Chapter 8
The mountains of books around her grew every day and she would have to read them all. 'Good grief' Gracie sighed as she shoved some more books aside to have a little extra room. She wasn't sure that going back to school had been such a bright idea after all. She missed the stuffy little bookstore and adventuring around. But then again, Gabriel didn't wanted her to be around. 'Mean old bastard' she would have to get over him. This relationship never had a future, or a past in fact. Angrily she closed the encyclopedia in front of her. Enough work for today. She was about to leave the library when she heard her name being called out.
"Miss Nakimura please come to the information desk."
What did they want now? Grace thought of everything she could possibly imagine. Did something happen to her parents, did she forget to give back a book, did her car block the way?
She hurried to the information desk. A friendly young woman smiled at her as she reached the desk. "Miss Nakimura? You have a phone call." The woman handed her the receiver.
"Nakimura, hello?"
"Grace? Hey this is Gerde. How are you. I tried to reach you at home but I had no luck. So I tried the university."
"Gerde! That is a surprise! How are you yourself? Sorry you had trouble calling me, I work a lot here at the library."
"So what about some vacation here in good old Germany? We even have some guest rooms ready by now. And most important, Gabriel really misses you."
"What? That old fleabag? Be serious. He only misses my researches. No, not even them!"
"Gracie, it's true. You know him, he would never tell you yourself, but I thought as friend I should tell you. What do you say? Will you come? I miss you too, you know."
"Now, that could be a reason to come. Us girls having a good long chat. In fact I could do with a vacation but as a student my purse isn't exactly that of a Rothschild."
"Don't worry we cover your costs. So, you will come? Stay for Christmas with us, please Gracie. It will be good fun, don't you think?"
"Okay, okay. You got me. I try to pick a plane and call you back."
No don't. I call you Grace. I don't have to worry about the expenses."
"All right, let's say tomorrow, same time at my home."
"Great. Until then, love and kisses."
"Yeah same to you Gerde, bye."
Gracie's mood was much better now. On her way home she even started to whistle a little, so Gabriel did miss her! It felt good to know, but poor old Gerde no one was there to miss her.
At home she immediately called the travel agency for a flight to Germany, Munich. Only three days later they had some free seats. Great. In the evening she put on her favorite music and started packing her things together. What the heck, she would call Gerde right away. As usual it took some time to get the proper connection.
"Hallo, Schloss Ritter, hier."
"Gerde, it's me Gracie."
"Gracie," Gerde panicked at the other end "I told you I would call." She whispered.
"Yes, but I was so exited I just had to call. Why are you whispering?"
"I wanted it to be surprise for Gabriel, that's why. When will you arrive?"
"I have a flight in three days and I will arrive at Munich at 4,15 p.m."
"Oh what a pity, I won't be there that evening. But I will send you a cab and it will be paid for. So it will really be a surprise for Gabriel."
Yeah, but make sure he is there, okay? I don't want to sleep on your doorstep. Where will you be by the way?"
"I have a seminar at Bad Aibling, where I do have to go, but don't worry he will be there."
"All right then. I will see you for breakfast the next morning" Grace giggled "Bye, bye."
"Bye, Grace."
Gabriel struggled with his account books, he hated administrative work, but now at the end of the year he had to pull it through. He buried his head in his hands, maybe he should ask Friedrich or Gerde to help him. He heard the stairs creaking and looked up.
Friedrich came down the stairs and Gabriel couldn't believe his eyes. He had never seen his friend in an attire like this. Friedrich was wearing an obviously very expensive, fifty percent silk suit and a bow tie. He looked extremely handsome.
"Hey, what are up to tonight?" Gabriel asked.
But before Friedrich could answer, Gerde appeared behind him. Gabriel couldn't help but to give a groan. She had her hair done up and was wearing a very attractive, tight-fitting black dress. Gabriel never thought Gerde would actually get into something like this. Gerde laughed at Gabriel's expression "Friedrich and I have been shopping today and now he invited me out to dinner to test our new attire. What do you think?"
"Ah....., well....Jesus you really look.... wow ......I mean fantastic."
"Thank you" Friedrich and Gerde had reached the desk by now "shall we Gerde?" Friedrich offered Gerde his arm.
"Yes of course. Oh, Gabriel it would be very kind of you not to leave the castle tonight, I'm expecting a phone call from one of the plumbers tonight. It's about the left wing of the castle."
"Great, you two love birds have fun and I nurse my account books and the phone."
"Now, Gabriel there is no need to be jealous." Friedrich laughed.
This would be the night Grace would appear on the doorstep of Schloss Ritter and Friedrich wasn't half as calm as he seemed to be on his outside. He took Gerde's arm and led her to his car. To his astonishment he noticed that he was even more nervous about taking Gerde out to dinner than about the talk he would eventually have with Grace. He drove them to an exquisite restaurant near Tutzing.
The maitre seated them at a very nice table at the window and they ordered an aperitif. Friedrich looked at his watch. "Grace should be on her way now."
"Mmm....." Gerde was nestling around with her napkin and looked out of the window. She was lost in thought, so much had happened the past few weeks she could hardly believe it. And now she was sitting in a restaurant with someone that once had been the greatest enemy to be destroyed. She looked at Friedrich , searched his face, but she couldn't find any mean angles or vicious eyes. He only met her stare with a warm and tender smile.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"I said, Gracie should nearly be in Schloss Ritter by now."
"Oh yes. I wonder what will happen to Gabriel when he opens the door. Will he die of shock or do you think he will just pass out?"
Friedrich's grinned broadened and he started to laugh "He will probably call for help."
At that moment the waiter brought their champagne and glasses.
Gabriel poured himself another glass of wine. It was a good thing Friedrich stayed here at Schloss Ritter, the wine cellar was always well stocked. Hopefully he would be too drunk soon to finish his account books. He leaned back in his chair 'Bastard' he thought 'taking Gerde out for dinner and leaving me here all alone' at that moment he heard a knock coming from the main entrance door. 'Maybe Gerde has told him to shove off and their romantic night is already over' he grinned and opened the door.
"Gracie!!" Gabriel dropped his wineglass in shock.
"Hey, Gabe. Won't you let me in?"
"Yes of course. What are you doing here?? I mean how did you get here, ah ...why did you come...?"
"Oh thank you. I knew I wouldn't be welcome."
"No, I mean yes. You are welcome. Sorry it's good to see you again, Gracie."
He took her in his arms in a big hug. Then sudden panic rushed over him; when would Gerde and Friedrich come home? What if Gracie saw Friedrich. He had to call them.
He shoved Gracie into the living-room "Sit down Gracie. I will bring you something to drink."
"Gabriel I would like to take my stuff upstairs first if you don't mind."
"No, let me do that. You had a long flight and I think you should sit down first. Let me handle everything. He nearly jumped from left to right in front of her.
"Okay, okay. I will sit down, if you stop hopping around like that. What's the matter with you?"
"Oh nothing, Just wait a minute. I'll get you something to drink."
Gabriel left her and rushed upstairs into Friedrich's bedroom. Somewhere had to be his electronic calendar, maybe the telephone number of his favorite restaurants were in there. But he couldn't find it. One last chance, he would have to try to get Friedrich on his handy. He ran downstairs again, the number should be in the desk somewhere. After a while he found it, hastily he dialed the number. 'Come on Friedrich, answer the bloody phone!'. Did he hear something ringing here in the Castle? He dropped the receiver on the desk and followed the sound.
He eventually found the source, laying on Friedrich's bed was the handy.
'Damn! What now? Oh good God.' Gabriel slumped down onto the bed. His first intention was to scream.
'Calm down', he told himself. Try to think. Maybe he could convince Gracie to stay at the inn of Herr Huber. He walked downstairs again, put the phone on the hook and got Gracie a drink. Then he braced himself and walked into the living room.
Gerde had hardly laughed so much in her whole life. The champagne had mad her light-headed and Friedrich's stories were simply hilarious. They had just finished their hors d'oeuvre and hopefully this evening was going to be a very long one. Even Friedrich seemed far more relaxed now. Only from time to time a shadow flickered across his face.
'Maybe he thinks of Gracie', she thought.
"What will you tell her?" Gerde suddenly interrupted.
Friedrich's look hardened.
"I don't know yet. The truth I suppose. It depends on her reaction."
"I want to be with you when you go to her." Gerde insisted.
"No, that wouldn't be wise Gerde. Believe me."
"But maybe she will try to hurt you. I don't think she would if someone else is around."
"Gerde this is something I have to do. I have to make her understand. Do you really think I am not able to help myself. And by the way she doesn't know me yet. I can be very persuasive."
"I know. Is it that why you don't want me to be around because you are so persuasive?"
"Gerde, no. Of course not." Slowly he reached for her hand. "That is not the reason. I think that a talk between just me and Gracie would be best. And don't worry I will be careful." Gerde looked at Friedrich's hand, the touch of it felt good. Warm and reassuring. A tingling feeling ran up her arm and she felt her cheeks blush.
Hastily she turned around to call the waiter to order some more Champagne.
"So Gabriel, what have you been up to the last months?" Grace had noticed his increasing nervousness.
"Oh this and that. I try to write a little, practice on my German and relax."
"Sounds nearly as exciting as my work at school. If you don't mind I would really like to go and change into something more comfortable now."
"Uh, you know, that's going to be a bit difficult right know."
"Hey, don't fool me around. Gerde told me you have some guestrooms ready by now."
Gabriel swallowed hard. Gerde! She was behind all this.
"Yes sure but they are not heated yet. It'll take some time 'till they get warm and..."
"Nonsense." Gracie got up but before she reached her bags Gabriel was already there, grabbing them. Gracie rolled her eyes. She started to climb the stairs, feeling Gabriel right behind trying to overtake her. She went right to the first guestroom.
It had been a fantastic dinner and now they were enjoying a final coffee. Gerde was having a Grappa to go with it. Friedrich had cut short on his drinks and was now nursing his mineral water as he studied Gerde. He noticed how she had changed in the past few hours as she had loosened up a little. It seemed strange to him to be here with her. The past years he had preferred to be accompanied by, say, professionals. Less questions were asked, no responsibilities afterwards, no secrets.
This was the first "real" woman he had gone out with for a long time. But then this was a totally different matter, she knew everything about him and still seemed to like him. He needn't be afraid of being caught and he wasn't asked all about himself. If only this could last a while longer.
Gerde studied his face, he was lost in his thoughts and absent.
A wild thought crossed her mind and she started smiling wickedly. Slowly she let one of her shoes drop off her foot. She leaned back in her chair and raised her foot until she reached one of Friedrich's legs. Very carefully she let her foot move upward to his knee and along his inner thigh. Friedrich looked flabbergasted.
"Do you dance?" He suddenly asked. Gerde was taken aback. She removed her foot. "Yes, why?"
"Waiter!" Friedrich called.
"No!" Gabriel screamed.
But Gracie was already in the room. Somehow she hadn't noticed the handy on the bed but went straight to the cupboard and opened it.
Her eyes grew wide as she looked at its contents.
There were silky white shirts, expensive suits, a dressing gown, posh looking causal clothes and freshly polished shoes.
"A man!?" Gracie shrieked.
"Man? What do you mean a man?" Gabriel panicked.
"I certainly didn't expect to find men's clothes in one of your guestrooms."
"Oh that man. Ah.... well it's ... umm... Gerde's .... well Gerde's..."
"Gerde's what? Acquaintance?"
"Yeah that's it." Gabriel let out a sigh.
"According to his taste, maybe if you spend some more time with him, he might get some manners into you."
"Please Gracie let me show you your room. It's right down the hall. Sorry it's a little far off but it's the most cosy one. I suppose you are tired from your long journey. I myself am very tired. Why don't we just go to bed, have a lay-in and a healthy breakfast in the morning?"
"Breakfast in the morning? Gee, Germany really has gotten into you. But I would like to sit down in front of the fire a while longer."
"Sorry too bad. But there is no chopped wood left. I will have to get some ready tomorrow."
"Gabriel are you trying to get rid of me?"
"No of course not. I just had a long and tiring day."
"Sure, relaxing, writing a little and learning German."
"Come on Gracie, you know writing a new book is not an easy task and it is quite late by now."
"All right, all right. We'll go to bed. Do you want me to turn off the lights downstairs?"
"No, no. I'll do that" Gabriel hastily explained and hurried down the hallway to Graces guestroom.
Friedrich had picked an exclusive night-club on the outskirts of Munich. Romantic music was played as they sat down in a far off corner. Dim lights poured shadows across the walls and softly reflected in Gerde's blond hair.
'What now?' thought Friedrich solemnly. 'I have the romantic set-up, the music is just right, I'm accompanied by a beautiful and smart woman, then why do I not know what to do. The last time I felt so dumb is 230 years ago!'
He took a deep breath, but before he could utter a single word, Gerde leaned over, brushing his ear with her lips and whispered "Come on Mr. Shy, let's dance. That's what we came here for, isn't it?"
Taking her hand, he led her to the dance-floor. "Certainly, my dear."
Later as they danced cheek to cheek, Friedrich let himself being wrapped up in Gerde's presence. He inhaled her, he could smell her tender skin, her soft hair and her perfume. He could nearly hear her blood rushing through her veins. He felt the warmth of her body and let his mind sail off to a place of peace and harmony. Gerde felt Friedrich melt away in her arms. 'What is it with me, that I always fall for older men?' she thought and held him even a little closer.
After a while none of the two noticed the other people around them anymore, as they danced on and on.
Only the fact, that the night-club had to close made them stop. Gerde let out a sigh, it had started of as a most harmless night out for dinner and what had now become of it, she could hardly believe.
"What a pity" she said to Friedrich as they let go of each other "do you think we could bring this night to perfection?" Gerde asked with a suggestive smile.
"We will see. But first we should make our way home. Come."
"Please Friedrich, you may drive a little faster than before. I'm not in the mood for waiting."
Friedrich smiled and put an arm around her waist "I will do the best I can."
But as he drove his car back to Schloss Ritter his light hearted mood decreased rapidly. Soon he would have to face Gracie, oh how much more he would have preferred to stay with Gerde. But he didn't want to begin something without knowing if he would still be there to bring it to an end. Gerde could feel his tension and laid a warm and comforting hand on his thigh.
The lights were all out when they reached the castle. Very quietly they went upstairs.
"Friedrich are you sure you want to go to Gracie now, in the middle of the night?" Gerde whispered.
"Yes, it has to be done. Please don't wait for me."
"I don't want you to go. I beg you. Let us talk to her tomorrow." Gerde clearly was scared for his life.
"Shhh..., I don't die that easily." He tried to calm her down. He could see tears glistening in her eyes. Very gently he took her face in both hands and they met in a longing and passionate kiss. Friedrich couldn't believe his own feelings, all the time he had tried so hard to be untouchable, but Gerde just swept all his defenses away with a wink of her beautiful eyes. It felt really good.
"Please Gerde, go to bed now." He said after a while. He brought her to her door and tried to reassure her that everything was going to be just fine.
Friedrich went to his own room and changed into a more comfortable attire. He tried to calm himself down a little. To him it seemed the far most difficult situation he had come to. He suppressed the urge to go outside and run in the night, to get his head free of all his troubles and left his room in direction of Gracie's door. Gently he padded down the hallway to the door his senses told him Gracie was in.
Very carefully he opened the door. Thanks to his wolf-abilities he could see Gracie laying on her bed in the dark. And she was clearly not sleeping. She sat up with a start "Gabriel ?"
"No, it is I. Friedrich von Glower", he said and quickly closed the door behind him. Gracie jumped up from her bed. Her face was white with shock and her voice cracked. "No, I was there when you were killed. You can't be here! No!" She backed off to the wall.
"I'm sorry if I scared you Gracie, but we need to talk. Please! Just talk. Nothing will happen."
"No, go away from me. You monster. You bastard."
"Gracie, please. Shh.. everything is okay. I was the one who told Gerde to invite you over, I paid for your trip here. I got you here, because Gabriel needs you."
She was crying now. "What have you done to them. Where is Gerde, did you bite her too? And now you need more fresh meat so you got me over here?", she sobbed.
He had nearly reached her by now. She had crouched down on the floor in a corner. Friedrich was glad not to find any weapons on her. He got down to his knees in front of her.
"Please let me explain and tell you what happened. It is a long story but it will help you to understand."
Gracie didn't answer him but looked at him a little closer. He could see her shiver, because of cold or fear he didn't know, but he got up again, fetched her blanket from the bed and covered her up a little. She didn't move but the shivering eased a bit.
He sat down on the floor opposite of her and started to tell her the story of the past few weeks. All about the laboratory, Gabriel's plan to kill him, the escape , their growing friendship, the weeks in Aldorf and even about him and Gerde. He gave her a closer look at the life of a werewolf and it's difficulties. "You see Gracie, Gabriel and I need each other but it is not in a way that two lovers or normal friends need the other. We need us like family. Just to know the other will be there for you in times of need, for fun and holidays or only for a phone call. In our case, one that won't die in a matter of short time. A werewolf becomes very lonely after many years. The only ones we can turn to is our own kind, and believe me there aren't many of us. But apart from that we lead a perfectly normal life. We have friends, lovers, we go out, work, sleep, eat ... everything you do too. Gracie, Gabriel really needs you. We both know he would never willingly admit it, but I know him far better than he thinks. I can feel his needs and wishes. The same as he can sense mine. You will see that he is about the same person as before."
Gracie now sat in her corner and listened very intensively. It all seemed like a dream to her, she found it hard to believe but somehow she knew Friedrich was telling her the truth. "So what are your plans Friedrich" she asked quietly.
"In a short while I will return to France. I have a little chateau near Sancerre at the Loire."
"Will Gerde go with you? I mean you really love each other?"
"Oh, I don't know about that. I am very careful with words like 'love'. I feel very attracted to her and I think she feels the same way about me, but only time will show. Far more important to me is that Gabriel is in capable hands. He still needs a little guidance and I think you are the only guide he is willing to accept."
"What I don't understand is, why did you of all, invite me over . Surely you must have known how I felt about you."
"Of course I was aware of your feelings, but how do you think I managed to stay alive for so many years if I weren't able to face problems or if I couldn't persuade people?"
Gracie actually managed a little smile.
"You should have seen Gabriel tonight. He was absolutely panicking when I arrived. I suppose he was afraid you'd come home early."
"I can imagine." Friedrich laughed.
"Please Friedrich, if you get up earlier than I tomorrow don't tell Gabriel about our talk tonight. He's going to have it from me, that coward."
Friedrich regarded Grace with a questioning look. "If you say so. I will leave you now, but I'm sure we will see each other in the morning. Good night." With that he got up and left the room.
Grace still sat in her corner, she pulled her legs up to her chest and closed her eyes. It would take her some time to get over it all. Didn't Friedrich mention something about Gabriel's idea to find another way to get rid of the curse? If that was to be her future, she would be the one to research it. And she would find answers.
Friedrich felt good as he went back to his room. The part of night he really had been afraid of was over and he was still in one piece. Now he was willing to agree to the fact, that he had shared Gerde's worries for his life.
Gerde. He felt his stomach jump. Obviously there was more to his feelings towards her than he was willing to admit. He turned back before he reached his room and walked over to her bed-room. He felt silly as he knocked but he didn't dare walk into her room without announcing himself. When he got no answer, he very quietly opened the door. Gerde was in her bed sleeping. Her hair spilled across her pillow and her face was relaxed. Gently he walked over and sat on her bedside. A single stray strand lay across her face. He gingerly brushed it back with his fingertips but it was enough to wake her up. She looked up and let out a sigh. "Friedrich" she put her arms around his neck and pulled herself up. "Friedrich, are you all right? Did you talk to her?" He gently took her in his arms and held her close.
"Yes, all is fine. I told her everything. No harm done."
He could feel her hands as they ran down his back, sending a shiver up his spine. Gerde pulled him down with her as she lay back on the bed, suddenly she could feel his teeth gently biting her neck working their way down her neckline to her breasts. She dug her fingers into his back as she urged him to continue. Now she knew that they were definitely going to perfect the night.