First (A Crescent Chronicles Novella) (8 page)

“No tricks, hon.” I pulled out my phone and texted Owen. It was still early, but I hoped they’d made it downtown already. The plan was to meet them on my own if things didn’t go anywhere with Allie and to bring her if they did. The part of the plan they didn’t know yet was that I wasn’t waiting.

You there yet?

Yeah. Hailey tagged along too. Is it just you?

No. We’re both coming.

Cool.

I’m doing it.
There, I’d said it.

You’re crazy.

Don’t act surprised.

I pocketed my phone. “We’re meeting everyone over at Club 360.”

“What’s that?”

“The lounge on the top of the World Trade Center down by the river.”

“Okay, is it a cool view?”

“Yeah, it’s got a good view.” I laughed again. She had no idea how good of a view she was about to see.

“You promise you aren’t luring me into some trap?”

“A trap? No. Let’s just call it a new experience.” The first wave of nerves hit me. Was I really doing this? Was I really taking the chance? Yes. There was no backing down.

We walked in a comfortable silence, and I held open the door when we arrived. There was a short wait for an elevator, but it was empty when we stepped in. I watched her, trying to hide my nerves.

The elevator doors opened on the top floor, dumping us out right at the club. I led her through the crowd, noticing that she kept checking out her outfit.

“Don’t worry, we won’t be here long.” Not that she had to care about being underdressed.

“Why are we here at all then?”

“Do you ever stop asking questions?” To handle my nerves, I decided to give her a hard time. That usually worked for both of us.

“I only ask this many questions when I fear for my well-being.”

“I assure you that you are in good hands.” I put an arm around her waist, needing her close to me. Her touch reminded me of how important this was. I needed her to know what I really was. She had to accept I wasn’t human, and hopefully she’d like the perks that came with it. I had more to offer her than she could imagine. I spotted my friends. “I see them.”

The three of them were seated at a small window table. Only Jared had a drink. Owen and Hailey were looking around the room nervously.

“Allie! I’m so glad you came!” Hailey jumped out of her seat and hugged her. Allie beamed. It seems that the girl crush went both ways.

Allie smoothed out her tank top, bringing my attention to her stomach. I was sure it was toned and smooth. Picturing her skin helped relax me. “Yeah, I needed a night out.”

“Where’s your friend?” Jared asked casually.

“My friend? You mean Jess? She’s back in New York, thanks to you.”

I was right. It was about Jared.

Jared gave me a confused look. “She left? What does that have to do with me?”

“Nothing. Forget I said anything.” Allie slipped into the empty seat next to Hailey.

“Okay...” Jared shrugged.

She gazed out the window, and once again, I wanted to know what she was thinking. Was she still upset about Jess? Was she just enjoying the view? The only view I cared about was her.

My friends watched me carefully. They were trying to see if I was going to chicken out. I still could. I could just ask Allie to dance and then take her home. Theoretically, I could just do it another night, but I wasn’t a quitter. Just like I wasn’t giving up on getting her, I wasn’t backing down on my plans. Hailey asked me the silent question, and I nodded.

“All right, are you guys ready to go?” Hailey asked.

Allie turned away from the window. “What, already? I haven’t even had a chance to enjoy the view.”

I leaned over close to her. “You think this is a good view? Oh, just you wait.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You sure about this, Levi? You know there is no turning back, right?” Owen looked at me, trying to avoid catching Allie’s eye.

“Absolutely.” I smiled.

Jared pushed out his chair. “Well, then, let’s get going. It’s supposed to rain later tonight.”

“Why does the rain matter?” Allie’s face appeared to be a mix of nerves and excitement. I really hoped the excitement won over.

“Are you ready to find out just how far the rabbit hole goes, sweetheart?” I reached out a hand to her. She needed to come with me willingly.

“Rabbit hole?” She seemed to hesitate. “Umm, sure?”
 

She put her hand in my mine. I led her through the crowd, and past the elevators. Jared took the lead, and we walked into the stairwell. She turned to look at me once more before starting up the stairs.

We were about halfway up when she finally questioned our destination. “Okay, why are we going to the roof?”

She was frightened, and I wanted to fix everything for her. The problem was I couldn’t give her any easy answers. “No more questions.” I tried to calm both of us.
 

“But—”

I gently pressed the palm of my hand into her back, hoping it had an effect on her. Touching her in anyway set me simultaneously on fire and put me at ease. “No more questions.”

“It’s all right. We’re not taking you up there to kill you.” Hailey laughed. Great. Because that didn’t sound creepy.

Allie let out a deep breath. “Fine.”

We walked up the remaining stairs and into the muggy night. The lights of the city reflected off the water. This was it. No turning back. I used her moment of distraction to pull off my shirt. My friends did the same. Hailey pulled off her sweater so she was just in a tank top.

I moved behind Allie and wrapped my arms around her waist.

She struggled against me so I loosened my hold. I let out a slow deep breath.

“What the hell…” she trailed off as she backed away from me. Her eyes widened.

I tried to keep my voice as soothing as possible. “Now don’t freak out. I promised you I wouldn’t hurt you, and I always keep my promises.”

“Are you guys in a cult or something? Because if you are, I’m really not interested. I won’t tell anyone anything, but if you don’t mind, I’m leaving.” She crossed her arms protectively.

“Chill out!” Jared yelled as his eyes changed to black. He was already transforming. He was the one who needed to stay calm.

I glared at him. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

He nodded, understanding the warning in my command. His eyes slowly returned to normal.
 

Hailey took a few steps toward Allie. I let her. Maybe a female would put her more at ease. “We’re not a cult. It’s more like a very special society.” That was probably a good way to put it.

“A special society?” Allie’s thoughts were clear on her face. She thought we were high or psychotic.

“Maybe it would be better if we just showed her.” Owen smiled at her, and I appreciated him trying to help even though I knew he didn’t support my decision. “You were sure you wanted this Levi, so there is no turning back.”

He walked over to the edge of the building and raised a hand in a small wave before taking a backwards step and disappearing from sight.

“Oh my god! What the hell? Did he just kill himself?” Allie started shaking and crying. I wanted to reach out for her, but I wanted to let everyone go first.
 
 

“Owen’s fine,” Hailey said before jumping off with Jared right behind her.

Allie closed her eyes. I moved behind her again and wrapped her up in my arms. Her warm body fit perfectly against my bare chest.

“You said you wanted an adventure.” I tightened my hold.

I let myself transform, reveling in the familiar feel of my large black wings extending from my back. I felt a wave of strength roll over me as I prepared to jump. I’d never flown with someone in my arms before, and Allie wasn’t just anyone. She was everyone.

I stepped off.

I could tell she still had her eyes closed. Her body was so tense. She needed to see that everything was going to be okay. “Open your eyes,” I whispered.

She let out the tiniest start of a scream before going silent. I continued our decent and then leveled us out just above the water. Part one was over. If she accepted me, wings and all, I may have found my mate. If she didn’t, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. In the deepest part of my heart and soul, I knew there was no one else for me.

Follow Allie and Levi’s story in the Crescent Chronicles. All three books are available now! The Pteron story then continues in the Empire Chronicles. Keep reading for a preview of Flight (the crescent chronicles #1) and Soar (the empire chronicles #1).

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Flight

the

crescent chronicles

Alyssa Rose Ivy

Preface

Closing my eyes, I tried to block it all out. Convinced I was about to die, I was only partly aware of his arms around me.

“You said you wanted an adventure,” he said quietly, teasingly, as he tightened his hold.

My stomach dropped out as an intense and complete feeling of weightlessness engulfed me. The wind stung my face as memories flooded my mind. I thought of my parents, of all the things I wanted to tell them but never did, my friends from home, and the experiences I longed for. Quickly my thoughts changed to more recent memories, to Levi.

“Open your eyes,” he whispered, somehow knowing my eyes were clenched shut.

Against my better judgment, I listened. The scream died in my throat as we hurtled toward the water that had seemed so beautiful from the roof above.