Showing posts with label Going Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Going Home. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 6, The End or Is It?


Going Home
Part VI
*Eli paced the room like a caged animal. Daylight kept him trapped, remembering every hellish second of his conversation with Emily. It had been torture seeing the hurt in her eyes, trying to explain to her why any kind of future together was not possible and seeing her eyes fill with tears ... He cursed the damn Breed genetics that kept him away from her. Eli had analyzed the situation from every possible angle and always came back to the same questions. Did he have the right to keep her from having a family, babies, someone to grow old with? Was he man enough to withstand having her for a mere fistful of human years, then seeing her wither and die? God, was he even able to keep her safe from himself? Peaches was not a Breedmate, she was so fragile...breakable. He did not trust himself around her, was never sure that he would be able to control his basest urges and hurt her in a fit of passion. Eli raked his fingers through his hair. He had to go away before he did something for which he could never forgive himself. He had to go away, but not before he did something for her. As soon as night fell, he went to the Order office in Austin. What he needed to do, he couldn't do alone.
*His old friend Nolan greeted him enthusiastically* Hey guys look who's here! , Elijah how are you doing? To what do we owe this miracle? * Eli clasped Nolan's outreached hand * I'm here because I need your help. I've got some important business I need to discuss. I heard in Washington the crew here has been working hard in identifying the major rogue nests in the area. Is that investigation complete? *Nolan nodded in agreement* Yeah, we've been working on it for a while and we are ready to strike. We are working on the details. Why do you ask? *Eli looked his old friend directly in the eyes and replied* I need to go back soon, but there's one person here that's very important to me. Precious. I need to make sure that no rogue vampire can hurt her, ever. So my friend, you've got one more warrior for that cleanup. Let's 

*The night was long and bloody but at its end every major rogue lair had been obliterated. Eli was almost completely covered in blood, his fighting had been that brutal. Almost execution style. His comrades looked at him warily, knowing that this mission had been personal to him. He didn't care. The only thing that mattered was that Peaches would be safe from now on.* I have one more thing to ask: that person I told you before...her name is Emily King. I need you guys to keep an eye on her. This is my contact info. Should ANYTHING happen concerning her, please contact me immediately . Can you do that for me?
*After securing the Order's protection for Emily, Eli returned to his Darkhaven. He would had killed for the opportunity to see her again, to hear her voice... With stoic resolution, he denied himself even the small consolation of a phone call. He had to make a clean break if he was going to end things with Em. Nevertheless, the pain of severing all his ties with her was eating at him. He made his suitcase, said goodbye to his parents and his friends, all the time hearing Em's response to his desperate promise of keeping in touch... 

"No you won't, but that's okay. Maybe it's better that way"

THE END....OR IS IT?


Elise Chase
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Friday, February 5, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 5

Going Home
Part V
The club was crowded even for a Saturday night but Eli had found them a booth in the back. Not too far from the dance floor, but far enough away that they had some privacy. The waitress sat Emily’s margarita in front of her as he slipped $20 on her tray and gave her one of his best flirty smiles. Emily caught the woman’s blush from the corner of her eye and chuckled to herself. Eli always had a way with the ladies. He couldn’t help himself. It was as natural to him as breathing.

The lights coming from the dance floor covered the club in a colorful glow. Elijah took the drink out of Em’s hand as she finished taking a sip and said, “Dance with me, Peaches.” She smiled and let him help her out of her seat. They spent the next three songs on the dance floor, moving around in a two step. He twirled her in his arms and around his body as they glided effortlessly through the crowd. It was as if they had been partners for years, so smooth and in tune with each other. No one would have guess they spent those years apart. Elijah barely took his eyes off his Emily. She was flawless. The joy on her face radiated past everything else in the room. One of the things he loved about her was how she was always so in the moment. No matter what was going on in the rest of the world she was always right there in the moment making the most of it.

It was not easy to forget he would have to leave her again. The thought had him stumbling and he had to catch Emily before his big clumsy feet tripped her. He scooped her up in his arms as she laughed. Their eyes met and the laughing stopped. Emily brushed some of his loose hair behind his ear and that small gesture was all he needed to lean down and place a gentle kiss on her soft lips. He pulled away expecting her break out of his embrace, but instead she reached up and kissed him again as the couples danced around them. She was in his arms and it felt way too good having her there, but he broke their kiss and stared into her eyes. Those sky blue eyes he could easily get lost in...


The song ended and the next one started, a slow ballad. Emily made no motion to leave the dance floor. Her eyes were on his and the longing he saw in them had his heart breaking. “Be in the moment, Eli.” He told himself. He lifted her up and put her feet on his boots and slowly moved around the floor with his arms wrapped around her waist and hers around his neck. He kissed her forehead then her check, lingering for just a second at the corner of her mouth then instinctively made his slow and agonizing way down to her neck. He could sense her heart speeding up and her breath was heavy. She kept her eyes closed not wanting to break the spell she was under. 

Eli placed one hand on the other side of her neck while taking in that captivating flavor of her skin. His mouth was full of it, that soft velvety peach that drove him crazy the first time he kissed her. She wasn’t a Breedmate, but that didn’t make it any less distracting. He sucked just enough to leave a mark as if to say MINE, then ran the tip of his tongue up to just below her earlobe. “Peaches” He whispered. Neither of them realized she wasn’t touching the floor anymore. He held her effortlessly off the ground with one hand while the other played in her hair. She moaned softly and tilted her head slightly. The crowd was gone, the room was gone, and the only music was the melody of their beating hearts. Eli felt his fangs break through his gums and knew his eyes had started to change. He drew in a deep breath and let it out on a curse as he closed his lips around the soft skin that covered her thumping carotid. His senses were in overdrive, his body betraying him with its arousal. Elijah pulled her closer into him so she could feel it too. He couldn’t even remember the last time he fed and now he had her in his arms, his mouth already sucking at that tender spot even before he dug into it. Emily let out a sigh just as the sharp tips of his fangs found the spot they had been searching for for so long. Just then he felt her body go stiff in his arms, the adrenaline flowing through her could be felt from across the crowed room. “Oh my God, what am I doing?” he cursed.


Suddenly he had her pinned to the wall next to their booth, his mouth covering hers as tears streamed down his face. He stepped back and checked her neck for any nicks he might have made. She was shaking and the only reason she was still standing was because he was holding her up. He put one hand on the side of her face and tilted her head up so she would have to look at him. “I’m so sorry, Peaches. I should have never…” She put her hand on his and tried to reassure him that she was okay. She was still shaking, but what he took for her being scared was utter sadness she felt knowing why he stopped himself… again. She wasn’t a Breedmate, but she wasn’t just some female off the street either. They had history together. He respected her too much to treat her as if she was just another source of food. Even though giving him her blood would mean so much more to her than just a meal, he didn’t want to put her through that or the emotions it would bring, much less risk hurting her in a fit of passion. There was no way they could be together the way she deserved to. She needed to go on with her life. Find someone to spend the rest of her life with, have a family of her own. She would never have that with him. A hundred years from now she would be gone and he would still be fighting with his brothers as if time had stood still...

He helped her back into her seat and they sat in silence, him holding her hand and rubbing her knuckles, her rubbing the salt from the rim of her glass. Eli knew they needed to talk before the night was over, but at that moment he was feeling like a dick letting the silence linger too long between them.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 4

Continued from Going Home Part 3
Going Home
Part IV
*Eli stood at Peaches' home gate sharp at 8 o'clock. The Kings' ranch was big as all hell. Not as vast as the main ranch in Kingsville, but Em's family did very well for themselves. After all this time he honestly wasn't sure if he would still be welcome there, so he stood waiting outside. Soon enough, what he thought was a vision descended down the stairs and approached the gate towards him. Emily. HIS Emily. Eli's heart constricted in his chest and probably skipped a few beats. How had he been able to stay away for so long? How would he be able to go away again?
Emily gave herself one last look in the mirror mounted on the foyer wall and fluffed her hair before opening the large front door and walking towards the gate. Her cheeks grew warm when she saw the expression on his face. She gave Elijah a sweet smile and twirled in front of him. Her lightly floral printed dress was just above the knee and the skirt flowed out around her when she turned. It was the pale pink cowboy boots she was wearing that had Eli chuckling. They were the same pair she always wore when they went dancing. * Like what you see, cowboy? *He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him as she straightened his collar.* Daddy says hi. *His body tensed as she squeezed his upper arms then put her palm on his cheek.* It’s okay. Everything was forgiven a long time ago.

*Elijah shuffled his feet, trying to find something to say. So weird Em's dad had forgiven him when he had never been able to forgive himself* I see the pink cowboy boots live on... *Opening the passenger's door for her he waited until she was buckled up to ask* What do you want to eat, Peaches? Do you still favor TexMex? What about Santa Rita Cantina, is it still your favorite?   


*Following Em's enthusiastic response, Eli started driving to the cantina. She wrapped her arm around his while he was driving. He took her hand lacing their fingers together and silently kissing her knuckles. 

The place was packed when they arrived, but they were able to find a table. Emily made her order and ate an enormous order of fajitas with all the fixings. Eli watched her happily, laughing at her healthy appetite* I always wondered how somebody so petite could eat so damn much! You will not be able to move, much less dance after this!


*She leaned back in her chair and patted her stomach.* Well, you're not eating, so someone has to eat your share. *She chuckled, then got quiet as she remembered just why he didn't eat. Vampires drank blood and only from a human host. There was a time she would never think about letting a vampire feed from her, but then she remembered the night one almost did. She and Eli had been dating for a few months. After a late night ride on Dalliance, Elijah playfully tossed her onto the pile of hay at one end of an empty stall and they spent the next half hour making out. She remembered how Eli's eyes had started to throw amber sparks around the walls of the stall and she felt his fangs against her lips. It sent a jolt of excitement through her body. Then he trailed kisses down her chin to the curve of her neck where he sucked for just a few seconds, taking in the fresh peachy taste of her skin. Her breathing grew heavy and her heart kicked up when the possessive growl at the back of his throat got louder. She felt the tips of his fangs touch her delicate skin, then the pressure as they started to dig in. Suddenly he was on the other side of the stall leaving nothing but the cool night air between them. Emily pulled her knees up, wrapping one arm around them as the other instinctively covered her neck. She stared up at him confused. * I'm sorry Peaches. I... I'm sorry. *She wouldn’t have stopped him if he hadn’t stopped himself, but that was a line he promised he would never cross with her. Emily picked up her sweet tea and took a sip trying to shake off the memory before Elijah noticed. She had to clear her throat before she could speak.* Don't worry, Eli. I plan on dancing until I can't feel my feet. I have to keep up with you, don't I ? 

Well then, let's get to it! *Checking that Em had finished her meal and didn't want anything else, Eli settled the ticket and brought them to the Elysium.



Continued in Going Home Part 5

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 3

Going Home
Part III
*That voice. The one that tickled at the hairs of the nape of his neck, leaving him wanting more. Emily King... The one female who could have broken him like a stallion had she been a Breedmate. He hadn't seen her since he left for his training with the Order. It was a bittersweet memory. He could still see her sky blue eyes full of tears as he left her with nothing but a kiss on her soft lips and a promise to keep in touch. He wasn't even sure he was going to see her on this trip. Sam, who had been quiet while Eli tended to Dalliance, started barking and wagging its tail at Em. She crouched and scratched behind its ears and Eli could swear Sam was about to pass out from the sheer pleasure of Em's touch.* Peaches...
*Emily smiled as he walked over and wrapped her in his strong arms. They were so warm and inviting, familiar. She squeezed him back and let out a slow breath while remembering the last time she was in his arms. It’s been a while, Eli... *She pulled away and looked up into his eyes as she thought about that night he left. No one affected her the way he did before or since.* You said you would keep in touch. *His sudden stiffness made her realize he was feeling the same way she was. It wasn’t fair of her to make him feel bad for following his dreams. He was a warrior of the Order and she couldn’t be prouder of him. She hugged him again and tried to hide the tear threatening to stream down her cheek.* It’s so good to see you again, cowboy.

*Suddenly Dalliance neighed pulling their attention off each other.* Dalliance, girl... *She walked over and rubbed between her eyes.* As beautiful as always! *She reached her hand in the feed bucket and let the mare take the oats from her palm. Elijah came up behind her and brushed the horse’s mane while taking in the soft fragrance of Em’s hair.* I bet she would love to go for a nice ride. Wouldn’t you, girl? *She fed Dalli more oats while trying to get her mind off the fact that Elijah was standing behind her, gently rubbing his hand down her arm.* it's been so long since I last rode her... Can I join you?



*Without a word; Eli put a saddle on Dalli, climbed up and extended his hand to help Em . She was in front of him and his hands were around her small waist. Sam circled excitedly around them. Just like the last time... They used to ride at night and both Dalliance and Sam remembered the routine. Eli cleared his throat, trying to fill the silence with the right words.* Peaches, I know I said I'd keep in touch... I don't want you to think that I just forgot about you. Not keeping in touch was the damnedest more difficult thing I've done in my life... Even now; having you like this it's torture because it reminds me of what I can never have. *Eli chuckled dryly* Let us have this moment when I can hold you as if I never left. We will sort everything else, later.

She took his hand and let him help her up into the saddle where she settled between his arms easily and leaned back against his chest. Dalli’s easy gate made a slow rocking motion as they made their way out of the stable and into the cool night air. Yes, she would let them have this moment. Em could only dream of being back in his arms like this. If only there was a way to… to be part of his world. She let out a sigh and let the rest of the world melt away.*


*They rode in companionable silence for who knows how long, Eli's acute senses feasting on the softness of her touch and the sweet smell of her skin for what it seemed like ages. They rode to Emily's car, neither of them wanting it to end but knowing daybreak was near. He dismounted and helped Em do so, holding on to her tightly.* Peaches, we need to talk...let's go out tomorrow night. Dinner and dancing okay with you? *After she nodded; he placed a loving kiss on her lips,... * See you then. I'll pick you up at 8:00. Drive carefully. 

*And stood there watching long after her car disappeared from sight.*

"And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me
Yeah she's everything to me"


Wednesday, January 13, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 2

Continued from Going Home Part 1

*It was uncanny how even the air seemed different ...
Driving to the Darkhaven ranch on the outskirts of Austin, he observed the changes in his city. Much had changed and nothing at all. As he approached the ranch's big gate, he felt his heart beating wildly. He identified himself at the gate and a disembodied voice muttered* Eli? Is it really you?* as the gate opened. Suddenly, about six guys approached the gate running.* Eli, you dog!!! You should have called!
*He got out of the car and embraced his buddies... Keith, Bill, Steven, Andrew and the twins John Michael and John Timothy. He grew up with them. They chose to stay as he went away to the Order, becoming the new blood of his Darkhaven.
They walked him to the front door. Everything was the same yet different. As he walked in, he heard commotion inside. In a matter of seconds he had a slobbering dog all over him.* Sam! Slow down boy!* The big Catahoula dog barked and wagged his tail incessantly. * Are these clowns treating you well, buddy? I have a mind to whip their asses if they haven't.

*Keith grinned* Haven't you seen how he has grown? It aint like he's not eating his fair share... He is a big boy now, he is a daddy now... You are a grandfather, you dickwad... While you were away doing the Order's bidding he started his own family! *Eli scratched Sam's ears and smiled. Life went on without him.

As he continued to pet Sam and banter with his buddies who were all trying to speak at once he sensed quiet steps going into the room. The ladies of the Darkhaven: Dianne and Tricia; Keith's and Bill's mates respectively, Debbie, Sarah and Jo: Breedmates who were living at the ranch since they were toddlers and were like little sisters to him, and his mom. He stood up immediately and went to her.* Ma...

*Mother and son embraced tightly. * Your Dad will be here shortly, I already called him and told him you were here. Why didn't you call? Is everything okay? Eli opened his mouth to answer but his friends started to tease him.* Now he's going to get it...! The big Order warrior is gong to have his ass whipped! * Eli's mother interrupted them sharply* Steve, Andrew... was I talking to you, young men? Don't you have chores to do out there? Bless your hearts, your mamas must have had their hands full with you two!* As Eli's mom chided them they grew quiet and Eli smirked.
 Is Nolan still at the Order's office in Austin?* Eli asked his buddies. Nolan was the Breed who recruited him many years ago.* I would like to say hi...* Mike and Timmy started chuckling while Steve's eyes threw daggers at them* What's so funny?

Steve has been pestering Nolan for months now, wanting to get into the Order. The boy here can't take a hint! He's just not cut out to be a warrior... He even avoids working with the Brahma herd. Sam here is fiercer than him! Luckily, Sarah made him see the error of his ways...

*Eli made a double take, looking at Steve and Sarah, whose faces were redder than a ripe tomato* Steve and Sarah??? Are you guys...? *He started to laugh good-naturedly and the others followed suit* What the hell has been going on during my absence? Is there something in the air? Gotta be careful, then...* The rest of the afternoon was spent in warm camaraderie, the guys filling him on everything that had happened since his last visit.
The next day, after spending a quiet evening with his parents and feeling terrible for omitting the part where he almost died after a raid on the docks, he decided to go to the stables. There was still someone he wanted to see. He approached her stand and immediately was greeted by the lady he was seeking.* Hello, Dalliance! I have missed you, beautiful girl...

I come bearing presents... I bet those bozos don't give you your favorite treats. * He took a big, juicy, farm bred red apple from his pocket and using his shedding blade cut it in quarters, removed the pits and fed them to Dalli* Hey; who else would pamper you like this, beautiful? Here, take it baby... I know you love them, and they are good for you. *While the mare ate, Eli started brushing her lovingly. Dalli was soaking up the attention, nudging him lightly.* I'm so glad you haven't forgotten about me, love. What do you say you and I go on a ride, just the two of us and... ?

*He was so busy sweet talking his mare that he almost didn't notice the soft footsteps or the perfume that still teased his senses... His muscles tensed, expecting to hear the melodic voice that could only be HERS*

I believe she would love that, Cowboy...

"But don't think I don't think about it
Don't think I don't have regrets
Don't think it don't get to me
Between the work and the hurt and the whiskey..."


Continued Going Home Part 3








Friday, January 8, 2016

{Going Home} Elijah Part 1

Going home
Part I
Patrolling on New Year's Eve was a bitch.
Elijah volunteered to patrol that night so that his fellow breeds who were mated or had family could stay home with them. He figured he didn't have anyone in Washington so he could spare his friends. But he never imagined what he would have to endure.
Random human drunkards were loose on the streets, causing all kind of problems. This in turn attracted rogues who would feed on the unsuspecting, defenseless humans. There was no other alternative but for the Order to team up with JUSTIS to keep the rogues at bay.
On the other hand, seeing countless PDAs from couples and witnessing families getting together to wait the new year made him feel nostalgic for his own family... It's been so long since he last saw them!
He made the decision right there and then. He would fly to Austin as soon as he was granted permission to travel. He needed to go to his city, see his friends and just be a Darkhaven citizen for a little while.
"It doesn't matter where you are, it doesn't matter where you go
If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road
Take it in, take it with you when you go,
who says you can't go home"