by Jessica Lee
“You’re right about one thing, Daniela.” He lifted Kenric’s weapon, the blade vertical and pointing south. “I’m not a murderer.” Guerin shook his head. “I don’t kill the innocent. But that’s something you lost touch with a long, long time ago.” He sank the dagger into her heart until only the hilt remained visible, and twisted. Like a balloon rupturing, air burst from between her lips. Daniela blinked, the expression on her face puzzled as if she couldn’t wrap her mind around what he’d done. Then with a crackle, her flesh bubbled. Bloated. Smoked and imploded.
Daniela was gone.
Guerin waited for the dark thrill of triumph, the feral glow of satisfaction that should’ve welled inside him like a bubbling, overflowing fountain. Instead…nothing. He was empty. Numb. And really…really tired. He swiped a hand over his face and the warmth of Eve’s touch moved up his spine.
“You gave her a much better death than she deserved,” Eve said. “Most would have wanted her to suffer—taste the pain she inflicted on others.”
“A part of me wanted her to pay long and hard,” Guerin said, his voice raw, scratchy. “I contemplated how I should drag out her last moments in the most agonizing way imaginable. But then I realized, wouldn’t that make me the vampire she’d tried to create all along?” He turned to Eve. “She would have won.”
Arran came into view behind Eve. “We’re going to get this mess cleaned up, and then get the hell out of here.”
“That sounds like the best idea I’ve heard in days.” Guerin sighed.
Less than an hour later, they’d cleaned up the evidence of the bodies and burned what was left of the bloodstained clothing. Together the five of them stepped into the night air.
“Before you make some excuse about where you need to go,” Kenric began and moved to block Eve’s path, “I want you to come back to South Carolina with us.”
Every muscle tensed in Guerin’s body waiting for her response. The thought of boarding the plane and leaving her behind… Yeah, he couldn’t go there. Yet the emotions Eve had unearthed inside him…the lengths he’d go to protect her. The intensity of his reaction inside that dungeon had shaken him to the core. Eve turned him inside out.
She glanced to Guerin, then Kenric and Emily. “That’s not going to happen.” Eve crossed her arms beneath her breasts.
Guerin’s heart stuttered. What was she thinking? His body vibrated with the urge to shake her. How was he supposed to protect her across the Atlantic? But at the same time, how in the hell could he live with her under the same roof and not be in her bed, not belong to her body and soul? He would go mad.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kenric had to be out of his mind.
After what he’d just gone through with his team—his mate—he wanted her to return to the United States with him? He must have taken a blow to the head when she wasn’t looking.
In a move identical to hers, Kenric crossed his arms. “Then at least come back to the suite with us so we can talk?”
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Eve moved her palms to her hips.
“Where do you plan on going tonight—tomorrow?”
“I’ll be fine,” she ground out. Enough already. I’m fine
“Okaaay,” he said. “Then try this one on for size. We just saved your ass. Guerin almost lost his life because of your impulsive move. You owe me an explanation about why you bailed on us, and I’m not standing around outside this hellhole holding a family conversation. You’re coming back with us for the next few hours, and I’m not asking.”
Who the hell—? How dare he? She couldn’t even find the words. Frustration rolled through her on a tsunami level, but she stopped short of stomping her foot like a little girl throwing a temper tantrum. Eve was three hundred years old, and her father had just ordered her home like a naughty teenager caught sneaking out at night.
“Fine,” she huffed. “What’s next? You plan on taking the keys to the car or grounding me?” She shot him her best scowl.
“Don’t tempt me,” he growled. Emily joined him at his side and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Meet us at our hotel room.” His eyes narrowed on her. “Don’t make me come looking for you again.”
“Fine. I’ll be there,” she grumbled.
“Since you two have lost a lot of blood,” Arran said, with a nod to Eve and Guerin, “I’ll phase Guerin back to the suite. That way he doesn’t have the stress of trying to track your essence, since he’s never been to our hotel.” He turned to Guerin. “Okay with you, man?”
“It’s cool.” Guerin met her gaze as Arran swung an arm over his shoulder. Creases she’d never noticed before were etched around the outside of his eyes. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was responsible for putting them there.
“Hang on,” Arran said to Guerin. “And I know it’s hard, but try not to cuddle. You’re really not my type.”
“Kiss my ass.”
Eve watched as the quad shimmered, then dispersed into their molecular state, and began their trip back to their temporary residence. It would be so easy to just fade away in the opposite direction. She didn’t want to follow and listen to all the explanations regarding why she should return to the States with them. Eve had already overheard the truth and the regret, and she wasn’t about to be the cause of any more.
But Kenric would only hunt her down again. She could already tell from the glare he’d leveled on her earlier that he wasn’t the kind of male to leave things alone.
Closing her eyes, Eve pictured the patio outside the Enclave’s suite and allowed her body to melt away. Moments later, she opened her eyes as the concrete solidified under her feet.
On the other side of the glass, the rest of the group were together, cleaning up and talking about the recent battle. Kenric sat in the chair facing the door, Emily on the arm. Arran was across from the pair, his blade out in front while he wiped down its length. Guerin stood between them, his mouth in a thin line, grim, but surrounded—supported—by his fellow Enclave members. The whole scene exemplified how she felt. Her father and his team inside, her on the outside. A part of him, but not quite fitting into his world.
Eve turned away on her heels, intending to grab on to the rail, but her head kept spinning. She missed and stumbled, knocking one of the low tables on the patio onto its side. Damn, Daniela must have taken more from her than Eve had realized, and her adrenaline levels were taking a nosedive.
The sliding door opened with a swoosh. “Whoa!” Guerin slid an arm around her, steadying her.
“I’m fine,” she blurted out and batted away the hand cradling her hip.
“No. You’re not.”
She tugged on her leather vest and tossed her hair back over her shoulder. “I just lost my footing. That’s all.”
“I was there. Remember? You lost a lot of blood.”
“Everything okay out here?” Kenric’s dark, leather-clad form filled the doorway.
“I’m fine.”
“No. She isn’t. Eve needs to feed.”
“I’ll handle it later,” she said, not bothering to hide the annoyance in her tone.
“I can—” Guerin began, but a strange expression flashed across his face, and his words halted.
“What? Were you about to offer to feed me?” She scoffed. “You’re not much better off than I am.” Eve brushed past him and Kenric stepped aside, letting her into the suite.
“I can help,” Emily stood from one of the leather chairs. The statement brought Eve to an abrupt halt along with the next beat of her heart. No way. How could Emily offer such a thing when Eve knew the other female had to resent her very presence? “There’s no need for you to go out and hunt tonight after what you’ve been through. Let me feed you.” Emily began rolling up her sleeves.
“No…” Eve backed up and bumped into Kenric’s chest. This was the worst idea she’d ever heard. Oh, my God. What was Emily thinking, offering to feed the spawn of the woman who’d tried to kill her? Eve couldn’t imagine anything more awkwa
rd and uncomfortable for both of them. Why would Emily want to put herself through it? “Please. You don’t have to do that. It’s not your place.” She shook her head, the cold fingers of panic sinking into her chest. If there was ever a reason to flee a scene—this was it. And Eve was about two seconds from flipping the kill switch on this whole little get-together.
The other two males joined them in the room, their gazes swinging back and forth between the two females.
“I’m the logical choice, Eve. Arran is mated, and I’m sure if there were any other way, Elle would prefer he not feed another female. And for reasons we don’t need to get into right now, Kenric isn’t available to donate to anyone. Guerin, as you’ve stated, isn’t in any condition to lose any more blood. He needs time to heal.” Emily closed in on her. “Eve,” she said, her voice softening. “If you will allow it, I would be happy to care for Kenric’s child.”
“Are you for real?” Eve cocked her head, then glanced up at the female’s mate—her father. Kenric smiled down at Eve.
“One of the many reasons I love her.” His gaze moved to Emily. “She’s smart and has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known.”
“Why don’t the three of us step into the other room?” Emily motioned for her and Kenric to follow.
As if her legs had grown a mind of their own, Eve shuffled forward. Kenric trailed into the couple’s bedroom behind Eve, and Emily closed the door.
“Now that it’s just us, do you think you can tell me why the thought of feeding from me bothers you so much?” Emily brushed past Eve and sat on the edge of the bed. She patted the spot beside her. “Please, sit with me.”
Kenric sauntered over near the windows, pretending to look outside. She lowered onto the mattress as requested.
“I don’t need a connection to your mind to see I’ve upset you. It’s all over your face.”
“It’s not that I’m upset or angry,” Eve said, then sighed. She might as well go ahead and tell them, get everything out on the table. “After what I heard you two discussing, I don’t know how you can stomach the thought of being near me—much less allowing me to drink from you.”
“When did you hear us talking? Before you left?”
She nodded. “I came to your door at sundown to tell Kenric I’d heard from Guerin.” Kenric pivoted and faced them. “He’d contacted me telepathically to try to keep me away. I wanted to let you both know he was alive.” Eve studied her hands, finding it hard to keep her gaze trained on the couple. “That’s when I heard you both discussing what my existence meant to your relationship.” She swallowed back the lump doing its best to choke her. “I’m the product of a horrible crime I’m sure Kenric would much rather stay buried and not have walking around in front of his face.” Eve sprang from the bed and turned away. Whoever said the confrontations you dreaded were supposed to end up easier than one imagined was a liar. “Guerin was tortured at the hands of Seth and Daniela because of me, and I’m a constant reminder of what you’ll never have.” Eve stared at the broad brushstrokes of color in the abstract painting on the wall. Blues, reds, yellows in giant swirls forming a tighter and tighter ring. Sort of like the band constricting her heart. “I needed to face Seth—alone. Turn myself over to him so you, Kenric, and Guerin could find peace.”
Kenric’s broad hands circled her upper arms. She’d never heard him move. Gently, he turned her to face him. “If you left feeling so hurt, you obviously didn’t stick around to hear the rest.”
Eve glanced up, her gaze falling into familiar azure eyes, but this time, his shimmered with tears.
“Because if you had stayed…” Emily moved in beside Kenric, reached over, and brushed her palm over Eve’s forearm. “You would have heard me tell Kenric that his joy is my joy. You’re a part of him. And from what I’ve seen…the best part.” Emily smiled. “I won’t lie and say it doesn’t sadden me that we’ll never have our own child. But how can I resent you? My God. You were willing to give your life to save ours. That shows character and strength.”
“Thank you,” Eve whispered, a strange wave of warmth washing over her bones. Acceptance…? Was this what it felt like?
“Now please. Let me help you.” Emily’s palm slid down and into Eve’s. “I’ll be fine until we get home tomorrow night.”
Home.
“And by ‘we’ I mean you, as well,” Emily added.
“Leaving you here, after only just discovering you, would kill me,” Kenric said. “We haven’t had any time to get to know each other. You could always return here, if you’re not happy. But we really don’t have a choice. We have to go home as soon as possible.” Kenric checked the clock on the bedside table. “Actually, I should call the pilots and see if they have time to file a flight plan tonight.” He pulled out his cell. “Please tell me you’ll come with us. Give us a chance?”
Emily took her seat on the bed and held out her wrist. Eve lowered onto her knees in front of the other female and looked up, taking her hand in hers.
“Are you sure?” She couldn’t help but ask one more time, the question twofold.
“Absolutely.” Emily nodded.
Eve glanced over at Kenric, and she had to smile at the anticipation simmering in his expression. “Okay. I’ll go with you. But I can’t promise I’ll stay.”
“Fair enough.” He punched a number in his phone, and Eve returned to Emily.
“Thank you,” Eve whispered.
“You’re welcome.” Emily smiled. “Now feed.”
Hunger cramped her stomach at the reminder, and her fangs slid into place. Eve lifted Emily’s wrist to her lips. A sweet floral scent wafted into her nostrils—wildflowers. A perfect fragrance for the female. It reminded her of the warmth of sunshine. As quickly as possible to minimize the pain, Eve sank her fangs into Emily’s vein. The heady essence of her blood flooded Eve’s mouth, making her head swim. Emily must feed mostly from her mate, based on the potency of the crimson fluid. Eve’s veins hummed under the influence of the cocktail. It didn’t take but a few pulls on Emily’s wrist before Eve’s strength returned. She sealed the puncture with her tongue and lifted her head.
Her skin tingled and her heart raced. “Wow.” Eve blinked. “You have quite a kick there.”
Emily laughed. “You’re feeling better?”
“Much.” Eve stood, her head no longer spinning.
“Good,” she said and nodded in the direction of the door. “I think someone in the other room will be interested in learning about your decision to return with us.”
Eve’s gut tightened. Yeah. She didn’t know whether to be excited or anxious about the idea of moving to the States with Guerin. Would he be happy to spend more time with her, or resent the fact that he’d have to deal with her presence? He certainly had enough to come to terms with without a daily reminder of the shit he’d been forced to confront to save her. Eve’s anger reheated, remembering how Guerin had swallowed his pride and submitted to Daniela—to save her. Her fist coiled at the thought. The female hadn’t deserved the years of trust and devotion she’d had bestowed on her from a male like Guerin. Daniela had been given a treasure like none other, and she’d crushed it under her heel.
“Yeah, well, we’ll see.” Eve gave Emily a tight smile. “He endured a lot because of me. I’m not sure how he’s going to feel about me tagging along.”
“I think you might be surprised.”
“All right, ladies,” Kenric interjected. “Pilot said we’re cleared to leave at six a.m. So that gives us about four hours to get ready.”
Stepping into the living space, Eve scanned the room and found Arran watching TV, and Guerin in the bar area with a bottle of water in his hand. He froze mid-swig, then slowly lowered his arm as she approached.
“How did it go in there?”
“It went well,” she said. Guerin had cleaned up since she’d left him. He’d changed into a pair of ripped jeans and a black Hysteria concert T-shirt. “Def Leppard?” Guerin followed her gaze to the graphic. �
��For some reason,” she added, “I just can’t picture you rocking to an eighties big-hair band.” He glanced up and she grinned.
“It’s Arran’s,” he added with an eye roll. “He lent me some clothes since my stuff is still at the gasthaus room I rented before I went looking for you—hopefully.”
“Ah. I see. You’ll probably need to head over there in a few minutes and collect it since we’re leaving for the States at dawn.”
He stilled, as if his brain were mulling over what she’d said. Guerin took another swallow. “We? Does that mean Kenric convinced you to come back with us?”
“Would it bother you if he did?”
“No.” He plopped the bottle on the granite. “Of course not. I was actually surprised that you hesitated.”
“I’ve survived on my own for many, many years.” Eve crossed her arms. “Moving back with the Enclave—my father—isn’t something I ever expected to happen. I needed to clear the air first.”
“You two were able to do that in there?”
“Yeah. We got some things out in the open.”
He clutched the half-empty bottle and rocked the contents, his gaze following the waves. “So your reluctance to move back was based on your relationship with your father?”
“Most of it.” Her pulse spiked at her next thought. “Maybe you and I should talk? A lot of things went down in that dungeon…”
“No.” He swung his head back up. “God, no. I’m fine. You really should do this—come back with us.” He nodded, his smile tight. “It’ll be a great new beginning for you after all…this shit with Keller and company. Plus you’ll have the Enclave always at your back—added protection going forward.”
“Sooo, you and I, we’re good?” Eve added a smile. “I haven’t had a chance to thank—”