Pure Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #3)

Completing this trilogy has been a total joy. It has taken me three full years and so many wonderful things have happened in this time.

Peter - my gorgeous husband, thank you so much for your constant support. Thank you for looking after the boys so I could write and giving me everything I needed to be successful.

Thank you to my beautiful boys, Jake and Brody, for making me laugh and giving me so many great reasons to be thankful.

I want to thank all the people who have been such a support to me, cheering me on and telling me how much they have enjoyed my work... in particular Mel and Anna. I love you guys. Thanks for being awesome.

As always, Alivia- thank you for the beautiful cover. You are such a patient, generous person and I'm so grateful for everything you've done.

To my bestie, Brenda, I'll never be able to write a book without thinking of you and being so incredibly glad God brought you into my life.

And lastly, to my ultimate inspiration... thank you for your love, your grace and for every story you plant in my head. I'll love you forever.

For H.F.

Your sacrifice has shown me the greatest love I’ve ever known.

Hope now springs eternal.

Sacrificing your happiness for the happiness of the one you love is by far, the truest type of love.

Unknown

The necklaces were the key. Decimus gave his life to ensure they were spread far and wide. If all seven were found and used together, it would unleash a powerful magic that should not be tampered with. Decimus knew the consequences of his decision, but he ignored them for the sake of his children. His sacrifice would save his people…until future generations took matters into their own hands.

CHAPTER ONE

Rome, Italy – 2006 AD

Gemma Hart’s senses were on full alert as she swiveled her body through the throng of tourists. She couldn’t believe she was here. She couldn’t believe her father…well, Alistair…was actually stupid enough to think they could pull this off without getting slaughtered.

She stopped at the threshold of the large cathedral, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. It was one of the oldest cathedrals in the city and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome...as in the Pope! Gemma steeled herself against the urge to turn and run. She knew exactly what they were here for and she would have done anything to stop it. But how could she, without throwing everything away?

If she fought her family now, they would only make her restricted life even more unbearable. If she decided to use her freshly learned ability to travel on her own they would discover the truth about Gabe and, no doubt, Harrison. She couldn’t put their lives in danger. Besides, until she learned how to fully resist Alistair’s pull on her it was too risky attempting to break free. She wasn’t willing to accept Gabe’s theory that the mark on her ankle was some sort of tattoo that bonded her family together. What if he was wrong? The idea of having a chunk of flesh gouged from her ankle was not appealing. She couldn’t even see how it would work anyway. So instead she suffered in silence, trying to glean what she could from her parents’ illicit travels through time in order to one day be free. She figured as long as Harrison was around, she could survive it.

Her family was still unaware of her boyfriend’s return and had put her cheerful behavior down to time healing all wounds. She was happy to keep it that way for now. She couldn’t even contemplate the wrath she would encounter if they knew what she had done.

 Gemma! Ruby’s voice was sharp in her ear. Stop standing there gawking at those pillars and get on with it.

She blushed as she followed her sister’s tight frame into the interior of the grandiose structure. Ruby and Dom had left for college nearly a month ago and she was missing them desperately. Life at home was so quiet and dull without them. The only good thing about traveling was getting to see them again. She’d managed a micro-catch-up while they were shoving on their clothes, but she wanted more. Resolving to call her that night, Gemma returned to the task at hand.

Okay, he wants us to what?

Gemma would have laughed at Ruby’s incredulous expression if she hadn’t been so shocked herself. Gazing up at the gold pillars she took in the ornate structure above the altar then let her eyes travel over the angelic artwork gracing the upper walls. Her eyes soon dropped back to the barrier she would have to cross in order to achieve her task.

I can’t believe I am giving up part of my Sunday to do this! I should be meeting Harrison right now, but no! I have to risk my butt retrieving something that might one day annihilate my butt. I think it’s safe to say my life sucks!! Well, except for Harrison.

Her cheeks grew warm as she pictured her lean boyfriend hopping into his sexy Corvette and heading north to their spot. He would drum his long fingers over the steering wheel as he waited at the lights then run his hand through his blond hair as he accelerated toward her. She knew him well enough to know he’d be pushing the limits to get to her. She was just as excited to be seeing him somewhere other than school… This was their first private rendezvous since his mother had slammed the door in her face.

Gemma had sped down to Anastasia National Park so fast she had arrived twenty minutes early. She hadn’t minded though. The water had been glistening in the sunlight and a squadron of diving pelican was entertaining her when she had been summoned to cross the line.

A black disdain for her parents leaked into her mind like liquid poison. But what choice did she have? Holding the sharp expletives behind her lips, she glanced up at Ruby’s whispered words.

How are we supposed to do this with all these people around? And what if it’s not even in there?

We’ll just have to be quick, Gemma kept her voice even in an attempt to calm Ruby’s frantic jabbering.

Well, everyone knows you’re the fastest so I’ll just try and distract.

Okay. Gemma lifted the barrier and ducked beneath it. Here goes.

Staying in a crouched position, she edged toward the altar and ducked behind the marble railing. Peeking up from her hiding spot, she turned back to assess the crowd and noticed Ruby chatting to a bystander. No one seemed aware of her jaunt into forbidden territory.

She crept back until she hit the bottom of the gold structure. Seeing the piece up close made her realize just how intricate the carvings were. It was stunning to look at and even more amazing to touch. Running her hands over the carved edges, she admired the mastery of the work before biting the inside of her cheek and loathing herself.

With firm fingers, she followed her father’s instructions and ran her hand around the back of the furniture until she felt a small crack. It took a few attempts, but she managed to pry the edge away and catch the piece before it hit the marble floor. She held her breath for a moment. The fear of being caught pulsed through her veins. She listened to the normal hum of milling people and released her breath. She had to trust that Ruby was keeping quizzical glances at bay.

With scampering fingers she felt inside the small compartment for the leather pouch her father had described. After a few minutes of desperate searching she nearly gave up, until the tops of her fingers brushed something on the way out. Turning her hand over, she felt the material, wrapped her fingers around it, and yanked it free.

Hey! Stop! Che cosa sta facendo?

Gemma’s head whipped around. An angry guard was stepping over the railing and walking in her direction. With nimble fingers, she shoved the pouch in her pocket, jumped to her feet, and ran.

CHAPTER TWO

St Augustine, Florida – 2011 AD

Harrison Granger pocketed his keys and grabbed his wallet. Scurrying down the stairs, he headed through the kitchen and grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl. He threw his peel in the trash and was about to head out the door when his mother stopped him.

Where are you off to?

He took a bite of his banana, buying himself a moment before yet another eruption. I’m going to see Gemma.

His mother grabbed a dishcloth and began furiously wiping the counter. I don’t want you wasting your weekends with that girl.

Harrison felt his blood simmer. That girl? Mom, a few months ago you were treating her like a daughter.

Well things change!

Not between me and Gem, they don’t.

Well they need to. Helen threw the cloth into the sink. I have a bad feeling about her. I’m just trying to protect you.

From what! Harrison couldn’t stop his sharp tone. It was becoming harder and harder to keep his cool during these conversations.

From getting hurt again. From… No good can come from your relationship with her.

Mom, I love her.

Damn it, Harrison, you have no idea! Can’t you just trust my judgment?

Can’t you just trust mine!

The room went silent after the explosions, the only sound being the frustrated breathing of two irate contenders. Harrison watched his mother blink back her tears and felt a small lump of guilt in his belly. He didn’t want to be the cause of her pain, but he wasn’t giving up Gemma. He wished she would just tell him why she’d had such a change of heart, but she remained a locked box.

Look, Harrison sighed, this argument is pointless. I’m respecting your wishes by not bringing her here, but you can’t stop me from seeing her.

He wanted to whip around the counter and give her a hug of assurance, but he couldn’t make his body do it. Instead he stepped out the door and quietly closed it behind him.

The trip to the beach was quick. He always drove too fast when he knew he was about to see his girlfriend. Her bike came into view as he rounded the corner. Pulling up beside it, he scanned the sand and was disappointed. Her perfect body was not waiting for him.

Slamming the door, he wandered down to the sand and headed along the edge of the trees only to stumble across a pile of clothing. He frowned. Picking up her shirt, he held it to his nose and breathed in her scent before nestling down to wait.

As he sat scanning the ocean, his mind wandered over the last month. He remembered returning from the store expecting to see Gemma for Sunday lunch, only to find his mother carrying on about how she didn’t want that Hart girl in her home anymore. Harrison had tried to find the cause of the irrational outburst, but he was still clueless.

The family had been in a bit of an uproar ever since, with different members taking different sides depending on the argument. Harrison hated being the cause of so much unrest, but he had been fighting for Gemma since the day they met and he wasn’t about to stop now. She was worth every second of turmoil.

Thank goodness school has started again.

He shook his head, smiling at the idea that he was actually grateful for the end of summer vacation, but it had been a saving grace. The few hours they managed to snatch together at school weren’t really enough, which was why they were meeting on the beach today. They had both decided, as they stood in the parking lot saying an elongated goodbye, that weekends weren’t allowed to suck anymore. Gemma was lying and saying she was off with Courtney, but Harrison had gone for the truth. At least his parents wouldn’t kill him if they knew where he was. Who knew what Gemma’s parents might do?

The air around him grew still and Gemma materialized. She slumped to the ground, out of breath and pale.

Gem! He shot to his feet and knelt down beside her curled up form.

I’m fine, she murmured. Just tired. Just…been…running.

He brushed the hair back from her face and saw her eyes flutter closed. He ran a hand over her naked shoulder and she didn’t even flinch. Usually she was more than aware of her nakedness when she returned, but travel was taking a much stronger toll on her body and lately she had needed instant rest the moment she came back. Unable to resist, Harrison let his eyes glide over her sleek form before finding his self-control and covering her with his jacket. Leaning against a nearby tree, he placed her head in his lap and played with the ends of her hair.

He sat brewing in a stew of malcontent as he watched this beautiful girl suffer at the hands of her parents. He didn’t know why she didn’t just move in with Gabe. He was her real father, after all, and the only adult in this world who seemed to be on her side.

He shook his head. They had talked about it at length. There was no point living with Gabe. Alistair was still strong enough to pull her anywhere and if he wanted to he could whisk her to God knows where and keep her there. Until they could figure out what bonded Gemma to the Harts, they were stuck in this predicament. He knew Gemma still kept a small ember of hope burning that Alistair and Penelope would one day come to their senses and be the parents they were supposed to be. Harrison didn’t have the heart to tell her it was a pipe dream.

It took twenty minutes for her to recover. Not quite as long as normal, but still too long for his liking. She sat up with a bright smile then gasped, grabbing his jacket to cover herself.

He grinned.

Stop it. She tried to keep her voice stern, but Harrison could sense a smile brewing.

He turned his head away as she finished getting dressed then looked back just in time to see her buttoning her shorts. She crouched down to his level and handed back his jacket.

Thank you. Her kiss was soft and delicious.

Running a hand over her cheek, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. Want to go for a walk?

Yeah. She jumped up and stretched out her hand.

Threading his fingers through hers, he steered her north and they began a slow amble up the beach. So, where’d you go this time?

Gemma groaned and glanced at him sideways.

What? Harrison smiled at her expression. Not a good trip?

Not unless you call being chased by the Italian police through over-populated streets ‘good.’

Why were they chasing you?

Gemma’s face dropped. They made me steal another artifact.

Harrison felt his blood drop a couple of degrees like icy stream water running through his veins. He felt it curling up his arms and heading straight for his heart.

A necklace?

She nodded. Shaped like an arrowhead.

They both walked in silence for a moment, feeling the weight of it.

It must belong to Gaius.

Gemma nodded again. They had spent hours talking about the carved box hidden in Alistair’s office, wondering if Gabe’s theory that it contained seven vials of gold dust could be true. The contents scared Gabe a little, which put Harrison on high alert. Stolen gold dust from each member of the electus… Mix it together and who knew what they would find? Gemma had discovered the key to unlocking Pandora’s Box was a puzzle involving seven necklaces that her family had been collecting all year.

So does that mean they have all the pieces? They can unlock the box?

I don’t think so. There’s still that middle piece, the Decimus piece.

Do you think it’ll take him long to find it?

I don’t know. Gemma’s voice was small. And I don’t know what will happen when they do.

Without realizing it, they had both stopped walking. They now stood in the sand, frozen by a brewing fear they had yet to face. 

It’s going to be okay, Gem. We’re going to be okay.

Loosening her vice-like grip on his hand, he pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her shoulder, murmuring the words again as much for himself as for her.

CHAPTER THREE

Anastasia State Park, Florida – 2011 AD

Gemma buried her head in his shirt, trying to believe him. She knew Harrison would keep her safe, as much as he could. She just hoped it was enough. A small part of her still prayed that her parents were actually doing all this for good. But a larger part of her was facing the cruel reality that the people she had grown up trusting were using her for all she was worth and would continue to do so until there was nothing left.

The thought sent a shiver up her spine. Harrison squeezed her to combat it then pulled away to check she was okay.

I’m fine. There’s nothing we can do right now anyway. Let’s just enjoy the morning and pretend that nothing else exists except you and me. She kissed him lightly then took his hand and resumed walking. So, how was your mom this morning?

If Gemma could have kicked herself she would have. After just making a speech about pretending they were the only two people who existed!

Seriously, you are such an idiot sometimes!

Harrison frowned. Same as usual. She didn’t want me to come.

I so don’t get it. She couldn't help continuing with the topic. "I thought she