Fallen from Grace [Part Two of the Thicker than Blood Series] Read online

  At 2:00 p.m., I made it to Grizzly Peak. Despite the clouds that were blowing in from the west, the views were spectacular like always. The wild fire in 2002 had really opened the scenery up, affording wide views of Ashland and the Rogue Valley. It was simply breath-taking. The trees had grown up a little, blocking out the shimmering river. I noticed another vantage point not too far from where I stood and eased my way over the 100 yard distance. The new viewpoint was closed off a little more, but I could see the surface of the Rogue River sparkle like a handful of loose diamonds. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and smiled. This is nice. I was away from everything and everyone – it was just me and nature.

  I sat down on the flat rocks, lifting my face to the sun. Good 'ole vitamin D. I lost track of time as I sat soaking up the luxurious rays, and was startled when I heard stones moving not far behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to find the man from the coffee shop standing just ten feet from me.

  “Hello,” he said.

  I quickly got to my feet and dusted off the seat of my shorts. “Hi.”

  While he was reasonably attractive, the lack of expression on his face paired with the possibility that he had followed me from the Java Lamp put me on edge. The man wasn't making any aggressive movements, standing his ground, but something didn't feel right to me. Well, other than the obvious fear of being alone with a man I didn't know deep in the woods.

  “Wandered away from the trail?”

  At that moment, I realized what was so familiar about him... it was his eyes. They were the strange caramel color as Dr. Amante's. My hair was suddenly standing on end. What was the connection between the two men?

  “Better view from this point than the peak,” I stated, trying to act as calm as possible. The last thing I wanted was for him to know I was uneasy with his presence.

  The stranger nodded. “I bet you're wondering if I followed you?”

  I hesitated before responding, watching his movements carefully. “Yes.”

  An evil smile twisted his lips. “Smart lady.”

  Fear instantly pulsed through my veins. My grip on the walking stick tightened, causing my knuckles to turn white. “Why?” I asked hesitantly.

  Caramel eyes roamed over me for a fraction of a second and the man tilted his head, looking amused. “You really don't know do you?”

  “Know what?”

  I gasped as I watched the man's eyes go from the orange-brown to black, his smile spreading further. “Oh, how fun.” He took a step closer to me.

  “Stay away from me...” I said, glancing around in an attempt to find an escape.

  “There's no where to run, Kenna.”

  Oh, shit. How did he know my name? What did he want with me? I backed to the edge as close as I could and briefly wondered if I should try to climb down the cliff.

  I lifted my walking stick into the air and held it like a bat. “Don't come any closer.” I wondered if I could take the man. He wasn't that much larger than I was and I certainly was much... sturdier than he. Was this really happening?

  He paused, but only to laugh at me. “Nothing can help -”

  “Is this man bothering you?” a new voice interrupted... a voice I knew. Jumping at his sudden appearance, my heart flipped as I watched Dr. Amante step between me and the stranger.

  “Yes!” I said, bringing my hand up to my chest as if to calm the thundering behind my ribs.

  Around Amante, I could see the stranger's expression change... to fear. Fear? I couldn’t see Amante's face.

  “I – I didn't know that you were here,” the stranger stammered, his body contracted into a cower. They knew each other?

  “I am. Leave this mountain before I toss you off.” Amante's tone was low and full of controlled rage.

  What was going on here? The stranger nodded and began shrinking back into the woods.

  “Don't let me catch you around her again or we will have... problems.” This time, it wasn't a speaking voice coming from him, but a growl – it echoed off the nearby trees and rocks.

  “Of course, never again,” he said and vanished into the trees.

  I stood there with my mouth open. What did I just witness? Could my life get any stranger? “I – uh,” I tried to speak but my sentences were colliding in my mind.

  Dr. Amante turned towards me, his caramel-eyes soft and full of concern. “Are you alright?”

  I stared, feeling myself nod. “Do – do you know him?”

  His eyebrows came together, a storm raged behind his eyes as if he wasn't sure what he wanted to tell me. “Yes,” he said and his gaze lightened but he offered nothing more.

  Anger started to rise, I could feel it's heat sting my face. He wasn't going to tell me shit. “How did you find me?” I demanded, placing my hands on my hips.

  “I was out for a walk and saw you from the vantage point over there.”

  My eyes followed the direction of his hand and my jaw clenched. There was no way he could see me from there. What the fuck! Something snapped inside of me. I was tired of this mysterious bullshit! “Okay, enough of this. What the hell is going on, Amante? What's with you disappearing on me all of the time and how do you know that guy?”

  His eyes studied me for a moment before he held out his hand. “Please come away from the ledge.”

  My eyes narrowed. I felt that I was going to spit fire at any moment. “I'm not moving one fucking inch until you tell me what the hell is going on.” I needed answers.

  That's when I saw it... he almost smiled. “I will answer all of your questions tomorrow and not before. Please come -”

  I cut him off. “No! I've been spinning my wheels for too long and I'm as confused as hell! I deserve to know what's going on. I want answers now, dammit!”

  This time, he did smile. It wasn't in arrogance or any other negative way... it was kind and warm... almost like he was... proud? “I promise I will answer all of your questions tomorrow. Please come down.” His hand still stretched out in my direction.

  Tomorrow. It was always tomorrow, wasn't it? I sighed. The hesitation I felt was slowly eroding in light of his tenderness. I rolled my eyes. “Alright, fine! You'd better tell me tomorrow, Amante, or there will be hell to pay.” My fingers found his and he gently pulled me away from the cliff's edge.

  “Please call me Alex... and there's always hell to pay.” He smiled.

  “Is there?”

  “For me, yes.”

  I smiled in spite of myself, standing just two feet from him. I wasn't sure what to say now. I was grateful for his assistance, but I still had too many questions. When he squeezed my hand, I realized we were still touching.

  “Have dinner with me.”

  As if on cue, my stomach rumbled. Having brought only a canteen of water with me, I was damned near starving. I eyed him none-the-less. “Tonight?”

  His caramel eyes sparkled as he nodded. “Say you will.”

  I considered him for a moment. Every night I had seen him before left me with tons of questions... why would I dream to think dining with him would be any different? He promised me answers to my questions tomorrow... “Let's have dinner tomorrow.”

  He tilted his head slightly and smiled. “Tonight. I'll be a perfect gentleman.”

  “Why don't I believe that?” I laughed.

  He looked at me with sincerity. “Have dinner with me, Kenna.”

  There was just something about him... something that, in spite of it all, made me feel comfortable. I sighed. “Fine,” I heard myself say.

  Alex beamed and brushed a soft, lingering kiss on my cheek. “Let us go back down then, shall we?”

  I could only nod, bringing my hand to feel the heat on my face where Alex's lips had been a second earlier. What was I getting myself into?

  It took us close to two hours of hiking and pleasant small talk to make it to the trail head. In two hours, I learned little about him. He was going to be surprised with the bombardment of questions I had for him tomorrow, I had a list a mile long and it w
as constantly growing. We both found our vehicles. His was a sleek, black Range Rover. Figures.

  “I'll pick you up in an hour?”

  I opened the door to my car and looked over the roof to him. “Okay. You want my address?”

  Alex smiled, exposing his beautiful teeth. “I know where you live, Kenna.”

  Oh did he? My eyes narrowed. “Answers tomorrow, mister. I'd better get them.”

  His smile grew. “Of course. I promised you, didn't I?”

  “A promise from a doctor means nothing to a nurse,” I said, smiling back. “We are only interested in results.”

  His laugh was like a deep melody that didn’t last near long enough. “And you will have them.”

  I stared at the enchanting man for a few moments longer. “See you in a bit,” I said and slid into my car, putting on my seat belt. As my foot found the brake and clutch, I had to catch my breath. I was going on a date with Alex Amante! I led the car smoothly onto the road with much concentration. My foot wanted to smash on the gas to get home. Only when I was a good mile away did I let the hammer fall. I was nervous, excited, anxious, scared and thrilled all in one.

  When I got home, I was in a race against time. I had to shower, dry and style my hair, apply some make-up and dress presentably in just... thirty minutes? I swore to myself in looking at the clock. Everything was a blur around me. I don't know how I managed to dry and curl my hair in the time I had, let alone do everything else, but I did. I stood in the bathroom looking at my reflection with just three minutes to spare. I had to catch my breath. I applied just enough make-up for that smokey look, which complemented my bright blue top and grey khakis. Overall, not bad. I had some self-depreciating thoughts come to my head about my size, but I pushed them away. Alex asked me to dinner when I was in a t-shirt, shorts and had my hair in a pony-tail. I was 100% better now than I was then... he was sure to like the way I looked.

  My doorbell rang exactly one hour later from the time we left the trail head. I grabbed my purse, took a deep breath and opened the door. A small gasp escaped my lips before they could smile at the handsome man that greeted me. Alex looked... amazing. He wore dark jeans paired with a black button-up and some lush, masculine cologne.

  His eyes darted over me before they met mine. I knew that look he held in his eyes... hunger. “You are ravishing,” he said softly.

  “Thank you. So are you,” I said and then coughed nervously. “Handsome, I mean.”

  Alex didn't notice my falter as he continued to stare down at me with lust. His irises darkened around the edges and I knew it was only a matter of time before they went black.

  “Gentleman?” I whispered. I knew he wanted me, and I certainly wanted him... but they changing color thing was intimidating if not a little frightening.

  He blinked hard and smiled; the black faded from the caramel. “Sorry,” Alex chuckled softly. “Shall we go, my lady?” He held out his arm.

  I hesitated. “When... when your eyes do that...,” I started, not knowing how to finish my thought.

  Alex looked at me thoughtfully and then dropped his gaze. “When they change.”

  I nodded. Would he tell me about that at least? “When they do that, it's...”

  “Unnerving,” he offered softly. “I normally have better control over it but I can't seem to manage it when I'm around you.” Alex looked back up at me and smiled. “I'm sure you haven't noticed.”

  I chuckled lightly. “Why do they do that?”

  Alex turned to watch a car drive passed my house. “They change when I want something badly.”

  I stared, my lips parting slightly. He meant me. Alex wanted me badly. I prayed my knees would hold out.

  He saw the look on my face and laughed. “You wanted me to be honest with you.” He took a step closer and took my hand in his. Warmth from his grasp spread up my arm. “Do you trust me?”

  What? What kind of question was that? I tried to pull my hand away, but he wouldn't let go. I smiled as confidently as I could. “I don't know you.”

  Alex smiled. “And that's why you are joining me for dinner... if we can ever get off of your front step.” He teased, pulling me towards him gently.

  “Right.” I laughed and followed him out to the Range Rover. He opened the door for me and waited until I was seated and belted in before he closed the door.

  We drove to a classy Mexican place that opened recently. “I hope you like margaritas because they have some of the best I've had,” he said as he held the restaurant door for me.

  “I do. And if they have good salsa, I'll probably eat my weight in it,” I heard myself say before I could snap my mouth closed. Great. That's a lot of salsa, Kenna. I could feel heat rising to my cheeks.

  Alex didn't seem to notice my fluster or, if he did, he ignored it. “Their salsa is pretty good.” His hand rose to the small of my back as we found the hostess. She made small talk with us but I didn't hear anything she said, I was too lost in the heat coming from his hand.

  We were seated in a dark booth next to a window.

  “We'll take two large Tarantula margaritas on the rocks please.” Alex said to our server that I didn't even notice was at our table.

  When she left, Alex reached across the table and found my hand. “Do you mind that I ordered for you?”

  I shook my head, taking in the atmosphere of the eatery. They had done their best to make the place look like an old hacienda, complete with worn stucco and trailing rose vines. It was quite lovely and romantic. Spanish guitar played softly in the background.

  Alex rubbed his thumb along the back of my hand. “How long have you lived in Ashland?”

  I closed my eyes enjoying the stoke of my skin. “All of my life.” Ah, here we are with the questions, the getting to know one another. “Hey, how is it fair you get to ask me things?” I said, my eyes popping open to stare at him.

  “It's not.” He smiled.

  “Fine,” I said as our drinks arrived. I waited until the waitress left to finish my thought. “If I can't ask you questions, you can't ask me either... until tomorrow.” I grinned mischievously and took the first taste of my drink. It was very good, but very high in alcohol. I'd have to watch it.

  Alex lifted his drink to his lips, licked the salt off of the rim with a broad sweep of his tongue and took a sip. Why did that turn me on? I bit my lip and averted my eyes when he looked at me. Thankfully, my eyes don't turn black when I want something badly.

  “Alright then, what do we talk about?” He smiled.

  I took another sip. “Well, the weather was awfully nice today...” I joked.

  Alex laughed. “Of course, the weather.”

  The waitress was back and took our orders quickly, leaving us to continue our non-questions.

  “Okay,” Alex said snapping his fingers. “I know, what of travel? We can both answer questions on that.”

  “Can we?” I asked coyly, leaning over the table to take my drink straw in my mouth. I didn't think anything of my actions until I saw black creep into Alex's eyes. I resisted the temptation to toy with him more, opting to verbally tease instead. “Really? The straw does it?”

  He blinked. As quickly as the black had appeared, it was gone again. Alex cleared his throat and laughed. “No questions until tomorrow, remember?”

  I laughed too. “Right.”

  Alex leaned towards me over the table, smile gone from his face. “It's not fair that you know my tells when I don't know yours...,” he said softly. Tinge of black appeared in his eyes again. He wanted to know badly. This was fun!

  I cocked my head to the side and smiled sweetly. “Yeah, it's not fair, is it. Oh well.” I feigned indifference and sipped from my straw once more.

  Alex shook his head and laughed.

  My expectations of dinner with Alex Amante were totally wrong. I expected him to remain mysterious and moody as he was with our earlier interactions... but he wasn't. He was charming, good humored and affectionate. It was a long time since I was romanced
– I almost forgot what it felt like. Alex made me feel special. My thoughts suddenly turned to Matt. I was with him that morning... and he left me. He fucked me and left me. What a hell of a thing for a friend to do to another. Heat spread to my face as I looked out the window passed my own reflection. Granted, he left in a strange way, but he left without saying good bye none-the-less.

  “Kenna?”

  Alex brought me back from my thoughts. “Hmmm?”

  He searched my face. “I asked if you'd like another drink.” The waitress was standing at our table staring at me.