Forever Marked (Marked Series Book 1)

by Jesse Lorenzo

  “ELLORA! ELLORA, wake UP!”

  She was jostled awake by someone aggressively shaking her shoulders. Only then did Ellora realize that she was the one thrashing around and screaming. She stopped once she noticed that it wasn’t her monster. Cold sweat dripped down her temple. Adelle was hovering over her with a panicked look on her face. Once she let go of Ellora’s shoulders, she began running her hands down the side of her face, trying to soothe her. Ellora didn’t know who looked more scared… her or Adelle.

  “Thank the Lord! Ellora, honey, are you all right? You scared the life outta me!”

  Ellora sat up, but tears continued to roll down her flushed face. “I'm sorry... I... I didn't mean to scare you. Umm, how did you get in here?” Ellora was suddenly embarrassed. Her nightmares were too personal, and she was used to suffering through them in silence. Having someone right there witnessing it made her feel ashamed.

  “It sounded like you were fighting it out with the devil himself in ’ere! I ’ave a spare key from when I used to stay ’ere. I jumped outta bed and outta my skin when I heard you screamin’, and rushed over here to help you. For the love o’ God, that was some nightmare you were ’avin'.”

  Ellora took in Adelle's appearance. Her usually neat, wavy strawberry hair was now a mess, and her face was without any makeup. She wore a sleeveless silky night top and matching shorts. Adelle sat bare foot and Indian style on Ellora’s bed, with a wooden bat lying next to her. Ellora laughed breathlessly, having no more voice for the action. The thought amused her. She nodded her head in the bat’s direction. “You were going to best the devil with a bat?” She smirked, lifting up one eyebrow.

  “Shut it, witch. I improvised.” She pushed at her shoulder lightly, laughing. Adelle leaned over her, reaching for the bedside lamp, and turned it on. She looked at Ellora’s face, which knew must’ve looked like a hot mess -- blotchy, red, and puffy. She could just feel the disaster that marked up her face. Worry creased Adelle’s brow, proving her previous thought. She lifted both hands, thumbing away the tears that trickled down her new neighbor’s face. “Lor, tell me why you ’ave these terrible nightmares almost every night. Tell me what’s got you so scared.” Her eyes were serious now; they narrowed in intensity and bore right through her.

  Ellora’s gut was telling her that she could trust Adelle, and she needed to unload some of the weight that rested on her shoulders. She decided to confide in her, only she just wouldn't give all the details.

  “A man broke into my house about a month ago. He waited for me in the dark and attacked me when I got home. I just barely got away and was taken to the hospital. He was never caught.” She paused for a moment, mentally skipping over a lot of the details. “Without my parents, or any other family members, there to help me through it or to comfort me, I was horrified out of my mind, thinking about how he could be right around the corner ready to strike, or waiting for me at my parents’ home to finish the job. The home I grew up in, with all the loving memories I had of my parents, was no longer my safe-haven. There was no peace of mind as long as he was out there, roaming free. I always felt unsafe and paranoid, like I was a sitting duck, just waiting to be struck down… again. So, I decided to pick up and leave, and got as far away as possible.”

  Adelle wrapped her arms around her softly, and Ellora rested her head on Adelle’s shoulder, giving up on trying to push her away -- or push anyone here away anymore. At that moment, she was extremely exhausted and defeated. Ellora was, to the depths of her soul, tired of going through it all alone. Adelle embraced her, giving a supportive squeeze. “I thought as much. Oh, Lor, I'm so sorry! He hurt you bad, did he?”

  “Yes, a little. He had a knife, but I'm okay now.” There, she’d said it. Even though it was just a little tidbit of what went on, she felt so much better having said something. She could tell by all the looks she got each morning, that everyone heard her nightmares. It felt good to confess a small portion of her fears out loud to someone, and she was glad it was Adelle.

  “Well, we are your new family now. I'm ’ere for ya, however you need me. I've always wanted a sister.” Adelle let go and leaned back, looking at Ellora with those big honest brown eyes, and smiled.

  Yup. Ellora liked Adelle so much already. She had an adoringly kind and caring personality. Ellora smiled back. “I am too... Umm... Please don't tell anyone what I told you. I'm just not ready for the whole town to know.” Ellora was a little nervous that she might be as gossipy as the others. She didn’t want her telling anyone anything personal. Especially Behr.

  “Aaah, Lor, dinnae you say another word. I willnae be telling a soul. Mark my words. I'm different than all the others ’ere. Aye, n’ I've never been one to gossip, not even in high school. What ye say to me dies with me. Understood?” Adelle donned a serious, stern expression, and it reminded Ellora of a look her mother would’ve given when scolding her.

  She nodded, deciding to switch gears and change the subject. “So, sis,” she said, winking. “Speaking of gossip and high school... A little birdie told me that Gavin has a thing for you.” Geez, now she was acting like a sixteen-year old girl at a slumber party. She giggled at the thought. Oh well, anything was better than going back to sleep.

  “Aye, Ellora Belle, you’re a slippery witch you are, changing the subject on me.” Adelle squealed out a high-pitched laugh and slapped Ellora's leg. “I dinnae know who your speakin’ with, but Gavin's never had his eye on me. He had ’em on every other skirt in town. I was of an awkward shape, younger, and several grades under him and Behr. I was into the books more than the boys, which didn't win me any friends. Behr and Gavin treated me more like their irritating kid sister.”

  Adelle started studying her hands as she fidgeted with her fingers. Her eyes showed evidence of the past coming back to her. “I did think he was a beautiful sight to see and followed him around like a puppy,” she admitted.

  “You’re crazy if you don't notice the way he looks at you, Elle, and why wouldn't he? You look like the epitome of Hollywood glamour! You are Regal. I wasn't there to see how he behaved then, but I have been around long enough to see how he feels for you now. It's as plain as the nose on my face. I think he just doesn't know how to ask you. After all, those other girls you mentioned didn't mean anything to him, and that's why he didn't care whether they said yes or no. You, on the other hand, he does care what your answer is. So, maybe that's why he's stalling. Well, that's what I think anyway.”

  It looked like Adelle was thinking about what she’d said for a minute, then all of a sudden, a glimmer flashed through her eyes. She cocked her head to the side just a little and smirked. “I also heard from a wee birdie that Behr is taken with you, as well.” She puckered her lips at Ellora, looking smug.

  “Boy, that birdie certainly gets around, doesn't he?” she huffed out.

  “Do you like him all the same?” Adelle's eyebrows shot up in question.

  Ellora paused, thinking about that question. Behr was definitely a handsome man, with a fierce body to match. He was thoughtful, kind, attentive, and a true gentleman. The memory of him helping her out with all her purchases, taking her out to lunch, then showing the spot where her parents first met and fell in love flashed at Ellora. But, there seemed to be a roughness about him. He was a large muscled man who could be dangerous if provoked. His eyes hid a sadness, though, one that made Ellora want to comfort him. He was also sharp witted. She thought back at how he saw right through her story when no one else had, smirking at the thought, which encouraged Adelle.

  She clapped her hands excitedly and giggled. “I knew it! I knew it! Maybe he'll ask ya to marry him, and you can have a whole clan o’ babies!” Adelle obviously enjoyed taunting her.

  “No, no, no, I'm... I don't think…” she stuttered. “I'm not ready for that... not yet. I've never had a boyfriend before. I don't know if I am capable of fully letting my guard down and trusting someone with my heart. It still feels shattered after my parents' deaths, and I'm still trying to p
ick up the pieces. But, to be honest, I am curious about Behr. He definitely has captured my attention. I am interested, but I'm afraid that I'm too much of a tomboy. I don't know how to do the dating thing.”

  “Well,” Adelle interrupted. “I'll help you. If you were ever to hand your trust or your heart over to anyone, Behr is the very best man for the job. I've known him my whole life. He’ll keep your heart safe and protected. He would go to the ends o’ the earth for those he holds dear. And, Ellora, you are now one o’ those people.

  “And as for the tomboy issue... Well, first, I can take you to town and help you pick out a few flattering dresses. Aye, you can be a tomboy handyman if you want, but that doesn't mean you ’ave to dress like one! I had my roommate in college help me out. She transformed me from an awkward bookworm to a classy lady with wit. So I guess it's time to return the favor n’ pay it forward.” She winked at Ellora playfully. “You're gorgeous and petite, so you'll be makin’ my job easy. We'll ’ave him droolin' at your feet for sure.” Adelle crossed her arms over her chest as she had already set her mind on the decision.

  “Well, first things first, I have to fix a few things for Grady tomorrow...”

  Adelle gave Ellora a warning glance, not to side step her plan, but Ellora put her hand up to let her know she wasn’t finished. “If you help me out a little, I will go shopping with you. Deal?”

  She smiled and nodded. “Aye, it's a deal.” She reached out and softly grabbed Ellora’s hand in both of hers and rubbed it softly like a loving mother would. The gesture warmed her broken heart.

  Ellora took in the moment they both shared, appreciating the talk they'd just had. It'd been so long since she’d talked to someone about anything. Sitting on her bed, talking about hot unattainable men, felt to Ellora like they really were sisters. The thought made her heart swell. She reached out and drew Adelle in for a hug. “Thank you, Adelle. You have no idea how much this has meant to me.”

  Adelle hugged her back hard. “Now, let me go get a few hours o’ beauty sleep.” She stood, pushing her hair back over her shoulder, and grabbed her bat. With a wink, she walked out. Ellora already loved the girl.

  Walking down the narrow steps to the first floor, Ellora felt better than she had in a very long time. After the talk with Adelle, she actually got a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. And without another nightmare. A first. She was up earlier because of it. Her body wasn’t used to that amount of sleep, so she had a hot refreshing shower, donned her favorite heather grey V-neck and dark skinny jeans, and headed down for some breakfast.

  She rounded the corner with a wide goofy smile on her face. Grady was pulling down chairs, like he did every morning. Kristy was cooking bacon, eggs, and sausage in the back. Adelle was making coffee behind the front counter. Behr and Gavin sat on stools at the bar, annihilating their plates. Ellora’s grin widened when she caught Gavin checking out Ellie’s backside. Ugh, he’s got it bad.

  “Good morning, guys! How's everyone doing this morning?” Ellora passed Grady, giving him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, then skipped behind the bar, aiming for the mugs.

  “Aye, Ellora, m’sweeting, would you like a bite this morn’? Eggs, bacon?” Kristy shouted, waving the spatula as she spoke.

  “Definitely, Kris, thank you. Hey, sis.” Ellora nudged Adelle's arm and winked. “Fill 'em up.”

  Adelle laughed, the sound light and airy. She poured them both some coffee, then noticeably pointed her eyes in Gavin and Behr's direction, snickering. Her vibrant expression had Ellora struggling to hold in her giggle. She looked amazing this morning. Even after little sleep, every strawberry wave was neat and looked like rolling hills, and her makeup was fresh and soft. She wore an empire waist dress with small ruffled cap sleeves, the royal blue color making her hair look like a siren. Ellora admired her elegance. “Playing it up for your number one fan...?” Ellora whispered, enjoying the blush that crept up, staining Adelle’s cheeks in response to her teasing.

  She mouthed the words -- shut up, heifer. An un-ladylike snort escaped, and Ellora almost choked on her hot coffee. Adelle eyeballed Ellora’s plain outfit, and wrinkled her nose. She lifted her perfectly manicured eyebrow, obviously disapproving of her outfit choice. Sticking out her tongue, Ellora walked back to the kitchen to grab her plate, and kissed Kristy's cheek.

  “My, my, you look like you just had a stroll through the heavens! Good to see you’re in bright spirits, m’dear.”

  When Ellora reappeared with her plate and coffee, she caught Behr staring right at her with a brilliant grin. How was it possible that he seemed to get better looking every day? He was wearing a much too tight, dark hunter green t-shirt. The cut muscles in his shoulders, arms, and chest stretched out the material. She let herself admire him for a moment.

  Choosing the stool next to him, she plopped down. She was in such a pleasant mood that instead of avoiding Behr's scalding hot gaze, which always gave her goose bumps and made her blush, she decided to just grow a pair and acknowledge it. Turning to him, Ellora looked right into his blue eyes. “Good morning, Behr. How are you feeling this morning?” Ellora shoveled a fork full of eggs in her mouth. Hey, she was starving. Manners suck anyways. His eyes twinkled as he appraised her mood.

  “Aye, it's better now that you're here, love. Now, I get to see that breathtaking smile you’re wearing... Is that for me?” His voice was a sensually deep baritone. He tilted his head, amazed by her upbeat attitude.

  Ellora blushed at his attention. He continued to look down on her longingly, and she felt warmth at the pit of her stomach. Once again, he won the intense staring contest. She smiled deeper, then turned and changed the subject. “Grady, don't bother with those chairs. I have to move them anyway. I'm going to get started sealing those cracks, cleaning up the mold, and paint on the Armor concrete protectant. It’ll have to dry through tomorrow. Then, I'll head outside and seal the walkway cracks that lead to the foundation. I also plan on adjusting the down spout so it leads all this rain you get, out and away from the building.”

  “I thank you, Ellora, m’sweet. You’re just as amazin’ as your father was.” Grady wasn't a handy man at all. He literally used duct tape for everything! The evidence of that was the now peeling piece pathetically placed across the ugly cracks on the wall.

  “I’ll stay and give you a hand today, love.” Behr stood, towering over Ellora. He made it perfectly clear that it wasn’t an offer, but a statement of fact. In that moment of realization, she grew a little timid and nervous at the thought of working alone with Behr -- all day, side by muscular side. Oh boy. She was in trouble. Ellora nervously tried to come up with an excuse.

  “Well... umm… Actually, Adelle was going to be my helping hand today,” she rushed out, suddenly remembering their deal.

  Gavin laughed, nodding his head in Adelle’s direction. “Aye, by the way she's dressed, she is going to get her hands real dirty, eagerly helping ya out!” Ellora couldn’t help but smirk at him. He spoke sarcasm well.

  Adelle scowled at him, slapping his forearm teasingly. “Aye, Lor, I hate to say it, but Gavin's right. I'm nae properly dressed for that kind o’ work. I've got errands of my own to run in town today. I’ve got to get myself properly settled in. Take Behr up on his offer. He is far better help than me.” She quickly glanced over at Gavin out of the corner of her eyes. He met hers with a knowing smug grin. At that moment, Ellora couldn't help but feel like this had been their plan all along. Brat!

  “Thank you, Behr. The job would run a lot quicker with competent help.” She stressed the word while pointing a stern glare at Adelle. “I appreciate it.” She snickered at Adelle, who placed her hands on her hips and grunted in mock offense. “Maybe Gavin can go with you to town?” Adelle took in a sharp breath. She looked like she was going to get her later for that, and it would be so worth it. Two could play at that game.

  “Aye, I would love to, Ellie. That is certain. But, I've got to head out to work this morn’. If this grizzly bear is lending a hand
’ere, I ’ave to direct people to other ferry boats today.” Gavin looked elated for the invitation, and frustrated that he couldn’t spend the day with her. Adelle had a moment of disappointment flash across her face. “But, I'd be more than happy to meet you for lunch, darlin'. Anywhere you want.” He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I'll call ya when I'm on m’lunch.” He got up then and dropped some bills on the counter, lifted his arm, and saluted goodbyes to everyone.

  “How does he know my cell number? I gave that to him before I left for college,” she whispered to herself.

  “Ellie, he's never forgotten.” Behr leaned in, confirming to Adelle what everyone else already knew. She really was blind to his affections. Grinning from ear to ear, she continued to sip her coffee.

  Behr leaned in closer to Ellora. “What say you, love… ready to get started?” He ran his imposing hand down the length of her cheek, and tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.

  Ellora’s heart thrummed inside her chest at his tender touch. She wasn’t sure she could concentrate on her work with this magnificent creature standing so close… all day. She tried one more time to give him a pass to opt out of the project. Though she hoped he’d say he would, she prayed he’d stay at the same time. “You don't have to skip your responsibilities to help me, Behr.”

  “Dinnae you worry ’bout me, love. I've wanted to help this ol’ goat for a long while. Now is the best time for that. I've already brought your supplies out back, so we can start when you’re finished if you'd like.” Behr looked down and carefully grasped Ellora’s hand, softly rubbing circles on the back of it with his thumb. His gaze showed a hungry desire as he slowly looked up at her with longing through the cover of his dark lashes. This moment stole the breath from Ellora. She had no words. She had completely forgotten how to talk or think.