Gabrielle and Arielle were filled with wonder listening to the story behind these beautiful pieces of art. The three girls beamed with excitement. They were together again, and decided to take a walk out in the garden, talking nonstop. Gabrielle and Arielle wanted to know all about Eva’s honeymoon and look at the amazing photos of their trip. Eva went on and on about the wonderful time they spent in the amazing beach house they’d manifested in Nadi, a small island in Fiji, with serenity and the most beautiful beaches she’d ever seen.
“How was the honeymoon?” Arielle asked, chuckling.
“Unbelievable…” Eva replied with a long sigh, a sparkle in her eyes.
“What do you mean?” Gabrielle grinned.
“I mean that Ian and I will never have enough of each other. I could never explain to you in simple words how amazing is to be an immortal, how it’s changed our lives.”
Gabrielle and Arielle knew that immortality would have to remain a mystery for them.
“What else did you manifest?” Arielle asked, curious.
“A yacht,” Eva replied in a very calm voice.
“You manifested a yacht?” Arielle exclaimed.
“Sure, why not?”
“I guess no reason at all; I’m just so amazed how you do that.”
“Well Sebastian and Troy can do the same thing so it’s nothing unusual for immortals. We were determined to visit some of the islands of Fiji and enjoy everything we could as long as we were there.”
“Any encounters on the yacht?” Gabrielle asked in amusement looking at her intently. Her eyes glittered, lips quivered, as a wide smile made her face glow.
“I never had encounters like that with Ian. It was almost like they were out-of-body experiences. The intensity, the desire, the wonder of it all was nothing I ever dreamed growing up.” She was smiling and gazing away, looking mesmerized. Arielle closed her eyes as the memories of her encounters with Sebastian rushed in. She felt a sting behind her eyes while intense sadness spread across every fiber of her body.
“We’re really happy for you, Eva; the wedding was incredible and it sounds like your honeymoon was even more so.” Gabrielle’s voice made Arielle open her eyes and she saw Eva studying her intently. She knew her distraction didn’t escape Eva’s notice. She touched Arielle’s shoulder.
“What’s up Arielle?” her gaze puzzled.
“Bloody hell,” she muttered, grinding her teeth. She didn’t want to ruin the moment with her personal issues.
“What’s going on?” Eva repeated and Arielle wished she had a bit more control over her emotions.
“There’ve been a few snags in my relationship with Sebastian,” she said through clinched teeth.
“Are you going to explain or do you plan to make this a guessing game?” Eva was now frustrated, glancing between Gabrielle and Arielle.
“Something happened at your wedding,” Arielle said, anxiously trying to suppress all the details her head was summoning against her will.
“At my wedding?” Eva exclaimed unable to keep the surprise off her face.
“Yes. Annabel showed up,” Arielle said through clenched teeth. Eva stiffened.
“Annabel?” she shrieked.
“Yes; we don’t know exactly how long she’d been there but I noticed her at the end of your reception,” she murmured, rubbing her hands together nervously.
“What happened?” Eva demanded.
“We were on our way to the parking lot and had stopped to talk before we went our separate ways, when I noticed her and a man standing inside the Club entrance glass doors.” Arielle was now a little nervous reliving Annabel’s loathsome arrival all over again.
“What did you do?” Eva asked again while a strange frigid sensation swept through her body.
“I fell apart, totally horrified and Sebastian took after her like a wild animal. She has to be pure evil, otherwise I just can’t understand the magnitude of hate she’s been carrying for centuries now against Sebastian,” she muttered, as Annabel’s face took over her mind and made her shiver.
“She doesn’t hate him, Arielle. She loves him and she doesn’t want any other woman to have him. She’s trying to hurt him through you because she knows that this time Sebastian’s really in love.” Eva was grinding her teeth, fists pressed against her body.
“I can’t wait to get my hands on her miserable body. I’ll rip her to shreds. I’ll never forget that cold disgusting laughter outside the locked door in St Jean De Luz. She left us in that room to die and she’ll pay.” Her voice shocked Arielle to the core; she’d never heard Eva talk that way before.
“You haven’t heard the best of it!” Gabrielle chimed in.
“There’s more?” Eva’s eyes widened as she watched Arielle’s face darkened. She braced herself expecting the worse but Arielle was unable to withhold her emotions, and as she started to talk she choked on her words and broke into sobs. Eva glanced at Gabrielle first then put her arm around Arielle.
Eva started to talk then paused, looking for the right words.
“Arielle, we don’t have to talk about this right now,” she said softly. She had a strong feeling she already knew that recalling the details was extremely painful for Arielle. Eva turned her attention to Gabrielle and casually changed the subject giving Arielle time to regain her composure.
“How are you doing with the wedding plans?” Eva asked Gabrielle.
“I’m completely ready,” she replied and chuckled in excitement.
“All that’s left is to walk down that aisle and marry that beautiful man.” Her eyes were brilliant, filled with eagerness and desire.
“Did your gowns come in?” Eva asked, glancing between the other two women.
“They were delivered last week and it all seems like a dream,” Arielle murmured, gazing at the deep blue waters. They’d walked to the end of the property, admiring the ocean that stretched in front of them like a huge mirror as far as their eyes could see. The waves rolled to the shore and retreated, forming multicolor ripples as the ocean was bathed in the sunlight. The smell of salt filled the air. They watched the seagulls gracefully circle above the water waiting for a chance to feed on unsuspected fish.
“Gosh, what a sight!” Arielle murmured, not sure if she thought it or said it aloud.
“Yes, I was thinking the same thing,” Eva whispered, answering her unspoken question.
“We’re so fortunate to live by the ocean,” Gabrielle muttered, contented.
A comfortable silence fell between them and Arielle took a deep breath, trying to imagine what it would be like, to be married to the man she wanted more than anything in the world.
“I’m not going to believe we’re getting married until the moment I stand next to Sebastian at the altar,” Arielle said aloud with a sigh.
“Arielle, Look at me!! Look at my life!!” Eva said. “The last two years of my life have been literally unbelievable. I actually died, brought back as an immortal. Who would ever believe that? It all seems like a dream but it’s utterly and amazingly factual.” She exhaled and smiled.
“If I were given a chance again I’m sure I wouldn’t change even one second of the last two years. My life is utopia and Ian is my knight in shining armor,” she murmured in her musical voice.
“I’m so happy for you,” Arielle said, with a soft smile.
Sebastian’s rejection flooded her thoughts and she tried to hide the ache. Eva noticed her expression because nothing escaped her immortal friend.
“Are you ready to talk about it now?” she asked a warm smile on her beautiful face. She rested her hand on Arielle’s arm.
Arielle glanced cautiously at her watch and sighed as the smiled faded from her face.
“Are you in a hurry?” Eva asked, with amusement
“No,” she replied with a soft chuckle. As soon as she decided to talk and the words came out, she reassessed and remained tight-lipped.
“Oh, come on!” Eva exclaimed, “Since when do we have secrets between us
?” she pressed on.
“It’s not that at all, I’m just a little nervous bringing back the whole story,” she pursed, and taking a deep breath, recapped Sebastian’s ordeal in extreme detail. When she got to the point of the physical assault, Eva’s body stiffened as she unsuccessfully tried to hold back a cry of dismay.
“That’s inconceivable!” Eva exclaimed. “How’s Sebastian taking it?” she asked watching her carefully.
“Not very well.” Arielle continued the dramatic story of the outcome and how the guys went to help both Troy and Sebastian, seeking vengeance only to fail again.
There was silence for quite a while as the three women stared out towards the ocean, listening to the waves break with a soft murmur over and over again.
“What’s the issue with you and Sebastian?” Eva asked, knowing that there was something more tormenting Arielle.
“He feels dirty and doesn’t touch me anymore,” Arielle said, sadly. Eva’s eyes widen in shock.
“I’m having a hard time believing that he doesn’t want to touch you,” she said, her face compassionate, surprise in her eyes.
“Well it’s true. He’s rejected me for three weeks now.” She bit her lip so hard that she tasted blood and winced.
Eva frowned and proceeded to take up for Sebastian. Unfortunately there was very little she could say that would make Arielle feel wanted. Eventually she gave up and instead stood, gazed down at Arielle for a moment, and then she turned around and gazed out toward the ocean.
Arielle’s emotions surged and she was fighting off tears but knew she had to talk to Eva.
Chapter 6
EVA WAS THE PERSON to whom Gabrielle and Arielle had poured their hearts out all through their youth. She was the one who could see their future and warn them of bad things ahead. Arielle needed that kind of support right now.
“Eva, I need you, I’m desperate and don’t know what to do,” Arielle said. They exchanged looks and just before either one of them could utter a single word Gabrielle exhaled loud in frustration, making them look at her.
“Arielle, can’t you understand that this isn’t about you. This is about Sebastian and the horrible ordeal he had to endure. You have to trust him. He needs time to figure things out and he’ll come around before you know it. He’s in love with you. How many times does he have to tell you?”
Arielle was hurt by her friend’s tone, but deep inside knew she was right. What in the world is wrong with me? Why couldn’t she trust the man who fit the blueprint of her existence? His words came back to her with unexpected clarity, “When are you going to start trusting me?”
Eva’s gentle voice brought her back to reality. “All I can see between you and Sebastian is great! He loves you more than his own life and you’re never going to be apart,” Eva said.
Arielle stared at her intense gaze and felt warmth that made her smile. Arielle knew that Eva could see right through her, just as Eva’s lips quirked into a gentle smile.
“Are you feeling better?” she asked.
“Yes, thanks, Eva, I do feel much better.” Arielle smiled.
“Do you want to walk down to the beach for a little while?” Gabrielle asked, and without another word they made their way down the path and descended the wooden steps that lead to the secluded beach. They took off their shoes just before they stepped onto the soft, cool sand.
“Are Troy’s friends coming for the wedding?” Eva asked and Gabrielle was happy to go on and on about the four guys responsible for saving Troy and Sebastian’s lives a few weeks back. And yes, she informed her friends, they would be part of the wedding.
“So when are they coming back?”
“They should be here in a couple of week,” Gabrielle said, smiling. On that note Arielle decided to talk about Gaston.
“Eva, I think Gaston was standing next to Annabel at your reception,” she said. Eva stopped walking and turned to face her, dumbfounded.
“Gaston from Calais?” she exclaimed with a high-pitched tone in her voice. Arielle pursed her lips and nodded.
“Are you sure?” she asked again.
“No, I’m not completely sure but there was a man standing next to Annabel and somehow when I looked at him I knew he had striking blue eyes,” she said softly.
“And….” Eva prompted.
“Well, it was dark and they were a few hundred feet away so there wasn’t any bloody way for Arielle to see the color of his eyes,” Gabrielle chimed in.
“How did you know?” Eva asked Arielle, watching her carefully.
“I’ve no idea, but I had this feeling that it might've been Gaston,” she said. She was now rubbing her hands together in nervousness; she could close her eyes and see his face and those striking blue eyes piercing through her very soul, making her shake. She felt her heart beat in a low monotonous rhythm. Suddenly she felt sick to her stomach and sank to the sand.
“I think I'm going to throw up,” she whispered and Eva moved fast to her side. They sat and Gabrielle handed her a bottle of water. Arielle took a sip and closed her eyes, trying to slow her breathing.
“Hey there!” Troy’s voice came from up the hill. They saw Ian and Sebastian standing next to him, looking down at them. Arielle never saw them move but before she could blink they were standing next to them. She’d never get over their speed.
“What were you talking about?” Sebastian asked, glancing between the three of them judiciously. Arielle thought he could see that she was a little anxious.
“Something about going back to Calais but nothing specific,” Eva replied, trying to play the whole thing down. Everyone seemed to turn their attention to Arielle, who was now breathing a little better. The guys exchanged looks and Sebastian moved slowly and sat on the sand next to her, putting his arm around her, making her shiver.
“What is it, baby, are you okay?” he asked tenderly. She forced a smile, winding her fingers through his.
“I’m fine,” she whispered. She closed her eyes, trying to wipe the thought of Gaston away from her mind and suddenly fright took over her again, as she bit hard down on her lower lip. The rusty taste of blood told her that she broke through a few layers of skin. A very beautiful face with striking blue eyes appeared again in front of her. She felt Sebastian’s arms pulling her closer and turning her head to face him. Their faces were a breath apart and she heard his soft voice.
“What’s…going…on in there?” he asked pointing at her head anxiously. Arielle was silent for a moment. She exhaled a long breath trying to hold back the nausea.
“It was Gaston,” she murmured.
Sebastian lowered his eyes scanning her face in alarm. “Gaston!” Sebastian exclaimed. “Gaston Bartaud!” He looked at her, thunderstruck.
“I’m sure he was the man standing next to Annabel the night of Eva’s wedding,” she said softly and Sebastian winced.
“What I don’t understand is what he was doing here with Annabel. He never liked her, I even remember many occasions that they came to blows right after Annabel and I were married.” He shook his head and swallowed hard.
“I wonder what he's doing here?” he murmured. Arielle wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him close.
“I remember something he told me just before he left the ball that morning in Calais,” she said, gazing in his eyes.
“What was that?” he asked.
“He said that he always gets what he wants and I was what he wanted. I remember the fear that took over me because the last person who told me the same thing was Mat Winston just before he tried to rape me.”
Sebastian mumbled a curse under his breath as he pulled her tighter. “It all makes sense now,” he said looking at her, extremely worried.
“What makes sense?” she asked.
“Annabel told me that Gaston was here to claim you for himself. I didn’t put much significance on those words until now. I’m sure that you saw Gaston, and Annabel is using him to try and destroy what we have.” He kept gazing in her eyes and she
saw darkness cross those beautiful emerald eyes.
“We know that Annabel is unpredictable but I’m sure that sooner or later we’ll figure out her sick game,” Troy said. His musical voice had a resolved tone.
Sebastian nodded, grimly.
“Right now let’s all concentrate on the wedding coming up, and our friends arriving for the festivities.”
Troy pulled Gabrielle into his arms, pressed his lips on hers and groaned with pleasure. “I hate to think about a whole week without you,” he said frowning. “Can’t you just stay with your parents for one day?” He was pleading with that miserable voice of his, and even though Arielle was still pretty upset, she broke out laughing. The atmosphere became lighter and more relaxed after Troy’s short statement.
“When are the guys flying in?” Sebastian asked.
“Two weeks from today and that includes Jon, Pierre, and Jacques,” Troy said with a satisfied smile.
“We invited Nathan and Christian as well, and I hope they'll make it, however, they haven’t replied as of yet,” Gabrielle added.
“I’m sure they will,” Sebastian said, looking around. “I guess there'll be a lot of partying since Gabrielle won't be home.”
Troy chuckled at Sebastian’s remark and gazed at Gabrielle sheepishly. Ian smiled as he remembered the good old days in Saint Jean De Luz. He was sure that being an immortal himself, partying would be much better this time around with all these guys.
“Let’s go home, baby,” Sebastian said to Arielle as he pulled her up gently. They all walked back up the steps holding hands. They thanked Ian and Eva for their wonderful gift and walked out the door, Troy and Gabrielle right behind them.
“Three more weeks!” Gabrielle exclaimed, and they waved as they got into the cars and drove away.
Sebastian took Arielle’s hand and held it tight all the way home. Arielle fell quiet. Passion was thick in that small space but no words were spoken. When he pulled in the garage he turned the engine off and turned to face her.
“I don’t want you to worry about anything. I can’t imagine Gaston conspiring with Annabel to hurt you. He severed our longtime friendship over you, so I’m sure he would never agree to harm you.” He helped her out of the car and put his arm around her as they walked into the house.
Arielle Immortal Resolve (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 8) Page 7