The Healer's Guardian

Secrets in the Dark & The Black Rose

Prologue and Chapter 1

It started with a single touch, a taste and then a kiss. Her life was forever turned upside down. His touch was gentle as silk, his lips with a taste so irresistible and a bite completely desirable. The man had her completely enchanted by his dark silvery eyes and his lush body. Though for all this, she would have to trade one thing. When you say one thing, it makes it sound worth it, but truly this one thing... was her life.

Cascata Cole had a rather small audience assembled before her, Though even the small number of people had her mind racing. "What would they think?" She pondered to herself. Taking a deep breath she smiled. "We're waiting. I don't have all day so make it quick." Her boss said. "W-well." Cascata stuttered out, "What I have here is a new species of plant. It grows all year round except for spring. When all other flowers bloom, this one wilts and dies. Therefore I have decided to name it Velvet star." Cascata said. She took the sheet off the glass to show the flower. It was soft like a rose, blue in color but shaped like a star. "Very creative Cascata. I would like to see you in my office after this," her boss said getting up and left the room. Everyone else followed after him.

Walking in to the boss' office she took a seat. "It is a very unique flower, in fact, if you could grow enough we could be making a large profit. I can see it being a big hit. I want you to learn as much as you can about this... flower and make me money. If you do not succeed, I am firing you. I will give you five weeks to make me at least a dozen. Understood?" Her boss asked in a big rush. Cascata's eyes widened. "Sir, you can't be serious..." She replied. "I suppose if you think me not serious about this, you'll think me serious if I say pack your things." Her boss said with a smirk. "Sir, I accept your request. I'll get on it right away." Cascata said, turning to leave. "Oh one more thing, I'm promoting you. Don't make me regret it. Now go home and get to work." He said. Cascata smiled. "Thank you, Thank you." Cascata said.

When she arrived home, she went straight to work. Right up, until the moment her phone rang. "Hello?" She answered. "Hey girl. I was thinking tonight we should all go out for drinks. You in?" Her friend Lyra asked. Cascata pondered it for a moment. After she agreed and hung up, it was to the closet she went. Picking out a short black dress, she quickly curled her hair and looked in the mirror. "What am I doing?" She asked herself with a sigh. Cascata hadn't been out and party since... while ever.

Lyra and her boyfriend were parked outside. "Hey girl. Long time no see. Hop in so we can get a move on." Lyra said. Without a word, Cascata got in. Stories were traded between the three. Cascata missed the days of going out with friends and such. Maybe now that she had pretty much five weeks off, she would make more time for herself.

Arriving at the club, Cascata looked around. She looked to Lyra whom seemed pretty excited. "Come on, let's not just stand here. Who knows maybe you'll get luck and find a man." Lyra said with a wink. With that, she was gone, along with her boyfriend. Cascata sighed. "Wonderful. Stuck by myself." Cascata thought. Walking over to the bar, she sat down. "I'll have a Pepsi with rye please and thank you." Cascata said. After the bartender handed her drink to her. Cascata yet again scanned the club. What had she been thinking? Was coming here, really that great of an idea.

Finishing her drink, she got up and walked to the dance floor. She spotted a rather handsome man who had been staring at her since she'd arrived here. Walking over to him, she smiled. "Care to dance, or would you rather keep looking?" Cascata asked. The man smiled at her. "I'd love to dance with you beautiful." He said. As he grabbed Cascata's hand, she led him to the dance floor. Cascata had to admit, he was a rather amazing dancer. Suddenly a slow song came on. She bit her lip slightly. Dancing slow with a stranger wasn't her thing. Not even close. Yet somehow, she found herself twirling around the dance with this man.

After a while and a couple of drinks, Cascata allowed herself to go outside with the guy. "So, you live around her pretty girl, if you do maybe you and I can go.. Hook up." The guy said with a smile. Cascata understood fully what he meant. "I uh.. Live to far away." Cascata said. The guy grabbed her and pulled her close. "Then maybe you'd like it if we did it here and now." The guy said. Cascata was about to protest, but the guy covered her mouth and dragged her to the alleyway. He pushed her roughly against the wall. "Now you'll do as I say and we'll make this as painless as possible." He said. His lips collided roughly against Cascata's. She had no clue what to do. She heard footsteps approaching.

The guy pulled away and looked down the alleyway. "Hey dude she's mine, so stop being a peeping tom and get your tail end out of here." Said the guy. Down the alleyway was a tall, lean man. Cascata tried to move away, but this guy's grip only tightened. "Be smart and let the girl go." He said in a deep voice and oh god, the man had an accent. The accent caused Cascata's knees to go weak. The guy let go of Cascata and walked down the alley towards the man. "I said get out of here." The guy replied walking down the alley. Cascata took this as her chance to sneak down the alley.

Cascata had high tailed it as far as she could. After about four blocks, she took a breather and fished out her cell phone. Calling a cab, she sat down on the steps of a building. A man suddenly came up to her. It was the same man from the alleyway. "Are you okay ma'am?" The man asked. Cascata nodded. "I'm perfectly alright. Just a little shaken up. Thanks for asking." Cascata said looking the man up and down. He was tall and lean, with beautiful silvery eyes and auburn hair.

"Name's Ryan and yours is?" The man asked. "I'm Cascata, pleasure to meet you Ryan. Though I'm sorry it's on such... Poor circumstances." Cascata said. Ryan frowned. "I'm used to poor circumstances. Will you be alright to get home?" He asked curiously. Cascata pondered it and then nodded. "Unless of course the cab driver plans to jump me." Cascata said. Ryan's face dropped and Cascata couldn't help but laugh. "I'll be fine. Thank you for worrying stranger." She said. Ryan's mouth quirked up slightly, though it wasn't a complete smile. Cascata began to wonder if the guy ever smiled. Just then the cab pulled up. "While, goodbye good sir." She said. Getting into the cab she waved goodbye and off she went.

In bed that night, her mind kept wondering about the man. He was rather gorgeous, though that didn't mean all of them were as polite or sane as they seemed. Cascata had learned that first hand tonight. It was most definitely something that would haunt her for a while. Dating was definitely not for her. Getting up, she went to the kitchen to water her flowers. Making herself a cup of tea, she sat down on the couch and watched the TV. Her mind was reeling too much for her to sleep. Watching a romance movie, she sat cozy in her blanket. Finally, when her mind was at rest, she fell asleep.

A week had passed since her encounter in the club. She had refrained from her friends invites, to go out and drink. Cascata much preferred the safety of her home. It was much to dangerous for her to be out. Or so she mind told her anyway. Sitting at her computer, she typed up her work. With a yawn she looked at the time. It was late, but she was restless.

Getting her coat on, she went outside. The air was cool and the streets were empty. Making sure she had her cell phone, she walked down the street. Humming quietly to herself, Cascata went to the park. Sitting down she pulled her legs up. She wondered about Ryan. She hadn't talked to him much and was already enhanced by his dreamy looks. She wondered if he was gay. No guy could look that hot and be straight. Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, she rose. Coffee would most likely be good and make her tired.

Once she was done with coffee, Cascata returned home. She hated how empty her house was, though she didn't really care. It was the best she had. She had no time for cats or dogs. Going to her room, Cascata relaxed and dressed into PJs. Going near her bed, she plopped down and closed her eyes. She was tired. Rolling to look at the ceiling, she made a decision. From now on, she would push away her fears and face them. Though at the moment, going to sleep was her best option and so she did. 

Ryan finds himself with somewhat of a problem... 

Ryan paced the halls of his mansion. It was located upon a hill. The maids ran up and down the halls. The mansion was a bustle and Ryan just wanted it too quiet. His mother was planning a large banquet. She wanted Ryan to find a wife. Though Ryan did not.

A woman of pure beauty was on his mind. A week had passed since he had seen the beautiful lass. Unfortunately, when he met her, she hadn't been in the best situation. "Such fowl men," the thought went through his mind.. He would never understand the way human men could be so harsh towards such a beautiful woman.

"Ryan, you must go downstairs. Mother is expecting you," His older brother, Tyson said walking towards him. Just as Ryan got ready to bolt the other way, his father stood in the way. "Now Ryan, you have a duty to up hold. Dress and meet us downstairs in five minutes." Ryan's father said in a stern voice. It seemed he'd have no choice. Being out numbered was just unfair.

Ryan had taken his time getting ready, he'd never been the type to listen to others completely. "Ryan, you high-tail it in there now. Your mother is having a fit sir," said one of the maids. This maid was one of Ryan's favorite people. She had raised him when his mother would not. Being Royalty to some extent sucked. Walking into the ballroom, everyone stopped talking as he entered. Ryan hated the socially awkward feeling. "Please, pay no mind to me. Go back to your chatter." Ryan said as he walked over to his mother. "Ryan my dear son, nice of you to finally join us, I must introduce you to someone." His mother said. A girl stepped out from behind Ryan's mother. She had long blonde hair with crystal like blue eyes. Though Ryan found no interest in her. "Ryan, this is Lady Winfred Renata Massina," his mother said. Ryan gave a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you." Ryan said.

Winfred smiled at Ryan. "Pleasure to meet you as well sir. Would you like to dance?" She asked. His mother gave him a look, so to please her he said, "Of course my dear. Though I believe it is, I whom should be asking you the same." Ryan said. Taking her hand, he lead her out to the floor. As they danced, Ryan pictured Cascata in his arms rather than Winfred. He pictured Cascata's beautiful red hair and her dazzling violet eyes. A sigh escaped his lips. "Do you believe in love at first sight?" Winfred asked. Her voice broke Ryan out of his daze. As he looked at her, he pondered the question. "My dear, if you are imply that you believe you love me, then you've not yet learned what love is." Ryan said. Winfred stopped dancing and just starred at him. "Are you implying that I am not able to define what I feel?" She questioned him. "No, of course not dear, I am simply implying that you cannot yet love me, if you do not truly know me." Ryan said. Winfred nodded slightly and looked down. "I suppose you are right Ryan." She said.

With a sigh, Ryan took her hand. "Come, I want to show you something." He said. Winfred smiled as Ryan lead her out to the balcony. " When you look up into the sky, what do you see?" He questioned her. Winfred looked up. "I see the beautiful stars twinkling, and the moon shines bright as the sun." Winfred said. Ryan nodded. "There are millions of stars, Winfred dear. Though there is but only one moon. I am not your moon Winfred dear. For I am one of the stars. Only one of the millions that are surrounding the moon. Blocking you from seeing the beauty of your moon." Ryan said with a smile. Winfred nodded. "Such a genius man, yet you are single. How is that so?" Winfred asked. "I believe in finding my moon." Ryan said in a soft tone. With a smile, Winfred turned away and walked off into the ballroom, leaving Ryan to stand alone.

Morning came quick the next day. Ryan was up bright and early. He would be working today, there was no way out. Walking down to the dining room, Miss. Elise, the maid, looked at Ryan. "Good morning sir. Did you sleep well last night?" She questioned him. "Of course Elise." Ryan said as he sat on the table. Ryan's mother stalked angrily into the room. "Ryan, how could you send that poor woman off on her own? You are a disgrace." Ryan's mother shouted. Ryan did his best to ignore her, all until his mother came and slapped him upon the cheek. She had his full attention at that point. "You are no gentleman, have we not raised you better my child? Do you not understand the full trouble I went through last night?" His mother asked. Ryan looked at her. "I do understand mother. Though it is not as though I have asked you to do so." Ryan said, his anger spiking as well. Feeling his fangs press against his mouth, he rose from the chair. "Madam, please calm down. You as well Ryan, arguing with each other will help you none." Elise said. Ryan's mother locked on Elise. "Do not speak out of being asked Madam," his mother said. With that, Ryan sneaked out of the room.

Ryan dressed for work and walked downstairs to the entrance. Elise came around the corner. "Sir, have you eaten yet?" Elise asked him. Ryan looked at her and smiled. "Not yet, but I shall find time later." Ryan said. Elise shook her head. Walking up to Ryan, she drew a blade from her pocket. "Elise, let me," he said quietly. Lowering his head to her neck, Ryan fangs slipped into her flesh. Elise gently put her hand on the back off Ryan's head. "There we go child. Just be careful as to not drink too much. Your mother will have a fit, if work does not get done around here." Elise said. Ryan slowly drank as his eyes closed. He knew they were most likely red, though he could do nothing about it. It was natural instinct to kill and like a fire, it burned inside him. A thirst waiting to be quenched.

Once Ryan arrived at work, he sat down at his desk. "Mr. Hudston, telephone call on line five," said his secretary. "Thanks Reda." Ryan said. He picked up the phone. The call was from a police down at the station. There had been a fight, that broke loose out in the streets. It had happened only an hour before he had arrived at work. He couldn't really understand why the call had not been made earlier. Though he wouldn't say a thing about it. Hanging up the phone, Ryan looked at Reda. "I want Kade and Gareth out on call this instant. On the corner of first and seventh." Ryan said. Sure enough, Reda disappeared from sight. Ryan leaned back in his chair and started doing some paperwork.

Reda came in an hour later. "Sir, I think you should take a break eventually. Would you like some coffee?" Reda asked. Ryan shook his head. "Reda, come in here and close the door on your way in." Ryan said. Reda hesitantly shut the door and approached Ryan. "Sir, is something not to your liking?" Reda asked. The lady had short curly brown hair, with an average from and dark brown eyes. She was far from Ryan's type, though she would have to do. "Reda, I have a thirst inside me. Will you help me quench it?" Ryan asked. His fangs popped out from his gums. Reda walked over to Ryan and sat upon his lap. "Of course sir. Thought would we not get in trouble. Doing this in your office I mean?" Reda asked. Ryan smiled at her. "It's not that type of thirst Reda." Ryan said.

His fangs easily sunk into her neck. Ever since he had seen Cascata, had smelt her wonderful blood, his thirst had become more urgent. Though for now, he'd have to deal with his maid and office people. Once finished, Ryan erased Reda's mind. He couldn't allow her to remember what had happened here. It was to risky. "Sir, did you need me for something?" Reda asked curiously. "Yes, I would like a cup of coffee please." Ryan said trying to sound impatient. Reda smiled and walked out of his office. With a sigh, Ryan relaxed.

After work, Ryan decided going for some food, wouldn't kill him. He could intake human food, so on a last-minute decision, he went to a cafe. It was rather small, but in a quiet neighborhood. Something of which Ryan appreciated at the moment. The smell of his coffee didn't quiet warm him though. Ryan looked at his watch. There was still an hour or so till he was to go back home. Taking that into consideration, he grabbed his coffee and rose for his chair. Walking out of the cafe, he headed for a quiet park.

Upon arriving at the park, Ryan sat down on a bench and looked around him. It seemed peaceful enough for his liking. Smiling to himself, he looked up at the clouds, only to quickly look away and back to his coffee. With so much time on his hands, what was there to do? He was supposed to be looking for a woman to associate with, would be wise. That was when a familiar scent caught his attention. As faint as it was, Ryan knew right away what it was. Cascata's blood.

Getting up from the bench, Ryan walked towards the smell. What he saw, didn't please him whatsoever. A vampire, not much younger than Ryan, was feeding off Cascata. Fire boiled in Ryan's blood. The urge to protect her surging to the top of his mind. Working as quick as he could, he approached and tore the vampire away from Cascata. The vampire quickly tried to latch on to Ryan's arm, though Ryan was quicker and had the vampire down on the ground within seconds. Raising his fist, he punched the vampire repeatedly. Grabbing a knife from his pocket, he stabbed the knife through the vampires neck cutting off his head.

Looking up at Cascata, he saw that the girl was frightened. Ryan knew his fangs and face had changed due to the scent of blood. "Oh my god... oh my god." Cascata said shockingly looking at Ryan. Then as quick as she could, she ran off. Ryan knew he could go after her. Though he figured giving her sometime to take it all in would be best. Even if that meant letting her go right now. Ryan rose to his feet, blood covering his shirt. Perfect way to spend a boring evening. Now he would just have to figure out a quick way to dispose of the body. Grabbing the vampire and his head, Ryan found a dumpster and put it in there. Within an hour, it would turn to dust anyhow.

The Black Rose
'El Negro Se Levanto' - Cassie knows what she is, but acts like someone she's not.
El Negro Se Levanto that's what they used to call me 'the black rose'. I guess people called me that because of me and my twin sister. Everyone thought we were as beautiful as roses. I got called the black rose because most of the time I wore black. Now me and my sister don't talk, we live different lives. My name is Cassandra, but my mum and friends call me Cassie. My sister's name is Elizabeth. We don't get along because we have different point a views about what we are. I think we are types of monsters, but she thinks we are the creatures that are to live and survive forever.

We are vampires so I get the living forever part, but the drinking of blood is what I can't do. I live with my mum who is also a vampire, but she doesn't do the drinking of blood. We survive on artificial blood tablets. Elizabeth lives with my dad, grandmother and my brothers, which I have three of. There is Joshua the eldest, then Mark the second eldest and then there is Liam. My grandmother who tried to bring me back to the house but lost to the power I have inside me.

So my mum is getting remarried to the most nicest guy on the planet for humans. Anyway his name is James, he has four sons Dylan who is the oldest, then Sam who is in the year above me, then there is Joel who I'm in class with and then there is the sweetest of them all Declan who is six years old. He likes me and my mum and when my mum Eclair and James told us, they were getting married he started calling her mum from then on. To the boys I'm fifteen but really, I am 3215 just missed of the 3200 off not a big lie.

It's the day of the wedding, they went with a church wedding and I know what you're thinking, crosses and holy water but that's all make believe, my mum and James look so lovely up there. All I want to do is smiles and that makes the day even more special. Me and Dylan and Declan get along great but Sam and Joul don't like me much. They don't mind my mum. I guess they don't want a sister and when it means moving house as well and leaving all there friends on their street. The new house was massive, it had eight bedrooms with five bathrooms. It was great, Dylan got Sam and Joul to take the bedrooms on the first floor, him and Declan got the second floor, mum and James were on the second floor as well, I got the whole top floor to myself other than the guest bedrooms.

It was my first day at a new school. Sam and Joul left early so they didn't have to walk to school with me, so Dylan walked with me to school. Dylan's mates met him on the way, they were all nice to me. When we got to the school Dylan showed me to where the principal's office was. The principal said, "Well Cassandra, you will fit in greatly here, if you ever need to talk to me, my office is always open. Ok let's get you to class."

When I got to class I made a friend with the girl who sat next to me, her name was Jayne. Me and Jayne were in all the same classes so she showed me around. The day was going great until lunch. I asked Jayne, "Why is everyone staring at me?"

"Well it's because you look like Elizabeth and everyone is afraid of her."
Elizabeth came into the dining room, then Jayne tried to get me to move because that was where Elizabeth sat, but I didn't so when she came over and found me there, she had to make a big scene out of it.

"What in the hells name said you could sit there?"
Then Joshua, Mark and Liam came. They wanted me to move as well so I just sat there. Then Liam and Mark tried to pull me out of the seat. Then I just elbowed them in the stomach and said, "So nothing's changed, you still need Liam and Mark to try to get your own way but it's not going to work Lizzie." Elizabeth hated being called Lizzie so I called it her anyway.
"What did you just call me?"
"What I have called you all my life."
Then Joshua finally spoke up, "Cassie, how long's it been."
He had a smile, he always looked at me with.
"A while."

Author's Note

ignore grammar problems, what do you think of the dialogue