by CY Jones
“Later, I’m going to help you build a wall to help guard your mind. Stronger supernaturals can easily read your thoughts, or try to control you if you don’t have a proper shield fending them off,” Cody remarks.
So the cheeky fae has been reading my mind. I growl in Cody’s direction, and he gives me an unapologetic look with a shrug of his shoulders. So many things to learn with so little time. I did not want to find out what would happen if someone broke into my head and took control me, but first my wolf wants to run free. So without warning, I take off, and disappear into the woods with Hunter close behind. I don’t have to worry about Cody keeping pace because apparently, he has this cool ability to disappear and reappear all over the place.
We all have fun running and playing, and just like last time I don’t want to go back. I just want stay as a wolf and live free in the woods forever, but I know I have responsibilities, and duty calls.
This time when I change back, my wolf doesn’t fight me. With me keeping my promise to her, I guess she’s beginning to trust me more. As the sun starts to set, we hike our way back to the car, and I take a nap during the long drive home.
I barely step foot into the house before Oreo shoves a long dress box in my hands.
“You need to hurry up and get ready. Gabriel will be at the club by nine for your date,” Oreo says tersely.
“What is this?” I ask, eyeing the box suspiciously, thinking about the last time Oreo picked out an outfit for me.
“It’s a dress Gabriel had delivered at the club for you to wear,” Oreo answers.
“The pompous ass thinks he can dress me now, like some overgrown barbie?” I say in disgust.
“Yes. Remember the part you’re playing. To him you’re a slave he wants to own, now off to it,” Oreo growls, pissing me off even further.
“Fine,” I huff, stomping up the stairs to get ready and away from the stupid jerk before I stab him.
Thirty-One
You were always meant to save the world
I’m standing in front of the mirror in my room when Cody comes in with a sandwich in his hand. Nothing says I love you like food.
“Thanks, I’m starving,” I say, grabbing the sandwich from him, and taking a huge bite, not at all caring about manners. “Ummm,” I moan when I bite into the crispy bacon on my turkey sandwich. “You’re a lifesaver,” I get out between bites.
Chuckling Cody affectionately wipes some stray crumbs from the corner of my mouth.
“I know how hungry you can get after shifting, and I don’t think Gabriel will appreciate you inhaling your food at whatever fancy restaurant he takes you to.” I don’t give two shites about Gabriel’s feelings on my eating habits. But I know for the mission I had to be nice.
“You look beautiful by the way. I love this dress,” Cody says, giving me an appreciative glance.
“It’s a gift from Gabriel,” I frown as I look down at the short, white lace number. The front of the dress isn’t that bad, but the back is nonexistent with how low it’s cut, and the matching heels are just as frightening as Oreo’s taste. White six-inch strappy stilettos that strung up all the way to my mid thigh.
“Do you want to try to do the glamour, or do you want me to do it?” Cody asks, fingering my lace dress.
“Let me try first, and then, if I get something wrong you can fix it,” I suggest.
Cody steps back with a nod, and I close my eyes, picturing the girl from last night. When I open my eyes, the same blonde women with big, ocean blue eyes stares right back at me in the mirror. This time I give her wavy hair past her shoulders instead of the soft curls Cody did last night.
“Perfect,” Cody whispers close to my ear, and I squeeze my thighs together. My men barely have to look at me to send my libido into overdrive.
“As much as I would love to bend you over your bed, we don’t have time for that right now. I need to teach you how to create a shield in your mind before you go,” Cody says reluctantly, giving me a heated look.
Stuffing the rest of the sandwich in my mouth, I turn to him. “Ok,” I say giving him a big, food filled smile.
Laughing, Cody says, “Try to work on your manners while you're at it. We can’t have you scaring the Italian mob boss off.”
“One could only dream,” I sigh, batting my fake lashes dramatically. I think I’m only half playing. I wouldn’t mind if the crime boss took a hike off a really high cliff.
“Time to get serious, trouble maker. I need you to concentrate.”
Seeing that I’m not going to get out of this, I give Cody my undivided attention.
“Shields are easy. If you can create an glamour, than shielding should be second nature,” Cody explains. “First I want you to calm yourself and concentrate,” he instructs.
Closing my eyes, I breathe in through my nose and out my mouth. After a couple of rotations, I’m calm enough, and I hear Cody as he talks in my head.
“Now, I need you to visualize something strong wrapping around your mind and protecting it. Something impenetrable enough that nothing could ever break through without your permission,“ he says softly in my head, trying not to startle me.
Something impenetrabile. I can’t think of anything. Walls can easily crumble, armor also has weaknesses. The only thing that has ever made me feel invincible is my persona that I spent years building. Shadow, my beloved alter ego. When I am her, no one can get to me, or break me down. We are ghosts feared by everyone, so that’s what I use.
Concentrating harder, I picture shadows, and a thick fog wrap around my mind, hiding it from sight. When I’m done I open my eyes to a smiling Cody.
“You, princess, are a quick learner, and you never do anything half arsed or expected. I’ve never seen a shield like that before.”
“Well, I’m not a regular girl,” I say in a flirty voice.
“Thank fuck you’re not,” Cody growls, kissing me hard on the mouth and taking my breath away. Breaking the kiss he reluctantly pulls me towards the the door. “Come on before I say fuck everything,” he snarls.
Laughing, I let him lead me out my room and over to an annoyed looking Oreo.
“About time,” Mr. stick up his arse says, tapping his foot.
“Well, I’m ready now,” I snap back. What the hell crawled up his arse? He acts like he’s the one getting pimped out.
“Enough of that,” Conner growls, walking over to us with Caleb close behind glaring daggers at Oreo. I’m starting to think my stab first and ask questions later mantalitity comes from him. Despite Oreo’s odd behavior I’m happy to see them. I’ve grown used to being around them now. I’ve even gotten used to Caleb’s moody behavior, which is saying something.
“Are you ready, ducky?” Caleb asks, stepping around his brother.
“As ready as I can be,” I reply.
I hate not being able to take any of my own weapons. There is just nowhere to hide them in this outfit. Even though I have better control over my magic, and that in itself is considered a weapon, in my mind there’s nothing better than dealing with an old fashion Glock or dagger to the gut.
“We will be on surveillance the whole time,” Conner says, reassuring me. This time we are all leaving. My dad's and the guys will be following, keeping out of sight watching Gabriel’s every move. No one is comfortable leaving me alone with him, and this is the most secure solution we could come up with. Also, a glamoured Hunter will act as my bodyguard. I’m am still an investment, after all, and Oreo is within his rights to place a guard on me.
“Come, Pretty before we're late,” Oreo says, holding the door open for me.
I step out into the cool night air and down to Oreo’s Bugatti. We drive in silence to the club. Neither one of us has anything to say to each other.
Right before we arrive Oreo suddenly clears his throat and says, “I need you to keep your eyes open tonight.”
“Why would you tell me that? Do you know something we don’t?” I demand, confused over his warning.
�
��I’ve had this feeling that something’s not right all day. It’s partly why I snapped at you earlier, because I’ve been a little on edge. ”
I did think he was acting a bit extra earlier, and now that I understand why, I appreciate him being forthcoming. Placing my hand over his, I squeeze, hoping I portray my understanding.
“Soon this will be all over,” I tell him. “Tonight we will all be on a flight to Scotland, where we’ll take O'Donnell down and end his reign of terror,” I say, conveying as much conviction as I can with my eyes. Nodding his agreement, Oreo turns his attention back to the road.
We pull up to the club, and once again, Oreo tosses the valet his keys. When Oreo opens the passenger door for me, he whispers in my ear “You were always meant to save the world.”
I’m shocked by his words. I don’t know Oreo well, but what I do know is that he does not say things like this lightly. I nod with understanding, finally acknowledging what DelaCorte told me back at his office about being destined to help his daughter save the world. But first I need to save myself, and I will do that as soon as O’Donnell is dead.
We wait for Gabriel in Oreo’s private booth with a raven haired, brown-eyed Hunter standing guard. There’s no need for Oreo to panic about us being late because Gabriel’s already over an hour late. When Gabriel finally shows, flanked by the same personal guards from last night, Oreo stands and growls “You’re late,” with pure annoyance written all over his pretty face.
“My apologies. I had a business deal that ran late,” Gabriel answers smoothly before turning his eyes to me.
“Bella, you grow more beautiful each day,” he coos, and I stand letting him take my hand and holding it up to kiss.
“You’re lucky we’re still here. I was tempted to find someone punctual for my sweet, angel,” Oreo snaps at Gabriel.
A clear warning about who exactly is in charge here. Usually Oreo acts more carefree, a mask he wears to fool people dumb enough to fall for it, but now, not a hint of humor is found anywhere on his face. I can see why Oreo is so feared in our world.
“I assure you it won’t happen again,” Gabriel replies, looking Oreo straight in the eyes.
“Be sure that it doesn’t. You’ve already wasted my time, and I’m sure, my angel is starving from how long you’ve kept us waiting. Women are suppose to keep men waiting, not vice versa,” Oreo chastises. I’m sure Gabriel is well used to women waiting on him.
“Alex will go with you to guard Angel, that’s non-negotiable,” Oreo says, tilting his head in Hunter’s direction. “Also, you are to drop her back off here at midnight, also non-negotiable,” Oreo demands in his bossy voice.
“Midnight. You’ve got to be joking. I’m sure Bella here won’t turn into a pumpkin if we’re late,” Gabriel mocks, incredulous at my curfew.
“As I said, non-negotiable. If you’re even one second late, I don't care who you are, I will hunt you down, cut your balls off, and feed them to you and even one hair on her head is out of place, I will do far worse things that'll have you begging for death,” Oreo threatens, taking even me back.
Damn, Oreo just threatened a mob boss. I wonder just how much clout he has in the supernatural community. Seeing the fear flash in Gabriel’s eyes before he schools his face back to a neutral expression makes me assume it’s a lot.
“Come, Bella,” Gabriel says, gently taking my arm and pulling me away. Hunter hangs back with the other guards, giving us just enough space to allude privacy, but close enough to defend me if needed.
Once we’re outside the valet pulls up in a flashy midnight black Ferrari Spider 488 with red leather seats. He opens the passenger side door for me, and I slide in as elegantly as I can in my short dress without flashing my lace panties to the world, or tripping over these death trap for heels. Nervously, I watch Hunter gather with the other guards as they wait for the valet to retrieve the SUV that they will all ride in. Until we get to our destination, we will be separated, but I know the others are around, hidden in the shadows, keeping a vigilant watch.
“You are very quiet, Bella. Tell me something about yourself,” Gabriel says as he pulls away from the curb.
“Gosh, I don’t know what to say,” I tell him in an overly sweet voice.
“Lets start with, where are you from?” His attention is focused on the road, but I can tell he is very interested in my story.
“I grew up all over,” I answer vaguely.
“What about your parents?” he asks, undeterred by my vagueness. If I learned anything, I knew telling a bunch of lies in this kind of situation does not work. You spend too much time and effort keeping up with your stories. It’s easier to evade, or be as vague as possible, sticking to the truth as much as possible.
“My mother died when I was a baby, and I never really knew my father,” I answer, sticking as close to the truth as possible.
“Is that how you ended up working for Oreo?” he asks next.
“Yes,” I answer, not bothering to elaborate.
“Do you know who I am, Bella? Did Oreo explain what I do?”
“Yes, he said you’re the head of the Italian mob and a vampire.”
“And, that doesn’t frighten you?” he questions, quirking his brow.
“No. I’ve met men far scarier than you,” I reply.
Gabriel turns his head to me gazing intently at my face. Whatever he sees has him nodding in agreement.
“I’m sure you have, Bella, and yet here you are. Do you know what I want from you?”
If I didn’t before I sure as hell know now. Lust lust laces his voice, and the bulge in his crotch speaks volumes for his arousal. If this car wasn’t a stick shift, I’m sure his hand would be up my dress by now.
“You want to fuck me,” I answer, and Gabriel’s laugh fills the car.
“You are very honest, Bella. More honest than anyone I’ve ever met,” he says, using one hand to wipe tears from his eyes. I give him a small smile, and a look that says, I’m not stupid.
“You are quite right, I do want to fuck you. I had many dreams last night about your luscious mouth wrapped around cock, but that is not all I want from you.”
“What else is there?” I ask him, choosing to ignore his crude statement.
“You will see, Bella,” Gabriel answers cryptically before turning his attention back to the road.
Thirty-Two
There's plenty of pages left in this story
I do not like this. My gut screams that something is wrong, but short of causing Gabriel to run us off the road, I’m currently stuck in this car. Plus, Hunter is trapped in another vehicle with two of Gabriel’s guards. I don’t know what’s going on, and I do not like it, but I can’t risk Hunter or myself on a hunch. To many unknown variables exist. If I cause a scene, the guards with Hunter could hurt him.
We pull up to a restaurant on the beach. Getting out the car, Gabriel opens the passenger door for me, and pulls me out, practically yanking my arm out it’s socket. Handing over the keys to the valet he leads us inside, stopping in front of the hostess stand.
A bubbly blonde with huge boobs and a tiny waist, gives Gabriel an appreciative smile before asking “Do you have a reservation?” Winking at her and staring way too long at her chest to be polite, Gabriel gives her his last name, and she leads us to a private section in the back, away from the public. Ever the gentleman, Gabriel lets me slide in the booth first, and then slides in very close after me.
Bending over more than necessary to give us our menus, our flirty hostess licks her collagen filled lips and asks, “Is there anything else you need?”
“Nothing for now,” Gabriel replies just as suggestively as he looks down her tight blouse. If this were a real date, I would be insulted by his blatant disrespect by now, and if I didn’t need this arsehole, I would have been long gone the moment he focused on our hostess fake assets. I think Cody may have been wrong. Maybe he shouldn’t have given me smaller tits.
After the hostess leaves, our waitress comes ou
t, and thankfully was more interested in doing her job than flirting.
“Take our orders from my guards, and make sure we’re not disturbed,” Gabriel orders, practically growling at the poor girl. Flirty Gabriel was gone, and the Italian mob boss is front and center. The waitress runs off quickly to do his bidding. I wish I could have gone with her, but I’ve dealt with men more dangerous then this arsehole next to me.
“Angel, that is your name, right?” Gabriel asks.
“You’re out on a date with me, and you’re not sure of my name,” I answer, not caring that I’m supposed to be acting like some ditzy blonde.
“In our world names hold power. It’s wise to keep them secret from most,” he answers, not in the least bothered, or surprised by my attitude. The hair on my arms start to rise as the feeling that something isn’t quite right grows.
“No, Angel isn’t my real name. It’s just a name Oreo likes to call me,” I reply, trying to calm myself down. No need to alert him of my suspicion.
“And does Oreo call you by any other names?” Gabriel questions, placing his hand on my upper thigh and sliding a path up under my dress.
“Yes, he also calls me Pretty,” I answer, smiling at him like the cat who ate the canary. I want to rip his arm off and beat him with it. The wolf inside me growls in agreement.
Gabriel moves his hand further up my thigh, and I bite my cheek in an effort to hold back my urge to snap and break his wrist, or kill him.
“I have to disagree, Bella. You are by far more exquisite than pretty.” Gabriel leans in closer to me, and the spicy smell of his aftershave fills my nostrils. His nose, cold from the night air nuzzles my neck as I fist my hands tightly at my sides, white-knuckling them. I do not want him touching me. I wanted to stab him with one of my daggers, and I’m starting to regret leaving them behind.