Beyond the Woods - Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen

Chapter Sixteen

I ran across the sand and over to a huge blanket filled with food. Christian followed behind me in pursuit. I landed with a thud on the blanket and kicked my heels off. Christian sat next to me and placed his hand between mine as watched the waves roll down the shore. "The forest is your sanctuary, and this is mine," Christian said with his eyes still on the horizon. "I can see why, it's so entrancing." I replied. "I used to come here with my family, when things weren't as hectic. My brothers and I would play out in the water for hours. I haven't been here in years." Christian explained. "Thank you for sharing this place with me." I said. He looked at me and smiled but his smile said something more but I couldn't figure out what.

Since he was so kind enough to share his haven with me, I wanted to make this night special. "Come on," I said while trying to pull him up. "Where?" He asked. "Just come!" I yelled while running closer to the water's edge. He realized what I was about to do and ran after me. I pulled my dress up high to my knees so the water wouldn't soak it. Before he got in the water, Christian kicked off his shoes and pulled off his shirt, which revealed an attractive toned chest. I turned my head so he wouldn't see my face turn red then ran deeper into the water. He came up behind me and picked me up in the air and twirled me around. We were both laughing and splashing each other with water. I decided to forget about my dress, it was drenched anyway, so I let go of holding it and ran up to Christian. I threw myself into his arms and we fell down into the water. Now we were both sopping wet, but happy as could be.

The sun was beginning to set and he pulled me closer to him as the waves calmed down. Everything seemed picture perfect I wanted this moment to last forever. The sun was setting, the ocean was calm, and Christian and I were in each other's arms. I thought this night couldn't get any better until he leaned down and softly kissed me. From that moment on, I knew I was his.
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Chapter Seventeen

Christian's P.O.V

Everything tonight was absolutely perfect. Ava looked beautiful like always and I feel so wonderful when I am with her. Never, out of all my years of dating, have I ever felt this way about someone. She was outgoing and it didn't matter to her what other people thought, but she genuinely still seemed to care about everyone.
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With everything going on lately I was thrilled to finally have the chance for us to have some alone time. I thought by showing her my own sanctuary it would bring us closer; I was right.

I still am worried though, about her feelings for me. When I told her that I loved her last night she didn't respond back. Who could though? I mean there is so much stuff to take in right now. I thought my life was difficult but it doesn't seem so much when compared to hers.

I was still upset with myself for not coming out earlier and telling her how I felt. I don't share my feelings and neither does she. But in the end I finally told her out on the balcony and everything went perfect.

Another thing that bothered me was her feelings towards marriage. Everything she told me made sense, but I knew I wanted to write the next chapters of my life with her in them. I wanted to marry her no matter what, and if she wanted to wait a little while longer so be it.

I hope that I'm not driving her away by overprotecting her. I would kill myself if anything ever happened to her. I knew our rivals were coming for her. Dylan, the leader of a group of our enemies is rising in power. For years he has tried to overthrown both of our kingdoms but has been unsuccessful. Together our nations are dominant in power and we always prevail. But, if Dylan had a royal hostage the tables could turn. I wasn't sure though if he only wanted Ava for her placement in all of this. Whatever he was trying to start is not going to be good. All that matters now is that Ava is safe and our nation is protected.

I broke off our kiss after who knows how long. We were standing in the water for a while and the sun had finally gone down. I could feel her body shiver and knew it was time to go home. I took her hand as we made our way back to the car and I put my jacket on her. She seemed overly satisfied and wore it like it was the best thing in the world.

Around an hour later we nearly home but we still had to drive through a bunch of trees to get there. Ava and I were talking when I felt my phone vibrate and I answered it. It was Sean with news about the intruder in the woods. "Christian, it's his scent. I don't know how we ever let him get this close but it is him." "Damn," I replied. Ava looked up at me concerned. "What's wrong?" She mouthed. "Hold on," I said back to her. I noticed that she was shivering so I leaned forward, trying to turn on the hot air for her.

She thanked me with a smile and held my hand while staring into my eyes. I was still listening to Sean talk when I heard her scream, "Christian look out!" I glanced forward and saw a figure standing clear out in the middle of the road. Without thinking I slammed on my brakes and the car flipped forward and began rolling down a hill. My only thought was Ava as I heard her piercing scream come from the side of me. At this point there was nothing I could do until the car came to a halt. I knew it was Dylan in the road, why did I stop? I should have run his ass over, even though a car would barely hurt a vampire.

I used my arms to shield Ava as our car continued to fly down the hill and crash against a tree in the woods. Abruptly the car jolted to a painful stop as it hit a huge tree. I had scrapes and already forming and disappearing bruises but my health was no concern. I looked over towards Ava and cried out in horror. She was helplessly leaning forward unconscious. I smelt blood and saw a trickle flowing down from her forehead and bottom lip. "Ava, love wake up!" I yelled. I heard her moan. "That's right, wake up for me Ava." I tried reaching for her but my legs were pinned underneath the broken car. I could have used my supernatural strength but I was currently healing from my wounds and the angle at which I was pinned down made it harder. I saw a figure flash in front of the car. To my disgust Dylan appeared with a smirk on his face.

He opened the passenger door and began pulling Ava into his arms. "Don't you dare touch her, you asshole!" I screamed. "Oh Prince I just love seeing you so helpless like this." He chuckled while pulling Ava completely out of the car. "I have many plans with this one," He said. "I should take the time to kill you Prince, but I cannot afford to lose this beauty." Dylan said while looking down at Ava. "Let her go! I am going to kill you!" I screamed. Damn this car, I couldn't get loose. My temper was flaring as I saw this bastard walk away with my Ava in his arms. Before becoming completely out of sight I saw Ava's head over his arm. "Christian," she croaked while reaching for me with one hand. Slowly her body fell limp and I could hear Dylan's laugh from miles away as he disappeared into those retched woods with my girl. "Don't worry love, I will save you." I whispered more to myself knowing that she was out of hearing distance. And once I do, Dylan is a dead man.