BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART SIX
Chapter 11
Trinity cried softly as she watched Tahlia carry Gabriella out of the room. Big bright red tears stained her cheeks when she turned to look at Genevieve.
“Did I hurt her, Mother?” she asked brokenly. “Did I kill her?”
Genevieve smiled at her tenderly and wiped away the tears as she bent over to place as soft kiss on the soot-covered cheek.
“No, you didn't. Tahlia took her to her bedroom. She will come to see you tomorrow.”
The tears continued. Gabriella was alone. Without her to protect her. To take care of her. To hold her.
“She's alone. Who's going to take care of her while I lay here? She's alone,” she murmured, pushing at Genevieve's hands holding her back as she tried to sit up. She grimaced at the pain brought on by her erratic movements, but she needed to get to Gabriella. Gabriella needed her and she might have even hurt her. Maybe she'd taken too much blood.
“She's in safe hands, my child” Genevieve whispered softly, stroking the damp copper tresses away from her forehead.
“She'd scared of being alone with vampires. She will not…”
“Tahlia claimed her tonight. Nobody will try to hurt her.”
Trinity's green eyes widened. Could it be true? If Tahlia claimed Gabriella as her daughter it meant that she was now a Royal. No person or vampire in their right mind would tempt death by trying to hurt the daughter of the Vampire Queen. Then it means Gabriella was truly safe. Her head rolled sideways and she closed her eyes. Relieved and eager to be back on her feet again.
**********************
Tahlia carried the girl to her bedroom, her black eyes resting tenderly on the girl's pale face. My daughter, she thought lovingly. It was so strange, but earlier this evening when she'd first laid eyes on the girl, she'd felt a strange feeling come over her. As if she was destined to be part of her. Her heart recognized the scared girl and wanted to allow her in. After centuries of loneliness she'd gained a wife and two beautiful courageous daughters.
She slowly looked up to find Jemima standing a few feet away from her, her blue eyes fixed on the unconscious girl in Tahlia's arms. Without a word, she stepped closer and took the girl from Tahlia.
“She's cold. We need to get her into bed quickly.”
Tahlia put her arms around Jemima's shoulder and together they walked up the stairs. Tahlia smiled warmly when Jemima bend her head and placed a tender kiss on the girl's dark head.
<Another daughter, Tahlia? After so many years you granted me another daughter, my love. I love you so much.>
Tahlia stopped and watched her wife carry their daughter to her bedroom. A tear on her cheek marked the occasion and when Jemima, ever so sensitive to her wife's emotions, turned to look back at her. She saw the love and gratitude in the blue eyes and rushed over to her, wanting to feel her nearness.
*********************************
She felt a weight settle on her bed and slowly opened her eyes. Inger was lying next to her, her blue eyes sparkling.
“Good morning, Sis. You look rested.”
Sis?
Gabriella rubbed over her eyes as she shifted through the memories. The previous night's events poured into her mind and she sat up quickly, looking around her for the black-eyed vampire. She looked at Inger who was looking at her with an expression akin to triumph.
“What are you doing here?” She reached for her watch. “What time is it anyway?” It can't possibly be morning already, she thought. She'd barely closed her eyes. The watch stood on 7 am and she groaned.
“Good morning to you too, Grouchy.” Inger said softly.
“Do you think it's wise to be in my bed? I don't want to make an enemy out of Paloma. That woman doesn't look like someone who'd asked questions first before she tears in to you.”
Inger smiled warmly. “She's not really the jealous type – not anymore. Anyway, she wouldn't dare touch you now, not if she wants to get in trouble with my mother.”
Gabriella sat up and pushed the black locks out of her eyes.
“What does your mother have to do with this?”
Inger winked at her.
“My mother adopted you as her own last night, elevating your status to that of a Royal Vampire. The two of us are now related. Sisters.”
Gabriella just stared back at Inger, astonishment written on her face. She'd been adopted by a vampire couple. What was happening to her …to her life? Two weeks ago her life had been near perfect. She had fame, fortune and a sexy girlfriend whom she thought was faithful to her. And then she came back from L.A and everything had changed overnight. She'd lost her girlfriend and instead she's completely obsessed with a vampire warrior. Her beautiful apartment stood empty and she is now bunking with a bunch of gorgeous vampires. And now she has even been adopted by one.
“Why did she do that?”
“I don't know. All I know is that as a member of the Royal Family, you have the protection of the whole clan, but as the daughter of Vampire Queen, you are under the protection of the most dangerous vampire alive.” Inger grimaced. “I'm even starting to talk like them.”
There was a soft knock on the door and Inger rolled her eyes.
“I've been expecting you.”
The door swung open and Gabriella gaped as Paloma stepped in. She was dressed in black silk pajamas and her sleep-tousled blonde hair resting on her wide shoulders. The silver eyes were warm as they rested on Inger, but she addressed Gabriella first.
“Good morning, Gabriella. I trust you slept well,” she said in that distinctive husky voice of hers before she stepped closer and Gabriella couldn't help but notice the feline gait of the tall vampire. But there was something else which bothered her and she quickly glanced at her alarm clock again. That was it!
“How is it possible that you can be awake at this time?” she asked and saw the amusement on Inger's face. “Aren't vampires supposed to be asleep this time of the day?”
“Today, my girlfriend will be accompanying you to work, since Trinity is indisposed.” She pulled her face. “An unpaid debt between the two of them, it seems.”
There was another knock on the door and at Inger's invitation Jemima's head popped in. Even this early in the morning, the woman looked incredibly beautiful. She entered the room, followed closely by Tahlia. The dark vampire kept her distance, remaining by the door as her wife walked over and pulled Inger into a tender embrace which brought tears to Gabriella's eyes. It was wonderful to see the tough-talking Inger purr like a kitten in her mother's arms.
She was shocked when Inger turned her brilliant gaze on her and stiffened slightly as Jemima reached out to her and gently stroked her hair. The blue eyes were warm as they studied her face, but she didn't say anything.
Uncomfortable by the blonde vampire's attention, she moved her eyes back to the silent figure at the door and felt a jolt go through her when she found the tender dark eyes resting on her. She didn't know why, but she swung her feet off the bed and slowly walked over to where the Vampire Queen stood, her black eyes following her every move closely.
Standing before her, Gabriella felt the power radiate off the dark woman.
The room was quiet as she stood there looking up at the tall woman.
“Good morning,” she whispered in a small voice and saw the black eyes warming even further.
“Good morning. How do you feel this morning?” Tahlia greeted her back, her arms hanging loosely at her sides and Gabriella stared at them, knowing that the vampire chose that pose to look as non-threatening as possible. She lifted her eyes and seeked out the dark gaze.
“I'm doing well. Thank you for asking.” Her amber gaze held the vampire's black gaze for a few more seconds. “Inger told me that you adopted me? Why?”
Tahlia smiled, a soft slowly lifting of her lips. “I don't know why, Gabriella, but I knew the moment I laid my eyes on you that you were destined to be part of me and mine. If I've offended you by doing so I apologize.” The black eyes lifted and she knew instinctively that they were seeking out Jemima. “What you did for Trinity last night was the bravest thing I have ever seen.”
While she spoke, Gabriella was stunned by the uncomfortable look in the black eyes. Somehow she too felt uncomfortable at the uneasy look on the Vampire Queen's face, because it didn't seem like a look that came across the cool beautiful face often. This was a woman who knew what she wanted all the time. She felt the warm waves of comfort rolling of Tahlia and carefully took another step closer. The room turned even quieter. It was as though all the occupants in the room had stopped breathing all at once.
She slowly reached out and took Tahlia's hand. It felt cool to the touch, but it also felt pleasantly calming to feel the smooth flesh in her hand. When she looked up she found the black eyes looking down at her with infinite tenderness, but still Tahlia didn't move a muscle. Perhaps scared that any sudden movements from her might scare her off and the knowledge of that made her more endearing to Gabriella.
“I'm honored to be called your daughter,” she said, holding the black gaze.
“I'm honored that you deem me worthy enough to be your mother.”
The humble words spoken so softly overwhelmed her completely and made her take the next step into Tahlia's arms. She sighed as she felt the strong arms curl around her she was held gently. They stood like that for a few seconds. When she stepped back, she found the black eyes resting on her with an expression of maternal pride. But the moment didn't last, because a silk-clad figure pushed between them and they were both engulfed in a bear hug.
“Now we are a family at last,” Inger said between tears.
***********************************
Gabriella decided not to go to the office and called Fran to reschedule all her appointments for the day. The rest of the day was spent lounging around the house, playing chess and listening to Tahlia and Paloma sharing their adventures. Gabriella also met James and Rafina, who invited her to their suite to formally welcome her to the family, but all the time her heart was yearning to ask about Trinity.
She was watching a television program with Inger, when the sun began to set. A strange feeling of relied settled over the house as all the vampires immediately turned toward the windows. Even though the daylight drug, she was told, gave them the opportunity to walk about in sunlight, the night will forever remain their day. As she watched they all made quick exits, leaving her alone with Inger.
“Where are they going?”
Inger took her eyes away from the TV screen and smiled.
“They will have to feed first and them they will go out to patrol the streets hunting down renegades.” She saw the horror on Gabriella's face and continued. “With a dangerous vampire like Tristan in town, they will have to be in top form if they want to catch and defeat him. Unfortunately to do that they will have to take human blood, but only enough to sustain them and not to hurt the victim.”
Gabriella looked away. There were still a lot of things she needed to learn about the vampire culture. Missing Trinity more that ever at that moment, she quickly turned back to Inger.
“I would like to see Trinity. Is it possible?” Even as she asked the question she was scared of the answer. What if she couldn't? How would she go on not knowing if Trinity was doing and whether she needed anything? Something like … blood, perhaps?
Inger smiled again.
“I will take you to see her.”
************************************
Trinity sensed her presence even before she'd seen her. She remained sitting on the bed, listening to the footsteps coming closer. The worse was over and all that was left of the raw burning marks were painful blisters. But at least she looked and felt better.
The heavy drapery in front of the enclosure was pulled away and Gabriella walked in. Her amber eyes widened when they fell on her where she was sitting up straight on the bed, fully dressed. Trinity melted at the sight of the changing expression in the amber eyes. It went from shock to relief and then tenderness.
She grunted softly when Gabriella rushed over and held her in a suffocating hug. Trinity felt Gabriella's tears in her neck and she gently folded her in her arms.
“I'm glad to see you are better,” Gabriella said and stood back to look at her with wet amber eyes. “You looked so bad last night.”
“If I've looked the way I've felt, then yes, I must be getting better.” She gently stroked a tear away and her green eyes were concerned. “And you? How did you sleep? You weren't scared, were you?”
Gabriella lifted her hand to touch a large blister on Trinity's cheek. It's unbelievable. Just last night this same blister was open and raw, oozing with blood. She slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss on the scalded area.
Trinity sucked in her breath at the feather light contact. Oh, how good it felt to have someone fuss over her. After such a long and lonely existence, she'd given up on ever finding someone special. But a Being higher up, must have taken pity on her.
“I slept well. I was just worried about you.”
“I'm quite tough, my love. Not even an exploding warehouse could do me in.” But the words didn't correspond with the awkward way she was sitting. Most of her strength had seeped out last night with the copious amounts of blood she'd lost. She saw the amber eyes narrowing as her body slowly began to slump. “I just need to lie down for a while.”
Gabriella stepped closer and helped her to lie down and then she gently got onto the bed next to her, pulling her body close to hers.
“I will stay with you.”
Trinity felt Gabriella's body heat seep into her cold bones, warming them slowly. Sniffing the air delicately, she smiled faintly. The mixture of lilac shampoo and fresh blood made her heartbeat accelerate almost immediately. She closed her eyes and relived the moment when Tristan pressed down on the detonator and pain exploded throughout her whole being. She almost missed out on this moment of having Gabriella here, of lying in her arms. She was so lucky to be here. So lucky to be alive and to be loved. She turned her head to look at her lover and felt moist lips brushing over her blistered ones lightly.
“Are you comfortable?” Gabriella asked gently and pulled her even tighter against her.
“Yes.” She turned her head further until their eyes met. “I want to thank you for last night and for being here now.”
Gabriella smiled and kissed her again, her amber eyes warm and sparkling.
“I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, sexy.” Gabriella said in a teasing voice, but her tone became somber when she saw that the green eyes were serious
“I don't know how you will take this, but I need to tell you before I …”
Gabriella looked deep into the green eyes and placed her finger in Trinity's lips.
“I know you love me. It's in the way you look at me, the way you touch me, the way you make mad love to me.” Gabriella's voice was so soft when she continued. “I love you too. It started when I was fifteen and I've never really stopped.”
Trinity rolled over until they were lying facing each other. She was loved. A spectacular woman was in love with her. What a great feeling it was. But she needed to make sure she'd heard correctly.
“You loved me that long?” she whispered.
“Yes. Two weeks ago when you touched me again, I felt something give inside of me and I knew that if you didn't love me already and if I worked at it diligently, I could make you love me.”
Trinity smiled, her green eyes glowing with love.
“I forgot what I wanted to tell you by the way,” she said and leaned closer to press her lips against Gabriella's. “But I remember it vaguely now.”
“What did you want to say?”
“I just wanted to tell you that I love you.” She had to say the words. It had to come out. She wanted to hear herself saying them, because it had been so long since she'd actually said them. To another woman. The last time was four hundred years ago. Gabriella stirred and Trinity smiled. Tonight she'd said them again and it felt good. Hell, it sounded fantastic to say them again.
Gabriella smiled back at her and kissed her again.
“I know, silly, but it was nice hearing you say them.”
They lay like that for almost ten minutes staring at each other, touching. There were tender smiles and whispered confessions of love,
The drapery was pulled back gently and they both turned to look at the intruder. Tahlia stood there, her black eyes were cold. A chill went down Gabriella's spine. Tahlia looked unbelievably dangerous and scary.
“There's a new renegade in town. A woman.”
Trinity sat up, frowning. Tristan's presence was already too much to bear. To have Mary here too could only spell trouble.
“Is it Mary?” she asked and swung her feet off the bed. Behind her she felt Gabriella place a soft hand on her back.
“No. She says her name is Clarissa and that you know each other.” Tahlia was practically vibrating with anger.
At the mention of the name, Trinity stiffened and her green eyes hardened. It can't be. It must be a trick. Clarissa was dead. She saw her die. Oh dear heavens, what is this? Why now? Why would this impersonator choose this moment to complicate the life more? She could feel the amber eyes on her, but was not ready for the questions she knew where visible in those tawny depths. Instead she kept her focus on Tahlia.
“Where is she?”
“Outside. Jonas and Pierre are with her.”
“Who's Clarissa? And how do you know each other?” Gabriella asked carefully from behind.
Tahlia looked at Gabriella and back to Trinity.
“I will wait outside.”