I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO THE CW NETWORK. THIS IS A WORK OF FANFICTION BY OMEGA WHITE.
FORBIDDEN CHAPTER 8
Adrenaline coursing through his veins, fueling his anxiety, Vincent meandered stealthily through the woods. Tree branches swayed back and forth, blowing leaves in his path. Vincent looked around admiring the beautiful scenery, imagining he and Catherine walking hand in hand, the wind blowing through her hair. He could see her looking up at him, smiling, love reflected in her eyes. Stumbling over a log, he came back to the present. Reminding himself of his mission, he began walking again, finally reaching the tree line. His eyes roamed ahead, resting on a Mediterranean villa, heavily guarded by men in black, armed with assault rifles. Ducking behind a tree, he scrambled to formulate a plan of action. He surveyed the scene, counting the men, looking for the best way to infiltrate the structure. Just when he was on the verge of taking extreme measures, the perfect idea came to him. Brazenly walking toward the perimeter of the property, he was intercepted almost immediately by two guards.
"You're trespassing," the tall swarthy man stated.
"My car broke down on the freeway and my phone battery died, so I went looking for help when I came upon this property. If you will provide me the use of a phone, I will call for assistance and be on my way."
"Not so fast. No calls will be made until the boss speaks with you," the man to his right stated, grabbing Vincent's arm forcefully.
"I completely understand. Lead the way fellows," Vincent said with a fleeting smile.
The men headed toward the palatial villa, covered in stucco with a terra cotta roof. Passing through a spacious courtyard, an impressive amount of calla lillies provided a breathtaking view, especially if looking down from the wrought iron balconies above. One of the men opened the massive cedar wood door, ushering them into the foyer. Vincent took notice of his surroundings, as they passed an expansive staircase and entered the living room. Expensive furniture filled the room with a backdrop of priceless artwork. Mosaic tile accented the marble floors and Greek columns. A recessed ceiling, etched with gold trim enhanced the grandeur of the great room. One lone man sat on the sofa, legs crossed, smoking a cigar. Sensing their presence in the room, he looked up. Before he could mask his reaction, Vincent saw the look of recognition in his eyes.
"Boss, we caught an intruder. He states his car broke down and he was looking for a phone to use."
"You imbecile, I can assure you the king of Elsidora didn't come looking to use a phone. Secure the perimeter and stay alert. His security is sure to be close behind."
"Right away, Boss," the guard answered before scurrying away.
"Now, do you care to enlighten me on your unexpected visit, Sire."
Vincent recognized the voice and found it difficult to control his rising anger. "Let's not play games. We both know why I'm here. I thought you would've given up on this crazy plot of yours."
"So you thought you would pay me a visit?"
Vincent's voice became louder. "You kidnapped me, shot my wife and you dare to ask the reason for my visit. You're lucky to still be breathing."
The unknown man smirked. "Looks like I've been remiss in my duties by grossly underestimating you, but unfortunately you won't be breathing after today. What a pity, just when I was starting to like you."
"I wouldn't go planning my demise just yet. Let's not forget I spared your life before, but I won't be so generous this time."
"In case you haven't noticed, you're my prisoner. I couldn't have set a better trap myself."
"Are you sure about that, Alexander? How do you know this isn't part of my plan?"
Shocked speechless, Alexander stuttered. "I..I..I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"There's no need to deny it. While you may think I'm inadequate and undeserving of the throne, I do love this country and it's people. I won't let you or anyone else stand in the way of what is after all, my birthright," Vincent said, looking at a stunned Alexander.
Alexander laughed. "Sorry to disappoint you, but being born on the wrong side of the blanket isn't exactly something to be proud of. You're nothing more than a bastard."
"And here I was thinking maybe you had some redeeming qualities."
A commotion startled both men. "We have company, Boss. How do yo wish to proceed?"
"Find out what they want. Shoot to kill if you must."
"If one person dies, I will annihilate this house with you and your henchman in it. And for the record, that is a threat."
Alexander pulled out a glock and pointed it at Vincent. "Unfortunately for you I know what you are and this time I'm prepared. I have special bullets made just for you. My great-great-grandmother created a gem that is fatal to you and your beast. However, it was the ingenuity of my father to make bullets out of the gem. You asked if I'm sure you're my prisoner. I do believe that answers your question."
Looking at his henchman. "Jack, you have your orders. What are you waiting for?"
Unbeknownst to the two men, Vincent turned the stone of the ring and began to transform. In a matter of seconds, claws and teeth protruded, and Vincent's eyes turned amber. By the time Alexander realized what was happening, it was much too late. Within seconds the beast overpowered him, taking possession of the gun. He picked Alexander up and threw him against the wall, knocking him out. The beast growled, salivating as he stepped forward, blood dripping from his claws. Jack looked at him, too traumatized to move. The beast stopped and zeroed in on his breathing, sensing his fear.
The beast took a step forward. "Please don't kill me. I mean you no harm," Jack pleaded.
Suddenly a shot rang out, hitting the beast. Startled, he looked up slowly as he released a thunderous growl, causing the men to cover their ears. He uttered the words, jonsoa elcharsineah forgotheum, causing smoke to enter the room. As if on cue, bodies dropped to the floor, leaving the beast the only one standing. With the gun in his hand, the beast moved toward the French doors. Ripping the door off its hinges, he ran outside and jumped off the balcony.
THE PALACE
Prince Allen sat in his office, anxiously awaiting news. Suddenly a knock came at the door.
"Enter."
Payne entered the room. "Sir, Alexander and his men have been arrested."
"Did you find Vincent?" Prince Allen asked.
"No sir."
"And Alexander and his men?"
"Sir, the team found Alexander and his men unconscious. Alexander has several broken bones and ribs. Unfortunately, their memory is quite hazy on what actually happened."
Prince Allen jumped up. "Excuse me Payne, I just remembered an urgent matter I must attend to. Notify me immediately of any new developments."
"Certainly, sir."
Prince Allen rushed off toward the study. Entering he nervously moved a book to gain access to the secret passageway. The door opened and Vincent fell down at his feet. His breathing was labored as blood seeped through his torn, dirty clothes.
"Vincent! What happened?" He asked, falling to his knees.
"Shot," Vincent replied, barely above a whisper.
"You've been shot?"
"Yes...stomach," he said.
He raised Vincent's shirt up and gasped loudly at the hole in his stomach.
Reining in his emotions he said. "Hold on, Son. I'll go get help."
He pulled off his jacket and grabbed Vincent's hand. He placed the jacket over the wound and then positioned Vincent's hand over it. "Keep it there until I get back with help."
Prince Allen hurried toward his office, scanning the hallway constantly. As soon as he reached his desk, he grabbed the phone and dialed a number. He waited ring after ring, hoping someone would answer. Finally a male voice said hello. "Max, thank goodness. I almost gave up on you answering. I need you at the palace immediately. It is a matter of life and death. Come prepared to perform surgery. The situation will be clearer when you get here. And Max, use your pseudonym."
He hung up the phone and said a prayer for his son. In that moment he realized how deep his love was for his son. Even though he had missed knowing him most of his life, he couldn't imagine life without him now. Then it hit him. The queen was in the hospital and Vincent hanging on by a thread. If anyone learned how bleak the situation was, it would take some major damage control to avert the monarchy from disaster.
Ten minutes later, he heard a knock. "Enter."
"Sir, you have an Evan Marks here to see you. He stated you were expecting him."
"That is correct. Show him in Payne," Prince Allen said, as he stood to his feet.
Max walked in with a worried look on his face.
"That will be all, Payne," Prince Allen said.
"Is everything okay, Allen?" Max asked, concern written over his face.
Allen walked to the door and peeped out. He turned and gestured to Max. "Follow me."
They moved swiftly and quietly down the hallway. Upon entering the study, Prince Allen retrieved a key and locked the door. Vincent lay in the same spot, struggling to breathe.
"Max, this is my son, King Vincent, and he's been shot. I'm sure you understand how important it is that he lives. I just found him and I refuse to lose him now."
Max nodded and immediately began assessing the injury and cleaning around the wound. After administering a drug to sedate Vincent, Max stood up. "Allen, we have to move him to the table. Grab his legs and I'll grab his upper body. Seconds later, Vincent lay on his back on top of the table as Max prepared to extract the bullet. Prince Allen began to pace back and forth. "Do you need anything?" He asked.
"No, just relax and let me do my job."
Displaying immense patience and concentration, Max methodically maneuvered the forceps, struggling to grasp the round. After three attempts, he secured and removed the bullet. He dropped it on a towel and looked away briefly at his equipment. Gathering the necessary surgical instruments to stitch Vincent up, he turned around. He could hardly believe his eyes at what he saw. There was no visible signs of a bullet wound. Max stared at the spot, unable to believe what his own eyes clearly saw. Prince Allen noticed his distress and rushed over. "Is everything okay?"
Max ran his hand down his face. "Take a look at his stomach. Do you see a wound? Surely I must be mistaken."
"Prince Allen examined Vincent's stomach, failing to locate an injury."
Baffled by the situation, the prince walked over to the couch and sat down. "Does this mean he is okay?"
"It appears he is completely healed. The medicine should wear off in an hour or so and I don't see any reason why he can't assume his normal duties," he said, still perplexed.
Prince Allen smiled. "Old boy, that is great news."
Max looked at him with a quizzical brow. "Allen, what aren't you telling me?"
The Prince looked up at Max, and his thoughts drifted off to their teen years in military school. At sixteen, he was rebellious and angry all the time. After drinking an excessive amount of liquor one night, he got behind the wheel of his Lamborghini Miura. Max jumped into the passenger seat and begged him to let him drive. A stubborn, sloppy drunk Allen refused, hitting the gas and crashing into several parked vehicles. Miraculously, neither boy was injured. Max deftly moved an unconscious Allen to the passenger seat and subsequently assumed all blame for the accident. Following the investigation, Max was expelled from school and banned from associating with the prince. Max went on to become a successful doctor as well as a husband and father. For all intents and purposes, they both followed orders, but they secretly met once a year, ironically, sharing a drink together.
"Allen, what is it?"Max asked, walking over to the couch.
"Maxy," he said, using his childhood moniker. "You better pour yourself three fingers of that Macallan scotch. Although, I don't think it will help you after you hear what I have to say"
"Father, what happened?"
Both men looked up to find Vincent wide awake, sitting up.
"It's appears your body healed itself," his father stated, standing to his feet.
Vincent swung his legs around and slid off the table. He glanced at Max. His father observed the action and hastened to make the necessary introductions.
This is my old friend, Dr. Maxwell. Max, meet my son and king of Elsidora, Vincent."
"Nice to formerly meet you, Your Highness. You gave us quite a scare and a plethora of unanswered questions," Max said, bowing slightly.
"Nice to meet you doctor and I thank you for saving me. I am permanently indebted to you, but unfortunately now I must go. My queen needs me."
His father looked at his clothes. "I think a change of clothes would be wise, Son."
Vincent looked at his torn, bloody clothes, as if noticing them for the first time. "I think you may be right," he said, walking out of the room.
THE HOSPITAL
Vanessa sat by Catherine's bedside, reading "Pride and Prejudice" to her. She had just reached the part where Elizabeth rejects Mr. Darcy's proposal when she heard a noise. Looking up she saw Vincent coming through the door.
"Hello, Vincent."
"Hey."
"Are you able to stay for a few hours? I need to run an errand."
"Go get some rest. I'll stay the rest of the night."
"Thank you, Vincent. I think I'll take you up on that offer. Please call me if she wakes up," Vanessa said, before kissing Catherine on the forehead.
"You have my word. See you in the morning."
Vincent sat down in the chair recently vacated by Vanessa and took Catherine's hand in his. "Baby, talk to me."
"I'm here," Catherine said.
Vincent felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Just hearing Catherine's voice relaxed his mind and body."
"Baby, I need you to wake up. I need you. If I could heal you right now, I would."
As soon as he said the words, Catherine's hand moved, startling him. He jumped up, shocked to find a teary-eyed Catherine looking at him. Tears streaked his face as he leaned over, cupped her face, and kissed her.
Breaking the kiss, Catherine whispered. "Water."
"Sure."
Vincent retrieved a bottle of water from the mini-fridge in the room. He uncapped it and assisted Catherine in drinking a small amount.
Afterwards Catherine looked at him. "Vincent, I saw your mom. There was this white light and I began walking toward it. I thought it would lead me back to you. When I got closer, your mom appeared before me. She told me to turn around and wait on you, because it wasn't my time to enter the light. Soon after I heard your voice, commanding me to wake up. She told me to tell you to be careful with your new powers and she loves you and that William and Daniel are okay."
Vincent didn't utter a word, for his heart was overwhelmed with joy. He knew she was telling the truth, because he had never told anyone he was the only one of his mom's triplets that survived past birth. He held Catherine, knowing they needed to discuss everything, but for now he just wanted to hold his wife.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER. THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS. I HOPE YOU WILL KEEP THEM COMING, BECAUSE I LOVE READING EVERY ONE OF THEM. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND FEEDBACK.