by C. A. Bleu
“My informant told me she was leaving town? Didn’t she mention this to you?” Erebus asked accusingly.
A heat waved rushed through Dimitri’s body as he stood up in a panic. “No, she didn’t,” he said angrily, pacing the room. “Is there anything else?” he asked as he tried to process this information.
Maybe it was the kiss, maybe he should have been more open with her. He couldn’t believe she was leaving and he may never see her again. The thought settled heavy in his heart and left him feeling worried and confused. Somehow, she managed to wiggle her way inside of him and the thought of her leaving; well, he could not let that happen. Erebus’s voice broke through his thoughts.
“Just don’t let her get away. You have no idea how important she is to me. Keep me updated and I will expect to see you both soon.” Erebus hung up without another word.
The carpet sloshed as Dimitri paced, the water from the bathroom pipe had soaked the room before Zara had been able to stop it. At least the few belongings he had were up off the floor, not ruined. He wasn’t getting his deposit back on this room.
Zara lay in her bed wishing she had a way to contact Dimitri. She was leaving in the morning and hoped he would go with her, take her to Erebus. Having no way to reach him, she settled in for sleep with a plan to go to his place first thing in the morning. Just when her eyes closed, her phone beeped with a new message. It was a number she didn’t recognize.
“Zara, it’s Carson. Aaron told me you may be leaving tomorrow… I wanted to share something with you I thought you might want… please don’t tell Aaron, he’ll only worry. I know he would not approve, but I also know what it’s like to feel alone. Be safe.”
She couldn’t believe that Carson had sent her a message behind Aaron’s back. He was right, Aaron would not have approved. Sitting up in disbelief, she wondered what he wanted to share with her. A moment later a second text came through, it was a name, Dimitri, and a phone number. Her heart raced, she could not believe it, but then again, she figured Carson was taking pity on her as she had no one else to talk to. Maybe he had been following her tonight and noticed she was spending more time with him. She sent him a quick text back thanking him and thought about what to send to Dimitri.
Dimitri raced down the stairs from his small efficiency apartment determined to see Zara. Not sure what he would say or do, he only knew he could not let her leave without him. He couldn’t believe the feeling in his chest as he thought about the possibility of not seeing her again. Turning up the sidewalk to finish the short trek to her apartment his phone buzzed with a new message. Frustrated, he grabbed his phone to turn it off, but thought he better check it in case it was more news about Zara. Looking at his phone, he gasped.
“Dimitri, It’s me, Zara. I’m sorry, I know this may sound strange, but I’m heading out tomorrow…I wondered…do you want to join me?”
Dimitri didn’t realize how anxious he was until he felt the tension leave his body. He couldn’t have imagined the feeling of relief and excitement that pulsed through him at that moment. There was no denying the effect she had on him. He barely knew her, yet he was suddenly all nerves and thumbs as he sent a reply.
“Come to my place in the morning, I’ll be ready…by the way, how did you get this number?”
Turning around with a satisfied smile, he headed back to his room to pack up what little he had. This was all part of Erebus’s plan, get her to trust him and then bring her back in to Erebus. Suspecting that Zara wanted him to lead her straight to Erebus, he would likely do just that. He really wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but there was no way he would hurt Zara Trinity.
Lying in bed, grinning at the prospect of what tomorrow may hold, Zara hoped Dimitri would take her to Erebus. She wanted to respond but wasn’t sure what to say. Shaking her head, still not believing that Carson had sent her his number, she opted for a short and simple response.
“I have my ways…. See you in the morning.”
Imagining his face and those eyes, seared into her mind and that kiss. Rolling her eyes at her body still reacting, she had never experienced anything like what she felt during that kiss.
Grateful the Trinity women had visited her earlier, giving her the courage and strength she needed. If she hadn’t paused to think about them, she would have probably killed Dimitri. After hearing what Lozen and her family had to say, she knew she had to do this. Spending the rest of her life under Aaron’s constant supervision, alone, was not an option.
Zara decided she was not going to tell Aaron about Dimitri going with her when she left. She needed to rid the world of Erebus once and for all. She never expected to feel the way she did with Dimitri, but she would have to ignore it. There was no room for anything like that in her life right now, she had to focus on finding Erebus.
Well before dawn, Zara awoke, filled with excitement yet she noticed an ache in her heart. Leaving Aaron for the first time in her life was not as easy as she thought it would be. Deciding to leave a note on the kitchen table for Aaron, she sat, remembering how he had always been there for her. He would be upset with her, but Zara felt he would understand.
Over the years, she and Aaron never had many emotional conversations, he would always change the subject. Her Protector, he had always provided for her and she loved him, but had never told him so. Perhaps because he shied away from anything emotional, she felt the letter would be best.
Fear crept into her heart, worry, had it all been out of duty, not love, more like a required assignment to him? Pausing before stepping out the door, she gave herself one last chance to change her mind. Aaron had always been the one constant part of her life. Closing the door gently behind her, she quietly walked off, on her own.
“Dimitri, it’s me, are you awake?” Zara whispered quietly with a soft knock on his door.
Ignoring the way his heart raced at the sound of her voice, he moved to unlock the door and let her in. Assessing her head to toe, she was so beautiful, intense and powerful. Her long fiery red hair was pulled up in a tight ponytail. A black tank top showed off a tattoo on her right shoulder, a Triquetra tattoo he realized.
An image flashed through his mind, he had seen that symbol before. Actually, it may have been his father that had taught him about it many years ago when he was a young child. Amber golden eyes pinned him where he stood. The strong air of confidence surrounding her left him at a loss for words. Was he really ready for this, ready for her?
Taking a small step through the doorway, she realized he did not have a shirt on. she must have woken him up. She could not take her eyes off him. He was flawless, pure muscle, marred only by an occasional small scar she suspected were old wounds from a fight. Surprised by a sudden ache to run her fingers down his dark, silky chest, her fingertip inched forward, reaching for him. Shaking her head, she looked away, shocked at the direction of her thoughts.
Forcing her eyes up to his, she said firmly, “Are you ready? I was hoping we could get out of town before my uncle woke up.” Turning away, she continued, “There is a train station not far and I’ve checked the schedules, but I’m not exactly sure which way we need to go to find Erebus.”
Dimitri smiled, realizing she kept glancing at his chest. It seemed to make her nervous, so he grabbed one of his black T-shirts and slid it on with a smirk. “Yeah, I’m ready, but we can take my car, it’s parked around back.”
Wearing jeans he must have slept in, all he did was put on his shoes and brush his teeth before grabbing a small gray duffel bag. He led them down the stairs and out a back door exit of the building. The sight of Dimitri’s dark, metallic silver, ridiculously expensive-looking sports car with blacked-out tinted windows momentarily stopped her in her tracks.
Mouth gaping wide open, she thought to herself, How had Aaron had not noticed this car? It was so out of place in this town. Pausing with her hand on the door handle, she took in a deep fortifying breath. Briefly, she longed for an escape to the mountains and the cabin that felt like home, bu
t she knew that place would never be safe again as long as Erebus was alive. Opening the door, she climbed in and buckled up.
“So, which way to Erebus?” she said, staring ahead, ready for whatever may come.
Smiling, he pushed the button to start the car. “It’s a long way, just sit back and relax it’s going to take at least a couple of days to get there. Zara, are you sure about this?”
Dimitri watched her, waiting for any inclination that she was unsure, he would have let her leave if she gave the slightest hesitation. A fierce look of determination clouded her features before she nodded in agreement.
Knowing she had her own mission, to kill Erebus, he planned to have her back every step of the way, somehow. He didn’t want to tell her his mission had changed. It would only scare her, make her doubt him, but for some reason, he felt the need to be as transparent as possible with her.
“Erebus called me last night.” He glanced to his right, stealing a peek at her reaction before making the left turn on the road out of town. It was still dark out with no other cars in sight.
Her heart skipped a beat, she needed to know everything he could tell her about Erebus. “What did he say? Where is he now? Why have you kept working for him for so long?” She stopped and took a deep breath, realizing they would have a lot of time together over the next couple days, she could slow down on the twenty questions.
Dimitri laughed quietly at her enthusiasm. “Well, he actually called to see what information I had on you and to let me know that you were leaving town.”
“How would he have known that? Only Aaron knew and I know he told Carson, but that would mean that one of them is working for Erebus,” Zara said on a quiet breath of disbelief as she paled, looking down. Glancing toward Dimitri, she continued, “It can’t be Aaron, if it was him, he would have turned me over to Erebus a long time ago. It has to be Carson, he has been the only other person closely involved recently. He was the one who sent me your number last night. He and Aaron have been friends forever, but he has really only been around since my birthday, at least as far as I’m aware.” Zara made a mental note to send Aaron a message later to look into Carson.
“I know Erebus has contacts all over the world, probably more than I could ever think of. To answer your question though, I’ve been working for him since I was thirteen.” He paused seeing Zara’s astonished look. Taking a deep breath, he let down some of the walls he had built around himself. “I had a rough time in my teenage years. I had moved from one foster home to another and the last time I ran away I ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. A fight broke out around me and although I was the smallest one there, I was able to take down two grown men.”
Dimitri could see her anxiously awaiting all the information he was willing to share, so he continued on. “I had so much rage within me at that time that nothing could have stopped me. Erebus stepped out of the shadows that night asking who I was and where I lived. I told him the truth, I had no family and no home. I was a scrawny thirteen-year-old living on the street, refusing to go back to another foster home. I have been with him ever since. He taught me how to fight, how to kill. He had other people teach me as well, grooming me to become what he wanted, what he needed. I have traveled the world for him, completing missions that no one else could. I have never cared about any of it, until now.” He glanced at Zara assessing her reaction. Feeling vulnerable for the first time in a long time shocked him, but it also felt good sharing this with Zara. He realized that if he did go through with double-crossing Erebus now, he would be on his own again with a huge target on his back.
Shocked and sad hearing what he had to say, Zara realized Dimitri was risking himself, his life, for her, but why? A cold wave settled in her chest, was she walking right into a trap? Briefly, she feared Dimitri was trying to bring her back to Erebus himself. Working to calm her racing heart, she pictured her family and how they felt he could be trusted.
However, Zara knew all too well that trusting someone could prove to be very dangerous as images of Lilith flashed through her mind. Closing her eyes on the memory, she wasn’t going to change her mind now. She believed in her family and hoped they were right about trusting him.
“So, what’s the plan? Do we just go straight there and catch him off guard? Where are we heading anyway?” Zara said, settling back into her seat.
Dimitri shook his head with a laugh. “You have no idea what you’re up against Zara, but then again neither does he.” Smiling, he knew Erebus was not aware of the full power Zara had. Dimitri knew she may be able to kill Erebus, he just hoped he didn’t lose her in the process. “Erebus has properties all over the world, currently he is at one of his homes just east of Denver, that is where we are heading. I really haven’t thought much past that, but we’ll need to discuss our plan. For now, just try to relax and enjoy the ride.”
Reaching forward, he turned on the radio, a song came on with a melody that struck a chord deep within her. Leaning her head back against the headrest, looking out the window, she allowed herself to relax listening to the lyrics of “Follow” by Brandi Carlile. A deep sigh escaped her, watching the trees go by in the first light of morning as the lyrics spoke to her, touching something deep inside of her. Closing her eyes, she let the warm melody and hum of the car lull her to sleep.
Chapter 18
Zara awoke to a gentle breeze and sunlight on her face as Dimitri had cracked the windows to let in some fresh air. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t meant to doze off,” she said, stretching her arms and legs as best she could. “Where are we?” Looking around outside she noticed the scenery had changed. Lush green forests surrounded them but she could see hills and mountains in the distance.
“We’re about five hours west of Abingdon, outside Louisville, I figured we could stop for a while and stretch our legs.” He felt a small twinge of guilt at his stolen glances while she slept. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and he noticed while she slept, she had what looked to be a soft golden glow around her. He had already stopped for gas and picked up some food, but she had been in such a deep sleep that she never woke.
“Are you hungry? I was thinking we could stop and have lunch. I picked us up a few things.” His voice was tentative, vulnerable, this was so far outside of his comfort zone. After some of the things he had learned about Zara over the past couple of weeks he thought she would love a break and some fresh air. He had taken a short detour following some signs he saw about a tourist spot not far off their route.
“Yes, I’m starving,” she said, grabbing her stomach, realizing she never ate anything before leaving Abingdon. Curious about where exactly they were, she watched him pull into what looked like some kind of state park or nature preserve of some kind.
Pulling into a parking spot, he watched Zara close her eyes and take in a deep breath. He could see her becoming more alert, shaking off her sleep. So full of life, she looked ready to take on the world, something about her captivated him. When she opened her eyes, she turned and looked right at him, the smile she gave took his breath away.
The feeling was there again, like she could see straight through to his soul and his innermost secrets. Blinking, he looked away, knowing in that moment he would do anything to keep her safe. There was no going back, he needed to be completely open with her about Erebus. He only hoped Erebus would not pick up on his deceit, at least not until they were within arm’s reach of killing him.
“What is this place?” she asked, stepping out of the car, filling her lungs with fresh air. It had a different feel than her mountain air at home, but it was equally as refreshing and rejuvenating. Her senses came alive and she could feel the hum of power running through her. Reaching out with her powers in greeting to the forest and all the elements surrounding her, she sensed there was water somewhere nearby.
Dimitri grabbed a backpack from the back seat and together they started walking toward a wooden sign with arrows indicating different trails.
“Um, I hate to say it, but I’m about
to burst,” she said, nodding toward the restrooms. “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.”
Smiling, he leaned against a railing in the walkway as she ran off toward the bathroom.
When Zara returned, he led the way. “I noticed some signs when I was driving about a waterfall here so I thought we could check it out.”
She smiled in appreciation, having never been outside of her small hometown, exploring was something she had longed to do. After they had been walking a couple minutes the trail narrowed. Dimitri stepped back and let her lead the way. He watched her become more alive in the outdoors and something about the change in her had an effect on him as well. He wanted to know everything about her.
Falling behind a few more paces to better see her, he stared in awe. She had both arms outstretched as she walked, running her fingertips lightly over the leaves and branches that she passed. Fresh wildflowers and bright new greenery blossomed everywhere she touched. It didn’t even seem like she was doing it on purpose.
As they neared a small tunneled passageway the sounds of a waterfall grew louder, but they couldn’t see anything other than the hillside in front of them. A couple was walking out of the entrance to the passage heading toward them. Dimitri nodded in greeting as they passed and then smiled to himself when he heard them comment on all the flowers they hadn’t noticed before.
Zara felt free, for the first time in her life, she felt like she was on her own. Finally, on an adventure, on a path that she was choosing, well it was kind of chosen for her, but at least she was exploring outside of her hometown. Stepping through the small tunneled passageway the shadows gradually gave way to a bright brilliant light with specs of rainbow colors drifting up into the mist-filled air.
It was beautiful, a small cove hidden in the hills with a tall, wide waterfall billowing down. Zara immediately took off her sandals and stepped into the cool water ankle deep. She was laughing and carefree without a fear in the world. Lost in the freedom of being on her own, she didn’t want to think about what lay ahead with Erebus. She wanted this moment to last forever.