Destined to Meet: A Destined Novel (Destined Novels Book 3)

by Jourdyn Kelly

  “Baby, I’m here. I’m right here.”

  “I saw that blade coming at you and there was nothing I could do.”

  “You warned me, and I was able to move in time to avoid permanent damage.” I try to downplay it as much as I can for Sam’s sake, but I don’t think it’s working very well.

  “I don’t know what I would have done if…”

  “Sam, don’t think about that,” I interrupt softly. “If you focus on what could have been, you’ll be distracted if we’re faced with another battle. That could be deadly for both of us, baby. You have to let what happened tonight go.”

  “I don’t know if I can do that.”

  I grab Sam’s hand and lead him to the bed, nudging him until he was seated. Without hesitation, I sit astride his lap and take his face in my hands.

  “When you were hurt by Thomas, laying there in the hospital dying, I wanted to die with you. I wasn’t there to help you, to warn you, to protect you. The guilt of that weighed heavily on me. When I initially turned Amanda down after she asked me to change you, I think I went a little crazy.” I kiss him softly before continuing. “I’m realizing that if we’re going to do this, we need to trust each other enough to take care of ourselves. Otherwise, we’re both in serious trouble.”

  “Intellectually, I know you’re right. Emotionally it’s a little more difficult to get used to.”

  “For me, too,” I confess. “But we’ll give it our best shot, right?”

  Sam chuckles. “Right. First thing on the agenda, a shower.” He stands and my legs instinctively wrap around his waist, and my arms wrap around his neck. “I don’t like seeing all of this blood on you. And, we have some unfinished business to take care of,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows seductively.

  A wide grin spreads across my face. “Yippie!”

  “Jenna, when I said to order whatever you want, I didn’t mean order all of the food in England.”

  “I couldn’t figure out what I wanted, so I got a little bit of everything.” She shrugs, and stuffs half an egg roll in her mouth.

  A ‘little bit of everything’ includes Chinese take-out, pizza, sushi, Thai and even some kind of fried chicken. Amazingly enough, I have no doubts that my small group of six Hunters (that’s excluding the two vampires in the bunch since Sam and I don’t need the food) can polish off every last bit of this food.

  “How are you feeling?” Amanda slants a look over to me, then Sam. Whatever she sees makes her smile slyly. “Pretty good, I guess.”

  “I’m good,” I grin, then turn serious. “How about all of you? Anything you want to talk about?”

  “I’m assuming you want to know if we had to kill any innocents. Correct?”

  “Yes, Eric.” I need to know. I don’t want to know, but I need to.

  “I didn’t,” Eric answers immediately, and looks to Jeremy.

  “Nope. Jenna?”

  “Not me. Emily?”

  “No. Sara?”

  “No, I didn’t. Amanda?”

  I’m finding this ‘around the table’ confession quite entertaining until Amanda remains quiet.

  “Amanda?” The concern in Sam’s voice makes me as nervous as Amanda’s silence.

  “I - I don’t know. Everything happened so fast.”

  I place my hand over hers. “What happened?”

  “I was fighting with a Cursed One and all of a sudden this girl comes out of nowhere. Ana, she couldn’t have been more than fifteen. I tried my best to fend her off without hurting her, but the Cursed One kept coming after me. I just needed her to leave me alone so I could deal with the vamp for her sake as well as mine. I hurt her. I don’t know how badly, but I hurt her.” She pauses to take a deep breath. “I never went back to find out what happened to her. By that time, you had been hurt and my attention was on you.”

  Standing, I bring Amanda up with me and hug her. “You did what you had to do, Mandy Bear,” I murmur, using Sam’s nickname for her. “I’m sure she’s fine, but if not, you did what you were trained to do. You said the same thing to me when defending Liam, remember? We can’t save everyone. You protected yourself.”

  She nods, and I hear her sniffle a little. I raise my eyes to Sam. He immediately gets up and takes Amanda in his arms.

  “She’s right, Mandy Bear. Someone very smart told me that we have to take what happened tonight, all of it, and let it go. Otherwise we’ll be distracted the next time this happens.”

  Amanda sighs. “Let me guess. Ana told you that because you’re having a hard time with seeing her like she was tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think we all did,” Amanda confesses, turning her head to look at me. “You’re our formidable leader. Seeing you go down like that was a real eye-opener. One I’d rather forget.”

  “So forget it,” I tell all of them. “Easier said than done, I know, but it’s necessary. I’m sorry it happened, believe me, but it did. I’m fine and now it’s time to move on and prepare for the next battle. Honestly, I hope this is the last one for a long time, if not forever. I’m ready for retirement.”

  “You’re certainly old enough,” Jenna teases. I take it for what it is. A way to lighten the mood that had become way too morose. So, instead of smacking Jenna for her dig on my age, I steal her piece of pizza and stick my tongue out at her.

  After spending the rest of the night reassuring Sam that I am okay, I feel remarkably refreshed when morning breaks through. The weather is a little more England-like today. Overcast with sporadic showers. It doesn’t matter, though, since we’ll be spending the day inside training.

  Sam and I walk into the gym together, noticing everyone is already there. I stop for a bit to watch them spar with each other. Respect swells inside me seeing how well they work together and how far they’ve come in such a short amount of time. There are other emotions there as well. Love and a sense of belonging. God, it’s been so long since I’ve had family that I’d forgotten what that felt like.

  “We are your family, baby.”

  Sam’s breath tickles my ear and makes me shiver, as does the finger he trails lightly down my sports bra clad back. Clearing my throat, I grab his hand and drag him to the center of the room.

  “Let’s go, hotshot.” I raise my hands, palms up and beckon him to come at me. It’s either spar with him, or drag him back to our bedroom. The sensible part of me has won over, and he’s going to have to deal with the consequences of stirring up my need for him.

  “Something wrong, sweetheart?” he smirks.

  “Not at all, darling.”

  “You sure?”

  “You stalling?”

  He laughs. “Let’s do this.”

  By this time, my Hunters have stopped sparring and are now watching us with amusement. Sam circles me for a step or two, then strikes out at me. He knows I’ll be ready for it, so he tries countering with a sweep of my legs. I’ll admit, he almost had me.

  “Not bad.” I grin. This is beginning to remind me of one of the first times we sparred after becoming lovers. He tried knocking me off balance by saying something seductive. Unfortunately for me, it had worked. My grin spreads wider.

  I want to make love to you again.

  Sam’s eyes widen and he falters ever so slightly. As he did with me at that time, I use it against him, grabbing him and spinning him around until my breasts are pressed against his back.

  “Gotcha.”

  “Dirty move,” he murmurs huskily with laughter. Seems he remembers that moment just as clearly as I do.

  “Doesn’t make it untrue,” I say, repeating his past words to me.

  “You guys aren’t going to suck face, are you?”

  I give her a mock glare. “Jenna, you really know how to ruin a moment.”

  “Get over it. It’s not like you two don’t have forever to get it on.” Pop.

  I fantasize about taking her gum and wrapping it through the strands of her braid. She’d have to shave her head by the time I was done. Sam laughs o
ut, then laughs even harder when Jenna looks at him in confusion.

  Hey, at least it’s getting their minds off of more morbid thoughts. I’ll take it.

  “I appreciate you coming out here to meet with us, Abby.” I also appreciate the fact that she didn’t bring Tania along with her, but I’ll keep that to myself.

  “Of course, Anala. It’s an honor…”

  “Please don’t do that. I’m nothing like your Priestess, or Emma. I don’t want or need your adulation. Once I’m finished here, that’s it.”

  “You’re not staying to rule over us?”

  “No. I’m not your Ruler. England already has a queen, and you certainly don’t need another Priestess. I am a Leader of my own chapter of the Society. That’s where I belong.”

  “But you could come back here,” Abby starts.

  “I don’t want to come back,” I interrupt. “I don’t want this life anymore. Look, I have no idea what is going to happen with Malcolm tomorrow. In fact, I’m afraid it’s going to be our toughest battle yet because of the innocents that will be involved. But no matter the outcome, this is it for me, Abby.”

  “You were born a Hunter. How could you leave this life behind?”

  “Honestly, I did very well for many centuries. Blissfully unaware of the things that were happening here in my home country. Now, all I really want is to spend the rest of eternity with Sam. Preferably on a beach somewhere, sipping margaritas and being happy.”

  Sam places his hand on the small of my back, rubbing it gently. I don’t know if he wants what I want, or if he would get bored with that life. Maybe he wants to be a cop again. It’s not impossible, just a bit dubious that a life as a cop would work for long periods of time. He would have to keep starting over in different areas of the world because of not aging. I should have probably discussed this with him.

  Hell, I probably should have discussed all of this with my Hunters before I brought it up with Abby. Surely they want more from their life than killing Cursed Ones. They had dreams before I came along. It’s time they started living life for themselves, not for me and the Society.

  “Very well. I respect your decision, actually. Had I thought I had any other choice, I wouldn’t have chosen this life either.”

  “You were forced into it?”

  “Anala, I don’t know what happened where you came here from. The fact that you didn’t know this was happening is strange to me. But around here, we’re still born to be Hunters. Our families still practiced, trained and protected. It’s not that I was forced, just what I was born into. What is expected of me. I’m sure you of all people understand that.”

  I nod, knowing exactly what she was talking about. My Hunters, although technically born Hunters, had no knowledge of this life before me. They didn’t have to make the sacrifices, or spend their youth training to become killers. Reality is, they’ve only touched the surface of what someone like Abby or myself has had to do. Of course, I never complained when I was younger. It was something sacred to me. Then again, I grew up with mum and papa, two truly remarkable, generous and understanding Leaders. Growing up with someone like the Priestess is clearly enough to take the fun out of anything.

  We’ve ordered food - again - because, really, who in this group is going to cook. I can cook, mind you, but have you seen the way Jenna eats? So, we’re now on a first name basis with the delivery people around here and we’ve been here less than a week. Damn. Has it really been less than a week? It feels like we’ve been here, or been fighting for ages. I’m so damned tired of it. Obviously this is not the life for me anymore. I think I’ve come to understand that there are more important things out there. Love is something my parents and I never got a chance to talk about. Of course they loved me, and I them, but I’m talking about being in love. Perhaps I wasn’t ready for how being in love with Sam would make me feel about the way my life is, or has been. But ready or not, it’s here to stay, and I want to take full advantage of this love.

  I shake myself mentally, trying to focus on the task at hand. I’ve never been prone to losing myself in deep thoughts. Then again, I’ve never almost gotten my head chopped off while the love of my life watched. It tends to rearrange your outlook on life. Sigh.

  “Did the Priestess know anything about Malcolm’s plan to overthrow her?” I take a sip from my bottle of blood, silently thanking Amanda for making sure to use an opaque bottle. I’m sure Abby suspects what’s in the bottle, but that doesn’t mean I have to advertise it.

  “She knew of the rumors, but no specific plans. She usually brushed them off, too vain to believe anyone could take her command away from her.”

  I pass the shrimp with lobster sauce over to Abby since she’s been eyeing it for a while now.

  “I take it she didn’t have any plans to circumvent Malcolm’s advance?”

  Abby shakes her head, putting a hand to her mouth as she chews. If I had asked Jenna a question after she had taken a bite, I would have seen everything she had crammed into her mouth. Sam snickers softly, and I bump his shoulder. I wonder if he’s been listening to all my inner ramblings.

  Yes. We will talk about things later.

  Sounds ominous. He just smiles at me, winking a sexy little wink. Damn him. Now I want to…

  “No,” Abby finally answers after swallowing her food, effectively bringing me out of my wayward thoughts. “She believed she had enough protection from her subordinates, including Cursed Ones. She wasn’t worried.”

  “And, what do you think?”

  My Hunters have been particularly quiet since Abby arrived, so when Amanda asks the question it takes me by surprise. It must’ve been the same for Abby since she hesitates with a glance at me before answering.

  “I think we have a reason to be worried. It’s Amanda, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “I apologize. We’re here eating together, and I haven’t made an effort to speak with all of you.”

  See? I told you my mind was occupied elsewhere! I should have made introductions the moment Abby stepped in the door.

  “My apologies for my bad manners,” I say sheepishly. “Abby, these are my Hunters, my friends, my family; Amanda, Jenna, Emily, Sara, Jeremy and Eric. And, of course, Sam.”

  “Eric, are you and Emily related?”

  Interesting that she singles out Eric. I remember her gaze also lingering on him at the Priestess’s hideout. Hmm.

  “Yes. We’re twins,” Eric responds, a slight blush forming on his cheeks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Eric flustered before. Hmm, again.

  “Wow. And what is your strength?”

  It is true that each Hunter is born with qualities, or strengths that make them powerful Hunters. When I first recruited my group, I made it a point to let each of them know what theirs was. Eric’s and Emily’s was quite obvious to me.

  “Swordsmanship. Emily and I are master fencers.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Abby hesitates again, her eyes staying on Eric a little longer than polite, then smiles at Emily before turning to Jeremy. Her hesitation makes me wonder if she had planned on asking any of the others.

  “And, yours?”

  Jeremy clears his throat, clearly not expecting to be a part of this conversation. “Um, brute strength and ability to think under pressure,” he answers, repeating almost verbatim what I had told him. At least I know he was listening.

  “Fantastic qualities. And, Jenna?”

  Jenna’s fork stops in mid-air and she looks annoyed with the interruption. Okay, yes, Jenna always looks annoyed.

  “Maneuverability,” she answers dryly. “And, bitchiness.”

  I laugh, as does the rest of my group. Abby doesn’t seem as entertained by the answer as the rest of us. Oh well, she’ll either get used to Jenna or not. She is an acquired taste, after all.

  “Hmm. Sara?”

  Sara stares at her, confusion clear on her face. Oops. With Sara being a late comer, I never had a chance to get to know her, or tell her what her quality
is. However, if I had to guess…

  “Sara’s quality is compassion,” I answer. “She came to us late in the game, so I never had time to go over this with her.” Turning to address Sara, I say, “Each Hunter possesses a quality that makes them excel at what they do. We’re still getting to know each other, but I can see your strength is compassion. You also have a strong sense of right and wrong, and duty. Your compassion keeps you grounded, but your sense of duty keeps you alive. It’s a very potent combination.”

  Sara blushes at my words, and I’m hoping that’s a good thing because I certainly meant it as a compliment.

  “Gracias.”

  “Those are brilliant qualities,” Abby agrees. “You don’t see much of that around here anymore. Under the Priestess, most Hunters have lost their compassion. What about you, Amanda?”

  “I, um, uh…” Amanda looks to me. It’s almost as though she still doesn’t believe what I said her qualities were. I give her a brief nod, and she swallows nervously. “The ability to retain all of these abilities,” she mechanically recites word-for-word what I said to her that night.

  “Truly?” Abby’s eyes widen, and she looks to me for confirmation.

  “Yes,” I nod. “Both she and Sam possess the power to retain all abilities. Including being able to sense Cursed Ones.”

  “That’s almost unheard of in these areas. In fact, I’ve never met a Hunter who could sense.” Abby shakes her head in what I expect is amazement. “Wait. How do all of you know each other if Hunters were not typical in your area, and how did you survive them, Anala?”

  “They met in high school,” Sam answers, gesturing to the others. “As for Anala, even if we had known what Cursed Ones were before she told us, we can’t sense her.”

  “You can’t… but, she is Cursed.”

  “Anala is, using her own words, an anomaly. She never endured what other Cursed Ones did when they were turned.”

  “Neither have you, Sam,” Amanda reminds him.

  “It is quite remarkable how… civilized you both are,” Abby states. “Your voices are absolutely clear. If it weren’t for your eyes, I would never have imagined you were Cursed. I’ve never seen that before.”