Arielle Immortal Journey: The Immortal Rapture Series, #5

C:\Users\TORAY\Desktop\trope scope\books\angie rueckert lilian roberts.jpg Chapter 1

Four days passed without incident following the revelations about the Veneti society, Professor Allworth, and the origin of Arielle's magic amulet. Sebastian and Troy went to the office every morning and returned home around two in the afternoon. Sebastian and Arielle fell into a routine. In the afternoons, Sebastian would spend time reading the paper or watching the telly while Arielle did her homework. Later, they would take long walks on the beach and talk about their plans for the future. When they arrived home, Sebastian would sit with her while she ate her dinner, and they would discuss news about school and their friends. Sometimes, she would chitchat nonstop, making Sebastian laugh out loud. It was later in the evenings that he would get on the phone with Troy and the conversations would turn serious.

They would use that strange immortal talk that made it impossible for humans to understand their discussions. However, she would notice his facial expressions shifting as their dialogues progressed. She wondered what was so upsetting for Sebastian, but she didn’t want to ask.

She thought that it was amazing that as soon as he would hang up, his whole demeanor would change. Arielle would again become the center of his attention. He would take her to bed and make her writhe in his arms, causing her to forget any thoughts or concerns she might have had.

One afternoon they decided to go horseback riding. It was a cool, clear day, and they rode in silence. Arielle’s thoughts swirled around Sebastian while her eyes enjoyed the scenery.

She realized that she had never visited Sebastian’s office, but in her mind she had created an image of this enormous building located in the middle of London. She was completely intrigued about Sebastian’s business. She wondered what his secretary looked like, what kind of people worked for him, and what did he do when he was there. One of these days she was going to surprise him with an unexpected visit. She gave an imperceptible shake of her head and smiled inwardly as she thought of how surprised he would be when she entered his office unannounced.

She looked over at Sebastian. He was watching her carefully, his gaze locked on hers, eyes inviting to speak her mind.

What are you thinking? he asked curiously.

She snorted. About you, of course, do I ever think about anything else?

I’m happy to hear that. But you look perplexed, so what are you really thinking about? he asked again, a light smile touching his lips.

Oh... her voice trailed. There was a long pause. I was thinking about the telephone calls you have been making to Troy for the past three nights, she said, and gave him a direct look. Sebastian narrowed his eyes at her.

What about the calls? he asked, surprised.

Arielle cleared her throat. Sebastian, you look agitated during those discussions. I do hope that everything at work is going well, she said, keeping her expression as calm as possible.

Sebastian moved his horse closer to hers, met her gaze, and held it. Arielle, why do you feel that you can’t ask me about something that’s bothering you? Have I ever given you a reason to think that you can’t? He smiled gently.

No, you haven’t, but I don’t like to intrude in your private affairs, she said, returning his smile.

You’re going to be my wife. I don’t keep private affairs from you, he said, his voice low and velvety soft. He studied her face carefully while waiting for her reply.

She drew in a breath. Okay then, what’s going on at work that has you so worried?

Sebastian’s brows furrowed. He paused for a short moment. Arielle flicked him a quizzical glance.

Do I look worried?

No, not now, but during those calls you do look anxious, she said firmly.

Hmm, I didn’t realize that, I’m sorry. We have had a few issues at the office with a security breach, he said and frowned.

There...you are doing it again, she said, and pointed at his face.

What?

You’re frowning.

Sebastian blinked in surprise. He looked uncomfortable and shifted lightly on the saddle. Sorry, he said.

Do you have a spy inside the company? she asked, her eyes sweeping over him.

No, no, we don’t believe that we do. We took care of that problem last year. This has something to do with our company systems.

Oh... her voice trailed again. What are you doing about that?

Well, we are very close to a solution.

I hope this solution doesn’t include you leaving the country like you did last year, she said worriedly.

Sebastian appeared to notice her uneasiness. Don’t worry, baby, I’m not going anywhere.

How are you going to fix it?

Our engineers have developed, and are ready to introduce, new security products that can be used globally. We are previewing the designs this week, and hopefully we’ll approve their development and distribution. Sebastian’s excitement about the new products was evident. Arielle relaxed, and as they started to ride again, she was drawn into his enthusiasm. She enjoyed listening to him discussing the details.

By the time they reached the stables, the sun was slowly disappearing below the horizon, painting the surrounding sky with an intense orange and red color. Sebastian helped her off her horse and pulled her into his embrace. He held her for a very long time.

I love you, Arielle, please don’t worry.

Arielle reached up and cupped his face with both hands. She pulled him down to her for a searing kiss. His arms locked about her and he drew her flush against him. She moaned softly, and the kiss grew more demanding. Sebastian finally lifted his head reluctantly and hauled in a deep breath.

Lets' go home, baby, he whispered against her lips. We don’t want to make a scene in front of the stable boys, do we now?

Her eyes lit up with excitement. She nodded in agreement, a wide smile spreading across her face. She took a quick look around. Several young men were moving about the grounds, but nobody was looking their way.

She grinned and, standing on her tippy toes, pressed another quick kiss on his lips. Nobody is looking, she said, and pulled out of his arms.

He nodded in agreement and reached out to clasp her hand. Let’s go, he said softly, and pulled her towards the car.

On the way home he held her hand as she whined about having to go to school without him.

It’s only for this week, love, he said, clearly happy that she was missing him.

She humphed and mumbled something inaudible. He glanced at her and their gaze locked. I’ll try to survive without you, she said gloomily, wondering what he was thinking.

Sebastian’s happy laughter was contagious. Arielle had to admit that it had been a wonderful afternoon.

––––––––

When Sebastian and Troy couldn’t go to class, Arielle rode with Gabby. The two of them spent lunchtime pouring over books at the cafeteria pavilion with their friends. She visited the library with Gabby and Eva sometimes to research information for their classes. Arielle used the time alone with her best friends to talk about her visit to Olivia’s house. She told them about Colt and Olivia. They looked stunned. They sat close to each other and discussed the secret society and all that she had learned from Olivia.

Are you going to one of the meetings with her? Gabby asked, her eyes full of interest. Arielle struggled hard to keep a straight face seeing the eagerness in Gabby’s eyes.

Before she had a chance to open her mouth, she heard Eva reply briskly, Of course she will. She has to learn how to use the spells in the book, it’s very important, right, Arielle?

Yes, I have agreed to attend the next meeting with Olivia, and I’m quite excited about it, she said glancing between Gabby and Eva.

Well, there you are! Eva said excitingly.

Is that the little black book with spells and magic? Gabby asked.

None other, Eva said, staring at Gabby. I remember how eager you were to find out about my books and spells back in secondary school. Do you remember that? Eva asked and smiled. Arielle thought that she must be reliving memories of her best friend’s curiosity about magic.

Gabby frowned. She didn’t look happy about this at all. Arielle saw a sudden mental image of Marcus flash in Gabrielle's mind and felt her fear. Her friend's lips trembled. It was one of those moments that Arielle wished she could not read the minds of some people.

What’s got you all upset? Eva asked, gazing at Gabby.

I— I don’t know, she said looking down at her hands. The thing is, I seem to remember the bad outcome of practicing spells, and it just gives me the creeps.

Gabby, this book has everything to do with protecting Arielle from that crazy immortal who is trying to kill her, Eva said. There was a lengthy pause.

Gabby looked over at Arielle and said worryingly, Fine, but I don’t want you to do anything that might put you in danger.

I’ll be all right, said Arielle with a soft smile. She reached over and gave Gabrielle a warm hug. She knew that Gabby was worried about her, and so was Eva. She loved them both so much. She looked down at her watch and realized that they had been there for a while. She stood up, closed the book in front of her, and chuckled softly. Well, we didn’t get much done today.

We sure didn’t, Gabby said. Troy will be home soon, and I want to be there, if you know what I mean. She muffled a chuckle.

We know exactly what you mean, Eva insinuated looking at Arielle to share her amusement. They picked up their books, put them in their book bags, and walked out quietly. The weather had turned cloudy and it looked like rain. A cool breeze blew across their faces and they looked at each other with blissful smiles.

I guess I’ll go find Ian, so we can go home. Eva said as she started to walk toward the exit.

Where is he? Arielle asked.

When I go to the library to do my research, he attends a discussion forum once a week with other medical students, Eva replied.

Oh! That sounds really interesting, I didn’t know he was doing that, Arielle said. Turning her attention to Gabby, she asked, Why don’t you go with Ian? I thought you guys took the same classes?

I really don’t have any interest in the forum discussions, she said, holding a soft smile. I like to interact with Troy rather than the other students. She remained quiet while Arielle and Eva watched her carefully, and she finally broke out into hearty laughter. The three of them laughed wholeheartedly. It was an addicting laughter that brought tears to the eyes of Arielle and Gabrielle. When they finally stopped, Eva was watching them with a wretched look on her face. She reached over and ran her fingers across Gabby and Arielle faces, dabbing the tears on their cheeks.

Thanks to my immortality, I’ll never be able to do this again, she said softly, looking despondent. I used to enjoy a good cry now and then, she murmured with a slightly choked voice. Arielle and Gabby gave her a warm hug, letting her know that they felt her pain.

––––––––

Arielle was elated that she didn’t cross paths with Allworth during the next four days. Sebastian was coming to class on Monday, and she was looking forward to that meeting. The week ended with no major issues, and they girls happily welcomed the weekend.

Friday and Saturday evening, they watched a couple of new films, visited some new restaurants, and stopped at their favorite nightclub to enjoy the music. Sebastian and Arielle took their long walks on the beach, holding hands and discussing plans for the future. She was so in love with this stunningly beautiful man that each and every time they were together she prayed for time to stop.

On Sunday morning, Sebastian was meeting Troy at the country club to play golf. He left the bed early but not before making sure his beautiful girl was happy and sated. Arielle went back to sleep, and didn’t wake up until noon. She got out of bed slowly and after taking a warm leisurely shower, she took time to enjoy a light breakfast.

It was a beautiful sunny day, so she decided to traipse through her private haven: the garden. She put on a light jacket before walking outside. A light breeze brushed across her face and her lips curved up blissfully. She took a deep breath, filling her nostrils with the salty scent of the ocean. Every nerve in her body thrummed with joy. She took a seat under her favorite English oak and, placing her journal on her lap, she let the pen glide over the empty pages.

September 30th

Hello once again my silent friend. There is so much going on in my head, and in my life, that I wanted to sit down and put my thoughts on your pages before I start forgetting some of the important things. It seems that my palette is never blank. There is always something lurking around the corner.

Gabrielle came out of the hospital and moved back with her parents. Troy was quite unhappy because he wanted her at home with him. He acted like a spoiled child. Gabrielle needed help due to her injuries, and her mother was the best choice until Gabby could do things for herself.

Ian and Eva came back from their recuperating, or should I say life-altering, holiday in Italy. I nearly died when I saw them walk off the plane. They looked stunning: flawless features, amazing bodies, and seamless walks. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from them. On the outside, they are different from the old Eva and Ian. However, I know that inside nothing has changed; they are exactly the same two people that I adore. I know that it will take time to get used to their immortal looks, but I’m willing to wait. I often wonder how long it will take for our lives to get back to normal following the horrible accident.

Colt Allworth is our new chemistry professor. I was quite concerned about him because of his weird reaction to the amulet on my necklace, but as it turns out he is a close acquaintance of Olivia Dillon and a member of Olivia’s secret society. He is very familiar with the list that holds the names of the true keepers of such important things as the amulet and the little black books. My name wasn’t on that list, and it gave him great concern as to how I acquired it. He now knows that it was a gift from Olivia and we have a friendly understanding.

And, oh...my...gosh... I can’t forget to tell you about Annabel. She showed up at my campus parking lot on a day that Sebastian didn’t attend classes with me. Eva was with me, and the moment their eyes locked, I thought the earth’s axis tilted. Eva was furious. She had sworn to make Annabel pay for trying to kill us at St. Jean. I was happy that most of the students had left the parking lot because I knew it was going to be bad, and it was. Annabel was caught by surprise, unable to understand the changes in Eva’s powers. It was a bloody fight that left me dumbstruck, and Annabel horrified. She was a bloody mess when she left. Eva prevailed, and Annabel was lucky to be alive. We knew that she would heal in a short time, so Eva was ready for her, but she didn’t come back. I hate living with the fear of her showing up unexpectedly and trying to kill me, but I accepted the burden when I fell in love with Sebastian.

Arielle closed the journal. She let her eyes wander across the ocean as she sat in silence. She stood up slowly and started to walk back toward the house. She enjoyed each step she took in her private utopia. The splendor of the garden took her breath away. The fragrance of the winter flowers soothed her senses, and she smiled wide. Once inside, she picked up her mobile and rang Gabrielle and Eva to make plans for the afternoon. The guys would be late coming back from golf. There was no reason for the girls to wait around, Arielle thought.

C:\Users\TORAY\Desktop\trope scope\books\angie rueckert lilian roberts.jpg Chapter 2

On Monday morning, Sebastian and Arielle walked into Allworth’s class not knowing what to expect. The professor was sitting at his desk waiting for everyone to take a seat. His eyes met Arielle’s and he gave her a meaningful look followed by a brief smile. She smiled back. He immediately averted his gaze back to the papers on his desk.

It turned out to be an enjoyable lecture. At the end of the hour, everyone gathered their books and headed to the exit.

Just a moment, Arielle, Allworth called. Before you go, I’d like to have a word with you and Sebastian.

Arielle turned to face him, holding Sebastian’s hand. They waved at Troy and Gabrielle, and waited until everyone had left the auditorium. When the door closed behind the last exiting student, Allworth stepped down from the platform and, smiling wide, he extended his hand to Sebastian.

Hello, Sebastian, he said cheerfully. I had a long talk with your mother a few nights ago, and I daresay that I was astounded, but delighted, to hear all the details about you and Arielle. They carried on a short conversation, Allworth doing most of the talking while Sebastian listened. There was a kind of awe in Allworth’s eyes as he examined Sebastian’s face, which didn’t escape Arielle. Her mind raced. Why is he looking at Sebastian like that? Doesn’t he know about his immortality? She wasn’t sure why the thought unsettled her.

She was still lost in her thoughts when Allworth’s voice snapped her out of her daydream. How are you, Arielle? he asked quietly.

Fine, she replied mildly.

First, let me say that I’m extremely pleased to find out that the rightful owner of the amulet has given it you, he said excitedly. I also understand that you don’t quite know the enormous powers that are bestowed upon you while wearing that amulet, Allworth said flatly.

Arielle sighed audibly. She knew that she had absolutely no idea about the powers of the amulet.

Well, not really, she said hesitantly, her lips twitching.

This was a gift to Arielle from my mother, Sebastian chimed in, pointing at the amulet. She wants Arielle to be safe, Sebastian added earnestly.

Safe from what?

An old girlfriend of mine will not go away. She has been hunting me for centuries now, and she’s not willing to give me up. She has tried to harm Arielle several times, and she almost succeeded in killing her this summer while we were on a holiday.

Allworth gasped. His jaw set.

Who is she?

Her name is Annabel, and it’s a very long story, Sebastian said, pinching the tip of his nose.

I’m sorry to hear that. This amulet will do the job, Allworth said sympathetically. There was a short silence before Allworth continued. Arielle, Olivia and I discussed the black book that goes with the amulet.

Wh—What about the black book? Arielle stammered. She squeezed Sebastian’s hand tightly.

Olivia told me that you have agreed to attend some of our meetings, or at least the next meeting. Is that true? He was smiling.

Yes, she blurted out.

Sebastian, I hope you’ll be supportive of Arielle attending the meetings with your mother. She needs to understand the powers she possesses and how to use them, he said matter-of-factly.

She saw Sebastian nodding. Of course, he said.

Allworth gazed at him and smiled. Arielle, I’m looking forward to seeing you there. He gave her a pointed look.

Thank you, Professor Allworth, Arielle said, feeling a little vulnerable.

I guess we better go, he said. I’ve taken enough of your time. He turned around and walked up on the platform to retrieve his briefcase. He grasped it and walked back down to where they were standing. He shook Sebastian’s hand and gave Arielle a soft smile.

Just before he started to walk toward the exit, Sebastian said, I was wondering if you knew that there are a few immortals attending this university, besides you and me.

Allworth looked back and lifted a brow. Well, I know a couple of them, they are my friends and professors here. But no, I wasn’t aware that there were more. Do you know who they are?

Yes, they are our best friends. You met Troy Vasser and Eva Winters. They are both in your class. Then there is Ian Bristow, Eva’s fiancé, and my sister Loren. There may be more, but those are the people we know, he said, and smiled.

A gleeful smile spread across Allworth’s face. Thanks for staying back to talk with me, he said as they made their way toward the exit. Outside the auditorium, Troy and Gabrielle were waiting patiently. Allworth shook Troy’s hand and smiled at Gabrielle.

Good day, Allworth said, and putting his mobile phone to his ear, he walked slowly away, shaking his head.

What was all that about? Gabrielle whispered, eager for information.

The four of them walked toward the parking lot as a light mist hit their faces. Arielle didn’t respond.

So! Gabrielle pressed, gazing at Arielle. Arielle heard the stubborn resolution in her voice and knew that Gabby was determined to find out all she could about the meeting. She was ready to play with Gabby’s zeal for the next few moments. Sebastian sensed her gaze and raised his head to look at her. Both Sebastian and Troy suspected what she was about to do, and she saw a slight smile paint their faces.

I’m not sure what you mean, said Arielle, snickering inwardly.

Oh...my...God, Arielle! What did he want? she said, bursting with anticipation.

Arielle shrugged her shoulders, ignoring the emotion flaring in Gabby’s eyes. Nothing that I want to talk about, Arielle replied.

The emotion in Gabby’s eyes vanished and resolve replaced it. Arielle, I’m ready to bust, she said.

Arielle grinned and rolled her eyes. Sebastian and Troy watched the exchange with interest. Their faces betrayed their amusement.

Gabby, I think you are deeply disturbed, Arielle said, and chuckled under her breath.

Gabrielle’s frown deepened and she let out a deep sigh. Are you going to tell me what happened or I’m going to scream, right here, right now.

Well, I’m not going to tell you, said Arielle in a casual tone. She was trying hard to keep a straight face but failed miserably. It took but a moment and she finally burst into laughter. Gabrielle followed.

Gabby, you’ll never change. You’ve been this way since grammar school, and I love you dearly. Arielle was still laughing at Gabrielle’s tenacity.

Gabrielle shrugged. I can’t help it, she said keenly. But don’t keep laughing because you are exactly like me. She saw that Sebastian and Troy agreed with Gabby, and they all laughed again.

When they reached their cars in the parking lot, Arielle spilled the details about the conversation in the auditorium with Allworth. She told them about his enthusiasm that she would be attending their secret society meetings with Olivia, and she laughed at Troy’s astonishment. Gabrielle already knew about the meeting with Olivia because they had discussed it at the library the day before. There was silence for a moment. A slight pause followed. Then, Gabrielle blew out a breath.

So, that’s what this was all about, she said thoughtfully. That’s why he was acting so creepy the other day in class!

Arielle raised an eyebrow and smiled. Well, yeah, she said nonchalantly. I’m delighted to know that Allworth is an immortal and not someone that wants to hurt me. Her relieved smile suddenly vanished and Arielle’s blue eyes narrowed. Another face appeared in her thoughts, making her shiver.

Uh-oh, Sebastian said. I know that look.

What do you mean? Arielle gazed up at him.

That look. He pointed at her face and continued. The look that says you are worried about something else now.

Arielle rubbed her temples hard and sucked in a deep breath. She kept unusually still as she pondered another worrisome thought. I—I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is coming my way, she said bitterly.

Sebastian sighed and put his arm around Arielle, pulling her close. He was sure that Annabel had something to do with Arielle’s apparent discomfort.

Arielle, please, baby, let’s go home. It was apparent that Arielle’s nerves couldn’t handle thinking about Annabel anymore.

Sebastian, I’m sure that Annabel will do everything possible to destroy our wedding day, she said, voice filled with despondency.

Nonsense, Sebastian said. Let’s go home, it’s getting late. He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose.

All right, all right, she said awkwardly. She turned her attention to Gabrielle and Troy. She noticed that Gabrielle was