A Dose of Reality

Loud music, drinks flowing Eva tried her best to forget Alaric. Mark’s hands on her hips as she gyrated against him, she leaned her head back on his chest and waited. Waited for a drink to fly, for something to attack him, but nothing happened.

*He’s not here.*

What was wrong with her? The look of hurt on his face was unmistakable, and it kept replaying in her head. Mark moved his lips to her ear.

"You want to get out of here?”

Silently, she nodded allowing him to escort her from the club. The coolness of the car window as she pressed her head against it, soothed her. Looking at Mark, she decided she should give him a chance.

*He’s stable, handsome, gentle, and fun, not to mention, he makes me smile. It's easy- it works.*

He smirked seeing her watch him, "Whatcha looking at beautiful?”

She swallowed her spit, "Just wondering if you wanted to come in once we get my house?”

Mark smiled his infectious smile, "I’d love to.”

Once they arrived at her house, Eva excused herself to take a shower. Letting the heat relax her, her eyes drifted to the sink.

*“I’m not going to stop myself this time Little Human. You need to tell me to stop if you don’t want this.”*

Her cheeks flushed at the thought of Alaric’s muscular frame against her body. Everything he’d done to her body brought her to life. The way his hazel eyes looked at her and caressed her face had been too much. She didn’t like it, the way he made her feel, not after everything she’d been through. Alaric may have never called her damaged, but she thought it about herself every day. Turning off the water, she sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. A part of her wanted so badly to call out for him, the other frightened part, hoped he'd never showed again.

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"I got you a water, hope you don’t mind.” Mark said smiling as she joined him on the couch. Pulling her to him, he breathed her in and mumbled low, "You smell good.”

She lifted her head and pulled him to her kissing him. Responding immediately, Mark pulled her closer deepening the kiss. She needed to feel, needed to prove that everything was normal. It wasn’t. She didn’t feel anything. It wasn’t that he was a bad kisser, his lips just weren’t the ones she wanted.

*God…I’m so fucked up.*

Sensing her hesitation, Mark pulled away. He looked at her, "Eva it’s alright, we don’t have to do this…I know you’re still processing a lot with Charles and your separation.” She remained silent and instead just snuggled up closer to his chest. Mark stroked her hair and placed his head on top of hers. "How about we have lunch tomorrow and see how it goes from there?” She nodded and he kissed the top of her head before standing. Walking him to the door, the two stopped in front. Mark leaned down and kissed her gently, "See you tomorrow.”

She smiled before closing the door. Making her way to her bedroom, she quickly shut off the light. In the darkness, she pulled back the comforter and laid down. “Ouch!” Something pricked her. Switching the lamp on the nightstand, she pulled the item from the bed. Eva's eyes widened as she stared at the single red rose. A lump formed in her throat.

"…Alaric?” Nothing responded but silence.

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Almost two months passed, and it seemed that Eva finally got what she wanted. Her story was heading in the right direction, and Mark was a true gentleman. Most importantly, Alaric was nowhere to be found. She’d called out a few times just to check, but he was never there. She should be happy, but instead, she just felt dead inside. The weight of everything becoming too much, she constantly found herself nauseated. Racing to the bathroom for the third time this morning, she vomited the remainder of her breakfast. She was exhausted, tired, and more disconnected than before. Leaving the stall, she bumped into Tamera who looked at her brow raised.

"What?”

"…are you pregnant?”

Eva glared at her before realizing that she didn’t know the truth. Inhaling sharply, she moved past her and washed her hands. "No. I know for a fact that I’m not pregnant.”

"You sure because you’ve been vomiting a lot, exhausted and-”

"I’M NOT PREGNANT!”

Tamera smirked. "And crabby…don’t forget crabby.”

Slamming the paper towel in the trash she glared at Tamera once more before leaving. Eva made it to her office and sat down. Her mind still stuck on what Tamera said. Rolling her eyes, she hit the mouse turning on the monitor.

*Fucking ridiculous. Mark and I haven’t even slept together…the only person I’ve slept with since Charles was-*

Eva’s blood ran cold. Her lip quivered and she held her stomach trying to process how it was even possible.

*“I have to put you back to sleep Eva, it’s the only way I can finish healing you.”*

"No…he wouldn’t have.”

"He wouldn’t have what?”

Eva jumped at the sound of Mark’s voice at her door. She thought quickly on her feet. "Just processing the storyline of my book.” He nodded, but his face was still etched with concern. "What’s wrong?”

“Eva’s where’s Charles?”

She inhaled sharp. "Why are you asking me that? We separated and for all I know he could be with his new family. It’s not my job to keep tabs.”

Mark entered her office, and she immediately got a bad feeling. Taking a seat across from her, he ran his hand over his forehead. "I’m assuming you’re meaning Ms. McCoy right?” She nodded. "Eva, he’s not with her. This was placed on my desk a few days ago.” Pushing papers in front of her, he watched as she read them.

"A…a missing person’s report for Charles…” He was observing her closely. "I-I don’t understand why you would have this.” Mark sighed. Reaching for something on his hip, and placed a gold badge on her desk. "You’re a cop?”

"Detective”

"Why would you never tell me that?”

He raised his brow. "You never asked.” He had her there. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she hardly knew anything about him.

She shoved the papers back towards him. "I don’t know why she would file that.”

"She said he never arrived for their *time* together.” He rubbed his neck. "Eva, I don’t know how to say this but she isn’t the only one who has made a *few claims.*”

"Claims?”

"That there was domestic violence in your home and you may have…” His voice trailed off.

She stared at him. "D-do I need a lawyer?”

"Honestly? It's too early to tell. I came as a curtesy as a friend and someone who cares about you.” Standing, he folded his arms to his chest, "But I do need you to come with me.”

"Where are we going?”

Mark returned to his professional nature. Returning his badge to his hip, he stared at her.

"To the station Eva. I need to ask you a few questions.”