Legacy of Secrets 01-Cursed Secrets by Lisa Logue Page A

honest, I don’t really know why it happens. I get overwhelming feelings and it’s like I can sense the molecules in the air or something. Sometimes it’s a slow vibration, like a purr. Other times it’s a heavy pulsing, like I’m wading through a pool of oil. Most of the time I can push it away if I can calm down, but when it happens like a few minutes ago, I’m suffocating. No matter how many breaths I take or what I do, I always have to move near a window or go outside,” I sighed and played with the bottle cap.
    “Maybe we can figure out a way to help you. If you know that controlling your breathing helps with the smaller occurrences than we know that there has to be a way to control the other ones, right? I want to help you, Lia. I’ll do my best to keep that promise to you.”
    “I’m flattered that you would offer, but I’ve been through therapy and have fought this for a long time; nothing has helped. What makes you so sure that anything you could do would help?” I said harsher than intended.
    “Maybe it wasn't the right kind of therapy. I know you’re afraid, but no matter what you say, I’m not going anywhere,” he tapped the tip of my nose. 
    “Alright I get it, you’re not going anywhere. So now since we’re out here, did you want to swim? It could be fun?” I shrugged. I couldn’t help the way my pulse sped up.
    “Sure. Let me go get my suit on and I’ll be right back. Did you want anything while I’m inside?”
    “Maybe a beer? If you don’t mind.”
    “Not at all. I’ll be right back,” he said walking backwards to the house.
    Christian
    I raced through the house after dressing and grabbed some towels and beer. I was afraid to keep her waiting. Stopping at a window, I watched her. She slid her shorts down, revealing a shiny black bikini bottom with interesting silver stitching. Her skin looked smooth and glowed in the sunlight. When she started unbuttoning her shirt my pulse quickened. She was truly beautiful.
    Her hair fell over her shoulder, exposing the side of her neck. My mouth flooded with venom and I turned away. Seeing her like that caused my excitement to get the best of me. Cursing myself, I knew I’d have to be more careful. Being alone with her at all was a challenge. I fought against a different kind of thirst, one I was unfamiliar with. What I wouldn’t have given to be human.
    Shaking out of my thoughts, I made my way back outside but stopped short when I saw her up close. The bikini definitely didn’t leave much to the imagination.
    “Christian, are you alright?” she hugged herself.
    “Yes, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help but notice how incredibly beautiful you are. I suppose you took my breath away for a moment,” I whispered.
    “Oh. Well, thank you,” she blushed.
    “Yes well I, uh…anyway,” I bent down to put the things on the dock, “shall we swim? I think I have everything we need.” She giggled and splashed into the water. I stood up smiling and dove in after.
    She was an exceptional swimmer. I had to remember that she didn’t know my secret. It would be hard to explain how I could stay underwater for so long. And swimming at full speed was definitely out of the question. We splashed around and floated, having wistful conversations. I was terribly intrigued by her, making it harder to gather information. I didn’t want to hurt her.
    We swam idly toward the dock and I helped her into a towel. We talked a while longer and watched the sunset. She looked almost sad. I assumed it was because the day was ending. She probably would have stayed if I offered.
    “Well then, why don’t we eat something?” I stood and helped her up.
    “Sure, are we eating here?”
    “We are. I have plenty of food and you can have whatever you like. I don’t mind cooking.”
    “I’ll be okay with just a sandwich. You don’t have to cook for me. That feels kind of odd,” she blushed. My throat started to tickle.
    “Alright, let’s go inside. If you don’t