Fate (The Edge of Forever) (37 page)

He chuckled lightly. “Will do baby. I’ll see you soon. I love you, Gaby.”

“I love you more, Grayson.”

I checked the time. Grayson’s meeting shouldn’t run any more than an hour and a half. So two hour tops before he’d get home.

Needing to keep my mind occupied, lest it drift to worrisome things, I sped into the bathroom, jumping in for a quick shower. Once I was done and dried, I stepped back into the bedroom to my lingerie drawer. Grayson had cleared a few more drawers for me when it became clear he wasn’t going to let me leave and I officially moved in. I pulled out a sexy set of matching bra and panties. They weren’t made for comfort, but they were made to look sexy and to be worn for a small amount of time. I slipped them on. It was one of the few things Grayson hadn’t seen yet. The bra pressed my breasts up and together, making them look like large pieces of fruit ready to be served. Lace wrapped around my back matching the panties I wore that were cupping my ass.

I wrapped myself in a robe before continuing along with the rest of my plans. I called to have food delivered. They were delayed, which worked out perfectly since Grayson wasn’t due home for a while. Then I went about setting the dining room table which we never used as we always opted to sit at the bar. I even planned to light candles to set the mood, but would wait until I heard the elevator. I could make fast work of it and still have plenty of time to find a spot to look sexy.

When the food finally arrived, I checked the time again. It had been an hour and forty five minutes since I had gotten off the phone with Grayson. I brushed off the feeling of dread telling myself that his meeting was just running late. After another thirty minutes had passed and he still wasn’t home, I called his cell. It rang six times before going to voicemail.
 

“Hey Grayson. It’s Gaby. I’m worried. Call me.”

Then I tried Shawn’s number. Same thing happened. “Shawn. It’s Gaby. I need someone to call me. I’m freaking out a little over here.”

Once a grand total of three hours had passed, I was frantic. I was searching through Grayson’s home office trying to find out the name of the club he was at. I had already tried his office number but they were all gone for the night. I was thumbing through the last stack of papers when my phone finally rang. I sighed with relief when I heard Shawn’s ringtone.

“Oh my God, Shawn, I was so worried.”

“Gaby?” Shawn didn’t sound right. There was something off. Fear prickled in my chest and I swear my heart stopped.
 

“What happened, Shawn? Are you alright?”

“Dunno. I woke up on the floor where we were meeting with that guy.”

“Are you alright?” That’s all I could ask. I was too afraid to ask the other question I needed an answer to. Grayson.

“I got hit on the head,” he paused. “I’m so sorry Gaby.” I heard the sadness in Shawn’s voice. My worst fear was being realized. I felt my knees give out. With nothing to hold onto but my chest and the phone, I collapsed to the floor. I could feel the sobs threatening to overtake me. “When we came to he was gone. I don’t know what happened. None of us saw anything.”

I took in Shawn’s words. “You mean Grayson is not there?”

“No, but Gaby...there’s blood.”

I knew what that meant, but I didn’t care. I had to have hope. If there was no body, then Grayson could still be alive.

“Thanks Shawn. I gotta go.”

“Wait Gab...” But I hung up on him. Shawn knew me well enough not to call me back. I wouldn’t answer. It would only be a distraction, something that might make me miss saving Grayson by a few seconds.

I blurred to the bedroom. Moving as quickly as possible, which still didn’t seem fast enough. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt then threw on a hoodie. I shoved my feet into tennis shoes and blurred out the door. I moved as briskly as possible through the building, without seeming too fast. Once I was outside, I flipped my hood up and sped through the city, keeping my face down so even if someone did see or feel me pass, they wouldn’t really see anything but a gray streak. I didn’t care. I had to get to Grayson before it was too late. There was only one place to start.

I reached the nest in minutes. I kicked open the front door, not bothering to see if it was locked, if it was then it would have cost me a few more seconds. Kicking it in saved time.

“Where is he?” I screamed, “Where is Anton?” My rage was magnifying as I watched everyone gaped at me. It vibrated through me, rolling off me in waves.

“He’s not here,” one of the newbies whimpered. His reaction let me know what a terrifying sight I was, which should have seemed odd, but it didn’t.

“That’s not what I asked. I want to know
where
he is!” I spoke a little calmer. I needed answers. I didn’t need to have everyone too scared to help me.

“Gabriella.” I spun hearing the voice of my mother. “Come,” she said before leaving the room.

I blurred to stand in front of her. “Do you know where he is?”

She stepped around me, not even being bothered by me. “No. But I know how you can get a hold of him.”

I blurred back in front of her. “Tell me!” I bellowed.

She tilted her head to the side in a mocking way. “Don’t you think that you are wasting time stopping me when you could simply follow like I ask, so I can give you the information you seek?” I
 glared at her then nodded. “Then come.”

She walked me into a room full of weapons, and grabbing a duffle bag she started to fill it. Her whole demeanor seemed calm, which confused me.

“You need to know the truth about your father.” She didn’t pause or look at me in anyway. I just stood there and gaped at her.
Was she serious?
I needed to save Grayson and my mother wanted to tell me long lost stories of the past. As if reading my mind, she spoke. “Do not worry. Your human mate will be alive when you reach him, but how long he will remain so after that, is yet to be decided.

“What truth? What are you talking about? How do you know Grayson is alive?” She continued gathering the items and filling the bag.
 

“You would know if he was not,” my mother sighed. “I’m so sorry Gabriella. I only ever lied to keep you safe.” In a hurry to get to Grayson, I barely acknowledged her words as I grabbed the bag from her and headed toward the door.
 

“Gabriella!” She gripped my arm, yanking me around to face her. “This is important. It could help you save Grayson’s life.” That was the first time I had ever heard her refer to Grayson by his name, but that wasn’t what had my attention. My eyes widened in disbelief. If even the tiniest bit of information could help, I’d take it. I nodded once and she took it as her cue to continue.
 After gesturing for me to sit, she began to explain the secrets she had been keeping from me.

“Your father and I decided when you were born that it would be best and safest for you if no one ever knew who he was.” She paused, seeming to gather the strength to continue. She fidgeted with her fingers while she spoke. “Your father, he has many enemies and he felt...we both felt, that if those enemies ever grew to know of your existence that they would use you to get to your father.”
 

I shook my head. “I’m not understanding here. You’re stronger than ten men, so am I, why would you need to keep me safe from humans.”
 

My mother inhaled a deep breath. “That’s just it. Your father’s enemies weren’t human because your father is not human.”
 

“Is not? You say it in present tense like he’s still alive.”
 

“He is,” she said barely above a whisper, having the decency to look down, bowing her head in shame. I was sure if not for my over sensitive hearing, I probably would not have heard her. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. For twenty three years I was told my father was human and died before I was born. Now, with two simple words my mother had shattered that idea wide open. It wasn’t possible. My human side contributed to all my special circumstances. As the silence grew she looked at me from under her lashes. Seeing the confusion plastered on my face, my mother began to elaborate, rushing through it quickly like her words would sting less if spoken faster; almost like a Band-Aid being ripped off. “Your father is a vampire and not just any vampire. He an original.” She swallowed loudly. I knew she didn’t know what my reaction was going to be and I could see by her expression she was worried. “
The
original. From his blood all of us were made.” 

I shot up hastily and began pacing in the front of the room.
 “I don’t understand why you’re telling me this now.” I threw my hand up, gesturing to the door. “I need to be out trying to save Grayson, not listening to long lost history that’s been covered, repeatedly with lies.” 

“Gabriella, I’m telling you this because you have always thought of yourself weaker than others. You’re not. You thought that because you’re half human that it gave other vampires the upper hand. It does not. You are not half human. You are more vampire than even the oldest master and you can muster up three times the strength. You can take down Anton without even breaking a sweat if you just believe in yourself.” She threw three blood bags at me. “And feed.”

I knew now wasn’t the time for answers. Anton had Grayson and I needed to save him but I couldn’t help but ask the next question weighing on my mind. 

“I don’t understand. If what you say is true then why have you been pushing me towards Anton this whole time? And why are you suddenly telling me how to take him out? He’s your sire.”
 

She made her way to stand in front of me. Raising her hand to cup my face, I maneuvered quickly away, too furious with her recent revelation to allow her to touch me.
 She let her hands drop, her face pained by my sudden movement, but she tried to not let it show. “I only wanted you with Anton because I believed he could keep you safe. He is a master and has one of the largest nests in the United States. Even if someone managed to figure out who you were, no one would risk a war with Anton, especially with all the allies he has at his fingertips.” She ran her hand through her hair in a nervous manner. “Anton has slipped off his rocker. He has become enraged with jealousy and will stop at nothing to hurt you,” she sighed. “I know you are in love with Grayson and have mated him according to the old law. I can smell it on you.” I didn’t react to her knowledge. I knew every vampire in the house knew I was mated, they just didn’t know it was to a human. “I also know that we cannot help who we fall in love with.” She leaned over grabbing the bag stuffed with what medical supplies we had and weapons. Jerking it up, she handed it to me. “The allergies we have as vampires, you do not share. Use it to your advantage. You will also heal faster than him. Play it up so he does not realize it. He believes as they all do that you are a weak half breed. When you see your opening, do not hesitate to take him out. He will stop at nothing. He will never leave you alone. The only way to truly be rid of him is for one of you to die. He is my sire but you are my daughter and I will always choose you.” She began walking me to the door. “If Grayson is injured, take him to the hospital. And whatever you do,” she paused, her face pain stricken, “do not come back here. You could be killed on sight if they discover you killed Anton for a human.” 

A tear streamed down my face. Was this goodbye? Would I ever see my mother, the only parent I’d ever known, if I walked out that door to save the man who had my heart? I clutched the heart diamond I hadn’t taken off since Grayson put it on me. I was still angry from her revelation but she was my mother. Seeing my pain, she wiped the tear from my cheek. “We will see each other again. I have to stay for a while to make sure that everything is clear and they will not follow you. After that, we will find each other again.”
 

I wrapped my arms around her as my chest constricted.
  “I love you, mom.” 

“Call Grayson’s phone. Anton will answer. He wants you there when he kills your mate, but do not be surprised when you see Grayson. He will be in bad shape, but alive.”

I nodded then pulled away quickly speeding through the house to the door. I made my way down the side alley. Ripping open the first blood bag, I started guzzling it as I grabbed a few items out of the gym bag, items I felt I could hide easily. I planned on carrying the bag hoping Anton would be fooled, but wasn’t planning on it. I hid a large blade in the waist of my pants at the small of my back. Wrist sheaths on each of my wrists were hidden by the long sleeves of my hoodie. I was kicking myself for not choosing better shoes. There was no way to hide anything in my tennis shoes. Pulling a wooden stake out, I decided to carry it in my hand that way if I saw an immediate opening, I’d take it. Then I did what my mother said. I called Grayson’s phone. It rang twice before he answered.

“Gabriella!” I could hear the enthusiasm in his voice. “How good it is to hear from you my love! I was wondering when you would come join the party!”

Chapter 20

The Captive

I rushed through the door of the abandoned building where Anton had told me to come. As I entered I came into an open area. I knew I should have used stealth and made sure I stayed hidden until I could assess the situation, but the overwhelming urge to seek Grayson out overpowered my common sense. “Grayson?” I cried out. “Grayson…? Where are you?” I couldn’t see him, not even with my heightened vampire eyes, but I could feel him. It was like a cord connecting me to him. I could feel his presence.