“I would love to go dancing.”
“Then it’s a date.” Gabriella came to her feet, leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Jessica’s cheek. “See you tomorrow at eight, in the lobby.”
Jessica watched them as they walked away, holding hands. Having met Trinity now, she knew she wouldn’t have stood a chance trying to win Gabriella back. The woman had a peculiar allure that even she found difficult to resist. There was no way that Gabriella was going to trade in that woman anytime soon.
Jessica pushed her empty glass away and reached for the second one that Gabriella had ordered for her. Lifting the glass, she saluted herself. To new beginnings. Gabriella was way out of her reach now and she might just as well move on with her life.
†
The scent still lingered in the hallway. Her prey had been there not too long ago and the knowledge made her fangs extend, as she slowly worked her way down the long corridor to the closed door at the end. The closer she came to the door, the stronger the scent got. She stood outside, sharpening her senses and scanned the room first.
She picked up the scent of four renegades, but the person she was hunting wasn’t present. She dissolved quickly, poured through the space underneath the door and streaked to a dark corner of the candlelit room. There, she took on solid form. The renegades stood with their backs to her and she was just about to surge into action when a calm voice stopped her.
Clarissa dissolved quickly. Jonas was right. Leather-clad figures, armed with semiautomatic rifles, broadswords and crossbows, packed the hallway. She stealthily breezed past them and only took form again once she was a few meters away from the castle. Jonas appeared next to her, his dark eyes burning down into hers.
“At least we have her scent and now she cannot hide from us any longer. We need to go now, it will be light shortly.” They shapeshifted into owls together and with his big wings shielding her, Jonas led the way.
Half an hour later, they landed on the roof of a small hotel. Jonas waited patiently until she’d shifted back, before leading her to a door and down a staircase into a large candlelit room. When they entered, the three occupants looked up.
Tahlia, Paloma, and Jemima were sitting around a wooden table, a chessboard between them. Shrugging out of his jacket, Jonas went to sit at the table and waited for Clarissa to follow suit.
“Joachim’s information was spot on. Mary is hiding somewhere in the city and she has a large contingent of foot soldiers with her. We picked up her scent at a castle a few kilometers outside Cologne.” He rubbed his large hands together. “The bad news is that she is aware of being hunted. She tried to lead us into an ambush earlier tonight.”
Tahlia rubbed over her eyes.
“I cannot believe how difficult it is to catch that woman. For the past three years, she’s managed to always be one step ahead of us.” The black eyes darkened and looked even murkier in her pale face. “We need to call a meeting with our Consortium members, here in Germany. I suspect that we might have a double agent on the team. Every move we have made was a sure step toward capturing her, but still she has been able to evade us.” Tahlia turned to look straight at her and Clarissa turned cold under the glare of the black stare. Could they be suspecting her? “We need to send someone in to infiltrate Mary’s army. Are you up for it?”
Without hesitation, she nodded.
“Yes.”
During the past three years, she’d trained under the watchful eyes of both Jonas and Paloma. As her skill grew, so did her respect for the cause the Clan was fighting. She grew more powerful every day and she realized that with this power coursing through her veins, came the responsibility to protect. Ridding the world of killers such as the monsters Tristan and Mary created, was what she lived for now. Her role of guardian was not only fulfilling, but also served as deliverance for the guilt she’d harbored for so long. Soon after she’d started her training, she told Jonas about the time she’d spent in captivity and the servants who’d died at her hand. Instead of the censure she’d expected, Jonas had nodded and handed her a broadsword.
“Now is the time to get even. Many more are being turned into killers, just so she can feed her bloodlust and hunger for terror. Your task will be to find and destroy Mary. Your salvation will lie in your success to do so.” Jonas had said in his calm voice, his black eyes gleaming in his handsome face. Now, Tahlia was handing her the chance to get closer to her goal and closer to salvation. She would be stupid to turn down this chance.
“We will inform the members that we suspect you have gone rogue. If Mary seeks you out, we will be sure of a leak in the agency. In the meantime the four of us will find ways to set you up by staging fake massacres.” The black eyes studied her long and hard. “You need to understand that it will be very dangerous and that Mary, if she allows you into her circle, will doubt your loyalty to her all the time. Are you sure you are ready for this?”
Jonas stepped forward and put his hand on Clarissa’s shoulder. His eyes brimmed with reassurance and pride.
“She is the best person for this job and I can attest to her ability to succeed.” He turned to look at Tahlia. “Just to make it clear for all present, I wish to claim Clarissa as my kin.” He looked down into Clarissa’s eyes. “I have made my intention clear. You can decide if you want to be a member of the House of Bedreynoff. The offer is open for as long as you want to think about it.”
She looked up at Tahlia and found the Queen’s eyes had softened. Clarissa turned to Jemima who was smiling back at her broadly and even the stoic Paloma was nodding her approval. The biggest honor had befallen her and still, she felt as if there was something missing. Someone to celebrate the moment with.
< Since Joan’s passing, Jonas has not allowed anyone else into his closed circle. You must be an exceptional person to have this honor bestowed on you.>
Nodding, she turned to Jonas and extended her hand, palm up, as a sign that she accepted the honor. With a wide smile Jonas placed his over hers.
“Welcome to my family, sister.” He pulled her into a warm embrace and Clarissa melted against him. Since he’d brought her back to New York, he’d been true to his word and had taken care of her. He believed in her, trusted her and with gentle persuasion, always nudged her further than she thought she could go during training. Her respect for this giant of a man ran deep.
“Thank you for the honor, brother.”
†
Lying on the rumpled sheet, her body shivered slightly as a cool breeze, from the open balcony doors, touched her sweaty body. Gabriella sleepily stroked Trinity’s hair, as they lay facing each another. They’d just made love for the fourth time and although she sensed a subtle darkness in her lover tonight, she had learned never to push Trinity for answers. Trinity would talk when the time was right for her.
The green eyes looked back at her with the same contemplative expression that Trinity had been studying her with the whole night. Trinity’s hand reached out and she gently pushed a wayward lock of hair from Gabriella’s face. Before she could retract her hand, Gabriella grabbed it and planted a soft kiss in the vampire’s palm. Four years on and she was still in awe of this wonderful woman who was hers. They were more in love now than ever.
The green eyes smiled into hers and Gabriella traced the curve of the smile with her fingertip. She snatched her hand away when Trinity playfully caught it between her teeth. Exhaling softly, she shifted closer and placed a warm kiss on Trinity’s lips. She couldn’t wait any longer.
“Please, tell me what’s bothering you?” With the question out in the open, she lifted her head so she could look into Trinity’s eyes. “I’m sorry
for prying, but I can sense that you’re troubled my love.”
She saw the green eyes darken slightly before Trinity looked away, but Gabriella gently turned her face so she was facing her again. “C’mon … spit it out.”
“I am not sure it is a good idea to have Jessica around you. I saw the way she was looking at you. It is obvious she is still in love with you.”
Gabriella sat up slowly. She never would have guessed that the reason for Trinity’s somber mood was simple jealousy. She gently stroked the copper locks, as she stared deeply into the green eyes.
“You have no need to worry where Jessica’s concerned, my love.”
The green eyes flashed. “It is not you I am worried about. She practically devoured you with her eyes tonight.” Trinity’s voice dropped an octave or so, making it huskier and menacing as her annoyance escalated. “I do not trust her around you.”
Gabriella’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she still continued to stroke the soft copper locks.
“Your jealousy is completely unnecessary. I can assure you she’s no longer interested in me.”
†
Trinity wanted to pursue the topic, convinced that Gabriella was naïve not to have noticed Jessica’s attraction to her, but the amber eyes had a stubborn look in them, an indication that the topic was not up for discussion anymore. But the suspicion was eating away at her heart and she threw the covers off her and got to her feet. Naked, she began to pace agitatedly, aware of the amber gaze following her movements closely.
“I do not think you should be going out with her, she might think you are leading her on.”
Gabriella folded her arms over her chest; the amber eyes were spitting fire now.
“Just because you are paranoid? I don’t think so. Jessica and I were once good friends, and if I want to go out with her as a friend, I will. I don’t need your permission to do so.”
Trinity felt as if thousands of little insects were crawling under her skin at Gabriella’s obstinacy. How dare Gabriella put another woman before her? Just the knowledge that Jessica had slept with Gabriella before, and was probably still hoping to do so again, made her see red. She felt her fangs growing. When she looked back at Gabriella, she saw the shock on her lover’s face and knew that her eyes must be glowing red and her fangs would be showing. She looked like the monster she was trying to hide behind a human façade. But she didn’t care. Gabriella was not going to go out with Jessica.
“I will kill her first, before I allow her to touch you.” The threat was pushed through clenched teeth. “I warn you to stay away from her.”
Gabriella swung her feet off the bed and walked to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. It must have been the sound of the slamming door that soaked into Trinity’s rage-filled mind and brought her to her senses. Almost immediately, an intense feeling of regret washed over her. She walked to the closed door. The shower was running, but she could easily discern the muffled sobs. She knew it was futile, but she turned the knob to find the door was locked.
“Gaby, I am sorry. Please, let me in.” Silence greeted her request. “You know the door will not keep me out.” Still no reply. She dissolved quickly and slipped under the door. Gabriella stood in the shower cubicle, her forehead pressed against the tiles, as streams of water ran down her body. Trinity entered the cubicle and touched her shoulder. Gabriella gasped and turned wide eyes on her, before she shrugged off the hand on her shoulder.
“Please, Gaby,” she pleaded. “I am sorry for my outburst, my heart. I…I was not thinking straight.” When she tried to touch Gabriella again, Gabriella flinched and Trinity bit her lower lip. Could it be that she had gone too far this time? “Please, talk to me Gaby. I do not want us to be angry with each other.”
The dark head lifted and turned sideways. “Just leave me alone for now, please. We can talk about this tomorrow.” Gabriella’s voice sounded hollow and Trinity felt her heart ache for being the cause of this pain. “I don’t want to see you right now, so please, leave.” Gabriella turned off the taps and brushing passed Trinity, left the cubicle. Trinity stood frozen to the spot, as she watched Gabriella drying off. Not once in all the time since they’d found each other again had Gabriella rejected her touch. A coldness settled in her heart as she remembered the last, and only, time it happened. It was the night of Lucia’s murder. Just like tonight, Gabriella had sent her away because she was repulsed by Trinity’s monster. Gabriella finished drying off and left the bathroom.
Trinity followed closely, but didn’t try to touch her again. She stood quietly and watched, as Gabriella got dressed. It was only when Gabriella made for the door that Trinity spoke again, alarmed.
“Where are you going?”
“Out … alone,” Gabriella said curtly, but with finality in her voice.
Trinity approached Gabriella, but the latter held up a hand and Trinity stopped her approach.
“It is not safe outside. Let me come with you, I promise I will not be in the way.”
Gabriella’s amber eyes hardened. “I need to be away from you for now, Trinity”
Without a backward glance, the brunette opened the door and left, leaving Trinity staring at the door, vehemently cursing at herself. Their evening had started so well, until she’d bumped into Jessica at the elevators. Her evening soured further, when she returned to the bar to find Gabriella chatting with Jessica who was staring at her like a lovesick puppy. The night went downhill from there. With a flick of her hand she quickly changed into a fresh set of clothing and dissolved. She would have to follow Gabriella to make sure she was safe.
†
It was already past midnight, when Jessica slammed her glass down on the bar and gave the girl next to her a friendly, drunken peck on the cheek. The girl smiled and Jessica saw the unconcealed look of desire in the girl’s eyes. No, not tonight, honey, Jessica thought as she shrugged into her jacket. After Gabriella and her fiancée had left her at the bar, she’d finished her wine and crossed the huge Marktplatzt to come to this bar.
“Thank you, for keeping me company tonight, but I have a busy day tomorrow and need to be up very early.”
“Why don’t you sleep over at my place?” The girl’s eyes were dark with desire. “I’ll make sure that you don’t oversleep.”
Jessica gave the girl a gentle smile and waved at her, before she made her way to the exit. She had learned, early on, to make a clean, quick exit before someone tried to change her mind. She pulled her jacket close, as she stood outside the bar. Caroline was right, the bar was really nice and she had a great time hanging out with the girls. Since the bar was situated near a group of international hotels, the patrons were also very cosmopolitan.
She looked down the street leading to the huge open market place. She didn’t feel like going to her hotel room just yet and decided to take a short detour by the Kölner Dom. Knowing Howard, he would suggest they climb the 2,000 or more steps to the top. Even after all this time together, she was still stunned by Howard’s enthusiasm of new places. She’d been to most of the places they frequented on assignment, twice. After a while, it all seemed so stale. She slowly made her way down the cobbled street. The Cathedral Square was quiet. In the early hours of Saturday morning, nightclubs and bars were brimming with people and only a few were sauntering around the Square. Coming to a stop before the Kölner Dom, she bent backward and squinted up at the impressive structure of the cathedral. She would slap Howie silly, if he dared suggest she try and climb all those stairs tomorrow. The structure looked like it pierced the sky, touching heaven. Jess smiled. Now that was one place that wasn’t ready for her.
“Be careful, don’t want you puking all over yourself now.” A calm voice said suddenly. Jess spun around, ready to defend herself. Her smile was one of genuine pleasure when her eyes lit on Gabriella. The brunette’s hands were pushed in the pockets of her leather jacket and she had a twinkle in her amber eyes. The slightly rumpled, raven hair made Gabriella look wildly alluring.
�
��You remember the last time it happened, don’t you?” she asked with a grin and Gabriella chuckled. Jess blushed.
For their third anniversary they’d decided to go to Venice; while on a romantic gondola ride, sipping champagne, she’d decided to hang her head over the side of the gondola, despite Gabriella’s advice not to since she was already way past tipsy. She ended up spilling her very expensive dinner of lobster into the channel. In the end, it was Gabriella who had to be helped out of the gondola, semi-paralyzed from laughter. Gabriella teased her about that for years afterwards. Jessica smiled sadly. What an idiot she’s been.
“You’ve done the stupidest things I’ve ever seen, but that one was by far the winner.” Gabriella said with feigned disgust and Jessica laughed.
“Yes, I had my moments, didn’t I?” They stared at each other in silence for a long while. Realizing that she was staring, Jess cleared her throat loudly. “By the way, what’s a beautiful girl like you doing out here alone?”
“I just needed some fresh air, that’s all,” Gabriella said quietly, as an unreadable look came over her eyes.
Jessica wondered where Trinity was, but didn’t ask. It was none of her business after all. Instead she pointed to a vacant bench nearby. After what she’d done to Gabriella, she never thought that they would ever sit together and laugh over memories. That was more than she’d hoped for, considering their situation.
“Do you want to sit with me for a while?”
Gabriella turned around and when she spotted the bench, walked over to take a seat. They sat in silence for a while, before Gabriella broke the silence.
“I meant what I said earlier. I’m really surprised you’re still single after four years. What happened?” The amber eyes looked dark in the weak light and Jessica quickly looked away. For years she’d evaded this question and Gabriella was the last person she wanted to talk to about this. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk about it.” Gabriella was using that calm soothing voice of hers that Jessica knew so well and had loved.
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