Betrayal: The Awakening

by Kira Hillins

  “Would you like a refreshment, sir?” the stewardess asked him with a smile as bright as the sun.

  “No, lass, I brought my own.” He smiled and then eyed her petite figure as she maneuvered down the aisle with her cart.

  Leaning back on the chair, he wondered what England had in store for him. He still didn’t know what to do about the situation or about Madeline. It had been her dream, her obsession, to become human since he could remember. If it hadn’t been for Tristan, he would’ve taken the young girl to her right away, just so she would leave him alone, just so she would realize how foolish she was.

  A predicament indeed.

  The sound of the plane’s engine hummed in his ears. Closing his eyes, he nearly drifted off to sleep when the stewardess came back. “Would you like some dinner?”

  His eyes popped open, and he grinned again. “What are yeh serving?”

  “Roasted beef with carrots and potatoes.”

  “Sure, missy, I’ll have some.”

  She stared as she handed him a warm tray of food. It wasn’t a look of fear, at least not until he showed his pointed fangs.

  Damn it! He always forgot to put them away when it came to pretty women and sustenance. The meat tore easier with them out.

  A short gasp escaped her open mouth. Her eyes widened and breath quickened as she hurried down the aisle. When she glanced back, he inwardly chuckled. My, my, how he loved scaring people, though he never meant them harm.

  A cooked meal—it brought a strange flavor as he tore into the roast beef. He’d acquired the taste over the years, but it fell in comparison to warm blood. A rare steak was preferred when he was out. Never liking the fact he occasionally had to eat like a human, he’d trained himself to deal with it.

  He didn’t present the most proper manners at the dining table, so people stared, just as they did now, if they even quit to begin with. He tore at the beef, letting its juices run down his chin.

  A woman across the aisle glanced at him, but he ignored her as he kept to his meal until he was finished. Record time—two minutes flat—I should enter an eating contest.

  He raised the napkin and wiped his chin. He belched loudly then looked at the woman across the aisle. “Excuse me,” he said with a hefty grin, flashing his perfect fangs. Seeing her return with her own sumptuous smile, he leaned close to her and arched his bushy brows. “I may be a bad-mannered Scot, but I sure know how to dazzle a lady with me sexy peepers.”

  Her smile beamed and her laugh was contagious. Her skin was pink as a rose and lovely as silk. Roast beef wouldn’t compare to the taste of her, for she smelled heavenly.

  “What’s your name?” She crumpled her navy blue skirt above her knees.

  “Gerard.” He looked at her long, smooth legs. “And may I be honored to have yours?”

  “Nancy,” she replied.

  “Well, come on over here, Nancy.” He motioned her over to the seat beside him. When she acknowledged his request, he was thrilled he wouldn’t have to fly the rest of the way to England alone.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Unknown

  Tristan caught the scent of blood as he neared his room below his crumbled castle. Someone was there, wounded. Sour salt hung thick in the air with a familiar musk that reminded him of the clothes Anna had given him to wear in her apartment.

  He landed on top of a deteriorating stone wall and listened. Heavy chains rattled. Someone’s bare feet paced the floor—a man. Who did Madeline have with her?

  He jumped to the ground. By the faintness of her musty scent, she’d left for the night. This was the perfect opportunity to see who she had chained up.

  With little effort, he lifted the heavy wooden door and jumped down. A light burned from his old lantern, and a naked, rugged-looking man stood next to it, staring at him in horror.

  “Who are you?” Tristan demanded.

  The man backed away. “I…I don’t know.” He glanced down at his wrists, chafed and bleeding from the heavy iron chains around them. “Wait…my name is Jack…Jack Monroe.” He reached for Tristan. “Please, help me get away from her. She just left, but she’ll be back.”

  “How long ago did she leave?”

  The man scratched his unwashed head. He palmed his unshaven face as he tried to remember what was going on. Then he turned suspicious eyes on Tristan. “Who are you?”

  “Tristan,” he replied without pause.

  Jack’s eyes widened. He reached as far as his chains would allow him to go. “You’re him! Tell me where Anna is! Is she okay? If she’s hurt, I’ll go insane…I’m already going insane.”

  “Anna is safe.”

  “You can’t leave me here with her. She’s sick and twisted.” Jack cried out. “She makes me do these horrible things. I have no control.”

  “If I let you go, she would find you before you made it to town.”

  “Then take me with you. Take me to see Anna. Please!” Jack fell to his knees, hands clasped together in front of him. The scent of tears and body odor grew as he inched closer on his bare knees. He raised his watery eyes to him. “She told me everything. You need Anna’s blood to be human again.”

  Tristan shook his head. “I would never harm Anna.”

  Jack scrambled to his feet. “You’re in love with her.” The alarm in his voice was prominent. “Not that I blame you, but you can’t seriously believe she’d choose you over me. You’re…dead. I’m alive. We were going to get married before she went off to find you. Asshole!”

  Tristan leaned back on his heels. “You and Anna are to wed?”

  “Yes. We should be home right now planning our wedding.” Jack shook his head. “I can make her forget about all of this, about you. It’s disturbing how your mind tricks work, making us do what you want like we’re puppets on a string. I’m sick of it!” Jack wiped angry tears from his dirty face. “If you care about her, then don’t you dare force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. And damn it; don’t let that witch find her! If anything happens to Anna…I’ll die.”

  Tristan knew how Jack felt. This man loved her and would do anything, even risk his own life, for her. It was heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time. Why hadn’t she told him she’d agreed to marry another man?

  “Please,” Jack pleaded again. “Get me out of here. Take me to Anna.”

  Tristan reached for the chains. A zap of energy went through him and he reeled his arm back. Tristan stepped away. “Madeline has enchanted your shackles. Even with all my strength, I would not be able to release you.”

  “Try harder!”

  “I am sorry. Only Madeline can break this spell.”

  “Shit.” Jack drew in a deep breath. “Then you’ve got to get out of here before she gets back. I’ll stall Madeline long enough for you to get Anna to safety.”

  Madeline was indeed on her way back. Tristan could sense her, so close, yet far enough away for him to get out before she arrived. She could also sense his presence and would come for him by nightfall.

  Tristan jumped to the surface. What an idiot he’d been for thinking Anna could ever be with him. Though his heart couldn’t take seeing her with someone else, she belonged with Jack. He would offer her the love and warmth she deserved.

  When he arrived at the castle, he crept into the window of her room. She slept on top of the blanket, pillow beneath her head. Indeed she was beautiful, an angel who smiled as she dreamed something wonderful. He wanted to wake her, to whisper in her ear how much he wanted her body, but his thoughts of Jack kept him from it.

  The light of the fire danced on the walls and floors. It crackled as he stoked it. He tossed on another log to keep it from burning too low then looked at his angel. Was her happiness just a façade? Did his lure work against him, forcing her to love? Was she just a puppet on a string?

  Her eyes opened. “Tristan.” She rose from the bed and found her way to his arms. She pressed her cheek to his chest and held him tight around his torso. “Did you find us a new plac
e to go?”

  “No.” He took her hands and lowered them to her sides. He tightened his grip then let go.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “The sun will be up shortly. You need to rest.”

  “Did I do something to upset you?”

  Yes—you misled me, and like a fool I fell into your charm. He could easily have ended Jack’s life in that room and forgotten about it, but his conscience wouldn’t let him. Anna wouldn’t let him.

  He brushed past her and went to the door. “I will take you to the airport after sunset. You must leave this place.”

  “What’s happened?” She grabbed his arm, but he jerked it from her grasp. “Tristan!” She called after him again, but he kept his pace.

  He dared not turn around to face her; afraid he’d fall into her tears and drown. He hated when she cried. His heart ached. No matter what, he could no longer carry the burden of puppet master.

  “You have a life to go back to.” He hurried down the stairs. “I will not stand in your way.”

  “Tristan!” She shouted from the top of the stairs. “Please, would you just stop?”

  * * * *

  Like a black blur, he disappeared down the hall. She hurried down the stairs. Something happened tonight, and she couldn’t let him get away without an explanation. As she took the last step and rounded the stone banister, the front door opened. A hint of daylight crept into the dark castle, and someone along with it.

  She ducked down behind a large, dusty red chair as the stranger entered the room. A dark cloak covered his head and body. He looked like the Grim Reaper, but shorter and stockier, and thankfully not holding a scythe.

  He tromped across the stone floor and, with a loud grunt, sat on the red velvet divan. The antique piece hadn’t been used in years, as the dust flew up into the air. The man reared back then let out a sneeze that echoed through the room.

  Anna couldn’t stop her laugh. The way the stranger presented himself was unusual yet comical. He reminded her of a stout dwarf who had drunk too much warm ale and then come in for a nightcap.

  He removed the hood to reveal long bright red hair. As he glanced around the room, he looked familiar, but she couldn’t place where she’d seen him.

  “Who’s there?” His gruff voice growled when he spoke.

  She huddled behind the chair. He may have struck a humor bone, but he was still some strange man who’d found his way here. There was very little chance this visit was coincidence.

  “Come on out here, lass. I can smell you.”

  Anna twisted her lips—caught. Tristan would hear her scream if she needed to, she stood rigid.

  “Well now, let me have a good look at you.” He motioned her over with a wave of his burly hand.

  She dug her heels and toes into cold stone. “Who are you?”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t bite.”

  With her hands clasped together in front of her, she fumbled her thumbs, and then walked toward him. “I’ve seen you before.”

  “I have seen you before too. And would you just look at you? All grown up and as lovely as a petite pink rose.”

  “Have we met?”

  “Ah, we have once, lass, a long time ago. I knew your family.”

  Anna sat beside him. Her nose itched from the centuries of dust flying around her, but she held back the sneeze, offering this strange man her complete attention.

  “What do you mean?”

  His red beard and mustache rose with his grin. “I met MacDonald way before you were born. He was a good man, a tough old bird. I was sorry to hear he’d passed away.” He sneezed again and then his hefty laughter rolled through the castle.

  “Bless you.” Anna laughed along with him. The sound was downright contagious. “You knew Mac?”

  “Aye. He helped me through some tough times, or so he thought. I lied to him about who I was, for Tristan’s sake, of course.”

  “Tristan?”

  He cast a shallow grin. “I’ve followed him his entire life. After his mother died, I took him in. He was like a son to me at one time.”

  “Who are you?”

  “Ah, how rude of me.” He held out his hand for her to take. “I am Gerard William Scot, at your service, my lady.”

  “Gerard?” She gasped as she placed her palm onto his. He was the lord of this castle—the man who’d flung himself from the bedroom window. The man Tristan had mourned over for centuries. “I didn’t know you were—alive.”

  “Ah, I am indeed alive, in a different kind of way.” His booming laughter echoed around her. “That wife of mine is one crazy lass, not right in the head, you know. She fell for another man, so I did what I had to and left.” By the sorrow in his eyes, he spoke of the night he’d caught Tristan and Madeline in bed together.

  “You know he feels awful about that, don’t you?”

  “I’m surprise he told you. I felt kind of bad for doing that to him, but it was rather funny seeing their faces when I jumped off the balcony. I meant to do it as a joke, but I couldn’t go back to either of them. I suppose I was more upset about it than I’d thought.”

  “I understand, I think.” She wasn’t sure about anything anymore.

  “Well, my dear. I am pooped. It has been a long journey here.” He bowed as if showing respect to a queen. “I look forward to speaking with you again tonight. It seems we have a lot to discuss.” He stalked down the arched hall then disappeared into the library.

  It was exciting to meet someone else who’d known Mac. As comforting as it was, she was still uneasy that there was someone else carrying the same disease, possibly here to steal her blood.

  As she went back to her room, her thoughts returned to Tristan. She would find out what happened to him, whether he wanted to talk or not. For now, though, she was tired. Tonight was going to be a long and rather strange reunion.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Old Friends

  “Gerard?” Tristan stood slack-jawed. His usual cool had turned to shock from seeing the redheaded man, who sheepishly grinned at him. “I cannot believe this.”

  Anna inwardly jumped up and down in excitement. To see Tristan’s agape mouth curve into a genuine, teeth-baring smile put him in a new light.

  “You can’t off a Scottish man that easily.” Gerard’s laughter echoed through the kitchen. He sat at the table then waved for them to join him. “I’m pleased to see you looking so well.”

  Tristan sat on the opposite side of Gerard. “Where have you been all this time?”

  Gerard gave Anna a wink then returned his attention on Tristan. “Ah, if I told you, it’d be a surprise.”

  “Come on, confess.”

  “I’ve lived right near you, son.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Mac kept secrets from both of us,” Anna chimed in, hoping Tristan would look at her, but he kept his gaze on Gerard. “I’m not quite sure what they all are, but apparently, he and Mac were friends.”

  “Aye. Mac and I were very good friends.” Gerard sighed. “Where do you think Mac got his nightly deliveries to his bar?”

  Tristan leaned back in his chair. Black eyes wide, jaw tightening, he looked puzzled or pissed off. Anna couldn’t tell.

  “For the first time in my life, I am speechless. I always wondered where he got his stash, but I had no idea. Why?” Tristan’s voice rose. “You led me to believe you were dead, but you were alive all this time. Why did you watch me from afar while I wallowed alone in misery?”

  Gerard twisted his lips to the side. Anna could see his inward struggle for an answer. This would be a long night of explanations, and hopefully this lovely reunion wouldn’t take a wrong turn.

  “Madeline bit me one night, crazy wench.”

  Tristan stood and slammed his fists on the table. “I do not want to hear how you turned. I want to know why you sit before me afraid to answer a simple question.”

  Gerard scowled. “It’s a long story, son.” He looked at Anna and an icy chill shimmied down
her spine. “Right now there are other things to worry about. We need to get her out of here as soon as possible. Madeline knows we’re all here.”

  Tristan leaned forward, palms on the table, meditating, concentrating. When he raised his head, he sneered. “I implore you, Gerard. Take Anna away from here. I will deal with Madeline.”

  “No!” Anna scoffed as she stood. Her chair tipped over onto the floor with a loud crash. She grasped his arm and tried to catch his gaze, but he still wouldn’t look at her. “I won’t let you push me away. I need you, Tristan.”

  “I see this has become a lovers quarrel.” With a furrowed brow, Gerard looked at Tristan. “I will deal with my wife. Take Anna and go as far away as you can. Hiding is the only way to keep her safe until this is over.”

  “There is another problem.” Tristan bowed his head. “Madeline has…Jack.”

  Anna threw her hand to her mouth and gasped. Nausea worked up her throat. “Jack’s been missing for almost a month,” she whispered, fear combing her somber face. “I came here so you would help me find him. But you have been too stubborn to listen to me. Oh god. This is all my fault. I need to find him.”

  She darted from the table and through the kitchen door. Trying not to break down into tears, she ran up the stairs to her room. She had to be strong. For Jack. Finding him was all she needed to focus on now. No way would she let anything happen to him, even if it meant facing Madeline on her own. Nothing else mattered—not her life or this ridiculous predicament she was in, and not another long hike down the mountain. The only thing that mattered was getting to Jack before something terrible happened to him, if it hadn’t already.

  She put on her jacket and zipped it up. She shouldered her backpack. When she headed for the exit, Tristan appeared in the doorway.

  “Anna, what are you doing?”

  “Why did she take him?” The thought of Jack with that woman infuriated her. When she tried to maneuver around Tristan, he caught her shoulders. “Let me through. I have to go to him.”