Legacy of Secrets 01-Cursed Secrets Page 3

  “Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong. I am sorry if you think I am angry with you; I’m not. I dealt with Dallas and made sure he wouldn’t hurt anyone anymore. If I was able to rid the planet of trash like him I would.”

  “Wait, what do you mean you dealt with Dallas? What did you do to him?” I was glad he saved me, but I didn’t want Dallas hurt. I felt bad enough for hurting him.

  “I turned him in to the police. I have a friend who is a detective there who’s going to make sure he never touches another woman. Why would you care after what he tried to do?”

  “He wouldn’t have done it. I know him. He must have been on something. He’s not a bad person, Christian, he’s just lost. You had no right to ruin his life! Let me handle my own problems, alright? Now can I please just go home?” I didn’t realize I was shaking.

  “Lia, I don’t know if you realize this, but you’re glowing red. I can feel the heat radiating off you. It’s incredible!” he was so close I could feel his breath brush across my skin. I shouldn’t have wanted anything to do with him, but I couldn’t help my thundering heart. He held his hand an inch from my skin and felt the tendrils of crackling air.

  “Incredible? Are you joking? This is…well I don’t really know what this is, but it’s definitely not incredible. I have to go.”

  A million things swirled through my mind. The one question that kept popping up was where he’d come from. I looked up to see him standing a foot in front of me patiently waiting.

  “I told you I would feel better seeing that you got to your door safely. You can ignore me if you’d like, but in good conscience I can’t leave until you go inside,” he said matter of factly.

  “I do have one question, before I go,” I said hesitantly.

  “Sure, what would you like to know?”

  “How did you see us? I mean, you appeared out of nowhere and I’m pretty sure you weren’t there from the beginning. How did you know?”

  “I was out for a walk. I wouldn’t have stopped had I not heard him slap you. I’m sure you couldn’t just pass by if you heard that, could you?”

  “No, I would have tried to do something. But that doesn’t explain why you’re out here wearing designer clothes?”

  “I hadn’t thought about what I was wearing. Sometimes the night air can be so alluring I said what the hell. Prior to the most recent events I assume you felt the same way?” he never missed a beat, did he? The confidence he exuded was both extremely sexy and unnerving. I didn’t know whether to believe every word or run away screaming.

  “Well I see your point,” I said as we made it to the door. I placed my back against it, meeting his eyes. They seemed sincere. If he was playing me he was either very good at it or I was a fool.

  So many emotions collided at once; I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. Now is not the time, get it together! I chastised myself.

  “Are you alright?” he asked concerned.

  Feeling calm again I opened my eyes, “Yes I think so. Thank you again for helping me. I hope I’ll be able to return the favor someday. I guess I’ll see you around?”

  “If you wish. Be safe, Lia. If you need me, just call or text and I’ll be there. Everyone needs a friend, right?” he said, handing over my cell phone.

  “Right,” I said hesitantly. My fingertips touched his and something like a static charge filled me from head to toe. I bit back a yelp. What the hell was that?

  “Good night, Lia. Sleep well and don’t forget to ring me if you need to.”

  With my cell clutched to my chest, I watched him walk away. I’d never felt so confused. He was clearly very different from what I’d expected. He seemed to be comfortable with me. I wasn’t sure if I liked or hated him, but I knew it wouldn’t be the last time I saw him. And I was alright with that.

  CHAPTER 5

  Christian

  It took all of my power to leave her there. My anger increased the thirst and draining Dallas hadn’t been enough. Her scent overwhelmed me, bringing on urges I wasn’t used to. At first I was just curious, but I couldn’t ignore the need to really know her. Not for the blood, but as a person. I didn’t want her to be alone and afraid. She deserved better.

  While I didn’t make a habit of killing humans, I relished ridding the world of the evil ones. The adrenaline would almost stop time while I hunted them down. If Lia hadn’t been so close I would have killed Dallas, but she suffered enough for one night. She was truly a remarkable creature and didn’t even know the power she held or what she was capable of.

  Keeping my distance for a few days would give me time to find out more about her. I knew where she was from and made plans to go to Pennsylvania. I didn’t want her to grow too attached, but I also wouldn’t shy away from indulging myself with her company.

  My phone chimed and to my surprise it was her.

  Good night. Thank you again. Remember that a friendship works both ways. If I cannot trust you there is nothing. I think tonight proves that point. See you – Lia

  She was very perceptive. I would have to be more careful when following her.

  You have my word. I do not make friends lightly. I’m here when you need me – Christian

  When I got back to the cabin, I fished out the Potions & Elixirs book. It contained a remedy for just about every ailment or handicap one could posses, including a vampire living in denial. I quickly gathered the supplies and made a double dose of elixir. It acted similar to blood, but it wasn’t quite as strong. I could have barely a pint human blood and have the strength, stamina, and speed of a thousand men. Yet the elixir worked to half of those effects. With any luck, it could curb my appetite and wouldn’t feel the endless need to hunt.

  I packed it and some necessities in a lightweight backpack. Setting out across the country meant I could encounter anything and I learned long ago to be prepared. Since I couldn’t find much about the incident online, Pennsylvania was the only logical choice. A part of me wished I wouldn’t find anything, but I knew otherwise. She was special in some way. I had never seen anyone manifest emotions like that. Somewhere in her bloodline had to be someone supernatural. Nothing else could explain it.

  I grabbed my phone to text her.

  I have to go out of town for the weekend. I will still be here to talk, but I won’t be around town. See you in a few days –C

  My phone chimed back before I got it in my pocket.

  Well thanks for checking in? I’m not going anywhere Christian. If you still want to talk to me in a few days you know where to find me…

  She definitely was strange. As I left the cabin, the sun was beginning to rise and I watched as the sky turned beautiful shades of pink, blue, and yellow. With a deep breath I headed off, running at full speed, to Pennsylvania.

  Lia

  I tossed and turned all night. I couldn’t get the visions of the almost rape out of my head. If Christian hadn’t come along, I probably wouldn’t have fought Dallas off. It wasn’t that I couldn’t, rather I knew I would hurt him more than he could have hurt me. I wasn’t looking forward to having my dirty laundry spilled at school either. Leslie would blame me, yet again, for her boyfriend’s bad behavior. I was always the bad guy.

  I yearned to run, but I couldn’t bring myself to step outside alone. There are only so many traumatic experiences a person can have in a lifetime before they truly go crazy. The only other option was to have a nice relaxing weekend with a good book, some snack food, and something very strong to drink. I needed a break from my warped reality.

  Switching on my computer, I checked all of the social sites and local news. A few of my cyber friends commented on some lame status update I’d posted the day before and I laughed and responded. I hadn’t seen any of my friends in at least ten years. Most of the town I grew up in still believed I had something to do with my parents’ death. It was unbearable. If I hadn’t been saved by Nana and Pops, I too would have died there. It was a dark place I didn’t like to dwell on.

  My phone chimed an
d my heart skipped a beat. I jumped across the room to snatch my cell phone from the bedside table. I smiled when I saw it was him.

  Good morning, Lia. I trust you miss me already?-Christian

  He was definitely full of himself. Although a part of me would have felt better if he was there, I knew it was foolish. I had to accept that while he might have rescued me, there was still so much about him I didn’t know.

  Good morning, Casanova. What makes you think I would miss someone I barely know? Someone has a bit of an ego. – Lia

  I took my phone with me back to the desk and continued surfing the web. If my mother was still alive she would have encouraged me to pursue Christian. She would have told me not to think about it; to let my heart do the talking. I never truly believed that. Taking unnecessary chances because of what some people might call love wasn’t exactly appealing to me. Half of the people I loved were dead and I did everything I could to keep the ones that were left safe.

  I moved away from Pennsylvania with my grandparents to escape the crazies and I did my best to keep to myself so I couldn’t hurt anyone. I couldn’t be selfish enough to love another person and put them in danger too. It wasn’t an option.

  My phone chimed again.

  That hurt! I must be careful to not assume in the future then, hmm? How are you this morning? Did you sleep alright? -C

  I giggled. Then the images flooded to my mind, sending a shiver down my spine.

  I’ve been better. Sleeping usually doesn’t come too easily for me. Enough about my drama how is your trip? –Lia

  I gazed out the window as an uneasy feeling swept over me. Something just didn’t feel right. Every fiber of my being was telling me to stay inside, but I couldn’t help the longing to be in the sunlight. There was something unexplainable about being outside and a part of nature.

  It’s definitely enlightening. You don’t have to pretend for me. If you need to talk about anything at all, please give me the benefit of the doubt to be here for you. That’s all I’m asking. –C

  I shook my head. I hadn’t decided whether to trust him, but I had mostly good feelings about him. How bad could he be after pretty much saving my life?

  Thank you for being so nice to me, although I’m no really sure why. How can you be sure I’m not the kind your mother warned you about? :) –Lia

  I couldn’t let him know I was suffocating under my own fear. It was better to pretend like nothing happened. An unhealthy habit, I know, but it was for the best.

  While there may be things about you neither of us understand, there’s nothing wrong with you. Being normal is overrated and boring. It’s the mysteries in life that make it worthwhile. That’s how I feel about you. –C

  A familiar heat rose to my cheeks.

  I’m not sure to take that as a compliment or not, but thanks. Please don’t take this as me being weird, but I hope to hang out when you get back…as friends? –Lia

  Instantly I wanted to take it back. I’d barely known him for two days and already seemed desperate. I expected him to laugh at my pathetic attempt to reach out and never speak to me again. But I so badly wanted him to be the first genuine person I’d met. I needed someone who wasn’t afraid of me; someone I could trust.

  I would love to spend more time with you. I am honored that you trust me. I will call you later on so we can have a real conversation. If you need me, I’m just a button away. –C

  I finally exhaled. The butterflies in my stomach worried me. Mostly I was afraid; for both of us. I felt almost happy, but at what cost? I held onto the delusional hope that Christian would be different; that somehow I would be different.

  CHAPTER 6

  Christian

  “Hello, my name is Christian Mason and I’m researching unsolved murders in this area. Would you be able to tell me where I could find your public records?” I asked authoritatively to the young woman behind the counter.

  The main library was vast and consisted of so much reading material it could have taken hours to find the correct department. If humans weren’t around it would have taken mere minutes, but I couldn’t risk the exposure.

  “There’s an old records room in the basement. If you would like, I can give you the key card, but you need to leave your identification with me,” she answered.

  “Certainly, here you go. Would you be able to point me in the right direction?”

  “Down that hall, make a left, and take the elevator down to the very last floor. It will open directly into the records room. You will have four hours before someone will check on you. No originals are allowed to leave the room, but copies may be made if you can’t find it in the electronic files. Please keep in mind that everything is coded according to date so if you use the originals, it would be very helpful if you put things back the way you found them.”

  “Thank you for your assistance,” I nodded.

  I didn’t particularly enjoy libraries, although I loved to read. Rarely were books printed as they were meant to, leaving them lacking. The copies my mother acquired were as close to the originals as one could get. Those were real literature, not the shabby imitations donning many modern library shelves.

  The elevator opened to a dank room, heavy with cobwebs and dust. I made my way to the electronic files. I knew a rough date of when the murder occurred and the family name, but I didn’t know much else. I ran the key card through the computer and it powered on to the library’s search engine.

  I input the dates and Lia’s last name and silently prayed it would be that easy. When the search contained no results it confused me. Surely something so heinous would have been reported by one of the newspapers. I deleted the name and searched the dates. It popped up tons of results and I exhaled roughly.

  About two hundred articles in, I came to one that discussed a local parade featuring war heroes including what I gathered to be Lia’s grandfather’s name; Emerson Klein. It showed a family picture and my heart sank as I read the names.

  Emerson Klein and wife Libby; their daughter Rebekka with husband Skyler Fischer and daughter Adalia, age 8

  The whole family looked so happy, bringing back fond memories of my own. They died long ago, with the exception of my vampire brother, that it was barely a memory. Anything I knew prior to being turned was very vague and hard to piece together. Lia’s sadness was no stranger to me.

  Her grandparents must have been maternal, but why didn’t she have her father’s name? I searched again, including the name Fischer, and numerous articles appeared. A few were from before the murders, her parents’ wedding announcement, and many, many articles following their deaths. It was as if a plague struck and nothing was more important. Many of the articles accounted their deaths to vicious burglars, some from a wild animal, and a surprising amount actually blamed Lia.

  The horrifying things stated about her made my blood boil. How could a girl so young be capable of something so cruel? The articles never stated her full name, but few vied for her innocence. For people to actually believe she’d killed them was appalling. I printed the articles, including the picture of her family, and searched again just for Lia.

  Countless pieces appeared about everything from winning spelling bees and talent shows to being admitted to the mental health facility for delusions and violent behavior. The last article showed another picture of Lia, when she was 14, leaving the facility with her grandparents. The unmistakable look of desperation and agony in her eyes made me long to hold her. Tons of people flocked around the gates, trying to catch a glimpse. I shuddered.

  I couldn’t bear to read anymore. A feeling too intense for words struck me. For so long I’d been incapable of truly caring about anything, but I found myself wanting to protect her. I almost felt human again, and with it came the human desires. I couldn’t cross that line with her. Did I want to cross the line? No, her life was too important to ruin.

  I grabbed all of the articles, retrieved my ID, and headed home. I hoped Lia would be awake. I needed to see her. I raced from s
tate to state, mulling over everything I’d found. She couldn’t find out about my snooping. I would have to tell her at some point, but only when I knew she would understand.

  I raced into the cabin and placed my papers in the safe. I showered quickly, dressed in running clothes, and sprinted off toward her house. As I neared, the sound of her rapid heart shook me, causing my fangs to descend. I hadn’t hunted it nearly two days, clearly it was time.

  I changed course and found a homeless woman restlessly protecting her territory. I fell behind her silently, covering her mouth, and found her pulsing jugular. The venom dripped heavily in my mouth, all too willing for fresh blood. I drank greedily and placed the woman down on her makeshift bed. I left her some money and headed back to Lia.

  Again I listened and smiled when I heard her singing. It sounded almost like she was dancing. Fighting the urge to appear at her window, I resigned to calling instead, hoping she wouldn’t make me wait long.

  Lia

  The exercise was invigorating. Since I couldn’t go outside, the best way to occupy my time was good old fashioned aerobics. I was nearly done with my set when the phone rang. I pulled my headphones off and looked at the time. Who the hell would be calling at midnight? When his name flashed on the caller ID I almost fell over. I didn’t think he’d actually call back. I was glad to be wrong.

  “Hello?” I asked tentatively.

  “Good evening. How was your day?”

  “Boring. I laid around reading and engorging myself on junk food; nothing too important. How was yours?”

  “Educational. You sound out of breath are you alright?”

  “Oh, yeah. I decided to work off the beer and chips I ate this afternoon,” I laughed nervously.

  He chuckled, “Well then, if you’re about done, I’m waiting outside to take a walk with you. Or if you would like for me to come up we can exercise together?” he teased.

  “Um, wait you’re here? Like, right now?” I ran to the window.