Chapter 15

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((EDITED 5/19/2016. Minor dialogue changes, and I changed one scene a little bit))


((Dedicated to NatashaGrey for recommending the song that's on the side. It is an excellent fit with the story but I would advise listening to it either before or after (preferably after) the chapter because it has words and, consequently, can be a bit distracting. But it's a wonderful song and pay attention to the lyrics if you listen!))

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I couldn't help it; I was terrified. The thought of some unknown vampire creeping through my window, writing me a note to make sure I knew he was there, and then leaving Riley's bloodied organ just feet away from my sleeping form deeply unsettled me. I should have known better to open the box once I read the note, especially since my nose had been able to detect the smell of old blood. I had cracked the box open only slightly, which was enough to release the foul odor so that it permeated the air in the room, and that was enough to make me freak out and almost throw up on the spot. For the first time all evening, I had been glad to see Gabriel.

I still felt dazed as Gabriel and Eli ushered me out of my room, Gabriel instructing Eli to dispose of Riley's remains as soon as I was out of sight. I tried not to shudder in disgust. Gabriel stood quite close to me as he led me to the stairs but he made sure not to touch me. I wondered if it was because he didn't want to touch me or because of our argument earlier.

Thinking of Gabriel's earlier words caused pain to lance through my chest and I winced outwardly. Gabriel glanced at me and I was pretty sure I saw a flash of concern in his eyes before I strode ahead of him, hurrying down the stairs and into the main living area. All thoughts of the creepy intruder aside, I still felt wounded. I was glad Gabriel had come to my rescue but I still did not want to get too close to him. I had promised myself earlier that I would leave him and move on, taking the unbearable pain as it came, but the thought of doing so now was incredibly daunting. I could feel my Wolf's anger with Gabriel but I knew she would have a hard time recovering if I rejected our only Mate. She may never forgive me.

Gabriel indicated that I sit down on the couch and I did so, sinking down into the plush cushions with a sigh. There was a lamp lit next to the table in front of me, accompanied by several maps covered in marks. Gabriel turned the lamp off and made his way over to the majestic fireplace. I watched as he yanked a lever upwards and then rummaged around a bit before he grabbed a lighter, holding it out to the large pile of dry logs that sat within. I found myself staring into space yet again.

What was I supposed to do? Gabriel had mentioned that he was going to bring me to meet this Raziel person, whoever it was. Perhaps this could be my chance to find out more about my Mate and his many secrets; but did I even want to? Did I want to involve myself further, only for Gabriel to throw angry and harsh words in my direction whenever he saw fit?

It wasn't long before Eli returned and made his way to the kitchen, opening cabinets and grabbing mugs. As the fire in front of me began to blaze I heard the sound of brewing coffee. Gabriel had settled down in the armchair nearest mine. His muscles were still tense as he stared into the fire, the bright light reflecting in his unfathomable eyes.

I couldn't help but stare at him, the way the flickering fire accentuated his chiseled features with light and shadow. Some tiny part of me absently wished he weren't so good looking. Perhaps then I wouldn't stare at him like a pathetic idiot all of the time. Then again, he was my Mate. I'd likely be attracted to him even if he were ugly.

"Who is Raziel?" I blurted out after a few more minutes of silence. I had to say something before my mind went in circles for so long that I went crazy. The smell of fresh coffee permeated the air and invaded my nostrils, soothing me slightly. I was glad they weren't trying to get me to go back to sleep, as I knew the probability of that happening was slim. Then again, it would take quite a few cups of coffee before my body began to even register the caffeine, so drinking the small amount that Eli was probably making wouldn't actually serve to wake me up. It would just help me relax.

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