Deanna Kinney: Raven's Rose

He remembered Charity’s advice about staring at her like she was the only girl in the world and realized he was doing that without any real effort at all. She was the only girl on this earth now. There would never be another one for him, of that he was certain.

They laughed a lot throughout dinner, something Raven didn’t do very often, but something he realized he missed. It felt nice—refreshing.

He liked the way she lit up when she talked about her brother, Eli. He seemed to be the sole source of entertainment in their family. Raven had actually found himself drawn to the edgy twin himself. At first there had been friction between the two of them, but it had soon faded to a friendship and mutual respect. Eli had asked, more than once, if he would be open to helping him with something that may be considered, as he put it “unmoral”. Raven always laughed at him and his mischievousness, but usually said yes. After all, he figured that was what friends did for one another anyway.

After Sophia finished her last bite, she set her fork down, wiped her mouth, and then took a sip of her drink. She suddenly appeared very serious. “Raven, before this goes any further I have something I need to say to you. I know you were in love with Rose, and that you still love her, but I want to make it very clear that I am not Rose. I may look like her, and be named after her, but I’m my own woman. I didn’t know her, but I’m sure that we’re totally different. I just want to make that clear. I mean just because you loved her doesn’t guarantee you’ll love me, and I’ve had enough trouble with guys lately. I don’t want any more if I can help it.” She searched his face for a long moment before she asked, “Does that make sense?”

Raven was slightly surprised at where this conversation had turned. He actually stiffened, if that were more possible. “Yes, of course. I only want the chance to get to know you. I feel like we have a chemistry, and I would like very much to explore that. But I will never pressure you in any way.”

With that she smiled at him. “I knew you’d say something like that. Isn’t that weird?”

Without warning he reached over and took her hand in his, a quick movement that startled her.

“I am sorry, Sophia. I just wanted to know how it felt.”

She smiled sweetly and blushed. “No, it’s fine, really.”

“So, what is this about trouble with your boyfriends?”

“Oh, well my last boyfriend was a real jerk, very possessive. He kind of mistreated me. Eli tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.”

Raven tensed, his face becoming hard. “He hit you?”

“It’s okay, Raven. He never hit me, just pushed me around and yelled some, but the night I broke up with him it could’ve been nasty. He grabbed me by my hair and told me I couldn’t leave him.”

He made an effort to soften his expression. It was exhausting trying to impress. He had never had to do this before. “What happened?”

“I punched him in the nose.” She giggled. “I think I broke it actually, and then I ran away. Thankfully my dad had the insight to follow me that night. He picked me up before the psycho could chase me.”

“Have you seen him since?”

“No way! That loser’s history. The truth is, I didn’t think I had the guts to hit him until I did. I’ve always felt weak, but in that moment I knew I had it in me to be strong. I guess in that case I can’t regret it, huh?”

“Well, he is just lucky I was not there or he would be dead.”

“Oh, Raven, you say the sweetest things.” She batted her eyes at him causing him to laugh. “So, have you ever heard of a vampire/werewolf hook-up before?”

He shook his head slightly. “No. Never. We are natural enemies. Before I met Charity I would have killed any werewolf once I caught his or her scent. Actually, I am surprised you are not having more trouble with this than you are.”

She shrugged. “Well, I wasn’t raised in a pack, so I didn’t really know about the war between us. I mean my dad has mentioned it, but it’s not something we talked about. I guess they shielded me from that stuff, for the most part. Lucky for me, huh?”

He laughed softly. “Or lucky for me.”

“And how come you’re not having more trouble with this?”

“Well, I have observed this pack very closely, and to be honest, they are more honorable than any vampires I have ever known. I have done bad things to Levi and yet he invited me to become a part of this pack—he forgave me. I guess I have seen what they are truly all about, and I like it very much. Do you understand?”

She smiled. “Yes, I think I do.”

After dinner, he let her drive his car back to the Drake House, the hidden facility that houses their wolf pack. He thought she drove a little fast, but all in all a good driver.

It was fairly dark in the parking garage at 10:30. He took her hand and helped her out of the car.

“Raven, you bought me dinner, and now I’d like to offer you something in return.”

His eyebrows arched. “What do you mean?”

She nervously approached him, stopping just inches from his chest, and gazing up at him she said, “I want you to feed from me.”

His eyes grew wide. “It is not necessary for you to pay me back in any way.”

“But I want to,” she pressed, and a new and slightly unnerving intensity began to dance in her eyes.

Peering down at her so lovely and inviting was torture for him. He wanted her badly but knew it was too soon. He had to be strong. “I am sorry, Sophia, but I cannot do that.”

“Why not?” she whispered as she reached up and touched his face.

He closed his eyes as her touch penetrated his skin. He had to force his next words out. “It is too soon. I want to do this right.”

When he opened his eyes and glanced down at her, he could make out the disappointment on her face. It broke his heart.

She looked down at her shoes. “It’s getting late. I better get home.”

He wanted to ease her pain, but he knew he couldn’t. “Yes, of course.” But before the words were even out of his mouth, she had turned from him and was walking from the parking garage. Raven followed behind her silently—torn—not knowing what to say to make her understand.

Rose knew she was doing the right thing, slipping out of her room and going to him. She needed to apologize or she would never be able to sleep.

She had been foolish to act the way she did. It was silly to be upset because he wanted to be a gentleman with her and take it slow. She just wasn’t used to guys being gentlemanly. Most of the guys she had dated in the past were nice enough but were not gentleman. She wasn’t sure exactly where his room was, but she had an idea.

She took a few turns and entered the L Wing of the facility. The library was located on this wing, along with the laundry room, but she knew no one lived on this wing except Raven. As she was coming near the end of the hall she spotted a couple in a doorway, making out. No—wait—they weren’t making out. She stepped closer and realized it was Raven in the process of feeding.

He must’ve sensed her presence because he froze, suddenly jerking up to meet her gaze. “Sophia.”

The girl in his arms was older, but attractive, with long, brown hair, and the biggest blue eyes she had ever seen.

“I-I’m sorry.” Rose backed away and headed back the way she’d come.

“No, Sophia, wait!” he yelled frantically.

She began to run, fully aware that he was in pursuit of her.

“Sophia, please come back!”

Then he was in front of her. She slammed into him with great force, causing her to bounce off him and almost hit the floor, but Raven was fast, catching her before she fell.