Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the Kingdom

Gabriela

Whitley

The Rise of the Kingdom

LYANA JO

GABRIELA WHITLEY

Copyright © 2013 Lyana Jo.

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ISBN: 978-1-4582-0829-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4582-0830-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4582-0831-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013903057

Abbott Press rev. date: 3/4/2013

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER V

CHAPTER VI

CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER VIII

CHAPTER IX

CHAPTER X

CHAPTER XI

CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XV

CHAPTER XVI

CHAPTER XVII

CHAPTER XVIII

CHAPTER XIX

CHAPTER XX

CHAPTER XXI

CHAPTER XXII

CHAPTER XXIII

CHAPTER XXIV

CHAPTER XXV

CHAPTER XXVI

CHAPTER XXVII

CHAPTER XXVIII

CHAPTER XXIX

CHAPTER XXX

CHAPTER XXXI

CHAPTER I

I t was sunset when the vampire made his way down to the busy streets of Calderon, a city alive with towns people celebrating their version of Mardi Gras. A few college students, wearing colors of purple, green and gold, laughing, banging on trashcan lids, and drinking beer, ran past him. They shouted obscenities to women that passed and laughed hysterically at the women’s reactions. This was a time of celebration in Calderon. A time for relaxation. The parade already passed, left the streets full of debris. The street sweeper would be busy tomorrow cleaning up the empty soda cans and candy wrappers that lay near the gutters and along the curbs.

The vampire watched a mother desperately trying to comfort her wailing child as he reached up for a golden balloon floating away into the night. People scattered, heading home for the evening, ready to end their day. However, this was the beginning of his as he walked the night searching to quench his thirst.

He noticed two local women at the Bistro on the corner having a glass of wine, chatting about their day, not paying attention to the ruckus that surrounded them. The vampire thirsted for middle-aged women. They always aroused his desire to engage in conversation. Listening to their gossip helped to pass the long nights in Calderon. Though every decade the styles changed, the humans did not.

He crossed the street, intent on greeting the two ladies at the Bistro, when he picked up a scent so rich he could not ignore it. Swiftly, he turned and followed the scent that captured his attention. A young woman headed into the bookstore on the corner of Dugan and Cornwell. She was younger than his normal prey and could not possibly be as interesting as the women at the Bistro, yet he felt compelled to follow her.

When the vampire entered the bookstore, her scent of eucalyptus with a hint of rose, was so strong and that it was easy to find her. I wonder how she has lived this long, he thought. He watched her from across the room as she scanned through a very interesting section of books. Folklore and myths, books of his kind and books of others he would never want to run into again. His curiosity consumed him enough that he picked a book from the shelf in front of him. He looked down at the title, The Amazing World of Manta Rays. Yuck. He put the book back on the shelf and scanned through the titles. Mountain Lions at Large. Ah yes, much better. He watched as she ambled her way into the café with a book in hand and approached the register. He sat down at the table in the far corner, never taking his eyes off her.

A chai latte, please. Her soft voice rang sweetly in his ears. She was slender with a light olive complexion. She dressed casually in a baby blue blouse and blue jean capris. Her auburn hair, wrapped into a loose bun, shimmered with copper highlights as a few strands of hair curled slightly at the ends hung freely along her cheek. Her lips were a perfect color of rose and not too full. Her cheekbones were set high, her nose was perfectly symmetrical, and her deep ocean blue eyes were rather large in her small, angelic face. She drew him in without knowing it.

The young woman sat down at a table directly across from him and buried her nose in the book, so engrossed that she didn’t notice anything or anyone around her. He tried to peek at the title, but her fingers blocked it. What was so interesting?

Two girls walked into the bookstore, snickering. They looked around the bookshelves and then toward the café. There she is, the petite girl of five feet two inches with shoulder-length-golden-blonde hair said, pointing towards the young woman reading the book. The young woman, still absorbed in the book, didn’t look up.

Hey, Gabby, said the girl with red hair that hung down in her eyes and was jet black and buzzed short in the back.

Interesting style of hair, thought the vampire, who had seen many decades of hairstyles. Then his mind switched back to Gabby, he said, trying to understand how it could be, as it didn’t fit her.

Gabby jumped and looked around her searching for the owner of that deep voice.

The girls giggled and sat down at the table. What’cha readin’?

Gabby shrugged and closed the book, marking her place with her finger. Hey, Lizzy, Bree. How was the game?

We’re still undefeated. You should’ve been there. Camden was awesome as always, Bree said, rambling on about the pitch that won the game. And then Camden struck him out! It was their best hitter and he didn’t stand a chance, she said excitedly.

Cam should be here soon. Had to talk to Coach Snyder first about the away game, Lizzy looked up. Oh, hey Cam! Grab us a cappuccino with caramel and whipped cream.

A six-foot-one-inch athletic boy with short, spiky blonde hair and green eyes, still in his baseball uniform, walked over to the table and kissed Gabby on the cheek. Sure, Lizzy, he said, looking at Gabby. Need anything, Gabriela?

Ah, Gabriela, such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman, the Vampire thought.

No thank you, Camden, she said, pointing to her latte. Her rich, rosy eucalyptus scent heightened as a rosy color touched her cheeks. The vampire, overwhelmed with desire, watched the display of human emotions passed from one to another.

He listened to their conversations anxiously. It had been a long time since he heard anyone speak like this. Perhaps I’ve been paying too much attention to the wrong crowd. The vampire listened as they rambled on about the game, school and the party coming up in a couple of weeks. They were excited for spring break so they could head to the beach. Then the most interesting topic of the night was about the book she was reading.

Another vampire book, Gabby? Lizzy teased, rolling her eyes. Are there any vampire books left that you haven’t read? Lizzy and Bree laughed.

Shish, you’re going to get us kicked out, Gabriela whispered, her cheeks painted a bright rouge.

The vampire’s throat burned with desire as her scent smothered him.

She shook the book in front of them. These are interesting, she said and sat the book down on the table.

Gabby, why do you read vampire books? Lizzy asked.

Bree and Camden both looked at her awaiting her answer. The vampire straightened up in the chair with anticipation.

Vampires are very seductive and lure you in with a simple gaze. They are intelligent and smooth talkers. And they are always up for an adventure, Gabriela said with a wink.

Well, Camden began. If you’re looking for someone to seduce you, he stood and pulled her into his arms, their eyes meeting. I am more than willing to be your vampire. He kissed her. Lizzy and Bree giggled.

Gabriela pulled away from him, blushing.

I’ve got to get back to the dorm before the guys come looking for me. With a devious grin, he said, But if you want, I could follow you home. He pulled her in tight, And I could suck your blood. He bent down and pretended to bite her neck. The girls laughed. After I seduce you of course, he said, and then he kissed it.

The vampire’s mouth watered watching the pulsing vein in her neck. He ran his tongue over his fangs. His eyes began to burn.

Camden looked at Gabriela and she bit her lip, grinning.

Go on, Cam, take her now, Lizzy teased.

Gabriela put her fingers to her mouth while her cheeks still burned crimson. She turned back to Camden, You’d better get going. Randall and Jimmy are probably on their way.

One last kiss to get me through the night. He cupped her chin and kissed her gently. Till morning, Gabriela Whitley.

Till morning. Good night, Camden Mansfield, she said giggling.

Camden slowly backed away, not letting go of her hand until the very last second. He looked dreamily into her eyes and bumped into a table behind him, almost tipping over the Styrofoam cup of coffee. The young man sitting at the table grimaced and grabbed hold of the cup. Hey.

Sorry, man. Camden turned and walked out of the bookstore as laughter erupted behind him.

Oh, Gabby, he’s absolutely charming isn’t he, Bree sighed, watching him walk away.

Yes, yes, Cam is quite charming, Lizzy said, rolling her eyes. Now, only if we could get Randall and Jimmy to look our way, she said, raising her eyebrows and rubbing her hands together.

Right, Bree said, sarcastically. They aren’t looking for a couple of freshman. Bree stood up and Lizzy followed.

Heading back to the dorm? Gabriela asked.

Yeah, need to get back. We haven’t even looked at our assignment. Later, Lizzy sighed and walked toward the exit with Bree.

The vampire watched Gabriela open the book and continue reading. Her expressions were so vivid and intense as she read. Which book is it? he wondered. After a while, she smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. She sighed, sat the book down, and glanced at her cell phone. Oh, no, she said and hurried back to the bookshelf and slid it into its spot. Quickly, she dashed out the door.

The vampire swiftly walked to the bookshelf, grabbed the book and ran after her. With a scent as sinful as hers, she was easy to find. He blended into the crowd just far enough away to stay invisible, yet close enough to inhale her delicious scent.

Gabriela passed the dormitory and continued up the street in a direction he had not been in such a long time. She walked past houses that grew larger and further apart. She turned the corner where only two houses stood and turned up the drive to a white, Victorian mansion built in the late eighteen hundreds with an addition of a balcony off the third floor.

The vampire stood under the big oak tree closest to the mansion. A light brightened the third floor and then the balcony door opened and she walked out. Gabriela shook her hair loose, letting it fall down her back to her waist as she leaned against the rail, closing her eyes and inhaled as a breeze blew against her. The vampire’s fiery throat longed to take her life as her rich eucalyptus scent traveled through the air.

The moonlight, his favorite light because his senses were sharper, made it easy to see every detail of her face as if she were right in front of him. Even the color of her eyes changed to a crystal blue. Another light breeze blew through her hair as she rubbed her folded arms and headed back into the house.

The vampire climbed up the tree until he was eye level with her room. The over-sized dark cherry canopy bed, full of pillows of all sizes, deeply contrasted against the taupe walls, yet complimented the sheer burgundy and cream drapery. He watched as she jumped onto the bed, another book in her hand. Intrigued by the emotions she portrayed, he watched her read for what seemed like hours. If only I could hear her, he thought.

Finally, she put down the book, yawned and stretched, and then turned off the lamp, falling fast asleep. The vampire jumped onto the balcony and slid in through the cracked window. Silently, he walked over to her bed and gazed at her.

Feeling the pulsating vein in her neck throughout his body drove him wild. He longed to glide his teeth along it, and taste her sensuous flesh. He yearned to touch the angel that lay in a peaceful sleep. Slowly he reached out and touched her hair. She moved. Instantly, he was across the room, hiding in the shadows. His glowing eyes peered out from behind the drapes.

Gabriela started to whimper and then she screamed, Mommy! Mommy! She sat straight up reaching her arms forward and opened her panicky eyes. It was just a dream, she whispered. Just a dream. Oh, Mom, she said, softly cupping her face and laid back down, crying herself to sleep.

The vampire longed to reach out to her, but dared not. My Angel, he whispered, taking a long look at her and glided back over to the window and slid out onto the balcony. It was close to sunrise and he ran swiftly back into the woods to the abandoned plantation house hidden in the trees before the morning rays found him. He walked down the hall to his large and spacious room with books covering one wall and music lining another. His collection dated back to the early days of his life to the current decade. He took the book out of his pocket and inhaled, smiling as her eucalyptus scent still lingered within the book. He lay on his bed reading the book as the sun rose, shining brightly over the forest and the town of Calderon.

CHAPTER II

T he sun was setting when the vampire stepped out into the woods. His throat burned as he picked up the scent of a doe drinking from the babbling brook. Slowly, he crept up on the doe and lunged for its throat. The doe stiffened. As he quenched his thirst, the deer began to relax and fall limp in his arms. Rarely, a human would come this far into the woods so he didn’t mind feeding on animals.

Approximately half an hour later, the vampire arrived at the bookstore. With his thirst now satiated, he hoped he would run into her. What are the odds of her sitting in the café again today? Her refreshing eucalyptus scent was not in the air. He searched the campus, however she was not there either. He spotted the two girls that sat with her at the café sitting under the huge oak tree in the center of the campus yard. As he approached them, he listened to their discussion over a lecture from Biology.

Good evening, ladies, I am looking for Gabriela.

At first, they were startled, but then they could not resist looking dreamily into his eyes.

Could you tell me where she is? he asked and smiled alluringly from one to the other.

"She’s with Cam at the game. Is there something I could help you with?" Lizzy asked, unable to look away. Bree too seemed entranced.

Interesting. I am in need of Gabriela. I have a question or two for her.

Maybe I could help you find your answer, Lizzy flirted. Bree tugged on Lizzy’s jacket and Lizzy elbowed her in the ribs. Bree massaged her side, grimacing. He chuckled.

Perhaps another time, he said, with a wink and swiftly glided away, hearing their giddy whispers.

Gabriela was with Camden, he thought as he pulled the book out of the inside pocket of his coat and inhaled her scent. His eyes were wild and his mouth drooled. He wanted to taste her rich sweet blood. He dashed down the street until he reached her house and climbed up the tree. The house was silent. He jumped onto the balcony and tried the door. Locked. He glanced at the window, which was slightly cracked, and slid into her room.

Gabriela’s large room was very impressive. The oversized canopy bed overflowed with pillows of all sizes matching the burgundy and black comforter lined with gold stripes. A nightstand sat on each side with a lamp on each one. Recognizing the antique style immediately, as he had one similar in his room.

Across the room was a dark cherry antique vanity with an oval mirror. Every bottle of perfume was arranged in order by height. The bathroom was off to the right decorated with the same colors of burgundy, gold and black to compliment the cream-colored walls.

On the left wall was a dark cherry bookshelf with a large collection of books and music. He chuckled. Most of the books were about vampires. The compact disc collection was rather impressive too, having a variety from classical to techno. He sat down on her plush bed and picked up the book on the nightstand. She was reading the same book from the cafe. The vampire opened the book and began to read.

The vampire perched himself in the tree and watched Camden and Gabriela walk hand in hand up the sidewalk to the front porch. Camden sat down on the top step, pulled her down beside him and cupped her chin, tilting it up, and kissed her. She moved her hands up his arms squeezing them lightly. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her even closer to him while his other hand slid up the back of her neck as they kissed. Camden moved his lips across her cheek, down to her neck and she leaned her head back, exposing her pulsating vein.

The vampire’s mouth watered as his lust for her blood began to consume him.

Camden’s lips slid down to her neck to her chest. Gabriela’s hands lifted his face back to hers. She ran her fingers through his thick sandy blonde hair as they kissed. He slid her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her.

I love you, Gabriela, he spoke through kisses, I want you. They continued kissing until she stopped to catch her breath. Still sitting on his lap, staring into his eyes and he into hers, they smiled at each other.

I’m going to miss you, she said.

I’m definitely going to miss you. Camden squeezed her lightly. Sure you can’t come? She shook her head. He stuck out his lip and she giggled.

I would distract you, she teased. Besides, I have an essay to finish.

There’s nothing wrong with distractions, he said, raising an eyebrow.

She shook her head.

He sighed, I won’t be gone long, three days tops. If we win on Saturday, I could leave right after and be home by six.

She took his face in her hands. When you win, there will be a victory party following the game. You will stay and enjoy it. It’s the championship. She kissed him on the nose, stood, and attempted to pull him up. He laughed and yanked her back down into his lap.

I like you just like this. He smiled and kissed her forehead. He took her hand, and gazed down at it, tracing it with his finger. I’ve got something for you. He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a small box. Her eyes grew wide with a hint of panic when he took out a ring. I know how much you love pearls, so when I saw this one in the little shop by the bay, I thought of you, he paused watching her carefully. She smiled. We’ve been together about two years, two wonderful years, and I just had to get it. I want to make you a promise, he said sliding the ring, a perfect fit, onto her finger. It was a gold heart shaped ring with a black pearl in the center. I promise that I will never leave you and that I will be here for you, Gabriela. I love you. He looked into her eyes and saw a tear slide down her cheek. Before he could say anymore, she kissed him more passionately than she ever had before.

I love you too. Thank you, Camden, it’s beautiful. She hugged him, squeezing him tight.

Smiling, he stood, pulling her up with him. I guess I’d better get going before I take advantage of this moment and carry you through that threshold and take advantage of you.

Yes, Camden, you’d better get going or I’ll make you go in and cook me breakfast, she teased.

Hmm, I would be through that door. He headed toward the door. She reached out to grab his jacket, and he ran off the steps into the yard. She ran towards him laughing and he stopped suddenly, knocking them both to the ground. She rolled on top of him and held his shoulders down. He didn’t try to resist. 1… 2… 3, you win. Laughing, she jumped to her feet and tried to pull him up. He resisted, and she laughed harder. He got to his feet and put his arms around her. He took her hands in his. I am going to miss you.

It’s only three days, she said, a twinge of sadness crept up in her eyes.

Yeah, alright. I’ll see ya soon.

They heard loud obnoxious voices coming down the street and Cam rolled his eyes as a blue convertible mustang pulled up in front of her house.

Hey, Gabby! Mind if we kidnap Cam for a while? Not that you have a choice. It is a kidnapping. He was rock solid with sandy blonde hair that fell into his blue eyes and buzzed in the back.

Sure, take him. Just bring him back the way you found him. She waved as he jumped into the car.

You know, Gabby, if you’re looking for a real man, I can point one out to ya, Jimmy nodded with confidence making her giggle.

Camden punched him in the arm. Shut up, Jimmy, you’re not her type. He turned in her direction. I’ll call you, he yelled, blowing her a kiss. The guys mimicked him and blew continuous kisses to her. She laughed.

I’m serious, Gabby, when you realize he’s just a boy, this man will be right here waiting. He pointed his thumb into his chest and winked. Camden punched him again and said something so low she couldn’t hear, but the guys in the car laughed. She smiled and shrugged it off, waving as they drove away.

The vampire watched as she walked up to the house, twirling a few strands of hair, and disappeared inside. The balcony door slid open and she walked out and leaned on the railing, looking dreamily out into the night. Gabriela sighed and walked over to the wall and flipped the switch, lighting up the balcony. She sat down on the chaise lounge chair, a book in her hand. She opened it and buried herself in the book.

He needed to hear her angelic voice. He cleared his mind and concentrated on hearing her. This he knew he could do with others of his kind, as he had never tried with a human. After a moment, her voice sounded faintly in his head growing stronger by the second. Her voice sounded divine in his mind as she read.

He stood holding her in his arms staring into her eyes. She was in a trance. He tilted her head back and sank his teeth into her neck, she closed her eyes, moaning with desire . . .

The vampire listened to her read until she closed the book. He watched her stand up and stretch and then she went inside the house, shutting the balcony doors behind her.

He swept up to the balcony long after she was asleep and slid in through the open window as he had the evening before. Again, he held a few strands of her silky auburn hair, watching how it curled around his hand. She was exquisite. He didn’t want to leave her, but he knew he would have to soon. The burning of his throat increased every second he was near her, and the sun would rise soon. He did not dare step out into the sun’s rays for his flesh would set fire. He inhaled her scent one last time and flew out the window, running swiftly into the woods, savoring every word her sweet, soft, innocent voice spoke.

CHAPTER III

T he vampire stepped out of the woods at sunset and headed for the Bistro, clearly playing over every word her angelic voice spoke in his mind. Only hours from now, he would perch himself in the tree and listen to her read. At least he hoped she would. He stopped suddenly as the rich eucalyptus scent filled the air around him. He turned swiftly and followed it, down the sidewalk and across the busy street, pushing through the rushing crowd of people near the entrance to the bookstore.

When he walked in, Gabriela was scanning her finger over the titles of the same bookshelf. He camouflaged himself in the leaves of the silk dragon tree in the far corner of the café and closed his eyes to concentrate on listening to her voice.

Oh, which one is this? No, I have already read that one. This one looks good. Vampire Theories Volume 1. Hmm, she said, pulling the thin black book with red lettering on the spine off the shelf. There wasn’t an image on the front of the book, just a cursive script dripping down the book like blood. This looks interesting, she thought and flipped the book over to read the back cover.

No, not that one. I’ve read it and it’s quite boring for your taste, he thought.

She gasped and dropped the book, looking around her.

He froze. Impossible.

What, she said, frantically. Where are you? She looked around drawing attention from others wandering near her, gaining looks of confusion. Did you say something? she asked the man with long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. He glanced up at her, and then looked from one side to another, then back at her, his eyebrows wrinkled.

Um, no ma’am, he said, shaking his head and walked away.

I’m losing it, she said and laughed nervously. She shook her head, put the book back on the shelf, and walked out of the bookstore. The vampire followed, keeping his distance.

Gabriela turned cautiously on the sidewalk, glancing around her. An eerie sensation swept over her that someone was watching her, following her. She could still feel a presence in her mind as if someone was tapping into her thoughts. Quickly, she made her way into a crowd of people, walking with them towards the street that would lead her home.

The vampire slowed his pace. He knew he could communicate with other vampires, but it was an exhausting task. With her, he was at ease and energized. Unbelievable, how could she hear me?

Who is this? She shrieked. Where are you? Why can’t I see you? She looked around anxiously as she walked through the center of the plaza, still surrounded by people walking to the shops that lined the street. As she neared the Bistro at the end of the plaza, her heartbeat quickened, knowing soon she would be alone.

The vampire spoke to her gently in his mind, I do not wish to harm you. He watched as she looked from one side to another walking quickly, yet cautiously. He could feel her fear. Her heart raced pumping the blood harder and faster through her veins. His mouth watered and his throat burned.

People passed her by, glancing at her curiously from over their shoulders, shrugging and continuing on with their agendas. She did not know whether to run or hide.

Hiding would be pointless, Gabriela, he said gently. Oops.

You know my NAME!

She ran passed a large group of people almost knocking down a girl close to her age.

Hey! Watch where you’re going, she snapped, shaking her fist at Gabriela.

Please stop running so I can introduce myself. The vampire quickened his pace. Look behind you to your right; I am not far.

She slowed to a walk and looked over her right shoulder. A very tall man, who stood out from the crowd, in a casual dark gray suit moved swiftly and elegantly towards her. Her pace slowed to a stop. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. The stranger looked enchanting yet mysterious the way he glided towards her, his feet barely touching the sidewalk. He was intriguingly handsome. His hair, a rich dark brown that curled loosely, wildly sexy, flowing in every direction.

He held his hands out in front of him as he approached her. She gazed into his emerald green eyes, entranced. She was under his spell, unable to look away, unable to stop herself from walking toward him. He looked away at once.

After a moment, she shook her head. What was that, she asked. A tremor of fear rose inside her as he stood an arm length away.

Gabriela, I do not mean to frighten you. He did not gaze into her eyes as he did a few minutes before, knowing she could easily be his next victim. She intrigued him and he wanted to know more about her rather than her becoming his next meal.

How do you know my name? she asked with a voice barely above a whisper.

You may not want to hear how I came to know you, Gabriela, his deep and sensual voice slightly calmed her.

Fidgeting with her fingers, she looked around them. The silence screamed disaster. Ok, then if you are here to rob me, she held out her purse and shut her eyes. I haven’t seen you. I do not know who you are. Please let me go.

Laughter erupted from under his breath. Trembling, she took a step backward. You are quite interesting, Gabriela. I am not going to rob you of your purse. You have wanted to meet me. I am here because we seem to share a link. He pointed from his head to hers. His lips were sealed shut when his voice rang clear in her head. We are somehow connected.

She gasped. Her hands flew to her head. This is too much. What is this? How is this? She ran. He moved swiftly and jumped in front of her. She screamed.

Gabriela, there is nowhere you could run, that I would not find you. He took a step towards her and she took a step back. If I wanted to hurt you, you would already be dead. He cringed and backed away when he heard the word DEAD shriek in her mind. I see this is too much for you to handle. We will try this another time when you are ready. He turned and walked away from her.

Gabriela bolted down the street.

When she was almost out of view, he followed her. If only he could convince her that she had nothing to fear. Who was he kidding? He would take her life, if she told anybody what she knew. What did she know though? Did she think him a monster or just a mugger? He had to find out. There are laws