Woohoo another update! Okay so, I've got a question for you guys. How many of you actually like girls? I swear, I'm not some creepy stalker, I'm just curious to see how many readers on here actually are lol. :))
Your reviews were amazing as usual! It always makes my day when I see the response from you guys!
Okay don't kill me...but the updates may be a little stretched out this week. It's real busy for me. But I promise, I'm going to finish this story!
Blazed18: OMG I LOVE YOU! You're my 200th reviewer!!! *virtual hug* seriously, i never thought I'd even break 150 reviews...I don't find myself as talented as you guys say I am haha. :))
This chapter is dedicated to AnonymousDrifter for being a new reviewer, and saying all those sweet things :))
Enjoy everyone, I love you all!
***
In the protective enclosure of Ashley's strong arm, I felt utterly safe, yet so afraid at the same time. The night was pitch black--blacker than usual, in my opinion--and the only light streamed from the porch.
Arthur was waiting for me.
"Glen, Kyla," Ashley hissed. We stopped dead on the walkway to the porch as she scanned the yard cautiously. I couldn't see her siblings, but maybe she could.
"Don't worry, Spencer. This'll be over before you know it," Glen's disembodied, cheerful voice floated toward me, and I could feel Ashley pull us forward again. Suddenly, I felt moisture pull at the back of my eyes.
I hadn't had the chance to acquaint myself with Glen properly, but it made me want to cry at the thought of never seeing him again. A faint reminder of the ultimate goodbye I would have to face, just mere moments away.
I shivered, and encircled my arms tightly around Ashley, bathed in the porch light. She wrapped me in her embrace, and buried her cold face in my neck, breathing deeply.
"Fifteen minutes," she warned inaudibly. This was it.
I pulled back, still locked gratefully in her impenetrably strong arms, and framed her angelic face in my hands.
"Ashley, I love you," I whispered fiercely. "No matter what happens tonight, or tomorrow, I will always love you. Always."
"Get inside, Spencer. We have to hurry." Her eyes were shining, and if I didn't know better, I would've thought she was going to break down right then and there.
But Ashley doesn't cry.
She began to untangle herself from me, but I wouldn't let go of her. "Wait."
Ashley's arms stilled, hanging loosely off my waist, and I watched her golden eyes flicker to my lips hungrily.
"Disregard everything I say to you in the next five minutes," I requested quietly as she leaned in. I closed the distance, reveling in the sweet taste of her flawless, full lips on mine. I broke the kiss for air, then placed a series of soft, chaste ones on her cold, surprised lips.
Tonight, I wasn't going to bother being careful.
I pulled back a second time, and Ashley's amber eyes were still closed. I smiled shyly, biting my lip, and excavated myself from her grip.
"Go away, Ashley!" I shrieked, slamming the door in her dazed face.
Still reeling from that amazing kiss. Just like me.
"I never want to see you again! Leave me alone!" My voice cracked angrily, and real tears were streaming down my cheeks.
"Spence?" Arthur called, concern coating his voice. I ignored him, running upstairs and not bothering to stop my onslaught of tears.
Even if it's just a ruse, I hated the thought of treating Ashley that way. Or leaving her.
I banged my bedroom door shut, still sobbing, and threw myself onto the floor. Grabbing the first clothes my fingers touched, I stuffed everything into a random duffel bag in my closet. Just as I reached for my secret stash of cash in a hidden shoebox, I heard Arthur's fist connect with the door, over and over.
Just like the battering ram that was attacking my heart for yelling at Ashley. But I had to ignore it.
"Spence, are you alright?" he called, painfully bewildered.
"I'm getting the hell out of here," I screamed through my tears, rushing past him into the bathroom, and dropping my toiletries inside the bag.
"Did she hurt you?" Arthur's voice was protective now. I pushed past him, slamming the door in his face again.
"No!" My voice was a few octaves higher, and I slid down the door to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Ashley was in my room now, shoving my clothes skillfully into another duffel bag. I tried not to look at her; that would stop my tears.
And I needed this to continue to make it believable.
"Well…did she break up with you?" Arthur asked feebly. I could practically see him rubbing the five o'clock shadow on his chin perplexedly.
"I broke up with her!" I shouted, slightly breathless as I tried to control my racking shoulders. Ashley helped me up gingerly, her touch instantly calming me, and strapped my bag over my shoulder, the identical one dangling off her own. Then, she framed my face in her icy hands, and pressed a soft kiss to each of my salty cheeks. I inhaled her heady scent, and my unrelenting sobs began to die down. She flashed me a crooked smile, and wiped my tears with the pads of her thumbs.
Then, she was gone.
I wrenched the door open, still slightly upset, but more relaxed, and stomped down the stairs. Arthur followed.
"Spencer," he said sternly, and caught my elbow in the foyer. I didn't turn around. "I thought you liked her."
I hadn't planned on this. I hadn't planned on having to explain to him. I struggled to fabricate a story.
But all I could think of was Ashley's perfect face.
Then, an idea struck me, and I absolutely hated myself for it. I was going to hurt him so mercilessly, and he didn't even deserve it.
I spun around, and glared up at his questioning, distressed face. Fresh tears sprang into my eyes.
"I do like her, Dad! I can't handle how much I do, and I can't make a home for myself here. I hate L.A.!"
He staggered back, holding his arm as if I had electrocuted him. Tears fell in waterfalls down my face, and I could barely see. My vision was too blurry.
I had never loathed myself more than in that moment.
"But, Spence," his tone was soft, wounded. I hate myself. "I just got you back."
I turned around, sobs rolling in my shoulders. My body was shaking. My next declaration was going to kill him.
"I can't stand it here, and I won't make this mistake for myself," I said softly, my voice breaking in just the right spot. I knew he had flinched.
I had just repeated the exact words my mother had used when she left Arthur.
Without another word, I jerked the door open, and rushed out, letting my free-flowing tears mingle with the pouring rain as I dashed blindly across the yard.
I was hideously frightened that Carmen was right behind me, and that none of the Davies' were around.
I climbed into my truck, throwing my bag into the back, and turned the key, already waiting in the ignition.
"I'll call you tomorrow!" I yelled. But I knew he hadn't heard me.
And even if he had, my promise wouldn't suffice for the cruel bombshell I had dropped on him.
I gunned out of the driveway, and revved the old engine, speeding off in the direction of the Davies' mansion. Moments ticked by, and I was so focused on crying that I didn't think of anything else. I couldn't think of Arthur, or Carmen, or anyone.
I just wanted Ashley to hold me.
As if on cue, something slammed into the side of the truck, and I gasped, trying not to swerve.
Ashley.
"He's going to forgive you, you know." Her loud, musical voice filled my ears, and I looked at her. Her chocolate locks were wet, but not soaked enough considering how much rain was coming down. She was latched onto the driver's side door, almost like Spiderman. Her immaculate face was contorted into an expression of both sympathy, and rigid alertness.
I could tell she was listening for Carmen.
"Pull over," she commanded, shaking the accumulating rain from her face. I ignored her request, but couldn't tear my gaze away from her calming, tawny eyes.
I wonder why I haven't crashed yet.
"I can drive," I told her, tears pouring down my cheeks. Then, Ashley opened the door, and I was suddenly on her lap. She lifted me easily into the passenger seat, and gripped the wheel, turning onto an obscured road.
The truck didn't deviate at all.
"You're in no condition to do so, Spence," she assured me, taking one of my hands into one of hers, and dexterously steered with her other. "It's going to be alright, I promise."
I nodded, sniffling as I focused my gaze on the slashing sheets of rain out the window. Then, I saw headlights flash in my passenger side mirror. I tensed, clenching Ashley's hand reflexively.
"It's just Kyla," she soothed. My expression must have been puzzled, for she turned her angelic face to mine. "The tracker followed us."
Oh. My. God.
I was okay with this when I had been talking about it earlier, but now that I knew Carmen was running behind us, I was excessively frightened.
"We can't outrun her," I stated in a strained whisper. Then, the truck shuddered as I felt something slam into the back window. My hair-raising shriek lasted all of a fraction of a second before Ashley silenced me with her hand over my mouth.
"It's just Glen!" she hissed inaudibly, and wound her arm tightly around my waist. I leaned my head against her shoulder, her chocolate curls tickling my forehead as I took in her tranquil, sweet aroma.
I need to relax.
"You're going to be safe, Spencer," she told me matter-of-factly.
"I won't be alright though," I fidgeted, pressing deeper into her side. "I won't be with you."
"I'll be by your side in just a few days time." She shot me a nose-crinkling smile, and squeezed me a little. Just as quickly, the smile disappeared, and she stared blackly at the road ahead.
"Ashley?" I whispered.
"Yes?"
"Why did Carmen choose me?"
Ashley clenched her sculpted jaw, and I felt the urge to stretch my face the few inches toward it, and kiss her there.
"It's my fault. It was entirely careless of me, and I apologize for that," she muttered bleakly.
"No, I mean, there are tons of people in L.A. Why didn't Carmen just go after one of them?"
She smiled wryly. "To a certain extent, it's your fault."
Wait, what?
"If you didn't smell so…tempting, then she probably would have left you alone without a second though. But that was only strike one…when I defended you, she felt progressively more challenged. She became obsessed with tracking you at that exact moment, and we've just presented her with her most exhilarating test yet. It's her favorite game, and now that she knows you have a clan of seven protecting you, she'll stop at nothing." Her tone was layered with abhorrence.
I thought for a moment as Ashley took another turn.
"But I thought I only smelled the way I do to you."
"You don't smell the same to the others," she hesitated, "but you're nevertheless extremely appealing. There's no other option…I have to kill her, and Raife won't be happy."
I nearly laughed out loud at the thought of Ashley standing over Carmen's lifeless body--Carmen, my potential murderer--as Raife scolded her. It was all very ironic to me.
The creak of the truck's rubber tires against the wood of a bridge signaled to me that we were almost there. The Davies' mansion loomed in the distance, a single light visible in an upstairs window.
They were trying very hard to stay inconspicuous.
"How do you kill a vampire?" I blurted out. My cheeks immediately flushed bright red as she glanced harshly at me. Her topaz eyes were undecipherable.
"I'll have to tear her to shreds, and burn the pieces."
I gulped. "Will she…will the tracker try to kill you?"
"Spencer, don't you dare waste your time worrying about my safety. My primary concern right now is you, and only you." Her usually velvet voice was suddenly raw, and I lifted my head from her shoulder to get a better look. But before I could sneak a glimpse of her flawless facial expression, I felt myself being pulled from the truck, and tucked against Glen's chest as he ran me into the mansion.
I hadn't even registered that the truck had stopped.
We were in the parlor, and I was surprised when I saw Patrick conversing in low tones with Raife. Christine was at her husband's side, smiling at me. The smile didn't reach her eyes, though.
Was she afraid, too?
"She's tracking us," Ashley announced, her voice raised as she came to stand next to me. "What's he doing here?"
My eyes were trained on Patrick's guilty face. He stared back at me, silent apologies glinting in his red eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he said to Raife as his eyes flickered to Ashley's glare. "I knew that when your daughter defended her, Carmen would consider it a challenge."
Just like Ashley had said.
Kyla whispered something in Jake's ear, then danced forward, pulling him upstairs by the hand. Madison was scowling balefully at me from Glen's side with enraged golden eyes.
"Can we stop her?" Glen asked urgently.
"There is no way you could possibly shake her. I've never seen anything like her in my three hundred years. However, I'm solely here to warn you." His eyes gleamed greedily as they stared at me. I held my ground though, and stared back.
One of my more courageous moments.
"Are you sure she's worth it?" Patrick mumbled to Raife, and Ashley lunged forward. A guttural snarl emitted from her throat
Then, Jake was there, dragging Ashley backward by the waist. I didn't even see him. Ashley was panting heavily, but all eyes were still on Patrick.
As if nothing had even happened.
Raife disregarded his daughter, and looked gravely at the foreign vampire. "Are you with us?"
Patrick cowered a little as the Davies' clan stared at him. Ashley in particular, who was still struggling in her brother's grip. I wanted to go to her, but in all honesty, I was too afraid to move.
Much too afraid.
"This is really an intriguing way of life you've created for yourself, but I will not stay. I would hate to cross Carmen's path as an enemy. But heed my parting words: be prepared. She's extraordinary, with unparalleled senses--absolutely lethal! I'm truly sorry for this occurrence. I hope you all find your way out safely."
As Patrick backed toward the door, Raife casually shoved his hands into the pockets of his khakis, and plastered on a warm smile. "Take care, brother."
I almost smiled at Raife's hospitality.
Patrick nodded once, surveying the Davies' family. Ashley still lurched about in Jake's steely grip, and growled at Patrick as he passed. His gaze lingered on me a little longer than necessary, then he disappeared through the doorway.
One, two, three…
"She's close," Ashley declared, made her way toward me again, her face composed. "She's watching us, and waiting for her female companion."
I swallowed as all eyes turned to Raife.
"Here's what we're going to do," he began. "Kyla and Jake will run Spencer south, and the rest of us will lead the tracker away. Spencer, you'll need to trade clothes with Madison."
My blood ran cold.
"WHAT?" Madison spat, venom practically dripping from that one word. "I already had to wear her clothes once. I don't want the stench to linger."
"Mads…" Glen started in a coaxing tone as he placed a big hand on her shoulder. She shoved him off, and took a step toward Ashley.
Now I see who wears the pants in the relationship…
I turned my gaze toward Ashley, whose perfect face remained completely serene.
"Christine?"
"Of course," she smiled in a motherly manner, and swept me into her grasp. Before I knew it, we were in a dark bedroom somewhere in the third story. The surroundings seemed unfamiliar to me, so I guessed it was Christine and Raife's bedroom.
It smelled incredible, but not nearly as much as Ashley's.
Christine began shedding her clothes, and I averted my eyes. No, I wasn't going to look. That's Ashley's mother, for god's sake!
Well, figuratively.
"This may not work for long," Christine said quickly, "but the smell will stay at least until you're out of town." She handed me her shirt and slacks, and I wordlessly pulled them on. She made fast work of replacing her clothes with mine, and leaned down to swiftly roll the hems of her slacks up so I could actually see my feet.
There's quite a height difference between us.
She swung me up into her arms as soon as I had fixed the collar of the shirt, and we were back downstairs in a flash, but now we were in the Davies' garage.
There were at least four cars in this two car garage, and they all looked like they were in pristine condition.
They all looked exceptionally expensive too.
Madison was sitting on a what looked like a workbench, filing her nails, while Glen threw obscured items into a heavy-looking backpack. Jake was sitting in his blue Nissan Xterra, but I couldn't even see him through the dark windows.
"You'll need the tint in the south," Christine winked at me as if she could read my mind. I smiled weakly back, shuffling from foot to foot.
"Glen and Madison are taking your truck, Spencer," Raife told me, handing Christine and Kyla small silver cell phones identical to the one Ashley had. "Ashley and I will take Glen's Jeep."
A trickle of fear cascaded down my spine. This was their hunting party.
"Carmen is going to follow you, Raife," Kyla said in her high soprano voice as she stared into space. "The other female is going to follow the truck."
I shuddered. I wanted Ashley so badly.
Then, for the second time, my wish was granted. My face was pressed into Ashley's chest, just above her breasts, as she wrapped her arms around me in a bone crushing hug. I inhaled her wonderful scent, and closed my eyes, grasping fistfuls of the back of her ivory sweater.
The same ivory sweater that I loved so much on her.
I tried to concentrate on not letting my tears betray me.
She brought her cold fingers to my chin, tilting it upward, and connected our lips. I poured my heart into that kiss. I gave her every bit of my energy, every bit of my strength. As we broke apart, I gasped for air. She rained sweet, soft butterfly kisses all over my face, not caring that her family was watching.
And at the present moment, I didn't care either.
I looked deeply into her golden eyes as she led me to the Nissan, and buckled me in. I rolled down the dark window as she closed the door, and she leaned her elbows onto it, her glorious face just inches from mine, studying me.
I willed my tears to stay away. She reached out an icy hand, and caressed my cheek. I leaned into her touch, sighing contently, and closed my eyes.
"Spencer, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," she whispered lovingly, and pressed a chaste, lasting kiss on to my forehead. Her golden eyes were bright, yet sad. "I love you."
I can't do this.
I covered her hand with my own, and mustered up a smile. "I love you, too."
Her nose-crinkling smile nearly broke my resolve. Her hand fell away, and she turned. She bowed her head, and I longed to reach out to her. But I simply watched, and waited. Her flawless form straightened, and she walked through the kitchen door.
Moments later, as I allowed the waiting tears to fall, I heard the deafening rumble of my truck fade away into the distance. I didn't bother to stifle my sobs as I wrapped my arms around myself.
"You're wrong, Spencer," Jake's melodic voice floated into the backseat after a few minutes, and I looked up through my tears. He wasn't looking at me. "I can feel what you're feeling. Believe me when I say you are worth it."
I shook my head wordlessly, releasing a loud sob as I closed my eyes and tried to stop myself from shaking.
"You are worth it," he repeated kindly. I said nothing again. Then, Kyla stepped into the backseat, sitting beside me.
"The woman is on Christine's trail," she informed us as she snapped her silver phone shut. As Jake peeled out of the driveway, and down the road, I continued to cry.
God, I'm emotional tonight.
I didn't care, though. More distance was being put between me and Ashley. I felt worthless. If anything happened to any of the Davies, I would never be able to forgive myself.
Ever.
Kyla intertwined our fingers, and began to rub soothing circles into the back of my hand, just like Ashley did. Then, I understood why she wasn't sitting in the front with Jake.
She had seen that I was going to react like this.
After awhile, my sobs died down. I tired myself out by crying so much, and sank into a dreamless, comfortable sleep.
Kyla never let go of my hand, and for that, I was grateful.
I dreamt only of Ashley.
I missed her already.
***
R&R PLEASE!! :))
SPASHLEY FOREVER&EVER!!!