Arielle Immortal Quickening (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 4)

by Lilian Roberts

  Arielle also knew Eva’s protective nature. Eva would warn her if something bad were coming her way, just as she had done in the past. But right now, Allworth was on the top of her list. She had too many questions, and no answers at all.

  When they entered the club, the crowd was cheerful, and the atmosphere enthusiastic. They chose a table away from the stage, and when the waitress arrived, they ordered drinks. They watched people attempting to sing-along with the mediocre, five member band. This band unfortunately seemed to be the only one performing tonight. They were not unique or fascinating, but everyone seemed to be enjoying their music. Many of the women in the club kept their eyes intently on Sebastian and Ian. What Eva and Arielle found comical was that despite the fact that the women were brazen, obvious, and shameless, Sebastian and Ian were oblivious to their blatant attempts to draw their attention.

  Arielle was happy to be there, spending time with Ian and Eva. They chatted about Italy and about Ian and Eva’s transformation. Arielle was mesmerized by the details. Dancing was the highlight of the evening. Arielle loved dancing with Sebastian, and they danced until the crowd started to thin, and the band announced that they had to take a break.

  “Are you tired, baby?” Sebastian asked, and his lips quirked into a smile.

  “I’m not tired,” she murmured, and wrinkled her nose playfully. “I love dancing with you.”

  Sebastian cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. His mouth came down on hers, and the kiss was deep, intense, and thrilling. Ripples of pleasure coursed through her body, rattling her wits. She heard his soft chuckle and reluctantly, she pulled back, her breath caught in her throat. “Mmmm…” he murmured, and she stammered, trying to gather her wits that were flung into oblivion.

  Sebastian pulled her into his arms and gave her a soft squeeze. Then, they walked back to their table. Eva and Ian were still standing in the middle of the dance floor, caught in some kind of intense discussion.

  The waitressed appeared again and Sebastian ordered another round for the four of them; by that time, Ian and Eva were back at the table. Arielle noticed the look on Ian’s face. “Is something wrong?” she asked, glancing between Eva and Ian.

  “Oh, nothing of importance,” Eva inserted quickly.

  “What?” Ian said, glaring at Eva. Anger was evident in the tone of his voice.

  “What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked, directing his question to Ian.

  But before Ian had a chance to reply, Eva’s stern voice interrupted, as if she were considering doing battle. “Ian!” she shouted.

  Ian didn’t meet her gaze, his lips pressed into a thin line.

  Arielle glanced between them once again, and leaning closer to Eva, she hissed. “What in bloody hell is wrong with you two?”

  “Nothing,”

  “No?” Arielle replied, her eyebrows lifting.

  “No.”

  Arielle glanced at Sebastian, utterly frustrated, and he gave a shrug of his shoulders.

  Her gaze turned to Eva once again. “Eva, you know darn well I’m not going to drop this, so spit it out.”

  Eva huffed. “Alright. Some guy out there was drunk and propositioned me in front of Ian.”

  “Ohhh, what happened?”

  “I wanted to kill him,” Ian snapped.

  Eva’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Can you even envision Ian getting into a fight with a drunken human?” Eva sighed, deeply. “How would we explain an outcome like that?”

  “Oh God,” Arielle murmured. “You’re right.”

  “I still think I should have taught him a lesson,” Ian grumbled.

  Eva gave a loud frustrated huff. “That is exactly what we have been arguing about. Me trying to convince him that he can’t do that anymore. Not with humans and not in public.”

  Arielle gazed at Ian and shuddered at the thought of what the outcome of such a fight could have been. “Ian, she’s right, don’t you think?”

  Ian swallowed hard and nodded apologetically, but the defiant expressing didn’t leave his beautiful face. “I don’t like other man touching Eva,” he complained. “If this happens again, it will become an issue.”

  “I don’t disagree with you,” Sebastian jumped into the conversation.

  “Sebastian, you don’t need to add fuel to the fire,” Arielle admonished him.

  She looked at Sebastian a second longer; then, she turned back to Ian.

  “Ian, you can’t fight these guys. They are human, and the fight will definitely not be on an even scale. You can really kill someone with the strength that you now hold. Do you think that you can live with that? I know you’re now an immortal, but you have feelings, and I’m sure you would never want to do something like that.”

  “That is exactly what I told him,” Eva said.

  Ian ran a hand through his hair, utterly frustrated. “I’m sorry,” Ian said and meant it. Leaning in, he pulled Eva into his arms. “I’m crazy jealous of you,” he murmured, and locked them into a scorching kiss. Eva sighed and pulled herself even closer, pressing deeper into the kiss.

  Finally, Ian lifted his head, and meeting her eyes, they grinned at each other.

  “Is everything okay?” Arielle asked.

  They both turned to look at her and nodded, still holding a soft smile on their faces.

  It wasn’t long before Sebastian and Ian were engaged in a conversation about sports.

  Arielle’s thoughts turned to Colt Allworth and Eva’s premonitions.

  “Eva,” she said looking in her eyes. “Can we talk about Allworth?”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Please tell me what you saw at the pavilion.”

  “First off let me say that you shouldn’t worry. There are no ill thoughts around you,” she said in a soft warm voice.

  “Eva --- what exactly do you mean by no ill thoughts? What did you see?” She asked a little puzzled.

  Eva paused, propped her chin up with one hand, her eyes gazing down at the glass and swallowed hard. She looked as if she was pondering her thoughts carefully, and then the words streamed out of her mouth. “I had a vivid view of a very old building. I was standing at the front of a wide open door, and after a short thought, I walked in. I descended a staircase that spiraled down to a dark, long, stone corridor. I saw several dark silhouettes in long dark cloaks walking down that corridor, and I followed. There were open doors on either side, leading into black-draped rooms bearing strange signs.” Eva paused for a short moment and hauled a deep breath. “Everyone seemed to disappear behind the door at the very end of the corridor, and that is where I stopped,” Eva said, and paused.

  “Eva, please, can you go into that room? I needed to know.” Ian and Sebastian had stopped talking, and they were listening intently to Eva’s words. Ian reached around Eva’s shoulders and pulled her closer for a kiss.

  “Eva, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Arielle will understand,” he said in a soft voice. Eva turned and looked at Arielle and she nodded, but Arielle was sure her worried look didn’t escape Eva.

  Eva reached for her hand, and meeting her gaze, she whispered, “I’ll do it for you. I love you, Arielle, and I don’t want you to worry,” She paused again, and she seemed to be gathering her thoughts. She finally took another deep breath and continued in a soft quiet voice. “I’m in a very large room, the walls reflect the dull light given off by a few silvery lamps hanging on chains from the stone ceiling. The room is filled with people, but I can’t see their faces,” she pursed her lips. She seemed to be looking around, but I was sure she was not looking at the clubroom.

  “There are coats of armor everywhere, huge tapestries hanging on the walls with strange designs of signs and symbols.” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait…wait…I have seen these signs before, but where?” Eva seemed to be talking to herself. She waved her arm as if she was pushing her thought away and continued. “There is a huge platform, like an altar, poorly lit by low burning candles. A man is walking up to the altar; he
picks up a large book covered in black leather. I can see a large sign burned into the leather; I can see the man’s face…” Her voice trailed, and she looked like she was trying to see something. Suddenly they could hear her breathing getting heavier, and she was inhaling deeply. She seemed extremely distraught.

  “Eva…Eva…Are you okay?” Ian shook her lightly. Sebastian and Arielle watched her carefully. Eva reached up and brushed her hair away from her forehead, motioning that she was fine.

  “This is so bloody outlandish!” she murmured. “I wonder what this vision is all about.” She let out a mystified grunt. Sebastian reached and, grabbing the side of Arielle’s chair, pulled her closer to him.

  “Arielle, you have to let it go,” he murmured close to her ear. “You are not in any danger. If you trust Eva’s premonitions as much as you say that you do, then I’m a little perplexed about your obsession.” Sebastian’s voice was soft and soothing. She leaned in and kissed him, thankful for his understanding. She took a sip of her drink and moved her glass to watch the liquid swaying from one side to the other while thinking about Eva’s last words.

  “Arielle,” Eva’s voice snapped her out of her own thoughts. “The pentagon on the black leather book was exactly the same as the one on your book.”

  “What book?” She was not even sure why she asked something so stupid, but she was not thinking right.

  “The book that Olivia Dillon gave you,” Eva said. Arielle clutched her glass tightly with both hands, because it was shaking slightly.

  “Oh!” She whispered. “Are you sure?”

  “This gets even better,” Eva said, excitement evident in her voice but no alarm.

  “How much better?” Arielle pressed on.

  “I saw the face of the man that walked up to the altar and picked up the book,” Eva said slowly, dropping her voice to a mere whisper. She looked around to make sure nobody could hear what she was about to say. Arielle’s curiosity picked up immensely. She started to ask the obvious question, but Sebastian interrupted her.

  “Eva, who did you see?” Sebastian asked pointedly. Eva cleared her throat.

  “Colt Allworth,” she said, and Arielle clapped her hand to her mouth, trying to prevent herself from crying out loud while she reached out and grabbed Sebastian’s arm. She noticed Sebastian and Ian’s jaws drop, both completely astonished.

  “Fascinating,” Sebastian finally said, thoughtfully.

  “So do you have any theories?” he asked Eva.

  “Sebastian, I’m sure of one thing. While in that room, I was surrounded by gallant souls. I didn’t sense anything wicked or sinful,” Eva said softly.

  “Astonishing!” Sebastian murmured.

  Eva reached over and gave Arielle a hug. “Don’t worry, Arielle. I stood next to Professor Allworth, and he has a virtuous aura. There has to be a good explanation about today’s confrontation. Give it a little time; something will come up,” she said, with a soft smile. They all sat in motionless silence for a few minutes.

  The band was back after their break and wonderful music filled the room. Sebastian took the chance to move Arielle to the dance floor, and Eva followed with Ian. They had a great time for the rest of the evening, and they stayed away from the earlier conversation.

  It was at the parking lot while ready to get in their car that Eva said, “I think Professor Allworth belongs to some kind of magnanimous secret society. And it has something to do with the amulet you possess.” She chuckled pleasantly and gave her a hug. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” she said softly.

  Sebastian wrapped his arm around Arielle’s waist and pulled her close for a kiss. “Lets go home, baby,” he murmured, as they walked to the car.

  “I love you, Arielle!” Eva called out while getting in her car. Arielle waved goodbye at both of them and smiled. Sebastian was now holding the passenger door open, waiting for her to get in.

  The next couple weeks were uneventful. Professor Allworth continued teaching, not showing any bit of weirdness in class. During the interactions, they addressed each other respectfully, and he was even showing a little favoritism toward her. She was at the point where she had almost gotten over the original episode. Third week of the semester was the focal point of their small group. Troy and Gabby were coming back, and they were elated.

  Troy was acting like a two year old that was getting a Christmas present.

  “Boy…oh…boy…” Arielle heard Eva’s voice filled with laughter

  “What?” she asked.

  “I would like to be a fly on the wall when Troy and Gabrielle get together over the weekend. They have been apart for over two months, and knowing Troy, it will be a wild ride.” They both laughed out loud.

  On Friday, Ian, Eva, Paul, Loren, Sebastian and Arielle were sitting at the cafeteria’s patio in the sunshine conversing about Gabrielle and Troy coming back. They were delighted to see Alex, Robert, Damien, and Andrew walk up and sit down with them. Alex looked around, and he reminded them that their group would be complete once they had Troy and Gabrielle back.

  “They will be back on Monday,” Paul said. “I think we should celebrate come next weekend.” They all agreed, but Arielle saw a quick flash of anxiety cross Loren’s eyes, and it disappeared just as fast as it came. Arielle had absolutely no idea what was going on in Loren’s head, and she didn’t ask.

  Chapter 18

  MONDAY MORNING, Arielle and Sebastian arrived at the parking lot a bit early and parked right next to Troy and Gabby’s car. Arielle’s heart skipped a bit thinking of walking next to Gabby again. Gosh, she thought, things are going back to normal. They approached the physics building and spotted Troy and Gabby close to the entrance. Arielle couldn’t hold back, and she called out Gabby’s name. Gabby and Troy stopped, and turning around, they saw Arielle and Sebastian approaching quickly.

  The embrace between Arielle and Gabrielle was a jubilant one, and they lingered in the same position for a long time. It almost seemed that they hadn’t seen each other for ages. Both looked at each other through blurring visions, as tears run down their faces. Troy and Sebastian chuckled and shook their heads. They had been awe-struck by the splendor of the love and friendship that held the three girls together.

  “I missed you, Gabby,” Arielle said.

  “I love you, Arielle,” she exclaimed, and she saw tears in her eyes.

  “Girls…girls…we need to go in,” Troy chuckled giving a soft punch to Sebastian’s arm. They both laughed again, and Arielle knew they were happy to be together again. Gabrielle and Arielle walked into class together, beaming in pleasure, while Troy and Sebastian followed close behind. It was early enough to find four seats together. Colt Allworth raised his head and smiled softly.

  “Aaa!” he said. “Miss Winters, Mr. Vasser, it’s good to see you both in person. How do you feel?” he asked, looking at Gabby.

  “I’m fine; thank you for asking,” Gabby replied. He didn’t bother to look at Arielle; however, she was sure he was watching her. They walked up and took four seats on the fifth row. She felt much better sitting next to Sebastian, knowing that nothing would ever go wrong as long as they were together.

  It was at the end of the session as the four of them walked towards the exit making plans for later tonight that Professor Allworth called to her.

  “Miss Lloyd!” The entire group stopped and turned around to look at him. The smile on his face didn’t show any of the anger or cynicism that he had shown in their first interaction.

  “Yes?”

  “Can you please stay behind? I need to have a talk with you,” he said in a soft voice.

  Suddenly, she felt anxiety washing over her as she looked up at Sebastian waiting for his advice. “I’ll be right outside.” He pressed her hand. “Remember I’m able to hear from meters away, so don’t worry,” he pressed his lips on the side of her cheek.

  “Just you, Miss Lloyd; don’t worry. I don’t bite,” Allworth said. She let go of Sebastian’s hand and moved toward his desk while T
roy, Gabby, and Sebastian walked out the door; she heard it slam closed behind them. Allworth was silent, and she took a deep breath. Her eyes were burning, and she didn’t know what had come over her.

  Colt Allworth stood up and walked around his desk and down the platform to stand right in front of her. He was even taller that she thought, and his eyes were a much bluer color than she first saw. His face was soft and a smile was lingering at the corner of his mouth.

  “Please, don’t be nervous.”

  “I’m not nervous,” she said defiantly. She was sure that she was trying to convince herself more than Colt Allworth.

  “Please come and sit down for a minute.” He pointed to a couple of seats in the front row. She walked over and reluctantly took the offered seat. He stared at her for a long moment, as though he was trying to gauge her. She kept her lips pursed, waiting for his next statement. His gaze moved from her face to her neckline and unease spread through her body. Instantaneously, she moved her numb hand and clutched tightly the amulet. He followed her movement but remained motionless as an eerie silence fell between them. It was not long and she heard his voice very calm, very warm.

  “May I call you by your first name?” he asked.

  “Sure,” she replied reluctantly. She was still clutching the amulet tightly.

  “Thank you,” his said calmly.

  Arielle remained rigid and silent.

  “There’s no need to be nervous,” he furthered.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked, her voice low but steady.

  “I want to talk to you about the amulet you have on,” he said stiffly.

  Arielle flinched. “What about it?” She was now trying to put a barrier between them.

  “I would like to know where it came from. Did you find it? And if so, where?”

  His eyes moved from her neckline to her face, and her eyes widened. “Why do you want to know?”

  He looked as if he was waging some kind of war to find the right words to reply. “Arielle, it’s of the utmost importance that I find out the origin of the amulet you have in your possession.”