AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I stiffen, wondering why I need a room prepared. “Won’t I be staying with you?” I ask. He puts a finger up, silencing my questions.
“I think she’d be more comfortable with Katina assisting her. We can arrange for one of the other girls to aid the others.”
The others?
I slump in my seat, thankful that at least he’s allowing me to stay with Katina. I really hoped to avoid the main house by staying with Julian at his home, but based on his reaction, it doesn’t seem like that’s the plan.
“We’ll be there in a little under an hour,” he says, finally ending the call.
I turn in my seat, looking at his profile.
“Why can’t I stay with you?”
For the first time since I gave in to my feelings for Julian, I feel out of control and vulnerable where he’s concerned. He’s pulling away even more if he’s keeping me at the main estate.
He sighs. “It’s not safe right now. I had the coven put a ward around the entire property, but the highly concentrated ones had to stay around the main house. I have to keep everyone safe,” he says, sounding defeated. “I can’t have you at my place until I know it’s strong enough to hold.”
I can understand that rationale. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Bash and Katina, and the cellar has been a place where they’ve kept new bites, whom I know Julian feels responsible for. I understand, but it doesn’t make me any less upset.
“Will you be staying with me?” I hold my breath waiting for his answer. Every second that goes by fills me with more dread.
“Listen, Marina. We need to talk,” he says, and my dread intensifies tenfold.
His phone rings again. “Damn it,” he yells, hitting his steering wheel with his fist.
I jump at the action, taken aback by his sudden anger. He grabs the phone and puts it to his ear. “This better be good,” he shouts.
For the remainder of the drive to Julian’s, I listen to him go over instructions to someone named Anderson. From what I can make of it, Anderson, whoever he is, is leading the new bite initiative in Seattle. Julian’s plans are being laid out for me with every word he speaks.
Julian has always impressed me, but the care in the details that are going into helping save these newly transitioned vampires gives me a whole new appreciation for him. He’s truly selfless, and no doubt the best sovereign for his kind. If only the Council could see that there is a way for humans and vampires to coexist, under Julian’s rule, it would come together so much easier. It’s on his shoulders to care for all of the vampires, even those who challenge his rule.
I’ve added another layer to the mounting responsibilities by tasking him with Shannon’s well-being. Then there’s me and our connection that he’s desperately trying to keep hidden from the Council.
The weight he must be carrying.
No wonder he’s been distant. I’d be distant too, if I were in his shoes. I need to have grace and give him the space he needs in order to process all of these duties. Beginning now, I’ll put my needs aside and try to lessen the burden.
We pull up to the mansion, parking the Kia right at the base of the steps. Without a word, Julian gets out and heads toward the doors. I want to be childish that he didn’t wait for me, but I quickly remind myself of my vow.
Katina opens the doors with a flourish, as though she’s been standing there awaiting our arrival. She doesn’t pay Julian any attention, pushing right past him and coming straight to me. We hug, all of the emotion she’s clearly been holding in from Julian and my run-in with Marcellus coming out in hushed whimpers.
“Katina, I’m okay,” I assure her, patting her back and looking over her shoulder to Julian, who hasn’t left after all. He smiles at his right-hand woman and me embracing.
She pulls away, swiping at her overly done-up face. Her mascara is in perfect condition, but her bright blue eye shadow is smeared all over. I wipe at the corner of her eye, trying to help clean up the mess, but I only manage to smear it more.
“I’ll get your bags. You go on in. Clean up. Your room is ready,” she says, squeezing my shoulder.
“Thanks, Kat.”
“Julian,” she calls over her shoulder. “Can I have a word with you?” Katina asks, her voice not overly friendly, and I have to wonder what’s up with that.
Katina fawns over Julian. He can do no wrong in her eyes. Right now, she looks like she’s ready to light him on fire.
Poor guy.
I smile at Julian as I make my way into the Bellamy estate, hoping he accepts the olive branch I’m offering.
As I enter the front hall of the estate, I bask in the knowledge that here in his place, nothing has changed since I’ve been gone. Everything is still gaudy and not to my taste, yet I’m happy for that. When everything else in life feels foreign and wrong, some sense of normalcy—albeit a former prison—is nice. I feel more at home here these days than I did the last several years at my parents’.
