Blood's Voice Page 10

  I was so lost in my musings that I missed the sound of Nicholas’s arrival. Declán didn’t miss the entrance, however. He startled and froze for a moment staring, only then did I realize Nicholas was behind me.

  “My apologies, Declán,” came Nicholas’s lilting voice. “I didn’t mean to frighten you with my sudden appearance.” His motions were now deliberately slowed, and his face softened to help reassure Declán since he now knew the truth of what we both are. He had been careful all week.

  Declán swallowed hard and waved. “Uh, hi, Nic.”

  Nicholas smirked just a little and winked. “Oh, you aren’t going to get shy now, are you? I’m the same egocentric rogue I was before.

  “Honestly, I only stopped by now because you were both still here.” He looked pointedly at me as he continued, “I was able to find out some information on the side effect issues and I brought the gift you desired for Declán.”

  I was more than a little confused. Was he really going to discuss these things so openly with a human right here? It was Declán but still, a human . . .

  “First things first, what did you find out?” My mind was soaring with curiosity and concern now. What were the answers to our problems?

  Nicholas came over and sat on the floor facing us. “Patience dear, first I need to say something.” Turning slightly to face Declán, he continued, “Declán, to answer part of your concern . . . yes, I’m all right with you knowing what I am. It would have been inevitable considering your involvement with our little Miss Anya here, so don’t worry.

  “Now,” turning again to us both. “When you took him last night by binding him with your blood, you also bound him to me. There is nothing to be done about it. But–”

  Declán interrupted, turning to me, his voice nervous but strong, “You told him?”

  “Declán, I had no choice in the matter. He knew the moment the blood touched your lips. As he said, I accidentally bound you to him as well. He showed up right as you collapsed.”

  Poor Declán looked vaguely green. “I don’t understand. What do you mean ‘bound to him?’”

  “Let me try to explain for her. She and I share a very rare and exceptional blood connection, and when she took you that way last night, it linked you to her blood . . . but her blood runs in my veins too. I didn’t know that would happen, please believe me!”

  “What exactly does that mean?” Declán’s eyes were troubled. “I’m bound to Anya, I got that part . . . but you now say it means I’m somehow linked to you too and what blood connection? Are you two related somehow?”

  Nicholas turned to me for a moment, and asked, “You haven’t explained any of this to him yet? Ugh, you are truly infuriating at times. I should not be the one . . . Never mind.”

  “He just woke up, sorry.” I shrugged.

  “Declán, the effect of her linking you to her last night means that I felt the transformation too. I nearly collapsed myself; I don’t honestly know how you managed as well as you did. The only lasting effect on me is the fact I will always be able to find you, just as she will and possibly not take away your reason if you were to touch me again . . . like at the park.

  “And Anya, from what I can find out, I should only notice it the first time. It probably would not have ‘hit’ me so violently if it wasn’t for the back-to-back joining.

  “Jonathan was able to contact an old friend of his who has done what you have, so no, repeating either connection won’t affect the other.”

  I interrupted him this time. “Are you sure?” Could we be so lucky?

  Without thought, I reached down and wrenched him into a hug.

  Laughing as he disentangled himself, he continued. “Yes, he’s sure. He said there was no danger and that the reverse won’t affect Declán either. It’ll be fine.”

  “Wonderful! Thank you.”

  “As to your other query,” Nicholas continued, focusing on Declán again. “No, we are not related in the way you mean. Other than the blood link to our sire, we are not related to any once we have been changed. The transformation we endure alters us so completely that all family becomes a matter of choice. For those that make such bonds, it’s a matter of love and respect, not genetics.

  “Anya is part of my family, though she does not live with us. The connection I refer to is a very different thing. It is not something I can explain to you truthfully nor do I wish to. It’s not something we discuss even among our own kind. Just know that I am no threat to your relationship with Anya.

  “And to that end, here.” Nicholas took out a long, slender box and handed it to me. “This is the token for Declán. I will bow out for now, so you can have private time.” He gently kissed my forehead and left, not bothering to keep his usual human speed.

  Declán and I sat quiet for a moment as he looked at me with strange, puzzling eyes. Fidgeting with the box in my hands, I spoke. “If you will accept it, I have something for you.” I offered him the box.

  He gingerly took the box, raising his eyebrows in curiosity. “What is this?”

  “Well, if you open it, you would know that already, silly. It’s just a token of what changed between us last night.”

  He opened the lid and inside found a simple platinum necklace. Dangling from it was a flat platinum ring with the inscription “grá mo chroí” engraved on one side and the Ogham script translation on the other. I knew it wasn’t necessary, but I wanted him to have a visual token of what he had become to me.

  “What does it mean?”

  “Grá mo chroí: love of my heart, remember?”

  “Yes,” he said. “You didn’t need to get me anything though.”

  “I know that. I wanted to, and Nicholas was kind enough to make arrangements.”

  He gently touched the pendant then took it out to examine it more carefully. As he put it on, he smiled. “Thank you.”

  “I am . . . happy that you accepted it. Will you really wear it? Nicholas said the necklace was the right style for a teen guy.”

  Smirking a little, “Yes, it’s an acceptable style, though I’d have worn it even if it wasn’t. Can I ask something? Okay, a few some things?”

  “Always. If it is in my power to answer, I will.”

  He slid backward on the bed, so his back was to the headboard and then pulled me to him, so I was lying with my head on his chest. So trusting, so warm. Mmm . . . I could hear the strong beating of his heart and smell his tangy, enthralling perfume. Focus!

  “Why is Nicholas helping you so much with me? I mean, I appreciate him supporting you, but I don’t understand and his weird comments make me even more curious.”

  “How to explain? Well, I really don’t know how to explain. Part of it will make no sense, and as he said, part of it is something he considers very private.

  “Nicholas was my best friend for about thirty years. He said I left him about three decades ago to go searching for someone but that I never returned. I have no memories of this, sadly. He has returned many of my things; he took care of much for me, hoping I would return. He and I share a rather uncommon bond that even our kind does not usually do.

  “It’s not the same as this,” I murmured, running my fingers down his neck and chest lightly, enjoying his shivers immensely. “But, it is very powerful and intimate in its own way. It was part of what he was worried about because if he could feel when I gave you my blood–kiss, we worried if you would be drawn into the effect of that link as well.” Would he understand this? Could he?

  “That is another part I’m really not getting. He’s bound to you by blood, something you are still doing with him, I’m assuming, from what you just said. Somehow binding you two but this isn’t something that I should be worried about, right?”

  “Right. It will not harm you, no need to worry.”

  “Okay and he is not upset about you and me? I don’t need to worry that he will, um . . .”

  “Hurt you? Is that what you are trying to ask? No, silly boyo, he is no threat to you.”


  “I can accept that.

  “Next question . . .” Curious, his voice was trembling again. “The kisses last night? Is it going to be like that every time?”

  “Honestly, I cannot answer that. You are the only person I have ever kissed. I kind of hope not though, it would be nice not to have you collapse unconscious every time.” I couldn’t help the giggle that slipped through my lips.

  His eyes tightened at the edges just a little at my giggle.

  “Oh, no being mad, please.”

  “I’m not mad at you, I’m just not happy that I . . . passed out. That and it’s kinda creepy to know Nicholas was here, in my room, and I didn’t even notice.”

  “Oh. Please don’t be upset with Nicholas or his visit. He was just panicked last night due to what happened to him.”

  He relaxed, finally and began stroking my hair. “Fine but . . . he does know not to pop up like that when others are around, right?” Yes, he was better, the coy smile had returned.

  “Yes, he knows. You worry about the wrong things too much.”

  I began gently kissing his neck, his lips; letting my teeth graze his ear . . . his throat . . . I could feel his heat, making him even more delicious. A little taste wouldn’t hurt him, would it? Nicholas said a drop of my blood would repair the wound. But, could I stop at just a taste? Too risky, too risky. I wanted more than just these kisses, if I couldn’t taste at least he would. I moved back to kissing his mouth, giving him the blood–kisses again. I thrilled to the power, the way his body shuddered, the feeling as my blood again coursed through his veins.

  After a few moments, I pulled away, panting. I lay beside him trying to calm my mind and my desires. He lay there next to me trying to catch his breath, his eyes closing as he worked to focus. It could have been minutes or hours, time ceased to make sense just then. When he finally collected himself, he turned up on his side to face me, propped on his elbow. He softly caressed my cheek repeatedly. I could feel his warmth as if his hand was melting into my skin. Sighing, I held his hand there with my own.

  “I could stay like this for days with you, but I can hear the girls outside. You should probably be a bit more presentable before they see you.”

  He hastily got up, went to find fresh clothes, and ran off to change. Hum, they are likely to notice that I did not change, oh well, too late now. I moved down to the couch to wait for everyone and turned on some music.

  I could hear Declán racing around upstairs as Kayla and Skye came in the door. “Hi Anya,” they said. They both looked around for a moment before Kayla spoke. “Um, where’s my brother?”

  “Declán is upstairs right now, I’m sure he’ll be down shortly. What are you up to?”

  “Oh, we just thought we’d stop by for a few.” She dropped her voice to just a whisper, “We were actually hoping to find you – since we don’t know your address – so Skye could kidnap you for a few.”

  “Uh, should I be worried?” What would they need me for and what were they plotting?

  “Hello?” Declán was on his way down finally. “Should I be bothered that you three are whispering?” He had only the slightest edge to his voice, they probably didn’t even notice.

  “No, of course not. We’re not even here for you, silly. Skye’s here to kidnap Anya and we figured we’d find her here.” Both girls were grinning and giggling again, weird.

  “Well, as you can see, I am here.”

  Declán looked suspicious. “But, why are you here to steal her?”

  “It’s a girl thing, Declán; you don’t need to worry about it.

  “Come on, Anya, you can come back and play with Declán later.” Confused, I let Skye lead me out the door. Declán did not look happy but said ‘bye’.

  “Okay, so let me get this straight. We are planning the birthday for Kayla and Declán. But they don’t get to be part of the plan?”

  “Right. Kayla knows most of it, but Declán will never be helpful, always worrying about his sister, so we can’t get out of him what he wants. So . . . we were hoping to enlist you, to find out what he wants for his birthday.” She was so sweet. Our bizarre relationship endangered hers with Kayla, and yet they’re worried about how to make him happy for his birthday.

  “Er, sure but what do you do for a birthday and when exactly is it? You took me to a party, so I understand that but . . .”

  Laughing she answered. “You’ve never been to one?”

  “Skye, amnesia remember?”

  “Right, sorry. Well, all I really need is for you to fish around for what he wants. You seem to be able to get him to do whatever you want so we thought that maybe you could help. We only have a week left till the party – April fourth – and we still don’t have his main present.”

  “I’ll see what I can do to help. Hmm, I should get something for them both, too.” I wondered what Kayla would want.

  Breaking into my thoughts, she continued, “Kayla and I have one other thing we need to talk to you about. We’ve decided to stop asking Declán to cover for us. It’s not fair to him, and while we’re not going to make a point of us publicly, we aren’t going to keep hiding either. This will also free things up for you two.” – wink – “And from the looks of things,” she added motioning to my clothes, “it’s a needed announcement.”

  “Not sure what you think happened but I am pretty sure it’s not what you think. But, I will be happy to help. Are you sure about freeing him though? Nothing has changed, so is the danger from prejudice not the same as before?”

  “Well, yes and no. We told my mom last night, and she was amazingly fine with everything. Seems she thought we were dating but didn’t want to ask. Parents are weird! Anyway, I didn’t realize she would be fine so really she was the biggest fear. We’ll deal with issues at school as needed, it’s not like we’re here forever.” She seemed so calm and certain I had to assume it would work out fine.

  “Is Kayla telling Declán?”

  “Yes, that’s the other reason she stayed with him, and I dragged you out. Well, and because it’s fun to torment him. I’m sure he’s wondering what I’m asking you . . . you know, about last night as you obviously didn’t go home.” Her face flushed such a warm colour; I need to focus on something else.

  “No being mean to Declán. He fell asleep talking, but I didn’t stay in his room with him.”

  “You know, that’s no fun. Oh well. I figured you two would be good.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you Skye, but it’s not like that.” Is that really all they think about? Sad.

  Chapter Eight

  “Finally, we’re alone.” Declán reached out and pulled me over to him, draping his arms over my shoulder. “I hope Skye didn’t upset you too much while out with her.”

  That scent, mmm. “No, she was fine. She just wanted to talk to me about a few things. Partly to help her with birthday plans for you two. She also said they finally told her mom, so they don’t have to be afraid anymore. I still don’t understand why their gender should make such a difference, but she said her mom was okay with everything. That and she gave me permission to see you, I believe.”

  “Yes, I got the same lecture from Kayla about you,” he laughed. “Wait, what about our birthday?” He raised his right eyebrow looking worried, or was that frustrated?

  “Oh, just working on present ideas and her having to explain the idea to me better. I have read many books that mention such things but knowing the people makes it different. I wasn’t sure what to suggest when she asked though.”

  He leaned down to kiss me gently. As our lips touched, I could hear his heart racing; feel his hands tangled in my hair. His body trembled, and I knew that I needed to be the responsible one, darn it. I tenderly disentangled myself from his arms. “We have to be careful, dear.” Though, I wish . . .

  “I do not like that word,” he sighed.

  “Me either but it’s so hard to control as it is. You are so . . . no, we have to be good!”

  “Sorry, I don’t mean to make thin
gs harder for you, but you make it very hard to be good, ya know.” Fascinating, he looks like he could devour me!

  “At least we know you can stay conscious.” I couldn’t help teasing him a little.

  “Oh, I’m awake all right.” He sighed. “I’ll be good.

  “Are Nicholas and Star going to be okay with us being public? Star’s not met me.” Interesting, he was worried about what Star would think of him.

  “Well, Nicholas already said he was fine with you, so he shouldn’t concern you. If you recall, he’s who dropped off your necklace this morning and went to the trouble of tracking down others to help protect you.

  “As to Star, I’m not really sure what she’ll think. We have talked about you some, but while she is worried about our differences, she says this is my decision. Honestly, I think it confuses her more than anything. Remember, she’s not like me.

  “I don’t understand,” he whispered.

  “I don’t know how to explain, don’t think I can really. She is very different, but as she doesn’t allow her life to come home with her, I cannot really explain. While she is different, she is also protective and loving.

  “If it would make you feel better, I can ask her, officially, but it’s not like with your parents, I don’t need permission. Will they be comfortable with me? I mean, they don’t know that I’m dangerous, but they also do not really know me.” Would they approve?

  “The parentals aren’t like that. They know we’ve been hanging out for what, two plus months now, they haven’t had a problem yet. Traditionally, it’s the girl’s parents that get weird about the boy anyway; we’re considered a bad lot ya know, boys that is.” He laughed.

  “So I’ve heard. You behave much better than most of the guys at school. They don’t realize that I can hear the – the things they say about girls.” Many are disgusting. Winking at him, I continued, “Not that you would ever think such things.”

  “Well,” his face flushed the most magnificent scarlet, all the way to his hairline. “I would never talk like that though. I wouldn’t disrespect you that way, I swear.”