The Watcher, page 14
part #1 of Fleur de Lis Series
I played with intensity and the rhythm of the song gave me chills in the depths of my soul. Zachary stood at the entrance of the music room and fixed his eyes on me as he listened. My fingers moved quickly, without skipping a key, and I looked up at his gaze. His glowing aquamarine eyes looked stunning. I finished the song with a sigh, and he smiled.
“C'est une belle chanson...et vous etes un merveilleux painiste,” Zachary said in French as he approached me. (It’s a beautiful song…and you are a wonderful pianist.)
“Merci,” I said in French. (Thank you.)
Sebastian walked in with Fernan. “Are we ready to go?” Fernan asked.
They both were wearing similar suits, except Fernan's suit was dark grey, and Sebastian had on grey and white strips.
“Yes,” John said. I rose from my seat and walked with Zachary toward Fernan.
Sebastian hugged me. “Goodbye. Take care of your brother,” he whispered in my ear.
“Always, and you take care of New York for me,” I said to him and smiled.
Mikael and Gabriel approached me. “Enjoy Barcelona,” Mikael said and kissed my cheek.
“Vale,” Gabriel said in Latin. (Goodbye.)
He kissed my left hand softly as he looked up at me with his intense brown eyes.
“Goodbye,” I said and grinned.
“Tristan and Zachary, I would like you both to accompany Charlie in the armored truck. We just sedated Bari and chained him to his seat,” Fernan said.
“Yes, my Lord,” Tristan responded.
We headed to the garage. Zachary and Tristan entered the armored truck. The limo doors were opened, and Dante climbed into the driver's seat. I sat next to Fernan in the limo and John sat crosswise to the right of me. Hazel and Christian sat in front of us. My brother grabbed the bottle of English Harbor Reserved 10 years from the small bar. He poured a little of the rum into a glass and handed it to me.
“You need it or a Valium,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said.
It tasted sweet and it had a vanilla scent.
Fernan's right thigh slightly touched my left thigh as the limo moved. I thought about the last time I freaked out in the plane coming back home from China. I spent two hours in the bathroom, panicking, thinking my ability wasn't working and that we were going down. The turbulence was severe, and my brother thought I had lost my mind. It took him an hour to convince me to get out of the bathroom.
“I didn't figure you as the fearful type to fly,” Fernan said.
I knew he could sense my emotions and read my thoughts.
“I am... I panic sometimes during take-off, turbulence, or landing. I just think we weren't meant to fly,” I said and sipped more of the Rum.
“I thought that way for a while. I traveled by sea for many years until this war became worse. Unfortunately, flying is quicker,” Fernan said.
“Yes, unfortunately,” I said.
“John is an excellent pilot. We will get there safely,” Fernan said.
“You're a pilot?” Christian asked John, who was texting on his phone.
“For over fifty years. You're in safe hands,” John said with a comforting voice and looked at me.
“And if you need a Valium the flight attendant can give you one,” Fernan said.
“I think I will be fine. I just need a little more rum,” I said.
“Can I have some too, with Pepsi?” Hazel asked.
“Coming right up,” Christian said and poured more rum into my glass before he served Hazel her drink.
Chapter 8
Tiny Dove
It took us an hour and a half to arrive to Princeton, New Jersey. We drove passed Princeton University and admired the magnificent architecture from the limo windows. The buildings were stunning, and the style was Collegiate Gothic with many sculptures and arched doors. The town was filled with many students, holding their books, drinking coffee, and riding their bikes. The autumn leaves made this small-town look picture perfect.
Dante made a right on a narrow street, passing a white mansion with a red door, and a white picket fence. We drove a few miles on the empty road and passed a farm with many horses. Colorful trees surrounded it. Further down, Dante made a left into a dirt road. I looked out the dark window and saw the high gated walls of the airport. The limo approached a small black booth with a camera facing us. The gated door opened, and we drove slowly inside. It was surrounded by Guardians.
“Is this place used for the public?” Christian asked.
“No, just for our Covenant. The Guardians that work in this airport also live here, and their cameras connect to our monitors in New York,” Fernan said.
We exited the limo onto the runway and three Guardians greeted us. They were dressed in full Guardian gear with long black jackets. One of them was holding a machine gun and another was holding a chained leash, attached to the collar of a black German shepherd. They bowed to Fernan.
I felt buzzed and light-headed from the rum. Fernan approached the dog. “How are you Serano...have you been a good boy?” Fernan asked in a playful voice as he bent down to pet him. The dog was so excited to see him, he wagged his tail and licked the side of Fernan's face. “You're a good boy yes you are,” Fernan said and smiled.
“Beautiful dog,” I said and moved closer to him.
“He is my favorite watchdog, well trained, but extremely temperamental. He only allows a few people to pet him,” Fernan said, looking at me, and caressing Serano.
“I can tell if he will bite me. Can I try to pet him?” I asked.
“Of course,” Fernan said, and he held Serano, gently by his collar.
I moved slowly and closer to the dog with my right hand open. I didn't sense any danger. Serano sniffed my fingers, and I pet the top of his head.
“He likes you,” Fernan said in shock.
“He is a good boy,” I said and rubbed the back of his head.
“She's a dog whisperer,” Christian said jokingly.
Hazel giggled softly and Fernan smiled.
“Very funny...you got jokes tonight, huh,” I grunted.
“It's a compliment—jeez,” Christian said, rolling his eyes.
“I wouldn't pet him if I were you. I had a quick vision of him biting your fingers off,” I said to Christian with a hard look.
Fernan laughed inwardly at the scene with a smile.
“I wasn't planning on it,” Christian said, but I saw the fear in his eyes as he believed my lie.
We walked toward the blue jet plane in front of us. I noticed from a distance, two mansions to my right side. That had to be where the Guardians lived. It was a beautiful airport surrounded by small planes, helicopters, and three jet planes. The Guardians took our suitcases from the limo trunk and from the back of the armored truck. They placed them into the bottom of the jet plane.
Zachary and Tristan climbed out of the armored truck, holding Bari tightly and dragging him toward the plane. Bari's eyes were blindfolded, his feet were shackled, and his hands tied.
“Let Bari get in first,” Fernan said to us.
“Okay,” I said.
They dragged Bari up the stairs and into the back of the plane. I walked up the stairs last and waved goodbye to Dante, who was standing next to a Guardian and Serano. He waved back and smiled. I walked inside, and Charlie locked the plane's door behind me.
The plane had comfortable tan leather seats, glossy cherry wood tables, and cabinets. The smell of new leather and roses enveloped the plane. Red roses were placed on all the tables. A huge flat screen was mounted above the right side of the lounge area and a bar was on the left side. It looked extravagant and new.
“Sweet,” Christian gasped.
“It's a French jet—a Dassault Falcon 7X. Please make yourselves comfortable. We are leaving in a few minutes,” Fernan said.
I took a seat on the right side of the plane and looked out the small window. The cabin lightly spun from the rum.
“Here's some water,” Fernan said and handed me a glass.
I turned to look at him. “Thanks,” I said and gently grabbed the glass.
“I couldn't help but notice you needed it. Feeling okay to fly?” he asked.
“Yes, I feel fine.”
“Good,” he smiled.
He walked away and entered the cockpit with John. I looked around and wondered where Zachary and Tristan were. I guessed they were in the back room with Bari. Christian sat next to Hazel in front of me. She would not stop giggling at his jokes. She couldn't actually think he was that funny.
“Huh,” I sighed and shook my head.
“How are you doing?” Zachary asked, instantly sitting down next to me.
“I am ready to rock and roll.”
“Are you drunk?” he asked as he looked into my glassy eyes. “I smell rum on you,” he chuckled.
“I am not drunk. I just feel buzzed, and Fernan gave me water. I will be just fine.”
“Don't worry, if you get nervous you can hold my hand,” he said and smiled.
“How's Bari doing?” I asked.
“He is sedated and chained to the bedroom in the back of the plane.”
“There's a bedroom here?”
“Yes, and the bathroom is in the back.”
A petite brunette woman in her forties with exotic brown eyes came out of the cockpit and approached us. She wore a dark blue suit. “My name is Kiki. If you need anything, please ask,” she said and gave instructions concerning the exits and where to find the life jackets.
“Don't worry if we need to evacuate—we have parachutes, and I will make sure we get out safely,” Zachary whispered in my ear.
“For some reason that doesn't comfort me,” I said and looked at him with a stunned expression.
Zachary laughed.
The seat belt sign turned on and Tristan and Charlie sat down on the single seats on the left side of the plane. They buckled up. I strapped the seat belt across my waist and snapped it into the lock. The flight attendant sat in the front of the plane, next to the cockpit door. I looked out the window and watched the runway as the plane moved slowly. It suddenly sped up fast. I lowered the window shade and closed my eyes.
The top of the plane rose, and we were up in the air. I felt my stomach rising into my throat. I opened my eyes and leaned my head back on the seat. I turned my head to look at Zachary. He gazed at me with light glowing eyes. My heart pumped fast and my palms became sweaty. I grasped Zachary's right hand and put my fingers between his. Our palms touched, and he rubbed my hand softly with his thumb. He kept his eyes on me for a few minutes until the seat belt sign beeped for us to unbuckle.
“It's okay, we have passed 15,000 feet,” he said and kissed my forehead. “You can unbuckle now...we are safe,” he whispered in my ear.
I moved my face to look into his eyes and our lips almost touched. For the first time during a flight, I felt safe. The urge to kiss his lips was overwhelming.
“Whose ass am I going to whip first on the Play Station?” Christian asked.
I moved back into my seat and looked up at Christian, who was now standing.
“I will play you, but don't cry when you lose—sore loser,” Charlie said and unbuckled his seat belt.
“Please, I never cry, and there is no way in this world that you will ever defeat me,” Christian said.
“We'll see about that. You forget the last time we sparred, how much you whined,” Charlie chortled.
“I was not whining, just expressing myself. You fought dirty—it was unfair,” Christian said.
“You will not find a fair fight when you are confronted with a blood thirsty vampire. Hey, Kiki, do you have a tissue box? The cry baby here is going to need one,” Charlie began to whimper like a child, teasing my brother.
“Funny,” Christian snickered.
“I will get one for you, Mr. Balsamo,” Kiki responded and flirtatiously smiled at my brother.
Christian smiled back at her with bright eyes and checked her out as she passed him by. Women of all ages were always attracted to my brother. I didn't get it. Was his annoying confident attitude and unique style that appealing? Whatever it was...it made me irritated, only because it made his head get bigger.
I unbuckled. “Thanks,” I said to Zachary and glanced at him.
My shyness was creeping in, and I felt my cheeks turning pink.
“Anytime,” Zachary said and smiled wickedly, knowing he made me nervous.
We walked into the lounge area, and I sat on the long leather sectional seating that faced the flat screen. I picked up a large pillow, placed it at the corner and made myself comfortable. Zachary sat next to me. Charlie turned on the television and hooked the Play Station to it.
“Aaron is still pissed off...he keeps on asking if Bari has made contact,” Christian said as he rubbed the eagle ring.
“He’s still on the yacht?” Zachary asked.
“Yes, they are moving fast. Six days ago, he trashed the saloon area in a rage because Bari did not return with his vampires and the helicopter,” Christian said.
“We found the helicopter. It was left on the Upper West Side by the docks,” Tristan said.
“Did you find anyone else around the dock?” Christian asked.
“No one else was near the helicopter. We also searched the ocean for miles, trying to find Aaron's yacht, but we had no luck,” Tristan responded.
“How long are we staying in Barcelona?” I asked.
“Maybe a week or two...let's see what Salazar can find out. Have you ever visited Spain?” Zachary asked.
“No, but I am looking forward to it,” I said.
I unzipped my leather boots and removed them. I placed my legs and feet across Zachary's lap. The rum made me sleepy. Christian and Charlie started playing an assassin game on the Play Station.
“I play the winner,” Tristan said.
Tristan's apparel was always modern—GQ style and his dark wavy hair was always pushed back. He was a private vampire who didn't say much. I wanted to know how old he was and when he became a vampire...better yet if he had any powers.
“Tristan Dautry,” I said. He looked at me. “Do you have an ability?” I asked.
“It's the best power to have,” Tristan said and smiled.
“Well, what is it?” Christian asked.
“If I touch you, I can drain the energy from you, until you stop breathing,” Tristan said.
“Are you kidding?” Christian said in shock and paused the game.
“No, sore loser...he is not,” Charlie said, anxiously, “You can't stop the game to take a break.”
“Will you cut that out? Let's see who is crying by the end of this level,” Christian said and resumed the game.
“You are the ultimate weapon,” I said to Tristan.
He smiled again. “Only if I can get close to touching my opponent.”
“And how old are you?” I asked.
“I am two years older than Zachary in vampire years. I was turned at the age of twenty-three, by Durand himself. I was a well-known blacksmith in the Northern part of France, and Durand needed one. He searched for me and found me in a brawl with my sister's boyfriend. He intervened, stopping me from killing the scoundrel. He had violated my sister and needed a good beating. Afterward, Durand hired me as his personal blacksmith and turned me one year later. The rest is history,” Tristan said.
“Tristan, your sister was not violated. She was promiscuous, and you know that to be true,” Zachary said.
“She was a virgin, and he took away her innocence and would not marry her,” Tristan sneered.
“And you believe this because she told you?” Zachary asked and shook his head.
“Wait,” I said. “You both you knew each other when you were human?” I asked.
“Yes, we grew up in the same town, and Tristan always had a bit of a temper,” Zachary replied.
“All the men in the Dautry family have suffered from it...I can't help myself,” Tristan said.
“Right, blame your family for being a douche sometimes,” Christian said.
Tristan touched Christian's shoulder. In an instant my brother started to look pale and became asthmatic, then Tristan let go. “Do you have anything else to say?” Tristan asked him.
My brother inhaled deeply, trying to catch his breath. “Don't ever do that to me again!” he complained.
Tristan was going to touch Christian again.
“Okay, I take it back you are not a douche,” Christian said, moving his butt closer to Charlie with frightened eyes.
“Do you mind?” Charlie said, annoyed that Christian was leaning toward him.
“Relax!” Christian said. “The both of you...jeez, no one can take a joke today.”
Zachary and Hazel laughed, while I shook my head and placed it to the side on the pillow.
Hazel opened up a laptop and worked quietly at a table next to the bar. Zachary rubbed my feet as I closed my eyes, gradually falling into a deep sleep.
“You suck old man!” Christian yelled at Tristan as he played a game with him.
I woke up disoriented. Zachary was not sitting next to me anymore, but he must have put a blanket over me. I slowly removed it from me and noticed Hazel smiling at me while she listened to music on her smartphone.
“How long was I sleeping?” I asked.
She removed her earbuds. “At least three hours,” Hazel replied.
“I definitely needed it,” I murmured.
“You were talking in your sleep,” Christian said.
“No, I wasn't,” I yawned and stood up to stretch my arms up in the air.
“Yes, you were calling out Sebastian's name and moaning. Oh, Sebastian...I love you, my Viking King,” Christian taunted me, speaking in a girly voice.
“Oh, yeah,” I said and snatched the remote control out of his hands.
Christian rose from his seat to try and take it. I quickly pressure pointed him on the sides of his body. “Ugh,” he grunted in pain and fell back to his seat, rubbing his sides.
I handed the remote control to Charlie. “It's your turn,” I said to Charlie.
“Thanks,” Charlie said and cackled with glee, resuming the game.
I walked to the back of the plane to use the bathroom. My bladder felt like it was about to explode. I opened up a door and saw the bathroom sign to the right. A small kitchen was to the left of me and another door in front of me was closed. It had to be the room where Bari was in.
