never thought I’d die in such a strange way.
Chapter 1
Colorado, Present Day
It was nearly dawn, almost time for Lia to begin training. It had been so long since I allowed myself near her, my body ached as did my heart. Convincing myself I wasn't in love became harder in her absence, but I tried to no avail . Unfortunately, it wasn't working.
I left a note on her pillow to meet me for her morning run. I wasn't sure she'd show, but hoped there was some part of her that didn't completely hate me. It was true , I was simply indul ging myself to cure my own ills; which made things undoubtedly more difficult for her, but she was an addiction of the worst kind.
The front door creaked open slowly and she sniffle d . It was cold, perhaps colder than normal, but she stepped outside in spite of it. Her messy bun bobbed slightly as she searched for me. I stood there a moment, not wanting to disturb the sight. She was beautiful. A few strands of her chestnut hair came loose, framing her olive toned face , which was slightly flushed from the brisk wind. Her bright , hazelnut eyes shown with hesitation; s oft vibrations of excitement and anxiet y gleamed from her skin. I smile d . I hadn't lost her yet.
"Are you ready?" I asked abruptly making her jump.
"Ugh, I hate it when you do that!" I chuckled and she slapped my chest.
"Sorry," I shrugged and she glared at me.
"Next time we go into town I swear I'm getting you a damn bell. You're going to literally stop my heart one of these days. Gah," she shook her head and proceeded to stretch. I followed suit, laughing softly.
"How far do you want to run today? I figured we could go a little further than normal; give you something else to look at for a change . I don't think Josiah will be out this early , " at least I hoped he wouldn't. Her hybrid father was the last person I wanted to run into. I'd kill him before he got his hands on her.
"You know this land better than I do. I've only ran the trails you marked. I'll follow wherever you decide to go," she smiled with a shrug. I pretended not to notice the loaded response.
"You ready?" I asked over my shoulder and set off at a jog.
She met my stride easily, dodging logs and branches. Her stamina was impeccable. I stole glances from time to time, admiring her ability to concentrate so deeply on where her feet fell while so many other things were going on. No matter what I tried to do, my thoughts were always occupied by her; whether she was safe, healthy , happy or sad and everything in between. It was infuriating and comforting at the same time.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized she passed me . Grunting, I caught up and gave her a sour look. She just smiled sweetly and took off through the trees. I couldn't help but to laugh and admit that I liked her defiance. I’d chase her to the end of the earth if I had to .
A few miles later, we stopped by a stream for a drink. She barely looked winded and not even the darkest cloud could wipe the smile from her face. I enjoyed seeing her that way. Her smile was something of angelic proportions. Added to the flow of constant emotion , it was difficult to see her as a threat to anyone.
"This place is so beautiful. It's a shame we can't run like this more often. I really like it here . " S he looked around the wooded bank, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I was captivated .
"What? " her hesitation returned.
"Uh, nothing. So, do you want to keep going or are you ready to turn back?" I rinsed my hands and face in the creek, trying to avoid her questioning look . Being a vampire, I didn’t sweat.
"Can we just stay a while? It's just so pretty here and I haven't spent much time outside just for the hell of it. I'm always training or running. Please?" S he clasped her hands tightly under her chin and pushed her bottom lip into a pout. I t was adorable.
"I suppose. Will Austin get mad?" I chuckled.
"He knows I'm with you. It won't be the end of the world," she said as she smiled
Chapter 1
Colorado, Present Day
It was nearly dawn, almost time for Lia to begin training. It had been so long since I allowed myself near her, my body ached as did my heart. Convincing myself I wasn't in love became harder in her absence, but I tried to no avail . Unfortunately, it wasn't working.
I left a note on her pillow to meet me for her morning run. I wasn't sure she'd show, but hoped there was some part of her that didn't completely hate me. It was true , I was simply indul ging myself to cure my own ills; which made things undoubtedly more difficult for her, but she was an addiction of the worst kind.
The front door creaked open slowly and she sniffle d . It was cold, perhaps colder than normal, but she stepped outside in spite of it. Her messy bun bobbed slightly as she searched for me. I stood there a moment, not wanting to disturb the sight. She was beautiful. A few strands of her chestnut hair came loose, framing her olive toned face , which was slightly flushed from the brisk wind. Her bright , hazelnut eyes shown with hesitation; s oft vibrations of excitement and anxiet y gleamed from her skin. I smile d . I hadn't lost her yet.
"Are you ready?" I asked abruptly making her jump.
"Ugh, I hate it when you do that!" I chuckled and she slapped my chest.
"Sorry," I shrugged and she glared at me.
"Next time we go into town I swear I'm getting you a damn bell. You're going to literally stop my heart one of these days. Gah," she shook her head and proceeded to stretch. I followed suit, laughing softly.
"How far do you want to run today? I figured we could go a little further than normal; give you something else to look at for a change . I don't think Josiah will be out this early , " at least I hoped he wouldn't. Her hybrid father was the last person I wanted to run into. I'd kill him before he got his hands on her.
"You know this land better than I do. I've only ran the trails you marked. I'll follow wherever you decide to go," she smiled with a shrug. I pretended not to notice the loaded response.
"You ready?" I asked over my shoulder and set off at a jog.
She met my stride easily, dodging logs and branches. Her stamina was impeccable. I stole glances from time to time, admiring her ability to concentrate so deeply on where her feet fell while so many other things were going on. No matter what I tried to do, my thoughts were always occupied by her; whether she was safe, healthy , happy or sad and everything in between. It was infuriating and comforting at the same time.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized she passed me . Grunting, I caught up and gave her a sour look. She just smiled sweetly and took off through the trees. I couldn't help but to laugh and admit that I liked her defiance. I’d chase her to the end of the earth if I had to .
A few miles later, we stopped by a stream for a drink. She barely looked winded and not even the darkest cloud could wipe the smile from her face. I enjoyed seeing her that way. Her smile was something of angelic proportions. Added to the flow of constant emotion , it was difficult to see her as a threat to anyone.
"This place is so beautiful. It's a shame we can't run like this more often. I really like it here . " S he looked around the wooded bank, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I was captivated .
"What? " her hesitation returned.
"Uh, nothing. So, do you want to keep going or are you ready to turn back?" I rinsed my hands and face in the creek, trying to avoid her questioning look . Being a vampire, I didn’t sweat.
"Can we just stay a while? It's just so pretty here and I haven't spent much time outside just for the hell of it. I'm always training or running. Please?" S he clasped her hands tightly under her chin and pushed her bottom lip into a pout. I t was adorable.
"I suppose. Will Austin get mad?" I chuckled.
"He knows I'm with you. It won't be the end of the world," she said as she smiled
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