Infinite Love

Chapter 11

Harlow

I had tried with everything in me not to watch them, to get lost in my own pleasure from the beautiful fledgling between my legs but it was impossible.

The sounds of pure passion and rawness of connection could not be ignored. I had watched as she writhed between them and part of me had wanted to be in there with them, to be a part of it. The other part felt a dark jealousy that I had not know I was capable of, Erik’s face was full of an intensity that I had never seen before. He looked at her in a way he had never looked at me.

Watching Nico carry her away I feel relief, that once more Erik is all mine. I notice a tenderness in the way he cradles her that is at odds with the disdain he usually displays towards her. I look to Damian to see if he has noticed but his attention is elsewhere already.

He watches Erik with hawk eyes as he gets dressed once more and I shift to fix my dress back down moving away from the fledgling. I have an uncomfortable feeling that there is still more twistedness to come from Damian before the night is through.

Once Erik is dressed Damian stands sauntering arrogantly towards him and I rise to follow curious what is coming next. He pats his shoulder “Let’s go to the bar and get a harder drink. I need to fill you in on my plans” his tone drips with a condescending arrogance and his eyes have a sly glint. I knew it!

At the bar it’s almost as if I’m not even there, except for the glass that is thrust into my hand. There are bodies writhing together indiscriminately now and they all look like they are in ecstasy. How I envy them their freedom.

“Tomorrow” Damian begins and I am on full alert. “You will go to the lab in New York with Amelia to begin your research and put an end to this hunters menace. Nico will accompany you to ensure that all stays as it should be” there is a pointed edge to his tone as he says this but Erik’s face remains blank giving nothing away.

Then he gives as cruel smile as he looks at me “And Harlow will stay here with me as assurance” I feel my mouth fall open in shock, Erik bristles “Not a chance Damian!”

The two men glare at each other neither willing to back down “Now cousin, I would never harm your precious wife, she has allowed a peace and reconciliation for our family. I simply want to protect her while you are serving our people. Like I am sure you know Nico will protect my wife”

There are layers upon layers of undertone and menace to each word. Such a mercurial man whose true intentions are never clear, the only thing that is clear is the threat he presents.

Erik is silent for longer than is comfortable, I can see he is warring with his own thoughts. When he speaks it is with one word “Fine” he mutters through gritted teeth.

I feel relief that his response will de escalate the situation but inside I feel a terrible turmoil stir, he has agreed to leave me behind and go with her. I want to hold onto him with everything I’ve got, drop to my knees and beg him not to go but I retain a shred of dignity.

Damian smiles then full of triumph. What game is he really playing? “Marvellous! So wonderful that the houses can collaborate for the greater good of all vampires. Excellent choice Erik” yet it’s there that menacing undertone to his words.

At that moment the beautiful but cold Nico returns, the look he gives Erik sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t believe I’m being left here in the vipers den while he disappears with the two of them. I tune out and stop listening to their forced conversation lost in my own misery elevated by the rapture surrounding me.

Eventually I feel Erik’s hand on my shoulder pulling me back into the now and I realise he has asked me something, he looks at me intently trying to read my emotions. “Sorry I missed that?” He looks patient as he repeats his question “I asked if you wanted to go up to bed now?”

I just nod and take his hand, he gives the others a polite nod but I can’t make myself even look at them.

Once in the room my raw emotions leave me feeling the need for comfort, for reassurance. As Erik takes his shirt off I run my hands over the bare skin of his back up over his shoulders. I expect him to turn and kiss me but instead he gives a heavy sigh and steps out of my reach. My heart shatters a little more.

He has never before stepped away from my touch since we have been together and now it has happened twice. He turns to face me and I fight to hold back the tears that want to fall.

He gives me a half hearted smile “I’m sorry Harlow, it’s just been a very long and testing night. I’m exhausted I just want to shower and sleep”

All I can do is nod my understanding, if I was to speak I know all of the pain I’m feeling inside would come out and if it does I might spill everything I don’t want to and truly loose him forever”

He studies my face and I think he’s going to ask me something but then he silently turns away from me and walks into the bathroom. He closes the door behind him which he normally never does. My last shred of resolve shatters and I throw myself on the bed. The heavy tears I have been holding back come forth like a flood and I am glad the sound of the shower drowns out my sobs.