She managed to meet his gaze without flinching. “I have already confessed the truth to the one person who matters.”
Gideon pulled her closer as Tristan angrily stepped closer, his hands clenched at his sides.
“Do not be a fool, Simone. I will have the Medallion.”
With a smooth step Gideon was moving to stand between her and the advancing vampire.
“No, I think not, Tristan.”
Peering around Gideon’s large form, Simone watched as Tristan swiftly regained command of his temper and returned to his image of mocking nonchalance.
“I am weary of your interference,” the vampire drawled, waving a thin hand in dismissal. “Once I have dealt with Lady Gilbert, I will ensure you are properly punished.”
“You already failed once to be rid of me,” Gideon retorted without the slightest trace of fear.
Without warning the vampire gave a short laugh. “Did you enjoy my little surprise?”
“It convinced me that you must be halted—even if it means I must kill you.”
“Fah, what a pathetic wretch you have become, Gideon,” Tristan taunted even as his lean form tensed to strike. “Soon this mortal woman will have a leash about your neck so that she can prance you about town like a lapdog. Do you have no pride left?”
Ignoring the deliberate attempt to goad his temper, Gideon faced his adversary squarely.
“Will you return to the Veil?”
“Never,” Tristan spat in disgust.
“Then it appears we have nothing left to discuss.”
Tristan shrugged, his smile intact as he watched Gideon slowly move toward him.
“You know, I did hope to leave you alive long enough to watch as I enjoyed the blood of your lover. But perhaps once I have you in my command, little Sally will realize she has no choice but to give me the Medallion.”
“It is over, Tristan,” Gideon warned.
“For you.”
With a movement too swift for Simone to follow Tristan struck out, knocking Gideon to the ground. She cried out, but even as she stepped forward, Gideon was back on his feet with the dagger firmly in his hand.
The two slowly began to circle one another, both warily waiting for the other to strike. Simone pressed a hand to her mouth, anxious not to distract Gideon for even a moment.
They continued to circle, then without warning Tristan simply vanished in a wisp of fog, just as abruptly appearing behind Gideon and slamming his hands into the back of his head.
Gideon staggered but swiftly turned to face the vampire.
Tristan flowed backward, careful to avoid the dagger, his lips pulled into a vicious smile.
“What is it you want, Gideon?” he demanded. “A share in the power?”
“I have no desire for power, Tristan. I only wish to protect the Veil.”
The mist again swallowed Tristan and to her horror, Simone watched as a deep cut appeared on Gideon’s cheek.
“Show yourself, you coward,” Gideon snapped, suddenly shifting as the mist gathered behind him and more blood began to pour from a cut on his back.
“Join me, Gideon,” a disembodied voice whispered. “Together we could rule the world.”
“Your thirst for power has driven you mad,” Gideon retorted, fluidly turning to watch as Tristan again reappeared. “You would sacrifice us all for your own glory.”
“But of course.” The vampire laughed in a scornful manner. “My glory is all that concerns me.”
“It will not be allowed,” Gideon warned, his hand clenched tight upon the dagger in his hand.
Across the room Simone could feel his sharp emotions. As much as he might detest what the vampire had become in his frenzy for power, he still wavered in using the dagger. He could as easily have plunged the weapon in his own heart.
No doubt aware of Gideon’s reluctance, Tristan gave a dismissive wave of his hand.
“There is no one who can halt me. Not even Nefri.”
Gideon surged forward, but as swiftly as he moved he was not quick enough. In the blink of an eye, Tristan was gone and suddenly Simone felt the deadly cold clutch of his fingers as they clutched about her neck. Shock held her still as Tristan tightened his grip and she felt the air being squeezed from her body.
“No,” Gideon cried.
“Tell her to give me the Medallion, Gideon,” he warned in icy tones. Simone desperately sought to breathe, her eyes wide with fright even as she gave a faint shake of her head.
“Let her go,” Gideon commanded, his face set in lines of deadly determination.
“Only after she has given me what I desire.”
“Tristan ...”
