Hello, I'm back after a long time of not posting. My only reasonable excuse is I had major writers block for this story. But I got out this new chapter, so please R&R and thanks so much for the reviews. They helped me start writing again! Btw this is a rough draft and not edited so please understand that there will be some errors. Thanks ;)
Chapter 12: New Companions
" Ahhhhh," I screamed rolling out of bed and hit the floor. I laid there faced down for a second, hoping I was just imagining things.
I heard feet running down the hallway in a hurry and looked up to see the door slamming open with Netha standing there in her pj's, hair all messed up. Philip was right behind her in a pair of sport shorts, looking only half awake. I could only imagine what I looked like at that moment.
"What are you doing," Netha sputtered out, pointing to something above. That is when I felt something staring at me. I slowly looked above me like when you know there is something there you don't want to see. And I was right. There was Thane in all his tussled glory half leaning off the bed looking at me with what I could only describe as hooded eyes.
"Someone," he said yawning, lifting himself to a sitting position, "Ran away last night, so I followed." It was then that I just noticed that, from my view on the floor, he didn't seem to have any clothes on. I blushed bright red and started backing away towards Netha. 'He better have some clothes on,' I thought freaking out. I couldn't bare it if he wasn't. I would be scarred for life.
Philip finally got a good look to who was on my bed and said, "Why are you in bed with my little sister!" He looked a little angry. Well maybe a lot.
"We're going to be husband and wife soon," said Thane smoothly grinning at me. I grabbed on to Netha's hand to help pull me up. Getting high enough I saw that he had so pajamas bottoms on. Thank goodness. "I thought we could practice early."
I finally got my voice back, enough to say, "I don't think so!" I glared at him and pointed my finger towards the door. "GET OUT!!" I yelled at him.
"Wait," said Netha suddenly. We all turned to her to see a puzzled look on her face. "If Stella didn't let you in, and we," she said pointing at my brother and herself, "didn't let you in and I am pretty sure her parents didn't…..how did you get in here."
I thought about it. "Yeah we always lock everything up," I said pondering it myself.
"I have my ways," replied Thane getting out of my small twin bed, stretching. Netha and I looked away blushing again, as he pretty much was showing his body off to us. I mean he was pretty fit if those six packs said anything….. "I am a son of a powerful witch and vampire." He started to walk towards me, with his arms open. "Do I get my morning hug and kiss," he said innocently, eyes sparkling.
I backed up behind Netha trying to get away from him. "No," I said shaking my head. "Why don't you just leave to let us get ready for the day, humm?"
He started walking closer and it felt as if Philip and Netha weren't there anymore just the two of us. He must have enchanted them because neither Netha nor Philip stopped him from kissing my check and whispering in my ear, "I'll see you downstairs."
He left the room in the silence that followed his words. No one moved for a little while until we heard pans banging down stairs. Philip sighing spoke up.
"I'll stay with him downstairs while you guys get ready," he said turning and headed down the stairs. Netha and I just looked at each other before she headed back to her own room. I went and closed the door and leaned against it.
Looking around the room I didn't see anything out of place or not normal. I went over and check the window and saw that it was still locked. How the heck did he get in? I imagined him popping in and out of places and then thought about him doing it while I was in the shower….NO! Bad thoughts! 'I must keep more of look out,' I thought shaking my head while going to my dresser and pulled out some clothes, not caring if the matched. I wasn't a fashion person anyways.
After brushing my hair and using the restroom, I headed downstairs into the kitchen to come face to face with a surprise. Thane was… cooking??
He turned around the stove smiling, his eyes looking mischievous. "I thought you might want some pancakes for breakfast," he said turning back to the pan to dish out some done pancakes. Philip was already at the table eating some pancakes, still in his pajamas. I slowly went over to my seat and sat down.
"Thank you?" I said questionably, not really knowing what to do. I was still shocked that he could cook. He came over and placing a plate in front of me as Netha made her way in the kitchen, hair still messed up. She didn't have to go to school for another hour.
"No problem," he whispered in my ear, making my face go hot as I tried to lean away from him. He went back to the stove as Netha took her seat next to me, giving me a look. I just shrugged trying to get rid of my blush while I started eating.
"I didn't know you could cook," stated Netha as she watched him. He came over with the last two plates, setting one in front of Netha then sat on the other side of me with his own plate.
"There is a lot of stuff you guys don't know about me," Thane said vaguely, looking at me. I meanwhile was trying to avoid his eyes. "Do you like it?" he asked me before taking a bit of his own plate.
I just nodded and kept eating. As you see I wasn't a morning person. Or maybe I just didn't want to talk to him. Probably both.
It was quiet for a while until Philip got up, taking his plate to the sink. "Sis you better hurry or you're going to be late for school," he said before leaving the kitchen.
Looking over at the clock I confirmed his statement and got up to clean my dishes. As I passed Thane, his hand snatched out and locked on to my wrist. I looked down at him and tugged slightly on my arm, wanting him to let go.
"I'm taking you to school today," he said getting up as well. He reached over to take the dishes from me. "I'll clean up so go get your stuff." He released me and headed towards the sink before I could argue.
The ride to school was silent as we just listen to the radio. I didn't know what to say and the ride was very awkward. Once we got to school I flung myself out of the car just to get away from him. As I quickly looked back I noticed his face looked frustrated, but I didn't worry about it as I hurried to the library to meet up with the gang.
I was the last one there out of all of them. I stood there for a second looking at all of them, seeing them laugh like they haven't got a care in the world. I suddenly felt depressed, wanting my life to go back to normal, before the Serran's showed up in my life.
I slowly made my way to the table putting on my happy face so not to worry them. "Hey guys! What's up?" I asked taking a seat between Cam and Adalina.
"Not much," commented Cam. "Didn't do my homework like always." The conversation went on about how their day was yesterday and other gossip around school. As they got to me the bell rang.
"How was your afternoon with your boyfriend," stressed Cam as we got up and headed to class.
I groaned. "It was awful," I said then proceeded to give a brief explanation of the shopping trip, before going into class. I went and sat down to listen to my boring lecture.
The day went by slowly. In each class there were still rumors running like crazy around Thane. In the classes that I had Thane in, were worse. Girls continued to throw themselves at Thane was almost sickening. The only reason I'm glad they did that meant he wasn't able to talk to me. He did keep giving me weird glances, before he continued to talk to the current girl that was talking to him. At lunch I was able to text Netha to see if she could drop of my car. I so didn't want to ride back home with Thane, or wherever he might have kidnapped me next.
Finally it was getting towards the end of P.E. Lalya was spilling details of her relationship with Kael, for Kael was put in a different group then us. She was so happy, I was almost envious. Like why couldn't I have that? But they were a good couple and I hoped they would stay together.
Thane kept glancing over my way but I did my best to ignore him. "What are you going to do about him," asked Lalya, looking over at Thane just as he turned away. "He keeps looking at you."
"I know," I said, gritting my teeth. "It's getting annoying."
The P.E. teacher blew the whistle, signaling for us to go change. I rushed to get into the locker room, leaving Lalya to catch up. I was almost finished dressing when Lalya caught up.
"Girl what is your rush?" she asked as she was trying to get her lock undone.
"I'm trying to avoid Thane," I answered quickly, shoving my stuff in my backpack. "I don't want to ride home with him."
She laughed. "Okay good luck with that, I'll see you later!" I waved good-bye and bolted out the door.
I rushed towards the parking lot as the bell rang. Now where was my car? I walked further out in the parking lot and spotted my car, but there was something odd. There was a man lying on the hood of it. I walked quietly closer, for he looked as if he was sleeping or at the very least getting a suntan. Though he really didn't need one, he was tan enough. I glanced at the license plate to make sure, but sure enough it was mine.
"Excuse me," I said, standing awkwardly in front of the car. The man cracked open his eyes, which I noticed were a deep brown, and focused them on me. "You are on my car."
He opened his eyes more while getting up. He stretched his arms above his head and yawned, while his arms cracked. He then proceeded to smile at me and jumped off the car. "So I am," he said, white teeth almost blinding me in the sun. They looked well taken care of.
He walked closer sticking out his hand. "The name is Kip, I presume that you are Stella?" he asked, tilting his head to the side in question. I started at his hand for a second before glancing back up at his face. Truthfully I'm kind of tired of people knowing my name when they really don't have a reason too.
I cautiously took his hand, shaking it while replying, "Yes that's me." I quickly withdrew my hand and walked quickly towards my driver door. "And now I must be going." I unlocked the door and jumped in. I turned to wave at him but noticed he wasn't there. Frowning at myself, I reached to put my keys in the ignition.
"I know you must be going," Kip said. I jumped like a foot in the air, no lie. I turned to see Kip making himself at home in my passenger seat.
"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice a little high.
"I'm riding home with you, what does it look like?" said Kip, a frown forming on his face, like he didn't understand why I couldn't get that. I stared at him with a look that said you have got to be kidding.
"I mean, why are you here? Who are you?" I asked, turning to face him.
He smiled. "I'm here 'cause I'm paid to be here," he said joyfully. "I'm Kip, your new bodyguard!"
I just stared at him. You have got to be kidding. No way. "My bodyguard?" I asked weakly. I had given up getting him to leave. I started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, while dodging students along the way.
"Yep," he said nodding. He started to fiddle with the radio, turning it to one my favorite stations. At least he had good music taste….. "Mrs. Aloria wanted to make sure you had protection around you twenty four seven."
I groaned at that. "So you are going to be around me all the time?" I asked turning my way back towards home. He quickly grabbed the steering wheel, directing me to another street. "Hey!" I said, glaring at him.
"You were going the wrong way, Mrs. Aloria's house is this way," he said pointing. "And no, I won't be with you all the time."
"But you just said…" I trailed off; looking around to see we were pulling up to the neighborhood Thane lived in.
"Yep, you are also going to have a night bodyguard," he said, pointing out the next street. I turned on it, knowing if I tried and change it he will just correct it. "I'm just your day one." Turning down another street, I could see the Serran's house. I pulled forward and parked. Aloria was standing at the door.
Kip and I both got out the car and made our way toward my worst enemy. I slowly made a stop in front of her, silently groaning. She just smiled at my face and turned towards Kip.
"Everything went smooth I take it, since she is after all here," she looked me up and down. "With no signs of struggle." I rolled my eyes as I crossed my arms.
Kip smiled in return. "Well she tried but she realized she didn't have a chance." He then turned a sharp smile to me. Were those teeth always so long….?
"Well come along," said Aloria, taking my attention off Kip. "We have stuff to do, things to talk about." She said this with a pointed look.
"My backpack is still in the car," I said stalling, not wanting to go inside and have a 'talk' with her. "And I need to do homework, so maybe I should just come back later." I then turned to walk towards my car, hiding a smile. But my victory was short lived. A hand grabbed my wrist pulling me back. I looked up to see Aloria giving me a creepy smile.
"Kip can go get your bags," she replied eyes twinkling. I didn't like that look. "And you can do your homework after we talk and Thane can even help you when he gets home."
That wasn't what I wanted to hear, but try as I might I couldn't find a way out of it. So I sighed and gave my car keys to Kip's waiting hand. Aloria then proceeded to drag me into the house.
"So dear, how do you like your new bodyguard?" she asked as we moved into the living room. She gently pushed me toward the couch as she took a nearby chair.
I nervously sat down. "He is okay," I said unsure. "But why do I need a bodyguard? And just wondering, is he even human?" Those teeth had seriously weirded me out.
"No I'm not human," said Kip, wandering into the room, tossing my backpack at my feet, before collapsing next to me on the couch. "I'm a werewolf."
Now with meeting a witch, a vampire and their offspring I really shouldn't be surprised, but really, a girl just can't helped to be a little shocked. I sat there with my mouth open, just staring at him in silence.
Kip and Aloria just sat a laughed at me. "Now dear is that really surprising?" asked Aloria when she stopped laughing. I just slowly moved as far away from Kip as possible as the couch allowed me, which set them off laughing again.
"A werewolf?" I said quietly, the shock wearing off. "You aren't pulling my leg right? You turn furry on a full moon?"
"Well, I do turn on a full moon, but that isn't the only time. I can change at will," he explained. "Well, as long as I have the energy to."
I paused for a moment, still trying to take it in. "You're not going to bite me are you?" I asked meekly leaning back even farther. Kip laughed again, shaking his head.
"No, I'm supposed to guard you not eat you."
"And back to my first question," I swung around, facing Aloria again. "Why do I need a guard to begin with?"
"Honey, you're a normal human, entering in a world full of non humans. You are at a major disadvantage," said Aloria, snapping her fingers. I was forced back into the couch and not able to move. I gritted my teeth, trying to get out of the hold.
"I admit, your mind is stronger than most, but you would not survive against one of us who wishes you harm." She released me from the hold. I fell back in the couch a little tense. "That's why you need a bodyguard."
"And are there people who wish me harm?" I asked. This was not looking good. What had I gotten into?
Kip and Aloria exchange a glance. "Not that we know of," she said, looking a little unsure. "But like your stunt last night, who knows what is out there." She then glared at me. "Walking back to your parents' house in the middle of the night, who knows what could have attacked you."
"You mean my house?" I argued.
"No this is your new home," said Aloria firmly, standing up as well. "The guards are also to help keep you here and out of trouble, so get used to it." She looked up towards the hallway. "Now Thane's here, you can start on your work." She turned toward Kip. "When she is with Thane, my husband or I, you don't need to be here." Kip nodded and got up, going towards the kitchen.
"See you later Stella," he said, winking at me before disappearing.
Thane slowly moved into the room, immediately locking eyes with me. I blushed and looked away to Aloria who was smiling. I just couldn't help it; he just had that sort of presence you know?
"You too have fun now," said Aloria, grinning like a match maker she was. "And Stella, you'll meet your other bodyguard tonight." With that she swept out of the room, leaving only Thane and I.
I gulped and moved to take my backpack while chanting, 'stay calm, stay calm' to myself. Thane just stood there so I decided to take out my math work and start working. I could ignore him if I wanted to.
Getting to the third problem, I felt the couch indent next to me. I jumped in surprised, not hearing him walk over, the sneaky vamp. I refused to look at him and continued to work on the problem. Well until he started breathing on my neck.
I jumped up. "What is your problem?!" I yelled at him. It made me even angrier when he just sat there smirking at me. I stood there huffing until he replied.
"What problem are you working on?" he asked getting out his own math homework, flipping it open on the table next to me. I gapped at him. I couldn't believe it. "I'm working on number 3," I said awkwardly, taking a seat again, a little farther away this time.
He nodded and started on it as well. And that's how it went for a while; we worked through the problems and would compare what answers to see if we got the same. At first it was painfully awkward but I soon forgot and became more comfortable and would argue over answers when we got different ones.
Towards the end though, Thane spoke up. "So why did you have your car at school?" I sat there shocked for a moment, at first I didn't believe I heard right. "I could have driven you home."
I turned from my work looking up at him. He had moved closer while we were working and I didn't notice. His face, not a foot from mind, was serious, almost expressionless, waiting for my answer.
"Well," I said looking away blushing again. "I didn't really want to come here, I wanted to go home."
"But this is your home now," replied Thane, his face getting closer. I felt my face getting hotter. "You're my fiancé, you live with me." Out of the corner of my eye I saw him hand reaching towards my face. He touched my cheek, turning my face to look at him, our noses touching. His eyes started turning a dark green, he leaned a little more forward, his breath on my lips…..
I quickly shoved him away and stood up. I was breathing hard. 'Oh no, that didn't just almost happen,' I screamed at myself. I looked down at Thane who had a shocked expression on his face. Apparently he hadn't expected me to do that. Well guess again.
"So make me not your fiancé," I replied, backing up till my legs hit the chair Aloria was sitting in earlier. I fell back in it, not taking my eyes off him. "Take one of those other girls you love hanging out so much with."
We sat in silence for a moment neither of us looking away. Finally Thane sighed, looking back down at his work. He whispered something I couldn't hear. "What did you say?"
He glanced back up; his eyes back to normal color. "I can't, mother wouldn't allow it." Relaxing back into the couch again he said, "Come back over here and let's finish this." I nodded and went back, not arguing with him.
We reverted back to silence as we finished the math. We packed our things away and I stood there, not knowing what to do. Should I just leave? Or should I stay? Before I couldn't make up my mind, Thane's hand grasped mine.
"Do you want to watch a movie?" asked Thane, looking straight in my eye. I gulped, he was just so intimidating. I shook my head, shaking the thought. 'Don't let him get to you' I told myself.
"So you don't want to watch a movie?" Thane took my shake as a no.
"No," I said, giving me more distance away, as if that could help make his stare less frightening. "A movie is fine." Not like I could do much else. "Which one?"
Thane smiled at that. He started to pull me along the hallway. It was then I started to realize Thane acted a lot different at his house then he did at school. It thoroughly confused me.
"What movie do you want to see?" he asked taking my upstairs.
"I don't care, any movie is fine with me," I replied. "I don't really watch a lot of movies so you can pick." It was then I noticed we were outside my 'room'.
"Alright," said Thane and led me into the room. He left me at the bed to put down our backpacks and I started to get nervous. Were we really watching a movie? The bed was made while I was gone, and there now was a TV on my dresser, along with a DVD player as well as the latest video game consoles. Wait what? I went over to inspect the new equipment, entranced by it all.
I jumped again, when I felt hands on my shoulders. Thane laughed in my ear.
"I'm never going to get used to that," I said, mumbling.
Still chuckling Thane said, "Yes you will, you'll be around me so much that you have too." I went quiet again, knowing what that meant. But before I could ruin the mood, Thane asked, "So do you like all this stuff?"
I turned around to face him smiling. "I love it! I've always wanted a PS3!" I turned around to pet it. Yes I knew I was being weird. Thane laughed again and pulled me away.
"I don't play video games that much so you are going to have to teach me," he replied, his eyes sparkled a light green. I gasped at him. He was a guy, how couldn't he play video games? I shook my head and said, "I guess so. So what movie did you pick?"
He shook his head telling me to sit on the bed so he could put the movie in. I cautiously laid on the bed as he popped in the movie and flashed back at my side, laying next to me. As the movie started to play (it was an action movie, figures) we kept our distance. While Thane seemed to be absorbed into the movie I always kept watch of the distance. He never moved so I relaxed and watched the movie, which was okay, nothing great. About half way through I felt the bed dip as he moved closer. I was about to move away when he yanked me to his side causing me to squeak in protest.
"Hush," was all he said, not taking his eyes off the movie. I laid there stiff against him, not knowing what he had planned. After a few minutes, my neck got stiff from keeping my head off his chest so I relaxed little by little till I was fully leaning on him, and returned to the movie. I turned my head to the side to get more comfortable. Yumm, he smelled so good. 'Wait Stella, don't do this.' I quickly tried to focus on the movie and not on the man who I was pretty much laying on. It was then Thane leaned closer to my head and whispered, "You smell good," before taking a whiff of my hair. I blushed again, and tried to shift but he held me still. I glanced up at him to see his eyes still on the TV.
Later the movie finally ended. It seriously felt like the longest movie I ever saw. I quickly moved away from Thane as he stretched and sat up. His black hair was tussled from lying on the bed and I felt like running my fingers through it… No, no, no bad thoughts! Thane smiled and reached a hand towards me when there was a knock at the door. I rushed to the door, glad for the interruption. I need to get away from Thane. For goodness sakes, he wasn't even human! I opened it to see a maid there.
"Sorry to interrupted," she said bowing to Thane and I, who had walked up behind me. "Dinner is ready." We nodded and followed her, Thane shutting the door behind us.
When we got there, Aloria, her husband and Thane's father Basillio, Kip and another woman were seated. The maid showed up our seats and left the room.
"So what did you two do after I left?" asked Aloria, smirking.
"Honey, leave them alone," said Basillio, though his eyes were sparkling as well, glancing in between Thane and I. "What they do doesn't concern us." Aloria huffed in annoyance but didn't ask again. Basillio then looked at me and asked how school was going. We ate and talked about little things, but I was sort of unnerved with the unknown women at the end of the table, next to Kip, who was shoving his face with food, just like a dog.
The women had tan skin that looked natural and dark blue eyes that looked as if she knew whether you were telling a lie or not. Well with the company that was around me she might have been able. She also had dark brown hair almost black, tied up in a tight braid. If I had to guess she was my other bodyguard.
Turned out I was right. Aloria cleared her throat after the dishes were taken away. We all looked at her before she continued. "Stella, this is your night bodyguard, Rena." I glanced at the women who just nodded her head. She just looked bored.
"Please to meet you Stella," she said in a dry tone, like she really didn't mean it. I nodded my head in return.
"So you anything special?" I asked, just out of curiosity. "I mean Kip here is a dog."
"I'm not a dog!" said Kip infuriated. "I'm a werewolf!"
Rena turned to look at him, eyes unimpressed. "Well you sure eat like one." With that I knew I was going to like Rena, no matter what she was. Kip huffed and left the table. Rolling her eyes, Rena looked back at me. "Yes I'm a vampire. Hence the night guard."
I nodded my head again. "Yes that does make sense."
"Glad you see it that way, kid," Rena said standing up. "And really I don't care what you do, my job is to guard you and that's it. Just know that." With that she got up and left as well.
I smiled at that. I had a very good feeling about Rena and me.
"Thane," said Basillio after Rena left. "I need to discuss stuff with you, come with me." And with that Basillio swept out of the room. Thane glanced at his mother who nodded for him to go. Thane got up and then quickly kissed me on the check, saying he will find me later before following his father. I sat there staring at nothing as I brought my hand to my check. Aloria just laughed.
"Well Hun, let's go find Rena," She said, getting up. I followed her as well through the door Rena left. Back into the living room we went.
Rena was leaning against the wall waiting for us as we walked in and sat in our spots from earlier.
"So….," said Rena glancing me up and down. "This is Thane's bride."
"Yes," beamed Aloria, "isn't she great? I like her a lot better than the other girls Thane has dated in the past. She at least makes him work for it." I could imagine all the girls Thane had dated; pretty bimbos that drooled all over him.
"Yes, I agree. Thane has been too spoiled in that area," said Rena slowly, "But I'm afraid of the human aspect of her. Our court is not going to like that." Court?
"Court?" I asked confused. What court?
"All super-natural beings have their own form of society and government," explained Aloria. "It's how we all stay hidden and safe."
"Wait. So you mean there are still nobility and titles and such? Cause that's what I think of when you say court," I said looking between the two women.
"How much does she know?" asked Rena, with a surprised expression on her face.
"Not much," said Aloria gruffly. "Which is why we are having this talk." She turned to me. "Yes all that to a degree, we aren't as bad as back then but being with vampires for sure, they don't give up old traditions very well. Serran's are part of the older branch and well respected." I stared at her in awe. I was going to marry into nobility!? No way!
"And my family serves the Serran's which is also why I'm here," said Rena putting in her two cents. "I'm to protect you from them especially I'm sure they don't approve of you. I mean you are taking away the most sought out guy in court, you who is only human."
What?! Oh no, now I have to deal with old suitors of Thane's? Who aren't human and could easily kill me?! I felt like there was so much more I need to know. Sigh, I so didn't sign up for this.
So there you have it! What do you guys think? As always i thought I could do better but oh well. I know it's been a long time and for that I'm sorry. Hopefully I can get my inspiration back to keep writing at regular intervals. But I just want to thank the readers who have been with me through the beginning. Again please R&R, it really does help.