Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts) (25 page)

When I think of what my life would be like if I didn’t have Hayden, I almost want to cry. If Adam had stayed with me I still may have faltered. Eventually Adam would have left or been hunted, since Hayden refused to do it, maybe another Seeker would have been called in. I was grateful for the time we had had. I just can’t believe he was ever cruel to anyone. He was so special to me. He saved my life. He stayed with me for so long. As I looked down at the ocean I realized my vision was blurry. I was silently crying. I loved Hayden now, ‘I have to let you go Adam.’ I silently whispered. I wiped my tears, not wanting Hayden to see them.

I poured myself a cup of tea and ate one of the cookies Kevin left for me. I looked around the plane again. It could comfortably hold at least six people. The black leather sofas contrasted nicely with the beige cabin walls. The lights were not too bright. I thought the big screen television was unnecessary. The view from the windows was so fascinating to me, but then I remembered that the people on this plane did this journey several times throughout the year. I guess they could get bored of the view.

“Natalie, my darling, what are you thinking?” Hayden had been watching me quietly from the pilots’ door.

“I was just wondering why my lover was avoiding me,” I jokingly, glared up at him.

“Never!” He walked towards me and held my hands as he helped me stand. He placed his cool hands under my chin and raised my face to look at him.

“I am not avoiding you. I had to discuss our plans for today with the pilot. We are going to land closer inland this time so I had to contact Clive to let him know when we’ll be there. They are very eager to meet you, I can assure you,” he said excitedly as he kissed me harder this time. He wanted me I could tell by the way he was making me shiver. I wished we were alone.

We were informed that we would be landing soon. I put my belt on and glanced at Hayden. He was watching me again.

“What?” I said slightly annoyed. “I’m ready.”

“If your ears start to hurt I suggest chewing on some gum. I’m just worried about you, the landing can sometimes be worse than the take-off,” he informed me.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap but I really am good, thank you.”

“Good.” He placed his arm around me and looked out the window. It was so amazing to see the trees getting closer and closer. I was so thrilled watching the earth come into view. I was so excited to be somewhere so different. I couldn’t wait to land, even if it meant I had to meet the Seekers.

16. SEEKERS

The landing wasn’t so bad, quite smooth actually. When we were given the all clear Hayden jumped up.

“Let’s go,” he said as he gathered our things and opened the hatch. I walked quickly behind him and down the stairs. The smell of the air was so different. The heat and moisture was so strange to me. It smelled smoky, like the trees were burning. I smiled as I walked beside Hayden to the waiting car.

As we drove I continued to look out the windows in amazement. The narrow dirt road cut straight through the forest. It wasn’t like any forest I had ever seen before. It was so green and lush. The birds that flew by were beautifully colored, in reds, yellows and blues. I felt like I was in heaven. I knew as soon as I thought it that I wished I hadn’t. Adam would have loved to have hiked these trails, through these woods. I quickly shook my head, startling Hayden.

“Natalie?” he asked.

“Sorry, I just had a shiver,” I smiled, feeling bad for still thinking so much about Adam when I had Hayden right here, beside me. I wished I could get him out of my head. I focused on the view out the window again. It never ceased to be amazing and beautiful. I could hear the sounds of a waterfall and in between the large green leaves that leaned toward the road the sun was shining so brightly.

The car turned down a smooth lane-way. As we continued on I noticed there were walkways in the woods. Closer to our destination there was more landscaping and statues placed in different spots amongst the gardens. The car began to slow as we neared an enormous white house with a huge wrap around porch. It was very welcoming, not what I was expecting at all. Hayden had a huge smile on his face as we neared the house.

“I love it here. I hope you will too,” he said as he squeezed me tight and gave me a quick kiss as the car came to a stop. Hayden was out and already opening my door before I had time to unbuckle. He was so happy. I couldn’t help but laugh quietly. He held my hand as we walked to the porch.

There were close to ten people standing on the porch now. They were all smiling. The first thing that surprised me about them was their appearance. They were not what I had been expecting. They were actually quite normal. The two men that came down the stairs first to greet us didn’t look much older than Hayden. They carried themselves with such grace, almost floating as they walked over, smiling. The tall dark haired man was wearing a white cotton shirt with loose, black, cotton pants. The other man was an inch shorter and he was wearing a light blue cotton polo shirt with beige khakis. They both looked like they had just walked out of a spring catalog. The strange thing was they were not intimidating like I normally would have felt surrounded by such beautiful people. They were so friendly and it seemed they were exerting such pleasant feelings that I couldn’t hold back even if I tried.

“Hayden, it has been too long. I am so happy to see you my friend” the tall man greeted us first.

“This must be your little treasure Natalie, I have heard so much about you,” he held his hand out to me. I smiled and held mine out to him. He seized it gently and kissed it, the same way Kevin had. I couldn’t help but grin, feeling silly.

“She is adorable, Hayden,” he said, winking at me. I didn’t know then how much they knew about our relationship. I wondered how much they knew about us. The second man patted Hayden on the shoulder and held his arms out in welcome to me. He walked closer and placed them around my waist. I wasn’t used to such contact from strangers or from anyone for that matter, except Hayden of course. I stiffened. He let go of me and held out his hand.

“I am Clive, Natalie. I am so happy to finally meet you. I hope you have a wonderful time here at the Firelight Inn,” he smiled with a slight grin. I was going to have to watch out for this one, I thought shaking his hand. So they called this place an Inn. I guess they needed some kind of cover. It’s not like they could go around telling people they dissolve the inner light of the undead here.

I met two women after them, Elizabeth and Sofia. They looked close to the same age as Hayden as well. It was hard to tell. They were beautiful, not a single wrinkle, considering they lived under such a hot sun. Their skin was a lovely golden bronze. My pale skin was such a contrast when they held my hand in theirs. They both had long dark hair that hung all the way down their backs. I met so many people after them that there was no way I was going to remember all their names. I would have to ask Hayden for some assistance before I embarrassed myself. He seemed to sense that I was becoming overwhelmed. He asked Elizabeth which room we would be staying in.

“I would like to wash and change after the trip if that is okay?” he told her.

“Absolutely, let me take you to your room. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other,” she said as she wrapped her arm around my waist. She led us up two flights of stairs.

“Are you serious Elizabeth?” Hayden said, shocked. I was confused.

“Well you and Natalie are our guests of honor. You deserve the best room in the Inn. You have no idea how happy Clive is to finally have you both here. He has been waiting a long time,” she looked seriously at Hayden. I hoped there wasn’t more to it, but I knew there was. Was he supposed to have captured me earlier? How could he have brought me sooner? We hadn’t been together that long. I noticed the look on Hayden’s face. He was anxious. He held my hand tighter. I hoped I wasn’t the reason for his sudden change in demeanor. He thanked her for the room again and we walked in.

He quickly closed the door and dropped our bags. He wrapped his arms around me tightly, almost too tightly.

“Hayden, what’s wrong?” I gasped, trying to wring free of his hold so I could look at him.

“I’m sorry Natalie. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought you here. They seem more interested in you then I thought. You have to promise me that you will not leave my side and if you start to feel uncomfortable at any time tell me. We can go home whenever you want. Please remember, I need you. I love you Natalie.” He gently held me closer.

“Hayden, I am very happy to be here. Your friends seem nice so far but I promise if they start to scare me I’ll tell you.” I placed my arms around his waist, “and good luck trying to get away from me.” He smiled as he picked me up and carried me to the big comfy looking bed. The white was such a contrast compared to the darkness of his room. This room was feminine. The white curtains hung from the ceiling all the way down to the floor. There were little red and pink flowers sewn into the sheer material. There where so many pillows on the bed. Most of them were white with a few red and pink ones thrown in. The wood floors were a pale cedar and the red area rugs surrounded the bed and the living area. There were sand colored chairs and a sofa with red and pink pillows. The walls were painted white. There was even a little kitchen. It was very cozy. I was so happy to be here with Hayden. He was gently rubbing my shoulders and caressing my neck. He was sending shivers down my back. I rolled over and kissed him.

I must have dozed off in Hayden’s arms because when I awoke, Hayden was showered and dressed. He was talking in a hushed tone to someone in the kitchen.

“We’ll be there when we are ready to come down. I think we should give her a few days to relax. I don’t want to just throw her into this and if at any time she changes her mind I am taking her and we will leave. So don’t be aggressive Clive.” He was talking quietly but sternly.

“Yes, we’ll be down shortly. See you then.” He hung up and walked over to the bar. He poured two glasses of wine. I sat up wondering what time it was. I knew the clock in my head was messed up. The clock above the stove read seven. I was hungry now. Hayden passed me a glass.

“Good evening, my love,” he said smiling.

“Thank you.” I took a sip and smiled. I loved it when Hayden spoiled me. I glanced at the suitcase remembering I had new clothes in it. I had no idea what was in there.

“Should I be scared?” I asked, pointing at it.

“No I told her you have simple tastes, nothing glam or flashy. I promise.” He picked up the bag and put it on the bed in front of me. I unzipped it and smiled. Nice earthy tones, looks safe, I thought.

“I think I see some denim. That’s good.” Hayden smiled and told me they were expecting us for dinner in about an hour. I finished my drink and went to shower.

As I walked back into the bedroom I realized Hayden was wearing a lovely light blue loose pullover and dark khaki pants. I stared at him completely amazed.

“What?” he smiled.

“You look different. I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything other than black before. You look nice. I mean you really look good,” I smiled still staring at him.

“Well thank you, but when I’m here I try to blend in. They believe in comfortable clothing, nothing that attracts or traps heat, very practical dressing.”

I looked through the clothes trying to decide on something to wear to dinner. I knew all eyes would be on the strange newcomer tonight. I really didn’t want to wear a dress and I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to wear my jeans. I finally decided on a pair of beige pants and a white top. I picked out a long black cardigan in case it cooled off later. I put on my lip gloss and combed out my long brown hair after towel drying it. Hayden laughed at me as I shook my head.

“There is a hairdryer in there darling.”

“I’m good thanks.” I kissed his cheek and put on a pair of black sandals with a slight heel. He thought of everything.

“You look wonderful. You look like you belong here,” he said this with a bit of surprise in his voice.

“Thank you, I think,” I said as he smiled and reached for my hand.

“Let’s go eat, you must be starving.”

I was nervous as we descended the stairs. I could hear a lot of different voices coming from the main dining hall. As we approached the voices started to quiet down. When we entered the room no one said a word. I squeezed Hayden’s hand. I was not about to let him leave my side tonight. He squeezed back in assurance. I knew he wasn’t completely comfortable now either, he was too worried about me.

“Hayden, it is so good to finally see you. I was expecting you months ago?” Clive’s tone had an edge to it, like he wanted to be angry but knew he shouldn’t be. His accent made it more difficult for me to judge his temperament. As a child I used to judge my father’s voice, his tone, to decide if it was safe to stay down stairs or if I should hide out in my room for the rest of the evening.

“Natalie, you have met Clive earlier, he is the owner of the Firelight Inn.” Clive held his hand out for mine. I slowly offered it. He grabbed it cautiously and kissed it slowly. He smiled at Hayden as he slipped his arm through mine and began to lead me to the garden patio just outside of the dining room. I glanced back to make sure Hayden was following. He winked at me, only a step behind. I smiled and looked forward again.

“So Natalie, I’m sure you have as many questions as we do,” he said slowly.

“I’m sure I have more,” I answered cautiously.

“I don’t think you realize how beneficial your special talents are going to be for us.”

“I really don’t see how they can be beneficial at all.”

“You are too modest. Let me get you a drink.” He snapped his fingers and a man with a tray of drinks was there immediately. He handed me one and took one for himself. Hayden declined. I knew he wanted to keep a straight head tonight. He wasn’t about to put me in any awkward positions.

“I don’t want to get too serious on your first night here. I’m just a very impatient man. I apologize ahead of time if I have or do offend you, Hayden tell her I mean no harm.” Hayden grinned and nodded at me.