Chapter Nineteen
Kevin would be successful in his mission, Joshua was absolutely sure.
After all, the man was a doctor.
The ring would be his and revenge would be so sweet. He had much more in store for both his former employer and his lady love. Though, his plans for her had now changed - he no longer had the desire to feed from her flesh. Too ordinary, too common, he thought with an evil grin. His tastes had changed.
That did not mean at all that he had no use for her, however. The torture he was sure they both felt now was merely an appetizer. There were many more courses to come. It'd be so utterly delicious to watch.
He gazed at the two paintings now gracing the room, both leaning on easels in heavy gilded frames.
First, he looked lovingly at his kingdom, resplendent in living color. He could hardly wait to reign. And he would. It was nearly time.
Slowly, as though to savor each glance, he turned toward the other, as he lustfully feasted his eyes on his beautiful bride to be.
Sweet, angelic, Alison - so young, so stunning. At the moment a princess, soon to be queen.
The anticipation had him nearly dancing with glee.
How he would relish in their wedding night, as he crushed the slayer with one single - but oh so luscious - bite.
*********
In the town below, blissfully unaware of the Joshua's current plans, two women were so connected that even though they were a few miles apart, they turned in their sleep simultaneously. Neither one of them was ready to wake up any time soon.
**********
Abby, for the first time in, well, almost forever, had slept soundly through the night.
No pictures. No visions. Just a deep, quiet, peaceful sleep. She had needed to, more than anyone could ever imagine.
She had so much to do, so much to fight. She was still not sure she could meet the challenge.
Talking to Lucy had been such a wonderful thing. She couldn't believe her sense of relief. She was the first person since Gwen to understand the gift she possessed. Without judgment, without fear. Telling strangers had always put her at such risk before that she'd learned to carry the truth close to her. It was the reason she hid in the bookshop back home, no one really ever asked her a thing but where to find the latest bestseller.
Vaguely, in the back of her mind, Abby could hear others in the house stirring. She sensed the scent of coffee drifting up towards her room. She decided she didn't need to get up just yet. She didn't drink coffee anyway.
She settled in further, pulling the quilt up under her chin. She hoped Lucy wouldn't mind.
She didn't ever want to leave.
Hard as she tried to keep them closed, slowly her eyes opened. She eased herself up and looked around, knowing in minutes that this room was where Alison slept the night before she'd fallen into the clutches of that madman.
Abby suddenly realized why this house seemed so familiar. Alison had once even lived here herself - with Rafe.
She saw them now, as she had then. They had just begun to fall in love. A love so intense, so powerful - that they closed out the world for months, simply having each other more than enough for both of them. Then much later, in this place that had held such happiness, she had seen them both fall victim to a vicious prank, stunned by a possibility that was so unspeakable, it was too appalling to be truly believed. But the mere thought that had been too much to bear, it had forced them to leave, both their home and each other, tearing themselves away with a tearful, heart- wrenching goodbye.
She knew just what that felt like.
Her hands moved to the chain on her neck, her fingers toying with the ring that hung there.
Oh, Cam, she thought, sadly. We didn't have nearly enough time. There was so much more left for us to do.
As she began to remember the time that they had actually been able to have with each other, for the first time in a long while, it actually caused her to smile.
The first kiss they had shared - Abby was so young, awkward and shy, he was just a bit older and shocked that he had begun to think of her in that way. She asked if she'd done everything right, and he'd answered, nearly, but that he'd keep letting her practice.
The depth of the love she felt for him was so deep it almost hurt to look at him. It was a feeling that returned like it was brand new, each time they were together. In his life, Cameron had been so gentle, so loving, so funny, so smart and so kind. He'd been so - hers. The hole she had in her life and in her heart since he'd left her felt as big as the canyon that her hometown was named for.
The quiet moments they had shared were her favorites, the times after they had just made love, when they would do nothing more than just talk lazily, wrapped in each other's arms, wasting the day away. Talking of their dreams for the future, not knowing then that it would be stolen from them so soon.
She could suddenly feel him there, lying next to her, like the answer to a prayer she hadn't realized she'd spoken. She could swear she felt his hands lifting to her face, cupping her chin, his thumb lightly grazing her bottom lip. She could practically taste his lips on hers, felt as if he was kissing her gently like he had done every morning.
In her mind he spoke to her then, the sound of his voice like music to her ears, though it was barely a whisper.
"Abby, I have always loved you. My love will be with you forever." Abby could swear she heard him say. As much as it thrilled her to hear his first words, his next, almost meant more, "There is no doubt in my mind that you can do this. Remember, I'll be right there beside you."
*********
Though she tried to resist them, thoughts began to creep into her mind. She was suddenly sensing things that she couldn't understand.
When she'd fallen asleep earlier, Alison had been cold, frightened, the nightmare of what Joshua wanted with her foremost in her mind. Right now, she knew she must be dreaming, because all she felt was safe and warm and loved.
She tried to fall back deeper into sleep, but the thoughts wouldn't leave. It didn't make sense. She knew that her arms must be bare, as she was still wearing that awful dress, that the stench of that dungeon should be plaguing her nostrils, so horrible she should want to hold her breath. She knew that the mattress she'd been sleeping on was dirty and tattered, only a fraction more comfortable than the actual floor.
But this was one fantastic dream. Because she felt like her arms were covered, nearly swimming in the sleeves of something she wore. She would swear she was now cocooned in soft blankets, her head felt as if it was nestled on a down pillow, maybe even two. And the only scents she could smell at this very moment were the fragrances of clean laundry, smoldering firewood, and most unbelievably, Rafe.
And as if it couldn't possibly get better, Alison reached out in her sleep, her hand falling lightly onto what felt like his bare chest. He felt so warm, so real. Craving the feel of his skin, she slid her hand across and back again, turning toward what she thought was a dream of him. Suddenly, she thought she imagined feeling his hand travel up her back, pulling her closer and closer, until her head was tucked beneath his chin, resting comfortably on his shoulder. She could practically feel his breath on her hair.
She'd sleep forever if she could keep feeling like this.
It was so amazing. She could almost feel his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. Though she was nearly awake, she began to match her own breathing with his.
She fought, as hard as she possibly could, against opening her eyes, already dreading the intense disappointment she knew she would face when she realized where she actually was. Nearly crying out as she raised her eyelids, Alison was preparing herself for the worst.
And found out her dream had come true.
She was in her home, in her bed, in the arms of the man she loved.
She had a brief thought; it was more of a wish, that everything that transpired recently was just a dream too. Had she really actually been kidnapped? Had she really been forced to watch on in horror as Rafe offered to trade his life for hers? She wondered hopefully, but knew the truth. It had been all too real.
Alison looked over at Rafe as he slept, with eyes full of love. My God, he must be so exhausted, she thought. Those few days they had been held captive, she knew he had not slept a wink.
Though she was now warm - and dressed in Rafe's shirt - she suddenly realized, she shivered a bit at the thoughts coming to her now. She tried to move closer to him if that was at all possible. Beneath the covers, she slid her foot up his calf, twining her leg around his, placing her head so that her cheek rested close to his heart.
She could hear, as well as feel, it beating strongly. As she listened Alison scolded herself, tears once again filling her eyes. I am so unbelievably selfish, she thought. I wanted him here and I made him come back.
Now, she thought sadly, he can't get a moment's peace, putting himself in danger needing to save me, to save everyone in this town from the evil that lurked there. Her greatest fear is that he did all that, despite the fact that he was no longer an angel. If something went wrong - he could become one again. She knew that this possibility would not stop him one bit - just as she knew she'd never, ever stop worrying about him.
As much as she tried to regret what his love for her caused him to do, she knew - without question -
Joshua could stalk her, kidnap her, dress her up and threaten to kill her. She'd be scared half to death to be sure and she'd lose plenty of sleep. But having to live on this earth for even one minute without Rafe would be by far her worst nightmare.
She raised her eyes up towards the ceiling as she spoke. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve such a gift, but I am so grateful to you for allowing me to have him."
She lifted her head and brought her hand up to gently caress his face. She was rarely ever able to see him like this - it was not often he took any time to really rest. It seemed to her that Rafe always slept with one eye opened. He never ceased to watch over her.
Alison was again overwhelmed, tears of gratitude slowly falling down her cheeks. There was someone else who deserved her utmost appreciation.
He was so worn out from it all, that he barely stirred when she traced his lips lightly with her fingers. Her hands gently holding his face, she leaned over and brought her own close to his, kissing him softly.
"How can I ever, ever thank you enough?" she whispered against them.
She figured it might take the rest of her life to do it properly.
That would be just fine with her.
Kevin would be successful in his mission, Joshua was absolutely sure.
After all, the man was a doctor.
The ring would be his and revenge would be so sweet. He had much more in store for both his former employer and his lady love. Though, his plans for her had now changed - he no longer had the desire to feed from her flesh. Too ordinary, too common, he thought with an evil grin. His tastes had changed.
That did not mean at all that he had no use for her, however. The torture he was sure they both felt now was merely an appetizer. There were many more courses to come. It'd be so utterly delicious to watch.
He gazed at the two paintings now gracing the room, both leaning on easels in heavy gilded frames.
First, he looked lovingly at his kingdom, resplendent in living color. He could hardly wait to reign. And he would. It was nearly time.
Slowly, as though to savor each glance, he turned toward the other, as he lustfully feasted his eyes on his beautiful bride to be.
Sweet, angelic, Alison - so young, so stunning. At the moment a princess, soon to be queen.
The anticipation had him nearly dancing with glee.
How he would relish in their wedding night, as he crushed the slayer with one single - but oh so luscious - bite.
*********
In the town below, blissfully unaware of the Joshua's current plans, two women were so connected that even though they were a few miles apart, they turned in their sleep simultaneously. Neither one of them was ready to wake up any time soon.
**********
Abby, for the first time in, well, almost forever, had slept soundly through the night.
No pictures. No visions. Just a deep, quiet, peaceful sleep. She had needed to, more than anyone could ever imagine.
She had so much to do, so much to fight. She was still not sure she could meet the challenge.
Talking to Lucy had been such a wonderful thing. She couldn't believe her sense of relief. She was the first person since Gwen to understand the gift she possessed. Without judgment, without fear. Telling strangers had always put her at such risk before that she'd learned to carry the truth close to her. It was the reason she hid in the bookshop back home, no one really ever asked her a thing but where to find the latest bestseller.
Vaguely, in the back of her mind, Abby could hear others in the house stirring. She sensed the scent of coffee drifting up towards her room. She decided she didn't need to get up just yet. She didn't drink coffee anyway.
She settled in further, pulling the quilt up under her chin. She hoped Lucy wouldn't mind.
She didn't ever want to leave.
Hard as she tried to keep them closed, slowly her eyes opened. She eased herself up and looked around, knowing in minutes that this room was where Alison slept the night before she'd fallen into the clutches of that madman.
Abby suddenly realized why this house seemed so familiar. Alison had once even lived here herself - with Rafe.
She saw them now, as she had then. They had just begun to fall in love. A love so intense, so powerful - that they closed out the world for months, simply having each other more than enough for both of them. Then much later, in this place that had held such happiness, she had seen them both fall victim to a vicious prank, stunned by a possibility that was so unspeakable, it was too appalling to be truly believed. But the mere thought that had been too much to bear, it had forced them to leave, both their home and each other, tearing themselves away with a tearful, heart- wrenching goodbye.
She knew just what that felt like.
Her hands moved to the chain on her neck, her fingers toying with the ring that hung there.
Oh, Cam, she thought, sadly. We didn't have nearly enough time. There was so much more left for us to do.
As she began to remember the time that they had actually been able to have with each other, for the first time in a long while, it actually caused her to smile.
The first kiss they had shared - Abby was so young, awkward and shy, he was just a bit older and shocked that he had begun to think of her in that way. She asked if she'd done everything right, and he'd answered, nearly, but that he'd keep letting her practice.
The depth of the love she felt for him was so deep it almost hurt to look at him. It was a feeling that returned like it was brand new, each time they were together. In his life, Cameron had been so gentle, so loving, so funny, so smart and so kind. He'd been so - hers. The hole she had in her life and in her heart since he'd left her felt as big as the canyon that her hometown was named for.
The quiet moments they had shared were her favorites, the times after they had just made love, when they would do nothing more than just talk lazily, wrapped in each other's arms, wasting the day away. Talking of their dreams for the future, not knowing then that it would be stolen from them so soon.
She could suddenly feel him there, lying next to her, like the answer to a prayer she hadn't realized she'd spoken. She could swear she felt his hands lifting to her face, cupping her chin, his thumb lightly grazing her bottom lip. She could practically taste his lips on hers, felt as if he was kissing her gently like he had done every morning.
In her mind he spoke to her then, the sound of his voice like music to her ears, though it was barely a whisper.
"Abby, I have always loved you. My love will be with you forever." Abby could swear she heard him say. As much as it thrilled her to hear his first words, his next, almost meant more, "There is no doubt in my mind that you can do this. Remember, I'll be right there beside you."
*********
Though she tried to resist them, thoughts began to creep into her mind. She was suddenly sensing things that she couldn't understand.
When she'd fallen asleep earlier, Alison had been cold, frightened, the nightmare of what Joshua wanted with her foremost in her mind. Right now, she knew she must be dreaming, because all she felt was safe and warm and loved.
She tried to fall back deeper into sleep, but the thoughts wouldn't leave. It didn't make sense. She knew that her arms must be bare, as she was still wearing that awful dress, that the stench of that dungeon should be plaguing her nostrils, so horrible she should want to hold her breath. She knew that the mattress she'd been sleeping on was dirty and tattered, only a fraction more comfortable than the actual floor.
But this was one fantastic dream. Because she felt like her arms were covered, nearly swimming in the sleeves of something she wore. She would swear she was now cocooned in soft blankets, her head felt as if it was nestled on a down pillow, maybe even two. And the only scents she could smell at this very moment were the fragrances of clean laundry, smoldering firewood, and most unbelievably, Rafe.
And as if it couldn't possibly get better, Alison reached out in her sleep, her hand falling lightly onto what felt like his bare chest. He felt so warm, so real. Craving the feel of his skin, she slid her hand across and back again, turning toward what she thought was a dream of him. Suddenly, she thought she imagined feeling his hand travel up her back, pulling her closer and closer, until her head was tucked beneath his chin, resting comfortably on his shoulder. She could practically feel his breath on her hair.
She'd sleep forever if she could keep feeling like this.
It was so amazing. She could almost feel his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. Though she was nearly awake, she began to match her own breathing with his.
She fought, as hard as she possibly could, against opening her eyes, already dreading the intense disappointment she knew she would face when she realized where she actually was. Nearly crying out as she raised her eyelids, Alison was preparing herself for the worst.
And found out her dream had come true.
She was in her home, in her bed, in the arms of the man she loved.
She had a brief thought; it was more of a wish, that everything that transpired recently was just a dream too. Had she really actually been kidnapped? Had she really been forced to watch on in horror as Rafe offered to trade his life for hers? She wondered hopefully, but knew the truth. It had been all too real.
Alison looked over at Rafe as he slept, with eyes full of love. My God, he must be so exhausted, she thought. Those few days they had been held captive, she knew he had not slept a wink.
Though she was now warm - and dressed in Rafe's shirt - she suddenly realized, she shivered a bit at the thoughts coming to her now. She tried to move closer to him if that was at all possible. Beneath the covers, she slid her foot up his calf, twining her leg around his, placing her head so that her cheek rested close to his heart.
She could hear, as well as feel, it beating strongly. As she listened Alison scolded herself, tears once again filling her eyes. I am so unbelievably selfish, she thought. I wanted him here and I made him come back.
Now, she thought sadly, he can't get a moment's peace, putting himself in danger needing to save me, to save everyone in this town from the evil that lurked there. Her greatest fear is that he did all that, despite the fact that he was no longer an angel. If something went wrong - he could become one again. She knew that this possibility would not stop him one bit - just as she knew she'd never, ever stop worrying about him.
As much as she tried to regret what his love for her caused him to do, she knew - without question -
Joshua could stalk her, kidnap her, dress her up and threaten to kill her. She'd be scared half to death to be sure and she'd lose plenty of sleep. But having to live on this earth for even one minute without Rafe would be by far her worst nightmare.
She raised her eyes up towards the ceiling as she spoke. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve such a gift, but I am so grateful to you for allowing me to have him."
She lifted her head and brought her hand up to gently caress his face. She was rarely ever able to see him like this - it was not often he took any time to really rest. It seemed to her that Rafe always slept with one eye opened. He never ceased to watch over her.
Alison was again overwhelmed, tears of gratitude slowly falling down her cheeks. There was someone else who deserved her utmost appreciation.
He was so worn out from it all, that he barely stirred when she traced his lips lightly with her fingers. Her hands gently holding his face, she leaned over and brought her own close to his, kissing him softly.
"How can I ever, ever thank you enough?" she whispered against them.
She figured it might take the rest of her life to do it properly.
That would be just fine with her.