FOUND

Chapter 52

The man holding onto my shoulders looks down at me as I stares back at him. I wanted to say something, utter a word, an apology perhaps. But no matter how hard I tried to speak the panic that was bubbling up my throat, stabbing pins and needle on my skin wouldn't allow me.

"Are you okay, Darling," his deep and raspy voice drawls out making internally flinch and pull away at once.

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine," My voice was tight and I cursed myself for it.

"Good thing I caught you in time," The man says with an easy going smile. The similar dominance smile, I noticed hadn't changed much over the years "Jacques Darrieux," he says, holding his hand out to me.

"Jordan," Marcus voice is worried behind me and I feel all the strength leave my body. 

I feel his arm go around my waist protectively pulling me to his body, away from the man. "You okay?" Marcus asks and I feel the weight on my shoulders intensify unbearably.

Glancing up at him, I swallow through the dryness of my throat, and nod my head with a smile "Yeah," my voice is hoarse and I clear my throat "I think I had a bit too much to drink," The lie slipped easily through my lips, it felt like a second nature, just like it used to. 

"Are you not going to introduce us, Marcus?" Jacques speaks, slightly quirking his head to side making a light blonde strand fall on his slightly lined forehead.

Marcus looks down at me, and I hated the look in his eyes that screamed he was aware something was wrong with me. Nevertheless, his voice is collected as he introduces us "Jordan this is an old friend, Jacques Darrieux. Jacques, this is my soulmate Jordan Brooks,"

As Marcus introduced us I take a closer look at the man's expression. Anything that might indicate he had recognized me. His icy blue gaze stayed neutral, showing no signs of recognition. 

I should be relieved, let go of the breath I was holding even. But how could I? Part of my past, an ugly part was standing right in front of me, the past I knew one of these days would come back to haunt me.

"Great pleasure to meet finally you, Jordan," Jacques voice holds the charm that attracted you toward him instantly, grabbing a hold of my cold hand, he brings it to his thin lips, planting a soft kiss on the back of it.

I force my lips into a smile and nod. "Thank you. It's very nice to meet you as well,"

I feel Marcus's body tense beside me. He pulls me back, making Jacques Darrieux let go of my hand.

Jacques lips stretches into a grin, his eyes turning more glassy with mirth "I forgot how protective you werewolves are,"

"It's something you vampires wouldn't understand," Marcus slipped his hand in his pocket in a casual manner.

"Ah! i'm sure we won't," Jacques replies, taking a sip of the amber liquid in his clear glass. "Tell me, Jordan, have we by any chance met befor--" 

"Jordan," Helena's voice cut Jacques off. Few feet away Helena waves at me. I was more than willing to get away from the situation I was in but at the same time I didn't want to leave Marcus with this man.

"Excuse me," I say at last when Helena's expectant gaze don't waver. Planting a kiss on Marcus's jaw, walk calmly toward Helena standing with two other women. 

Helena introduces me to her sister, Gianna and an old friend, Isabelle. Sweet women in their late 60's asking about Alek and stating they can't wait to meet him and both ladies making me promise to visit with before leaving Italy. 

In midst of our talk, I take a quick glance where Marcus and Jacques were and find them deep in a conversation.

I feel my heart drop to my stomach He is going to tell Marcus everything.