I Love You, I Need You Not - Chapters 1 to 3

Chapter 1
Azalea rubbed her temples as she watched her so-called "friends" approach her casket. She barely knew the people and they always hated her. She wasn't a moron and they weren't very good actors. Invisibly, she skirted the whole procession, watching her human form plunge deep into the Earth never to be seen again.
Oddly, the sight didn't upset her. She felt numb and sooner than later she found herself soaring through the sky off to let boy toy number one wipe away her worries. When she landed on the outdoor balcony she took a few deep breaths and walked through the bedroom doors.

"So she finally returns. How is my butterfly doing?"
Azalea smirked at the nickname and fell onto the empty space next to him.
"I hate fake people as much as I hate real ones."
"Aw don't be so cynical. The fake ones are fun; you can dispose of them easily and not feel bad about it." He smiled darkly to himself at some old memory.
"Shut up and make me feel better," she softly tugged at his lip.
Jace looked down into her emerald eyes and felt a certain emotion he hadn't felt in a while. Love. If he had a heart it would've skipped a beat. How could this happen? This is impossible... How could someone who doesn't love them self be capable of such a thing? This is going to be a disaster, he thought to himself, but right now I'll just go with the flow....

Azalea ripped Jace's shirt off with a sudden passion, and he gasped. A sweet surprise she was.
Jace erased all of her unease until the very moment he began to bitch about orange juice again. Azalea grumbled something about being a moronic dog and pulled some cash out of her pockets. "Look, you see this? Its money; take it and go buy your own god damn orange juice!" He frowned and took the money. "Well you could've said it more politely at least."
"By the way, what kind of vampire are you? I mean you're supposed to be obsessed with blood not orange juice duh."
"Open a vein and let's go. I try not to abuse your willingness to let me feed off you but if you insist...." A sudden knocking on the balcony door made them both jolt. "It's the stupid messenger owl again."

"Always interrupting when things get steamy...."
Azalea stepped forward and motioned for the regal bird to perch on her shoulder. With great elegance, the owl glided to her and dropped the paper into her hands. With its task completed the owl hooted loudly and quickly left the now silent room.
"Well do you want to read it now or later?"
Jace tossed the paper aside and took her into his arms.
"Later... Much, much later."
Azalea giggled as they fell onto the bed together. Everything was going great until Jace suddenly got too passionate. He tore into her neck and she could feel the excruciating pain as he took her blood for his own. Using much force, Azalea managed to kick him off her so quickly, he slammed into the wall. She glared at his surprised face and defensively got to her feet.

"What the hell Jace? Get out of my apartment. Now."
"Azalea, I didn't mea.." He ducked as she threw a vase at his head.
"Get out!" She stood in the corner her face flushed and blood running down her neck.
"I'm sorry."
"If you don't get out right now you will never see me again. That's a promise." She pointed angrily towards the door. Jace bowed his head in shame as he shuffled out of the room slowly. Once he reached the door and stepped one foot outside, Azalea slammed the door shut behind him and locked it.
Ouch, he thought to himself. Now running more quickly, as vampires do, Jace zoomed through the forest trying to forget what he had just done. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the money Azalea had given him for orange juice.
"Next stop: Publix." He said to no one.

Rowan smirked as he saw his faerie magic do his dirty work. "Now she'll defiantly have time to play my games."
He landed on the outdoor balcony and watched as she walked out of the bathroom and laid on the bed. He tapped on the door and watched as she jolted upwards.
"I knew I smelled a rat," Azalea growled as she saw Rowan's sweet smile through the window.
"What are you talking about sweetie? Can I come in?" he opened the door before she could reply and joined her in the room.
"No. You can leave. I wasn't born yesterday. I know faerie magic when I see it."
She walked over to the mirror and rubbed the puncture marks.
"Babe, come on, you're over reacting."

Azalea growled and shoved him out onto the balcony.
"You really don't want to piss me off, okay sweetie?" She said with an icy smile. Rowan frowned and shuffled his feet. "Look I just wanted to get your attention..." Azalea sighed and prayed for patience that seemed to slowing be leaving her.
"Well, next time do it when someone's fangs aren't sunk into my vitals, okay?"
She slammed the door shut and let the shades block out the sight of him. She stood there in the semi-dark room breathing in and out. Five minutes passed and Rowan's shadow could still be seen standing outside her curtains.
He only wanted my attention... I mean sure it was mean and stupid but Rowan would never maliciously hurt me. He likes it rough...., thought Azalea smirking.

Walking over to the door she grabbed the handles and swung them open. Like a shining knight Rowan stood there with such a sincere vulnerability. He opened his mouth to apologize but Azalea silenced him.
"So I leave for not even a week and your tongue is down sparkles throat."
Daniel leaned on the wooden banister with a frown on his face and disappointment in his eyes. Azalea sighed and looked over Rowan's shoulder into her werewolf boy toy's gray eyes.
Rowan gave him a screw off glare and Azalea patted Rowan's chest lightly.
"Maybe you should leave Rowan."

"No that's okay I'd like to stay." He plopped onto her bed and made himself at home.
Azalea could see the muscles in Daniel's face tighten and his eyes darken.
"Whoa.. there, big boy. You know what you were signing up for when u kissed me back at Fennry's. You know I don't like green monsters." She sauntered up to him and bit her lip. A slow smile crept across his face and he replied, "I guess I just can't stand to see you with sparkle boy here when you could have a real man like me. My bad."
"Hey, I am still here you know, stop making sex eyes at her."
Daniel chuckled and stood up walking into Azalea's room.
"It smells like vampire in here. Been rolling around with Jace too huh?"
Azalea sighed and grabbed Rowan's hand leading him out onto the balcony.
"Look we'll get together later, okay?"

"Oh so you're letting him" Rowan began to retort until Azalea also added, "And you too Danny. It was good to see you both. I have you guy's digits and I'll call you as soon as possible. I'm really tired and I'd love it if you'd let me be. Jeez you guys make me exhausted."
Both the boys sulked for about ten minutes until they reluctantly left Azalea's apartment and all was quiet.
Azalea tidied up the place for a little bit until she got unimaginably bored. Rummaging through her purse she found her rinky-dinky Metro PCS cell phone, and quickly went to her contacts. The ring of the cell phone sounded eerily loud in the silent room and Azalea was relieved when Jace picked up on the fourth ring.
"Can't go without me for even an hour?"
"I'm bored and out of orange juice. Do you think you can bring me some?"
She could hear Jace smile over the phone. "Sure babe. Anything you need."

Chapter 2
Things were finally turning out for the best....

"Azalea. Azalea wake up," Azalea heard her name faintly as she drifted in and out of sleep.
"Five more minutes...." She pleaded with the intrusive voice.
The shadows began to swirl around in her mind and Azalea began to twist and turn in her sleep. Then everything clicked into place. She was seven again and her mom was waking her up. Smoke was swirling in dark clouds at the entrance to her door and she could hear her dad yelling from outside. Jolting awake, Azalea darted out of bed and ran downstairs. No.. no.. not again.... She thought.
Crazed screams rang from her backyard and Azalea couldn't sprint fast enough to the back door. Her mom had taken hold of her in the dream and passed her to her father who had blood stains all over his body. He coughed and grabbed for the seven-year old Azalea.

"Take her to them. They'll keep her safe. Go!" he shoved Azalea towards her mom and their rusty shed.
Azalea cried hopelessly. She couldn't save them. They were going to die and she was going to be saved because of them.
"Wake up Azalea. God dammit wake up!"
Azalea jolted upwards into Jace's welcoming arms.
"What the hell were you dreaming about?"
Azalea cried in despair over her dead parents.
"I couldn't save them. I never can..."
"Babe it's okay.... It's the past. I know it hurts but they saved you because they loved you so much."
"They deserved to live. Not me."

"Don't say that butterfly. They saw greatness in you. To be honest they made the right choice. I'd choose to save you over me any day."
Azalea looked up into Jace's eyes and sniffled. Her cheeks flushed under her tan skin. "Jace can I ask you something?"
"Sure anything...."
"Do you love me?"
Jace tensed and looked into her shimmering emerald eyes.

"Azalea..." He leaned in a kissed her gently. "If I said yes what would that mean for us?"
She smiled fully. "It means...." Then her smiled faded. "Jace you know what happens.... I can't do that to you."
"I don't care. Do you or do you not love me back?"
"I do." She hugged him tightly inhaling his sweet scent.
"Then I'll put up with the others."
"No green monsters?"
"Nope. I promise."
They fell onto the bed escaping into a world of bliss and passion.

Azalea was startled awake when she heard a loud rapping noise coming from the balcony door.
"Can I ever catch a break...?"
She stumbled towards the door and flung the doors open allowing sun to shine into her room.
"Gavin what an annoying surprise...."
"Hey good morning to you too. I just stopped by to tell you to read the messenger's note." He jutted his chin in the direction of the rolled up paper on the floor.
"I was getting to it.... How did you know about that?"
Gavin gave her a sly look and Azalea quickly understood. "Oh the owl was you...."
"Nice new boy toy by the way. His muscles are so dreamy," Gavin laughed as he shifted into a hawk and flew away into the morning sun.
"Who was that?" Jace asked as he entered the room with a glass of orange juice and a two slices of toast.

"No one, it was just an annoying bird that decided to peck on the balcony door."
Jace smirked and sat down on the bed patting the empty space next to him.
"Is that another name for Gavin?"
Azalea sighed and sat on the bed next to Jace. "You know me too well..."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that a bad thing?"
Azalea shook her head no and smiled blushing slightly. "It's a good thing..."
Jace smiled and leaned into Azalea. They sat there gazing into each other's eyes until Jace grabbed a piece of toast and put it to Azalea's lips. She smiled and nibbled the bread. The sweet moment lasted for only a few more seconds when she broke it by remembering the message.

Clearing her throat Azalea said, "Um.... Let's read the note."
"Sure." Jace grabbed the paper off the floor and handed it to her. Opening it, they were quick to notice the short girly handwriting scrawled on the page.
"Oh lord." Azalea smiled while reading the note.
"What?" and when Jace got no reply he added, "What? Azalea what is it?"
"It's from Macy. She's in town... and she found my cure."
Jace grabbed Azalea and hugged her tightly. Things were turning out for the best.

Chapter 3
"I've come with help."

Jace stared at her in shock letting her words entirely sink in. "You mean...."
Azalea nodded and smiled as tears began to slide down her delicate cheeks. "I'm finally free from this curse...."
And then he woke up. Jace sighed. That would be a miracle... he thought wistfully. He flipped over in bed expecting to see Azalea sleeping soundly but to his surprise she was nowhere to be found.
"Azalea?" he called walking around the apartment. To his confusion, the place was empty except for him. He scratched his head in frustration and walked down the hall calling her name again. No answer.

"Where could she have gone?" His question was answered when he saw a note on the fridge.
I'm out. Be back as soon as possible.
He scoffed and threw the note on the kitchen table. "Really? That's all she bothered to leave?"
He felt the familiar dryness in his throat, one that could not be sated until his fangs acquired the precious red liquid only humans had. Irritated, he grabbed an orange juice to-go and headed out into the summer air. I can just have one and be okay... until Azalea comes back, Jace thought as he clutched his throat uncomfortably.

Azalea rolled over slowly taking Rowan's arm off her waist. Rowan mumbled something incoherent and turned over onto his stomach. She hastily grabbed her clothes and threw up a glamor stepping onto his balcony.
"Leaving without saying goodbye how like you."
Azalea sighed and turned around. "I have to go and you looked so peaceful sleeping."
Rowan sat up letting the blankets fall around his waist. "Can I get a kiss goodbye?"
"No." Then Azalea fell from the edge of his balcony and began in the direction of her apartment.

Having to sleep around to survive was really taking a toll on Azalea's conscience. She knew who she loved and she knew she only wanted him but with such a curse, the bane of her existence was the soul of others.... Souls that could only be acquired through intimacy. She knew Jace promised not to be jealous because he knew the tough requirements of her curse, but Azalea knew if she were him, she'd be so jealous that heads would roll. Deep in thought she didn't hear the sound of Rowan approaching.
"I want a kiss Azalea."
Azalea laughed and acted as if she didn't hear him. He frowned and grabbed her arm stopping her in mid-flight, which wasn't a smart idea. She landed on the floor roughly and stood up quickly dusting herself off.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
He stepped forward; a possessive look in his hazel eyes. Azalea gasped and took a step back.

"I said I wanted a kiss Azalea." He grabbed her arm and she could feel his nail dig into her skin. Having enough of Rowan's possessive crap and the sudden surge of Rowan's raw soul coursing through her veins, Azalea was opting to throw up a fight. Flipping out of his grip, leaving him surprised, Azalea clawed Rowan's face and pushed his body away from hers. Now that they were both centered, Azalea with a fierce demeanor, Rowan with an enraged; the battle began. Both their wings unfurled in a deafening swoosh, and they took to the sky.
"You don't know what you're up against Azalea."

Azalea threw back her head and laughed harshly at his weak threat. "Oh I think I do babe."
Rowan flew forward and wrapped his hands around Azalea's neck. The breath left Azalea's lungs and she had to pry Rowan's meaty hands off her. Exchanging forceful kicks and punches, within minutes the Faeries bodies were battered and bruised. Rowan was becoming increasingly angry and increasingly excited by the fight. She laughed as she could see the pain scrawled across his face. Azalea was about to deliver a finishing blow to Rowan's chest when a purple ball of energy left his palm and hit Azalea square in the shoulder.

"Are you kidding me? Have you no honor? You are completely pathetic. I'm done here. You are not worth my energy." Azalea turned and flew away from Rowan steadily. She couldn't believe he was that sore of a loser that he had to result to magic to beat her. A faerie to a faerie that was disgraceful. That probably won't be the last time I see him... Azalea thought to herself. She looked at her battered clothes and sighed before noticing the pain growing in her shoulder. She looked at it and saw that blood was seeping from some kind of wound. She cringed and estimated if she would make it to her apartment with this wound. Her argument was eventually settled when black dots began to cloak her vision.
"Almost there...." She drew the last reserves of strength before losing consciousness and flung her balcony doors open before crashing into the bed and throwing Jace straight through the wall.
"What the.."

Jace was taken completely by surprise as Azalea came crashing through the glass doors to their bedroom looking like an avenging angel. Her body crashed into his with such an incredible force that he was completely breathless when they crashed into a wall and took it down. Dry wall and debris came crashing down around them and when Jace was able to see through all the rubble and dust, he primarily focused on Azalea's limp figure. Snatching her up with his swift vampire speed, he brought her to the living room and laid her on the couch.
"Azalea... what happened to you...." He said gently moving the hair out of her closed eyes.
His eyes searched her body for any serious injury and his eyes finally came to rest on the large gash on her shoulder. He cursed and flipped open his phone dialing his best friend's number.
"Hey, I need you to get to Azalea's place. Now." He hung up the phone and Felix popped up next to them on the couch.
"Whoa, what happened to her?"

"I have no clue. She came crashing through the doors at me and nearly broke my neck, taking me through the wall. It seems to me she got that," Jace pointed to Azalea's shoulder, "On her outing this morning."
"Okay.... Let me pick up some stuff from home I'll be back in 2 minutes. Give her water and pour some baking soda on her wound." Felix stood up hastily.
"Wait man. Baking soda?"
"Naw.. man I was just kidding. Just sit there and look pretty." Felix winked and vanished.
Jace smirked at his friend's uncanny humor and then looked at Azalea's face. Her expression was so serene it seemed as if she was unharmed and just laying their dreaming. He got up slowly and brought her water. Glancing at his watch, Felix would be there in 30 seconds.
He began counting in his head and then right on cue Felix returned with jars, herbal remedies, and some thread and a needle.
"I come bearing gifts my friend."

Jace smirked at the joke but he couldn't put aside the fact that Azalea was badly injured.
Felix had already begun to clean the wound and patch it up when he touched the needle to Azaleas skin her skin began to burn instantly and Felix cursed.
"Wrong needle...."
Jace cringed and barely stopped himself from killing his best friend right then and there.
"Why do you even have an iron needle Felix?"
Felix paused momentarily and grabbed the other needle. "I've been sent off to do... certain jobs."
Jace was about to ask what sort of jobs when Azalea seemed to come to and groaned in pain.

"Babe shh. It's okay I'm here. You're okay. You remember Felix... He's fixing you up," Jace crooned and stroked Azalea's sweaty face. She peered up at him through her thick eyelashes and faintly smiled through the pain. As quickly as she came to, did she pass out again under the agonizing pain brought by the stitches. Jace's eyebrows mashed together in concern.
"Hey Felix, you ever heard of Macy?"
"Yeah.... That witchy chick." Felix smiled oddly.
"Yeah... know where I could find her?"
"Sure. She's here actually."
Jace looked around incredulously, "Where?"
And Macy stepped from around the kitchen where she had been watching the tender scene. "Hello Jace. I've come with help."