Page 126 of Master of My Heart

“No, Chase. Not at all. She is a sweet girl, but residing inside her is a frightening power that, if left unchecked or allowed to fall into the wrong hands, could destroy the world.” Theo’s eyes turned mournful. “Who would want to create such power, except for an evil purpose? A good Elder would not hide it and would share it, at least with his fellow Elders.”

Chase stared at the Immortal, trying to process what he was saying. “So, Sabrina’s not evil, but the reason she’s here is?”

“A simple summary, but in essence, yes.” Theo turned suddenly to face Chase. “She called for you...” He studied Chase carefully. “There are always choices to be made, both good and evil. Evil is powerful, but good is more so. It is sometimes a harder path to travel, though. When such a creature is born, there are always two paths laid out for her. She can choose to walk the path of good or evil.”

“She’s a good girl, Theo,” Richard said. “I hardly think she’s going to destroy the world.”

“She makes her choice by the partner she chooses.” Theo turned back to Chase. “I believe you are a choice for good, Chase. Her calling to you tells me she has a connection to you.” He looked at Richard. “Richard, she is in your city and you are the Elder. A choice to belong to you is also a choice for good.”

Chase blinked and grasped his desk. He’d always desired to be a force for good, but he imagined it to be on a far lesser scale than saving the world. He never thought his life would be so significant as Theo seemed to believe it was.

Theo chuckled. “All lives are significant, Chase. We all leave our footprints in the world. Some just leave larger prints than others.” Being an Immortal, Chase knew Theo was more than capable of reading any human mind, but he usually did it more subtly.

“What happens if she doesn’t choose Chase or Richard?” Tom asked.

“I cannot see exactly what will happen, but I fear it will lead to destruction. There is obviously someone out there who wants her. It is probably the same person who came after her years ago, capturing and abusing her. Or who had her abused.”

Richard told Theo about Aiden and his odd confession. The Immortal listened and nodded. “It is likely the same person then. He prefers to stay in the background and pull the puppet’s strings. Do you know if Aiden has any associates in the area?”

“At the cocktail party, he was with a new ballet donor named Damian Sinclair, but he was all human. Seemed harmless enough.”

“Whoever is behind Aiden would be powerful enough to hide in plain sight. I would recommend keeping an eye on this Damian and his associates.”

“He’s a Brother, though an inactive one,” Tom added. “His family has been involved for generations. They live in DC and help keep an eye on the politicians.”

Theo nodded, looking thoughtful again. “We must be wary and watchful. Evil is coming. We must be prepared.” He looked at Chase. “Sabrina will wake soon. You should be there when she does. Be strong. Be bold with her. She has been abused and needs a gentle, yet firm hand to find her place in this world.”

Chase nodded. Theo smiled. “I will return when she is awake. She will need help to finish healing in a timely manner.”

The Immortal disappeared from sight and Chase sighed. “Wow.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Sabrina heard birds faintly chirping in the distance. She felt a slight breeze across her cheek... soft material next to her skin... a soft pillow beneath her head... a large hand holding hers... She squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to escape the lovely feeling of peace.

She moved slightly and groaned as the aches began anew, though less intense than before.

“Sabrina?” A masculine voice intruded into her peace. But it was a pleasant voice. A gentle voice.

Was it a trick? It had to be. No one was coming for her. She was back in hell with no hope of escape.

She swallowed hard, steeling herself against reality, and slowly opened her eyes. A dark shape moved in front of her. She blinked several times and the shape morphed into a man sitting next to the bed. His eyes, full of worry, searched her face.

“Chase?” she whispered, drawing her brows together.

A smile broke out across his face, deepening the scar that ran down the side of it. A sigh escaped her lips.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

She moved again and winced. “Sore.”

He nodded and squeezed her hand gently. “I can only imagine.” He reached forward and caressed her cheek. “I was so worried about you. We all were.”

Darkness clouded her vision and she was transported back to the hell she was so recently in. She shivered and cried out, then warm arms surrounded her, bringing the light back.

“Sabrina, you’re safe. I promise, you’re safe.”

She blinked, shivering and grasping desperately at Chase, unable to escape the darkness that wanted to consume her. Tears spilled down her cheeks and she let out choking sobs, hardly able to catch her breath. She felt him shift, pressing his body against hers.

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