The Immortal Cure - Series Two

Chapter Thirteen - Lies

I'd taken many pictures during my day out with Duke, and I couldn't wait to upload them once I'd found and charged my laptop. I couldn't wait to show Clora, brag about all the beautiful things I'd seen.

Duke had taken me to original buildings, guiding me and informing me of each historical beauty's past and present.
It soon became clear that he was leaving the Eiffel tower until last.
I'd taken pictures of the rivers, lakes, buildings, the romance of the locals, even the small flowers hanging from vines off of buildings. I found even the most subtle of beauty, capturing it for my memories with pride. I'd even snapped a few secret shots of the cute boys that roamed around - for Clora of course.

Altogether, I'd had a great day.
Thankfully, there was no more talk of Callum, Angels and the future dangers that threatened my life. We talked about the weather, the City, home, Riley, Jaymi, Clora, other places we wished to travel together.
Our next destination was Ireland and I clung to the hope of the idea.

We dawdled back home when the sun began to set. When we reached home, the only light came from the lamp posts that stood tall and dim at the sides of the streets.
Duke and I walked hand in hand, quiet as only few people drifted outside.
There were many lovers out at this time of night, lips interlocked as they stood against the bridges and houses. It made me smile, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I wished that Duke and I could have lost ourselves like those couples did.
It wouldn't ever be that easy.

Once we were inside, Jaymi and Riley could be heard laughing together in the kitchen. I took the camera off of my neck and let go of Duke's hand, placing the camera down on the coffee table.
Duke walked ahead towards the laughter with me soon following. As duke entered, I noticed the laughing fade down, interrupted by Duke.

The minute I entered the kitchen, I became suspicious. There was Riley and Jaymi, standing awkwardly beside each other, their hands behind their backs as they subtly licked their lips.
I knew then and there that they had been feeding on blood.
As soon as I realised it, I turned back around and left the room, my stomach churning.

"Ew" I mumbled as I headed upstairs towards my room.
Despite knowing they needed blood to survive, it never ceased on grossing me out. Every time I thought about Duke drinking another human's blood, I felt a snippet of jealousy, uneasiness and wide repulsion.

I flicked on the room lamp, illuminating the small space in a dull yellow glow.
I sat on the bed and pulled my shoes off, tossing them across the room as they landed with a light thud. I sighed and pulled the hair band out of my long ponytail, letting the strands fall loose around my shoulders and back. I placed the hair band around my wrist, lying down on my bed, sprawling out.

I closed my eyes and thought about testing my power using intense concentration. I wanted to hear the scolding duke would most likely be doing downstairs, but I decided that now wouldn't be the time, nor the reason to channel my ability.
Minutes later, Duke had come into the room as the door creaked open and shut again. I kept my eyes closed and lay still, curious as to what Duke was going to do if I didn't react. I heard him sigh, trying to make his presence known. I didn't move, the corners of my lips turning up, waiting for him to react.

"Did you yell at them real good?" I asked

I heard Duke lightly snicker "I did"

"They do need to eat, I can't let myself stop them" I shrugged, peeling one eye open to look up at the tall proud man.
He was standing right next the the bed, his arms shoved in his pants pockets as he looked down at me. I couldn't help but smile uncontrollably at the sight of him. He truly was the most perfect being I had ever seen - even when it was almost dark.