Eden's Mark (13 page)

Chapter Eighteen

             
Dawn was upon us, and I groggily made myself get up. We had spent the majority of the night packing and repacking supplies, weapons, maps, etc. I had no idea how crazy men were about their supplies. I always thought women over-packed. Nothing compared to Gregor and Koren. We had bags filled with dried fruits and meat, one with roots and greens, one for just water skins, and don’t get me started on weapons. They packed us up like we were going to be gone for a year. I was thinking more on the lines of a week. I didn’t know how long Lex had before the shadow sickness took him, but I wasn’t going to lose him to it. This mission was going to work and fast.

             
Koren and Maiya had changed form into majestic looking horses. Both stunned with the imagination they had at their animal forms. I was such a novice. We packed them up and Gregor turned to me. “Aren’t you going to change?”

             
“Chang into what exactly?” I was not going to be a pack animal for him to ride.

             
“I didn’t mean for that, I was meaning like a wolf or dog, something to pick up a scent.” I heard the noises and stomping coming from my friends in their horse forms.

             
“Oh, I could try something like that. Although, I don’t know what is better to be, a bloodhound or a wolf?”

             
I am going to go on the side of the wolf.

             
I heard Koren in my head. I got the warmth of his smile and got the mental image of Maiya agreeing with him.

             
Wolves are common here, as in your realm; no one will take notice to it, as compared to, say, a ‘bloodhound.’

             
Maiya was right, of course, and I went about transforming into a wolf.

             
I pictured a random grey wolf in my head, but something just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t me. I began to rethink my wolf. If I were a wolf, I would be medium build for agility, soft pads on my paws for stealth, a keen nose, sharp hearing, and unbelievable eyesight; I would be brown and grey, easier to blend in the shadows. I pictured my wolf in my mind and felt the shift. I opened my eyes to being on all fours covered in fur.

             
Gregor scratched between my ears and I growled at him. I was not in this form to be a pet.              

             
“Alright, no petting.” Gregor chuckled at me and took a step back.

             
Okay, there are about a million smells coming from a thousand different directions, how do I pick out which one is Amend’s, when I don’t even know what he smells like.

             
Amend is Lexington’s uncle; find a smell that resembles something close to Lexington.

             
You say that like it is so easy. Maybe you should try this, you do have elevated senses, vampire.

             
As do you, my heart. We will find him; do not worry so much, you will do fine.

             
My wolf self let out a tiny growl of frustration as we walked. We left the small village a day ago; I can still see Val crying as she waved us good-bye. I know how hard it was for her to let me go do this. The fear of losing Lex and me at the same time was more than she could stand, but she managed to keep it together.

             
I loved her for that, her strength. My Aunt Valora was the only mother I knew; I am who I am because of her. I just hoped I wouldn’t let her down. I needed to find Amend so he could heal Uncle Lex. If I didn’t, he would become a shadow and we would have to kill him. That was not an option for me.

             
None of us will let that happen, Eden. Your fate and the fate of your loved ones are now our burden as well.

             
Maiya had a way of saying things that soothed me. Her tinkling voice made my tension ease up and I felt much calmer, more confident in my ability.

             
Thank you. I am sorry you all were dragged into this. It isn’t right that you are now part of all this mess. It seems I am nothing but bad news.

             
Nonsense, Eden! We offered our services, such as they are, to help in this quest of yours. Lexington has become a friend of ours, too, just as you have become like family. Maiya and I would lay down our lives for you or Gregor. Let us hope we don’t have to, though.

             
He gave a mental wink that caused us to chuckle. My wolf snorted and the horses whinnied. Gregor just shook his head with a small laugh.

             
We walked on in semi-silence for what seemed like hours, crossing the valley between the village and the Yoli forest. The grass that grew here was thick and the color of burnt sienna. There were no flowers, or trees. We had no cover here if we were to be attacked. Being in this place made me nervous, there were some rock formations, but nothing that could do anything for us. Our best chance was to get through this place as soon as possible. We stopped at a small spring-fed pool close to the edge of valley we were in. It was odd that a pool like this was here without any trees or foliage growing around it, but this valley didn’t make a whole lot of sense anyways.

             
Gregor surveyed our surroundings, “This is our last stop before the forest. There is no clean water or edible plants, what we have packed must last us. Let’s rest here for a little bit.” I was happy to change back into my natural form. Being on all fours was interesting, but being on two was normal. I stretched myself out enjoying the feel of my human body. I helped Gregor unpack the bags off Koren and Maiya, they too seemed happy to be back in their natural states as well.

             
We placed the packs by the small pool and Gregor and Koren set about separating our provisions. “If we get separated in the forest, we will need two separate supply packs.” Gregor nodded his approval at Koren who began stuffing two packs with identical supplies.

             
Maiya had went to look for dinner/breakfast, although what she was going to find in this valley was beyond me. I rested by the pool, laying back looking up at the night sky. I began thinking of the golden sun at home ablaze in the cerulean sky. August was almost over back home, fall would be here and with it the start of my seasons. I hadn’t even realized that Halloween was just two months away. I loved fall and winter.

             
I hadn’t dressed up for Halloween in ages, but I still loved going to the square in my town and watching the kids in costumes. The town put on a huge celebration each year for the children. It was meant to be a safe gathering for them to get good candy and win prizes. Val would set up her stand, selling herbal concoctions to those who wanted them. Then she would hand out glasses of her special witches brew (who knew it really was!) that made everyone see clearer in the dark. Her Wolfberry wine was for adults, but she made something similar for the kids that used citrus juices in place of alcohol. It always went over big. Lex and I would spend most of the week making homemade chocolate caramels to pass out to the children. Some of the adults would sneak some too. We made a batch for the mayor’s family each Halloween. 

             
I must have been lost in my thoughts because I didn’t know Maiya was back until Gregor was trying to hand me a bowl. “Hmm?” I came to and looked at Gregor, “How come no one told me Maiya was back, I could have helped.” I sat up and accepted the bowl of stew he handed me. I sat closer to the small fire that was burning. It was mainly coals so that it would be harder to see.

             
“We tried, but you were lost somewhere. What were you thinking about?” I felt myself reach out to connect to my vampire. My essence slid against his making my stomach flip and my birthmark tingle. I dared not touch him, as the light would surely draw attention to us.

             
“I was just thinking about fall. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. My family and I used to go all out at the town party. I am missing it.” I looked at the contents of my bowl. It had some kind of meat -- I was sure I didn’t want to know what it was – turnip-like roots, greens, and a veggie that was unfamiliar. “Where did you catch the meat?”

             
“It was a bird that roosted out here in the tall of the grass. It is a hearty bird and easily caught. The hard part is finding the nests. They dig holes in the ground to roost.” Maiya was a very skilled hunter, I was learning. She was so agile and reminded me of a ninja. I would hate to be her prey.

             
I took a spoonful of the stew, it was rich and had a great flavor. The meat reminded me of pheasant. It was delicious. “This is really good.” Before I knew it, I had emptied my bowl. My stomach growled as if I hadn’t eaten at all.

             
“Would you like more?” Koren smiled at me and filled my bowl again.

             
“Thank you. Guess I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” My face was pink, I could tell. I don’t remember eating this much, ever. I sat next to Gregor enjoying my second bowl of stew. He placed his arm around me as he watched us. I forgot, he couldn’t eat food like us.

             
I can, but it is unpleasant when it comes back up. I am satisfied though. The blood from the bird was not wasted. It will keep me sated until we reach the forest, then I will have to hunt.

             
I want to come with you.

             
No. If you can survive on food, then that is what you will do. I do not want you to have to take a life, animal or not.

             
You mean, you kill each thing you feed from?

             
This conversation was starting to put me off my stew.

             
I hunt animals, but I always ask their blessing before I feed, and they give it. I try not to hunt young ones or many with families. I give them the proper good-bye and thank them for their sacrifice. It is the way of my people. Not many of us feed off people, those who do are twisted by the dark magicks.

             
Oh, I didn’t know. Do you have to kill when you feed?

             
No, and most of the time, I drink a little from many sources for that reason. During the seasons for mating and birthing, I try hard to do this. I am not a killer by nature; it is the things in our world that brings the killer out in me.

             
Gregor’s eyes turn to near black at his thoughts. I sent him love and watched his eyes go back to his clear grey.

             
“I sense a shift in the weather. A storm is coming, Gregor. If we want to outrun it, we must get going now.” Koren and Maiya began cleaning up. Gregor used his speed to pack things as I tried to stay out of the way.

             
The wind was picking up as we got some of the packs on Koren. Maiya had changed into her wolf as to help me pick up Amends scent, and Gregor carried our packs, in case we got separated. The chill that ran through me was not just from the cool wind whipping up. Something ominous was ahead of us, but I didn’t know yet what it was.

             
The rain began to fall. Soft cold drops hit us at first, but before long, it was a downpour. We could see our breath in front of us and the rain was making it hard for us to sniff any scents that might help. The night wore on and so did the storm. Soon it was morning and I knew Gregor would have to leave us. Thunder cracked above us and the lightning made me jump. Everywhere we stepped sloshed and I was wearing down. My coat of fur was soaked, and I doubted Maiya and Koren felt any better than I did.

             
I will not be leaving you, Eden. The sun will be covered by all these rain clouds and there is no fear from it today
.

             
We walked on for another couple of hours, the sun indeed shadowed by the rain clouds keeping us in a gray fog of cold wind and rain.

             
We need to stop, Gregor. I am so tired and this cold is just leaching what strength I have left. I am not picking up anything anyways.

             
I slumped in the grass and put my head down. I was weak and had no idea why.

             
Gregor, Eden is right. This rain is washing away any scents that may have helped us. It would be better to make camp and wait this out.

             
Koren, what do you think?

             
I agree with Maiya. This storm isn’t getting us anywhere. Let us make camp.

Chapter Nineteen

             
We waited and waited for Gregor, we had all changed back to our natural forms. I was starting to worry when he came back to us. “I have found a place for us. It is a little ways off, but Eden and I can take you all faster if you let us carry you.”

             
“What?” I looked up at Gregor; I was weak and tired, too tired to carry anyone.

             
“Trust me my heart, you have our strength, you will be able to do this.” Gregor gave me his trademark look and I melted.

             
“Okay, if you really think I can.”

             
“I know you can.” I leaned in to kiss him, only I remembered the last time I did that in the dark and I slowly backed away.

             
“We do not need you to carry us, we can shift, and all you need to worry about is the packs.” Koren and Maiya changed into small flying bugs that were what looked like a beetle and lightening bug. They both landed on my shoulder and Gregor loaded himself down with the bags.

             
“Follow me, Eden, do not let me out of your sight. This is a tricky place to find. Keep our connection and if you get behind, I will come back for you.”

             
I nodded at Gregor and we were off. Using our preternatural speed, we raced through the valley, winding in and out of rock piles. I was starting to lose him when I ran right into his back. I fell back with a thud into a large pile of blue rocks. “Ouch.” I winced as I got up, rubbing my now bruised behind, the smell instantly assaulted my nose. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to run into you.” I was so tired; I can’t believe I didn’t feel him stop before I ran into him. I tried to keep my sleeve over my nose in hopes Gregor didn’t notice my repulsion at the fragrance around us.

             
“Eden, don’t worry. Are you okay?” He looked me over and I gave him a good fake smile. I was sore, cold, and tired, not okay, but it could be worse.

             
“Yeah, I’m fine, just bruised my backside on the rocks.” I looked around at the unending site of blue rocks, in all hues. “Where is this shelter you found?”

             
“It is under the rocks. These rocks will mask our scent if anyone is following us.” It’s the rocks that smell as if something died out here, interesting. “If we open the ground and make shelter under them, we will have perfect protection.”

             
“
How are we going to do that?”

             
“You remember when I told you about that special hideaway in my home?”

             
“Yeah, you said if I asked the earth to open, she would. The problem is, I don’t know how to do that.” I really didn’t. Everything I had done up to this point was by pure luck.

             
“I will give you the words, and if we chant them together, she will open for us, you will see.”

Gregor and I stood side by side, careful not to
touch, he filled my mind with the sacred words to call upon our Mother Earth.

             
Together we chanted, “Mother, hear our plea, safety and rest in need are we, you heal us and protect us greatly, and to you, our Mother, we give our thanks.” We repeated this mantra several times with no avail. I could feel her sending her energy up to me through the ground on which we stood. I stopped and listened to her song. She wanted not our thanks, but our love, and the want of her permission for the two visitors we had with us.

             
“Gregor, stop, let me try please, on my own.” I raised my hands before the earth, grounding myself in her energy. I felt her love come into me making me feel alive. The outline of my eclipse shaped birthmark lit up a soft green, the aura continued to surround me and I felt the earth through my entire being. “Mother Earth, our protector, you are most glorious in the bounty you provide. We are humbled by your love and your presence. I asked for permission to share that same protection you have granted me before with my friends. I ask that you open your ground to us and let us take refuge. There is nothing we can do to show our appreciation except let you feel it in our hearts.”

             
Just then, a gust of warm air circled around my companions. It was searching them for the same sincerity as Gregor and I had displayed. Apparently, she liked Maiya and Koren, as the ground opened up and formed a cave for us to walk into. I bowed my head, “Thank you for such a great gift. You have honored us.” I let my love flow into my energy and back into the ground, showing my gratitude for her coming to our aid. I let the aura go and joined everyone in the cave.

             
Once we were inside, soil and rocks closed off the front while the ground before us expanded into a wide cave, giving us plenty of room to stretch out. Other spaces off the main area created places for us to deposit bags and change clothes in privacy. The earth was so warm that we wouldn’t need a fire. I felt at home here, in the ground. The minerals hummed to me and I could feel my energy restoring.

             
“That was terrific, truly. It is such a gift to be accepted by the one who governs the earth and the life of our world.” Koren was putting bags down and Maiya held her hand against the soft dirt of the walls, eyes closed, muttering something in her own language. Koren noticed my staring, “Maiya is giving thanks her own way.”

             
I watched as the two of them went around the corner into one of the rooms. I went into another of the openings and went through my bag of drenched clothes. I stripped down to my undergarments, hoping to find something dry. I ended up slumping down on the dirt frustrated. Everything was wet. I tried to remember the spell Val taught me to dry things, but my mind was mush and I felt my limbs grow heavy. Warm hands wrapped around my upper body, making me jump.

             
“Did I scare you, my heart?” I turned to see that sultry look on Gregor’s face.

             
“Maybe. I wasn’t expecting you to come over here, I am changing, you know.” I tried to act nonchalant about the whole thing, but I was a terrible actor.

             
“I see no changing; I see you slumped over on the ground in distress. What is wrong?”

             
I leaned against him and the light that showed our love glowed dimly around us. “All my things are soaked and I can’t remember, for the life of me, the spell to dry things.” I was getting upset for no reason at all.

             
“These things will dry, there is no need to be so upset over some wet clothes. Here, try this…you know how you hold an image in your mind when you want to change form, well , do that same thing, only imagine clothes instead of an animal.”

             
“You mean, like glamour?” I had never tried that before. That was not on my top to do list of spells to learn.

             
“Sort of, imagine the cloth, the texture, the color, any detail you can.”

             
I closed my eyes and thought of the jersey sweatshirt I wear when it’s cold outside, the familiar jeans that are so worn in they are like a second skin on me, my wooly socks, and my favorite Chuck Taylor’s. I felt every stitch of clothing as if it were really on me. I closed my arms over my chest as I thought of these and felt long sleeves on my arm. I quickly opened my eyes and saw myself clothed. I beamed at Gregor. “How did I…what did I do?”

             
“You have powers of the fey as well, remember, Marcus was full Fey. They can cause anything natural to appear, material made of natural fibers, things out of wood, metal, stone…these are fairy traits. Their clothes are much sought after in our world. It only seemed right that you could do this as well.” Gregor squeezed me and I snuggled into the nook of his arm.

             
My vampire.

             
Yours forever, my heart.

             
“You will have to tell me other things I might be able to do.” I kissed his cheek as I laid my head back against his shoulder. “I love you.”

             
I closed my eyes and enjoyed feeling him behind me, unafraid of our light attracting attention. He tightened his grip around me and we fell asleep in our little alcove.

             
The small girl with the dark curls invaded my dreams. I saw her running to Gregor laughing. They were in our meadow by the stream and he was spinning her in the air. The toddler looked at me, my heart swelled. I knew she was my child and I felt so much happiness that I began to weep in my dream. The pair of them sent my heart soaring.

             
I must have really been crying because Gregor woke me with a start. “Eden, what is it? You’re crying.”

             
“It’s nothing bad, it was a good dream. I saw you, in our meadow, with a small child. She had long jet-black curls that hung to her waist. You were spinning her around by the stream. I think she was our daughter.” My voice was hushed and I was trying to keep from crying.

             
“A daughter, really? How do you know she was ours?” I heard his voice go a little higher in excitement.

             
“I don’t know for sure, but it was a feeling I got. This isn’t the first time I have seen her in my dreams either. The night we…um…well, that night, I saw her again. I first saw her when we kissed months ago, only this time it was much clearer.” I rolled over facing Gregor.

             
“I, too, had a similar vision when we kissed, but I have not had any other images of the child. Why didn’t you tell me? You have the sight, this could really mean we will have a daughter someday. Guess this means you are stuck with me.” His mile warmed me and we kissed, causing a spark of light to ignite between us.

             
“I am definitely not ready to be a mom yet, so just reel in that train of thought. Somewhere down the line, I would love to have our baby, but right now, I am just too young.”

             
“We have plenty of time; besides, you may get sick of me before that happens.”

             
I nudged him in the ribs gently, “That, my broody vampire, will never happen. I will never let you go, unless I am dead, and even then I will find a way to haunt you”. I giggled and snuggled in as close as I could.

             
Gregor got serious and tightened his grip, “Do not even joke like that, Eden. I never want to think of you that way. I will make sure you live for a very long time.”

             
“Our poor daughter, when she is here, she is going to have a rough time with dear ol’ dad.” I laughed a little harder. “Our poor child will never be allowed to date…ever.”

             
“She will not need to date, no one will be good enough anyways.”

             
“And so it begins, before we even have conceived her.” I rolled my eyes and felt Gregor’s full lips on mine.

             
I kissed him back, putting my arms around him. He shifted me onto his lap and held me against his chest. I relaxed and let myself connect to his essence. His life was so bright and when it touched mine, it was like an explosion. Wave after wave of love crashed through me with every touch of his hands, lips…I let myself be taken away in the tide of our desire for each other. I was bound to him by his unbreakable oath to be my protector, warrior, and mate for life. Gregor was tied to me by the essence I absorbed that was his. No matter what we had planned for ourselves, we were now and forever each other’s.

             
I rested my head on his bare shoulder, marveling at his muscles, his perfectly broody face, his coal-colored hair, and his turbulent eyes. I was feeling lucky; this gorgeous man lying beside me finds me appealing enough to pledge himself to me.

             
I find you more than just “appealing” Eden. You are my weakness. Never have I come across another female that lights me up on the inside. You are my first and only, forever.

             
You’re a good liar. With all the beautiful women that I have seen here, there is no way you have never had a girlfriend before.

             
I tell you true. I have never dated, nor looked upon any other woman as I do with you. You are my only “girlfriend,” as you say.

             
How did other females like that?

             
I had only one female friend as a youth. I lost track of her when I came to your world to protect you.

             
I see. Poor woman. I bet it killed her that you never made a move, or the oath for that matter.

             
I told you that oath binds forever. To make that oath with someone that isn’t meant for you would cause both people to turn to darkness.

             
Wow. I guess I didn’t think about that. Hmm, so we really are meant for one another.

             
We are, and I am thrilled. You are my wife, by vampire law, and I am your husband. I know the mages have their own ceremony that Valora and I were discussing. We will follow through with it once things are settled. Then, by both sides, we will be official, even though it already is.