King Hall (Forever Evermore, #1)(18)
Here I was, now the Prodigy Shifter. I really didn’t care. I just knew I would gladly give this power to someone else. Then, get the hell out.
Sleep for a year. Or two.
In a cave.
In a deserted area.
Preferably, on another planet entirely.
I didn’t want to deal with anyone right then. Numbness had etched its way into my veins, and it wasn’t relinquishing its hold. I would never again have love like I’d had with Dominic. I was now forced to walk my life alone. I didn’t know any other way to feel but how I did.
The preacher was saying a lovely speech about Dominic. He had already said his main eulogy at the church, where I had secreted myself in the attic to hide from the Mysticals in the overfilled pews. Dominic’s dad had said a few words about him, as had a couple of his friends.
Staring at the black casket with the black wolf emblem, I heard the grass crunching softly behind the tree. Not moving, I inhaled deeply, and felt my eyebrows come together. I sniffed again, testing the air for traces of individuality. I knew that scent, but I couldn’t place it immediately.
Another deep inhale, stalling thoughtfully. Recognition dawning, I peered down. It had been over two years since I had scented him last, but he had been in my life for so long there was no disguising his scent, especially with my Shifter power now Awakened.
And still, I only felt numb.
I merely waited silently, watching as the Mage moved under the tree and leaned against the trunk with his hands in the pockets of his black dress slacks, noiselessly watching the funeral. No one near the casket could see me in the foliage of the tree, being so far away, but they could see him if they happened to look this way. Not wanting to get caught, and not stupid enough to think he didn’t know I was up here, I muttered softly, “Get up here.”
“Thank you. Your perch would probably have the better view,” Antonio, the only father figure I had known growing up, whom I had thought dead, stated quietly, not peering up at me. He toed off his black dress shoes before jumping agilely, grabbing the nearest branch. Appearing all of upper twenties in Com years (meaning he was probably close to eighty since Mysticals’ bodies aged like a Commoner until the age of twenty-two, then slowed down dramatically), he moved easily through the branches to sit on the limb beside me. After a few moments of silence, he whispered gently, “I’m sorry about Dominic, Lil.”
Hearing him say my nickname was odd. “Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say. No one was sorrier than me and, truly, words were only words. I would rather not hear them.
He seemed to understand this, his full attention back on the service, staying quiet.
Resting my head against the tree, I found it peculiarly comforting I could at least still feel the rough scratch of the bark on my cheek, even while being empty on the inside. Minutes passed as the preacher finished his kind words. I watched as the huge mass of Mysticals began saying their condolences to King Kincaid and Fi once again, absolutely knowing I was in the correct spot. I wouldn’t have been able to handle that.
Watching the mourners walk to their vehicles, Antonio eventually broke our silence, asking, “Are you hungry? I have a turkey sandwich in the car.” Not the words I had expected.
With a slow blink, I realized my stomach was growling loudly. I tried to remember the last time I had eaten, but couldn’t remember when. Never a good thing for a Vampire.
“I also have a few bags of blood,” he murmured gently.
I swallowed hard. I hadn’t quenched my blood thirst since Dominic had died. Now that he was gone, I would have to start back on the bags-o-blood. The thought made me more than slightly nauseous.
He rested the palm of his hand softly, lovingly, on my cheek. “Let’s go for a ride. You can eat while we talk.”
“That’s why you’re here?” I asked, voice void of emotion. “You want to talk with me after leaving without even a goodbye?” The last time I had seen him, it had been the day of my Vampire Awakening when he and my mom had brought two strangers – the Vampire and Elemental portions — to assist. Shortly afterward, he had walked out the door behind them, his feisty pet eagle with him. He had left us.
“It’s complicated. I had to go,” he stated tenderly, running his fingers through my hair. “I am sorry though, that I never gave you a proper goodbye.” He was being so gentle for the chilling man I knew he could be if he so wished.
Stomach rumbling again, I sighed. If he wanted to talk, he could talk. He would only find me again if I ran right now. Plus, I did have to eat. Two birds, one stone. “Fine. Let’s go.” A bag of blood rested in my clutching hand while I glared at it. I really didn’t want to drink. It didn’t look appetizing at all; my attention was better served watching where Antonio was turning down a back road, driving at a slow pace in his Hummer. No frilly car for him, and nor had he ever had one. He was the person who had taught me the art of the getaway.
He pushed my hand higher, placing the bag closer to my mouth, not releasing his grip on my hand. “Get it over with, Lil. You look like shit. You’ll end up tearing into a throat if you don’t, and I would prefer it not be mine.”
I considered the sloshing, crimson liquid, and gulped back the rising bile in my throat. I had already scarfed down the turkey sandwich, chips, and soda. I probably should have waited until I had managed the blood first, but it was too late now.