Birthday Wishes

Her birthday was fast approaching and Sunshine knew what she wanted more than anything in the world. Looking over at Draven as he slept, she questioned for the millionth time that afternoon how she was going to bring the subject up.

She knew in her heart of hearts that he would not be happy with her decision. At times she found herself wondering if he even liked being vampire. Then he'd turn around and so something so outrageously vampire that she questioned the questioning.

She lay back down and rested her head on his chest, daydreaming about what things would be like when she was turned. How romantic it would all be. It would be painful, that she knew for certain, but her life had been a study in pain. She was strong, she could handle it.

That was the thing about Sunshine, she could convince herself that she could handle anything. Sooner or later, things would explode and all the feelings she bottled up would rush out like a broken dam.

A few hours of daydreams later, Draven rose for the night. He pulled her on top of him and kissed her passionately. This was his usual greeting for his Sunshine. A moment of intense passion and deep love. A moment that on this night would be the memory she'd forget.

Their lips locked, her heart raced, he held her tightly to him and so it began. A journey that would lead to a lifetime of regret and heartbreak. Would he have made a different choice had he known the future? One would never know.

She pulled back from him with a shy smile. “Good evening Dusk. Sleep well?”

“Sunshine, I sleep like the dead.” He chuckled and ran his hands through her hair, brushing it back from her face. “What has you in such a good mood love?”

“Well, I figured out what I want for my birthday,” her smile widened.

Arching a brow he tried to read her emotions before responding, instantly concerned by what he was finding. “What is it love?”

Kissing his nose she sat up in the bed and tucked her feet beneath her. “I want to be turned.”

Draven fought the instinct to growl, barely keeping the anger at bay that she would ask such a thing of him. “No.”

Instantly crushed, she stared at him as if he were a stranger. “What?”

“No.”

“But, Dusk, it's what I want. You can't just say no.”

“I can and I did Sunshine. Discussion finished.”

Glaring at him she fought to keep the tears hidden. “You can't just close this discussion. I want to be vampire. There's no reason I shouldn't be.”

“There are multiple reasons Sunshine. One being you're only sixteen years old. Another is I won't do it. Case closed.” Draven slipped out of the bed and dressed silently, knowing he'd hurt her.

She couldn't give up. She had to fight for this. Her reasons were good or good enough for her, she thought. “I'll be seventeen in three days. I've lived through more than most people do in their entire life and I want to be vampire. I want you to be the one to turn me. I trust you. I love you.” Her voice broke as the tears flowed from her eyes.

He turned back to face her, wishing he could take the pain from her, but knowing this was the right thing to do. For them both. “Seventeen is too young Sunshine. You know I love you. I love you more than I love anyone else, but I won't change my mind.”

“But, it's what I want. It's what I've wanted since the night I met you. Don't do this Dusk. Please.” Begging was not her style, and yet she found herself doing just that. She knew in her heart that if she were not turned, she'd not live to see thirty.

“You ask too much of me Sunshine. This is not a choice you can make. I won't turn you and I'll destroy anyone who does. It's for your own good love.” He turned back to her, buttoning his shirt and squashing his own sorrow at having brought her such sadness.

Throwing herself to the bed, she sobbed. He'd broken her heart and killed her dream with such simple words.

Draven left the room without speaking, letting her have the time to wallow in her misery. He hunted and returned to find her gone. Picking up the pastel stationary she wrote everything to him on, he felt tears burning the back of his eyes as he read the words.

Dusk,

I went home. At least there I know I'm hated. I know that I mean nothing to him. Don't call me. Don't come to my window, just leave me alone.

Always,
Sunshine.

The paper floated to the floor as her words sunk in. He'd lost her and wasn't sure he'd be able to find a way to win her back. In the back of his mind he knew. She was impulsive and young. She hurt deeply when she hurt. He knew that she needed time to calm down. Yes, he knew all of this.

Ten minutes later he stood outside of her father's home, determined to see her. If it meant killing him, then his death would come at the hands of her lover. She was his world, his very heart and he had no choice but to speak to her.

Draven knocked softly on the door and was surprised when Star answered. He looked down at the little girl he'd watched grow up the last few years and smiled.

Star pointed up the stairs and he sped past her knowing his time in the house would be short lived if their father returned. He didn't knock, there was no need, by then she'd already felt his presence. He found her crumpled on the floor in the corner of her closet. He knew from the stories she'd told that this was her safe place. The place she retreated to when her heart or body needed to mend.

He picked her up and held her to him, stroking her hair as he looked into her tear filled eyes. “Sunshine, this is not about my love for you. It's about my wishing to protect you. You're young love. Give yourself the chance to live. Experience life as human. I never had that chance. I wish you to never have regrets when the time comes.”

She said nothing in response. She stared at him for several long minutes before pressing her lips to his. It was the only response he needed. Sunshine was his and she would be forever.

To Be Continued.