Enchanted by Stein Willard

Author:Stein Willard [Willard, Stein]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-15T21:00:00+00:00

***

Garzo was frustrated. Even with the end of the world seemingly looming, his job wasn’t done. The race needed their protectors and he was heading their first line of defense. However, it was irritating that he found himself stuck behind a desk while that traitor, and his new master, were planning to make a move on them. The Crescent had been clear on them standing down while she handled the situation.

“Milord?”

He looked up to find Juggernaut standing in the doorway of his temporary office. He had to admit the safehouse was very well-designed. It consisted of residential wings, divided by age and rank. Then there were the administrative wings that housed the offices and conference venues. Everything and everyone were within close reach.

“Yes.”

“There is someone here to see you.”

He frowned. Almost everyone, save a few old vampires, was awake during the day. He nodded and Juggernaut stepped aside and let his visitor in. Garzo climbed to his feet when he saw who it was.

“I apologize if I’m interrupting you, but I…”

“You’re not interrupting anything, Vincent. Come in and sit. Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” He looked around, a little anxiously and Garzo squashed the urge to go to the man and comfort him. “I never thanked you for helping me.” His wandering gaze finally met Garzo’s again and the hurt and regret in them were real.

“It was the Crescent. You have her to thank.”

Vincent shuddered visibly. “I… She…” He closed his eyes. “She terrifies me.”

Three weeks ago, he would’ve agreed fully with that assessment. She was still frightening to be around, but he has seen a side to the woman that many haven't. It made him slightly defensive about her.

“I understand. However, was she not who she was, traitors like Francis Elsmore would have gotten away with their depravities.” Vincent looked skeptical at that so Garzo walked over to touch the man’s shoulder. He felt thin and fragile. “There is more to her than meets the eye. She’s willing to put her life on the line to protect us all.”

“Is that what’s happening right now?”

Garzo’s gaze sharpened. He hadn’t forgotten Vincent’s link with Elsmore. Trauma bonding wasn’t only a human affliction. Vampires were just as flawed as humans. Immortality didn’t miraculously fix the cracks and suffering that their human selves had undergone. Elsmore was smart and might still have an emotional hold on Vincent.

“How are you doing?” he asked, to change the topic.

A haunted look came over Vincent’s handsome face. “I feel alone and scared, Elia.”

Garzo ignored the man’s pet name for him, instead choosing to focus on Vincent’s state of mind. He had been in a similar position once. Coincidentally, right after Vincent had left him for Elsmore. When your trust has been broken and your heart left in tatters, you feel disconnected from everyone and everything around you. You flounder about, scared and angry. It had happened centuries ago, but the hurt still lingered after all this time. Yet, he was in a position to do something for Vincent, thanks to his unexpected but growing bond with Pharah and Wilbur.

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