Forbidden

~Chapter Twenty~

A/N: Hello again! :-) I was on a roll, so here is the next chapter! I will most likely not have this updated tomorrow, as I am babysitting for adorable children form 6-10. Sorry!

This chapter is dedicated to VJDunraven, who is yet another fantastic writer here on this website. I still need to finish reading "The Silver-Eyed Prince," though. I know what you're thinking: "What? You haven't read that yet? It should be required reading on here; it's that amazing!" Yes, I understand. I apologize, VJ, that I haven't finished it yet. :-( But, anyway, she is a wonderful author, and you should check her out! :-)

Thank you for reading and ENJOY!

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~Chapter Twenty~

Arabella collapsed onto the faded white of her bedspread, her messenger bag flying to the side. Biting her lip to hide a tell-tale grin, she exhaled a peaceful sigh. The day had been pure bliss. Not only had Nathaniel—her best friend—found innumerable ways to remain by her side, but her afternoon spent with River had been…well, nearly indescribable. So many emotions were cascading through her mind, her heart, her body, that Arabella couldn’t name them, couldn’t explain them, couldn’t even decipher their meaning.

            She had felt the wonders of adoration before, the ecstasy of the heart beating fast at the sight of that special someone, the mind’s creation of images that should be rated PG-13 for the movies. She had experienced the feeling of love…she had thought. But this new, mortal, human feeling was enchanting. Was this truly what humans felt when they’ve found that person that they’re destined for? Arabella clasped her hands near her heart, rolling over and letting out a nearly inaudible squeal of happiness. Was what she felt for River…true love?

            Immediately, the burning sensation ignited in her ankle yet again, and Arabella shot up in her bed, stifling a cry of pain. There was no need to inform Bill and Marcia of how special she truly was.

            “Griffin, seriously,” she hissed through gritted teeth. She scrutinized her ankle, feeling the tenderness rapidly disintegrating. She sighed. “This is going to take forever and a day to heal properly.” Arabella glanced down at the fragile spot again, cradling it in her hand. Death was not easy to come by in her world, but excruciating, nearly unbearable pain was commonplace. A simple accident or a purposeful punishment, her beings’ form of revenge was much worse than one any mortal could dream up. Though, to be truthful, none of her kind enjoyed hurting anyone; they would much rather help. But, if worse came to worse, a punishment—an imprisonment of some kind—was needed.

            Yes, Bella, but you really didn’t need to be punished this time. Our lovely companion Griffin was out of line.

            Arabella grinned, releasing her ankle. Thank you, Nathaniel. But there really was nothing I could do. He’s my mate, remember?

            Nathaniel sighed heavily, the sound resonating to the depths of Arabella’s mind. Don’t I know. He’s your rightful mate, yes…but I am starting to doubt him. Do you have any suspicions?

            Arabella hesitated, rapidly scouring her inner radar to determine if Griffin was nearby. When she was assured that he wasn’t, she responded to Nathaniel’s interrogation. Yes. I’m starting to feel uncomfortable around him, and it’s rapidly becoming what I feel when I am near one of Them. Except I don’t become angry with him, not yet. Just irritated. The terror that I feel of him is much stronger than any annoyance that he could possibly cause me. That, in itself, scares me to the extreme.