A Touch of Darkness

Chapter 20

"How long have you known Tommy?" Smiling at her nervous eyes that seemed to try to avoid me.

"A few years.  Met him when I was traveling around Europe"  Replying quick.

"And?" Urging her for more details.  It was helping me stay distracted from imagining what Claude could be doing.

Sighing softly.  "I don't want him to get mixed up in my world" Her eyes falling to her feet.  I could feel her sadness, making my own heart ache for her.

"I've seen you both.  He's not nobody to you.  It must be hard for you" Leaning over to place my hand on her knee.

Her manicured hand patted me softly.  "It is.  But look at you and Damien.  You've known each other, a week? Look what's happened so far" Rambling nervously.

Leaning back.  Her words stinging more than I'd like.

Rushing over to take the large seat beside me. "I'm sorry.  That was hurtful.  Please forgive me?" The guilt in her words undeniable.  "You and Damien are strong, stronger than I ever could be" 

The turbulence of the plane rocking us forward slightly.

"I thought about leaving him.  The second I met him in the book shop.  I told myself I'd never come back.  Disappear before getting close with him" Brushing my hair behind my ear.  "But he followed me of course" Chuckling softly.

Maggie grinned.  "How could you expect him to stay way" Waggling her eyebrows.

"But then of course, Claude showed up at the bar Damien found me at.  Saw me dancing with him.  But I couldn't risk letting Damien go home, so I brought him with me"  Pausing at images of of our first night at my apartment.  

"I couldn't stop myself from telling him about myself.  It was like word vomit.  I wanted to tell him every detail.  And know everything there was to know about him.  I couldn't lie to him, or fight it.  I even told him I could make him forget about me.  Dazzle him so it was like I never existed.  It would break everything in me, but I was willing to do that. But, he said no. "

"He's your destined" Taking my hand in hers as she relaxed into the reclining chair.

"And Tommy?  Everything that's happening is ripping me a part.  But I've also never felt so alive since meeting Damien.  And watching you two, I'd hate for you to miss out on this feeling" Leaning back.  As my body began feeling sluggish.

We both turned on sides, dawn must approaching soon.

"I will keep your words in mind"  Maggie smiled once before we both closed our eyes.

"Mags? Miss Victoria?"

Both of eyes snapped open, sitting up at the deep baritone voice came from behind.

Maggie's eyes softened immediately before stretching her limbs.   Her eyes glued as Tommy took to long strides toward us.

"We've landed" Placing his large hand over Maggie's small shoulder, giving her a soft squeeze that made her eyes glow.  "Sun has just gone down.  I will be here to take you girls home when you both are ready" 

Maggie leaped on her feet, taking Tommy's large hand in hers.  

"Thank you for taking us so last minute.  I hope we didn't keep you away from any plans"  Her sincere words making me smile as I casually watched their interaction.

Tommy dropped her hands softly before dragging his fingers across Maggie's hair, moving the stray wisps away from her face.  "Never any trouble for you Mags" 

Standing to my feet.  Tommy's face burned bright realizing I was watching, but Maggie seemed unbothered.

Tommy took Maggie's hand in his and guided us out of the plane. 

The misty air whipped around us.  Reminding me of the time I spent here.  My gut twisted at the time spent with Claude.  Him locking me away in that castle for years 'for my own good'. Bringing me meals and declaring his love with gifts.  

The only good thing from Claude was meeting Maggie.  He had met her in boutique and brought her so I'd have company.  She had recently been turned but her maker didn't stick around.  She trusted him, knowing no other vampires.  She knew no better like me.  

Claude was a master at deception.  Had me fooled into thinking he truly cared for me. Convincing me that everything he was doing was for my wellbeing.  After years on his constant empty words, my young heart wanted to believe him.

Until he took me to see my family slaughtered at his hands.

It was Maggie who talked me into running away.   She admitted Claude tried to convince her into helping him keep me in the castle.  

She was my one loyal friend when I had no one.  And still to this day is willing to be at my side.

Maggie dropped her hand out of Tommy's and began walking away.

Running up beside taking him off guard.  His eyes adjusting to my sudden movements.  Tugging his arm down, so his ear was at my level.

"Don't stop fighting for her.  She wants you but she's scared.  Don't give up" Whispering in his ear just out of Maggie's hearing.  

"Trust me.  Giving up isn't in my nature.  Especially for her" His lips smiled in her direction.   "She can fight it all she wants.  But I'm not stopping" 

Maggie spun on her heal, dropping Tommy's arm quickly.  Smirking as I caught up with her scowling features.  It was the least I could do for her. Just a little push is all.

We both waved  "What did you say to him?!" Her arm looping mine as she hissed in my ear.

"I was just thanking him" Smirking as she tightened her grip. 

"I know you better than that.  I will tell me immediately once we get Damien" Straightening her back with confidence.

"Absolutely" Striding out of her grip.  Picking up my pace as we reached the busy London streets.