Tides Of Fate

Chapter Sixteen

“Don’t worry I’m only an a*s when you’re in a rage,” Billy said.

I turned to look at him. “I thought you couldn’t read my mind?”

“I can’t, but I can feel your emotions. I wish I could read minds though.” He sounded disappointed.

I smiled at him. “You mean you wish you could read Ann’s mind.” The next thing I knew I was up in the air. “Wow.”

Ash lowered me down and gave me a deep kiss. When he pulled away, I was breathless and my mind was blank. My legs were jelly and my fingers were numb pressed against his sweaty chest.

“Where did you learn to drive like that?” He was staring down at me with my smile on his face. His eyes had a hint of silver that was slowly slipping away making way for the brown.

“Ann.” Her name barely made it out of my mouth. I was frozen staring at his beautiful face and magnificent chest. His hair was wet and sticking to his forehead. I felt my shirt stick to my belly. Ash’s sweat was making me wet, but I didn’t mind. He looked hot so muscled and sweaty!

I wish he wasn’t so morally righteous!

“Your eyes are sliver!” Ann was bewildered.

Ash turned us to face them. “Yes.” He sounded reserved.

Ann’s face lit up. “Way cooler than the gold, no offense, Lee.”

“None taken.” I was glad that didn’t freak her out too.

“You should kiss her more often, the hazels are back.” Maria spoke with a smile.

I blinked a couple of times, glad my eyes were back to normal. Ash stared at me and chuckled before he shifted his gaze to Ann. “You must have taught Maria too. You all drive like maniacs!”

“Compared to your driving, we drive like grandmothers.” I reluctantly pulled my hands off his chest and tucked one around his waist, the other in my back pocket. My dad had an uncomfortable look on his face.

“Ann taught us everything we know.” Maria leaned against her.

“Driving, shooting, fighting, everything you can think of she taught them,” my dad added.

Ann smiled proudly. “Someone had too.”

“So who taught you?” Billy asked.

“An old boyfriend,” she whispered. She didn’t want to say any more than that.

“He was a race car driver. She taught them how to drive on a race track, that’s why Merilee loves the stick so much.” Dave volunteered the rest of the information.

Ann turned to him shocked. “How do you know that?”

“There is very little I don’t know about you girls. I know all the places you like, your favorite colors, clubs and meals and all your boyfriends—addresses, phone numbers…” Dad stopped when he saw the warning looks we gave him. The guys just laughed.

“Dad, I won’t ask how you found out about all that but some of that information is confidential, and it’s very creepy you know all that in the first place.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, but I can’t stop Ash if he wants to pick through my brain.”

“He won’t.” I gave Ash a warning glare. He smiled in response.

“Changing the subject, you start college tomorrow, are you excited?” Maria pulled me out of Ash’s embrace and danced around excitedly. The second she did I felt tired and lightheaded. “Lee, are you okay, you just paled out?” The excitement was gone and replaced with worry.

I nodded. “I’m fine, just a little tired.” I fought the urge to sink to the ground and just curl up in a ball and sleep.

I felt Ash’s arm around my waist. “You need to eat and rest.” He tucked an arm under my knees and carried me into the house and up to my room.

The minute he placed me on the bed I curled up to my side and let the fatigue take over. “I’m too tired to chew.”

“Don’t fall asleep, Joe’s bringing you something to drink.” I could feel him leaning over me.

“He better get here in the next second because I can’t fight it for long.” I yawned and made myself comfortable on the bed.

Ash swiftly pulled me up and placed me on his lap. He then held a covered cup and put the straw close to my mouth. “Drink,” he ordered with a strained voice.

The scent hit me hard, prickling all the nerves inside me and all my senses were shocked awake. I pulled the cup closer and wrapped my lips tighter around the straw. I pulled deeply, cherishing the taste on my tongue as it slid down my throat. I heard myself purr unbelievably intoxicated by the new taste in my mouth. I forgot everything around me, the only thing I could concentrate on was the pleasure it gave me. When the cup was empty, Ash held another cup to my lips, after the third cup I felt full but not satisfied.

After a moment my surroundings came alive. I could hear Ash’s fast heartbeat and ragged breathing clearer. I turned to face him. His eyes were shut.

“What was that?” My voice sounded labored.

“Blood.” His voice reflected mine.

I pulled out of his hold and stepped away from him. I shifted my gaze between the empty cups and Ash’s face, shocked. “What did you say?”

“You said you couldn’t chew so I had him bring you blood. Don’t worry, it’s not human.” He opened his eyes and looked at me. There was discrete silver in them. “Your color is back and you look better.”

I rushed to my dressing table mirror. He was right, I looked better and my eyes were gold. I panicked. I’d never consumed blood like that before. It felt wonderful! The only thing I could think of was how much better human blood would taste. Then I thought of Ann and Maria and became more aware of how dangerous I really am to them. I felt my chest tighten and I could hear myself gasp for air.

Ash was behind me hugging me tight against him, and then he turned us around to face away from the mirror. “Breath, slowly.”

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against his chest. Having a panic attack wasn’t going to make things any easier. When I felt I was in better control of myself I pulled away and walked into the bathroom to take a cold shower. I needed to relax, to stay calm enough to think of my future.

When I came out Ash was seated on my bed, he looked apprehensive. His eyes were cold and distant, like he wasn’t here. He was thinking of something. Whatever it was, it was making him anxious. The sound of the door closing jolted him back. He stared at me, his expression the same.

I walked up to him and sat on his lap, curling myself against him. I buried my face under his neck, breathing in his sweet scent. He had taken a shower and changed into flannel pants and a vest. He raised his arms and wrapped them tight around me. We stayed like that for a while before he spoke.

“I don’t want to read your mind, so you’ll have to tell me what you’re thinking about.”

“I’m thinking I’m not ready for what’s happening to me.” I struggled to keep my voice steady.

“I’m sorry.” He sounded anguished.

“Stop apologizing, it’s not helpful.”