Eyes of Light

We reached Eve’s house in record time, so it seemed. The sun was out, the air warm, and I knew it had to be around ten. I also knew we’d have to go to school, most likely for lunch; I was starving. Nick wasn’t saying much after his theories, which wasn’t abnormal, but I found myself aching to hear him speak. I just didn’t want to bug our silence.

After we made it down that all too familiar hill, Nick set me on my feet, but still kept my hand in his hesitantly. I wanted to let him know it was okay. I wanted to let him know I enjoyed the feeling of his touch. But I couldn’t come out and say something like that; especially not with how blunt I had been recently. Did I need to tone it down? Taking a glance at his stern face, I had a flash of a thought that maybe I needed to turn my actions up. His head turned to face me slowly with a look I couldn’t decipher before he looked away and sighed shortly.

What was on that complex mind of his?

We neared closer and closer to the house and, on cue, Eve stepped out excitedly. Her eyes were sparkling and her welcoming smile lit up her soft features, until she paused on the steps. Her eyes suddenly widened, her lips turning into a frown as she took us in: me with cuts and a broken arm, and Nick with no shirt.

“What happened to you?” she gasped, hurrying down quickly. Nick let off a low grumble beside me, his hand almost pulling me away--he actually did. He yanked me to his side suddenly and I stared at him with wide, confused, and fascinated, eyes. Eve was shocked too.

“I’m not going to hurt her,” she said softly after a moment of thick silence, the wind whistling through the trees. Nick narrowed his eyes.

Was that what this was? Did he think she was going to hurt me farther than the damage I had already received? Was he… that quick to want to protect me? I had to breathe and tell myself not to look so far into this. He was probably just irritated. But I’d go with what I wanted, and I smiled to myself.

“Where’s Coimbra and Sheba?” he asked warily, not bothering to look around. I half expected them to pop up out of nowhere… but they didn’t.

“They went to visit the council,” she shrugged, eying him carefully. “Someone had to stay here and wait for you to return. Now what happened to your arm?” she asked quickly. I glanced over at Nick before answering, his face stony and I could tell his mind was just running with theories.

“Black magic,” I breathed, wincing as I moved a little. Nick’s grasp only got tighter--I really wasn’t complaining. “Is-is there some kind of spell I could do to fix it? Or is that impossible?”

“I imagine there is some kind of healing spell,” she sighed, tapping her chin. “But there’s always side-effects with those kinds; just like medication. Your best bet is to get a proper cast until this school week is finished up. Then we’ll see what we can do.”

I nodded slowly with a sigh and bit my lip, glancing around the open area. I heard the bushes rustling and I quickly froze, struggling to listen. I could hear a faint voice in the background.

“Hurry!” it hissed. It was smooth and low: Coimbra.

And in a flash, he appeared, his eyes wide when he froze, his face even paler than it’s usual dead self. Sheba ran forward in a second, stopping with a stony look, holding in her breath.

“What’s the rush?” Nick piped up. His voice was harsh, hardly questioning, and he narrowed his eyes.

“What?” Coimbra hissed, raising a thin, burning eyebrow.

“Did you have a nice visit with the council? Lucas, I presume?” he spat. I didn’t know why he was suddenly becoming so hostile, his posture tall, his face tight. If I didn’t know any better… I’d say Coimbra was slightly frightened. But the warmth just ran through me when his hand squeezed mine almost deathly.

“What are you talking about? I was hunting,” he defended. I would’ve believed him, if it weren’t for the fact that Eve had relayed different information. I opened my mouth to speak when Nick’s warm eyes protested, slowly trailing over to Coimbra.

“Oh. I’m sorry…” he sighed, shaking his head. “Did you smell anything… particularly sweet?” he questioned, pushing out his bottom lip in mock thought, trailing forward, tugging me with him. Eve watched in pure confusion--on all of our behalfs--and I had no clue where Sheba had gone.

“Why… yes,” he said lowly, his eyes locking on Nick, but they looked shaken. Like they were just dying to settle on me

“Tell me what exactly that was,” Nick said lowly, his voice almost dangerous, and he gave off a dry, glaring smirk. He continued to pull forward, discreetly pushing me to his side, but up a little. I gulped, wanting to cower back from his deep red eyes, his pale lips looking thin, his red hair glaring in the sun. “Was it a herd of dear? Maybe a stray elk… how about a random hiker on your way to the council?” he grumbled, his voice alluring--even to Coimbra. If I wasn’t so scared, I’d have to slap Nick for being so… sexy. I never failed to blush.

Coimbra kept his mouth shut, but he slipped up, his eyes trailing to me, and I froze. His orbs looked like fire balls, suddenly bright red, his pupil huge with darkness. I let out a shaky breath and Nick pushed me forward, scaring me.

“Was it sweet? Like lavender and vanilla?” he continued, almost cooing it. I now understood what he was doing: he was going to catch Coimbra, make him give the fact that he was following us up.

“Yes,” Coimbra hissed, and he suddenly lurched forward. I let out a scream and closed my eyes, but Nick’s arm quickly swung me around to his back and in a flash I heard two bodies smack against each other. Another hiss sounded, followed by a loud yelp, and the ground shook with a sudden growl.

Snapping my eyes open, I gasped to see Nick now in wolf form, baring his bright, sharp teeth at Coimbra--he was doing the same… his eyes locked on me. He lurched forward again, quick as lighting, but Nick was just as fast and leaped into the air gracefully, smacking against his hard body with a snarl rippling through the air. His claw scratched at Coimbra and he let out a snarl of his own, although it wasn’t nearly as intimidating--maybe terrifying, but Nick’s got the point across--and a large crack was apparent in his chest.

“Coimbra!” Eve called frantically, rushing forward. Nick halted and phased suddenly, but his face was anything but calm as he shouted at the vampire who leaped up again, towering over Nick with his tall, bony body; his fire red eyes blaring into Nick’s hard, chocolate one’s.

“You bastard!” Nick yelled, his voice echoing through the trees with anger as I trembled. Hadn’t I had enough trauma. “Don’t you ever track her again, do you hear me?”

I had never seen Nick so upset.

“Nicholas, stay away from him or I’ll have to-” Eve threatened, cutting herself off when Nick didn’t even flinch, his mind too wrapped up in Coimbra as he pushed dangerously close.

“She’ll be delicious,” he smirked, snapping his head to me, and my eyes widened.

Nick didn’t say another word, he did, however, fling his fist up in a flash, a loud crack sounding just as it collided with Coimbra’s smooth cheek bone, the fragile skin looking cracked and torn when he fell to the ground, not bothering to jump up with his speed.

Eve looked so torn, but I could see her hands glow a bright red on command, and she was aiming for Nick. She had to defend her soul mate… just as I had to defend mine.

“Eve don’t!” I pleaded, finding my voice finally. Nick whipped his head around, his chest heaving, and he looked like he was so completely lost… like his mind was in a different place. But Eve wouldn’t listen to me. She shot her hands out and before I could step forward, a bolt hit Nick, immediately sending him to the ground with a blank flop.

“Nick!” I cried out instantly, my heart lurching at just the sight. He looked limp on the ground in a quick second, his body tense like he was in pain… and I saw the misting glow she was putting out: she was keeping him in pain: it killed me. “Stop!” I screamed, finding my voice frantic, pleading. Was I going to cry? It felt like it. It felt like my heart was slamming against my chest, a dead feeling planting itself in the pit of my stomach, and my eyes wouldn’t trail away from Nick.

I had to do it. I had to hurt Eve.

I pushed forward suddenly, almost slipping on the grass, and carried myself to Nick’s side in a rush where I caught sight of Coimbra almost drooling, lingering behind Eve. Getting my mind to settle on protecting Nick almost instantly, I flung my hand out to see a strong glow circulate around it, the gold color shooting out when I closed my eyes, yelping at the stinging feeling. Everything seemed to stop though, and, in an instant, the feeling was gone. I was… shielding it and by the look on Eve’s face, it was reversing it to hit her and Coimbra. I hated to see the pained look on her soft features, or hear the yelp that fell from her lips, but she continued her magic; it was just… no use against mine. My breath was taken away by more than one thing.

I heard Nick slowly shuffle behind me, but I couldn’t look back. I kept my mind focused and, even with a broken arm, managed to stay strong. I knew Eve wasn’t as powerful as the black magic, but protecting Nick gave me confidence. Protecting Nick made feel needed; it made me feel right.

Eve let out a gasp suddenly and let her guard down, wobbling, falling over, but Coimbra caught her. At least he wasn’t all vile--he cared for her. She was just blind to what he was… if Nick was right. I turned around quickly, feeling my eyes flutter closed and my knees buckle. The wind suddenly rushed through me and I was falling: two strong arms caught me almost immediately, and I managed to look down. Nick was on his knees, doing his best to hold me up with wide, almost frightened eyes. He was hurt. He was… worried.

“I think I need to work on my strength,” I muttered breathlessly, gripping his shoulder so he didn’t drop me. I expected him to yell, to call me stupid; to tell me he didn’t need my help; to tell me that I needed to practice on more than just strength. But he didn’t. He… smiled--lightly, of course, but I saw it. And he said something that I was so surprised to hear that a soft spot in my heart settled me down, making my hazy eyes stare into his as the silence seemed to echo with his soft words.

“Thank you.”

I sucked in a breath and tried to steady myself, wincing when the pain in my arm only continued, but I seemed to calm a little when the tingles pushed through me; Nick’s hand was rested on my back, barely. But it was there and I felt it.

My eyes settled on Eve as she slowly stepped forward. I expected her to be angry at me, at Nick, for hurting her and Coimbra… but the soft look in her eyes only said she felt guilty. Coimbra began to back up and my eyes suddenly settled on a figure in the window: Sheba. She peeked through the curtain, her eyes dark but… vulnerable, and I couldn’t help but stare. Her eyes locked with mine and I felt a chill run through me. She looked so… helpless, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

“I’m… sorry,” Eve whispered, breaking the unbearable silence, and she rubbed her hands over her face. “It’s just, well… Coimbra’s my soul mate and I-”

“I know,” I whispered, smiling weakly. I understood. I had that undeniable need to protect Nick. The same went for Eve and Coimbra. “I’m sorry.”

“Just… I’ll give you something to hold your arm and you two need to get to school,” she sighed, but I could hear the sadness in her voice. I just didn’t know why.

I looked away slowly and sighed, a lump in my throat forming. Nick’s hand slid off me and he went forward, stepping past us quickly, like he needed to get away. I stared after him for a quick moment before quickly stepping forward myself, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. Was this another mood swing? Was he angry now?

I hurried after him, pushing through the curtain, trying to catch up to his swift pace. When I reached the door, I found him grab the shirt he had worn yesterday, seeing as he left his bag at Denise’s, but I knew it was clean still he picked up his jacket and quickly put it on, running his hands through his curls swiftly, turning to face me with a jerk.

“Come on.”

“You aren’t going to give me time to change or anything?” I asked softly, biting my lip when he glared.

“You look fine. Get something for your arm and lets go to school.”

“I don’t look fine, Nick!” I scoffed, throwing up my arm, careful not to hurt my broken arm. I really needed to get to a doctor. “I’m… I’m dirty an hurt-”

“Well, I’m leaving without you then!” he snapped, making me recoil. I didn’t know why, but I felt tears sting my eyes.

“Fine!” I yelled back, pushing past him as he walked out the door, kicking the dresser. Why was he so snappy? Why was he so mean to me? Weren’t we getting along? I had so many questions and I had a feeling they weren’t getting answered soon.

I heard footsteps and I looked up hopefully, thinking Nick had come back to apologize. When pigs fly. Sighing, I gave Eve a weak smile and she returned it, holding out a sling. She didn’t say much, nothing at all, and then she left… leaving me alone once again.

I managed to get outside within a couple minutes, my eyes scanning for Nick nervously. Was he really going to leave without me? I scanned the trees frantically, breathing deeply. And then I jumped suddenly.

“Come on,” his voice rang from behind me, his body closer than I expected, and I jumped. He kept his face blank though and continued forward, the air seeming a little cooler. I silently cursed myself, wishing I had looked at the clock before we had already started walking, but by the sound of my extra loud stomach, I had a feeling it was right around lunch time.

&&&

We reached the school grounds safely, my sling in tact, and quickly entered through the back doors. The hallway was silent, empty. A few papers scattered the floor by the lockers, the doors to almost all the classrooms closed, and I could hear faint chatter from the office ahead. Nick’s footsteps sounded when he stepped forward, shoving his hands into his tight jean pockets--I couldn’t help but stare at him as he walked, but then I scolded myself. I was supposed to hate him right now, not marvel over how perfectly sculptured he was.

Jerk.

I sighed heavily, making my irritation known--just to bother him--and picked up the pace, reaching him only a few seconds later. He refused to look at me, however, and he kept forward, glancing at the flickering ceiling lights. An office lady stared at us from behind her thick framed glasses as we neared, her bubblegum popping loudly, but she didn’t say a word. She eyed us carefully instead, probably wondering what the two of us were doing. That’s when I remembered: Nick was a senior, I was a freshman.

I was startled by the sudden shrill cry of the lunch bell, classroom doors hitting the walls immediately, kids piling out, and loud chatter followed. I quickly glanced around, looking for Anna and Josh, and then I realized Nick was gone. Did he leave for the cafeteria that quickly? I started forward, groaning at both the pain in my arm and the pain in my butt--who just so happened to be Nick, before stopping when a familiar voice sounded.

“Lonnie!” Anna squealed. I quickly turned around, offering her a timid smile. She had no clue of this… of who I or Nick were, at that we were ‘together.’ Supposed to be, at least. I wanted to tell her, her face so soft and friendly, but I couldn’t. She wouldn’t understand. I didn’t even understand.

And then my eyes settled on Josh. He looked relieved and irritated, and I blushed furiously. I missed the café… again.

“Oh Lonnie! Where have you been?” she sighed, shoving her binder to Josh to engulf me in a strong hug. I winced, sighing. “Ah! Sorry,” she blushed, pulling away. She bit her lip and looked down to my broken arm scratching her head. “Were you in an accident?”

“You could say that…” I murmured, glancing over at Josh . Everyone was hurrying around the hall, ready to get to lunch, and I wish I were following.

“What happened to meeting me?” he asked suddenly, handing Anna her binder, running his fingers through his short, black hair. He pursed his lips and waited, blinking a few times.

“I-I know. I’m so sorry, Josh,” I sighed, running my fingers through my hair nervously. Anna grabbed my arm and pulled me to her locker, quickly doing the combination as Josh followed, shoving his stuff with hers, much to her distaste.

“So what happened?” he questioned, leaning forward. Anna watched us with furrowed eyebrows, opening her mouth to speak, but quickly decided against it.

“I’ll meet you two down there, okay?” she sighed, giving me another smile before quickly pushing past her cousin to enter the last crowd of fading kids. The halls were empty again and I wished Nick was here… even though I hated him right now. Why was he so… indescribable?

“What do you mean?” I finally answered, sighing heavily. “I got caught up…” I pointed to my arm, using it as an excuse that seemed to work. His face softened.

“Listen Lonnie. I-I like you… a lot and I just…” he trailed off, sucking in a frustrated breath. I blinked in surprise, his words sinking in. He… liked me? Josh? I didn’t know what to say.

He stared at me with a stern expression, softness swimming in his eyes, and I found him leaning in suddenly. That’s when I gulped. Oh no. What should I do? I didn’t know… I just couldn’t comprehend it. His eyes locked my shocked ones and his lips brushed mine, finally sticking in a kiss. It was hesitant, but he persisted on keeping it in tact, and I couldn’t exactly back away. That’s when I had to think: Josh was good looking and he was nice. He didn’t treat me like I didn’t matter or like I was a bother. But… Josh also didn’t protect me, he didn’t need to. He wasn’t funny the way Nick was or hot headed; he wasn’t… beautiful, as horrible as that sounded. He wasn’t sarcastic like Nick or soft, gentle. He wasn’t my soul mate. He wasn’t Nick. But I couldn’t back away from him.

He pulled back, a faint redness to his tanned cheeks, and he offered an unsure smile. “Will you just think about that? Think about going on a real date with me,” he whispered, sliding his hands down the wall before walking away, slipping his hands into his coat pockets. I stood still, silent, and I took in a deep breath; my lungs needed it. I heard the door slowly shut, telling me I was the only one, besides a few teachers and staff, left in the building. I suddenly wasn’t hungry anymore.

Now I just didn’t know what to do. Groaning, I pushed myself away from the wall of lockers and swiftly made my way around the corner, shoving open one of the double doors with my good arm. Bounding down the steps, I locked my fingers around my necklace, glancing around before crossing the street, ready to enter the full cafeteria, but something caught my eye. I saw that familiar mop of curls and I zeroed in on Nick’s lone figure as he sat on a bench in the lot next to the cafeteria, staring out into space. Sighing, I made that my new destination.

I inhaled deeply several times, not exactly sure why I was approaching him. Was I going to tell my soul mate that Josh had kissed me? And that I was possibly considering going on a date with him? Why not? It wouldn’t bother him anyway. It didn’t matter that he kissed me during CPR… he was probably just anxious to get his stupid first kiss over with. How could that be his only kiss, anyway? Look at him!

That wasn’t the point though, and I wasn’t sure I really had one.

“Nick”, I said clearly, stopping close by. He turned around, his eyes locking on me, and he sighed. I breathed deeply. “Thanks for leaving me.”

“I thought you were following,” he shrugged, ready to turn around, but I stopped him; bluntness was key sometimes.

“Well, I just thought that--not that you care or anything--but I thought that you should know that… Josh asked me out and told me to think about it when he kissed me.” I didn’t think I could say it fast enough, my breath catching when he tensed visibly, his head snapping around in a quick reflex. I flinched from the shock and… anger on his face.

“What?” he hissed. I didn’t think he meant it literally, so I stayed quiet, pursing my lips. “He… kissed you?”

I watched him strangely, suddenly finding my fingers interesting. Nodding slowly, I kept my gaze down, my eyes focusing on his shuffling feet. He was standing now, in front of me.

“Well?” he asked expectantly, his voice stern. I didn’t expect this. Maybe I shouldn’t have even told him. Why did I, anyway? Was I trying an attempt to make him jealous? Yeah… I was trying not to make myself laugh at my own stupidity.

“Well what?” I whispered, my voice weak.

“Did you kiss him?” he asked suddenly, his voice softer, almost inaudible. That caught my interest. I looked up to see his face focused on me with full attention, his chocolate eyes narrowed, his thin eyebrows furrowed, and his full lips pouted in concentration, or frustration.

“Not really… but I’m going to think about it,” I said confidently, raising my head. It was a mistake when he sent me a harsh, but still tingling, glare.

“Why?” he stressed, clenching his jaw. I bit my lip. Why was he acting like this?

“Why do you even care?”

“Because he isn’t your soul mate!”

“So!” I fussed like a child, shaking my head. “I’m still going to think about it.”

“Don’t be stupid!” he hissed, making me gasp, narrowing my eyes. I wasn’t going to take this.

“I am not stupid Nicholas! Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can call me names and push me around. Besides, you don’t care! You don’t care about me at all. I thought we were getting somewhere! I really thought that, maybe, you cared because I was hurt and that, when you let me cuddle with you, and that it wasn’t so bad. I’m not a soul mate to you, I’m a chore! A burden. To you, I’m just your job; and I’m sick of it!,” I busted, my heart accelerating. I felt lighter, getting this out. “Well guess what Nick! Your job isn’t worrying about whether or not I’m thinking about going on a date with Josh.”

I should’ve shut up, I knew it by the look on his face. He was… fuming. His eyes were narrowed and his face was hard; I gulped, fidgeting nervously. I wasn’t so brave anymore, the silence painful almost. He stood tall, his fists clenching, but his chocolate orbs stayed locked on mine--I could see a gleam of gold rippling through them and it was then I realized I was glowing… bright.

“If you want something to think about so damn badly-” he hissed, his voice low, but still like velvet. “then give this a try-” I looked at him strangely for a moment, but suddenly stopped. My eyes widened and all I could was focus on his features.

I felt his hands on my hips, yanking me forward, pulling me into his body with a crushing manner--it was still soft and gentle somehow, though, and he was careful not to hurt my arm, even in the quick movement. His eyes locked mine, a flash of gold seeping through, still keeping the milky brown, and I felt my skin grow hot, everything seeming to go slower then it actually did. He squeezed my waist, his hot breath rushing out against my skin, and I gasped.

All in a second, Nick’s lips met mine. They were soft, smooth, and warm against mine, kissing me almost roughly. I could hear my heart beat, like it was racing up and down my whole body, butterflies soaring at a rapid pace through my stomach, clinging to my every ounce of excitement to make it known. My eyes fluttered closed and I felt like I was falling, but his grasp only tightened, and his curls tickled my forehead softly. Then it clicked: Nick was kissing me… and it wasn’t CPR! I gasped into it, the shock wearing off--just barely--and within a heartbeat, I found my lips moving nervously against his, finding them to slow down quite a bit. I couldn’t breathe, but… I loved it.

He pulled away abruptly, his eyes holding a mixture of emotions that I couldn’t read, and he let his hands drop. Tingles shot through me, my mind barely aware of the fact that I was staring at the beautiful Nick Jonas in front of me with wide eyes and an open mouth, the wind prickling my skin, only adding to my goose bumps. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly shut it, his face going back to expressionless…. But his cheeks stayed a warm rose color. Before I could even breathe, he pushed past me, disappearing around a corner that I didn’t bother to follow.

Oh. My. God.