“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature.”
— Jane Austen
Jane
“Do you want the air on or the window down? He asked me.
“The window” I answered absently looking outside at the passing scenery he pressed the bottom to let the window down I closed my eyes and enjoyed the cool gentle breeze on my skin and through my hair. I was trying to figure out the feeling the had come over me earlier but it was gone before I could fully understand it, leaving me confused, perhaps it was because I was no longer taking my medicine so things were coming back to me even now I could feel more than the world around me I felt the energy of it all as well as the people but I wasn’t going to let it overwhelm me I would embrace and work to truly understand my powers who knew what I could do if I actually learned and trained I needed to do some research maybe my best friend Mimi would be able to help she was she wasn’t a witch she was a shifter but whenever I needed help she would be there for me no explanation needed. I would give her a call later. The last time we talked she was on vacation with her boyfriend in North Carolina thinking about her happy bubbly personality brought a smile to my face.
We rode the car mostly in silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable we talked about light things where to shop, what I might want for lunch and dinner. He didn’t push or pry, which I appreciated, which helped me feel more relaxed and at ease by the time we reached his uncle's house. We pulled up behind a familiar red BMW. I opened my door and stepped out closing it behind me Antonio came to my side and took my right hand in his we headed ho the walk-way to his uncles home he had a nice two story home painted a light blue with white shutters and doors complete with the white picket fence and porch swing he even had a cherry blossom tree in the front and back yard I helped him take care it my mom had taunt all about plants and how to care for them. Bur the reason behind his home was his wife Annie who had married Two year’s ago she was a nurse and a witch she said her sister Charlotte who lived in San Francisco was an architect and did interior design as well she helped bring her sisters idea to life. Antonio didn’t bother knocking, he just opened the door and walked right in as he always did with me in tow. We paused in the entry way a smile lit my face up when I saw who was walking towards us it wasn’t his uncle it was Richard he owned a very popular club downtown called Midnight and he had become a close friend to me. He paused when he spotted up a smile lit face, he was very handsome he had a long wavy blonde hair and sapphire blue colored eyes that stood out against his pale skin.
“Jane darling!” he held his arms open to me I crossed the room and gave him a hug I let out a startled yelp when he lifted me up off the ground and spun me around once making me laugh. I was about to ask how he was doing when I felt a roll of energy hit the room coming from Antonio that I could only describe as possessive displeasure and mild annoyance. I stepped away from Richard and went back to his side and took his hand back in mine, which calmed him some. I noticed Richard raise an eyebrow but otherwise didn’t say anything I couldn’t get a good read on Richard’s emotions. He was keeping a shield in place.
“How are you Aiden?” I asked to break the staring contest between Antonio and Aiden.
He finally blinked and turned his attention back to me.
“I'm doing well darling” he said in that smooth southern drawl “How are you I haven’t seen you since hmmm when was that?” he tapped his chin as if he were in deep thought which I knew he wasn’t he had a perfect memory which I knew because he told me when I asked how he kept up with so much information without checking notes and such when I sat with him in and office while be handled stacks of paper work, he told him me of his photographic memory which was amplified when he became a vampire.
“Ah last Saturday at my club when you performed then stayed the night at my place” he said staring Antonio in the eyes as he said it my eyes widened at what he was clearly trying to insinuate with his words why was he trying to provoke Antonio? They weren’t exactly friends but they had never seemed to have a problem with each other from what I knew they sold wine to his club and a few times Aiden went through Antonio for the dealings instead of his uncle and they had been civil the times I had been there why all of a sudden was he acting this way. I was about to explain. When Antonio spoke before I could.
“Jane I’d like to have a word with Aiden here, could you go to my uncles office and I’ll be along in a moment” I no longer felt emotion coming from him he was completely locked down his tone was colder than ice and harder than stone, even though he asked me to leave I knew it was more of an order but from his tone and demeanor I knew I needed to do as he asked me and I honestly didn’t want to be in the middle of this.
“Okay” I turned and headed down the hallway to his uncle’s office I cast one backwards glance neither had moved nor looked in my direction I knocked on his uncle’s door without waiting for him to tell me to come in I opened the door went inside and shut it.
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.” – William Arthur Ward
Antonio
I waited until Jane had gone into my uncle’s office before, I spoke.
“Care to tell me what the fuck your issue Aiden is?” I asked if I didn’t raise my voice, I didn’t need to, but my tone was as sharp as a blade and colder than ice.
“You’ll have to be more specific” Aiden drawled his demeanor had changed the carefree smile he had while Jane was present was gone, he scowled at me with annoyance.
“Cut the shit, you know exactly what I mean” I growled taking a step closer to him. He held his ground as we stood toe to toe.
“Ah you mean sweet Jane” he said caressing her name the way a lover would. “We've become very good friends in your absence.”
“From your choice words it sounds like more than friendship” I retorted possessive jealousy coursing through me the thought of anyone touching Jane was making him feel crazy. Aiden laughed but it didn’t reach his eyes it was a so fucking what laugh.
“So what if it is than friendship what right do you have to be angry when you’re the one who left her and broke her heart” he hissed “I was here when she was sad and hurt crying into an empty wine glass at my bar I would never hurt her I would never have left her if she was mine” he said and I heard the conviction in his voice he meant every word and he couldn’t blame him Jane was special she was genuine she was compassionate, loyal she was someone who deserved to be treated with the upmost respect and care she was the women you never wanted to loose and would always regret loosing and he had almost done just that.
“Your right” was all he could say Aiden's brows rose in surprise at his easy admission. But he was man enough to admit when he was wrong.
“Thank you for being a good friend to Jane” he inclined his head.
“It wasn’t for your benefit” he huffed.
“ I know and now I want to to know I will never leave her side she is mines and I am hers do you understand?” He stared Aiden down yes; he had made a mistake, but he would never make it again and he was here now and forever would be and if Aiden had a problem with it they could settle it right here and right now. After a tense moment you could practically feel in tense moment, he knew Jane could feel the energy from here and he hoped it wasn’t making her uncomfortable, but this needed to be handled here and now.
“I understand but make no mistake she is still my friend and unless she says otherwise” he simply shrugged his shoulders as if to say oh well deal with it. Then without another word he moved at vampire speed past him and out the front door closing it on his way out. Now that that issue was taken care of, he needed a drink.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fence, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
Jane
I leaned my back against the door with my eyes closed, the sheesh that was intense.
“Jane?” I opened my eyes to see Antonio's uncle Lorenzo sitting at his desk in a blink, he was up and across the room pulling me into a hug before I had a chance to speak. I returned his hug I hadn’t seen him in a while I had been keeping to myself. After a moment he pulled back to look down at me Lorenzo and Antonio looked a lot alike Lorenzo was clean shaven but Antonio kept his beard close cropped to his face it was just the perfect amount of scruffy, his uncle also had grey eyes like Antonio as well and they both wore there hair long Antonio’s stopped at shoulders but his uncle wore his past his shoulders.
“Come sei bella?” Lorenzo asked me to take my arm he led me over to the plush cream sofa we both took a seat. I knew Italian from Antonio teaching me over the years growing up I could understand and respond fluently.
“Sto bene, grazie.” I answered, “Where’s Annie?” at the mention of his wife Lorenzo's aura lit up making me feel like I was bathing in the sun a feeling of peace and happiness spread through me, he was very much in love with Annie I felt this feeling when my mom had been alive it felt like this between them just as strong and beautiful. I was happy for Lorenzo and Annie, not many people got to experience such pure genuine love.
“ She went to New York to get her sister she is going to be staying with us until New years they haven’t had much sisterly time together since we got married I didn’t want monopolize her even though I enjoy it” he said chuckling he shrugged “You understand no?” he asked a twinkle in his eye I knew exactly what he meant I loved being with Antonio all the time at first it made me feel like something was wrong with me bit I still made time for myself my family , friends and music and he did the same we had balance and I think that’s where people got messed up and confused when a person became everything and they lost themselves and not in a good way.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Si, I understand” I said a blush spreading across my face I looked down and began to fidget with the lace trim on the hem of my dress as I wondered if Antonio and Aiden had finished there talk I was about to lower my senses enough to get a feel when Lorenzo spoke.
“ Aiden just left Antonio should be along shortly” I looked up to meet his gaze his usual carefree expression was absent he looked more thoughtful and Pensive of course with his vampire hearing he would have heard the whole conversation inwardly I sighed I was feeling drained Aiden had been a good friend when I really needed one I would make that clear when I spoke to Antonio and I would have a conversation with Aiden soon as well I didn’t want to loose his friendship I would make that clear to them both.
“We should get together tomorrow and have a nice dinner I” Lorenzo suddenly said breaking into my thoughts.
“Dinner?” I repeatedly nodded he smiled his good mood returning.
“Si Annie would love to see you and you can meet her sister” I gave it some thought that would be nice I hadn’t had a get together with everyone in a while.
“I'm supposed to get together with my dad tomorrow” I said remembering our plans I couldn’t cancel on him he would hunt me down and I didn’t want to anyways I missed him.
“ Even better he can come as well I haven’t seen Stephan in a while it will be nice to catch up” he pulled his cell phone out his pocket and began typing away there was nothing stopping Lorenzo once he was on a roll I would leave it up to him he loved to planned a party or event it was like his super power.
“Sounds good just let me know what time and if you need me to bring anything” I said I loved to help even if it was something small. Lorenzo smiled indulgently at me.
“Just bring that beautiful smile and my nephew speaking of” he trailers off as the door opened and Antonio strolled inside.
“If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they’re yours; if they don’t, they never were.” – Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Antonio
I sat in the kitchen having a glass of wine. It was a special blend made just for vampires that my uncle sold, which was just one of the many family businesses we handled. I’d have a glass or two before I headed to my uncle’s office, this would be a chance to calm down and for Jane and Lorenzo to catch up. His Uncle cared very deeply for Jane as well She Could Make you love her without even Trying She had this aura About her that Drew you in and made you feel Warm and accepted She cared About You genuinely as a friend, a daughter, a Lover She was all That and more. He was so in love with her Right now it was making it Head swirl or was that the Wine He hadn’t been Playing attention he had been drinking and pouring lost in thought Half the Bottle was Gone for fucks sake pulling out his phone he sent a text to his personal driver To come pick Them up. Getting up he returned the wine to the fridge before he headed down the hall, he heard his name right as he opened the door. Jane was sitting on the sofa her eyes met his she gave him a small shy smile his uncle rose from his desk and crossed the room in a flash to pull him into a hug he hugged him back they had a deep bond his uncle had saved him he loved him more than words could express.
“Antonio it is so good to see you, you look well” he held him at arms length as he looked him over, he chuckled.
“Ti è piaciuto il vino che vedo” he laughed.
“Si I enjoyed the wine a bit more than I planned on” he held a hand out to Jane getting up she crossed the room and took his hand is his a spark of Awareness shot up his arm if he had been a new vamp his fangs would have popped out god je wanted to sink his fangs in her neck while he ran his hand through her Beautiful hair she must have picked up on his energy her heart rate sped up and a blush spread across her checks and to her neck she bit her bottom lip and looked away. His uncle cleared his throat reclaiming his attention.
“I’m sure you two are in a hurry to return home, do you need a ride?” he asked, with a mischievous smile on his face, smiling back he shook his head as he handed him his car keys.
“My driver is on his way, but Grazie” he pulled his uncle into another hug which he turned into a group hug making Jane giggle and warmed him he had missed her laughter. Saying their final goodbyes, they headed outside just as his driver pulled up in a white Lexus.
“Maxwell” he greeted him when he stepped out to open the back door for them. He was an initiated human, he looked just like his father they both had curly red hair, green eyes, and pale skin.
“Good evening, Antonio and Jane” he told him to address them casually when he first hired him, he preferred it that way he was still young in his early twenties.
Hi Max, it is so good to see you” Jane said smiling his eyes brightened a smile lit up his face his eyes skirted to him whatever he saw made him even paler if that was possible, he made his face pleasantly blank.
You too, I will have you both home in a jiffy” he quickly shut the door once they were inside and got back in front.
“Actually were going to be doing some running away today, Jane where would you like to start?” he asked trailing a hand down her arm and loving the goose bumps that appeared.
“ Can we go to Rare Treasures Boutique?” she asked looking up at him through her long thick lashes her eyes changed to a light fuchsia. The spark in the air between them filled the car he didn’t know how he was going to make it the rest of the day and the little minx knew what she was doing he couldn’t help but chuckle indulgently at her.
“I will have you there in ten minutes” Maxwell assured them pulling away from the curb.
“Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end.” – Madame de Staël
Jane
True to his word Maxwell got us to the boutique in ten minutes he parked right in front I’m glad we got here early the big crowds usually came in the afternoon.
The store was brick painted white with the trim and door painted a lovely shade of Lavender the front window was glass with three mannequins in the window with sundresses on them one was a long sunset orange with white lace was on the hem and straps I would be buying that one for sure the other two were short sleeveless and form fitting, one was baby blue adorned in silver stars, the pink one had a tight bodice and the skirt was made of tulle it was combination of fuchsia, and light purple I was in love.
Maxwell opened the back door for us I followed Antonio out I did a happy dance before I headed in the store. The bell dinged when we walked in announcing our arrival the sweet smell of honey and green tea tickled my nose, the energy in the store was inviting and serene I loved coming here.
“Welcome!” someone called out from the back she had a light musical voice “I’ll be with you in a moment”
“Take your time” I called back aa I pursued the selections. Antonio followed behind me but didn’t hover. The store had a elegant whimsical selection of clothing lace, flower patterns, sequins and silk it always reminded if a princess designed the store and clothing when I came here which I loved I was looking at a light green sheath dress when a young women came out the back carrying a sign that said fifty percent off, I had picked the perfect day to come. She smiled brightly as she came towards us I hadn’t seen her before she was tall and lean she had a dancers build and grace and she moved her skin was warm honey, her Ling dark brown hair with shades of auburn was long and straight and as long as mines her big brown doe eyes were framed with thick lashes she had on pink glitter eyeshadow that matched the pink sheath dress she had on and silver flats, she looked about my age. She was very beautiful.
“ Hi give me one moment to set this outside and I’ll be with you” she headed past us outside to set up her sign I noticed Maxwell watching her every move with a dreamy look on his face I smiled when I noticed her give him a bright smile and said hello turning away I continued on through the store Antonio took the dress I had from to carry I murmured my thanks. I had found it the orange dress from the store front I let out a very girly sequel as I grabbed it turning 5o face Antonio I held it up
“ What do you think? I asked
“ I love it I can’t wait to see it on you baby” he took it from me to hold, I knew he would like it orange was his favorite color.
The door dinged when she came back in.
“ Hi sorry about that I’m Elena I’m working the store for my sister today, what can I help you with? She asked smiling warmly at us she gave us a very happy, warm energy that made me want to move closer to her.
“ Hi it’s nice to meet you I’m Jane and this is my boyfriend Antonio” I took the hand she held out to me she shook my hand then Antonio’s. There was something about her energy that if I had been taking my medicine I wouldn’t have picked up on she was a witch awareness lit her eyes as well she could feel I was one too.
“It’s nice to meet you both, everything is on sale today if you need help with anything please don’t hesitate to ask” she said I noticed her gaze flicker to Maxwell who was trying unsuccessfully to appear as if he wasn’t staring at Elena the only thing missing were hearts in his eyes.
“ Thank you we will” I could feel the energy between the attraction definitely wasn’t one sided. I was definitely going to play match maker before I left. Smiling she headed off to set up more signs. I roamed around the store browsing as I went I paused my eyes landed on a blue strapless, backless sequin dress I checked it was my size I grabbed it off the rack, I paused when I saw another one but in the color purple I smiled I knew exactly who I could give this dress too smiling I grabbed it.
“ Those are lovely, you couldn’t decide between the colors?” Antonio asked taking the dresses from me.
“ The purple one Is actually for a friend of mines, she’s going to love it”
“ Anyone I know?” he asked his tone light I knew he was still trying to ask things without seeming like he was prying.
“ No her daughter goes to the downtown center that’s how we met, her name is Mariah her daughters name is Yasmine “
He nodded as he listened
“You’ll be able too meet them Friday when I go to work, there both awesome!” I said skipping off to the pajama section.
I grabbed a orange, lime green, fuchsia, and black colored baby doll lingerie dresses from the rack.
“ Okay, I'm ready to go” we both headed to the register when Elena was waiting with a gentle smile on her face.
“All set?” she asked
“Yes” I said handing her the clothes Antonio did the same she began ringing everything up when his phone rang pulling it out he looked at the screen .
“ I have to take this call, it’s about some orders for a big buyer of ours” he explained he reached in his pocket and pulled his wallet out taking his black card out he handed it to me.
“ Thank you” I replied he gave me a quick kiss and headed outside.
“ You too are so beautiful together I love, love” Elena said a wistful sigh in her voice
“Thank you, so your single?” I asked she nodded
“ I don’t want to just date to date I want the person to be someone who compliments me and vice versa” she explained I nodded she was wise for a young age I admired that. She cleared her throat.
“ Um is your driver, single by chance?” she asked bagging everything up.
“Absolutely, I could give him your number if you’d like?” I offered
“ Really I’m not being to forward am I? She asked biting her lip I could feel her distress like a pinpricks against my skin I had to calm her this was uncomfortable.
I shook my head as I handed her the card.
“ Not at all I promise” her distress melted away leaving a very happy feeling and anticipation in it’s wake. She checked me out and handed back the card, before taking a business card and writing her number at the bottom before handing it to me, taking the card I looked it over when something caught my eye.
“ Your do tailor work?” I asked am idea already forming in my mind
“Yes, do you need some clothes made or fixed?” she asked
“ I have two recitals coming up in December would you be able to make dresses and suits for kids?” I asked please say yes please say yes I chanted inside the kids would absolutely love this if she could.
“Yes do you know how many kids and when would you need them? I couldn’t help the happy dance I did in place this was definitely going to a Christmas they wouldn’t forget so many good things were happening