Page 27 of Huntress and the Splintered Court
“I suppose not.” With a kiss to my hair, he stood moving behind his desk as I clicked past the final set of security.
I connected with a panicked Eric. In all my years of working with him I doubted I’d ever seen him in such a state. “I don’t have a lot of time. I need you to listen very closely.” Eric’s frenzy caused anxiety to unfurl deep in my belly. Gideon sensed this turning his attention to me. “Reed has started a coup and is planning on overthrowing your father.”
“What?” I gasped.
“He’s pissed about some failed something and is claiming your father’s plan to support the Alpha makes him unfit and since you’re not here to step into the leadership role he’s claiming it ‘temporarily’ for himself.” Eric did air quotes around the word to show that he didn’t believe Reed for a second. Neither did I. Once Reed gained power everything that I had worked for my entire life, everything my father built, even Gideon’s plans of outing the wolves were all over. “Shit,” hissed Eric. “Someone’s coming. I’m sorry I can’t be more help. I’ll call again when I can.” The screen went back to the program.
“Eric?” Of course he didn’t respond. I knew he’d exited the chat, but I was anxious over what he just divulged. “Shit!” I slammed the laptop closed. Slumping back into the couch, I gnawed at my nails as I considered what I heard.
What was I supposed to do? Feeling helpless wasn’t something I did well. My fingers threaded in my hair pulling just enough to feel the sting on my scalp. The pain helped me think and I knew what I needed to do, but it was the last thing I wanted. “I have to go.”
“What?” Gideon had remained quiet as I sorted through my thoughts.
“I don’t have a choice. If Reed gains control of the Order, he will never relent that power. He’s already raging war between the wolves and the vampires. He was responsible for last night’s attack and that was just behind the scenes string pulling. What happens when he can step out of the shadow and stop being the puppeteer? I’m next in line. Even if the Order claims my father is unfit, and it has to be for more than just his position on the wolves entrance into the human world, I can step into his shoes and still follow through with his plans.”
“For how long, Isabel?” The grief at our separation was evident on his face. It was the most vulnerable I’d ever seen him. He wasn’t telling me not to go. He knew I’d never listen.
“I don’t know, but I have to go.”
“He’s trying to get you there, don’t you see that? Everything has been about getting to you and now he’s laid the perfect trap.”
“It doesn’t change anything.”
Gideon paced around the office. I gave him his space, returning the favor he’d just given me. “I’ll go with you.”
“You know you can’t. My father may have accepted us, but the rest of the Order would turn against me. Once the wolves are out then I’ll have no reason to stay and I can return to you.”
With a growl, he was suddenly on his knees in front of me. “You are mine, Isabel.”
“I know and I swear I’ll return. I promise, Gideon.”
“Say it. Say what you said to me yesterday morning.”
I searched through my memories before landing on the only one I thought he could mean. Cupping his face between my palms, I tilted his head so I could see into his green eyes. The scar down his cheek was a beacon begging for my touch so I obliged tracing my fingertip down it. His lids closed relishing my touch.
“I love you, Gideon.” Before another word could be spoken, we were kissing. I didn’t know who moved first, maybe we moved together. All I knew was I desperately wanted near him, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get close enough.
In one swift movement, Gideon lifted me as he sat on the couch easing me over his lap. I kissed him with everything I had, pushing every unspoken word, feeling, into the small pressure of my lips. I wanted him desperately especially when the idea of our reunion was ominously vague, but I didn’t have time. I needed to leave.
Tears coated my lashes as I pulled back, worrying my lips. “I want you, Gideon, but…”
“You have to go.”
I nodded, fighting off the emotion. Cradling my head between his hands, he kissed me gently just once before exhaling heavily. Our moment was over. Crawling off his lap, I went to the door.
“I’ll arrange for a car to take you. Give me five minutes then be outside.”
“I need my clothes that I arrived in.”
“They’re in our closet.”
Those words,ourcloset, struck heavy in my gut. I adjusted my path to the elevator. I didn’t know what to say. Goodbye? Would I see him before I climbed in the car? I didn’t know. So I said nothing as I entered into the elevator and held my breath as the doors sealed me into the small space completely alone.
11
Dressed in my hunter’s attire, I was out the front door with a minute to spare. Gray clouds darkened the sky threatening rain. It mirrored my mood and almost felt as if the Thorn Court itself was saddened by my departure.
My steps faltered at the sight awaiting me. There in the drive, standing halfway between the car and me was Gideon. He was dressed in the same jeans and t-shirt I’d just seen him in moments ago. I took a minute admiring him, drafting him to memory. I loved him in suits but dressed like this was much more him. This wasn’t a forever goodbye, just temporary, that’s what I had to keep reminding myself as the ache in my stomach blossomed.
