It was nearing ten at night when Ava Delen finally finished housecleaning. Since her children were gone for the summer, she had neglected to clean for a few days, making her place rather messy. Cleaning made her hungry, and she had no desire to wash more dishes, so she grabbed her wallet and headed for the diner on the corner. She slowed down as she saw a figure on the other side of the road, his height and long black jacket easily recognizable. He walked with a casual swagger, making him look decidedly unapproachable and dangerous.1
Regardless of his 'don't even bother thinking about messing with me' aura, she crossed the road and stood in front of him. “I want to talk to you, “ she said in a terse voice.2
“Uh, hello,” Stone said, surprised at her forwardness.3
His voice had a richness to it that made her thighs quiver. She pushed that notion aside, intent on telling him off. “Think you’re pretty cute with that shit from the other night?” she growled. “Well, let me tell ya something, bud. As good looking as you are, you ever pull a stunt like that with my friends again, and I’ll kick your ass.”4
Stone stared, feeling both amused and annoyed at her. “Oh,” he said. “You.” He smiled slightly, the action having a devastating effect on his already handsome square-jawed face. “Didn’t recognize you fully dressed.”5
“Excuse me?!”6
“Last time I saw you, “ he said with a smile, “you were flashing my patio window.”7
Her eyes widened in shock and embarrassment. “Sweet mother of…” She closed her eyes. “Guess we’re even then.” 8
He watched as she spun and hurried away. “Wait!” he called. She continued walking fast. “Please?” She stopped and slowly looked at him. “I’m sorry,” he said as he slowly approached, his gate that of a predator hunting prey.9
Ava looked up at his face as he stopped a few feet from her. “What are you?” she asked. “Goth? Satanic? Moron?”10
Stone removed his sunglasses and looked at her curiously. He realized that with his height he could see straight down her tank top. He had spent he last three days dreaming about this woman, most of those dreams being extremely x-rated. “Don’t let the clothes fool you,” he said, not knowing why he felt the need to explain himself.11
“Doesn’t answer my question.”12
“I guess you could say that I’m sort of Gothic, but not really,” he said. 13
“Well, hey that clears that up,” she replied in a sarcastically amused voice. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a burger calling my name.” She stepped around him and continued to the diner.14
Stone sighed as he watched her go, his eyes drawn to the way her hips moved from side to side, and the messy, yet totally erotic way her auburn hair fell out of it’s ponytail to caress her shoulders. He exhaled and turned away. Yeah, it had definitely been too long since he had been in someone’s bed.15
~~~~~~~~~16
Ava sucked in her breath and sat up in bed, the images from her dream still with her. “Wow,” she whispered. She had been dreaming about the mysterious man in black, although he had been completely nude in her dream and sweating, as they seemed to experiment every sex position she had known, or ever read of. Although he had barely said thirty words to her, his voice was one that stayed with a woman for a long time. Rich, deep, and ever so erotic.17
Getting out of bed to grab a glass of water, she was half tempted to drive to his house on the beach, wake him, and see if he was as good in reality as in her dreams. But she knew it was just wishful thinking. Guys like him didn’t go after women like her. She was divorced, with two children…two facts that tended to send men running for the hills. Which, at times suited her fine. She would never place anyone in front of her kids, and if some man didn’t understand that, then she was far better off without him.18
Besides, the mysterious Goth-Wannabe had to have been some rich playboy flake to be able to afford a place like that on White Rock beach, and still dress like he got his clothes from a basement consignment shop. 19
~~~~~~~~~~~20
“Ouch, ouch, friggin' ouch!” 21
“Shut the hell up, Stone,” Miguel Santos said as he poured iodine over a rather lethal looking knife wound in the Dark-Hunter’s back. He paused pouring, then doused the wound, smiling grimly as the prolonged hiss that escaped the other man’s lips. "Why can't you be like other Hunters and heal faster, huh?"
"You'll have to ask Artemis that," Stone told him. "Although she tends to get bitchy when someone questions her." He gritted his teeth as Miguel doused the wound again. He often wondered himself why he wasn't granted the 'heal extra fast' perk on torso injuries that seemed to be common place with others like him...but he valued his existence a little too much to consider asking about it.
"Nice way to dodge a question," Miguel said. "You been taking Ash lessons?"22
Finally having enough, Stone stood from the chair and stretch lightly. “Look, punk ass,” he said sharply, yet mildly. “You can be replaced.”23
Miguel laughed. “Yeah, whatever.” He was a Blue Blood Squire who could trace his family's service with the Dark-Hunters back to his great-great grandfather. His father had been Stone's squire, and Miguel had grown up in this house, and the only way Stone would get rid of him would be through either of their deaths.
Miguel put the medical supplies away, then stowed the case in the cupboard closest to him. He stood with a yawn. “I’m going back to bed…unless you need me to run over to Timmy’s for a coffee or three…”24
Stone stretched gingerly as the wound he received from a Daimon before he killed him started to pull. “No. No Tim Hortons’ run this morning,” he said, “thanks for the offer, though.”25
“Damn, Stone,” Miguel said. “I know you’re hurt when you pass up your coffee fix.”26
“Yeah, well… that Daimon was a tough little fucker.” Stone walked towards the hallway the led to the back part of the house where the bedrooms and his private office were. He passed by his squire’s office, and pushed the door open. “Clean your office, Migs,” he said in disgust. “I swear the dust bunnies are going to unionize and strike for better work conditions.”27
“That would be your problem, not mine,” Miguel said. “After all, you’re the boss.”28
“Just clean it.” Stone close the door just as the clock was chiming seven in the morning, and continued down the hallway, his arm on his side for support.29
~~~~~~~~30
That evening, Ava ran down the street, cursing under her breath as the walk light changed a moment before she got to the intersection, and altered her route to take a back street. She was running late for the Friday night movie she wanted to see, and had maybe ten minutes to make it the five blocks, a possible line up, and grab some munchies before the previews started. 31
She stopped short as someone stepped in front of her, and moved to go around him. “What’s your hurry?”32
Ava finally took a real look at the man, and suddenly realized that there were two others with him. She gave them a brief nod, and turned, only to find another one behind her. She took a step back, aiming for an alley between two building that would lead her to the heart of downtown. 33
“Don’t come near me,” Ava warned as she slowly backed up.34
“Come on, pretty,” one of the men said. “It won’t hurt…much.”35
Ava continued to back up as the four men approached. I am so fucking screwed she thought. She bit back a cry as her body connected with something solid, and hands landed on her upper arms. 36
She turned quickly and punched with all her might before pulling herself to the side, and breaking the person’s grip.37
Stone kept the discomfort from his face as the punch landed. “Ouch,” he said casually. 38
Ava stopped and looked in shock, then grew angry when the events of her birthday played through her mind. “Again?!”39
“Go home,” Stone said slowly.40
Ava crossed her arms and glared at both him and the others. “You guys are seriously fucked up, you know that? I might have falling for this a few nights ago, but right now it’s seriously pissing me off.”41
“Hold on to that anger,” Stone said as a Daimon made a move.42
Ava watched as the men fought, and started to get a feeling like maybe this wasn’t some role playing game. Her eyes grew wide as one of the blondes drew a knife and stabbed at the man in black’s arm.43
“Hey!” she yelled as he stumbled back. He looked at her, surprised that she was still there.44
“Get out of here!” he yelled, then turned back to the two remaining blondes.45
Ava ran to the corner, grabbed a trash can, and brought it back. She slung it into one of the blondes, knocking him away as her ‘hero’ got to his feet. 46
“You bitch!” the blond hissed.47
“Yea, I am!” Ava said. “Come near me again, and you’ll see how big of one I can be.” She watched as a knife hit the blond in the chest, and he dissolved. 48
“Thanks,” Stone said as he walked over to pick up his knife.49
Ava stared at him, her gaze falling to his arm. The blood seemed to stop, and it looked like it was actually healing. “What’s your name?” she asked in a strangely calm voice, as the alley seemed to spin around her.50
“Stone,” he replied as he walked to her. She looked blankly at him. “Are you all right?”51
“My name is Ava, Stone,” she said conversationally as she reached into her pocket and took something out. “I live at 16 Palm Avenue. Here are my keys,” she held them up. “I would appreciate you taking me there, putting me on my couch, then leaving, thank you.”52
Stone grabbed her as she fell, and lowered her carefully to the ground. He quickly checked her over, and satisfied that she had only passed out, he hoisted her easily into his arms and started for the address she had mentioned.53
~~~~~~~54
Stone closed the door with his foot, and carried Ava across the small foyer, pausing to look around. The living room was through a door to the left, and after gently laying her on the couch, he stood and turned to leave. 55
Instead, he took out his cell phone and made a call, sitting in a large chair as he watched her sleep.56
The call was answered after two rings. “Hey, Stone,” a lightly accented voice answered.57
“Hate to bug you, Ash, but I have a little issue going on here.”58
“I know, “ the Atlantean replied slowly. 59
Stone suddenly realized that the voice was coming from behind him, and not the phone. He stood and looked at Acheron Parthenopaeus. Dressed in black leather pants, a Godsmack t-shirt and long black jacket, the Dark-Hunter leader looked like a Goth biker. 60
“Nice place,” Ash commented as his gaze fell to the woman sleeping on the couch. He got a contemplative look on his face as his mind instantly went through her futures. If Stone left, then when she woke, she would call one of her friends and tell about what had happened. Her friend would tell another, and eventually, her ex-husband would find out and sue for custody of their children, stating she was delusional. 61
He would gain custody, which would change both children’s futures when he meets and marries a woman who will abuse them. The daughter would run away from home, end up on the streets, but pull herself out, only to be killed by a jealous lover. The son would quit school, enter the work force and spend his time partying.62
If Stone stayed and answered questions, then Ava would keep quiet, and her children would have another future, although one that would be different from the one they would have had if Ava knew nothing about this at all. Ash was tempted to remove the events from her brain, except that her daughter’s daughter would grow up to be someone very important to someone close to him. Ava’s son would join the police force and save many lives through heroic actions. If he removed the event from her mind, then future actions taken would alter future lives. 63
Ash closed his eyes. The decision to go to that nightclub on her birthday and take a shortcut through that particular alley had set in motion slightly altered futures for too many people. He couldn’t mess with that. Added to the fact that this would also change Stone’s future.64
Stone watched as his ‘boss’ considered the options open for them. His instinct was to leave, but a small part of him wanted to be there when she opened her eyes.65
“Stay here,” Ash told him. “Answer her questions, a little vaguely, though."
"Isn't that kind of against the DH code of 'Never speak of what you are'?"
"When I wrote the codes all those years ago, I did include a few loopholes." Ash took a step back. "If she’s not awake before dawn, call me and I’ll get you both to your house.”66
“My house?” Stone asked, surprised, then grimaced as Ash vanished. “Crap,” he whispered, then looked at Ava again. Making sure she was all right, he started to wander around, looking at pictures on the wall and books on shelves. He guessed that the two children with her were hers, and felt a guilty relief that there were no pictures of her with a man. He chuckled as he noticed a divorce certificate framed and proudly displayed on a shelf. 67
Ava opened her eyes and looked around in confusion until she realized she was on her couch. The events from earlier came crashing back and she clenched her eyes shut. They opened again as she heard a noise, and she slowly craned he neck to see what it was. 68
A tall, imposing figure was on the other side of the room, his back to her. She was ready to scream when he turned to look at the bookshelf and she recognized his profile. At first she was surprised that he was still here, and then she grew pleased that he had stayed. Her body ached to get a sample of that man, and she sat up quietly to watch him.
Over six feet tall, muscular, but not overly so, short brown hair, and a face that was handsome, rugged and angelic all rolled into one. She laughed to herself at the 'angelic' thought. Avenging angel, maybe...a deadly, polite avenging angel.69
Stone heard a rustle, and glanced at the couch, stopping when he realized she was watching. Fire coursed through him at the evaluating look she was giving him.
“Hello,” she finally said in a quiet voice. 70
Stone slowly walked toward her and sat in the chair across the coffee table from her. “I wanted to stay to make sure you were all right…hope you don’t mind.”71
“I don’t mind,” she said. “Thank you.” She paused. “And thank you for not taking advantage of the situation. Most men would have.”72
He looked shocked. “The thought never crossed my mind,” he said honestly.73
“Can you explain to me what happened tonight?”74
“I’ll try.”75
“And I’m hoping that it’s not going to include Daimons and Dark-Hunters.”76
Stone arched one eyebrow and sighed as he ran his fingers through short brown hair.77
~~~~~~~~~~~78
Ava stared at him for a few minutes after he finished. She was still dreaming, she had to be. In a couple minutes, she would wake up, and this would all be forgotten. “So, you’re immortal, and hunt vampires, all under the leadership of someone named Acheron?”79
“Basically.”80
“And you died, but you’re not really dead now?”81
“Basically.”82
Ava put her head in her hands, willing to play along with the dream until she woke. “I can’t believe I flashed a dead guy.”83
Stone placed a hand on her arm. “Ava…I breath, eat, sleep, use the bathroom, love, hate, have sex, watch crappy television, and eat too much unhealthy food… just like normal humans.” He left his hand on her arm, liking the feel of it, and wondered how the rest of her would feel. “I’m alive.”84
“You can’t die.” She glanced at his hand. His touch felt warm and soft, and she wondered what the rest of him felt like.85
“I can die. Beheading will kill most immortals, and sunlight is a definite killer.”86
“That’s why all your windows are heavily tinted, isn’t it?” she asked as she moved slightly closer to him. She looked into his black eyes, and was amazed at how he looked. He was very handsome, but the features held a lot of sadness. His face was rugged, yet soft, hard, yet pleasant…and he had eyelashes she would kill for, and hair that begged to have fingers run though it.87
Stone watched as she studied him, her nearness bringing back his dreams in vivid detail. Her hazel eyes flicked back and forth over his face, and her lips parted ever so slightly, making him want to kiss them. Her hair was still a mess, but it seemed to suit her more. The auburn strands cascaded around her shoulder and cheeks like a Greek muse brought to life. 88
“It’s almost dawn,” she whispered, breaking the spell she was weaving over him. “Shouldn’t you be getting home?” She bit her lip. “I’d offer to let you stay here, but my house is rather sunny during the day…”89
“Good point,” he said and stood. “Would…would you like to come with me?”90
She stared at him. This would be a big step for her, but something told her that she needed this little bit of irresponsibility. She had spent too many years living for other people, and it was time to grab a few days for her own self. But what the hell... it was only her imagination asking her.91
“Okay.”92
He smile slightly, not wanted to show his fangs yet, and took out his cell phone. He had just pushed the button when a small flash appeared and Ash stood in the living room doorway.93
Ava stared at him, amazed at not only his size, but also his beauty. Six foot eight, long black hair with a deep red strip at the front, and a face that would make any woman beg for even the tiniest of smiles. She shook herself, annoyed at her thoughts since he looked at least fifteen years younger than her thirty-seven years. “Acheron, I presume.”94
“The one and only,” he said politely. “Ready to go?” He raised his hand at their nods, but stopped and looked at her wall. “No way,” he whispered as he walked to it. He stood in front of a picture and then looked at her in awe.95
“What?” Stone asked, worried about anything that could shock Ash.96
“Limited edition ‘Army Of Darkness’ movie still, autographed by both Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell,” Ash whispered. “How did you get this?”97
Ava looked at Stone, who shrugged. “Bought the still on eBay, then I tracked both of them down and asked them to sign it.” 98
Ash stepped back with an appreciative sigh, then raised his hand again, transporting them all instantly to Stone’s place.99
Ava looked around in shock. “Okay... that was definitely weird,” she said. Her eyes fell on the darkened patio door, and she could feel her cheeks immediately turning red. 100
“I’m out of here,” Ash said. “Stone, if you need anything, let me know. Ava, if you ever want to sell that movie still, let me know.” And with that, he immediately vanished. 101
“That’s your leader?” Ava asked quietly. “A Goth kid with an Army of Darkness obsession?”102
Stone laughed lightly. “Yeah. Ash is…unique. And deadly.”103
“So, what now?” Ava looked around his living room. “Bed?” Her eyes grew wide when she realized what she said. “I mean, do you go to bed at dawn?”104
Stone hid his smile. “Yes, I do. Actually, I have a meal, then a shower, then bed. Care to join me?”105
“For?” Ava asked with an ached eyebrow.106
All of them, please. “Something to eat.”107
Ava looked at him, then approached to stand right in front of him. "This isn't a dream, is it?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Most days, I wish it was," Stone said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "But, no, it's real."108
Stone had to look down to see her. She stared up at him with an oddly intense look on her face. She put a hand behind his neck and pulled his face down. “Thank you for saving my life,” she whispered then kissed him. 109
He returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into him. She tasted like cinnamon, a flavor he was partial to, and he pulled her even closer as her tongue teased his lips. 110
Ava couldn’t believe she was kissing someone she had just met, and especially someone who was immortal and killed vampires for a living. He had a rugged taste to him, something similar to danger, desire and forbidden all rolled into one. She could feel him grow against her, and was immediately reminded of her dreams. Now she could find out if he could beat her fantasy of him.111
Stone deepened his kiss as she lightly rubbed against his thigh, the sensation demanding that he take her here and now. Just lower her to the floor, remove her clothes, and sink himself deep between her…112
He pulled away slightly. 113
“Something wrong?” she asked, breathless.114
“No,“ he assured her with a smile. “I just want to make sure that…”115
“Yes,” she said, telling her mind to shut up about the irresponsibility of what she was about to do. “Yes, I want to have sex with you…multiple times, in fact…and yes, I want to have it now.”116
“Yes, ma’am,” Stone said as he scooped her in his arms and carried her to his bedroom.117
~~~~~~~~118
“Ach-eee-roon!”119
Ash grimaced at his name being drawn out like that, then sighed at the person who had said it. “I’m busy,” he said to the empty throne room around him. He went back to playing his solid black guitar.120
“No you’re not.”121
“What do you want, Artie?” he asked as he paused his strumming. 122
Artemis appeared in front of him.123
Ash sighed in annoyance. She was one of the few people who always came uninvited to Katoteros...his home…his Atlantean heaven…the only place he could be himself and not worry about anyone finding out anything about him or his past.124
“You’re ignoring me again.”125
“I always ignore you,” he replied. “Maybe if you knocked once in a while I might just invite you in.”126
“Really?” she asked.127
“No, I doubt it,” he replied honestly. “What do you want?”128
“You.”129
“Sorry, busy,” he said. “Anything else?”130
“Don’t ask me for Stone Mikels’ soul,” she said flatly. 131
He gazed at her, his hatred hidden behind a well-rehearsed façade. She was stunningly beautiful, and any man would have to be a fool to not want her. He guessed that made him the King of Fools, since he would do nearly anything to be rid of her forever. She was, to put it bluntly, a bitch of titanic proportions.
“Little early for that, isn't it?” he finally asked.132
“You’re letting too many of my Dark-Hunters free,” she said, crossing her arms over her well-endowed chest.133
“You can’t fight fate, Artie,” he said slowly. “If it’s meant to be, then I’ll be by for his soul. If it’s not meant to be, then I won’t be by for his soul.” He looked at her. “Seems pretty simple to me.”134
Artemis gave him a vicious look, then immediately vanished. Ash went back to strumming his guitar, and trying to ignore the lashes he could already feel on his back for when he would go to her and ask for Stone’s soul.135
~~~~~~~~~~136
Ava woke to the smell of power next to her. She rolled over, then sat up, surprised and slightly pleased that she was sleeping in Stone’s bed. He was still asleep, his arm draped over her waist, and his leg nestled close to hers. 137
Her body was slightly sore from the morning they had spent with each other, and she was delighted that he not only beat her fantasy dreams of him, but he ground them into the dust and stomped all over them. She had never had someone like him. He had been gentle, yet eager, experienced, yet willing to experiment. 138
Looking at him, she realized that she had been right about her assessment of him that night in the club…one did not one-night stand a man like this. She was shocked to find out that she wanted to keep him…regardless what he did for a living…or an un-living… or whatever it was. She was even more shocked that she even believed that she wasn't imagining this. 139
Stone lived a dangerous life, and by being with him longer than two months, she would be bringing her kids into it. She would never do something like that to them, regardless how much she wanted to keep him. 140
No. She knew she couldn’t ‘keep’ him. But, maybe he would be open to being friends with benefits.141
She slipped out of his large bed, pulled on her clothes that had been eagerly peeled off, and grabbed the notepad and pen by his bed. 142
~~~~~~~143
Stone rolled over in bed and put his arm out. His eyes opened when he realized that he was alone. He sat up, looking around, noticing that only his clothes were on the floor, the same time he saw the note out of the corner of his eye.
Stone:
Thank you…for everything. You are magnificent(and I REALLY mean that.. wow!) But, I have children to think of, and face it… your life is dangerous. I have a two month window here, before my kids come back home. I want you to know that, and think about it.
Ava
p.s. – I am totally open to the concept of friends with benefits… you know where I live. 144
Stone fell back on his pillows with a sigh. Maybe this was for the best. He checked the clock by his bed, swore at the time, and got out of bed. The words from the note ran through his mind as he quickly showered and got dressed. 145
Twenty minutes later, he was walking through the downtown area, not really looking for Ava, but hoping that he would see her. He turned as a group of women exited a building, but none were her. 146
What he needed was a group of Daimons to stake to get him mind off of the woman he had shared a rare intimacy with. 147
~~~~~~~148
Kari burst through the door as soon as Ava opened it. “So, who is he?”149
“Who is who?” Ava replied. “And come on in.”150
“I called you all day, and you didn’t answer,” Kari said, folding her arms over her chest. “Only two things keep you from the phone, and you don’t look sick to me, so… spill.”151
Ava blushed. “Remember when I flashed the patio?”152
“Yeah?” Kari’s mouth dropped open when Ava raised an eyebrow. “Someone was watching?! Oh my gawd!”153
“He, uh…recognized me downtown,” Ava said, wanting to leave out the killing parts. “One thing lead to another and, well…”154
“Is he any good?”
"Magnificent.”
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Comments
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my god... you never fail at amazing me. this was sooo good. i actually expected it to take longer before they hooked up but im glad it didnt! lol
the only thing that got me about this chapter was that i thought the word erotic was over used in the beginning. maybe throw in tempting or sexy, or something along those lines every once in a while...
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