Betrayal: The Unforgiven

by Kira Hillins

  “Well, I’ll be damned.” A familiar tenor voice sent a chill straight through Tristan. His heart fluttered to life as if Anna had touched him. “What are the odds we’d meet each other in a place like this? And so far away from home.”

  “Elric.” Tristan stood eye to eye with the man who grinned like he’d just met his best friend. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m taking a break.” Elric snorted a laugh as he clutched the fur edges of his maroon overcoat. He jerked his head to move a blond lock from his right eye that blazed blue. “Even the head of the snake needs a vacation now and then.”

  Likely story. If anything, Elric had followed him here. Maybe he’d been following him all along. That meant Javon and his goons weren’t far behind. Or waited in the thick of the woods for Elric to give a signal to capture him and take him to the prison. Tristan couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t. Nobody would take him away from his search for Anna.

  “Whatever.” Tristan headed into the dark forest. If he didn’t move now, he’d lose this power coursing through his body.

  “I know what you’re thinking.” Elric fell into stride beside Tristan. “You’re worried that Javon is here to seize you. But I swear I’m completely alone. I would never do that to you. Trust me. I would never lie to you.”

  “Trust?” Tristan stopped. Elric was doing it again, invading his mind just like he’d done at the Elders’ meeting. “How can I trust someone who would steal my thoughts?”

  “Oh, damn it.” Elric sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. It’s a habit of mine—a bad one I must admit. I’ll try not to use my power on you again. But, it’s so difficult not to. You have the most…intriguing mind.” He placed his hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “I know how much you love Anna. You’re in so much pain because she’s left you for another man. And Madeline?” He scoffed. “Fascinating. What reason would Anna have to break a woman who’d tried to murder her out of prison?”

  “Get off me.” Tristan shrugged off Elric’s hand. As he headed deeper into the darkness, he tried to clear his thoughts. To think of nothing. But that question Elric had just asked rolled around in his mind. Anna could’ve gotten the information from Madeline without letting the witch loose. Why? What was so important to risk her life for?

  “If Anna was mine, I’d move heaven and earth to find her too,” Elric said as he followed behind him. “I’d be at camps like this all the time. Fresh blood makes us stronger, not only in body, but mind as well. If she’s anywhere in this world, you should be strong enough to make a connection with her.”

  Tristan looked back. Elric followed close behind, heavy boots crunching the dead leaves and thin branches that had fallen on the ground. The man had no grace whatsoever as he slipped down the short incline of the path. His ankle twisted and he gave a short yelp.

  “Why do you follow me?”

  “I want to help you find her.” Elric’s overcoat caught on a protruding branch. He growled as he turned a three sixty to fight the menace off. “Though, I’d much rather search in flight. This walking through the woods thing is quite irksome.”

  “I do not need your help.” Tristan picked up the pace, leaving Elric behind to fend off nature.

  How could Elric assist anyways? Sure, he was a leader who could have the entire vampire world searching for Anna. But there were already two vicious vamps out for her head. Tristan didn’t need a thousand more searching for a woman who had powers like none other.

  “Wait.” Elric jogged to catch up. “Apparently, Anna can’t use her powers on just any demon. Only on those who have angels’ blood in their veins.”

  Tristan stopped again. He turned to face Elric who practically ran into him. “What do you mean by angels’ blood?”

  “I’m only reciting what Jack told you. From the journal. Anna is the descendant of an angel, is she not?” Elric gazed into Tristan’s eyes. “I’m sorry for prodding your brain again. I just want to understand what’s going on in my successor’s life.”

  “I decline your invitation to become your successor.” Tristan sneered. “The journal said nothing of how Anna’s power might affect other vampires. Only that she is the descendant of a being who could heal.”

  “Well, there’s actually a prophecy about that.” Elric twisted his lips to the side. “It sounds so ridiculous. Prophecy. It’s like we’re in some sort of fantasy movie or some post-apocalyptic tale. I’d much rather use another word to describe this. Hmm…how about foresight. Forecast?” He gave a short laugh as he pinched his chin in thought. “Proverb? Axim?”

  Tristan didn’t have time for this. To think this man who had raised his hackles was nothing but a jester. “Get on with it.”

  “Yes, yes.” Elric cleared his throat. “I chose you to be my successor and announced it to everyone, so you are my successor whether you like it or not. But I digress.” He folded his arms over his chest. “According to our history, the angels had different powers. One could heal the earth so crops could grow and wildlife flourished. Another altered the mindset of the ruthless to bring peace to the world. There was also an angel who could rip the demon right out of your body and send it back to hell if she really wanted to. That one sounds like Anna, right? She heals you with her touch.” Elric tilted his head. “Hum…then again, she does sound a little more like the fourth angel, the one who watched over the other angels. A protector of sorts. She’d attained the power to heal, but could only use it on the other angels.”

  Tristan cocked his head to the side. Anna had healed him with her touch, but she could not defeat the devil inside him. To think that he was the descendant of an angel was rubbish. He carried no powers inside him. He’d been the product of a woman who’d died during birth and a man who’d despised his sons so much that he’d taken his own life.

  “Stories.”

  “Truth. To some degree.” Elric gave a short nod. “Listen. Whether you want me to or not, I’m going to help you look for Anna. It’ll be between us, and a handful of my most trusted soldiers. I swear on my life, no harm will ever come to her.”

  Tristan wanted nothing to do with Elric. He didn’t trust him at all. But how could he deny someone who offered help when he needed it most, especially one as powerful as Elric?

  “You will call Javon off his hunt?”

  “Yeah. About that. The mice tend to play while the snake is out,” Elric said with a roll of his eyes. “I’ll make sure he stands down. But I can’t promise Anna won’t go on trial. After all, she did release a dangerous prisoner from her cell. But, I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. For you, Tristan. I do that for you.”

  Tristan shook his head. None of this made any sense. Why was Elric here? Why was he so desperate to help? Why did he want to make him his successor? Elric stood in front of him with the answers, but Tristan didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was to find Anna and bring her home.

  It still wasn’t clear why Anna would release Madeline, other than to retrieve a journal that offered more riddles. Now more than ever, Tristan was desperate to find her. Whatever she was going through, they’d deal with it together.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Glorious streams of blonde silky hair curled down around Anna’s shoulders to her mid-back. Her white sleeveless gown brushed against her ankles as she stepped through the sunlit garden. White roses paled in comparison to her loveliness. All she needed was a crown on her head and she’d look like a queen who’d stolen his heart.

  Ivan fell into place beside her. She smiled, and oh how he loved it when she showed him positive attention.

  It had been a long road. After five months of therapy, often painful for her, she'd finally settled down. She’d been so drugged up that she’d stay in bed for days. But in the past month, she’d accepted that she belonged here in the convent, and he'd let her roam freely around the interior grounds.

  “Are you enjoying the light?”

  “Yes.” Anna blushed as she caressed her rounded abdomen. “It’s quite lovely an
d warm.”

  “It is rather remarkable and, I admit, quite expensive.” He picked a white rose from the bush on the pathway’s side. "Thanks to donations from the nearby village, we were able to afford this incandescent lighting. I created this room for anyone who wishes to walk away from darkness for a while. But I’d like to believe I made it just for you and your child when she is born.”

  The pink in her cheeks deepened when she smiled. He had no doubt she was taken by him. After all, he was a handsome man. He’d always taken pride in his ability to charm the ladies. To get Anna to take notice of him had been a difficult feat, but he’d managed to do it by spending time with her every chance he could. Not only because he enjoyed her company, but to make sure Gwen continued to numb Anna’s mind.

  “Have you any memories yet?”

  "I’m not sure.” She shook her head. “I keep dreaming about a house on a cliff above the ocean. I don't know if I should say anything about it, because it might just be a dream and not a memory."

  He handed her the rose. Another dose of medication might be necessary. Maybe even up the dose a little more so she’d remember nothing. He tucked her arm under his as they strolled down the pathway. “Please, go on.”

  “My skin burned when I went inside the house. A man was there. He touched my cheek and my pain eased."

  "What did he look like?"

  "He was dressed in black. He had midnight hair that stretched to his shoulders. His skin was pale, but his face—his face is just a blur. If only I could remember, I could go home. I’d burden you no longer.”

  He turned her around to face him. “Oh, love, you are not a burden. You’re a blessing.”

  “I don’t feel like one.”

  He palmed her cheek. “Most people unfortunate to lose their memories suppress them because they’re not fond of their past. You were almost dead when you came to us. Maybe your memories should stay where they are—in the past.”

  “I appreciate your kindness.” She brushed her hand over the top of the silky rose. "Saving my life and allowing me to live here with the sisters and you, I am in your debt. But, there’s so much missing from my life. I would like to get my memories back and be on my way.”

  “In time you will come to see that you belong here with me.” Damn woman was beautiful and stubborn. “I rather enjoy our walks together. I’d like it more if you took my hand while we continue our walk through the garden.”

  “It would be my pleasure.” She clasped her hand in his.

  They strolled between rose bushes and greenery until they came to a bench near the end of the path. Ivan sat beside Anna who gazed at the mural on the adjacent wall.

  Ivan hated this image. The garden of colorful flowers surrounded a statue made of stone. The horse brought up unwanted memories of his past. The sword the rider held reminded him of the training he’d given his son when he was alive. He’d despised his son. Maybe it was time to paint over this image.

  “It’s beautiful.” She leaned against his arm. “I wish this was real so we could keep walking.”

  “This was a real place long ago. Beyond the garden on the mountainside was a waterfall so high it almost looked like it rained from the heavens.” That’s what he’d have painted as soon as possible.

  “I bet that was beautiful.”

  “Indeed it was.” Ivan cupped her face and forced her to look at him. “It could be real for us someday, Anna. I cannot deny my feelings for you anymore. You have made your way into my heart. I have fallen in love with you. Very soon you and I will walk outside together and bask in the sunlight. If you return my feelings, I promise you that.”

  “Father.” Her eyes widened. “I...I like you very much. But to return your love is impossible."

  "Impossible?" He bit his tongue to mask the anger roaring through his veins. If she brought up the man from her dream again, he may lose his temper.

  "You’re married to the church. I can’t come between you and your vows.”

  “It’s true. I am a religious man. But I am capable of sharing love with a woman." He pressed his lips below her eye. "If you’ll give me a chance, I will give you the world. Your child will have a father and I will be the best one I can be.”

  “I believe you. But—.”

  “—please, love. If you would think of me in a different light, maybe you’d give us a try?” Ivan whispered in her ear. She shivered as he shoved his hands gently through her hair. As he brought her closer to steal a kiss from her pouty lips, a cool draft whipped around his legs. He leaned back from Anna as Gwen approached.

  Ivan dropped his hands to his lap. Fires of hell, the old bitty would pay for this intrusion. He clenched his jaw to control the profanities on the tip of his tongue.

  Gwen clasped her hands together in front of her. A frown tainted her lips. Jealous. “I apologize for my interruption, but there is someone here to see you…Father. It’s also time for Anna to return to her bed and take her medication.”

  Anna fisted Ivan’s robe and looked at him pleadingly. “I don’t want to go back to my room. I don’t want to take any more of that horrible medicine. It makes me drowsy. I feel wonderful today because of you.” The tears in her eyes melted the anger in his heart. “Please, don’t make me go.”

  He clutched her arms and gave a gentle squeeze. “You should be off your feet in rest. I have allowed you to walk this one time, but Gwen knows what’s best for you.”

  “I feel better than I have in a long time.” She wrapped her arms around his torso. "I want to stay with you."

  He kissed the top of her head. Her scent intoxicated him though he wouldn’t show such a thing in front of Gwen. “I see improvement indeed, my dear. But I would hate for you to lose your child due to my carelessness. You must be cautious." He leaned her back then thumbed a tear from her cheek. "Please, go with Gwen and take your medication. Rest for a while. I promise to come to you when I’m finished with this guest.”

  Anna nodded though he could tell she didn’t like it. She held her abdomen as she accepted Gwen’s outstretched hand. She gave him one last weary glance as Gwen led her down the path and out of the garden.

  ***

  Anna looked at the floor as she followed Gwen toward the room. The blue rug reminded her of a castle she’d visited once in England. She inhaled a quick breath. Armored suits had lined the walls of that place. Someone had guided her into a library with a roaring fire. The same blurry-faced man from her dreams held her in his arms.

  It was just a flash of memory that sent sparks through her body. If she could just see his face she’d remember him, whoever he was. She could go home and these wonderful people who’d taken care of her for months could go back to their lives.

  She glanced at Gwen. If she told her about the memory, it’d just worry her more. She’d probably up the dose of medication too. Anna hated that stuff. It made her sleep. And when she woke, she could never think straight.

  It seemed Gwen’s wrinkles had worsened in the few months she’d been here. She had worried herself sick over this pregnancy, almost as much as Anna had. The woman had taken good care of her. She’d made sure the Sisters waited on her hand and foot, making her comfortable.

  “Thank you for all you’ve done for me,” Anna said as they entered her room. “But I'm sure you want me to regain my memories so I can leave.”

  "Why in heavens would you say that?" Gwen turned down the sheets on the bed. She straightened out Anna’s gown so it wouldn’t bunch up around her hips when she lay down.

  "I don't know. You look angrier than usual. It's because of Ivan, isn't it?"

  “A doctor has come to give you a checkup that’s long overdue.” Gwen’s stern voice sent a chill up Anna’s spine. “We want to be sure you’re healed enough to travel.”

  “Travel?” Excitement tore through Anna. She hadn’t left the convent in months. “We’re going on a trip?”

  “Yes.” Gwen nodded as she clasped her hands together in front of her.

  “Where
are we going?”

  “Ivan hasn’t decided yet.” She motioned with a glance at the tray beside her. “Take your medication now before I leave the room.”

  Anna sighed. To talk about this mystery trip would be more exciting, but she did as she was told. She swallowed the pills then gulped down the glass of water. She leaned back on her pillow and arched her bare, aching feet.

  “You’re in love with Ivan, aren’t you?” Anna already knew the answer. She should be jealous that this older woman wanted to be with the man who’d confessed his love, but wasn’t. Although she cared about Ivan, and appreciated his attention, Anna didn’t love him. There was something off about him. Something dark. Mysterious. “I see the way you look at him. I don’t blame you. He’s quite handsome. You should tell him how you feel.”

  Gwen cleared her throat. “I am a Sister of the church. God is the only one I carry in my heart.”

  “Don’t lie to me,” Anna said without thinking. By the stern look on Gwen’s face, she’d offended her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. But you can’t deny your feelings for him.”

  “I can and will.” Gwen turned to leave. "He’s in love with you, my dear. Give him a chance to show you what he has to offer. You will be pleased.”

  The pills took effect faster than usual. Anna fought the urge to fall asleep, but she lost the battle. In her dream, she hovered over the house on the hill above a roaring ocean. A man dressed in black reached for her, his face a blur. She drifted away from him, high in the gray sky until she saw him no more.

  Voices whispered around her. Two males talked at her bedside. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but she’d heard the words hemorrhage and bed-ridden. The doctor was here with Ivan.

  Anna forced her eyes open. Everything was blurry. When the haze cleared, she found Ivan staring down at her with his usual grin.