Chapter 8 – Lessons
BPOV
My breathing was wild as the car flew down the darkened road to the next town, as if I was running away from Jacques's command. You can't get away from me, Bella. I'm with you always.
Jacques, please, can I have a human minute? His voice was quiet, but I still felt him in my head. My mental blocks were up as I drove. I held the steering wheel like it was the only substantial thing in the world. I didn't have the nerve to put on the radio, but music would help. The lights of Bucharest came in the distance and they were getting brighter. I stopped the car on a street, lined with posh shops. My hands trembled as they held the sides of my head and tears wet my eyes. I've never felt so much rage. My arms wrapped around my torso, trying to keep myself together. "Breathe, Bella, breathe." I took a steady breath, trying to stop my shaking. Letting down my block, I reached out to Raven. Only she can explain this to me.
Hey, she felt my distress, what's going on? Are you hurt?
No, Jacques just scared me half to death.
What happened? Concern coated her words.
I was talking to someone and he ordered me to walk away. It was the guy I was telling you about, Bryan.
Oh, Bella, I told you they can be jealous.
But jealousy and rage? Raven, he really scared me.
I know they can be like that. Mikhail doesn't even like it when I hug Gregori and that's his closest friend.
I closed my eyes slowly, starting to feel better, So, he's possessive? Great.
No, protective.
Protective? You call that protective? He scared me so much, that I'm trying to get away from him.
There was the feeling of someone's hand resting on mine while it was grasped around the steering wheel, If you didn't leave when you did, Jacques might have hurt that guy. They're able to make someone choke from a distance. My mind felt like it was going to shatter. I could almost hear the bits of glass that was my brain falling to the ground. It's a lot to deal with, she admitted. Just get some things and come back. We can start on our girl time. That'll help you calm down and I can explain this so much better. I know exactly how you feel.
I had half a mind to ask Raven to come and get me. I didn't want to be near Jacques right now. My head fell back against the seat, Ok, for you, I'll come back. I don't think I can handle thinking about Jacques right now. She breathed a sigh, That's fair.
But could you stay with me? I want your opinion on some things. She smiled and it brushed my thoughts, Of course I will. Before getting out, I searched the crowds, nervous that Jacques was going to appear. Seeing that it was safe, I got out of the car. Looking back, the Aston Martin was a sleek black vehicle that settled in with the expensive settings of the shops around me. There were people walking through the streets, talking and laughing; arms filled with designer names. I walked along the store fronts, looking for somewhere to get my clothes. I stopped in front of a shop with rows of clothes. Making my selections, I was already feeling better. Through my mind, Raven saw my selections and gave her opinions. Thanking her, I selected a few things that she really liked. Bella, this is about you.
So, you want me to put this one back. She gasped seeing the white cashmere coat in my hands, Get two! The sales clerk ran up everything and it came out to a lot of money.
Just put it on the 'Dubrinsky account.' Jacques added your name before you two left.
My head shook for a moment, I have my credit card. I'll use that.
Don't, she protested. Use our family account. He scared you, so make Jacques pay for everything.
I laughed, Well, you have a point there.
Raven told me what to say in Romanian. The cashier worked on her computer, "Dubrinsky? Very well." It took five bags to pack up my purchases. Next stop, lingerie store. In the small shop, Raven practically had me drooling over the selections. Her mood was affecting me. I bought things for the both of us and told the saleswoman the same thing in Romanian. She nodded and totaled everything up; another large sale.
Ok, next time, you're coming with me for some shoes.
You got it. Now come home. This all boys club is starting to get to me.
I smiled, I'm on my way. The bags were in the car and I pulled away from the curb.
The car drove back down the winding roads towards their dark house. On this drive, I was calmer, talking with Raven the whole way. She was making me feel better and looking forward to getting back to the castle. Before I knew it, I was back in the small time, barreling down the main road to the house. Trees grew around the property, almost hiding it from the house. The gates opened and engine cut off, leaving me in the dark. Was Jacques out here or in the house? My eyes were adjusting to the night quite easily. Looking around, I could make out the cliffs behind the house. Jacques was here, I knew that. The truck was only a few feet away. I got out of the car and the cold air bit at my skin. It was late in the year and getting colder. The nights in the mountains were almost frigid. My skin almost rippled from the silence. There was no breeze, only the cold still air.
The trunk of the car sprang open, making me jump. I turned to the noise, but saw no one moving. The shuffling of bags was all I could hear. There were no footsteps, no snapping of twigs or breathing. It was Jacques, but I couldn't even see him moving in the night. I gasped as my body was tilted backwards, then I was being held by two arms. It felt warmer, being against the heat from the stone chest. The truck door was open and I was placed in the seat and the seatbelt was snapped around me. The engine came to life and the dark road went by. Jacques only looked out to the road as we drove back up the mountain. Neither one of us spoke or even looked at each other. This time, he drove without the headlights on. Cold air was seeping into the cab, making me shiver. My hands brushed my arms, trying to warm up from friction. The heat came on, warming the small space.
There was a chill I couldn't escape. My arms were tight across my chest, trying to shake off the unease. I glanced at Jacques from behind my hair. His face was hard, with his hand rubbing over his mouth. Letting my blocks down, I looked into his mind, trying to remain like a shadow. Rage still held onto his thoughts, seeing me standing with Bryan. Jacques heard every thought Bryan had, She can't leave yet. She just got here. Just my luck, I really wanted to have dinner with her. Jacques's thoughts were riddled with jealousy. The notion of injuring Bryan came up more than once, Let every man see the damage I can inflict and dare any of them to come near my woman. My head fell back against the seat looking out the window. How can he be so livid from me talking to another man for less than three minutes?
The truck stopped and the engine cut off as we were in front of the castle already. Again, the drive was too smooth; not one bump in the road. My door was opened and I was pulled from my seat as Jacques carried me inside. Not saying anything, he set me on my feet inside the castle, then turned away and went back outside. I watched after him, feeling somewhat scared that I was back in his house; in his possession. Raven and Mikhail came walking down the hall, hand in hand. Her smile widened as she saw me, "How was the trip?" Her last word tapered off, when they noticed Jacques's mood. He came back in, still saying nothing.
"Jacques," Mikhail called, "what happened?" Jacques didn't look at anyone as he turned to pace down the hall, away from everyone. Mikhail drifted past me, to hold his brother's shoulder. Jacques slightly turned his face to Mikhail, "Another man was near Bella. I told her to walk away from him, but she didn't listen. She even told him how he could contact her. Then she blocked me out of her mind." Mikhail looked at me, his black eyes hardening, "Is this true?" I nodded once, feeling guilt surge through me. I never thought that small moment would make Jacques so mad. Mikhail spoke to Jacques in a different language, their heads leaning closer together. Seeing him angry, I had to do something to make him feel better.
Raven and I stood together, watching them. I only recognized mine and Raven's names among their language. Are they really serious about this?
She made a face, Yes. I know it seems silly to you and me, but this is part of their custom. Their women are untouchable.
Biting my lip, I shook my head, "Can I say something?" The two brothers looked at me, "I wasn't trying to make you mad. I was just saying goodbye. As for the email thing, I lied. I lied to get away from him, like you wanted me to. And if you didn't scare me, I wouldn't have panicked. I blocked everything out and only spoke to Raven." They looked at her and she gave them a small smile, "We were talking the whole time." I sighed, "Raven explained things to me, about you not liking to see me around other men. I didn't know. Jacques," I went over to him and Mikhail stepped back, "I didn't mean to make you mad. When I'm nervous, I protect my own mind. Hearing all those thoughts doesn't help; it makes things worse for me. I'm sorry."
Mikhail took up for me, "Jacques, she will learn in time." Jacques's hard composure relaxed and sighed deeply, "I'm sorry. I should've kept my emotions in control. It's just when I saw him near you," his fingers took my chin, "I lost it. It was never my intention to intimidate you." I half smiled, "Ok, lesson learned. Now, can I show Raven what I bought her?" One thing about European men, you have to play into their egos. Jacques brushed his fingers over my lips, "Of course, the bags and your suitcase are already in my bedchambers."
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JPOV
Mikhail and I went outside as Raven and Bella dashed off to see their new clothes. Their animated chatter echoed through the halls as they walked together. Bella was back in my home, safe and sound, but I couldn't shake my anger. The urge to hunt down that man who spoke to my woman was still strong. "Jacques, it's over. She's here." I looked up to the night sky, "The anger I felt was unparallel. It wasn't my intention to scare her, but seeing her there, with him," the face of the one who dared to speak to Bella would be forever etched in my mind, "it took a great deal of strength to not make him fight for his next breath."
Mikhail thought about the young man he terrified, strangled and killed because of the times he hurt Raven. The joy of being a predator, seeing the fear in your prey's eye was something Mikhail and I enjoyed. If that Bryan had done anything to her, I would have enjoyed his horrified screams as he saw me emerge as a wolf, ready to tear him limp from limb.
Bella was with Raven going through her new clothes. The crumpling of shopping bags was loud and their laughter echoed through the halls of the lower chambers in my wing. Bella stepped out of the closet, showing a new ensemble. A deep green oversized shirt, with a black belt around her waist, along with black form fitting jeans. I finally understand what Mikhail meant; pants didn't suit one such as Bella. However, the ones she wore hugged her seductively, emphasizing her feminine movements.
The air blew harshly as a great owl perched itself on the branch just above our heads. Mikhail looked up at the large bird, "Gregori, what have you found?" His wings spanned out as the owl drifted to the ground. Instead of talons, feet touched the ground, changing into Gregori's form, "Three hunters are still near. Their cabin is far, but they plan to move tomorrow afternoon. I fear they may be getting closer to here." Changing the direction of my anger, I focused those who threatened our home.
These murderers cannot come near Bella; I won't allow it. I know how you feel, brother, but for tonight, she's safe within these walls. Mikhail couldn't hide it from me; he felt the same way as I. Gregori paced ahead of us, to the herbs he planted on the grounds. The herbs waved in the wind, their scents familiar and welcoming. "Bella came here to study about our soil and its healing abilities? Perhaps you should show her this. It may interest her." She did have a healthy appetite for knowledge. "Perhaps you should. You're more knowledgeable than I."
Gregori sighed, "Remember, I scare her." Mikhail laughed, "As you have so many others." Gregori continued to look over the herbs, I've spoken with Vlad. He will be accompanying us tomorrow night.
What of my sister and nephew? Byron appeared from the trees. He knew Vlad wouldn't allow harm to come to his sister, but he still worried for her.
Gregori bowed his head to Byron, Eleanor and Benjamin will remain here with Bella and Raven. Eleanor is anxious to meet the newest addition to Mikhail's family. From the sound of her name, Bella's laughter washed through me in waves. She and Raven were enjoying themselves, laughing like lifelong friends. The others heard their laughter as I did. "Is it so easy for women to get along? They act as though they've known each other for years," Byron pointed out. Gregori shook his head, "As precious as they are, women truly are a mystery. They're worse when they turn on each other."
Byron half-smiled, but lamented on the wanting to know what it would be like to comfort a woman when she was upset. He was the brink of insanity if he didn't find his lifemate. Byron's mind was seething, trying to hide his thoughts. I hadn't completed the binding ritual with Bella, so another could claim her, if they dared. For the briefest moment, Byron thought to claim Bella as his own.
Knowing I was her true lifemate, Byron wouldn't betray me that way. Like Mikhail, I worried for my old friend. He feared that Byron and Gregori would turn. Byron and I promised that if one changed, the other would end his misery. I do hope he learns the joys of finding his lifemate. To realize that he, once again, could see in color, instead of the drab views of gray would take an immense weight off his shoulders. To know the emotion of love for the woman that is your life, Byron would be whole.
Jacques, are you alright? Bella's mind reached for me, Do you need me?
I always need you, angel. I am well. I was just thinking about something. Stay inside, it's cold.
Are you sure? The cold doesn't bother me.
She was stubborn, No, chère. I'll be inside soon.
Bella sat on the closet floor, folding her clothes with Raven. A light mood radiated off Bella, Does it bother you to be living with me already? She laughed, I'm not living with you. I'm only staying here to complete my work.
My eyes rolled at her defiance, Do you need anything? Her quiet sigh reached me again, Only some tea, but I can get it. Enjoy your male bonding.
"We move at sundown," Mikhail declared. It was decided that we go to these hunters, before they find us. "Vlad will meet us. We have to be careful, these hunters' methods may be crude, but they know much about us." Byron's mind was suddenly dangerous, remembering how I was when they found me in the tower. Mikhail snarled quietly. It was most difficult for my brother. We already suffered from the loss of our brother and sister; he didn't want to endure the loss of another sibling. Ours was the original Carpathian family, the leaders of our people. Byron held my shoulder, "We will end these murderers tomorrow, but more will come." I nodded once, "Yes, and we will end them too."
The night waned on as we planned our advance on the fanaticals. Mine and my brother's attentions were split, from planning and watching our women. In Mikhail's study, Bella was talking with her parents, while Raven was creating more artwork in her book. Bella was telling her mother that she was going to travel further east. Her mother wanted her to return home, as did her father. They were concerned for her well-being.
"Wait one second. I have spent the last twenty years taking care of the both of you, so I am more than capable of taking care of myself." My smile caressed her mind. She was a strong-willed woman. "Mom, who made sure the bills were paid on time?" "You did," her mother responded in a low voice. "And, Dad, who handled the cooking, the cleaning and maintaining of the house? And, did the impossible and actually got you to learn to make a few more dishes than just fried eggs?" "You did, Bells." Her smile lit up the room, "Ok, I've done all that, so backpacking isn't a major task for me. Mom, you have Phil and Dad, you have Sue; focus on them." She made a persuasive argument, but it was now up to me to care for her now. She told her parents to focus on their spouses, so I would focus on mine.
"How will you handle telling Raven?" Byron asked, "She won't handle this well. She cannot accompany us." Mikhail's eyes closed slowly, "I know." He leaned against a tree, folding his arms, "I'm hoping with Bella, Eleanor and Benjamin here, she won't object. It was her that convinced Bella to return."
He looked at me for a moment in surprise. Why was I not aware of this? Mikhail sighed, "Bella was skeptical in returning with you." My eyes brows pulled together. I would have gone after her. Byron looked away for a moment, "She will learn in time. That is all she needs. She did return and, in time, she could give birth to a child." All of us hoped that Bella and Raven would have a female child. A lifemate for one of the men of our race. Too many of us choose the sun or change to the undead.
"In time, but for now, let her adjust to this lifestyle. She's taking it in great strides. Better than Raven did." Mikhail scowled deeply at me. There was something in Gregori's mind that he was hiding. Byron turned towards him, "What is it?" The blood bond among us was too strong to block anyone of us out. Gregori's face hardened, "Were I you, I would take a closer look at Bella's right wrist. She has a pale scar there. I wonder how much she really knows about the world around her."
My eyes narrowed at Gregori's speculations. Bella had just come to us and he wants to question her. Gregori continued, ignoring my glares, "I am very curious about her past, as I'm sure you are." My anger was getting the best of me, "That is none of your concern. She is my woman." No one dared to go against me. "Gregori, we've found another woman. Her conversion may be successful, like Raven's. Bella is a stronger hope for the future."
