BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love , Book Three: A Guardian's Passion,
Book Four: A Guardian's Salvation
Disclaimer See Part 1
Sex & Violence: Part 9 contains a graphic love scene and scenes of violence. If you're under the age of consent, please move to a more suitable story.
Acknowledgements: To my beta, Lee. Thank you so much for doing what you do, woman. Theresa, I remembered. Enjoy!
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 12
Chapter 22
Taking a long sip from her glass, Lake swirled it around in her mouth to wash her mouth free of the bitter taste of revulsion lingering there. She threw a quick glance to where Copernicus stood. He had invited her to dinner, but being the recluse that he is, he managed to fly in a popular five star chef from Britain to prepare their dinner for them. She swallowed the mouthful of wine. It was sad that she had to waste such a good meal, but it was becoming more and more difficult to be around Copernicus. Her hatred for him was smothering her slowly. But she had made a promise to her mother. Copernicus was going to pay for what he'd done to their family.
Her eyes become glassy as she remembered her mother's pain filled eyes that day. She was but a young carefree student, home for the holidays when Copernicus' evil touched their lives. Raised by a single mother, after her father dumped her mother when he found out about the pregnancy, Lake and her mother had struggled to make ends meet. Working two jobs to support them both, her mother had put her life and dreams on the backburner, determined to make sure her daughter had a chance at a good life. In turn, Lake had made sure that she excelled at school. She brought home good marks to assure her mother that her sacrifice was not in vain. But still they struggled. And then out of nowhere came a beam of light. Aljoshua Bergin. The quiet, handsome man took one look at her mother and refused to let her out of his sight. Distrustful of Josh's intentions at first, Laura Noble had tried her best to resist the gentle attentions of the man, but in the end her heart gave in and Josh became a permanent fixture in their lives. He became her mother's second chance at a life she'd always wanted and Lake got a doting father. For the first time in her life she was happy. She was happy because her mother was happy. Josh spoilt them both so much and asked for so little in return. ‘Your happiness is my business', he used to whisper to her when she thanked him for whatever little gift she found under her pillow or for the new red Mustang she found parked out back on her 18 th birthday.
With a shaking hand, she reached for her glass and took a sip, the wine suddenly tasting like vinegar.
Then that fateful day when she was woke to a thundering racket outside the house. The lights were flickering on an off, but the weirdest was the flashing lightning bolts in the middle of winter. She quickly threw on her dressing gown and left her room. She found her mother unconscious on the floor in the lounge with the backdoor wide open. Kneeling at her mother's side, she'd noticed a trickle of blood leading away from where her mother laid. It was then that she saw Josh. His decapitated body lying on the lawn and standing not far from him was another man, his head thrown back as lightning bolts surged through his body. The bolts were so powerful that he was tossed around like a ragdoll. Hearing movement behind her, she'd turned to see her mother crawling to the door. Lake had tried in vain to hide Josh's mutilated body, by blocking her mother's view, but Laura spied it almost immediately.
“Josh …? Oh my … please tell me he's okay.” She struggled to her feet and rushed over to where Josh's body laid. Time stood still for her as she'd looked at her mother, her nightdress drenched in blood as she cradled the decapitated body of her best friend and lover in her lap. The poignant scene had stayed with her for years afterwards, but what she remembered more vividly, was the face of the killer. His eyes glassy with near orgasmic bliss, in his hand the bloodied sword that had taken the best part of her life away from her. That night she'd made a promise to herself and her mourning mother. Copernicus Bohm was going to pay for what he'd done to her family.
“I'm sorry, but I have to leave now.”
She started at the sound of Copernicus' voice next to her. She quickly schooled her face into a mask of disappointment as she turned to look at him.
“Oh …” She lowered her eyes shyly. “I was hoping we could spend a while longer together.” When she looked up again, it was to see Copernicus' eyes darken. “But we can do that some other time too.”
The brown eyes narrowed and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind that impenetrable gaze. A sudden smile lit up Copernicus' face and he lowered his head so he could kiss her gently on the lips.
“I'll give you a call tomorrow so we can make plans,” he murmured against her lips. “I also promise you that we'll not be disturbed next time.” He gave her another kiss and briskly left the dining room.
Knowing that there were eyes everywhere she suppressed the need to wipe her mouth with the back of her hand and instead reached for her wine glass and drained its contents. The time to execute her revenge was drawing near and she was looking forward to seeing the look on the bastard's face when she told him who she was.
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“How can you sit there and … and enjoy that?” Genevieve spat at her husband. Her eyes returned to the large screen and she shook her head. “This is utter nonsense. I cannot believe anyone would want to watch this garbage.”
Pierre reached over and pulled Genevieve into her arms. “It is entertainment, my sweet, even if it is a bit exaggerated.”
“But … but how can people believe this. It is so … so … it is almost criminal.”
Pierre turned to the screen and chuckled. The main character, a moody black-clad young man, turned to the woman who played his love interest in the movie. His face pulled into a mask of tortured emotion as he fixed an intense gaze on the woman. They moved closer and engaged into a deep, open-mouth kiss.
“Ooh! I love this movie!”
Both Pierre and Genevieve turned to look at Inger who'd just entered the TV room. Genevieve shook her head again and gently pushed out of Pierre's arms. Her green eyes were dark with disbelief as she looked at a smiling Inger. “You must be joking, Inger. How can you enjoy watching all these lies?”
Inger shrugged and slowly lowered herself on the couch, riveted by the love scene playing out on the screen. “I really like the actor's work. He's very talented.” She cast a quick look at Genevieve and winked sassily. “He also makes a very sexy vampire, don't you think.”
Pierre grinned broadly as Genevieve shook her head, a small smile forming. “I wonder what Paloma would say about this.”
Just as that moment Paloma strode into the Entertainment room, her pale eyes swiftly scanning the faces in the room, before she went to sit next to Inger.
“Look what's playing, baby,” Inger said loudly, as a mischievous smile on her face as she threw her legs over Paloma's lap. The pale eyes flitted to the screen and back at her wife.
“I should pay whoever made this movie a visit. I could set the record straight before he starts working on a sequel,” Paloma said in a dark voice. Both Genevieve and Pierre smiled at the stunned look on Inger face.
“Very funny, dear.”
Paloma smiled at her and brought her Inger's hand to her lips. “I was just messing with you, my love.” Inger's silver eyes gleamed as they stared into hers. “What is it about Gavin Kent that gets you so flustered, by the way?”
Pierre snorted. “This I would like to know too. He is so … so puny.”
After giving Pierre a cold glare, Inger turned to her wife. “I didn't say I like like him. What I said was that I appreciate his work. He's a really good actor.”
“Then the scriptwriter is the person I need to bite,” Paloma deadpanned, making Viv chuckle. Inger pushed her elbow into Paloma's side, making the vampire jump. “What? How would you feel if someone made a movie about divorce attorneys which cast them in a very unflattering light? Would you not feel the need to set the record straight, at the least?”
Inger frowned. “What? Unflattering?”
Paloma shrugged. “Yes, unflattering.” At the look of honest disbelief on Inger's face, Genevieve nodded.
“Yes, there is not a grain of truth in any of that drivel they try to sell through these movies.”
“Well, can't blame them really. Not much is known about vampires, except for what's being recycled through movies.”
“That is why I offered to bite the writer.”
Genevieve grinned at Paloma. “You are so bad.”
“And funny,” Inger piped in. “Let's see how hard she'll laugh when she finds out she won't be getting any for a while.”
Paloma quickly sat up straighter. “Ah, but Inger, I was just joking with you.”
“Yeah? You do realize that our baby can hear you making these really morbid jokes?” At Paloma's nod, she continued. “No matter if our baby's going to be the next Wonder Woman or not, but while she's part of my body, she will be raised as a human baby.”
“I understand and I apologize to you and the baby.”
Inger smiled sweetly and leaned closer to press her lips against Paloma's chin. “I know you didn't mean it, Angel, okay?”
“Okay.”
Genevieve turned to Pierre. “You want to go for a walk, cher?”
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 23
Gabriella held up the cloth and rubbed it gently against her cheek. She closed her eyes, absorbing its texture and sighed deeply. It was unbelievably soft and fluffy.
“You do realize that people are staring.”
The dark head snapped up and golden eyes met twinkling green ones. She laughed softly and looked down at the tiny pink t-shirt in her hands and back up into the smiling eyes of her fiancée.
“What … what do you think of this?” she asked hesitantly, slightly embarrassed. She melted when Trinity leaned closer and gently cupped her cheek.
“The truth?”
She nodded, trying to decipher her lover's mood. “Yes.”
“Well, I think it is way too small for you.”
The golden eyes widened in confusion, before they narrowed menacingly and she gave Trinity a playful slap on the arm. “I'm serious, baby.”
Trinity reached for the tiny t-shirt and smiled. “She would look gorgeous in it.”
“Do … do you really think so? I mean … pink?”
Trinity looked down at the t-shirt again and smiled. “I have it on good authority that most baby girls like pink.” She looked up. “You used to love pink stuff.”
Gabriella cocked her head to the side. It was funny how it would slip her mind sometimes that Trinity had actually helped raise her. Trinity would make an excellent mother, if her childhood was anything to go by. She took Trinity's larger hand in hers.
“I am so lucky to be raising a child with you, Trinity. You'll be a wonderful parent, my love.”
Trinity squeezed her hand. “I have you to thank. You taught me everything I know about raising a child.”
They shared a long, lingering look. The clearing of a voice close by made them turn. A flustered saleslady stood there, looking at them.
“Ah … would you like me to wrap that up for you?”
Trinity shook her head. “Not yet. We still have a number of items we would like to purchase.”
The sales lady nodded. “Please feel free to call me over in case you need my help with anything.” With one final look at them, she quickly made her way to sales counter.
Gabriella looked from the woman to Trinity. “What items would you still like to purchase, darling?”
Trinity held up a finger and reached inside her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Gabriella waited patiently as Trinity unfolded the paper.
“Onesies, nighttime sleepers, socks, hats, hooded towels, diapers, digital thermometer, a crib, a car seat, bottles …” Trinity suddenly looked up. “I was not sure if you would want to breastfeed, but I also have a breastfeeding pillow on here.”
Gabriella stared at Trinity in stunned surprise. Who would've thought that a vampire could be so sweet? This afternoon after work when she'd ambushed Trinity and manipulated her into an impromptu baby shopping expeditions, she didn't know what to expect. Trinity was calm as they'd browsed through the shop before her eye was caught by the cute tiny pink t-shirt. Never … ever would she have expected her lover to have a list of baby necessities on her person. She looked around slowly before stepping into Trinity's personal space.
“Where did you get that?”
Trinity smiled. “Fran helped me.”
“Fran? My Fran?”
“Yes. You were busy with a consultation and she helped me get on the internet and do some research. I made sure not to bother her, though. She was busy doing filing at the time.”
She shook her head. The last time Fran had done any filing, a task she knew her assistant absolute abhors, was almost three weeks ago. Has Trinity been walking around with that list all this time? She shook her head again. Gently taking the list from Trinity's hand, she folded it and slid into the inside pocket of Trinity's leather jacket. Taking Trinity's hand she pulled the vampire out of the store with her.
“Where are we going?” Trinity asked, obviously perplexed by her strange behavior.
“To the closest hotel where I can rip your clothes off and make you scream my name over and over again.”
Trinity blinked as her mouth fell open. She caught the shocked look of the saleslady as she was dragged past her and out the shop.
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Nimiri pushed her hands through her hair as she sat up slowly. Her green eyes immediately settled on the woman who sat on the bench a few meters away from where she was sitting on the soft, sweet-smelling grass. She loved spending time at the Madsen Mansion. Not only did it have this fabulous garden she enjoyed so much, but she reveled in the fact of being so close to the revered Jemima. The woman was unbelievable and she can understand why Tahlia was head over heels about her.
Being the mate of the Queen, Jemima was as warm and fun-loving as her mate was deadly. She always made sure that they were comfortable and made it her work to keep them company whenever they were alone at home as was the case now. Nimiri gracefully came to her feet and walked over to the bench where Jemima was seated.
“Good evening, Jemima.”
The blue eyes were welcoming as they turned to look at her. “Hello, Nimiri. Would you like to sit with me for a while?”
“Yes, I would like to.”
They sat in silence for a few moments and Nimiri took that time to carefully study the other woman. She was a true beauty with her golden hair and beautiful blue eyes. But what count the most was the warmness the woman exuded. If Leo's mate was to inherit something from her mother, she prayed it was the woman's personality. Leo could do with someone like Jemima in her life, someone who could penetrate those impenetrable walls that Leo had erected around her heart. A shadow crossed over her eyes and she closed her eyes. She was truly happy for Leo's sake, but at the same time she felt so envious of what her friend would receive once her mate was born.
For centuries she'd hoped and prayed that Leo would one day turn to her to lessen the pressure her rank placed on her. She'd hoped to be the one to warm her cold heart and bring her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. It was only when she realized that Leo would never look her way for any solace that the parade of woman to her bed started. She had used them all. She had used then ruthlessly not caring if she was breaking their hearts. Why would she? Her heart was the one that was broken beyond repair. It had taken almost a full century for her to come to terms with Leo disinterest. Now and then, she would drown in her best friends gorgeous blue eyes and her heart would skip a beat or two, but she quickly reined in her heart and thoughts. She turned to look at Jemima and was unnerved to find the blue eyes watching her intently.
“You okay?”
“Yes,” she answered curtly, wondering what Jemima had picked up while she was daydreaming. She knew the woman was a powerful physic, powerful enough to be able to read her even without having taken any on her blood. Feeling suddenly guilty for her brusque manner, she continued. “I was just reminiscing a little.”
Jemima nodded slowly, her blue eyes bright. “I know.”
Nimiri groaned at hearing those two words. She had always been so careful, especially around Jemima and Leo. She had learnt to keep her mind blank and made sure her blocks were well in place when she was in their presence. She never wanted any of them to find out what was in her heart and mind.
“May I ask you to be discreet then?” Her eyes flitted away and she focused them on a dark object at the other end of the huge garden.
Jemima nodded. “You have it.”
Nimiri felt Jemima's gaze on her and turned to look at her. The blue eyes were unreadable as they studied her. In silence they just looked at each other until Nimiri looked away. “Whatever you want to ask, ask. I will be honest with you.”
“It's not so much what I want to ask you, but more what I want to tell you.”
A blonde eyebrow rose. “Yes?”
“I think she knows.”
Nimiri shot to her feet. “What?” Her green eyes were stormy as she looked at Jemima. “But how? I was always so careful?”
Jemima shrugged. “She is not as preoccupied as she wants people to believe. She is very observant and knows exactly what is happening around her. Because she's not much of a talker, others get the impression that she's not always aware of happenings around her.” The blonde's hand went to her stomach and she gently rubbed the visible bump there. “I can't believe she had you fooled too, Nimiri.”
Nimiri lowered her head until her chin rested on her chest. “She must be feeling betrayed that I, her best friend, harbored such feelings for her.”
“Not at all. She feels guilty that you have to watch her falling in love with her mate.”
Green eyes closed tightly. Yes, that was typically Leo. Always worried about the fate of others first before thinking of herself.
“She need not worry about me. I am happy to be witness to this. I do not know of anyone else who deserve this more than she does.”
Jemima smiled. “I do.”
The meaning was not lost on Nimiri and she gave Jemima a small smile. “Thank you.” she said as she walked away without a backward glance.
Jemima's head turned and she pierced the shadows intently. Her face split in a huge grin when she encountered two pitch-black eyes looking at her. She tapped the place on the bench next to her. She watched with undisguised appreciation as her tall wife stepped out of the shadows. Jemima inhaled deeply and sighed at the familiar earthy scent of Tahlia.
“Hello, lover,” she whispered into Tahlia's ear and chuckled when a slight shiver ran through the vampire's body.
The dark eyes calmly studied her, slowly trailing down her body and came to rest on her rounded belly. Jemima held her breath as she watched Tahlia's quiet examination of her body. By the time the dark eyes met hers, she was unbelievably aroused.
“You are beautiful.”
Jemima swallowed hard at the quietly spoken words. Tahlia could always charm her so easily. She smiled and reaching for Tahlia's large hand, she placed it over her belly. “Thank you, darling. You look pretty hot yourself.”
Tahlia placed a soft kiss on her cheek and sat back. “The baby is growing bigger.”
“Yes.” Jemima placed her hand over Tahlia's. “It's almost three months now.”
They sat in silence listening to the night sounds. Slightly concerned by Tahlia's uncharacteristic silence, Jemima squeezed Tahlia's hand gently. The dark head turned and looked into her eyes.
“I was convinced our plan would work.”
“Perhaps we need to give it more time.”
“It has been more than two weeks now, Jemi. Why has he not contacted her yet?”
Jemima lifted her hand to Tahlia's cheek and stared deep into the dark eyes, willing her wife to share in her belief. “It will work, my love. We just need to have faith.”
Tahlia leaned into the touch and closed her eyes. “I wish I had your faith.”
“No need, love. I have more than enough faith for the both of us,” Jemima said softly. Tahlia nodded and looked intently into Jemima's eyes. “What?”
“I am just so grateful to have you with me. I am not sure how I would have handled this if it was not for your unwavering support.”
Jemima pulled Tahlia's face closer for a gentle kiss. “You never fail, Tahlia, and that is reason enough for all of us to believe in you.” She pulled Tahlia into her arms and held her tightly against her chest. “We will survive this too.”