Free Cut by Danielle Llanes Page B

voice.” It was true, in her mind the only thing that stood out was her voice. I remembered Octavius mentioning how his son would always react to his mother. It was an imprinted memory from the womb, he reminded me.
    “And your sister?” She shook her head quickly. The dark haired girl with the angelic face flashed before my eyes. Cate.
    “We weren’t close…you think that’s it? Maybe they in some way were happy to be rid of me from their lives. I mean how odd is it that no one called the hotel to check on us?”
    “I think you’ve put too much thought into this, Aerin. I’m sure they left you alone because they saw how in love you were. Noah was very charming.” She managed a smile as she replied,
    “And you know this how?” I touched her on the brow as I whispered,
    “It’s what your soul told me.”
    “Why can’t I taste what’s in your soul?” I laughed as I kissed her. She didn’t resist me now, we parted as I said,
    “Everything you want to know is in your blood now.” She stared into my eyes, those deep blue eyes searching for answers as she looked away from me.
    “I fear it would take a lifetime to learn everything about you.” I smiled as she welcomed another kiss.
    I stood out by the moonwalk again. I felt the sun on my face as I stood silently. It was one of the things I enjoyed every now and then. I didn’t have to worry about anyone walking up behind me. Everyone I knew and loved was sound asleep in their beds. I thought about Aerin lying in her room dreaming about her absent father. I still hated that his image was a shadow in her mind. It reminded me that my son was becoming a fading memory fast. I turned to see a town car sitting at the curb not far off. I watched as the door opened and Marc stepped out. He wore large wrap around sunglasses and was covered with a thick layer of sunscreen. He nodded to me as I walked toward him. He was dressed in a dark suit, I imagined he had yet to retire from the evening. He looked nervous standing before me.
    “How goes it?”
    “It’s going and your father?” He laughed exposing his filed teeth. His lips were freshly stained and I knew he had fed not too long ago.
    “He’s well. I think he misses you. I’ve watched him pacing the house and practicing how he will greet you when he sees you.”
    “That’s absurd, Marc. Does he know you’re here?” Marc shook his head as he looked down to his skin, which was turning a shade of pink as he climbed into the car,
    “It’s amazing that he has yet to create a sunscreen that can withstand the sun.” I looked to the shining orb, which was now moving fast across the sky and into place for the day.
    “What do you expect…we’re already cheating a life underground?” He glared at me as he replied,
    “And what of you? How did you escape this curse?”
    “You know I’m not sure but I think it was because I pissed someone of great importance off and was banished to walk the earth with the lot of you.” He laughed as he shook his head,
    “I think Octavius was your maker to be honest.” I nodded as I had heard that rumor many times in my lifetime. I couldn’t say that it was the truth; it would be lying. Why else would Octavius be locked within his house during the day?
    “Well if that’s what you want to believe…” I followed into the car as I looked across from him to see Chloe sitting silently.
    “I drank from her so you wouldn’t pick up her scent.” Ah, the reason for the stained lips. It wasn’t like him to be sloppy with his hunt. I nodded as I crossed my arms.
    “I wanted to see you,” she said in a low voice.
    “It’s over, Chloe.” She shook her head quickly as I saw the tears welling in her eyes,
    “No, we’re meant for each other. The other night you felt it too. I saw it in your eyes you still love me. You don’t love her. I’ve seen you with her.”
    “When?” I thought hard and could not muster up when we had been outside the house together. Briefly when I