45
45
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Gabrielle stirred first, her head still resting on Matthew’s chest. His arm was draped protectively around her, holding her close as though shielding her from the world.
She smiled softly, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. Even a century-old vampire needed some rest after healing from such a brutal injury.
Slipping out of his hold carefully, Gabrielle made her way to the kitchen, deciding to let him sleep a little longer. She brewed coffee, even though she knew Matthew didn’t drink it, and stared out the window. The weight of yesterday's events still lingered—Ruelle was out there, and they both knew the quiet wouldn’t last.
The creak of a floorboard pulled her from her thoughts. Turning, she saw Matthew standing in the doorway, his hair slightly tousled and his sharp features softened by the early light.
"You should’ve woken me," he said, his voice husky from sleep.
"You needed the rest," she replied, handing him a glass of water.
Matthew accepted it with a faint smile. "You spoil me, you know that?"
"Someone has to," she teased, taking a sip of her coffee.
They stood there for a moment, the silence between them comfortable. But Gabrielle’s mind drifted back to Ruelle, and the faint smile on her face faded.
"What’s our plan?" she asked finally, setting her mug down.
Matthew sighed, leaning against the counter. "I’ll track him down. He’s left a trail before, and he’ll do it again. But I won’t rush into this. Last time..." He trailed off, glancing at her with an apologetic look. "I underestimated him. I won’t make that mistake again."
"Good," Gabrielle said firmly. "Because I can’t lose you."
"You won’t," he promised, stepping closer and cupping her face in his hands. "But you have to trust me. And you have to promise me something too."
"Anything," she whispered.
"If things get dangerous, you’ll stay out of it. No heroics, no putting yourself in harm’s way. I can’t focus if I’m worried about you."
Gabrielle frowned, wanting to argue but knowing he was right. "Fine. But you’d better come back to me in one piece."
"I will," he said, his lips brushing against her forehead.
They spent the rest of the morning preparing—Matthew gathering information, making calls, and carefully mapping out his next steps while Gabrielle stayed close, helping where she could.
By midday, they decided to take a break. Gabrielle suggested a walk around the neighborhood, something normal to ground them before things spiraled into chaos again. Matthew agreed, though his senses remained sharp, his eyes scanning their surroundings as they strolled hand in hand.
It was peaceful, almost deceptively so, and for a moment, they allowed themselves to pretend. Pretend that they were just a regular couple, walking through a sunlit street, without the shadow of a ruthless vampire looming over them.
But as they rounded a corner, Matthew froze, his grip on Gabrielle’s hand tightening.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Matthew’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "We’re being watched."
Gabrielle’s heart skipped a beat as she glanced around, her gaze darting from one shadow to the next. "Ruelle?"
Matthew shook his head. "No... someone else."
His voice was low, controlled, but Gabrielle could feel the tension radiating off him. Whoever it was, they weren’t friendly.
"Stay close," Matthew murmured, positioning himself between her and the direction of the unseen presence.
Gabrielle didn’t argue, her pulse quickening as they continued walking. Every step felt heavier, the air around them charged with an unspoken threat.
When they finally reached the safety of their home, Matthew locked the door behind them, his face set in grim determination.
"This isn’t over," he said, his voice like steel. "Whoever it was, they’ll come back. We need to be ready."
Gabrielle nodded, her resolve hardening. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.