The ride home was very long, and very quiet. Jocelyn didn’t speak one word to her father, nor did she even glance his way. Once the carriage stopped in front of the mansion, she didn’t waste any time getting out, pushing past both her father and Luciel in her hurry to get out. She looked around, hoping that somehow Gaspard had not finished his daily work and was still outside; he was already done. She let out a shaking sigh before running to the mansion, not bothering to wait for the doors to open for her as she flung one open and ran to her room- ignoring her father’s calls for her.
All she wanted to do now was sleep. Sleep away everything that had happened as if it where all still a very horrible long dream, but something distracted her.
A light tapping sound came from her balcony door. Her heart beat faster, maybe it's Gaspard, she thought hopefully, opening the door so swiftly that something fell off of its outside handle landing on the floor by her feet. She bent down and picked up the bracelet, laying it in one hand as if she would break it if she held it too tightly. There was no note, no sign of who had left it. Left it to tap against her door in the breeze. But she knew who had given it to her. Fresh tears feel down her cheeks as she held the bracelet to her chest with both hands, all her sorrow came flooding back into her as she sat on her floor holding Gaspard's gift.
Chapter 18 Remorse
It was around noon, five days after her birthday when Jocelyn
finally got up the courage to talk to Gaspard again. Since he wasn't in any mood to see her, she would have to go to him. He had been avoiding her ever since she didn't show up on the night of her birthday. She would greet him whenever they walked past each other but Gaspard would just nod in return. She could see the pain in his pale blue eyes when they would make eye-contact for the split second. When she went to visit the horses in the stables he would often be there. She tried moving closer to him so they could talk like old times, but he would make an excuse that he had something else to do and then leave. She realized she hasn't had any free time to spend with him for more than a few minutes herself. The day after her birthday, Gaspard tried to see her twice but was sent away. He didn't try again after that.
Jocelyn found Gaspard near the barn chopping logs for the kitchen's supply of firewood. He had several logs near his feet, uncut and already a large pile of wood stacked neatly up against the barn. She watched in amazement at how easily he cut the wood with the slightest effort. He was shirtless and she could see his muscles flex with each swing of the axe as he chopped. She tried not to stare, but was too dazzled by his perfect body.
She stood to the side of him until she couldn't take the sound of just splitting wood any longer. She knew he knew she was there but was too stubborn to say something first. She cleared her throat trying to think of how to start and hoping maybe it would get him to say something first. It didn't work.
"Hello, Gaspard."
He finished slicing one more log before sighing in defeat. He couldn't just ignore her no matter how much he felt he didn't want to ever see her again. But, deep down he knew that was a lie. There was no one else in the world he would rather see right now.
"Hello, Jocelyn."
She closed her eyes in relief at the sound of his voice. Tilting her head down a little to keep him from seeing the tears filling her eyes. She quickly stopped herself from letting them overflow before she spoke again. "How have you been?"
"I've been alright. How about you?"
"Busy... But getting through."
"That's good." He looked back at the mansion and then down.
There were a few moments of silence, and then Jocelyn finally spilled out what she came there to say. "I wanted to apologize for not coming to meet you on my birthday."
"Oh, you don't need to apologize... I understand why you didn't want to see me."
"What? Why do you think I didn't come?"
Gaspard fidgeted with the dirt on the ground with his feet before answering her. "You know better and more important people to spend your time with. You don't need me- a stable boy who has nothing."
She looked at him incredulously, "Gaspard," she shook her head both in amusement and disappointment, "That is nowhere near the reason why I didn't show."
"Really?" He brought his head back up from staring down at the ground. "Then what happened?"
"How about we talk it over some lunch?" she said, taking off a basket full of fruit and bread that was tucked between her arm and waist.
Gaspard smiled in agreement. He didn't mind taking a break from working. Even though, he wasn't tired at all and would most likely get in trouble again if someone caught them. But, he didn't care. He led them to a tree nearby. They both sat down under the large patch of shade the tree gave.
Jocelyn sighed before beginning. She wanted more than anything to tell him the real reason why she didn't meet him that night. Would he understand if she told him? Would he believe she was really a werewolf? The very thought of the name made her cringe. Even if she thought he would believe her, there was the law that humans weren’t allowed to know of their existence in the world. She knew she would have to lie, and it hurt her not to tell him the truth. "My father wanted me to come along on his business trip to Rouen with him. It was moved forward to the next morning. Since it was my birthday, he didn't want to waste any of his time with me gone. We had to leave straight away that night to get there on time."
Gaspard waited for her to continue, and then suddenly realized that that was the end of the story when she didn't say anything more. "Really, that's it?" Gaspard questioned. He had a feeling she wasn't being truthful, at least not fully, because he could hear her pulse quicken. But he didn't want to press anymore and risk losing her again.
Jocelyn glanced quickly at him before saying, "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I wanted to tell you, but you never gave me the chance."
"Don't make this my fault," he chuckled. "I tried to see you the evening after, but I was sent away by the butler. He said you were busy and didn't want to see anyone."
"Oh... We just got home and I wasn't feeling well."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm a little better now."
"Good." He smiled.
They ate their lunch in silence for a little while. Well, Jocelyn ate and Gaspard watched her. He excused himself from eating anything, saying he had eaten a big breakfast. Jocelyn didn't believe him, because she knew what the cook allowed them to eat- it wasn't much at all. Though, she didn't ask any further questions other than, "Are you sure?"
Gaspard could tell by the look on her face that her thoughts were far away. He wanted to ask what was bothering her but something on her wrist glinted off the sun and caught his eye. He looked down at what had distracted him. "I see you found your gift."
Jocelyn returned her attention back to Gaspard with a start. "Yes. Thank you for the bracelet. It’s lovely." She smiled.
"I'm glad you like it," he said, and returned a satisfied smile.
"Did you make it?"
Gaspard nodded, a little embarrassed.
"Then it’s even more beautiful than before."
"You're beautiful."
She brought her hand down from her mouth that was holding an apple, and looked into his face. They locked eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Gaspard shied away first and looked down at her hand that was closest to him.
She then looked away, smiling. "Thank you."
Gaspard slowly moved his hand and entwined his fingers with hers. His hand was like ice against her warm, soft skin. He closed his eyes as he felt the blood rush through her veins and her heart beating faster.
Jocelyn looked down at their hands wound together and giggled. She laid her head on his shoulder, not ever wanting this moment to end.
It ended all too soon when Jocelyn remembered that she had a fitting for her wedding dress today. Her heart sank as she realized she was just making it worse by spending more time with Gaspard.
He felt her ten
se up and asked, "Is everything alright?"
She wanted to tell him so badly that she was getting married against her will- to Olivier of all people, or werewolves she thought bitterly. But the words wouldn't come out. "No, I mean, yes. Um, I have to go. My father wanted to see me about something."
"Oh, that's okay," he cleared his throat and quickly moved to his feet when she did. "I have to get back to work anyway." Their hands were still together, neither of them wanted to let go. He looked into her eyes and could see something was troubling her immensely. If he could hear her thoughts, he almost feared what would be heard.
"Will I see you again tomorrow this time?" He gave her a teasing smirk.
"I think so," she said thoughtfully.
"Good. Because I don't think I could handle another whole day without seeing you."
"Neither could I." She looked up into his eyes that seemed to be a darker shade now.
Gaspard pulled her in closer and gave her a small but meaningful kiss on the lips. He could taste the sweetness of the apple she had been eating before.
She moved her free hand behind his neck, letting her fingers feel through his thick black hair. Gaspard heard a sound of air being released at a distance, and reluctantly pulled away. He had an odd sense that someone was watching them. Jocelyn still had her eyes closed when he looked at her.
"Tomorrow?" Gaspard asked with a smile.
"Tomorrow," she reassured him. They slowly let go of one another's hand as she walked towards the mansion. She wanted to look back, but then he would see the tear drops streaming down her face.
A few hours later Gaspard heard footsteps coming from behind him. He didn't bother looking back to see who it was. He already knew from the sound of his preppy walk and the smell of the grease in his hair. He rolled his eyes in annoyance as Olivier came over and leant up against a tree near him. Gaspard continued working and didn't bother to greet him.
"A scorcher out today, isn't it?" Olivier wiped his brow while scrutinizing Gaspard.
"Um... yeah."
"You've been chopping wood most of the day, aren't you tired at all?" he said, eying him suspiciously.
Gaspard gave him a quick glance wondering where he was getting at. "A little."
"A little? You haven't even broken a sweat."
Gaspard sighed. "I don't really have time to talk right now. I have work that needs to be done." He grabbed another log from the pile and placed it on the stump.
"Well, you don't mind taking a break to be with Jocelyn."
"What?" Pausing while he asked.
"You know exactly what I mean."
"It’s not like that, we are just good friends. We enjoy each other’s company," he said, then continued chopping, but with a little more enthusiasm.
"Right… That might be what she thinks, but I believe you think it’s something more." He folded his arms.
Gaspard stopped and put the axe face down on the stump and leaned on the handle with both hands. "Is there a point to this conversation?"
"Actually, yes, there is. I just wanted to know if you have heard the good news."
"What news?"
"Jocelyn and I are engaged."
"No, you’re lying," he stuttered.
"Jocelyn didn't tell you while she was here earlier? I thought you said you and her were good friends."
Gaspard remembered now how he thought he heard someone spying on Jocelyn and him. He narrowed his eyes. "She wanted someone to eat lunch with. Besides, I don't believe you."
Olivier chuckled and motioned with his head towards the mansion, "Why don't you go ask her yourself?"
"She would never marry scum." He tried to hold back the anger in his voice, but failed.
"Scum? Ha!" Olivier moved from the tree and walked closer to him.
Gaspard didn't move back and stood like a statue, glaring down at him as he moved in. He clenched his fists, struggling to control himself from leaping on him and shredding him to pieces.
Olivier was obviously annoyed that he didn't step back, hoping he would be intimidated. So he continued, "And you think she would rather marry a peasant like you instead?" he said while squinting his nose. "She's way out of your league, stable boy."
Gaspard's eyes sparked before turning dark, but Olivier was too busy babbling to notice.
"You'll never be anything more. Get used to it." Olivier kicked the axe off the stump so Gaspard couldn't reach it. He pointed his finger at him while saying, "I better not see you anywhere near Jocelyn again, or you can say goodbye to your job and to your worthless life," spitting after the last word. He was about to turn and leave when Gaspard finally spoke.
"I can't do that."
He quickly swung his head back around. "What?"
"I said no. Have a problem with my answer?" He couldn't stop the mocking in his tone.
"Don't you dare talk back to me!" he said furiously, and pushed Gaspard fiercely with both of his hands.
Gaspard only stepped back once, mostly for the show if it. Though, he was a little surprised by the puny man's strength. "I don't want to fight," Gaspard said between his teeth. Even though he wanted nothing more than to kill the pest.
"Awe, what's wrong? Afraid I will kick the living crap out of you?" He pushed him again.
"I'm warning you." Gaspard moved back again, trying to put more distance between them so he might not lose control. He struggled to keep the heat down that was growing stronger inside of him. His jaw was set tight and he could feel his fangs start to peak out from under his top lip.
Olivier ignored his reply. "After I marry Jocelyn, I'll make sure to take her far away from here so she will never see the likes of you again," he said, smugly. "And you can take this as a damn warning," he said venomously, and pushed him for the third and final time. He now noticed how dark Gaspard’s eyes had become.
Gaspard lost it after he said the first line. His skin went from ice cold to hotter than fire in half a second. When Olivier pushed him with both hands on his chest, he was the one to fall back. The touch of Gaspard's bare skin scalded Olivier's hands. He yelped in pain as he moved swiftly from Gaspard's reach. Though, he didn't touch long enough to leave more than redness on the inside of his hands and fingers.
"Gahh! What the bloody hell?!" he shouted, while looking at his hands. He took a double glance as he looked back up at Gaspard. He was gone. Olivier quickly checked all around with his eyes, swinging his head fast in each direction. Nothing.
"This isn't over." He snarled and walked back towards the mansion. He smirked as he realized his suspicion of Gaspard was correct and he knew that Victor would believe him this time, without a doubt.
Olivier ran up the spiral staircase as fast has his skinny legs would carry him. He was panting heavily by the time he reached Victors office door. Without wanting to waste time, he burst into the office without bothering to knock first. Victor looked up from a stack of papers on his desk, a glare on his face as he eyed Olivier.
"You may be my future son-in-law, but you have no right to enter without permission!" he continued to glare, his beady eyes almost invisible under his furrowed brow.
"I’m sorry sir, but it's of utmost importance!" Olivier pleaded.
"What is it?" Victor's interest was perked.
"It's about Gaspard! I have proof he is a vampire!" "Oh, not again!" He let out an exasperated sigh as he leaned back, his chair giving a groan of disapproval.
"No, please listen! The bastard burned me!"
"Anyone can light a fire-" Victor began to argue but Olivier cut him off immediately, expecting such a reply.
"Not with fire! With his skin! And I swear I saw his eyes change color!"
Victor leaned up, resting his elbows on the desk as he folded his hands, resting his chin on them as he digested the information.
"Are you sure it wasn’t just the heat? It's a very hot day out today."
"No! His skin felt like he was literally on fire! And not a single drop of sweat was on him even though he was outsid
e chopping wood all day long! Not even the chain and pendant around his neck stuck to him!"
"This is very interesting news..."
"I’m telling you he's a vampire. But, there's more." Victor raised an eyebrow at Olivier’s tone for the last statement.
"Jocelyn…Jocelyn and Gaspard…they kissed!" Olivier spat, his nose was scrunched up in disgust.
Victor’s eyes grew wide, his face started to grow red with anger. "How could she?!" He muttered to himself.
"I don’t know. But I’m going to put that freak in his place."
For a long moment Victor sat in silence, rage was building up inside him from the look on his face. Olivier was about to leave when Victor suddenly spoke up.
"You said the boy had a pendant, what was it of?" He asked quietly, his face curious.
"A moon and a sun."
As soon as Olivier finished speaking the words he looked at Victor, shock written on both of their faces as understanding finally hit them. They both stared at each other with their mouths open, eyes wide, both temporarily speechless until they spoke out in unison.
"Dautry!"
Chapter 19 Consequence
Gaspard realized he had to get out of there before anything
worse happened.
Now Olivier knew his secret and it would only be a matter of moments before Victor knew about it too. Olivier would do anything to get rid of him and this was his perfect opportunity.
Gaspard's first thought was that he had to speak to Jocelyn straight away. She might soon know the truth if he didn't find her before word got around that he was a vampire. Would Jocelyn understand? Or would she be afraid of me and never want to see me again? He wanted to be the one to tell her when the time came, but it might have already been too late.
He made his way through the woods around the mansion- so he wouldn't be seen- to the opposite side where Jocelyn's balcony was. He put his ear to the doors and heard no sound signifying she was in her room. He leapt back down and ran towards the stables. If she wasn't in her room, this was the only other place he thought he could find her in secret. On the way he remembered what Olivier came to brag about when he was working that started the fight. Jocelyn was engaged to Olivier. Or at least, the grease ball said she was. Jocelyn wouldn't- couldn't marry that bastard!
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