Unforgiven (Wanderers #3)

by Jessica Miller

  While I waited for him to return, I opened up one of the bottles he gave me and took a sip. Once it hit my lips there was nothing stopping me from taking it all. I saw another bottle next to me and I opened it up empting that one as well. When Tristan returned, he looked at me, and then the empty bottles of blood on the ground. “Ella, there was enough in there for the both of us,” he said, a little surprised.

  “No there wasn’t.” I thought maybe he was kidding until I saw the stunned look on his face. “Oh,” I burped. “Sorry, I was thirsty.” He sighed and then just laid down next to me, putting the pillows and blankets at the end of the bed until we were ready for them. “You know if you’re thirsty you could always…” I pointed to my neck.

  “As much as I would love to, I won’t…I can’t.”

  “Why not?” I pouted.

  “Because I have already taken enough from you and right now is not a good idea. You are not in the right state of mind.”

  Once again I had no idea what he had said. I was too busy trying to catch the orbs again. “What?” I looked at him.

  He just smiled, cupped my chin, and softly pressed his lips to mine. I settled down onto his chest and closed my eyes. “I love you la mia bella stella.”

  “I love you too my wittle Tristan whistin,” I said, just before I passed out.

  Chapter Eleven

  When I opened my eyes I had to squint from the bright sun shining down on me. I turned over and saw Tristan lying peacefully next to me. I smiled and reached for him when suddenly my head felt like I slammed it into a brick wall. “Ah,” I winced, waking up Tristan.

  “What is it what’s wrong?” he asked panicked.

  “My head, oh god my head is pounding.” I closed my eyes tight and gripped the sides.

  Tristan reached up and placed his fingers lightly on my temples. “I can’t make the pain go away completely but I can lesson it.” When he was done, I let him take me in his arms and relaxed calmly against his chest.

  He was right. The pain did lessen but did not go away completely. “Why can’t you heal me?”

  “Because of the magic in the whiskey.”

  “Your grandmother puts magic in her whiskey?”

  “It gives it a little extra kick,” he smiled. “I guess you don’t remember me telling you it was magically enhanced.”

  “When did you tell me that?”

  “Last night.”

  “Oh, yeah, last night is kind of a blur. I didn’t do anything stupid did I?” I cringed, having very little memory of last night.

  “Nothing too embarrassing,” he smirked. “Don’t worry I took video.”

  I buried my face in my hands. “Let me see.” I tried reaching in his pocket for his phone.

  “Nope, that’s for my own private collection.” I gave him my annoyed look. “You really want to see yourself dancing naked under the moonlight?”

  “Stop it. No I didn’t.”

  “It was pretty hot.” He took his phone from his pocket. “I wonder how much money I could get for this? Maybe I should upload it to YouTube.”

  “Don’t you dare!” I reached for his phone but he pulled it away and kept it just out of my reach. “Tristan I swear –”

  “I’m kidding,” he said laughing. I narrowed my eyes at him. “You have no worries. I would never do that.”

  “Did I really do that?” I asked nervously.

  “No. I was just kidding, but now that I mentioned it…”

  “No.”

  He chuckled and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. “Let’s go inside and I’ll make you something to help get rid of your headache.”

  Tristan whipped up some concoction and made me drink it. The smell alone made me want to vomit. “Just drink it,” he said, rolling his eyes and then proceeded to make me breakfast. While I sat in the chair sipping my drink and waiting for my food, Deirdre walked into the kitchen looking like she always did – mean. I looked at her afraid maybe last night was a dream. She turned her head to me, smirked, and then winked. I relaxed back in my chair and smiled.

  “What are you doing?” Deirdre said to Tristan shooing him away.

  “I was making my beautiful love breakfast,” he said, smiling at me.

  “Get.” She pushed him away and took over. No longer with anything to do, he walked over to me, picked me up, and placed me on his lap. I laid my head on his shoulder and breathed in his sweet, minty scent. Josef entered the kitchen, took one look at Tristan and me, and then turned right around and left.

  “Josef,” Deirdre scolded. “Sit.”

  “No thanks. I lost my appetite.”

  “Sit,” Deirdre glared. Josef was no dummy. He knew better than to piss off his grandmother. He took a seat unhappily and crossed his arms letting us know he was not in the chatting mood. Not wanting to make things worse, I got up and sat in my own chair. Tristan looked at me and I gave him a look that said I would explain later.

  To help diffuse the awkward silence I asked Deirdre if she needed any help. “From you? Huh, you’re no help,” she said. I just rolled my eyes and let it go. “Josef, set the table.”

  Caleb joined us shortly and we all sat down to eat. Everyone was silent making it quite an awkward breakfast. When we were done Deirdre made me do the dishes – I see some things haven’t changed. While I did the dishes and Deirdre watched – telling me everything I was doing wrong – Tristan told me he was going to go talk to Josef. I told him I thought that was a good idea.

  *

  Tristan

  “Josef, can I talk to you?” Tristan asked, knocking lightly on his bedroom door.

  “I have nothing to say to you so you can leave,” he said, turning away from him.

  “Look, I don’t know what I did to piss you off but I think I at least deserve an explanation.”

  “Don’t pretend to be this good guy when we all know you’re really a prick,” he huffed. “Ella might not be able to see through your bullshit but I can.”

  “Ah, I see,” Tristan said, walking over to the lounge by the window. “So this is about Ella. You don’t think I’m good enough for her,” he let out a breath. “And you’re right. I’m not.”

  Josef finally turned to look at him, but only to see if he was being sincere or playing another one of his games. “Look Josef, I love Ella. I love her more than anything and anyone in this world. I would die for her. She is my everything and I don’t deserve someone like her.”

  “No you don’t,” he spat.

  “I understand how you feel. I was a prick. Hell, I still am,” he laughed. “But I would never hurt Ella and trust me, I’m pretty sure she could kick my ass if I did.” Josef’s lips twitched slightly. “You can believe me or not, but don’t take it out on Ella. She doesn’t deserve it.” Tristan waited for a response or some kind of nod, but when he got nothing he stood up to leave.

  “Do you love her, truly love her?” Josef asked.

  “Yes, I do.”

  Josef looked at his cousin as if giving him a silent understanding. Tristan left the room without another word.

  *

  Ella

  I had finished the dishes and was sitting at the table with Deirdre drinking tea. She wasn’t speaking to me. Not for any reason in particular, it was because she preferred the silence and well, it was Deirdre.

  I knew Tristan was back before I even turned around. “How’d it go?” I asked.

  “Fine,” he said, kissing my cheek. “What do you want to do today?”

  “I should probably call Dean and let him know where I am before he thinks you kidnapped me or killed me. I’m surprised he’s not already screaming in my head for me to call him.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t want to pay the long distance charges.” I rolled my eyes at Tristan’s lame joke. “Don’t worry. I already called him,” he said.

  That would explain the radio silence. “Thank you,” I smiled. “So what do you want to do?”

  Tristan smiled cockily at me and started sending me images. I sma
cked him on the chest. “You two,” Deirdre said. “Are coming with me.”

  “Where are we going?” I asked as she shoved us out the door.

  “To see Pita.”

  “Nan no,” Tristan pleaded.

  “Who’s Pita?”

  “One of Nan’s ‘psychic’ friends.” He air quoted the word psychic as an exaggeration of his disbelief. The look on his face told me he was not amused.

  “You ask too many questions,” Deirdre complained as we walked down the street. We walked a couple of blocks and I wanted to ask where this place was but kept my mouth shut for fear of getting yelled at again. Several minutes later, we finally arrived at our destination. All the lights were turned off and the place looked empty.

  “Is anyone even here?” I asked. “She doesn’t look like she’s open.”

  “Maybe she predicted she wouldn’t be busy today and closed early,” Tristan said with a smartass smirk. Deirdre glared at him and knocked on the door. Two minutes later a tiny, elderly woman dressed like a gypsy answered. She looked at us, then peered outside looking all around, then she jerked her head for us to follow her inside. I looked at Tristan unsure. He rolled his eyes, took my hand, and followed her in.

  The place was dark and it was hard to see where I was going. From the little light that did shine through the dingy red curtains, I could see that the furniture she did have was old and antique looking. The rooms were small and cluttered with all types of crystals, plants, and things in jars I was too afraid to ask what they were.

  The gypsy woman led us into a room in the back. In the center of the room was a round table with a black paisley table cloth draped over it. In the center of the table was a brown wooden bowl filled with all different kinds of stones. There was a chandelier above us filled with half melted candles and a purple velvet couch in the corner.

  Pita gestured for us to have a seat at the table while she sat in the chair across from us. I had no idea what to expect or why were even here in the first place, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was curious. I remembered Ms. Kraft telling me I should be able to figure out how to weed out the fakes, but I was having a hard time reading this one. I decided to just sit back and enjoy the show.

  Pita folded her hands together and placed them on the table closing her eyes. I grabbed Tristan’s hand and held it tightly under the table. Pita exhaled and all the candles on the chandelier lit at once. Deirdre smiled at my jaw dropped expression. I quickly closed my mouth and returned my eyes to the gypsy woman. “You,” Pita said. “You exude power.” Her accent was thick, but not Irish. I couldn’t quite place it, but if I had to guess I would say she was Romanian.

  She looked me over like she was sizing me up. “Where does your power come from?”

  I looked at Tristan confused. “She wants to know if it’s your own or if you stole it,” Tristan thought. I gawked. I was appalled that she would accuse me of such a heinous thing. Sensing my agitation Tristan explained. “Having as many powers as you do is unheard of. People with that many have normally stole them.” I narrowed my eyes at her.

  She turned to Tristan than. “You hide behind your mask,” she said. Tristan was not amused with her comment. He shifted in his chair indicating his annoyance to have to sit here and endure this. Pita then looked between the both of us. “You two share a bond,” she said more as statement than a question.

  I turned to Tristan, unsure of what she was talking about. His brows were pinched tightly together and he looked ready to bolt at any second. “What do you mean?” I asked her.

  “Yes. I feel it too,” Deirdre said, speaking for the first time since we got here. “How is that so?”

  “Can someone please tell me what is going on?”

  No one answered me making me frustrated. Pita put her hands out on the table inviting Tristan and I to take them. Tristan refused to comply. I gave him a little nudge. He sat up in his chair and placed his hand in Pita’s. When I placed my hand in hers she jerked back. “Sorry,” she said, reaching her hand out for me again. I looked at Tristan. He nodded his head letting me know it was okay. I slowly put my hand back in hers and I could feel her trying hard not to pull away. She closed her eyes and squeezed our hands tight. After an awkward moment of silence she opened her eyes, looking at both of us. “Your bond is a very powerful one,” her eyes darted to Tristan. “It’s because of you it exists.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “Ella’s the one with the power. It would make more sense that she was the reason.”

  Pita shook her head. “It’s not about the amount of power it’s about the sacrifice,” she said to Tristan. Tristan glared at the woman and tried to pull his hand away but she held on tight. “You gave up everything…for her. Does she know?” Tristan didn’t say a word. I tried to get in his head, but there was so much anger burning inside of him I couldn’t get through.

  “What is she talking about?” I was completely lost.

  “Nothing,” he said through gritted teeth.

  Not able to get anything from Tristan I turned back to Pita. “I healed him, sort of brought him back from the dead. Is this why you feel we’re connected?”

  “Yes, that is interesting. No one has been able to heal the dead,” she smiled creepily at me. “You possess some of the greatest power known.” She pulled my hand closer to her smiling wider. Deirdre grunted and threw her a threatening look and I no longer felt comfortable there.

  Pita pulled back, loosening her grip on my hand. “The bond comes from both of you,” she said. “From your power and your sacrifice. That’s what created this connection you two share. Although I have never seen one as powerful as yours.”

  “But you have seen other people who share a similar bond?” Deirdre asked.

  Pita nodded as she stared at Tristan. A trickle of sweat dripped down his brow and he ripped his hand from hers. “Let’s go,” he said, getting up abruptly, and reaching for me.

  “But wait, I have more questions.”

  “Ella, this is all a bunch of crock. I think if we were bonded we ourselves would know it.”

  “Not necessarily,” Pita replied, making Tristan narrow his eyes at her.

  “I’m not going to listen to this crap anymore,” he said, turning on his heel.

  “Tristan Wilbert McKinnon,” Deirdre growled, letting him know she did not appreciate his behavior.

  “Nan, I’m sorry, but I only came here for you. I’m not going to listen to any more rubbish from this quack.” I heard a small crack and then saw a quick flash. Tristan jerked his hand back as if he was just shocked. He glared at Pita from across the table and she smirked. I got up out of my chair and stared her down, ready to take action if necessary. Tristan put a gentle hand on my shoulder, telling me to back down. I relaxed slightly, but still kept my guard up.

  “Let’s go,” I said, never taking my eyes off of her. I didn’t trust her and I had enough. I knew by now she wasn’t going to give us anything useful.

  I took Tristan’s hand and he pulled me toward the door. “Wait!” Pita called. She picked up some stones from the bowl in the center of the table. Then she walked over to me, took my hand, and placed the stones in my palm curling my fingers around them and cupping my hand in hers. She closed her eyes and took a couple deep breaths. Her eyes burst open and she dropped my hand causing the stones to drop to the floor. “You, you bring them here,” she said, backing away frightened.

  “What are you talking about?” I asked, looking at her like she was nuts, which she probably was.

  “Out! Get out!” Pita screamed panicked.

  “We must go now,” Deirdre said, walking out of there faster than I’d ever seen her move.

  “Okay, seriously, what is going on?”

  “This is what happens when two bat shit, crazy, old women get together,” Tristan whispered in my ear. I had to stifle my laugh. Deirdre, clearly hearing what he said, turned around and smacked him – hard – on the shoulder. “Ow Nan,” Tristan whined, rubbing his shoulder. I
couldn’t hide my giggle. Tristan narrowed his eyes at me.

  “Hey, that’s what you get...Wilbert.” I started laughing so hard I thought I would snort. Tristan, not amused, started chasing me. I yelped and zigzagged down the path. Deirdre glared at us, not happy with our childish behavior. Tristan eventually caught me.

  He swept my up off the ground. “Now what are you going to do?”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Hmm, let me think?” It only took about two seconds before my lips were on his.

  “Knock it off you two. You make me sick,” Deirdre said, passing us. I rolled my eyes as Tristan put me down. I slid my arm around his waist and leaned into him while he slipped his hand in my back pocket.

  “So what was up with that lady? I mean why’d she get so freaked out and kick us out?”

  “Who knows Ella? The woman is nuts. No need to worry about anything she said or did,” Tristan said, reassuring me. I suddenly got a sickening feeling in my stomach and stopped. I looked back over my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I just. Never mind, it’s nothing.” The sickening feeling was gone now. I assumed it was maybe because for a small second I let myself believe Pita, but then thought better of it. Tristan was right. She was another person just trying to make money off the gullible.

  It was late afternoon by the time we made it back to the house. Caleb made us lunch and then we said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel. When we got to our room my good mood instantly changed when I saw Josie’s face. “Josie, what’s the matter?” I asked, sitting next to her on the bed. When she didn’t answer me, I looked at Billy who was sitting on her other side, holding her hand. His face was torn and his head was an emotional wreck not allowing me to figure out what was going on. Dean and Cameron were sitting on the couch looking just as upset as Billy.