Betrayal: The Unforgiven

by Kira Hillins

  The other man, an older gentleman, tall and lanky with short gray hair and glasses stood at the end of the bed between her propped up knees. His brows arched. The smirk on his red lips widened as if he’d found the secrets of the universe.

  “Lay still, my love.” Ivan spoke in a calm voice. He held her hand in his. “This is Doctor Shivez. He’s here to be sure you and your child are healthy.”

  Anna nodded that she understood. The doctor’s fingers prodded inside her as he applied pressure on her abdomen. Pain crawled across her stomach. It was a dull ache, but enough to bring tears to her eyes.

  “Her uterine wall is weak. But with care, she should carry to term.” Shivez removed his fingers. The pain subsided, but the ache was still there. He took off his latex gloves then turned to his leather medicinal bag. “She needs to keep up her strength. Let her take short walks during the day. Nothing strenuous."

  "Are you sure that's wise?" Ivan patted Anna’s hand. “I don’t want to risk a miscarriage.”

  "The…human body can only be still for so long before it shuts down. I recommend Kegel exercises and walks. Slow walks, mind you, and very short distances throughout the day to keep her muscles from weakening further."

  "What about travel?" Ivan asked.

  Doctor Shivez shook his head. "At this point, I don’t recommend it.”

  Ivan sighed. He curled his finger over his lips then nodded in agreement. “Then we will stay until the baby comes.”

  “How much longer will that be?” Gwen asked from the back wall, brows furrowed in worry. Nena stood beside her, a smile on her pretty face. She too looked excited to hear the answer.

  Goosebumps spread over Anna’s skin as she waited in anticipation for the announcement. It couldn’t be much longer. Every time her baby moved or kicked was overwhelming and a little painful. Though she loved to share the experience with Ivan or any of the sisters she’d come to know and love, there was still a hole in her heart. Something or someone was missing.

  “She’s around seven months, give or take a week or two. I’ll need to do an ultrasound to be sure.” Shivez gave a short nod. “I’ll bring the equipment on my trip here next week.”

  Too delighted to be stuck in bed the rest the day, she hugged Ivan’s hand. “Please take me for another walk in the garden. I feel like I need to be there.”

  “Yes, love.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “We will take a short walk together."

  Shivez picked up his bag then tucked it under his arm. “I suggest waiting at least an hour before you get on your feet, though I'd rather you stay in bed until tomorrow. My examination was thorough enough to find the weak tissue inside you. You are still bleeding.” He turned to Nena. “Her sheets will need changed.”

  “Yes, Doctor.” Nena gave a short bow then left through the door.

  Ivan let go of Anna’s hand. “I need to see the doctor out. When I return, I will stay with you for the remainder of the day.”

  Ivan followed Shivez and Gwen out of the room. Anna burst into tears. This was so incredible. In about two months, she’d be holding her baby in her arms. She'd caress the soft skin of her sweet face and gaze down into the black abyss that resembled her father’s loving eyes.

  Anna gasped. Her child’s father was the blurry-faced man from her dreams. If she loved him more than anything else, then why couldn’t she remember him? He’d reached for her, but she couldn’t acknowledge. She couldn’t see who he was.

  She closed her eyes and breathed in deep. Maybe she didn’t want to know. Maybe he’d hurt her. Maybe he was the one who’d sent her down the river to die. Only she didn't drown. She’d found her way to Ivan.

  If she told Ivan about her vision, would he send her away? She didn't want to leave, though eventually she’d have to. Or maybe she wouldn’t. Even if she remembered everything about who she was and where she’d come from, she would never tell. Then, she could remain here forever.

  “I brought your sheets and a change of clothes,” Nena said as she waltzed back into the room to Anna’s side. The woman bounced on her toes as Anna rose from the bed. “I’m so excited for you. Two more months!”

  Nena was Anna’s favorite person here. The woman was about the same age as her. She was native to Norway, but spoke very good English. Even her accent was superb, much easier to understand than the other sisters.

  Nena always wore a smile as she brought Anna meals, tended to her wash, and took care of her room. Nena never raised her voice to anyone, except for maybe the other Sisters who liked to tease her. It was always in good fun, though Anna could see the frustration in Nena’s eyes.

  Cornelia strode in carrying a metal trough filled with water. Her gray hair stuck out in curls around her petite face as she practically dropped the trough on the floor beneath the curtains. She heaved a heavy sigh, hands on her wide hips in a stretch.

  “Not much longer and you’ll be carrying that wee one through that fancy garden of yours.” Cornelia’s Irish accent was so thick. Anna had to really listen to figure out what she was saying. Sometimes, Anna would just nod afraid she’d offend Cornelia if she asked her to repeat herself.

  “I can’t wait to hold her in my arms.” Anna let the soiled gown fall from her body. Though she’d much rather have a full bath, or get into a hot shower to cleanse, she stepped into the short trough of warm water.

  “Here they are.” Gretchen, another sister who looked to be in her mid-sixties shuffled into the room. Her rounded stomach jiggled as she hurried to Anna’s side with a towel and washcloth draped over her arm. “They’re piping hot. So let’s get our dear washed up and wrapped in the towel before she catches a chill.”

  Anna took the cloth from Gretchen. As she washed off, Nena and Cornelia changed the soiled sheets. There was so much blood. Should there be that much from a checkup? How much danger was she in of losing her baby? Anna shuddered as she held the cloth against her rounded belly. If anything happened to her child, if she lost her, what would she do? A walk into the sunlight, or a stake through the heart—it wouldn’t matter. This baby meant more to her than anything in the world.

  Tears sprung to Anna’s eyes. Her muscles grew too weak to lean over and wash off her legs. She dropped the cloth in the water near her feet, and then covered her face with her hands.

  “Oh dear Anna,” Gretchen said, her British accent flowing in a smooth tone. “Why are you crying at such a happy moment?”

  “I’m scared.” Anna felt ridiculous, standing here naked in front of the sisters who stared while she cried.

  “Anna.” Nena wrapped the towel around her shoulders. She massaged Anna’s arms, drying the water from her shivering body. “There is nothing to be afraid of.”

  Anna shook her head. “I can’t lose my baby. She means so much.”

  “You will not lose that wee one,” Cornelia said. She glanced at Nena then back at Anna. “We will be here to help you through the rest of your pregnancy. We’ll take care of you. I promise you that.”

  “Cornelia’s right.” Nena took hold of Anna’s arm and helped her step out of the trough. With the towel, she patted the rest of Anna’s body. She picked the clean gown up off the bed then slid it over Anna’s head. As she straightened the skirt down her legs, she looked up into Anna’s eyes. “Everything will turn out just perfect. Your baby will be the most perfect being ever. You’ll see.”

  Anna lay down in the bed. The Sisters covered her body with the fresh sheet and blankets. Though worry still ate at her insides, she wiped her wet face and smiled. “I don’t think I’d make it through this without you guys.”

  “It’s an emotional time,” Cornelia said with a light tap on her shoulder. “Whatever you need, we’re here for you.”

  Anna felt comfort in Cornelia’s words. It wasn’t so much the worry of losing the baby that made her want to cry. It was this hole in her heart that wouldn’t fill. If she could just remember her past, maybe this loneliness would go away. Maybe she wouldn’t need to lean on these wonderful people
who’d taken her in. She could go home to the house on the hill to the man she loved.

  She closed her eyes and sighed. If she could only remember who he is.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “You’ll stay the night?” Ivan walked with Shivez down the hall toward the kitchen.

  “I have a meeting I must attend to two days from now in London, so I will be leaving soon.” Shivez grinned sheepishly. “But I will sit on the balcony with a cup of wine and a hot meal, if you don’t mind.”

  Ivan nodded. “My doors are always open to you, Shivez. I will have Sister Nena prepare you dinner before you leave.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It is my pleasure. I’ll see you again next week?”

  “Yes.” Shivez’s brows furrowed. “This is a dangerous path you’re walking, Ivan, my old friend. You know she belongs to an Elder who’s apparently next in line for the throne. If he finds out she’s here with you, he’ll destroy everything you’ve built.”

  “She doesn’t remember who she is,” Ivan said, irritated. Shivez was sticking his nose where it didn't belong, as usual. “I’ve made sure the link to her maker is severed.”

  “With her healing powers, that won’t last long.”

  “Long enough for her to have the child.” Ivan growled. He hated to be reminded of who Anna was. She made him think of his late wife and how unfruitful she was at bearing the child he’d wanted.

  “I’m just saying be careful. He’ll search through hell and high water to find her.”

  Ivan cleared his throat. “I will leave you to enjoy your meal and wine. Safe travels, my friend.”

  Ivan left the room. He shouldn’t have told Shivez who Anna was, but he trusted him. He’d been a good friend for many, many years, but he often spoke his mind when it wasn't wanted.

  Shivez was right though. Ivan walked a thin line. Though there were no whispers about a child-bearing vampire, the Elders would eventually find out. Elric posed no threat. He’d keep his mouth shut about all of this because he didn’t care. The bastard never cared about anything but being a ruler. If he had, he’d have taken Anna years ago as planned. Anna would be carrying his child instead of Tristan’s.

  Ivan grumbled. If Elric grew a conscience, he’d come after her. He’d try to destroy this humble empire. Good thing Ivan had moved his convent without Elric’s knowledge. Otherwise they’d already have found Anna.

  Still, he could sense Elric and Tristan were close to finding this place. Not that it mattered. Once the child was born, Ivan was leaving this place behind. He’d have everything he’d ever desired. Love. Family. Ultimate power. He’d keep Anna drugged forever so she and the child would stay at his side where they belonged.

  He strode into Anna’s room. Her eyes were closed. Her skin changed like a chameleon from pale as the clean sheet beneath her to a soft rose. Her hair blended from blonde to black in an endless cycle. Her gift was impressive.

  She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, and more so when she opened midnight eyes. Her lips parted to reveal fangs. She whimpered.

  He understood her cravings, for he too had the urge to feed on something other than animal’s blood.

  “Night is upon us.” His canines broke through his skin. It'd been so long since he'd let them come out. The pain was immense, but aroused his demon. “Let us go feed together.”

  ***

  Anna took Ivan’s hand. He helped her to her feet. He tucked her arm beneath his and led her down the hall to the stairs. They descended together into darkness and made their way to a bolted wooden door at the end of the stone passageway.

  “This body is prepared for us, my love.” Ivan unlocked the door and went inside. As Anna followed, he lit the candles along the wall until the room flickered with light.

  A man, naked on his knees trembled in the center of the room. Chains held his wrists and ankles in place. “Lasă-mă să plec!” Tears streamed his rugged dirty face.

  “Feed on him.” Ivan motioned with his hand for her to face her victim. “He is my gift to you.”

  Anna moved before the frightened man. She got down on her knees. She yearned to touch him, to dig into his flesh and drink from him. She slid her fingers down his bare chest. The warmth on her fingertips intrigued her. But the thirst—no matter how hard she fought the demon within, she couldn’t hold back its cravings.

  She dug her fingers into his chest puncturing his heart. He cried out. To drink from this wound was the ultimate sin.

  Yes. We will have our fill.

  Anna shuddered. It’d been too long since she’d heard her demon’s voice.

  She pressed her mouth against the opening. As she drank in his blood, Ivan fell to his knees. He tore into the man’s arm. He growled as he indulged in his meal until the last drop of the man’s essence was gone.

  Anna smiled as the man fell dead before her. No remorse, only rejuvenation—alive, stronger than ever before.

  This is who we are. We belong with Ivan.

  Ivan ran his tongue over the corner of her mouth. He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her close. “Be with me, Anna,” he whispered as he stroked her hair from her temple. “You invigorate me. Entice me.”

  “Ivan,” she whispered, dizzy, like floating on a cloud.

  Intoxicated by blood, she fisted Ivan’s robes. He licked her lips. Her tongue. The taste of the man’s blood lured her in.

  “I want you.” He breathed out as he bit her lower lip. “We are meant to be together. You and your child will be mine.”

  “Yes,” she whispered into his mouth.

  A flash of memory jolted her from the darkness. As if waking from a nightmare, she was inside the house on the cliff. A man stood before her dressed in black, reaching out to her. She was desperate to take his hand, but couldn't lift her arm.

  Give in to Ivan. We belong here.

  Anna shook her head. Being with Ivan wasn’t right. This wasn’t right.

  “Are you okay?” Ivan brought her back to his arms. She moved away from him and looked down her front. He'd pulled down her dress until her breasts were exposed.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” She lifted the straps of her dress back over her shoulders. “It was the baby. She kicked hard.”

  His eyes softened. Though he didn’t ask permission, he placed his hands on her abdomen.

  “Women are blessed to carry living beings inside them. Though I wouldn’t wish to feel the pain you’ll endure when the time comes, I envy the bond.”

  She glanced at the dead body on the ground. The poor man. How could she do such a horrible thing? He’d begged for his life and she’d ripped it away with her bare hands.

  She shuddered. “May I go to the garden now?”

  Ivan grasped her hand and bowed, the perfect gentleman again. “Anywhere you wish to go, my love.”

  Ivan led her to the garden. The summer scent of roses and honeysuckle made her smile. There was no doubt she loved this place. To walk in the sunlight, to feel its warmth was heavenly. Forgetting about the body in the basement, and Ivan's desire to love her, she breathed in deep.

  “May I walk alone for a little while?” Seeing his face sour, she palmed his cheek. “Please don’t take it wrong. I enjoy your company, but I would like to share a moment with my child.”

  His smile returned. “I understand.” He gently kissed her lips. “I will go to my study for a while then. But do not stay long on your feet.”

  She cast a fake grin. “I promise.”

  He glanced at her once then left the room.

  Alone at last.

  As she walked among the roses, they offered a strange perfume. It stole her thoughts of the house on the cliff. Confusion went away and she fell into a state of relaxation. She so loved it here. More importantly, she never wanted to leave.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The heavy rain cleansed the dirt from Tristan’s clothes and hair as he stood alone in the dark forest. He’d searched for Anna for six, maybe seven months. He wa
sn’t sure. Every time he sensed the light within her, he drew closer, desperate to save her from whatever imprisoned her, but then the path would fade. Though he swore on his pathetic life he would never give up, he could feel her light no longer, and hope washed away with the rain.

  He’d wandered through these woods for a month, lost, hopelessly lost. This was the last place he’d felt her. He hadn’t the heart to leave as he held on to that last shred of hope that Anna had not yet left this world. But every quiet moment that past, his faith dwindled.

  He ducked inside the cave at the base of a mountain—his residence for the past few weeks. He sat on the ground and leaned back against the rock wall. Listening to the rain, he closed his eyes.

  All those remarkable times he’d held her, they’d listened to the same music pattering on the roof of their house. Her laughter and sweet words had made him feel like a man again. The scent of her hair and the warmth of her skin breathed new life into him. He’d never been happier.

  Fool. So desperate to find humanity and so eager to fit in, he’d lost sight of love. She’d suffered over his fear of her light blending into him. She’d destroyed their darkness with a touch, and he’d been a coward to push her away. Now she was gone. His beautiful Anna had disappeared. He was empty inside. Without her, he was nothing.

  Hooves pounded the muddy earth nearby. The horse’s rampant breath meant the rider was in a hurry. Who would travel on a night like this? And where were they going?

  Tristan left the damp cave. Lightning lit up the night as he flew over the trees. He’d combed this area for a week looking for signs of life, but he’d found nothing. No roads. No homes or people. Some days, if he listened hard enough, distant voices would echo through the cave, but he’d decided they were from the village to the east.

  He dropped to the floor of the woods. He knelt to inspect water-filled hoof prints. The rider had come through here. Though exhausted, he found the strength to follow the path through the mud. He flew over the rider toward a mountainside near the edge of the forest. He landed on a tree and ogled at the double doors concealed in the rock.