C17 Aria

I lived a few blocks away from my job, so most days I sang and danced my way home with my headphones on. It was a beautiful and warm day, peaceful. Low traffic wheels or feet. I forgot my headphones, but I didn’t mind listening to nature for a few minutes. I took my time enjoying the fresh air. I side stepped when I heard footsteps coming up behind me. I didn’t want to walk faster.

“Hey pretty mama,” The hair on the back of my neck tingled. I know that voice. I didn’t think I would ever hear it again. “You ready for round two?” His laugh sounded more like a cackle. Or more like hacking. He must have picked up smoking. The scent of cigarettes wafted past me the closer he came.

I don’t know why I wasn’t running or moving, or talking; too focused on not reliving the last time I saw him. I should have known not to believe his apology. He walked around me and stepped in front of me, facing me. I gasped long and deep and held it. I didn’t mean to hold my breath, but his face.

His face was a trigger I couldn’t ignore, and my mind, it suddenly filled with snapshots going quickly like a flipbook. Snapshots of his hands where they didn’t belong, snapshots of me flailing, trying to fight him off as best as I could without magic. Snapshots of my lips forming Ryan’s name. Snapshots of Ryan. Beating. His. Ass. I lowered my head and released the breath, took in another one. I raised my head to meet his gaze, and I smiled.

He wasn’t alone.

He scowled at me, but his face found its smile when mine fell. The realization that he brought back up changed things, and he knew it. The man was at least 6’2, muscular but not a heavyweight champion. He gave me the vibe that he was more witty, clever in a fight than brawny. He seemed like the type that relished in embarrassing his opponent. Even if the fight is merely verbal. My old nemesis had flames of joy and anger mingling together, ecstatic his plan was falling into place. This guy, though, holds his emotions close, emotionally sleeveless.

“Good to see you as always Dorien,” I throw on my best British accent and curtsey. I can’t help it. Masking with humor is my thing. “I shall leave you to your business, sire. Good day.” I side step to go around him, but he holds out his arm to stop me. Luka dips his head. I know he is laughing because his shoulders bounce, but I heard nothing.

“I like her.” The mystery man says. “I like the witty ones.” His eyes narrow, blazing into mine. He has unnaturally silver eyes. I would swear they have flecks of red in them. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was trying to tell me something with them. Like maybe run. That’s a great idea, actually. I turned and sprinted in the other direction before Dorien could even process he needed to grab me. He didn’t need to, speedy Gonzales here, did it for him.

“Call off your sidekick Dorien,” I frowned like I was bored, masking as always. “The guy’s nails are longer than mine.” I look over my shoulder at the man grabbing my shoulder with his nails. “You know, if you’re going to get the claw nails, you really should paint them. Red seems like a good color for you.” Man, those eyes are creepy. Major vampire vibes, the way his eyes went to my neck. It was quick, but I saw it. “I do have a sexy neck, don’t I. Nice and soft. Very kissable. Dorien tried that once, ask him how that went.” He bent down, putting his lips right next to my ear. When I tried to face him, he dug his claw-like nails deeper into my shoulder, drawing blood.

“That’s why I am here.” He lowered his lips to my neck and took in a deep breath, like he was sniffing me. When I tried to pull away, he kissed my neck, gentle and lingering way too long. He whispered in my ear, “someone has to bring that werewolf friend of yours down a peg or two.” My eyes widened. How did he know that? “Don’t worry, his secret is safe with me for now.” He lets me go, but I don’t move. The news has my thoughts whirling around like a tornado in my head.

“Aria, darling.” Dorien is on the other side of me. I’m caged in and feeling smothered. “As much as I would love to have my way with you, and see his face when you tell him I have defiled his beloved. I will spare you this time. I have a bigger plan.” He points to his new friend. “I was thinking too small back then.” He is pacing around me. “I know he probably thinks this is about football, but it isn’t.” I tilt my head at that. We both thought he was a maniac that couldn’t handle being humiliated on the field. “Farley Husbern.” They both walked away.

I waited until they got in the car and drove out of sight, then I dropped to my knees. I pressed my fingers onto the sidewalk, begging them to hold me up. Ryan, my love, was in danger. I dry heaved, then all the contents of my stomach splashed all over the sidewalk. My blouse, hands, and arms splattered with my the remnants of my lunch.

I rubbed my neck where he kissed me hard, feeling dirty. Panting, I tried to calm my thoughts. I had to do something. As my thoughts settled, one thing became clear. Ryan needed to learn how to shift, and fast. If I was right about this guy being a vampire, he would need his wolf. Something else became clear.

I would be the first in my family to tell our secret because this time; I won't hold back.