SWNOVELS Chapter Chapter Seven
Ducking into the next shop, I paused long enough to grab something off the rack and quickly went into the changing room. After I closed the door, I leaned against it, trying to calm down. Without even looking at what I’d taken, I hung it up and closed my eyes. Maybe it was just paranoia, I thought, even though I didn’t believe it. Why did I think speaking to the Lou person meant no one would be following me now? Naïve wasn’t like me.
I pulled off my sunglasses and opened the door a crack and peered out. They were standing outside the store, waiting. I was definitely being followed. Now what?
I’d gone out early this morning, because it was the quietest time. To keep my resistance to emotions working well, I had to expose myself. Having learned that if I stayed in seclusion, emotions would smother me when I did go out again.
I sat on the bench, trying to think through my options. I hadn’t brought the little transporter thing, so that left an easy exit out of the question.
Someone knocked on the door. “Do you need help?”
I glanced at what I’d grabbed. “I’m trying to decide if a lighter color would suit me better.” It was the first excuse I could come up.
“I can bring you a few more options.” The saleswomen told me.
“That would be lovely, in a medium please, maybe large for the extra length?” I stared at the dress again, I could probably wear it.
“I’ll bring both, ma’am.”
“Lovely.” I had more pressing matters than a new dress. How was I getting out of here?
Pulling out my phone, I opened the contacts and was about to call Daxx, then remembered it was daytime. Logic predicted, if she was mate to the night king, she most likely slept when he did. That left the other king and the only other number in my contacts. I doubted the Chinese restaurant and my stockbroker would be of any help. Biting my lip, I tapped Chase’s name and hit dial. I suppose even having a king to call was something, even if I was uncomfortable.
“Duchess, this a surprise.”
“For us both.” I glanced at the door. “I seem to have a situation.”
The women knocked on the door. Opening it a crack, I smiled and took the two dresses she offered. I lifted a finger, hoping she was intelligent enough to see I was on the phone whilst supposedly trying on dresses. With her best sales clerk smile, she nodded and walked away.
“What sort of situation do you have?”
I heard a door close and wherever he had been, it was now quieter. “I believe I’m being followed. Actually, I’m quite positive I am.”
“Same stalker that gave you the card?”
I shook my head, then stopped realizing he couldn’t see me. “No, it’s not him. There’s two of them, and they’ve been there each time I’ve turned around. Now they are standing outside the shop I’m in.”
“Where are you? Are you safe at the moment?”
“Yes. I’m in a change room.” I glanced down to see I still held the two dresses the clerk brought and hung them up.
“Really? That’s interesting, I’ve never had a call from a change room before.”
I sat down. “I’m so happy to tick that off your new experience list. What do you suggest I do?”
“Well… I’d have to see what you’re trying on to help you decide…” He chuckled. “Just use your transporter.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed. “I would, if I hadn’t left it at home.”
Another door closed. “You know we gave that to you to carry with you in case you needed it, and it seems you do.”
“Yes, yes I know. I forgot it.” Something I would regret from this day on. “When I did my check before I left… wallet, yes, phone, yes… it seems I’m not used to remembering little transporter thing to another realm.”
He sighed, “don’t distract me with sass, I’m thinking.”
I stood up again, feeling very anxious. “Can’t you just pop here and get me?”
Chase snorted, “I’d have to have been there before to do that, and I’m not in the habit of visiting women’s change rooms, however entertaining the idea is.”
“Oh,” Another fact I should have probably asked. “I didn’t realize.”
“Don’t despair, duchess, I’ll get there. Tell me where you are in terms of large landmarks.”
He was just going to walk down the street to find me? “What… what if they know you? I mean, if they know who you are? Your size draws attention, not to mention your golden locks and flirty little beard… you will be recognized.”
“Worried for me? That’s very touching.” He paused. “For the record, my beard is not flirty… it takes adorning my face quite seriously. I’ll be just fine. Give me your location. Exit the changing room, but don’t leave the store until I call you back.” I heard another door close. “The phone won’t work during the transport.
“But your beard…” The idea of my being responsible for one of their kings landing in trouble didn’t sit well with me.
“Duchess if you’re suggesting I shave it off, we’re going to have our first spat.”
I huffed out a breath. “Very well.” Biting my lip, I tried to stay calm. “I’m east of the bridge, a few streets south of the river… there’s a large park at the end of this street…”
“Ok, I know that park. Give me a moment.”
He hung up. I stared at the phone and then shook my head, still not sure if calling Chase had been a good idea. Glancing at the dresses, I grabbed one and left the room. The clerk met me before I reached the cashier. “I’ll take this one.” I gave her my best smile, despite my heart jumping inside my chest.
She was handing me my change when the phone rang again.
“Still in the shop?”
I accepted the bag. “Yes.”
“I’m walking in that direction now, but as I don’t know your shopping habits, I need you to walk out and head toward the park. Don’t look at them, or so much as pause. I’ll be on the phone the whole time.”
Putting on my sunglasses, I went to the door. “I’m leaving now.”
“Just walk out and come toward me. I’m the one with the flirty beard.”
I smiled, even though I was having trouble breathing. The two men didn’t even look away, just waited until I walked by. I glanced to the window of the shop and saw their reflections, they turned to follow me.
“They still on you?”
I could hear the cars through the phone, echoing what was around me and knew he was close. I looked back to where I was going. “Yes.”
“Hmm, I think I know why they’re following you.”
My heart stuttered in my chest. “You do?”
“Yes. You look stunning today. Miles of raven locks shining in the sunlight… and I have to say I’m a big fan of tall boots on a woman, and you wear them so well duchess. I’d be following you too if I didn’t have to try to get a good look at these idiots.”
Without turning my head, I glanced at everyone walking toward me and didn’t see him. Then I saw something across the street that caught my eye. He stood, leaning against a lamp post on the corner opposite me, like he didn’t have a care in the world. If he’d thought dark glasses would make him less conspicuous, he was mistaken.
“Don’t you take anything seriously?” I kept walking, slowing down a slight bit, so I could see what he intended to do.
“Serious and brooding was last century, I’m trying something new and different for this one. Keep going to the park, sit by the lovely flower garden near the entrance.”
I glanced at him briefly, if it weren’t for his light hair and size, he would have blended in dressed in casual dark pants and a white button-up shirt. “At least you not in black leather looking like you’re going to war.”
He chuckled. “Leather chafes in the warm sunlight. I’ll meet you at the park shortly.” He hung up.
I paused and looked at the phone, debating on turning and see where he went, or at the two following me, but decided perhaps some things were best unknown to me. Walking faster, I hurried to the park.
When I reached it, Chase was standing by the flower beds waiting for me. He held out a hand toward me.
“Let’s lose these guys, then I can take you somewhere safe.”
I took his hand, and he walked quickly to the trees in the center. I had to almost run to keep up with his long strides, which was a first for me.
He glanced at me over his shoulder, “As soon as we reach that tree, I’m going to transport us elsewhere.”
I nodded, I would take the nausea over the threat of being followed.
The moment we were close enough, he tugged on my arm, bringing us to the hidden side of the tree. Wrapping his arms around me, he hugged me against his body and then my stomach plummeted inside me.
I took a moment and just stood there with my eyes closed, trying to breathe through the tidal wave of nausea that hit me.
“Sorry about that being so abrupt. They were getting closer, and I didn’t think you wanted to chat with them.”
Exhaling slowly, I opened my eyes. “That’s fine. Thank you.” Backing up, I swallowed the nausea down and looked around us. He had brought us to the fish factory.
“I didn’t know where else to go.” He motioned across the river. “I know you live over there, but I have no idea where.”
I put my hand over my churning stomach. “I can take a cab from here.”
“Was that shop near where you live?”
I nodded. “It’s in that neighborhood, yes.”
“Then I’ll accompany you back.”
I studied him for a moment, not entirely sure if I wanted to take him to my home. “Is that really necessary?”
Taking off his glasses, he looked at me for a moment. “They know the area you live in, duchess.”
I felt ridiculous not having realized that fact. I didn’t know what was going on lately, but I seemed to have gotten lax in my safety precautions. I would have to think about that later to figure out why. “I see your point.” Turning, I pointed to the street. “We’ll get a cab from over there.”
With a regal nod, he motioned for me to go first. “So, you just felt the need to run out and buy new clothes today?”
I sighed, “No, an outfit wasn’t on my mind when I went out.” I lifted the bag containing my new dress. “I only purchased this as a ploy to stay in the shop, I have no idea if it will even fit me.” We crossed the street and I kept walking to where I knew the cabs would be.
“Just out for a mid-morning stroll then?” He kept pace with me easily.
I shook my head, still preferring not to talk because my stomach wasn’t at all settled yet. “No.”
When I stopped by the corner, he stood in front of me, his hazel eyes moving over me slowly. “I’m just trying to figure out why you’d put yourself at risk.”
“I just needed to go out. I try to get out once a day, otherwise staying in seclusion becomes too easy.” I was glad I still had my glasses on, so he couldn’t see me looking back at him much the way he was at me. Chase was a very striking man. Reminding me of statues of Greek gods, with his strong jaw line and flawless composure. Then again, he’d had more than a century to hone looking that good. I still wasn’t sure of his age, but if last century had been his brooding one, as he’d put it, then he was at least in his second or third. That, was still something I never thought to do, consider someone older then myself.
“You look at me much longer and I’m going to be getting ideas… ones that may get me stabbed.” He said with a smirk.
I spotted a cab and waved it down. “I somehow don’t think my dagger would deter your thoughts and ideas.” The cab pulled up to the curb.
“You would be correct, duchess.” He opened the door and motioned for me to get in, then put on his glasses and got in behind me.
The ride to my building was a silent one and although I couldn’t see his eyes, I could feel them on me.
I was thankful the security guard was different than the night before, or I would look like a tramp, bringing a second man up to my home in less than a day.
Chase stopped and stood just inside the door. “Most definitely several steps up from the place Daxx called home.”
I set the bag down and shrugged out of the light jacket I wore. “Oh?”
“Mmm,” he wandered in further and looked around, “hers was more the size of a closet, and I’m fairly certain it was infested by at least one type of pest, if not more.”
I smiled and motioned for him to look around. “I’ve lived in my share of places like that. During and right after the war were the hardest times.”
He went over and looked out the large windows. “I can imagine it was difficult to find somewhere safe at that point.” Turning, he went over to a painting on the wall.
It was the only one I owned, but when I’d seen it, I had to have it. The artist had taken a single child and painted a scene all around her. She was completely surrounded by a crowd of people, yet utterly alone. I supposed I related to it a little too much.
“This is quite a piece.” Chase glanced at me over his shoulder. “A picture that says a thousand words, and not one of them in earnest…” he said softly.
I went over and stood beside him and looked at it. “It was a bit of an impulse buy, I just knew I had to have it the moment I saw it.”
“Possibly you were relating to the scene it depicts?” He asked with a careful tone.
I tilted my head and glanced at him. “Perhaps. I have always had a weakness for helping children though. Men fight their battles for land or gain, but it’s always, absolutely always the children that suffer for it.” I released a shaky breath. “I find myself drawn to the poorer neighborhoods no matter where I call home. I like to do what I can to ease their struggle, even if it’s only in a small way.”
“A noble cause.” He agreed, watching me.
“That’s how I found this painting. I was in one of those areas, on the other side of the bridge, and happened on this quaint little gallery. At first I thought it would be filled with desperate attempts at art, and was pleasantly surprised to see the works in it were… far above average...” I paused, thinking of where that gallery had been. I looked to him and then back to the painting. “Oh, I think I may know something useful…”
“Regarding?” He crossed his arms and looked down at me.
“An orange alley, surrounded by stone buildings and walkways.” I pointed to the painting, “When I found this, I was encouraged to explore further because it was breathtaking, the way the light reflected off the stone and archways down this alley… which was most likely once a popular location for a market… more than a hundred years ago.”
“That’s not surprising, that you’d discover the location cutie saw… fate is weaving us all together like a cloth lately.” Pulling out his phone, he frowned at it. “I’m afraid it’s about four hours too early to even think of waking the others.” Chase smiled, “I’m much more considerate of causing them sleep deprivation than they are me.”
I smiled back. “I’m sure you are. It can’t be easy living an opposite schedule to your family.”
He shrugged. “I’ve had years to grow used to it.”
I wasn’t sure if he meant to wait those hours here with me, but my stomach was finally settling and reminding me that I hadn’t eaten. I motioned to the kitchen. “I was going to make a light lunch. Would you care to join me?”
He looked surprised. “I would love to. I’m quite fond of eating.”
I rolled my eyes, “I’m sure you all are, judging by the size of all of you.” I turned and went to the kitchen. “I can honestly say it was odd, not being the tallest person in the room when I met all of you.” I turned, and he was right behind me, his eyes looking at my boots.
“I think you cheat and add a few inches with those boots.” He smirked.
I looked down at the boots that went almost to my knee. “I confess, they are a favorite of mine.” I glanced back to him and then went to the fridge. “Being born in a time when women had to cover nearly every inch of skin, it was quite exhilarating when these were acceptable. The shoes available in the thirties through the fifties were most uncomfortable.”
He smirked. “I recall the fashion flipping once the sixties arrived, much to society’s dismay.”
I laughed and made a face. “I don’t know who decided bell-bottoms were a good idea, they were tacky looking things.”
He snorted. “I was rather entertained by the go-go dancers though.”
Setting ingredients for a salad on the counter, I closed the door and gave him a knowing look. “I’m sure you were.” I started cutting vegetables for the salad, hoping he wasn’t opposed to one. “I don’t mean to pry, but I am curious…”
Chase leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms, watching me.
“How is it you and your brothers,” I smiled at him, “I’m fairly certain I am the youngest on the list.”
He smirked. “You are.”
“How is it you’ve lived a hundred, or hundreds, of years and never settled down? Only two of you eight have partners.” I got a bowl out of the cupboard. “I understand that here, with longevity being much shorter than where you live… at least, I’m assuming there are women that live to your ages.
Chase chuckled. “There are women.” He sighed and stared at the cupboard. “That is a very complex answer, let’s just say fate is controlling the entire scenario presently.” Reaching over, he took a piece of the pepper I had just cut and put it in his mouth. After he chewed it, he gave me a brief glance. “I recently had my heart crushed because fate is a taunting bitch, so if it’s agreeable, perhaps we could discuss something else for the time being.”
I paused in what I was doing and gave him a heartfelt look. “I’m sorry if I brought it up. I had no idea.”
He made a noise conceding to my apology. “I am mostly over it. Just tender, due to the trickery of it. But my brother has his queen, so in that, all of us must be thankful.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. I did feel, very fleetingly, his grief before it was gone in a flash. “Daxx is quite the woman. I like how blunt she is.”
He chuckled. “Yes that she is.” Pushing away from the counter, he went around and sat on the stool on the other side of the island. “I feel partially responsible for the loss of your parents. I was one half of the whole that issued the transport ban.”
I stopped and looked at him. “Thank you for the sentiment, but I don’t see as there’s anyone to the blame. It was circumstances beyond anyone’s control. I’m not sure how it was where you and your family were, but I read all the information in the archives when I was older, and it was pure madness on this side.”
“That’s very gracious of you.” He gave me an odd look. “You are not as jaded by a hard life as most others would be.”
Taking a moment to consider that, I turned to get some cheese out of the fridge. “If I were to allow hard feelings to control my actions, I wouldn’t have the energy to focus on living… And when I realized I may very well have more than my share of years compared to others, I decided to do some good while I had that extra time.” Slicing it I arranged it on the plate, then turned to get some crackers. “Your serious tone with me is unexpected,” I told him over my shoulder, “what would your siblings say?”
Chase laughed softly. “Rest assured, they know a beast lies in wait behind the comical quips.”
Getting some bowls and cutlery, I set them on the counter beside the salad. “I am a bit envious, I suppose is the word… that you’ve had so many brothers to weather the years with.” I pulled a stool from the end of the island to sit across from him, feeling more secure with the island between us. There was something about him that put me on edge, where being alone with Arius hadn’t bothered me as much.
Sitting down I motioned for him to help himself. “The years for me have been very hollow at times, especially once I understood that I would always outlive any partner in a serious relationship.”
He was quiet for a moment, busying himself with a portion of the food. “Have you paused to think about the fact that you don’t need to flee to a new location now?” Chase stopped and looked at me, his hazel eyes moving gently over my face. “You can use your own name forever now, as well.”
I folded my hands in my lap and looked at him. “If I were to go to the other side and stay there you mean?”
He shrugged. “More or less. We do have others that live on this side for a large part of the year.” Waving his hand around at my home, his eyes didn’t leave mine. “Those that do, swap homes, changing ownership on this side so no one notices their failure to age, but yes, I was referring to the fact that you could come over and live among others just like you, where you didn’t have to worry about feeding, living in the shadows and moving constantly.”
I took a bite and thought about how I felt as I chewed. “While living here can be trying at times, I do good where I can, and help those less fortunate.” I pointed my fork at him and smiled. “It took many missteps to get where I am now.”
Getting up, I selected a bottle of red wine from the rack and gave him and inquiring look while holding up the bottle.
He nodded. “Please.”
I turned to get the opener and when I stepped back around, he was right there. I hadn’t even heard him make a sound.
He took the bottle and the opener out of my hand and made fast work pulling the cork out. Setting it on the island, he went back around and sat down. “Can I persuade you to take a vacation on my side perhaps?” He leaned over his plate giving me a serious look. “At least until we find out why they are so determined to have you.”
Setting the glasses down, I poured the wine. “I hadn’t considered that. There is nothing special about me, so I have no idea why they’re being so persistent.”
He smirked. “I’m sure there is something special. You aren’t going to like the other option if you insist on staying here.”
I sat down. “What do you mean?”
“I will have to assign you a guard. I would have brought one of mine with me today, but most of mine wouldn’t blend in well in your neighborhood.”
“A little too rough to hide among the yuppies?” I smirked.
“I do love the words that come out of your lips.” He nodded. “Yes. Cutie says they all look like pirates, so I’ll have to find one that cleans up nicely.” He continued eating.
“Do you really think I need a body guard?”
His hazel eyes moved over me. “I do.”
The idea of having a guard meant I would have to constantly erect mental barriers to block their emotions. “May I consider this?”
Chase incline his head in that regal way, seeming every bit the king when he did so. “You may.”
I busied myself eating for a moment. “So, what happens when everyone is awake and you tell them I’ve been to the,” I paused to remember what Crissy called it, “orange caves Crissy saw?”
He nodded and then took a sip of the wine. “If Daxx knows where it is, we go check it out. If she doesn’t, you take us there to go check it out.”
“Check it out, like walk in the alley and look around, or full battle wardrobe, check it out?”
He smirked. “Most likely the second. If cutie’s seen it, then it’s probably another faction of Marcus’ followers. They’re not very receptive or welcoming when they see any of us.”
I played with the stem of the glass and thought about that. “What if she saw it because it had something to do with the man that gave me the card? She saw that as well.” The idea that she could see and predict things was amazing to me.
Cocking his head to the side, he raised an eyebrow at me. “What if it has something to do with your father, he was in her head then, too.”
I took a sip of the wine, giving myself a moment to consider that. “So, your saying it’s better to go prepared for anything, then be caught unaware.”
He nodded slowly. “Something like that.”
We sat there eating quietly for a few moments. I was thinking of what it would mean to my life if my father was found. I wasn’t sure what Chase was thinking about, but he had a most curious expression in his eyes as he watched me.
Setting his fork down, he picked up the glass and studied me briefly over the rim. “Would the availability of human essence be one of the reasons you’d want to stay on this side?”
I honestly hadn’t seen that question coming. “I’m not certain why you would think that, I actually abhor having to feed, I think with the availability of the meals on dial-up over there, it is much less troublesome.”
He looked surprised. “So, there’s no pleasure in the way you sustain yourself?”
I must have conveyed my shock in his question, because he shook his head.
“I’m sorry. I’m just… I’m trying to find the draw of this side. One of my brothers has struggled for over thirty years with an addiction to human essence. I just wondered if it were the actual substance, or the means he’s developed for taking it.”
I opened my mouth and then closed it again, trying to find a helpful answer. “I’ve never felt the need to take more than the absolute minimum I require—but my circumstance is quite complicated out there and just,” I waved my hand around, “biting someone, for me, except when they are passed out isn’t for me.”
His brows furrowed together. “Okay, I’m going to put a bookmark there and come back to it in a moment. I suppose what I’m wondering is, what’s the difference? I mean, I have a fondness for human emotions because most are stronger, but, I definitely don’t have a preference of specie.” He smirked, “gender, yes, specie no.” He pointed a finger at me. “I’ve asked my essence feeding brothers as well, and they aren’t inclined one way or the other either… so don’t feel I’m putting you on the spot…”
“No. I understand, you just want to help your brother.”
He nodded quickly. “Yes. He’s been disappearing a lot lately and I’m wondering if he’s back-sliding or faltering.” He rubbed a hand over his face, looking suddenly weary. “I’ve already suffered through helplessness watching three other brothers through difficult, traumatic events... I’d really like to aid Leone again in any way I can.”
I was quite taken aback by this. First appearances led me to believe he was never serious and took everything lightly. Now, I realized I had completely misread him. “I would love to help you, truly I would, but as I have no knowledge of the difference between human and… non-human essence, I can’t be of very much assistance.”
“Really? So, you’ve only fed from humans then, or would you know if it were one from my side?”
I opened my mouth, and then shook my head. “I have no idea. So much I thought I knew has been changing these last few days.”
He shrugged. “True enough.” Sipping the wine, he smirked at me over the glass. “If anything useful comes to mind, please call. I’m out of ideas how to help him. For years, we forbade him from coming over here, but we have many humans on our side too, so it wasn’t a huge deterrent.”
I offered him a gentle smile. “I will think about it and let you know if anything comes to mind.”
Chase suddenly smiled at me. “Now, about this biting people who are passed out. That’s not very sporting.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s not a sport to me, it’s an unfortunate necessity.”
“Hmm, when I thought you were already mysterious, you step it up a notch, duchess.” He winked at me. “I like a challenge.”
I felt my face flush. “I’m not trying to challenge you.” I told him quietly.
“Oh, but you are. A new unknown puzzle to solve.” He leaned over the island, so he was much closer to me. “And now you’re sitting there blushing and intriguing me further, yet your eyes are telling me off limits—you are definitely challenging me, duchess, and you aren’t even trying.” He sat back. “I like it.”
Picking up our dishes, I got up and took them to the sink, needing a moment to decide how to respond to the flirty man reappearing so quickly after the heartfelt discussion. When I turned around, he was right behind me. Whatever else this man was, he was also a predator.
Chase made a sound of annoyance in the back of his throat and pulled out his phone and looked at it. He sighed. “We’ll have to pick this up again later. I have to get back.” He backed away from me, his eyes not leaving mine. “Would you like to come back now? I can bring you back in a less abrupt way then the device can.”
I shook my head. “I’ll be fine here, I have some stock reports to ponder and strategize some new investments.”
He inclined his head as if to acknowledge, then spoke. . “Please refrain from shopping trips until I can find a suitable guard. It may take me some time.”
I exhaled a breath, realizing I had been holding it. “I think I’ve had enough shopping experiences for today.”
He grinned. “Good. Please put the device on, so you have it available all the time.”
I glanced to where it sat on the counter. “I will.”
“I will let you know when the others are awake. Thank you for lunch.”
Then he was gone. Again. I just stood there, would I ever get used to someone just vanishing in front of my eyes? I somehow didn’t think so.