Page 43 of Veiled Yearning

Although Chiara considers herself weak, the truth is she’s anything but. She’s strong enough to face one of her greatest fears—being recaptured by the Custodians—rather than take the safer route and try this experiment at home.

That’s what we suggested yesterday morning, when we all sat down to discuss it. We would stay here, and Chiara would try to draw on Knight or Frederick’s energy, since they’re the ones who can use their abilities on demand.

I offered myself up, of course, even knowing I wasn’t the best candidate. But Larkin shot me down, and I couldn’t really debate him. I can’t control when I get my visions, and Chiara needs to borrow—take?—an ability that she can use right away. Otherwise, we won’t know if it works.

Chiara was having none of it, her firm tone leaving no room for argument. “I won’t try this on my friends. I don’t know if I take the ability for good, or if I’ll end up killing them. It’s awful enough to do it to a stranger, but to Frederick or Knight? Absolutely not.”

While I admire her desire to protect us, I really hate the alternative. If we can’t test her ability here, on one of us, we’ll have to bring her to a Custodian instead. We’ll have to travel to one of our holding facilities, which means time spent out in the open, where even the most thorough of precautions might not be enough.

It’s something I learned many decades ago—even when it seems like every possibility has been covered, there’s always the chance of things going sideways. But that’s not acceptable. Not this time. Not with Chiara.

“Gav. We’ve been through this.” Chiara makes an unhappy face at me. “I explained it. This is the only way.”

We’re both sitting at the island in the kitchen, two nearly empty glasses of blood in front of us. Through the patio doors, the sunrise is a vibrant wash of oranges and yellows and crimsons, bathing the room in golden warmth. The light hits Chiara’s face, turning her skin luminescent, and her eyes are flecked with amber and bronze.

She looks so beautiful, my heart physically hurts. The thought of taking her away from here, exposing her to those who want to harm her… Every instinct is screaming at me to stop this. To find another way. Or tell Chiara it’s all off, and she doesn’t need to do this at all.

But she does need to try it. As a Sentinel, I know it’s the truth. But as a man, I want to protect Chiara above all else.

Gritting my teeth, I swallow back my immediate denial. “I know we have. And I understand that you’re afraid of hurting one of us. But the chances are good that won’t happen. And we have all your healing tokens, just in case.”

Chiara reaches up to smooth her finger across my forehead, tracing the lines of worry etched there. “Please don’t worry, Gavril. I know you’ll keep me safe.” Her eyes widen pleadingly. “Please understand. I can’t take the chance of hurting Frederick. Of taking his ability. I couldn’t live with myself if I did.”

Dammit. That’s how she got me in the beginning. With those big eyes looking up at me, and her voice all soft…

I never, ever thought I could be swayed by a woman. Reasoned with—ally to ally, friend to friend—of course. But to deviate from what I think is best, just to make her happy?

Dammit. I finally understand how Frederick felt with Cait. Why he put her above everything else, even the Sentinels.

But he was half in love with Cait then. I haven’t even kissed Chiara. There’s no promise of a future between us.

Chiara spins on her stool so she’s facing me. She covers my hand with hers; her fingers soft and cool against mine. “We’ve done everything. Shielded the cars we’re taking. We’re all wearing extra talismans. Lucas and Sam are here to help. I have to believe”—she stops and takes a shaky breath—“that it’s enough.”

Looking at Chiara’s tense expression sends guilt spearing through me. She doesn’t want to do this; she’s terrified, really, and I’m not helping. Continuing to doubt her decision, casting this trip as something negative; I’m letting my worries impact Chiara.

If it was anyone else, I’d be completely confident. Certain that the mission would be a success. So why am I letting this get to me?

“I’m sorry.” Her brows rise in question, so I explain, “I’m sorry to keep asking you about this. It’s not helping. And you’re right. It will be enough.”

She stares at me for a second, her gaze assessing. “Do you really believe that? Or are you just saying it to make me feel better?”

“I believe it.” Mostly. But I tell her confidently, “I do. Everything is shielded enough to be hidden for years. And with Lucas creating his hallucination of a snowstorm around us as we travel, there’s no way anyone will be able to see our cars clearly. We’ll get to Albany, take care of this business, and be back this afternoon.”

“This afternoon,” Chiara echoes, a tiny quiver in her voice. It’s the fear she can’t quite mask, despite her best efforts. “When we get back, can we watch a movie? By the fire?”

I give her a reassuring smile and squeeze her hand gently. “Of course. When we get back, we can do whatever you want.”

We just have to get through this first.

I’ve survived countless battles. Protected hundreds of vampires and humans from the danger that awaits them in my visions. Surely, the Sentinels and I can protect Chiara for a handful of hours. And she’s no weakling; Chiara is more than capable of defending herself.

I still hate it.

“Are you two ready?” Frederick walks into the kitchen, pausing just inside the doorway. His gaze drops to Chiara’s and my entwined hands, and his lips curve into a tiny smirk. Fortunately, he doesn’t say anything, which I’m certain is out of consideration for Chiara’s feelings, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. But later, when he catches me alone? I’m sure I’ll hear about it.

“Is it time to go?” Chiara clutches my hand, all her worry and fear surging to the surface.

His expression is sympathetic. “I think it’s best we get an early start. At least this way, you’ll get it over with.”

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