Embrace the Night

Page 136



"Of course not," Sara replied indignantly. She studied Gabriel's face anxiously. "You believe me, don't you?"

He nodded, a soft smile curving his lips. "I would know if you were lying, cara."

Gently, he enfolded her in his embrace once again, conscious of the warmth of her skin, the life that flowed through her, the steady beat of her heart. She was so young, so alive.

"Gabriel? You didn't tell me what made you decide to come back after all this time."
He let out a long sigh, knowing she deserved the truth. "I'm afraid I've put you in danger, Sara." "Me? How?"

"It's a long story. Come, let us sit down and be comfortable."

Taking her hand, he led her to the sofa and sat down, drawing her down beside him. He glanced around the room while he gathered his thoughts, absently noting that the furnishings were new.

"You remember the story I told you about how I came to be a vampire?"
Sara nodded.

"The woman who brought me over came to see me in Spain. She wanted me to be her lover again."

Sara stared up at him, her eyes filled with jealousy at the thought of Gabriel caressing another woman. "You never told me she'd been your lover."

"It was a long time ago. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen."
"Oh. And did you… did she… ?"

"No, cara," Gabriel replied quietly, "we didn't. But when I refused, she became angry and threatened my life." He paused a moment. "And yours."

"Mine? But why?"

"She is also jealous, cara."

Sara frowned. "How does she know about me?"

Gabriel shrugged. "I don't know. Perhaps she's been following me." "And she threatened to kill me?"

"Not exactly."

Sara sat very still, her whole body suddenly cold. "What, exactly?"
"She threatened to make you one of us."