Revelation: Trinity Part 1

by Gemma Humphrey

  “Mmm,” Ben mumbled, distracted.

  Ana looked up. “Are you okay?”

  “Hmm? Yeah, sorry.” He met her gaze with an apologetic smile. The look she sent him said she wasn’t fooled as he fiddled with his glass of wine, wiping at the beads of condensation before turning it in small circles on the table. “I’m just… I worry about Rose.”

  Ana said nothing, waiting for him to elaborate.

  “This whole thing with Christian?” he said. “The Guardian angel, imaginary friend, watching her for her whole life, soul mates thing?” he frowned as he tried to figure out what it was about the situation that made him uneasy. “It’s crazy, not to mention a little bit creepy…I can’t get my head around it.”

  Ana smiled patiently, reaching over to take the hands still toying with his wine glass. This subject was not a new one.

  “I get that,” she offered. “But do you really think he’d ever do anything to hurt her?” She squeezed his fingers reassuringly as she spoke. “He was made for her.”

  Ben considered her for a moment, seeing nothing but complete and utter acceptance in her wide green eyes.

  “You don’t find that a bit… unnatural?” he asked, his forehead creased in scepticism.

  Ana grinned at his expression. “Just relax and accept the crazy,” she advised.

  “Yeah well.” Ben shrugged. “I guess I have trust issues.”

  “Didn’t see you as the type,” Ana replied, resuming her dissection of the piece of bread on her plate.

  “I had a bad experience with a raisin and oatmeal cookie once,” he grinned, attempting to lighten the mood. “I’ve not been the same since.”

  “What?” Ana’s face said it all.

  “It was pretending to be chocolate chip.”

  “Seriously?” Ana giggled, after a moment of stunned silence.

  “That was a bad day,” he replied in mock seriousness, watching contentedly as she laughed.

  He relaxed as the pianist finished his set, the people around him clapped dutifully. After a moment of silence, the soft notes of a jazz band were piped through the room, surprisingly soothing in its crooning tones. Ben sighed. Perhaps he was just overreacting.

  Turning to look out the window, he watched as a group of boys crossed the street, ignoring both the traffic lights that were advising they didn’t, and the bus that blared its horn. Nate was among them, revealing himself, somewhat predictably, as the ringleader. He directed the ensemble to where a group of girls were tottering along in high heels and dresses that Ben tried hard to disapprove of.

  A red-headed girl in a bright green dress broke from her friends to approach the boys. She was probably quite pretty, Ben mused, somewhere beneath the mask of makeup and fake tan that gave the impression she had lost a fight with a packet of crayons.

  Nate watched her with amused nonchalance as she moved towards him, eying her like a predator would its next meal, before deciding she would suffice as his evening’s amusement. The boys around him crowed as he snaked an arm about her waist, drawing her slim frame to his side, before turning back and resuming his prior conversation.

  The girl purred and preened against him but, other than the arm around her waist, he paid her little to no attention. She still shot victorious glances to her friends as they approached, emboldened now that she’d made the first move.

  “Well there’s a match made in a very different heaven,” Ben commented, wryly.

  “Tactful,” Ana snorted, watching the newly formed group meander up the road.

  “I don’t think you can still call it tactless when it’s deliberate,” Ben countered with a grin.

  They continued to watch the group as they headed up towards the Botanic gardens, the town centre their obvious destination.

  “Just think,” Ana grinned, as the group disappeared around a corner. “Rose could have ended up with Nate.”

  Ben raised his eyebrows, considering that as an option. “That does put Christian in a whole new light…”

  Ana laughed as his expression turned thoughtful. “Were you like this with all her boyfriends?”

  He shrugged. “Pretty much.”

  “Why does she put up with you?”

  Ben flashed her a cheeky grin. “Same reason you do.”

  Ana smiled and he watched the delicate flush that coloured her cheeks, satisfaction creeping through his veins as he marvelled once again at how he’d managed to get so lucky. She really was an amazing woman.

  “It’s a good job Rose is so polite then.” He reached for his wine glass. “She’d never dream of commenting, but who knows what she thinks about you…”

  Ana glared despite her grin. “I think you have me confused with someone far less awesome,” she scoffed. “And Rose obviously has the good sense to know it.” She smiled triumphantly as the waiter stepped up to their table with their first course – she always loved to have the final word. Ben shrugged good-naturedly before they began to eat.

  ***

  On the third attempt, Nate made a gargantuan effort to keep the lock in focus and slid the key home, mentally cursing the Wyvern boys for yet another night of alcohol abuse. He pushed the door shut behind him, smiling wryly as he considered the cute red-head, whose bed he’d just sneaked out of. She’d certainly made it worth his while.

  Undecided as to whether he was hungover or still drunk, he made a bee-line for the kettle, emptying coffee straight from the tin into the biggest mug he could find.

  “Long time no see, Elle,” he greeted, seeming to address the air around him. “Coffee?” He glanced over at the woman currently stretched out on his bed. She appraised him haughtily, green eyes flashing in the faint glow of pre-dawn light from the window.

  “You look like shit,” she said, "Black, three sugars.”

  “I remember,” he said. “I’d ask aren't you sweet enough? but we both know the answer to that.”

  The woman ran her fingers through her straight, blonde hair, pulling herself upright, her every move lithe and unhurried. “Speaking of which,” her eyes raked over him greedily. “I do hope that your …dishevelment is the fault of our girl?”

  Nate paused, steeling himself for what was sure to be an unpleasant inquisition. Finished with preparing the coffee, he picked up the hot mugs and crossed to sit beside Elle on the bed, handing her the smaller of the two. She took a long drink of the scalding liquid, grasping it firmly in both hands, her piercing green eyes never leaving his face.

  “Well,” he began, and sighed. “No.”

  Elle raised her eyebrows, placing the half empty cup on his side table.

  “It's not working,” he shrugged. “I’ve tried everything. She's just … not interested.”

  “Nathaniel, sweetheart,” she said, sardonically, “not and interested are two words no being has, or ever will cast in your direction.” She smirked. “Trust me.”

  “I don’t know what happened,” Nate said, scowling. “I thought I had her… but something changed. We need a plan-B.”

  “Kill her.” Elle was adjusting the hem of her plum-coloured dress. Once her stocking-tops were hidden to her satisfaction, she looked up at Nate, who had frozen.

  “Is that an order?” his pulse sounded loud in his ears.

  “You have a better idea?” she met his stare with an exaggerated flutter of dark eyelashes. “If we can't have her then what use is she? Just… put her out of my misery.”

  "Are you insane?” Nate asked, without emotion. “You want me to destroy the best chance we’ve had of tipping the Balance?”

  Elle swung her legs over the side of the bed, knees and ankles together, legs turned to one side – the epitome of demure as she leaned towards him.

  “I want you to do the job I put you here for. I want…” she seemed to momentarily lose her cool, “that thing either with us or rotting in the ground with the rest of her Bloodline!”

  “She will be with us,” Nate assured her. “I promise you, Elle, I know I can win her.”

&nbs
p; “You forget,” Elle had regained her usual dry tone. “I know what a promise from you is worth.” She bit her lip, toying with him, but he hardly noticed.

  “I need more time,” he said.

  “You can't have it.”

  “I Need. More. Time.” He leaned over, fists tightening with his desire to shake her.

  "You've had long enough,” Elle seethed. “And either kiss me or back off.” She grinned wickedly. “The suspense is killing me.”

  Nate took a step back, his shoulders slumped, his hands unclenching. “Let me try something else,” he ventured, calmly.

  “Like what?” she sneered. “Carry her books home from school?”

  “Please,” he asked, sickened by his deference.

  Elle smiled, and sinuously rose from the bed. Stepping into his space she placed her arms on his shoulders, crossing her wrists behind his neck. In her glistening purple heels the two stood the same height. “What is that in your eyes, Nathaniel?” she asked. “What has she done to my nasty little soldier?”

  Nate met her amused gaze with as much irreverence as he could muster but, with her breath on his face and her scent filling his nose, he couldn’t help but grip her hips in his hands.

  “It’s not what you think.” He tried a bemused smile.

  “Has the mortal girl broken you?” Elle mocked, moving her nose within millimetres of his, hips swaying sensually under his hands. “Do you feel for her?”

  “I am not broken.” Nate grit his teeth, his eyes flashing a warning. “I don’t feel,” he spat, his hands gripping her tighter. “I just don’t want to lose the opportunity to end this – forever.”

  Elle tipped her head up, enticing him in. “You have until May,” she breathed, her lips brushing his, “As agreed.”

  Nate closed his eyes, concerned at the relief that washed through him. When he opened them Elle was gone, his hands gripping nothing but air at his sides.

  14

  Rose packed up her bag at the end of the lecture, smiling at Christian as he handed back their assignments. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw the mark she’d been given. Christian said nothing as he continued around the seats, hiding his grin of amusement.

  Glowering, Rose sat back down and waited for the room to clear.

  “You gave me a three?” she demanded, as the last student closed the door behind them. She waved the paper as she marched down the stairs.

  “It deserved a three,” Christian said as she reached him, a smile playing on his lips.

  “What’s the point of dating you then?” Rose teased, rolling the paper up and swatting him with it. “If you’re not going to bump up my grade?”

  Christian took her wrist and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Is that all I am to you?” he asked, amused. “A free ride to a quick first?”

  “Well I suppose you do have other uses,” she murmured, reaching up to lock her arms behind his neck. Her essay crumpled in her hands.

  “Such as?” he asked, lowering his head until their lips almost touched, teasing her with his tantalising nearness.

  “This, for starters,” she breathed, and closed the remaining millimetre that separated them. He pulled back all too soon.

  “Not here, Love,” he reminded, relaxing his arms from around her waist. They fell to rest on her hips as she sighed in resignation. Untangling her arms from around his neck, she surveyed the crumpled mess that was now her essay. Christian grinned as she pouted. “Go on, get out of here,” he said, “I’ll go through it with you later and you can re-write it.”

  “Gee, thanks,” Rose rolled her eyes glumly, before reaching up on her toes, for a quick kiss on his mouth. She felt him smile, even as his hands reached up to her shoulders, pushing her firmly away. “I’m going!” she grumbled, turning away and heading over to the door. Grabbing her bag, she tossed him a wave over her shoulder, hearing Christian chuckle as he watched her leave.

  ***

  The Guardian hummed happily as he packed up and left the lecture hall. Nate watched him go, in disgust.

  He’d planned to confront the Professor, to find out what he was up to, and had shifted to the Shroud to wait out of sight as the class emptied – only to find that Rose had beaten him to it. They had no idea that he’d seen their little encounter – the only benefit to his currently being the invisible man.

  “Smug bastard,” he muttered, irritably.

  No wonder Rose had all but forgot he existed. She’d been getting her kicks elsewhere, it seemed. It certainly explained a lot – it was obvious really, and he cursed himself for not seeing it sooner, as the implications slowly dawned.

  Did she know what he was? Did she know what she was?

  The idea that she might surprised him. Great care had always been taken to stop the Prophecy from being realised – what made Rose different from all the others?

  Irritated at his lack of information, Nate left the Shroud, watching the colour bleed back into the surroundings.

  He’d never known the Guardian to interact with any of his previous Wards, and he considered his own orders to interact with the girl – something that had never been done before. Was the Guardian’s presence here less to do with Nate’s arrival as he’d previously thought, and more to do with the girl’s own Potential?

  Either way, his current state set him at a disadvantage.

  It was said that all immortal beings would be drawn to her when she became aware of her Destiny. Was he drawn to her now? Was that what this was?

  Nate thought about how she played on his mind, how he found himself thinking about her at strange times; It certainly fit.

  He ignored the other option, knowing that he couldn’t have feelings for the girl, as Elle had accused. He’d not cared for anyone in thousands of years, he certainly wasn’t about to start with a silly not-quite-mortal. Disgusted, he pushed it from his thoughts, turning them back to the Guardian and his Ward, wondering how he could play this to his advantage.

  There was only one thing for it, he decided as he stood and made his way down the stairs.

  It was time to have a little chat with Rose.

  ***

  Rose was crossing the sodden lawn on her way to the library, when she spotted Nate. He was heading her way, and she pulled up the hood of her coat, quickening her pace, determined to avoid him. Despite her efforts, he reached her easily, and she sighed, coming to a halt and turning to face him.

  “Rose,” he greeted with a sardonic smile, seemingly unconcerned at the rain that fell around them, barely bothering to pull his jacket closed against it.

  “What do you want Nate?” she asked, not bothering to hide her irritation.

  “Oh don’t be like that,” he tutted, a sly grin playing on his lips. “I just wanted to chat is all.”

  “I don’t have time for this.” Rose brushed past him.

  “I’m not what you think I am Rose,” he called after her retreating figure. She stopped in her tracks, surprised. Spinning slowly, boots squeaking on the wet grass, she met his gaze.

  “What?”

  “You heard me.” His grin was incorrigible.

  Rose contemplated before curiosity won. “What do I think you are?” she asked, warily.

  Nate winked in reply, before turning around to stroll back across the lawn towards the dorms.

  Rose considered her options, knowing it was crazy for her to go with him. Christian’s warning’s flashed through her head in quick succession, but if Nate could give her the answers Christian wouldn’t…

  Rose sighed in frustration, before trailing slowly after Nate.

  ***

  Nate opened the door to his room with a flourish, and gestured for Rose to go in. “After you,” he said.

  It was much the same as hers, she realised, recognising the layout as she stepped inside. This one, however, was strewn with clothes – black of course – a couple of magazines and a few empty liquor bottles, although the usual ‘boy smell’ was conspicuous in its absence. />
  He shook out his wet hair, shrugging out of his jacket before sitting on the unmade bed – leaving the door to his room open; a courtesy she’d not expected.

  He patted the space next to him with a grin, and Rose removed her coat as she sat gingerly on the edge of the bed, flinching as he leaned towards her.

  “Relax,” he admonished. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “You’re a demon,” she said, bluntly.

  Nate smirked, unsurprised. “What’s in a name, Rose?” he asked, refusing to deny it. “You of all people would do well to remember that names don’t always define us.”

  “What do you want?” she asked, coolly.

  “I figured it was time for us to have a little chat.” Nate shrugged. “I’m sure your boyfriend has painted a pretty little picture of me, it’s only fair you allow me to set the record straight.”

  Rose sucked in a breath as she realised he was talking about Christian.

  Nate’s smile was feline. Predatory. “Oh yes,” he said. “I know all about you and our dear Professor.” He raised an eyebrow, his eyes stony as he glared. “I have to tell you, I’m very disappointed.”

  There was no sign of the boy she’d known, she realised. Nate had dropped the pretence, no longer worried about hiding his true personality. He radiated a dark confidence that screamed danger, and Rose’s heart beat faster in response. She took a measured breath to control it, hoping to keep Christian in the dark about her whereabouts for a moment longer.

  “I’m not sure that’s really any of your business,” she said, holding his gaze defiantly.

  Nate leaned towards her, not breaking the eye contact. “I’m not the bad guy, Rose.”

  “Sure you’re not,” she snorted, rolling her eyes.

  Nate sighed, pushing hair out of his eyes. “Have I ever done anything to hurt you?” he asked. “Ever given you any reason to believe that I would?”

  He stared intently, daring her to say yes.

  Rose frowned, confused at the sincerity she read in his eyes. “Tell me,” she asked, eventually. “What does it mean? To be a demon?”