INDIGO (RISE OF CRIMSON)

Chapter 3

“This is stupid, I can’t do this.” Liya looked at the clothes her friends Aya and Anna had dressed her in, “This just isn’t me.”

“You can be so difficult. It’s time you got your nose out of those dammed books and had some fun.” Aya reluctantly admitted to herself that Liya looked prettier than she thought she would. Aya was the only daughter of a wealthy business man and was used to getting what she wanted. She had spent the last two years in and out of universities such as this one. She preferred the night-life and her numerous boyfriends over a solid healthy education. When she flunked out of school her father would make a large contribution and get her in another one. She openly admitted that she had little use for anything or anyone that didn’t serve her purpose. That originally meant girls like Liya.

That is until Liya ended up her dorm roommate.

She had begged her father to not have her live in the dorms, but her father thought she could learn something from being among real people instead of her high priced social friends and cut back on her allowance. She was disgusted and angry with him because Liya was everything she hated; innocent, naïve, intelligent and pretty. On top of that, Liya’s modesty just made her angrier, because she didn’t even know how pretty she really was.

Of course, the extended time of living with someone such as that can bring about a change of heart.

Liya listened to her when she bitched about her father, her life, her cut in her allowance, and whatever boyfriend was in style. She never protested Aya’s foul treatment of her and barrage of insults over her choice of fashion. Incidentally, Aya started to feel guilty and selfish. Aya knew the words she chose must have hurt at times. Also, she had began to notice that in the last six months of knowing her that no one ever called or visited her and that she never got mail. Curious or just being plain nosey, Aya had asked her about her parents. With some coaxing Liya confessed that she was an orphaned at a young age and had made it this far on a track scholarship with hopes of becoming a Doctor. Guilt overwhelmed her. She began to attend class and with Liya’s tutoring, her grades picked up slightly. Not enough to be proud of, but her father noticed. This made her feel like she was actually worth something to him. Something she never thought possible. She credited Liya with this, and was determined to make up her poor treatment of her tonight after serious convincing that lasted days. Although she knew she could never repay what Liya had done for her, she thought she could at least help her with something she knew she was good at. She noticed the way people looked at Liya, especially men. However, Liya was so unapproachable, never making eye contact with the opposite sex, nor answering in so much of a whisper when addressed. They quickly lost interest. Also, not to mention her attire always consisting of dress slacks and a baggy blouse, and her hair pulled into such a tight bun that caused her beautiful eyes to slant uncharacteristically. Tonight would be different, it was the beginning of spring break, and neither one of them were interested in going home. Aya’s father was in Washington and Anna’s parents were in Europe for the spring. So, Aya and Anna, another friend of Liya’s that Aya had grown to like, changed her lose fitting style into one of Aya’s tight fitting dresses. It actually was mostly Aya’s idea.

“I don’t know if these clothes suit her Aya, they’re just not her style.” Anna said running her eyes over her friend.

Aya knew Anna didn’t fully agree with the makeover they were doing to Liya. She thought she was just fine the way she was.

“That dress is not conservative enough for her.” She made a helpless gesture with her arm in Liya’s direction. The dress was too tight, and too revealing for an innocent like Liya. Anna was concerned that men might get the wrong opinion.

Aya shot her a look telling her to ‘shut up’. Being blunt was never an issue with her.

Anna deliberately ignored her, “It’s too tight.” She repeated.

Anna seemed like another person of good virtue that Aya originally took a dislike to. She was honest, brash and outspoken with a strong sense of righteousness. Also, friendship meant everything to her. However, Aya discovered later that they had more in common than previously thought. Anna also enjoyed her wild weekends as much as she did, yet she was always able to balance her studies with her social time. Liya had met Anna at a study group last year when she was taking some elective classes and they immediately hit it off. It wasn’t long after, that she introduced her to Aya, who barely spared her the time of day. Then she met her at a party the following weekend and was surprised. Since then, all three of them had been practically inseperable.

“Are you serious? Look at her!” Aya pushed Liya in front of a mirror to show her how good she looked.

“It’s just a surprise. This is too soon for her to do such a drastic image change. Maybe we should start with high heels for a day, and then maybe add a dress the next day—”

“—Don’t be ridiculous Anna.” Aya laughed, “We’d all be done our degrees by then—even me. Geesh, quit being so protective.”

Aya watched Liya’s beautiful pale complexion turn crimson at her reflection, “I can’t believe I let you guys talk me into this! This dress is too short, tight and I feel as though everyone can see my breasts!” She tried pulling the material up, just to have it hike higher up on her thighs and pronounce the swell of her cleavage. She let out a frustrating sigh, “Aya I don’t know if I can wear this in public. It’s awfully revealing”

Aya lightly slapped at Liya’s hands as she worried the material, “Liya, quit it and you’ll wrinkle it. That is the style. It’s not as bad as you think. You wait and see what everyone else is wearing. You’ll feel like you’re dressed in a quilt. Besides you have a great rack, it’s time you started showing it!” Aya did her best to squelch her jealousy at the image before her. She might have just taken all the attention from herself. It’s just one night, she thought.

“Aya.” Anna interrupted, “She’s going to blush right out of that dress. Quit talking to her like that.” She turned to Liya, “You do look stunning, Liya. Aya did a great job. I may not agree with the extent that she went with you but you really look great! You need the time to relax. Aya’s right about that. You spend too much time in the books.”

“See?” Aya interjected and handed Liya a pair of matching high heels. “It’s a good thing we have the same shoe size.” She watched Liya reluctantly take them and put them on. It was obvious that she didn’t want to hurt Aya’s feelings about the choice of wardrobe. Aya was glad that Liya was just too damn nice to say anything and would rather wear the outfit than hurt her friend. She smiled inwardly. Liya stood straight then and the heels caused her athletically enhance legs to lengthen. It was comical for Aya when she wobbled slightly and grabbed Anna’s shoulder to steady herself. “Have you never worn heels before?”

“No.” She said sheepishly.

Aya shook her head, “You have legs like that and you’ve never worn heels. Jesus Liya, you are a piece of work.”

Liya blushed yet again, but managed to smile at Aya’s tease, “How long have we lived together?”

“Point taken.” She giggled. Liya was right; she should know her well by now. As she looked at her, the twinge of jealousy that haunted Aya resurfaced again and she did her best to squash it. She wasn’t prepared for what she created. Liya was indeed a rare beauty. Her heart shaped face was complimented by striking emerald eyes, thick lashes, full lips and high cheek bones. Aya had always envied Liya’s soft pale skin and flawless complexion. She never wore or ever needed to wear any makeup. Aya watched her absently sweep her naturally curly, ebony hair out of her face and off her shoulders so it cascaded halfway down her back. She silently scolded herself for her recently jealous feeling when Liya shot her a vulnerable look of apprehension. She deserved a night of fun. Anyway, Liya will be back to her no-shape clothes by tomorrow and the male species would still be hers for the choosing. She turned and examined her own appearance, her previous thoughts already forgotten. Yes, red is definitely her color. “Come on girls, I want to get there before all the good stock is taken.”

“Where are we going Aya?”

Aya noticed Anna’s worried expression, “Don’t be skeptical Anna. An acquaintance of Daddy’s son is having a bash at his beach house. He’s invited me and a few of my close friends.” She gave her friends a quick hug.

“This isn’t a coke party is it Aya? I’m not sure about this.” Liya ‘s nervousness was evident in her voice, “Why can’t we just go to one of the dorm parties?”

“Because, Liya, compared to the parties I go to, dorm parties seem like afternoon checker matches.” She began leading her toward the door. Liya still had a worried look on her face as Aya’s words really didn’t reassure her, quite the opposite, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” She added with a reassuring grin.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Anna stated seriously causing Aya to giggle again.

The wave of emotion washed over Damon again, and he tried to catch the feeling and examine it, but it was too late. It was gone. At least it gave him a direction, “make a left up here at the corner.” The same direction the disgruntled Cabbie had taken only a moment ago.

“Yes, sir.”

He knew the driver wasn’t willing to argue again. He was thinking that if he kept his mouth shut, they would leave him be and Nathan wouldn’t look at him again. Damon watched Nathan’s mouth stretch into a smile of amusement as the fear radiating of the driver reached him. Nathan was very good at what he did, Damon mused silently.

What is it, Damon? What do you sense?

I’m still not sure. Damon read Nathan’s mind and responded in the like. He then continued to give the driver more directions. As the car wound through the streets, toward a long line of beach houses, the waves came again, closer, stronger. He glanced through the crowds on the sidewalks, his sharp predatory eyes able to examine every feature of each person as the car drove by. He didn’t know what, or who, he was looking for, but knew he’d recognize it when he found it.

At that same moment, the cab containing three young women pulled up to a glorious beach house with elegant blue-grey brickwork that was well lit and alive with music. Aya could see shadows through the illuminated windows and knew there was a large crowd within. Also the small crowd out front let her know they were at their destination.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

Liya’s voice was laced with apprehension. Aya put her arm around her shoulder to reassure her. “It’ll be fine. I won’t leave your side. I promise.”

“Me too.” Anna added.

Anna got out, then Aya. She turned back and spoke to Liya, who was still sitting in the back seat of the Taxi. She looked like a baby deer cowering in the brush. Aya felt terrible for her vulnerability. “Trust me Liya, we’ll be with you, there is nothing to worry about. Just wait until you see all the eligible men there.” Aya leaned over and took Liya’s hand hoping to urge her out of the car.

She let Aya pull on her hand for a moment before reluctantly complying. “I’m not interested in any man, you know that. My education must—”

“—come first. We know.” Aya finished causing Liya to frown, “but just give us this one night and please try to enjoy yourself.”

“Okay, I’ll try.” She sighed in resignation.

Aya knew that Liya began to feel guilty about all the work her friends put into her. She knew it was the only way she got Liya this far and by manipulating her kind gentle nature, and she was determined to make her continue. It was for her own good, Aya thought. Finally Liya gave in to Aya’s pulling on her hand and stepped out of the car onto the brick walk that led to the house. She saw Liya’s eyes follow the cab as it pulled away and the grimace on her face when it disappeared. Aya knew that dashed Liya’s hopes of escape. “You’ve made the first steps Liya, “ she gave her a reassuring smile, “Only a few left….wow, look at the size of that car.” Aya spotted the stretched grey limousine cruise slowly along the curb. She probably wouldn’t have even noticed if it hadn’t given a small squeal as the driver applied the brakes.

Damon instructed the driver to pull down a circular driveway that led to a large beach house. Another typical Friday night gathering was occurring and it looked like a big one.

“Damon we should go.” Nathan’s voice interrupted his concentration.

Damon reluctantly agreed, “Very well.” He knew Nathan’s appetite was increasing as was his. It was getting to the point where he could no longer ignore the hunger. It was actually beginning to overpower the alluring feeling he had. He relaxed in defeat back against the cushioned leather not realizing that he’d been so tense.

Just then the car cruised by three women heading toward the entrance of the house when it hit him again. It was like someone had lit his insides on fire. “Stop the car!” he sat up straight in the seat, staring at the object that drew him, called to him.

She was unbelievable. “My God, Nathan look at her!”

“It was a woman?” Nathan said with surprise scanning the three with intelligent eyes.

“Apparently.” He answered. Although he could only see the elegant curve of her backside, long graceful shape of flawless legs, and long dark ebony curls that wavered slightly with each step she took, he knew she was the source, she had striking resemblance with the girl from his dream. He couldn’t explain how his senses picked her up, and at that moment he didn’t really care.

Just when he thought he could tolerate no more, he caught her scent. His inhuman sense of smell near did him in. The innocence that blossomed off her was so intoxicating and enticing that he’d forgotten about one hunger and replaced it with another. His mouth started to water simultaneously with the stirring in his groin. One thing was for sure, she was mortal. Every gorgeous inch of her was alive and pulsing with pure human.

He had to touch her.

He watched the beauty turn her head toward the car and mouth the words, ‘What’s going on?’ with her full perfect lips. Sweet Christ! She was stunning.

At that moment Aya turned her head to see the expansive stretch limousine that Liya was referring to and smiled hopefully, “Wow, he’s rich; maybe he’s good looking too.”

“Could be a gangster,” Stated Anna not masking the concern in her voice.

“Good. That would mean I’m right.” Aya added with more enthusiasm caused Anna to scowl at her. It wasn’t like she’d dated anyone like that before.

“I can’t believe you just said that.” Anna said with annoyance lacing her voice, “Let’s go. We don’t want to encourage them.”

“The one in black?” Nathan asked smiling in amusement at the conversation between the women that his sensitive ears picked up on. Nathan couldn’t smell or sense the innocence off of her like her could, but he had many other talents that proved to be quite useful.

“Yes.” Damon answered not removing his eyes from her.

“Ah…exquisite. I should have known.”

“She has to see me.” Damon’ hand went to the window control.

Aya turned to argue when the familiar hum of an electric widow turned her attention back to the car.

“Oh, someone pinch me.” Aya spoke first as the lamps from the walk cast a light on the figure in the car. He was truly striking, roguish in fact. His strong square jaw held a hint of stubble, with long dark hair gently brushing his shoulders that framed his perfectly masculine face, just added to an already perfect package. His eyes though, were different; a shade of blue? He turned his head in the dim light from lamp, and she couldn’t tell. She took a step forward, but stopped when she noticed he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were unmistakably focused on Liya. An instant wave of jealousy, anger and hate swept through her. Then as quick as it came, it was gone. She immediately felt guilty for even feeling it.

“Liya…” The name came out in a thick Scottish brogue with the ‘L’ rolling off his tongue.

“Y…yes?” Liya took a step toward the stranger.

Anna put her hand on Liya’s shoulder stopping her from taking another step. “What are you doing? You don’t know who this is and how the hell does he know your name?” Since when did Liya approach a strange man in a car, better yet, since when did Liya even go near any man? But there she was walking up to him without even hesitating. From Anna’s point of view, yes the man was very nice looking, and he was most definitely focused on her friend, but it gave her an eerie feeling. It was the way he looked at her, like anyone would look at a finely cooked meal. Then when Liya bent over to him and he touched her, his expression changed. This one she knew very well. It was desire.

Damon locked his gaze with Liya, beckoning her closer with his violet stare not missing the protests of the redhead. He felt victorious when Liya ignored her. What surprised him even more, is that he didn’t influence her in any way. She came to him on her own free will. He could have easily clouded her mind and willed her to do what he wanted, but it was unnecessary. Not that he ever had trouble having women approach him, but this one was untouched and he was certain this behavior was abnormal for her. It was confirmed when the redhead’s thoughts came through to him and he felt a wave of smugness over his talent to be able to lure an innocent female to his side without using his power.

Liya was oblivious to everything except the handsome man in the car. Butterflies possessed her belly when she set her eyes on him for the first time. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard Anna’s warning, but shook Anna’s hand off, ignoring her questions. Oddly enough, she never felt any apprehension at all when she stepped up to the car and leaned down to the open window.

Damon watched the redhead reach for Liya again and his eyes flicked to Nathan with an unspoken command, before settling back on this untouched beauty that was inches from his hand.

Nathan nodded at Damon knowing exactly what he wanted, and got out of the opposite door just as Anna moved to prevent Liya again.

Damon’ hand came up and stroked Liya’s cheek, “so beautiful…” his eyes remain fixed on hers. His mouth was doused with another wash of saliva and his throat burned to taste her, but he fought desperately against it. Centuries of experience at least gave him some self control, even the little he had around this rare creature. It really didn’t help that he was hungry. Really hungry.

Her warm soft skin felt like new spun silk.

“H…How do you know my name?” She turned her face into his hand and closed her eyes against the caress. This man, his touch, was so amazingly wonderful. All her worries seemed to melt away as he caressed her cheek. And he smelled incredible, but she couldn’t quite describe it in words. Every time she thought she had the scent pegged, she inhaled deeply and it seemed to change into something more intoxicating. Furthermore, he seemed familiar to her somehow although she knew she’d never met him before in her life. Is that why she walked up to him without any fear? Immediately her question was deleted when he smiled.

Damon didn’t smile often, but he couldn’t help himself feeling smug at her reaction to him. As for her question, she didn’t seem to need an answer and appeared to have forgotten that she’d asked it. The waves of emotion that he’d found her with was now a steady pulse of attraction which was practically impossible to resist. Regardless, he needed to. There were other plans made for tonight. It was another’s blood he was after.

Damon heard the driver shift uncomfortably in his seat. Yes, it was time they go. He would stay, but there was his hunger to deal with. He had touched her. She would be easy to find now that he had her mental scent imprinted on him. Not only that he was hungry and her innocent blood did not help the situation. It took every inch of his being to resist luring her into the car and sample the treasure pumping in her veins. As hungry as he was, he knew he wouldn’t stop and end up killing her. What a horrific thought to destroy a rare, beautiful, untouched woman. A woman such as this, who was able to summon him with such force and not have a clue about her power. What gave her that ability? It was a question that would haunt him until he found the truth.

Nathan we must go. Without taking his eyes off the beauty in front of him, he sent the thought to his protector who had made his way around the side of the car to block redhead from interfering again.

Damon traced a finger across her full bottom lip, studying her. It was as soft as a petal on a rose. Swallowing another rush of saliva, he wondered what the rest of her felt like.

Sighing heavily, he knew he had to leave. It was disappointing that he had another engagement, that couldn’t be put off. I will see you later Liya. He silently promised. Nathan got back in the car, and he reluctantly tore his gaze and his hand away from Liya and stated to the driver “We must go.” The car began to pull away. As the tinted window began to roll up Damon kept his eyes on hers until the window smothered their view.

“Well—“ Nathan stared at Damon with a smile on his face as the car pulled away, “—that explains a lot.”

Damon nodded, “To say the least.” He said evenly.