Reversed
Author's note: Wow, this time I could stick to my announcement. It has been only a few days and here is the next one. Pleeeeease don't hate me. The story needed a little drama. It will pay out if you stick around during the difficult time. ;)
Chapter 14 – Traitor
Catherine's point of view
I was standing in a dark alley. It was the meeting point I texted Gabe. He had gone back to the base to find out what was going on and how they planned on hunting me down. Somehow I was at unease. I wanted to check on Vincent badly, but I knew that the burners were only to be used in emergencies. He is fine.
Why was Gabe taking so long? I needed to go back to the hideout and map everything out. I needed to make sure that Vincent and J.T. were safe again.
We didn't meet for Vincent's bag. J.T. asked me to drop it off at the meeting point and leave. No need to linger in unsafe places he said. It sounded off but I had brushed it away. Now it crept back in my mind. Why didn't they want to meet? Something was off and I just couldn't shake the feeling.
I saw a shadow moving at the other end of the alley and tensed. I only straightened out of my slight crouch when I realized it was Gabe; finally.
"Gabe," I simply said. The stress and concern was evident in my voice.
"Cat, it is bad. They went to the warehouse. Of course they didn't find anything. They are sending out search parties. The only reason why I am not part of one is that they believe I could work more efficiently on my own. They want you back within the week; failure will not be tolerated. You can imagine how eager everyone is. The fact that Vargas escaped only makes matters worse. I don't know how she managed it, but they are afraid that she might have hacked into their system, so they are hunting her down as well. They are afraid that she might spill her guts. They are in rage, Cat."
I took a deep breath, "What do you suggest, Gabe? I want Vincent and J.T. safe. I won't go back; not alive at least."
"Cat, let me help you," he whispered while he came closer, "I can protect you. Just let me." And with these last words he pressed his lips softly on mine.
At first I was surprised by how forward he was. Then images of Vincent flooded my mind; images of our kiss. The memory of his lips on mine made me pull away.
"Gabe, I- I can't," I said while taking another step back.
"Why not? We were so good together. Cat, we are made for each other. I love you!" he emphasized by grabbing my arms.
"So much time has passed, Gabe. Things change," I carefully said.
Gabe's facial expression suddenly changed. There was determination and something else. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Guilt?
Before I could analyze it any further Gabe just beasted out in front of my eyes. I felt my adrenaline shoot up as well and started to tremble. No, I couldn't beast out now. But when Gabe took a step in my direction every reasonable thought left my mind. I felt my body change and when Gabe pressed his lips again on mine - this time more urgently – I didn't pull back; I just growled into his mouth.
Vincent's point of view
I've waited for quite a time now. I was desperately in need of a bathroom. Sticking to my no-lights-policy I searched for the bathroom. When I was about to make my way back to the living room I heard the front door followed by growling. I was immediately alarmed. Catherine was in beast mode so something had to be wrong. I was about to exit the bathroom and calm her down when I realized something. I didn't hear just Catherine. There were two different growls. Catherine was in danger. I tiptoed towards the living room not wanting to lose the element of surprise. It suddenly dawned on me. Why didn't they already know I was here? Something was wrong; they should be able to hear me. With these thoughts I took the last steps towards my destination and froze.
There was an image in front of my eyes that made me want to throw up. Catherine was indeed in her beast mode. Without a shirt on; on the floor. With another beast that looked oddly familiar. Gabe. I felt sick to my stomach. I came here to help her. I put my life at risk just to be by her side. To not let her alone, to protect her from Gabe and all the others and there she was lying on the floor with him. I felt betrayed. I knew that we weren't a couple, but I thought that we were on our way to be. The kiss we shared, our talk afterwards. I thought that she just needed time. And now I saw her being ready for another guy; one of her potential enemies for crying out loud. One that could hurt her or take her to people who would.
Just when I was about to retreat and find a way to escape unnoticed her head snapped in my direction, quickly followed by his. Before I could blink she was standing in front of me in an intimidating manner. Her nostrils displayed her distress, her claws were ready to rip my flesh; her breath was loud and hissing. I didn't want to be near her, yet I didn't seem to be able to avoid staring into her eyes. I could only imagine the hurt and questions they displayed. And that is when something happened that I didn't expect.
The moment I looked into her eyes and she looked back, she transformed in front of me. It only took her a second to do it. There she was standing in front of me, in her human form; shirtless. Her eyes, which still hadn't left mine, grew wide and filled with tears. She finally looked away to glance in Gabe's direction. By now Gabe was in his human form as well, also shirtless and with his pants open. To my surprise he didn't seem smug for having beaten me, nor did he look upset that I interrupted. There was….guilt in his eyes. Before I could be sure of what I saw, he looked away and started dressing, carefully avoiding both Catherine and me.
When I looked back to Catherine, I found her already staring at me; her tears now travelling down her cheeks.
"Vincent..I," she choked.
But before I could say anything or she could finish her thought the door flew open.
Just as quickly as she changed before, Catherine transformed back, jumping around towards the door. Gabe on the other hand didn't react, like he was expecting it.
Turning again in Catherine's direction I saw that she was about to take a leap, but before she could do so, a dart pierced her leg and she fell on her knees with a loud growl.
"NO!" I screamed and ran to her side. I didn't make it far, when I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder. When I looked to confirm what I already knew, my vision was blurred and the dart barely recognizable.
"Gabe," I breathed out accusingly while drifting away.
Author's note: I know that it was short – again – but I already ignored a potential cliffhanger (when Vincent entered the living room), I couldn't let this one pass as well.
Yeah, I warned you that you would probably hate me, but I know what I am doing.
Why did Gabe look guilty and why did he transform when Cat pulled away? Who took them? Mister F? And who is Mister F?
Will Vincent forgive Catherine? And most importantly: is there a way to escape? I wonder if J.T. will come to their rescue and if Muirfield will capture Tess.
I kind of feel like it is about time for some British accent, what do you think? ;)
Tell me your guesses and wishes!
P.S.: I would like to mention "Love is dangerous" again. It is rated M, so keep that in mind, if you haven't enabled all genres. I would love to read the opinion of the people that have been supporting this story. :)
