Page 11 of Fateful Reunion

Behind the tall bald vampire, another man appeared. He looked a little younger, though one could never tell with vampires since they didn’t age once they’d been turned. However, there was something different about the vampire with the dark hair and the youthful expression. His aura wasn’t the same as the bald one’s. In fact, he’d never seen such an aura before. Charles squinted. There was something human about him.

“My colleagues,” Roxanne said from behind him, and Charles made space for her to exit the bedroom. She pointed to the bald vampire. “Zane.” Then she motioned to the dark-haired man. “And that’s Grayson.”

As he and Ilaria followed Roxanne back into the living room, he noticed the displeased look on Zane’s face, while Grayson’s eyes seemed to be fixed on Ilaria. The young bodyguard ran his eyes over her, his lips parting in appreciation.

“So Gabriel sent you.” Roxanne’s voice interrupted Charles’s observation.

Zane snorted. “For obvious reasons.”

Charles sensed the open hatred in the vampire’s demeanor. “Which are?”

“I hate witches.”

Ilaria gasped, and instinctively grabbed Charles’s arm for protection.

To Charles’s surprise, Grayson stepped in front of Zane. “Don’t mind him. It’s nothing personal. He’s always like that.” He launched a charming smile at Ilaria. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”

Charles felt like growling. This young pup really thought he could get into Ilaria’s pants? His fatherly hackles rose at the thought, but at the same time he knew he was wrong to react this way. Even a father had to let go of his daughter one day, and after all, he was only her uncle. And Ilaria was old enough to make her own decisions now.

When Ilaria released his arm, Charles slanted her a look and noticed that under Grayson’s admiring gaze her aura was suddenly glowing almost white. Pure. Good. Free of evil.

“You’re not a vampire,” Ilaria said, curiosity animating her voice.

“I’m a hybrid: half human, half vampire,” Grayson replied. “My boss figured you might need somebody who can act unrestricted during daylight hours.” He motioned to Zane and Roxanne. “Unlike pureblood vampires.”

Charles nodded, appreciating the forethought. He’d heard of hybrids before, but had never encountered one. “And the fourth team member, when is he coming?”

“This is it,” Zane stated.

“I requested four bodyguards.”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “I count as two.”

“I should have guessed.”

Zane narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, you should have.” Then he exchanged a look with Roxanne. “We’ve gotta move them.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating the front door. “Piece of cake to open. And nobody heard us. Don’t even get me started about sleeping beauty downstairs.”

“We’re on the same page,” Roxanne replied. She turned to Charles and Ilaria. “Pack your stuff, and let’s go.”

~ ~ ~

While Ilaria and Charles packed their few belongings, Roxanne waited with Zane and Grayson. The few minutes she’d spent alone with Charles had already been more than she could handle. Why had she not stuck to her guns and told Gabriel and Samson that they could kiss her ass? But curiosity about Charles’s companion had swayed her. As if she cared whether or not Charles was in a relationship with somebody. As it turned out, he wasn’t. But she gained no satisfaction from that knowledge. Instead, it made her even more curious, when she should simply ignore him.

“We’ll go in separate cars. It’s safer that way. I’ll take Ilaria,” she now said to Zane. “You and Grayson take Charles. We’ll meet at the safe house.”

“Not a good idea,” Zane replied. “Gabriel specified that the girl is our charge.”

“I’m more than capable of protecting Ilaria by myself,” Roxanne ground out between clenched teeth, not liking Zane’s insinuation.

“I’m fully aware of that. But she’s better off with me and Grayson. You handle her uncle.”

She braced herself for an argument. “You might be more senior in rank, but I’m the lead on this assignment. I make the decisions.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you didn’t want to be alone with Charles.”

Anger churned up inside her. She poked her index finger into Zane’s chest. “You keep your stupid remarks to yourself. I have no problems handling him.” It was a lie, but she’d be damned if she allowed Zane to back her into a corner. “Go ahead. You and Grayson take Ilaria.”

She pivoted to look at Grayson, glaring at him. “And you’d better keep your dick in your pants.”