Vis

by P. C. Benson

  Celeste reached for my hand and squeezed it. Instead of pity, I saw support in her eyes. I smiled at her, and the hope that Gabby had in me, strengthened.

  Vik cleared his throat.

  “We’re sorry we’ve been difficult, Daemon. We can’t promise much, but we will try our best,” Ti said.

  “Yeah, what she said,” Vik grunted.

  Everyone glanced at Alec.

  He sighed and said, “I trust Gabrielle.” He nodded at me and got up.

  I guess that was the best I could hope for from him.

  Eleven

  Chapter 10: Home

  Gabrielle

  I was so fucking angry. I recognized that my emotions were triggered easily, but I couldn’t help it—this pettiness needed to stop. My restless energy needed to be dispelled. I felt caged and needed to get out. I didn’t bother walking but disapparated to the shore. I knew that it was reckless, but I didn’t care at that moment. I had an overwhelming need to move. I walked at a brisk pace, and when that wasn’t enough, I started jogging, occasionally having to make myself slow down to a normal human speed. What was wrong with me? The exertion didn’t dissipate my anxiety. I had a fire burning inside of me that I couldn’t tamper.

  I found myself close to the boardwalk. I had been reckless in using my Nephilim speed and strength, but the beach was secluded until this area. I slowed down, the anticipation sharpening my senses. I jogged to the brick house and waltzed right in. I didn’t really think they would have stuck around, so it surprised me to see the brotherhood sitting around the couch with Lilly, Amy, and two other unknowns.

  They all looked surprised when I emerged from the stairs, and my lips twitched at their comical reaction. “Surprise, fuckers. How stupid are you to hang around here after what had happened? Or do you all think you’re untouchable?” I strode in cockily, throwing raw energy around the room. The two new men tried to stand, their hands twitching, ready to throw down. Oh yeah, bring it, fuckers! I wrapped each one of them with sizzling energy and kept them pinned to the couch. “Not so fast.” I smirked.

  The two struggled against their restraints, but the brotherhood kept still. Lilly was red in the face as she tried to call on her energy, so I wagged my fingers at her as I spoke. “Don’t let me knock you out again, Dear Sister. This time I might not be merciful.” I flashed her a nasty look that made her pause.

  Amy looked impassive. “You wouldn’t risk all these innocents.”

  “Who said that I would be risking anyone?” I shrugged.

  “What do you want, Gabby?” Lilly spat.

  “Oh, you see, I was looking to release some energy, and you stupid idiots were cocky enough to stick around. So, since you offered yourselves up so conveniently…” I shrugged again.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Lilly screamed as she struggled against her restraints.

  “You, Dear Sister, are what’s wrong.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Oh, and Abaddon.” I studied each of their reactions. They stiffened up, unable to mask their surprise at my knowledge of the name. “I have a message for him. Tell him, he’s got my fucking attention, and I’m done playing nice. Also, if he comes after someone I care about again, I will make it my personal mission to end him and the Fallen race.” I clenched my fists as I tried to control the rage inside of me.

  The two strangers cackled an evil laugh.

  “Who the fuck do you think you are, bitch?” The slimy-haired, pointy-nosed man asked.

  “Get me out of here, and I will show you how we treat our women,” the short and pudgy one said as he eyed me up and down and licked his lips.

  I cocked my head at the two, a slow smile forming on my face as I waved my hand and released them.

  They were fast. They each threw a fireball, lightning, and other projectiles at me all at once. However, as soon as they left their hands, I waved my left hand lazily, and it all dissipated. My mouth twitched mockingly, and I raised my brows. Their faces were red in anger.

  I felt Alec’s panicked emotions, so I cocked my head to the left and said, “As much as I would like to play, time is up, boys.”

  They raised their hands again, but I beat them to it. I let all of my rage loose, and it consumed them in seconds. They were ashes before Alec was solid.

  Alec materialized, and I briefly saw that Daemon, Celeste, Ti, and Vik were with him.

  I looked Alec in the eye and said, “Sorry, I’m not done.”

  I took Lilly, Amy, and the Brotherhood with me to a secluded spot along the hiking trail close to home. They dropped to the ground as soon as we got there.

  “We don’t have much time. Alec will be here soon.”

  “Are you planning on taking us out?” Lilly asked in a shaky voice as she got to her feet.

  “Where’s the bravado now, Dear Sister?”

  “What do you want?” Amy asked. For once, she looked scared.

  “I wanted to make sure we have an understanding. Amy, stay away from Daemon and Viktor, or I will hunt you down personally. Do you understand?”

  She nodded.

  “What do you want from us?” Allen asked.

  “I want you to give Abaddon another message. Tell him I want Miriam. Tell him he succeeded in his mission in turning me, however, I will never join his side—so he should know that I am willing to use any means necessary to get what I want. You all should know that I’m not known for my patience, and I really don’t care much who I hunt first.”

  I cocked my head again and took a deep breath. Damn, Alec was fast and persistent.

  “The Nephilim are closing in so…go.”

  They didn’t need to be told a second time. They disapparated as Alec and the others appeared.

  “What the fuck, Gabby!” Alec looked around frantically as the others eyed me warily.

  “Why did you bring Celeste to a fight with the Fallen?”

  “Don’t change the fucking subject. Have you lost your goddamn mind? He waved his hand frantically as he spoke. “What were you thinking?”

  I crossed my arms and cocked my hip. “What are you freaking out about?”

  He opened his mouth in disbelief, then looked at the others, and gestured at me. He shook his head as he walked to the edge and gazed over the cliff.

  I eyed him for a moment. I could feel his anger and worry. His silver Aura was prominent tonight, and it surrounded his outline. I turned and looked at the others with my brows raised in question.

  No one spoke—they all had a look of disbelief and trepidation. I rolled my eyes and thought about leaving until Celeste spoke. “Gabby, are you feeling different?”

  “Different how? Please be specific.” I cocked a brow.

  “Darker,” she whispered.

  I straightened up and furrowed my brow, then shook my head stubbornly. “Nope. I’m fucking done with all of this, so I’m taking an active stand. Does that make me dark? I don’t think so.” My chin jutted.

  Celeste looked troubled.

  “Can we just go home?” Ti interjected.

  “It depends, are you all done bickering and attacking Daemon?” My brow rose.

  “Yes, Gabby, we’re sorry. We talked it out,” Vik said.

  “Fine.” I shrugged and waved my hand. We landed in the glass living room.

  “Fuck, warn us next time!” Ti snapped.

  I waved my hand in dismissal and walked to the bedroom.

  Alec

  I gaped at Gabby’s retreating back. Her simmering anger and uncaring coldness left me shocked and rooted in place. I reckoned my anger had pushed her away, but damn, she had been so reckless. “What the hell just happened?” I asked the room as I sat heavily on the couch. No one spoke or offered any advice.

  “Did you see this coming?” I asked Celeste, grasping in the dark for any kind of explanation.

  She shook her head. “My visions change, depending on people’s choices. Something pushed her or triggered her to act out.”

  We all were guilty of that, so the heavy silence
filled the room once more.

  “What happened back at the beach house?” Ti looked between Daemon and me.

  I shrugged. “I felt her coldness and surge of anger and darkness, right before we got there. I believe she killed some Fallen ones.”

  “Yeah, I felt the energy signature of Abaddon’s Lieutenants. Amy also looked shaken and Lilly and the Brotherhood looked utterly terrified. I believed she might have eliminated two of Abaddon’s top dogs tonight,” he said in awe.

  “Why?” Viktor leaned forward, concern heavy in his tone.

  My elbows leaned on my thighs as I looked down at my leather loafers. I shook my head in response and disbelief. “Her darkness has been simmering since before she left the compound. The time she spent with the Fallen added to it. After what had happened to Lilly, and the trauma of witnessing the death of the girl…” I ran my fingers through my hair, then rested my forehead on my palms in deep contemplation on where I had gone wrong. “I thought she was healing. Her nightmares had eased. I mean, she’s moody, but I figured it was part of her coping. I didn’t think she would embrace the darkness.”

  “Wait, is she dark now?” Ti asked.

  Fuck no. She isn’t.

  “Yes and no,” Celeste answered hesitantly.

  I looked at her sharply. The fuck…

  She raised both of her hands. “Let me explain. Her soul is still pure, but she has embraced the darkness inside of her and used it to fuel her hurt and anger. With the amount of energy she can summon, she is unstoppable.”

  “Well, that shouldn’t be too bad. She can eliminate them all and save us from going to war,” Ti said dismissively.

  Daemon shook his head, which Ti and Vik noticed.

  “You don’t agree?” Vik challenged.

  “No. Someone with a lot of power that doesn’t have a conscience is just another tyrant. Most oppressors start their propaganda with some misguided notion that the end justifies the means or that they are willing to sacrifice a few for the greater good. She can’t start on this perilous journey, or it might be the beginning of her path to darkness,” Daemon said with a frown.

  My thoughts exactly. I nodded in agreement.

  “Then what do we do?” Vik asked.

  “I think it’s time we headed home,” Celeste stated as she leaned back on the couch.

  We all looked at one another and silently agreed.

  Daemon looked uncertain.

  “I might not like your relationship with Gabrielle, but you mean a lot to her so you’re coming with us,” I said as I got up.

  “I agree. If it weren’t for our distrust, this wouldn’t have happened. I know we said this before, but we mean it this time. Until you truly give us a reason to, we won’t doubt you again,” Vik said.

  “What he said.” Ti waved in Vik’s direction. She didn’t look happy, but she accepted it.

  Celeste beamed at us and pulled Daemon off the couch. “We leave tomorrow morning then. I will inform Aaron.”

  Daemon opened his mouth, but his words got stuck in his throat as Celeste grabbed his arm. Now he smiled like an idiot.

  Gabby didn’t leave my room, and I kept a close eye on her the whole time. I hadn’t bothered before, since I didn’t realize she would take off; now, I wasn’t letting her off my radar.

  I leaned on the doorframe as I watched her sleeping outline. My emotions warred in me. Her actions had pissed me off, but I had also never been more terrified in my life. With a heavy sigh, I closed the door gently, sat on the bed, and gazed at her. She was so fucking gorgeous. Who would have thought I would fall this hard? I couldn’t help but act like a jealous prick. It was like I was an inexperienced teen again, with uncontrollable hormones raging inside of me. I had better control back then than I did around Gabrielle. I snorted and brushed the hair off her face… I can’t lose her… I gently pressed my lips on her forehead. My desire flared as always whenever I touched her, my eyes traveled down her sleeping form, and I thought about how lucky I was to have her and claim her as mine. I will move mountains to make sure she stays that way. Time to man up, put my juvenile emotions aside, and make sure to be there for her.

  I had just dozed off when Gabby stirred in my arms. I squinted and caught her studying me. I rubbed my eyes as her hand ran up and down my back, which made my cock twitch. I smiled at her and brought my hips closer. “Good morning.” I rolled her onto her back and trailed kisses down her neck. She moaned, which encouraged me even more. It was difficult being this close and not being able to take her fully. I couldn’t help myself sometimes. I should have stopped and not encouraged this because she has had very little control, but I allowed myself just a little more. She was a drug that I couldn’t resist; however, I had vowed to be better, so I must, although it was bloody difficult!

  I rolled off her. “How are you feeling?”

  She huffed and didn’t respond.

  I smiled and kissed her one more time. “Soon, love, I promise.” I held her gaze until she responded.

  She nodded and gave me a small smile. That’s not good enough. I tickled her sides until she burst out laughing. I didn’t stop until she was begging for mercy.

  “Stop! Please! Alec!” she shrieked.

  She was breathing hard and giggled. I silently assessed her mood. She seemed happy—no darkness or tension present. “Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “We’re going home.”

  She sat up. I felt her uncertainty. I thought she would be happy with the news, what was she hesitant about?

  “What about Daemon?”

  Of course, she would be worried about the prick! I tampered down my jealousy, but not before she felt it. Dammit. I knew there was nothing between them; however, their closeness and their blasted bond rubbed me the wrong way. She was mine and could only be bonded to me. I hated myself for these feelings. “Of course, Daemon is welcome. We promised, didn’t we?”

  She eyed me suspiciously.

  “Look, I know I’ve been difficult. I promise to try. The others have as well. Until he gives us a reason not to, that is. Please don’t hold my emotions against me. I will try my best to behave, even if I don’t like it.”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it. I felt her guilt, then her annoyance, then finally her acceptance to my statement. “I’ll take it.”

  I flashed her a smile and pulled her up and out of bed.

  We found the others waiting for us.

  “Finally, took you guys long enough,” Ti called as she sipped from her cup, behind the kitchen counter. “Our stuff is all packed and ready to go. Uncle is sending some people to help move everything back to the mansion.”

  I nodded.

  “No need, I can send everything back along with us.”

  I eyed Gabrielle briefly and shrugged.

  Everyone shook themselves from their shocked expressions. It looked like I wasn’t the only one tiptoeing around Gabby.

  “Well, if everyone is ready. We might as well get going. I’ll text dad and let him know the plans.” I turned to Gabby. “Gabrielle, do you need to pack?”

  She shook her head. I hesitated because I knew she hadn’t packed, but I didn’t question her. Instead, I asked everyone, “Everyone ready to go? Any last-minute packing?”

  They shook their heads, and I got a chorus of, “We’re ready,” from around the room. I looked at Gabrielle expectantly. She nodded and waved her hand. With a blink of an eye, we were at the mansion.

  “Holy hell! How did you do that?” Vik gaped.

  “Gabby, I told you to warn me next time! Geez!” Ti snapped.

  Celeste eyed Daemon as he looked around, alert, his eyes darting around the room as he rubbed the back of his neck.

  “I mean, what did you do with our stuff? Don’t tell me… Did you?” Vik continued.

  “What?” Ti’s voice rose over Vik’s.

  Gabrielle shrugged.

  “No way!” He rushed out.

  “What?” Ti asked again as she looked at Vik�
��s retreating back, then turned to look at Gab.

  Gabrielle chuckled, then noticed Daemon’s discomfort. “Daemon, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I never thought I would ever see the inside of this place. This is surreal.” He flashed me a guilty smile.

  “I don’t know where you’re staying, but I would prefer it if you were close to my room.” She turned to Celeste and me with raised eyebrows.

  I opened my mouth to respond, but Celeste beat me to it. “I can make sure that Daemon is settled in.”

  “I thought you would stay in my room,” I whispered to Gabby as I shrugged, the tip of my ears burning.

  “Oh, I… I would like that,” she whispered. “I’ll sort my stuff. I sent it to my old room, as I thought I would be staying there.” She blushed.

  “Yes, she sent everyone’s stuff to their respective rooms. Everything aligned neatly by the doors,” Vik stated by the doorway.

  “Did you really run out of the room just to confirm that?” Gabrielle asked.

  “It’s freaking amazing. How did you even know where our rooms were? You think it and it happens. To witness it is…” Vik gaped at Gabrielle, which made her blush deeper.

  “I’m just trusting my ability more and not second-guessing it.”

  “I can’t wait to get you back in the training room to see how much you’ve progressed,” Vik stated.

  “What? You mean I have to go back to the death trap?” She scowled.

  “You didn’t think your badass self was done training, did you?” Ti raised an eyebrow.

  Celeste chuckled. “Come on, Daemon, you can have Gabby’s old room. Gab, he will be on the same floor as you, so he won’t be far.”

  “Daemon, all you have to do is call for me, and I’ll be with you in an instant.” Gabrielle held Daemon’s gaze intensely, which made my heart race. I looked away and suppressed my reaction. I fucking hate their connection—the possessive bastard in me couldn’t accept it. I tampered down my emotions for Gabby’s sake, but it was fucking hard. I wanted to rip his face off every time they looked at each other with some kind of deep understanding. Gabrielle was mine, and I wanted all of her connections.