Best of Intentions

by Michelle Cary

  Devin lowered his head for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Eric. “That, my friend, was stark terror and thousands of years of magic colliding.” He glanced down at his hands. They still shook, though he couldn’t tell if it was the situation or the cold causing it. “I’ve never used a binding spell before. I wasn’t sure it would even work.”

  Eric studied him. “Is your magic the reason Tess is so in love with you?”

  His question was valid and to those who didn’t know or understand the craft, it would certainly look that way. “You mean did I cast a love spell over her?” Devin shook his head. “The first thing I learned when I was old enough to start practicing the craft is never to impose your will on others. Doing so can be dangerous and have nasty repercussions.”

  With his thumb, he motioned to what was left of the church. “In there was a little different. Tori was hurting people and needed to be stopped, but under normal circumstances you aren’t supposed to mess with free will. I’ve never used magic in my band or on Tessa. So, I don’t know why she loves me so much, but I do know I love her as much if not more.” He paused, watching the paramedics continue to work on her and sent out a silent prayer to his own Gods before continuing his conversation. “I know, if I needed to, I would have given my life for her in there.”

  Eric nodded. “Me too.”

  Eric was earnest in his love for Tess, in that Devin was sure. But instead of feeling threatened by Eric’s affection for Tess, it comforted Devin. As far as he was concerned, love was limitless, boundless and had no rules. “So what are you going to do now?”

  Eric shrugged. “I don’t really know for sure. I guess we’ll have to wait and see where things go from here.”

  Devin nodded and extended a hand to shake. “Friends?”

  For several seconds Eric studied his hand as if trying to decide, then his face slipped into a small smile. “Friends,” he agreed and shook Devin’s hand. It was at that moment when Devin realized there was someone missing from the puzzle. “Where’s Tori?”

  The smile Eric sported immediately faded and he shook his head. “Dead.”

  Devin stood and studied the burning building. Flames danced off its roof, almost taunting the firemen working to put them out. “What happened after I grabbed Tess and headed for safety?”

  Eric stood and joined him. “The fire was taking over the sanctuary. It had completely engulfed the altar area where we were. I had one cuff on her, dragging her toward the door, when she broke free and started to run away. Then one of the overhead beams gave way.” Eric shook his head. “She never had a chance.”

  Wide-eyed Devin looked at Eric. “She burned to death?”

  Eric nodded. “I could hear her screaming and I tried to go after her, but the heat was too much.”

  Devin glanced at his friend. “You know, in her mind she was doing what was right.”

  Eric looked at Devin, a contemplative expression filtered through is features. “I’ve been to scenes where parents accidentally smothered their newborns after putting the infant in bed with them. And I once rolled on a call where a well-meaning niece gave her uncle a shot of insulin instead of the candy bar he needed to fight his diabetic shock.”

  “Okay,” Devin said, wondering what any of that had to do with what had taken place.

  Eric’s brow creased. “You don’t get it do you?”

  Devin shook his head. “Not really.”

  “My point is even people with the best of intentions can end up doing harm.”

  One of the paramedics tapped Devin on the shoulder. “Sir? We’re ready to transport.”

  Devin glanced over his shoulder in time to see them push Tess’s stretcher into the ambulance. “Is she going to be okay?”

  The medic nodded. “We think so. Now if you’ll follow me to the ambulance, we’ll be on our way.”

  Devin slapped Eric on his shoulder and headed for the ambulance. “See you at the hospital?”

  Eric gave his words a snort as he motioned to his burnt arm. “I’ll be there.”

  ****

  Devin pushed open the door to Tess’s room and smiled when he spotted her sitting up in bed. With his burnt arm bandaged from wrist to elbow, Eric sat on the far corner of the mattress, with one foot propped against the radiator.

  Tess’s smile grew as Devin leaned over to give her a kiss. “So where have you been, mister?”

  “I was making some phone calls. So how are you feeling?”

  She pushed herself a little straighter. “Good. They say I can probably go home tomorrow.”

  “That’s great.” Devin nodded to Eric. “How’s the arm?”

  “Hurts like hell. Did you get your arrangements made?”

  Tess glanced between them. “What arrangements?”

  “I’m flying out the day after tomorrow for New York City to do the interview, then I’m heading to California.” The smile stretching across her face disappeared and her chin drooped.

  “Oh, I see.”

  The disappointment in her tone had Devin lowering to the bed. “Hey.” With one knuckle tucked beneath her chin, he lifted her face to his. “It’s not permanent, baby.”

  “That’s what you said ten years ago, but it's okay. I knew in the end you wouldn’t want to leave your other life-”

  He placed a finger over her lips, effectively silencing her. “Tessa, please be quiet and listen to me. I’ll be gone for two weeks, while I make the necessary arrangements to sell my house and move my things. I also have a meeting with the record company on Monday to discuss a tribute album for the band, with the proceeds going to a scholarship fund I’m establishing for underprivileged kids.”

  The look in her eyes took on a hopeful glean as the weight of his words finally registered. “You’re selling your house?”

  “Yep.”

  “You’re coming back here?”

  “Only if you want me to come back, cause if you don’t I could stay in California.”

  She reached for his collar and yanked him to her. “Of course I want you to come back you goof,” she said before kissing him softly. The feel of her luscious lips against his was more than Devin could take. Opening his mouth on a sigh, he invited her to explore. She readily took the invitation and within seconds, their tongues danced and teased around each other, tasting each other’s nectar with a renewed hunger.

  “You know if you two want to be alone, say so and I’ll leave.”

  Devin pulled back and smiled at Tess before turning to look at Eric. “Sorry about that, buddy.”

  Eric shook his head. “Just starting to feel like a third wheel over here.”

  Tess took Eric’s hand. “Do you have any idea how important you are to me?” she glanced at Devin. “To us,” she corrected. “You could never be a third wheel”.

  “Which brings us to our next subject,” Devin added.

  Tess eyed him warily. “There’s more?”

  He nodded. “Eric and I have discussed this and since we feel it would be in your best interest to not be alone while I’m gone, Eric has graciously volunteered to stay with you.”

  Her brow creased. “I’m a big girl, Devin.”

  In an attempt to stem the anger he could feel building inside her, he leaned over and kissed her nose. He was looking forward to learning all the different ways to sate her temper. “No one is arguing that fact, but I nearly lost you yesterday, baby, and I would feel better knowing Eric was there to watch you. Call me overprotective, but I can’t stand the idea of anything happening to you while I’m gone. Okay?”

  Her features softened and she nodded. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll humor you.”

  He grinned. “Good. I’m glad that’s settled.”

  She arched a curious brow. “So you’re telling me you actually want Eric around?”

  ‘Want’ might not have been the word Devin would have chosen, but he did trust Eric. He shrugged. “Sure. I trust you guys not to do anything naughty while I’m gone.”

  “No,
we’ll wait until you get back for the naughty stuff,” Eric said, a wry grin stretched across his face.

  “Actually…” Tess sank back against the pillow. . “After everything that’s happened lately, all I want is some normalcy and a little peace and quiet.”

  Devin smiled down at her, his heart bursting with love. “Whatever you want, a Gará. Whatever you want.”

  Epilogue

  “Earlier this year, the music industry lost a giant in the making,” the announcer motioned to the large screen behind him where the band’s symbol and name scrawled across the screen. “In February, during a blizzard in the Pennsylvania Mountains, the rock band Ascension was on their way to play two sold out nights in Philadelphia when their bus was cut off by a car. Despite a valiant effort by the driver to maintain control, the massive vehicle skidded on the ice-covered road, veered into a guardrail and tumbled down an embankment. Lost in the accident were drummer, Chase Carpenter, bass player, Kyle Moreland, rhythm guitarist Stewart Cooper and singer Travis Brighton.”

  Images of each band member flashed across the screen and Tess swallowed audibly in an attempt to keep from crying. The situation was sad enough already, but she’d known every one of the men, went to school with them, laughed and partied with them, and like Devin would forever mourn their deaths.

  “While the world grieved in the days that followed, our attention also turned to a tiny hospital within the Mechanicsburg city limits. Inside its intensive care unit, the sole survivor of this horrific crash lay in critical condition, fighting for his life. Each morning for nearly a week, a daily press conference was held, updating the condition of that survivor. At first, we were left to wonder if anyone would pull through, yet, by the end of that first week it became clear the last remaining band member would emerge from the ashes of that horrible night to live on.”

  Devin’s picture appeared on the screen hanging high above the stage and the announcer motioned to his image. “Despite the great personal loss and the irreversible damage inflicted to his hand in the accident, he’s here with us tonight to play one last song in honor of the band. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m thrilled to be able to present to you, Ascension’s Devin McFadden.”

  The lights grew low, with only a spotlight remaining on Devin. He sat on the stool, his acoustic resting on his knee. The crowd cheered and before long, the entire audience was on their feet. Barely able to push up from her chair, Tess stood and clapped with the rest of the audience, tears running down her cheeks. Devin waved to the crowd, mouthing the word “thank you” before leaning forward to the microphone. “Thank you. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about the guys. I miss them terribly, and I’m sure they’d all be stunned by the attention their deaths have received. For us, Ascension was simply about playing the best music we could. To be honored by our peers for doing something we loved, is humbling to say the least.”

  He smiled and fretted the guitar’s neck. “Because of the injury to my hand, I’ve recruited some help, and I’m honored to introduce you to guitarist Jason Southerland.”

  The crowd cheered again and Devin waited until the noise died down to speak. “This is a song Travis and I were actually working on before the accident happened, and I think it sums everything up perfectly.”

  Devin nodded to Jason, and started to play.

  In my younger years

  I was selfish never caring for anyone at all

  Lived alone in a one room flat

  A thousand miles from home and no one to turn to

  But…

  Sometimes you know when the cards are dealt

  There’s a different future from what you felt

  As soon as the deal for the awards show was final, Devin started working on the song. He’d recruited Jason, and under Devin’s tutelage Jason quickly honed his skills. Within a couple of months, he was playing the leads Devin couldn’t.

  Tess knew it bothered Devin that he couldn’t play the way he used to. Because of their connection, she detected his frustration every time he sat down to practice and write. Yet he never gave up, and he never complained. Instead, he continually took his knowledge and shared it with Jason, teaching and molding him into what Devin could no longer be. It wouldn’t surprise her, if someday they weren’t watching Jason and his own band playing on the same awards stage.

  When they reached the chorus, Jason leaned forward and began to sign, harmonizing with Devin.

  Though we know

  Though we dare

  Though we wish

  There are no answers anywhere.

  It was her hormones, Tess told herself as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. After all, she’d listened to them practice this song over-and-over for the last six months and it had never affected her like this. Then again, emotions hadn’t run as high as they did right now.

  She raised a hand to touch the amulet. It was hot against her skin. They were feeding off each other’s emotions; supporting, nurturing and loving each other in a way others couldn’t.

  As the song ended, the lights went dark, and once again, the crowd rose to their feet, clapping and cheering. Devin handed his guitar to Jason and made his way to the podium. He accepted the award from the presenter and pivoted to face the crowd. “I want to accept this award on behalf of my friends. Thank you for not letting their deaths go by without recognition.” He looked down at Tess and smiled. “And while this marks the final chapter in the Ascension story, it represents a new chapter in my own life. I want to say a special thank you to my wonderful wife Tessa, who not only nursed me back to health, but will also no doubt humble me in November when she gives birth to our first child. I love you, sweetheart.”

  Sitting in her seat, Tess looked up at him. Pride filled her heart while tears streamed down her cheeks. He’d not only declared his love for her in front of millions of people, but he’d provided a dignified end to the Ascension saga.

  With one last thank you, he wheeled around and walked off stage. Several minutes later a security guard appeared by her side. He crouched in front of her chair. “Excuse me Mrs. McFadden, but I need you to come with me.”

  Tess’s pulse jumped. “Why is something wrong?”

  “Not at all. Mr. McFadden simply requests your presence back stage.” He offered her his arm. “Do you need help?”

  She smiled. “Thank you, but I think I’ve got it.”

  With a little effort, Tess lifted herself out of the seat, hooked her arm through the guards and followed him back stage.

  Devin stood inside the stage door waiting. “Thank you, for your help.”

  The guard nodded. “You’re welcome, Mr. McFadden.”

  Devin studied her from head to toe then smiled. “Has anybody told you tonight how absolutely ravishing you look?”

  She grinned as she rubbed a hand over her ever expanding tummy. “Ravishing is a bit much don’t you think? Especially since I almost can’t see my feet anymore.”

  He leaned over to kiss her, resting his hand on hers. “I love you, Tessa, and it meant everything to me for you to be sitting in the front row, cheering me on.”

  “I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. I knew how important this was to you.”

  “Come on.” He slid an arm around her waist and guided them toward the exit. “It’s time we get you and the little one back home.”

  She stopped in her tracks. “You want to leave now? I assumed you were going to take Jason to the after party.”

  Devin shook his head. “He’s too young to be going to those type of parties. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for corrupting him before he’s of age. Besides, I have a feeling he’ll be back here on his own in a few years.”

  She smiled. “I think you may be right.”

  “Plus,” he rubbed a hand over her belly. “November will be here before we know it and we still have a nursery to prepare.”

  Excerpt

  DON’T LOOK BACK

  By Michelle Cary

  Braden Andrews was at home ha
nging in that space between sleep and conscious thought as he indulged in one imaginative dream on the first day of a much-needed, week-long vacation. Beneath the sheet his hips gyrated against the mattress, creating the most delicious friction as he gripped his cock with a firm hand.

  Behind his closed eyelids a sexy-as-hell red head slowly stripped for him, revealing nothing but a buffet of deliciously creamy skin beneath. That familiar burn began low in his belly, reminding him it wouldn’t take long until his control snapped. He grinned, and tightened his grip a little more as in his mind she settled down between his knees.

  “What do you want me to do?” she asked, batting her long lashes at him.

  “I want you to suck and swallow, he replied.

  “Your wish is my command, my darling.” His fantasy woman had just slid his member between her perfectly painted lips when his cell phone rang. His new ring tone, some nauseatingly cutesy frog thing his brother had programmed into it, blared directly in his ear from the phone's perch on the nightstand by his head.

  He winced and jerked upright, releasing his grip on his now deflating shaft and began fumbling for the damn phone before it could ring again. "Andrews here."

  "Get your ugly ass outta bed and get down here, bro. You'll never believe the shit that's happening this morning."

  "And good morning to you too, Mitch," Braden growled into the cell wishing more than anything that he could brain his brother for interrupting his much needed moment of relief. "What the hell do you want? I'm trying to sleep." Okay, so maybe that wasn’t exactly what he’d been doing, but what Mitch didn’t know… He shot an evil eye at the alarm clock. "Shit, it's only eight o'clock. This had better be good, dickhead. If you woke me up to tell me about some kid spray painting graffiti on the old water tower again, I'll…" Braden let the threat remain unspoken. He was too frustrated to come up with something more original.

  "Oh, I think you'll want to hear about this, Brae." Mitch's voice cut out, then could be heard telling someone in the background that he'd be there in a second.