Echoes in Eternity (The Pella Series Book 1) (23 page)

"Charter, tonight!" I mouth.

"Already arranged, sir," he mouths, nodding solemnly. Pointing to his smart phone, indicating he texted me about it. The burn marks he sustained earlier on his face have almost healed themselves.

I have to get Elissa away from the vicinity of the
Fallen
and the bounty hunters. 

"Come," I tug.

"Where to?"

"Away from here."

"It's a starless night," she notices when we're outside. I nod. Who needs the stars? I found my sun...

“Have you ever flown in a helicopter?” I ask once we’re in the front yard. I notice the unmarked police car
is gone. There’s nothing other than my helicopter, and all seems quiet.

“No, I haven’t. Are we flying in your helicopter all the way to Arizona?” she asks hopeful.

“Only to the airport. We have a chartered plane,” I reply.

“Ellie?” a male voice calls. She turns slowly.

“You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?” asks Gabriel. Elissa looks at him hard, without an answer.

“I’m going to try the life you say doesn’t belong to me, Uncle Gabe,” she replies.
 

“I’m only trying to protect you. I have to protect your life whether you want to be protected or not. I will always look out for you, always watch over you.”

“I’m 21 years old, uncle!” she replies. “I can do that myself.”

“And I’ve existed for eons Ellie, long before there was a thing called ‘time’ which would make even Stella middle age
d,” he says joking in an attempt to soften his words. “Your father is my brother. I made an oath to protect you. I’m bound to protect you!” he utters fervently.

“All I want to know is that you love me, uncle. Otherwise, duty, oath, protection mean little else.”

“I do love you Ellie. I wanted to do everything your dad wished he could do. Giving you a sense of normalcy. Don’t...” he says stopping, “...Don’t dismiss me. I’m the closest thing you have to a father,” he says with agony in his gaze. Gabriel, the Angel of Eden extends his arms to Elissa who accepts and holds him.

“We’ll know when you need us, and we’re watching you...” he whispers.
 “And, Alex is capable of taking care of you, as well,” he says, and she silently nods.

“I love you uncle. Take care of Stella,” she says leaving his embrace. I hold her hand, and head to the Sikorsky X2.

I put her into my helicopter and secure the harness over her tightly. I clear the take-off with the tower and we’re on our way to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. It’s a very small, one story but  efficient airport which in a way works for me, because I get to avoid the hassles of larger airports with throngs of people running, flowing and rushing about constantly. Henry will collect and fly the helicopter to Marana with Anthony from the airport. I could fly it myself, but I want the time with Elissa. When we arrive at the airport, I check my text from Anthony. Then I unbuckle Elissa’s harness and take her hand and pull her behind me decidedly, walking with sure steps towards the plane Anthony chartered. The pilot meets us at the door.

“Mr. Pella!” he says shaking my hand firmly. “What an honor to meet you sir. We’ll be ready for take-off in about 30 minutes. Please, take your seats, and our flight attendant Marilyn will attend to your needs, sir, ma’am,” he says directing us into the cabin. The cabin is spacious
, decorated with very light subdued cream color all around; accented with mahogany on the table tops and the back cabin wall is in light lime green. It looks very serene. I pull Elissa close to me and walk to the wide sofa situated on the side as opposed to the luxurious chairs that accommodate one person each. I want physical contact with her. Marilyn, the flight attendant walks in.

“
 Wouldn't  you be more comfortable in the chairs, sir?” she asks. Marilyn is a woman in her early fifties, and she exudes professionalism.

“We’re quite comfortable here. Thank you,” I reply.

“May I get you anything to drink? I will be able to serve you food once we are airborne,” she says smiling.

I look at Elissa, expectantly.

“I haven’t had anything to eat. So nothing hard. Pepsi please, if you have it,” she asks politely.

“Bring the food menu for both of us, and I’d also like your wine menu, please” I say pointedly.

“Yes, sir,” she replies and leaves the cabin, bustling.

“How long is the flight?” Elissa asks shyly.

“About an hour and a half,” I reply.

“Are we going directly to Marana, or Tucson?” she asks.

“Neither, actually. I have a ten-thousand acres ranch with a private landing strip,” I reply cautiously trying to decipher the meaning of her perplexed face.

“Ten thousand acres?” she asks unable to hide her surprise.

“It’s not that big,” I shrug. “There used to be bigger ranches in the west. Now they’re a novelty, and it seems to be a thing of the past,” I reply unable to hide the longing in my voice. “People used to own millions of acres for cattle and horses,” I say shrugging. She nods in response, shyly lowering her eyes, and absently nibbling on the side of her index finger’s nail delicately, like she used to when she mulled over something in her head.

“Alex?” she asks, and my name on her lips is a litany; I close my eyes, indulging the feeling of being whole again. I look up at her.

“Did you know what I was when you met me? This morning I mean.”

“What you are is of little consequence.
 
Who
 you are is what matters to me.” My answer surprises her.

“Is it true that you are kind of like me?” she asks looking into my eyes innocently. Marilyn brings in Elissa’s Pepsi, and hands us the menus. “We’ll let you know what we want after we’re airborne,” I say dismissing her. She smiles and walks away.

Then I turn to Elissa and answer her.

 
“Yes, I am,” I say barely concealing my anxiety.

“So...” she says clearing her throat. “You, uhm... You are drawn to me, because we’re the same kind?” she asks looking at me under her long lashes, blushing. I try to hide my smile unsuccessfully, and she hides her face with her hands, embarrassed. I reach out and pull her to my lap.

“Ellie...” I whisper into her ear with desire. “I repeat... What I like about you isn't what you are...although it’s a draw for anyone of our kind and humans. Who you are is what I love about you. It’s you! I like Ellie Duncan...” I whisper.

“But if there’s only a few of us...” she starts.

“There are others of our kind. Many others... But, I’m not attracted to any of them. Humans aren't attracted to other humans simply because they’re the same species. Why should that be different for our kind? It’s just you... From the second I laid eyes on you,” I say tilting her chin up, making her look at me. I hear, rather than see her breath catch.

“Just...” I say kissing the corner of her full lips. “You...” I murmur taking the full possession of her mouth. She places her hands on my chest. Her right hand slowly snakes around my neck reaching up my hair as the other one moves around my torso. She shifts on my lap, s
traddling me, her long legs hanging on the sides, and her lips give into me, her eyes rolling back in ecstasy.

“Eyes...open,” I murmur a command into her mouth. I want to see her pleasure reflected in her gaze. She moans into my mouth as our lips mold into each other, perfectly fitting, caressing. My tongue seeks entrance into her mouth, and after a slow while she grants access to it, letting me explore, make love to her in her mouth. Our tongues stroke each other sensually. Her tongue makes its way into my mouth slowly, hesitantly. I welcome it, gently stroking it with mine, sucking it, and she groans loudly into my mouth.

“This is your captain speaking...” sounds a disembodied voice from the intercom system. “We are ready for taxiing and take off. The ‘fasten your seat belt’ sign is turned on...” the captain announces. I smile into Elissa’s mouth, and slowly and reluctantly pull back from her. Taking her to the side by side pale cream color leather chairs. As I seat her in one of them, I feel bereft without our connection.

“Let’s buckle you up,” I murmur. “You still need to be secured in place during travels,” I remind her.

“And you don’t?” she asks curiously. I just smile in response, and buckle her up, and sitting in the chair next to hers I buckle myself to put her mind at ease.

After the jet starts taxiing, she clutches her seat, fearing the take-off. I take her hand into mine, squeezing it softly and rub circles
on the back of her hand with my thumb. I can feel the tension leave her body quickly, but she firmly holds onto my hand. Once we’re airborne, Marilyn comes to take our order. I order hummus, tapenade and flatbread for an appetizer, and a seafood platter. For dinner I order tarragon salmon, and a Greek salad and Sancerre to drink for both of us.

“May I have spinach salad instead of Greek salad? And can I also have the tenderloin?” she asks looking at me, making me smile. She’s the same. She always had her own likes and dislikes. This simple alteration to her menu gives me a feeling of finally being at home, and I feel completely elated.
Herb-laden aroma of the meals tantalizes our nostrils. I see Elissa’s head come up sharply, and then she closes her eyes as if she’s at the edge of orgasm, taking in the scent. A smile creeps over her lips in anticipation. When Marilyn brings the food, Elissa slowly opens her heavy lidded eyes and gives the flight attendant a slight nod. Once the food is served to both of us, she starts eating with relish, enjoyment, and savoring her dishes; I just hope she devours me with the same gusto once we’re on land. I’d take her here, but we don’t have enough time. When I get to have her for the first time in centuries, I don’t want to stop after just being together within the first hour.

“Have you eaten today?” I ask. She cuts a piece of her steak and puts it into her mouth.
I am currently fixated and watching the movement of her mouth; how sexy are her lips as she chews. She takes a sip of her drink, then she runs her tongue over her lips to wipe away the residual wetness. What makes the movement incredibly sensuous is that it is unconsciously done.

“No, I
 didn't have time all day. I just had tea this morning,” she replies with a shy smile. No wonder she’s starved. By the time our meal is over, the pilot announces that we are about to land. Elissa gets nervous immediately. I hide my smile and hold her hand once again, caressing it. I like the fact that I can calm her down. The jet lands smoothly on my ranch’s runway. When the aircraft comes to a complete stop, I take Elissa’s hand, and walk her towards the exit. The captain and the rest of the flight crew are waiting to see us off. We shake their hands as we exit. When we walk out of the jet, the dry and warm licks of desert air greets us. I feel Elissa shudder beside me. She turns to look at me, and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze and walk her down the stairs.

Desertwalker and Turk are waiting at the end of the runway in one of the SUVs flown over. When we get down to the paved runway, Turk runs out and opens the door for us.

“Welcome Mr. Pella. It’s great to see you, sir,” he says and shyly nods at Elissa.

“Welcome to Arizona, ma’am,” he says tipping the crown of his wide brim hat, his voice anxious. I toss a warning glance at him. I know they’re solicitous, impatient, and raring to see her again after all this time, but Elissa has to remember everything on her own. I can’t let anyone try to jolt her memories, our past into her
, not that they could do it with wards Marcus erected, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t make the attempt. It would seriously damage or even kill her; it’s a chance I’m not willing to take. His nod is imperceptible, but he gets the point. It’s relatively warm outside even though it’s late at night. I usher her into the cool comfort of the air conditioned SUV.

“Is your ranch far from here?” she asks.

“We’re on the ranch right now. The house however is a few minutes’ drive from here,” I reply giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. The look she gives me is one of trusting, passionate, and desirous. I continue to hold her hand in the SUV, and in a bold move, she places her head on my shoulder. The windows of the SUV are heavily tinted. It looks even darker outside. Elissa is flushed and hot. I can feel her heart fluttering. She lifts her index finger to her lips and absently nips the corner of her nail which is so fucking sexy. I feel hard already, I can barely hold my desire in check before we get to the house. I slowly take her finger away from her lips, and place it on my lips. I kiss the pad of her finger then slightly nip it, and feel her breath hitch. I soothe the sting of the bite by sucking the tip of her finger, reminding her of what's to come. I feel her press her thighs together to suppress her rising desire. I kiss her finger again, and wrap her hand into mine.

“Are you alright?” I whisper into her ear in a very sensual, arousing tone. She lifts her gaze to look at me.

“Yes,” she whispers in a breathy tone. Her mouth is less than two inches away from mine. I feel my lip curving in a lopsided smile. I close my eyes, inhaling her scent and feel her breath close to my lips. Without opening my eyes, I merge my lips with hers. When I open my eyes, I feel hungry for her, desire sweeps through my body. I vaguely notice that Desertwalker and Turk discreetly keep their eyes fixed on the road. All too soon we’re at the ranch house. Turk runs out and opens the door. I step out of the SUV, and pull Elissa to my side. She lifts her head up to take in the house in all its subdued grandeur.