The Vampire Queen's Rebirth

Chapter Thirty Two

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''We're here.''William said,pulling Reina out of her trance once they went through the computerized gates.Zero glanced at Reina who instantly seemed rigid,the tension radiating off her quite discernible.William went round the massive statue and parked the car facing the driveway back to the gates.

''I seriously need a change of clothes.''Luke muttered,filing out with Zero who turned back when he realized the two figures in the front weren't doing the same.

''Aren't you going to come in?''he asked,a frown marring his beautiful face.

''Ummm...no.Vampires are not really welcome on Hunter land....Its fine.Just get the journal and a change of clothes.We'll be out here waiting.....Oh and hurry!''she said.With a nod,he led the others up the steps,Amelia glancing back at Reina who's eyes were on the statue,her mind seeming to drift off.She sighed,a silent perception hitting her there and then.If she hadn't met her then she would have never believed how strong she really was.

William glanced at Reina and sighed.He knew how hard it must be for her to be so near the Black mansion once more after almost a whole millennium. So many memories.Some good but, unfortunately,most bad......He turned back to the house entrance where the three had just disappeared in,praying fervently that they would hurry it up.

The first person Zero met with was Gail who engulfed her in a tight hug,almost pulverizing his ribs.

''Thank God you're safe.....where have you both been?I was worried sick!I tried calling you but got no answer..''she voiced,the worry evident on her features.She seemed to have aged drastically since they'd seen her the night before.

''I'm sorry nanny.We're fine.We just got too wasted to make it home.I had to drag Luke from the bar.He's still hangover-ed so some of that good soothing smoothie will be perfect.''he explained,gesturing over at Luke who was rubbing at his head as he held onto Amelia. Gracia nodded with a slight smile,kissing Luke on the cheek once he stepped forward.

''I will get right on it....As soon as you have a long shower....Aren't you going to introduce me to this beautiful woman?''she asked,raising her brow at both men who seemed at a loss for words.

''No need....Hi,I'm Amelia Walker.I was their designated driver from last night and partly the reason they didn't call you....We were all just so exhausted from the ball so after I gave them a change of clothes and somewhere to sleep back at my place,I'm afraid we forgot all about calling.I really do apologize...''Amelia explained comprehensively and perfectly,her lying skills spot on.She would have made a perfect lawyer,judging by Gracia's reaction which was as expected from Amelia but not so much from the two best friends.

''No need...I'm glad they had such a responsible young woman looking after them....And so beautiful....I should be thanking you actually....''Gracia replied,earning a shocked frown frown from both men.They were sure the old woman would see right through her as she did them.She was good.Very good.

''Thank you...And believe me,it was the least I could do.''she replied,earning a warm smile from Gracia that she mirrored.

''Ummm..Nanny?I'm going to take Luke up for a bath...''Zero stammered out,earning a nod from the old woman as he lead an intoxicated Luke up the stairs.

''She's good..''he muttered,Zero nodding.

''Tell me about it....I'll get the journal and letter.You go and have that bath....''Zero said once they got to the top of the stairs,watching as he staggered down the hall to his room before getting into his room for a change of clothes.He was back downstairs a few minutes later,his hair still wet from the quick shower he'd taken,heading straight for the safe in the study where he'd kept the journal and letter.He was about to close the safe again when the Silver sheath of the last and most important gift his father had given to him gleamed back,seeming to pull him in.He felt an even stronger connection to it than he had when Father Ramone had given it to him.Without knowing it,he grabbed it too,shutting the safe and heading out of the study.Amelia appeared from the dining room area,following him out to the entrance where William and Reina still were waiting in the car.

''Looks like Father Ramone actually compromised and gave it to you....Damn,It has been a while since I've seen Lazriel this up close.''Amelia said with a smile as she gazed at the gleaming sword.

''You know about this?''he said,staring down at it in pure wonder.

''Yes.Of course.I'm sure Father Ramone touched on it....To put it simply,every Hunter has a weapon that is given to them by the forces of nature in order to protect their Guardians.Just as we Witches protect nature,so do you,Hunters that is,do.It is your solemn duty as the Warriors you were created to be.And thus Lazriel is here for the sole purpose of ensuring your protection....do not let him out of your sight.Let him guard you and if you feel an imbalance,strive to control it.Find your inner center.I know this all sounds like gibberish but you have to trust me on this one...Promise me you'll follow my instructions.''she said,squeezing his hand once they got to the SUV.

''I promise.''he replied,surprisingly having a sense of understanding to all her explanations.

''Good.Now hand me the journal so that I can remove the enchantments on it.''she said,closing her eyes once he put the journal in her hands,her low whispers completely befuddling to him.

William gazed at them passively,turning to Reina with a questioning frown once he set his eyes on the weapon in his hands.

''What of his other half?''Reina looked away from the statue at that point,her cold distance that had been there before slowly dissipating once she set her eyes on the sheath too.

''I don't know.We shall cross that bridge when we get there...For now,I wish to sit at the back if you do not mind.''she said,earning a nod from William who alighted to go and open the door for her on the other side.With a single glance at the words carved at the bottom of the statue,she turned away,entering the backseat as William shut the door before heading over to open the other one for Zero.He got in a minute later,Amelia shutting the door for him before leaning in as William got into the driver's side.

''I have removed the enchantment cast on it.You should be able to read it now.''Reina nodded with a slight smile.

''Thank you.''she replied,looking away once she turned to Zero.

''Be careful.Both of you.''she said,her gaze resting on Reina a little longer than normal as she conveyed a secret message to her.One she stressed for more impact.

''I give you my word,Amelia.''Reina said,earning a confused glance from Zero.He never thought he'd ever get used to their secrecy.

''We'll stay here and go through everything.I'll need my other Grimwars though for reference.Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.Room 448.The receptionist has the key.''she replied,directing the last part to William once Reina gestured over to him for her to give the details to.

''The receptionist?How safe.''Reina muttered,earning a slight smile from Amelia.

''I have my reasons.''

''William will drop them off.Do call us once you find anything.''Reina ordered,William acceding to it.

''I'll see you guys soon.''Amelia backed away once William started the car,driving down the driveway.

''May I have the journal please?''she asked,turning to him.

''Oh...yeah..Here you go.''he muttered,giving it over to her.Silence engulfed the car,the only sound being the pages from the journal as she turned them.He stared out of the window,his mind swirling with questions,trying to process everything.He shifted slightly,the sword slightly rubbing against Reina who looked up abruptly,turning to him.

''I hope you realize that you being a Hunter means that your weapon is lethal to me and my kind,right?''she spoke up,watching quietly as he jerked back,pulling Lazriel with him and placing it in between his legs.

''I'm sorry....I wasn't paying attention....Are you okay?''he stammered out,unconsciously reaching over and touching her arm.They both glanced at the point of connection,each acutely aware of the burning intensity between them.

''Yes...Very okay,thank you....Now will you tell me what the hell has been bothering you since we were back at my mansion?''she asked,placing her hand unwittingly on where he'd just withdrawn his hand before pulling away when she noticed he was staring.

''Well...My questions are too many.....But......You said that my father linked your energy with mine.That that was the only way for you to become my Helmurrin and help me turn,correct?''Reina nodded,frowning.

''Yes....Where is this heading to,Zero?''she asked,hoping fervently that he wasn't......

''If our energies are linked then that means you could show me what happened that night,right?''he said,his gray eyes pleading,their burning intensity for the truth tugging at the deepest part of her being.

''No!......I will not burden you with such a morbid thought!Your Father died a noble death and that is all you need to know!''Reina shouted,looking away from him.Tension radiated off her in waves,her anger evident in her bearing.

''All due respect but that is Not your decision to make but mine.....He was my father...My Father!I have the right to know the truth!''Zero replied,equally as feisty as she'd been.She may have not glanced back at him but he was sure as hell that she was pissed off of high heaven.

''So you wish to feel all that pain,huh?!Fine....No!Don't even go there!......I tried to protect him so its not my fault that he's such a stubborn man!''she shouted,turning to William who's shocked glance visible from the rear mirror was filled with pure disapproval.With a sigh,he looked away,a hint of sadness evident in his empty tone.

''I need to know...Please William.''Zero said,a part of him needing to explain himself to the man.He didn't understand why but his simple nod brought a sense of relief in him.

''Look at me......Breathe and relax....''Reina muttered,placing both her hands on either one of his cheeks.Zero did as he was told,staring deep into her eyes.He could feel their energies merge....

''Good....Now close your eyes...''she said,watching as he did everything she ordered him to do.He was so damn stubborn....She closed her eyes,letting everything go just as the first wisps of the memory began to drift through her mind.....

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