Blood's Voice Page 14

  “Perfect. I cannot wait to see their faces.”

  “I know! We may have to put tracking devices on them both after tomorrow though.” Her grin was, I think, actually worse than mine was – if that was possible.

  Nicholas and I picked Skye up at five-thirty in my car, and were at Declán and Kayla’s house by six-thirty, with both gifts. We took the time to put the large bows on the cars before we went inside. Caera and Liam were waiting for us when we snuck in.

  “Morning kids,” Caera whispered. “Do we get to see them first?”

  “No, that would take away part of the fun.” I winked as I responded. “You entrusted us, please let us finish our little surprise.”

  “Fine, but . . . then those two had better stick to their normal evils and wake up soon. I don’t think we,” Caera continued as she looked at Liam, “can take the suspense much longer. We’re old ya know, our hearts can only take so much.” She made it most of the way through before laughing.

  Just then, we heard stirrings upstairs. “Caera, Liam, you two ready for them to come down? Breakfast ready and all?” Odd, I didn’t smell any food. “Because I can hear them, they’re on their way down.”

  “We’re taking them out to eat actually – family tradition. But, you two with the boxes need to sit here at the table. They always get a couple of things in the morning, and we always put them on the table here.”

  I leaned over and whispered to Skye, “I think it would be more fun if we sat on the table as the presents.” We both burst into giggles, trying to stifle the sounds as we waited.

  Declán and Kayla came into the dining room together. They stopped, blinking hard as they took in the mini–party waiting for them. They looked around and in unison said, “Um, wow. Did we miss something?”

  Caera and Liam both gestured to their children, “No, they are here for your first presents. They delivered them this morning.”

  “They had to deliver them?” asked Kayla. “Ya know; we did stop trying to break into your things, to find our presents, a few years ago, right?”

  Caera just smiled as she motioned both of them toward Skye and me, “I know, but these wouldn’t fit in the cupboard. Just go to your girlfriends and start the fun, please.”

  They each walked forward and in turn, we held up the boxes for each to take. We all burst into laughter as they eyed the boxes and looked up blankly when they opened them.

  “You got us keys to the car, and you needed everyone up and over here to deliver keys?” inquired Kayla.

  Declán just stared blankly at us all as we tried to compose ourselves.

  Sigh. “You two are silly. Your parents don’t have keys like these. You both need to look outside to find what they go to.”

  Declán and Kayla continued in their ‘twin act’ as they looked at each other in unison, turned and bolted to the front door.

  The big blue and pink ribbons, I hoped, would help them figure out whose was whose as they both ran out the door. We were all hot on their heels, not wanting to miss their reactions. We found them both frozen just outside the doors staring with open jaws.

  “These are for . . . us? Really?” Declán whispered.

  “But how?” was all Kayla could manage.

  Slowly they moved toward their respective cars. Declán walked around his new – to him – light, metallic blue 1952 F150 Ford truck, just as Kayla did her metallic sandy Prius V.

  It was fun to watch them, but my attention was taken for a few minutes as Caera and Liam pulled me aside. “Wow, just wow. How did you manage this with what we gave you?”

  “I told you, I was contributing to the funds and that they would get good cars. Don’t worry about it; just enjoy their excitement.”

  They seemed almost in as much awe as Declán and Kayla. Skye came over and dragged me away, squealing, “Come one, if we don’t snap them out of their shock they’ll never even manage to open the doors.” She was bouncing as we went to our respective partners.

  “Declán, dear? Do you not like it?” I knew he did, but he still hadn’t gotten over the shock.

  “Like it? I love it! But, how? How did you pull this off?”

  “It’s a present, boyo. You’re not supposed to ask such things. You’re just supposed to say thanks and jump into enjoying the gift.”

  He shook his head, looking bemused. “Right.” He turned to his parents, “Thank you Mom . . . Da! This is just, wow!” Then gently, he got in, put the key in the ignition, and turned the key. His face lit up like a Yule tree when he heard the truck start; finally, deciding that he wasn’t dreaming, I assumed.

  Kayla was almost the same with her new car, though she started giggling as hers started.

  Caera and Liam came bounding over just then. “Well, which of you is driving me and which is driving your father? We do have a birthday breakfast to get to!”

  Declán grinned widely. “How about a boy’s truck and a girl’s car? Come on, da, get in.”

  Nicholas and I waited as they all climbed into the new cars and took off for their tradition, before we both got into my car and left.

  “Well,” Nicholas began, “seems that both old and young alike approve of your choice in cars.”

  “Yes, though I have a feeling I’m going to end up having another conversation with their mom. Caera and Liam both seemed a bit overwhelmed by my choices.”

  “Well, they didn’t expect you to spend so much.”

  “I wanted to give Declán what he wanted for his birthday, it would have been unfair not to do the same for Kayla. Plus, you know full well that I can afford those cars, mine cost more than that. Why not make them happy?”

  “Oh, I know,” he said with a wink. “Remember, I’m the one that took care of your finances for the last few years. Just don’t spoil them too much or the gifts won’t mean much anymore.”

  “Ha, Declán’s probably going to fuss at me over this as it is. He’s too selfless to not.” Sigh. “After his party he’s supposed to be taking me out, so I’ll find out then.”

  “The smirk is cute, Anya; I just hope you are prepared for his reaction . . . good or bad.”

  “Oh shush you,” I teased lightly. “Come on, we have a few hours before I have to be back.” I could never get enough time with either of them. This seemed like a good time to have more time with Nicholas. “Let’s hunt, then we can spend some time at my place.”

  Nicholas smiled as we left out together; he was easy to please.

  “I know you got him the truck, Anya, but are you really going to let him drive you to wherever you’re going? Human reflexes are pretty bad.”

  “Yes, Star, I am. It is his birthday and guys prefer to drive for dates, or so I’ve been told. Now, are you going to be helpful with what to wear or just stand there being pessimistic?”

  “Actually, I thought I should go get the door. Even I know he’s pulling up outside. Remember, I haven’t met him yet.” She winked and flitted down the stairs. Wonderful. I just have to hope she doesn't traumatize him too badly before I get down there.

  As I hurried down the stairs a few moments later, I could hear Star and Declán talking quietly. At least she was being nice! “Declán?” I could feel the concern on my face but couldn’t seem to smooth it out; they had never actually spoken before, much less met.

  “Right here, Anya. Star and I were just talking about birthdays and such. Nothing to worry about, relax.” He extended his hand to me as I reached him, a soft smile playing on his lips. Taking a minute to actually look me in the eyes, he, as usual, seemed to get lost there.

  “You ready?”

  “Always. Now, where are you taking me?” He hadn’t told me where we were going; I hoped he remembered I couldn't eat.

  “You two have fun,” Star said with a wicked grin. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she added with a sing–song lilt to her voice.

  “That worries me, as I’m not entirely sure what that does and does not prohibit.” I closed the door behind us as he led me to the tru
ck; Star watching us with a grin.

  As he opened my door, he finally spoke again. “I thought we could go for a drive actually. I know this pretty spot we could sit and talk; I brought a blanket.”

  I waited for him to walk around and get into the truck. Humans are so slow. “A blanket? What for?”

  “To sit on silly, I didn’t think you’d want to ruin your clothes just to have a night time picnic of sorts. We can talk, star gaze, whatever. I just want to spend some time with you where we don’t have to worry about anyone bugging us.” Concern suddenly crossed his face, “You don’t mind do you?”

  “Relax, please. I like being alone with you. I would think you’d know that by now. I’m still a little surprised, and even a touch worried, that you seem so comfortable being alone with me. You really should be more careful.”

  Declán seemed to be focusing on his driving a lot more than I would think necessary; maybe he’s just nervous. We rode in relative quiet. I didn’t want to distract him; his reflexes weren’t the best after all. I settled for playing with his radio as I waited.

  After a short while, we pulled off onto a side parking area near a secluded park. Declán, of course, came to get my door. He already had the blanket and a small bag in one hand.

  “Come on, there’s a clear area over here.” He took my hand and pulled me along beside him for a little ways. After he laid out the blanket for us to sit on, he gestured for me to sit. “Please.”

  “Okay, but are you ever going to let me do anything?”

  “No, you are my guest,” he said playfully as he stuck his tongue out and wrinkled his nose.

  “It’s your birthday, shouldn’t I be the one doing things for you?”

  “Naw, I just want to spend time with you and talk. Okay?” He sat carefully next to me and turned gently, reaching up to cup my face in his hand. Mmm, his scent!

  “Sure,” I said holding his hand to my face.

  “I want to talk to you about one thing before we get too cuddly.” His face hardened just a little, and he dropped his hand. “The cars?” He said annoyance strong in his voice.

  “Yes? Do you not like the one we picked out for you? I know it doesn’t get as good gas mileage as Kayla’s, but it’s the one I caught you eyeing. I’m sure we can trade if you’d rather a different one.”

  He blinked, smirking slightly before he seemed to be able to order his thoughts again to speak. “No, no, it’s perfect, that’s not the issue. They just cost a lot of money and my parentals said you were the one in charge of acquiring them. Mom even admitted that you helped pay for them, a little.”

  “Well, yes, they’re a gift from your parents and me, to you and your sister. Skye helped pick them out and drop them off too.” He looked more annoyed, weird.

  “You shouldn’t be spending that kind of money on me . . . or Kayla. Cars cost a lot, especially collector trucks like the one you got me.”

  “They didn’t cost that much, and you both wanted wheels. Your parents were planning on this anyway, I just helped a little. Besides, did you think I wouldn’t get you something? You turned eighteen today, a man now, and all that,” I said playfully nudging him.

  He sighed hard. “I know how old I am. I just don’t want you thinking you have to spend all this money on us.”

  “Hey, like I told you when you took me out the first time, you could drive next time. So, this is next time.” – Wink – “Besides, you need your independence. You can’t be bound by if your parents or I happen to be around for everything. Right?” I could see his protest fizzling out as I spoke.

  “Fine, but don’t short change yourself. Your money is for you and your needs; you don’t need to take care of me too.”

  Slowly, I reached up with my right hand and ever so softly touched his face, caressing his cheek . . . tracing along his ear, down his jaw. His eyes closed as he softly sighed.

  “Is this really what you want to spend tonight focusing on, a ghrá? I can think of better uses for your energy.”

  He shuddered as I began kissing down his neck, tracing the contours of his face with my fingers. Breathing in his scent made me crave him all the more. Not just his blood, which I refused to take, but his touch, his taste . . . mmm . . . He pulled my face up to his and began to kiss me in earnest.

  After a few minutes, I had to break off the kiss and slide myself away from him. “Declán, be good.” Not that I wanted him to be good, but hurting him was far worse of a concern.

  The fire in his eyes nearly undid my resolve. “Don’t wanna,” he murmured reaching out for me again.

  Groaning, I tried again. “Have to, love. Just because you can now touch me, does not mean I can’t still accidentally hurt you.” Mmm . . . but man do I wish . . .

  He lay back with a little huff. “Fine. But for the record . . . I was not done, thank you.”

  “Nor was I . . . nor was I.” I needed to learn better control if we were going to survive for long.

  I gently shifted so that his head was resting in my lap and caressing his hair, I finally spoke again. “Declán?”

  “Yes, hun?”

  “Might I inquire what your goals are now? You’re an adult now and with graduation soon . . .” I knew only that he designed buildings and wanted to go to college, surly there is more he wants out of life.

  “Hmm, the same thing I imagine most people want; love, a home, career, and happiness. I’m still working on where I’m going to go to college, but I have faith it will all work out.

  “Why?” He sighed as he took my left hand and kissed it gently.

  “And do you believe you can achieve all those things while with me?” I could never give him a family. I could never grow old with him. How long before he outgrew me?

  “Anya, why do you worry so much? You know I love you, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but–”

  He sat up putting his fingers over my mouth, amazingly confident in my control or possibly insane, not sure which. “Shh, there is no but to this discussion. I know you can’t be like a human girl all the time, but I don’t care about that. It doesn’t matter to me that you’re different. I like different.” He winked as he continued, “I don’t know why you can’t accept that.”

  Carefully moving his hand away from my lips, I countered. “I worry because we’re so different and because what I am and who I am is putting you and your family in danger. Someone is stalking me from my past, a past I cannot remember. I’m not totally in control of my abilities or my cravings. You have only seen me happy, worried, and surprised . . . never truly scared or angry. You only know Nicholas and me; you don’t understand how dangerous and frightening others of our kind are. If Gabriel could frighten me, I shudder to think how you would have felt in his presence.”

  His voice was suddenly sharp as his eyes clouded. “Gabriel?”

  “Gabriel is my, um, sire or creator, I guess. I recently met him when he stopped by my home to relay some information. He would know a great many things, I would imagine, about me but I asked very little, and then ordered that he leaves the area and not harm any of the humans in Nicholas’s territory or mine.”

  “You didn’t tell me about this and what do you mean territories?”

  “I didn’t think it was something you’d care about. He’s gone and won’t return to the area.”

  “But–

  “He cannot defy me on this.

  “As to territories, well, it just means that he can’t hunt in the area, and I made the area as wide as was reasonable by including where Nicholas lives and the surrounding areas. It was just to protect you and others like you. He’s a normal vampire, and I didn’t want him hurting or killings anyone.

  “Relax, please. This is your night, and you shouldn’t be stressing like this.” And, just to distract him, well and to satiate my own curiosity, I changed topics. “By the way, who gave you the Claddagh ring? It’s lovely.”

  “Oh,” he said slightly startled sounding. “Mom gave us matching rings. Kayla’s is gol
d, and mine is white gold.” He reached up to touch his necklace as he continued, “She said it would match better with the jewellery you’d already given me that way.” He was smiling by the end.

  “That’s cute; she chose the metal based on what I gave you. Wonder if she even knows what the medal is?”

  “What it is? What do you mean?”

  “Oh, it’s plat–

  “Shh! Quiet.” What was that? Sniff. Another vampire? Not Nicholas . . . “Get up, quietly,” I whispered. “Come on, you’re going back to the truck, now.” He looked puzzled as he snatched up the bag, me pulling him along behind me.

  “What . . .”

  “Shh . . . We have company. The uninvited kind.” I was scanning the dark as we hurried back to his truck.

  Pulling out my cell, I dialled Nicholas. Please pick up . . .

  “Hi,” he answered cheerfully.

  “Can you find us, now? Someone else is here, and I’m out with Declán. I don’t want him hurt.” I whispered as fast as I could, my voice trembling slightly. No way could Declán have understood, though the visitors could, if they were paying enough attention.

  “Sure, be right there. Try to keep calm, remember what your voice can do . . .”

  Calm, yeah . . . right. “Sure, just hurry. I can hear them getting closer; two of them.” He agreed and then hung up.

  “Nicholas is on his way, Declán, but we have company. Two visitors. I want you to get in the truck and stay there!”

  “Er, okay.” He sort of stumbled into the truck and closed the door looking slightly stunned. Was my voice off or was he just that scared on his own. Later . . . Focus!

  Stepping forward, toward the direction I heard them advancing from, I called out as calmly as I could, “Greetings. Passing through?”

  From the shadows came a soft, but deep voice, a male. “Interesting. You wish to greet us?” said the resonate, British voice.

  Followed by a voice that seemed to shimmer as it was heard, “No running, even with your pet out with you? Truly interesting.”

  Not happy. I’d just have to hope that my voice would even the odds a bit. “Introductions please? My name is Anya.” Maybe I could get them talking. Where is Nicholas? Faster boy.