Rage and Redemption Page 6

  After arranging her comfortably on a narrow cot, Gideon induced a sleep from which she would awaken naturally.

  When they stepped out into the bailey, Gabriel grabbed his arm. “Did you take the memory from her?”

  “I told you I would not.”

  Glancing around quickly, Gabriel asked, “Why do you want her to know what we are?” He paused. “Did you summon her?”

  Gideon grinned, giving his brother a glimpse of pointed fangs.

  “You did! Why? How does her knowing advance your twisted scheme?”

  “You will just have to wait—and watch.”

  Gabriel stepped closer, the golden shards in his eyes glowing again. Did he even realize his control had slipped?

  “This cannot go on forever. I begged Michael—”

  “Do not speak that name to me!” he snarled then continued in a softer, if no less threatening tone. “And you answered your own question. I am interested in Naomi because I have not forgotten the part you played in the existence I now endure.”

  “You’re enduring an existence of your own making. You’re an angel and yet you—”

  “I am not an angel. Michael saw to that.”

  “Nay, you saw to that. Michael did not create your thirst for blood. He just allowed it to become literal.” Gabriel took a deep breath and the intensity of his gaze began to lessen. “I ensured that your punishment would not be permanent. You can still find redemption if you try. But you must want redemption. You must learn from this, Gideon, or all is lost.”

  He scoffed. “What makes you think all is not lost already? Would you have me believe that He will have me back after all I have seen—all I have done?”

  “Not while this battle rages within you. You have been running in circles for a century. It’s time to take a stand. You must embrace the darkness or return to the light.”

  “Perhaps I’m so comfortable in the darkness I’ve forgotten the light.”

  Gabriel shook his head. “I don’t even know you when you speak like this. I can’t stop you if you’re bent on destroying yourself. But why take an innocent with you? Why must Naomi pay the price for your rebellion?”

  “She isn’t paying the price for my rebellion, brother. She’s paying the price for your love.”

  Chapter Four

  Gideon made his way silently though the darkness, his mind troubled and his heart torn. He should feel exalted that he had come so far so quickly. So why did he find no joy in his victory?

  Naomi’s face appeared in vivid clarity. He pictured her as she had been moments before, angry and defiant, despite her fear. Then he saw her as Crispin had left her, vulnerable and terrified.

  A potent combination of lust and rage shot through him again. It was staggering that just the memory of the incident could produce so powerful a reaction. He had wanted to kill Crispin for playing his part so well.

  Be careful, my friend, Crispin had said. This girl may teach you a lesson you’re not prepared to learn.

  Gideon hadn’t responded then, but the warning came back to him now. Why had he reacted so violently when he knew Naomi had been in no real danger? Why would her image not leave his mind? Why did her hesitant smile and easy laughter tear at a heart he most often ignored?

  She was more dangerous than he ever imagined.

  Closing his eyes, Gideon surrendered to the night, allowing his form to melt away into the darkness. He needed to feed. All of the emotional upheaval had left him depleted and weak.

  He had fought his need for blood in the beginning, not fully understanding what he had become. Then hunger came upon him with violent spasms of pain and his body rejected everything except human blood. He had long since come to terms with the conditions of his survival. He was a predator who relished the hunt and he never forgot the reason for his transformation. An existence of his own making, Gabriel had called it.

  A guard was dozing on a secluded section of the parapets. Gideon materialized in front of him and kicked the man’s sword out of reach. “Your captain would be displeased to find you so,” he said in a rough whisper.

  Snatched from his sleep by the scraping of metal across stone, the guard jerked to attention and looked up at Gideon with both anger and confusion in his blurry eyes.

  “Who are you?” the guard asked.

  “Rise,” Gideon directed, allowing the radiance of his golden gaze to enthrall the guard. The man wore no chain mail or metal helm. Obviously he didn’t take his assignment seriously. Gideon grasped his hair and jerked his head to one side, exposing his throat.

  Deepening his mental control, Gideon ensured the guard’s silence as he sank his fangs into the human’s neck. Rich, warm blood filled his mouth and soothed his ravaged composure. He drank deeply but halted before any real harm was done to the mortal. He never killed to feed, though he often fed from the victims of his sword. Finding fresh blood on a battlefield was never difficult. Protecting his ultra-sensitive skin from the sunlight had always been more of a challenge.

  A creature of light, forced to hide from the sun—it was despicable.

  He sealed the wound with the careful sweep of his tongue and dematerialized before releasing his hold on the guard’s mind. The human would remember nothing and would attribute his weakness to lack of sleep or something he had eaten.

  Gideon chuckled as he passed through the darkness, becoming part of the night. As Gabriel had said, it would have been simple for him to rid Naomi’s mind of what she had seen. With each passing year, his ability to control humans grew. He could erase or manipulate memories with little effort.

  He didn’t consciously choose his destination but suddenly he floated above Naomi’s narrow cot. She lay on her side, curled like a child. He sank toward her and gently penetrated her mind. Instead of taking the memory as Gabriel suggested, Gideon infused her dreams with sensual images and burning desire. She moaned, rolling onto her back.

  Gideon burned with the need to materialize and touch her. He shifted restlessly, pulling back from her mind before the desire to take her overwhelmed him completely.

  He was playing with fire.

  Passing through the thatched roof, Gideon soared straight up and joined with the sky.

  Soon!

  The word was whispered on the wind before it dissipated into the darkness.

  * * * * *

  Gideon’s mouth descended along her throat, across her shoulder, onto her breast. Why was she naked? She never slept without a modest garment. His eager lips closed around her nipple, drawing firmly on the sensitive peak. She moaned, arching her back, pushing herself more deeply into his mouth. He caught her nipple between his teeth and flicked it with his tongue. Tingling heat swirled through her chest, spiraling deep into her body, igniting her woman’s core.

  This was wrong. He should not be taking such liberties and she should not be enjoying his carnality!

  Her body melted, liquid heat easing the way for his penetration. She spread her legs, accepting his presence between them shamelessly. She wanted him, needed him, burned for him.

  Caressing her legs, her hips, his hands never stopped moving, all the while his mouth adored her breasts, suckling firmly.

  He took her hand and guided it downward, closing her fingers around his thick shaft. She trembled. He would thrust this inside her. This would fill her and complete her. She tried to guide him closer, to move him to her entrance, but the image wavered, fading…

  Naomi sprang up in bed, barely managing to stifle a moan. She pressed her hand to her chest and felt the frantic pounding of her heart. Where was she? Distorted images and fragments of memory combined, melding until she wasn’t sure what was real and what she had only imagined.

  Shifting on the narrow cot, she took several deep breaths and looked around. The first rays of dawn colored the room in pinks and gold. She was back in the infirmary yet had no idea how she had gotten here.

  Her mind was muddled. Sensual images shifted and rolled, confusing and disturbing her. Gideon’s
face loomed, his eyes bright with desire. His body tangled with hers, pressing and sliding, his hands stroking, moving—always moving… That much couldn’t be real. Regardless of how tempting she found him, Gideon had never shared her bed.

  The last thing she clearly remembered was sensing that something was wrong. She had slipped from the infirmary to investigate.

  Thinking back on it now, even that seemed odd. Why had she gone wandering around in the dark? Why did she leave the safety of the infirmary? And how had she known just where to go?

  Naomi threw back the covers and began to dress. She wanted to believe the rest had been some bizarre dream, but unlike the other images, she knew what followed had been real. She’d heard their angry voices. Golden light had flown from Brother Gabriel’s eyes and Gideon had flung him about without actually touching him.

  She paused, shaking as possibilities inundated her mind.

  Forces are at work here that you don’t understand.

  Brother Gabriel had tried to warn her. She’d had no idea he meant the words literally. Were they sorcerers? Practitioners of the Dark Arts? Did the Holy Order of St. John realize they harbored…harbored what? What were they?

  She paused and drew a long, calming breath into her lungs. She was loath to bring danger to Zarrah’s door, but Naomi had nowhere else to go. She had no intention of remaining at the Krak to see what they intended now that she knew they were not human.

  She could no longer trust Brother Gabriel. Pain lanced through her at the thought. He was the only family she’d ever known, her trusted friend and mentor. Until last night.

  The bell tolled announcing Prime and Naomi muttered a curse. It was later than she realized. Hurrying to the dormitory, she gathered her possessions into a bundle and thought of her sketches, charcoals and pens. Did she dare risk a trip to the scriptorium?

  Someone cleared their throat in an obvious attempt to gain attention. Naomi looked up and caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Brother Seth stood in the open doorway. Fear prickled across her skin. She refused to panic. True, he was Brother Aaron’s assistant, but he could be looking for someone else.

  “What can I do for you, Brother Seth?” Naomi asked, careful to keep her tone casual and calm.

  “Brother Aaron wishes to speak with you.”

  Her hope sputtered out. “Did he mention what it was regarding?”

  “He didn’t say.”

  “I’ll be there directly,” she responded, needing him to leave.

  If Brother Aaron was one of these creatures, it was more imperative than ever that she escape. And if he didn’t realize there was something unusual about Brother Gabriel, then she had no hope of convincing him of what she had seen. Who would believe such a wild tale if Brother Gabriel chose to deny it?

  “He requested that I escort you,” Brother Seth informed her.

  Tension banded her abdomen. What should she do? She couldn’t run with her injured ankle. Would they try to stop her if she simply ignored Brother Seth and left the Krak?

  “Shall we go?” he asked.

  This might not have anything to do with the night before. Entertaining the possibility was futile. Naomi could think of no other reason for the summons.

  With a reluctant nod, she fell into step behind Brother Seth. When they reached the southwest tower, he knocked briefly then opened the massive door.

  Before she could change her mind and find a place to hide, Naomi stepped past him and into the castellan’s chamber. The ceiling was dramatically vaulted, drawing Naomi’s eyes upward. The subtle scent of costly beeswax candles drifted in the air even though the shutters framing the windows had been thrown open to welcome the sunlight.

  “Thank you for coming, Naomi.”

  Dragging her gaze away from her surroundings, Naomi settled her attention on the man seated behind a heavy oak table. Writing instruments, a large ledger and several well-read tomes were scattered across the surface. Brother Aaron was dressed in monastic robes, but the white cross centered upon his chest was elaborately embroidered.

  Brother Aaron’s gaze shifted to some point behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she found Brother Gabriel standing in the open doorway. Fear rippled through her in a numbing wave. He smiled. Naomi just stared. She had only to close her eyes to see the strange golden light emanating from him again.

  “Come,” Brother Aaron said. “Sit. I have interesting news.”

  Brother Aaron seemed casual, almost jovial. This couldn’t have to do with the night before. Did he know what Brother Gabriel was? And what exactly was Brother Gabriel? Naomi settled herself in the chair beside him, unable to meet his gaze.

  “I received a message from Antioch this morning,” Brother Aaron began, apparently oblivious to the tension crackling between the other two.

  “Who sent the message?” Brother Gabriel asked.

  “King Louis of France.” He paused for a rather cheeky grin. “Perhaps you have heard of him.”

  Brother Gabriel smiled and shot Naomi a speculative glance. “Perhaps,” he muttered. “What was the message regarding?”

  “It seems King Louis is making inquiries on behalf of one of his noblemen.”

  “Inquiries into what and on behalf of whom?” Brother Gabriel prompted.

  “The message is not detailed. King Louis says only that one Leon of Le Puy needs to speak with the Knight Hospitaller who was entrusted with an infant girl in Jerusalem nineteen summers past. To my knowledge, that can only be you.”

  He rested his hands on the tabletop and gazed at them silently as if there were no more to explain.

  Naomi folded her hands in her lap. What did it mean? Was someone looking for her? This was every orphan’s dream, but why now after so many years?

  She was about to speak when Brother Gabriel asked, “What is his interest in the incident?”

  “That is what you shall find out two days hence. That is when Monsieur Le Puy is due to arrive,” Brother Aaron informed them with a casual smile.

  “This man is coming here?” Her voice cracked with disbelief. Seeing the displeasure in Brother Aaron’s eyes, she quickly bowed her head, offering a belated show of deference. “I beg your pardon. I’m confounded by these tidings. What will be expected of me?”

  “The message was to make us aware of his impending arrival and to encourage our full cooperation with his investigation. It would seem that our guest is on rather familiar terms with French royalty.”

  “And if his investigation proves I have some connection to this person, you will no doubt be pleased.” Naomi continued to stare at her folded hands, knowing her gaze would reveal her frustration.

  “I have reserved my conclusions. I suggest you do the same.” Hearing the calm authority in Brother Aaron’s tone, she glanced at him. “I intend to extend Monsieur Le Puy every hospitality. I expect you to be polite and cooperative. These are characteristics that do not always come naturally to you, hence the reason for this meeting.”

  “Naomi.” Brother Gabriel’s beseeching tone drew her gaze to his. “Why do you feel threatened by this man when you have yet to meet him?”

  The threat closing in on her had nothing to do with the unexpected Frenchman, but she couldn’t explain that in front of Brother Aaron. “I treasure my life the way it is. I have worked very hard to find contentment in circumstances that are unusual to say the least. I want nothing to disrupt the balance I have managed to create.”

  “If the balance in our lives is never disrupted, we never change, never grow, never reach our full potential,” Brother Aaron said.

  Naomi silently inclined her head, unwilling to debate the issue when she was unable to explain the true cause of her turmoil.

  “I will have Sister Renee find something more suitable for you to wear when you are presented to Monsieur Le Puy.” He held up his hand when she started to object. “You may go.”

  Brother Gabriel nodded and motioned Naomi toward the door. Brother Aaron pulled the ledger back in front of him and carefu
lly opened it across the table. Brother Seth closed the door after they stepped out into the corridor.

  Anger joined the anxiety knotting Naomi’s stomach as they headed for the stairwell. She understood a woman’s role in the world. The world had been designed by men for men. In the quiet sanctuary of her scriptorium, she sometimes forgot that she too must follow these rules. She worked on her drawings and the world passed her by.

  Well, her sanctuary was well and truly breached and she wasn’t sure where to turn for solace.

  Naomi preceded Brother Gabriel down the steps.

  “Naomi,” he halted her just before they reached the bottom. “Why are you afraid of me? I have never seen this sort of fear in your eyes before.”

  She turned around. He stood two steps up from her so she tilted her head to see his face. “I have never seen lightning bolts shooting from your eyes before.”

  He smiled, his expression uncertain. “Surely not lightning bolts,” he teased. “Sunbeams perhaps or Heaven’s light.”

  “Heaven’s light? Then what does that make you? A god? An angel? A ghost? What happened last night? How were you able to do those things?”

  “I will never hurt you. You must believe that. I could not, even if that were my want. It is impossible for me to cause you harm.”

  He hadn’t answered her questions, Naomi realized, and her eyes narrowed. “Who are you?” she asked directly.

  “I am Gabriel and I love you more than life itself.”

  A tingle ran down her spine and Naomi felt tears burn her eyes. How she wanted to believe it, but he still danced around the issue. “What are you?”

  Gabriel hung his head, his posture defeated.

  Why did she feel guilty? He was the one harboring secrets. “I should be thrilled by Brother Aaron’s news. I never dared to dream that something like this might happen. I accepted that my mother was dead and whatever family I might have was lost to me. But all I can think of is escape. I want to run away from you. My father, my dearest friend. How can I trust you? How do I know—”