“Hmmm, judging from that grimace . . . Paul?” Glancing around, Anne took a seat under our favorite elm tree that stood a little ways off from the house. When I shook my head, she gasped, covering her mouth in shock. “No! Not Jessup!”
“Yes,” I groaned loudly and flounced backward onto the grass. “Jessup McMann, the one and only. I swear my father’s becoming senile or something. This is just proof he doesn’t understand me because Jessup is the last person I’d ever marry. Can you imagine that?”
“Woman, where’s my meal?” Anne imitated.
“Woman, get down on all fours so I can rest my feet on your back!” I snickered.
“He is such a pig. No, he’s worse than one. He’s a . . .” Anne stuttered, reaching for the right description for him.
“There are no words. Trust me; I tried to find them when I argued my refusal with my parents. And I have a health vocabulary.”
“You didn’t!” Her eyes widened before she stuttered laughing. “Oh, I bet your father almost had an aneurism.”
“And my mother started crying, telling me how I was breaking her heart and that with my bad attitude I’ll never find anyone to marry.” I let out a tired sigh and turned to look at Anne. “I’m not trying to be difficult, but Jessup?” The question hung in the air.
“You can’t let them tie you to that caveman, Darcy. You’ll be miserable.”
“I know. Why can’t they let me find love on my own? I know the perfect guy is out there . . . I just haven’t found him.” I sat up and crossed my legs.
“Well, without you getting mad at me, you kind of need to date to find him.” Anne cocked her head at me and winked.
“Ugh, not you too!” I tugged at a small patch of grass and tossed the green blades at her. “It’ll happen when it’s meant to. It’s not my fault I’m cautious.”
“Try obsessively picky.”
“Selective,’ I corrected, ignoring her snorted response. “Plus, I don’t see you out there finding your beloved mate. Lead by example, sister!”
“Well, seeing Jessup’s on the market still . . .” She couldn’t even finish her sentence without collapsing into a fit of laughter.
“A match made in Hell!” I added, pausing briefly before we both chimed in together. “Never!”
“Promise me you won’t cave in to their wishes, Darcy. Promise me you’ll find that perfect guy.”
“I pinky promise.” I crooked my little finger and we shook. It was a tradition we’d had since childhood, the pact binding in our hearts. “He’s going to be amazing. He’ll be strong, protective, and loyal, with washboard abs and a killer smile!” I laughed. “And he’ll love me as much as I love him. There’ll be that spark and connection . . . and passion.”
I let out another contented sigh as I pictured him in my mind. My stomach somersaulted thinking about all the possibilities. About how my skin would flush when he looked at me or my heart would flutter as he spoke my name. I didn’t want to settle for anything less.
“You make it all sound so romantic.”
“I want an epic love, Anne. For both of us. There’s no reason why we can’t be giddily happy forever.”
“To forever!” She yelled out and I cheered in agreement.
My vision suddenly flickered. I felt myself being pulled away from Anne and the scene under the tree. Once we’d started talking, I clearly remembered the day we’d had that conversation and it wasn’t the last one we’d had either. Fending off proposals and discussing our dream mates had been some of our favorite topics.
Everything went dark and I tried not to panic. Klothos didn’t reappear to tell me the test was over, so I calmed myself and waited for the next phase. There wasn’t enough time to ponder the meaning of what just happened because a new scene began filling my mind.
Anne and I were sitting in a booth at our favorite diner. It was a Saturday night ritual for us to finish the day at Betty’s Burger and Grill—a rowdy cowboy-themed eatery, where the jukebox continuously cranked out tunes and the delicious smell of BBQ filled the air. The food was incredible and I was busy sipping on a chocolate milkshake. A half empty plate sat before me, a partially eaten Western Burger and a stack of cooling fries.
Movement at a nearby booth caught my attention. Sitting with a group of his buddies was Gabriel Williams, a god among men. The guy seemed to ooze sex appeal and had stolen my heart. Everything about him was perfect. Everything, but the fact he was currently dating someone else. My heart still hurt from hearing the devastating news a few weeks earlier and I knew I wasn’t helping the situation by mooning over him now. I couldn’t help it though, I was drawn to him.
“Why are you torturing yourself, Darcy?” Anne asked, stealing a fry from my plate. Obviously there was nothing wrong with her appetite, and I pushed my food toward her to finish.
“I can’t help it. I know I shouldn’t, but I keep wondering what would’ve happened if I’d met him first and not her.” I couldn’t bring myself to say the name of the lucky girl who’d won Gabriel’s heart.
I waited for some words of consolation, loving comfort from one best friend to another, but it never came. Dragging my attention away from Gabriel as he laughed at something someone said, my curiosity was piqued by the knowing look on Anne’s face.
“What if there was a way he could be yours?” She leaned in, conspiratorially.
“I’d say you were crazy.” Staring over at Gabriel again, there was no way he’d ever leave her. I’d suffered over the last three weeks, watching their public displays of affection and hearing how ‘in love’ they were. The rumor mill was buzzing with information, the latest being that it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he proposed soon. I’d wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole when I’d heard that.
“Seriously, what would you do if I knew a way?” Anne wasn’t letting this go. The door opened, letting in a cold breeze from outside, and in she walked. Dark brown hair and cheerleader body, I wanted to gag over how perfect she was. Jealously blazed through my veins as I watched him stand to greet her, wrapping his arms around her waist so he could pull her close and kiss her. I hated her. I wanted to be her.
“I’d do pretty much anything,” I whispered, willing myself to look away. I couldn’t help longing for his lips on mine, the smile of adoration he offered when they finally broke away, or wishing I could lift up on my tiptoes and steal another kiss. I also couldn’t help thinking how unfair it was—Mr. Perfect with Miss. Wrong. My young heart couldn’t stand it.
“Good, because there’s someone I want you to meet.” Anne rested back into the booth with a wide smile. “She’s in my algebra class at the college and we’ve been talking a lot afterward. I told her to meet us here.”
Anne definitely had my attention now. “What kind of help?”
“A little magical assistance.”
I didn’t get a chance to ask for more information. Anne peered over my shoulder, broke out into a wide smile, and motioned for someone to come join us—a short, slender redhead slid in beside her.
“Darcy, this is Rhonda,” Anne introduced. “Rhonda, this is my best friend, Darcy.”
We exchanged pleasantries and I tried not to look as skeptical as I felt. Magic wasn’t a foreign concept to me. My mother had a strong relationship with Vivien, a powerful witch and leader of a large coven. I just didn’t see how it could change the circumstances between Gabriel and me.
“Have you told her why I’m here,” Rhonda asked Anne, in a low voice. Her gaze kept darting about the diner and I wondered what she was going to offer.
“Just a little bit,” Anne replied. She gestured with her head to Gabriel’s group. “He’s here as well.”
Rhonda craned her neck to the side. “Let me guess, the guy with the girl looking all lovey dovey at him?”
“Yep, that’s him.”
Rhonda studied Gabriel, her focus flicking between him and his girlfriend. Every few moments she nodded until finally she plopped her shoulder bag onto the table. “T
otally doable,” she exclaimed, removing a small notebook from inside the purse. “A simple spell and a few ingredients and he’s as good as yours, Darcy.”
“What do you mean ‘spell’?” I asked, a nervous sinking feeling growing in my stomach. “You know, I don’t think this is such a good idea.”
“Come on, you said you’d do anything to make him yours. Here’s your chance and just think of what your parents will say. You’ll finally have them off your case. It’s a win-win!” Anne’s face lit up with excitement at the thought. A small fraction of my heart agreed with her. Maybe a magic spell was the answer to all this—what harm could a few rhyming words do?
I sensed him before I saw him. Gabriel had left his booth and I caught the scent of his cologne as he passed by. It made my mouth water—not from hunger, though.
“Hi Darcy,” his rich baritone voice sent tingles over my body. On the outside I remained the picture of calmness, but on the inside, I was a quivering mess. He knew my name. He knew who I was.
“Hi Gabriel,” I answered softly. He looked so good standing there by our booth and I fought the temptation to reach out and touch him. Staring up at him, the lights from the room made his eyes twinkle and created a glow around his head, making him appear larger than life. I inwardly cringed at my lovesick thoughts. I had it bad for this guy.
“Well, enjoy the rest of your evening.” He chuckled low and moved away. I didn’t take my eyes off his retreating form and then groaned loudly with embarrassment. A hot blush heated my skin.
“Please tell me I didn’t just sit there like a fool and stare at him. Please!” I lowered my head and banged it gently against the tabletop surface. “I’m such an idiot.”
“Ummm.” Neither Anne nor Rhonda answered, but I could see it written all over their faces. I was mortified.
“You need this spell, Darcy. Not a second too soon either.” Rhonda opened her small book and scribbled something on her napkin. Pushing it toward me, she rested her hand over mine. “Trust me, he’ll be yours before the week is over.”
The napkin seemed to scream my name, beckoning me, tempting me. It would be so easy. No one but the three of us would know and those kisses I’d been coveting would be mine. I couldn’t drag my gaze away from Rhonda’s handwriting, the words burning into my memory.
Surely it wouldn’t hurt, I pondered. My fingers itched to snatch it up. My insides trembled to repeat the spell. My heart, however, knew better and was the voice of reason.
“I can’t. It’s not right,” I sighed at last.
“So, you’re fine with sitting here and watching that?” Rhonda pointed behind me and I turned to look. Gabriel and his girlfriend had locked lips again, oblivious to the world. It hurt watching them like that, knowing it wouldn’t be me. I felt my resolve waiver.
“I just want you to be happy. And you know it’ll solve your parental problems. It’s a no brainer,” Anne encouraged.
I was saved by my cell phone buzzing in my pocket. “Speaking of which.” My mother’s name lit up the screen and I read her brief text message. “I need to get home, guys.” I tossed a few bills on the table for my portion of the meal and began sliding out of the booth. My gaze fell on the napkin and I hesitated. It wasn’t lost on Rhonda or Anne.
“Here, take this just in case you change your mind.” Anne slid the temptation over to my hand and I slipped it into my pocket without another thought.
“Thanks,” I murmured. It felt like it was burning a hole in my pants, demanding I rush home and recite the incantation. I promised Anne I’d call her later, then quickly left the diner with a battle warring inside me.
I wanted to do that spell. I wanted Gabriel more than anything, but the price was too high. Stopping just outside the door, I turned around and cast one last look at the couple. It was obvious they were happy, their love hard to miss.
I pulled out the napkin. The light from the neon sign gave it an ominous appearance. Despite what the others said, it wasn’t a no-brainer. Yes, I’d get the guy I liked, but would he truly love me in return? This spell would mess with his will, bending it to mine and the thought sickened me. That wasn’t how I wanted to win him over. I wanted his heart, not his forced submission.
I crumpled the napkin, disgusted by how close I’d come to using it. I didn’t want to be the person who resorted to trickery. Others might have no issue, but I knew if I’d caved to pressure, the decision would plague me for the rest of my life. There was no way I wanted it on my conscience. Taking one last peek inside, I let out a relieved breath and threw away the napkin.
I’m not that desperate, I chuckled to myself, moving away so I could return home.
The vision started to disappear, but instead of fading into something new, I opened my eyes and found Klothos peering down at me.
Seemed the first test was over.
Chapter Nine
“Now for the completion of your test, Darcy.” Klothos waved her arm before her and out of thin air something appeared in her hand. It was a napkin—the napkin. After all these years, I still recognized the familiar handwriting and the words from the spell. “Do you wish for another chance to recite this spell? If not for Gabriel, for another?”
Standing from the chaise, I crinkled my brow, curious about why I was facing the same decision. Having just relived the memory, I was even more convinced that winning someone’s heart through a magical cheat was wrong. I would rather be alone than know the person I was with truly didn’t love me. It went against my honor.
“I stand by my original decision, Klothos. This isn’t how I want to find my mate. I don’t ever want to rob someone of their will. If I can’t find love the right way, then so be it.” Unlike before, my conviction blazed through me, leaving no hesitancy.
“Is there no one you would want for yourself?” The past seemed to repeat itself as Klothos shoved the napkin at me. “Don’t be so quick to turn away from such an opportunity.”
I stepped back, my hands in the air in refusal. “I don’t want any part of this. I didn’t then and I don’t now. I won’t ever use magic this way.”
The young Fate paused in her urgings and studied me intently. I stood my ground, resolved and ready to defend my choice. There was no doubt this was the crucial moment—the true reason behind my taking a trip down memory lane. I was being tested about my willingness to use whatever means possible to get what I want and I knew I wouldn’t fail it.
“Your heart speaks the truth, Darcy. You hold no desire to use magic in such a way. You have passed the first trial. Congratulations.” She smiled, bowing with respect. There was a flash of light as the napkin burst into flames and disappeared.
“Thank you,” I sighed in relief. “That was definitely different from what I anticipated.”
“But you were evaluated, nonetheless. Never underestimate something simply because it appears easier. Those usually reveal more about a person’s character than you can imagine.” I nodded in agreement as Klothos stretched her arm toward me. “Come, let me return you to your own suite and your companion. I’m sure he’s anxious to see how you fared.”
“We need to do that transportation thing again, don’t we?” I steeled myself for the ordeal and thrust out my hand. “Let’s do it quickly.”
I could’ve sworn I heard a soft lilting chuckle before everything went dark.
Reappearing in my own suite, I prepared myself for the lung crushing feeling from being transported, but was surprised when I wasn’t left gasping for air. Whether I was becoming accustomed to it or Klothos had lessened the effects, I was grateful for the respite.
“Thank goodness you’re all right.” Devlin stopped his pacing across the room and rushed toward me.
“I am.” I laughed before being crushed against his muscular body in a tight embrace. Tension radiated from Devlin, evidence of his concern and I wrapped my arms around him. “Had you doubting, did I?”
He pushed me away from him, his gaze skirting over me as he inspected for any injury. “
I had full confidence in your ability to succeed in this, but when you didn’t return after three hours, I started to worry. What the hell did they put you through?” He brushed aside stray hair that had fallen across my eyes.
“It wasn’t so bad. Wait, I was gone for three hours?” It hadn’t seemed that long when I was experiencing it—an hour, hour and a half tops. No wonder he was giving off so much anxious energy when I finally returned.
“Yeah, it’s late in the evening now. Dinner was served while you were still gone. Come, sit down and tell me everything.”
I let Devlin guide me to one of the couches and, folding my legs beside me, I ran my fingers through my hair. “They put me in a trance and had me relive some childhood memories.”
“That’s it?” It was good to see I wasn’t the only one surprised by the first trial selection. “Hmm, maybe the myth about how brutal these tests were was exaggerated.” A pensive expression flashed over his features.
“I don’t know, but it was definitely interesting. Do you remember that guy I thought I was in love with? Gabriel? The memories were about him and a decision I made. I didn’t tell you back then, but Anne had me meet with a witch who gave me a way to make him mine.” Devlin’s eyes widened slightly and I shook my head. “Don’t worry, I didn’t take the spell. I couldn’t. The Fates had me relive it and then offered me the incantation again. They told me I could have anyone I wanted—all I had to do was take it.”
“What did you do?” Devlin studied my face and I rolled my eyes at him.
“What do you think? I said, ‘no’. That’s not who I am.” I punched his shoulder and laughed when he faked a wince. No matter how strong I was as a werewolf, there was no way my puny throw could’ve hurt him. “And you know that!”
He tipped his head back and let out a deep chuckle. “I do but it’s good to hear. It’s definitely an interesting choice, but a smart one. What better way to uncover your motives than tempting you with the desires of your heart.”
Testing Fate Page 7
