Bound By Fate

Chapter 3: Moving

Eva

We danced a bit and then got ready to leave. I tried to keep physical contact to a minimum because I already felt a pull to these guys, and I didn't want to explore it…at least, not yet. Anytime that I let a guy get close, it only ended in disaster. I am not sure that I am ready for such entanglements again. But there's just something about them and I don't think it is because they are supernatural beings either. They're strangers, yet I feel almost like I'm home.

Sam goes to leave, “I'll text you about meeting my family.”

His self-assuredness about all of this rubs off on me, making me smile, “Sounds good.” Honestly, it does, and that scares me. He kisses me on the cheek and I feel this tingling rush that makes me giggle and blush. I am not the type of woman who is so easily flustered, but these guys make my head spin. I'm not used to this kind of attention either. I'm used to a different kind…a controlling kind. Any past relationship I have had, except for Kevin, turned into a fight for either my mental or physical health. Sometimes both, as in, the major issues with Victor. He seemed so charming and gallant. He was a mix of Vincent and Sam in that regard, but he hid a lot from me. Now that I think of it, I don't think that his abusive cheating ass was human. I hope that I never see him again!

We walked to my car and I completely forgot that Vincent was walking with us. He is as quiet as a cat because you forget he's there unless he chooses to make his presence known. Katie teases, “So meeting his family?” she inquires, as she wiggles her eyebrows.

I roll my eyes, “It’s for a story.”

She gives me a look, “Sure it is.”

“Girl, just because you can't keep your panties on doesn't mean I can't either,” I quickly cover my mouth. f**k! I should have worded that differently. I look over at Vincent who is shaking his head while a smirk plays on his lips. Ugh, he's infuriating! “Sorry, Vincent.” I don't know what else to say because I know that he's not used to such crass behavior.

He gives me a soft smile, “This all is going to take some getting used to. I have been silent for so long.”

I answer without thinking, “For you and me both.”

Katie exclaims, “What?”

Shit! I have to think of a cover! So I said, “Oh, we are staying at Vincent's for a bit. I thought I said that earlier.”

She whispered, “Weird, but okay. He's hot so you better make the most of it.”

I have a feeling Vincent heard that, because his smirk widened. If the legends are true, vampires have excellent hearing. Based on his reaction, it would appear that the legend has been confirmed true. I am going to have a lot to learn, and it looks like Vincent will enjoy teaching and teasing me, even if I happen to die of embarrassment in the process. We got into my car. Katie stretches out in the backseat. I roll my eyes and laugh. She's always the princess diva type.

Vincent motions towards Katie and whispers, “Is she always like this?”

I laugh, “Yes.”

“Why?” he asks.

I laugh harder, “You'll be surprised at the lengths one goes to for those you love.” When he wasn't laughing with me, I looked over at him. I see the sadness that briefly crept into his eyes. I blink a few times and then it's gone. I don't care if he hears me or not, “What or who has hurt you so much that there is no one you hold dear? Why is an eternity of loneliness better?" I see him look at me briefly and then look away. I'm pretty sure he heard me, but I will let it rest. I, of all people, know how poking around in the past can open up old wounds.

We pulled into our apartment complex. We go up to our apartment and begin packing. Vincent wanders around looking at everything and eventually ends up in my room, “Nice room.” He notices my framed poems on the wall. He reads one aloud, “Darkness's Kiss: Every night it's the same dark dream. And it always ends with me in a scream…” It is a poem that I wrote about a vampire finding its mate and surrendering to it. He looks at me, “Goth phase?”

I reply, “No, I've always been like this. I have always been different.”

He gives me an appraising look, “Which is a good thing. So you believe in love?”

This might be my chance to learn more about the mystery that is Vincent Black. So I decided to open up to him, “I do. I also think it's different for everyone. Some people love one person their whole lives, others never find it, and some love a few. There's also sibling and parental type love. I think we all need some type of love to truly live.”

He asks, “Have you found it?”

“The lasting kind, no, just familial with Katie. There was a guy that I loved once, but he's gone. Have you ever found it?” I ask.

He sighs, “Once many centuries ago.”

I can tell that he won't elaborate so I steer the conversation, “I guess it's different for your kind.”

He nods, “If you could become immortal, would you?”

I think for a moment, “I suppose, given the right circumstances, I would. It would be sad to watch those around me die, but if I helped them make that life worth living and experiencing love then it would be worth it.”

He smiled as if I lifted a weight from his shoulders, “You're taking this whole immortal thing well. I don't sense any fear in you.”

It's my turn to smile, “What's to fear? If you wanted me dead, I'd already be dead. You're more powerful than the vampires I’ve compelled before.”

He looks shocked. I bet he thought that he was doing a great job of hiding himself from me. I think if I didn't feel this pull to him, I wouldn't be able to read him well, if at all.

He asks, “How?”

I don't want to say too much, “A feeling, the same as I had at the Gala.”

He changes the topic, “Do you trust the Prince?”

I don't have to think. “He was being honest with what he knew. He has secrets just like all of us, but he means no harm. By the way, you both hide your secrets well.”

Vincent says, “And the wolf?”

I laugh, “He's harmless. He won't harm me. He wants to help. I do have an odd question, though.” He nods for me to proceed. “Well a few. First, why can we hear each other's thoughts sometimes? Secondly, wasn't it odd that we all ended up at a table together?”

He nervously answers, “I wasn't supposed to be at your table. I chose to be.”

I don't truly believe what I'm saying. I think he knows why he chose my table, “So maybe it was just a coincidence, but why did you choose to talk to me? There were tons of beautiful people there to talk to. Or you could've taken a liking to Katie.”

I can tell that I am onto something because he's not wanting to make eye contact. He relents, “Maybe a coincidence, but there was just something about you that drew me to approach you. I don't usually initiate conversation.”

I say, “I bet your upbringing has something to do with it.”

I can tell that he's shrouded. He's not ready to be open about his past, but neither am I. He nods, “It does. As for your other question, I'm not sure you'll like the answer. Even I have trouble with it.”

I can tell that he's being honest about what he's about to tell me, even though he is having trouble accepting it. I blurt out, “Ugh, just tell me!”