Forbidden Mate: Awakening

“No.. I mean, not.. I… ”

“Sarah, who attacked both of you that day?”

Sarah was confused.

“It was Ethan.” I finally said. “Her description of the vampire fitted Ethan.”

“Ethan? But who’s that?” Sarah looked at me.

“The vampire that was captured and tortured by dad that time.”

“Oh, but how do you know his name?”

“I, just know it.”

“But why would he want to hurt Theo and I?”

“That’s what we have to find out.”

I looked at Adrian and saw he was deep in thought. I held his arm and he looked at me, “Anything?”

“I can’t believe he would do something like this,” he admitted.

Just then, Theo’s convulsions worsened, and we rushed to his side, trying to calm him down. Sarah’s eyes were filled with tears as she held his hand, whispering soothing words. “Hang on, Theo. We’ll get you through this,” she said softly.

As the minutes drew longer, we continued to keep watch over Theo, praying for his recovery.

“Can’t you do something to stop this?” Sarah said pointing at Theo who was still convulsing.

He looked at Theo, and approached him. With one move to his neck, Theo immediately went still. Sarah and I marvelled at Adrian.

I asked him, “What was that?”

“Something I know.”

Sarah went to hug Theo who was slowly breathing now and halfly awake. “Why didn’t you do that all along?!” Tears had filled her eyes and cheeks.

“I wasn’t sure it would work. He’ll be fine. Just let him rest.”

Sarah looked torn. Adrian held my hand and led me out. I said to Sarah before leaving, “We’ll be back. Take care.”

•••••••••••

The moon hung high in the night sky, creating a silvery glow over the quiet garden. I had been tossing and turning in my bed, unable to find sleep amidst the whirlwind of thoughts that plagued my mind. The events of the past few days had taken a toll on me, and I longed for a moment of peace.

Just as I closed my eyes, hoping to drift into sleep, a soft voice called out from outside. “Lily, are you awake?” It was Adrian.

A little bit annoyed and also thankful for his intrusion, I got out of bed and made my way to the window, peering outside to see him standing under the moonlight. He looked as troubled as I felt, his dark hair tousled by the gentle breeze.

I quietly slipped out of my room, tiptoeing down the stairs and into the garden to join him. “What’s going on, Adrian?” I asked in a whisper.

He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine. “I couldn’t sleep,” he confessed. “There’s so much on my mind, and I needed to talk to you.”

I nodded, understanding his feelings all too well. “Me too,” I replied softly. “It’s been overwhelming, all that’s been going on.”

Adrian stepped closer and his hand reached out to gently touch mine. “I know, Lily. I’m really sorry about your mom.”

That hit home and I could already feel tears rushing. I sniffed them back and wiped my eyes, “It’s all happening so fast… it’s fucking overwhelming. I just want everything to be over. I just want everything to be normal again.”

“It will.” He said and slipped his hand around my waist. “It will. We’re in this together, okay?” he said, a reassuring smile gracing his lips.

I couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. “Yeah,” I replied, feeling the warmth of his touch. “I don’t know how I could handle everything if you weren’t here beside me, Adrian.”

“Don’t say that. I’ll always be here beside you.” He planted a kiss on my head and I closed my eyes to relish it. “Come on.”

He led me to a quiet spot in the garden, away from any prying eyes and the noise of some warriors training on the field. The soft fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, and the gentle rustling of leaves added a soothing background music to our conversation.

As we sat down, Adrian took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts. “I was thinking about what happened with Theo… and Ethan,” he began and I could already sense the brewing anger and sadness in his voice. “I really thought I understood him but I guess I didn’t.”

I held his arm, “How do you know him, Adrian? Was he just a friend to you?” I knew it was always hard for him to talk about his past but there was no escaping it now when it had come to haunt him and hurt the people he cared for.

“He wasn’t just a friend. He was like a brother to me.” His voice was raw with emotions, “We had the same plans, the same goals…but he’s always wanted to be in the rights with Leo. He once told me he tried so hard to get the favour of Leo because Leo always treated me best out of all the others but that was a total lie. Ethan had always been selfish but I didn’t understand why. I never really, truly understood him.”

“Do you still think he’s on Leo’s side now?”

“If he still is, then he’s a big fool. But I doubt it. Ethan’s just too selfish. He revels being called a lone wolf but he still likes being part of a community. If he was sent to attack Sarah and Theo then maybe I can piece two things together.”

“I did see a piece of paper on Sarah’s belt telling me to go meet Leo. That was before you came back. They wanted the journal but I led them somewhere else. I believe Ethan put the note there.”

“You always do risky things, Lily. It’s really sexy but please don’t try facing those monsters on your own again. Please.”

I gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’m fine on my own but I’m better with you by my side. I won’t do that again if that’s what you want,” I said, trying to offer comfort.

He squeezed my hand back, “And you said something about Ethan putting that letter there…well, I can’t say he’s being Leo’s puppet but I know how much he’s wanted to gain the favour of Leo. Never sure if it was for his own selfish needs or because he really wanted to but from what I know of him, the former may be the case.”

“So you’re saying Ethan may actually be disguising as one of Leo’s henchmen for his own gain?”

“Probably.”

“Does he have any reason to want to get back at Leo?”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“Almost every vampire in that coven has reasons to want to kill Leo but he’s just a master manipulator. As for Ethan, I know Leo humiliated and killed his father in front of everyone – Reason? Not sure. But I was young and I don’t remember the details except from the incident.”

“Now things are making sense…” I said to myself. If Ethan had a reason to want revenge against Leo, then he could work with us to-

As if sensing my thoughts, Adrian turned me to him, “Don’t even.”

“What?”

“Don’t think about that.”

I giggled, “How would you know what I’m thinking?”

He pulled me closer to him, “Because we’re two in one, remember?”

He scented of roses and I was already getting horny as hell being that close to him.