Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ ~Forever Frozen~ A Vampire Love Story ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

~Forever Frozen~ (A Vampire Love Story)

 

 

 

 

 

Knock..Knock..Knock… “Leah..time to get up.”

 

Ugghhh it's too early.. “Ok I'm up..I'm up.”

 

“Well hurry, otherwise I'll be late…again.”

 

I threw the covers off my body, shivering at the cool breeze that tickled my skin. Standing up on my toes I stretched, reaching high above my head. The bare wood floor felt cold under my bare feet and my body shuddered.

 

I rolled my eyes when I heard my dad holler one more time, for good measure, `get up'.

 

I don't know why I have to be up, he's going to work not me!

 

I threw on a pair of sweat pants and a big t-shirt, pulled my straight blonde hair back in a messy bun and opened my door. I headed down the stairs and into the kitchen that was off to the right, my dad was sitting at the small round table in the center of the room reading the morning paper.

 

“Dad you want eggs and bacon?”

 

“Yeah hun and some coffee too please.”

 

I smiled as I opened the fridge to get out what I needed to make him for breakfast.

 

“You know, I'm not going be around forever, and..”

 

“Dad,” I cut him off, “not this again. Look when I find somebody who sweeps me off my feet and makes me fall head over heels for them, then I'll leave.”

My dad smiled then turned his attention back to the sports section he was reading.

 

I smiled and went back to making his breakfast. Every morning was like this, I cook him breakfast and he pesters me about him dying and leaving me all alone. It's just the two of us it has been for the past year. My older brother Ryu, moved out two years ago. He stays not too far from home. He comes by often, but for the most part I see him more outside of home. We're more like best friends than siblings.

 

I began to cook the eggs as I remembered our mother. Tatiana Lyn Taylor, she was beautiful. A lot of people say I look just like her. She always smelled of honeysuckles, I don't know why but she did. Her hair was long and blonde and her eyes were a bright green. My brother has her eyes and my dad's eyes are an electric blue, and through the powers that be my eyes are blue-green.

 

Sadly though she was murdered five years ago, her case is still unsolved. My dad is still trying to investigate it, but being that he was the husband to the victim it's hard for him to have any say in the case, top lawyer or not. So it was chalked up to the ongoing mass murders happening around our area for the past eight years.

 

Placing a plate in front of my dad I kissed his head and headed back upstairs, not before I threw out an `I love you and be careful'.

 

My father, Karl, is one of Las Angeles top lawyers. He owns his own firm, Taylor Attorney at Law, and handles many cases, so it's usually just me these days.

 

My real name is Leah. My mother started calling me Phoenix since I was about one. Apparently I was conceived in Phoenix Arizona. I shudder every time I remember why she started calling me that, but it stuck and I have to say I like it better than my real one, Leah Ann Taylor.

 

I walked back into my room. It was dark, I like the dark. I'm not a morning person the only reason I do get up so early is ever since mom's death I took over the house chores and the cooking. So I had no choice in getting use to it. I walked across my bare floor and went over to my queen size bed covered in satin black sheets and matching comforter. Yes, my favorite color is black, I love it.

 

After making my bed I headed over to the long white dresser I've had since I was ten. It was old, the paint was chipped in places. It had six drawers and a long horizontal mirror.

 

I grabbed a clean thong, bra, jeans and a tank-top, gathered it all up in my arms and headed back out into the hallway and into the bathroom that was next to my brother's old room, which is now dad's home office.

 

I walked in the bathroom closing the door behind me and turning on the hot water to the shower. I started to pull off my sweat pants and oversized T-shirt, throwing them into the full hamper under the window sill.

 

“Looks like I need to do laundry.”

 

I adjusted the water and got under the stream. I finished showering and dried myself off. I got dressed and grabbed the hamper taking it with me as I headed out of the steamed filled room.

 

Making my way down the stairs I turned into the kitchen and walked through it to the small room off to the left. Our house is a small two-story with three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen/dining room and a laundry room. Perfect size for our small family.

 

Separating the clothes from darks and lights, I put in the first load adding the detergent and starting it up. I walked back into the kitchen to clean up the dishes from this morning, dad gone for work already. I was in the middle of drying the frying pan when the phone in the kitchen started to ring. I dried my hands and answered the shrilling thing.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hey Nixey, what are you doing?”

 

I smiled as I answered my best friend, “Hey Ayame, what are you doing?”

 

I could hear the laughter in her voice as she answered, “Man I hope you don't have plans for today?”

 

“Why?” I asked as I quirked a brow, putting the pan away.

 

“Because a group of us are going to the beach, I want you to go! So don't tell me no, I'll kick your ass!”

 

I laughed out loud, “Ok, ok what time?”

 

She laughed again, “I'm almost to your place now.”

 

I shook my head as I told her bye and hung up the phone. I heard the roar of her engine pulling up the driveway. I opened the door to see her cherry red Honda Civic pulling in. It was customized with a low-rider body kit, wicked dragon graphic designs down the sides and an aftermarket exhaust.

 

I smiled as she ran up the stairs of my homes porch and hugged me tight.

 

“Oh man, girl we are going to have so much fun.”

 

I smiled at her enthusiasm, “If you say so.”

 

We went back inside her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, swinging as she walked.

 

“So you going to go change?”

 

I quirked a brow as I spun to face her, “Ayame, it's not even nine yet?!”

 

“So were going early.”

 

“It'll be too cold to go, now!”

 

She rolled her eyes at me and crossed her arms over her chest, “Geez Nix we live in California! It's never `too' cold here!”

 

I rolled my eyes and smiled I never could win against her enthusiasm.

 

“Alright I'll go change.”

 

She clapped her hands and squealed, reminding me that she is a morning person. I laughed as I made my way up the steps, her following right behind.

 

 

The wind whipped my face as we flew down the interstate. I laid my head against the seat as the rest of our group sung to Ciara on the radio. I smiled when Carey in the back seat sung a particular high note and missed it by a mile. I closed my eyes and listened to the slow song that had come on, I couldn't tell who it was but the song was beautiful. We finished the few minutes left in silence.

 

“Alright here we are.” Ayame cheered.

 

I opened my eyes and looked out at the sandy beach. It was white sand and there was nobody here. I could see all the way to the water, since there weren't any umbrellas obstructing my view. The sky was a clear blue, a sign that today was going be nice. The weather man said it would be clear and in the nineties, perfect beach whether.

 

We all piled out of the car and headed to the trunk to pull out all our stuff including the huge cooler, packed with drinks and snacks galore.

 

Leave it to Ayame to pack this much! I thought as I grunted under the weight of the cooler. I could tell Carey was thinking the same thing when she looked at me with an `what the fuck' look, we both laughed.

 

We laid out on the sand soaking up the rays. I had just flipped over when Carey had asked me a question.

 

“So Phoenix are you going out with anyone yet?”

 

I shook my head as I looked over at her. She was sitting in one of the lounge chairs. “No, why do you ask?”

 

She looked away and twiddled her thumbs, “well, Brad wanted me to ask you if you were interested?”

 

“In him?”

 

“Uh huh.”

 

I sighed and thought about it, I mean her brother was cute, smart, and had a job. But I don't know, I just couldn't picture myself with him he's too, nice. I looked back up to her, “tell him I'm sorry, but with work and my dad I'm just not ready. I'm sorry.”

 

She smiled, “It's ok, I know you work hard to help your dad, it's cool.” I smiled and laid my head back down.

 

“I'm going down, you coming?”

 

“No, I'll be down in a bit.”

 

“Ok.”

 

I watched as she jogged down toward the water to catch up with Ayame and Jen. I laid my head back down and closed my eyes. I wound up drifting off to sleep dreaming a familiar dream, one I've been having a lot recently. It entailed me and my mother. We're sitting on a log overlooking a vast expansion of grass and wild flowers. There were large trees along the edge of this field as well and many kinds too. Off to the right on a high mountain was a large castle. In my dream me and my mother would start off in the direction of this castle, but I would always wake before we reached it. We never talked, or at least I could never understand what she was saying. Half of the time I could hear her, but she was speaking another language and the other time her lips were moving but no sound was coming out. What scared me the most about this dream is the feeling I get when I wake up. I always feel as if she is desperately trying to get me to the castle. As if my life depends on me getting there. I told my dad about the dream once and he just shook his head, he knew nothing of this castle or the area I described to him or even as to why mom was speaking another language.

 

Soon we were back in Ayame's car and headed back home to Las Angeles. It was quiet for the most part going home, except for the few songs that would spark on the radio and tempt us to sing along.

 

Now it was just me and Ayame. I sat back my eyes closed and my head against the headrest waiting. Wait for it…wait for it…

 

“I can't believe you didn't get in once!”

 

Bingo. I smiled and tilted my head in Ayame's direction, “You know I'm not a swimmer.”

 

“I know, but shit you could've gotten your feet wet.”

 

I rolled my eyes and turned up the radio. I heard her suck her teeth and that just made me smile even more. When we made it to my house, I leaned over and kissed her cheek, “I'll see you at work later.”

 

“Yeah, yeah.” She smiled, “love you.”

 

I leaned down to look at her, “love you too be careful.”

 

“Always.”

 

I watched as she backed out of my driveway. I waved and when she was out of sight I headed up to the door. I turned the key and walked in the house still smelled of lemon, “that's the power of pine sol baby.” I laughed as I slipped off my shoes and headed up stairs to get a shower.

 

“Uh, I hate sand, it gets everywhere.” I ran in the bathroom and started the water, then ran back across the hall into my room to gather my clothes for work.

 

Forty-five minutes later and I came out of the bathroom towel drying my hair. Then I heard the phone ring. I picked up my cordless phone that was in my room, “Hello?”

 

“Hey hun, you getting ready for work?”

 

I smiled, “yeah dad.” I threw the fluffy towel in my dirty clothes hamper.

 

“Did you have a good day?”

 

“Yeah it was great, I went to the beach with Ayame and some friends.”

 

“Well good I'm glad you got out of the house. Something you need to do more often”

 

I smiled and told my dad I loved him and hung up the phone. I would be gone by the time he got home and he'd be asleep by the time I returned. I finished getting ready for work, putting on makeup, brushing my hair. I pulled it back in a bun using chopsticks and leaving a few strands down to frame my face. I didn't wear a lot of make-up, didn't like to look fake.

 

I smiled as I remembered my mom saying that, “we have natural beauty Nixey. You will never need make-up.”

 

I finished putting on my lip gloss and headed out of my room grabbing my I.D. pouch. I never carried a purse to work, didn't need to. I lived about four blocks away, didn't even need a ride. Walking out the door I closed it and locked up, putting the key into the pocket of my hip hugger jeans and started down the drive way on my way to Jackie's Bar. Yes, I worked at a bar as a bartender and loved it. My dad doesn't though, and he reminds me every chance he gets.

 

I walked up to the bouncer, he was tall and bulky. He had short spiked blonde hair and deep brown eyes, “evening Nix.”

 

“Evening Chad.”

 

He winked and I laughed walking inside.

 

“Man did you see all those people out there, geez they act like were the only bar open.”

 

I smiled at Ayame's usual mood. “I think it makes the night go by.”

 

“Yeah well you don't have to get groped by everything in here, girls included.”

 

I laughed and started to make my way behind the counter, making sure I had everything I needed for the night.

 

Jackie came down the winding stair case that led from his office and was wearing an outrageous outfit that was starting to give me a headache. It was slack pants that were a bright lime green and his shirt was long bell-sleeved with ruffled ends. That`s not the worst part it was the color of an electric orange. He had the shirt buttons opened, leaving an eye full of his toned chest. He was tall and had an athletic build. His hair was brown and shoulder length which he usually kept pulled back into a pony tail at the base of his neck.

 

“Jackie, must you wear such bright colors? You look like sherbet.” I tried to sound nasally.

 

He giggled, which gave way to his sexuality, and came in swaying his hips. He wrapped his masculine arms around my waist and kissed me.

 

Smiling he released me and greeted me with one of his smiles, “Nixey baby you look stunning as always, and I'll have you know this is Fuchy.” he said as he released me and did a turn around so I could see the entire ensemble.

 

I laughed, “who?”

 

He smiled, “my new boyfriend.”

 

I rolled my eyes, “you go through guys like I go through underwear.”

 

Jackie could never stay with one person for long or single for that matter. He smirked looking over his shoulder at me, “well I can promise you this, I'm never lonely.”

 

“I can believe it.”

 

I watched as he smacked Ayame on her ass and laughed when she threw her cleaning rag at him. Jackie was something else, and it's funny he's the first guy I've ever kissed and he doesn't even like girls, would be my luck my first kiss was with another `girl'.

 

Finally the clock hit ten and the doors were now officially opened for business.

 

I was right when I said that the night would fly by, it was already one o'clock, just one more hour and we close. I started to make a drink that Ayame put into the computer, bloody mary, urghh I hate those, who the hell drinks tomato juice and vodka, blah.

 

I started on the drink when my eye caught something shiny. Turning to where it flashed out of the corner of my eye there wasn't anything there. I pouted and continued to make the drink when someone sat down at the bar, without looking up I told them I'd be right with them.

 

“Take your time.”

 

I finished the drink and set it down on the tray for Ayame to pick up, walking back over to where I previously was I looked up and the words escaped my mouth. I blinked a few times to clear my thoughts, but still my words eluded me. He smiled, and I could swear they were the prettiest teeth I had ever seen.

 

I shook my head and smiled, “what can I get you?”

 

“Just a shot of vodka, please.”

 

I turned and grabbed a shot glass while grabbing the vodka, without missing a beat I had the liquor in the glass before I even sat it down. I tried to turn away from him, but it was like I was moth attracted to a flame, I couldn't turn away.

 

He had the palest blue eyes I had ever seen, his skin was pale in the lights and his hair was pitch black and all over his head, but not in a `I just woke up' kind of way, he looked good, damn good.

 

“What's your name?” his voice was deep an it sent shivers through me with every syllable he spoke.

 

I didn't hesitate, “Phoenix.”

 

He took his shot and stood from the bar, laying his money down and a huge tip too, “I like it, suits you. Thanks for the drink, beautiful.”

 

I watched him leave, he had to be only a few years older than me and this was the first time I have ever taken an interest in any guy, “I hope he comes back tomorrow.”

 

I started to wipe down the bar when I remembered, “damn. I didn't get his name.” I groaned as I continued to clean the bar.

 

 

Soon we were closed and we had finished cleaning and were finally able to leave.

 

“Hey Nix.”

 

I turned to wait for Ayame to catch up, “what's up?” She just smiled and handed me a piece of paper. I quirked a brow and opened it. My eyes widened and my heart started to race. There written on that piece of paper was a name and a message, `Thanks again Phoenix the drink and the scenery I enjoyed immensely, Kaien.'

 

I smiled as I folded it up and began my walk home, my thoughts clouded with pale blue eyes.

 

 

~~~

 

"Hey Nix, I need three shots of Vodka, 2 Buttery Nipples, and three beers one of them light.” I nodded as I started on Tate's order.

 

 

“Hey Nixey, are we out of Bacardi?”

 

 

Without looking to Regi I shouted over the noise, “look in the back, second shelf.”

 

I felt him slide a hand across my lower back as he passed. Setting the drinks down on the waiting tray I smiled at Tate who smirked back.

 

Turning to the customers at the bar who hadn't been helped, I barley had time to breathe.

 

Geesh were packed more than usual tonight.

 

I looked around the bar and pouted, its been three weeks since that night I was graced with such a beautiful face. Kaien.

 

I shook my head and continued to serve out drinks. Jackie came behind the counter to speak to one of the guests seated at the end of the bar, I watched as he kissed the younger man. Ah that must be Zochi. Who the hell came up with that name?!

 

I laughed and Regi quirked a brow, “are the fumes getting to you?”

 

I smiled and went to speak when I was interrupted. “Hey sexy, care to get me a gin and tonic?”

 

I turned to the voice and rolled my eyes, “I won't but,” I pointed to Regi, “but he will.”

 

The man scrunched his face, “still mad, huh?”

 

I tilted my head in a `duh dumbass' way.

 

Regi glowered at him and slammed his drink on the counter while throwing out a threat of his own, “don't harass her, or your out on your ass.”

 

I gave a thankful smile and headed down to the opposite end of the bar. The asshole at the other end is Jeff, my ex. He was the type that was sweet and loving until he heard you tell him `no.' He had tried to force his way with me, but he wasn't expecting me to knock him over the head with a bat.

 

I glanced back down at Regi, he was tall, nice body I smirked when I gave him a good look over. His hair was red and he always had it pulled back into a ponytail, his eyes were a bright green, they reminded me of my brother's.

 

He caught me staring at him and he smirked, “see something you like?”

 

I blushed and turned my head, “no way. I thought you had a spider on you that's all.”

 

I heard him laugh and I couldn't help but laugh along with him.

 

“Hey man. Hey sis.”

 

I smiled big and came around the edge of the bar to greet my brother with a hug.

 

“Hey Ryu, what's up man?” Regi smiled.

 

Ryu sat down at the bar and smiled, “nothing much man. Look have you thought about that job offer?”

 

I watched as Regi sighed then glanced at me then back to my brother, “I don't know. I mean you think I've got what it takes?”

 

Ryu laughed as I sat his favorite drink down in front of him, tequila. “Like I said, I want you on my team. All you have to do is come down and do the physical test, mental and drug tests. It's my team and my boss wants me to have guys I can trust. You're my best friend, so I trust you.”

 

I watched as Regi mulled over the idea. Then his mouth turned up in a grin, “alright man I'm in!”

 

 

 

“Oh man, my ass hurts.”

 

I laughed and shook my head as Ayame huffed and continued to wipe off the table she was clearing.

 

“Well if your ass wasn't so big, it probably wouldn't get grabbed all the time.”

 

“Regi, are you jealous?” Ayame teased.

 

I tried not to laugh as she bent over the table more pushing her ass in the air so Regi could get an eye full. I turned and saw a small blush creep across his nose and saw him swallow, apparently he had a lump in his throat.

 

I laughed out loud, “you two have issues.” and turned my attention back to restocking the bar.

 

“Alrighty my beautiful servants.”

 

We gathered around Jackie as he came in to tell us how we did for the weekend. Swinging his hand as he spoke, “do I tell you how much I love you all?”

 

We all answered, “no.”

 

“Well, I do. We did more money tonight than we have in a long time. I'm so proud of you. So, starting next week we will be opening on Thursdays. So a four day weekend!”

His answer to that was a room full of groaning.

 

Jackie's was only open on the weekends, now he's adding Thursdays. I bent my head and sighed while Ayame voiced her opinion on the idea of being groped an extra day.

 

After Jackie smiled and told everyone we would be getting a raise, did the groaning and complaining turn into cheering.

 

Well…just another night to occupy my time.

 

I really didn't mind the new day added to our schedule, I mean I don't do anything any way. We all stood around discussing the advantages to the pay raise. I laughed as Tate and Regi argued over the difference in fuel injection versus carburetor engines. Where the hell did that come from? Guys.

 

Ayame walked up and wrapped her arms around my waist, “hey I think we need to have a night over, like when we were younger.”

 

“Yeah. That sounds fun. When would you want to?” I watched as she cocked her head to the side to think. Then in a split second she shrugged and laid her head on my shoulder.

 

“I don't care. Soon though, you pick.”

 

“Okay, I'll call you.” I stretched and yawned. Then hugged her tight, “I'll see you guys later.”

 

“Night Nixey.”

 

“Night Tat, Regi.”

 

“Hey you need a ride?”

 

I smiled and shook my head no at Regi's offer, “I'm good thanks though. Later guys.”

 

I made it to my house and unlocked the door, but before I could open it I heard someone call my name, “Phoenix..”

 

I visibly cringed and my heartbeat picked up. Turning slowly I placed a scowl on my face, “what are you doing here, Jeff?”

 

He started towards me and I took up a defensive stance, he stopped a smile plastered on his face. “I just wanted to talk. I wasn't able to at the bar since you sicked your red-headed dog on me.”

 

“Don't talk bad about Regi.”

 

His smile fell, “are you fucking him?”

 

I shook my head and turned to go inside, “get lost Jeff and who I fuck is none of your business.”

 

I could barley get the words from my mouth before he sprung and grabbed me from behind, placing a hand over my mouth and wrapping his other arm around my waist. I struggled and tried to free myself by kicking back, hoping to hit him in the groin. He tightened his grip to where it hurt and I hissed at the pain.

 

Whispering in my ear, his voice was gruff and it held malice in it, “you belong to me, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it.”

 

I tried to keep my beating heart under control. We were hidden from the porch light, seeing as how he moved us to the far corner of porch that was covered with shadows. I could feel the panic in me start to rise as his free hand began to move under my shirt goosing over the expanse of my belly. I looked around frantically and tried again to get free, just as I was about to scream out in frustration and hopes that someone would hear me, I was free.

 

I fell forward onto my knees at the sudden release. I turned around from my place on the floor and couldn't see anything.

 

I was surprised when I heard the sound of a truck pulling in the driveway. I scurried to my feet but slipped and scraped my hand. I hissed out in pain and tried again. I jumped up and ran to the vehicle, “RYU!” I screamed out in a panic.

 

“Leah what's wrong?!”

 

My brother only used that name when he was worried about me. I ran straight into his arms and buried my face in his chest.

 

I felt him release me and I turned and stared up into my older brother's face, “Jeff was here….he..he tried to…” I couldn't finish the sentence, my eyes welling with unshed tears.

 

My brother's face contorted with rage, “Where'd he go? Which way?”

 

I shook my head, “I don't know I guess he heard you coming because he released me and in a instant he was gone.”

 

My brother relaxed a little then taking my arm he started up to the house, “come on Nix I wanna ask you something.”

 

“What?” I asked as we headed in the front door.

 

“I want you to join my team.” my brother stated.

 

“What? Ryu I don't even know what you do.” I smiled.

 

“That's why I'm here. Phoenix I work for a secret organization called NightStalkers. It's part of a government organization that is not acknowledged.”

 

I sat with my eyes wide then burst out in laughter, “come on Ryu you expect me to believe that, that you work for what? I mean what is it like men in black?”

 

My brother sat across from me at the small round table in our kitchen, his face serious. His green eyes were bright and he had his hands, fingers interlocked, sitting on the table in front of him.

I took in a deep breath, “Ryu please I don't have time for games..”

 

He cut me off, “Leah, would I lie to you about something like this?”

 

I quirked a brow and sighed, “fine, Ryu. You work for a secret organization, doing what?”

 

He let his hands drop in his lap as he sat back in his seat, “fighting the undead.”