Page 28 of The Huntress (The Blood of Legends #1)
Chapter Twenty-Eight
AT LAST
G abriel stared at the scorched concrete, at the black charred marks in the shape of Darius’s headless body. The lightning strike was final, but he couldn’t regret his actions. He’d have to answer to the Drimari and the council, not that he gave a damn now.
He glanced at Mike who nodded, a primal pleasure in the old detective’s eyes. The man approved, and for that, Gabriel was grateful. As much as he warned Syl not to, Gabriel didn’t want to bring the police down on the de Winter Hold either.
For Callie, he didn’t give a shit about the Hold.
The cry that pierced the nocturnal silence was one he’d recognize anywhere. He spun as her scent reached him. The vision of her crumpling into Dimitri’s arms was bittersweet. She’d never looked as beautiful, the clothing she wore arousing more than relief within him. Dimitri’s hands on her skin made Gabriel’s vision tinge a crimson to match her bustier. He bolted forward and snatched her out of his friend’s arms, extending a warning with his pheromones, as well as his posture. His Callie was to remain untouched. He hunched over her in a protective embrace.
“Relax, Gabriel. I didn’t want her hurting herself on the concrete.” Dimitri held up his hands in a submissive manner. “She’s yours, brat .”
“Why did you dress her so?” Gabriel roared, not liking that the pal’tsy were ogling her. He glared at each one, forcing them to look away.
Dimitri raised his hand, and his men dispersed . “I did not. Stavros did. His scent lingers in her cellar, and Callie confirmed his presence.”
“Stavros? That can’t be. I killed him in Paris.” At Dimitri’s wince, Gabriel sighed. “I’m sorry, Dimitri. I didn’t mean to imply you scented wrong. I can’t imagine how he escaped my death trap.”
“You didn’t bolt him?” Dimitri’s green gaze darted to all that remained of Darius.
“I wish I had. Then this wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have endangered her. My arrogance has cost me, us. Dimitri, I…can’t live without her.”
“Stavros has targeted her, but he hasn’t harmed her yet.”
Gabriel cuddled her closer, only then noticing the eyes peering from the depth of her curls. A rat? The one that had formed a fondness for Callie? He eyed Leo, nudging his head at the observer.
“Leo, is this our rat?” A smile curled his upper lip. Many aspects had united to locate Callie, including this little rodent.
“Yes, and I’m sorry to say, he’s here to stay. She even named him, Gabriel.”
“Of course she did.” Warmth blossomed in his chest—bright, overwhelming, snatching his breath. Most women wouldn’t have befriended a feral rat.
“When she awakens from the power burn, you will need to aid her.” Dimitri maintained eye contact, as if to convey the severity of his warning.
Gabriel scowled, having not considered what Darius’s death might mean to Callie. All his powers had transferred to her, and the unexpectedness of it must have overwhelmed her. “Aid her how?”
“She refused my blood, asking for water, instead. This is not the norm.” Dimitri ran a knuckle along his scar. “The youngling sickness hasn’t hit her yet, and I’ve never seen it this delayed.”
“Thank you for your concern, Dimitri, and for your pal’tsy. Any sense on Stavros’s location? I’d like a word or two with him.”
“As would I. I understand why you bolted Darius. I just wished you’d waited. He might have provided some much-needed information.” Dimitri shrugged before flashing his ne’er-do-well smile. “What we have here is a mystery. One I’m eager to solve.”
“Do come by for a drink. I’m certain Callie would like to thank you in person.”
“Tomorrow evening I shall be there.” With that said, Dimitri burst across to Mike, shook the man’s hand, then launched skyward.
Leo lowered a hand onto Gabriel’s shoulder. “I’ll bring Valerie tomorrow evening as well.”
“Thank you, Leo. Without you, I’d be…” Gabriel’s voice faltered. A sharp pain in the region of his heart reminded him of what he’d almost lost.
He lowered his gaze to Callie’s face, and he allowed it full rein to memorize every nuance he’d come to treasure.
Leo chuckled. “Claiming a woman seems like effort, Gabriel. It weakens you, You’re vulnerable now.”
Gabriel shook his head. He hadn’t regretted the Rite of Adsumo , and he doubted he ever would. “Callie calls herself my kryptonite, and she’s right, Leo. I’d rather face my enemies than live without her.”
“I wish you the fortitude for victory. Once Callie is ready, I suggest we train her. If she’s as strong as you, then you need not fear your enemies.” Leo gestured to Dimitri’s disappearing back, volunteering his services.
Gabriel allowed a small smile to form. He was grateful for any aid his friends could offer. “I agree. We’ll be a united front, and they’ll regret ever trifling with us.”
“Us? I like that. Perhaps I should claim a woman. It’s been a while since I was an us .” Leo assessed Callie’s prone form.
Gabriel scowled. He didn’t like the intrigued and calculating expression on his friend’s handsome yet exhausted face.
“Leonardo,” he warned, his voice lowering to a growl.
“Not Callie, Gabriel. Valerie.” Leo’s focus turned inward, determination hardening his features.
Gabriel grunted. “Good because Callie’s mine.”
“Yes, yes, so you’ve said, demonstrated, and whined about. Can we go home now, because damn, I’m drained.” Leo launched into the sky, but Gabriel hesitated. He faced Mike, still waiting at his opened car door.
“Thank you,” he said the second Gabriel was close enough. “In a way, it’s your fault this happened. But you also found her. So in my book, that cancels each other out. Just don’t let it happen again. I’m old, Gabe. I can’t lose her…the heart, y’know. I promised her father I’d take care of them both, and to fail now…” He rubbed his hand over his face. He’d aged ten years in the last day.
Gabriel listened to the man’s faltering heartbeat and nodded. His heart was failing him, and it wouldn’t be long. Losing Mike would devastate Callie.
“I could convert you,” he said.
Mike jerked back as if punched, and he gaped, intrigued yet horrified. “I’ll think about it. Tell Callie I’ll call her tomorrow.” He lowered himself into his car, shut the door with finality, and drove off.
Gabriel glanced at Callie and sighed. He surged into the cool night air, his attention remaining on her face, searching for any discomfort. He surrounded her with warm air, but her unending unconsciousness alarmed him. Had the power burn been unbearable?
He tried to remember Darius’s lineage, but it was vague, as was his reason for acceptance into the de Winter Hold. Someone prominent had vouched for him, which would gain him entrance into the Hold. Obedience and verification of his lineage earned him membership.
Maybe she had a low pain threshold? Which also made no sense since she was a convert. Younglings could endure so much, survive many obstacles. Or was Darius’s lineage ancient? Which meant all the power from his deceased sires had flown into her veins upon his death.
Gabriel would find out more in the next few days. For now, he needed her home, in his bed, and in his arms for as long as she’d allow it.