In my noggin the end is close but chapter wise it isn't at all. There are still a few things in between. Well, I hope all you readers are liking it so far. Thanks for the reviews and is it at all possible to get more? It makes my day to see people actually like what I write. Like I said to my sister one day, "It makes me feel all fuzzy inside!" Lol except she just looked at me like I was crazy. Whatever, she doesn't understand. Anyway, read and enjoy!
Tori glanced at Jade out of the corner of her eyes, silently studying her. She had shed her hat, gloves, and jacket as soon as the sun was low enough revealing a fitted black shirt and dark blue jeans. All the dark colors just managed to make her blend into the background. The surrounding darkness didn't help matters. Tori briefly wondered if that was what Jade wanted or if she just liked dark colors. Tori couldn't help but drag her eyes over Jade and wonder what lay under the dark clothes. She wasn't blind to the sensual curves and confident walk that was Jade West.
She was beautiful. Jade looked over at Tori briefly and caught her staring. Tori blushed a little and looked away, hoping Jade couldn't see but she had a pretty good feeling she did because she laughed. She flung an arm good-naturedly around Tori's waist and pulled her close, uncaring of the curious or interested eyes around them. She leaned in close so that her mouth was close to Tori's ear. She shuddered at the cool body pressed against hers but it wasn't from the cold.
"What are you staring at, Vega? Am I that good looking? You aren't too bad yourself you know," she whispered, making sure her lips brushed the other girl's ear. She was pleased when she felt Tori's body tremble in her arms.
"Let's get out of the lime light and find a spot to ourselves," Jade suggested. Tori nodded, relieved when Jade put distance between them and let her walk freely.
"What do you have in mind?" Tori questioned, her voice wavering only slightly, revealing how anxious she was. Jade smirked and shrugged as her sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. Her gaze landed on another pier in the distance and she raised a hand to point it out. She closed one eye and pointed spot on in a teasing fashion. Tori smiled and looked to where Jade pointed.
"Let's head over there. It looks pretty abandoned and it goes almost as far out as the one we set up at," she commented. How Jade could see all that was a mystery and an impressed feat rolled up in one. She supposed it had to do with what Jade was. Funny, how that never crossed Tori's mind as much as it should. Shouldn't she be worried since she was basically food? Strangely, she wasn't at all worried and the careful caresses in which Jade touched her sure did help things. Jade's over-all protectiveness of her did wonders. How could she be afraid of someone who obviously held her well-being at top priority? Long story short, Tori trusted Jade. It may have been stupid, but she did. Jade must have said something while she was thinking because she snapped her fingers in Tori's face.
"Hey, are you even listening to me? Don't tell me you haven't heard a word I've said," she stated haughtily. Tori looked at her slightly irritated expression, barely visible in the dark.
"Ok, then I won't," she replied, a smile appearing in place of the thoughtful frown it had been in. Jade growled low in her throat and looked away.
"I said, it looks like we have the pier to ourselves," she repeated, wondering why she even bothered. Normally she wouldn't waste her time restating what she had said but she found it didn't bug her as much as it should when it came to Tori. She sighed and pushed away the irritation. She took Tori's warm hand in her own and pulled her along down the wooden pier and out toward the ocean. It was chilly the further out they went and Tori felt the goose bumps on her arms. The rolling waves sent up occasional sprays that didn't help either. Jade frowned at her obvious discomfort once they reached the end of the pier. She dropped Tori's hand and she immediately wrapped her arms around herself.
"I'll be right back. I'm getting you a jacket," Jade told her softly. Tori opened her mouth to tell her it wasn't necessary but Jade was already gone. Tori blinked her eyes in shock and waited a minute before she almost had a heart attack when a voice spoke up suddenly behind her.
"Calm down Vega, it's just me. Here," Jade said, handing her a thick black hoodie. Tori pulled it on and instantly felt better.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. Jade nodded and leaned on the railing.
"I couldn't have warmed you up on my own now could I? I would just make you freeze to death," she responded. Tori didn't miss the slight acid in her tone. An idea formed in her head and she waltzed up to Jade, moving in a deliberate manner that Jade noticed quickly. She shyly leaned into the now curious vampire and pulled her close by her belt loops so that they were flush against each other. Jade immediately liked this new side of Tori. It amazed her that she had so much influence over her. She knew Tori wasn't the type to make the first move, and often looked embarrassed or shy when Jade advanced on her, but these rare moments said otherwise. Tori could play her game just as well as she could if she wanted.
"I can think of a few ways you can warm me up fast," she whispered, her lips barely touching Jade's. She inhaled sharply and her hands slid down Tori's sides to rest on her hips.
"Oh, and what might that include?" she inquired. Tori smiled and her gaze never left hers as she finally closed the very small distance between them. Tori pulled away and ended the kiss far too quickly for Jade's taste. She growled and her hands tightened on Tori's waist.
"You tease," she accused in a husky voice. Tori already had her wound up and she knew it judging by her confident smile. Her hand skimmed over Jade's hips and under her shirt to heat up the skin underneath. Jade closed her eyes, enjoying the only warmth she cared for. Fuck the sun. All she wanted to heat up her skin was Tori's flaming touch. Her own hands rose to pull the human in for a longer kiss but as soon as her lips got close she deviated and instead kissed down Jade's jaw. She groaned in both pleasure and agitation, making Tori chuckle under her breath.
"Have you ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?" she inquired. Tori only smiled, knowing the tale but humoring Jade so she shook her head.
"He called for help when the wolf actually came but no one listened because of his many previous lies and he was eaten," she replied simply. Jade pushed her back so that the rail dug into her from behind. Jade pressed her own body against Tori's, effectively trapping her. Her hands gripped the rail on either side of Tori's hips and they tightened, bending the thick metal. Tori heard it squeal as it twisted but it only served to heighten her current emotions. Jade suddenly snarled and bared her fangs at Tori. She released the rail with her right hand and it snaked up to tilt Tori's head to the side, exposing her neck. Tori's breath quickened and she closed her eyes as Jade leaned in. She felt teeth on her neck but no pain followed. Jade had stopped. Instead, the sharp teeth were replaced with a hot, wet tongue trailing over her skin. She shuddered with a moan.
"Did I scare you?" Jade mumbled in Tori's ear.
"For a second," she admitted breathlessly. It was frightening but at the same time exhilarating. She didn't know whether she should call herself a daredevil or just plain stupid.
"Maybe you shouldn't taunt the townsfolk by saying there's a wolf and not meaning it. Because maybe, when the wolf shows up you'll wish you hadn't," Jade remarked. Her right hand dragged lazily down her throat while her eyes followed. Her left hand slithered under her shirt, over heated skin, and came to rest at the small of her back. She pressed their bodies together with the slight pressure on her back. Tori's hands had balled into Jade's shirt subconsciously and suddenly the smell of Jade was everywhere. A glance down at the hoodie she wore made her realize it was Jade's. She had seen her wear it all day before. The added scent of Jade leaning into her made her dizzy. It made her carefree, that strangely warm and inviting scent. Despite Jade's warning, Tori replied with a smirk of defiance.
"I'll try to remember that but I'm not promising anything," she replied. Jade's smirk turned devilish as she leaned in to nip at Tori's neck. Her body tensed before relaxing when sharp teeth didn't meet soft skin. Jade had forced her fangs back in order to nibble down Tori's neck and eventually bite into her shoulder. The thin girl under her arched her back at the dull pain from blunt teeth and a groan fell past her lips. Jade sucked at the sensitive flesh before biting down again only to smooth over the quickly forming mark she left behind.
She tried not to bite too hard, but without knowing, Tori was breaking down Jade's carefully structured barriers like they were made of cardboard, both physically and mentally. As she tasted the skin of Tori's neck once more she couldn't stop the thought that blared through her mind. Tori heard the need in Jade's thoughts. It was animal in nature and it demanded to be sated. The best Jade could do to appease her growing hunger and arousal for Tori was to mark her. Tori caught this all loud and clear even over her own rapidly beating heart and scattered thoughts.
"You're mine, Tori. I want all of you and I refuse to share with anyone else," Jade said, quiet and gruff but firm. Her hips pressed into hers and Tori couldn't help reciprocating. Jade's frustrated growl reached her ears before her mouth was claimed in a rough kiss. Jade's carefully blunt teeth tugged at her bottom lip as gently as she could before her tongue slid out to soothe the pain away and tangle with her tongue. Tori's hand tightened on Jade's shirt, pulling her closer while Jade's hands dragged up her sides to play with the edge of her bra. Her fingers danced around her torso, occasionally dipping under her bra and making Tori shiver.
She was quickly becoming submissive under Jade's controlling hands and lips so she uncurled her own hands to run them down Jade's torso. Jade tensed as hard muscle became solid. She released Tori from the passionate kiss they shared to hiss out a breath in pleasure. Tori's hands skimmed over cold skin under her shirt before meeting at her back then coming back around to skate over the path she just took. Her hands left burning trails over Jade's body. Her movements were just as coordinated as Jade's and it was then Jade knew Tori caught on to the new teasing game. She huffed out a breathy chuckle as one hand came up to hold Tori's chin.
"It seems I always underestimate you. You can really keep up can't you?" she asked, slightly impressed. Tori returned the smirk she was given with confidence.
"I guess I learned from the best," Tori replied, a sparkle in her eyes. Jade saw it as a new challenge. She quickly realized she loved challenging her and getting a challenge in return.
"Kiss ass," she muttered.
"You want me to do that too?" Tori asked playfully, her hand dragging down to grip Jade's behind. She arched her back and pressed into Tori with a groan but she managed her comeback.
"Smart ass," she responded through clenched teeth.
"I'm pretty sure mine isn't as smart as yours," Tori replied, bringing her free hand around with a smack to join her other hand. Jade growled and her fangs were back. Tori was easily bringing out the best and worst in her. Tori however only seemed more turned on and quickly came to the conclusion that she was stupid, stupidly head over heels for Jade. Her hands slipped into Jade's back pockets snuggly and Jade leaned in to nuzzle her neck. God how she loved the way Tori smelled. It was at intoxicating levels when she was aroused.
"Fuck Vega, do you know how much I want you? If I wasn't so worried about what I'd do to you I would take you right here," she stated, one hand tangling in her hair and the other softly trailing down her cheek.
"Jade West unsure? Well, that's new," she teased. Jade's soft touch turned firm as she gripped Tori's chin, making her look into her blue-green eyes.
"I can't lose control in any way. I told you I would protect you and if that means from myself then I will," she told her. Behind all the desire Tori could see something more. She was serious and that look in her eyes alone made Tori understand. Jade really did care for her.
"I know," Tori replied, just as serious. Jade softly rested her hands on Tori's hips while Tori's arms went around her neck. She returned Jade's gaze and then leaned in to press her lips to Jade's one more time. This kiss wasn't rushed or heated like the others but it still set them both on fire again. The slow, deliberate pace expressed so much between them. Tori pulled away first for air and rested her head on Jade's shoulder, her nose brushing Jade's neck. In a complete one eighty their blind passion bloomed into something else. They no longer stood caught in the turbulent winds of want and need, grinding against each other in an effort to get closer. Now, they stood in a tight embrace, one that still had them touching completely but it was calm and content. It was effortless and the two never felt something so right.
"As much as I really want to spend the rest of my night with you, I think we should head back. I don't want everyone thinking you converted me to the dark side," Tori joked, releasing her hold on Jade enough so she could see her but still keep her in her grasp. Jade laughed deviously and leaned in to rest her forehead on Tori's, their noses brushing.
"Aww, why not Vega? It would be fun, I guarantee it," Jade replied, her smirk back in place. It was Tori's turn to laugh.
"I'm sure it will. Come on, you're tempting me as it is," Tori responded, taking Jade's hand in her own and tugging her forward. Jade groaned in exasperation but followed anyway. She gave Tori a genuine smile. It reached her eyes and Tori swore they sparkled in the surrounding lights. She kissed Jade's cheek, returned the smile, and then continued to pull her along. She noted happily that Jade carried herself differently. She didn't walk stiffly or with an angry intention. It was smooth and easy, a sign that she herself was at ease and content. Tori had a bounce in her step and an infectious bright smile on her face.
They walked back in silence and when they reached their destination they found that Sikowitz, Robbie, and Cat were still missing. Tori released Jade's hand to converse with Andre while Jade leaned against the stage to watch Beck talk with Trina. He looked tired but kept up being polite even though she was sure Trina talked his ear off. He glanced up at her and a knowing smile lit up his face. Jade only rolled her eyes and looked back at Tori, realizing too late that she just proved Beck right. She didn't have to hear Beck say she was getting soft. She didn't have to because she knew it by the spark of recognition in his dark eyes. Jade also knew that she liked this new side of her and didn't care whether Beck knew that too or not. She sat down on a corner of the stage, idly tracing the outline of the nautical star on her right arm.
She remembered getting the tattoo back when her mother said she wasn't allowed to get any tattoos. She had also gotten her eyebrow and nose pierced as an added bonus when she was told she couldn't get that either. She had run away a week after that, and looking back now, it seemed trivial compared to how she had to live now. She often caught herself wondering if she had just stayed home then she wouldn't have lived with her friends and she wouldn't have been attacked. But the more she thought of it, the more she felt it was meant to happen. She closed her eyes for a moment to calm the reoccurring thoughts and only looked up when a soft, warm, hand was placed over the tattoo that brought on all her old thoughts and insecurities she felt in the past. Tori looked at her questionably with a tilt of her head but didn't ask even though Jade could see the curiosity in her gaze.
"Sikowitz, Cat, and Robbie are here. You need to get ready with the others," she told the brooding vampire. Jade nodded and stood up on the stage, Tori's hand slipping off her arm, but Jade grabbed onto it and snagged the other. Before Tori could say anything, Jade effortlessly pulled her up so that she stood next to her. Tori was caught off guard and stumbled once her feet were on the stage. She fell into Jade with surprise still etched on her face and Jade laughed.
"We'll have to find you a job in this you know," Jade told her quietly. Tori looked into her eyes to see the troubles that haunted them before where gone for now and replaced with playfulness. Tori only nodded and let Jade drag her by the hand backstage. Beck watched the interaction from afar with small smile, but then Sikowitz called to him and he jogged over without hesitation.