Immortal || Chapter 14

Johnathan’s POV

I couldn't believe my ears. Jacob was back. And he's come to create havoc. This all just happened so fast. And the most disturbed part was Natalie was involved. And he even went after her! I vowed to find him and kill him.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Natalie asked, her eyes staring down into mine.

I sighed. My uncle told me if we, as vampires, were ever found out around here we would have to move elsewhere. Start fresh.

"Well?" She tapped her foot.

"Alright," I began with a sigh. "Like I said, you're not going to like it and you probably won't believe me either."

"Try me," she replied, sitting down across from me.

Here we go...

I began to explain what all my father was into in 1800. And also, to the part where Jacob killed him and the manor burned down.

"So, your maid turned you into a vampire to save your life?" Natalie asked, a look of unbelief on her face.

I nodded. I could tell she didn't believe me.

"I know you don't believe me," I stated standing up. "And I'll understand if you don't want to have anything to do with me. But Jacob being out there, I'm afraid you're in danger."

"Well that's just great!" She threw her hands in the air. "Listen Johnathan, I want to believe you. And I think I do. Especially after everything that's gone down ever since you got here. I was even researching you yesterday after I left here. And it all points to vampires."

"I don't want anyone getting hurt, Natalie. My uncle and I came here to start fresh. Keep it on the down low. I didn't expect Jacob to find me... not here... and not now."

I walked over to the large window and looked outside amongst the trees and front driveway. I can't believe this was happening. I didn't want to tell my uncle that Natalie knew everything. But I had to tell him about Jacob and he would be wondering how I found out. I shook my head. I was at a loss.

"I hope I didn't stir up anything," Natalie said, standing next to me.

I shook my head and looked at her. "No... it was bound to happen eventually. I just wish he didn't involve you."

"So, what are you going to do now? You know he probably wants to kill you."

"I know... there's no doubt there... but to keep you and your loved ones safe, I must go there and face him," I sighed deeply.

This is it. This was actually happening. And I was going to kill him. Part of me wished Natalie wasn't involved. But my uncle did warn me to be careful in who I grew close to... emotionally. Because Jacob could use Natalie to get to me, just like he did last night. I was feeling a lot of emotions right now. Anger, worry, a little bit of fear. But I knew what I had to do.

"Johnathan," Natalie said, her hand resting on my arm. "You don't have to do this. You and your uncle can leave here. Get away and start fresh. I'll be fine."

I shook my head. "Jacob knows about you, Natalie. He knows how to get to me now."

My body started shaking at the thought of him hurting her. I just couldn't bear the thought at all. It was getting to me. I hated that man ever since he did what he did in the past. He killed my family, killed me... he destroyed everything I had. Then there's the now. I've moved on and started a new life with my uncle and met Natalie. And Jacob is back. He found me at the utter most wrong time. Where I was finding happiness and belonging.

I balled my hands into a fist.

"Natalie, I want you to promise me something," I said, turning to look into her eyes. "I want you to stay here tonight, with my uncle. And no matter what happens, promise me you won't come after me."

Her eyes teared up as I took her hands in mine. "But..."

"Promise me... I can't bear the thought of you being killed," I said looking down at our hands. "Please, my uncle will protect you."

She nodded. I felt a little bit at ease knowing she would be safe. Pulling her close, her head rested on my chest. This felt right. And I knew in my heart that I needed to protect her. I wouldn't let nothing harm her.

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Natalie’s POV

It was only 3pm and I was feeling so nervous for Johnathan's meeting with Jacob. Never in my life have I ever thought something like this could or would ever happen to me. And it was happening all so fast. And to me for that matter. I was thinking of why it happened to me and what would've happened if it wasn't me. Why was I so pulled toward Johnathan? Why did he seem to pull my way? Why did Jacob come to me instead of Johnathan himself? I realized that Johnathan told me his life story. He was a vampire, his uncle was a vampire, Jacob was a vampire. The fire. Everything.

This wasn't really happening was it? Not only was I in danger, everyone I love was in danger. And so was Johnathan. I couldn't bear the thought of him facing Jacob alone. It bothered me too much. If I could help, I wanted to be there.

"I know what you're thinking," Johnathan said from behind the canvas.

"So, you can read minds too?" I asked with a chuckle.

He smirked that smirk and shook his head. "Unfortunately, not. But I know something is up in that mind of yours by the look on your face."

I lowered my gaze to the floor. He was right, something was on my mind. Him dying.

"It's nothing really. I was just thinking about what I'll be eating for dinner tonight is all," I lied.

He gave me a look and got up from behind the canvas and sat on the coffee table in front of me.

"I may not be able to read minds, but I can read body language and I know for sure you're lying. Tell me what's troubling you. I'm here for you," he said with a soft soothing voice.

I teared up at that statement. "What if you die? What if you don't kill him and he's free and what if he comes to me?"

I was practically balling by now. What was wrong with me? I wasn't supposed to be liking him. But I am liking him. Might even be loving him...

"I will defeat him. Because I have someone worth fighting for. Not only will I be doing this for what he's done, but I'm doing this to protect you," he said with a catch in his voice. "I will protect you no matter what happens."

A tear rolled down my face at his words of promise. He really did care for me.

"I want to come too. I want to protect you," I said wiping the tears from my eyes.

He shook his head. "I can't allow that. Something might happen to you. And I could never forgive myself if it did. Please stay here tonight. That way I know you're safe."

I sighed. There was no changing his mind. And I'm sure he will make it to where his uncle watches me the entire time.

"Very well. But I'll be worried the entire time."

"At least you'll be safe," he said standing to give me a hug.

Embracing him felt natural to me. It felt as though I was meant to be in his arms. I felt safe. But oh, how I dreaded tonight. Little did he know I was coming up with a plan.

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Johnathan's Pov

It was getting closer to my departure to meet with Jacob. And I was full of mixed emotion. I was ready to end it. To end him. He would no longer torture me or the people I cared about. I knew Natalie was getting anxious the closer 12 came. Right now, it was only 10:15pm.

Sometime during the night my uncle was informed of the happenings that were taking place. He knew he was to watch Natalie and make sure she was safe and sound inside the house. I knew she wanted to help, but I couldn't risk her getting hurt or killed.

My uncle was smoking his pipe near the fireplace while Natalie was sitting on the couch curled in a ball biting her fingernails. A worried and scared look on her beautiful face. I felt as though I had to tell her how I truly felt before I left... in case I didn't come back. I had instructed my uncle to pack up her and her mother and leave if Jacob came for her. Cause I had a feeling he wouldn't stop with me.

"Natalie, I must speak with you alone," I stated, grasping her hand she was gnawing on.

She stood and followed me to the big bay window in the parlor. Our eyes met and I felt at ease and confident in how I felt about her. I couldn't just let her go without knowing how I felt.

"I have had strong feelings for you the moment I walked into that school room," I got to the point. "I felt something special about you as soon as our eyes met that day. Yes, I followed you around just to be sure you arrived wherever safely. Natalie, I've promised to protect you no matter what. And the time has come where it is about life and death."

"Johnathan...I" she began but I stopped her.

"Please, I do not wish to know how you feel because I have an idea."

"What if I don't see you again? I can't bear to live knowing I never told you how I feel. How I've always felt," she stated, lowering her gaze to the floor.

I lifted her head with my index finger under her chin and raised it to where her eyes stared in mine. Before she said anything else, I leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss. If I had a heartbeat, I'm sure it would be racing right now. I felt her pulse quicken and I embraced her around the waist and pushed my lips closer into hers. She returned the kiss deeply and with passion. This was all I needed to know. I knew she had feelings for me because every time I saw her, her pulse was faster. I read her every movement. To me she was perfect. She was special. She made me feel brave again. And I loved her.

I had a feeling this would be the last time I would ever embrace her like this again. The last time I would see her beautiful smile and eyes again. This, in this very moment, she made me feel alive again.