AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My body tingles as warmth invades. I wrap both my arms around him and bring my body against his, holding him as tight as I can. Elijah holds me tight in return. I never want to leave his safe space and comfort.
His scent is divine—a mix of musk and vanilla.
“Thank you.” Is all I can say, whispering into his chest.
His voice is compassionate but commanding. “Little bat, you best put some pants and shoes on then. I will meet you at the back door.”
I don’t let go. Needing to stay in the moment just a little longer. He doesn’t force it to end either. Which surprises me, I wasn’t sure how he would handle something so intimate as this. But he lets me take his strength and comfort.
Taking one last deep breath of him in, I look up and kiss the underside of his chin before letting him go. I immediately miss his body, and his warmth against mine.
My feet pad against the hard, cold floors as I race to our bedroom closet. Turning the light on, I grab one of Elijah’s hoodies and sweats, which I have to roll at the waist a couple times so they aren’t so long on me. Finding my black hightops, I slide my feet into them and race back to him. Finding him at the back door, the porch lights are on and illuminating the backyard. He also has a flashlight sticking out of his pocket.
He reaches his hand out to me, walking towards him. I place mine in his. Our fingers intertwine, and E rubs the pad of his thumb in circular motions on the top of my hand in comfort.
The action surprises me. Making me wonder, does he realize that he is soothing my worries and anxiety? Perhaps he doesn’t, regardless it’s working.
Opening the back door, he leads us outside. The night is cold, crisp against my exposed skin. We walk across the wooden deck and down the three stairs to the grass. Our feet crunch against the lush grass as we pass where Elijah has his new firepit setup. He grabs the flashlight out of his pocket and turns it on. Shining it in front of us, towards the thick row of trees lining his property.
There is one tree in particular that catches my eye. It’s tall, with large overhanging branches and dark green leaves. It has to be hundreds of years old, the trunk is thick with some exposed roots around it.
That’s when I noticed it.
The fresh, dark earth that is piled in front.
“I have ordered her a marker, it just takes time for the marble to be engraved.”
Letting go of his hand, my legs move as quick as my mind. As I reach her, my mom, my legs give out. Collapsing on top of the freshly dug earth, which is her peaceful final resting place.
My focus is on her.
I don’t hear E behind me, but the light continues to shine. He is giving me space, and private time to talk to her.
“Why did he take you from me? I wasn’t ready. I still needed you.” I whisper as tears run down my face. I don’t wipe them away, instead I allow them to fall, and to feel. To accept the emotions I had been battling, suppressing these past couple days.
I have to accept this in order to start healing.
A cold breeze blows by, and the leaves rustle in the trees.
My sweet girl. I always knew this would be a risk, once I found out who he was—your father. I protected you the best I could. He found us. He plotted. He abuses his influence. But hasn’t won. He will never win. That boy behind you will never let him. He kills for you. He lives for you.
Mom.
I will always be with you. I am always here. But it’s time for you to spread those wings. Soar. Take back the power your father is trying to take from you. Elijah will be with you every step of the way.
I bring my hands to my face, leaning forward and I cry. I allow myself to finally mourn my mother and my old life. My body shakes as I sob. This is therapeutic, not sad, the need to let it all out is overwhelming. To release it all is freeing.
I’m unsure of how long I stayed like this. Eventually I feel Elijah, his presence is getting closer. I know he doesn’t get why I am sad, but I know he doesn’t like seeing me this way. He doesn’t speak, he knows I don’t need words of comfort or reassurance right now. This situation is what it is, words won’t change it.
Revenge will.
“His next name for La Notte del Diavolo is mine, mom.”
She needs to know.
“He’s angry, so he named me. But Elijah, he will keep me safe. He said we will get them first.”
Saying it out loud hits differently than hearing it said to you. You feel more in control of the situation when you say it.
