The Guy Next Door: (Sex, Lies And Family Secrets) Book One

CHAPTER ONE

"Remember, baby. I will always love you."

I look up into the handsome face of the person I love with all my heart. My body trembles and is ready to explode into thousands of pieces in ecstasy.

Breathlessly, I say, I love you, Drake.

With masterful thrusts, his heated flesh glides between my thighs.

My body is on the verge of shattering. I adjust my legs and hips.

So close.

More... Just a little more.

His warm lips brush over my naked shoulder. Eager for more of his touch, I tilt my head to the side to grant him access—I feel the sharp scrape of his teeth along my neck, causing goosebumps to form along my flesh.

Yes…

Bite me.

Love me.

Ahhhh.

What…?

A screeching noise fills my ears, deafening me from the soft pants and moans that tickled them seconds ago.

What is that awful noise?

It sounds like—I open my eyes, only for darkness to surround me.

My heart gallops against my ribs, racing to its frantic beat. Then, finally, reality hits me as I force my eyelids shut and struggle to grab hold of the images once more, as the vision before me vanishes.

Noooo.

Stay. Please stay. My sleep-induced hand reaches out and grabs nothing but wisps of cool air.

My tired brain struggles to wake up as I realise no muscled body is beside me in bed. No warmth, nothing but coldness.

No. I was only dreaming.

I roll over towards my bedside table and hit the off button on the clock radio, instantly quieting the noise. Silence surrounds my ears, allowing them to rest from the annoying alarm.

The back of my warm hand slides against my moist mouth. Ew. I must have been drooling. With that disgusting thought in motion, my brain registers that it’s time to get out of bed.

I drag in the crisp morning air, expanding my lungs to their limit. Then, I slowly release my breath as the realisation of my new life penetrates my foggy brain.

I am all alone and now single.

Devastation, confusion, and sadness are quickly replaced with anger.

He said he loved me and would always be there for me.

The ache in my chest spreads like wildfire—how can he leave me like this? Why? I rub against the pain right over my broken, shattered heart.

We have always been together, like two peas in a pod, since we met as three-year-olds out on the front nature strip when he moved in next door over fourteen years ago.

Now he is gone.

My mother saw my red, swollen, and tear-stained face yesterday afternoon. I cried so much that I became nauseous, angry, and devastated.

I caress my warm naked flesh, feeling a slight difference in what used to be a flat belly, now puffy and tender. How in the world is this even possible? I still do not fully understand why he left.

Instead of yelling and screaming at me in disappointment or making me feel like a stupid, irresponsible teenager, my loving mother sat me down. She held me in her caring, warm embrace while I cried, submerged in a broken girl’s shattered life.

We sat on my bed, and I shared my break-up story, how my boyfriend ended our fourteen-year friendship, packed his bags, and left town.

You’re probably wondering why I would be this angry and emotional. Chances are I am being overdramatic regarding my missing-in-action next-door neighbour, Drake—right? Well…maybe, but first, let me explain a few things.

My ex-boyfriend—Drake Smithlyn. All six foot three, with a hard muscle-ripped body. He had a firm jaw, straight nose, scruffy, short golden brown hair, and the most panty-dropping smile, with his kissable and lickable lips.

The one who whispered in my ear that he had loved me since we were five. The one who always looked out for me, taking care of me—acting as my protector. He was right by my side as if we were joined at the hip.

Anyway…because Drake and I had been together for as long as I can remember. We loved one another and decided we were old enough to further our friendship and become lovers. From virgin best friends to a loving couple until yesterday morning. Which became one of the most embarrassing moments of my life and probably one of the most traumatic.

You see—Drake’s live-in guardians, Lucile and Michael, had just caught us while making love for the last time in his bed. Oh yes, major embarrassment and mortification all rolled into one.

They banished Drake from my life because his guardians saw him drink my blood while in ecstasy, like a vampire.

One of the last things I had said to Drake while encased in his strong, muscled arms was, ‘And if I find out I am pregnant, I will hunt you down and kick your arse.’

Only for Drake to reply, ‘Sorry, baby, but I come from a special family.’ And because of this ‘special family,’ I could never conceive a child with him.

I had been in shock, thinking about how he could be so blasé of such an essential detail regarding pregnancy. Especially when I discovered Drake had not been using protection when we made love.

After discussing everything with my loving mother, and I mean everything, Mum shook her head in shock. She had mumbled about something regarding Dark Ones. Whatever that meant.

You see when I had also explained to my mum how Drake had this blood fetish, and for some unknown reason, I enjoyed tasting Drake’s blood—well, Mum got up and walked out of my room, repeating, ‘It is time to tell her.’

At the time, I had worried for Mum, thinking that all my teenage life-ending break-up stuff might be too much for her to cope with, and she had finally flipped her lid.

Until I saw her back at my bedroom doorway, gripping a dark object between her hands. Mum strode towards me with a concerned look, presented me with an old, dirty, dust-covered book, and said, It is time, Alexia. This book now belongs to you.

I wondered what was going on with Mum and this strange book. As I scanned the faded, stained cover, I soon learnt I had a more prominent family than I had ever dreamt about, covering a significant, dark family secret. With my heart beating double-time, my mind was ready to shut down because of the revelation of this secret.

If I had been wearing socks, they would have blown right off my feet, or I would have been encased in a padded room while adjusting to a new life with a new jacket—a straight jacket.

As the weird, strange, and highly unbelievable truth emerged, I soon discovered my mother and her female side of the family came from a long line of Dark Ones.

These so-called Dark Ones are just like the creatures you can see on late-night television shows and written in fiction fantasy books.

A world of paranormal.

A world hiding behind the myth of vampires.

Oh, yes—Vampires—Dark Ones are born into this world, not turned.

A world I would have learned all about with my upcoming eighteenth birthday. The knowledge of Dark Ones. These mystical vampires, what I am now becoming, with no adverse reactions to the sun.

I have no sharp, pointy teeth that I am aware of and no blood hunger. Okay, I enjoyed the erotic taste of Drake’s blood.

Mum mentioned I had set in motion, becoming what she had decided not to become—a Dark One.

Instead of organising a double eighteenth birthday party with my parents and Drake during our current school holidays. With trepidation racing through me, my mother and I will leave for our long trip this morning.

A driving trip into the unknown and to meet this so-called secret family in a land hidden far, far away. A secret kingdom named Darshia.

We’re leaving my father behind to continue his everyday life while mine spirals out of control as if I am the star attraction in Twilight Zone.

With my bladder ready to explode, it is time to empty it before I pee myself. Before meeting Mum downstairs, I must brush my teeth, shower, and dress.

I run my tongue over my teeth, searching for those sharp, vampiric teeth I will be sporting.

I’m still not finding any sharp, pointy teeth in my mouth. So, still not believing my mother’s wild story, I’ll play along for now and keep pretending until I can see proof about the supposed Dark Ones.

Oh, crap on a stick! The sensation of movement in my throat is not good. While my mouth increases to water, I keep swallowing, but I do not think it will do any good.

I quickly covered my mouth.

Pressure builds in my throat.

Damn, I’m going to hurl.

CHAPTER TWO

Are we there yet?

Despite feeling sick from lack of sleep and a possible bug, I’m relieved my mom didn’t get sick, too. We finally arrived at our destination as my mom pulled the car onto the short dirt driveway.

My thoughts are—You have to be kidding me! The perfect place to dump a murdered body.

In front of us, in the middle of nowhere, is a decrepit old building amongst thick, dense forest and bush with an open area for car parking.

I turn enough to watch Mum and ask, So… this is the place, huh?

She nods and hesitates before replying, Well, according to the directions, we have arrived, that is. She bites her lip between her teeth. Somehow, I have the feeling she was expecting something else. If this is all there is, Mum will be extremely disappointed.

I glance towards the weird, dark, old building. Who would build something like that on a deserted, narrow road? The place feels really creepy, dark, and mysteriously secluded. Did I say it feels creepy here? This better be our destination!

Mum glances towards the car’s front dashboard and rereads the directions from her ancient family journal. The infamous journal is lying flat and open, staring at the sky. This mysterious secret journal has been passed down from one generation to the next, recording the birth of each new daughter. It seems this line of Dark Ones mainly gives birth to girls, and the female line takes the royal throne.

It’s amazing what one learns when thrown into a world of make-believe. With multiple apologies for hiding such a big secret, Mum reminded me the journal would have been presented to me on my eighteenth birthday, just as she had been. With a nod of her head, she lifts her chin. Her gaze travels from one end of the car park and back to the old building, allowing the idling car to roll forward.

As we listen to the tires on the stone ground and look at the dilapidated one-story building, I imagine it could have been a timber hunting lodge at one time or another. Mixed feelings, including apprehension, fill me, knowing we are closer to meeting the Dark Ones.

The car stops meters from the front of the building, and Mum cuts the engine. It’s time to stretch out my tired, cramped legs as I peel myself from the car and continue to scan the area, taking in our surroundings. So far, I don’t notice anyone around, yet I feel someone is watching us.

I turn towards Mum and notice a determined expression on her face as she exits the car. Her face glows with excitement as she prepares to meet her long-lost vampire family, a family she’s been dreaming about since she was eighteen.

It doesn’t take Mum long to have her phone in her hand with a smile plastered on her face—I bet it is Dad she’s texting with our latest update. It seems this was the only way for Mum to keep Dad safe and prevent him from accompanying us into the world of Dark Ones.

On our journey, Mum stooped low enough to send Dad a pic of me in an ugly pose, throwing up on the side of the road. Personally, I think the two of them have a bet going on to see how many times I throw up by the time we arrive. Yeah, my parents can be amusing at times. At least eating dry, savoury biscuits and drinking ginger ale helped to settle my queasy stomach.

I shake my head at their conspiracy, looking back at the enormous double cast-iron gate held by wide columns. The columns have a big wire cyclone-type fence, disappearing amongst the trees and bushes in either direction. Yeah, and I bet the fence is electric as well.

Okay, I can hear a slight hum, proving the fence is electric. Plus, the razor barbs at the top of the big cyclone fence would give anyone the impression that they were not welcome.

The hair on the back of my neck rises as a slight buzz and pressure begin in my head, warning me someone is approaching. I casually turn my head towards Mum. We glance at one another before turning towards the sound of the approaching footfalls.

With my feet slightly apart, my body is ready for any action. My dad’s words move to the front of my mind. ‘Look after your mother, Alexia; you know how to fight and protect and always remember, do not play by the rules if you’re ever in trouble’, gotta love, my dad.

He knows I can fight. After all, I am excellent at street fighting, kickboxing and martial arts. The extra moves Dad taught me are my secret weapon. I hope to be hard to beat with all this on my side.

I bring my attention back to the sound of the approaching footsteps. Two neatly dressed men in dark, expensive-looking business suits casually approach us, reminding me of the movie Men in Black, from their dark sunglasses down to their black polished shoes. I bet they are steel-capped as well.

I casually eye the two men in their suits, noting how well they fit and how they outline their hard-muscled bodies. If only this were an ordinary day, these two men would be right up there looking exquisite. But alas, these two men in black do nothing to pique my interest while in my nauseated state. Sad really. Mentally slapping myself, I had better focus on these two strangers before they do something to us while I stand here looking stupid.

Eyeing them from head to toe again to sense if they mean us harm. So far, the vibe is friendly, even though they look tough. They better be the kind of men to ask questions first without shooting us first. Time will tell with the slight bulge under the suit jacket on. The guy on my left is very much armed.

Regarding a physical fight, I’m your girl. But up against guns and bullets, not so much. I am beginning to feel nervous—as a bead of sweat rolls down my back—it is time to focus.

Mum impatiently taps her foot, fed up waiting for either man to speak. Our eyes meet, and her sharp brow raises. All I want to do is burst out laughing. At this point—that would not be a wise move.

Mum squares her shoulders and says in her professional, business lawyer voice, Gentlemen, I take it you work for the Queen. Queen Alexettia? We require a meeting with her as soon as possible. Can you arrange that? I try not to smile as the two men stand there dumbfounded. Well, can you assist us? she demands.

Their faces change slightly as if they are listening to someone, or maybe that mind interference stuff. While driving here, my mom tried to explain that Dark Ones have a unique ability to communicate with each other using their minds.

After a few minutes of them looking at one another and looking off into space a few times, they focus back on us. The guy on the left stands there, eyeing us up and down with a stupid smirk as if he is undressing us with his eyes.

Okay, this is awkward and highly uncomfortable, and the one on the right nods and speaks in a loud, deep voice, We have confirmation from our Queen. You may enter Darshia and drive straight to the royal castle. Someone will be there to greet you and escort you both to where you need to go.

Okay, we’ve been given the green light, but where do we go? While keeping these two men in my field vision, I glance back at Mum and give her the ‘let’s go look’. She gives me a quick nod in reply.

Thank you, gentlemen, my mother politely says before turning for the car. With each step, I monitor the two men in the reflections of the car windows until we are safely seated back inside the car.

As the gate swung open, I noticed several security cameras facing us. At least now I know how they saw us coming. Mum drives through the open gate.

Here goes nothing, she murmurs and presses down on the accelerator. I nod to her words and watch the massive gate silently close behind us in the car’s side mirrors. We drive along a narrow, dark blue path with tall trees surrounding us. A strange feeling washed over me; the car jolted a little, and our surroundings seemed to change slightly in appearance.

Without looking at Mum, I asked, Did you just feel that? I think something just happened? With my hand covering my inflamed belly, I hope what I have eaten last does not decide to make an appearance.

Mum replied quietly, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore. Emotion fills me. I don’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry at Mum’s metaphor and nod. Whatever just happened, we are no longer where we had started—near that creepy carpark.

The more we travel, the darker it gets, with the thick foliage overhead creating a tunnel-like illusion. I turn and look over at Mum. The light of the car dashboard illuminates her face as I give her the how much further we go expression. Mum replies, with her, we will be there soon look.

See, my mum, and I do not have to talk. We can speak with just the look on our faces. The change in vibration and sound of the car’s engine informs me that we have increased speed. So, Mum put her foot down on the accelerator. At least that is one way to arrive at our destination quicker.

Several minutes pass by, and the trees thin. Small, elegant townhouses appear. As we travel farther, buildings outnumber trees. This place is a whole different world. There are no slums here by the appearance of these beautiful houses; they look exceptionally well built and sturdy, with no deterioration. They seem to look from another era and time. No expense spared.

The lack of people along the streets dawns on me, and I wonder where everyone is. The farther we drove, the more I observed the different styles of houses and the scenery. Mum’s voice breaks the quiet. Alexia, before we reach the castle, I must explain a few things to you.

Okay, now she has my attention. This seems important. Turning in my seat, I faced Mum. The features on her face changed from excited to serious.

Alexia, since we pulled up at the front gate, has your head felt funny? Uh-oh, serious talk in progress. As she mentioned the vampire reading minds thing, I remember her saying how I seem to be able to block a mind attack naturally. I just hope that is still the case.

That reminds me, note to self: Read the family journal with all the extra information regarding Dark Ones. Thinking back to the front gate, I remember feeling pressure in my head and a buzzing sensation, but then I did what I seemed to do naturally, and the pressure stopped. However, every so often, I feel the pressure start again.

Okay, what is she trying to tell me? Mum, just come out and say it because, yes. I have felt pressure in my head quite a few times since we pulled up at the front gate, right up until you asked. So okay, what gives? Is this what you tried to explain about a vampire trying to invade my head or something?

She peeked at me, smiled a little, and turned her eyes back to the road while her eyebrows dipped and rose again with her thoughts.

Yes, Alexia, that is exactly what I meant. It seems someone is very determined to look into our minds. I hope you remember to block them because I do not want people to know who we are. It might not be safe for people to know who we are. By the way, you must remember to address them as Dark Ones, not Vampires.

Oops. Note to self—Dark Ones, with an eye roll for good measure.

While taking a slow, deep breath and slowly releasing it, my thoughts continue in a rush of confusing aspects. To believe, this just about comes under the category of madness, delusion, weird, and unbelievable on every level.

Somehow, I learned about keeping our identity secret, especially when Mum did not mention who we were to the two guards at the front gate. It seemed to me they did not know who we were. Plus, they did not address us by our names.

I continue my reply, Yes, Mum. It had already crossed my mind, and yes, I have been very busy blocking my thoughts. My fingers absently rub my temple. Whoever it is, they are very determined to access my head. What has me wondering is when those two men back there kept having that vague look on their faces. It looked like they might have been conversing with someone in their head.

Her eyes and mouth opened wide, and her reaction to my news confirmed my suspicions. Vampires, oops, sorry, Dark Ones, are not to be trusted. Whoever they are, if they want to know something, they will need to ask me verbally, to my face.

Great, I am already annoyed with vampires in general. Damn, I must remember to address them as Dark Ones, not Vampires!

Mum’s voice is breaking through my dressing down to myself. Whoever it is, we would be best to always watch ourselves while here.

I had come to the same conclusion when the two men kept having that faraway look on their faces.

Anyway, enough of that. How are you feeling? Her tone was full of concern. Are you still feeling nauseated? Would you like some more dry crackers to munch on? She looks down at the empty box of dry biscuits I have steadily been eating to avoid nausea. She smiled and slowly shook her head at my predicament as my belly loudly grumbled in the confined space of the car. Don’t worry, Alexia. We are just about there. I think that is the castle up ahead of us.

I changed my focus to match Mum’s. A structure appeared behind trees and buildings; the closer we got, the clearer it became. It is a massive, old, dark stone castle with high outside walls and tall, narrow windows.

Leaning forward in the car seat, I peer through the windscreen, seeing the multi-level towers inside the high walls. They are just like the ones you see on TV, from Europe, built hundreds of years ago. Wow! This place is just… wow. At least it doesn’t look like the old-style Dracula castles in the movies, but boy, is it big.

The castle does not even look out of place here. Ha, go figure. Towering over the other surrounding buildings, this is no small town. As far as I can see, I take in all the structures of various heights, shapes, and styles. Darshia appears to be its own city in its supernatural world. From what I can see, Darshia is more significant than my hometown, which is saying something. I cannot wait until I can see all of Darshia and meet other people my age. This place might have been my home growing up if I had been born here. It is impressive.

Looking up at the castle in awe, I pity the staff who would have to clean this gigantic monstrosity; it would take all day. It must be worth a fortune. Are Dark Ones rich, I wonder? Little goosebumps rise along my arms with the reality of the whole vampire, oops, sorry, Dark One and giant castles, situation. This whole thing is becoming too overwhelming.

Okay, Alexia, suck it