dragon fire

chapter 57

   Chapter 57

Days came and went, and now here we are; Christmas Eve. I thought it would never get here.

"Shayla are you almost ready?" Quinn called from outside my door. Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I have on a short dark blue dress with lace covering the back, I paired it with the chain belt and knee high black boots and black tights, with the necklace Quinn got me for my birthday.

Opening the door, Quinn is standing there, in a dark suit, with red tie and dark purple shirt, and he looks hot!

"You look beautiful."

He said looking me up and down, a smile on his face. "So do you." Looking at him, you wouldn't know that only a few days ago he had cuts on his face, a black eye and bruises on his ribs from his fight with Cormac, but now they're gone.

Helping me with my coat we headed for the car; stepping outside, it's snowing. "Christmas eve. Perfect time to snow don't you think?" He said guiding me to the car.

We're heading to church for the evening service. Climbing into the car, Quinn climbed in next to me, giving me a light kiss before starting the car. Driving through town, the streets are almost empty; but there are tire tracks in the snow going all around town.

"Are you doing okay?" "Yeah, just this is our first Christmas here, Eliana and I. But with everything happening, Cormac targeting us like he is." Taking my hand he gave it a tight squeeze.

"You don't have to worry. Cormac will be dealt with soon enough, and you won't have to worry about it anytime soon." I can't look at him, he has no idea what he's doing here, but I won't let anything happen to him; I will deal with Cormac on my own, I won't let him get in the way. "Here we are." I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't realize we're in front of the church.

"You go in, and I'll go park." I nodded, and got out; waiting for him. People came along, saying hello to me as they passed by, then Cormac walked up to me.

"Merry Christmas Shayla."

He's actually being civil towards me. That's only happened a hand full of times since I've been here, and I know what he's doing, he is trying to get on my good side before he strikes at us again.

"Merry Christmas Cormac."

He gave me a smile and walked into the church, leaving me standing there. It didn't take Quinn long to come back, he's covered in snow, but still looks amazing. "Was that Cormac I just saw?" I nodded, taking his arm.

"He was civil to me. I don't like it. He's planning something, I know he is." Squeezing my arm he said. "Just relax. He won't do anything during the service." Stepping into the church it's full to the brim of people. Lisa and Tina saved us a seat with them, I'm next to Lisa and Quinn is on the end, keeping us blocked in.

The choir came in, then the minister, the same one that did Mia's funeral; I wanted to cry, thinking about her; but I can't, not here, not right now.

As if sensing my unease, Quinn took my hand; holding it tight, as the service started. I don't really want to be here, but it means a lot to him, so I have to stay and make it through it in one piece, for his sake, and for my own. I love him, and I will anything for him.

"It will be fine. You have done this before; and we can do it again. Take a deep breath and relax."

I did as she said and forced my attention back to the front, of the church.

The service was lovely, singing, scripter readings. The children did a play, and sang a song, they did the lighting of the small tree, and had others things you have in a service.

After it ended, we were some of the last ones to leave; Cormac gave us a smile and vanished into the crowd.

The four of us made our way outside, it's still snowing, but lighter than it was when we went in.

"The two of you are coming over in the morning right?" They nodded.

"Good. Make it ten everything will be ready, for when you get there."

They nodded, gave us each a hug and went on their way, heading home for the night. "So what did you think?" He asked as we walked to the car. "It was nice. I've been to church before, but it's been a while. I'm glad I went. But right now, I want to go home." Actually there's something I want to do more, then go home, but I can't do it, not right now.

I haven't been out flying in a while, I've gone out once or twice, but it's been far too risky, especially with Cormac around like he has been. He's been everywhere the past few days, and I can't risk going out there right now. To help Eliana, I've partially changed in the basement a couple times, but it hasn't been overly successful.

"Hey let's get you home." I nodded, taking his arm, going to the car.

Stepping through the door, I went right to my room to change; pulling on the dark red silk nightgown Quinn got me, I stepped into the kitchen where Quinn is making us something to drink. "Hot chocolate. The perfect thing to have on Christmas Eve."

He gave me a look up and down, smiling at the nightgown. He handed me a mug, it's topped with whip cream and chocolate shavings, and we settled in on the couch in the den; watching the snow come down, and sparkling lights on the tree.

When he would be out, I wrapped what few gifts I got and set them under the tree, I can't wait to see what he looks like in the leather jacket I got for him. He lit a fire in the hearth; casting the room in an orange glow.

"Are you doing alright?" I nodded, my head in his lap; staring at the tree, wondering what I'm still doing here, trying to build a life here for us.

My body started to twitch; the change wanting to start, but there's no way I can let that happen. Jumping up; I ran for the basement door, running down stair ripping off my nightgown as soon as my feet hit the floor.

Lucky for me I left on my undergarments, but I don't think there last very long.

"What's happening?"

Quinn yelled, following me down the stairs. "The change is starting, weather I like it or not. It's not Eliana though, she's trying to stop it, but sometimes we just can't make stop it!" Yelling the last part as my body convulsed, the change coming on faster than it ever has in my long lifetime.