by Mary Abshire
The plane made a jittery landing and my stomach tightened. The nauseous feeling returned. Fortunately, I had nothing in me to spew.
The pilot steered us toward a hangar where the doors were wide open. Drake and I watched out the window until the attendant passed by. She began giving instructions in French to all of us. I couldn't understand her, but Drake did. He rose from his seat, then said something to her. While they conversed, I grabbed my purse and unbuckled my belt.
"They will have everything taken to your flight," Drake said after she left. "You and Jeremy will need to have your passport checked at the counter again."
"Don't you love international travel?" Dimitry smirked before he strode away.
I followed Drake off the plane, then down the steps. The strong smell of fumes instantly made my queasy stomach want to retch. Pushing aside the nausea, I focused my thoughts on how I could pass my note to Drake.
Dimitry stood at the foot of the stairs, watching my every move. It was going to be next to impossible to pass a note without him seeing me.
"We can't go past the door," Dimitry said to Drake as I stepped on solid ground.
Jeremy strode past us. "Bye. Don't visit." After an army style salute, he headed for the illuminated lobby near the hanger. What a prick—he didn't even wait for me.
Drake tugged me a few feet away from the plane. He brought me to a halt, then cupped my face in his cool hands and pressed his forehead to mine. "I will see you twenty-four hours from now."
My heart raced. I wasn't ready to leave him. "Drake…I-I—"
"Do not worry. We can get through this. Trust me." He pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was tender and loving. Slow caresses of his tongue lit up my entire body. I let go of all my tension and relished the moment. In doing so, my purse slid down my arm and I dropped it on the ground. My knees weakened and I leaned my body into his. I didn't want to lose him.
"They're taking the casket," Dimitry said as he approached. "Time to let the little demon go."
Faster than lightning, I separated my lips from Drake. My temper rose fast from those two little words.
Drake captured my face and brought my attention back to him. "I will be with you soon enough. I promise."
Fear labored my breathing. I wished I had more time with him. What if I would never see him again? Damn it, I needed a way to deliver my note.
I glimpsed over his shoulder. Dimitry stood close by, still watching. I absolutely could not accomplish my task without detection. Fuck!
Drake kissed me again, keeping it short and innocent. I gripped his shirt tight, not wanting to let go of him.
Dimitry smacked his hand on Drake's shoulder. "They'll be late. Time for her to go."
Drake lightly grunted as he pried his lips away. He stared deep into my eyes. "Twenty-four hours."
My heart wanted to jump out from my throat. Damn Dimitry. Damn all the VETOV.
"Be careful, Drake," I said, voice shaky. "Please…be very, very careful."
Brows crinkled, he gave me a quizzical look.
I cupped his neck and secured his attention. "Watch your back, every minute, every second." I prayed he would take my hint.
His pupils dilated in a flash as if realization had come to him.
"Enough already," Dimitry said rudely.
I planted one last kiss on Drake's lips, then snatched my purse. I backed away, heart ready to explode. I didn't want to go, but I knew I had to. Tears swelled in my eyes. Before they could flow, I spun and then ran toward the door.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The large 747 shook and tilted as it lifted into the air. Overhead compartments rattled and lights flickered. Although I wasn't afraid, I gripped the handles of the armrests. Air showered me from the small valve above. My nerves were frayed, but not because of the jerkiness of the plane. The recent turn of events had ripped my mind, heart, and soul to shreds. Maybe it was the start of a breakdown.
Jeremy sat next to me, quiet as a napping cat. We hadn't spoken a word since I’d left Drake. Perhaps he sensed my unease.
I returned my gaze to the window as the pain returned, stabbing my heart and head, battering me to the point I was ready to give up. I was tired of fighting—verbally, mentally, and physically. Over the last several days, I had fought evil numerous times and it only brought me more trouble. Though I considered my scuffle with Renaud a victory, it really wasn't in the grand scheme of things. Destroying him gave the VETOV motivation to use me and keep me away from Drake, as if they needed any more incentive. As for my fight with Dimitry, it continued, and I feared I would lose in the worst way with another death of a loved one.
I had lost so much already during my struggles. Sean was gone. I had to give up my normal life and dearest friends. I was being forced to work with a vampire I despised instead of the man I loved. Essentially, my freedom had been taken away. Why could I not have a normal life?
Soft lights flashed on and the sound of a ding distracted me from my depressing thoughts.
"Finally," Jeremy said. The seatbelt clicked as he unlocked it. "I bet these first class tickets cost them a fortune."
I stared at him, showing zero emotion. My life was a disaster and I couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Are you going to tell me what happened?"
I turned away. Even the strength to speak had left me.
Jeremy reached over and slipped his hand under my blouse. He dug inside the waistband of my skirt.
Anger rose fast. I gripped his arm. "Hey, what…" Before I finished the sentence, I realized his intent.
He snagged the tiny paper, then unfolded it. As he read the note intended for Drake, I inhaled a shuddering breath. The time had come to spill the truth. Now that we were away from the big, bad vamps, we could talk freely until we were blue in the face.
"What's going on, Jessie?"
Our gazes locked. I had so much to say that I didn't know where to begin. "My life is so fucked up." I choked on the words.
"Obviously," he said in a dry tone.
I lowered my head as tears filled in my eyes. "They're forcing me to work with Kuri. I have to give up my job, my life, and everyone I care about. They won't allow me to work with Drake. If I didn't agree to their terms, they were going to keep me hostage on the fort." A tear escaped and I wiped it away. "But that isn't the worst of it. Dimitry threatened to kill everyone dear to me if I didn't agree to his deal."
"Jesus." Emotion thickened his soft voice.
My stomach tightened. I was once again on the edge of puking. "I'm so fed up with everything," I said, voice shaky. "No matter what I do, more shit happens. They're taking my freedom. I have to spend a whole fucking year with Kuri and now I have Dimitry on my heels. I can't win."
Another ding sounded throughout the plane, then the flight attendant gave an announcement about electronic devices.
Jeremy dug into his front pocket.
"I was trying to protect you." I sniffled. "I thought Dimitry would stay away from you if he believed we weren't friends anymore."
Jeremy withdrew his cell phone, then held it in his lap. "What do you want to do?"
I tossed up my hands. "There's nothing I can do. Drake will meet me in a day. They gave me a month to prepare and he's going to help me. As for that evil fuck, Dimitry, I want to send him to Hell without endangering my life or anyone else's."
He leaned close to me, placing his face an inch from mine. "If I said I could take you away from everything, make you disappear, would you believe me?"
I wrinkled my brows. "How?"
"I have nine million dollars I can move to my Swiss accounts. I have a list of people who owe me favors. I can take you away from everything and give you a normal life—one where you don't have to look over your shoulder every minute of the day, or night. All you would have to do is trust me."
I stared, transfixed by his offer. I'd forgotten he'd become a millionaire recently. He sure had the means to disappear. But could I do it?
"If I run
, every vampire on earth will hunt me down."
"I know of places where we will be safe. You won't have to worry about any of them finding you. I give you my word."
Not worry about any of them finding me? The one word stung my heart. I'd have to give up the love of my life. I'd have to hide from Drake. My heart pounded fiercely. I'd break his heart. He’d told me I was the only woman he had ever loved in his eight hundred plus years on earth.
I bent over, hid my face in my hands, and cried. Dear God, I had to give up the man I loved, the man my soul longed to be with. How could I go on without him?
A warm hand rolled down my back. Energy seeped into me, soothing me. Jeremy pressed his lips to my ear. "I will take care of you, always. Give me a chance. Please."
Could I leave Drake? Could he forget about me? The thought of leaving him pained me. In my heart, I knew the ache would be worse for Drake. Without any doubt, he would search for me. Then what?
Slowly, I sat up and wiped the moisture from my face. "Drake."
"He won't find you. We'll have new names, new occupations…a brand spanking new life, free from vampires. I can make it all happen, if you trust me."
The thud in my chest was so strong that the vibrations went up my throat. Why did everything always boil down to trust?
Gazing into the depths of his caramel eyes, I recalled the night the exotic dancer attacked me. My father, the devil, had told me to trust Jeremy. Should I rely on advice from the devil? A voice in my head screamed, "No!"
"What about your life?" I asked. "You're a hockey player for the Blackhawks."
"I'll break my contract and pay a fine. No big deal." He shrugged.
More tears bubbled in my eyes. He would willingly sacrifice everything for me. Hell, he'd proven he would give his life for me when he showed up at the fort. How could I discount his dedication and loyalty?
"You would leave it all behind for me?"
He breathed in a deep breath while he glided his warm fingers along the side of my face. "Darling, I'm not giving up anything. I'm gaining everything. I want a life with you. I want you to be happy. I want us to be happy. You are the woman of my dreams."
The tears rolled down my cheeks as I laughed and cried. How many times had he told me I was the woman of his dreams? Countless.
My heart was torn. I loved Drake and wanted to share my life with him. Could I live knowing I would never see him again? Maybe I'd survive, but the pain would stick with me for the rest of my days. A piece of my heart would never be the same.
Then there was Jeremy. We'd had our share of arguments and fights. Our love-hate relationship was a one big roller coaster ride. Yet, he always protected me, cared for me, and fought for me. If I ran away with Jeremy, I would have a new life, a normal life, and I could live freely. Jeremy loved me, and I did care for him, as a close friend. Could I love him in the way he loved me?
Jeremy gently kissed my lips. "Trust me, Jessie. I won't disappoint you. Let me make you happy again."
I wanted to be happy. I wanted to love and laugh again. My father's words repeated in my head. Go to him. The demon you belong with. He will protect you.
Sorrow swelled in my heart while my stomach churned. I hated having to hurt Drake. Hated it with a capital H. A strong spasm pained my stomach. Bile rose. I cupped my hand over my lips.
"Jessie?"
I snatched my purse, rose, and pushed past Jeremy. Hand covering my mouth, I darted down the aisle for the bathroom as fast as I could. Finding one vacant, I shoved inside, then slammed the door shut. My stomach retched as I dropped my bag on the floor. The next spasm hit me and I was prepared, bent over the toilet. Every bit I had left inside me came flowing out.
For several minutes, I sat on the toilet crying. My stomach ached and heaved, but I had nothing left in me. My life sucked.
"Jessie?" Jeremy tapped the door softly.
I sniffled and wiped my face. "I'll be okay. Just give me some time."
The temptation to go with Jeremy overwhelmed me. He gave a good argument to leave with him. He had the means for us to survive and he would protect me. The demon was tricky, but very smart to have Swiss bank accounts and a network of people who could help him. Yet, his proposition didn't feel right. Although he cared greatly for me, in my heart, I knew I wouldn't be happy. I loved Drake. No matter how difficult my life would be with Drake, we would find a way to go on. Together and in love. I couldn't leave with Jeremy.
Digging in my purse, I found my cell phone. The sound of his voice would lift my spirit. His confidence would assure me we could survive, even if I had to spend a year away from him as I worked with Kuri. He was my love, my soul mate. I trusted him far more than I trusted the devil.
I turned my phone on and found I had text message waiting for me from Drake. It read, Call me ASAP. Immediately, I hit the button to dial his number.
As the phone rang, I snatched a paper towel and wiped my face and nose.
"Jessie!" Drake said fast. "Are you alone?" His tone sounded urgent.
"Yes," I said, voice croaky. I swallowed and cleared my throat. "Yes. Why?"
"Do not listen to anything Jeremy tells you. I know he wants you to run off with him."
"Drake—"
"Listen to me," he said, cutting me off. "I'm coming for you. We are leaving together. You and me."
I nearly had a heart attack. For a moment, I thought I'd misheard him. "What?"
"I'm about to board a plane for New York. Dimitry is gone. I took care of him. I am leaving the VETOV, Jessie. I refuse to let them keep us apart."
Dimitry was gone? He was leaving the VETOV?
Adrenaline surged through me. He'd given the best news ever. "He planned to destroy you. He told me he would kill everyone I knew if I didn't agree to his deal."
"I suspected something was wrong right before you left."
Yes! He took my hint! But wait. He destroyed a member of the VETOV. Oh, shit!
"You destroyed him? Drake, they're going to come after you," I said, panicky.
"I spent most of my vampire years working for them. I am well versed in their tactics. Trust me, I have enough resources to last many lifetimes. They will never find us."
Excitement fueled my racing heart. I wanted to scream with joy. I wanted to squeeze him in my arms and have wild, hot monkey sex with him. I wanted to shout my love for him from the top of a high mountain, then curse the VETOV. First, I was about to pee in my pants.
"When will you arrive in New York?" I asked.
"About forty-five minutes after you. Wait for me. If he gives you trouble, walk away but stay near people."
I inhaled a shaky breath. "Of course I'll wait for you."
"I will never let you down or let you go. I will love you and please you for eternity. You are mine, Jessie Garrett."
A smile spread across my face. "I am yours forever."
"I am getting on the plane. I will see you soon."
"See you soon." I lowered the phone and watched his number blink. The man, the vampire, had come through. Love conquered all.
Now, what was I going to tell Jeremy?
I stayed in the bathroom a while longer. The elation flowing through me gave me a lasting wide smile. After I washed my face, the reflection in the mirror showed a worn out Jessie, but inside, I was full of joy. Purse in hand, I returned to my seat.
Jeremy watched me with curious eyes as I scooted around him and sat. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired and sick." I shoved my bag under the seat in front of me. "But there's nothing more left in me."
"Did you think about my offer?"
I nodded and met his gaze. "I need to get some sleep and think about it more. It's a huge decision."
"I meant every word. I can take care of us and protect you."
"I know." I swallowed. "I'll have an answer in New York."
Jeremy lifted his shirt and pulled out his phone. The demon had a heart of gold. I hated to disappoint him. Yet, he knew I loved Drake. Jeremy would ha
ve to accept the truth.
I leaned back in my seat, twisted toward the window, then closed my eyes. Jeremy would not be happy once I informed him I planned to leave with Drake. Without a doubt, he would be pissed. Would he try to fight Drake? At least we would in a public setting, so the odds were against it. I hoped.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The shaking plane woke me from my blissful sleep. I inhaled a deep breath and turned to face Jeremy. He was staring at his phone. His fingers moved quickly on the screen. Seeing he was busy, I decided to gaze out the oval window. Lights far below showed signs of life in the darkness. Happiness crept into my soul. In less than a few hours, I would get to run away with the man my heart yearned for.
Drake was an honorable vampire. I had no doubt he would hold true to his word—love me forever. He never purposely fought with me. He never frowned at me for being a half-demon or because I could catch evil souls. He always showed kindness, respect, compassion, and love. He cared for life. He didn't want to take it. And to think he was all mine. Could life get any better?
As much as Drake assured me we would be fine, I still had worries. The VETOV would look for us. If they found us, what would we do? I didn't want Drake's own existence put on the line for me. Just as he would protect me, I would protect him with every breath and ounce of blood in me.
Relief filled me as I inhaled. Dimitry no longer walked the earth. I wanted to send his soul to Hell, but I was happy just to have him gone. His removal was one less worry for me. I was curious to know how Drake had destroyed him. A question I would ask him later.
I thought about my future. Wherever we settled, I would have to start over, find a job, meet new people, give the appearance I was as normal as everyone else was. Knowing Drake would be with me, my struggles no longer seemed like…struggles. I had every confidence we'd survive, wherever we ended up. Trust him? I trusted him one hundred and fifty percent.
As for Jeremy, he would be hurt. Though I had told him numerous times how much I loved Drake, I feared leaving Jeremy either would enrage him or break his heart. Either way, I needed to be careful.
