Reclaimed

Forever.

***

When Sabrina arrived home, she moved quickly. She didn’t know how much time she had left for a successful escape, and urgency overcome her as she sprinted up the stairs. She winced as she thought of what would happen when Isaac discovered she’d left.

There would most likely be a storm incomparable to any ever seen before.

She only took the time to grab a few articles of clothing and the necessary toiletries. She spent too long deliberating over the note she knew she must write to Isaac.

In the end, she wrote only four sentences.

I love you, Isaac. I’m sorry I broke my promise, but it’s for the best. Please don’t follow me. It’s just not meant to be—you need one of your own kind to love.

Love always, Sabrina

She wiped a tear from her cheek, and left the hous

e, not bothering to lock the door. Isaac would get inside anyway, and she had no more energy left to care about anyone else entering, either.

***

Anxiety crept up Isaac’s spine as he approached Sabrina’s house. He wasn’t sure why he felt that way, but he slammed his foot on the gas nonetheless. He’d learned long ago his instincts rarely failed him. He found himself wishing he’d run instead of driven, but tonight he planned on taking Sabrina out to dinner. He would provide plentiful amounts of wine and get her drunk.

Because when she got drunk she got drowsy, among other things.

He needed her sleepy tonight. Tonight, he and Elijah were going to conquer Louisa.

Hopefully.

He’d be gone all night, and he wanted to be sure she didn’t come anywhere near them when they fought. He’d also acquired a sleeping pill, should he find it necessary to use such methods. He’d rather not drug her, but he remained resolved to do so if he deemed it crucial.

He pulled up to her house and cursed when he saw her missing car. He jumped out of his TVR Cerbera. His heart pounded in his ears as he sprinted to her door.

Where the hell did she go? Is she insane?

“Sabrina?” he called. Even as he searched for her, he knew he wasted his time. He couldn’t sense her presence.

He searched the house, observing a few articles of clothing thrown about, and she’d taken her toothbrush. He growled and bolted down the stairs, only to stop when he noticed the white sheet of paper on the foyer table.

He scanned it and threw his head back and yelled her name. Thunder crashed overhead, and the wind howled so strongly that the door banged against the wall with a loud crack. In a rage, Isaac flipped a table across the room. It banged against the wall, shattering upon impact. The sight of it breaking into pieces sobered him, and he sank to the steps. His emotions were whirling unleashed, and it showed in the weather outside. A tree blew over from the sheer force of the wind, and it crashed onto the Sabrina’s roof. The house shuddered under the impact, and he wished it would fall down on him, and put him out of his misery.

If only he weren’t freaking immortal.

She’d left him after promising always to remain by his side. Now she was alone, and he couldn’t protect her from Louisa. He needed to find her; he needed to protect her from herself, because she’d created the perfect opportunity for Louisa to kill her.

She’d just signed her bloody death warrant.

Chapter Nineteen

Elijah awaited Louisa by the cliff’s edge. They had one chance, and one chance only, to get her.

He inexplicably felt guilty for using her desire for him against her in such a way. He hated her more than anyone had ever hated anyone, or anything. But she had created him, and in doing so, she’d connected them for all eternity. He’d always feel an odd sense of loyalty toward her, as well as a grudging affection. And it killed him.

He needed to end this twisted cat–and-mouse game they’d been playing for over one hundred years. He’d finally be free of her power. About damn time, too.

He whirled in shock, his nostrils flaring when he smelled Isaac. “What are you doing here?” he hissed. “Louisa will see you, and know it’s a trap. Get out of here.” When he saw the pain and worry echoing in Isaac’s eyes, he questioned, “What is it? What happened?”

“Sabrina’s gone. She’s left me. She’s obviously trying to keep me safe, and she thinks it’s the only way to save me. And in doing so, she’s now—”