Betrayal: The Unforgiven Read online

  He lifted his hands and rubbed his cheeks. By his teeth-baring grin, he enjoyed this unusual transformation.

  Anna’s heart leapt to her throat. He'd never dramatically changed like this before, not even when they made love and never with just a touch.

  His body jolted. He drew in a quick breath as if he’d come up for air after a long dive under water. He exhaled long and slow and then drew in another deep breath. He clutched his chest and gasped as if he couldn’t draw in enough oxygen.

  “My heart races. I have not felt like this in…how?” His eyes watered. “How is this happening? What are you doing to me?” He shoved her hands down to her sides then stepped back. His glaring eyes turned a bright shade of red. Hair retracted on his face leaving it smooth as silk. All the color drained from his body and he became his angry, despondent self.

  She held out her hand, but he stepped back. “Tristan. Stop acting like you don’t want my touch.”

  His back pressed against the wall. “Stay your distance.” He never wore fear on his sleeve, but it was clear that this human experience terrified him.

  Her heart ached. If he refused to be near her, what would she do? She loved him. More than anything, she wished to console him and make him understand, even if she had no clue how his appearance changed so fast.

  It’s the angel inside us. Pathetic.

  Anna’s stomach roiled. Nausea crept up her throat. “Oh god.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m going to be sick.”

  We need to feed.

  Her knees weakened and she slumped to the floor at Tristan’s feet. She hunched over and heaved, but there was nothing inside her to come up.

  She groaned. Being dizzy and hungry and ill at the same time was the worst feeling in the world. All she wanted was to lie on the cool stone floor until the sensation passed, but Tristan scooped her up in his arms. He carried her up the stairs and down the hallway to the bedroom.

  “Why are you sick again?” he asked as he laid her on the bed.

  “I don’t know.” She didn’t want to lie, but the truth would be too much for him to handle. He was already in turmoil. This news would just make things worse.

  Tell him the truth or we’ll throw another tantrum.

  “Maybe I’ve been working too hard.”

  “You did not replenish after the blood draw today.” He pressed the back of his hand to her temple. “You are feverish. Let me bring you sustenance.”

  “I don’t want blood.” She swallowed hard. The very thought of consuming the thick red liquid sickened her. “There’s a package of crackers on the top shelf of the closet.”

  No! We want blood.

  Tristan arched his brows. He rose from the bed and disappeared behind the closet door. When he emerged, he held the package she’d hidden for emergencies.

  “Oh, thank God.” She grabbed them from his hand and ripped the end open. Like a starving child, she shoved four of the salty saviors into her mouth then swallowed them down. She didn’t hesitate to eat three more, even as Tristan watched her with curious eyes.

  “What has changed in you?” He spoke softly as if he’d thought the words but never meant them to come out.

  The baby. Tell him about her.

  She couldn’t reveal that information. Not yet. Afraid he’d see she was lying, she kept her eyes on her snack. “I’m just tired.”

  Coward.

  “Then rest tonight.” He shook his head. “I will return to check on you later.”

  She caught his hand. “Stay with me. Hold me in your arms. Let’s talk about our dream of walking together on the beach at sunrise. Or anything, as long as you’re with me. Please, Tristan. I need you.”

  “I am meeting Gerard soon.”

  “You go off with him every night.” She hadn’t meant to raise her voice. But she had to make him understand how much she needed him here. “He can wait a little while longer. Can’t he? At least stay with me until I fall asleep.”

  “You know why I go with him.” Color blended through his skin. He jerked from her grasp. He balled his fists as he backed toward the door. “I promise once we find what we are looking for, I will dedicate all my time to you. Until then, I must keep up with my duties as an Elder. They cannot know what we are doing here.”

  “Tristan.”

  “I will return by morning.”

  He left the room. She rolled to her side. Tears fell from her eyes as she gazed at the boarded up window.

  Let the bastard go. We don’t need him.

  “Yes we do,” she whispered. Anna squeezed her eyes shut. If the demon inside her would just go away, she could think straight. If anything, it was making her sick, not the baby inside her.

  If anyone could help her through this, it was Jack. He was the only one who might understand what she was going through. That is, if he agreed to meet with her. The last time she saw him was on her death and resurrection. No telling how he’d react.

  Once he realized she was more human than vampire, maybe he’d be okay. And since Tristan was so wrapped up in his duties as an elder, he’d never even know she went anywhere without him.

  Chapter Two

  Nothing had changed. Jack still lived in the same big yellow house on the ritzy side of Seattle. They’d shared so many wonderful memories here. The swing on the back deck was still there. On summer evenings, they’d sit together holding hands as they watched the sky turn a beautiful shade of gold—something she'd never be able to do again.

  Her heart stung. Jack had done everything in his power to make her happy, and she'd been terrible to him. She'd strung him along when she'd never intended on marrying him. He’d deserved better. Hopefully, he'd moved on with someone as kind and passionate as he was.

  Anna crouched beneath the tall white spruce in the backyard, the spare key from the cobblestone slab in her hand. She watched him through the window as he made his late night snack, the usual turkey and Swiss cheese on a whole wheat bun.

  She snickered. Nope. He hadn't changed his routine a bit, but his body had filled out quite nicely. For years, he’d threatened to join the gym. After the hell he’d been through, he must have finally caved in. It was definitely paying off.

  His blond wavy hair hung in deep green eyes as he bent over to retrieve lettuce and tomato from the bottom crisper of the refrigerator. That was her cue. Anna hurried through the plus green grass. She stepped up the stairs to the deck to the back door. She turned the key in the lock and twisted the knob. The door opened.

  A short breathy laugh passed her lips as she crept along the wall toward the kitchen. This would be the perfect opportunity to scare the daylights out of him. If the roles were reversed, he would’ve done it to her. He had done that to her many times. It was time for some payback.

  Ann bit her bottom lip. As humorous as that would be, she’d never earn his trust. Right now, she needed his friendship. She needed his help.

  Anna stepped around the corner and into the well-lit kitchen. “Hi, Jack.”

  Jack turned on his heels. He leaned back against the counter, slack-jawed, face as pale as his white T-shirt. Distrust was evident. Fear emanated off his body. She’d enjoy this scent if it were anyone else, but not Jack.

  He picked up the butter knife from the jar of mayonnaise then held it in front of him like a weapon. “What...what do you want?”

  “Jack. Calm down." The heels of her black boots tapped against the tiled floor as she walked toward him. “I’ve only come to talk.”

  “You came to kill me.” He raised the knife higher as she drew closer. “I knew you’d come sooner or later. I’d just hoped it was later…like seventy years from now or something.”

  Let’s drink his blood.

  Anna shook her head. The demon would not win this fight. No way would she ever do anything to harm Jack.

  "I’m not here to kill you. I need your help." Anna frowned as she fixed her gaze on his, hoping he'd see the blue in her eyes. “You’re the only one who will understand what I'm
going through. The only one who can help me figure out why this is happening.”

  She pulled the kitchen chair out and sat. With her hands in her jacket pockets, she stared up at him. He had to see that she was different now. She didn’t crave blood, but was half-tempted to tear into his fridge and eat all his food.

  Jack lowered his dull weapon and hesitantly sat in the chair beside her. “Okay. Fine." He spoke in the low soothing voice she remembered. He cleared his throat. “What’s happening?"

  Ignoring the angry growl in her stomach, she managed a short grin. “There are so many things going on. I don’t know where to begin."

  “Just tell me what you came here to tell me. Then, I think it’s best that you leave.”

  She leaned close. “Look at me, Jack. Take a good, hard look and tell me what you see.”

  Jack looked her up and down. “Considering you’re the undead, I think you look pretty…great. I mean, your eyes are blue. Contacts?”

  “I’m not wearing contacts.” She lowered her head and parted her hair with her fingers. “See my roots? They're coming in blonde. I have to dye my hair black to keep up the appearance that I’m one of…them."

  “Wait.” He gave her a sidelong look. “Are you telling me that you’re not a vampire?”

  “No.” She rolled her eyes and palmed her forehead. “I mean yes. I am a vampire. At least, I think I am. But I’m also human.”

  “So what, you’re like half human, half vampire?”

  “No.” She huffed. This wasn’t going very well. “I don’t exactly know what I am.”

  “You are a vampire, but you aren’t.” Hand curled against his chin, he nodded. “Oh yeah, I completely understand what you’re trying to say. I’m glad you got that off your chest. Now please…it’s time for you to go.”

  He stalked back to his snack that waited for him on the counter. He continued layering it until it was piled high with meat, cheese, and salad. After a big glob of mayonnaise, he pressed the top slice of bread down on the rest of the sandwich.

  “Jack.” Her stomach grumbled and ached. She licked her lips. No use. The sandwich looked so appetizing. It’d be tasty—tastier than the ridiculous crackers she had hidden in her closet. “Please. I know I don’t deserve your trust, but I need your help.”

  “Where’s Tristan?” He set the sandwich on the table then sat down on the chair beside her. “Why can’t he help you?”

  He stuffed a large bite in his mouth. Anna’s stomach growled. “He’s too busy to listen to me.”

  Jack tried to pry the bread from the roof of his mouth with his tongue as he spoke. “You come to me…only because he doesn’t pay attention to you anymore. That’s very sweet of you, Anna.”

  “That’s not…why I'm here.” She half-heartedly argued, paying more attention to the food than his smart-ass comments. God, she was going to steal it from him if he didn’t hurry up and eat it. “He’s still trying to find the cure for our illness.”

  “So that’s what you’re calling it again?” He gave a short laugh from his open mouth. “You’re a creature of the night. A vampire. The undead. Or whatever you want to call it. But you’re not ill. You’re not even human anymore. In fact, you’re not my Anna. I watched her die—”

  She snatched his sandwich and slammed it down on his plate. She took his hand and placed his palm against her chest.

  “You feel that?” She spoke through her teeth. “My heart beats like yours. My skin is warm to the touch. I couldn’t hurt you even if I tried for my strength is the same as when I lived. And there’s nothing I’d like more than to eat the rest of the sandwich sitting in front of you, because I’m craving real food. I’m starving!”

  She picked up his sandwich, opened her jaws wide, and then chomped down. Desperation won as she stuffed bite after bite of this delicious meal into her mouth.

  “Oh, God, this is so amazing!” Her words weren’t audible, but she didn’t care. This was heaven.

  Jack belted out a laugh. He grabbed her up in his arms then twirled her around. He set her on her feet and gazed at her.

  Anna smiled as she swallowed the large portion stuck between her teeth. Though she'd meant to talk to him after it went down, she took another bite and savored the flavors on her tongue.

  “Let me fix you another,” he said as she sat on the chair. “I’ve got chips to go with that too. You want some chips?”

  She nodded. “Please.”

  “Let me fix you a drink. Merlot was always your favorite.” He grabbed the dark bottle from the fridge and set it on the counter. It looked just like the bottles Tristan kept in their cellar. “I am so happy you came home to me. Everything’s going to be great from now on.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “Nothing’s okay. That’s why I’m here.” Tears crept into her eyes. Unsure of how to explain her situation, she motioned with a wave of her hand for him to join her at the table. "Please. Just sit and listen. I have something to ask of you.”

  He sat on the chair across from her, lips pursed. He pulled the sandwich from her weakening grasp and set it down on the plate. “Okay, honey. You have my undivided attention.”

  She looked him over. Where should she begin? Maybe she shouldn't tell him anything, go home, and hash it out with Tristan. No. Tristan wasn’t ready for the truth. Not yet. She had to talk to someone. Jack was the only person she trusted. He was the only one who would understand this predicament. Then again, considering the hell he’d been through, maybe he wouldn't want to get involved in her life.

  “Come on, baby. Talk to me.”

  “Baby.” She buried her hands in her face. "Oh, Jack. I shouldn't have come here."

  “Anna.” He lowered her hands to her lap. “Whatever it is…whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it. Just tell me what’s going on.”

  She shook her head. “Everything’s so messed up."

  He cupped her face and thumbed the tears under her eyes. "Whatever you're going through, I'm here for you. Okay?"

  Straighten up, Anna. You came for his help, not to become a blubbering mess. Now talk. She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “I…I need you to do an ultrasound.”

  “An ultrasound?” A lock of hair fell over his left eye. "On you?"

  “Yes."

  He cleared his throat. "Why?"

  "I’m…pregnant.”

  “But that’s impossible.” He swiped back his hair. “You may have living tissue inside you, but Tristan is...well, he's dead or undead or whatever you want to call it. There’s not one living cell in his body, I can assure you of that. Oh…” His brows lifted. “Then, you’ve been with a…a man?"

  Anna scoffed. “Tristan is a man, Jack. And no, I have never been unfaithful to him."

  "Sorry.” He shook his head. “I didn’t mean to imply…that’s none of my business.”

  "Don’t apologize." She placed her hand over his. “There are so many fascinating and frightening things going on. I'm overwhelmed. I can’t deal with this alone. I need your help to figure out how and why this is happening.”

  “A pregnant vampire, huh?” He cocked his head to the side. "Could it be true then? Is there a cure inside you?"

  “All I know is that I’m alive, Jack. I don’t know how or why this is happening. Oh God, I’m going to have a baby in a world where no children should ever exist.” The consequences of having this child were horrifying. If she held the cure inside her and that secret came out, there’d be thousands of vampires hunting her. “I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do.”

  “All right.” Jack gave a short nod. “When did this all begin?”

  “About three months ago, I woke to find my eyes had turned blue. My hair grew in blonde. It was amazing at first. Tristan and I set up a lab in our basement. We’ve ran tests on my blood.” She eyed him intently. “Then, I started to heal Tristan with my touch. It only lasts until he pulls away from me. But, every day he heals faster and becomes more human.”

  “Wow." Jack leaned back in the chair. "It took
a long while for me to believe vampires even existed. Just when I’ve finally accepted it, could it really be nothing more than an illness?”

  “Their power is beyond what any normal human can do. I’m different—stuck in the middle somewhere.”

  Jack glanced at the clock. “If you want to do the ultrasound tonight, I suggest we go. I mean...unless you’re immune to the sun.”

  “Tristan won't let me test that theory. There’s a lot he won’t let me do anymore.”

  "As much as I hate to agree with the bastard, I don’t blame him." Jack shrugged. “Imagine if they realized you could heal. Tristan’s protecting you.”

  “I’m tired of being coddled. He won’t even let me see Gerard anymore. I trust Gerard and so should Tristan.”

  “I don’t know. He did kidnap you and bring you to Madeline.” He sighed. “That didn’t go so well.”

  “He did it to prove a point. And he’s apologized many times for his mistake.”

  “Okay then.” Jack pursed his lips. “I’ll get dressed. Then we’ll head to the office.”

  As he left the room, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good decision to come to him for help. Thankfully, he’d agreed. She only hoped getting him involved wouldn’t put his life in danger again.

  ***

  Tristan landed on the roof of the old penitentiary. He followed Gerard through the opening in the window and down the rusted stairs. As he made his way through the heavy steel door and into the dilapidated meeting room, an icy claw crept up his spine.

  It was a chill he experienced every time he was near Elric Mohler, leader of the entire collective of vampires. The man was well fed by the muscular presence of his physique. He almost looked like an everyday person in black slacks and a button up shirt, although his wine-colored coat made him look like a Duke from eighteenth century England.

  His face was easy to see with sleek blonde locks pulled tight in a short ponytail. Moonlight skin, and eyes that glowed a hint of green, he was a rather striking creature. Familiar, like he’d seen him before somewhere. Maybe he had, but Tristan couldn’t fathom where.