BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: This is my first try and not being a native English speaker, it's so much more challenging. Constructive criticism if greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART FOUR
Chapter 7
When Valery had picked her up at the office, Gabriella was relieved that she didn't have to go home just yet. For the past week, she'd shifted all her after hour sessions, so she could rush home just in case Trinity was waiting there for her. But after two days, she'd made peace with the fact that Trinity was not going to show up anytime soon.
She had a guest last night, though not the one she'd wished to encounter. When she'd arrived home last night, Jessica had been waiting for her. After a heated argument about her sexual escapades while on assignments, Jessica had handed her the key and stormed out of the apartment. She'd felt drained afterwards and had waited in her room, hoping that Trinity might drop in. It was already passed midnight when she'd undressed and got into bed. Another hour or two had passed before she finally fell asleep only to wake up this morning feeling more drained and extremely depressed.
When Val called her to invite her to the fundraiser, she'd said yes immediately, knowing that if she went home, she'd just be bombarded by thoughts of Trinity. She was sick of sitting around and waiting for someone who clearly didn't want to see her.
Valery was deep in conversation with a long-legged blonde girl a few feet away and from the way her friend was looking at the girl she was sure that Val was working hard at enticing the girl to go home with her later.
She wandered off mentally holding thumbs for Valery and decided to get herself a drink before circling the room as inconspicuously as she could. The last time she'd been to this all-women fundraiser, she was swamped by the ladies. It had taken her more than an hour to answer questions and make a quick getaway so she could be home before Jessica arrived from an assignment.
She reached the bar without being stopped by anyone. The bartender immediately came to take her order and while she waited for her drink, she scanned the room. She remembered a few faces from last year's event, but there were also a lot of new faces.
“Excuse me, ma'am, your drink,” the bartender said next to her and smiling at him she accepted her lime and soda.
She felt eyes on her and scanning the room, smiled when she looked into brilliant blue eyes. She saw Inger excusing herself from the group of women and came over to her. Gabriella couldn't help admiring the woman. She looked extremely sexy in the pinstriped suit she was wearing.
“Dr. Talos, what a pleasure to see you again,” she said in a genuinely friendly voice. “I never got around thanking you for your advice. Paloma and I have made definite improvements.” She wiggled her eyebrows at her and Gabriella couldn't help laughing softly. The woman was full of contrasts. Here she was dressed like a no-nonsense divorce attorney, walked like one and even talked like one, but then she had this playful quality about her that was very endearing. “Did you come alone?”
Gabriella shook her head.
“I'm here with a friend. I don't see Paloma around either.”
Inger laughed softly.
“She doesn't mind making generous donations, but she won't be caught dead at a function like this. I too came with a friend. Let me see where she is.” She looked around and must've spotted her friend for she gestured for the person to come over. “She'll be here in a sec. Let me just quickly order a drink.”
^^^^^^^
They saw each other at the same time. The slight narrowing of Trinity's eyes was the only outwards expression upon seeing Gabriella, but inside her stomach flipped and a she felt a slow heat begin to pulse to life between her legs. Gabriella looked unbelievable beautiful tonight dressed in a sleek white pantsuit which accentuates her dark Latin looks. The amber eyes were staring at her with shock. When they were standing before each other, Inger turned away from the bar with a glass of red wine in her hand. She smiled innocently at Trinity and then at Gabriella.
“Trinity, meet Dr. Gabriella Talos. Paloma and I went to see her recently. Dr. Talos, this is my dear friend, Trinity O'Riordian.” She took Trinity's hand and laughed into her somber eyes. “We are almost like sisters, aren't we now?”
Trinity nodded and switched her gaze to Gabriella who was staring at the two of them in silence, her amber eyes flitting between the two of them. After a long while, Gabriella held out her hand.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Trinity. What an unusual name?” Gabriella said sweetly.
Trinity smiled gently, excited by the dare she heard in Gabriella's voice.
“My mother thought it would bring me good luck,” she said softly and watched the amber eyes darkening slightly.
“And did it?”
Gabriella took a sip from her drink, peering at Trinity from over the rim of her glass. She saw the green eyes hardening and wondered if she'd pushed her too far with that question.
“Yes and no,” she said calmly and turned to Inger who was staring at them with an intensity which puzzled Gabriella. “I didn't know that you and Paloma had trouble in that department. You guys always seemed so … attuned to each others needs.”
Inger shrugged and took a sip from her glass, her blue eyes mysterious as they rest on Trinity.
“We were worried that things were becoming too predictable and approached the good doctor for advice.” She took another quick sip. “Why didn't I think of it sooner?” She placed her glass on the bar counter and threw her hands wide looking from Trinity to Gabriella. “Why don't you also counsel Trinity? I can't remember when last she'd been with someone. Maybe you could help her revive her flagging libido. I'm footing the bill. What do you say, Doctor?”
Gabriella was stunned by the suggestion and slowly turned to look at Trinity. Trinity was staring at Inger with burning eyes and for a moment Gabriella wondered if she was going to attack the other woman. Counseling Trinity would be a disaster, because she couldn't see herself talking about vulvas and G-spots with this woman. On the other hand, it would mean that she would be seeing a whole lot more of Trinity. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. She cleared her throat softly and both women turned to look at her.
“I'm sure I'll be able to help.” She saw an expression of pure delight on Inger's face and one of deadly fury in Trinity's eyes as she turned to gauge the reaction of the two women. She quickly continued before her bravado deserted her completely. “I'm booked solid for the next three weeks, but I think we can have our sessions at my place, if it suits you.” Her gaze touched lightly on Trinity and she almost swooned when Trinity turned to look at her and she was faced with full intensity of the green eyes.
“Great!” Inger exclaimed, before Trinity could answer. “I will call your office tomorrow so we can make an arrangement for the payment.” She clasped Gabriella's hand. “It means a lot to me that you are willing to make an exception for us. At least now my friend will be able to start dating again.” She stepped back and at the exact moment, a woman passed by and pulled Inger away from them with a polite apology.
“Why did you agree to see me?” Trinity's voice was so soft that Gabriella had to strain her ears to be able to her hear.
“I couldn't very well have said no. Inger wanted to do something nice for you and I too think that you need to unlock that part of you and start living.” She clasped her hand over her mouth and quickly stepped closer to Trinity. “Speaking about living. Does she know?”
Trinity looked at her long and hard.
“Yes, she does.”
Gabriella's face registered shock. “And she doesn't mind? She's fine with it?”
“She doesn't really have a choice,” Trinity said nonchalantly and saw the confusion in Gabriella's eyes.
“What does that mean?” she asked slowly and frowned when Trinity started to chuckle softly.
“I will tell you one day, but not tonight.”
Gabriella looked down at the glass in her hand and then back at Trinity. Trinity of all people should know how she hated it when people do that. Since she was a child, she'd pester Trinity to finish a story instead of keeping her in suspense until the next evening. She saw the dare in Trinity's eyes and instead took sip – a long one – from her drink. How she wished she'd ordered something stronger now.
“What? You're not going to throw the drink in my face?” she taunted her and Gabriella took another hasty sip.
“As you can see for yourself, I've grown up,” she snapped at her and her amber eyes smoldered with suppressed anger.
Trinity looked at the woman in front of her and slowly pushed her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket, scared that she might forget where they were and grabbed her close for a kiss. She looked so damned beautiful staring at her with her smoldering eyes and stiff smile. Maybe having sessions with her after hours wasn't such a bad idea. She could insist on alternating between theory and practice. Her green eyes lowered slowly and came to rest on the full breasts under the tight black silk shirt. Her mouth watered at the thought of sucking those nipples into her mouth and …
“Don't look at me like that, Trinity,” Gabriella said in a shaky voice and Trinity quickly blinked.
When she focused her eyes on Gabriella face again, her eyes were impassive and her face schooled in a neutral mask. Gabriella on the other hand looked visibly shaken at what had just transpired. “If you want me that much why don't you do something about it?”
Trinity suddenly remembered the glass in her hand and lifted it to her lips, draining its contents.
She placed the glass on the counter. Space . She needed to put distance between them.
“I need to get Inger home now. Paloma might be worried by now,” she said softly.
“Will you come back to me after you've taken her home?” The question was asked softly and with so much uncertainty, that Trinity wanted to kiss her.
“You've just broken up with your girlfriend and are very vulnerable at the moment. No need complicate things further.” This time she looked at Gabriella with genuine concern. She gently took the brunette by the arm and pulled her to a quiet corner. “Having sex with me will not solve anything. Call Jessica. Maybe you can sort out your differences and reconcile.”
Gabriella eyes darkened slowly the longer she looked into Trinity's mesmerizing eyes.
“Maybe I should.” She turned and walked away.
Cursing under her breath, Trinity watched as Gabriella disappeared into the crowd. What did she mean by that? Was she really going to call that cheating woman and patch things up with her? It was times like these that she wished she could read Gabriella's mind. She should've taken her blood when she had the chance. Now was too late, the woman was spitting angry at her and would probably knock her fangs out if she tried to bite her. But she'll have to come up with a plan to bite her one way or another. The woman was too impulsive to think things through and she needed to be a step ahead at all times to protect her.
But first she needed to get the Assassin's mate home safely. She went in search of Inger, hoping she won't run into Gabriella again.
***********************************
The earth vibrated thunderously and spewed upwards. Tristan came into a sitting position and flexed his stiff muscles. His eyes creaked open and the group of renegades who were guarding his den, while he recovered stood back, their eyes shifting uneasily. An unholy light blazed in the renegade leader's eyes. Those who knew him, knew very well that when Tristan was in this mood, is spelled death for anyone who opposed him.
At that very moment, the renegade prince's thoughts were on Trinity. The bitch had the audacity to kick him in the groin, poisoning him with silver in the process. He felt the fear of the other vampires and drew on it, mentally soaking in it. Fear was the one emotion he felt comfortable with. Trinity hadn't shown any fear that night. Instead, she had looked at him with disgust. Him! The Master of the renegade council? The lives of so many humans and vampires depended on his say so. But that bitch had tipped the scale dangerously.
He will enjoy making her suffer before he takes her out of her misery. When they were both human, she had treated him like dirt, like a disease. For as long as he could remember he had wanted her. No matter how hard he'd tried to win her favor, Trinity had always swatted him away as if he was an irritating insect.
He slowly rose to his feet and stepped out of the shallow hole.
Once he was converted his couldn't wait to return to England and take his revenge on all those who had made his human life a living hell. First on the list was his father, for treating him like a beggar and throwing a measly monthly stipend his way. He was the butt of many jokes amongst his peers. Tristan the Insolvent, they'd whispered behind their gloved hands. His mother…well…she was simply in the way when he'd torn out his father's throat with is teeth. Her screaming had alerted the old midwife, Trinity's mother and he had no choice but to kill them both. Then there was gentle little Clarissa. He had hated her a little, because everyone compared them. If only Tristan had Clarissa's disposition he'd be less of a liability and a worthy future Marquis, he'd heard all of his human life.
But nobody really knew little docile Clarissa at all, it seemed. The little whore had kept a very dark side hidden form her many admirers. He had heard and read about women pleasuring each other, but had never been privy to such a moment before. He remembered the night he'd last set eyes on his baby sister. He was filled with so much rage when he'd found Clarissa panting like a bitch in heat with none other than Trinity between her legs. He'd wanted to butcher them both then and there, but he not before he had had Trinity first. A cold smile flitted over his face. Oh, how intoxicating she'd been. He was very unhappy when Drake and Mercredi insisted he got rid of her and start to focus on his role as a member of the Renegade Council. Reluctantly he had thrown her out, knowing she would die soon afterwards, but he never counted on her being turned by another vampire. Now she was here in New York and had very powerful allies. But not even that was going to stop him from making her pay for she'd done to him.
He quickly changed his clothes and turned to his guards.
“I will not be going out to hunt. Bring me a young girl, fifteen and still a virgin,” he snapped at guards and they almost fell over the feet in the haste to fulfill his wish.
Throughout the centuries he had traveled the world and sampled the blood from all races and ages and had found that the blood of young teenage girls, still untouched, but with so much expectations and promise was the most revitalizing of them all. He'd never looked back since. It was only in rare instances that he would drink from an adult, but that was simply when he was ravenous and had to take what was on offer.
Tonight he'll devise his plan and come to tomorrow night he would systematically put it in practice.
The bitch will not know what had hit her.
________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 8
The room was dark but she could easily make out the shape on the bed. Hidden in the shadows she hungrily looked at the sleeping figure. Jealousy brought her here tonight. After she'd dropped off Inger she'd went to the library to read a bit before she'd join the rest of the team in the training room, but her mind kept on returning to Gabriella. Was she with Jessica? Were they in bed making love? After nearly two hours of reliving distressing mental images of Jessica and Gabriella together, she had fled the library and came here. Scanning the apartment she was relieved to found that Gabriella was in bed, alone.
She listened to Gabriella breathing before she softly crept closer until she was standing at the foot of the bed. The satin sheets rustled softly as Gabriella turned on her back. Alarmed, she took a quick step backwards and melted into the shadows.
“Coward.” The word was whispered softly, but to Trinity it sounded as if it had been shouted directly into her ear.
Startled, she just stared at the figure on the bed. She was getting negligent, first she'd allowed Tristan to creep up on her and now she wasn't even aware that Gabriella was awake and laying there looking at her.
“I've been expecting you.”
Trinity frowned. She'd expected her! How the hell did she know that she would come?
“Why do you think I came?” she asked coolly.
Gabriella sat up and Trinity mouth fell open. She was completely naked under the sheet.
“You want me, Trinity,” she said matter-of-factly and threw the sheet away from her as she came walking towards her. “You might not know it yet, but we were destined to be together. You have been looking after me so that one day you could claim me for yourself.” Gabriella boldly walked right up to her and pressed her warm naked body into hers. “Why don't you just take what is yours.”
Trinity felt her heartbeat accelerate at the thought of pressing her down on the satin sheets and losing herself in Gabriella's gorgeous body. At the same time a profound sense of sadness overtook her and she lifted her gaze to meet the warm golden one.
“You are not mine to take. I'm a vampire living in the shadows and you a beautiful woman who belongs in the sunlight. You won't like my world, my principles, and my…jealousy.” She took another step away from Gabriella. She couldn't think with a naked Gabriella standing so close to her. For the one step she took backwards, Gabriella closed the distance by taking two steps in her direction, pressing herself even tighter against her. “You don't know anything about vampires, Gabriella. We're not your everyday girlfriend type. When we love we love until death do us part. Our passion can be very frightening.”
She put her hands lightly on Gabriella's shoulders aiming to push her away, but she soon realized that it was a huge mistake. The silky heat of her skin under her hands made her knees buckle and she knew at that moment that she was lost. Instead of pushing her away, she pulled closer still and her head bend down to capture the moist parted lips in a hard ferocious kiss. After a few seconds which felt like hours she pulled her lips away and buried her lips in the raven black hair.
“It didn't scare me,” she heard Gabriella gasp against her neck and she slowly pushed her away so she could look in the amber eyes. They were almost dark with desire. “I want more.”
The small request was her complete undoing and Trinity swung her into her arms and walked over to the big bed. There, she gently deposited her charge on the bed and stretched out next to her. Still the amber eyes stared into hers fearlessly and she slowly lowered her head again to taste her lips, while her hands reached for the soft full mounds of her breasts.
“Tell me if you want me to stop, baby.”
^^^^^^^^^^^
Gabriella nodded but knew that tonight there won't be any stopping. Tonight she wanted to be ravished. Not even Jessica had made her want her this much. She felt Trinity's lips on her shoulder knobs, then her neck, then her breasts and then she was slowing moving downwards.
She closed her eyes when she felt the cool fingers opening her swollen lips, pushing them apart to make way for …
“Ohhhhh.”
Trinity's hot tongue slipped into her silken folds and with the tip of her tongue she slowly explored her wet and musky centre. Was this what she'd been telling people to do during her sessions, because it was so… so wickedly delicious? She felt the smooth silky tongue moving downwards and then she gasped as Trinity stabbed her tongue deep into her warm sex. Once, twice, three times and then she lost count as she hips started to push up in mindless pleasure.
^^^^^^^^
Trinity was greedy. There were so many things she still wanted to do to this woman and dawn was approaching fast. She flattened her tongue and with her long slow lick moved upwards until she encountered the pulsing swollen nub and rubbed it with her tongue. Slowly at first and then faster and faster, until she heard Gabriella moaning louder, her hips pushing frantically against her face, wetting it with her juices. She looked up to see the expression on Gabriella's face and groaned. This particular image will stay with her forever. Gabriella's hands were knotted in the sheets on both sides of her head, while her mouth was open in rapturous delight.
“Don't stop now, please,” she begged without opening her eyes and Trinity didn't wait to be asked again. While her tongue was rubbing over Gabriella's clit, she slowly pushed her fingers into the gaping, greedy hole until she couldn't go any deeper.
The added penetrative action, made her head spin, bringing a rush of blood from her toes to the plundered area between her legs.
“I'm coming, I'm coming,” Gabriella chanted breathlessly and then her release was upon her. She felt Trinity move her lips away but kept on fingering her hard. A sharp prick on the inside of her thigh made her gasp at the sensation and she felt her orgasm rolling over her instantly. She trashed her head from side to side as her fingers pushed into Trinity's hair to hold her head in position between her quivering legs.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
She was lying so still, with only her chest heaving erratically, that it made Trinity wonder if she'd maybe taken a little too much blood and probably…
She was staring down at her worriedly when the amber eyes opened slowly and stared at her from under heavy eyelids. She breathed a sigh of relief and placed a soft tender kiss on the soft lips.
“Are you OK?” she asked softly and frowned when Gabriella shook her head weakly.
“No. I feel thoroughly ravished.” Gabriella whispered softly.
Trinity grinned and kissed her again. “That was the idea. Remember though that it was just a prelude to many more things to come.” She licked her lips slowly and smiled darkly. “You taste divine, by the way.”
“I taste different every day. You'll find out soon.”
The sexy talk was making her even more aroused and she rolled away to open the fly of her jean. When she looked at Gabriella she was pleased to see the anticipation on her face.
“Are you …Are you going to…” Gabriella asked softly and knowing what she wanted to ask, but could not voice, Trinity nodded.
“Yes, I'm going to make myself come while you watch.” She shrugged out of the jeans and planting a hard kiss on Gabriella's lips, she pushed her hand inside her black lace panties. A soft groan escaped her lips when her fingertips brushed against her swollen sex.
Gabriella was mesmerized by the slow rhythmic movements of Trinity's hand and when she lifted her eyes, she was shocked to find the dark green eyes, were glazed with desire. She leaned closer and pressed an openmouthed kiss on Trinity's gasping lips. It didn't take Trinity long to come and when she did; her body stiffened at first before it began to shudder.
Moved by Trinity's unexpected vulnerability, Gabriella moved closer wanting to pull her into her arms, but Trinity quickly rolled away.
“Careful, love. My passion and hunger go hand-in-hand. Just let me catch my breath and get all my mental faculties working again, before I come close to you.” Her green eyes were staring at the slow pulse in Gabriella's neck. The initial pang of hurt when Trinity rolled out of her embrace was replaced by horror and realization. She quickly lifted a hand to her neck.
“Don't worry, you're safe. I will not hurt you.” Trinity said softly, her green eyes slowly moving over her face. She swung her feet of the bed and reached for her jeans and put it on. “I have to go now.”
Gabriella looked at Trinity, fully-dressed and looking dangerously sexy in her black outfit. Pulling the sheet with her, she walked over to where Trinity stood and stared up into her eyes. Just seeing her standing there, looking so cool and dangerous, had triggered her desire again. She wanted her again, if not tonight, then perhaps tomorrow, and the day after and the day after. Hell, she actually wanted her around for a very long time and being a vampire, Trinity could actually fulfill that wish. But she looked so cold and distant, standing there, looking at her with expressionless eyes.
“When will I see you again?”
There was a strange flash in the green eyes, but it passed just as quickly.
“I don't know,” she replied.
Gabriella stepped closer and pressed herself up against Trinity.
“I want to see you again.”
Trinity put her hands on her shoulder and held her back so she could look into her eyes. The amber eyes looked back at her with so much dread that Trinity felt her anger dissipate.
“As much as I want to be with you, I'm scared that Tristan's spies might follow me here one night and I hate to think of what he will do to you to get back at me.” She felt the shudder that went down Gabriella's spine. “You should fear him, because he is one of the cruelest vampires alive.” The green eyes hardened. “Please don't go alone at night and don't invite strangers in after dark.”
This time she felt Gabriella starting to shiver.
“I'm scared of staying here alone.” The amber eyes filled with tears and Trinity felt her heart melt at the sight of them. “I only feel safe when you are around. Can't you stay with me, please?”
Trinity tenderly kissed her quivering lips.
“I've made sure that no vampire will be able to enter your apartment. You are safe here unless you invite strangers in after dark.”
“What about during the day. I have done my research. Vampires can send their underlings to kidnap people during the day.”
Trinity nodded.
“Yes, they can. Maybe you should just stay at home for a few days until I've figured out a way of keeping you safe during the day too.”
Gabriella lifted wet eyes to her.
“You would do that for me?” Gone was the though-looking woman and in its place was a truly frightened woman.
“I promised I would take care of you for as long as I lived.”
Gabriella nodded and this time Trinity took her in her arms and held her tight.
“Thank you.”
*****************************************
When Paloma told her earlier that Inger was waiting for her at a boutique downtown, she was glad for the distraction. Just maybe, she'd thought, Inger would have a solution for her problem. When she arrived at the boutique, she greeted Merle, whose husband worked for the Consortium, and went in search of Inger.
She found her in the mirrored gallery, as Merle called the room, which was fitted with mirrors all around. She was sitting on a sofa, sipping a glass of red wine, but looked up when she entered.
“Hey, you got here fast,” she said cheerfully and pointed to the small bar in the corner of the room. “Get yourself something to drink.”
“I'm fine for now, but I need your advice on something.”
She saw the blue eyes widen slightly and Trinity smiled. She had been alone for so long and had never before had the need to ask someone for favors or for help. It all changed when she moved into the safe house. The Royal Clan did almost everything together. When one had a problem everyone jumped in to help. Like in the case with Tristan. The hunters and slayers were patrolling the streets trying to unearth Tristan's lair. She considered herself lucky being part of this family.
“It must be very important if you're asking for help – my help especially,” Inger remarked dryly, her beautiful face pulled in a frown. “What is it?”
“I'm looking for a safe place to take Gabriella to until Tristan has been dealt with.”
Inger slowly placed her glass on the small table.
“Why? What happened?” There was genuine concern on her face.
“I have a feeling that Tristan is having me followed. If he finds out about Gabriella, he will kill her just to get back at me. If she was somewhere safe where I can keep an eye on her until we've taken care of Tristan, I'll feel more relaxed.”
Inger's blue eyes were pensive.
“I agree with you. Maybe she'll have to move into the safe house with us for the time being. We can leave for work together in the mornings and you can collect her from the office in the afternoon.”
Trinity loved the idea, but she wondered if the others would welcome another human in their folds. Maybe she shouldn't get too exited about the prospect of having Gabriella moving in with them.
“The others? Will they not object?”
“Not at all.” She picked up her glass and took a sip. “Not only are you family, but you are also a member of the Clan Royals. Your father is a Royal Vampire. You have as much right to decide whom to bring there than anyone else.”
Trinity thought about it for a while and shook her head. “Please don't think I'm trying to be difficult, but I would like to ask them first.”
“As you wish.” She watched as Trinity walked over to the bar. “She's here, by the way.”
Confused, Trinity turned to face her.
“Who?”
“Gabriella. She's in the fitting room over there.”
Trinity turned slowly to stare at the door leading to the fitting room. Behind those flimsy doors was the one person who'd been occupying her thoughts every second of every night for the past few days.