A Poisonous Soul. (editing)

Chapter 12 (complete)

Copyright c 2011.                                                                          A Poisonous Soul

Chapter Twelve

         “Pregnant?” I ask. “Because I said my period stopped?” He won’t meet my eyes. “James, sometimes when a female is so stressed out her monthly cycle just stops.” He shakes his head. “I didn’t know that. It wouldn’t have changed my reaction though. I can’t get you pregnant so I automatically assumed you slept with someone else. I lost control Sydney.” Now he looks up at me, “I never lose control. My darker side takes over when I am around you. Don’t ask me why. Don’t even ask me when it happened. Just know that I can’t control that side of me.” I can’t help but feel confused about what he is saying. “James,” I pause, “I’m not okay with any of this.” He closes his eyes as I notice his jaw clench. When he opens them again I see the vampire, not the man. “You are my mate. You are my life now. If I have to drag you kicking and screaming to Ireland with me, so help me Sydney, I’ll do it.” My anger hasn’t left me but the truth of his words is evident.

         I scan over my choices. I can either go willingly, or unwillingly. I don’t answer him. I get up and walk away. He has a screened-in porch on the back of the house that suits my purpose beautifully. I need time to think. I need to have some type of game plan. I smirk at the hammock strung up back here as I slide into it. I let my fears and frustrations out of my brain. I need to be rational here. Vampires are real.

Okay, let’s move on. For whatever reason there is a bad one after us. James says Ireland is safe. I remember him telling me about his father and his home there. More vampires on our side have to be a good thing. I crane my neck as I hear the door open. Anna smiles slightly at me. She takes a seat in a chair out of my sight. I blink a few times, wondering why she is back here. “We don’t think it is a good idea for you to be alone right now. If Adhamh wants any of us he knows you are our weak link.” I wait for her to say more. She doesn’t. I huff but go back to my thinking. I know James will drag me, literally, onto that plane. Fighting him on this won’t work. Fuck.

         I’m not stupid. I know I wouldn’t last against a rogue vampire. I have to force myself to go along with what they want. All the things I need to do before I move out of the country crash over me. Resigned, I sit up on the side of the hammock. Again Anna practically reads my mind, “I will take care of everything. I will pack your house and store your stuff. I know this is not ideal but it is the right thing to do.” I clench my teeth in frustration. I hate feeling out of control. I ask her, “What do I need to do?” The relief on her face is clear. I never stopped to think how hard it might be for her if I was unwilling. She gets up and leads me into the house. She chatters away about our plans and tells me the things I am responsible for. I remember James telling me a vamp can’t enter my house uninvited so that is the first issue on our very long list.

         I don’t look for James as Anna and I leave. We head to my place. I invite her in and watch as she starts to work. She shoos me off to pack what I want to take on my trip. “Don’t worry if you don’t have enough suitcases. I have lots. Just make a pile of what you want to take. I will store the rest. I don’t know how long we will have to be there so if it is longer than three months I can send for your things.” She doesn’t stop putting things in piles as she tells me this. I just go into my room to begin. Longer than three months? I have to sit on the edge of bed and take deep breaths. This isn’t just some trip I am going on. My life will never be the same. With determination I stand and get to work. Silent tears track down my face for everything I have lost.

         It doesn’t take too long at my place. Anna drives us home in silence. “Thank you Anna, for your help.” She looks at me in surprise. “You’re welcome sister,” she whispers back. I turn my head and lean it against the headrest. “Anna? Why do you call me sister?” Anna stills ever so slightly. “Has James mentioned the word ‘anamchara’ to you?” I shake my head no. She hesitates, “You and James are mates. In my world that is very rare. Anamchara is our word that encompasses your bond.” I nod along although I do not quite understand the gravity in her voice. She looks at my expression, “You should ask him about it. It is his place to explain. I call you sister because of that bond. You will forever be his mate as he will forever be yours. Essentially, you are my sister in every way.” I squeeze my eyes shut. This is huge. We don’t have a word for that in English. Love sounds fleeting. Soul mate sounds juvenile. I turn away and stare out of the car window.