Precious Stones Page 2

  We meet Felix at the dive bar. We have a few drinks, then find someone to eat from. I’m having a hard time concentrating on anything but my dad, so I ask Elias to drop me off at my parent’s house.

  When I arrive I use my key to get in. Mom is on the couch crying silently. I go over and sit next to her, and wait to see if she’s going to talk first.

  “Did you come to see him?” she asks after a few minutes.

  “Yeah, I don’t believe it,” I answer.

  “He’s in the bedroom, I can’t stand to be in there right now,” she says sobbing.

  I stand up and walk into the bedroom. The light is off, I turn on the lamp next to the bed. He’s laying there, not moving. The only indication he’s still alive is the rise and fall of his chest. It’s eerie seeing him like that. I turn off the light and close the door.

  “You can come sleep at the apartment if you want to, it’s not like we really use the bed,” I offer.

  “I need to be here for your dad, it feels wrong leaving him. I’ll sleep on the couch or in your old bedroom,” she replies.

  “Do you want me to stay?” I ask.

  “No, it’s ok. I’m going to try to sleep now, the sun will be coming up soon and I need some rest before we plan our next steps,” she answers.

  “Ok, well call Jade then if you need anything,” I reply, I feel helpless and hate it.

  “Ok, love you dear, now get going,” she says.

  I reluctantly leave, and walk home. My mind is spinning, I want to fix the problem, but have no way of contributing. I’m pissed that Jade has the daytime, I could get more done if I had a full day.

  I arrive at the apartment with time to change clothes and write a note.

  Chapter 5

  Liam

  It feels good to finally be useful to Ruby, for more than just sex. I’m able to find the guy she needs, so now there’s a chance of saving her dad. I’m sad that she left with Elias, but glad he was with her at the same time. I wish I wasn’t a human most of the time anymore. I feel so inadequate compared to everyone else.

  Chapter 6

  Elias

  Dropping her off at her mom’s alone is the hardest thing I’ve done yet. She feels broken in a way that I didn’t think Ruby could be. She’s always strong and confident, if not a little bit bitchy. I don’t mind her moods, it makes her a challenge sometimes, but she is my mate. I need to fix this, whatever it takes I’ll do it, I decide. I hope we find an answer soon, I can’t stand to sit back and watch her hurt much longer.

  Chapter 7

  Jade

  I’m sitting at the desk in my room when the sun comes up. Ruby, took the time to write me a note, I read it.

  Jade,

  I went and checked on Mom and Dad, she was still awake when I got there, so she’ll probably sleep some this morning. It was weird seeing him like that, you need to fix this, I can’t do much at night! I hate you a lot right now. I fucking hate this!

  XOXO

  I feel her pain, but don’t know what she expects me to do. I only have the option of reaching out to Seamus again, and I really don’t want to. I get dressed and make coffee, then decide I have to bite the bullet and call him, for Dad.

  “Jade, what’s wrong now?” Seamus answers the phone in a concerned voice.

  “I want to meet to talk about my dad,” I say reluctantly.

  “Anytime, lass, I told you I would do whatever I can to help,” he replies.

  “Well come over then, I’ll text you the address,” I say with a sigh.

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he says.

  I send off my address, then text Grady letting him know Seamus is on the way over. He replies back he’s heading over too. I’m nervous to be in the room with both of them at the same time.

  There’s a knock at the door, Grady and Seamus have arrived at the same time. My eyes get wide, not knowing what to say. I feel a pull towards both of them, and that scares me. Both men are scowling at each other.

  “Excuse me, this is about my dad, can you pretend that you can get along for a little while, please?” I ask.

  Both men turn away and look sheepish. I close the door once they step inside, then lead them to the couch. I sit between the two of them, to help diffuse the tension.

  “Seamus, do you have any idea of what could have cursed my dad, since it wasn’t a witch?” I ask.

  “Aye, lass, but the list is long. It will take me a bit to explain this,” he says.

  “Then explain please,” I reply.

  “So we are here in the human realm, but originally all supernatural creatures came from another realm. It’s called Caestia, and it sits right next to us but we can’t see it,” he explains. “There are other species that live primarily in Caestia that rarely cross into the human realm, but they would have the ability to cast the type of curse your dad has.”

  “Ruby called someone in Kansas City that said the same thing last night,” Grady speaks up.

  “Was it Antoine?” Seamus asks.

  “Yeah, that sounds right,” Grady answers.

  “Good, we have our way in. I’ve known Antoine for a long time. I’ll call him today and make arrangements,” Seamus says.

  “Arrangements for what?” I ask.

  “To go to Caestia and find who cursed your dad of course,” he replies.

  “We can go there?” I ask dumbfounded.

  “Of course, everyone but Ruby’s human can, that is. Humans can’t cross over for some reason,” he answers. “I’ll return when I’ve made the arrangements.”

  He gets up, grabs my hand, kisses the back of it, then leaves. Grady is scowling while this happens.

  “It sounds like we have a solid lead,” I say to break the silence.

  “Yeah, but I hate that it’s him helping you. It’s already hard to compete with the draw you have to him,” he grumbles.

  “This has nothing to do with him, or you, or us even. This is about saving my dad. Let it go until we accomplish that, please?” I beg.

  He sighed, “I’ll try, but it’s hard to see the way he looks at you, and you look at him.”

  “I’m not acting on it. I’ve no intention of ever acting on it,” I reply.

  “You’ll act on it, there’s no way you won’t, but I’ll always be here too,” he says with a sad smile.

  “Let’s go get something to eat together,” I say to change the subject.

  “I know what you’re doing, but I’ll let you this time,” he replies with a small smile.

  We get up and leave to go to a diner I love. When we arrive it smells amazing and my stomach growls. Grady chuckles at me.

  “Hey, I can’t help it. This girl likes food,” I tell him.

  “I can still laugh at you if I want to,” he teases me.

  We pick a booth at the back of the diner, and study the menu. It’s brunch time, and I can’t decide between breakfast and lunch. I finally decide on a burger and fries, my favorite comfort food. Grady orders the same.

  We try to make small talk while we wait on the food to come, but we aren't very successful. I’m too preoccupied thinking about my dad, and he’s still brooding over Seamus.

  The food arrives and I dig in, I feel like I’m starving. Grady chuckles at me again, then starts eating his own food.

  “I see why this is your favorite diner,” he says around a bite of burger. “This is the best burger I’ve ever had I think.”

  “Don’t talk with your mouth full, it’s gross,” I chastise him.

  “Ahhhhh, sea food,” he says with his mouth open full of a bite.

  I’m grossed out and laugh at the same time. We finish eating in silence.

  “I’m texting the guys, then going over to Liam’s. Do you want to come with?” Grady asks.

  “Sure,” I reply.

  I’m a bit nervous, I’ve never been to Liam’s before. That is Ruby’s territory. It isn’t far from the diner so we arrive quickly. We walk in the door without knocking, then I follow Grady dow
n the stairs. Liam is sitting down there, so we wait for Elias to show up. When I look at him I feel bad remembering what Seamus said about humans.

  Elias arrives a few minutes later, and I’m worried how they would take the news we tell them. I decide to just rip off the bandaid and say it all at once.

  “So, now that we are all here that can be, I called Seamus, the incubus who had Ruby and me and let us go,” I say.

  “Why would you do that? Are you crazy?” Elias growls at me.

  “Finish what your saying,” Liam prompts.

  “Well he knows this guy Antoine, and is arranging for us to go to Caestia to try and find who or what cursed my dad,” I reply.

  “We know Antoine, we don’t need Seamus,” Elias growls again.

  “Really? Did he offer to take you last night?” Grady asks.

  “You’re taking his side?” Liam asks astonished.

  “No, I’m taking the side that will help their dad,” Grady answers.

  “Listen, I don’t like it anymore than you do, but I’ll do whatever it takes to save my dad,” I say. “He’s arranging for some of you to come with us, but I’m sorry Liam, there is no way for you to come.”

  “Why not?” Liam asks.

  “For some reason humans can’t cross over to Caestia. It’s been tried, but no one has figured out how to,” Grady answers.

  “I’ll have Felix turn me, then I can go,” Liam mumbles.

  “You don’t really want that, Liam, besides I’m not sure if it will work having a turned vampire with us,” I say gently. “We would be limited to the night, and what if the thing we are looking for is only out in the daytime?”

  “So Felix and I are both left out, and only you three get to go,” Liam bites out.

  “Technically four, Ruby is coming too,” I reply.

  “Elias, aren’t you going to say anything? This is beyond messed up,” Liam gumbles.

  “I’m thinking. It makes sense though, and if it helps their dad we have to take that chance,” Elias says finally.

  We sit there in silence while they digest everything we have said. Liam starts pacing, then stops and looks at us.

  “I think you guys should take off, I’m pissed off and don’t want to say something I’ll regret later,” Liam spits out.

  “Ok, I’m sorry, but I had to be honest,” I reply.

  “Can we go visit my mom?” I ask Grady.

  “Sure, baby,” he replies.

  We go up the stairs and leave. Grady drives me to my mom’s house. I use my key to open the front door, and Mom is sitting on the couch with all the curtains drawn.

  “Mom, have you slept yet?” I ask.

  “I just can’t, Jade,” she answers. “He can’t wake up, and I’m scared to fall asleep now.”

  “Mom, you’re no help to him if you don’t take care of yourself,” I say gently. “I have news, are you ready to hear it?”

  “I guess,” she sighs.

  “Seamus knows a guy who can take us to this place called Caestia to look for who and what cursed Dad. As soon as the arrangements are made he’ll let me know,” I tell her.

  “I hope you can find them fast, the full moon is in 10 days,” she replied.

  “I’ll try my best, I promise,” I vow.

  My phone starts ringing, it’s Seamus. “Hello?”

  “I’ve got everything arranged for our journey. Who all will be joining us?” Seamus asks.

  “Grady and Elias,” I reply.

  “Good, I’ll meet you all at your apartment, we’ll leave immediately,” he tells me.

  “What does everyone need to pack?” I ask.

  “Nothing, I’ve arranged the clothing we’ll need there to blend in. Everything else is already set up,” he answers.

  “Ok, I’ll get ahold of Elias and we’ll meet you there,” I say, then hang up.

  “I’ve got to go now Mom, I’ll figure this out and Dad will be fine,” I tell her.

  “Be careful, honey, I love you,” she replies.

  “Love you too.”

  Grady and I get in his car and drive back to my place. I’m anxious, not knowing what it means to cross over into another realm. We arrive and Seamus is sitting on the steps in front of the apartment. We get out of the car and join him.

  “Once your last member arrives, we’ll be flying to Kansas City to meet Antoine,” Seamus says.

  “Hopefully he gets here soon, we’re going to need him when Ruby sees you,” I reply.

  Just then Elias pulls up in his truck, so we pile into Grady’s car to head to the airport. We arrive in plenty of time to board the plane before it was time for the sun to set.

  Chapter 8

  Felix

  I wake up with my throat burning, the same as every night. I wish I could get my hunger under control better. Not even Ruby knows how hard I struggle. I get up and stretch out my stiff muscles. Waking up is always painful, I wish most days I was still normal, but then I wouldn’t have Ruby or my bandmates. I check my phone there’s a text from Liam.

  Liam: Call me when you get up.

  Me: Why? what’s up?

  Liam: Just come over

  Me: Tell me what’s going on! Is Ruby ok?

  Liam: She’s fine just come over!

  Me: Fine, on my way.

  I put the phone in my pocket and leave the house. There is a bar on the way to Liam’s so I stop for a snack. I have a feeling I’m going to need the help with my control. There is an older blonde woman, that obviously loves to drink. She would’ve been pretty if she didn’t spend her life in a bar, it’s aged her. She has makeup caked on her face, trying to hide the age, but it only emphasizes it. I sit down next to her and flash a sexy smile. She preens under my attention. I get up and take her hand and lead her to the bathroom.

  We stumble into a stall and I begin kissing down her neck, making her moan in pleasure. My fangs ache and extend, I bite, and she screams out in pleasure. I drink, staying aware so I don’t kill her. The hunger is never fully satisfied. I lick her wound closed and speed out of the bathroom, before she can follow me. Hopefully she just remembers a stranger getting her off in the bathroom.

  I hightail it over to Liam’s, he’s expecting me, so I didn’t want to make him wait. When I arrive I walk in the front door.

  “Where you at?” I holler.

  “Down here,” Liam replies.

  I walk down the stairs and Liam is sitting behind his drum set looking pissed off.

  “Who pissed in your cheerios?” I ask teasingly.

  He glares at me and says, “Sit down.”

  “Fine, now tell me what you wouldn’t say on the phone,” I demanded.

  “Jade, Grady, and Elias went to another realm with Seamus and Antoine. They left us behind because I’m a human and you’re only awake at night,” he sneers.

  “They what!” I roar.

  I begin pacing the floor, my stomach in my throat. I’m feeling triggered, flashback to my family.

  I was just turned and they couldn’t stand the sight of me. They slammed the door in my face, like I was nobody.

  I take deep breaths, they wouldn’t abandon me, they’ll be back. I repeat over and over again in my head.

  “Of course they’ll be back, they’ll never abandon you. I’ll never abandon you,” Liam says in a calm voice.

  I guess I was saying that out loud. I sit down and it takes everything I have not to cry.

  “When did they leave?” I ask, once I calm myself down.

  “This evening, before Ruby was awake,” Liam answers.

  “So Ruby didn’t leave me? She didn’t even know?” I question.

  “No, she’ll probably be on a plane when she wakes, I would hate to be Elias right now,” Liam chuckles.

  “That makes me feel better, but I still hope they aren’t gone long,” I reply.

  Chapter 9

  Ruby

  It smells strange when I wake up, and I’m sitting upright. My eyes finally focus and I’m on a plane, sitting next
to Elias.

  “What the fuck is going on?” I scream at him.

  “Calm down, we’re on our way to find someone to save your dad,” he replies calmly.

  I look around the plane and notice Seamus and Grady sitting in different aisles.

  “What the fuck is he doing here?” I growl while pointing to Seamus.

  “Well, I guess he’s Jade’s mate, and he is getting us into another realm,” Elias explains, while rubbing his neck.

  “Do what? I think I misheard you, mate?” I question him.

  “That’s what Grady said. I guess that’s why he felt compelled to keep you guys,” Elias answers.

  I sit and stare out the window after this bomb is dropped on me. I couldn’t believe that I might be stuck with the assface for the rest of my life.

  “Where are we going?” I ask finally.

  “Kansas City, Antoine is friends with Seamus and is going to take us to Caestia,” Elias says.

  “Where are Liam and Felix? Didn’t they want to come?” I question him.

  “Well, Liam wanted to come, and Felix didn’t know about it since it was daytime,” Elias says reluctantly.

  “What the fuck!” I scream.

  “Humans can’t go to Caestia, they physically can’t cross, lass. Your vampire would slow us down since he sleeps all day. I thought you wanted to save your father?” Seamus answers.

  “No one asked you,” I say, glaring at him.

  “It’s still the truth, lass,” he replies.

  “Fuck off,” I tell him.

  He ignores me, so I go back to staring out the plane window. The world looks so small from up here. I wish my problems were as small. I couldn’t imagine life without my dad. He taught me how to feed, and to use my speed as an advantage. He’s always been there for me when I need anything.