Seeing Red (The Dark Love Series) Read online

  * * * *

  Andrew picks me up and we start driving. “We're going to the cabin. Ambrogio and Selene don't want to be around humans. They want to be as far away from the real world as they possibly can. Lilah told me that Selene is excited to meet the famous Nina.”

  “I didn't know I was famous,” I look at him and giggle.

  “I love when you do that,” Andrew admits.

  “Do what?” I'm confused. What did I do?

  “I love when you giggle. It's adorable,” Andrew says with a smile.

  I smile at him. “Aw, you love my laugh!”

  “I love everything about you.”

  “Even my imperfections?” I ask him as I tilt my head to one side.

  “Even your imperfections. Even though I can't find one bad thing about you. You are perfect in every way, my love,” Andrew compliments me.

  * * * *

  Everyone is sitting around the fireplace in the cabin. The family is here, and everyone is waiting for Ambrogio and Selene to show up. I watch the fire blaze, and I see a hint of blue peaking its way through the flames.

  I start to pace back and forth. I'm so nervous, I can't seem to sit down. As I'm pacing, I have a pen in my hand. I keep clicking the button at the top, and it's making an annoying sound. I can't stay still. My hands tremble every time I click the button on the pen. How is everyone so content right now?

  “Are you okay?” Andrew looks at me in confusion.

  “Yes. I'm fine,” I lie.

  Andrew raises his eyebrow. “You won't stop pacing.”

  “And you won't stop clicking that pen,” Julian adds in.

  “Okay! I'm nervous! I'm about to meet the oldest vampires in the world. Of course, I'm nervous,” I confess.

  “Calm down,” Andrew tells me.

  Julian gets up from the couch and walks over to me. I stop pacing and stand still. He grabs the pen out of my hands and throws it across the room. “Hey!” I shout.

  Julian looks at me and smiles. “Sorry, Nina. I just can't stand that clicking sound anymore.”

  I ignore his comment and continue to pace. I look out the window and out into the darkness. Then, I hear the door creak its way open. “Mother! Father!” Ella shouts.

  Ambrogio walks in first. His black, semi-long hair is blowing in the wind that enters the cabin. His pale face shines in the dim light. He's wearing a long black jacket, and it's obvious that he's a vampire.

  “My sweet child,” Ambrogio speaks as he hugs Ella.

  Selene walks in next. Her beauty immediately blows my mind. I've never seen such a beautiful face before. She has long, straight, black hair that falls down her back. Her large, dark eyes are as breathtaking as Andrew's. She is slim and perfect. No wonder Ambogio fell so deeply in love with her. She is perfect in every way possible.

  “Mother,” Julian calls out, and hugs Selene tight.

  “I've missed my dear children so much,” Selene says, her voice leaves me stunned. It's as beautiful as she is.

  They all greet each other as I stand in the background, speechless and unable to move.

  “You must be Ms. Nina,” Selene calls out to me.

  I nod my head. I'm unable to speak at the moment.

  “Nina, it's a pleasure to meet you,” Ambrogio says as he walks toward me. He grabs my left hand and places it in his hands. He gently kisses it and smiles.

  Selene walks over toward me and gives me a soft hug. “Finally, I get to meet you!”

  “It's so,” I stutter, “Nice to meet both of you.”

  “Would you like to take a walk with me?” Selene asks me. “I would love to get to know you personally.”

  “Of course,” I agree, and grab my sweatshirt that's hanging off the back of a chair in the kitchen.

  We both walk silently toward the lake. It's perfect outside. The wind is calm, and the water is even calmer.

  As we walk beside the lake, the full moon is shining off of the flat surface of the water. Selene stays quiet. She looks like she wants to enjoy the beautiful scene in silence. I never thought I would be taking a nighttime walk with one of the oldest vampires; the first woman that started it all.

  “Your mind is drifting. On what?” Selene asks in a whisper. How did she know?

  “Just thinking about Andrew,” the lie spits out of my mouth before I can stop it.

  “Andrew,” Selene giggles. Even her laugh is perfect. “He looks at you the way Ambrogio looks at me. I should have figured Andrew would be the one to fall in love with you. I think your names are written in the stars together. Do you love him as much as he does you?” Selene catches me off guard with her question.

  I don't hesitate to answer. “I think I love him more. His love has made me a stronger person,” I admit.

  I see Selene's face shining from the full, bright moon. Her smile is contagious. “I know, my dear. I can sense love from a mile away with you two.”

  “He's such an amazing person. He would risk his own life if it meant I would get to live just one more day. I'm so lucky.”

  "Or did he get lucky with you?" Selene asks me, her eyes sparkling. "A healer loving a vampire is against your nature. It never happens to your kind. A healer is taught to heal, move on, and protect themselves from evil. Your kind always thought of vampires as their enemies. They thought their God put healers here to protect his children.”

  “Why are healers taught to heal and move on?” I ask.

  “Well, healers were put on this planet to protect the people of it, and nothing else. They weren't here to love and be loved. They weren't here to start a family or a career. It has been said that healers were only here to cure the evil and then move on,” Selene speaks the words gently.

  I let her words float through my thoughts. She must be a vampire with a lot of knowledge. She is one of the oldest people ever to walk amongst this world. “How did you find my dad and know he was a healer?”

  “Your father was a brilliant man, with such a kind soul. His family was in a long line of healers. I personally looked out for each and every one of them. I found your father, and knew he was a special man. When I first started working with him on his healing power, let's just say, he was completely broken. He loved your mother very much, and was caught between two separate lives. His normal life, and his healing life. He was a good man,” Selene tells me.

  “I miss him every day,” I whisper.

  “With Abel, I can feel that he is truly gone from this earth; but with Scott, I can't seem to feel the sensation that he is gone. It just won't click in my brain,” Selene confesses.

  “I'm sorry for your loss,” I apologize. “He saved my life.”

  Selene's smile disappears. “Abel was a wonderful child. I loved him very much and I always will. He was special to Ambrogio and I. He had a kind heart, and did what he thought was right when he shielded you from those wooden arrows.”

  My mind focuses back on her words about my dad. She can't feel the sensation that he's gone. I can't believe she just spoke those words, because that's exactly how I feel. I thought I was supposed to feel something, like a sensation that he's gone from this world, but it has never happened. I wish he was still alive. I wish I could see him again.

  * * * *

  Selene and I walk back into the house, and find ourselves sitting on the couch right next to each other. The fire is blazing hot, and smoke is rising, like usual. I still don't understand why they always have to have a damn fire going. Tonight is the perfect night for it though.

  “Selene, my moon,” Ambrogio says. “We should rest. We have a long journey ahead of us in the morning light.” I feel myself smiling at his words. I love how he called her his moon. That was so sweet.

  “Yes, my stars,” Selene replies. They are so sweet together. She rises from the couch, and begins to give everyone a hug and kiss goodnight. Everything she does is so graceful. She finally gets to me and stops. She stares into my eyes for a moment and smiles. “You, my darling. It was such an honor to meet the daught
er of Scott McKay. You are a bright young woman. I'm sure we will meet again.”

  “The honor was all mine, Mrs. Selene,” I say, as I embrace her with a hug.

  She holds me for a few seconds and then kisses me on my cheek. “I will see you soon, sweet child.”

  “Goodnight,” I smile, with tears forming in my eyes. I feel like I've known her my whole life. It's going to be sad to see her go.

  Chapter 18

  A Chat With The Enemy

  Dear Diary,

  If you would have asked me a year ago if I would meet the two vampires that started it all, I would have completely lost it in laughter. I'm not laughing right now because it's not a joke, it's real.

  Ambrogio is the most mysterious vampire. He intimidates me, but when he starts talking, he is the nicest vampire, with such a kind heart.

  Selene is the most beautiful creature I have ever laid my eyes on. Her beauty makes me speechless. She has a graceful way about her, and you just have to like her. Her smile is contagious and she knows it.

  I remember the story Andrew told me about how Ambrogio and Selene met. Ambrogio had his mind set on getting Selene to be with him, and nothing could stop it from happening. Numerous amounts of obstacles stood in his way, and he defeated all of them. He did it for Selene, for true love.

  Love, Nina

  * * * *

  I was extremely sad to see Ambrogio and Selene leave to go home yesterday. I had such a nice visit with them. I love how open Selene was about anything I asked her. I also love the fact that she speaks her mind and says exactly what she's thinking and how she feels.

  I woke up this morning expecting to see Andrew by my side in the cabin, but instead I'm in my own bed all alone. It doesn't bother me, I enjoy spending time by myself.

  School is today. I wish I could stay cuddled up in my bed and just listen to music, or even stare off into space.

  I have to start focusing more on my studies. It's just hard with all the bullshit that's been happening lately. I just want to live a semi-normal life, with my love and my family.

  Reality slaps me in the face as my alarm clock starts beeping. I slam on the snooze button. I hate hearing that sound.

  I crawl out of bed and get into the shower. I wash my hair and start to wash my body. As the body wash is rinsing off me, I see the scars that are on my thighs. My fingers glide across them. They're not fresh, I haven't cut myself in months now. I'm so happy I haven't relapsed.

  A year ago, I was in such a dark place. I never knew the power of love could force me into happiness. I will always thank God for bringing Andrew to me. Life wouldn't be enjoyable without him. The smile on my face would disappear without his love and presence.

  I jump out of the shower and my feet hit the freezing cold floor. I begin to dress myself and get ready for the long day ahead of me.

  * * * *

  I control the music when I'm in Andrew's car. I pick rock music and he always expects it. I don't enjoy any other type of music. I find a CD that's labeled “Tesla,” and smile as I think of the day that Andrew played his guitar and sang to me. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my life. His voice is graceful and incredible.

  “When am I going to be able to hear you sing again?” I ask, as I smile at him like a lovestruck teenager.

  “Whenever you want to, love,” Andrew answers.

  “Sing to me right now.” I look at him and await an answer. “I'll put on 'Only You' by Tesla. Please sing to me,” I whine as I quiver my lower lip.

  “Of course, my love,” Andrew looks at me and winks.

  I smile big and put on the Tesla song. The music starts to play, and butterflies fill my stomach. Andrew starts to sing, and I fall into complete silence. His voice makes me speechless. He makes me want to cry tears of joy.

  As the song comes to an end, we pull into the parking lot of the school. He stops singing and puts the car into park. The engine turns off. I can't stop looking at him, my eyes won't leave his face.

  “How was that?” Andrew asks in almost a whisper.

  Words can't describe how amazing that was. His lovely voice brings butterflies to my stomach, and a smile to my face. I don't speak. I bring my lips to his and kiss him passionately.

  I feel my body start to warm up. Goosebumps appear on my skin. My toes start to curl at the touch of his lips. His kiss takes me to a whole different planet.

  The bell rings and brings me back to the real world. “You look beautiful today, my love,” Andrew speaks as his lips leave mine.

  “You look pretty good yourself, Mr. Madsen,” I smile.

  * * * *

  My breathing is heavy. I'm running through the forest, and darkness fills the sky. I can't see where I'm going, but I have to keep running. They're going to catch me if I don't get away now. The Sulivic Brothers are going to kill me for what I am. I have to get to my sister and get out of this forest.

  Beads of sweat start to fall from my face. I want to stop running and catch my breath, but I can't. I have to keep going. They have Caroline, and I need to get her out of this forest before they kill us both.

  The dark forest is scaring me. I hate being in the dark, I hate it so much. I hear noises all around me. Branches are breaking as my feet run across them. Leaves are crunching under my feet.

  I feel my body wanting to shut down. I can barely control my breathing. I have to stop. I have to just catch my breath for a minute.

  My feet come to a hault. I drop down and my hands find my knees as I fight for air.

  I stand up straight and look around. Where the hell am I? It's like I was transported to another place.

  I start to turn in circles as I figure out where I am.

  It's the barn. The barn where Andrew killed Gavin. The barn where I found my sister transforming into a vampire. Why am I here? “Lynn,” I yell out. “Lynn, where are you?”

  I hear a bang and look behind me quickly. My eyes go wide, and my jaw drops to the floor. It's Gavin and Flavior. They're covered in red. I move my feet backwards. This is impossible. Gavin and Flavior are dead. I feel liquid on the floor and look down. Blood is everywhere, covering the ground in the barn.

  I look at Gavin and then at Flavior. Blood is flooding out from their bodies. What the hell is going on? All I see is red. I close my eyes and tears start to fall down my face. There's too much blood. This can't be real. This can't be real. This can't be real.

  I jump out of my seat and scream. I look around me, and find myself sitting at my desk in class. It was only a dream. Thank God, it was only a dream.

  I see everyone staring at me with humor on their faces. “Miss McKay, maybe you should go to sleep earlier at night, instead of falling asleep in my class,” Mr. Alan demands.

  “I'm so sorry. Can I go to the bathroom, please?” I ask in a hurry. I feel sweat beading on my forehead. I need to splash water on my face. I just have to keep telling myself that it was just a dream.

  “Only if you promise to come back to my class and be ready to keep your eyes open, and attention on me!” Mr. Alan speaks loud and firm.

  “Yes, Mr. Alan,” I tell him, and he nods his head.

  I sprint to the bathroom and make my way to the sink. It's a relief to feel the cold water hit my warm and sweaty face. I rub my face and try to really wake myself up. I've never fallen asleep in class before. That was so embarrassing. I still can't believe that happened to me. I just had to dream about the worst possible things, and wake up screaming in class. It's just my luck.

  I open my eyes and look in the mirror. I jump and scream at the same time. I turn around and see a familiar face. It's the man from the car wash.

  I stand here with fear written all over my face. I stay silent and stare at him.

  “You're the famous Nina,” the man says. His voice is deep and frightening.

  I stay silent and still. I stare at him, trying not to let my fear show. He stands there with a smile plastered on his face. Who is he? And what does he want from me?
r />   The man looks at me the way a cat looks at a mouse, ready to pounce at any second. "Do you know who I am?" He asks me.

  "No," I answer, "Should I? I remember you from the car wash."

  He starts laughing maniacally. "Oh, my dear Nina. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm John Michael. Perhaps you've heard of me?"

  My brain tries to process what he's telling me. I want to run away, but I know it won't do any good. The man I fear most is standing right in front of me, and there's nowhere to go.

  “I felt like paying you a little visit today. I wanted to see you up close, the one everyone is making such a fuss about,” John Michael says as he starts shaking his head. “I want you to know that,” he pauses and stares deep into my eyes, “I'm coming for you very soon, and I wanted you to hear it from me.”

  I gulp and feel my legs start to tremble. I hope they don't give out on me, not right now. Not with the enemy standing in front of me. I don't want him to see me scared. I don't want him to know how much I fear him.

  I stand tall and stare deep into his eyes. The smile wipes off his face, and he stares back at me. Shock is starting to flash across his face. Good.

  “Nina,” I hear Andrew shout from out in the hallway. I'm unable to speak. I just keep staring at the vampire that I fear most, trying not to let it show.

  “I'll be seeing you soon, very soon,” John Michael announces, and in a blink of an eye, he's gone.

  I look over and see that the window's open. He's finally gone. My legs give out, and I slide down to the floor, letting the tears stream down my face. My body starts to shake uncontrollably.

  “Nina,” I hear Andrew shout again as he enters the girl's bathroom. “Oh my God, Nina, are you alright? What happened? Where's John Michael? I picked up his scent while I was in class. I came as soon as I could.” Andrew sits on the floor next to me and places his arms around me gently. “Nina, love, talk to me, please.”