Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Novels Featuring Thor, Loki, Greek Gods, Native American Spirits, Vampires, Werewolves, & More (235 page)

I
was surprised
to see Gage back before dinner. He wasn’t alone. Bianca and Drake were both with him as he stepped through the massive entryway. Bianca ran to me, threw her arms around me, and squealed, “Camille, I’ve been so worried about you!”

I was so excited to see the friendly faces that I couldn’t make a coherent sentence. Drake stepped through the entryway and brought in suitcases. I looked questioningly but couldn’t peel myself away from Bianca. I could feel his eyes on me; they were heavy and I couldn’t read his expression. My mind jumped to our lunch at Andolini’s, the last time all four of us had been together. The excitement of that day seemed so long ago. I wasn’t sure I was even the same person anymore. I felt weak, frightened, broken – a far cry from the euphoria from my last day of freedom.

Zandra walked down the staircase, suspicious of the people who had arrived without an invitation. “Gage, so lovely to see you again. I see you’ve brought friends.”

“I spoke with my father this morning and told him how well Camille and I had hit it off. I knew Camille and Bianca were good friends, but as you know, Bianca is betrothed to Drake Nash. It would not be appropriate for me to travel with another Centaur’s fiancé. My father recommended that I bring Bianca and Drake for a stay with you until we are wed.”

“Your father suggested this?”

“Yes, Miss Zandra. He knows Camille is new to the Centaur way and thought having the three of us to keep her company may make her transition into our society less ...problematic.”

Zandra’s expression was stern, but she did not argue. “If it is at your father’s request, I can hardly deny you.” She looked at my guard, “Aragon, take their luggage upstairs. There are several open bedrooms in Camille’s wing. Notify the staff that Camille will have company for dinner this evening.” Without another word, she turned and walked away. The guard looked perplexed. I had not been left unguarded since the day I set foot here.

Aragon looked at the suitcases, then at me, then back to the suitcases. Gage could see the guard’s internal struggle as clearly as I could. “Aragon, Camille will be safe with us. She won’t bolt out the door. If Miss Zandra wants you to take our luggage upstairs, I wouldn’t neglect her direction.” He made a motion with his hands around his own neck, emulating the necklace I wore. The guard agreed and took the suitcases.

As soon as the guard was headed up the stairs, Bianca whispered, “Gage told us. Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to get you out of here.”

“I can’t believe you’re all here. How long are you staying?”

She answered conspiratorially, “As long as it takes. Drake works for his dad, so it was easy for him to take the time off. Gage told his dad what he’d seen, and Kyle said to do whatever it took to keep you safe.”

We knew watchful eyes were on us. Bianca, Drake and Gage were full of excitement, funny stories, and a real love of life. It was therapeutic just to be in their presence, and I was more grateful than I could have ever expressed to any of them, to have them near me after so much loneliness. After we had eaten dinner and spent several hours together, Bianca announced, “Okay, I’m exhausted. Drake, will you walk me to my room?”

“I’d be happy to. Good night, Gage. Good night, Camille. I think I’ll turn in, too. See you both in the morning.” The two walked arm-in-arm up the stairs, leaving only Gage, me and my guard in the sitting room. Gage walked across the room, sat down beside me on the sofa and whispered, “There is nothing you could do or no action you could take that would be disobedient to me.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. When he stood up, he moved his hand to my cheek and looked lovingly in my eyes, “I need a word with Miss Zandra. Will you accompany me?”

Reeling from our tender exchange, I wasn’t sure how to react. Was he testing my necklace to see if I would refuse? I didn’t. We found her in an art studio, working on a beautiful oil-painted landscape. Gage cleared his throat, “Miss Zandra, good evening.”

“Hello, Gage, Camille. How are you two getting along?”

“Very well, thank you.”

She looked at her watch; it was after 11:30p.m. “You’re up rather late this evening.”

“We were both going to turn in. I had another request that I hoped you’d consider.”

Zandra set her paint pallet down and looked at him. She seemed to have all the patience in the world for his requests. “Camille tells me that her guard is posted in her room while she sleeps. Although I’m sure it is for her protection, she hasn’t been sleeping well. As her fiancé, I’m none too thrilled that another man is permitted in her room while she sleeps.”

“You are correct, Gage. The guards are for her protection. It is not negotiable.”

“I was afraid you might say that. Well, thank you for your consideration. I need to phone father tonight and let him know that we arrived safely. I’ll escort Camille to her room then step outside the gate to retrieve my cell.”

He had just threatened her. I didn’t have a clue what sort of power Gage’s dad had over Zandra, but her eyes widened and she stammered, “You know, as her fiancé, I’m sure you have her best interests at heart. If it pleases you, her guard will remain outside her room while she sleeps. We do have a phone in the house that you may use. There is no reason for you to have to brave the mosquitoes and the bats walking to your car; her guard will show you where it is.”

“How very kind of you, Miss Zandra! I’m so pleased. I will definitely relay to my father how accommodating you have been.” Gage held out his elbow for me to hold as he escorted me to my room. When we were outside my bedroom door, he pressed his lips to my forehead a second time and said, “I’ll see you in the morning, Camille. I had a lovely evening and look forward to tomorrow. Sleep well.” Gage turned his attention to the guard, “Please alert me if you are concerned for Camille’s safety. Do not enter her room without me. Do you understand?”

“I understand, Mr. Richardson. Have a good evening.”

Gage’s smirk was undeniable. I had no idea what he was up to, but I was pleased that he seemed to have far more influence in this house than I did. I turned in for the night, and although I hadn’t mentioned to Gage that I hated the idea of being watched while I slept, I was thrilled that he somehow knew it to be true. I crawled into bed and was excited for the first time in a long time; there was a ray of hope for my future.

I heard a ruckus out in the hallway about an hour later. I was sure I had heard Gage’s voice, something about a bat in his room. I saw a blur by my door but was half asleep and paid it almost no attention, at least until I realized I wasn’t alone. The illumination from the windows brightened the room. I felt a gentle hand caress my cheek, and heard a low whisper. “Camille, it’s me. I had to see you.” I knew who was kneeling beside my bed when those beautiful ice blue eyes came into focus.

“
H
ow did you
...”

Drake held his finger to his lips. “Gage created a diversion to get the guard away from your door.”

“But, I thought you and Bianca ...”

Drake shook his head at me before I could even get the words out. “I brought you something.” He took some salve from his pocket and motioned for me to sit up. He continued kneeling beside my bed, his fingers gently putting the cooling ointment on the wounds around my neck. His touch was light; if I hadn’t felt the relief I wouldn’t have known he was touching me. I had become so accustomed to the burning sensation on my neck that the cool from the ointment was indescribable. As my body concluded it was Drake’s touch it felt, a new fire began to spread from his touch.

Once he had used his healing hands on my neck, he brought the full force of his stare on me. “I’ve missed you, Camille.” My senses went into overload: I could feel my hands trembling, my heart picking up speed, alone in a room with someone who not only wanted me, but was eager for my touch as well.

I reached my palm to his jaw. He closed his eyes, as if savoring the feeling. I felt the stubble on his cheek, the warmth of his skin, and felt my island oasis here in the flesh. Drake put his hand over mine, opened his eyes, and his stare held me motionless as I tried to find the words. He was the first to recover, “I’ve thought of you every day.” The hopefulness in his eyes wouldn’t let me go.

I knew I couldn’t take the heartache. I couldn’t profess feelings for someone I knew I could never have. Doing so would be the thing that actually broke my spirit – it would leave me a ghost of a person. I tried to speak but nothing would come out. I tried to look away, but my eyes refused. Instead I sat there, my hand remaining on his cheek, memorizing the feel of his skin, drinking in his scent, knowing this was the final farewell.

“I can’t read your mind, Camille. I won’t make you read mine.” Before I could protest, his lips were on mine and his arms pulled me tightly to his chest. My rapidly beating heart tried to lunge from my chest, and I couldn’t breathe. His breath was hot. I felt my whole body aching for his touch. His lips found their way to my ear as he whispered, “Run away with me. Tonight, right now. We’ll leave and never look back.”

I hadn’t uttered a word since he arrived, and I knew he was waiting for me to say something. My only answer, “Drake, we can’t.”

He wasn’t deterred, “Yes, we can. Gage set it up perfectly. He’s willing to take the heat. All we have to do is leave. Come with me, Camille.”

“I can’t. The necklace won’t let me leave.”

“Gage said he took care of it. He gave you permission to do anything you want tonight.” As he said the words, Drake’s hands found my flesh and began softly caressing the small of my back, sending goose bumps all over my body. Until he said it, I had been so wrapped up in Drake that it didn’t occur to me that kissing another man had to be some sort of crime for the necklace, yet nothing had happened. A small ray of hope emerged, and I thought for half a second that I might actually be able to run away.

“That was only part of it. I can’t leave.”

“I can take it off.” I knew he wouldn’t be able to, but the thought of running away, being free, overwhelmed the self-preservation side of my consciousness. As Drake’s fingers touched the clasps of the necklace, a powerful electric charge rocked us both and sent Drake flying into the wall and me back onto the floor. I could tell each electric charge continued to get stronger and shock me for longer periods of time. I didn’t scream out like before. I knew the “warnings” I had been given initially had been painful, but they were just that – warnings. This latest singed the barely healing skin around my neck, cut off my air and opened the scabbed wounds all over again. I wasn’t sure how many more warnings I would be afforded. The device could prove fatal if I didn’t follow its rules.

Drake ran back to me as soon as he had his bearings. “I’m so sorry! Are you okay? Camille, talk to me!”

“Keep your voice down. I’m fine,” I whispered. We both listened for the footsteps outside my door. I didn’t hear any and was able to take a breath.

Fresh blood trickled down my neck as I watched the revulsion on his face. “Does she know what that does to you?” He asked horrified at the results.

“Of course, she knows. She put it on my mother when she was supposed to marry Gage’s dad. She already told me it stays on my neck until I’m married.”

Drake held me tighter, his body pressed hard into mine, “Camille, I can’t lose you. Not to Gage, not to anyone.” I stood up, clinging to Drake, absorbing his warmth, pulling all the comfort from him that I knew I’d need to survive another day. He said more to himself than to me, “We’ll figure something out. I promise.”

It was an empty promise. Zeus himself wouldn’t be able to deliver on this one. Drake spent the night holding me. I felt stronger in his arms and reveled in the dream that we could run away. But my reality kept reminding me — that dream was never to be.

As the dawn arrived, I wasn’t sure how we were going to get Drake out of my room. He must have noticed my increasing nervousness. Without releasing me from his hold, his lips found their way to the skin not scorched from my torturous device on my neck and my ear. He whispered, “I’ll be waiting for you in your closet tonight. Gage will keep you downstairs long enough for me to get into position.”

“You’re going to hide in my closet?”

“Unless you have a better idea. Gage can’t come up with a distraction every night; it would cause too much suspicion.”

“So, Gage, he doesn’t mind?”

“Are you nuts? Gage knows how I feel about you. So does Bianca.”

I could hear my heart pounding in my chest, scared that I might ruin the moment, but more fearful of not knowing the answer, “How
do
you feel about me?”

Drake gave me the strangest look. Sarcasm oozed from his voice when he said, “I’m fascinated by your threshold for pain. How do you think I feel about you?” His lips found mine in an aggressive and needy way. His hands clung to my flesh as if it would be the last time he would hold me for a lifetime. I didn’t know what would happen the rest of the day, and in that moment, the earth could have stopped spinning and I wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

I heard a light tapping on my door, “Darling, it’s Gage. Ready for breakfast?”

I looked wide eyed at Drake, and whispered, “Darling? Are you sure he’s okay with this?”

Drake rolled his eyes. “It’s an act, Love. He needs to be convincing or your lunatic grandmother will ban him until your wedding night, which means I’d have to go, too. Go spend the day with your fiancé. I’ll be waiting for you tonight.”

I called toward the door, “Gage, I just need five minutes to freshen up.”

“All right. I’m starving. Hurry up.”

Drake and I were both on our feet. The pangs of adrenaline started to grip me when I realized I’d be able to see Drake again tonight. I had just spit the last of my toothpaste into the sink and rinsed when Drake came up behind me. I looked at the reflection of us in the mirror. His arms wrapped around me as he seemed to be transfixed by the couple in the mirror, too.

His lips were at my ear, while his eyes were glued to the mirror. He confessed, “I started to believe I’d never hold you again.”

I couldn’t respond. I felt my welled-up desire for him begging to be released. I turned my body so that I faced him, slipped my hands up under the back of his shirt and rested my head on his chest. I felt his hands stroke my hair as he waited for me to say something. His lips kissed the top of my head as I confessed, “I never stopped thinking of you. I don’t want to wake up without you next to me. I don’t want fantasies anymore. I want you.”

Drake placed his hands gently on either side of my head and pulled my face away from his chest, so I was forced to look in his eyes. “I need you, Camille.” His lips were on mine: they weren’t gentle. Our bodies were tight against each other and our breaths were erratic. I lost myself in him again until I heard a tap at the door that brought me back to reality.

“Drake, I gotta go. Gage is waiting.” I didn’t want our moment to end, but knew I couldn’t take a chance on the guard coming in. “Get in the closet. I’ll see you tonight.”

Drake looked like he was in pain, “I can’t let you go, Camille.”

“You have to or we’ll get busted and there won’t be a tonight. Go!”

His lips found mine one last time before he dashed toward the closet. As soon as I’d seen the closet door closed, I opened the door to an awaiting Gage. Gage took my hand and walked me down the hallway with my guard in tow. As we hit the top step, he commented, “You look absolutely radiant this morning, Darling. Having the guard outside your room must have done wonders for you.” I looked at him as he wore an enormous smirk.

“It did. Thank you for speaking with Zandra on my behalf. I’ll need to give her my thanks as well.”

Zandra was waiting at the bottom of the steps and had heard our conversation. “Ah, it’s good to see you two getting along so well.”

Charm oozed from Gage when he said, “Who could not fall under the spell of such a beautiful creature?”

She smiled sweetly at Gage and asked me, “You slept well, Camille?”

I wanted to laugh but instead put on my most thankful expression and answered, “Yes, Grandmother, I did. Thank you for allowing me some privacy.” It was the first time I had referred to her as “Grandmother,” and I watched her reaction as I spoke.

She was pleased. “I’m glad you slept well, Camille. Are you ready for your lesson this morning?”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Gage interrupted, “Miss Zandra. I was hoping we might be able to tour your estate this morning, that is, if you don’t mind.”

“With an escort?”

“I was hoping you might consider escorting us.”

Zandra looked surprised, “Me?”

“It would give us both a chance to get to know you better. Camille was telling me how much she will miss the beauty of your estate.” Okay, that was a little on the thick side, but Zandra seemed to physically soften in Gage’s presence. I had come to think of her estate as a prison and had no desire to ever set eyes on it again once I was paroled.

“I believe we could skip your lesson one more day, Camille. I’d love to show the two of you around.” Gage continued to play his role as my doting fiancé, perfectly. He opened doors for me, held my hand, smiled as Zandra told us about nearly every blade of grass. Thirty minutes into our tour, Bianca and Drake strolled hand-in-hand onto the expansive grounds and found us near a fountain depicting Aphrodite. As the five of us walked together, Drake purposely brushed his arm against mine then caught my eye for a fraction of a second. I nearly jumped out of my skin. He was like the forbidden fruit, daring me to take a bite.

Several hours later as our tour drew to an end, Bianca spoke up as we approached the front door to Zandra’s mansion. “Miss Zandra, thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful tour. Drake and I have some wedding plans to finalize. Do you have an escort you could provide us while we drive into town?” I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

“Don’t be silly, child. I’m sure Gage would love an opportunity to escort you two.”

Gage shook his head, “Miss Zandra, if you don’t mind, I’d like to spend the afternoon with Camille. I thought a dip in the pool might be fun.” I cringed when I thought of chlorine on my neck but found a way to force an adoring smile at Gage.

Zandra had transformed before my very eyes. No longer the hateful captor that I had loathed for weeks, she was now the accommodating host. “Very well then. I’ll have Camille’s guard escort you two into town. Gage, I’ll change and join the two of you by the pool. I would very much like to know how your family is doing.” The rest of the afternoon was a tremendous bore, but Gage really turned on the charm, and by dinner time Zandra was treating me as though I were her long lost granddaughter rather than a blemish on her otherwise noteworthy family tree.

Bianca and Drake returned early that evening. Zandra, having immensely enjoyed her time with Gage and me, politely asked them, “Did you two take care of all your arrangements?”

“We did. Thank you for the use of an escort, Miss Zandra,” Drake answered sweetly. “Bianca and I are excited to start our life together. I think we’re both regretting that we put the wedding off for so long. Watching Gage and Camille together makes me jealous that we’ll have to wait so long.”

Zandra raised her eyebrows. “Really? Well, you can always move the date forward.”

“You know, we might just do that.” Drake leaned over and kissed Bianca’s cheek, “I don’t believe I can wait much longer for you.” Bianca giggled, and I wanted to barf. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, and I had trouble hiding my instant jealousy. Drake gave her another tender kiss on the cheek, while I dug my fingers into my knees.

Gage realized that I was at a low boil and leaned over to me, whispering only loud enough for me to hear, “It’s only an act, Darling.” Gage’s comment did little to soften my impending implosion.

“Bianca, I think I’ll turn in early tonight,” Drake announced with an adoring look at her.

Bianca took Drake’s hand in hers, “I’m a little worn out myself. Would you walk me to my room?”

The two excused themselves, which left Gage and me alone with Zandra, again. Having them out of the room did wonders for my self-control. Gage and I spent another hour with Zandra, Gage the perfect guest, and I, quiet but attentive. An hour after Bianca and Drake had gone upstairs, Gage looked my way, “Darling, you look exhausted. Are you tired?”

I hadn’t been paying attention to their conversation, but realized this was Gage’s “get-out-of-jail-free” card for me. I yawned, “It’s been a full day. I think I’ll turn in, too.”

“I need you well rested for our adventures tomorrow. Miss Zandra, will you keep me company or am I on my own this evening?” Zandra had always struck me as a wicked person, but super perceptive. I had to wonder if she’d see through all of Gage’s fake charm. So far she seemed to be soaking it up like a sponge, but I made a mental note to tell him he needed to tone it down a little.