Legacy of Secrets 01-Cursed Secrets (19 page)

“What happens then?” I asked both fascinated and horrified.

“They will be neither human nor vampire. The sun would be more potent, forcing them to only move about at night. They will be repulsed by any human food aside from raw meat. Lastly, they most likely will die from starvation. They never grow fangs to actually feed and the meat will only take the edge off. Ultimately they become crazed and will either be killed or murder hundreds for the blood.”

“But wouldn’t they change from drinking human blood?”

“No. If they do not receive the blood supplement from their maker, the human blood does nothing but fill their stomachs. The maker’s blood flushes out the old human blood, then the new human blood replaces it.”

“So what happens to the people vampires feed from? Do they turn as well?”

“No, the person must be almost completely drained of their own blood before the maker transfers blood to them. If they are not drained, it will do nothing but speed up the human’s healing process.”

“I see,” I chewed on my lip as I thought, “So what happens when a shifter is changed? Do they have to be drained as well?”

“One would think so, but it’s not possible because of the impeccable regeneration a shifter has. It’s virtually impossible to drain any self healing being of blood. That’s also why the ones who created the hybrids kept the transformation at bay with silver. It weakened the were and kept him teetering on the fine line of shifting.”
             

“I don’t have any reaction to silver. Is that because I’ve not changed yet?”

“Probably. It is something we may never know. We still haven’t decided if shifting is a good idea. It may be worse for you. We will have to take it one step at a time.”

“Right. So what are the most important things I need to learn? I want to focus on the main objectives as quickly as possible. I don’t want to drag this thing out,” I glanced at the door, hoping Christian wouldn’t run into Josiah again.

“We placed the protections last night. So long as he doesn’t stray too far he’ll be safe.”

I smiled, “So you assume you knew what I was thinking?”

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what’s going on between you two. I just want to ask you something, I hope you don’t take offense?” I nodded, “Would you be able to put all of this aside while we train? Whatever tension exists between you and Christian cannot interfere with what we’re trying to do. I know it’s none of my business, but if I’m to help I need to make sure we can be on the same page.”

“I’ll do whatever’s necessary. He said he would stay out of sight, let’s just hope he does. I meant it when I said that I wouldn’t stop until this was done,” I stated with much more conviction than I felt. When Christian was around my heart beat faster and my mind grew fuzzy, but I don’t know what I would do if he was killed because of me.

“Good. I hope we can be friends, Lia. I truly do want to help you. Would that be something you could live with?” his eyebrows furrowed. The door banged open and I stood slowly, crossing the room to where he sat.

“I’m great at making new friends. We should have fun together,” I whispered, kissing him on the cheek. A flicker of electricity tickled the back of my neck as Christian entered the room. Using Austin wasn’t exactly my plan, but he didn’t seem to mind.

Christian cleared his throat loudly. I gave him the evilest smile I could muster, retrieved my wine, and sauntered back up the stairs to my room. I was quite proud of myself for keeping my reaction to him in check, but being alone let the feelings flutter back stronger than ever.

Christian

“What the hell was that?” I asked incredulously.

“What?” Austin’s face was bright red.

“I didn’t think things would move that quickly,” I remarked, narrowing my eyes.

“You’re paranoid. She’s trying to make you jealous. It looks to me like it’s working. Get a grip, man,” Austin shook his head.

“Why would she do that?”

“Because she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of your mouth; not to mention she’s incredibly sexy and knows how to pull it off,” I socked him in the arm, “Ow! What the hell?”

“Don’t disrespect her. She’s clinging to lost hope regardless. Just do me a favor…”

“Aren’t I already by being here?” he remarked.

“This pertains to Lia, not me. If she expresses in interest in you, take it slow. She’s been through a lot with some less than impressive characters. I wouldn’t want to have to kill you if something happened,” I smirked.

“Why would you even say that?”

“I can’t be with her, but she still deserves to be happy. Just remember she’s still human, at least mostly. I just wouldn’t want to stand in her way of happiness if she happens to find it in you,” I sighed heavily and crossed my arms.

“You realize you’re completely insane, right? She wants nothing to do with me. I just hope that you realize your wrongs before it’s too late to right them.”

“We’ll see, brother,” I downed a bottle of elixir and reached for my father’s liquor again.

Lia

I dressed in my track clothes and waited for Austin by the door. Christian marked a trail for me, but insisted that Austin go. He said it would give us more time to bond. In other words, he was still avoiding me and I was stuck with someone who probably couldn’t keep up. As I warmed up with stretches, Austin rounded the corner and I had to stop my jaw from hitting the floor.

He definitely looked different in training clothes from the baggy ones he normally wore. Granted he’d come to my room in only boxers, but it was too dark to see him clearly. The definition in his chest and abs was accentuated by his tank top, but it was his back and arms that caught me. He wasn’t quite as tanned as Christian, and his skin looked softer. His ocean blue eyes questioned mine as I looked him over in his beater and basketball shorts. His curly, sandy blond hair nearly came to his ears and bounced slightly as he shifted under my gaze. He cleared his throat.

“Well then, are you ready?” he smiled menacingly.

“Yeah,” I said quickly and trotted outside. The sun was just setting and I had to admire the colors cast over the sky. Nature was something that deserved appreciation.

“What is it with you and the outdoors?” he asked, catching up.

“I don’t know exactly. When I’m out here things seem so much simpler. I’m not confined. When I run, everything just pours out of me. It’s been that way as long as I can remember. Do you run often?” I asked, looking him over again. He seemed in shape, but not the cross-country type.

“Not often, but I’ll keep up. Lead the way,” he gestured with a grin.

I took off at a steady pace, concentrating on the ground. The trails weren’t familiar to me, so I didn’t bring my music. I made sure to listen to Austin’s footfalls so I didn’t get too far ahead. I was surprised by his agility. The trail, I guessed, would be about a two mile loop similar to the one I normally ran. I already felt much better and picked up the pace. Austin seemed to enjoy the speed and we easily fell into step beside one another. I was glad he didn’t attempt to talk; I probably would have ignored him anyway.

We passed the one mile marker and I slowed to a jog. He sipped water gingerly from his canteen and passed it to me. I nodded in thanks and checked the time. Surprisingly, we’d ran the mile in less than six minutes; possibly my best time.

“What do you say we try for better timing in this last lap? We ran the last in about five minutes, forty five seconds,” I smiled at him.

“You want to go for four?” He challenged. I laughed and bolted at full speed through the winding trees, kicking up dirt.

He chuckled when he matched my pace, throwing his arms up in a mock shrug. We jumped over logs, dodged semi-fallen branches, disturbed unknown critters until finally we saw the lining of the dock. My legs pushed me forward, faster ever before, and I reached the dock with a squeal of delight. My muscles twitched from the exertion, but I welcomed the pain. Austin materialized a moment later laughing.

“That was fantastic! So much better than running on pavement,” I stretched.

“I’ve never seen a human run that fast. Aren’t you tired?”

“No, not at all. In fact I feel better than ever, like I’m energized. Want to go for a swim? I wouldn’t mind cooling off,” I took a sip from the canteen.

“In a minute, I think my heart stopped,” he laughed again.

“I’m sorry, I should have taken it easier on you. I usually run alone or with…” I stopped myself. I didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“Ah, well I will just have to condition better. You can hop in, I’ll follow in a moment,” he sat down heavily and I giggled.

The water was heavenly on my sweaty skin. I floated for a while, soaking up the crisp night air. The day was remarkably successful, considering the circumstances. Part of my mind was worried I’d pushed Christian further away, but I couldn’t give in. While Austin was fairly attractive, he would never be Christian. Austin just seemed younger, although I knew he wasn’t. I heard a splash near me and smiled.

“Did you finally decide to join me?”

“I debated. You seemed so peaceful I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Nonsense, I’m just enjoying the water. If it were warmer it’d be better, but I still like it. Did you enjoy the run?” I waded near him.

“It is definitely not one of my strongest suits, but I didn’t hate it. I suppose when you know where you’re going it’s easier. I was surprised by how low your energy was. It will do us well to train out here,” he swam in small circles while we talked.

“What are we working on first? I didn’t give you the chance to answer that question earlier. Actually, I’m sorry for that whole mess. I know it must be awkward for you. I won’t put you in the middle like that next time,” I smiled sheepishly and he chuckled.

“Don’t worry about me, I can handle tense situations. Not to mention if you’re going to be kissing me every time, I think I get the better end of the deal,” he laughed and I splashed him.

“Ok, ha-ha, now seriously what are we going to be doing?”

“Well the most important is teaching you how to keep your mind clear. So I think we’ll work on centering and meditation. In some ways they’re the same, but meditation usually takes longer to accomplish. That is something you can practice on your own. Centering is fairly simple and you shouldn’t have a problem getting it down.”

“What else?”

“That depends on you. We have to simulate environments that create strong emotional reactions to determine what you’re capable of. I have to warn you that once this begins the chatter between us will be less friendly. I need to know things about you and how you are able to manipulate energy and emotions.”

“So in other words you’re going to piss me off and make me upset as experimentation and not to take it personal?” I smirked.

“Exactly, but you need to let yourself go during the episodes. Don’t try to stop things from happening or hold anything back. The best way for this to work is for you to embrace it.”

“I’m not sure I can do that,” I swam toward the dock.

“Lia, there isn’t really a choice here. That’s the only way I can help you. What are you afraid of?” he followed, helping me up and into my towel.

“Hurting someone or myself. I am petrified of what might happen. Is there something you can do to help?” I shivered.

“Let’s go inside and we can try a few things. We need you to be healthy,” he picked me up,
again
, and walked to the door.

“I don’t get sick. And I’m not handicapped, you know. I
can
walk. What is it with you guys?” I shook my head and walked inside. Christian was nowhere to be found.

“I’ll meet you in your room after I change and get a few things. My advice is to wear something comfortable. No Victoria’s Secret tonight, eh?” he winked and my face flushed.

I showered quickly and dressed in sweatpants and a tank top. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and straightened up the room. I was amazed how at home I was in such a short time. Nana would have scolded me for being such a slob. I sighed. I missed Nana and Pops. I missed smelling her delicious dinner, Pops reading the paper at the kitchen table, but most of all I missed being in my own room. It felt like a long time ago.

A timid knock brought me back to reality and I took my time. Opening the door slowly, I was surprised to see Christian. He looked relaxed, but I could tell by the way his jaw flexed that something bothered him. He stood there, staring a hole through me for a while.

“Did you need something?” I shifted uncomfortably. I tried not to look away from his face.

“No. Well, not exactly. I just wanted to know if you wanted me to take you to your house tomorrow to get more of your things. Since you’re grandparents have seen me before it might be better than Austin going,” he leaned against the jamb, sweeping his eyes over my face. My heart fluttered.

“That would be fine. What’s my story?” I leaned into the door heavily, hoping it wouldn’t give way.

“What would you like it to be?” he asked with a seductive smile. I licked my lips and felt the desire crash into me.

“Um, can we talk about this later? I…I don’t think,” I couldn’t find the words. He could feel everything I felt and embarrassment flooded my cheeks.