Immortal || Chapter 19

Johnathan’s POV

I took Natalie home as soon as I fought those vampires off. They were after her to get to me. I had a weird feeling that those same men in the alley were linked to whatever Natalie saw at school. But I needed to dig deeper into the matter to find out what was going on. I believe Jacob has something to do with this.

"You can open your eyes now," I said softly in her ear. "I’ve brought you home."

She opened her eyes and looked around until her eyes met with mine. She smiled timidly as I set her down gently to her feet.

"Thanks for saving me," she said, moving a strand of hair from her face.

I smiled and nodded. Just then her front door opened, and her mom came running out all frantic.

"Oh, thank God you're here, young lady! I was worried sick about you," her mom said, grabbing her in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry mom, I..." Natalie began.

"It was my fault," I spoke up, all eyes turned to me. "I wanted to take her out on a date after classes and never thought about having her call you to let you know. My apologies, Ma'am."

I placed my right hand on the left side of my chest and did a slight bow. Mrs. Havens seemed satisfied with this gesture and Natalie seemed taken aback.

"Oh, I remember you. You're Natalie's friend," she grinned, shaking my hand. "You two should come in and have something to drink. I know it's a bit late..."

"I accept," I stated, looking at a smiling Natalie.

As we were ushered inside, I kept a close eye out around me to make sure nothing was suspicious before closing the front door. I still remember Natalie's house from before when I first came in here to retrieve something for her mother. Everything looked the same. Smelled of cinnamon and pine.

"Make yourself at home, Johnathan, and I'll grab you a soda. What would you like?" Mrs. Havens asked at the kitchen doorway.

"The water will be fine," I accepted gratefully.

"Root beer for me please, mom," Natalie nodded as she took a seat.

As soon as her mom was out of ear shot, I moved to the edge of my seat and placed a hand on Natalie's knee.

"Keep a close eye out around you from now on. Never walk home alone. Never go anywhere alone. And don't hesitate to call me if something happens," I began.

We stared at each other for the longest time. I wanted to do everything I could to protect her. Even if it meant giving my own life. Right now, she was the most important part of my life. And I wanted her to know that, even without me saying anything.

Her mom came in with a glass of iced water and a cold root beer and looked at us and smiled. Handing us our drinks she walked out the living room.

"I'll leave you two alone," she said, making her way up the stairs.

Natalie giggled but I sighed in a serious way. What was happening now was very serious and dangerous. I wondered if Natalie knew how serious this situation was.

"Natalie, on a serious note; you do realize you're in danger?" I asked sitting back and sipping my water.

She grew quiet and stared at her drink, making circles around the top of the can. "I know. And I'm scared. What if something happens to my mom? I know they'll go after her to get to me and then use me to get to you."

Setting the glass down and kneeling in front of her I put her drink down and grabbed her hands in mine.

"I promise you that I won't let anything happen to either you or your mother. If you wish it, and it makes you feel better, you could tell your mother you wish to go on vacation with her... And bring her to my place. I have enough space, and she'll believe it's a historical manor. Which it is."

That was all I could offer for now.

Her eyes teared up as she looked into mine. "You would do that for me? For us?"

I nodded with a smirk. I would do anything for her. She was my world now.

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Natalie’s POV

After a few more moments of talking, Johnathan left and headed home. Promising me that he will keep a close eye out on our house even if he was far away.

I found my mom sitting up in her room reading a book. I knocked on the door, introducing my presence. She looked up and smiled.

"How was your time with Johnathan?" She asked, closing her book and sitting up straight in bed.

I nodded and walked in, swinging my arms and clasping my hands together with a smile. "It was pretty good. As usually. But we've been hanging out a lot lately."

"I've noticed. You two make a cute couple," mom winked. "So, what's the 411?"

I joined her in the bed. "He's offered us a vacation spot... At his historical manor."

I held my breath, hoping against all hope she would say yes. This was the only way I would know if she was safe. She nodded with a far off look in her eyes.

"I do love historical things. Manors are in that favorite category. So, I say... Let's do it!"

I squealed in delight. "Thanks mom! I can let him know tomorrow!"

With that I ran out the room. Her laughing followed me. She was going to be safe. I closed my door and leaned against it in thought. I just hoped Johnathan's uncle could be trusted. After that night with Jacob, my trust for him dimmed a bit.

I walked to my bed and sat there, staring at the floor. What would happen next? I felt overwhelmed and excited at the same time. A hint of fear crept up every now and then when I would think about something happening to my mom and I couldn’t save her. I just hoped Johnathan would be the one to save her... If I couldn't.

I grumbled and threw on my pajamas and crawled into bed. I know I've been saying this, but everything was happening so fast.

The very next morning I woke up and immediately sent Johnathan a text letting him know that mom was up for the "vacation" at his manor. I told him she was very excited and looked forward to staying at a historical place. He replied saying we should get packing tonight and he would be by to get us tomorrow.

"Natalie, have you talked to your friend today about our coming?" Mom asked me as I walked to the kitchen for breakfast.

I nodded. "He said to pack tonight, and he can get us tomorrow."

"What about my car?" She asked, looking at me from her cooking.

"He has a driver who can take you anywhere you need, Mom," I assured her.

She seemed satisfied with this. Tomorrow was just around the corner. The start of our graduation from school. I sighed. I would soon be done with school. Good bye school hello...

Just then, the doorbell rang. I felt the hairs on my arm stand up as mom went to go answer the door. Following behind I hide behind the wall, peaking around to get a better look.

I hoped it wasn't any of Jacob's guys.

"Hello, what can I do for you?" I hear mom ask.

"We've been looking for someone... And we wondered if you've seen her," a deep voice said with a heavy accent.

My eyes grew wide. It was them. They're back. I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Johnathan. Usually he's quick in replies, but I received nothing which made me worry.

"Oh? I can do my best, gentlemen. Do you happen to have a picture of her? I'll tell you what, why don't you come in and I'll make you gentlemen some tea," mom said, sounding so sweet.

I felt a catch in my throat. I loved this woman so much, but she was bringing in strangers... But was it upon her own free will...? Or did they somehow make her think that?

I heard their footsteps as they came through the front door and the door closed.

"Right this way, gentlemen," mom said, ushering them through the long hall.

I had to hide. They couldn't see me!