A DEADLY NUPTIAL

21.

"Dark , Yusi's on line 1 she says it's urgent." spoke Shine.

"Thanks," I quickly picked up my phone and dialled 1. "Yusi what is it?"

"Dark ! It's Josephine!" she cried into the phone, "I'm so sorry!"

"What happened?! What's wrong?!"

"She's escaped the house. I've looked everywhere in the house, and she's gone! She must have noticed that I left one of the kitchen doors open when I took out the trash this morning. I'm so sorry."

"It's alright Yusi, I'll be home as soon as possible. Call me if you find her." I ran out of my office leaving Shine screaming after me wondering where I was going. I got in my car and drove home as fast as I could. After leaving the city and driving into the country I sped up as the sun was setting, and hardly anyone was driving. I reached home an hour later. I jumped out of my car and ran vampire speed into the house. She wasn't in the house. Her scent was fading. I ran outside and faintly caught her scent in the woods. It was starting to rain. I would lose her scent soon. I quickly ran following her scent into the forest.

Josephine's POV

I stumbled through the forest having no clue where exactly I was headed. As soon as I saw Yusi had left the back door open I dashed without thinking of the consequences. I was only wearing a sweatsuit outfit. It had not been my brightest idea. It was beginning to rain and it would soon turn to ice. The temperature was at least 40 degrees. I had been so stupid. I groaned that my day could only get worse and of course it did. I was so busy complaining to myself I had not noticed a tree branch sticking out. I tripped over the tree branch landing on my face. I wiped the mud off my face. I hadn't heard a crack, so I was pretty sure I hadn't broken my ankle. It was probably only a sprain. I tried getting up but failed. The pain was overwhelming. I lay in the mud, the rain beating my face. Maybe I could die just once and for all. No one would worry. I would be one less burden for my dad, Alexander, and Dark . He wouldn't have to deal with me anymore. My vision was starting to get blurry either from the rain or the pain I was feeling when I heard my name being called. Was I dreaming? It sounded so familiar...

Dark 's POV

I yelled Josephine's name hoping to get a response. I could hardly smell her scent anymore. I was beginning to panic. I had to find her. I had promised her family I would take care of her. I had almost lost hope when I caught a glimpse of a running shoe sticking out from a tree branch. Was that her? I ran towards her at normal speed. As I came up to the body I was relieved. It was her, but she was all muddy with scratches on her face. I shook her. "Josephine woke up." She didn't respond. She couldn't be. "Josephine," I tried again. She opened her eyes slightly, "Dark ," her voice was hoarse. I caressed her face. It was burning. She had a fever. "Come on, let's go."

"No, just go. Leave me here." she shook her head.

"No, I could never do that."

"I have no reason to live,"

This was outrageous. I shook her a bit violently causing her to fully open her eyes.

"Josephine, you listen to me. You have a ton to live for. You have your family. Don't you think they wonder everyday if your ok? Have you thought of what this would do to your father. Having to lose a wife and a daughter?" She had to accept the truth. She tried to stand, but cumbled in my arms. Her ankle was swollen. I carried her bridal style. I could feel the temperature lowering, butchers raising. I had to get her inside. I knew I would have to take a chance of her knowing the truth, but it was all for her. I began to run vampire speed. She couldn't believe they were traveling so fast. Her eyes began to sink as she subconsciously asked, "What are you?" before collapsing completely in my arms.

Dark 's POV

The next two days were hell. I hadn't left Josephine's side. Her condition was critical. She had almost been at a stage of hypothermia, but luckily I had gotten her home in time. I had called Elsa, my father's wife, to ask for advice as the nearest doctor was hours away, and it had stopped raining. Elsa was at a World Conference for Doctors in Europe and would not be able to come to my aid, but she told me exactly what to do with the help of Yusi. Yusi had just left to go to bed, and I was sitting in an armchair next to Josephine. Outside the Dark clouds made the sky look a Dark navy blue. The only light was Josephine's lamp on her night stand that flashed a dim light into the room. I held her hand to my face kissing it as a tear escaped my eye. This wasn't supposed to happen. Vampires could not cry, but of course I was half-vampire. It was possible. My human side was overpowering my vampire side.

"Josephine," I begged, "please wake up. I'm sorry for everything that has happened. If we hadn't gotten married you would have had to be here in this condition. You would probably be modeling with a famous husband and kids that looked just like you. I would've been jealous of the lucky guy that married you, but then again I'm that guy. I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I barely know you, but I know you are special. So please wake up. I promise I'll try my hardest to make this relationship work and be the best husband in the world. Just wake up please. Don't even do it for me if you want. Do it for Joseph, Alexander, my sister. She's begun to call you her sister since the wedding. She absolutely adores you and so does Marco." I kissed her forehead and left to go to my office. I needed something to distract me. Work. That's what I needed. I had a load of work emailed to me from the office that I had left behind days ago. I occupied myself trying hard not to remember Josephine's lifeless face.

***

Josephine's POV

I could faintly hear someone talking to me. Was it an angel? It sounded like Dark pleading with me about something. I could hear him say "please just wake up, I'll try my hardest to make this relationship work and be the best husband in the world." Was this a dream? Dark I be supposed to be working where I was? I concentrated so hard on opening my heavy eyelids they wouldn't budge. After what seemed like an eternity they opened, but no one was here. Has it been a dream? I struggled to sit up. My throat was burning, and I felt so sore. I removed my covers. I felt so sticky and gross. I needed a shower. I looked at my ankle. It looked a lot better than I remember it looking. I touched the soft carpeted floor and applied pressure with my left foot. It didn't hurt as much; it just felt sore. I walked to the bathroom and took a long refreshing bath. I changed into flannel pj bottoms and a gray tank top. I put on my lilac robe and walked out of the bathroom. What I didn't expect was to see Dark walking in looking like hell. His hair was all tousled like he had run his hands through it at least a million times and looked as if he hadn't gotten sleep in a while. He stopped when he saw my bed was empty and quickly looked at the bathroom door which is where I was standing in front of. He looked so relieved when he saw me. He ran towards me but stopped when he saw I backed away.

"Josephine," he breathed, "you're awake." I couldn't find my voice, as soon as I saw him I remembered how fast he had run in the woods. He wasn't able to run that fast. He wasn't normal. He was a foot away looking at me with concern. "What's wrong?" I couldn't look him in the eye. He took a step forward , and I took a step back, my back hitting the wall. Realization hit him. "You're afraid of me aren't you?" When I didn't answer he trapped me between the walls. I couldn't escape. "Josephine, look at me." I couldn't do it. "Look ," his finger coaxed my chin up, forcing me to meet his Dark eyes. "I would never hurt you."

"Were you ever going to tell me?" I asked once I had found my voice.

"Tell you what?"

"That-you're a vampire.." the last word had been a whisper. He dropped his hand from my chin. I had thought of what I had read from Twilight and Vampire Academy. It had made sense that he was a vampire. What else could he be? He didn't know what to tell me.

"Come sit down," he motioned at my small living room area in my room. I sat down in the recliner while he sat in the loveseat across from me. I pulled my legs into a cross legged position and waited for him to begin. "You weren't supposed to find out. Well, at least not so soon."

"Why?"

"I was afraid you would have freaked out." I kind of did inside. If only he knew how much fear he caused me. "I see you haven't really. Why not?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm like Bella." he chuckled at my response.

"So are you saying I'm Edward?" Personally he looked more like a Carlisle to me but with Dark looks.

"I guess," I seemed more at ease now that the tension had left the room. He gave me a small smile. At that moment my growling stomach interrupted the silence. I had been unaware of hunger until now. His smile got even bigger. I couldn't help but smile back.

"I'm guessing you're hungry."

"Yeah, a little."

"I'll go inform Yusi you're awake and have her bring you something."

"What time is it?" I asked, remembering I was unaware of exactly how long I had been ill.

"It's nearly midnight," he answered, looking at his watch. I quickly stood up, but forgot my ankle was still sore. I bit my lip holding back a ton of curses. I sat down again.

"Josephine, are you ok?" his eyebrows furrowed clearly concerned.

"Yeah, I'm ok," I said in a strained voice, waiting for the pain to pass by. He had also sat down again. "Don't wake Yusi. She's probably sleeping. I don't want to bother her." I pleaded. He shook his head in amazement as he smiled.

"What?" I asked, not understanding why he had shaken his head.

"It's just you're amazing. You have such a big heart. Here you are in pain and hungry after almost going into a comatose stage putting others' needs in front of yours. It's just amazing." He said in amazement. I hadn't really thought of it as a big deal. I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Here," he said, holding out his hand as he stood up, "let's go downstairs, and I'll fix you something to eat."

"Dark you even cook?"

"There are many things you don't know about me Josephine," he smirked.

"I don't wanna know. I've found out way more than I needed to," I said, taking his hand. I was about to take a step when suddenly he lifted me into a bridal style. "Dark !" I said surprised, "You scared me!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," my arms had found their way to his neck as if naturally. I hadn't noticed until then, but our faces were inches apart. I looked at his lips then his eyes. He had been doing the same. I could feel our faces inching closer and closer. I closed my eyes as our lips contacted. It began slowly and timidly, but soon things started to heat up. His tongue was begging for my mouth to grant it access, and I gave in. He pulled my body closer slowly walking towards my bed. He placed me down gently, never moving away from my mouth. His hands roamed my body. This was so pleasant, it was nothing compared to when he had done it. Then as if he had read my mind, Dark was off of me in a flash. I sat up trying to catch my breath.

"What's wrong?" I was confused.

"This is wrong. I'm sorry Josephine this shouldn't have happened. I'll go get you your food." That was his explanation as he left my room. I fell back onto the bed. My hand running through my wet hair. What had just happened? Had he rejected me again? Tears were threatening to spill. I couldn't stand being rejected anymore. Was I just that unpleasant? If he didn't want me. I would have to start changing. I was going to have to give up on my dream of being a happy married couple. Things were going to have to start changing fast before my heart began to break.

Dark 's POV

I walked downstairs to the kitchen punching the kitchen walls. I was so pissed at myself! I shouldn't have done that! I had given into the temptation of her lips. I had promised Lorenz I'd go slow, but at this rate I'd probably make love to her by tomorrow. I couldn't contain myself, she was so tempting. I had to control this feeling I had. Things would have to change.

I brought up her food, which consisted of chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese with some juice. I knocked on her door hearing a stoic, "Come in."

I opened the door to find Josephine reading a book in bed. She didn't bother to look up as I placed the bed tray in her lap. She sighed before thanking me. I stood there watching her.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked, seeing as she didn't move a muscle.

"I will," she responded, "did you need something?"

"No,I just want to make sure you're going to eat,"

"Don't worry I will. You Dark leave now," she said harshly.

"Fine, but all that, " I signaled at the tray, "better be gone when I come back."

"Ok."

I left the room and returned 30 minutes later to find her asleep with the tray on her nightstand. Everything was gone as I had ordered. I watched her chest rise and fall in a calm manner. I was now at ease knowing that her eyes were not permanently sealed.

The next morning I showered and got ready to head back to the city. As long as I yearned to stay with Josephine I had to go back to work. We had an important meeting about one of our clients that would need to be taken care of, and I had to be present. I also needed time away from Josephine and all away from all these emotions that were building up. I informed Yusi of Josephine's condition relieving her of all the guilt she had been feeling lately. I decided to take Josephine's breakfast to her, and also to say goodbye. I knocked on the door before entering letting her know I was going in. She was standing by the window with her arms crossed looking at the trees covered in snow.

"I brought you your breakfast," I informed her.

"Thanks," she said without turning around.

"I also came to tell you that I'm going back to the company. I need to go back to work."

"Ok," she paused, then turned around looking at me," when are you coming back?"

I ran my hand through my hair before answering, "Probably Thursday at the earliest."

She nodded, "Well, good luck then."

I turned around to leave, but turned back to tell her, " Oh and by the way I hate having to do this, but I'm going to have to lock you in your room. I don't trust you roaming around the house. You might try to escape again, so Yusi will be bringing you whatever you need."

She gritted her teeth trying to hold back her anger.

"If you behave I might let you roam around the top floor, but not the bottom. Josephine please try and behave. Yusi almost died of grief when you escaped." I pleaded in a softer tone. Her eyes glazed with guilt.

"Ok."

***

Josephine's POV

"Ok." That was the last thing I had told Dark on Sunday. Out of all the things I had wanted to yell at him. I had said ok. Nothing was ok. I was suffocating in the room. The walls seemed to get smaller each day. Hopefully, I'll be able to get out soon. It was Thursday and hopefully Dark came home. As much as I tried to hate him I couldn't. Part of me ached to hear his voice, see his devilishly handsome face, and feel his touch. I was starting to believe that I was falling in love.

But what was love? I remember years ago watching "Little Koray". Gabe had taught me what love was, it was "[wasn't] about ridiculous little words. Love [was] about grand gestures. Love [was] about airplanes pulling banners over stadiums, proposals on jumbo-trons, giant words in sky writing. Love is about going that extra mile even if it hurts, letting it all hang out there. Love [was] about finding courage inside of you that you didn't even know was there." I had cried when I had seen that part. A little kid talking about love like he knew everything about it, and here I was confused about my emotions. I didn't know what love was. Was love all this ache Dark caused inside me? Causing me to feel unwanted and self-conscious. He had rejected me so many times. I felt he was just using me like a game. I was the dog while he was the owner with the fishing pole holding the bone in my face. He controlled me. He knew how to seduce me then back away instantly leaving me wanting more. I groaned. Love was stupid.

Outside my window the sun was setting, and it was almost dinner time. Yusi came in holding a tray of appetizing food. I smiled warmly, "Thank you so much Yusi. I had having to be the reason you climb up the stairs everyday."

"It's alright dear. I don't mind. It's my responsibility to watch over you."

"The least I Dark do is take my tray downstairs," I offered.

"Josephine, you know I Dark 't let you go downstairs."

"Please Yusi! I Dark 't stand being locked up anymore. I feel claustrophobic. I need to at least be out of the room. At least let me walk around the top floor. I promise I won't go downstairs. Please!" I begged.

"Alright dear but if Dark finds out about this-"

"I'll explain it was all me," I quickly interjected.

"Alright. Now eat your dinner or else it's going to get cold. I'm going to leave your door unlocked.

"Thank you so much Yusi!" I hugged the elderly woman. She was like a grandmother to me.

"You're very welcome dear," she patted my hand before leaving. After quickly eating dinner I rushed out of my room. Relieved to not be trapped in there anymore. I walked to the family room across the hall. It had a small living room with a fireplace and bookshelf. I looked through the bookshelf grabbing an eye-catching romance novel. I began to read, but felt my eyes begin to droop.

Slam! I woke up startled to hear the door closed with a loud slam. That couldn't be Yusi. I looked around. The small window above the fireplace was Dark . It must be really late. Yusi must've gone to bed. I thought to myself. Then who was downstairs? I walked to the staircase, and in the light of the full moon I could make out a figure at the foot of the stairs drinking from a bottle.

"Dark ?" I asked the stranger. Eyes flashed to my face. In an instant Dark was in my face holding roughly to my upper arm while in the other hand he had a bottle of some sort of alcohol.

"What are you doing out of your room?!" he shook me roughly. His voice cold and harsh.

"I-I asked Yusi to let me out of the room. I've only been on the top floor." I reasoned frightened of the Dark standing before me.

"Did I say you could leave the room?" I could smell the alcohol in his breath.

"You said if I behaved," I trembled. His eyes reflected guiltiness as he pushed me roughly to the ground looking away.

"Go to sleep Josephine," he ordered while drinking another gulp. I had never seen him like this. Something was wrong. Dark was always calm, cool, and collected.

"What's wrong Dark ?" I asked from my position on the ground.

"Nothing, just leave." I stood up. He was beginning to walk towards his room.

"Dark , please..tell me. I want to help you." In a blur my back was against the hall way wall. His hands were on my shoulders roughly holding me.