Immortal Destiny (The Immortal Prophecy Saga) Page 5

  “For most people, yeah. But the dream for me is to not be killed by Vincent when the time comes.”

  James reached over and took her hand in his. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Ally.”

  Ally’s face held the sorrows of all mankind in that moment. “There are some things even you can’t protect me from, James, and you’ll need to keep yourself alive in the battle not worry about me.”

  “That is an impossible task, little one,” he said grimly. “When the time comes you can be sure I’ll have one eye on you and one eye on my enemy.” He paused and poured another glass of wine and stood up. “Come with me… we’re going to the beach.”

  “The beach?” Ally repeated as she followed him towards the front door.

  Once outside he took her hand and led her across the green lawn and down the wooden steps and onto the white sandy beach they arrived on this morning.

  He sat down and pulled her to him.

  She dug her toes into the gritty sand and moved them around, enjoying the feeling of it moving between her toes, and let her head fall back and gazed up at the starry night sky. The unmistakeable scent of salt and seaweed filled her nose and she breathed it in deeply. The story of Eva and Raphael played over again in mind. It fascinated her and made her sad. It could easily have ended as a tragedy if it weren’t for his courage and his belief that she was still alive somewhere…he just had to find her before any harm befell his love. Something told her that he would have kept looking forever. That’s how an immortal was with their love.

  It’s all or nothing.

  Forever.

  Ally found her gaze drift to the immortal beside her, and a deeper sense of how incredibly lucky she was began to find its way into her soul. Beside her was not only James, but she knew that like Raphael, he was an immortal…a man that would never give up on her, their love or their future. He would demand every part of her, down to the very threads of her soul, but in return she would have a love like no other, a loyalty that could never be swayed and protector she could trust her life with.

  James was not perfect, she knew that. But he was perfect for her.

  He took a sip of his wine, looking at the dark, swirling sea in front of them, watching the moonlight playing on the gentle waves. “Is this romantic?”

  “Very. Are you trying to seduce me again?” she asked playfully.

  His eyes lit up with an emotion she couldn’t place. “Is it working?”

  “Perhaps.”

  James moved closer and put his arm around her pulling her in close and she snuggled into his warm body. “About this afternoon…I didn’t plan for that to happen, it just…did.”

  She smiled into his shoulder.

  “I just don’t want you to feel rushed or like I’m pushing you.”

  Ally moved out from his arms so she could see his face. “I don’t feel rushed. You’ve been very patient, James and I know that goes against your nature so I appreciate it.” She moved back onto his chest and looked out to the ocean. “I didn’t think I was ready, but this afternoon…it felt so natural and so right to be with you. I surprised myself that I was so willing when I’ve been feeling hesitant. But I think the problem was I’ve put so much emphasis on it, that it kind of took on a life of its own and became more than just me and you.” Ally hesitated a second. “Am I rambling?”

  James gave a quick squeeze. “No you’re not rambling. I’m learning, so keep going.”

  Ally felt a warm glow flow through her. “I don’t know if it’s because I’m older than most girls when they’ve…done the deed I guess…or it’s just my personality. But I analyse things to death and then some, so it became this huge elephant in the bedroom in a way. I’ve wanted you that way since I was sixteen years old, but the thing that I’m coming to realise since this afternoon is that it’s not anything other than you and me expressing how we feel about each other. I love you very much, James and I know you’re my soulmate so it would’ve happened regardless, but I love you for you, and I want us to take things further and move on to the physical side of things.”

  James held her so close that she almost couldn’t breathe but she didn’t mind in the least.

  “I’m glad you told me all that, little one. It all makes sense to me now,” he said as he kissed the top of her head. “I knew you loved me, but part of me was worried that you weren’t that physically attracted to me.”

  Ally scoffed. “Are you kidding me?”

  “I may be an immortal, but I’ve got insecurities like any man.”

  One of her eyebrows went up. “I’m surprised to hear that actually. You always give the impression of being supremely confident. I had no idea.”

  “It’s all an illusion,” he said quietly. “Immortal men aren’t known for their weaknesses, but I’m willing to bet we all have them.”

  Ally shook her head. “You lot really are cavemen, aren’t you?”

  “Afraid so,” he said with a small laugh.

  The soft sound of the waves crashing onto the sand caught her attention and she stared out in blissful peace before confiding to James. “There’s something else that worries me about being with you.”

  “What is that?”

  “Well,” she hesitated. “You’re three hundred years old, so you’ve got a lot of experience compared to my zero. I’m a bit worried that I won’t compare to the ones before me.”

  James started to say something but stopped himself, and Ally noticed his sudden discomfort. What did I say wrong?

  “You didn’t say anything wrong, little one.”

  “Then why are you squirming?”

  “I…well…”

  “What?”

  James appeared to be blushing, Ally was at a loss as she thought over her last words, then she knew. James had never done this either!

  “Seriously? You’re a virgin, too?”

  James smiled nervously and nodded. “Not every immortal abstains from sex. It’s a personal choice. I’ve known that you were coming since the day I was born, Ally. I knew that nothing else would ever compare and I didn’t want to bother with imitations, so I chose to wait…for you.”

  Ally was completely taken aback.

  “I wish you had told me that sooner,” she said with a playful slap on his arm.

  “I wanted to, but didn’t really know how to tell you,” he said, his trademark smile returning. “But as you can see, you have nothing to worry about. And even if I had it wouldn’t matter. We were made for each other so it would have been better than anyone before you anyway.”

  Ally smiled up at her love and kissed him with everything she had.

  “I like the effect this place is having on you,” James said, when she broke the kiss.

  “Ha ha,” she shot back and snuggled back into his warm body.

  “Which bedroom do you want me to sleep in?” James asked, his nervousness evident.

  She turned her face up to his and the look in her eyes was unmistakable. It was love and passion. Any doubts had melted away in that second.

  “My room.” She grabbed his hand, pulled him up, then kissed him again. Slowly and tantalisingly. Their wine glasses forgotten, she broke the kiss and smiled at him, then turned back towards the house. She walked a few steps then turned around to James. “Are you coming?”

  James was by her side in a second. He swept her up into his arms, and she giggled in delight. “Close your eyes,” he whispered. She did as he asked without question, and only felt the breeze around her face for a minute before he whispered again, “You can open them now.”

  Ally gasped. The beach was gone. He had taken her into the bedroom. “Why did I have to close my eyes?”

  “I didn’t want you to get dizzy,” he answered, as he put her down. “I want this night to be something we never forget, not one with you feeling ill from moving so fast, little miss motion sickness.”

  She scrunched her face together. “How did you know I suffered from that?”

  “I watched you for a lo
ng time, remember?”

  “Stalker,” she quipped back.

  He walked towards her and she was reminded of the first time she had seen him again at the masquerade ball. He had the same predatory look about him again that sent shivers down her spine. She felt a mixture of nervous excitement and terror at what she might be getting herself into. He was a passionate man and would demand the same from her.

  James voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “Trust me, Ally.”

  Those were the last words uttered as he pulled her into his arms and gave her a deep searing kiss that she felt down to her toes. She put her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. His hands moved down to the bottom of her top and he grabbed hold, slowly pulling it up and over her head to reveal her smooth, creamy stomach and her black lingerie.

  She helped him with his shirt, nervously undoing each button then pushed it off his shoulders. Ally felt the familiar urge to run her hands over the hard planes, but this time she didn’t resist. He kissed her neck sending lightning bolts throughout her body.

  James picked her up, carried her over to the bed and laid her down. He hesitated for a brief second. Ally reached up and pulled him down to her. He kissed her and removed the rest of their clothes, the final barrier between them.

  They both groaned in pleasure as their naked skin touched and their eyes locked, both lost in the haze of love and lust they felt for each other.

  Before he took things to the final step, he touched her cheek and whispered, “So beautiful.”

  Ally smiled, and he felt his heart leap inside his chest.

  No more words were needed between them that night. Words would never have been able to express what they felt about each other or the moment they now shared.

  It was a magical night and it changed things for Ally more than she would ever have thought possible.

  Chapter Eight

  Ally woke up feeling the warmth of James’ body wrapped around hers. She stretched and slightly winced, as she discovered that she was sore in places she never knew existed. But the contentment that ran throughout her sated body made her almost delirious with happiness.

  She couldn’t bring herself to regret last night in any way. It had been beautiful and something so special, she was sure she’d never forget it. But she was also glad that they had waited until the timing had been right. It was nice that there was no else around, just them, the island and ocean for miles.

  She twisted in his arms to glance up at him. When she moved, she saw James was awake and wore the same contented expression that she had.

  “Morning, little one.”

  She smiled at the pet name he called her. “Morning.”

  “Do you have any regrets?”

  “No, it was perfect.”

  James gave her a lazy smile and pulled her in closer as she replayed the events of last night through her mind again. She felt her body grow warm and dizzy as she remembered what had transpired between them. James felt her reaction and growled.

  Ally loved it when he did that.

  He kissed her hungrily and she gave back what she got. They were on fire for each other.

  A knock on the door interrupted the couple. “That man has got to work on his timing,” he said with a feral look in his eyes. “That’s the second time he’s done that.”

  “Whoever it is, let him knock. We’re busy,” Ally said and kissed him again.

  James’ eyes lit up at the suggestion. “I like this new side of you.”

  The knocking continued and James had no choice but to answer.

  Ally stayed in bed while James went to deal with the man at the door. In a few minutes he came back looking very annoyed.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Housekeeping has arrived from the mainland and they want to clean up.”

  “Oh,” she said feeling disappointed.

  “I’m sorry, Ally.”

  “It’s not your fault,” she said as she got out of bed and began to get dressed.

  James looked like someone had just kicked his puppy. She couldn’t resist going over and giving him a kiss. “Cheer up,” she said. “We can continue this later.”

  He perked up a little. “So what do you wanna do today?”

  “Training?” she suggested hopefully.

  “Training it is. We can start with mind reading in the garden and move onto the other stuff when the staff leave.”

  “Can’t go throwing fireballs with humans running around.”

  “No, not really.” James laughed. “I’ll go see to them and then we’ll make a start.”

  When James returned, he took her hand and led her into the back garden. They both sat down on the flat green grass facing each other.

  “Ok, I’m going to think something and you have to tell me what it is.”

  “Right,” Ally said and began to concentrate. She felt her mind pushing outwards around her and trying to grab onto something but she couldn’t focus it.

  “Try closing your eyes,” James suggested. “And imagine that silver thread running from my mind to yours. Sometimes the visualisation of the act can help.”

  She nodded and closed her eyes this time, picturing the thread. She focused with everything she had and felt the pushing again, but this time it was stronger.

  Blurred words began to shimmer in her mind. She focused even harder but before she could decipher what he said, the bubble burst.

  “Argh,” she cried and then took a deep breath. “Again!”

  She took one more depth breath and cleared her mind of everything but James. The rest of the world melted away and the thread between them burned bright. James could feel her pushing into his mind and the pride shone on his face, but he didn’t utter a word for fear of breaking her concentration.

  The words weren’t just shimmering in her mind this time. She could hear them! “You said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’” Her eyes opened and her voice rose. “I actually read your mind, James!”

  “Well done, little one.”

  “I want to try again. Think something else.”

  She closed her eyes again and began the same process. His voice filled her mind once more. “I love you with all my heart.”

  James nodded.

  “I’ve never experienced anything like last night in all my three hundred years.”

  She opened her eyes in surprise at what she had just repeated. “Really?”

  “Really! I still don’t think you understand what you do to me, Ally.” The intensity in his eyes as he spoke held her rooted to the spot.

  “I think I’m starting to get an idea.”

  James looked pleased by what she had said. “Try again. But this time, see what you can find on your own.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When we read minds, we just don’t just hear thoughts. We can dig around and find memories, see what people see through their own eyes instead of ours.”

  “Really?” she asked, fascinated.

  He shrugged. “Try it.”

  Ally dove into his mind with gusto. She was eager to know how he saw her. She flicked through memories quicker than she expected until she found one that she recognized. It was her when she was sixteen years old. But it wasn’t just the image she saw, it was what he felt too. He saw her and the world stopped spinning. Nothing else mattered to him anymore. She felt his heart constrict at the sight of her and his temper flaring at the knowledge of what happened to her parents and that he would now have to wait longer before claiming her. She kept going and saw several of her during the five years that she thought he had left.

  Its true…he never left me.

  She continued looking through and found herself again at the masquerade ball. She felt the all-consuming need, love and desire that had taken over him when he saw her. As she searched through each of the memories involving her and the feelings that he felt she realised not only the depth of his love for her, but the suffering he had endured as well. All in the name of lo
ve.

  Being with her, but not being with her physically hurt, and she flinched as the feelings assaulted her. She was filled with a mixture of horror and love at what he had felt.

  Is this because he’s an immortal male or just because he is an immortal?

  “It’s an immortal thing, not just a male thing. This is how we feel when we meet the one but cannot be with them. You felt it too, just not to the extent I did, because you’re only half immortal.”

  “I’m so sorry James…”

  “Never apologise for that sweetheart. It’s not your fault.”

  Ally pulled out of his mind and looked at him with new found respect, love and devotion. She leaned in and kissed him, trying to show him what she felt. He kissed her back with passion and pulled her down with him onto the grass.

  Ally felt tears falling from her eyes and kissed him harder.

  James broke the kiss and wiped away her tears with his thumb, then took her face in his hands. “Now you know how much I love you. And there has never been another immortal so crazy in love with his human soulmate that he would willingly put himself through agony, just for her.”

  “James,” she muttered. Unable to form any other words, she just stared into his eyes and then kissed him again.

  “As much as I’m loving this, the cleaning staff are still here and soon I won’t be able to stop,” he said breaking the kiss. “So unless you want an audience, we’d better get back to training.”

  Ally shook her head, trying to clear her mind and focus on the training, but it was almost impossible with all these new feelings floating around. “Before we start, there’s something I want to say to you…Thank you, James. You put yourself through hell so I could have time to choose you ‘cause I wanted to, not because I had to. I’ll never forget that.”

  “I’d do it all over again.” He kissed her forehead.

  “You would, wouldn’t you?”

  James nodded. “Without a second thought.”

  Ally stared at him in silence for a minute before James broke the silence by bringing the subject back to the present. “I want to show you fighting but with people hovering around, it’s probably not the best idea.”