“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me… whatever it is you’re afraid to tell me.”

“We don’t have the luxury of time, Jade,” I say in frustration. “Trust me, I’ll explain everything once we’re out of harm’s way. Right now, we need to leave.”

Jade, however, stands her ground, unwilling to yield to my evasive responses. “I have just seen things that I can’t unsee. Why won’t you just tell me the truth? I am not a child. I can handle it.”

I can see the hurt in her eyes, the sense of betrayal at being kept in the dark. Jade deserves the truth, or at least a glimpse of it. I take a deep breath, my gaze meeting hers. “Jade, those men were vampires. They’re part of a supernatural world that coexists with ours. And you, you’re not just an ordinary human. There’s something extraordinary within you.”

Her eyes widen in shock, and maybe a bit of denial. Then, realization crosses her features. I can see the flood of questions building within her, but I press on, urgency pushing me to get to safety.

“We need to leave, Jade. I promise. I’ll tell you everything once we’re away from here. About the vampires, your power, and the world you’ve unknowingly been thrust into. But for now, we have to go.”

Jade hesitates for a moment, the revelations sinking in. Then she nods, determined, and starts packing her things. I admire her resilience, and willingness to face the unknown.

Although shaken, Jade shows a surprising level of composure as she gathers her things. The room becomes a blur of movement, urgency propelling us forward.

Once Jade is ready, we slip out of the apartment, with the night air still carrying a sense of danger. In the hurried moments that follow, I lead her through dimly lit corridors, my senses on high alert. We move quickly and quietly, as I keep a watchful eye, ensuring that we’re not followed.

As we make our way to safety, I can feel Jade’s eyes on me, a silent demand for the answers. I know I can’t keep the truth from her any longer, that the time for secrecy has passed.

“I am taking you home, Jade.”

Chapter 14

Jade

Iagree to leave with Gabriel, fear and curiosity swirling within me. The drive is silent, with unspoken truths hanging in the air. Gabriel’s sheer presence threatens to distract my mind, but I steel myself, determined to uncover all the secrets that have been eluding me.

As we enter the driveway to his home, my eyes widen at the huge house, (ok, mansion) with its 6-car garage and beautiful landscaping. His wealth is evident. It’s no surprise that he has money, but I really had no clue. I have to remind myself to focus on the situation at hand. I have questions that need answers.

I feel like an outsider in this luxurious domain as we enter his home. It’s a world very different from mine, and I’m a little intimidated by the luxury.

Refusing to be distracted, I get straight to the point. “We need to talk.”

“Yes, but it can wait until the morning. It’s late.”

“You have been lying to me, Gabriel, and I need an explanation. I have so many questions. There are things that I don’t unders—.”

“In the morning, Jade. We’re both exhausted and need some rest.”

Frustration gnaws at me, but I just look at him, deciding to hold back, for now. I don’t want to push too hard and ruin my chances of finding out the truth.

“I’ll take you to your room. It’s this way.” He leads me to my room, which is right next to his. The door opens to reveal a room the size of my apartment. Complete with lavish furnishings. There is a king-sized bed covered in pillows and rich linens. To my right is a huge window that offers an amazing view of the moonlit night, and to my left is another door leading to a private bathroom.

I’m both impressed and annoyed. This all feels like a way to divert my attention from the questions I want to ask. But I won’t let him off that easily.

Gabriel turns to leave, “ Good night. We will talk in the morning. I promise.” His dismissal irks me, but I decide that now is not the time. With a curt nod, I agree, watching him as he leaves.

Alone, I take a moment to look around. The room is bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight through the curtains. The bed beckons, inviting me. It has been a long night, but before I can rest, I need to take a shower. Maybe the hot water will help me relax and release some of the tension I’m holding after the night’s events.

Not surprisingly, the bathroom is nicer than anything I’ve ever seen. Marble countertops, a spacious shower, and a bathtub that promises comfort and relaxation. I let the warm water cascade over me, the tension in my muscles gradually letting go.

After the shower, I wrap myself in a plush robe and go back into the bedroom. The bed looks even more inviting now. As I slip beneath the covers, the luxurious linens cradle me. I feel a strange mix of comfort and discomfort, but fatigue prevails, and I succumb to the pull of sleep.

In the morning, I wake to the soft rays of light filtering through the curtains. The room feels less intimidating in the daylight, and I remain in bed, not quite ready to get up. I lie there pondering how to confront Gabriel. I am going to get my answers today. He promised.

As I step into the hallway, I find him there waiting. His expression is unreadable, a mask.

What is he hiding?