Changing Destiny

by Rivers, Brandy L

  “I believe you. You won’t be rewarded though. Fuerah must pay. Sooner or later, I’ll find a way to bind her to me as I bound you. And yes, I enjoy the fairer sex.” She backed away from Alenathos. “She will pay, and you will have a hand in it.”

  True fear rolled through him. Reance would protect Fuerah. If not, he’d find a way to end the king of the Fire Realm.

  * * * *

  “I wasn’t able to convince her,” Toryn whispered.

  Endiscott couldn’t get his eyes opened to see where he was. He only knew he was far from Saressa. Far enough he couldn’t feel her presence at all. A part of him wanted to crawl back to her. The other wanted to run and find Jayde, the one thing he promised himself he wouldn’t do—for her sake.

  Sadness filled Reance’s kind voice. “Her heart is in tatters. She doesn’t want to live through the pain of him choosing Saressa again. Can you blame her?”

  “No.” Toryn huffed. “But I had to try. For both their sakes. They deserve happiness.”

  “As do you, my friend. We will all find happiness one day. Look forward to the future, not the near, for things are about to get worse. Still, we will arrive in a place that washes away all the horrors.”

  “Hope you’re right.”

  He felt Toryn’s eyes on him.

  Endiscott managed to open his. The look of concern on Toryn’s face was a relief. No pity.

  “You okay, Endiscott?” Toryn asked gruffly.

  He forced his eyes open further and looked down at the raw welts and jagged tears from the whip. “Oh that? Hardly feel it.” He fell back in bed, his strength gone. “Been numb for so long, couldn’t tell you the damage.”

  Toryn brought a steaming bowl of soup. “Here, this should help bring you out of the fog. Sorry we couldn’t come sooner. We needed a distraction.”

  Endiscott sighed. “I don’t blame either of you. You know that, right? You shouldn’t have risked yourselves for me. I didn’t have long to live.”

  Something passed through Reance’s features but Endiscott chose not to ask. Knowing the future wasn’t something he needed, especially if he claimed one day they would all be happy. He’d rather face life one day at a time.

  “So, where have you brought me?”

  “Earth. France to be exact.” Toryn sighed. “I’d hoped Jayde would still be here and see reason.”

  “No. I can’t give her all of me. She deserves someone who can. Someone who will put her first. As much as I wish I could, I know better. One look from Saressa and I would fall to my knees before her, allow her to do as she pleased.”

  “Which is why you’re staying here. Where she won’t come. Where she might think you’re gone and dead.”

  “Dead? How?”

  Reance spoke, “Fuerah carried us from the castle. She returned to leave a charred corpse once we made it to Earth, hoping to convince Saressa you were indeed dead.”

  “One can hope. I can’t repay you for this. I truly cannot. You’ve done so much for me.”

  “You are a friend, Endiscott. You always will be. I protect those I consider friends, to the best of my ability.”

  Endiscott nodded. “If there is anything I can do for you, I will.”

  “Toryn will stay with you until you are well enough. Then he’ll leave you in Elondril’s care.”

  “Elondril? Saressa told me he was dead.”

  Toryn chuckled. “No. When Saressa set out to find him, we sent him here. He is safe, as are you.”

  “I won’t see you again, will I?”

  Toryn smiled. “Oh, I have missions on this side of the veil. I’ll be seeing you.”

  Part 2: The Present

  Changing Destiny

  Chapter 17

  Present…

  Warm hands caressed up her arms as Kellan pulled her against his chest. Jayde couldn’t help thinking his touch was all wrong. He wasn’t the man she craved. More than a century later and Endiscott still occupied her heart.

  After Toryn’s visit, she fled to the new world. Nearly a year later, she felt Endiscott’s presence in New York. Heartbroken, she’d followed him every time he moved, never setting eyes on him, but staying close enough to maintain the comfort his presence provided.

  Kellan’s voice rumbled in her ear. “Come home with me, Jayde.”

  She couldn’t bring herself to face him. Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “You know I won’t.”

  “Why not? I could love you. Let me in,” he murmured.

  She laughed softly. “You don’t do love, Kellan. What makes me different?”

  It was the same argument they had on and off for five years. He’d shown up at some club and approached her with a charming smile and dazzling green eyes. She’d settled into her occasional funk, wishing she could finally find a man who wanted her.

  Kellan had, but she never felt a reciprocal spark. When she pushed him away, he stuck around, letting her have space, but showing he wouldn’t give up. Every few months he tried again, and occasionally she gave in, only to wallow in depression when she didn’t feel anything but momentary desire, and a sense of comradery.

  Sometimes she wished she could forget Endiscott and love Kellan. He was a friend, one she trusted. When he wasn’t trying to get in her pants, he made her smile and gave her comfort. Over the years there had been a few other men, but her heart never gave up on Endiscott.

  Nibbling her ear, Kellan purred, “You make a man want to be better.”

  “Ha! You’re a manwhore. You want me because I don’t judge.”

  “It’s more than that.” He nibbled her lobe, his hands slipping under her shirt, fingers dipping into her waistband.

  “Sorry, Kellan. I’m not swayed by your enthusiasm. Love is a worthless emotion. It rips your heart out and destroys it. Trust me.”

  “I could change your mind.” His hand delved lower.

  She grabbed his wrists and pulled away. Turning to face him, she shook her head sadly. His emerald eyes were full of emotion she didn’t share because her heart belonged to a man she swore she’d never see again.

  Drawing a slow breath she backed away. “You can’t. It would take a miracle.”

  “One day I’ll prove you wrong.”

  “Doubtful.” She dispersed into air. Jayde floated away from the waterfront and rematerialized on Broadway. Her heart beat harder, her blood raced. Endiscott was close.

  Her head came up and her gaze locked on Endiscott, arm-in-arm with a beautiful blond. A lance of pain went through her heart. His bond was broken. She could feel his soul open after being closed off for so long. But instead of searching for her, he was with another woman.

  Her lip curled and she snarled before phasing out. She blew past him.

  Endiscott scanned the area.

  The woman grabbed his ass, and asked, “What’s the matter?”

  “Thought I saw someone,” he answered. Shaking his head, he grinned at the woman. “Don’t worry, it can’t be.”

  Jayde watched as Endiscott pulled the woman to a stop and kissed her. Leaning back, he nodded to the street. “Lead the way. I believe I promised a feast.”

  Maybe Kellan was right. Maybe it was time to let go of her past and move on with someone who wanted her. But did she want Kellan enough to stop dreaming of Endiscott?

  * * * *

  Kellan watched from the shadows of a tree as Jayde reformed and walked up the path to her door. Tears ran down her beautiful face. He could feel her pain from where he stood and wanted to take it away.

  He strode toward her, reaching out to touch her shoulder. “Jayde, what happened?”

  She stared at the door. Her voice was cold. “Ever feel like your heart’s been ripped out and stomped on? I’m there.”

  “Who? I’ll tear him apart.”

  Her eyes widened as she turned toward him, shaking her head. “No. You won’t touch him. It’s long since over. Never thought I’d see him again, and would have been fine if I hadn’t. Suppose it was bound to happen. He hasn’t done
anything wrong.”

  “He broke your heart. Made you cry. Took you for granted. Chose another woman. All things I can blame him for.”

  She took a step back, a look of shock on her face. “You know nothing.”

  He moved closer. “I bet I know more than you think.”

  Her hazel eyes flashed as her chest heaved. “How?”

  “The awakening gave me my mother’s memories.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “Endiscott is bound to my mother.”

  She backed away, shaking her head. “Oh no. No, no, no! Saressa is your mother?”

  He nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. “She is. Sent me to watch you. I’m ordered to keep you from him by any means necessary. I never meant to fall in love with you. Couldn’t resist though.” His mother had intended death, but that wasn’t something Kellan could do. Not to the woman who unintentionally stole his heart.

  She vanished.

  “Jayde! I know you can hear me. I love you. Give me a fucking chance to prove I’m better than my mother—better than Endiscott.”

  There was no answer. He didn’t honestly expect one, but it hurt nonetheless. There was nothing he could do to change who his parents were.

  He’d never given it much thought before meeting Jayde. His mother and father had stripped everything from her, leaving her lonely for so long. His mother suggested bringing Jayde back to her as one option. Saressa’s only order was to make sure she stayed away from Endiscott. So he’d lingered on Earth, hoping to mend the heart his mother broke.

  With Jayde this torn up over Endiscott, Kellan could only guess she still loved him. His hope was lost. He scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to decide what to do. Jayde was the first woman who made him feel worthwhile.

  And that bastard broke her heart all over again. Maybe his death would allow Jayde to love once more. Someone who could give her everything she’d been wanting.

  He needed to find Endiscott first. See him through his own eyes before choosing a course of action.

  Chapter 18

  Pleasure rocked through Saressa as Damha pinned her against the wall, fucking her senseless. Most saw a monster, which he was. One of the rare Arachnians. Mostly human in appearance, at least in front, but the skin of his sides flowed into the back of a hairy spider, complete with eight legs. His hair was thick, spiky, and his compound eyes each contained a thousand individual eyeballs.

  Other than needing to mind the fangs protruding from his mouth, the human portion of his body was fully functional and completely capable of bringing pleasure. She’d taught him never to attempt to bind her with his silk strands, which he could easily produce.

  Damha was completely untrustworthy, and thoroughly invested in his own gain. But his goals aligned with hers, for the most part.

  As climax neared she felt the pull of a bond. That same feeling when she wrapped herself in Endiscott’s essence, binding herself to him.

  She morphed into steam and blew past him. He screeched, turning the direction she flew. Reforming at the opposite wall, she threw her hands up and formed an ice barrier, trapping him across the room.

  Hissing, he slammed his hands against the frozen barricade. It shuddered. “You were made for me. Why stop the bond when it is finally forming!”

  Had her destiny always involved this creature? Her heart still beat for Endiscott. Once it became apparent he lived, she wanted to punish him for staying away so long. But, having abused him in so many ways, she let him have some freedom, knowing he still craved her. She expected him to eventually come back, and she would strive to fix what she’d broken.

  Now it was too late. He’d either found a way to break the bond, or he was dead.

  Bonds only naturally formed when two people were meant for one another. Through magic, she’d managed to redirect the bond Endiscott was supposed to have. A new attachment attempting to form now left two possibilities. Endiscott’s death, or he found a way to sever the bond.

  A million questions swirled through her head.

  “I love you. I always have, Saressa. Let me in,” Damha demanded, still banging on the ice.

  She flicked her hand, fusing more ice into the wall, fortifying its strength.

  Love, such a worthless emotion.

  They had a lot in common. Both determined, driven, ruthless. It’s why she found herself drawn to him once Endiscott was swept from Faerie.

  Through visions, she’d eventually found him wandering the human world. Lost, listless, still craving her. He dreamt of her. Woke up crying her name.

  After all this time, he didn’t go to Jayde. Still, she wanted him back. Her heart belonged to her domineering nymph. And perhaps, if she could have him once more, she could be what he desired.

  “I’m talking to you!” Damha shouted.

  “I won’t bond with you, or anyone else. Have you learned nothing, Damha? I’m my own woman.”

  “Which is why you gave your heart to a worthless nymph with no drive and no ambition? He can never be what you need.”

  She didn’t have time for an argument. Saressa opened a portal at his feet and sent him back to his cave to blow off steam. Later, when he was rational, she could talk to him.

  “This isn’t over,” Damha warned, before he was sucked through the portal.

  Alone, she sank to her knees and called up Endiscott’s image. His passion. The fire in his eyes. His fight. She nearly ruined him but he survived, still craving her. If he’d come back, she could mend everything.

  She closed her eyes and sought Endiscott out.

  He stood in an office, in front of a great window, gazing out over other buildings. “You’re looking better,” Toryn said, pulling his attention.

  Nodding, Endiscott smiled. “Thanks to you and Isa.”

  “I’m glad we have you back and you’re finally free of the bitch.”

  Endiscott drew a slow breath. “Did you know she’s here, in Seattle?”

  “Who?” Toryn asked with hooded eyes.

  “Jayde. I saw her the other night.”

  Toryn nodded slowly. “She’s been here a few years.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “What good would it have done? You were bound to Saressa and she deserved a man devoted to only her.”

  “I can be that man. I want to be that man.”

  “I’ll talk to her. See if she’ll at least listen to what you have to say.”

  “That’s all I can ask for.”

  Confirmation. The bond was broken. Thanks to her niece. She pulled a gown over her head and strode for the door. While storming to the wing her sirens occupied, she formulated a plan.

  Eiren sat at the table, casually drinking tea as he watched a pair of sirens fuck against the wall. Eiren had always been loyal. He made a good pet. And she enjoyed rewarding him for a job well done.

  “My Queen.” His eyes sparkled as he looked up at her.

  “I have a mission for you. On Earth.”

  “Name it.”

  “Find Endiscott. Bring him to me.”

  “Consider it done,” he answered eagerly.

  Saressa smiled. “While you’re there, tell my son I’m running out of patience. I expect him back upon your return.”

  “Of course, My Queen.”

  * * * *

  Scotty walked into the diner and sank into a seat across from Zoe. He’d worried she may want more than friendship after their one-night stand. Turns out she needed a friend as much as he did. He found it easy to talk to her, which was why he chose to meet her this morning.

  She smiled, pushing blond hair behind her ears. “Morning.”

  “Hi.” He offered a smile before looking around. Someone’s eyes were on him, other than Zoe. A familiar presence that made his heart race.

  “Why so distracted?”

  Shaking it off, he looked to Zoe. “Remember the other night? When I thought I saw someone?”

  She nodded. “Did she break your heart?�
�

  He shook his head. “No. I broke hers.” He sighed, looking out the window, wishing he could find her again. There were so many things he wanted to say. Apologies to make. Though he didn’t expect her to give him a chance after everything he put her through.

  “What did you do?”

  A bitter laugh exploded from his lips. “You’re Other, Zoe, but I doubt you know much about the fae.”

  She laughed softly. “I am fae, though raised on Earth and it’s true, I don’t know much about Faerie.”

  Rubbing a hand over his face, he sat back. “She gave my life meaning. Then another woman tore us apart. I didn’t have the strength to fight before the other woman stole my will.”

  “A woman swayed you?”

  He huffed. “Jayde would have been my bond mate had Saressa not forced a twisted bond on me. The kicker, it wasn’t even real. Felt real, twisted my heart all to fuck. I couldn’t resist her.”

  “So you cheated on the woman you supposedly loved?” Her brow arched skeptically.

  “Saressa used magic against me. I’m a nymph. She paralyzed me until I reached the point of no return then twisted my growing bond for Jayde, using it for corrupt purposes. I hate myself for not fighting harder, but in all honesty, I don’t know what I could have done differently.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “And now?”

  “The bond is broken. Though, how—” He realized Zoe didn’t need the details. “Never mind. The point is, Saressa no longer controls me, and can’t bind me again.”

  “You won’t tell me how?”

  Heat rose up his cheeks as he shook his head. “No. All I’ll say is it took true friends to break the bond.”

  “So if this Jayde is back, why not track her down?”

  “I’m not sure any amount of groveling could fix what I broke between us. That was ages ago.”

  “How old are you, Scotty?”

  He snorted. “How old are you, Zoe?”