INDIGO (RISE OF CRIMSON)

CHAPTER 5

Anna was still shocked by what had happened earlier on, where she stood in sheer terror. When Liya completely ignored her warning, she had moved to prevent her a second time. when, a soft click sounded as the other door of the limo opened momentarily distracting her. A devilishly handsome blond got out of the car and locked his icy dark stare on her. His lips were pulled into a smile but his eyes were void of any amusement. She had felt a prickly terrifying sensation creep up her spine. 

Someone’s walking on your grave, her grandmother use to say when that feeling would strike her as a child. A wave of helplessness and terror washed over her. She had tried to run, but was frozen with fear. She had found herself unable to move. Those eyes, she just couldn’t tear her gaze away from them. She tried to scream, only releasing a brief whimper from her lips. Her legs felt suddenly numb and she feared that in any moment she would crumple to the sidewalk. Anna tried with all her might to will her muscles to move, but terror froze every inch of her being. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, even as he casually strolled around the car until he stood directly in front of her—towering over her. He was much taller than her, and she was five foot eight. She managed a small simper as his hand came up and caressed a piece of her auburn hair between his fingers without taking his cold stare off hers.

Nathan could smell the fear, it was radiating off of her. Unfortunately for her, fear excited and attracted him, like bees to honey. However, she was desperately trying to fight it. He spared a glance at Liya who was captivated with Damon. Fighting it for her friend. How admirable. How impressive. He glanced around their surroundings; no one seemed to think the scene looked suspicious. A few people passed them on their way into the house. Otherwise, it was just as though they were having a friendly discussion. The blond woman, who stood behind the dark-haired one, was too captivated with Damon to even notice that he’d left the car. He turned his attention back to Anna, he leaned close to her and smelled the lock that he caressed and notice her eyes widen. Then he’d heard Damon summon him back to the car in his mind. His lips brushed the lobe of her ear, “You will not remember me” he said it with a deep softness, forcing her senses to absorb it as her own thoughts. He then turned and obeying Damon, got back in the car. Then they were gone.

A full minute passed before someone spoke, it was Aya.

“I think I’m in love.”

Anna had not been able to shake the fear that she developed, though she didn’t know what from. Was it because that man  who touched Liya was a stranger, and Liya didn’t think twice about walking up to him? She knew Liya was naïve, but anyone would have aired on the side of caution. “I don’t like the feeling I got from him.” Although it wasn’t him, it was the whole situation, but she couldn’t explain it. Then she noticed Liya who’d not spoken at all. “Liya, are you okay?”

Liya said nothing. She was still staring at the corner the car disappeared around.

“I loved the feeling I got, and I certainly wouldn’t mind doing a little feeling of my own,” Aya made an overdramatic gesture by fanning her face with her hand.

Anna ignored her, “Liya?”

“Yes?” Liya finally responded while her eyes were still fixed on the corner.

“What is the matter with you?” Anna grabbed her hand, “You’re trembling.”

“I am?” Liya looked at her hand which was visibly shaking, “I don’t know why. I…I feel fine.” She admitted.

Anna saw a blush creep into Liya’s cheeks as she looked away. She could definitely understand why. Despite her apprehension, the stranger was gorgeous and he clearly only had eyes for Liya.

“She’s in love too.” Aya voice was laced with venom.

“What exactly does that mean, Aya?” Anna accused not missing Aya’s tone.

“I saw him first.” She defended.

Anna placed her hands on her hips, “What does that matter? I didn’t hear him calling your name.” She still didn’t like what had just happened with the stranger and Liya, but she refused to let Aya badger Liya just because of her jealousy. She watched Aya turn her head away in angry defeat. She was right though; the stranger didn’t even spare Aya a glance or acknowledge her at all which was odd because Aya never had a problem gaining attention.

“Who do you think he was? Did anyone recognize him?” Liya’s face was glowing with rich new emotion.

The two stared at her for a moment in awe. Anna spoke first trying to downplay the episode, “Like I said Liya, probably some mobster.” Although she said it, she didn’t believe it. She just didn’t want to get Liya’s hopes up. She still couldn’t displace the deep terror the whole episode caused her. “What made you go up to him like that?”

Unfazed Liya brought her hand up to where he’d touched her cheek, “I don’t know. He seemed familiar.” Then something else occurred to her, “How do you think he knew my name?”

“We were talking rather loud.” Aya interjected now bored with the whole event because it didn’t involve her, “Come on, let’s go or we’re going to be too late and I’ll miss all the fun.” She smiled in excitement before turning and walking toward the house with a generous sway of her hips.

Anna shook her head as Aya’s recent act of jealousy was practically dismissed by her regardless of how hurtful she was a moment ago. Anna and Liya followed close behind. The scene that had just occurred seemed to be a distant blur to her.

******

At the same time two of the three friends were enjoying a night out, Damon’s violet eyes locked gazes with the driver who had the mishap of looking at him when he opened the car door for them after they came out of the warehouse in smiles. 

The driver blinked once before succumbing helplessly. Every sense he had was now controlled by the voice entering his every soul.

“You will not remember anything of my associate or me. You will drive home and forget you were even here.” Damon could not deny he relished his power, and using it just heightened that feeling. His skills of persuasion have been perfected over the centuries, thanks to the teachings of his father. Otherwise he would not be able to spare the driver’s life.

When the driver opened the door to allow his passengers out, Mr. Baal placed his hand on his shoulder and spoke to him. “I understand.” He had no inclination of resisting Damon. In fact, he wanted nothing more in the world right now to obey him. In his voice held such promises, promises of things he could never imagine. Images of his deepest wants flashed in his head as if he was really experiencing them. If the man behind him with the violet stare asked him to jump off a bridge, he wouldn’t hesitate.

They watched the car pull away and disappear into the night.

“Can you trust him?” Nathan watched the departing car, always thinking of Damon’ well being. Every time he influenced a mortal instead of killing them, he was concerned.

Damon managed a half-smile, “He doesn’t have a choice, his mind is weak.”

Nathan knew that Damon didn’t like to take a life unless absolutely necessary. The driver wasn’t an evil man, just an honest man trying to make a living. However, it was his responsibility to be concerned for Damon’ safety and if the man remembered anything, there was a risk.

Damon sensed his concern, “Don’t worry, my friend that is one human we need not worry about.” He turned his attention to the sack behind them, containing the remains of their evening hunt, he was beginning to get hungry again, “Now for business.”