Immortals (ON HOLD)

Chapter 28

Dimitri

Was it possible for an Immortal to be bipolar? I didn’t see why not; we were basically human, just with heightened senses, strength, and had the ability to live forever. I’d had major mood swings all day, going from normal, to depressed, back to normal, and then to some state of mind that I couldn’t identify. I sighed, driving home slowly. I couldn’t stop thinking about when Ariel had glamoured me. It was like I had been watching myself from someone else’s perspective. I had been dopey, and clumsy, and completely infatuated with her. Like Leikos. Great, now I was comparing myself to a wolf. I shook my head, remembering the way he had glared at me. Like he knew something that the two of us didn’t, and he seemed mad at me for not figuring it out. He was a damn wolf…what did he know?! Once I was home, I sat in my car for a while, sorting things out. There wasn’t even anyone I could talk to. Kat would make things worse by trying to get me to ‘realize my feelings’, Chris would rag on me for it, Scarlet would either yell at me or…well, yell at me, Geoffrey wouldn’t give two shits, Darien would romanticize the whole thing, and Emrick would just…he just wouldn’t help.

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration, leaning against my steering wheel. I felt everyone’s presence, each of them doing something different. Chris was still listening to music, I could hear, Kat was humming and either shopping online or typing in her journal, Scarlet was either listening to her ipod, petting Ursula, or reorganizing her closet, Geoffrey was trying to get the wolves to come inside for the night, and Darien was reading some old piece of literature, smiling and commenting to himself. I couldn’t hear what Emrick was doing, since he was in his soundproof study. I needed to get one of those… I stepped out of my car, locked it, and went inside. Leikos glared at me before skulking to the back room. I heard Emrick’s door open, surprised when I felt his anticipation to see me. I waited for him, which only took a second. “Dimitri, can I speak with you in private?” He asked, voice languid and smooth. I shrugged, following him with my hands in my pockets. He closed the door slowly after us, pacing behind his desk as he spoke. I sat in the chair in front of it, wondering what in all of hell he wanted. “I’ve been sensing some…discomfiture between you and Ariel.” I tried not to let his words evoke any emotion, so I stared at him coolly and said “Oh, speaking of Ariel, she had a really good sparring session with Chris and Kat today.”

“I know, thank you, Dimitri. I’ll watch the tape later. But back to the original matter…” I sighed, tossing my amulet in my palm, which I never did. “Look, there’s no dis-whatever between me and Ariel, alright? She’s just uncomfortable with the whole ‘boyfriend-girlfriend’ cover.” “Or maybe you’re a little too comfortable with it.” “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?!” I snarled, gripping the arms of the chair. Emrick placed his arms behind his back, pacing slowly again. “Dimitri, there’s nothing wrong with being attracted to her. She’s absolutely breathtaking, and you’d have to be mad not to be charmed by her.” “Ariel’s my friend, and I really don’t want you talking about her like that,” I growled, glaring at him. If only there was a way to shock him without him sensing it first… “Are you sure that’s all she is, son? You can honestly sit here and tell me you harbor no other feelings for her?” “Yes,” I muttered through my teeth, eyes burning. Emrick smiled coyly, nodding once to himself. “Right. Well in that case, my next words will have no meaning to you. Ariel is special. She’s the key to stopping this war and rebuilding the Guardians, and I don’t want her distracted. She’s developing her powers at an utterly marvelous rate, and I aim to keep it that way.” I looked him over, my left eyebrow raised. “So…even if I wanted to date her, you’re…forbidding me to?!” He laughed, shaking his head as he faced me.

“Of course not! Forbid is such a terrible word! I’m simply requesting for you to hold off on any intentions you might have of wooing her. But, seeing as how you two are just friends, I’m sure this won’t be an issue…” I gritted my teeth, swallowing the bile that had risen. “Is this all you wanted me for?” I growled, releasing my hold from the chair. Emrick sighed, and began pacing again. “Actually, no. I know you and the others have noticed Darien, Geoffrey and I talking a lot about the Dark Elves, recently…” “And…??!” I prompted, clearly not in the mood for games. Emrick dipped his head once, continuing.  “And, the wolves have been smelling them closer and closer to town. I believe they’re planning another attack, possibly to kidnap Ariel.” “WHAT!???!?  We have to do something!!! Set up a patrol at her house, follow her to school…shit, let Leikos live with her-something!!!!” Emrick smiled weakly, amused by my outburst. “I understand your concern, but those precautions are unnecessary. What I would suggest, is a stakeout. I was going to ask you if you wanted to be a part of it, considering your…bond with Ariel.” I narrowed my eyes to him, uncertain of what he was suggesting. “You know I’ll do it,” I muttered, not meeting his gaze. “Excellent. Then tomorrow, you and Scarlet shall sit vigil. And take a few of the wolves with you. Preferably not Tasha…” I rolled my eyes; Tasha was a terrible Guardian wolf. She’d rather play with a vampire than take one down. “Of course,” I murmured, assuming Ursula would be going with us. I figured Daos would be a wise choice, and made a mental note to myself to take him tomorrow. “Anything else?” I asked, standing up. “Nope; that covers everything. Have a good night, Dimitri,” he murmured, walking me toward the door. He patted my shoulder before I left, causing me to stumble back. My stomach twisted and turned with the familiar nausea of my psychometric powers, and I stood, gagging on the stairs. “Dimitri, what is it?! Are you having a vision?!” Emrick asked, but I was already miles away, inside of his head…