Strange Love 45 The Heart Can Only Believe What The Eyes See

She nodded as he began to walk toward her. She had tucked his shirt into her shorts to keep the tee from completely covering them, but she still felt a bit uneasy as his smell emanated from the fabric.

Xavier lightly paced a hand to the small of her back to guide her through the s.p.a.cious garage, stopping in front of a sports car. He opened the door to the driver's door and stepped aside, "Want to give her a spin?"

Joslyn shot him a surprised glance before looking back down at the car nervously, "Are… are you sure?" she stammered.

The corner of his lips turned up into a crooked smile, "Of course, why not?"

She shrugged, "If you insist, I'll never say no to driving such a cool car." She lowered herself down into the driver's seat, as Xavier brought the door closed behind her. She watched as he walked around to the pa.s.senger side. His body seemed much more relaxed than it was when they first entered the house earlier, but the lines of his face still showed signs of tension. As she studied him, she took note of the sungla.s.ses resting on the top of his head. [That reminds me, I never did ask him about the real reason he wears them.] Joslyn decided to ask as he set down into the pa.s.senger seat. "So, I've been meaning to ask, why do you always wear sungla.s.ses?"

Xavier's shocked and evasive expression was enough to indicate a more intricate reason than just hiding the occasional reflection of light, that most people wouldn't even notice let along be able to link it to what he was. When their eyes met in the reflection on the pa.s.senger window, he closed his eyes tightly before lowering the gla.s.ses down over his eyes…. But not in time to hide the glow that was radiating from them.

Joslyn tilted her head in curiosity, "It has something to do with the odd way they glow doesn't it?"

Xavier ran his hand through his hair as he continued to avoid her gaze nervously, "Yea, kind of… I… I…" He glanced her way before changing the topic. "Um, go ahead and start her up."

Joslyn sighed as she started the car, "You don't have to tell me, it's ok. I was just curious. Your eyes are so beautiful, I can't imagine covering them willingly."

Xavier let out a surprised gush of air, he finally turned his head toward her finally meeting her gaze. "I… I…. Its… I mean…" he ran his hand through his hair again as he looked toward the radio panel of the car. "I've never had this conversation with anyone before…" He glanced back at her, seeing the open curiosity shining brightly in her aqua eyes. "How much do you know about vampires?"

Joslyn's hands fell away from the keys as she turned toward him. "Not much. I was raised on a very secluded island in the Mediterranean up until moving to the states 15 years ago with Raven and the twins."

Surprised filled his eyes again, "Oh, I see. Well go ahead and start driving and I'll explain on the way." [She is finally opening up to me, so I guess it's only far…. But I wonder how much she can accept…. Before she freaks out and runs away like all the others…] Xavier turned his head away from her as pain filled his expression. Though he had sungla.s.ses on, she had a way of reading him mood that no other person had ever been able to do. As Joslyn turned the key he fought with the best way to break this information to her. He pushed the b.u.t.ton to raise then lower the garage door as she backed out, then ran his hand through his hair again as he began to speak. "So, I guess a good starting place would be to explain a bit about vampires. You remember, I told you that my father had children with several other women in the hopes of creating a more powerful vampire. The women were of different species for the most part as well, giving all of his children different… abilities…." He watched her face carefully as he said the next words in a near whisper, "My mother's abilities… she was able to read minds…. And control them to an extent." He searched her face for any sign of disgusted or fear but when no signs could be seen he continued. "Vampires have the ability to influence minds and control individuals to an extent, but because of what my mother was… what I am… direct contact with my eyes automatically impact the looker. Instead of being like most vampires, strengthening themselves to have more control over people I have to take extra measures so that my will, will not be pushed onto someone else." When she glanced over at him with a questioning look, he clarified, "As long as you can't look directly into my eyes face to face, it's fine. Contacts actually work well, but the salt water irritates them so bad that I prefer to just wear the gla.s.ses."

Joslyn nodded in understanding, "So that is why you walked away in such a hurry earlier?" she glanced over at him. "You didn't want to influence my… actions?"

He nodded looking away, a slight blush coloring his tanned checks. "Yea, more or less. It was fine that night in the ocean because I was sure our desires were the same, but that is why I didn't make eye contact with you when I asked if you wanted to continue or not."

Joslyn didn't take her eyes off the road as she asked the next, more troubling question. "You said your mother could read minds, does that mean you can as well?"

Xavier looked over at her his brows arched in response to her unasked question, "If you are asking if I've read your mind, then the answer is no. I can't read your mind, I can't read most minds, actually."

She glanced his way, "I have the feeling you're leaving out an important part of that statement."

His checks colored again as he began fumbling with the dash b.u.t.tons, "I can get impressions…" he answered evasively.

She arched a brow in his direction, "Meaning?"

He chuckled as he finally gave up and looked up at her, "I can read your… and most other peoples emotions. That's why I left in such a hurry earlier. Your emotions were a very deadly mix for a man, ya know."

Joslyn could feel her face heat up as she recalled ALL the emotions running through her earlier. She cleared her throat and wiggles uncomfortably.

Xavier shot her a knowing grin, "Yea… So, I'm sure you can understand. The temptation to act on those emotions… to encourage those desires with one steady gaze…" He readjusted his shorts and position in the seat. "It's more temptation that I can handle."

Without thinking, Joslyn asked the first question that came to mind. "Then why resist?"

Xavier choked on the question, shock oozing from every pore. He sat up and bent over toward her until his lips were only inches away from her ear. He brushed her hair back behind her ear before whispering, "Is that what you want? For me to resist the urge to seduce you? To take away your ability to avoid me? To make you fall in love me… against your will?" He gently stroked his fingertip across her the curve of her ear as he watched the emotions play across her face. "I'm not sure it would take removing my sungla.s.ses, would it?"

Joslyn slammed on the breaks causing him to slam against the seat, his hand going with him. "Too much?" He asked as he ran his hand over the sore spot that had hit the window.

Joslyn let out a huffed breath, "No, its…." She sighed again, "I'm sorry. I'm just not ready." She glanced over at him shame mixed with pain clouding her next words, "You probably understand my emotions better than me at this point. I… This is kind of embarra.s.sing to admit at my age, but I've never been in a relationship. My entire life was spent avoiding any kind of bond or relationship with the people around me." Her words trailed off as the memories flooded her mind.

Xavier straightened in his seat, "I can understand that being what I am, I've spent the better part of a century avoiding people." He nodded toward the stirring wheel. "Why don't you get the car back on the road? I promise I'll keep my hands to myself for now."

Joslyn placed the car into park and shook her head, "I'm sorry, I'd really prefer you drove the rest of the way."

Xavier glanced around, "Um, we are on the median of a very busy road, I'm not sure that's possible." He glanced over at Joslyn, but before he could say more he noticed the tears trailing down her cheeks. He clamped his hands over the hand that was trembling on the wheel. "Joslyn, look at me." Liquid pools of aqua met his gaze. "Joslyn, I'm sorry. Whatever you've been through, whatever you're going throw, whatever awaits you; I want to be there for you in any way that you need me. If that means as a friend, then so be it." He cupped her face as the tears continued to roll down her cheeks and over his hand. "I know this isn't what you want to hear right now but… I…. I… L…" Flashing light from behind interrupted what he was about to say. A bright light shown in from the pa.s.senger side window and a hand extended out to tap on the window. Xavier let his hand slide away from her face as he blew out a sigh and pressed the b.u.t.ton to roll down the window.

"Is there a problem here, guys?" the officer asked as he flashed the light into first Xavier's face then Joslyn's.

Xavier removed his gla.s.ses, "Well this should answer any questions you still have about me."

"Excuse me?" the officer said, "Mind stepping out of the car son?"

Joslyn stifled a tearful giggle as Xavier handed her his gla.s.ses and shot her a wink as he stepped out of the car. Within seconds later he was getting into the car again.

Joslyn nickered, "Well, that didn't take long." Their eyes met as he settled into the seat, but he quickly looked away and held out his hand for the gla.s.ses. Joslyn's eyes widened as new understanding hit her, "Oh… sorry, here." She watched as he replaced the gla.s.ses on his face. "Thank you… for what you said earlier, I mean."

Xavier turned toward her taking in her, looking her over before answering. "I mean what I said." He shrugged as an amazingly bright smile lit up his features, "Plus, hey, cold shower save on my electric bill."

Joslyn busted into laughter, "Is that so?"

Xavier's smile softened, "You should never stop smiling like that. It's absolutely breathtaking." He took her hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckle before setting her hand down on the gear shift and adding, "Now what do you say we get rolling?"

Joslyn watched as he pulled his hand away from hers slowly and couldn't help overwhelming guilt that slammed into her as she shifted the car into drive. [I really don't deserve such a nice guy. I'll only end up hurting him in the end…] She felt his soft fingers trace her knuckles again. She glanced over at him, her foot still on the break.

He smiled, "Whatever you're thinking right now… don't." He traced a finger over her fingers. "Drive; let your worries go and remember you'll always be safe with me. No matter whatever else may be going on."

She shook her head in agreement and pushed down on the gas pedal, but the guilt only slightly subsided. They fell into idle conversation through the rest of the drive.

As she pulled into the parking lot outside Calypso's bar and grill, she glanced around the parking lot for any familiar vehicles. After identifying only her own car, she pulled into a slot and turned off the car. Her mind was such a fog that she didn't even notice Xavier watching her.

"Are you ok?" Xavier asked.

His voice pulled her from her anxiety induced mental fog, "Huh? Oh… yea… I guess I'm just a little nervous about running into… him…" She fumbled with the keys as her mind continued to travel over the worst-case scenarios. "I knew it would end badly… getting involved with someone who was already like family and the horrible part is, I knew from the get-go it would end this way. I… I just ignored logic and let my foolish emotions take over." She covered her face with her hands, "I'm so stupid."

Xavier took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out of the car. He walked around to the other side of the car and opened the door. He held his hand out for her to take it. when she did he pulled her to her feet in front of him. "If you want to leave say the words, at any time. It doesn't matter now, later, in middle of swamp soup… I don't care."

She chuckled through the tears building in her eyes, "Chowder… It's chowder!" She shoved him playfully before lowering her head and whispering, "Sorry… I don't deserve your kindness."

He pulled her closer until her head rested against his chest. He kissed the top of her head. "I don't know what happened in your past, but I want to make it better. At least help you realize how worthy you are."

She glanced up at him, "Worthy?"

He let the gla.s.ses fall low on his nose so that their eyes could meet, "Of love."

When her eyes heated in response, he released her and pushed the gla.s.ses back into place. "Come on let's get inside, the swamp soup is calling my name."

She laughed as she stepped away from him. "Chowder…" She said as she walked ahead of him toward the building.

Xavier chuckled as he followed behind her, "As if 'chowder' makes it sound any more appetizing!"

They were both laughing as they walked throw the front doors, but as they entered the majority of the bar fell quiet. Joslyn glanced around, curious of what could have possibly caused such a rambunctious crowd to fall silent. It didn't take long for her eyes to land on the source of the high tension. Across the room sitting in a darkened corner was the swim team surrounded by girls, and sitting center of the group was Russ. An attractive were-girl was clinging to him, her chest pressed provocatively against his. His eyes met Joslyn's as if he could sense her presence. She stood frozen, Xavier standing behind her hands now on her hips, as Russ pushed the girl off and began rising from the booth. The other team members quickly moved out of his way as he moved toward her in a growl that could only be seen when a leopard stalks its prey.

"Joslyn, we need to leave," Xavier said as he began pulling her backward through the door. As Xavier pulled her frozen frame through the doors Russ's steps became faster and his strides longer. "At this rate, he's going to reach us before we make it to the car and looking at his expression and reading his mood… trust me you don't want him to reach us!" When she glanced over her shoulder at him in confusion, he added. "He's more animal than man right now. We need to go!" Xavier grabbed her tighter around the waist and lifted her off the ground. He made it back to the car as Russ pushed his way out the double doors. Xavier quickly shut and glanced toward the doors. The were-girl appeared behind him and grabbed his arm, giving Xavier time to quickly cross over the car and get into the driver's side seat. Before he could get the car started though, Joslyn flung the door open.

She pulsed before getting out and looked back at Xavier, "I have to at least talk to him. Stay here and he'll stay in control… hopefully."

Xavier grabbed her arm concern obvious in his voice, "I can't let you do that, he's radiating violence right now."

Joslyn dropped her head, "I can't leave things like this either."

Xavier reluctantly let her arm go. "Ok, but I'm not leaving you alone with him. I'll be right here. If he gets too out of hand…"

Joslyn nodded as she slowly got out of the car and walked toward Russ.

Russ shrugged the girl's hands off as he made his way down the stairs. His eyes moving from Joslyn to Xavier and back. "So this is how it's been you've been the past two days? With him?" He threw up a clawed finger to point at Xavier as he settled against the hood of his car. He snarled as Joslyn glance across the parking lot toward Xavier. "You said he wasn't there, that you're spending it alone!?" Anger lit his features "You don't look f.u.c.king alone to me, Joslyn!" He yelled.

This was a side of Russ, Joslyn had never seen. She stopped her progression toward him and instead took a step backward. "Russ that's not fair, you…"

He cut her words off, "You met up with him behind my back, how did you expect me to react." She took another step backward, but it was no use he closed the distance into swift moves. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, "So, now you are afraid of me? That's rich, coming from you."

Joslyn tried to pull away from him. Unable to meet his gaze, she answered, "I asked him to meet me but not for the reasons you are thinking."

He snarled at her again, "So are you seriously going to stand there and tell me, he's not attracted to you… That you aren't attracted to him."

Joslyn blushed, still unable to meet his gaze.

He tossed her hand away as if it burnt him, "Well that says it doesn't it?!" As she began to turn away, Russ grabbed her shoulders to turn her back toward him, "What am I to you, really?" He lowered his face inches from her face, the sent of whiskey strong on his breath. "In the past month, you haven't once expressed even a fraction of your feeling, you haven't said 'I love you' since the night you turned me down in your bedroom." Before he could continue a small hand pulled his hand away from Joslyn. Russ or Joslyn either one had noticed the were-girl as she approached them.

"Russ, baby, come back inside." He looked up at him with pleading puppy eyes.

He growled down at her as he pulled his arm away from her. "Go inside yourself." When he turned back toward Joslyn, the girl let out her own growl.

"Not without you, my love. This b.i.t.c.h doesn't deserve you! I do! I love you!" The girl tried to pull him away once again, but this time Russ pushed her away.

"Leave us, Gigi!" Russ growled without looking back at the girl.

The girl stepped forward again, "No! I'm better for you than her! I bet she doesn't even know the things you like. I already know all your kinks." The girl snarled at Joslyn as Joslyn stood staring at the familiar looking girl. "I bet she can't please you like I can!" When those words didn't seem to work on him, she threw herself at him. "I'm stronger, I can take all of you. I'm a wolf too, your family would be pleased. We could be together…."

A whimper slipped out from Joslyn's lips as she backed away, "You are lovers?"

The girl's lips curved up into a cruel grin, "That's right we are. I've seen his box of treasure under his bed, and I've enjoyed the hammock in his closet more than once!"

The pain behind Joslyn's sad, shocked eyes cleared the anger swirling around in Russ's whiskey fogged brain, "Jos, no it's not like that!" He pushed past the girl toward Joslyn. "It didn't mean…" but before the words could leave his mouth, the girl threw herself at him again this time landing her lips full on his.

Joslyn turned quickly and ran toward the car. When Xavier was sure she would make it without the werewolf stopping her he got into the car and started the engine. He already had it in gear as Joslyn opened the door and launched herself inside. He quickly backed out of the s.p.a.ce and speed from the parking lot as a tearful Joslyn watched the figures in the side mirror shrink into the distance. The last sight of Russ broke whatever fragments of her heart that had been left in tack.

As Gigi grinned happily at the departing car, Rage erupted inside of Russ. He grabbed her by the throat and pulled her against him before lifting her off the ground to meet his eyes. His lips crashed down on her lips painfully as his hands tightened around her neck. "Is this what you wanted?" He kissed her again, bringing blood this time, before releasing her neck and letting her drop to the ground. He stared down at her, disgust evident in his eyes.

Gigi didn't bother standing, instead, she set up on her knees and kneeled in front of him. "I will take your rage. For you, I would bare anything so long as we could be together." When he snarled down at her and began to step around her, she grabbed his ankle. Her eyes sparkled up at him, "I promise I would make you happy, your majesty."

He glared down at her in disgust as he shook loose of her hold, "Don't call me that." He pushed past her making his way back to the bar. As he glanced up at the door for the first time, he considered turning tail and running in the opposite direction. Raven stood in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest.

Raven shook her head as he approached, "In all of my 3000 years, never have I ever seen someone f.u.c.k up as bad as you just now."

Russ hung his head as he slowed his progression toward her.

"If the next time you see her, she's married to that vampire… that s.h.i.t's on you, my boy." Raven uncrossed her arms as Russ made his way up the steps. She stepped toward him as he made it to the top step. She smacked his head hard, before adding, "She… WE… met with Xavier the other day because your idiotic sister is apparently dating his brother. INCASE you haven't noticed while stomping around in your booze and testosterone-induced rage, she hasn't been home or in contact with anyone since a few days after that beach party." When Russ stopped on the top step to stare in shock at Raven, she smacked his head again. "You and your sister are both idiots… Where did I go wrong raising you?" She shook her head as she turned back toward the door, then thought better of it and turned back toward him. "Go home, ALONE, and sober up. Then try and get your s.h.i.t together, why don't you?" When he only grunted and gazed down at the floor, she continued. "For the record, I ship them." When his head shot up to meet her angry gaze she added, "At least he's mature enough to not let his emotions get in the way of logic, and I can promise you, he will never have eyes for another woman as long as he lives." Russ dropped his head again and turned back to the parking lot…

"I didn't drive…" Russ sighed, regret heavy in his voice.

Raven shook her head, "We'll figure it out." She shook her head and headed back inside.

"It's fine, I'll give you a ride. We need to talk anyway." A ma.s.sive hooded man stepped out of the shadows and walked toward Russ. He stopped beside the girl still on her knees in the parking lot. He held his hand out to her and pulled her to her feet. "You should keep everything you saw tonight to yourself. And you should also keep the information you know about the prince to yourself." He glanced back at Russ before continuing. "That's the last thing I need right now, to deal with his ident.i.ty getting out before it's time for him to take the throne."

She dropped her head, "Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir."

He arched a brow at her, "Then you also know who I am?"

She shook her head as she continued to look down, "Yes, sir. You… you are Orion." She kept her gaze averted as he pulled her to her feet.

"Then I don't need to tell you what will happen if you don't cooperate?" Orion asked.

"N… No, sir. I understand." She kept her head low.

"Good, now leave." He said as he continued forward toward Russ. He signaled over his should, not bothering to look back as he ordered. "Then go home, pup." His gaze landed on Russ, watching the confusion slowly turn to understanding.

Russ sank to the steps and let his throbbing head rest in his palms.

Orion chuckled as he stopped in front of Russ. "Yeah, I would hang my head too after that display." He patted the top of the boy's head as he made his way up the stairs. "Sit tight as I go say hi to an old… friend." His lips curled mischievously as he said the word 'friend'.