Catalina, Queen of the Nightlings

Volume #3 The Last Seeing Stone

by

J. Lee Roberts

 

I wrap myself around his strong, sure body allowing myself to succumb to his embrace. We lay silently still until he places a finger beneath my chin raising my head so he can look directly into my eyes.

            "There's something about you that is hauntingly familiar. My body knows yours like this isn't the first time they have been joined. I've never been this confused before. One part of me is screaming to run, to get as far from this place as possible. The other is begging me to stay, to forget the life I knew and relinquish myself to you. I know this sounds crazy. We only just met. It's just that... Never mind, I'm going to scare you away."

            "Please, don't be afraid to tell me anything."

            "I know this is crazy but I love you and I know I can explain it, but I've always loved you. What's even stranger is that I feel you have already broken my heart. Even still, I can't help but feel a special bond toward you."

            I close my eyes, breaking his lovers spell. I've gone too far this time. His gentle spirit is no match for my monstrous game. This has to be the last time. Even if his heart could take another dose of my debauchery, I don't think mine can.

            "Please Catalina look at me. Do you feel the same? I know love is a strong word, but the connection between us is real."

            I can't argue with him, because he is right. I've never felt a connection with anyone, like I do with him. Even with Dorian I think it was more of a lustful desire to own and control, then love and compassion. Our union worked so well for so long because we both desired the same thing. Power. I wanted power over a sexy brute and he just wanted power over everything. To be honest with myself. This was the first time I had come to see our relationship in this new light. I had always believed Dorian to love me as he said he did. Only now, after knowing what it felt like to be honestly loved, did I come to the realization that our relationship was a farce and always would be.

            On the other hand, James really does not know me, nor I him. There is no way possible way he could truly love me. Except one. Maybe we really are made for each other. I can't deny that each time I see him or think of him, my pulse races and my breath sticks in my throat. Could it be love or just my old friend lust. Regardless of how I feel we can never be together. He is mortal and I am a monster. Well there is one way. No, I tell myself I've already created one demon, what would I ever do with two. Okay, so I can think of few things.

            "James, I would be lying if I told you I didn't feel strongly for you. It's just that I'm not a one-man kind of woman. I'm not ready to settle down. I need my freedom. And don't say you can handle that. You're way too sweet to put up with my shit."

            "So you won't even let me make my own decision?"

            "I don't need to. I already know how it would turn out and it's not pretty."