always a last resort and done for their own safety. If they knew what was really going on, there would be mass hysteria. It was better for everyone that they stay unaware, as long as the immortals could protect them.
Adele eyed the bush, deciding on her next move. It would have to be quick and effective. She didn’t have time to waste.
“Times up,” she said to the bush that concealed the evil one.
Without any warning, it jumped up out of the bushes and ran for the road at the edge of the property, in the opposite direction to Adele.
“Why do they always run?” She let out a sigh, then took off after him. She ran so fast she would appear to be a blur to anyone who saw her.
The creature was getting away.
He turned to look back at her with a victorious smile. He knew he was going to get away. Adele was just as fast as the creature and stronger, but she had the disadvantage. She couldn’t stray too far from Ally. He knew it and the gloating shone back at her through his eyes.
“I will find you and destroy you,” Adele vowed as she began to slow down. He would get away this time but the next time she saw him, he would not.
Adele had a duty to protect Ally. She needed to get back and keep her safe before the evil vampire found Vincent, and gave away their location. Ally was not ready to face Vincent again.
Adele decided to run back to the house, find her immortal guest and ask him to search the perimeter of the property, while she stayed with Ally and Kathryn. Once James returned then they could make the arrangements to leave tonight, with Ally. There was no other choice now.
If they stayed, Vincent would find her and kill Alessandra before they had even begun.
Chapter Nine
Adele arrived back at the house, to find Kathryn and Ally lounging on the sofas with Chase. Most of the guests appeared to be leaving so she decided to have a word with Chase before talking with Ally.
“Chase,” Adele said, as she approached the trio.
He looked up, eyes alert, sensing something was wrong.
“Can I have a word?” Adele asked, trying to appear relaxed.
He turned to Kat and Ally. “Excuse me, lassies.”
Chase smiled deeply at Kat, then turned back to Adele. “What’s going on Addie?” he asked as they walked out of earshot.
“There was a vampire here, watching Ally.”
Chase noticed the grave concern in her eyes, tinged with a hint of failure, leading him to guess the outcome. “He got away?”
“Yes,” she sighed. “He ran and I could only chase him so far whilst Ally was unguarded.”
“She wasn’t unguarded,” he said feeling slightly insulted. “I was with her and Kat.”
“I had hoped you were Chase, but I didn’t know for sure. Things are very dangerous right now. I can’t take any chances with her. ” The worry she felt was evident in her voice. She hadn’t meant to insult Chase’s abilities, but she couldn’t take any chances.
“And things just got worse?”
“It’s only a matter of time before that vile creature reaches Vincent and tells him our location.” Adele looked over at her granddaughter and best friend. They were laughing and talking, completely unaware of the danger around them. Her heart soared at seeing Ally so happy, but then it broke at the thought of taking her newfound happiness away again. It was a bittersweet moment.
Chase followed her line of sight and looked at the girls. He felt his heart swell looking at Kathryn. Chase believed he had found his soul mate.
“How did you know we would be a match?” he asked, the curiosity evident in his voice.
“I didn’t know. I just know both of you and hoped that it might work out,” she smiled at him. “But a word of caution. Don’t confuse attraction with a match, Chase.”
Chase studied her face thoughtfully for a moment. “How do I tell the difference? Obviously, I have to be attracted to my soul mate.”
Adele looked over at the girls and smiled knowingly as she answered, “You will know. Be very careful with her. If she isn’t the one, then you have to let her go quickly.”
“And if I’m not sure yet?”
“Look at what Ally and James share together. That should answer your question without any doubt.”
Chase took her advice on board, but found that he was more than convinced Kathryn was his soul mate, with every moment that passed. “What are you