Bite, p.77
Bite, page 77
I look over in the direction that he’s pointing at and I actually break out into laughter. David and Diane (or D & D as Alex has dubbed them) are standing next to his Hummer arguing over everything they possibly could think of. First it’s about loading their stuff and then it switches to how fast he’s going to drive. Anytime David mentions something, Diane finds a new debate. It really is a hilarious sight to see.
Rob walks over to us and in a serious tone asks, “Can I ride back with you? I don’t think I can take that all the way back to New York.”
I fight back a laugh as I reply, “Are you sure because Amber, Steve and Mark will be in the car with me. I don’t want you to be tempted.”
“I rather suffer the burn of the thirst than listen to that for the next few hours.”
Amber strolls over and quickly adds, “It’s okay Gina if he rides with us. He really won’t have any other way since Tiff is riding with Charlie and the rest are on their bikes. We’ll make room for him.”
“Oh brother,” Mark mutters while Steve rolls his eyes when they notice how she’s ogling him with her eyes.
Rob is waiting for my response so I smile as I reply, “Sure. I won’t subject you to listen to that.”
He gives me a huge sigh of relief as he says, “Thank you your Highness.”
I cringe as Mark giggles at my embarrassment. “No problem.” When he walks away I say to Amber, “You do know you’re lusting after a vampire right?”
She nods as she says, “Yep and a hot one too. Steve, I’m sitting next to him in the backseat okay. No cockblocking here.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” he answers while putting his bag in the trunk.
The rest of the group is almost ready to go. Coming out of the garage, Alex rolls out a beautiful motorcycle and I walk over while giving it a whistle. “Nice bike.”
He beams as he responds, “Thanks. This here is my pride and joy.”
Joseph comes over and says, “Dude she is sweet. A classic Harley.”
He gushes over the bike and with one eyebrow raised I ask, “Am I missing something here?”
Alex looks at me as if I’ve gone mad while Joseph replies, “Gina this baby here is a 1957 XL Sportster. The most beautiful Harley Davidson ever made.”
“Once you ride this thing, no other bike will ever feel the same again,” Alex adds.
I just shrug as I say, “I’m new to the whole motorcycle game. Whatever it is, it’s still a nice bike. Maybe you’ll let me take it for a spin one day.”
“Absolutely. When this is all over, I’ll let you take her out.”
“Cool. Evan’s gonna lead the way so let’s get ready to roll.”
“I’m ready when you are your Highness.”
Okay being called that is starting to freak me out a bit but I guess I’ll have to get used to it. Um hello, I did agree to be queen and the last time I checked no one called the Queen of England just Elizabeth.
As I head over to my car, I glance in Joseph’s direction and a frown spreads across my face when I see JoJo climbing onto his bike. I quickly glance over to David’s Hummer and wonder why she’s not riding with him. By the time I get in the car, Joseph starts up his bike and I continue to watch as she wraps her arms around his waist. Without realizing it, a growl begins to build in my throat and I’m gripping the steering wheel so hard that it begins to bend. Rob, from the backseat, puts his hand on my shoulder as he asks, “Your Highness are you alright?”
“Yeah I’m fine. And stop calling me that! My name is Gina okay,” I shout back and put the car in drive as we all pull away from Alex’s house.
During the drive, I remain mostly quiet as I try to figure out why I got so upset. Joseph is a handsome guy and it shouldn’t be so shocking that JoJo might be attracted to him. But why it upset me so much I couldn’t understand and every time I calm down, I’ll glance in their direction and I start seething all over again. Everyone feels my tension but I’m grateful that they leave me alone in my thoughts.
A little over four hours later (damn traffic) we arrive in New York and pull up to the house. Seeing the familiar home brings a slight sadness to me because I was hoping when I returned here, Sam would be with me. As we pull into the garage and everyone begins to leave the vehicles, I pull Rob aside and I softly say, “Rob, I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier.”
He smiles as he responds, “You have nothing to be sorry about. I know you’re under a lot of pressure and you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Don’t apologize if you need to release some tension every now and then. We’re tough so we can take it.”
“True but that still doesn’t give me the right to take it out on you. Besides, that wasn’t why I was upset. Come to think of it, I really don’t know why I was so angry.”
He glances over at Joseph who is locking up his bike and when he looks back at me, he says, “I’m sure you’ll eventually sort it out.”
He smirks at me as he leaves the garage and suddenly it’s just Joseph and I alone. As I turn to face him, he ends up being right behind me, which catches me off guard for a split second. Being this close to him makes me realize that I do have to straighten this out and fast. We haven’t spoken about this like we said we would after our kiss in the supermarket so there is no better time than the present. Time to put both our hearts on the table.
“You’re upset about something,” he murmurs while leaning closer to me.
I smile as I say, “It was a long drive with three humans in the car. Maintaining control just wore me out. I’m fine.”
“So JoJo riding with me didn’t bother you one bit,” he asks with a cocky grin. “Now before you answer, keep in mind that I pick up on things and I can sense when something is wrong just in case you forgot.”
I cross my arms in frustration as I recall how cozy she looked while riding on his bike. I don’t want to lead on that it did upset me so I just reply, “It’s your bike Joseph so you can let whoever you want ride with you. It doesn’t matter to me.”
“So you say,” he says while chuckling.
He watches me as I stand there thinking about my reaction. It’s puzzling me that I’m annoyed about it. Honestly what did I care that she was all cuddled up with him. Joseph and I aren’t a couple so why do I care if JoJo or any other woman showed an interest in him? He had the right to be happy just like I am with Sam. But looking at him now as he stands so close to me, my feelings feel like they’re jumping all over the place. Damn I need to get a grip.
“Joseph I,” I start to whisper but he cuts me off when I feel his lips on mine. I try to pull away but his hands go on my waist to bring me closer to him. After a few moments, we finally break apart and we stare into each other’s eyes.
Joseph lifts one of his hands to stroke my face as he murmurs, “Gina, what are you thinking?”
I just lightly shrug as I whisper, “Joseph, what are we doing here? What do you want from me because what you’re looking for I can’t give you?”
He smiles as he says, “Gina all I want is for you to be happy. I wouldn’t ask any more from you. Well except maybe if you will kill Ursela for us that would be cool.”
I grin as I say, “Well yeah I think I can try to do that. But as far as you and I go, I don’t know what’s happening here.”
“To be honest, I don’t know either. But your happiness is all I’m looking for.”
I shake my head as I say, “I don’t know what that means.”
“Gina, I’m not asking you to choose because I know I would never win. But I want you to be happy and follow your heart. I know you love Sam but it would be nice if you felt something for me as well.”
“Even if you knew that I would never leave him?”
He nods while replying, “Yes. Just knowing you do give a damn about me will be enough for me. I’m sorry that I’m not making any sense but you constantly fuck up my head and when I’m around you, I wanna get as close to you as I can.”
“Yeah I know how close you wanna get,” I say while recalling his daydream of us doing the horizontal mambo.
He smirks as he says, “I lied to Charlie. You are more than just a friend to me but what exactly I’m not sure. I know I do love you Gina but I would never ask you to be with me if it will only make you unhappy.”
I didn’t know what to say. Looking into my heart (as still as it is) other than my love for Sam, I do have feelings for Joseph as well. Now thinking about it, for the first time I finally understand exactly what they are. I just hope he can understand where I’m coming from and he won’t be angry about my response. I just have to say it a way where it won’t seem like I’m being a bitch and I’m purposely hurting his feelings.
“Joseph, I do feel something for you. You are very special to me. I do love you and you will always have a place in my heart. But the way I love you is not the same way I love Sam. He has my heart Joseph but you will always have my friendship. I’m sorry if it’s not what you want to hear but that’s all I can offer. I just hope that will be enough for you.”
I stare at him helplessly as I anticipate his answer. I start to hold his breath until I quickly remember that I don’t breathe anymore but that’s how nervous I am as he continues to stare at me. I start to chew on my bottom lip thinking his response isn’t going to be good but he surprises me when he gives me a crooked grin as he responds, “Gina as long as I’m in your life, that’ll be fine with me.”
I smile slightly but sadness hits my eyes, as I plead, “Then when this is over, please don’t leave me I need you around. I need my friend. It would break my heart if you left me. Please tell me you’ll stay. I don’t want you to ever leave me.”
Joseph’s eyes grow sad as well while he looks down for a moment and then softly he asks, “Are you sure? I don’t want to be in the way or piss Sam off any more than he already is at me. The guy obviously hates me if he wanted to have me killed.”
I shake my head as I respond, “Joseph, Ursela is severely fucking with his mind. You know Sam would never do anything like that to you. And after all this is done, you two are gonna work this out or so help me God I’ll kick both your asses.”
He slightly smiles and after giving it some serious thought, he says, “If that’s what you want then I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay for you Gina.”
I immediately throw my arms around him and I forget to restrain my strength a bit as I hug him as tight as I can. Knowing I’m hurting him a bit, he just ignores his discomfort as he hugs me back. I whisper into his ear, “Thank you Joseph.”
He smiles as he softly says, “You’re welcome Gina. You know I’d do anything for you.”
Later on that evening, we’re cleaning up after my friends had their dinner. They’re still commenting on how great the burgers were but they wonder why Mark’s was so rare. I recall the moment when the venom had started affecting my appetite while Mark and I were having breakfast at IHOP and how normal food didn’t taste the same anymore. I want to kick myself for being so careless in biting him. The moment JoJo moved out of my way while we were fighting I should have retracted my fangs and he wouldn’t be going through this. My bad.
After I finish loading the dishwasher, I join everyone in the living room as my friends start to watch a movie. I hear the men grumbling as I look at the screen and see the opening shot in the woods where a deer is being chased by someone. I smile since I knew the girls probably picked this on purpose just to tick the guys off. Even JoJo is watching attentively as she says, “I never got a chance to see the movie but I did read the first book. Maybe I’ll speed read through the rest as well.”
“Oh my god yes you have to. They are so good,” Amber says with enthusiasm. “You’ll love them.”
David grumbles as he says, “What is so great about a vampire that sparkles? Sounds gay if you ask me.”
“Well no one asked you so why don’t you keep your negative opinions to yourself,” Diane responds. She then looks away from the screen to give him a sly grin as she asks, “Unless you’re jealous that we’re lusting for Mr. Sparkle instead of your cranky ass.”
David growls and while laughing, Alex steps in front of him and says, “Come on man, it’s just a stupid movie. Nothing for you to get all bent outta shape about.”
As a debate begins about the differences between the sparkling vampires, and us I watch as Mark quietly slips out the room and heads out into the backyard. I follow him as I sense his emotions and I find him just staring up at the stars.
“Hey you, are you okay,” I ask while smiling.
He smirks as he says, “Yeah I’m good. I just don’t think I’m in the mood to watch that movie right now. Don’t wanna get dazzled.”
I laugh as I say, “Well maybe I can ask the girls to pick something else before David hurls something through the TV.”
He also laughs as he says, “Nah you don’t have to do that. It’ll be a good distraction for them. I just want to sit out here for a while. Is that okay?”
“Of course. Take a breather and come join us when you’re ready.”
As I squeeze his hand, Tiffany runs out and shouts, “Gina I think you better get back in here. D & D are at it again and I swear if I miss when Edward says his first hello, I’m gonna hit them both.”
I laugh as I respond, “Well since this is an emergency I better get right on it.”
“Please do. They sound like an old married couple and we’re all ready to scream.”
I continue laughing, as we’re about to go back inside until Mark asks, “Tiffany can I talk to you for a moment?”
Both of us are surprised since she would be the last person in the world he would ask to speak with but she shrugs as she replies, “Sure. Tell them I’ll be right there so pause the movie for me.”
“You bet,” I say and I go back inside the house so they can chat.
The moment I enter, Steve rushes over to me and in a hurried voice he says, “Gina, I think something might be wrong with Mark.”
My concern grows as I ask, “What happened?”
He takes a deep breath as he responds, “It started while we were eating. Everything was fine and then all of a sudden his head perked up. It was like he was listening to something that I couldn’t hear.”
I start to relax as I say, “Well the venom is affecting his senses so he can hear things now that you won’t be able to.”
Steve shakes his head. “I don’t think so because there was something else. His eyes started glowing green like yours did in the lab when the venom was kicking in. But there was something different about Mark’s.”
Now I feel the panic begin to grow as I ask, “What?”
“His looked scarier. Like there was darkness inside them. It wasn’t the same Gina and I just have a bad feeling about him. Maybe we all need to keep a closer eye on him or something we can figure it out.”
I take in Steve’s concerns and as I am about to comment, Joseph is instantly at my side as he says, “Gina, something is definitely wrong now.”
The other vampires are on alert as Harry says, “You better tell those two to come back inside now.”
“Absolutely. Girls turn off the TV and stay close to Charlie. Steve you too,” I say as I turn to head back outside.
I try to take a step towards the glass doors to the backyard but as I try to move, my body becomes stiff like a statue and only my face is able to function. I instantly panic as I scream, “I can’t move!”
“Neither can I,” Charlie responds.
“Is everyone else frozen,” I ask wishing I could look around.
“Yes but the humans are frozen completely. They can’t even speak,” Rob replies. “What is happening?”
“I don’t know,” I say while keeping my gaze locked on Mark and Tiffany and as I watch, I smile. Mark and Tiffany are able to move. I’m relieved that they’re not affected by whatever is containing us and I call out, “Mark! Stay close to Tiff! Don’t go…”
I’m instantly silenced as he enters the backyard followed by three other vampires and their eyes are shining a bright green. They make their way over to where the two of them are standing as he says, “Mark, you did very well. Ursela will be pleased.”
Mark just nods and judging by his movements, I know he is in a trance. As they inch closer to Tiffany I yell out, “Sam!”
He turns at the sound of my voice to face me and once our eyes meet, I feel the tears roll down my cheeks. But they’re not tears of joy since the expression on his face is unlike anything I’ve seen. He’s looking at me as if I’m a complete stranger. He’s looking at me like I’m the enemy.
He turns back to facing Tiffany and then barks out, “Take her! Take them both!”
“No,” I shriek as I watch in horror how they grab my friends and disappear into the surrounding trees.
Sam faces me again and with a wicked grin says, “Come and get them Gina.”
The stiffness in my body begins to ebb and once I’m able to move, I get ready to sprint, as Sam remains standing in the same spot. The moment I take my first step, Charlie blows past me heading straight for his brother. But just as he almost reaches him, Sam turns to run and leaps up into a tree. When Charlie goes to jump after him, an invisible force instantly knocks him back. I try to jump as well and whatever is blocking our path knocks me hard to the ground. “It’s a force field,” Jack cries out. “Ursela must have the place surrounded.”
“Is there no way around it,” Charlie asks with frantic eyes.
Jack shakes his head as he responds, “They don’t last long. Ursela uses them to hold anything back while she gets away or does whatever. It can last from anywhere of a few hours to a day or two. Nothing can break it.”
