“Shit.”
“Yeah, shit.”
He opened his arms, and she catapulted into their welcoming warmth.
Heaven.
“Do I get to meet this sister?”
“Yes, she already commanded she wants to meet you, and soon.” She giggled.
He chuckled in return. “Tonight, or should we wait until tomorrow?”
“Hmm, maybe tomorrow would be better. Make it seem like we didn’t already have plans. I’ll give her my undivided attention tonight.”
“Ugh, I don’t like this. Can I at least sneak into your room at night?”
She laughed, and though he sounded like he joked, she knew he didn’t. And, God, she wanted to say yes.
“You could try.” She waited until his eyes lit up before continuing. “If you enjoy spooning a six-month pregnant woman who kicks.”
He groaned dramatically. “The baby or the woman?”
“Both!” She responded.
“So, if she’s in your bed, that means you’ll be on the couch?”
“Yup. Don’t worry, it’s a comfortable couch.”
“Yes, I remember.” He winked. “I much prefer the bed, though. So how long will we be forced to be apart? Oh, I sounded mean, didn’t I? Let me rephrase: how long will your sister be visiting?”
“I didn’t get to ask her yet,” she replied. “She was tired, and I wanted to let you know….”
“Ah, well hopefully it will go by fast. No offense or anything.”
“But what about Louisa? What if she gets to my pregnant sister?”
“Connor will be nearby, like usual. He’ll just have to practice being less visible, is all.” He assured her as he gave her a light squeeze. “It’s good for him to test his skills sometimes.”
She breathed a sigh of relief and burrowed deeper into his muscular chest. “Let’s go and get you inside. I’d rather you stayed indoors until we can hunt down Louisa. Maybe tonight I’ll work on doing exactly that, since you won’t be seeing me until tomorrow.” He frowned as his eyes took in every inch of her face.
“I guess it would be a good thing to do. But please, for me, be careful.”
He smiled and kissed her nose. “I will. I promise. Nothing will stop me from returning. I want to attempt another experiment when your sister leaves.” He waggled his eyebrows, and she giggled.
He’d removed her worries over his safety for now. But she really hated it when he left her.
Really.
***
Elijah jumped from the cover of the tall tree as Isaac and Sabrina headed back to her house, hand in hand. Watching their intimacy hurt more than he could imagine. Their closeness appeared more than physical. It seemed like they were in love.
He hadn’t been gone that long, had he?
Isaac planned on leaving tonight. Elijah had heard him say so. He would chase Louisa—just as Elijah had been doing the past few weeks. Elijah wished him all the luck in the world. Lord knew he’d been chasing her shadow the past few days, to no avail.
And while he’d been chasing the bitch, Isaac had been lounging in Sabrina’s arms.
Bastard.
Now, the tables were reversing, and Isaac would be on the chase, leaving him to gather the spoils of war. He loved Sabrina, too. He even loved her enough to let her go if it seemed to be in her best interest. He had yet to be convinced it was, however.
He needed to see her. Soon.
It was unavoidable.
***
For purely selfish reasons, Isaac didn’t alert Sabrina of Elijah’s presence in the clearing. He remained terrified that if she saw him again, history would repeat itself. He didn’t know how he would cope if she chose Elijah over him—again.
Jealousy alone didn’t keep him quiet, though. Elijah posed a danger to her. He’d become a monster, a mockery of a human shell.
Like you’re any better?
Well, he didn’t want to drink her blood, for starters. He turned into a monster, part of the time. And, hell, part-time would always beat full-time.
Damn it.
If she picked Elijah, she chose to become one of them. A monster. She would also become his enemy, and he’d be forced to hunt them down like the beasts they were.
Kill Sabrina? Over his dead body—which would be easily arranged if he turned traitor. He needed to keep Elijah away from her. And even more importantly, away from Louisa. Nothing would stop him from keeping her safe.
Nothing.
Chapter Ten
Marie woke in a much better mood than she’d arrived in, leaving Sabrina relieved. She smiled, laughed, and investigated every square inch of the house excitedly. After seeing the entire house, she asked if they could go for a walk in the woods. The crisp fall afternoon breeze invigorated Sabrina as it whipped through her hair, blinding her each time it covered her eyes. By mid-afternoon, they strolled in companionable silence through the woods.
“You’re quiet,” Marie commented.
“Am I?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, you’ve been quiet for weeks. Ever since you came to England. No, scratch that. You’ve been quiet ever since you met Isaac. So I could take it in one of two ways. Number one: you’re so enthralled by him you can think of nothing else. And as such, are lost in daydream land. Number two: something’s wrong.”
“Or number three: you’re a paranoid pregnant woman who needs to relax,” Sabrina teased. “Honestly, Marie, I’m fine. Do I look hurt? Depressed? Obsessed?”
“Hmm. Well, you do look stressed. Like something’s bothering you.”
“Nothing’s bothering me. Now relax and drop it, okay?”
They walked in silence, until she realized they were at the same spot Isaac and she had been earlier. Sabrina paused to look around, suddenly unsure of their position. Something bothered him about this location; she could feel it.
Nothing appeared amiss, though. They were in the forest, but in a spot that looked like it had been cleared, either by man or nature. A bubbling stream ran nearby, making a calming sound. Something tugged at the back of her mind. As if she should remember this place.
Sabrina brushed aside her uneasiness and admired the autumn trees turning beautiful shades of red and orange. In the spring, she imagined, the leaves would be a brilliant green, and the ground would be a landscape of budding flowers.
Spotting a fallen tree nearby, she sat down and patted the spot next to her. Marie lowered herself upon the trunk while placing a supporting hand on her stomach. Sabrina sighed and laid her head on Marie’s shoulder.
“I know you worry about and love me, but I promise I’m happy. If there were something wrong, you know I’d talk to you,” she reassured Marie.
Except about Isaac being an Enforcer, and Elijah being a vampire. Oh yeah, and this other vampire, Louisa, wants me dead because I stole Elijah away from her in another life. And Elijah wants to kill Isaac, and vice versa. But besides that, all is normal.
I promise.
Marie sighed. “Okay, I’ll let you off the hook. Part of me feared I’d come here to find you miserable, alone, and ready to come home. Of course, part of me wished it as well,” she said shamefacedly. “I miss you, Bree.”
She smiled at the use of her childhood nickname before replying, “I miss you, too, sis. I do. But I love it here, and I’m not leaving. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You have every right to be happy. I just want you be careful, too. Don’t let this Isaac guy in too far just because you are alone. Don’t let him fill a void you feel, simply because you feel it. I know you are not the type to be alone.” Marie put a hand up to stop Sabrina’s indignant response, and she forced herself to bite back her angry denial and crossed her arms across her chest. “I also know you well enough to know you will latch onto someone you feel is right for you, even if he isn’t, because you feel you should. So please, keep a distance. Toe the water a bit, before jumping in. For me?”
Sabrina sighed in exasperation before she blatantly lied. �
��He’s not here every day and he’s not an obsession or a toy I’ve acquired. I like him a lot and that’s all. Really. I’ll even let you meet him.”
“Oh, really? When?” Marie perked up and straightened excitedly. Sabrina couldn’t tell if she feigned eagerness, or told the truth.
“How about tomorrow night, if he’s free? We’ll all go out for dinner. I thought tonight you and I could have some time alone,” Sabrina explained.
“Sounds perfect to me.”
“Good. How long are you visiting?”
“Three days. I leave Friday morning,” Marie stated.
“Gotcha.” Sabrina sighed. “Well, you ready to head back?”
“Sure. This place is kind of creepy.” Marie shuddered.
“You think? I find it peaceful.”
Marie snickered. “You have changed. Let’s go.”
Were the changes really so obvious?
***
Sabrina fought off the butterflies attempting to overrun her stomach. Tonight, Marie and Isaac were going to meet. She knew they would get along great, if Marie let go of her preconceived notions. She also desperately hoped any creatures, be they werewolves or vampires, stayed away. That, she thought as she chuckled, was one side of her life she’d rather her sister not see.
She yawned and rubbed her temples in aggravation. She had tossed and turned on the couch all night long, getting little sleep. Geez, she probably looked like crap. Isaac would think she was a zombie and smite her on the spot. She almost laughed aloud at the thought.
Until she wondered if zombies actually existed.
A knock sounded at the door, and Sabrina—who could feel Marie’s eyes studying her every movement—walked demurely to the door to open it. She longed to run into his arms and greet him properly, and see the answering yearning in his blue gaze. It may have been one day spent apart, but it seemed like so much more.
“Come in.” She smiled at the mere sight of him. Who knew her happiness could depend so much upon simply being able to set eyes upon a man?
Fascinating.
Her heart raced excitedly, and she felt her cheeks flush with heat.
He stopped at her side to give her a sweet kiss on the cheek and a hand squeeze. “Hello, Sabrina,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to tremble.
Gathering her wits about her, she turned to Marie. “Marie, this is Isaac. Isaac, this is my sister, Marie.” She swallowed a laugh when she saw Marie staring at him with her mouth hanging open in shock.
Freaking priceless.
Isaac walked over to her and shook her hand.
“Hello, Marie. It’s a pleasure to meet you. In the short time I’ve known Sabrina”—he turned to Sabrina and winked at her over his shoulder—“I’ve heard so much about you. All good, I promise.”
Marie flushed and snatched her hand back. Though Isaac’s back faced her, Sabrina would be willing to bet a million dollars he’d just unleashed both dimples upon Marie.
“Nice to meet you, too. I’ve also heard quite a bit about you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Walking to Sabrina’s side, Marie snatched her arm. “Shall we?”
“Ladies first,” Isaac replied.
“You could have told me he looked so unbelievably gorgeous,” she whispered furiously in Sabrina’s ear.
She laughed out loud at the anger in her sister’s voice.
“Shh,” Marie exclaimed. “He’ll hear you.”
He hears everything we’re saying, my dear.
“Okay, okay. Honestly, if I had tried to explain how incredibly hot he looked, I’d have failed miserably. Nothing prepares you for that.” She made a slight movement of her head, jerking it in Isaac’s direction to clarify exactly what she spoke of.
As if it were in question. Ha.
“Yeah, well, you could have at least tried.”
Sabrina looked over her shoulder at Isaac, only to see him glowing with male pride.
“Besides, he’s not perfect,” she whispered, conspiratorially.
“No?”
She could almost hear Isaac lean in closer to them.
“He snores.”
***
In the past few weeks, this restaurant had become a favorite of Isaac’s and Sabrina’s, and they were seated at their usual table. Soft candlelight flickered on the table and deep crimson curtains hung behind them. The only difference tonight being that they were three, instead of two. Isaac motioned for Marie to order first. She opted for the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Caesar salad.
He arched a brow at Sabrina, and she gave a nod of her head, probably imperceptible to anyone who didn’t watch her as closely as Isaac, and closed her menu.
“And the lovely lady and I will each have the filet mignon, baked potatoes, and house salad with French dressing, please. The steaks should be rare, on both.” Handing the menus to the waiter, Isaac noticed Marie smirking at him. He glanced at Sabrina in confusion, and she shrugged.
She didn’t have a clue what he had done this time. All night long, Marie had been judging him and questioning his every move. She couldn’t believe Isaac hadn’t snapped yet.
“What, did I do something wrong?”
Marie snickered and replied, “Yeah. Although the gesture is impressive in an old-fashioned kind of way, you ordered wrong.” She gloated. “Sabrina eats her steak medium well. You better get the waiter before it’s too late.”
“Actually, Marie, I’ve discovered I’m a rare kind of gal,” she interjected as she grinned at Isaac. “Why settle for the normal when you can be rare, right, Isaac?”
He laughed wholeheartedly. “Why, indeed.”
Marie looked back and forth between them and glowered silently. She muttered something under her breath Sabrina couldn’t make out, but no doubt Isaac could. She kicked her sister’s shin in an attempt to remind her to be more polite. Marie, ever the drama queen, jumped and yelped loudly. She glared at Sabrina before turning to Isaac with a plastic smile.
“So, Isaac, what do you do?”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have acquired a rather large amount of real estate over time. I have several properties spread out here and there, and I rent them out while I am not using them.”
“Oh, and what else?” she inquired.
They both froze at her icy tone, neither daring to look at the other.
“I’m not sure I understand your question.”
“Well, you can’t earn enough to support yourself by simply renting out a few properties. I’m sure you do something else, as well.”
“Marie, stop it right—”
“No, it’s okay, Sabrina,” he interrupted smilingly. “I just hadn’t understood what she asked me. When I had told you that I own a few properties, I suppose I leaned a bit toward the modest side of my holdings. The land I own would take quite a while to name off. And, I’d rather not, to be honest. I’d come across sounding boastful and arrogant.”
“Oh…well…okay….” Marie stammered. Her cheeks flushed, and she took a sip of ice water before settling back in her chair to cross her arms over her chest.
“I also invest in real estate and am always looking for more opportunities. I own a firm that buys, and flips, properties. I’m also involved in an organization that makes sure land stays open in farm areas, and we try to preserve national forests and such. So, I manage to keep myself busy.”
“I’d imagine so. You sound like a busy man,” she spoke begrudgingly. “I don’t know how you’ve got time to woo Sabrina in-between all of your other commitments.”
“Oh, if I didn’t have the time, I’d find a way to make some. Your sister is one of a kind.”
“Yeah, she is,” she agreed. “You know, I’m trying to find something not to like about you, and failing.” She laughed and met his eyes for the first time the whole night.
He leaned in and whispered with flair, “Well, I’ve been told I snore.”
They all chuckled, and the tension dissipated. The rest of the meal passed minu
s any hitches, and they were driving home when Marie stated, “Isaac, I’d like to apologize. I know I’ve been a bit hard on you. I tend to worry about Sabrina, and I want to see her happy. I can see now how much you care for her. So, I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”
Sabrina moved forward from her relaxed position against the back seat, straining to listen to the conversation. She’d insisted on sitting in the back, since Marie got carsick so easily.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You were protecting your sister. It’s an admirable quality to possess.”
They stared at each other for a moment and grinned. Sabrina grinned as well.
Now that is what I’m talking about. Everybody getting along. Nothing could ruin this—
“Do sit back, Sabrina. I’d hate for you to strain your neck,” Marie said snidely. She giggled, ruining the effect, and Isaac’s musical laughter joined in.
Bitch.
Sabrina’s smile disappeared, and she pouted as they snickered at her expense. She sat back to stare out the window at the scenery speeding by.
***
When they arrived home, Marie winked as she got out of the car. “I’m in need of a bath in your huge tub, so I’m heading straight up. Have a good night, Sabrina. And nice meeting you, Isaac.”
“Nice meeting you, too, Marie,” Isaac said.
“Night, Marie. I’ll be inside in a minute.” Sabrina smiled at her sister, who walked to the door and unlocked it. As soon as the door closed, she launched herself into Isaac’s waiting arms. He clutched her to his chest and, in an abrupt movement, swung her in a full circle faster than humanly possible.
Oh, right. He wasn’t human.
She grasped his shoulders and yelped. He chuckled and gripped her hair, giving it a gentle tug so her head tilted toward the starless sky. Her gaze collided with his, and for the first time, she let the love she felt for him show. He drew in a shaky breath, and his eyes darkened.
Unable to resist the temptation any longer, she put her hand behind his neck and tugged until his lips touched hers. Once she felt his breath fanning her lips, she kissed him explosively. Her tongue entered his mouth in a bold movement, and she relished the moan she got in return. Longing shot through her body like molten lava, and, God, she burned. Of its own accord, her hand explored his taut body, her fingers trailing across his chest and down his abdomen. She hesitated at his belt buckle before she slid her hand lower to cup his erection. His penis had grown hard, and freaking huge. He pressed against her in encouragement, and she massaged him and let out a breathy moan.
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