One Immortal - Tia Louise Page 0,76

“He can’t bring her here. I need to be able to get away if anything goes wrong.”

“Say the word.”

“I’ll go to her.” The more I think about it, it’s the only way that makes sense. “Is she still in Algiers?”

“As far as I know.”

Nodding, I look down. “I’ll spend the night here. Tomorrow night, I’ll meet her. But not in the house.”

“I’ll go ahead of you and prepare them. From what Patrick says, Demeter has a pretty extensive backyard garden, trees and woods.”

“I’ll be there at dusk.”

“I’ll let them know.”

17

Find a Way

Melissa

The flowers in Demeter’s garden change colors as the sun begins to set. Last night we didn’t linger to watch the yellows and pinks turn to greys and black. Tonight nothing could keep me away. My entire body is humming with anticipation. I’ve been out here since five waiting for the sun to finally begin its descent.

Stuart arrived last night to say Derek would meet me here, and a mixture of excitement and dread surged through my heart. I’m so anxious to see him, hold him, yet, I’m deadly afraid of what he’ll say. I have to be strong until I’ve seen him. Borrowing trouble won’t help me at all.

When Stuart entered her grandmother’s home, Mariska became strangely quiet. I introduced them, realizing it was the first time they’d met. She murmured something like a hello, and walked to where her grandmother stood, almost like she was a little afraid of him.

For his part, Stuart seemed slightly taken aback by Mariska. Demeter rose at once and prepared him a supper of the leftover jambalaya we’d shared. Both women acted as if he was royalty in their home, and I chalked it up to his being the alpha. They were curious about him the night before with Patrick.

I couldn’t be bothered by any of that. I barely slept last night for tossing and turning. When Stuart said Derek was hiding out in the ruined theme park, I almost couldn’t take it. Those creepy remains are the last things he needs in his mental state.

I recall very well the breakdown that tries to take over after the change, the despair and hopelessness. I’d been convinced my life was over.

Stuart assured me Derek wouldn’t do anything desperate, and at least I had the promise of tonight’s visit.

As I slowly walk down the rows of herbs and flowers, the sky deepens into a mixture of purple, red, and even deep green. I’m pulling a sprig of lavender, taking a deep inhale of its woody, relaxing scent when my eye catches movement in the thicket at the end of the yard.

Instantly my heart beats faster. He’s here. I can barely breathe. Frozen in place, I wait. I’m not sure if he’ll come any closer. I’m not sure how he’ll look to me now. My hands begin to tremble. I don’t know how much more of this I can take when he steps out beside an enormous live oak tree.

Our eyes meet, and everything else disappears. He’s so beautiful to me. He’s even more seductive than when I was the vampire and he was my prey.

He seems larger now, dressed in dark jeans and a black V-neck tee. Heavy, black boots are on his feet, and at first he only stands in the shadow of the tree limbs, studying me.

“Hello,” I say, taking a cautious step toward him.

“Wait.” His deep voice floods my insides. “I’m not sure you should come too close.”

His words don’t stop me. My need for him drives me forward. We’re here, on the edge of night, in a thicket where the city loses its fight with the wilderness.

I don’t stop until we’re a breath apart. I can see his chest moving as rapidly as mine. I can see in his eyes he’s barely hanging on to control.

“You saved me.” My voice is high and soft in contrast to his. “Thank you.”

“Melissa…” It’s a whispered groan as his eyes slide closed. His chin drops, and I can’t take it anymore.

I reach out to place my hand against his cheek. “You’re still warm.”

In a sweep, I’m in his arms, held firmly against his chest. His face is in my hair, and I hear him inhale deeply before kissing my temple, my brow, his lovely beard scuffing my skin.

“I can hear your heart beating so fast,” he murmurs. “I can still taste your blood.”

His words don’t frighten me. I’m on fire. I want to make love to him. I want him to bite me.