, I should talk to her.” As soon as Kitane said this, I phased back. I kept my eyes to the ground as he entered just in case he caught a glimpse of the glossy black in them. “Asheni.” I looked up at him, but said nothing. “Asheni, I want to make this work, but you are not making it easy for me.” I opened my mouth to apologize, but he hushed me. “I understand this situation is strange for all of us and I forgive you for your previous disobedience, but you must make more effort to be… agreeable. I’m sure you do not want to disappoint your family.” I could no longer look into his reproachful eyes. I dropped my own and suddenly seemed fascinated by my hands. “I’m sorry,” I said softly. He wrapped both my hands in one of his to stop my fidgeting. Then he put two fingers below my chin and gently lifted my head. “Thank you.” The kiss he planted on my forehead was sweet and tender, but those feelings did not accompany it for either of us. That was the harsh reality of it. We were to be married, not because of love but because of expectations. Neither of us would gain anything from this union, but our families would – power, influence, wealth. Those sorts of things were what mattered to everyone else, but I didn’t care for any of that. Material things are low on my list of priorities - far below adventure, freedom, independence, and love. I’m too young to settle down. Seventeen is for having fun, not marrying and having children. I’m still a child myself and eighteen is not much different. My eighteenth birthday is fast approaching, and my wedding date will not be far behind. No, they won’t waste any time. Adisa was married only a matter of days after her birthday. They were in love though. They didn’t want to wait. I don’t think Kitane wants to wait either, but not because he’s in love. He’s already waited long enough – too long by some standards. Its past time he’s taken a wife, especially being the son of such a powerful family. He’ll be twenty-four soon, before I turn eighteen. Too bad he couldn’t have chosen another girl to profess his false love for. It would’ve saved us both a ton of trouble. I spent the majority of the day in that stupid tent. The air-filled cushion I was laying on was comfortable and I dozed off a few times, but sleeping was difficult. The others came in and out of the tent frequently. Most of the time, I pretended to be asleep to avoid talking to anyone. “Asheni, wake up.” Kitane was the last person I wanted to talk to, but I sat up anyway. “We’re going to eat then go back to that house to discuss the plans. It’ll be sundown in a few hours.” “I’ll be right out.” No one spoke much while we ate. Part of me just wanted to go home and be done with all of this. The adventuresome part of me was slowly being defeated. Rules and pressure and expectations have a way of doing that. I hadn’t given up completely though. This is the moment when I promised myself that I would return to this strange place again - maybe not soon, but eventually. Someday I’d be back, but the others won’t be invited that time. Chapter 4 “I don’t think everyone should go. They might think we’re there to cause trouble,” Tyler pointed out. “Well I’m coming,” Annabel announced stubbornly. “I hope you’re kidding. Didn’t Tyler just say we don’t want to cause trouble?” Charlie interjected. “I’m not going to do anything and it’s not like he’ll try to take me back.” Annabel began to get defensive. “Oh I bet he’d take you back,” Braxton said very seriously. “But she couldn’t be his pet anymore,” Malcolm laughed. “I was no one’s pet!” Annabel growled. “I doubt he even wants anything to do with me now that I’m one of you.” “Hey don’t look at me. I didn’t turn you. Besides…” Malcolm’s voice trailed off as we stepped onto the squeaky front porch. “They’re back.” Kitane still knocked even though they already knew we were there. The vampires immediately invited us inside, but they didn’t come out of the shadows until the door was closed again and we stood in darkness. I heard the scratch of a match and soon a lantern cast strange shadows throughout the room. “We came to discuss plans for this evening,” Kitane explained. “We were just talking about that actually. Maybe you heard,” Charlie said. “You are quieter than many vampires I know.” He sounded more angry than impressed as if it was our fault they were talking loudly as we approached and we eavesdropped on purpose. “We didn’t hear much and we surely did not sneak up on you intentionally,” Kitane answered. “So what plans have you come up with?” Troen asked. “We know of some vampires who may be able to help you. We’ll leave at sundown. We were just trying to decide who is going,” Tyler told us. “Libbi and I will just hang here tonight. I’m sure we can find something else to entertain ourselves,” Trace volunteered. He and Libbi shared a knowing smile. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem if the rest of us go,” Braxton said. “Yeah as long as no one does anything stupid,” Malcolm added, looking directly at Annabel. “Malcolm please,” Tyler interrupted before another argument could break out. “We’ll all go. You all are going to need to borrow some clothes though. We are already going to look suspicious.” The clothes weren’t all that comfortable and very constrictive. My legs and feet were covered – something none of us were used to. We looked like the others though and that’s what mattered. Then Annabel appeared with a pitcher and a stack of cups. “I thought you said you don’t eat,” I questioned, but the smell of blood soon drifted into my nostrils. “Vampires need blood to survive, but you’re not vampires so I don’t suppose you drink blood do you?” Charlie answered. “Not often, but we all get the craving every now and then,” I explained. They all looked surprised, especially Charlie. “Would any of you like a glass? I didn’t mean to be rude,” Annabel offered. “Actually I would if you don’t mind. Just a small one,” my mouth was watering from the sweet aroma that was now filling the room. Annabel asked if anyone else wanted to join and Adisa immediately requested a glass. I guess the others were not as affected by the wonderful scent or they were just better at suppressing the craving. No one spoke much. It wasn’t like the other blood I’ve had or maybe it’s just been a while. It seemed richer, more delicious. Maybe they have different animals in this strange world, but I didn’t ask about it. The others drank greedily and refilled their glasses. I watched as the color in their faces increased. “Now everyone looks a bit more human,” Annabel said happily to no one in particular. “Shall we be off?” We all filed out the door in response. “It’s a bit of a walk to the train station, but I’m afraid we don’t have a car,” Tyler explained. I looked around at the others to see if they knew what he was talking about. Everyone seemed just as confused as I was. “I’m afraid we have no idea what you’re talking about,” I told him. “You don’t… what? You don’t know what a car is? Or a train?” I shook my head. “Wow,” Tyler sighed in disbelief. “How do you get from place to place?” “We walk or ride animals – horses mostly.” “Well, cars and trains are both things you can sit inside of and they take you places, but they aren’t pulled by animals or anything.” I just nodded, trying to comprehend this idea. “I’ll point out a car when I see one and maybe we can ride in one sometime. You’ll see a train soon. Try not to ask questions or the other passengers will get suspicious and whatever you do don’t do that phasing thing you do under any circumstance.” Tyler pointed out a car later on our trip like he said he would. It was a strange-looking thing and I still didn’t fully understand. After that, we walked in silence. “The train station is just over that hill,” Tyler announced, pointing ahead. As we were climbing, a loud sound ripped through the very quiet night. Everyone jumped, but we all resisted the temptation to phase and prepare for a fight with whatever made the noise. The vampires snickered at our reaction though it had taken most of them by surprise as well. “That was a train,” Charlie explained. “It’s warning people to get the bloody hell out of the way as it comes into the station.” We reached the top of the hill as the noisy train was slowly moving away from the brightly lit station. I didn’t see any people around, but there was a large building where they could be hiding. “Everyone wait outside while I get the tickets,” Tyler instructed. We stood by the corner of the building on the outskirts of the lighted platform until the next train arrived, announced by the loud whistle again. People stared at us as we entered the train. They looked extremely different from our group. None were as dark as us or as light as the vampires; they fell at some strange shade in between. None were as tall or fit either. They came in all shapes and sizes. I continued analyzing these people as we took our seats. I jumped as the train lurched forward, but after that, I was surprisingly calm. After stopping a few times, Tyler motioned for us to follow him off the train. The moon was high in the sky when we finally stopped walking in front of the large gates of a humongous fancy building. Chapter 5 The gates opened slowly without anyone touching them. I didn’t like it, but no one else seemed intimidated. As we approached the large double doors of the mansion, those opened too, but this time someone was standing just inside the doorway. “What can I do for you?” “We have a question for Lord Darcon if he can spare a few minutes,” Tyler explained. “And you are?” the skinny man dressed completely in black asked. “We’re the vampires residing in Swithland Woods.” “I see. Wait here,” he instructed. “Don’t be rude. Invite them inside,” a confident and powerful voice boomed. The man who answered the door stepped aside as we filed in. “You’ll have to remind me of your names; I’m afraid I’ve forgotten. And you must introduce me to your new friends.” His eyes locked on mine, but seemed to stare right through me. His smile, which was more of a smirk, was mischievous. Despite the penetrating eyes and the odd smile, however, the man standing before us was strangely attractive. His dark hair contrasted with the pale skin of his chiseled face. He stood tall and his tailored clothes complimented his slim but muscular body. There was something else though, something intangibly appealing and alluring about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Then he broke the eye-contact suddenly and his expression changed. I quickly followed his new line of sight. “Anahella,” he spoke in a whispery accent as the last of us entered. The name came out almost as a low growl. It wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be; we all heard the utterance and the disgust with which it was spoken. “I go by Annabel now,” she answered with similar loathing. He didn’t respond, but instead turned to Tyler. “So she’s with you now?” Darcon stated more then asked. “Yes sir, but we didn’t come here to cause any trouble,” Tyler explained. “Of course not. Let’s get back on track shall we?” His tone changed completely, his growling tone gone completely, but the friendliness seemed fake now. “Well I’m Tyler, and this is Charlie, Malcolm…” he continued through the list, introducing his group first as Darcon shook everyone’s hands. “And what about this lovely group of… you’re not vampires are you?” Our eyes met again. As much as his gaze made me feel uncomfortable, I didn’t necessarily want him to look away either. I kind of liked it. Kitane never has and never will look at me like that, but then again, the look didn’t seem completely normal. There was something… harsh… bestial. “No, not exactly, but we have a few things in common,” I answered because no one else was going to. “And what is your name, Miss?” “Asheni.” His icy fingers took hold of my warm hand, creating a tingling sensation. He raised it to his lips to plant a kiss, inhaling and sighing deeply as if he thoroughly enjoyed the scent. My breath caught in my chest as his lips pressed against my skin. “And I’m Kitane, her fiancé,” he announced, stressing the last word. I pulled away obediently and let my hand drop. The back of it felt as if it was on fire - tingling and burning where his lips touched. But it was pleasurable, not painful in anyway like holding your hands as close to a fire as you can without it becoming uncomfortable. “Nice to meet you, Kitane, and congratulations. She’s a lovely and charming young lady,” Darcon said politely. He glanced at me quickly as he said this, but I cast my eyes to the ground, discouraging the gesture. Tyler went on to introduce the rest of the group after a moment of awkward silence during which Kitane didn’t acknowledge Darcon’s compliment at all. “Shall we move to the sitting room and discus this question you have for me?” Darcon suggested. A few people nodded in response, but no one spoke. This was becoming more awkward by the second. I scanned the beautiful, ornately decorated house as we made our way to the sitting room. Paintings and tapestries filled the walls. The hardwood floors sparkled with the light from oversized chandeliers and elaborate sconces that cast a dim glow throughout the closed-up house. I heard the quiet patter of footsteps throughout the house and caught fleeting shadows of its other inhabitants, but nothing more. I wondered how many more vampires lived in that house and why they all seemed to be hiding. I suppose it didn’t matter though; Lord Darcon was who we needed to see. “So, we need a way to get them back to wherever they’re from…” Tyler began. “And the cave portal didn’t work both ways,” Darcon finished. “Yeah, how’d you know about that?” Charlie questioned. “Do you really think Tyler is the only one with any precognitive ability?” Darcon seemed offended. “I saw her too, of course, but I have better things to do than wait around in those woods. Besides, I knew you’d all end up here anyway.” No one spoke for a few minutes as we all soaked in this information. We sat in the presence of a very powerful vampire. We had known that to some extent, but this confirmed it. “If you already knew all this, why the theatrics? Why invite us inside and pretend you didn’t already know what we were here for?” Charlie asked angrily. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were on a time schedule.” Sarcasm leaked into his still-mostly-friendly tone. “You are guests in my house and I treated you as such. We don’t get many of those around here.” “Well we are on a time schedule. We need to get home,” Kitane said gruffly. “My apologies, Sir. I’ll get you a map to the reverse portal right now and you can be off before sunrise. I would offer to have you driven there, but the sun will be up within the next couple of hours.” Darcon exited swiftly. I couldn’t tell whether it was to appease Kitane or if he always moved so gracefully and smoothly. The latter sounds like a better possibility. Even though Darcon seems nice enough, I don’t think he’d let someone like Kitane order him around. He returned a few minutes later with a nicely printed map and written directions. Kitane didn’t thank him, just simply glanced at the paper. I couldn’t stand how rude he was being, so I spoke up and thanked Darcon myself. It was no surprise that I received glares from Adisa and Kitane, but I wasn’t looking at them. Darcon’s face lit up ever so slightly and a smile faintly revealed itself in the corner of his mouth. His eyes seemed to bore through me again, but I didn’t mind as much this time. I wanted to know more about this mysterious stranger, though I didn’t dare speak another word to him. READ MORE at Booksie.com/Sexy_Scarlett
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