by Kira Hillins
“You’re very kind, Nena.” Anna sniffled. “But what about the convent and your commitment to God?”
“I’ve been here for five years. In that time, I took care of many dark ones. I fixed their meals, cleaned their rooms, and helped them bathe. Not one had spoken a word to me until you and Tristan came along. I would like to believe you are my friends.” Rose blended through Nena’s cheeks when she smiled. “As much as I love the sisters, I won’t miss this place. The convent does nothing for me or my faith anymore.”
Anna’s heart sank as she hugged Nena. “If any good has come of this past year, it was meeting you. You’re a true friend.”
“Thank you.” Nena leaned back with tears in her eyes. “Come see me before you leave. I’ll give you directions to the cabin.”
“I will.”
Anna walked with Nena down the hallway to the library where Jack waited. Though he smiled, the man’s face was pale. He swept his hand through his unkempt hair as Anna stopped before him.
“So, I hear you’re leaving again.” Jack shrugged. “This is all so unreal. Surreal. I don’t know how to feel or what to think. To not know where you are or if you’re safe…”
“Jack.” Anna cupped his face. “We’ll be fine.”
“I’ll miss you,” he whispered as he leaned his temple against hers.
“I’ll miss you too.”
“Please, take care of yourself.”
“I promise.” She gazed into his watering eyes. “Promise me you’ll start living your life for you. Find someone to love. You deserve happiness.”
“I’ll try.” He sniffled. “If there’s anything you want or need, or if you just need a shoulder to cry on, you know where I live. I’ll always be here for you.”
“Thanks, Jack.” She kissed his cheek then hugged him tightly. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome, Anna.”
Jack smiled as she backed away. As she made her way toward her room, her heart ached. It didn’t seem right to leave him this time. To never see his smile or hear his laughter again. This was so ridiculous.
Anna opened the door to the room. Tristan sat at the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, and head in his hands. This trip had taken a toll on him. For two years, his life had gone through twists and turns that would drive a normal man insane. It was no wonder he’d lost his patience.
Anna stepped in and shut the door. “Did Nena tell you about the cabin?”
“Yes. We will leave tonight.” Tristan sat up and groaned. “I cannot stand this misery any more. I want this to be over, to be able to live our lives in peace.” He clenched his jaw as she wedged her body between his legs. “When will this suffering end?”
“I don’t know.” She sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “All I know is that I love you. I want to be with you.” She gently kissed his lips. “No matter where we end up or who we have to fight, you will always be my home. I want us to be happy again.”
He slid his nose alongside hers. “Is that all you wish for?”
“That…” She kissed him again. “And to become your wife.”
“Then you shall have your wish.” He cupped her face. “We will hide away from the rest of the world. As long as we are together, no one can touch us.”
As she gazed into his eyes, his black iris’s turned ice blue. Color, marvelous color washed pale from his face and lips. His cool skin warmed beneath her touch. It was then that she knew. Nothing would ever drive them apart again.
Epilogue
Gwen covered her mouth and nose with her hands to block the rancid scent, but it was no use. The stench of death was too strong. Bodies littered the ground. Blood—so much blood painted the floor and walls around Ivan who stood in the center of the mass grave. The green hue in his eyes was prominent as he glared.
“What are you doing here?” His shout startled her. In a blink, he was before her, hand raised above his head. He swung his arm fast and hard. His hand caught her below the eye. She yelped in pain as she stumbled back. “I told you to never come here and yet you refuse to obey me!” He slapped her again in the same place. The sting on her skin was immense. She tried to hold back tears, but they flowed like the waterfall behind their house.
“I…I’m sorry.” She clutched her skirt as she backed out of the room. “I came to let you know the doctor is here.”
“Go start my shower. And tell him I’ll be there as soon as I’m done.” His growl was deep and low. “And Gwen,” he said before she could leave the room. “You can dedicate all your power to our protection now. They have finished their test.” He hunched over then fell to his knees. “I despised seeing her in so much pain. If he’d just stayed away, she would be mine. She’d be here with me.”
Gwen hurried down the hallway. She glanced back to make sure he wasn’t following. Not that it mattered. Ivan was faster than any other dark one she’d met. He’d be on top of her before she knew what was happening.
Her breath quickened as she climbed the stairs. Not as young as I used to be. Maybe that’s why Ivan had grown short with her and why he never paid attention to her anymore. He’d grown bitter since they’d left Anna behind. That woman had stolen his heart and now he wallowed in misery. Even though he had the child to wield, just how he’d wanted, he still wasn’t happy. He didn’t seem to care about anything anymore.
Gwen stepped into the dining room. “Ivan will be with you shortly.”
Doctor Shivez turned around. His grin sent another chill over Gwen’s skin. The tall, lanky man who was nothing but skin and bones snorted a laugh.
“Gwen. Darling. How have you been?”
Her body quaked with fear. “I’m fine, sir.”
He squinted as he looked at her face. “Did you hurt yourself?”
She pressed her hand against her sore cheek. “Ran into the wall earlier.”
“Hm. Best be careful, especially when you’re carrying such a fragile thing in your arms. Speaking of…” He curled his palm around the back of his ear and lifted his gaze to the ceiling. “I don’t hear any crying. Ivan told me she was sick. Hence the reason I’ve come all the way here to visit.”
“She has a fever. But, my medicine allows her to rest peacefully.” Gwen drew in a deep breath. Find your strength. Don’t let this creature scare you.
“I’ve set up a table in the living room. Get her and bring her to me.”
“Ivan said he’ll bring her here when he’s ready.”
“Fine. Fine.” Shivez sighed impatiently. “Just tell him to hurry up. I have to get out before it’s too late. You know, the full moon is tonight.” A deep chortle rolled past his lips. “Wouldn’t want harm to come to anyone here.”
“I’ll let him know.” Gwen swallowed apprehension as she left. She hurried on shaky legs down the hall to the baby’s room then quickly shut the door behind her.
Stuck in a house of demons wasn’t how she’d wanted to spend her day. Or life. If she could get away from them both, she’d leave and wouldn’t look back.
The baby was still asleep in her crib. Gwen smiled as she gently traced her fingers over her soft blonde curls then down her rosy, hot cheeks. Still feverish.
“Oh Tali. You poor dear,” she whispered as she scooped her up in her arms. Tali fussed, but didn’t cry. She opened her ice blue eyes then yawned as she gazed up at Gwen. “You’re the sweetest thing.” Gwen rocked her gently. “When you’re old enough, you and I will leave this place. We’ll go far away where nothing and no one will ever find us. That, my sweet angel from both worlds, I swear.”
To be continued…
Thank you for reading Betrayal: The Unforgiven.
Go to www.kirahillins.com to keep up to date on the third and final installment in the Betrayal series. Coming soon!
About the author:
Kira Hillins was born in Seattle, Washington. She found inspiration to write when she moved to a small town located just off the coast of Oregon. She now resides in the eastern U.S. with her husb
and, two daughters, and a spoiled Siberian Husky. She continues to write to entertain her readers and find a sense of success within herself.
Other books by Kira Hillins.
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Two hot men. Twice the danger.
Melanie Cranberry joined the dating service to meet a nice man, fall in love, and spend her nights cuddling in bed. Who knew that one five-dollar ticket for a raffle would win her two men instead of one? Now, per signed contract with Match Making For Happiness’s Sake, she’s required to go out on a date with each man to discover which will win her heart.
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Reader note: M/F Romance contains M/F/M ménage and erotic romance elements
