Stalker

Two Months Earlier

            I’ve been hunting her for weeks now. She’s so beautiful, those whiskey-colored eyes, that silky, golden hair. I long to have her, I crave the feel of running my fingers through her blonde locks. Her smile, her laugh, it haunts me at night, alone in my bed. Hell, she made me burn with desire so much when I first saw her, I had to take flesh and blood that very night to calm my craving for her. The man she travels with could be problematic for me. No matter though. Those foolish men have never stopped me before in obtaining my prey. I’ll find a way to get her alone, she’ll only need a moment with me for the spell to enchant her. Could she be the one? Could she possibly be my chosen mate, whom I’ve spent decades upon decades searching for?

         Don’t get carried away, you always think that with the beautiful faces you discover. They all turn out to be weak, flighty little harlots.

         She could be different though. She could be strong enough to survive the turning.

           They never are.

            Stop. She could be different, but… if she’s too weak, perhaps her memories can show me another woman who could be my chosen one. That monster that tricked me into becoming what I am now, never mentioned I’d be longing to find a mate. It never told me I’d spend my eternity hunting down the woman who could be strong enough to join me for that eternity. It never told me I would have to live off human flesh, blood and bone just to survive. The memories of those I’ve consumed are so strong. Their souls follow me everywhere I go. They haunt me. It never told me I’d be a keeper of souls. It never told me those souls would scream at me, try to escape from the weighty jar I keep them in. It never told me they would damn me to hell. I should have known better. I let my lust for revenge control my decisions.

            You’re losing focus. Just look at her.

            Her voice is like a lullaby to my ears, that soft silky hair sparkling in the sunlight. It has to be her. I’ll find out at the gala tonight. I know she and her man will be there. Some relative of hers is hosting the soiree, a multitude of strangers will be there, and they’ll never know I wasn’t invited. I will need to feed tonight. It will have to be after I meet this woman though. I don’t want to scare her on our first encounter. I must be cunning, I must be patient.

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            The sun began to set on the glittering Paris streets, gas lamps were lit, and emitted a warm glow in the fading light. On the outskirts of the growing metropolis, a magnificent country manor sat atop one of the many rolling hills that dotted the landscape. The gigantic windows blazed with candle lights, the sparkling marble floors sat empty waiting for its guests to begin dancing and flittering about during the engagement party.

            Ashley Lyon and her aunt Beatrice laughed happily as they prepared for the evening’s festivities. Ashley’s curly, golden hair bounced around her shoulders as she made a small hop of excitement and stared at the sparkling diamonds that now took up residence in their platinum setting on her left hand. She sighed in content, remembering the moment her fiancée had proposed to her at their favorite café in Paris.

            “Ashley, you deserve this happiness. Christoph is a fine man, you two make such a lovely couple! Your mother and father will be so proud!” Her aunt beamed with joy as she watched her young niece’s face glow in the light.

            “Oh auntie B, you have no idea how happy I am. He’s such a handsome, caring man. I love him with all of my heart. I cannot wait to get home and tell Kasandra about the magic that’s happened on our travels here! She’ll want to get started on helping me plan the wedding right away.” Ashley danced around the room, dreaming of what her wedding would look like.        Back in her hometown of Windemire, Kasandra was her best and dearest friend, the closest she’d ever get to having a sister. She shared everything with Kasandra, she wanted to rush back and tell her all about the engagement.

            “Alright my dear, time to get this dress on you. The guests will be arriving shortly, and your fiancé is going to simply melt when he sees you.” Her aunt held the navy-blue ball gown they had picked out earlier that morning. Ashley clapped her hands in excitement as she stepped into the middle of the flowing pile of fabric. Her aunt helped her pull the soft material over her undergarments and tied the dress with the silk ribbons that laced up her back. The dress fit her petite form perfectly. She ran her hands down the sides, marveling at how smooth the material felt. Her dainty shoulders were tastefully exposed, as was the current fashion, while the neckline scooped a little lower than she had originally thought.

            “Is this tasteful auntie B?” Ashley worried that Christoph might think she was showing a little too much skin.

            “It’s the way the styles are currently going my dear. It helps to have jewelry to take away the bareness.” Her aunt winked as she hurried over to the vanity table and picked up a red velvet box. “Now, your uncle wanted me to give this to you.” Her voice filled with emotion as she slowly opened the box. A dazzling sapphire necklace and earrings to match, sat in the smooth lining of their niches.

Ashley put her hand over her mouth to stifle her gasp at the sparkling blue stones. The necklace held five sapphires, each one circled by tiny, shimmering diamonds. The middle sapphire was the largest of the stones while the smaller sapphires sat two on each side, set into a platinum setting. Ashley traced a finger over the jewelry as tears of joy brimmed her eyes.

            “These belonged to your Grandmother. Christoph had sent word to us before you set out on your journey that he had asked your father and mother for your hand. So, your uncle sent back word to your father that he would like to give you their mother’s precious stones he had kept when she passed. Your mother and father will be so pleased to see you wearing them, she was the sweetest lady.” Beatrice set the box back on the table, took out the necklace and gently placed it around Ashley’s slender neck. “Something blue and something old for your wedding. But these are for you to have. You’ll have to find something else to borrow.” Her aunt stood next to her and smiled at the vision of loveliness in the mirror. She gently wiped the tears from her niece’s face and her own as they laughed and embraced one another.

            “Auntie, I don’t know what to say.” Ashley was overwhelmed with emotions too much to speak.

            “My dear, you don’t need to say anything, your face says it all. Your uncle will be too composed to show any outward emotion of course, but he will be swelling with pride internally seeing his mother’s necklace on his treasured niece.”   

            “I can’t wait!” Ashley laughed again and embraced her aunt. There was a loud knock on the door and one of the servants entered.

            “Yes, Anna, what is it my dear?” Beatrice beckoned at the young servant girl to enter the room.

            “Mistress, the guests are arriving and are being escorted to the ballroom. Miss Lyon, your fiancé awaits you at the top of the stairs.” Anna smiled at Ashley.

            “Thank you, Anna. Tell Christoph his fiancé will be there shortly. Mr. Lyon and I will go down and watch the arrival of the newly engaged couple.” Beatrice nodded as Anna curtseyed and backed out of the room.

            “I’m a little nervous, auntie.” Ashley began to worry as she put the small sapphires earrings onto her ears.

            “It’s alright to be nervous. Just look at your husband-to-be, and those nerves will stop right away, I promise.” Beatrice touched noses with her niece, something she had done since Ashley was a child. She squeezed her niece’s hands and left the room.

            “Okay, you can do this.” Ashley whispered to herself as she gazed into the mirror one last time. After checking to make sure everything was in place, she took a deep breath and forced a smile at her reflection. She felt her stomach flutter, it was an intimidating feeling to be presented as a bride-to-be for most of the Paris high-society. She was from a smaller town and while Windemire had a rich history and strong commerce, it was still a speck on the map in comparison to the rising buildings of Paris. While she liked to be the center of attention, this was on a completely different level than she was used to. Ashley straightened her shoulders, held her head high and exited the room. She could hear the low murmur of the guests in the ballroom and immediately grew apprehensive. She held her hands to her sides and clenched them into fists. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been so nervous. She carefully made her way down the lengthy, decorated hallway. She came to the landing and stopped when she saw him. Her breath caught in the back of her throat. His tall, muscular build stood with his back to her, dressed in the most formal attire she’d ever seen on him.

            ‘He wears it well,’ she thought as she gazed at him from head to toe.

            He turned when he’d heard her gasp. He thought something might have been wrong, when he turned to see his fiancée standing there he chuckled softly. She looked like she wanted to run back into her room and hide. She stood there still and stiff as a soldier on guard duty. She was a stunning vison in the navy-blue dress with the sparkling gems placed around her delicate neckline. His heart almost came to a dead stop. He smiled as he slowly and carefully approached her. She looked incredibly nervous, he didn’t understand why, she loved parties. She was clenching her hands into tight fists, he wanted to ease that worry right out of her. He towered over her, his emerald eyes looking into her whiskey-colored stare. He slid one strong arm around her waist and pulled her close. His other hand gently caressed the soft exposed skin of her shoulders. She shivered with pure delight at his touch and smiled. She relaxed further as he placed delicate kisses along her neck. She smelled like fresh flowers blooming in the summer. He continued his gentle assault on her senses as he made his way towards her mouth. He intensified the kiss as he reached her tender lips. She sighed into him, wanting more, taking more. Oh, how she loved this man. He slowly, reluctantly pulled back while they both recovered from the passion they just shared.

            “Better, my love?” He whispered, taking her hands to his lips.

            “Much better. I love you, Christoph.” Ashley smiled as she wrapped her arms around her fiancé’s chest and breathed in his fresh scent.

            “I love you too, sweetheart. We should probably get down to the party, everyone is waiting.” He stood there holding her though, he didn’t want to go down there just yet. Truth be told, he wanted to whisk her off for the night and spend it alone, just the two of them. He wanted to share more than just a passionate kiss on the landing. He knew there would be formalities they would have to go through before their wedding, but she looked so damned appealing in that dress. He wanted the dress on the floor and her body in his arms. He shook the thought away for the moment, so that he could focus on getting them through the night.

            “Come, my love, this will be it for the parties here in Paris and we will head home in a few days.” Christoph kissed her gently on her forehead and took her hand. They stood at the top of the landing and looked down the winding staircase that led to the crowded ballroom. Music began to play when Beatrice nodded, the newly engaged couple made their way down the carpeted steps. Ashley clung to Christoph’s arm and tried to keep her smile bright and cheery. Internally she felt like there was a war raging. They had been through so many gala’s and parties, she was longing for quiet time and no crowds. She hadn’t realized when she came to Paris to visit her aunt and uncle that there would be so many gatherings and constant smiling until her face felt like it would cramp.

            They held parties and such back home, but all her friends and family were there. It was never so formal, so uptight, so rigid. She longed for the relaxing galas where she and Kasandra would run to the back gardens, away from the noise and talk about their futures. They would spend hours getting lost in the woods and walking around the expansive lake, she longed to be with her friend now. Christoph sensed her tension again and gently squeezed her hand that had a death grip on his arm as they came to the bottom step.

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Last one my love, remember. We’ll enjoy our last few days here and then home.” He reminded her and quickly kissed her cheek. She blushed at the open display of affection and took a deep breath. She smiled at her aunt and uncle as they approached the large open doors to the ballroom. She stopped when she reached her uncle Reginald’s side.

            “You look wonderful, my niece, radiant.” Her uncle’s gruff, yet proud voice boomed over the music. He was always the type to not show outward affections, it was how he was raised. Ashley unlocked her arm from Christoph’s and stood on her tiptoes to kiss her uncle on the cheek. Her uncle stood tall and proud, his perfectly groomed beard hid his dimples when he did find the occasion to smile. She was never put off by his rugged exterior. She knew her uncle in his heart was kind, gentle and loving. She had always seen the affection in his eyes when he would look at his wife, she knew he truly loved her auntie B. Ashley had always hoped she would find that kind of love. She knew she had finally found it with her Christoph.

            “Thank you, uncle Reggie. You look quite handsome and dashing this evening.” Ashley winked at her uncle as he blushed at her praise. “I cannot tell you and auntie B enough how proud I am to be wearing Grandmother’s jewelry. I will treasure it always.” Ashley felt tears coming to her eyes as she watched her uncle falter in his stoic appearance, for he too had tears coming to his soft blue eyes. He sniffed loudly, coughed and cleared his throat.

            “Yes well, of course. My brother, that is, your father and I thought you should have them. It’s only proper that you wear them now. It’s a family heirloom to pass to your daughter one day.” He replied loudly for all to hear, straightening his stance and staring at the top of his niece’s golden head.

            Beatrice was stifling her laughter watching her husband try to keep his composure. He loved his niece with all his heart and he was in uncharted territory with the newly developed engagement to Christoph. Beatrice and Reginald were never able to have children and he held Ashley close in his heart as the daughter he never had, as did she. He was so overcome with emotions that his pride and joy was growing into a fine young woman, but for appearances he never showed it, until tonight. He was having the most difficult time holding back the tears threatening to fall.

            Beatrice approached her husband and gently took his arm, drawing his attention. “My love,” she whispered in his ear, “You must introduce this lovely couple to our friends. Perhaps you would like me to do it instead?” She winked when he looked at her in surprise.

            “Of course not, woman, I can do it.” He looked into his wife’s dark brown eyes and smiled lovingly. He knew she was trying to get him to focus, so he could make the announcement. He secretly hated the formalities that came with living near the city. He kissed her quick and firm on her lips and winked right back. She laughed a hearty laugh and let go of his arm. Reginald leaned down to his niece and smiled one of his rare, dimple-showing smiles as he spoke softly.

            “You do look glorious, my niece. I mean it, and I couldn’t be prouder. You have become a fine woman and Christoph will make a fine husband. I love you, my niece.” He smiled as he embraced Ashley.

            “I love you too uncle Reggie, you and auntie B, I love you so much.” She took his arm on one side and Christoph’s on the other. Her aunt stood arm in arm with her husband as they fully entered the crowded ballroom together as one family. The music softened as Reginald’s voice boomed over the hushed crowd.

           “Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please. Tonight, it is my honor and my pleasure to introduce to you my lovely niece, Mademoiselle Ashley Louise Lyon and her new fiancée, Monsieur Christoph Phillip Nolton.”

            The crowd cheered and applauded as they entered further into the sea of onlookers. The music began to pick up the tempo as people introduced themselves to the young couple. Dancing began, champagne was being brought forth, food trays appeared with delicious-looking morsels on them. The atmosphere was bright and celebratory.

            “Feeling more at ease now, my love?” Christoph spoke loudly over the music and chatter of the crowd. Ashley grinned and nodded as she enjoyed a glass of champagne her aunt handed her. The night continued on in marvelous celebration. 

          A pair of eyes watched the happy couple making their introductions, smiles plastered on their faces. Look at her now, the dress she wears is so provocative, her body is so perfectly displayed. How does he stand it being so close to her? It won’t matter. She’ll forget him once she’s around me. I’ll create such a rift between them it will shake the foundation of their love. I’ll make her question if she should be with him. I’ll pry her away from him, slowly, deliciously. I hope she is the one I am meant to be with. I haven’t felt like this about the others. It will kill me if I have to take her life, if she cannot be mine for eternity. They’re coming my way, I have to wait.

            The evening continued, Ashley grew weary from the constant rush of energy, dancing and gossip. She excused herself and snuck out to the large terrace. The night was cool and quiet. Crickets chirped, owls hooted, the breeze blew her hair slightly. She walked to the edge and took in a deep breath of the fresh air. Other couples escaping the dizzying scene for a moment or two, were spread out over the grounds of her aunt and uncle’s manor. Some couples leisurely walked through the pathways lined with short hedges, others stood on the terrace with glasses of wine or champagne and talked quietly. She smiled as she gazed around. She loved being with her aunt and uncle, she loved the sights and sounds of Paris, but she was starting to become homesick. She missed her best friend, she longed to share the adventures she and Christoph had taken for the past month with Kasandra. She knew once they were back, Christoph would begin his work again. His mother and father lived north of their hometown now and depended on Christoph to keep the family’s store running. When they married, she would help him with it of course, life would change and a new normal would begin with him. She was eager to get back home and sighed wishing she was there now. A soft tap on her shoulder yanked her out of her daydreaming. Thinking it was Christoph, she put on a wide grin, turned around and was startled to see a stranger standing in front of her.

               ‘Oh my, how handsome he is,’ she thought, surprised that her breath caught. “Um, hello.” She stammered. “I thought you were someone else, I’m sorry for my outward surprise.” She curtseyed to be polite, she suddenly grew uneasy at the stranger’s steady gaze on her.

            “You were thinking I was your new fiancé. My apologies on disappointing you, my lady.” His voice was soft and enchanting.

            “Oh! No, sir, no disappointment at all, just a surprise. You caught me off guard.” She regained her composure and smiled genuinely at the curious man. He looked like one of the Viking giants she’d read about in one of Kasandra’s silly adventure books. His eyes were the clearest, iciest color of blue she’d ever seen. She was entranced by those piercing eyes. His long, dark golden hair was tied back, exposing his muscular neck. Ashley visibly gulped at his hulking appearance.

           “I’m glad to hear that.” He smiled wide, the cleft in his chin enhanced, his glowing-white teeth added to his enchanting features.

            Ashley felt her heart skip a beat. ‘What is happening to me?’ She scolded herself at her disorganized behavior. “Do you know my aunt and uncle, sir?” She tried to look elsewhere, she couldn’t gather a single thought if she continued to look this stranger in the eye.

            “Not well, but through my business I meet quite an abundance of people. I have had small dealings with their industry, though not directly with them. Your uncle’s business is growing and mine happens to intersect with it. Naturally, I couldn’t resist an invitation to his favorite niece’s engagement.” The charming stranger smiled again.

            “That’s wonderful news about your business crossing paths with my family’s. My uncle works very hard, he would be pleased to know his work has not been in vain.” Ashley was beginning to wish Christoph would come find her. This stranger was getting to her for some reason. She wanted to get away from him and yet she found herself continuing the conversation.

            The strangest feeling of comfort and calm came over her while he spoke. For the life of her she could not remember what he was saying. She just kept staring into those eyes of his, trapped in the icy-blue. She felt and thought she would do anything he told her. His voice, so smooth, so enchanting, she kept staring at his defined mouth. ‘What in the hell is wrong with you?’ her mind screamed.

            “Milady? Are you feeling alright?” The stranger asked, she was flushed, her eyes glazed over while he spoke. He was getting to her. He inwardly celebrated. She was easy pickings without her beloved around. He couldn’t wait to taste her flesh and gain the memories she held in that pretty head of hers.

“Oh, yes, I think I am becoming a little weary of the night. It’s been a long day and it grows late.” Ashley smiled, a chill came over her. She wanted to find her fiancé.

            “Then I will leave you be, for now.” He whispered as he took her hand to his lips. He suddenly stumbled backwards as though he’d been burned by fire.

            “Sir, are you alright?” Ashley yanked her hand away and rubbed the spot where his lips met her skin. The look on his face was terrifying, she suddenly realized they were alone. How long had they been out there talking? The stranger slowly backed away from her but continued to stare into her eyes.

            “Damn it!” He shouted and ran away into the blackness of the night.

            Ashley was stunned. She had no idea what happened, her hand stung where his kiss had been placed. ‘What had he done? What caused such a violent reaction?’ She rubbed her hand to ease away the sting.

            “Ashley!” Christoph’s voice called out as he ran to her. She ran to meet him halfway and buried her face in his chest as he held her. She was shaking from the strange encounter.

            “Where have you been my love? I’ve been looking for you, the party is near its end.” He soothed her and noticed she was trembling. He took her back into the house. It was quiet now, and the musicians had packed away their instruments and left along with the remainder of the guests.  Ashley and Christoph bid farewell to the people they had met and to Ashley’s aunt and uncle. The four of them stood at the foot of the stairs and chatted for a few minutes about the evening and their plans for the next day.

            “Your last few days we will make more relaxing for you.” Her aunt promised.

           “It was a wonderful party auntie B. Everything was perfect.” Ashley embraced her aunt and uncle.

            “Why don’t you and Christoph head into Paris once more before you take your leave back home. Get some last-minute shopping in.” Her aunt winked again. Ashley loved that quirk about her aunt.

            “That sounds wonderful, thank you.” Ashley smiled and yawned.

            “Get some rest, niece. I love you and congratulations, to both of you.” Her uncle squeezed her tight and patted Christoph heartily on his back. Reginald took his wife’s hand and lead her up the steps.

            “Goodnight, my darlings.” Her aunt called as her husband walked with her up the opposite staircase.

            “Good night auntie B, uncle Reggie.” Ashley responded. As soon as they were out of sight, Christoph took her into his arms. They embraced each other for a few moments before he led her up to their rooms.

            “Ashley, are you alright? You looked like you had seen a ghost when I came out to find you.” Christoph made her stop at the doorway to her room.

            “Yes, I was talking to someone. He was strange, he acted strange, to be honest, I have no idea what we discussed. I must be more tired than I thought.” Ashley was trying to remember the encounter, but it was foggy and more dream-like than an actual memory she could recall. She knew she hadn’t been addled by too much champagne, so what the hell was wrong with her memory? Christoph saw the array of emotions playing over his fiancé’s face. He didn’t like it.

            “Who was this stranger Ashley?” Christoph’s firm question jolted her.

             “I… I don’t know. Christoph, I cannot remember!” Ashley began to panic, she felt tired and weak all of a sudden. She remembered the burning sensation on her skin when that stranger kissed her hand, but she could not remember his face.

            “Shhh my love, don’t worry about it now.” Christoph soothed his worried fiancée as he held her close.

            “He kissed my hand.” Ashley admitted, shame in her tone.

            “Darling, that’s a custom here. I’m not offended.” Christoph chuckled softly. Ashley pulled back, the tears streaming down her face tugged at his heart.

            “You’re not?” She asked with surprise. He stared into her whiskey-brown eyes, took her hand and smiled. He kissed the top of her hand, trailed his lips to the inside of her wrist sending sweet shivers down her spine. His lips glided over her arm, to her shoulder, to her neck, to her mouth. She wrapped her arms around him as he picked her up and entered her room. He gently lowered her onto the soft, welcoming bed. She sighed in pleasure as his hands slid over her body, the sweet torture he was putting her through was almost more than she could stand.

            “Christoph…” Her husky voice, barely a whisper in his ear, while he continued his slow, sweet torment with his lips on her skin. He wanted her, but he knew they would have to wait. It didn’t mean he couldn’t drive them both crazy first though. He smiled as he gently pulled back and saw the passion in her eyes.

            “Yes, my love?” He teased, gliding a finger across her collar bone and lower to where the neckline of her dress dipped seductively.

            “You’re going to drive me right out of my mind.” She laughed as she pulled him to her again. She aggressively took his mouth and turned the sweet teasing into raw passionate love-play. Her tongue glided over his, he gripped her hips in response to her possessive kiss, his composure rapidly diminishing with each sweep of her tongue on his. He took both of her hands in one of his over her head while the other found its way down her waist to her exposed thigh as the dress she wore gathered around her hips now. He couldn’t keep himself from reacting to her, she was making him crazed with passion. He teased her soft skin as she moved against him, her desire for him was strong, he knew it. Reality of where they were, slapped him in the face and with a low grumble he slowly eased the torture they were unleashing on each other and pulled back slightly. She pouted at him now and he laughed softly.

            “My love, you know I want you.” He whispered hoarsely, kissing her neck again, caressing her bare thigh still. “But do you know what your uncle would do to me if he saw us like this?” He kissed her furrowed brow.

            “I think we should just get married tomorrow and then he can’t get mad.” She said seriously. Christoph grinned at his fiancée’s disappointment. Lord she was beautiful when she had the sultry, pout going on.

            “Do you know what Kasandra would do to the both of us if she knew we’d eloped and she wasn’t by your side? I’m more terrified of her than your uncle!” He laughed as he hauled his disgruntled looking fiancée off the bed and into his arms. “My love, soon we will be married, and we can make love whenever and wherever you want.” He teased her again with his mouth.

            “How lucky I am to have you, Christoph. I love you, so much.” Ashley ran her fingers through his hair and sighed. She knew he was right, they had to wait for everything.

            “Tomorrow will be a relaxing day in Paris, I promise you. Then we can begin our journey home. Your parents are going to throw us an engagement party, you might want to mentally prepare for that.” Christoph teased and laughed when she let out an unladylike snort.

            “I am so tired of parties.” She whined as she walked with Christoph back to her doorway.

            “Yes, but at home they are different. Kasandra and Derrick will be there, your mother and father, all of our friends. It will be better than the ones we’ve had to attend here. I promise you that.” Christoph kissed her long and deep then bid her a good night.

            Ashley sighed and closed her door. She wanted to go home immediately but knew they would journey to see Christoph’s family first before going back to their hometown. She squared herself with that knowledge as she undressed for bed. She placed the sparkling necklace and earrings back into their soft velvet box. She ran her fingers along the smooth stones again and smiled at the sweet way her aunt had presented them to her. She loved her family so much, and she missed her mother and father. Ashley grew misty eyed wishing her grandmother was still alive to see her wear the gems and attend her wedding. She groaned as she crawled into bed, the business of the day wearing on her. As soon as she laid her head on the pillow she began to dream. Christoph’s touch entered her mind, she took her fantasy with him further there. Slowly Christoph’s face morphed, she didn’t like that, but her mind it seemed, had other plans. The stranger from the party was now the one in her fantasy. She tried to change it, tried to wake herself but she couldn’t. Those blue eyes had her trapped. She drifted off into a deep restless sleep.

Next Chapter: Memories and Cravings