Immortal Desires
Book 2
Male MC Arthur Morgan, Female Cas and Gabe,
Cas Relationship Arc
Chapter One: A Whole New World
As he walked through the woods towards home with his girlfriend Cassie Harlow, and best friend Gabriella Adalhard, Arthur Morgan was in awe of his transformation. Just days earlier he went head to head with a vampirekind Creator as a human, in which he risked everything and injected vampire blood into his veins in a plot to kill the Creator. It was the only way, as vampire blood is lethal to Creators, and the Creator had to be tricked into thinking he was feasting on a normal human, as he wouldn't dare bite a vampire. Arthur's sacrifice was ultimate, and without Cas and Gabriella turning him, he would have surely died. Cas AND Gabriella. Vampires from Crimson Beech's two rival covens, Cas from the Venandi coven and Gabriella from the Clement coven. Two rival vampires coming together over the human that they care so much about. Arthur becomes wide eyed.
"Everything's about to change for me, isn't it?"
Gabriella smiles.
"It is, but we will be with you every step of the way."
Cas puts her arm around Arthur's waist, pulling him close.
"You said it. We're a team now. That's never gonna change."
Arthur smiles, reassuredly.
"In that case, I'm ready to face whatever is next with you both of you. But I have a lot of questions!"
"That's to be expected. Hey Golden Girl, whatdya say we take a detour to the old abandoned church and fill our guy in on what's next for him?" Cas offers.
"I'd be all for it normally, but it's getting late and Arthur's mom will be upset with us for keeping him out so late, especially since he legit just woke up today." Gabriella replies with a worried expression.
"Geez, way to be a buzzkill, Adalhard." Cas says with a grin aimed at Arthur.
Arthur ponders the offer. In one aspect, Gabriella is right. BUT. He also wants answers to the multitude of questions that fill his head at the moment. He thinks of a compromise and presents it.
"How about you guys come over and we put on a movie and talk it all out? I'll ask my mom for some privacy for us."
Gabriella stiffens, and has an uneasy expression.
"It's still risky. Your Mom can't find out. "
Cas, on the other hand, perks up at the idea.
"Aw, c'mon, Golden Girl! Even I know what a slumber party is! Not saying I've ever been to one, but this one sounds more my speed!" Cas says with a grin, winking at Arthur.
"I thought slumber parties were a girl thing anyway?" Arthur chimes in.
Cas chuckles.
"In today's day and age, that comes off as sexist, but I can't say I disagree. Anyway, on another note, Adalhard could just not come over at all and it would just be you and I. Your call, babe."
Arthur ponders it for a moment. Having Gabriella's input would be a nice addition, but some alone time with his girlfriend is also due, as he hasn't seen anyone in days.
"Actually, some alone time with my love would be nice, and it makes a better story. Mom will give us more privacy. If it were a "Slumber Party" as you call it, she would probably try to cater to us." Arthur says finally
"And we can catch up tomorrow and I can answer any questions you have then. You guys definitely should spend some time together." Gabriella replies slightly sad.
Cas's jaw drops. A look of genuine surprise and gratitude washes over her face.
"Wow, Adalhard… I appreciate that. Truly."
Gabriella shrugs, but flashes a smile.
"No problem. You need your time together. I get it. And I'll drop by tomorrow to see how Arthur is doing."
Cas nods. Then she grins.
"Hey, not too early, I sleep in Sundays… Hey Adalhard, your shoe's untied!"
Gabriella looks to her feet as Cas lightly taps Gabriella's nose up with her index finger .
"Aw, don't be so gullible, Golden Girl!" Cas says with a laugh."
Gabriella rolls her eyes with a ghost of a smile on her face.
"Really, 'Biff Tannen'?! Soooo mature…." Gabriella replies.
"Hey, I got you fair and square." Cas fires back with the same grin.
"Ok, you two. Gabriella, see you tomorrow. Cas, heal, girl! HEAL!" Arthur says playfully.
"Oh, You think I'M the pet here, Arthur?!" Cas turns to Arthur amused, with a mock-shocked look on her face.
"Well, I suppose I could find another Creator and just conveniently NOT save you from them…" Arthur replies smiling, not missing a beat.
"You two, I swear!" Gabriella laughs while breaking away, shaking her head.
Arthur and Cas continue towards town. After Gabriella is out of earshot, Cas leans over to Arthur and says ever so gingerly:
"You know, I think that's so badass that you have that to dangle in front of the covens. And they truly respect you for it. You did what we could not do."
Arthur turns and smiles. He plants a kiss on Cas's forehead.
"That reminds me. First question: What coven do I belong to?" Arthur asks.
"Well as of right now, you don't belong to either. And it's ultimately your choice which one you join. The covens are giving you as much time as you need to decide. Of course I want you to be a Venanadi. But it's not my decision. It's yours." Cas answers seriously.
Arthur gets a puzzled look.
"Could we even date or be a couple if I were a Clement?"
Cas scrunches her face at Arthur's question.
"Technically, yes. No coven determines who you can be with date or even marry. But given the nature of the Venandis, you would be open to possible jeers. Which, I know you wouldn't care about, but it's also worth mentioning that a Venandi has never dated a Clement or vice versa, so it would definitely be a first…"
Arthur takes Cas's hand in his and gives it a squeeze.
"Wow, Cas! You're really being so neutral about all of this!"
Cas squeezes Arthur's hand in return, but she remains quite serious. She stops and grabs Arthur's other hand and looks him dead in the eyes.
"Yes, I am. Because it's not me we're talking about here. It's you, and what you decide is right for you. And, besides. I know you love me and I love you. The rest is just lesser important details, anyway.
They share a warm smile. Arthur cups Cas's cheek in his hand.
"Thank you, Cas. For accepting me as I am. And for being my girlfriend, my love."
"You are way too adorkable for your own good. Barf." Cas replies with a smirk.
"Shut up! You know you love it!" Arthur fires back with a grin. They begin to walk again, hand in hand. Cas grins.
"Yeah, but you're the only one I'll tolerate it from!"
Arthur chuckles.
"I love you, Cas."
Cas smiles so big she can't contain it.
"I love you too, Arthur."
As they get to the heart of town, it's mostly deserted for the night, spare a couple buildings with a random light or two on inside. Arthur pipes up.
"I'll probably be a Venandi."
"Better lose all that goo goo gaga crap, then. It'll get you ridiculed. But I sense that response wasn't too serious. You're conflicted, which is totally ok, and to be expected. There is a third option. One that Astoria and Lewyn have despised for centuries. And that is to stay neutral and either try to form your own coven, or try to get the Clements and Venandis to come together as one coven."
Cas lets out a shiver, and it seems her last words were painful to say. Arthur picks up on that, and ponders it momentarily.
"That would solve a lot of problems around here."
Cas shivers again.
"Ew. Just EW! It's bad enough sharing a ley line with the Clements."
Arthur gets serious.
"You may think so, but in the end, you all worked together for the common cause, and it would be hard to choose, as I have friends in both covens."
Cas raises an eyebrow and nods.
"Both solid points. It's just hard to imagine after all these years is all."
As they pass by the ice cream parlor, Arthur smiles.
"Hey the memories! Let's go on an ice cream date again, only this time, actually get flavors we like!"
Cas grins.
"I'm game, but you're paying this time!"
Arthur pulls open the door for Cas and puts on a mock expression of shock.
"Cassie Harlow, you sly fox!"
Cas walks through the door, grinning from ear to ear.
"Damn straight!"
As the couple walk towards the counter, the attendant steps out.
"Oh, not you two again! Any messes, YOU are cleaning up!"
Cas holds up her hand.
"Relax, scooper boy, we'll be on our best behavior."
The attendant relaxes a fraction. Looking back and forth between the couple, he still looks leery.
"Best be. What can I get for you?"
Arthur raises his eyebrows.
"I'd order for the both of us, but I don't even know what you actually LIKE, Cas."
Cas smirks, and puts in her order.
"I'll take a triple scoop of chocolate fudge."
The attendant looks over to Arthur.
"I'll get one scoop of strawberry, one scoop of chocolate, and one scoop of vanilla."
Cas looks confused, as does the attendant.
"Why don't you just order Neapolitan?" Cas asks.
"Because I like to mix it myself. And I want equal portions! Premade Neo is usually mostly vanilla!" Arthur exacts.
Cas looks amused and somewhat impressed.
"That's actually a fair point."
The attendant looks impressed too.
"You're not wrong. Now, did you guys want this in bowls or cones? And for here or to go?
Arthur checks his watch.
"Ah, better put them in cones to go and we will get out of your hair. Should be getting home anyways."
Arthur turns to Cas, who has no argument. He pays for their treats and they leave. Back on the deserted street, Arthur resumes his questioning.
"I'd like to know how Lewyn and Astoria are ok with me being a vampire. I thought it was forbidden to turn someone without the covens' approval."
Cas takes a small bite out of her cone.
"Isn't it obvious? You saved us from the Creator. Admittedly, there was grumbling amongst the vampire elders, but not a single vampire could deny that you singlehandedly were responsible for our survival. Golden Girl and I were scolded quite heavily, because the covens thought we should have let you die and become a martyr for the history books. But we told them that you meant too much to us, especially me, and I was ready to abandon my coven if we were punished. To my surprise, Adalhard seconded my motion. As you can guess, the covens caved and stopped all proceedings there. The elders said if you were that important to us, then they would make room for you."
Arthur looks awestruck as he works on his ice cream cone. Cas finishes hers first and grins at Arthur.
"Hows that whole 'mixing it yourself' goin for ya?"
Arthur smiles.
"Yeah, not much mixing going on in the cone, BUT I at least had equal portions!"
They burst out in laughter as they start up the walkway to Arthur's house. Cas catches Arthur at the door.
"More memories here, babe. I distinctly remember sharing our first kiss right here before you got scared and ran inside."
Arthur playfully shoves Cas.
"I was not scared! It was just moving so fast! It got me flustered, is all!"
Cas looks deep into Arthur's eyes. She lowers her voice, brown eyes turning bright silver.
"And now? You flustered now, New Guy?"
On that night those weeks ago if Cas had asked Arthur that question, he no doubt would be tongue tied. But here and now, with the passion they now possess for each other, Arthur is cool and calm. He remains straight-faced, but his eyes change from their natural blue to silver with just a shade of blue retained.
"Hell no. I'm right where I want to be. Forever and always."
In an instant, their lips crash together in a passionate kiss. One after another. Wrapped in each others' arms. Finally after they were panting for air, they separate just in time to see Arthur's mom round the corner in her car.
"Oh crap! She can't see me like this!" Arthur said physically trying to will his vampire features away.
Cas' switch is instant. She places a hand on Arthur's shoulder in comfort.
"In no time you'll be accustomed to changing on the fly, but for now, let me have a look."
Arthur looks up at Cas as his mom pulls in the drive.
"Am I good?"
Cas looks at Arthur in astonishment Then looks him up and down suggestively.
"Uh, yeah babe. You ARE good!"
Arthur catches Cas' obvious innuendo about his appearance. He panics slightly.
"I mean it. Fangs? Silver eyes?"
Cas smirks as Arthur raises his upper lip and looks straight at her.
"Nope, just pearly whites and baby blues. Actually I'm quite impressed. You did that well, Arthur."
Arthur's mom steps out of her car, noticing the couple standing on the patio.
"Hey, my boy's up and moving around!"
Arthur turns to address his mom while grabbing Cas by the waist.
"Hey Mom. Yeah, I couldn't lie there anymore. I needed to stretch and get some fresh air. So Cas came by and we took a nice long walk.
Terri walks up to the door and unlocks it while taking in Arthur's arm around Cas' waist
"It's so nice to see you, Cas. I'm glad you were able to give Arthur some company."
Terri grins as she opens the door, eyes catching Arthur's momentarily. Arthur rolls his eyes and groans at his mom's teasing. As they file into the house, Terri sighs.
"It's been a rough day. I am tired. Dr. Junius has given the murder cases to the FBI to investigate. And I was tasked with bringing them up to speed with what I have found so far. And let me tell you, they are NOT nice to deal with, and were not privy to any kinds of theories or comments. They run me through the mill for "the facts only". Tomorrow I should have them caught up."
While Terri was explaining, Arthur and Cas share a knowing look. Thankfully Terri didn't pick up on it.
"Tomorrow? But tomorrow is Sunday. You have to work on a Sunday?" Cas questions.
"Well, the FBI doesn't care about weekends. They are debriefing me and I have to work on their schedule. That's why I was called in today as well. I normally don't work weekends at all. But Dr. Junius said I would receive a hefty bonus for my extra work hours. I told him just the overtime would be fine, but he insists." Terri elaborates.
"So Mom, does that mean they are taking over your job?" Arthur asks.
"Well, only for anything to do with murders in the woods. Any other natural causes or deaths in the hospital are still my responsibility. But it's going to be very stressful having all those agents to work around, especially when they are constantly saying 'stay out of it, ma'am' or 'keep your distance, this is classified'. Ugh. I am ready for bed after my shower. But what am I saying? You've been in bed for days. I'm sure you aren't tired at all! The TV's all yours, guys. Watch whatever you want. Cas, just make sure you're home when your parents expect you. I don't want hard feelings with them."
Cas and Arthur share a grin.
"Actually, my uh, parents say I can come and go as I please, since I'm 18. So I'm confident you won't have any issues with them."
Terri pauses before heading into her room.
"Well I just don't want any trouble if you stay over. Just make sure I don't look bad in front of them. Good night, you love birds. Don't turn that TV up too loud."
Terri closes her room door. Arthur and Cas look at one another.
"Wow. That just happened." Cas exclaimed.
"Hey at least she didn't make a big deal about you staying over."
"That's because she's on to us, you know…" Cas smirked.
Arthur grabs Cas.
"C'mon, Harlow, let's continue our conversation in my room."
Once the door is shut, both of them plop down on the bed. Arthur returns to his questioning.
"Ok, I want to know about the feedings. When do we feed? I like Gabriella, but I DO NOT want to end up like her that night."
"It's once a month, and its different for everyone. It all depends on when you were turned. Lucky for you, I was turned the same time of month as you, so we will be in the same hunting party." Cas answers while putting her arm around Arthur's waist with a smile. Arthur hesitates with his next question.
"Can we feed off animals?"
Cas rolls her eyes, but answers.
"Yes 'Adalhard', you can. But the Venandis will give you crap for it. Plus, animal blood will never fully satisfy your hunger, no matter how much you drink. You will always have a pang of hunger. I suppose you could learn to deal with it, but I just say screw it and indulge."
Arthur takes a moment to ponder Cas's response. He can't shake the worried expression from his face. And it doesn't go unnoticed by Cas.
"Look. I get it. I'm not completely heartless. I've never told anyone this, but when I was freshly turned, I felt bad about killing a human too. But as time went on, I realized; one, this is a part of life now, and 'B,' as you can imagine, before you came along, I was alone. I had the coven, but well, you know what I mean. Point is, while my guilt faded, it never went away. Whenever it flares up, I hang back and let another vampire make the kill."
Arthur looks over at Cas in shock.
"Really?! You don't get flak for that?
"No, not unless you do it every time. But it does help on those bad days when it's hard to bear. And I'll do that for you, babe. Until you're more comfortable, anyway. But if you become a Venandi, you'll have to make a kill eventually, or vamps will talk. I don't think you'll get into trouble, but you will get a ton of crap for it. But I promise I will help you the best I can in any way possible." Cas says smiling.
Arthur smiles, reassured. He eyes Cas lovingly.
"One day at a time, Love." Arthur responds.
Cas smiles back, and plants a peck on Arthur's cheek.
"I thought you liked me better as a human, anyway?" Arthur presses.
Cas is surprised.
"I mean, I did. But if we wouldn't have turned you, you would have died."
Cas gets a heartbroken expression. Arthur puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, I know, I know. Bad time to give you guff."
Cas straightens.
"No, really Arthur. I did like you as a human. It brought me back to realize there's more to life than vampires and immortality. But I also dreamt of turning you to be with you forever. But only on your terms. Well, then it became a necessity to turn you to be with you at all. Because without you, I'd turn into a monster. You've brought so much to me and my life. I can't imagine life without you. And I feel you would have chosen this life over death, so that's why we turned you. It wasn't just a selfish decision."
Arthur is touched. He cups Cas' cheek, leaning in close.
"Cas, you mean the world to me. You are my world. And you're right. I would choose this life any day over death. But you're not a monster. You have so much heart."
They move up the bed, lie down and Arthur gives Cas one of this pillows. Arthur pipes up as they cozy up to each other.
"What about the beech tree? I didn't see it while we went through town."
"Well after its power entered you during the battle, it went back into the tree when you collapsed. It is still barren of leaves, but it is otherwise healthy in appearance. Furthermore, our sun protection still stands, along with the milder weather. Lewyn and Astoria believe the leaves will return next spring, but since this is the first time it has ever lost its leaves, we don't know if they will return for good, or become seasonal. But the ley line seems just as strong as it ever was.
They look at each other sleepily. They yawn in unison.
"Ok, one more before we go to sleep. How he hell am I gonna keep this from my mom. Like, I'm immortal now. She will continue to age. She's gonna catch on at some point."
"Unless we move away and never see her again."
Arthur winces at the statement. Cas realizes her mistake and backpedals.
"Sorry. That was not at all thought out."
"No, that is a very plausible idea." Arthur starts.
"But she's your mom. You're close to her. That would break your heart. Forget I said it. Again, I didn't think that through." Cas finishes the thought.
Arthur gives Cas a squeeze.
"I know you didn't mean it." Arthur pauses. "What if she agreed to be turned?"
Terri steps outside Arthur's door and was about to sneak it open when she hears him and Cas talking.
"Look, Arthur. I know where you're coming from, since she processed it super well before we wiped her memory. But it's not at all that simple. Even if she agrees, she would have a hard time adjusting to the life. Think worse than Adalhard. Your mom is a doctor. She's so soft hearted and kind. Plus Lewyn and Astoria would be extremely hard to convince. Not to mention the elders.
Arthur nods.
"You're right. Now I wasn't the one thinking."
Cas squeezes Arthur.
"Hey, hey. No worries. I don't have the answer to that right now. But we will figure it out together. I promise."
Together in each other's arms, they share a long, passionate kiss. And they doze off to sleep together.
Outside Arthur's door, Terri ponders what she just heard. She starts to remember something. Something very hazy and confusing. As she returns to her room, she swears it's something she should remember. But it's just out of reach and hazy…