vaulted up beside her. Taking up the reins, he clucked to the horse.
Later, he stood at the foot of her bed, watching her sleep, his lust for her flesh, and her blood, burning through him like a dark flame. He touched his tongue to his teeth, felt his fangs lengthen as he imagined the ecstasy that would be his, and hers, if he allowed himself to succumb to the hunger. Just one small taste, he thought. What harm could it do?
The power of his presence called to Sara's subconscious. Sleepily, she opened her eyes. She blinked once, twice, but the creature at the foot of her bed didn't disappear. Only stood there, staring down at her through eyes that glowed with an unearthly incandescence. Even in the darkness, she could see its fangs - long and white and deadly.
It was the monster who haunted her dreams.
"I'm dreaming," she murmured shakily. "I've got to be dreaming."
She stared at the creature for what seemed an eternity, and then, like an image in water, the figure began to blur until it faded to a dark mist and disappeared.
Deep in the catacombs, Gabriel took on his own shape. The time had come, he mused with regret. He was going to have to let her go, now, while he still could.
Sara stared up at him. "Go? Go where?"
"I've made arrangements for you to attend the School of Ballet in France."
"France!" Sara exclaimed.
She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Oh, Gabriel, do you mean it? The School of Ballet!"
"You're pleased, then?"
"Oh, yes, but I'm too old to begin."
"They are willing to make an exception in your case."
"Really? Why?"
A wry smile hovered over Gabriel's lips. "With enough money, anything is possible."
"Oh, Gabriel, you're so good to me!"
"You leave tomorrow. I've opened an account for you at my bank in Paris. All your expenses will be paid. In addition, I want you to buy yourself a new wardrobe."
"Aren't you coining with me?"
"No".
"Have I done something to displease you?"
"No! Of Course not."
"Then why are you sending me away?"
Her words brought a wistful smile to his lips. "You're a young woman, Sara Jayne. It's time you associated with other young women. And young men..."
"But..." I don't want to leave you, she thought, frightened at the prospect of being parted from him. He was the only constant left in her life, the only security she had.
"You must trust me in this, Sara," he said. "It's for your own good. All the arrangements have been made."
"It's like a dream come true," she said, and wondered why she wasn't happier. Only moments ago, she had been ecstatic at the thought of going to Paris, but that was before she realized it meant being parted from Gabriel.
"You're too generous, Gabriel. I don't know what to say."
"Thank you will suffice."
"It hardly seems enough."
"The look in your eyes is thanks enough," Gabriel replied quietly. "A coach will pick you up in the morning, so I will bid you good night, and good-bye."
"Won't I see you in the morning? Aren't you going with me?"
"I'm afraid not. Business calls me away."
"So this is good-bye, then?"
"For now."
She realized abruptly that she might never see him again. The thought smothered her excitement as effectively as pouring water over a fire. "Will you come to visit me?"
He hesitated a moment before answering, "If I can."
"You seem anxious to be rid of me," she remarked, not meeting his gaze. "I thought..."
Gabriel took a deep breath and let it out in a long, slow sigh. "Thought what?"
"That you cared for me."
"Of course I care, Sara."
"No, I mean..." She felt a crimson tide wash up her neck and into her cheeks. "I thought you were starting to care for me the way a man cares for a woman." She risked a glance at his face. "Last night, when I kissed you... Did I displease you? Is that why you want to send me away?"
"No, Sara." He reached for her hand, then thought better of it and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets. "It's just that you're so young, cara..."
"And you're so old?"
"Older than you can imagine," he answered with a trace of bitterness. "I want you to see the world you've been missing. I want you to have a chance to spread your wings."
"But... I'll miss you."
Pain lanced Gabriel's heart. She might miss him for a week, perhaps a month, but he would miss her through all the endless days and nights of eternity.
PART One Chapter Ten