BOOK FOUR in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love, Book Three: A Guardian's Passion
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART FOUR
Chapter 7
Cologne, Germany
Three years later…
The room was quiet except for the soft rustling sounds of clothing brushing against skin. The woman sitting on the rumpled bed got up and walked out onto the balcony where she inhaled deeply of the crisp night air. The city was rather subdued for a Friday night – unlike New York. She felt a presence behind her and turned around, leaning back against the balustrade.
“I'm leaving.” The woman's voice was as cold as her ice blue eyes.
To think that she'd thought her sweet and innocent the first time she saw her. The woman turned out to be a bloody shrew.
“See you tomorrow.” She murmured and saw the girl's eyes narrowing to slits. Yep , she was pissed but there was nothing she could do about it. “Goodnight.”
The woman turned on her heels and swept through the hotel room like a tornado, making sure she ‘accidentally' bumped a few desk lamps and ornaments to the floor as she made her way to the door. Definitely a shrew , she thought when the door was slammed shut so hard that the whole room shuddered. Caroline will never forgive for what transpired or should've transpired in this room tonight.
Alone at last, she re-entered the room, pulling the balcony doors closed behind her. On the way to the mini-bar she picked up the remote and flicked on the TV. Even though most of the broadcasts were in German, it was better to have the TV on than listening to the quiet emptiness of the room. She poked her head in the bar fridge and took out four small bottles. She unscrewed the cap on the gin bottle and downed the contents in one go, coughing as the lethal tasting liquid burned down her throat. She unscrewed the second bottle but having learnt her lesson with the first bottle, took three swallows before tossing the empty bottles in the trash can nearby. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she eyed the two other bottles. Drinking alone was no fun at all and her initial idea of going down to the hotel bar seemed to be an attractive option all of a sudden. She grabbed her wallet and left the room.
As she walked down the long corridor to the elevators, she glanced at her wrist watch. It was only seven and the bar closed at 12. Enough time to get a couple of drinks and maybe still go for a short stroll. Caroline had mentioned a lesbian bar nearby. Maybe she could meet a drinking buddy there but first she'd try out the hotel bar.
She reached the elevator and pressed the call button. She saw it was still down in the basements and sighted. It will be a couple of minutes before her ride arrives. She could take the stairs, but didn't really feel like exerting any energy now. She turned and looked down the corridor to where her room was. Maybe she could just watch TV and…
The doors leading to the stairs swung open and she turned with a smile to see who the brave person was tackling the fifty or more stairs to get to the fourth floor. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the woman.
It was her.
Those eyes. She will never forget those eyes. Those same eyes were staring back at her now and Jessica tried to look away but those mesmerizing eyes held hers captive. It was only when the woman broke eye contact that Jessica quickly looked away. The lift arrived with a loud ping and she quickly stepped in as she felt the woman's eyes boring into her back. Phew . What rotten luck bumping into her here!
She felt in her pocket and contemplated opening another bottle to steady her nerves. If she was here could it be possible that Gabriella was here too, she mussed. The elevator doors slid open and without looking around, she went straight to the bar.
The bar area was sparsely occupied and she walked to the farthest corner and ordered a glass of red wine. While she waited for her order, she turned in her chair and scanned through the patrons. Besides the long solid oak bar, the rest of the room was filled with comfortable sofas. She was studying a couple at a nearby table who were sitting close to each other, their heads almost touching. The woman slipped her hand through that of her companion and smiled up into his eyes. Jessica felt a slight pang of jealousy at seeing the couple so happy together.
The past three years had been very difficult for her. Career-wise she'd made massive strides and amassed quite a small fortune as well as being voted the most sought -after photographer by all the big fashion houses. But it all came at a price. She had to work extra hard to live up to her clients' expectations and there'd never been time to pursue a meaningful relationship of some sort with anyone.
Tonight had been another failed attempt at trying to revive her flagging libido but Caroline's disgust at her inability to get aroused was a sign that maybe she will have to give up trying before rumors reached the tabloids. She had an image to uphold after all. The only times she'd experienced stirrings of passion was when she thought of the time spent at Cleaver. Specifically those two magical nights spent in the arms of the most mysterious woman she'd ever taken to her bed. The couple leaned in for a kiss and she quickly looked away.
“Your drink, ma'am,” the bartender said in heavy accented English and she smiled her gratitude.
She took a long sip from her wine and gently put the glass down. After the Cleaver shoot she'd been back to England two more times. There was the Lilac perfume shoot in London and another in a small village outside of London. It was while they were on a day long break that she hired a car and drove all the way to Cleaver, hoping that maybe she would still be there. Mrs. Darcy was pleasantly surprised to see her and had cooked her a wonderful lunch.
It was afterwards while they sat on the patio drinking tea that Mrs. Darcy discreetly questioned her about her impromptu visit. It turned out that the hunting cabin had been unoccupied for almost ten years and that no one had ever rented the cabin from them. Even Charles Hutchens, the overseer, attested to the fact that the cabin had been locked up for close to a decade. Puzzled by the information she'd asked if there were anyone fitting Rissa's description living in the nearby village. They couldn't give her a definite answer and just as she was about to leave, she had quickly popped into the stables and went to the stall where she'd last made love to her. The stall was squeaky clean and it looked so cold and sterile, compared to that night three years ago when a soft stack of fresh smelling hay served as a cozy love nest.
She hadn't been back since and doubt she would ever go back again. It was as if Rissa had disappeared off the face of the earth. Nothing was left of her but the memories she was carrying around with her. Oh ... and the dreams haunting her at night, threatening her sanity.
Out of the corner of her eyes she saw someone slipping into the barstool next to her. A whiff of soft seductive perfume engulfed her senses and Jessica smiled her appreciation. A woman who smelled nice was a great turn on even if she wasn't planning on getting laid.
“Could I please have the same and another for the lady?” a soft husky voice said and Jessica turned to look at the woman. Her eyes widened in shock. Sitting next to her, looking absolutely gorgeous and very happy was Gabriella. She was practically glowing from happiness. Her amber eyes were twinkling as she stared back at her with a wide smile. “I hope you don't mind me buying you a drink?”
Jessica struggled to keep from staring but failed desperately. She just sat there and gaped at her ex-girlfriend. What the hell was she thinking when she'd cheated on her; she thought as she took in the sleek dark locks which gently framed the exquisite face. She was incredibly hot.
“You're staring, Jess,” Gabriella said teasingly and Jessica blinked quickly as heat spread up from her neck.
“You look fantastic, Gaby,” she said softly and pulled her close for a fierce hug. Sitting back she once again looked at her. “I must've been all kinds of stupid for letting you slip through my fingers.”
This time it was Gabriella's turn to blush. She smiled up at the bartender as he placed their drinks in front of them.
“It's in the past now.” She said softly before looking up at her from under her long black eyelashes. “How have you been? I only see you on Star News and in magazines.”
Jessica noisily blew out a long breath. She felt like crying all of a sudden. “I can't really complain. You?”
Gabriella smiled again and Jessica felt envious at the dreamy look that came into her tawny eyes.
“I'm doing well.” She lifted her hand and Jessica saw the huge diamond ring on her finger. “I'm engaged too.”
Jessica studied the ring. It must've cost a fortune. The girlfriend was obviously loaded too. She looked up into Gabriella's eyes and knew that even if she'd tried, she wouldn't have been able to keep the regret out of her eyes.
“I was truly stupid but I'm really happy for you.”
Gabriella placed her hand over hers.
“Hey, don't be so gloomy. Everything worked out OK, didn't it?” Her voice was gentle. “I'm sure you have also found someone else.”
Jessica took a sip from her wine and shook her head. “I haven't been as lucky as you.” She was studying Gabriella as she said it but the amber eyes looked back at her with gentle compassion.
“Well, maybe your luck will change soon. Who knows? You are well-known, rich and very sexy; no woman alive can resist that . ”
Except you, she thought sadly, but kept the thought to herself. There was no need to make Gabriella feel guilty for having moved on. She practically pushed her out of her life with her affairs.
“I hope you're right. So, how's your other half doing? I bumped into her upstairs at the lift and wondered if you might also be here.” She changed the subject quickly, not wanting to wallow in self-pity anymore.
Gabriella laughed softly.
“She's fine too. We haven't been on a holiday in ages and since she had business to attend to here in Cologne, we decided to stay a few more weeks and do the touristy thing.” She took a sip from her wine. “What are you doing here?”
“Work, as usual. People always think that going on photo shoots and crisscrossing the globe were paid for holidays but they have no idea how tiring it can be. We work long hours and have to be up at the crack of dawn almost everyday.” Talking about work was a safe topic. It made her forget about her inadequate love life, especially when confronted by one's gorgeous soon-to-be-married ex-girlfriend. “But it pays the bills and it's not boring at all.”
Gabriella looked passed her and her eyes suddenly lit up. Without looking to see who the recipient of the brilliant smile was, she knew it must be the green-eyed woman. Jessica felt the woman's awesome presence the moment she came to stand next to Gabriella. She slipped a possessive arm around Gabriella's shoulder and then the green eyes swung in her direction. She held out her hand and Jessica shook it lightly. She was surprise to find her touch to be quite pleasant. Soft, yet firm.
“Nice to officially meet you. I'm Trinity.” She said softly and Jessica nodded.
“Nice to make your acquaintance too.” No need to give her name. She was sure that Trinity knew her name by now.
Gabriella looked up into Trinity's eyes and Jessica felt the strong bond between the two of them and she almost grinned at the smitten look on Trinity's usually impassive face.
“Baby, Jessica is here on business just like you. Maybe we can go out for dinner sometime. What do you say?”
The green eyes settled on her again and this time Jessica swore they were a tad colder than earlier.
“Sounds good. Maybe we could go dancing tomorrow night.”
Jessica weighed her answer in her head. Tomorrow was her day off and since she wasn't in the mood to spend the day indoors, she'd asked Howard to do a bit of scouting today so he could take her on a sightseeing trip during the day. Going dancing with a couple of hot women didn't sound like a bad idea. Being around Gabriella always had a calming effect on her and the crew could do with a break from her waspish tongue of late. If not for herself, she'd do it for the crew and spend the evening with Gabriella and her disturbingly mysterious fiancé. She looked up and nodded.
“I would love to go dancing.”
“Then it's a date.” Gabriella came to her feet and leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “See you tomorrow then.”
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. Not only was the woman rich, she seemed to have a strange magnetism about her that even she found difficult to resist. No, she thought, Gabriella was not going to trade in that woman anytime soon. She pushed her empty glass away and reached for the second one that Gabriella 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.
Chapter 8
Her scent was still lingering in the hallway. She had been here not too long ago and the knowledge made her fangs lengthen 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 and scanned inside of the room.
There were four renegades in there but she couldn't detect her presence in there. She dissolved quickly and poured through the space underneath the door into a dark corner of the candle-lit room. There she took on solid form. The renegades were standing with their backs to her and she was just about to surge into action when a calm voice stopped her.
<It's an ambush. She must've sensed that she was being followed. The four are just a decoy. A group of renegades are waiting in the hallway to pounce on you. Pull back. We will have to strategize again.>
Clarissa dissolved quickly. Jonas was right, the hallway was packed with leather clad figures, armed with semi-automatic rifles, broadswords and crossbows. She stealthily breezed passed 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 can't hide from us any longer. We need to go now, it will be light soon .” They shape-shifted 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 candle-lit 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 until Clarissa was seated too.
“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's aware that she's being hunted. She tried to lead us into an ambush earlier tonight.”
Tahlia rubbed over her eyes.
“I can't believe how elusive the woman is. For the past three years she's always been one step ahead of us.” The black eyes darkened and looked even blacker 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've made was a sure step towards capturing her but still she has been able to evade capture.” She 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 hesitating, she nodded.
“Yes.”
During the past three years she'd undergone rigorous training under the watchful eyes of both Jonas and Paloma and everyday her respect for the cause the Clan was fighting for grew. 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 it 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 is handing her the chance to get closer to her goal. Closer to salvation. She would be stupid to turn down the chance.
“We will inform the members that we suspect that you've gone rogue. If Mary seeks you out, we'll 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 black eyes were brimming with reassurance and pride when he spoke.
“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 her eyes. “I made my intention clear. You can decide if you want to be a member of the House of Beydrenoff. The offer is open for as long as you want to think about it.”
She looked up at Tahlia and found her black eyes had softened. She 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.
<A great honor has been bestowed on you, Clarissa.> She recognized Tahlia's voice and quickly turned to look at her. The black eyes were glowing as they stared at her. < Since Joan's passing Jonas has not allowed anybody 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 place 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.”
*************************************
Lying on the rumpled sheet, her body shivering 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 tonight and although she sensed a subtle darkness in her gentle lover tonight, she'd learnt never to push Trinity for answers. Trinity will talk when the time was right for her.
The green eyes looked back at her with the same pensive expression it had been studying her with the whole night. Trinity's hand reached out and she gently pushed a wayward lock of hair from her face but before she could retract her hand, Gabriella grabbed it and planted a soft kiss in her palm. Four years on, 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 and exhaling softly, she shifted closer and placed a tender 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'm not sure it's a good idea to have Jessica around you. I saw the way she was looking at you. She's obviously still in love with you.”
Gabriella sat up slowly and looked down at Trinity. She never would have guessed that the reason for her 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's not you I'm worried about. It's her. She was practically devouring you with her eyes tonight.” Trinity's voice dropped an octave or so, making it huskier and menacing as her annoyance escalated. “I don't trust her around you.”
Gabriella's eyes narrowed slightly but she still continued to stroke the soft copper locks.
“Your jealousy is completely unnecessary. Jessica seemed lonely but I can assure you she's no longer interested in me.”
Trinity wanted to pursue the topic, convinced that Gabriella was too naïve to have noticed Jessica's attraction to her but the amber eyes had a stubborn look in them which was 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 calmly.
“I don't think you should be going out with her , she might think you're 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 and 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 stubbornness. How dare she put another woman before her? Just the knowledge that Jessica had slept with Gabriella before and was probably still hoping to do so, made her see red and she felt her fangs lengthening. When she looked back at Gabriella, she saw the shock on her lover's face and knew that her eyes were glowing red and her fangs were 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 slowly swung her feet off the bed and walked to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. It must have been the sound of the slamming door that soaked into her rage-filled mind and which brought her to her senses. Almost immediately an intense feeling of regret washed over her and she walked to the closed door. The shower was running but listening closely, she also heard the soft muffled sobs from behind the door and turned the knob but the door was locked.
“Gaby, I'm sorry. Please let me in.” Silence greeted her request. “You know the door won't keep me out.” Still no reply. She dissolved quickly and slipped under the door. Gabriella was standing in the shower cubicle, her forehead pressed against the tiles as streams of water ran down her body. She slowly stepped in and touched her shoulder only to have her hand shrugged off.
“I'm sorry for my outburst, my heart. I wasn't thinking straight.” When she tried to touch her again, her hand was shrugged off again and Trinity bit her lower lip. Did she go too far this time trying to protect Gabriella? She put her arms around Gabriella from behind and pulled her against her body. “Please talk to me Gaby. I don't want us to be angry at 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 do not want to see you right now, so, please leave.” She turned off the taps and wrenched herself out of Trinity's grip and left the bathroom.
Trinity followed her closely but didn't try to touch her again. She stood there quietly and watched as Gabriella got dressed. It was only when Gabriella walked to the door that she spoke again, alarmed.
“Where are you going?”
“Out …alone.”
Trinity quickly stepped closer but Gabriella held up a hand and she stopped her approach.
“It's not safe outside. Let me come with you, I promise not to disturb you.”
Gabriella's amber eyes hardened. “I need to be away from you for now.”
Without a backward glance she opened the door and left, leaving Trinity staring at the door, cursing her jealousy. Their evening had started so well until when she had rushed back to the room to get Gabriella's purse and 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 will have to follow her to make sure she's safe.