Chapter Five
Graduation
Three months ago, it was the only thing I had to look forward to. It would be considered the most monumental event of my life thus far. But now as I walk across the makeshift stage to collect my degree, it all seems so miniscule. To some, an Associate’s degree would be viewed as a stepping stone to higher education. A great accomplishment in which I should be proud. To me, it’s just a piece of paper; something Chris and Donna can hang up amongst the countless class photos displayed throughout the house. I will never use it. It will not define me.
Despite the turmoil brewing in my parents’ home at my moving out, and the fact that no one has been able to track the Warlock that has claimed several lives of innocent girls in search of me, I am happy. Incredibly happy. I have more than just some measly degree; I have love. I have Dorian. That in itself is a reason to live.
As I look out into the crowd, towards the very last row, I see him grinning back at me proudly. He’s come here to support me, despite my parents’ reservations. And even though Aurora sits beside him, scowling with contempt, I don’t care. He’s here for me.
After the commencement speeches and ceremonial fanfare, I weave through the crowd in search of my love, my Dorian. Still, he stands towards the back, concentrating furiously as he scans the room. He’s watching for any sign of trouble. I notice the rapid changes in his expressions, as if he’s in deep conversation. He’s communicating with Aurora, who has probably gone off to find Jared. They are here to protect us, suspecting my would-be killer would try to strike and slip into the crowd undetected.
“Everything ok?” I mutter when I approach him.
Dorian looks down and smiles at me warmly. “It is now,” he breathes. “There’s been movement. Someone has been here but we don’t know who.”
“You can’t sense them?”
“Not if they don’t want me to. But I know something was here. I just can’t tell who.” He takes a moment of thoughtful silence and I know he’s speaking to Aurora. “Aurora can’t pick up the trail. Shit. I should have been more careful with you.”
I pull Dorian’s face down to mine and look him in his crystal blue eyes. “You did nothing wrong. It’s because you are here that I’ve even made it this far. Whoever it is probably sensed your presence and got scared. Just you being here protects me enough.”
Inching closer, Dorian joins his mouth with mine. When he pulls away a bit, I notice that his expression has transformed into something I can’t quite comprehend.
“I can’t wait until you ascend. Then I can have you all the time without fear of hurting you. And whoever this is, we could hunt them together,” he seethes. “And you would like it. You would love tearing him apart. It would make you feel so good. We would slaughter him together and then fuck like animals.”
Startled, and maybe even a bit repulsed, I study Dorian’s intimidating leer. His eyes have darkened and his mouth is twisted into a menacing grin. This is the hunter in him- the assassin that sought out to slay my mother. The killer that grew angry with my father, his best friend, for sparing her life. He wants to kill. It’s been so long since he has. But the Dark in him craves it. He needs it to feed the beast.
“Uh, Gabriella?” my mom says from behind us. Dorian instantly stiffens, recovering his cool demeanor as I turn around to face them.
“Hey, Mom. Dad.” I give them each a warm embrace.
“Congratulations, Kiddo,” Chris mutters. I can see his tense jaw flexing as he glares at Dorian. “Dorian. It’s been a while.”
“Twenty years,” Dorian notes in a level voice. He turns to Donna and gently bows his head. “Donna, you’re looking well. You haven’t aged a day.”
“And neither have you,” she replies tersely. “It’s good to see you, Dorian.”
“Why the hell are you here?” Chris snaps, clearly over the pleasantries.
“Dad!” I screech.
Dorian looks to me and gives me a reassuring half-smile. He’s in control. “For her. For Gabriella.”
“I know that. But we both know what that entails. We know why you were sent.” I can see Chris’s hands form giant fists at his sides. Don’t do it, Dad.
“I’m here to protect her. I love Gabriella. I would never hurt her.” I reflexively smile at his admission, despite the tense moment, because I know he’s being honest.
“So the rumors, they are true?” Donna asks quietly.
Dorian shakes his head. “I am not sure. But I know what I feel.” He looks down at me lovingly. “I’ve given her me. I’ve bonded with her. We made the link.”